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Sunday December 7th 56 Rio de Janeiro.
Very hot and unpleasant. At 10 Inspected lower
deck, read Articles of War, Mustered by Open List,
and performed Divine Service. At present a fleet
of 11 Pendants under the Red flag.

December 8th At 10 a signal made for the Commdr.
exercised at cutlass drill. Thermometer in my
cabin 91°

December 9th The mosquitoes during the night
frightfully annoying, and the old Second Master
singing out and swearing all middle watch, the effect I suppose
of Gin. In the forenoon a signal for all marines
to repair on board the Flag Ship, shortly afterwards
to man boats, when a grand display of pulling
and sailing took place. At night rain.

December 10th Our midshipman went on board Madagascar
to pass his examination for Mate, returning at noon
with a third class certificate, and at once stood
any quantity of Champagne. Several English
vessels came in when the sea breeze made. After
dark we had cards, knocking off at nine, and
after a pipe turned in.

December 11th Lots of rain without a breath
of sound, so close, I could hardly breathe. After
quarters exercised at musket drill. A signal
from the Flag Ship for Surgeons Court Martial
going on in the American Ship, Germantown. I
the evening there were some visitors from Flag

December 12th Raining all night old Higgs
hissing away in his cabin, till daylight in the
morning, when it cleared up and at 8.30 a