DEPARTURE OF THE BALTIC FLEET. [From the Times.]

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 935, 19 July 1854, Page 4

DEPARTURE OF THE BALTIC FLEET. [From the Times.]

The following description of the sailing, on Saturday, of the first division of the Baltic fleet, is extracted from the spirit stirring narrative published in the Times of Monday, March 15 :—: — Daring the entire morning the ships oi war had laiu quietly at their anchorage as usual, with nothing apparently to disturb their grand repose. About hilf-past nine o'clock they had been joined by the Neptune^ Admiral Corry's flag-ship, which, having been fitted for sea with incredible speed, was tugged out of harbour by two steamers in presence of an immense concourse of people. Shortly afterwards the Black Eagle went to Spithead, with a distinguished party on board, and as noon approached, a number of small craft, pilot-boats, yachts, and exclusion steamers in the roadsteads increased. Still there was little to indicate that a fleet was aboit to set forth on an expedition of such importance ; no steam up, no sails even partly unfurled ; and, though there was incessant cheering on the waters, and the Madrid hung about as if expecting some great event to come off, the crews of the different ships showed no unusual activity, except that, on board the Duke of Wellington, red cloth, which everywhere betokens the expected presence of royalry, had been laid down to the main and lower decks. Beyond this the routine duties appeared to be going on with undisturbed regularity, and the ship's company of 1,100 men not preoccupied to any extent that could interfere with their consumption of the substantial soup which poured forth from huge chaldrons by stopcocks three or

four incbes in diameter, to supply them with dinner. About a quarter to one o'clock the Fairy was observed to leave Cowes, and for a time her signals were narrowly watched from the deck of the flag-ship. As she neared the fleet a royal salute blazed from each ship with bewildering effect, " the Duke " setting the examplt, and being immediately followed by the rest. Hardly had the smoke beeu rolled off by the west wind, and the* roar of the guns died away, when those thrilling cheers which the crews of our navy know so well how to give, arose, not from the yard arms, manned in the formal fashion of piping peace times, but from the rigging, in which the men swarmed like bees, while the marines presented arms upon each quarter-deck, and the bands og board played the National Anthem. Arrived at the head of the fleet, the Fairy signalled that her Majesty would receive the captains of the different ships, instead of herself visiting the Duke of Wellington, which seems to have been previously contemplated. In a few minutes they were on their way to the royal yacht, and their boats added to the other craft afloat, presented a highly animated picture. Sir Charles Napier, with Commodore Seymour, Captain of the Fleet, was foremost in paying his respects to the Sovereign. As he went and came he was loudly cheered by thousands of spectators from crazy old tabs of steamboats that rolled about as if they were drunk, with the enthusiasm of their living freights. The other admirals and captains followed, and, wken all were returned, the signal to some of the nearest ships was given to weigh. Then the huge sails were quickly shaken out, and it became apparent that the steam fleet was about to put to sea under canvas alone ; and, with all the obvious advantages of that hidden power which has done so much to rescue the mariner from the tyranny of the winds and the waves, it must be confessed that, to see ships in their beauty and majesty, the invention of Dae lalus still bears the palm over that of James Watt. It was nearly 2 o'clock before the first signal to weigh was given from the huge flag-ship of the Comraander-in- Chief, and by three she herself had left her anchorage. The St. Jean dAcre went first, then the Tribune, Imperieuse, Blenheim, Amphion, Valorous, Princess Royal, Edinburgh, Ajax, Arrogant, Dragon, and Hague in the order stated. The Royal George and the Duke of Wellington followed, the clear sunlight brightening up their canvas as they glided majestically onwards. Last of all came the Leopold, under steam like the rest of the paddle-wheel squadron, while the screws all weighed under single-reefed topsails, topgallant sails, jib, and driver. No strict order of departure was observed until the ships had got sufficiently on their way to have ample sea room for forming double line, which they did standing to the south-east. Starboard Line. Port Line. Duke of Wellington Edinburgh St. Jean dAcre Hogue Royal George Blenheim Princess Royal Ajax Imperieuse Tribune Arrogant Amphion, The paddle-wheels by themselves ;; — • Leopold, | Valorous. j Dragon* The spectacle presented by this division cf the Baltic fleet, as it quitted Spitbead, was one which will not readily be forgotten by those who witnessed it. The Fairy hating accompanied this part of the division for several miles, was stopped, and the Queen, with a regular flotilla oi boa's and steamers around her yacht, saw ship after ship, under easy sail, pass by to fight the battles of the count) y. Each crew mounted once more into the rigging, to give her a round of parting hurrahs, and top-gallant sails were lowered, — thas mark o( respect which the navy itself receives from the mercantile marine. When the Duke of Wellington approached the royal yacht, the rest of the fleet were already dim and faint in the distance. Though under no press of canvas, the brisk west wind had carried them well out to sea, the Royal George fitly closing in the receding line with her huge hull and spreading sails. The crew of the flag ship had now in their turn to give their farewell cheer. They sprung up the rigging with astonishing rapidity, not stopping according to custom, at the cross trees, but mounting upwards until the most adventurous spirits bad reached the very summits, for the honor of possessing which they struggled. One daring fellow coolly seated himself upon the truck of the maintopmast, where with one hand he waved his cap in cheering, while he held the other arm extended, to shew that he was unsupported. The hurrahs from the crew of the Dulse of Wellington, at bidding farewell to their Queen and country, will long ring in the ears of all who heard them. Her Majesty stood waving her handkerchief towards the mighty ship as she departed ; and for a long time after the whole fleet had g»ne, the royal yacht remained motionless, as if the illustrious occupants deiired to linger over a spectacle calculated to impress them so profoundly. Well might they do so, for seldom has royalty gazed upon a scene more touching and portentous. The power and fortunes of England sail with her navy. That force, therefore, the first division of which Queen Victoria saw this day go forth to war, must exercise "in important influence upon the future history of a reign hitherto unprecedently prosperous and peaceful. Whatever betides, we have sent out stout ships, manned by stout and willing hearts,, propelled by the same agency which has so incalculably increased our internal resources, and commanded by a gallant admiral, who is not likely to lose any opportunity that may present itself of having his name inscribed in the book of fame with those of Nelson and the other heroes whose victories have established our supremacy upon the seas. Ere his departure Sir Charles Napier was presented by the Mayor, AldermeD, and Town Council of Portsmouth with an address. The ceremony took place at the Guildhall. In his reply Sir Charles told them not to expect too much from the fleet ; it was a new one, and the system of warfare was new ; but tbey would all do their best • and he was sure he should remember to the last day of bis life the kindness of the people of Portsmouth.