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BY EOYAL COMMAND 145 



to allow me to be angry, even had I cause. I often speak 

 testily when I do not mean it, as you know ; and hope I 

 said nothing in my letter that gave offence, but I must say 

 I was then annoyed to hear that ' my drawings and letters 

 were known far and wide.' We did take possession of the 

 land (landing on the little island) in the name of Her M.G.M.Q. 

 Victoria, and so we did last January, and on another little 

 island. I wish His E.H. much joy of Her Majesty's acquisi- 

 tions, nothing but Her wish will get me near them again, 

 for I suppose if the Queen tells you, go you must nolens 

 volens. Their Majesties' interest and attention is most 

 flattering to a poor Asst. Surgeon, beyond everything 

 flattering. 



Capt. Boss wrote Prince Albert a long letter from the 

 Falklands which caused him many hours' deep study and 

 the purser many candles. ... If he should show any more 

 interest in the Expedition he may like to hear the particulars 

 of the cruise, all of which I leave to your judgement, only 

 premising that I do not at all like my letters to be sent about 

 whole. Use your discretion about any parts you like, but 

 you must see that I may say many things intended only 

 for the four walls of West Park. Had I my own way I 

 would forward occasional notices of the cruise to the 

 ' Athenaeum,' but I feel sure Capt. Boss would not like it, 

 nor do I wish to be the mouthpiece for both ships, trumpeting 

 our own fame. 



It seemed likely that Boss's calculated economy of news 

 might defeat its own ends. 



Capt. Boss told me the other day that * the " Athenaeum " 

 was never friendly to him and took no notice of our pro- 

 ceedings.' I thought the latter part very true but did 

 not tell him, telling him instead that the papers had no 

 means of getting news about us ; he did not, or would not, 

 take the hint. He seems to wish all the news to come home 

 with him, to astonish the world like a thunder clap ; but 

 will find himself much mistaken I fear ; ' out of sight, out 

 of* mind,' and if the knowledge of our proceedings be stifled 

 it wiU beget indifference, instead of pent-up curiosity, ready 

 to burst out on om: firing one gun at Spithead. I do not 

 believe he tells Sabine too much, or his own father. 



