Suggestions and information helpful to CD in preparation for Beagle voyage. David Brewster’s meteorological papers. Suggests an oyster-trawl for collecting marine animals. Recommends CD see R. E. Grant. For meteorological observations suggests F. W. Beechey’s Voyage to the Pacific [1831] and an interview with J. F. Daniell of King’s College.

Congratulates CD on Beagle appointment as an "opportunity … of studying all the natural sciences at once, after your own taste".

Pleasant three-day voyage to Plymouth has increased CD’s admiration for FitzRoy. Describes the Beagle as an excellent vessel, but the want of room is very bad. He likes the officers.

Plans to come to Shrewsbury.

Is pleased with cabin assignment on Beagle. Beagle will map the east side of Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia and set longitude of many places.

Plans to come to Cambridge to discuss Beagle voyage. Only difficulty is disposal of his collections. South Sea Islands now more probable.

Is glad of CD’s appointment and hopes it will be a source of happiness and honour.

Answers a query about books.

Suggests CD go to Geological Society, present himself, as AS’s friend, to William Lonsdale and study the Society’s collection.

Tells CD of his work in Wales; includes a diagram and explanations.

Ramsay’s death a grievous loss.

Rejoices in CD’s appointment and predicts he will rank with Candolle, Henslow, and Linnaeus.

Recounts their past pleasures and gives news of friends, who are scattering fast.

Reports on errands he has done for RF. Has discussed with Beaufort the question of his having right to dispose of his collection.

Describes his appointment, the Beagle, his companions, and the objectives of the voyage. Gives his schedule before departure.

Regrets he cannot take Francis Owen on Beagle as midshipman. RF thinks CD had better be on the books [for victuals], but CD should do as he likes. Refitting progress is slow.

Thanks CTW for his letter [125]. "I do not think I ever received a more kind letter than yours or one that gave me so much pleasure.— You ought to have in your mind, the prospect of leaving England for 3 or 4 years before you can understand how to enjoy such a letter from such a person as yourself—". Regarding the voyage, "all is finally settled, & I have sealed away about half a chance of life.— If one lived merely to see how long one could spin out life,—I should repent my choice.— As it is I do not.—"

Thanks CTW for four fungi which have arrived.

Has collected [Phalli] in Shropshire and compared them with Barmouth species. Is convinced they are different.

Asks JSH for introductions to R. T. Lowe and Andrew Smith.

Has been given another week’s respite by FitzRoy.

Reports on a setter puppy born of apparently pure pointer parents. Any cross must have been far back.

[Excised fragment only.] "I am greedy for facts.—"

Asks correspondent if he would prefer the President’s signature alone or with those of other scientific men.

CD’s luggage is frightfully bulky, though he has been as economical as possible. Has made financial arrangements for his expenses.

Plans to study mathematics during voyage.

Is glad addressee’s lectures are going well.

Asks JSH to take charge of his consignments of specimens from the voyage.

Has just heard Beagle sailing is delayed so he will remain another week in London. Asks whether RF has a good set of mountain barometers, which geologists tell him are important.

Gives CD directions for sending him specimens from Beagle.

Writes of Cambridge politics.