THROUGH THE STRAITS OF MALACCA
_March 23rd_ (morning).--Yesterday the following message was received
from the captain of the _Terek_: "The crew will not disperse after
prayers, and demand that the first lieutenant should be changed. The
latter requests to be taken off the ship's books. I consider the
crew in the wrong." What? A mutiny? The last sentence is specially
characteristic.
The fleet has increased speed. We are entering the straits of Malacca,
and have said good-bye to the Indian Ocean. Two oceans successfully
passed! What will the third bring us? The island of Pulo Way is close,
but not yet visible.
During the day the shores of a small island were to be seen on the
horizon, lying off the island of Sumatra. This is the first land which
we have seen since leaving Nosi Be. For twenty days we have seen no
land at all.
It is difficult to remain in one's cabin, owing to the heat. No other
place is convenient for writing.
The ship is in darkness everywhere. This has been done purposely, in
order that when the men have to rush hurriedly on deck they will be
accustomed to the darkness. The battleship _Orel_ delayed the speed of
the fleet for two hours. One of her principal steam-pipes burst, and
she could not steam. Now it is repaired. We are at present in a wide
part of the straits. God forbid that a similar thing should happen in
the narrows, or during the battle.
Since seven o'clock till the present moment I have been on the bridge,
hesitating to go below. Nevertheless, I am satisfied--satisfied because
we are moving towards the finale.
_March 24th._--Yesterday we lost four hours of the twenty-four. This is
bad. In order to pass through the dangerous parts by day we shall have
to remain in the straits an extra day. The sooner we pass the straits
of Malacca and Singapore the better.
I am surprised at myself. I am in no way disturbed. Knowing that at any
moment any night we may be attacked, I continue to sleep peacefully. I
go to bed undressed. I go to sleep quickly, and think little about the
danger. My servant is dissatisfied. He bothers me to hide my things.
He has not found a convenient place for them, and it troubles him.
Though I know of a good place, I am silent. He is probably beginning a
removal. I shall have to sort out my clothes, and I do not want to.
It is raining and gloomy.
This morning there were two water-spouts, but I did not see them,
although I got up at seven.
The torpedo-boat _Biedovy_ reported that in the morning a sailor was
found lying motionless on deck. It was concluded that he was dead. They
asked permission to bury him at once. The staff delayed the answer.
Suddenly it was discovered that he was alive. A nice thing if they had
thrown him alive into the sea!
One of the officers in the _Suvaroff_ was playing with the dog
yesterday. The dog grew very tired, and suddenly began to bark
furiously, rushed on deck, and bit the other dogs. They poured water
over it, but to no purpose. It jumped into the stern gallery, and then
overboard, and was drowned. The two dogs which were bitten were tied
up, as they may possibly go mad.
We have been some time in the straits of Malacca, but up to the
present have not met a single steamer. At night sometimes lights are
visible, and once by day smoke was seen on the horizon. It was hardly
perceptible. Before the storm there is calm. It may be so now. A
signal has been made that at night officers are not to sleep away from
the guns they command. The crew have been sleeping at their guns for
some time past. Every precaution is taken against a night attack of
torpedo-boats.
We have begun to meet several steamers. They very wisely get out of
their way in good time.
A heavy squall has just gone by. Until then the sea was as calm as a
mirror.
The officers are distributing pots with powders for extinguishing
fires, and bags containing bandages. I do not believe in
fire-extinguishing powders.
The sailor about whose death there was a misunderstanding has been
buried. Some one in the torpedo-boat read the appointed prayers, our
priest with his cross blessed the deceased from afar, and the body was
launched into the sea. How simple!
After dinner I spent three hours on the bridge with the captain. I had
tea there. I asked him about Vladivostok and the life there, etc.
At noon to-day there were 2,100 more versts to Kamranh, which we can do
in about seven days if there is no fight or other hindrance.
_March 25th_ (day).--We met steamers all night, but they went aside out
of our course.
The Hull incident has had its advantages. Last night we met several
steamers. The searchlights were turned on them.
Admiral Enquist states that he, the captain, officers, and crew clearly
saw a steamer, behind which twelve torpedo-boats were following. This
can hardly be true. The Japanese are not so foolish as to show their
torpedo-boats by day to an enemy's fleet. The _Isumrud_ reported that
she saw a steamer followed by porpoises. She hesitates to say that they
are submarines, but thinks they are.
