78

74

Cholera, also had broken out the English on shore, and
some deaths had occurred. This was one of the hottest days
I ever felt in Rio.

February 1st Very sultry, went on board Madagascar
to see Mr & Mrs Bynse, foudn the former a little better,
but the latter very unwell - In the evening went ashore
and met several friends, got off at 10 and turned in.

February 2nd At 6 heard a Steamer reported, got up,
and was rejoiced to find she was the Packet - At 10 we
got our Mail, a letter from Ellen enclosing one from
Sissy and Mother, very unsatisfactory : made up my
mind if better accounts did not come by the next, that
I must invalid : altho' friends were on board all day,
being Carnival time, kept myself strictly to myself pondering
on what would be my best movement, being
very anxious about L, in spite of all assurances as to her
health. Commdr dined on board Flag Ship. In the evening
some of the Flags came on board, and we had a hard
match at Cribbage, and making it Saturday night with
sundray jugs of Sangarie, tuned in about 11.

Sunday February 3rd Rio de Janeiro Early in the
morning a memo came from the Admiral, ordering a
certain number of blue jackets, marines and stokers,
accompanied by an officer to go ashore to Church - 9.30 went
to Divisions and inspected ship - 10.30 Party went ashore
to Church, the Admiral going in his own whaler. Much
disappointed at not being able to get ashore in time to see
the Carnival Procession, on account of the Fever on board.
Old Ross in a row again about his conduct, and cut
by all of us in the mess - Several of the Officers went on
shore after dinner.