10 p.m.—They are receiving signs at the telegraph (wireless) station. No one attaches any importance to them. In the ship it is surprisingly quiet. They were more perturbed when the English cruisers surrounded us in the Atlantic. I am quite composed and do not worry.
Gulls are seen; the shore is not far off. The moon is shining, and it is as bright as day. By such light it will be difficult for torpedo-boats to attack, but convenient for submarines. The sea is calm.
Soon it will not be so hot. To-morrow the sun will be at its zenith—for us, the sixth and last time.
Formosa is near. All are interested in it. With luck we shall be at Vladivostok in twelve or fifteen days.
All my preparations for battle consist in putting my things in order. Coaling will begin at 6 a.m., if the weather permits.
At Port Dayot, not only did the transport Gustave Lerche, and the water-tank steamer Count Stroganoff, leave the fleet, but also the transport Keenia.
The latter is a floating workshop. Was it worth while bringing her here? She has little speed, and the workmen say is badly fitted out. I have not been there. It so happens that I have not been on board any of the ships that came with Nebogatoff.
May 5th (8 a.m.).—The fleet is coaling. The sea is calm, but the swell is so great that the battleships are rolling. It is hot. Very soon it will be cold. How shall we stand it after the tropics? There will be a large number of sick.
May 6th.—South China Sea.
Yesterday the Tamboff and Mercury went to Saigon. The mail was given to the latter. When the coaling was finished, the fleet went on full speed ahead. In the evening I drew the disposition of all ships for a lithographic stone, in the event of floating mines being observed.