167

163

came off and told us we must again shift our position,
as we were in the way of Packets arriving, so
after dinner we got hawsers out, and veered more
astern, with some trouble and a little growling.
Several boats beating out tried very hard to
weather us, but without effect. In the evening most
of our Officers went ashore, but Kinnear and
myself made it Saturday night & turned in.

Sunday, January 11th 1857. Monté Video.
At 10 am went to Divisions and inspected
ship. At 11 there was every appearance of a
Pampero. Commander went ashore to Church.
Our Mess getting worse and worse - more into
debt, and nothing to eat, but as usual the Same
lot of discontent About 5 PM a fire broke out
on shore, and there was great fun in seeing the
different boats sent ashore, English, French, Spanish
and Brazilian: the Troops were also turned
out, and the different Church Bells, kicking
up the devil's own bobbery, and just as they
(blue jackets and red coats) arrived at the site
of the fire, it was all out, so they had merely
to come back again, quite a Man of War's cruize.
Dr Aitchinson from the Syren came on board
but soon left when the fire bell was heard.
In the evening all Officers went ashore, except
Booth & myself. Turned in very early

January 12th. Commenced transoming coals
in the bunkers preparatory for coaling - Got furnace