- There being a strong breeze and a heavy sea, we were all wet and uncomfortable. The Sampson’s men behaved very well to us, giving each man a glass of grog and a biscuit. I fared remarkably well, knowing as I did, some of the officers. They gave me some of all they had – some salt horse, as Jack calls it, and a tumbler full of good port wine. We did not remain more than ten minutes, and then left the ship in better spirits to fire at the forts and shipping. We pulled in boldly to the shore to fire some ships that were being built. When about 400 yards distant, some horse artillery opened a very heavy fire on the rocket-boats with shell; shot, grape and canister. The first shot went over the boats, but the second (a shell) went close to us, breaking six oars and wounding a few men. Had we been ten yards nearer, I don’t think a man would have been left to tell the tale. One shell burst close to my boat, and a part of it nearly hit the coxswain and myself on the head. We immediately pulled sharp round to get under cover of the Sampson, which, seeing that we were assailed, opened fire on the horse artillery. Her first shell burst among them, and, no doubt, caused great loss of life. The rest retreated, and then we stood towards the mole and fired away at the fort and shipping. About a quarter before one p.m., the Imperial fort and mole blew up, killing, no doubt, some hundreds of the artillery. We gave three cheers, which were taken up by the steamers. The guns were of course, then silenced. The ships stood in closer, and commenced firing on another fort and the ships inside, which were soon totally destroyed. When the fort blew up it was a frightful sight, some of the pieces falling very nearly on board my boat; also a sponge belonging to the Russian guns. The Sampson received five shots in her hull, and one officer and four men were wounded. Her wheel, her mizenmast and two boats were damaged. The Terrible received 11 or 12 shots (some of them red hot) in her hull, one man being killed and several wounded. The Tiger received six shots and had four men wounded, and the Furious and Retribution about the same. The Russians fired remarkably well, but many of their shots fell short.
[The latter part of the letter concluded with a statement that the fleet were going the next day to Sebastopol.] Referring to the action described in Mr. Hart’s letter, the St. Leonards Penny Press added that on that occasion, eight English and French steamships, with six rocket-boats, destroyed the military forts of Odessa, blew up the powder magazine, sank several Russian ships and damaged sundry valuable buildings belonging to the Imperial Government. The gallant young seaman who distinguished himself in this rocket-service was afterwards severely ill, and on his recovery, Mr. Hart was promoted to the position of master’s-assistant on board of the Royal William.
A Visit to Bomarsund:- The following extract is from a letter to Mr. James Rock, jun. written by a Swede, formerly a resident at Hastings -
