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58

and the Consul came on board. At 4 the Admiral
gave a dinner on board to two of the Gun Room Officers,
during which time Ross went ashore -

November 28th Very hot, and my sick much increasing
in consequence of getting drunk on shore - Admiral remained
on board all day. Arrived the mail from England.

November 29th Held a survey on the Gig. At 1PM
went on board the Estravida, a Dundee Ship, and dined
in company with three other Scotch Captains : after desert
went on shore, formed a party and went out to Cashnagas
in a carriage, and some on horseback : got out about 7
and after playing at bowls, had tea, winding up with
Claret and cigars, and getting into town a little before midnight,
when we hailed for a boat and turned in.

November 30th Making preparations for going to Sea.
In the forenoon Admiral went ashore. At 2 I went ashore
to settle mess accounts, the Caterer being Commanding Officer.
Met several Scotch Captains with whom I had several
games at Billiards, and feeling tired went off early,
and it being very dark, when I went on deck, I reported
myself to the Admiral instead of the Commander.

December 1st 1855 - At 8 lit fires and prepared
for going to sea 8.30 Pilot came on board when we
commenced to unmoor ship, and made a signal
to the Express to be ready for towing out when it
was high water - 9 Consul came on board after
which we weighed and dropped down to Express,
and as soon as the towing hawsers were fast
towed her out to sea where we joined by the Flag
Ship, let the fires go out, and made sail. At 2 the
Admiral made a signal to heave to, and soon