As our long, single column approached the British squadrons lying at anchor, on guard, a signal invited us to steer between their lines, and as we wound in between the battleships and battle cruisers, their crews were assembled on deck—very striking in solidity of mass and evenness of rank and file. They cheered each passing minelayer, our crews running from side to side to make response, the bands playing the national airs, and signals being exchanged. To: Admiral First Battle Squadron. From: Commander Mine Squadron One. Captain Belknap presents his compliments and regrets that his movement orders do not permit paying his respects in person to Admiral Madden. The U.S. Mine Squadron sends congratulations upon the great success that has brought about this unprecedented spectacle. 0919. From: Admiral Madden. To: Captain Belknap. Thank you for your 0919. I wish the Mining Squadron speedy return home and have much regret in parting with such a splendid force. Then silence was ordered, as we neared the Germans’ anchorage. First came the destroyers, to the left, moored in pairs with a few British destroyers at their head, and then, on the west side of Cava Island, the large ships came into view. Many signs of their downfallen state were evident, and the sight was to me the more impressive from having seen that fleet in its ascendancy. Now, in some ships scarcely a man was to be seen, on others the rails were crowded, officers and men mingling together, to gaze on their untouched bait. In quiet procession we had nearly passed them all, when the British trawlers on the opposite side, holding the net across Hoy Sound—had been holding it in fair weather and foul, for three long years—seeing our flag and knowing what our work had been, broke out in long and loud blasts of their whistles—having crews too small for an audible cheer. The _San Francisco_ responded with the usual three whistle blasts, which the ships following repeated in succession, but one of them blew her siren instead, and that started them all again. For a few moments there was a fearful din, and how this must have struck the British ships, on the other side of Cava, was indicated by the next signals exchanged soon afterwards: From: Captain Belknap. To: Admiral Madden. Many thanks for your kind message. The Mine Squadron has much enjoyed its duty with the Grand Fleet and is much honored by the association. From: Admiral Madden. To: Captain Belknap. Reply.—Thank you. For your hilarious Mining Squadron, a speedy trip home and have much regret in parting with such a brave bunch. Clearing the island, we passed H.M.S. _Lion_, flagship of Vice Admiral Pakenham, who had commanded the support on our last excursion. The _Lion_ was steaming back and forth across the way out, like a sentry on his beat, a ready check on any German ship that might attempt escape.