At St. Helens

Monday, Dec. 10, 1787

Fresh Gales and hazy Wr. P.M. I sent an Officer to Rear Admiral Sir Francis Samuel Drake with a Weekly Account. A.M. up Yards & Topmasts and aired Sails. Found Riding here His Majestys Ship Orion Captain Sir Hyde Parker, sent the large Cutter for Water, Hands making Puddens* for the Yards.

* [Puddens, or puddings, were a wreath of plaited cordage placed around the masts or yards of a ship as a support and buffer.]