p. 38: "On the river are constantly one, two, or three large men-of-war, which are retained here after being launched, until they are ready to go down to Cronstadt to be masted and receive their stores on board".
p. 39: "The immense pile of building (of the Admiralty) extends a third of an English mile in length, and encloses with its three sides the vessels war which are on the stocks: over the arched gateway rises a lofty golden spire; and Doric porticos at intervals extend along the front and wings of the edifice. The panoramic view of the city and its environs from the spire is most superb, and ought to be first seen; then the apartments containing models of vessels, maps, and charts, and the museum of natural history and curiosities".
Source
J.E. Alexander. Travels to the seat of war in the East, through Russia and the Crimea in 1829. With sketches of the Imperial fleet and army, personal adventures, and characteristic anecdotes. Vol. I. London, 1830. Digitized by Google.
