Being carried up by the tide, and but little steerage way, had difficulty in clearing _Imperieuse_, and in swinging carried away _Desperate’s_ jibboom. Placed in quarantine. Signal from flag to “Moor.” When completed, signal to “Weigh immediately and proceed to Belem.” Before under weigh, another signal, “Despatch is necessary.” Wind failing and flood making, came to in centre of stream. [Sidenote: Lisbon, Dec. 19.] Daylight.--Weighed and dropped down to Belem. Fleet in river, consisting of _Prince Regent_, flag; _Duke of Wellington_, Commodore H. Martin; _Imperieuse_, _Arrogant_, _Tribune_, _Valorous_, _Desperate_, _Odin_, _Amphion_ and _Cruizer_. [Sidenote: Dec. 20.] Having got pratique, 2 P.M., weighed and made sail. Worked up. Fired two royal salutes, in company with the fleet, on the young King of Portugal visiting and leaving. 4.30--Came to, as per signal, in 26 fathoms, Packet Stairs, N.E. by E. Measles in the ship; sent cases to hospital. [Sidenote: Dec. 24.] Light and contrary winds with falling tides. Signal made for particular ships to weigh. 10.40 A.M.--Weighed to allow _Duke of Wellington_ to pass clear. At 11, having water-tank alongside, came to in 22 fathoms. Fleet under way, working down. Breeze freshening, found ship dragging anchor. Stood as close as we could, with safety, in-shore to get out of the way. _Desperate_ missing stays, and having got stem way fell thwart our hawse, carrying away mainmast and portion of her bulwarks, we losing jib and flying jibboom, and bowsprit cap starting. After this and other mishaps, fleet came to an anchor. Chief more at home in Cowes Roads. [Sidenote: Off Lisbon, Dec. 28.] 11.30.--Weighed. Noon.--Made sail, running down the Tagus for a month’s cruising for the purpose of exercising newly raised men. Cruising ground between Cape Roca and Madeira. Wind blowing fresh from the N.E., made for the islands. [Sidenote: Dec. 31.] 1 P.M.--Came to in 40 fathoms, Funchal Roads. Saluted the Portuguese flag. CHAPTER LI _ST. JEAN D’ ACRE_--CRUISING [Sidenote: 1854. Madeira, Jan. 2.] Many friends on shore, besides residents; among them Frederick Grey, with his charming but invalid wife. My intention was, weather permitting, to anchor in the Roads on Saturdays, remain Sundays, and proceed on a cruise Monday mornings. Among sailing and yachting friends was Sir Charles Lyall, requiring change of air. Frederick Grey had brought his wife, but she was delicate, and preferred the shore; in such an open anchorage the swell is uncertain. Regular exercise improved health and strength of crew. We sometimes anchored among the Deserter Islands. On Saturdays, if smooth, the poor invalid ladies, mostly young and consumptive, used to come on board in charge of their doctors. Music was always at hand, and very willing partners.