180

176

Cool Thermometer only 104° in my cabin
so that I feel myself gradually melting away.
Strange tho' true, there was not a single mosquito
on board, altho' it was quite calm and we were
laying not more than 15 yards from shore. Dr
Martin came back with a few doves, which we
were glad to have made into a pie, for breakfast
next day. Officers went ashore again in the
evening.

February 17th Commenced steaming at
daylight and very soon got hard and fast
opposite a Spanish Fleet: got hawsers out and
Hedges, and worked till midnight, without
any effect, after landing most of our coals, and
several tons of shot. Many visitors from the shore.

February 18th At daylight commenced
again, and after some trouble got her over the
pass just as the Flag Suff was seen opposite
but of course we did not wait for [?] but
proceeded at full speed for assunsion, where we
anchored. The Commander went ashore to wait
on the Admiral, and on his return we saluted
their Flag with 21 guns, the Admirals and our
Consuls. Several visitors from the shore and
also from some Steamers at anchor.

February 19th At anchor off the City of
Ascunsion. About 10 the Flag Lieut came on
board. Before noon a Pampero came off