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signal was made for boats to tow the Spry
out and on their return we went to Quarters, one
roll, under a burning sun. Several Officers came
on board to have a look at the Ship. Towards
evening it became very cloudy and by nine
was raining heavily.

December 13th A Signal for the Gun boats, and
by ten the Higflyer and all of them went out of
port diminishing out Fleet very evidently. On the
return of the Commdr from the Flag Ship he told us we
were not going to the River, but to remain here with the
Admirals Flag. Very wet.

Sunday December 14th At Rio. Dreadfully hot at 10
went to Divisions and performed Divine Service. Felt
unwell, not able to attend, and kept quiet all day.
In the evening we had a repetition of the rain and
lightning

December 15th A fearfully oppressive morning after
quarters went on board Madagascar, spent an hour
with Dr Bynoc on duty: on my return found our fat
headed youngster suffering from a coup de soleil. Signal
made for boats to tow Syren out. At 11 a signal
made for me to repair on board the Madagascar at 1.30
on reaching the Quarter deck, to my surprise, I found a
whole lot of Officers in cocked hat and side arms, while
I was in a frack coat, without even a sword. It was for a
Survey on Invalids, Captn Hope being President, and my
old friend Dr Woodcock: after the duty we had a few minutes
chat together, when I returned to my own Ship. At 3 the
Gun Boats were lighting fires, preparing for sea. At 6
the Forrester under Steam towed the Staunch out: the