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144

away to the fore bits: in the morning it moderated
and we only went 9 knots, Star distant about a mile.
In the forenoon made sail. In the afternoon passed a
sail hove to. In the evening had a slice of corned
beef, glass of rum and water, a pipe and turned in.

November 6th At daylight distant about a mile
from the Star: wind falling light, made sail to a
fine warm breeze, cloudless sky, deep blue water
and went along smoothly at 8 knots. In the
evening there was a little rian.

November 7th 9.30 went to General Quarters: Commdr
suffering from Bilious headache. Star about 5 miles
ahead of us: in the forenoon the breeze freshened and we
gained upon her and before sunset were abreast of her.
Played at cribbage in the evening.

November 8th Light winds and the weather getting much
warmer. Cleaned and whitewashed lower decks & holds.
Star in company. Constantly annoyed by the beastly
Master's Assistant making out Charts of the English Bank,
occupying most of the table with his damned books.
Commmdr much better tho still rather shaky but able to attend
to his duties. Saturday night was made very early.

Sunday November 9th 1856 At Sea. At 8
am 115 miles from Rio running with a fair
wind in Company with the Star. At 9.30 inspected
Ship, mustered by open list and read the sentences
on several Courts Martial upon different Officers and
men - 11 breeze freshning, came up with Star and
had to shorten sail. At 3 Commdr dined with us:
8 PM blowing fresh, a signal made by Senior
Officer to close.