163

159

for more than two hours, but on writing up
My Journal a few hours afterwards, I found
I had forgotten a day, reckoning it was only
Saturday.

December 29th In the forenoon the Admiral
came on board to make arrangments for a howser
on deck for his own use, bringing with him the
Master and Carpenter. After remaining about
an hour and making any quantity of Chalk lines,
he had a short chat with me, and after enquiring
about the health of old Higgs, left.

December 30th. Very hot, prepared for going up to
St. Catherines. 9.30 a signal for the Commander:
sent a boat ashore for a Pilot. At 1 the Admiral,
Flag Lieutenant, Secretary, Captain Fellowes, R.M.
Staff Surgeon, Dr Woodcock, and two youngsters
came on board, after which we weighed and steamed
up to the town of St. Catherines, anchoring about 4
PM , after grinding through the mud for more
than an hour. With the exception of the Admiral
most of the the Officers went on shore, and as the Health
Officer coming on board, I was ordered by
the Admiral to speak to him in French and
give him a certificate that we were healthy.

December 31st. A fine fresh breeze, with
a little rain. Busy with my general
accounts, Reports of Survey &c. In the evening
there was considerable fun among the Officers
but as I heard a good deal of noise
on deck, it was better I thought to keep my cabin.