The latest reports from Silistria only tend to strengthen those
received last week. Prince Paskiewitoh is still represented as re- tiring to Jassy; but the reasons for his doing so are now manifold. Silistria has not only succeeded in holding out, but, even if the latest accounts that the Russians had raised the siege should not be literally confirmed, it is beyond question that they have sus- tained fearful reverses. The way before the allied forces therefore is rendered proportionately clear. The talk is no longer of a doubt- ful defence of the line of the Danube, but of a successful expedi- tion to the Crimea.
From the Baltic the latest accounts are not so satisfactory. We hear nothing of Sir Charles Napier's progress ; while we have the tale of a party which, having landed, fell into an ambuscade, and suffered considerable loss in wounded and prisoners. In itself the account does not appear incredible ; and we must be prepared for finding that the big ships which 'so swelled the national pride on their setting out, are perhaps not the best engines in the world for a chase of Russian gun-boats, or for penetrating the shoals and fortified narrows that guard the sea-approach to St. Petersburg. We only hope it may not prove to be st British "armada."
A judicious and inspiriting memorandum has been issued by Rear- Admiral Price commanding in the Pacific station, reminding the officers of his fleet that there are Russian ships in that quarter, of which an account will be expected. Unless those vessels have rushed to port somewhere withstanding the temptation to make a dash at some of our outlying possessions, it is probable that our sailors may capture prizes bearing the Muscovite commission.
Previous page
