This night a fine young A.B., George Robinson, in a fit of delirium got out of his hammock and jumped through a main-deck port, saying, “Good-bye, shipmates,” as he went. Boats were down on the instant, but to no purpose! [Sidenote: Mar. 16.] Preparing for painting cabin guns. Dined on deck, abaft mizen mast, screened in--much discomfort, but how fond people are of a change. Boat from an American whaler came alongside about sunset wanting _news_ only! [Sidenote: Mar. 24.] Close off the Port of Rio at daylight; had to wait the sea breeze. Glad to land passengers for a while. Found my old friend Tennyson d’Eyncourt in the _Comus_. William Partridge, unfortunately invalided from _Grecian_, had gone home in the Packet. [Sidenote: Mar. 25.] Invalided Read. Poor fellow! Sorry to lose him, but no command of himself. With Brooke to call on our Minister, Lord Howden. [Sidenote: Mar. 26.] Napier tired of shore; came on board with belongings; a bore just now. [Sidenote: Mar. 27.] Determined, with my cargo, on not calling at Simon’s Bay. Provisioned accordingly. D’Eyncourt dined with me: his ship, the _Comus_, having committed the crime of getting on shore! it was necessary to heel her over in the River Plate. In doing this she lost her balance and found the bottom, this time in soft mud. I believe the Plate takes its name from Plata (silver), but any water more like pea-soup in colour I never was in. (No time to apply for details to Admiral of the Fleet, Sir J. E. Commerell, G.C.B., V.C., A.D.C., who was midshipman on board _Firebrand_ at this time, and just going home for his examination as mate.) However, with a fine crew and help of Captain Hope of _Firebrand_, they got the _Comus_ up, minus a keel, in which state my friend d’Eyncourt was taking her home with a good freight on board. There was a suspicious-looking clipper lying off the mouth of the harbour at the time, but he thought “a bird in the hand,” etc. [Sidenote: Mar. 28.] Got under way at daylight, and ran out with the land breeze. Breeze still holding, enabling us to make southing. [Sidenote: Mar. 30.] My passenger friend Peyton, a very good fellow. [Sidenote: April 6.] [Sidenote: April 10.] Dirty weather. Gig’s crew baling water out of fore-cabin. One of my cows dead, the other not much. [Sidenote: April 19.] In the forenoon made Prince Edward’s Island in 46° 23´ S. Not often made by ships going to India. Best and shortest route though! [Sidenote: April 20.] A slashing breeze. Twelve knots logged for eight successive hours. By log 274 miles, to which may be added 25--easterly set, making 299 miles. [Sidenote: April 26.] Once more within the limits of the East Indian Station (_Batta_), having crossed the 75° of longitude; good run of 270 miles by log. [Sidenote: April 27.] While at breakfast John Wallis, a fine young fellow, fell overboard from the main topsail yard-arm. [Illustration: Mæander _hove to_.]