When our warships approached close to Kamranh, fishermen were seen in their boats; but for some reason not one of them came near us.
In the morning a little bird, apparently an exhausted canary, was caught on deck.
Last night was cooler. I woke up dry this morning. Such a thing has not happened to me for a very long time.
One cannot help wondering if it is wise, losing so much time at Kamranh. All the preparations Japan made for meeting us at the Sunda Straits can be transferred to another spot. They will have time to construct everything afresh. Their device at Sunda Strait having failed, it will be more advantageous for them to meet our fleet nearer their own shores, where they could at once repair their damages and where they have many bases.
All this compels me to think that we are hardly likely to meet them before passing Formosa. Of course, if we remain long at this place, circumstances may alter, and afford the Japanese the possibility of attacking us in the bay itself, and of mining it. In that case Kamranh will be an actual trap. It seems to me that the Japanese consider us more crafty than we really are. On the contrary, we are very simple. I say "simple" in order not to use a stronger term.
We have just anchored. The approaching colliers can be seen in the distance. The shores of the bay are hilly, in some places covered with growth; in others there is grey stone or sand. The sand is a curious colour; sometimes it is quite white, and sometimes yellow.
I have to go away in the steamboat. During the night, two torpedo-boats went to examine a passing steamer, and the Blestyastchy managed to tear the Bezuprechny's side. The sea is not wide enough for two Russian torpedo-boats! They must be repaired. In the Bezuprechny the rudder is out of order, and one engine does not work.
Officers who went into the bay in torpedo-boats yesterday state that at Kamranh there are post and telegraph offices, plenty of provisions, and that a railway is being constructed to Saigon.
A telegram was received here yesterday that the third fleet had left Jibutil. Hava's agency states that a great fight occurred between our fleet and the Japanese, near the island of Borneo. Such false news will only cause uneasiness in Russia.