Intelligence having reached of death from drowning of Captain Foote of the _Conflict_, the Admiral promoted Commander Cumming of the _Gorgon_ into the vacancy, appointing Commander Cracroft of this ship to the _Gorgon_; sending the Commander of the _Cressy_, John Dorville, who was anxious for a change anywhere, to the _St. Jean d’Acre_; and promoting the first lieutenant of the _Duke_, an arrangement which appeared to give satisfaction to all parties except myself, who had parted with an esteemed friend and good officer. I was glad, however, to get Dorville. [Sidenote: May 17.] A division of ships placed under command of Rear-Admiral Corry. Remainder formed into two lines:-- _Duke of Wellington._ _Hogue._ _St. Jean d’Acre._ _Blenheim._ _Austerlitz._ _Edinburgh._ _Cressy._ _Cæsar._ _Princess Royal._ [Sidenote: Running for Hangö.] We used to be next astern of the flag, but I fancy the Chief got tired of our figurehead--a fine half-figure of Sir Robert Stopford--always looking into the stern-windows of his cabin! [Sidenote: Running for Hangö Island.] 11 A.M.--Signal made for us to proceed in chase of a stranger ahead. May 14 having been fixed as the latest day on which neutral vessels quitting a Russian port would be allowed to pass the line of blockade, brought in sight a number of vessels, from whom we obtained accurate information of the position and force of the Russian fleets at Kronstadt and Helsingfors. 8 P.M.--Resumed station in line of battle. [Sidenote: May 18.] Signal made for us to look out on starboard beam of flag. [Sidenote: May 19.] 7 A.M.--Boarded several vessels that had left Kronstadt or Narva on or before the 14th. 8.30 P.M.--Resumed station. [Sidenote: May 21.] Arrived _Arrogant_ and _Hecla_ with Russian prize barque, which they had cut out at Eckness. They were cheered on joining the fleet. [Sidenote: May 22.] Received from the _St. George_ our spare screw propeller, seven tons weight; awkward to stow. Placed it athwart, and between the end of the booms and galley-funnels. Still supplying distilled water!! [Sidenote: May 24.] Fired royal salute in commemoration of Her Majesty’s birthday. [Sidenote: Hangö Roads, May 26.] 9.30 A.M.--Commander-in-Chief came on board, nominally to inspect, and left again after having made some unjust remarks relative to the gunnery and drill of the ship, such as, if reported to the Admiralty, might be considered by them as an excuse for his having for so long persistently avoided the neighbourhood of the enemy’s ships. [Sidenote: June 2.] 8.45.--Came to with the fleet in Barösund. [Sidenote: June 3.] Arrived _Hecla_, who supplied us with eight oxen, without fodder! Slaughtered them. Received more potatoes than we could consume. [Sidenote: June 4.] Arrived _Pigmy_, Lieutenant James Hunt, my _Dido_ shipmate. [Sidenote: June 9.] Stood out of Barösund. [Sidenote: June 12.]