1839
Wednesday
July 10 |
(Vertical margin note: HMS Implacable from Lisbon to Malta)
Very strong breezes scirocco in the morning soon increased to half a gale, this
wind is of a peculiar nature; passing over hot & sandy deserts the
air becomes so highly rarefied & the heat at the same time so
intense as to cause a great depression of spirits, loss of appetite
& at times rapid & convulsive breathing although the heat was
so great with us we observed large quantities of snow on the mountains
about 2 or 3 miles from us; - I believe the slopes of them are
perpetually covered with it. Having consumed about 6 tons of water
& provisions a day the ship became more lively & obediently
improved in her sailing; we then moved aft several of the main and
lower deck guns with a large quantity of shot when we were astonished
to find that she held her own with the Ganges under equal sail
Lat. Noon
Long. Noon |