The wind, however, increases as the fog disappears, and blows more off the laud, which will render the landing beach a lee shore, and be rather unfavourable for us if it freshens. The flagship is of course the centre of hard work, thoughtfulness, and activity, and Sir Edmund Lyons is, as he so often takes occasion to state, not only assisted most zealously and ably by Sir Houston Stewart, but he is fortunate in having the services of one so energetic, clearheaded, and practical as Captain Mends, who has to go through an enormous amount of mental and physical labour on such occasions as the present. When the lieutenants went on board they received instructions for the disposition of the respective ships to which they belonged for the following day, and again the impression was confirmed that the destmation of the expedition will be Kinburn.
The arrangements seem very simple, and are not embarrassed by unnecessary complications. The gun-boats sweep the beach, if there is any I'csistance, and continue their fire till the enemy retires out of range. The men are then landed from the line-of-battle ships in the launches and paddlebox boats, towed by the small steamers with light di-aught of water. The following is the order of formation on shore: — It will be seen from this plan that the French will form the left and the English the right of the force as they disembark, and that our little force is divided into two brigades, which renders it more manageable.
Of the exact arrangements for the landing I as yet know nothing more than that the " Spiteful," " Furious," and " Triton" are to discharge the " St. Jean d'Acre" of her great freight of Royal Marines, and to take the " St. Jean d' Acre's" boats in tow. After this, the " Triton," under the orders of the " Leopard," is to retain the line-of-battle ship's boats and the " Terrible's" paddlebox boat, and is to assist in landing the horses, &c., on boai-d the " Indian," Ko. 197. It seems probable that the arrangements for the disembarkation will be under the control of Captain Giffard, of the " Leopard." C O'CLOCK. The fog has withdrawn, and the lights of Odessa begin to twinkle in the distance.
In order to strengthen the belief of the inhabitants that we are going to attack the place to-morrow, the Admirals have just made signal " to send down topgallantmasts," the usual preUminary for action in big ships. There is, of course, a race np the rigging, and great emulation between the different ships to obey this order, and it is to be hoped the Odessans clearly imderstood its import. Every preparation is made to keep a bright look out to-night, and to prevent any boat stealing from the town to have a look at us in the dark. A bold enemy would not esteem it impossible to take a dash at one of the nearest steamers and cut her out; but the Russians have no dash or audacity, although they possess abundance of coolness and courage.
October 11. All was quiet during the night. The sun rose unclouded this morning, and there is a fine light breeze from the N.N.W. The air is as clear and pure as though we Avere moored in a Swiss lake. The large men-of-war have not only their topgallant masts struck, but they have splinter nettings stretched over the decks between the masts, as if they were at once going in to engage the forts. Odessa looks more beautiful than ever this morning. Clouds of dust are seen rising from its streets, as if large bodies of troops were moving about all over the town. The eternal Cossacks are watching on the cliifs near us, walking up and down to keep themselves warm, or playing with their shaggy little ponies.
Wherever there is a good view of the fleet to be had a crowd of people may be observed standing, and the esplanades and terraces, and even the housetops and parapets of the batteries, are occupied by spectators. The cavahy on the hill to the nortli of the town were visible at early dawn, and there they stand yet — each man dismounted, at the side of his horse. The telegraphs along the coast are working very busily. The flagship, at 8'30 a.m., signalled to the fleet to " Prepare ■three days' provisions for troops to land with." The French fleet is getting up steam, and several of our steamers are following the example. The Admiral has signalled to " 'Viper' to close,".and to " 'Triton' to shorten in cable." The weather looks rather nasty to windward.