I made no difficulty; some one has got to do it, and I verily believe I am indifferent to all emotions.
We sail in convoy on the day after tomorrow; that is to say, if the crew condescend to fuel the boat in time. Three looters were executed to-day in the dockyard and this has had a steadying effect on the worst elements.
I went on board 122 to-day, and on showing my authority which was signed by the Council (which has now become the Council of Soldiers, Sailors and Workmen), the crew of the boat held a meeting at which I was not invited to be present.
At its conclusion the coxswain came up to me and informed me that a resolution had been carried by seventeen votes to ten, to the effect that I was to be obeyed as Captain of the boat.
I begged him to convey to the crew my gratification, and expressed the hope that I should give satisfaction.
I am afraid the sarcasm was quite lost on them.
We are within sixty miles of Harwich and I expect to sight the English cruisers any moment.
I wrote some days ago that I was incapable of any emotion.