Sends thanks to all for their letters.
News of dining and theatre at Edinburgh.
CD will learn to stuff birds from "a blackamoor".
Spent preceding day with Henslow; much to be done. A friend, Alexander Charles Wood, has written to Capt. FitzRoy about CD. Peacock offered appointment as Beagle naturalist first to Leonard Jenyns, who almost accepted, as did Henslow himself. CD will talk to Capt. Francis Beaufort [Hydrographer] and FitzRoy. Thanks all his family.
Wood has heard from FitzRoy, who seemed so much against CD’s going that CD and Henslow gave up. CD is in London; has seen FitzRoy, who is now ready to invite him. CD remains undecided. He likes FitzRoy. Gives details of prospective arrangements. They probably will be gone three years; "round the world" is not certain. Want of room is a serious objection.
Orders clothing, books, and other supplies for the voyage, to be sent to him in London.
Discusses help he is receiving in his preparations for the voyage from William Yarrell and others. He has ordered a case of pistols, a rifle, and a good telescope with compass. It is settled that he will go.
Describes the coronation of William IV.
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.
Regrets leaving the tropics, despite interest in a land where Europeans have never been. They have experienced political turmoil at Montevideo. Natural history going well.
Has had to draw bills totalling £217 in seven months.
Is glad the Captain has decided to winter in Tierra del Fuego, because this will facilitate "glorious excursions" into the Andes.
Has obtained fragments of fossil bones and part of a Megatherium head.
Their long delay occurred because the charts were not complete for sending home.
CD is now on shore because of seasickness.
The family may not hear from him for a year.
His trip across the Andes and back was his most successful excursion: can clearly demonstate that the western part of the double line of mountains is much older, with fossil shells at 12000ft; the eastern line may be as modern as the Patagonian plains. If proved, this is an important fact in the theory of the formation of the world. Has found petrified trees.
Living quietly on the ship and eating good food has been good for him. He longs for home. Peru is in a miserable state.
CD’s impressions of Sydney and of FitzRoy’s character and temperament.
Beagle is again in Brazil because of need to check on "singular disagreements in the Longitudes".
Pleased by Sedgwick’s praise.
FitzRoy is hard at work on his book [Narrative, vol. 2].
CD’s health is improved.
Describes his visit to zoo.
Gives news of E. A. Darwin and Harriet Martineau.
Thanks for ham and corrections in spelling. Gives account of his social activities in past week.
Recounts dinner at Erasmus’ house with Harriet Martineau and others, and a visit to Cambridge to stay with Henslow and meet old friends again.
Comments on birth [of Catherine Elizabeth Sophia Wedgwood].
Plans to visit Shrewsbury.
Describes behaviour of William Darwin.
Discusses speculation losses of acquaintances, including T. Carlyle’s. Mentions his own loss on Journal of researches.
Has made an offer for house at Down, renting having been refused. Discusses price, risks involved, and Edward Cresy’s advice.
Reports events at Down.
The "atrocious doings" of "Old Price". Price’s dispute with Sir John Lubbock over a boundary fence.
Describes alterations being made at Down House. Accepts father’s offer to lend him money.
