 Cumming saw active service against the Russians during the Crimean War . On 25 February 1854 he received command of the frigate HMS Gorgon , being promoted to post @-@ captain on 19 April . Cumming was transferred to command HMS Conflict on 9 May 1854 and served aboard her in the Baltic Sea until 6 February 1855 . In company with HMS Amphion , under the command of Captain Astley Cooper Key , the Conflict sailed into Libau on 17 May 1854 . The harbour contained eight Russian merchant vessels and was defended by a force of 4 – 500 soldiers with 2 – 3 cannon . 
