84

80

under false colors - In the evening a party of
Officers came on board from Flags, and we had supper,
played cards &c. and it was past midnight before we
got to bed.

February 20th Got up early but feeling far from
well, had half a dozen buckets of water thrown over
me, which did not do me much good
and I was compelled in consequence to have
a pint of half and half - A Plumber on board
repairing [?] houses. Signal from Flag to get
ready for sea, as a report was current that
[illegible scribbling obsuring sentence]

Several Slavers were trying to land
a cargo at different places. In the evening
the Officers went ashore to the Opera Harparal
of Marines to apprehend our French Cook who
had deserted.

February 27th At 8 a signal from the
Admiral to get Steam up altho' there was a
fine sea breeze blowing with the advantage
of an ebb tide. At 10 passed the Fort, and after
getting an offing, let the fires go out and made
sail - standing on the Starboard tack to Cape Frio.

February 28th In middle watch very nearly got
ashore through neglect of the Gunner: a little after
daylight saw Cape Frio, distant about 25 miles.
Weather very hot and unpleasant, no one in Sick
List - Excercised a party at Gun drill.

February 29th At 1.30 got Steam up, and steered
for Cape Frio - 6 abreast of the Cape, and at