Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - XVII. Reign of Gustavus IV Adolphus, 1792–1809 - C. The Finnish War, 1808–1809
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The Finnish War 307
With the battle of Revolaks the winter campaign
was ended. The melting snow and floods made roads
impassable and for a time interrupted the war move-
ments. With the sun’s rays there penetrated a ray of
hope to the soldiers in the far North.
Forced back was Finland’s noble troop,
To polar regions dragged;
Still in our bosoms there was hope,
Our courage never fagged,
For victory seemed within our powers
As long as Sveaborg was ours.
RUNEBEKG.
But this hope was beginning to fade through rumors
that came stealing in from the South.
Anon a whisper reached our ear,
Forth from the South it came;
It spoke of treachery and fear,
Dishonoring our name.
From mouth to mouth, from plain to plain,
It only met with proud disdain.
RUNEBERG.
At Sveaborg. During the winter campaign decisive
events had transpired within the walls of Sveaborg.
This fortress, defending the entrance to Helsingfors,
was Finland’s chief bulwark. It was largely built into
the solid granite rock and was known as the Gibraltar
of the North. Its commander, Karl 0. Cronstedt, was
reckoned, after his achievements at Svensksund, among
the chief officers of the Swedish navy. But, like Kling-
spor, he had the impression that the Russians were
approaching with an overwhelming force, and that
it would be impossible to defend Finland against it.
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