ch. v.] 1831. 123 



and noting anything worthy to he noted in Natural History. 

 Peacock has the appointment at his disposal, and if he can- 

 not find a man willing to take the office, the opportunity 

 will probably be lost. Captain Fitz-Eoy wants a man (I 

 understand) more as a companion than a mere collector, 

 and would not take any one, however good a naturalist, who 

 was not recommended to him likewise as a gentleman. Par- 

 ticulars of salary, &c, I know nothing. The voyage is to 

 last two years, and if you take plenty of books with you, 

 anything you please may be done. You will have ample 

 opportunities at command. In short, I suppose there never 

 was a finer -chance for a man of zeal and spirit ; Captain 

 Fitz-Roy is a young man. What I wish you to do is in- 

 stantly to come and consult with Peacock (at No. 7 Suffolk 

 Street, Pall Mall East, or else at the University Club), and 

 learn further particulars. Don't put on any modest doubts 

 or fears about your disqualifications, for I assure you I think 

 you are the very man they are in search of ; so conceive 

 yourself to be tapped on the shoulder by your bum-bailiff 

 and affectionate friend, J. S. Henslow." 



On the strength of Henslow's recommendation, Peacock 

 offered the post to Darwin, who wrote from Shrewsburv to 

 Henslow (August 30, 1831) : 



" Mr. Peacock's letter arrived on Saturday, and I re- 

 ceived it late yesterday evening. As far as my own mind is 

 concerned, I should, I think certainly, most gladly have ac- 

 cepted the opportunity which you so kindly have offered me. 

 But my father, although, he does not decidedly refuse me, 

 gives such strong advice against going, that I should not be 

 comfortable if I did not follow it. 



" My father's objections are these : the unfitting me to 

 settle down as a Clergyman, my little habit of seafaring, the 

 shortness of the time, and the chance of my not suiting 

 Captain Fitz-Roy. It is certainly a very serious objection, 

 the very short time for all my preparations, as not only body 

 but mind wants making up for such an undertaking. But 

 if it had not been for my father I would have taken all risks. 

 What was the reason that a Naturalist was not long ago 

 fixed upon ? I am very much obliged for the trouble you 

 have had about it ; there certainly could not have been a 

 better opportunity .... 



" Even if I was to go, my father disliking would take 



