i83i.] PREPARATIONS. l8l 



day. He must be more than twenty-three years old; he is 

 of a slight figure, and a dark but handsome edition of Mr. 

 Kynaston, and, according to my notions, pre-eminently good 

 manners. He is all for economy, excepting on one point — 

 viz., fire-arms. He recommends me strongly to get a case of 

 pistols like his, which cost ;j^6o ! ! and never to go on shore 

 anywhere without loaded ones, and he is doubting about a 

 rifle ; he says I cannot appreciate the luxury of fresh meat 

 here. Of course I shall buy nothing till everything is settled ; 

 but I work all day long at my lists, putting in and striking 

 out articles. This is the first really cheerful day I have spent 

 since I received the letter, and it all is owing to the sort of 

 involuntary confidence I place in my beau ideal of a Captain. 

 We stop at Teneriffe. His object is to stop at as many 

 places as possible. He takes out twenty chronometers, and 

 it will be a " sin " not to settle the longitude. He tells me to 

 get it down in writing at the Admiralty that I have the free 

 choice to leave as soon and whenever I like. I dare say you 

 expect I shall turn back at the Madeira ; if I have a morsel 

 of stomach left, I won't give up. Excuse my so often troub- 

 ling and writing : the one is of great utility, the other a great 

 amusement to me. Most likely I shall write to-morrow. 

 Answer by return of post. Love to my father, dearest Susan. 



C. Darwin. 



As my instruments want altering, send my things by the 

 * Oxonian ' the same night. 



C. Darwin to Miss Susan Darwin. 



London, Friday Morning, September g, 1831. 



My dear Susan, 



I have just received the parcel. I suppose it was not de- 

 livered yesterday owing to the Coronation. I am very much 

 obliged to my father, and everybody else. Everything is done 

 quite right. I suppose by this time you have received my 

 letter written next day, and I hope will send off the things. 

 My affairs remain in statu quo. Captain Beaufort says I am 



