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Letters from Hastings Men at the seat of War
The following extracts from letters of local men engaged in the war with Russia are mainly reproduced from the Hastings and St. Leonards News. James T Hart, whose parents resided may years in Hastings, was serving on board the Brittania flag-ship of Admiral Dundas. He wrote from Odessa, Black Sea, on April 28th, 1854, and stated –
- “We arrived here, yesterday, from Kavarna, and are now at anchor, off the town about three miles. Some of our steamers, with the French, have taken about 14 Russian merchant ships. I shall now tell you all, as this may, perhaps, be the last letter that I shall write; but my trust is in Providence. The two admirals have sent in a letter with a flag of truce to the Governor, telling him that unless he gave up all English and French vessels, as well as neutrals, we shall bombard the ports and destroy the shipping. No answer being returned by sunset, the signal was made for the steamer to prepare for action, and to be prepared to weigh by daylight. I was sent for and ordered to take charge of one of the rocket boats, with 16 men. I was to leave the ship at daylight, and being towed in by the Tiger, some of my messmates envied me and wanted to go. We are to have six rocket-boats – two manned from the Britannia, one from the Agamemnon, one from the Sanspareil, and one from the “Highflier.”
- Sunday evening, April 23rd. We left the ship yesterday, in tow by the Tiger. Five English steam frigates and three French formed the attacking squadron, under the command of Capt. Jones of the Sampson.
First Division Second Division Sampson – Capt. Jones Retribution – Hon. Capt. Drummond Tiger – Capt. Gifford Furious – Capt. Loring Terrible – Capt. McCleverty Mogador – (French)
- The first division rounded the lump which they put out for a mask from the ports. The Sampson immediately opened fire on the forts, which was quickly returned. The first shot very nearly hit us in the boat, and the second struck the Sampson, knocking away her wheel, part of her quarter and her mizenmasts. We in the rocket boats pulled in towards the beach to keep clear of the shots from the forts. When about 400 yards from the shore, we opened fire upon the Russian ships at anchor inside the mole; also on the barracks which the merchant masters told us contained 600 soldiers. The third rocket set fire to the Government stores, which were soon in a blaze. We kept up a constant fire on the barracks and ships, which soon shared the same fate. At 11.50 the First Division steamed out, and the Second came in and opened fire, which was kept up with great spirit until 12.30, when the First Division came in again and commenced afresh. On the Sampson nearing us, we were ordered to board to get something to eat, not before having had anything that day, having left the ship so early. -
