159

155

Cruizer then went to sea, with the remaining one, making
the Fleet appear very small, the Flag Ship, Maddy, and ourselves
being the only ships left. In the evening it came on
to rain.

December 16th At 8 the English Mail Steamer stopped on
board abreast of the the Flag Ship, and after receiving the Mail, went
out of Port, the Admirals Band playing "a life on the Ocean
wave". Commander went to the Flag Ship, on his return
we learnt that we were going to Santos, and Monte
Video in company with the Admiral, after which he was
to hoist his Flag in us, and go up the River Plate as far
as Assumpsion. A large fleet of Merchant Ships came
in. At Sunset the Admiral's guests began to assemble
on board the Flag Ship and by 8 it was pouring with
rain: Christian returned very early, but the rain was
incessant, and the ladies were compelled to remain
on board all night.

December 17th A wet morning and nothing doing:
all hands suffering from slight colds, and one case
of Fever. About noon it cleared up, and the sun came
out scorching hot, it was hardly possible to remain on
deck. Towards evening again it had the same threatning
appearance and by 8 was raining again like fun.

December 18th It rained incessantly all night. Tank
came off and we completed with water. Carpenters still
employed repairing dingy. An order made to unmoor
next day, preparatory to going to sea. Commdr
went on board Flag Ship. Guns firing for some vessel
on shore. Played at cards in the evening.

December 19th Still raining and very unpleasant.