my plan, went to the Admiralty, and soon afterwards told me
that I should he appointed to the command of the Chanticleer,
to go to Tierra del Fuego.
My agreement with the owner of the John was, however,
in full force, and I could not alter it without paying a large
proportion of the whole sum agreed on for the voyage.
The Chanticleer was not, upon examination, found quite
fit for service; and, instead of her,, I was again appointed to
my well-tried little vessel, the Beagle. My commission was
dated the 27th of June, and on the same day two of my most
esteemed friends. Lieutenants Wickham and Sulivan, were
also appointed.
While the Beagle was fitting out at Devonport, I received
the following letter from Mr. Wilson.
“ Sir, Walthamstow, 5th Aug. 1831.
“ I am informed that the Fuegians who have been lately
resident in this place are shortly to return to their native
country under your care. Will you permit me to ask whether,
if two individuals should volunteer to accompany and remain
with them, in order to attempt to teach them such useful arts as
may be thought suited to their gradual civilization, you will
give them a passage in the Beagle ? and whether, upon your
arrival on the coast of Tierra del Fuego, you will be able to
give them some assistance in establishing a friendly intercourse
with, and settlement amongst the natives of that country ?'
Would these individuals be required to pay you for their passage,
and maintenance on hoard ? or would his Majesty’s
Government allow them to be maintained on board at the
public expense.? Do you think that you would be able to visit
them, after their first settlement, supposing so desirable an
object should be attained, in order to give them some encouragement,
and perhaps assistance; or to remove them if they
should find it impracticable to continue their residence among
the natives ?
“ A subscription has been set on foot by gentlemen who are
extremely desirous that this opportunity of extending the
benefits of civilization should not be lo s t; and, in consequence
of their united wishes, I now take the liberty of asking these
questions.
“ I am, &c.
(Signed) “ W i l l ia m W il s o n .”
“ To Captain Fitz-Roy, R.N.”
After reading this communication, I wrote to the Secretary
of the Admiralty, and enclosed a copy of Mr. Wilson’s letter.
The answer is subjoined.
“ Sir, Admiralty Office, 10th Aug. 1831.
“ Having laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty
your letter of yesterday’s date, with the letter which
accompanied it, from the Rev. William Wilson, respecting the
natives of Tierra del Fuego who were brought to England in
his Majesty’s ship Beagle; I am commanded to acquaint you
that their Lordships will give the necessary orders for the passage
of these individuals, and of the two persons who are to
accompany them ; and that your request to be allowed to visit
riiese people, after their arrival, will be taken into consideration
in preparing your instructions.
“ I am, &c.
- T o C o ™ „ d e r F i . z - K „ v ,
» H.M.S. Beagle.”
In consequence of this reply, it was wished that two persons
should accompany the Fuegians, and endeavour to pass
some time in their country : but it was not easy to find individuals
sufficiently qualified, and in whom confidence could
he placed, who would willingly undertake such an enterprise.
One young man was selected by Mr. Wilson, but a
companion for him could not he found in time to embark on
board the Beagle.
In October tlie party from Walthamstow arrived, in a