We shall soon be in a very narrow part, where the fairway is far from
wide. We are obliged to go by this fairway, as it is not possible to
avoid it. Something horrible may happen in it. There may be submarine
boats, or ground-mines, which they may place shortly before we pass, in
order that other ships should not strike them. Mines can be put down
so that at a given time they will sink themselves. The steamer that is
shadowing us might easily do this. She is behaving suspiciously--now
going fast, now stopping, now altering course. What is to prevent her
from going on ahead, and laying down ground-mines in her wake? Even if
our ships successfully evade the mines, they will in a certain period
of time sink, and the straits will again be safe for neutral ships. It
can all be done so simply and conveniently. Will the Japanese really
allow such an opportunity to pass of damaging our fleet?
To-day there was mass. I did not go to church, but lay down. I wanted
to go to sleep.
Another night, and the straits of Malacca will be behind us. The night
is dark. At 4 a.m. we shall again be in a narrow fairway. We shall pass
Singapore by day, and at six we shall enter the South China Sea. We
shall pass the Natuna Islands, where the presence of the Japanese is
suspected.
Do they intend to attack us in the straits of Malacca? By to-morrow
evening this will be cleared up. Will they concentrate all their
attention and their strength on the strait of Sunda, or east of
it? Perhaps they do not want to undertake anything till the fleet
enters the China Sea. The Japanese are enterprising. Why do they miss
opportunities that are so favourable for them?
To-day we saw a long, narrow, even strip of land which was the Malay
Peninsula. It is here that I again see the Asiatic Continent.
Some strange birds were flying round the ships. They were not gulls,
nor albatrosses, or any other sea-bird.
_March 26th_ (night).--At eleven o'clock we passed the town of Malacca.
The lights of the town were distinctly visible. Of course, the lights
of our ships are clearly seen in the town. When we were passing it a
schooner appeared on the horizon, coming towards us. The searchlights
were turned on to her. A torpedo-boat approached her, and conducted her
past the fleet. It was a pretty sight. Her white hull and sails showed
out clearly in the darkness. She passed close to the right column of
battleships.
None of the officers has gone to bed to-night. I am thinking of going
now. It might happen that we shall reach Vladivostok without meeting
Japanese ships. It would be a great surprise for us all. The sea is
wide, and there are many ways to that port. It is possible that our
extreme course will be so successfully chosen that the Japanese will
leave it unwatched.
Since the battle of Mukden we have had no news of what is going on at
the theatre of war. As a matter of fact, we only had agency telegrams
about the Mukden fight. Many people doubt their authenticity. I believe
them. Up to the present all that the French agency telegrams have
informed us of has proved true.
In a few hours we shall be in the China Sea.
The officers are enumerating various reasons why the Japanese did
nothing while we were in the straits of Malacca. Perhaps they have
prepared for a meeting in the Rio Strait, which we shall soon pass.
Perhaps the English insisted on their not causing trouble by laying
mines in the straits of Malacca, where there are considerable movements
of merchant ships. Perhaps the Japanese fleet is waiting for us at the
Natuna Archipelago. Fighting a battle there would be more advantageous
for us, because our ships could manoeuvre.
We shall see if anything happens to-night. Some people suppose that
peace may have concluded. If that is the case, it is a very disgraceful
peace. Russia can scarcely entertain it.
I did not leave my cabin until six o'clock to-day. Going on deck, I
learnt the news that the Russian consul from Singapore approached the
fleet in a tug, and told us that three weeks ago the Japanese fleet at
its full strength came to Singapore, accompanied by twelve transports,
floating workshops, hospitals, and torpedo-boats. From Singapore they
went to Borneo.
Near Borneo is the small island of Labuan. The Japanese bought land
from a Russian Jew, in this island, and made themselves at home
there. They connected Labuan with Singapore by a telegraph-cable. By
this means they could have received news of our movements yesterday.
Their fleet at Labuan consists of twenty-two warships, not counting
transports, hospital-ships, workshops, and torpedo-boats.
To-night a torpedo attack, and to-morrow a battle, are almost
inevitable. I must put on clean clothes, and lay in a stock of wool so
as not to be deafened by the firing.
