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My dear Father
Since the last post that went out from hence arrived an officer of my
Brother's despatched by him express from Cherson with letters of which the following is an
extract. N.B. The Officer left Cherson the 5/16 instant, and arrived here the 10/21
Cherson August 30/Sept 10 1787
" You will no doubt have heard before now that war is already commenced here; by
the Turkish fleet which lies at Ochakoff [Oczucow in the maps] attacking two Russian
ships which lay at anchor near them. It was on the 5/16 of this month that the Russian
Minister was conducted to the Seven- Towers, and on the 17/28 that the Turks made
their attack. Their fleet at Ochakoff consists of 4 ships of the line of 66 guns, 3 Frigates
of 26 guns, 3 Sloops, 10 Gallies and a Bomb-vessel. One of the Russian Vessels
mounted 40 guns: the other 12. As you may imagine, the Russian Ships did not
lie long at Anchor when attacked by such a superior force, but setting sail directed
their course as fast as possible up the Dnieper. The large ships of the line of the Turks were afraid
to follow them, no doubt on account of the shallowness of the channel." [N.B. The Dnieper
is said to have been never known to be so shallow as this year.] however their ten
galleys and bomb-vessel were dispatched to secure the prize. Fifteen versts [10 miles] they
accompanied the Russian ships, keeping up as brisk a fire as their strength would
permitt: but towards dusk the Russians outsailed them, after having killed a great
many of their men, and disabled two of their vessels, which, we have learnt
with their guns in them after their return. On board the Russian ships, three men
only were killed. Their Commanders have been promoted for their gallant defence.
At Gluboka, which is about half-way to Ochakoff, we have one 64 gunship,
and a frigate: the former of which can not take in her guns, or at
least cannot sail with them in, for want of water. Besides these, there are half
a dozen transport vessels, into which we are endeavouring to put some guns. We have
here at Cherson seven Gallies, in which the Empress and her suite came from
Kieff: and 8 barges which accompanied them carrying provisions, carriages &c.
With such materials we are endeavouring to compose a fleet, not to defend ourselves
against, but to make an attack upon, the Turkish Squadron at Ochakoff.
Perhaps indeed we may add 2 or 3 fireships, which, if they don't burn our enemies
may at least serve to light us to our attack. In this business I flatter
myself I am a principal agent: the fitting out the Gallies and small vessels
from hence, and the finding commanders for them is my more particular business.
Four of the Gallies are commanded by Englishmen: one who had been acting Lieutenant
in England came here to enter into the service before the war broke out:
two
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