Grand survey of _Dido’s_ bottom by warrant officers expecting promotion. Report: “Much injured along the keel.” [Sidenote: June 19.] Weighed at daylight. Did not lose sight of the blue at the mizzen until noon. Ran into the mud opposite Macao at 9 P.M. Went on shore to Drummond’s. [Sidenote: June 21.] Made sail for Singapore. [Sidenote: July 10.] Again in the free and open sea. A slashing breeze, such as my _Dido_ delights in. Unable to do much, owing to rotten ropes and sails--unseamanlike and mistaken ideas of economy. [Sidenote: July 16.] Brooke’s coast in sight, Tanjong Datu. _Dido_ looking straight for Singapore. [Sidenote: July 17.] Ran through the beautiful and picturesque Tambelan Islands, too numerous to count. Sent a boat on shore, and exchanged with the natives biscuit for green cocoanut. [Sidenote: July 18.] Arrived late at Singapore. [Sidenote: July 19.] _Cambrian_, 36, in the roads with broad pennant of Henry D. Chads. Dined with Belcher, at Captain’s House, he having been shot through both thighs in a scrimmage with pirates. [Sidenote: July 20.] On board to see Chads off. A good fellow. [Sidenote: July 22.] Dined with Napier. News from Brooke. _Dido_ wanted. Transacted business as Senior Naval Officer in the Straits. Jolly dinner-party with W. H. Read. George Hastings, of _Harlequin_, a capital fellow. [Sidenote: July 23.] Hogg, of Fort William, and friends to dine. Amateur theatricals in the evening--“The Merchant of Venice.” Read performed. Supped with Portia! [Sidenote: July 24.] We dined with Belcher. Noisy party on some good white port. Started _Phlegethon_ for Borneo. [Sidenote: July 25.] Weighed at daylight. [Sidenote: July 28.] Off Brooke’s province in Borneo. Sent pinnace in by western entrance. [Sidenote: July 29.] At sunset found steamer off the entrance of the river. Got on board; _Dido_ to follow up to Kuching, where I found Brooke at three o’clock in the middle watch. Hearty welcome. [Sidenote: July 30.] Kuching is to be called Sarawak; much improved. Some additional companions; the population considerably increased. Brooke in a new and better house; a much improved and prettier site. [Sidenote: July 31.]