Russian naval strength according to Dutch newspapers in 1857

The newspaper Bredasche Courant dated 13 August published a news item dated Frankfurt, Germany 9 August reporting  that according tot tidings from St. Petersburg dated 31 July the Russian forces were decreased and or reorganized. The intention was to replace all sailing ships by screw steam ships. The planned training voyage of the squadron in the Baltic for 1857 was not to be executed while the costs were considerable and long sea voyages were of more use for training sailors. The Russian cabinet ordered engines for 9 ships of the line, 4 frigates, 2 corvettes, 10 goelettes and 4 transports. Prince Constantin (1) who was appointed as the grand admiral of the Russian navy did all possible efforts to enforce the Russian navy to a satisfying level.

Another newspaper Algemeen Handelsblad dated 14 August reported that the cabinet ordered engines for 9 ships of the line, 4 frigates, 2 corvettes, 2 galliots and 4 transports. The edition dated 28 October published a news item dated Berlin 26 October reporting that the Russian navy consisted of 3 divisions with 10  brigades in the Baltic, 1 Black Sea division with 5 brigades, 1 Caspian brigade and the Aral, Kamtschamtka and Siberian fleet with 5 brigades. In begin 1857 consisted the Russian navy of sailing vessels namely 12 ships of the line, 7 frigates, 7 corvettes, 7 brigs, 11 schooners, 7chebecqen, 5 luggers, 3 clippers, 4 yachts and 15 transports and steamships namely 7 screw steam ships of the line, 3 screw steam frigates, another 8 steam frigates [paddle?], 12 screw steam corvettes, 1 screw steam lugger, 41 steamboats and 1 tender.

Note
1. Probably grand duke Konstantin Nikolayevich of Russia (9 September 1827-13 January 1892) married with princess Alexandra of Saxe-Altenburg, grand admiral and head of the Department of navy since 1853 and reformer of the navy.