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shorter staff, with a topmast, was fitted for tlie flag ; notwithstanding
which, many unpleasant observations were made, and
absurd reports circulated, which spread to Chile, and even to
Peru, that the English were about to take possession of Chiloe,
and had already removed the flag-staff of San Carlos.
By Lieutenant Mitchell’s activity in superintending the
Adelaide’s repairs, she was got ready for sea at the beginning
of December, and sailed on the 8th, under the command of
Lieutenant Skyring, with orders* to survey those parts of the
Gulf of Peñas which had not been examined by the Beagle;
particularly the River San Tadeo, in San Quintin’s Sound ; the
openings behind Xavier Island; the Channel’s Mouths; and
the Guaianeco Islands, where the Wager was wrecked: and
then to proceed down the Mesier Channel, behind the Island
Campana, which was supposed to communicate with Concepcion
Strait, hy the Brazo Ancho (or Wide Channel) of Sarmiento.
He was then to go to the Ancon sin Salida, examining all
the openings into the mam land, on his way, and search for a
communication with the large waters, discovered by Captain
Fitz Boy, through which he was to try to enter the Strait,
and join the Adventure, at Port Pamine, during the month of
April.
Lieutenants Skyring and Graves again took with them, by
Captain Fitz Roy’s permission, Mr. Kirke and Mr. Bynoe, of
the Beagle ; Mr. Alexander Millar and Mr. Parke also accompanied
them.
Having thus despatched our companions, we prepared, on
board the Adventure, to return to Valparaiso; intending to
proceed to Rio de Janeiro; by way of Concepcion, Port Famine,
and Monte Video; for the sake of adding some links to our
Chronometrie chain: with a view to which, I had taken the
opportunity of having the chronometers cleaned at Valparaiso
by Mr. Roskell, agent for Messrs. Roskell chronometer-makers
at Liverpool. General Aldunate being on the point of returning
to Valparaiso, I had an opportunity of obliging him, and showing
my sense of the assistance, and essential kindness we had
' See orders to Lieut. Skyring, in the Appendix.
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