6

THE RUSSIAN FLEET

Johnston, Gardiner, and Webb, Builders-Assistants ;Baggs, a Master Block-maker, and Wright, a Master-Mast-maker; all Englishmen. A yard was made,storehouses and magazines provided, with housesfor all men of rank according to their degree. TheTsar [was] so eager in pursuit of his purpose, thatfrequently visiting and sometimes residing on thespot, the work of some ships was carried on underhis directions, and of those he would be accountedthe builder. No cost was spared in the finishingand adorning part; and first and last were builtabout 30 Men of War from 80 to 40 guns, with fri-gates, galleys, transports, &c. In the mean timethe great works of Kamishinka described by theingenious Captain Perry; 1 the attempt to cut acommunication betwixt the Don and the Volga ;and the Haven of Taganrog, 2 all of fine stone,reputed second to none, went on at vast profusionof treasure and expense of the lives of men. Thedesign of this armament, in so remote a part of hisdominions, on the river Don issuing into the PalusMæotis, must be addressed against the Turk ; andprimarily, at a favourable juncture, against theimportant fortress of Kertch, 3 commanding the

the Czar of Muscovy's forwardness for his Great Navy , Moscow,March 8, 169s (see Deane, Sir Anthony, in Diet. National Bio-graphy, vol. xiv.).

1 John Perry, born at Rodborough, Gloucestershire, in 1670.

Entered the Navy and at the beginning of 1690 was Lieutenant ofthe Montagu. Lost the use of his right arm in an action with aFrench privateer. In 1693 commanded the Cygnet, fire-ship, forthe loss of which he was tried by court-martial. Arrived inRussia in 1698, having been engaged as civil engineer at a salaryof 300/. ‘ During fourteen years’ service in Russia he received

only one year’s salary.’ Returned to England in 1712. Died atSpalding in February, 1732 {Diet. Nation. Biog. vol. xlv.). Seealso The State of Russia under the present Czar , by Captain JohnPerry, London, 1716.

2 MS. ‘ Tagonerode.’ 3 MS. £ Kertse.’