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Sunday August 24th 1856 At anchor - off Flores
a cold cheerless morning. 9.30 Went to Divisions and
performed Divine Service on the lower deck, by the galley
fire- At 3 Commdr dined with us, and the evening being
very cold, we employed the Conjuror again for some mulled
wine.

August 25th A beautiful morning, the sun shining bright
altho' it was cold sufficiently so to see your breath. 7.30
lighted fires : 8.25 Steam up weighed, and steamed down
for our position on the English Bank, to go on with the Survey
Sydney's Schooner also weighed and made sail to get
closer in to the Light House. 9 saw Sydney land with a
theodolite. At 6 came to an anchor in 3 1/2 fthms off the
English Bank, distant about half a mile on which we
could see the sea breaking altho there was scarcely any wind
but there was a long ground swell to which we rolled
beautifully. Toward sunset the Schooner on shore to toward
of us. In the evening had a game at whist.

August 26th Sydney made a signal for a boat and
soon afterwards cam no board to make some calculations
on the Survey, remaining only a short time & again
making sail on his return to his craft. In the evening had
whist in the Gun room: feeling unwell I went to bed.

August 27th A very fine morning, tho cold - At 9.30 got a
target out at 600 yds, with shot and shell - At 11 we brought
it into range for grape and cannister: there was some very
excellent firing and a good round sum of dollars: enclt
have been expended in smoke. The finest day we have had
since leaving Flores, which was very favorable for the Survey.
In the evening had a game at whist in the Gun Room, and
after a few pipes went to bed. Schooner anchored close to us.