67

63

but for what reason no one could tell - Captain
Suard away in the galley, in command of the
boats of the squadron. The Mail hourly expected;
At noon the boats left with the Marines - At
6.30 the Mail passed -

December 19th - All hands busy finishing letters,
mine done very soon on account of a signal from the
Flag Ship. At noon several of the Officers went on shore:
sent letters to L, Al, and Mary Machell.
In the evening had a small party in the gun rooms

December 20th A signal to prepare for sea, lots of
dunns coming off, for bills - At 2 a signal to
weigh, and we managed it in an half hour before
the Flag. At 5 PM a signal to part company,
when we squared yards, set stinsails, and steered
for Mauro St Paulo. 6 shortned sail, and at
8.30 came to anchor close to the Light house: finding
there a small Brazilian Schooner of war.

December 21st In the afternoon Commdr and other
Officers went ashore, coming off to dinner at 4 when some
other fellows went - Made out a Warrant for flogging
Wallis AB for desertion -

Saturday Decr 22nd At 4.30 turned the hands
up, and on mustering found that Wallis had
again run: 5 shortned in cable and prepared for
sea; 6 weighed and made sail: cleaned ship
throughout on making enquiry about Wallis, we
were all of opinion that he must have attempted to
swim ashore and in all probability was drowned
as we were laying at a considerable distance from the
shore: however we were saved the unpleasant