At night we crossed the only course by which ships usually go from north to south. We met two steamers. They will report the course chosen by the fleet. Now we are moving in a part of the China Sea by which ships do not usually go. They are beginning to talk about coaling. They wish to arrange it to-morrow morning. The torpedo-boats are being towed by the transports. Meanwhile, there are no mishaps or breakdowns. 9 p.m.--The battleship _Orel_ has delayed us for a short time. Something was damaged in her. Our course is shaped between Formosa and Luzon, one of the Philippine Islands. It is exactly seven months to-day since the fleet left Russia. The sea is almost calm, and the ports can be kept open without danger. Hiding the lights, we are steaming with only a limited number. A collision would be difficult, as it is a bright, moonlight night. At present everything is going quietly. I rose to-day at nearly 9 a.m., was late for breakfast, and had to have it alone in my cabin. _May 4th._--To-morrow we coal--probably the last coaling at sea. It is proposed that when the coal from the _Tamboff_ and _Mercury_ has been taken, they shall leave the fleet and return to Saigon. It will be possible to send letters by them. Near Shanghai the remaining transports will leave us. Only the naval ones will remain (_Kamchatka_, _Irtish_, and _Anadir_), and the _Korea_, in which are war stores. If this is carried out, the admiral himself will seek a fleet action with the Japanese fleet before our arrival at Vladivostok. 10 p.m.--They are receiving signs at the telegraph (wireless) station. No one attaches any importance to them. In the ship it is surprisingly quiet. They were more perturbed when the English cruisers surrounded us in the Atlantic. I am quite composed and do not worry. Gulls are seen; the shore is not far off. The moon is shining, and it is as bright as day. By such light it will be difficult for torpedo-boats to attack, but convenient for submarines. The sea is calm. Soon it will not be so hot. To-morrow the sun will be at its zenith--for us, the sixth and last time. Formosa is near. All are interested in it. With luck we shall be at Vladivostok in twelve or fifteen days. All my preparations for battle consist in putting my things in order. Coaling will begin at 6 a.m., if the weather permits. At Port Dayot, not only did the transport _Gustave Lerche_, and the water-tank steamer _Count Stroganoff_, leave the fleet, but also the transport _Keenia_. The latter is a floating workshop. Was it worth while bringing her here? She has little speed, and the workmen say is badly fitted out. I have not been there. It so happens that I have not been on board any of the ships that came with Nebogatoff. _May 5th_ (8 a.m.).--The fleet is coaling. The sea is calm, but the swell is so great that the battleships are rolling. It is hot. Very soon it will be cold. How shall we stand it after the tropics? There will be a large number of sick.