The north-east winds usually prevail at Madeira in the summer season, and sometimes blow very strong.  To reach Funchal Read, ships are accustomed to sail between the east end of Madeira and the Dezertas, before the wind.  They are not very desirous of passing close to Brazen Head, where they would be becalmed, but keep off a mile or two, in the skirt of the north-east wind, until they are off the town, or even off Punta de Cruz, where they generally find a breeze from the south-west, which takes them to the anchorage.  This south-west wind is the sea breeze of Funchal; and during the time we lay in the road, it usually set in at eight or nine o’clock in the morning, and prevailed as far as three or four miles in the offing, till sunset.  A variable breeze comes off the land in the night; at which time it is recommended to ships to pass close to Brazen Head and tow into the road.

We found his Majesty’s ship Argo lying here; and I waited upon captain James Bowen, immediately that the ship was secured.  Lieutenant Flinders was sent, at the same time, to present my respects to the Portuguese governor, and to ask his Excellency’s permission to purchase the necessaries of which we stood in need; as also for the scientific gentlemen to make such an examination of the natural productions of the island, as our short stay would allow.  The first request was granted by the governor in polite terms, and accompanied with offers of assistance; but an answer to the second was deferred until he should see me.

This evening the ship was heeled three streaks, when it was found that she admitted more than three inches of water per hour; whereas, when upright, it scarcely amounted to one inch.  Next morning [TUESDAY 4 AUGUST], therefore, the carpenters began caulking two seams above the copper, all round, whilst the seamen were employed in shifting the top masts and examining the rigging.

By the assistance of Joseph Pringle, Esq., the British consul, I procured boats from the shore to be sent for our empty water casks; and an ox was killed for our use, and wine prepared for embarkation.  His Excellency, the governor, had appointed noon of this day to receive my visit; and I waited upon him in form, accompanied by the consul, who interpreted between us.  The governor repeated his offers of assistance; and on being made to understand the nature of the excursions which our gentlemen desired to make into the country, he granted his permission with the utmost readiness.  After I had answered some questions relative to the settlement of political affairs in the north of Europe, we took our leave; and were attended out by the officers in waiting, and saluted by the guard.

THURSDAY 6 AUGUST 1801.