airing Sails, etc.

Saturday, 30th. In the P.M. anchor'd here the Duke of Gloucester, English
East India Ship from China. In the Evening a prodigious hard gale of wind
came on at South-East, which continued till about 3 o'clock in the
Morning. During the Gales the Table Mountains and Adjacent Hills were
cap'd with Extraordinary while Clouds; the remainder of the Day light
Airs and pleasant weather.

Sunday, 31st. Clear pleasant weather all this day. In the Morning we got
on board a whole Ox, which we cut up and salted. I had eat ashore some of
as good and Fat Beef as ever I eat in my life, and was told that I might
have as good to salt; but in this I was very much disappointed. The one I
got was thin and Lean, yet well taisted; it weighed 408 pounds.

[April 1771.]

Monday, April 1st. In the P.M. I observed a dark, dence haze like a Fog
bank in the South-East Horizon, and which clouds began to gather over the
Table Mountain; certain signs of an approaching gale from the same
Quarter, which about 4 o'clock began to blow with great voialance, and
continued more or less so the Remainder of these 24 Hours, the Table
Mountain cap'd with White Clouds all the time. The weather dry and clear.

Tuesday, 2nd. First part fresh Gales at South-East, the remainder little
wind and calms. In the P.M. sail'd for England the Duke of Gloucester
Indiaman, who Saluted us at his departure. In the A.M. anchored here 2
Dutch Ships from Batavia, and a third at Anchor under Penguin Island in
distress. Put on shore some Sick People.

Wednesday, 3rd. Fine, pleasant weather. Some people on shore on Liberty
to refresh; the rest Employ'd repairing Sails and overhauling the
Rigging.

Thursday, 4th. Ditto Weather. Employ'd Painting the Ship and paying her
sides.

Friday, 5th. Var'ble light winds. Sail'd for Holland 3 Dutch Ships.
Employ'd as above, and getting on board Provisions, etc.

Saturday, 6th. Gentle breezes, with some rain in the Night.

Sunday, 7th. Gentle breezes, and fine, pleasant weather; a Signal for
some Ships being in the offing.

Monday, 8th. Gentle Breezes from the Westward. In the Night Anchor'd here
the Europa, an English East Indiaman from Bengal, and in the Morning she
saluted us with 11 Guns, which Complement we return'd.

Tuesday, 9th. Little wind at South-West, with Foggy, hazey weather.
Employ'd making ready for Sea.

Wednesday, 10th. Gentle breezes at South-South-East and fair weather.
Took on board 11 of our