1831.] THE OFFER. IQ3 



naturalist, who was not recommended to him likewise as a 

 gentleman. Particulars 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 instantly 

 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. 



The expedition is to sail on 25th September (at earliest), 

 so there is no time to be lost. 



G. Peacock to C. Darwin. 



[1831.] 

 MY DEAR SIR, 



I received Henslow's letter last night too late to for- 

 ward it to you by the post ; a circumstance which I do not 

 regret, as it has given me an opportunity of seeing Captain 

 Beaufort at the Admiralty (the Hydrographer), and of stating 

 to him the offer which I have to make to you. He entirely 

 approves of it, and you may consider the situation as at your 

 absolute disposal. I trust that you will accept it, as it is an 

 opportunity which should not be lost, and I look forward with 

 great interest to the benefit which our collections of Natural 

 History may receive from your labours. 



The circumstances are these : 



Captain Fitz-Roy (a nephew of the Duke of Grafton) sails 

 at the end of September, in a ship to survey, in the first 



