ALAND THE BALTIC IX 1854. 189 



II. 



Let us return to Led-Sund. Everything was ready 

 there at last. The transports had arrived. Baraguay 

 d'Hilliers had been greeted with huzzahs, music, and 

 cannonading. Preparation and ceremony were at an 

 end. The work was to begin in earnest. 



On the 7th of August the troops were sent forward 

 in the different ships towards the scene of action. 



The plan of operations was naturally simple 

 enough. 



The troops, formed into two divisions, were to 

 land north and south of the place, seize on the chief 

 points of communication, and then, marching by 

 different routes, concentrate and form a complete line 

 of investment, with either flank resting on the sea. 

 Two French line-of-battle ships one bearing the flag 

 of Admiral Percival Deschenes and the four English 

 block-ships, Edinburgh, Blenheim, Hogue, and Ajax 

 wore to take up a position in the harbour in front 

 of the main fort, occupying its attention by a distant 

 fire ; whilst a flying squadron of steamers, passing 

 and repassing the passages to the northward, made 

 the cordon perfect. The round towers were then to 

 be assailed by land batteries, and stormed by the 

 bayonet if necessary, and then the combined force of 

 ships, guns, and soldiers would advance to the grand 

 attack of the great fortress. Such was the plan, and 



