86

82

Coals, and be ready for sea : one to the Express to the same
effect. In the afternoon sent a Party of men to assist an
English Brig, in distress outside: anxiously looking for the
Mail from England - At 7 a Blue light was burnt from
one of the Forts and we at first thought it was the mail, but
it was soon followed by a Gun, responded to by another and
then by the Brazilian Frigate : immediately a signal was
made by the Admiral to man boats, and go to the Brigs assistance,
and in less than ten minutes, not less than 30 boats were
pulling down the Harbor, our cutter was one of the last to
leave her, in safety, and brought back the Captains wife and
daughter, and took them on board the Madagascar.

March 6th Coal barge, and water tank came alongside
and we soon cleared them - still no Packet, However in the
afternoon She came in, and we soon got our letters, one from
L and M, but as I had an invitation to go on board Expresss, I
was obliged to go and make an apology, being anxious to
read my letters.

March 7th At 9.30 went on board Madagascar with a
Marine (a patient) to consult Dr Bynoe as to my treatment
with which he coincided : likely to be a very troublesome if
not fatal case. Received another invitation form Captain of
Ocean Monarch to dine with him, but declined.

March 8th Being Saturday we were employed cleaning all
the Holds & holystoning decks & Most of the Officers went ashore
to the Opera in the evening - Made it Saturday night, after a game
of Cribbage and turned in.

Sunday March 9th In Rio de Janeiro - At 9.30 went to
Divisions, inspected lower decks, and performed Divine Service