198

194

April 13th. Ross of course very shaky, requesting I
should not say anything about what happened on
the previous evening. Arrived a Sardinian Steamer
from Rio. 9.30 sent galley for Commdr, who came
off shortly afterwards, stopping Ross' leave for a
month and giving him a severe reprimand. One
of our Marines got leave to go on shore to get
married. In the evening there was whist in the
gun room and after Ross had got well primed
again, there was a most horrid noise made by singing
and hammering on the table, with any quantities of
Pewters of beer, so that sleeping was quite out of the
question till long after midnight.

April 14th Beautiful weather. Harrier shifted
her position. Sent boat for Commdr, who of course
did not come off. Employed getting Provisions
from the shore. Old Ross very drunk again and by
9 PM was incapable of getting to bed, and after
a good deal of trouble, he was put into his cabin
boots and all on.

April 15th In the morning felt unwell and had
to ask Dr Martin to see my few sick. Sent
Cutter for liberty men, many of whom came off
very drunk, and there was some little milling
but of course they could not hurt each other seriously.
It was past eleven before I was able to get up, and
even then I could hardly hold my head up. We were
at dinner at 2 PM when a young man fell over
board, and never came up again, two men jumped
overboard after him, but he was never seen: we crept
for the body for some time, but could not get it.