Do you remember I told you I was afraid that Günsburg's steamer Regina would fall into the hands of the Japanese. It seems that she was wrecked in the Mozambique Channel.
April 26th.—We did not weigh anchor in time to-day. The French cruiser came again to drive us out.
A message has been received from the Vladimir Monomach, which is ahead of Nebogatoff's fleet, that they are coming in complete array. We shall soon be joined by them. I am curious to know what sort of a fleet it is, what its morale is like, and what sort of captains. Many of them are laughed at. They are famous for their war service; but war changes men, and good ones are sometimes found among the bad, and vice versa.
2 p.m.—The smoke, masts, and funnels of Nebogatoff's fleet have appeared. Every one is in a great state of excitement, and rushes to the bridge. Binoculars are brought up on deck. At last we shall proceed. There is no need to wait longer.
When the signalling began, we asked the Monomach the name of her first lieutenant, to make certain that she was not a Japanese ship. She replied, and asked the Suvaroff the same question.
The Dnieper, it appears, saw the third fleet last night; but fearing that it was the Japanese, hastily retreated. She was sent in order to join herself to Nebogatoff. I am going on the bridge. The fleets are just joining. They are nearing each other. They are beginning to salute.
10 p.m.—O Lord, I do not know how to begin! My head is completely silly. I do not know what to say. I am happy, satisfied, glad. I want to tell you everything, and am afraid shall not succeed. I shall get confused and forget.
As Nebogatoff's fleet approached we all crowded on deck. I put on my new cap for the great occasion.
First came the Apraxin. Could I have thought when I was working in her five years ago that I should see her here! How strange the Apraxin, Ushakoff, and Seniavin seemed! So short, and such long funnels! They reminded me of overgrown children with angular limbs.