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January 15th Before breakfast seven
Carpenters came on board from the Flag
Ship and commenced putting up the
Admiral's Deck House. Admiral came on
board to have a look at his new arrangment on
deck. In the evening Mr Barker (a clerk) came
on board, but not feeling well I was obliged
to go early to bed. Several deserters on shore,
some of them good men.

January 16th An appearance of a Pampero
but it ended merely in a blow with a small
dash of rain. Employed scraping ships sides
preparatory to painting. The flies most
insufferable, both by day and night, preventing
any one to have any rest. Dr Woodcock called to
say I was on a Survey on board the Harrier.
The Brazilian Steamer Constitution came in
and we could make out Mr Freeman on
board (Mr Christie's Secretary).

January 14th At 10 went on board the
Harrier on the Survey, meeting some old
friends who I had not seen for years.
The Admirals House on deck getting on
capitally. Dr Aitchinson of the Syren came
on board. Most of the Officers went on shore in
the afternoon for a ride in the country. Orders
came off for being ready for sea on Monday next
but to all appearance, there was not the remotest
chance of doing so. We had a very quiet evening
made it Saturday night & turned in.