From Robert FitzRoy   [19–]20 October [1836]

Dearest Philos

What you will say to me for not having written before I know not—but really I have not been idle or forgetful.

I trusted to Fuller¹ for all immediately necessary information and I will now try to give you the rest.

Captain Beaufort was out of town when my letters & papers reached London (from Falmouth) and the Chart duster put them away in a corner (excepting one private one) to await Capt. B’s return!!! Those papers related to the Chronometric results &c &c—upon which the necessity for our going to Woolwich was to be founded—²

Orders had been sent to Plymouth for the Beagle to pay off there—but L^d. Amelius Beauclerk had civility & sense enough to stay proceedings and approve of my going to London to see the Lords & Masters myself— I boarded Sir John Barrow, and then made a stalking horse of him while attacking the others.

All was satisfactorily settled in a very short time—and they acceded civilly to my proposal of calling at Portsmouth. I was delighted to see that the Valp^o. cargo of charts had not only arrived but that they were mostly Engraved —or in the Engraver’s hands—and on a large scale. They have given much satisfaction at the Hyd^l. Office.³

I have promised to give them a short paper for the Geog^l. Society—⁴ a slight sketch of our voyage— I will do what I can—according to time and ask you to add, and correct.

Rice Trevor⁵ & Alex^r Wood crossed me on the road—they in one mail—I in another—but I was soon down again & with them at Devonport— Fuller told me you looked very well and had on a good hat!

Who the deuce was my cousin in a broad brimmed hat?

I was delighted by your letter.— The account of your family—& the joy tipsy style of the whole letter were very pleasing. Indeed Charles Darwin I have also been very happy—even at that horrid place Plymouth—for that horrid place contains a treasure to me which even you were ignorant of!! Now guess—and think & guess again. Believe it, or not,—the news is true —I am going to be married!!!!!!! to Mary OBrien—⁶

Now you may know that I had decided on this step, long very long ago.— All is settled & we shall be married in December. Rice Trevor Alex^r. Wood & Talbot like her much. Pray call on my sister in Stratton Street—she longs to see you,—& ask to see the children.—

Money matters are better than you think. Your’s most sincerely | Rob^t. FitzRoy

Beagle. Portsmouth 20^th. Oct. (night)— arrived this morning—shall sail tomorrow morning for Woolwich Sights are taken.