I received an extract from the log. Such nonsense is written in it that
I shall have to alter it.
It is past ten o'clock, and up to now all is quiet. The Japanese
consider the 27th their lucky number. Perhaps they have postponed the
battle to that date.
According to the consul the passage of our fleet through the straits of
Malacca was a complete surprise to every one, including the Japanese.
That accounts for our not having met with any resistance. The eyes of
all were fixed in another direction.
Another ship has just met and passed the fleet. We turned searchlights
on her and let her pass. At noon to-day we were about 1,500 versts from
Kamranh. If there are no delays we can get there on March 30th.
Probably in this evening's telegrams is the news that our fleet has
passed Singapore. We heard that Vladivostok and Harbin are still in our
hands. Shall I go to bed, and if so shall I sleep? What if there is an
attack? I have begun to look with equanimity on possible attacks and
fights.
I do not think I shall lose my presence of mind during a battle, but
shall remain calm. Soon I may put myself to the test.
Again the attention of the whole world is concentrated on the fleet.
How much the war depends on its success or defeat! The hope of victory
is small, but if it comes, everything will be changed at once. The
faces of a good many lengthened a little when the proximity of the
Japanese fleet was known. A conflict with it is unavoidable.
_March 27th._--The night passed quietly. The fleet has stopped since
this morning. Torpedo-boats are coaling. They had very little left, and
it would not last to Kamranh. What of the Japanese? Do they not know
the place where we are to be found, and are they looking for us at
sea? It is hardly likely.
Our course is clear--to the north from Singapore to Vladivostok.
Perhaps they have gone ahead and are waiting somewhere. This is
possible.
The question is being asked why the fleet does not go straight to
Vladivostok, not calling at Kamranh. It would be easy to do this if the
ships were filled up with coal for so great a distance. Coaling at sea
when an attack is expected every minute is unwise and dangerous.
The torpedo-boats have filled up with coal and the fleet is proceeding.
To-day there was mass. I stood thinking that perhaps this was the last
service in the _Suvaroff_. Perhaps the next will be a requiem for the
killed. We must expect and be prepared for everything.
7 p.m.--We have passed the island of Anamba. The admiral opines
that we shall meet the Japanese fleet to-morrow. The sea is calm.
There is a swell. The small ships roll. It is interesting to know
what impression the news, that the fleet has passed Singapore, will
produce in Petersburg. Where is the third fleet now? Will it join us
at Vladivostok? Shall we await it at Kamranh? If we safely arrive at
that bay, then the Japanese will have to look after the Vladivostok
cruisers, our ships, and the third fleet. They will have to divide
their forces, and that would be an advantage for us. Can they not have
left ships to watch Vladivostok? Is there ice there still? They say it
usually breaks up at the beginning of April.
During the coming fight the _Oleg_ and _Aurora_ have been ordered to
support the battleships that are sustaining the fight. Some of the
cruisers will remain to defend the transports, which ought to try and
reach Kamranh.
At noon to-day we were rather more than 1,000 versts from it, and
relatively closer to our final goal. Can it be that at the very last
we shall be unsuccessful? All our troubles and deprivations will have
been in vain. There are too many chances on the side of Japan. It
is a good thing that we passed through the straits of Malacca. The
Japanese evidently did not count on our taking such a risky step. The
papers, continually writing about the strait of Sunda and our colliers
which were assembled there, turned their attention from the straits of
Malacca. The consul, however, stated that five submarines were waiting
for us the way we came. If that was the case, why did they not attack?
_March 28th._--All is quiet at present. Where are the Japanese? Why
have they not attacked us? Perhaps they thought they might disable some
of our ships with torpedos in the strait of Sunda. The large ships
would then attack our weakened fleet to decisively destroy it. The
whole scheme was upset as we did not go that way. Perhaps they are now
cruising somewhere near Saigon awaiting us. Our idea is to go in to
Kamranh, and wait there for the third fleet and those ships which leave
Russia in the spring with the _Slava_ at their head.
We shall lie at Kamranh an endless number of days in inactivity, as we
did at Nosi Be. We have already been twenty-six days at sea. Provisions
are running short. We have taken to salt meat. At the admiral's table
there is neither vodky, meat, nor coffee.
Following the general fashion, I intended to hide my things. I looked
at my winter forage-cap and there it ended. I am lazy.
