2-913-545 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Reconnoitring at Cronstadt, 1854. Crimean War. 'Fort Peter I.; Fort Alexander; Fort Menschikoff; "Bulldog"; "Phlegethon", French screw; Russian steamer; "Magicienne"; "Lightning", sounding in shore; Risbank Fort...as soon as the tall masts of the Russian ships in harbour...were descried from the topmast heads, great excitement prevailed through the [English] fleet...One or two ships were...looking out for the "infernal machines." All the ships had watches posted in their tops, reporting every floating log of wood that bore any resemblance to a buoy - an appendage said to be attached to all those submarine traps...Cautiously the buoys were approached...the chains to which they were attached were raised; and...their pendent burthen was...hauled on board...to the anxious looks of the discoverers was exhibited only a large stone. The infernal machines have not yet been found...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.