tions had failed, and the last had ju st taken effect, when the
disease showed itself. I t was thought that the fatal contagion
must have attacked him previously.
This poor fellow was a very great favourite with all who
knew him, as well as with myself. He had a good disposition,
very good abilities, and though born a savage, had a pleasing,
intelligent appearance. He was quite an exception to
the general character of the Fuegians, having good features
and a well-proportioned frame. I t may readily be supposed
that this was a severe blow to me, for I was deeply sensible of
the responsibility which had been incurred; and,.however unintentionally,
could not bu t feel how much I was implicated in
shortening his existence. Neither of the others were attacked,
the last vaccination having taken full effect; but they were
allowed to remain in the hospital for some time longer, until I
could make satisfactory arrangements for them. While they
were under Dr. Dickson’s care, in the hospital, his own children
had the measles; and thinking that it would be a good
opportunity to carry the little Fuegian girl through that illness,
he prepared her for it, and then took her into his house,
among his own children; where she had a very favourable
attack, and recovered thoroughly.
Of course, I was anxious that no time should be lost in
arranging a plan for their education and maintenance; and
deeming the Church Missionary Society to he in some measure
interested about the project I had in view, I applied to their
secretary, through whose kindness I became acquainted with
the Rev. Joseph Wigram; to whom I am under great obligations
for the friendly interest taken at that time in my wishes
ivith respect to the Fuegians, and for introducing them and myself
to the notice of the Rev. William Wilson, of Walthamstow.
Mr. Wilson at once relieved my mind from a load of uncertainty
and anxiety, by saying that they should be received
into his parish, and that he would talk to the master of the
Infant School about taking them into his house, as boarders
and pupils. In a short time, it was arranged that the schoolmaster
should receive, and take entire charge of them, while
they remained in England, and should be paid by me for their
board and lodging, for his own trouble, and for all contingent
expenses.
Mr. Wilson proposed to keep a watchful eye over them
himself, and give advice from time to time to their guardian
And instructor. Mr. Wigram also lived at Walthamstow, and
as he would have frequent opportunities of offering a useful
caution, in case that the numerous calls upon Mr. Wilson’s
Attention should at any time render additional thoughts for the
Fuegians an unfair or unpleasant trouble to him—I did
indeed think that no plan could be devised offering a better
prospect; and immediately made arrangements for conveying
them to London.
T h e inside of a stage-coach was taken, and under the
guidance of Mr. Murray (the Beagle’s late master), attended
by James Bennett, they arrived in Piccadilly, and were immediately
carried to Walthamstow, without attracting any notice.
Mr. Murray told me that they seemed to enjoy their journey
in the coach, and were very much struck by the repeated
changing of horses.
I took them myself from the coach-office to Walthamstow;
they were glad to see me, but seemed bewildered by the multitude
of new objects. Passing Charing Cross, there was a
start and exclamation of astonishment from York. ‘ L o o k !’
he said, fixing his eyes on the lion upon Northumberland
House, which he certainly thought ahve, and walking there.
I never saw him show such sudden emotion at any other time.
They were much pleased with the rooms prepared for them
at Walthamstow ; and the schoolmaster and his wife were
equally pleased to find the future inmates of their house very
well disposed, quiet, and cleanly people; instead of fierce and
dirty savages.
A t Walthamstow they remained from December 1830 till
October 1831; and during all that time were treated with the
utmost kindness by the benevolent men whose names I have
mentioned; by their families, and by many others in the