Gazette Of The United States

STOCKHOLM, July 13.

An unsuccessful attempt made by the King of Sweden to destroy the Russian coasting squadron at Viborg, and the approach of the Prince de Nassau with the Cronstadt division, had already rendered the position of the Swedes at the entrance of Viborg Bay extremely critical, when the scarcity of ammunition, and the want of provisions, made their return to their own ports a measure of necessity.

The King resolved therefore to avail himself of a strong easterly wind, which set in on the 3d, and to set sail with both fleets for Svensksund and Sweaborg.

The grand fleet had to penetrate thro' a narrow pass, and to sustain the fire of four Russian line of battle ships, two of which were placed on each side of the Strait. After this it had to engage the whole of Admiral Tchitchakoff's line, which was drawn up along the coast, at a small distance, while his frigates were ranged among the islands which lie nearer the shore.

The Swedish van, under Admiral Modee, passed the Strait, without suffering any essential loss, firing with great spirit both broadsides against the enemy. The cannonade from the four Russian ships was however so powerful, and continued to be so well supported, that it was resolved by the Duke of Sudermania to make an attempt to burn them. But this operation proved so unsuccessful, that the fire ships employed in it were driven upon one of his Royal Highness's own line of battle ships, and a frigate, both of which blew up.

This accident seems to have caused a degree of confusion among the ships that were to follow, four of which struck upon the rocks, and were left to the mercy of the enemy.

On their farther course along the coast, with a diminished force, the Swedes lost two more ships of the line, which were taken by the enemy.

The engagement continued all night, and part of the next day [the 4th], on the evening of which the Duke of Sudermania arrived at Sweaborg.

The fate of the coasting fleet is not so exactly known, no official accounts having yet been received from it : But it is certain that the King arrived the same evening in Svensksund, with a large part of the fleet, having lost six galleys, with eight hundred men (of the guards) which were taken by the Russians, besides a number of smaller vessels taken or sunk, reported to amount to sixty. The whole loss in men, on the part of the Swedes, is estimated at even thousand.

His Swedish Majesty, having supplied the remains of his squadron with provisions and ammunition, and having been joined by the division under M. de Cronstadt, which had not been able to reach the Bay of Viborg, is already sailed again, with a view to prevent the Prince of Nassau, who is said to be advancing with the Cronstadt and Viborg squadrons, from getting into the port of Frederickshamn.