Herbert Mackarsie journal

appetite, etc., and Hester ministering to the wants of all, but especially of her mother.

"Marian," said Mr. Maybrick, "is that Thank-offering Meeting over yet?" "No" she replied, with a loving smile, for husband and wife had a new bond between them now, "it is next week, I believe." "Then here is your offering, and yours, Hester," he said, handing each a cheque, on which Hester's delighted eyes read, twenty-five dollars. "Father, do you really mean it?" she cried, throwing her arms about his neck. "I do, my daughter," he replied, "and, God helping me. I mean to be something different to the selfish creature I have been."

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to build a coffin. In the evening Diarrhoea came on and I was running up and down stairs all night.

April 20th Did not sleep an hour all night, and if possible felt worse. A note came off from the Commdr saying that an Officer with a party of 10 men were to be on shore with the corpse, where a hearse would be in waiting to convey it to the English Burial ground, a distance of three miles from the City. They were back again by one. In the afternoon the weather had a threatning appearance and after sunset there was every look of a coming [PWestis?] which very soon came on with lightning and thunder. Heard of our relief being at Rio, which made us more anxious about the arrival of the mail. Were told that Yellow Fever was still so bad in Monte Video most of the Medical men had died, the rest all hooked it for the country, business was quite suspended, most of the Clerks having run.

April 21st. It rained fast all night and in the morning it was as bad as ever. No appearance of the wished for Mail, still she may come in during the day. No communication with the shore on account of the weather. In the afternoon exercises at small arms and gun drill. Being very cold turned in early after a game at whist.

22nd Don't forget to forward Dr Martins letters. At 5am Thermometer as low as 41°. Blowing fresh from the SE with a clear blue sky. Sent a boat to Commdr in Chief for orders. On return a letter came on board immediate, ordering Dr Martin to repair on board the Italia for a passage to Monte Video

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March 23rd Every appearance of rain: exercised at great guns and small arms, preparatory to the grand display of Sunday next. All the Supernumaries fortunately on shore on leave which gave us a little quiet. In the evening had a quiet game at Whist in the Engineers Berth.

March 24th Great preparations going on ashore for Sunday next: 1000 Revolvers ordered by what they call the Red Party or Orkesas & Rosas (the Cut throat) Several of our Officers on leave but in the evening we had a quiet game at whist and after a pipe turned in early.

March 25th Woke as usual at Gun fire, & shortly afterwards heard the Quarter Master report a Steamer coming in which proved to be the Mail, and we immediately sent a boat for dispataches which returned bringing several boxes &c for different Officers; the Bag however went to the Admiral and we were of course kept some time without letters. However after a little delay & anxiety we at last got the bag, I, one from L - M Chard and a Derbyshire Paper. No news from the shore with the exception of a few more fellows being scuppered.

March 20th a very dull dark morning, so that altho' I heard Gun fire, I had a good nap afterwards not turning out till after seven bells so that by the time I was dressed, it was one bell when I always see the sick and went without any breakfast. As usual the blasted band commenced practice, making it