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went to an uncomfortable cold dinner; as usual, every
thing very uncomfortable on board, and old Higgs quite unfit
for carrying on the duty of Commanding Officer, merely from
the effects of carrying on too much in the brandy line - Commdr
spoke to me about invaliding him, poor unfortunate livid,
starvation staring him in the face on his arrival in
England. In the evening went on shore, where I had
to remain all night, fortunately there were some Scotchmen
and a raffle was got up for what was said to be a gold
watch: the winner threw 40, I, 39. It was two o'clock
on Sunday morning before we got to bed, after having made
it- Saturday night- several times on brandy & water.

Sunday, August 17th At Monte Video - Got onboard
by nine, but not feeling well, tried some
coffee but that would not remain down, however after
going to Divisions, and performing Divine Service, at which
I stood Clerk, followed by a glass of rum and water and a
pipe; I felt better and went ashore, had a long walk, a
game of billiards and turned in about midnight

August 18th As the morning was very cold, I remained
in bed till noon, when we had breakfast, a walk round
the City, and went off about sunset, with a stranger. I felt
very much inclined to go to bed, but I was obliged to join
the others in the Engine Room, where a comfortable fire was
burning, with any quantity of Cigars & brandy & water. Some
capital songs were sung, and we broke up at 9 when I was
very glad to turn in.

August 19th very cold, and miserable. At 8 the Pampero came
in from Buenos Ayres - 9.30 exercised at making and
shortning sail for 2-1/2 hours. Went ashore in the evening