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cheers were given. At 6 the main brace was spliced
and after the procession, brandy and whiskey were given
to the several messes, and by 10 fighting began, and
several got a good hammering : after settling it as well
as could be, the Commander came down and made
a large bowl of punch, and every one sang a song till
some could sing no longer : however it all ended well
and I got to bed very much pleased before 12.

December 26th I was not at all surprised on going
on deck to find many with marked faces, one fellow
in particular had got a fearful pounding: but most
of my messmates could not appear at breakfast, and
there was a great demand for beer and Quinine - At the
usual hour we sat down to dinner, but very little was
eaten, and rum and water was at a maximum.
3 lighted fires and got steam up, with much difficulty,
most of the Stokers being very seedy, and many a black
eye was to be seen among the men and of our Officers
one got very drunk.

December 27th Woke in the morning very unwell
so much so that I was unable to see my Sick & kept
my bed all day.

Decr 28th Little better but after a shave and walk
felt my head easing, my tongue very foul & very thirsty.
At 9 went to General Quarters. Tacked as requisite to
a Southerly wind. Very dull on board.

Dec 29th In the middle watch the breeze & assured us and
we made all possible sail standing to the Sward; busy making
out and preparing to close, a very unpleasant job for me -
Ships Co. cleaning ship throughout. In the evening she lay
her course and, we shaped a course for Esprito Santo.