I have been on board the _Keiff_ and _Vladimir_ of the volunteer fleet to-day. Life in them is heavenly compared with life on board ships of the _Borodino_ type. There is plenty of space and the cabins are large, clean, and quiet. They live well, have free communication with the shore, etc. I remained to lunch in the _Vladimir_, and returned to my ship in her steamboat. Some sailor in the transport _Jupiter_ out of revenge cast off the collier's boat from the steamer and it drifted ashore with the current. Although it was night and the boat was floating away from the transport, they managed to catch it. There is a church on shore. Many Roman Catholics took the opportunity of making their confession. The confession was an empty one--that is, they did not confess to a priest, as the greater part of them had not command enough of the French language to speak of their sins. My servant brought me a letter to be sent to his wife. "My wife," he said, "is also called Sophie." He is a curious fellow, but I am satisfied with him. I heard various details of the Petersburg disorders in the _Vladimir_. The Europeans here live in a most extraordinary way. They come to the colony to make money, and then quickly return to their own countries. They deprive themselves of everything. They live almost in huts, and do not spend a sou more than they can help. After a few years of such life they become fairly well off, and leave the colony for ever. Their abodes are like a camp. The furniture is bad and broken. There are no conveniences, and no thought of comfort. There is no news. Telegrams are sent by heliograph to Diego Suarez. _January 17th._--A telegram has been received saying the _Rezvy_ has left her division, and remains at Jibutil owing to breakdown. She will probably not go to the East at all. Yesterday the local governor came to the admiral with a complaint that the officers of the fleet play games of hazard for high stakes at the café. Play is forbidden or all leave will be stopped. Two or three days ago the German colliers celebrated Wilhelm's birthday. They dressed their ship with flags and drank so much that they remained drunk until to-day. As the fleet moves forward the number of torpedo-boats grows less and less. Those that remain with us have damaged boilers, thanks to which they are unable to attain their full speed. The captain of the port at Diego Suarez went round our ships. He was saluted. Evidently this amused him. To-morrow part of the fleet are going to sea for target-practice. When shall we leave here? We are losing the best weather. Hurricanes, cyclones, and storms will begin soon, and with a fleet like ours the voyage will be very difficult. Before us lies an immense passage--viz. from Madagascar to the islands of the East Indian Archipelago. _January 18th._--Owing to high play we are forbidden to go ashore on weekdays. An order has been given to verify the cash of all the paymasters in the fleet.