12

8

down the River for Monte Video : at 9 let the fires burn down,
and disconnected: tide and wind being against us came to an
anchor: weather very cold: it was four o'clock before the tide became
slack, when we weighed and made sail in company
with a Spanish Man of War Schooner : at 8 PM it was very
cold and I was glad to get between the blankets.

May 15th At 4 Came to an anchor on account of the tide:
At daylight saw the Schooner close to us: 7 a fresh breeze, making
it colder than ever: At 8.30 weighed and made all possible
plain sail on a wind but made very little progress: the Spanish
Schooner in company lent to leeward of us. At 2 anchored on account
of the tide: a large barque passed running up the river. At 4 exercised
at shifting fare topsail gard, did it twice but very indifferently
taking nearly half an hour each time. At 7.30 weighed and made sail

May 16th A most lovely morning, with a very light air from NE.
Schooner still in company: at 7 saw the Sight Ship distant about
8 miles, made all possible sail - 9 Exercised at General Quarters.
Tacked as requisite : in the afternoon the wind fell very light
and in the latter part of the evening we came to an anchor, having
made out the light on the Mount, very cold.

May 17th Another beautiful morning about two miles from the
anchorage but both tide and wind against us, the Schooner
having kept under weigh during the night got in - We were
all very anxious to get there the mail being due to day and as
she leaves tomorrow we might lose our letters. At 11.30 weighed
and made sail, set topmast Gt.g. stirsails. 1 PM calm - at 3 a light air
off the land, trimmed sails and stood in towards the Mount distant -
about 10 miles, but still as appearance at present of going in tonight.
At 9 tacked and stood off the land, and came to an anchor in
sight of the lights of the town, the wind falling light and the tide
against us very cold, glad to wear a monkey jacket & woollen socks.