EVENTS AT NOSI BE
_February 15th._--I must without fail go on shore to-day after dinner
to post my letters. I do not trust others.
I saw a wedding of a mulatto and a Malagassy. A long procession of
negroes went to the mayor's to sign the contract, and then went to the
church, where the priest married them. I looked on at the ceremony.
Both were young and dressed like Europeans, and had boots on. The bride
wore a veil, white dress, etc. During the marriage service dogs ran
about the church, but this did not disturb any one. Probably dogs are
not considered unclean animals here.[9] Black boys served the priest.
The priest himself was a European missionary. The whole church was full
of black worshippers. Of course, there were many of our officers there
as spectators. After the service the little Malagassy with his wife on
his arm walked round among the guests collecting money. I gave them
a franc. It seemed strange, seeing a Christian church full of blacks
reverently fulfilling Christian rites.
How dreadfully the men drink sometimes! Today I saw a sailor being
carried on a stretcher, unconscious and shaking with spasms. It was
a repulsive sight. They say the captain of the _Oleg_ is in poor
health. If it is consumption, the result will be a sad one. If there
is only the suspicion of it, in this climate the end comes quickly.
The wardroom have made another acquisition. They have obtained a small
crocodile from somewhere. The _Suvaroff_ is positively becoming a
floating menagerie.
We shall probably leave for the East at the end of the month. If that
is the case, why is the third fleet sent? Every one acts as he thinks
fit. There are no plans, forethought, or system.
_February 16th._--There is anxiety about the fate of the _Irtish_. She
was at Port Said on January 9th, and should have been here long ago.
They have telegraphed asking about her. It is exactly two months to-day
since we came to Madagascar. If we leave Nosi Be and go straight to the
East, there will be a great break in my letters and telegrams. Do not
be anxious. It is quite normal, as we have before us a voyage which,
under favourable conditions, lasts twenty days.
To-day I indulged myself and drank some kvass[10] in the _Aurora_. I
stayed there some time. Many officers are sceptical, and do not believe
that we shall go to the East.
Wrangles are beginning. Two of the captains of torpedo-boats
quarrelled as to where they were to lie for coaling. One of them was
so much insulted that he went to the _Suvaroff_ in his torpedo-boat
to complain. No sooner was this story done than another began. The
flagship's torpedo officer, who had a number of monkeys, received
an order to rid the ship of these animals (he had a cabin full of
them). This order was brought out owing to a report from the senior
staff-officer, in whose cabin one of the monkeys had been and made
himself at home. They contradicted each other in the flag-captain's
cabin, and the story promises to be played out. In the evening an
officer of the _Suvaroff_ shouted out something to the _Oslyabya_, who
did not notice a peace attack of torpedo-boats. In the _Oslyabya_ they
are anxious to know the name of the officer. There will probably be a
complaint to the staff to-morrow.
_February 17th._--I do not know how the quarrel of the torpedo captains
has ended. One of them came to the staff to-day with explanations.
_February 19th._--I have bought myself about 2,000 cigarettes. They are
without mouthpieces. The tobacco is black and the taste indifferent. If
I cannot get Russian ones I must content myself with these.
I had to go on board the _Borodino_ late this evening. It was not very
pleasant. Frequently the challenge of the sentries in the ships which
we have to pass is not heard, owing to the noise of the water and the
steam. They fire instantly if the boat does not give the countersign.
Some telegram from Europe was posted up at the post-office. The
Governor ordered it to be taken down, so that Russian officers should
not read it. Can it be another terrible misfortune? The telegrams that
remained announced that the Japanese had cut off Vladivostok almost
completely. There are hardly any war stores in Vladivostok. Four
steamers were sent from there to Port Arthur while it was holding out,
and all fell into the hands of the Japanese. They are taking the guns
from Port Arthur and are fortifying the coast of Korea with them.
