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179

Flag Lieutenant went ashore for the night.

February 25th All Officers were on board
exept old Ross, who came off with the Pilot
at 8. Prepared for going down the River.
By 9 the Steam was up and we were on
the point of weighing, when General Lopez
and his Staff appeared and altho' the boats
were all up the Galley was lowered & sent
ashore for them, and a great display made
on their embarcation: they remained some
time in the Commander's Cabin, and on their
leaving were saluted with 9 guns, which was
speedily returned from the shore, after which
we weighed and went down the River. We
touched several times when going over the shallow
passes, but eventually we arrived safely at St
Antonio about 2.30 and commenced getting in
our coals and shot; which we had left behind to
lighten us on our way up. The weather being
very hot and the sun searching, with very hard
work, I recommended an extra issue of Spirits
to all except the Gun Room Officers, which was
approved of by the Admiral. As the Engineers asked
for theirs, two hours after getting up steam I put
a stopper on it. The men worked hard till 7 PM
getting the coals and shot on board. In the
evening it blew fresh, with thunder and lightning.

February 26th Commenced work at 4 am