The Commodore hoisted the signal for sailing at daylight. The fleet got under weigh towards evening and stood down the Channel.
1809 June 4th
Saw the Isle of Wight at daylight; we neared it and anchored at St. Helens.
5th
The weather very squally. The fleet weighed and moved close to Cowes, where we were detained by contrary winds for six days.
11th
The wind seeming to become favourable, the fleet was put once more into motion, but proving a false alarm, we brought up opposite Yarmouth, and were again detained with foul winds until the 18th.
18th
Yesterday a boat upset coming to our ship, the Fortune, from the Commodore's, and a young midshipman and one sailor met with a watery grave. The midshipman was coming to invite Captain Pakenham to dinner. Our fleet sailed now in good earnest with a fair wind, passed the Needles, and bid adieu to the shores of Old England.
24th