The _Hecla_ immediately opened fire, which the battery returned with spirit; and the _Arrogant_ now coming up, let fly a whole broadside among the soldiers, just as some horse artillery had made their appearance, and were unlimbering preparatory to engaging. As the smoke cleared off, the troop of artillery were seen scampering away at full speed. A heavy fire of musketry now burst forth from a wood on one side, and continued for some time without intermission, the bullets falling thick on board both ships. While this work was going forward, the _Arrogant_ ran aground within twenty yards of the battery, but most fortunately in a position which allowed her guns full play on it. At this close range the ship's guns were more than a match for those in the fort, and so smartly were they worked that in a short time they dismounted all the guns of the enemy and drove the gunners from the fort. The crew were now able to turn their attention to the position their ship was in, and turning to with a will, unmolested by the enemy, they succeeded in getting afloat again. As they passed close to the fort, they witnessed the state of complete ruin which they had so speedily caused,--guns dismounted, carriages blown to fragments, and accoutrements and helmets scattered around. As they proceeded up the river the town of Eckness now opened ahead of the two steamers, and before the town lay the vessels which they wished to carry off. The water now shoaled, and the _Arrogant_ could proceed no higher. Just then artillery opened on them. The _Arrogant_ accordingly anchored, swung broadside to the shore, and engaged the batteries; while the _Hecla_, throwing shells at the enemy, steamed up to Eckness, and running alongside a barque, the only one of the vessels afloat, to the astonishment and dismay of the inhabitants took her in tow, and carried her off in triumph. The two ships then returned down the river with their prize. AN UNSUCCESSFUL VENTURE. On the 1st of June a gallant adventure similar to the last narrated was not so successful. The _Odin_ and _Vulture_, two steamers belonging to Admiral Plumridge's division in the Gulf of Bothnia, employed in destroying the shipping and marine stores in various places along the coast, had arrived in the neighbourhood of Old Carleby. At seven p.m., two paddle-box boats, two pinnaces, four cutters, and one gig,--nine boats in all,--containing 180 officers and men, carrying six twenty-four-pounder howitzers and two twelve-pounders, were sent away under the command of Lieutenant Wise, of the _Vulture_, who was accompanied by Lieutenants Madden and Burton, Marine Artillery, and by Dr Duncan. After a long pull, the boats anchored near some store-houses at the mouth of a narrow creek, when, with a flag of truce, Lieutenant Wise went on shore and communicated with the authorities.