26th Dec 1831

Devonport
A beautiful day, and an excellent one for sailing, the opportunity has been lost owing to the drunkedness and absence of nearly the whole crew. The ship has been all day in state of anarchy. One days holiday has caused all this mischief; such a scene proves how absolutely necessary strict discipline is amongst such thoughtless beings as Sailors are. Several have paid the penalty for insolence, by sitting for eight or nine hours in heavy chains. Whilst in this state, their conduct was like children, abusing every body and thing but themselves, and the next moment nearly crying. It is an unfortunate beginning, being obliged so early to punish so many of our best men there was however no choice left as to the necessity of doing it.

In the evening Dined in gun-room and had a pleasant evening.

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