6 P.M.--Arrived off Nicholai, 120 miles from Castries Bay; current strong against us. On anchoring, was waited on by officers from the two vessels-of-war, offering services; also an officer, in full dress, from the Commandant, wishing to know at what time I should land. Having arranged for 11 A.M. on the morrow, was received on landing by the Commandant, Captain Fukevitche, of the Navy; numerous decorations. We landed, a large party; besides self and staff, Commodore, Conolly and Stephenson. Proceeded in the first place to call on Madame Furnhjelm, wife of the Governor, who was also an admiral; daily expected from the southward. Nothing could be kinder or more cordial than my reception. [Sidenote: Nicholai, July 28.] A small detached house, evidently the Governor’s office, was placed at my disposal, everything convenient, clean and comfortable for “one party”--a guard and orderlies outside, a note from Madame stating that I should be daily expected at dinner, breakfast and luncheon being sent to my room. The Commandant then showed all the public establishments, hospital, dockyards, etc., which were all very well and wonderful for so distant a settlement. But nothing bores me so much as this official sight-seeing, so took advantage of the first opportunity to excuse myself, as I had friends on board _Salamis_ to luncheon, and then returned to my allotted quarters, where my things had been conveyed. While putting on my “citizen’s dress,” a luxury in which no Russian officer ever indulges, a rather good-looking but powerful Russian girl walked in, and placed a salmon, fresh butter, caviare, cheese, sherry and port on the table. The Commodore, Garnier, and Dob Crosbie rather liking the appearance of things, we changed our minds about luncheon on board. Afterwards took a stroll with Conolly. Plan of future city well laid out. Streets wide, although stumps of forest trees still retain their places. Population said to be five thousand, of which three thousand are military. The club was kindly placed at the disposal of our officers, but most of the Russians being here on punishment, much was not expected of them, and collision rather avoided. The rooms offered were unfurnished, but speedily filled with pillows, blankets, saddles, carpet-bags, etc. A little later, party of a dozen were mounted on hired ponies galloping into the country, headed by good-natured lieutenant Peakroff of the Russian Navy. There are several stores kept by Germans and Americans, full of “notions,” in which furs and skins may be picked up, but no criterion of the proper price of things could be formed from what was asked of us, supposed, “rich English.” Small parties of unclean natives, with hair uncombed, wearing their shirts outside, fastened at the waist, and sealskin boots, prowled about the streets jungle fashion. They generally have sables concealed on their persons for barter, which does not diminish the offensive smell of the uncured skins.