9.30.--Weighed under steam. Fleets in co. 6 P.M.--Came to off Seskan Island. No encouragement given by Chief to mix with cheery allies. [Sidenote: July 13.] Sailed _Majestic_, on a cruise, being sickly with cholera. [Sidenote: July 18.] Arrived _Dauntless_, 33, screw-steamer frigate. Captain Alfred P. Ryder. Joined Mr. Stanley Graham, son of First Lord, midshipman from _Dauntless_. [Sidenote: July 21.] Admiral Corry returning to England in _Dauntless_, ships remaining were placed under the orders of Commodore Martin, and proceeded to cruise in the Gulf of Finland. 4.30 P.M.--Arrived Admiral Plumridge in _Leopard_; with a division of steamers joined company. 7 P.M.--Rounded Lagskar Lighthouse. 9.45.--Came to in 13 fathoms in Ledsund. [Sidenote: July 22.] Notice having been received that 10,000 French troops were coming out, preparations were made for an attack on the fort at Bomarsund. The destruction of which might, with little or no difficulty, have been accomplished in the month of April by a division of the British fleet. At daylight the block-ships and _Amphion_ under Admiral Chads, and steam division under Admiral Plumridge, proceeded towards Bomarsund--a safe channel for ships of any draught having been discovered by Captain William Hall of _Hecla_, and afterwards buoyed off by Captain Sullivan. [Sidenote: July 24.] Marines inspected by Colonel Graham, who pronounced them the finest body of men he had seen in the fleet. [Sidenote: July 26.] _Odin_ arrived; Captain Francis Scott, old friend of my lieutenant days. [Sidenote: July 29.] Supplied _Cumberland_ with water. Sent three cholera cases to _Belleisle_. [Sidenote: July 31.] Four more cholera cases; making us anxious for health of crew. Arrived General Barraguay d’Hilliers and staff in the French Emperor’s yacht _La Reine Hortense_ from Stockholm; received him with cheers and yards manned. Visits exchanged between Chiefs and others. Manning of yards. [Sidenote: Aug. 1.] French and English Generals and engineer officers visiting Bomarsund to make arrangements prior to attack. Steam vessels constantly on the move between this anchorage and Åland Islands. More cholera cases! Ordered by Commander-in-Chief to send field-pieces, _without men_, on board _Driver_ for conveyance to Admiral Chads. [Sidenote: Aug. 5.] Another death, a marine, from cholera, making, since its first appearance on 27th June, twenty cases, of which twelve proved fatal. [Sidenote: Aug. 6.] French ships proceeding towards Bomarsund, four of their largest ships, with both Admirals, besides frigates, steamers, and transports. [Sidenote: Aug. 7.]