192 THE APPOINTMENT TO THE 'BEAGLE.' ^TAT. 22. [1831. 



tion. Do think of this subject, it would be a serious loss to 



the cause of natural science if this fine opportunity was lost. 



***** 



The ship sails about the end of September. 

 Write immediately, and tell me what can be done. 

 Believe me, 



My dear Henslow, 



Most truly yours, 



GEORGE PEACOCK. 



y. S. Henslow to C. Darwin. 



Cambridge, August 24, 1831. 



MY DEAR DARWIN, 



Before I enter upon the immediate business of this 

 letter, let us condole together upon the loss of our inestimable 

 friend poor Ramsay, of whose death you have undoubtedly 

 heard long before this. 



I will not now dwell upon this painful subject, as I shall 

 hope to see you shortly, fully expecting that you will eagerly 

 catch at the offer which is likely to be made you of a trip to 

 Tierra del Fuego, and home by the East Indies. I have been 

 asked by Peacock, who will read and forward this to you from 

 London, to recommend him a Naturalist as companion to 

 Captain Fitz-Roy, employed by Government to survey the 

 southern extremity of America. I have stated that I con- 

 sider you to be the best qualified person I know of who is 

 likely to undertake such a situation. I state this not in the 

 supposition of your being a finished naturalist, but as amply 

 qualified for collecting, observing, and noting, anything worthy 

 to be noted in Natural History. Peacock has the appointment 

 at his disposal, and if he cannot find a man willing to take the 

 office, the opportunity will probably be lost. Captain Fitz- 

 Roy wants a man (I understand) more as a companion than a 

 mere collector, and would not take any one, however good a 



