Lord Auckland said the whole thing rested on vague rumour; if brought before him, he should consider it his duty to act on the advice of those he should feel it necessary to consult. Lord Colville hoped their lordships would draw no such inferences from newspaper reports. The Lords Melville, Beresford, Salisbury, and other peers spoke. Subsequently an order was issued from the Admiralty prohibiting mastheading as a punishment, which the class of officer to whom only it could apply greatly regretted. I always found a seat on the fore topmast cross-tree, with a book, far preferable to walking the lee side of the quarter-deck, with the main try-sail set. [Sidenote: April 29.] At daylight observed a fleet to leeward, consisting of a ship of the line, and twenty-three others of different sizes. As they did not seem inclined to show colours, stood into the centre of them, when they hoisted the Turkish flag, on which I fired a royal salute. They were bound to Tripoli with troops to quell the insurrection. [Sidenote: April 30.] Came to in Basaika Bay. [Sidenote: May 1.] Rode with attendants and despatches to the Consul of the Dardanelles, Mr. C. A. Lander. Finding the plague raging, returned same day, a forty-four miles’ ride. Weather intensely hot. [Sidenote: May 4.] Weighed, and came to abreast the ruins of Alexandria--Troy--having left the pinnace to await the _Courier_ from Constantinople. Visiting Basaika Bay afforded endless amusement in picnics and searching for antiquities. From the ruins of the marble palaces of Troy the Turks made the huge round shot for their Dardanelles guns. Our youngsters made collections of ancient Greek coins: good imitations imported from Birmingham. [Sidenote: May 8.] Despatches having arrived, sailed. [Sidenote: May 12.] Between Zea and Long Island communicated with _Portland_, 52, Captain David Price, the same good fellow who ended his promising career off Petropaulooski, in the North Pacific Ocean. [Sidenote: May 15.] Joined the fleet off Cape St. Angelo. Received orders to proceed to the Piræus for pratique. 1 P.M.--Came to close to the beach in Epidamas Bay in 6 fathoms. Brig swinging by attaching a hawser to a tree on shore, into 3 fathoms. Smooth water, and good watering-place in rainy weather. In dry weather the water is turned off for the purpose of irrigation. [Sidenote: May 21.] Came to in the Bay of Salamis. Found, in addition to our own fleet, four French and two Russian men-of-war. [Sidenote: May 28.] Fleet visited by King Otho of Greece. Manned yards and fired royal salute. 1 P.M.--Fired a royal salute in honour of the birthday of King William IV. [Sidenote: June 1.] It being King Otho’s birthday, dressed ship and fired royal salute. His Majesty was this day proclaimed at Athens; an interesting ceremony, the Admiral, Captains, and Commanders attending. We afterwards dined with His Majesty. [Sidenote: June 6.]