The weather was rather unfavourable, during the time the
instruments were on shore for ascertaining the rate of the
time-keeper, but as constant attention was paid, every
opportunity that offered was made use of, and the watch was found
to be 2"-27. which is near a second more than was its rate at
Portsmouth.

The 21st of August being the anniversary of the Prince of
Brazil's birth-day, at sun-rise in the morning we displayed the
flag of Portugal at the fore top-mast head, and that of our own
nation at the main and mizen: half an hour after ten, the
Vice-King received compliments upon that occasion; all the
officers of our fleet which could be spared from duty on board,
landed, and in a body went to the palace to make their
compliments upon this public day; the viceroy upon this, as well
as upon every other occasion, showed us particular attention. We
were the first company admitted into the levee-room, then the
clergy and military, after which, the civilians and some of the
military promiscuously.

When we entered the room a signal was made from the palace,
and the fort began to fire. Orders had been left with the
commanding officer on board the Sirius, to begin to salute after
the fort had fired two guns, which was particularly attended to,
and a salute of twenty-one guns was given. It is rather uncommon
upon such occasions, for an English ship of war to salute at so
early an hour, but certainly the greatest compliment which we
could at such time pay them, was to observe in this case the
custom practised by their own ships.