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ship, and commence with the gares - In the
evening fried a beef steak in the Engine Room and
after some hot brandy and water with a pipe we
turned in.

July 9th After breakfast went ashore to see some
sick, and afterwards walked up to town & witnessed
what was called a grand review: met the Minister -
and went with him to the top of his house where
we could see everything going on - About 1 PM the
President, Orkesas, came out of Church when a
Salute was fired by four brass howstsers, the Soliders
presenting arms; we then went down to the club, and
had some punch, and having smoked a pipe returned
to the Ship where there was no dinner - Received another
invitation from the Minister to a Ball but of course
declined.

July 10th Got up in a very bad temper, and after
breakfast went ashore to see my patients, and had
a quiet game at Billiards with Mr. Myers, returning
to a lousy cold dinner - At 8 Commdr and most of
the Officers went ashore to General Orkesa's Ball and
I went down to the Engine Room where we cooked
a beef steak, and after a pipe turned in.

July 11th At 5.30 the Officers returned from the
party, all highly pleased with the nights amusement.
At 9 went to General Quarters where I went ashore
and met Mr Dale our Consul on his way down to
proceed to Rosario, to bring back Mrs D. Went on
board at 12. Several of the Officers went ashore in
the afternoon , some to ride and others to shoot.
I got on board by sunset & soon turned in.