From George Peacock to J. S. Henslow August 1831

My dear Henslow

Captain Fitz Roy is going out to survey the southern coast of Terra del Fuego, & afterwards to visit many of the South Sea Islands & 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 & it would be a great misfortune that it should be lost:

An offer has been made to me to recommend a proper person to go out as a naturalist with this expedition; he will be treated with every consideration; the Captain is a young man of very pleasing manners (a nephew of the Duke of Grafton), of great zeal in his profession & who is very highly spoken of; if Leonard Jenyns could go, what treasures he might bring home with him, as the ship would be placed at his disposal, whenever his enquiries made it necessary or desirable; in the absence of so accomplished a naturalist, is there any person whom you could strongly recommend: he must be such a person as would do credit to our recommendation

Do think on this subject: it would be a serious loss to the cause of natural science, if this fine opportunity was lost

The ship sails about the end of Septr.

Poor Ramsay! what a loss to us all & particularly to you

Write immediately & tell me what can be done

Believe me

My dear Henslow

Most truly yours

George Peacock

My dear Henslow

I wrote this letter on Saturday, but I was too late for the Post: What a glorious opportunity this would be for forming collections for our museums: do write to me immediately & take care that the opportunity is not lost

Believe me

My dear Henslow

Most truly yours

Geo Peacock