The wind was west-north-west. Made sail before weighing. Yards braced for casting to port. Although on the poop with friends had assumed charge. Signal made, “Fleet to weigh.” Her Majesty in yacht ready to lead. The master at that moment reported there was only one ship’s length between us and the head of the Spit. The anchor was already at the cathead. Piped “Belay.” “Man starboard braces.” As she came head to wind, ran the jibs up, heading towards the Spit. With the stern-way thus secured we were in deep water, and shortly in position next astern of the flag. Old seamen may ask, “Why starboard instead of port braces?” For increase of purchase I had the head braces, when they reached the main bitts, led across, which was quickly understood by that useful body of men the Royal Marines. When this little manœuvre was explained, Digby went below and wrote a cheque for £100. Never was a tip more welcome. Her Majesty led the fleet as far as the Nab. 2.30.--Hove to. Friends left according to their arrangements as we ran slowly along the coast. Wind fair, weather fine, and constant communication. Many remained until following day. With yachts and pleasure boats it was a grand sight. At 4 P.M. we, by signal, formed into two lines-- PORT. _Edinburgh._ _Hogue._ _Blenheim._ _Ajax._ _Tribune._ _Amphion._ STARBOARD. _Duke of Wellington._ _St. Jean d’ Acre._ _Royal George._ _Princess Royal._ _Imperieuse._ _Arrogant._ Frigates: _Leopard_, flag of Admiral Plumridge, _Valorous_ and _Dragon_. [Sidenote: Mar. 12.] _Hecla_ joined with Baltic pilots. Rough lot; huge pipes, sealskin caps, and waistcoats! [Sidenote: Mar. 13.] Fleet weighed. Proceeded. Dense fog. [Sidenote: Mar. 15.] No rendezvous given. [Sidenote: Mar. 16.] Admiral firing a gun every fifteen minutes. Fog continuing. Several of the fleet missing. [Sidenote: Vinga Sound, Mar. 19.] Admiral shifted flag to _Valorous_ and proceeded to Copenhagen. [Sidenote: Mar. 22.] Sunset.--_Valorous_ returned with Commander-in-Chief, bringing lots of cherry brandy. [Sidenote: Vinga Sound, Mar. 23.] Weighed in company with fleet. Formed prescribed order of sailing, proceeded towards the Great Belt. 3. P.M.--_Neptune_, with flag of Rear-Admiral Corry, in sight. Salutes exchanged between Admirals. Signal made “Prepare to anchor.” The usual routine of manœuvring, firing at targets, etc., went on. _St. Jean d’ Acre_ being one of the few fitted with distilling apparatus, we were constantly supplying other ships with pure water. [Sidenote: Kioga Bay, April 3.] Squally weather. 1.30.--Parted B.B. cable while veering quickly after letting go, but saved fouling _Royal George_. Struck topmasts and let go sheet-anchor. [Sidenote: April 4.] Succeeded in hooking B.B. cable, but too much swell to weigh. Succeeded later. Following communication made from Commander-in-Chief by signal flags from each yard-arm as well as masthead.