119

115

down & went on board.

July 16th Was a wet morning, but in the forenoon
I made my visits. At 5, I dressed and started for the
Ministers on horseback. At 6 we sat down to dinner-
the Brazilian Minister being the only other guest.
We were joined in the evening by some Spanish
Noblemen, and the party broke up about nine: the
night was moonlit but a drizzling rain was falling
which had made the roads almost impassable for
slippery sand. At 11 I started for my ship on foot
fearing the horse might slip, and after a most uncomfortable
walk and lots of swearing, losing one shoe,
and other trifling accidents got safely on board by midnight-
The party was very pleasant, but the walk took
away the effect.

July 17th I again went ashore and saw my sick
and after dinner again went to play at billiards
at which I won. Promised Mr. Ferguson a Photographer
to sit with the other Officers for our likeness - came
on board at 9 and turned in.

July 18th A Schooner arrived from Carrientes with
Oranges. Washing here was 5/ a dozen and our
clothes hammered to pieces. Went ashore after dinner,
and had a game at billiards, returning by sunset.
After a pipe & glass of grog turned in.

July 19th A cloudy disagreable morning, and all
on board employed cleaning ship throughout.
Caught any quantity of small fish with a crooked pin
and strong linen thread: when cooked they were exactly
like sprats. Had a stroll in the afternoon, came on
board in the evening, made it Saturday night & to bed.