CHAPTER IX.
IN THE BALTIC.
In 1854 the war (commonly called the Crimean war) broke out, and I was appointed first lieutenant of H.M.S .-- -- for service in the Baltic.
I shall never forget the excitement among us all when, after so many years of inactivity, we were called upon to defend the honour of our country.

Unfortunately for old England the Baltic fleet was put under the command of Sir C.N----, 'fighting old Charley' as he was called, though it was not long before we discovered that there was not much fight left in him.

It might well be said by those generously inclined towards him, in the words of the old song, that the 'Bullets and the gout Had so knocked his hull about, That he'd never more be fit for sea.' A finer fleet never sailed or steamed from Spithead than that destined for the Baltic in 1854.

The signal from its commander, 'Lads, war is declared! Sharpen your cutlasses and the day's your own,' sent a thrill of joy through every breast.

After following the melting ice up the Baltic Sea to within almost reach of the guns of Cronstadt, we waited till the ice had disappeared, and then went in as we thought for the attack.
The ship to which I belonged being a steamer, and drawing much less water than the line-of-battle ships, led the way.