Our fleet has made an unusual voyage. If it succeeded in reaching
Vladivostok without calling at Kamranh, the whole world would be amazed
at the immensity and daring of the voyage.
10 p.m.--We have begun to receive telegraphic signs. Possibly the
Japanese cruisers are communicating with each other, seeking us.
Perhaps we shall not go to Kamranh after all. Colliers are due to
arrive there on April 1st. We shall then receive our mails. This letter
must be closed in good time. By my reckoning you will receive it at the
end of April. By that time my fate and the fate of the fleet will be
made clear.
_March 29th._--_South China Sea._
I sent a letter and telegram to you by the hospital-ship _Orel_, which
is going to Saigon. She will be near there by dawn, if the Japanese
have not attacked by that time. Then she will be obliged to take their
sick and wounded, and receive orders from them. They will not sink her,
as she is a Red Cross hospital. The _Suvaroff_ alone managed to send
letters. The other ships did not even know that she was going to Saigon
to-day. An invalid officer was sent on board the _Orel_. He could not
walk on board, but was hoisted up by a derrick in a special chair. A
little coffee was obtained from the _Orel_ for the admiral's table.
I overslept myself to-day, and only arose at nine o'clock.
It is a time of alarms. We constantly meet various steamers,
principally under the English flag. The _Oleg_ continually approaches
to question them. This morning we met two English cruisers. One of them
saluted, and the _Suvaroff_ answered.
This was early. I woke up, hearing the firing. "Now," I thought, "they
have begun." I looked out of my port and went to sleep again. When
our signalmen first saw the English cruisers, they decided it was the
_Diana_ coming to join us. One of them was rather like her. Perhaps
the English cruisers help the Japanese to look after our fleet. We saw
seven clouds of smoke, but they quickly disappeared behind the horizon.
They were evidently seven ships. A steamer flying the English flag
met a detachment of our cruisers scouting, and signalled, "Have seen
Japanese torpedo-boats. Beware, and look out for attacks to-night."
I am pleased that I was able to send you a letter and telegram. I do
not count on receiving an answer to the latter.
The _Orel_ will not stay long at Saigon. Probably you will receive my
last letter in April, or in the beginning of May, when we shall be at
Vladivostok, or----!
_March 30th._--General coaling has been going on from early this
morning. If we had continued our voyage we should have been at Kamranh
about two o'clock. Now we cannot get there before to-morrow.
There is no communication between the ships. There is a great scandal
in the _Alexander III._ She indicated that she had about 900 tons of
coal, but in reality it proved to be only 350.
Gradually everything is coming to an end. Cigarettes and matches are
scarce. I obtained a piece of soap to-day, and there is only one left.
When the coaling finished, the fleet proceeded. I did not leave the
_Suvaroff_. Several times in the course of the day merchant vessels
passed the fleet. I make out that we shall reach Kamranh by dawn
to-morrow. We shall anchor there later.
The depth of the fairway will be sounded and searched. Although the
soundings of this bay are shown on the chart, they do not trust them
entirely. The search will be for fear that the Japanese have laid
down mines. It will not be an unnecessary precaution. The bay has two
entrances. At one of these a temporary boom will be made in order that
the Japanese may not creep up to our ships that way.
10 p.m.--A sailor was buried at sea to-day. It is an extraordinary
thing that it again happened in the _Oslyabya_. They have a great many
deaths in that ship.
The charts with the soundings of Kamranh proved very inaccurate. One
officer informed the staff that he had grounded there in some ship. The
depth of the spot was shown in the chart as great, whereas in fact it
was slight.
While they are sounding and searching to-morrow all the ships will
coal, in order not to waste time.
Birds are flying round the ships. A heron and a dove fell from
weariness near the _Suvaroff_. The heron was drowned, but the dove was
rescued by a cutter loaded with coal.
The moon is now shining. In half an hour it will have set and darkness
will come on. If the Japanese do not take advantage of it for a night
attack, we shall be near Kamranh by morning. I am pleased. As a matter
of fact, I was thrown out of my groove the moment the war began. At
first there was heavy night work, I was seldom at home; then I was
transferred to Cronstadt, then Revel, and Libau, and then abroad. I
have had fourteen months of this unnatural and vagrant life.