Where can our fleet go if Vladivostok is cut off? Even if we succeed
in getting there before it is captured, there are no stores there, and
in the fleet there are few. We starving shall come to the famished.
The fleet will then perish, as it did at Port Arthur. Do you know
that the _Bogatyr_ sank while coming out of dock? They were able to
place a floating dock under her. The Japanese have sent cruisers and
torpedo-boats to Vladivostok. Matters are going badly for Kuropatkin.
Have you heard that Japan and France have concluded the following
agreement? Our fleet can remain at Nosi Be as long as it is convenient,
but if it leaves even for only three days, then it shall not have the
right to enter a French port for three months.
Yes, it must be admitted the situation of Russia is desperate. There
are many things I cannot tell you of on paper. They would not improve
the general outlook. The _Esperanza_, which is lying at Mojanga, has
prepared to come here four times, and each time her machinery has been
damaged. Evidently her crew have done it purposely.
I received your telegram to-day. In it is one word, "Well"; at all
events, I know you are alive. Since the beginning of December our
Admiralty has not sent us a single letter.
I went to church to-day. It is the memorial day of those warriors who
laid down their lives on the field of battle.
At eleven o'clock I set out for the _Borodino_. I was induced to put
on my dirk. I never wear it, but hung it on for this occasion. In
going down the ladder I caught it on something. It came out, fell into
the water, and sank in twelve fathoms. It is impossible to get it. An
engineer in the _Borodino_ promised to make me a dummy handle. I shall
wear it fastened to the scabbard, so that it will look all right. Of
course, a proper dirk is not to be had here.
There was a very grand and gay lunch in the _Borodino_. They decorated
the wardroom, covered the deck with carpets, and arranged plants in
every corner. They laid the table in the form of the letter [Greek:
p] (p), placed flower-pots on them, and scattered flowers on the
table-cloth. In front of each place was an illuminated menu. There were
many guests. The band played. They are a very happy ship. They are
always joking, laughing, and amusing themselves, and yet they never
forget their duty.
After lunch had been reduced to fragments, the wine flowed in streams.
They stationed the band close to the wardroom. Several officers
conducted the band themselves. They played my beloved Little Russian
march. At first I drank nothing, but having eaten my fill, and
sitting listening to the band and hearing the march, I began to drink
champagne. Many were drinking it, and with each glass I remembered how
you feared I should take to drink. Several officers began to dance. At
six o'clock I returned to my ship.
The mail-steamer _Esperanza_ has arrived. There were very few letters
for the fleet. There was only one bag, and that was sent by Günsburg
(agents). From the newspapers we learn what is going on in Russia, and
the orders of our Ministry about killed and wounded, etc. I cannot
speak calmly. My anger rises, and I am ready to do God knows what! How
I curse myself for having come!
_February 23rd._--At last the _Irtish_ has been found. She left Jibutil
on the 17th, so will be here on the 27th or 28th. If only a mail could
be brought by her, but our Ministry would never have thought that they
could send letters to Jibutil up to the 17th. From there the _Irtish_
could have brought them to the fleet. Although there is little hope of
this, I shall await her arrival with impatience.
_February 24th._--I have just returned from the harbour. I am very much
pleased with the work of the divers in the _Jemchug_; they have carried
it out brilliantly. I was rather doubtful of success at first. I asked
that a letter should be written to the admiral about the successful
work of the officers and divers who took part in it. The captain
promised to do so, and I for my part undertook to put in a few words.
Some home-made kvass has made its appearance in the _Suvaroff_. I drink
it incessantly. It is indifferent kvass, but at least it is Russian. A
boy from the _Borodino_, whose name I do not remember, has just come to
ask me to help him gain permission to be examined for the rank of petty
officer.
I am preparing myself to go ashore at three o'clock. I shall call at
the post-office, walk through the streets, and freshen myself up. The
shore at least is a change, however dull it may be.
