;6

THE RUSSIAN FLEET

admiral would make some overtures of mediation,orders were sent to all the governors of seaports,and to the commanding officer of the squadron atRevel; that, whenever the British and Swedishfleets should arrive, and under protection of a flagof truce send in any letters, they should be met ata considerable distance, and not suffered to comenear the works. Then they might be taken, butwith this limitation ;—no letter directed to the Tsarhimself to be received, unless it came immediatelyfrom a crowned head. After this adjustment ofthings the cruisers stationed at proper distances, agood way in sea, upon the appearance of the Britishand Swedish squadrons on the 30th of May under thecommand of the Honourable Sir John Norris, andAdmiral Count Sparred firing several guns, thepreconcerted signal, retired into their havens, where-upon a general alarm was given by setting fire tothe beacons all along the coast. When the combinedfleet came to anchor under the island Nargen, a flagof truce was sent off from Revel to Sir John Norriswith letters, which were answered by him; andsoon after the boats returned a second [time] with areply.

The Russian fleet thus obstructed from going tosea, the Tsar determined to prove some new ships;and pursuant thereto, in person, attended by theGeneral-Admiral and the two Rear-Admirals Sleversand Gordon, sailed about five leagues distance fromKronslot, and spent some days in trying the HangoHead, Lesnoy, Fredrikstadt, North Eagle andIsaak Victoria. All answered tolerably well, exceptthe Lesnoy, whose masts were ordered to be reduceda second time.

1 Count Clas Sparre; b. January 6, 1675, d. April 25, 1732.High Admiral {Ofver Amiral )and President (1719) of the SwedishRoyal Amiralitets-Kollegium {Biogr. Lexikon , &c., Stockholm,vol. xv.).