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110

several brace of partridge, duck and pigeon. At sunset
a Steamer was seen coming up the River, but we were
disappointed by finding her to be a Brazilian Man of War
instead of the Uraquay with our Mail. In the evening
the Servants of Mr Christie went ashore, and two of our
Officers went up to the town, the night being as dark as
pitch - Played at Ecarte with the Secretary and beat him.
Turned in about 10.

June 24th Daylight Commdr went partridge shooting :
the weather being very cold, but beautifully fine - Employed
refitting ship, and landing Mr Christie's luggage. My
sick list on the decrease, and my own health improving.
During the forenoon Commdr returned with 5 1/2 brace
of birds. In the evening we had music and songs in
the stoke room.

June 25th Preparations for Mr Christie landing - At 1
the Minister came on deck in Uniform, when the guns were
loaded and the Jack hoisted at the masthead, and as
soon as he, the Secretary & Commdr had shoved off a Salute of
15 guns was fired : a Royal Salute was then fired from
the Battery which we had to return, and again fired
a third salute for the Argentine Flag - The party returned
to dinner and we passed the evening in the Engine Room.

June 26th At daylight a shooting party went away
but returned with very empty bags: several strangers came
on board to look at the Ship. Everything as dull as usual
in the gun room and very little to eat, in the evening
we had some music and singing combined with pipes
and hot grog, before a nice fire in the Engine Room. After
I had turned in for the night as I thought, the Assumption
came in, bringing our Mail.