160

156

Busy getting ready for Sea, in fact all in a state of
confusion. In the afternoon saw Mr & Mrs Eversfield
go on board Madagascar. All leave stopped on
account of going to sea. In the evening had a quiet
game at cribbage and after a pipe turned in.

December 20th At 4 hove short, and made sail. It soon
fell calm after we got - outside- Saw the Portuguese
Mail going in. No Saturday Night.

Sunday December 21st 1856. At Sea - 9.30 went
to Divisions. At 3
Commdr dined with us, but to a most sealy feed:
sailing in company with the Admiral. Raining
all day, and very little wind.

December 22nd Another wet morning, but a fair wind,
what there was of it; the Fag Ship about a Quarter of a mile
ahead it. St Sebastian dist about 40 miles, Held survey on
chain cables. At noon the breeze freshened a little and
we set Stinsails running to the Sward in Co
with Indefatigable. In the evening it came on to
rain.

December 23nd Shortly after daylight a signal was
made to get Steam up and prepare to receive Admiral.
Every of course now was hurry flurry, steerage chests
white washed and repainted, and about 7.30 a
boat came from Indefatigable bringing luggage enough
for a six months cruise. A lttle after eight the Admiral
with his Secretary and Flag Lieutenant came on board
when we proceeded at full steam for the town of Santos.
9 went to Quarters and played at Soldiers. At 11
came to an anchor off the town, where we anchored: soon