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almost impossible to write, or do anything
else. In the afternoon an order came off for the
Band to be sent to the Wasp, and in lieu
of them we are to receive some quantity of
Marines. Several men killed & wounded on shore.
In the evening played at whist and turned
in to bed after a quiet smoke.

March 27th At 7.30 Lieut Bushell came on
board, on his way to the Wasp, to bring Captn
Fellows and the Marines, and at eleven any
quantity of Red Jackets came off, but only
with a Sergeant in Command. Lots of firing
on shore in the evening. Great pleasure in not
being disturbed by the Bughlers, but very much
annoyed about our Mess Regulations, which are getting
worse every hour. In the evening we had whist
in the Gun Room, and after a pipe turned in.

March 28th At 10 Christian came off. No
news from the shore. Dr McEwan of the Wasp
came on board. Shortly afterwards an order
was sent from the Admiral for every thing
to be in readiness for the coming crisis, a boat
with an Officer, blue lights & rockets to remain
off the pier all night, so as to communicate with
our Admiral at the earliest opportunity. All the
Officers who were on shore including Dr Martin
who thought he might be wanted were all sent
off, and Lieut Bushell was made Commg Officer.

In the evening we had whist and after a pipe
turned in with the expectaton of being turned out every
five minutes.