Launches employed in conveying prisoners from steamers to troop-ships. The lately promoted Rear-Admiral Michael Seymour hoisted his flag in _Duke of Wellington_. [Sidenote: Aug. 19.] Plumridge sailed in _Leopard_ to relieve Henry Martin, in command of the reserve division at Nargen. [Sidenote: Aug. 20.] Sailed _Hannibal_, Commodore Hon. Frederick Grey, _Algiers_, _St. Vincent_, _Royal William_, _Termagant_, _Sphynx_, and _Gladiator_ with Russian prisoners. Several pleasure steamers from Stockholm passed on their way to Bomarsund. [Sidenote: Aug. 22.] Three block-ships, with _Bulldog_, bearing flag of Commander-in-Chief, came down from Bomarsund. [Sidenote: Aug. 26.] Dressed ship with masthead flags, and at noon fired a royal salute in commemoration of Prince Albert’s birthday. [Sidenote: Sept. 1.] _Cuckoo_ arrived from Bomarsund with flag of Rear-Admiral Seymour, which was transferred to the _Duke_. [Sidenote: Sept. 2.] All the paddle-steamers went up to assist in towing transports with French troops; they, as well as the French men-of-war, preparing to quit Bomarsund on the destruction of the forts. It was a grand sight, the blowing up of the forts: expensive as well. [Sidenote: Sept. 3.] Heard that my old shipmate of _Dido_, Jim Hunt, now in command of _Pigmy_, had gone wrong side of the red buoy and was on shore. Went in gig to ascertain amount of assistance required. Found that anchor had been laid out, but the crew were tired or else too lazy to work. It was evident that they had been observed by Russians on the high ground beyond the Narrows, and shortly two pieces of artillery hove in sight. My boat’s crew were ready to help, when Jim Hunt thus addressed his crew: “The enemy in sight with guns! We shall be made prisoners. You,--you lazy blackguards, will be marched off to Siberia, fed on sour krout and tallow candles; while _I_ shall be fêted and fed on shore in the best society!” [Sidenote: Ledsund.] The speech told. _Pigmy_ arrived at Ledsund. Field-Marshal Barraguay d’Hilliers came down from Bomarsund in a French war steamer. Both fleets manned yards, the flagships saluting, and at 3 P.M. he sailed for France. [Sidenote: Sept. 12.] Arrived _La Reine Hortense_, bringing a Field-Marshal’s baton for General Barraguay d’Hilliers. [Sidenote: Sept. 14.] _Leopard_, with flag of Rear-Admiral Martin, came from Bomarsund, having remained to witness destruction of all the works completed. [Sidenote: Sept. 19.] Fleet weighed per signal and proceeded under steam. French fleet in company. Formed order of sailing in two columns. French Admiral saluted. On his salute being returned by the _Duke_, fleet hoisted French colours. Parted company with French fleet. [Sidenote: Sept. 20.] Arrived Russian steamer with flag of truce, and communicated with Commander-in-Chief. Fleet weighed, proceeding under steam. Formed order of sailing in two columns. [Sidenote: Sept. 21.]