199

195

By nine PM old R. was in his usual state annoying
every one with his noise, however he had
not forgot, the evening of last Sunday and did not
come into my cabin.

April 16th A beautiful morning, most of the
Officers on shore. Dr Martin attended to my Sick,
as I was unable to get up. Sent boat for Commdr
who as usual did not come off. A few liberty men
came off, most of them drunk. No appearance of
old Higgs. Turned in early.

April 17th Sent a boat at 8 for the Commdr, being
General Quarter day. Every thing in the gun room
very dirty and uncomfortable, with nothing to eat.
At 10 the Commdr came off with a party of friends
to breakfast, but we had no Quarters, as several men
were ashore the galley's crew waiting on the Admiral
and four in my Sick List. Lost a first rate opportunity
of gaining £40 for some vaccine Lymph of which
I had plenty, but as small pox was very prevalent
on shore, I made a present of some to a Medico, who
came off. Heard of the Indians having come down
as far as Rosario; and having rizen against Orkezas,
with every probability of their soon coming down to
Buenos Ayres. Made a signal to Harrier to go to
General Quarters, exercise small arm men, and man and
arm boats. Higgs came off, but in a very shaky
state. In the afternoon Mr Deal came on board,
bringing for old Ross, a very handsome revolver
won in a raffle, for which he at once called for any
quantity of beer, evidently with the intention of again
getting drunk, to the annoyance of every one. It was