58

THE RUSSIAN FLEET

directed distance, they unsealed their orders andfound that the Uriel and Randolph were to cruisein that station; the Pearl and Samson to proceed,and cruise at large on the enemy’s coast, to hinderall trade with Sweden, and make prize of all nations,French and Hollanders excepted; the St. Jacoband snow Diana to go to Danzig, and reinforce theRuss already there in obstructing all commercebetwixt that city and Sweden.

This month the Egudel, Captain Bredale, arrivedfrom Copenhagen, with Rear-Admiral Paddon’sfamily aboard, and one Mr. Little made a captainby the Tsar soon after his landing. In June thefleet fitted out at Kronslot sailed for Revel, underthe command of Vice-Admiral Peter Alexeievitz, theTsar ; but Rear-Admiral Scheltinga died before itsdeparture. In the meantime the Pearl and Samsoncruising, sometimes in company sometimes apart,made prize of, and sent into the port of Revel,several ships bound to and from Sweden. CaptainsStegman and Bohen, 2 lieutenants, and about 50under-officers and seamen, entertained in the Tsar’sservice by his residence at Hamburg, travelling byand through Poland, arrived at Revel. CaptainBents, in the Randolph, was sent to Hamburg, tobring the fine yacht formerly presented by theStates of Holland to the King of Prussia; and nowgiven by that prince to the Tsar. The latter endof June came in the Pearl and Samson with fourprizes more; 2 whereof the Samson had fetchedout of Burgs Vik harbour in Gotland passing for aSwede, and amusing the people on the batterieswith Swedes’ colours and friendly discourse, till hehad accomplished his purpose. After 3 days’stay they sailed again a-cruising. The fleet fromKronslot continuing a few days at Revel, proceededto Rager Wik, and thence to Hango Head. The