co-operate with General Wrede, and endeavour to force the
Russian troops in West Bothnia to capitulate, which I sincerely
hope will be attended with the desired success.

I have not seen Baron Platen yet; but, should he put in
execution his intention of running to the squadron, I shall
readily attend to any proposal he makes to me respecting a
small part of the force under my orders being stationed off the
Aland Haf, although the services in the Gulf of Finland occupy
all the forces I can muster.

I remember to have had the honour of making the Baron's
acquaintance, who appeared to me to be a clever and
well-informed man. Be pleased to convey to him the information
that, should he honour me with a visit, Captain Mansell has my
directions to receive him on board, and that I shall be happy
to concert with him any measures he may suggest for the defence
of Sweden.

You will be happy to hear of the success that has attended a
detachment of this fleet under the command of Captain Martin,
of the Implacable, in an attack on the Russian flotilla, by the
boats of that ship, the Bellerophon, Melpomene, and Prometheus,
under the orders of Lieutenant Hawkey, who succeeded in
boarding and carrying off six gun-boats, besides one sunk, and
a convoy of vessels, fourteen in number, which were also
captured, laden with stores and provisions for the Russian
troops. It is with concern I have now to state the loss of
Lieutenant Hawkey, who conducted that attack; and Lieutenant
Stirling of the Prometheus, Mr. Mountenay, a midshipman,
besides ten men killed and thirty-seven wounded.

The Implacable and Melpomene had, previously to this, nearly
captured a large Russian frigate off Hoegland; but she escaped
to Aspoe, and, with four other ships of war, proceeded between
the rocks to Frederickshamn. On the following day they captured
nine vessels laden with naval stores belonging to the Emperor,
which they fell in with in Narva Bay.

I anchored here last Sunday in expectation of procuring a
supply of wood and water; of the former I found an abundance,
which had been ready prepared for the Emperor's troops at
Revel, but was disappointed in being able to obtain but a small
supply of water.

I am in anxious expectation of receiving favourable account