Volume I Part 12 (2/2)

Captain Fitz-Roy is going out to survey the southern coast of Tierra del Fuego, and afterwards to visit many of the South Sea Islands, and to return by the Indian Archipelago The vessel is fitted out expressly for scientific purposes, combined with the survey; it will furnish, therefore, a rare opportunity for a naturalist, and it would be a great misfortune that it should be lost

An offer has been o out as a naturalist with this expedition; he will be treated with every consideration The Captain is a youngreat zeal in his profession, and who is very highly spoken of; if Leonard Jenyns could go, what treasures hehome with him, as the shi+p would be placed at his disposal whenever his inquiries made it necessary or desirable In the absence of so accomplished a naturalist, is there any person wholy recommend? he must be such a person as would do credit to our recommendation Do think of this subject, it would be a serious loss to the cause of natural science if this fine opportunity was lost

The shi+p sails about the end of September

Write immediately, and tell me what can be done

Believe me, My dear Henslow, Most truly yours, GEORGE PEAcock

JS HENSLOW TO C DARWIN Caust 24, 1831

My dear Darwin,

Before I enter upon the iether upon the loss of our inestimable friend poor Ra before this

I will not noell upon this painful subject, as I shall hope to see you shortly, fully expecting that you will eagerly catch at the offer which is likely to be o, and home by the East Indies I have been asked by Peacock, ill read and forward this to you from London, to recommend him a Naturalist as companion to Captain Fitz-Roy, employed by Government to survey the southern extremity of America I have stated that I consider you to be the best qualified person I knoho is likely to undertake such a situation I state this not in the supposition of your being a FINISHED naturalist, but as a worthy to be noted in Natural History Peacock has the appoint to take the office, the opportunity will probably be lost Captain Fitz-Roy wants a man (I understand) more as a companion than a ood a naturalist, as not recommended to him likewise as a GENTLEMAN Particulars of salary, etc, I know nothing The voyage is to last two years, and if you take plenty of books with you, anything you please may be done You will have ample opportunities at command In short, I suppose there never was a finer chance for aman

What I wish you to do is instantly to come and consult with Peacock (at No 7 Suffolk Street, Pall Mall East, or else at the University Club), and learn further particulars Don't put on any modest doubts or fears about your disqualifications, for I assure you I think you are the very man they are in search of; so conceive yourself to be tapped on the shoulder by your bum-bailiff and affectionate friend,

JS HENSLOW

The expedition is to sail on 25th September (at earliest), so there is no time to be lost

G PEAcock TO C DARWIN [1831]

My dear Sir,

I received Henslow's letter last night too late to forward it to you by the post; a circuivenCaptain Beaufort at the Ad to him the offer which I have to make to you He entirely approves of it, and you may consider the situation as at your absolute disposal I trust that you will accept it, as it is an opportunity which should not be lost, and I look forith great interest to the benefit which our collections of Natural History may receive from your labours

The circumstances are these;--

Captain Fitz-Roy (a nephew of the Duke of Grafton) sails at the end of September, in a shi+p to survey, in the first instance, the South Coast of Tierra del Fuego, afterwards to visit the South Sea Islands, and to return by the Indian Archipelago to England The expedition is entirely for scientific purposes, and the shi+p will generally wait your leisure for researches in Natural History, etc Captain Fitz-Roy is a public-spirited and zealous officer, of delightful reatly beloved by all his brother officers He ith Captain Beechey (For 'Beechey' read 'King' I do not find the naians were brought back fro over and educating at his own charge three natives of Patagonia He engages at his own expense an artist at 200 pounds a year to go with hi a very pleasant companion, ill enter heartily into all your views

The shi+p sails about the end of Septe known your acceptance to Captain Beaufort, Adood deal of correspondence about this matter [with Hensloho feels, in coo I hope that no other arrangements are likely to interfere with it

The Adh they will furnish you with an official appointment, and every accommodation If a salary should be required, however, I aranted

Believe me, my dear Sir, Very truly yours, GEORGE PEAcock

CHARLES DARWIN TO JS HENSLOW Shrewsbury, Tuesday [August 30?, 1831]

My dear Sir,