OF THF- ALMA. 49 eluding that Star Fort of which wc heretofore CHAP. spoke, there were mounted, at the time of the hand- L_ ing, Gil guns, for the most part of heavy calibre.* Across the roadstead, at some distance from its thebonm: entrance, there lay a heavy boom. The Black Sea Fleet, which lay in the harbour ti.e fleet or in the roadstead, consisted of 14 line-of-battle ships, 7 frigates, 1 corvette, 2 brigs, anil 11 war- steamers, besides some smaller vessels. It carried 1908 guns, and was manned by 18,500 seamen. Of course, this naval force could be so placed as to be able to take part with the sea-forts and batteries in repelling from the tivst the incursion of a fleet, or else in preparing a reception for such of the enemy's ships as might break into the mouth of the roadstead despite all the power of the forts. It was not the fate of the Fdack Sea fleet to prove its worth by engaging in any sea-fight with the ships of the Western Powers ; but from the ceaseless pains which, since the last war, had been taken to make the fleet strong — from the love and reverence with which the seamen clung to the memory of the commander who had been foremost in labouring to this endf — from the sailor-like spirit and the evident love of the sea service which had been engendered — from the faith the sailors had in the power of their fleet — and, above
- ' Jtateriaux pour servir,' &c. Todlcbeii, I think, gives 610
as the number. For the dotiuls of the armament, see tabic iu the Appendix. t Admiral Lazarcfif. VOL. IV D
