She was beating up the bank to the eastward probably from Vera Cruz.
_Friday, January 2nd_ .-- The wind has been fresh all day from the eastward, bringing in some sea, and as we have been riding across the tide, the ship has had some motion.

Caulking and painting, tarring down and squaring ratlines, &c.

Commenced condensing water to supply the barque for her return voyage to England.

I must get to sea on Tuesday, though I fear we shall not have finished caulking; but Banks' expedition must be assembling off Galveston, and time is of importance to us if we would strike a blow at it before it is all landed.

My men will rebel a little yet.