Believes he has found a "savant" for FitzRoy in CD, whom he describes as grandson of Erasmus Darwin and "full of zeal and enterprize".
Believes he has found a "savant" for FitzRoy in CD, whom he describes as grandson of Erasmus Darwin and "full of zeal and enterprize".
Reports on errands he has done for RF. Has discussed with Beaufort the question of his having right to dispose of his collection.
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.
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.
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.
Wishes CD well on his trip to General Juan Manuel Rosas. CD is to send word when he wants a boat; there is no hurry, for there is plenty of work for the sounders. He envies CD’s travels.
Urges CD to return to the Beagle early in November. Conrad Martens arrives to succeed Augustus Earle as artist for the expedition.
Recounts his trip [from Valparaiso] to Santiago. His meeting with Claude Gay, Thomas Sutcliffe, and others. Geology of tour uninteresting.
A defence of the work of missionaries in the Pacific islands and Australia. [The letter was apparently written by RF with supporting evidence quoted from CD’s journal. The letter is signed by RF alone. A summary conclusion, as printed, is signed by both:] "On the whole, balancing all that we have heard, and all that we ourselves have seen concerning the missionaries in the Pacific, we are very much satisfied that they thoroughly deserve the warmest support, not only of individuals, but of the British Government."
Making such slow progress that he fears the paper may not reach her in time, so will send a duplicate. The paper is longer than intended but it may be altered as desired. Remembers his days at the Cape with pleasure.
Sending some curious magnetic observations made at the Cape. Regarding chronometer measurements. Changes of temperature over sea and land compared.
Sending a packet. Weather and winds have been unsuitable. Will send Thomas Maclear's packet by the next vessel.
Sends a copy of the printed paper by RF. Regarding chronometer measurements. Has just received a communication from Alexander von Humboldt in which he seems to have anticipated both JH's and RF's ideas. Comments on a new machine for sounding.
CD describes his happy home-coming. Finds his family and Shrewsbury unchanged.
Sends news of his movements since Beagle put in at Falmouth. His charts are safe and already being engraved.
Announces his engagement.
RF has consulted W. J. Broderip, who recommended a joint three-volume publication of Captain King’s journal, FitzRoy’s, and CD’s, with profits divided by three. What does CD think of such a plan? RF promised Colburn an answer in January.
RF declines to give an opinion on the wording of the preface to CD’s volume [Journal and remarks, vol. 3 of Narrative, published separately as Journal of researches] and refers him to a disinterested third party.
CD’s response [missing] comes from the heart. RF explains that CD’s preface [to Journal and remarks, vol. 3 of Narrative] offended him in not acknowledging the part RF and the other officers had in helping CD. Beagle voyage was the first on which officers could have kept any specimens they collected, but they gave preference to CD.
His work [on vol. 2 of Narrative] is going slowly.
Has no objection to anything in CD’s excellent volume. CD should "entertain no further scruple on that subject".
Has objected to loading Narrative with advertisements, but thinks CD’s Zoology and Geology might be advertised. Mentions other details of the final stages of publication.