_February 26th._--The Malagassy are beginning to be impertinent in
offering their services. Europeans do not stand on much ceremony with
them. When they saw me with a parcel in my hands, a crowd rushed to the
verandah of the shop. The European clerk grew angry, jumped up, and
kicked them like dogs. It did not disconcert them in the least.
At the post-office I was given telegrams and local letters for the
fleet. Among the letters was a postcard for Admiral Rojdestvensky. On
it the Germans were jeering at him about the North Sea affair, and
advising him to return, "the more so as they have prepared vodky for
you."[11]
At three o'clock a wireless message was received from the _Irtish_. At
eight she arrived in the harbour. There is scarcely a line in her. The
cursed staff have not sent the mail by her, although they might easily
have done so. The _Irtish_ was lying at Jibutil for nearly a month. How
every one abused the staff! Can you wonder at it, when even the chief
of the staff himself sends letters to his son by Günsburg. How can we
fight Japan when they cannot arrange such a simple matter as sending
the mails? We have not received a word from home for two and a half
months, thanks to their negligence in not putting two and two together.
If they cannot do this much that is absolutely necessary for the moral
welfare of the personnel of the fleet, how are they to contend against
an enterprising foe like Japan? Knowing their disposition, I little
expected to receive anything by the _Irtish_; but others were certain
that there would be a very large mail. Their disappointment is very
great. The first officer of the _Irtish_ went mad, and was sent back to
Russia from Suez. I hope to go on board her to-morrow, and must also go
to the _Borodino_.
_February 27th._--I counted on getting cigarettes in the _Irtish_, but
there were none. They required them themselves.
In many ships they have mass on the upper deck. I saw two such services
to-day--in the _Oslyabya_ and the _Borodino_. I found my way to the
latter and remained to lunch. They had pancakes, with smetana.[12] I
conversed with the captain a long time, and returned to the _Suvaroff_
at two o'clock.
A theatrical troupe has been got up on board the _Borodino_, consisting
of ten sailors. They are frequently invited to other ships to give
plays.
How they are cursing the General Staff about the mail! In several ships
they want to telegraph to the _Novoe Vremya_ that the officers request
their relations and friends to send their letters through Günsburg's
agency at Odessa. Some day I will tell you the part that Günsburg has
played in the history of the war. Without him all would have been lost.
He provided drink, food, and necessaries for the whole fleet.
News has been received that Mukden has been taken by the Japanese,
that the road on the flank of the army has been cut, that we have lost
50,000 killed and wounded and 50,000 prisoners. A fearful catastrophe!
At the present condition of affairs the war may be considered lost. We
must expect every minute to hear that Vladivostok is either besieged
or taken. It is useless for the fleet to go on. Poor Russia, when will
your trials be ended? One misfortune brings forth another.
_February 28th._--It is creditably asserted that from Europe and
America they are taking shells, ammunition, guns, armour, and
provisions to Japan, and there are even steamers loaded with only milk.
Large flotillas of transports are on their way thither. The Japanese
navy and army are furnished in abundance with every necessary. Supplies
are procured in an unbroken flow.
Russia is a contrast to Japan. In Manchuria our troops are starving,
cold--not clothed, and barefooted; guns and projectiles are scarce.
And our fleet--it is ludicrous even to compare it with the Japanese! We
are now lying waiting the arrival of Günsburg's steamer _Regina_, which
should bring some provisions. One steamer! and our foe has ten!
I am no prophet, but remember my words. In the middle of March Japan
will be master of the island of Sagalien, and in April, if not sooner,
will besiege Vladivostok, or effect a landing close by. Is it worth
while sending our fleet to the East? Let us suppose Vladivostok holds
out until our arrival, and that our fleet, after having engaged in
battle with the Japanese, reaches it. What then? At Vladivostok there
is little coal; there are no shells, powder, or guns; and how many
shall we have left after the fight? Again, the Japanese ships after
the fight would go to Sasebo, Nagasaki, and other ports; and, quickly
repairing their damages, would be ready to fight again. What should we
do? At Vladivostok there is only one dock. There are no good workshops,
no materials, no workmen. It is quite enough to remember how long they
took repairing the _Gromoboi_ and _Bogatyr_. Vladivostok will be a
second Port Arthur. All this is supposing that Vladivostok can hold
out, and that the result of the fight will be the same for us as for
the Japanese. It must not be forgotten that we have to go into action
with a crew wearied by a tremendous voyage, and that we have to defend
our transports, etc.
