The Life and Correspondence of Major-General Sir John Malcolm, G. C. B - Late Envoy to Persia, and Governor of Bombay; From the Unpublished Letters and Journals #267920

But although at certain hours of the day he threw himself earnestly and vigorously into his appointed work, he by no means buried himself in his cabin, or shunned the society of the Ship. There were few merrier men than Captain Edgecumbe; and many were the hearty laughs which he and Malcolm enjoyed together. The wind was for some time very languid; so the passengers of the Sibbald were enabled often to go on board the Psyche and there were many pleasant social gatherings, at which songs were sung, and stories were told, and jokes passed about; and every one did his best to con tribute something to the general stock of amusement. Malcolm lived very temperately at this time, took regular exercise, and enjoyed excellent health. Every morning saw him at work before breakfast at the club-exercise, walking the deck, and playing at Single-stick; and he wrote with exultation that his figure had decreased in girth, and the muscles of his arms expanded. The ship made little progress; but he said that his History made more so he did not complain of the delay.