45

41

September 17th I made sail running below the wind at
7.30 saw the land. 8 passed a barque under Spanish Colors.-
two sail in sight. Made a lottery about the time of getting
our mail - 9 Exercised small arm men at musket drill. Got
my letters ready for England. At 11 saw the smoke of a steamer to
the Sward, [?] made her out to be the Packet. At 2 anchored off
the town of Bahia, dist about 3 miles - Commdr went for letters
returning at 4 bringing me letters from Mother, L-q, Eversfield,
and two on Service, one saying any Accounts had passed - In
the evening answered letters - Cholera very bad on shore, deaths
averaging 200 daily.

September 18th very hot with a light land breeze. 7.30 mail bags
were closed. At 8 Commdr took them on board the Steamer. At 1
PM the Tay passed us on her way to England; at 2 the
Commdr came on board, and at three we got our stock, and
sent our clothes to be washed. The Tank came alongside and
we commenced completing with water, but being late before
it was finished, we could not go to sea tonight - Several
of the Officers went ashore to bathe - In the evening had the
band up to play to a beautiful moonlight night - After 8 PM
had cards in the cabin: went to bed early.

September 19th Calm and showery sent some duck on shore
to have trowsers made. At noon Commdr went on board the
Brazilian Admiral's Ship, most of her men had deserted on account
of Cholera - Tank came alongside with water - Weighed and
made sail. In the evening came to in 17 fths with a Ridge.
9.30 Went to General Quarters, firing with broad side guns blank.
Cards in the Cabin, and turned in at two.

September 20th At 5.30 weighed and made Sail, standing in
towards the town of Bahia - Anchored at sunset - Spanish
brig went into harbor. 10 PM calm and moonlight