Perhaps the _Regina_ will bring us a mail. We expect her in a few days.
I examined the places in the _Aurora_ that were struck by projectiles
at the time of the North Sea incident. One of the projectiles turned at
nearly a right angle during its destructive flight.
The heat is considerable. How accurately I have calculated the time!
I reckoned that on March 1st the fleet would be at Vladivostok. It
appears that I was not far wrong. Had it not been for the misfortunes
at Port Arthur and on land, we should, according to secret plans, have
been approaching Vladivostok on March 1st. In the programme which I
worked out in Russia I only made an error of a few days.
In Japan they are hastily finishing the construction of a large
cruiser. By the middle of March a large number of gunboats will be
prepared, which can be made use of in the Amur river.
I was specially sent for to the _Kamchatka_ about her rudder. I thought
God knows what had happened, and it turned out to be a trifle. There
was a great show in the wardroom in the evening. A rat hunt was
organised, and many killed. It is a relaxation from care. For a long
time they carried on a successful hunt, in which the ship's dogs took
a part.
_March 1st._--We might get a mail by the _Regina_, which arrives on the
5th. We have begun active preparations for a very long cruise. It will
be very sad if we go without waiting for the mails. In any case, the
fleet should wait for the _Regina_. It is impossible to move forward
without the provisions which are coming in her. We are evidently not
intended to wait for the third fleet. Why do they spend more money
for nothing by sending it? If our fleet loses the battle, can the
third fleet continue its voyage independently? Even if the battle is
indecisive in its results, it is impossible for it to go to the East.
A signal has been made for all ships to be ready to get up anchor in
twenty-four hours. The _Regina_ has not come yet.
The _Suvaroff_ was built in the Baltic shipyard. How often have I
looked at her! Sometimes, even, with ill will. Perhaps I had then a
presentiment that my fate would be closely bound up with hers.
I will send my letters by a boat going ashore. I do not know if I
shall be able to leave the ship myself. I feel much calmer when my
letters are posted. I have made a new reckoning of time. I made out
that we can be at Vladivostok in a month and a half after leaving
here, if there are no delays on the way. That means that, if nothing
happens, and the fleet leaves here soon, we shall see each other at the
beginning of May.
_March 2nd._--The _Regina_ is near. She has entered the harbour and
will soon anchor. Possibly we shall weigh anchor to-morrow and go
eastward. Do not be anxious that there will be no letters from me for
a long time. Under favourable conditions the voyage to the East Indian
Archipelago takes three weeks. The _Regina_ has brought part of the
post. The other part, for some reason, was left at Port Said.
A signal has been made for us to have steam ready by twelve noon, on
March 3rd.
I think we shall go from Nosi Be to Saigon. The voyage will be long and
wearisome, whatever the weather may be.
There is such hellish heat in my cabin that I am now sitting writing in
the after-cabin. People are scribbling in every corner. I can imagine
what it will be at the post-office to-morrow. We do not weigh anchor
before noon. Before then it will be necessary to post the letters from
all the ships of the fleet, and there are more than forty of them. I
have finished all my necessary work in the ships in time.
FOOTNOTES:
[9] In Russia a church has to be re-consecrated after a dog has entered
it.
[10] A liquor made of rye flour and malt.
[11] "They will give you a warm welcome." Vodky is a very strong
spirit, drunk everywhere in Russia.
[12] Smetana is sour cream.