13

9

After smoking several cigars turned in.

May 18th At 6 lighted fires and got steam up, weighed & steamed
into the Harbor of Monte Video passed the American Frigate Havannah
found in port all the Brazilian Squadron, two French Men of war,
and the Spanish Schooner. At 8 came to an anchor in the middle of
the Fleet: at 9 a French Officer called on board. Commander went
on shore. 9.30 Purser went on shore to get necessary money, [beef?] &c
Much disappointed in finding the English Mail had not arrived.
In the afternoon went on board the Star who came in about 2 PM
and went on shore in the evening with her Surgeon and other Officers
to the Club, where we had billiards, cigars &c. At 9 went down to the boat
but the Commander not being there had to wait, till our patience was
completely tired out, when we again went to the Club, & eventually
got on board about 12.30 -

May 19th 55. At daylight saw the English Packet coming in,
turned out as soon as I heard it reported and by 8 I had letters
from L, Mother, Bill, Eversfield and Sir Wm Burnett : reading letters
and papers all afternoon : increase of pay 1/per diem - At 11 went on
board Star, heard that we were to sail for Rio de Janeiro on the 25th
Sailed two Brazilian Men of War Steamers - Gunner on shore entering
men for service. In the afternoon Commander and Purser went
ashore to billiards. At 5 Camilla sailed for Buenos Ayres. P Morgan
and Akaster came on board, had a quiet game at Cribbage, pipe, and
having made Saturday night before they left, turned in.

Sunday May 20th 1855. Very cold with a fresh breeze blowing. At 9.30
went to Divisions and performed Divine Service : Arrived the Menai from
Buenos Aires and two Brazilian Men of War. At noon Commdr called
on board the French Senior Officer. An invitation for all of us to go
to the Opera, declined, all the rest going - Answered L's letter preparatory
to leaving for Rio, as the English Mail would have left previous
to our arrival there, resolving to have my letter with the Star. In the