THE BALTIC AND GULF OF FINLAND.

Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 285, 25 July 1855, Page 4

THE BALTIC AND GULF OF FINLAND.

A letter from Eiga, of the 11th, states that the greatest activity prevails there, a great number of men being employed in raising new fortifications both on the land and sea sides, as it is feared, from that place being the key of the provinces of Omrland and Livonia, it may be the first point of attack by the allied fleets in their next Baltic campaign. The entrenched camp which existed last year is to be enlarged, to enable, in case of need, two divisions of troops to be established there. Several vessels and enormous blocks of stone will be sunk at the mouth of the gulf, so that ships of war, however light their draught of water, will find it very difficult and dangerous to effect the passage of the Dannemunde, in order to arrive opposite the town, which is at the bottom of a small bay, and where batteries have been established in a semicircle to command every point in front. The same letter announces the arrival on the coasts of the Gulf of Finland of four regiments of Basldrs, intended principally to act as videttes in time of war. A body of from 8,000 to 10,000 light cavalry is expected. The organization of the army of the Baltic, under the command of General de Si ewers, advances rapidly. A part of this body, which was at fist fixed at 100,000 men, but which will now be carried up to 140,000 men, has already arrived at its place of destination. The Great Belt is open at the north, south, and east; also from Knudshovet to Slipshaven. ■ Corsoer is still icebound. The Sound ice is broken up on the Swedish side. Elsinore is open >■ and ships have arrived. Ice still .remains between liven and the Danish coast. Kiel harbor is partially open. A storm from the north-west is rapidly dissipating the ice.