The 2nd Cruiser Squadron and the _Falmouth_ swept 100 miles to the south-eastward from Kinnaird Head during the day, and then returned to Cromarty to fuel. The _Bellona_ and _Liverpool_ swept to the south-eastward of the Pentland Firth during the day and night of the 12th, together with one-half of the 2nd Flotilla as a guard against destroyer attack on the Fleet whilst coaling. The 10th Cruiser Squadron remained on the northern patrol. A report was received from Rear-Admiral Grant, in the _Drake_, that the position in the Faroe Islands was quite satisfactory, neutrality being observed. The _Drake_ remained on patrol to the north-eastward of the Faroe Islands, and two ships of the 10th Cruiser Squadron were sent to assist her in her work of blockade. Rear-Admiral E. R. Pears was on this date appointed in charge of the Fleet Base at Cromarty. The Admiralty informed me that a neutral steamer from Hamburg had arrived in England and reported that there were fourteen enemy battleships at Cuxhaven on the 9th inst., together with several mine-layers; that there were 30 destroyers between Cuxhaven and Heligoland, and that a large mine-field had been laid outside the entrance to the Jade river. This was the first definite news of the enemy’s main fleet. _August 13th._--The Dreadnought Battle Fleet was coaling at Scapa during the day, and the 3rd Battle Squadron coaling and storing at Loch Ewe. My object in providing this alternative base was to expedite entry into the bases for fuelling, and also to be prepared with a second base in the event of Scapa Flow becoming untenable by submarine attack. The _Albemarle_ relieved the _Liverpool_ and _Bellona_ on patrol to the eastward of the Orkneys in the evening, these two ships returning to Scapa to fuel. The 1st Battle Cruiser Squadron was at sea west of the Orkneys; the 2nd Cruiser Squadron at Cromarty coaling; the 3rd Cruiser Squadron at sea sweeping to the south-eastward from the Aberdeenshire coast; and the 1st Light Cruiser Squadron at Scapa coaling. The _Falmouth_ was now attached to this squadron. The 10th Cruiser Squadron and the _Drake_ were on the northern and Faroe patrols. During the day the Commander-in-Chief held a conference with the Flag officers of the Fleet and explained the operations contemplated on the 15th and 16th inst. At 7.30 P.M. the Dreadnought Battle Fleet proceeded to sea to the westward, except two ships which had not finished coaling, the operation having been again delayed owing to an insufficient number of colliers being provided. They followed later. The _Ajax_ reported a turret defective, and was sent back to effect repairs with the aid of the _Cyclops_. _August 14th._--During the forenoon the Dreadnought Battle Fleet and battle cruisers were carrying out target practice. Noon position of the _Iron Duke_, Lat. 59.11 N., Long. 4.27 W.