1.30 P.M.--Weighed in company with the fleet on a cruise. Rendezvous off Pigeon Island, south of Paros. [Sidenote: June 10.] An enjoyable excursion with the fleet to Anti-Paros, famous for its immense caves and beautiful stalactites. Best seen from an inner cave of considerable height. Admiral, all the Captains, and many officers assembled. The blue-jackets managed to fix a rope ladder to the upper cave; how they managed it I did not see, but up the ladder the Commander-in-Chief and Captains ascended, according to seniority. Most of their commissions dated prior to my birth. Had the ladder given way, the chances were that I should have had to command the fleet. However, the sight was splendid. [Sidenote: June 11.] At daylight weighed in company with the fleet. Worked between the islands; came to in 8½ fathoms in Strongiolo Bay. [Sidenote: June 15.] Syra; saluted Consul on his coming on board. Weighed, and took him and his family out to the fleet. Hove to while they visited the Admiral. Received orders to proceed to Zante to meet the mail. [Sidenote: June 22.] Arrived _Orestes_ with Lord High Commissioner (Sir Howard Douglas) on board. Fired salute of 19 guns. [Sidenote: June 23.] The High Commissioner did me the honour to visit the brig; saluted him. Arrived _Confiance_ with the mails. [Sidenote: June 24.] 5 P.M.--Sailed to rejoin the fleet. Rejoined the flag at sunset off Cape Matapan; fresh breeze. Ordered round the fleet to deliver letters. [Sidenote: July.] Hove to and communicated with _Columbine_. Parted company to rejoin the fleet in Kalamanta Bay. [Sidenote: July 8.] Weighed in company with the fleet, steering in the direction of Malta. During the passage we had repeated trials with _Vernon_, Captain John McKerlie, _Portland_, _Endymion_, Captain Sir Samuel Roberts, and “Behind” cutter. In light breezes we had the advantage, in strong the _Vernon_ by far the best. _Endymion_ always bad, and _Portland_ worse. [Sidenote: July 17.] Ran into Malta and made fast to a buoy, rejoining fleet off Cerigo. [Sidenote: July 28.] _Volage_ and self to windward of the flagship; at daylight, while washing decks, ropes coiled up; hove to to keep station. _Volage_ up in the wind, got sternway, and cut our flying jib-boom off at the cap. At 9 A.M. _Thunderer_ asked permission to communicate with _Childers_. Permission being granted, _Thunderer_ signalled, “Dimensions of spar.” At 4 P.M. she signalled to _Childers_, “Spar completed.” Permission given to pick up spar, which I observed towing astern of _Thunderer_ by deep-sea line. It was in its proper place and sails set by the time we recovered station. Rode out twelve days’ quarantine, fleet taking guardians and cruising outside. [Sidenote: July 30.] Joined the fleet at daylight, they having stood to the eastward in company with the United States squadron, consisting of the _Delaware_, _Potomac_, _Constellation_, and _Shark_. Our fleet beat them sailing. [Sidenote: July 31.]