Friday 13 May 1836

We have had very fine Winds since Sunday, varying from
E,N,E, to N,N,E, and generally a clever Breeze, but
sometimes it would lower a little, during all which time
the heat has been uncommonly powerful,  ________
At 8, A,M, a Vessel hove in sight astern (being the first
we have seen since the 28^th Ul^t, She sailed remarkably
fast, and was soon near enough, for us to make her out,
to be a suspicious looking Schooner, so all our Muskets
&c, were got ready, in case of being attacked, we therefore
hoisted our Colours, when She was about 2, or 3, Miles, off us,
and which, in the course of ¼ of an Hour, was answer’d by
her, showing the Flag of Portugal, She then hauled close
to the Wind, and was soon out of sight, there is little doubt
but She was either a Pirate, or Slave Vessel,   ______