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March 23rd Every appearance of rain: exercised at
great guns and small arms, preparatory to the
grand display of Sunday next. All the Supernumaries
fortunately on shore on leave which gave
us a little quiet. In the evening had a quiet game at
Whist in the Engineers Berth.

March 24th Great preparations going on ashore for
Sunday next: 1000 Revolvers ordered by what
they call the Red Party or Orkesas & Rosas (the Cut throat)
Several of our Officers on leave but in the evening we
had a quiet game at whist and after a pipe turned
in early.

March 25th Woke as usual at Gun fire, & shortly
afterwards heard the Quarter Master report a Steamer
coming in which proved to be the Mail, and we
immediately sent a boat for dispataches which
returned bringing several boxes &c for different
Officers; the Bag however went to the Admiral
and we were of course kept some time without
letters. However after a little delay & anxiety we
at last got the bag, I, one from L - M Chard
and a Derbyshire Paper. No news from the shore
with the exception of a few more fellows being
scuppered.

March 20th a very dull dark morning, so
that altho' I heard Gun fire, I had a good nap
afterwards not turning out till after seven
bells so that by the time I was dressed, it was
one bell when I always see the sick and
went without any breakfast. As usual the
blasted band commenced practice, making it