Got aboard at 12

We are taking on stores T*** one(?) main engines and putting on the final touches ***d for sea. We sail May7 th.

Capt. told me that he will detail me to a gr** that I am to be construction & repair officer as well as for Engineer duties.

All officers have ships. Mr Squires (Ensign) acting as Executive Officer as well as Officer of the Deck. He was a ***** ***** in merhant since and flam** and is familiar with the sailors as if her were one. No(?) military bearing(?), no direction.  He left the ship and went up to the head of the dock to bring his wife aboard. 

Still loading, taking lots of fresh food(?).