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exchanged between the Flag and the Brazilian authorities.
In the afternoon went on board a Liverpool Ship, where I
met an old Schoolfellow, the Commander, had supper, smoked
several cigars, and turned in about 12 (James Aitken).

December 12th. At 6 went ashore from my friends
ship, and after a glass of Pop went off. Saw my sick
and felt very inclined to go to sleep: but could not manage
it as I expected Dr Woodcock on board on duty. At eleven
he came, and made me promise to dine with him
on Friday and to bring Aitken with me. In the
evening had a lark with old Ross's hat cutting it
eight inches lower and putting a cockade quill &c
on it, and hanging it up the Gun room.

December 13th At 7.30 Ross came on board and
going to the Green Room for some Pop found his old
hat ornamented and suspended to one of the beams:
his first act was to get hold of it, and at once demolish
it telling me when I went into breakfast, he did not at all
like such proceedings, imagining I was the sole cause of
the arrangment. Most ridculously hot, and our Quarter
deck awning not fit for spreading, being in such a shaky
condition. Carpenters came on board from Flag Ship
to repair 2nd gig. French and Sardinian Consuls
waited on the Admiral, and were saluted on their
leaving - At 5 several of the Officers went for a sail
in the dingy, but mistaking the time of high water,
had to pull back against a strong ebb tide -

December 14th At 9.30 a general signal from the
Admiral to man and arm boats - Old Ross adrift,
on shore. Mosquitoes getting very troublesome and the
rats worse than ever - Sent an apology to Woodcock