146

142

at 11.30, when we weighed and made sail in
company with the Star for Rio, but going down
first to the English Bank, to ascertain if the report
was true about the buoy which we had laid down
from Sidneys Survey was carried away. In the
afternoon it came on to blow, and a signal was
made to let the fires go out, and proceed under sail.
Before sunset we were ordered to get steam up
again, and keep it up, for what reason God only
knows. At 7 stopped. In the evening we had cards in the
Gun Room, but old Higgs was in his bed laid
up with his old complaint Dyspepsia. Made sail
as requisite, and steamed when we were dropping
astern of Star. At 9 turned in.

October 30th At 6.30 took the Star in tow
and made all possible sail. What an old Humbug
Captn Boyle is, as he made a signal in the
afternoon to cast her off, get up screw, & make sail,
shortly after which it felt calm. After dark hoisted
position lights.

October 31st Fine weather, little wind, and rather
warm - 9.30 went as usual to General Quarters.
After Quarters in the evening exercised shifting
sails. Played a game at Ecarte & turned in.

Saturday November 1st 1856 At Sea.
In the middle watch it came on to blow, and Ross
who had not sense enough to have his port put down
got his cabin half filled with water - at 6 the
Star being about 7 miles ahead, we got steam
up in addition to the sail and gradually came up