64

60

December 6th Signal made to close the Admiral who
was about two miles ahead of us - Kept very quiet till
after quarters in the evening when we exercised reefing

December 7th A strong breeze made and shortened sail
when ordered. At 9 a signal from Admiral to go to General
Quarters, at 10 an invitation to Christian to dine with him,
and directly afterwards to commence firing blank, and he kept
the three ships at it, blazing away for three quarters of an hour -
11.30 made sail and bore up. At 4 Commander went on board
Flag Ship to dinner with the Admiral, returning at 6 when we
were exercising again at reefing topsails wearing ship &c

December 8th At 9 there was a Court of Enquiry on board
the Express. I believe on Mrs Inglefield, Mate, Captns HOpe
and Luard, with Commdr Boyce composing the Court -
At 11 bore up and steered North; Eight on my Sick List.
In the afternoon the Brig parted company standing away
to the Nward. At 4 saw the land and tacked stretching
out to sea on this Port tack. No Saturday night.

Sunday December 9th At sea. Standing in toward
Bahia under easy sail with a very light air of wind.
At 10 Went to Divisions and performed Divine Service.
3 Commander dined in the Gun Room. At 7 saw the
light off the town of Bahia.

December 10th About 9 miles from the Light house.
Very very hot with a light land breeze tacks in a co with
the Flag Ship as requisite.

December 11th At 9 shaped a course for Bahia and
set Stinsails and about 4 came to an anchor in 8 fths
after the Flag Ship had anchored: the usual salutes were