1831.] CAPTAIN FITZ-ROY. 2O3 



I shall have good reason to think myself deceived. I am to 

 call the day after to-morrow, and, if possible, to receive more 

 certain instructions. The want of room is decidedly the 

 most serious objection ; but Captain Fitz-Roy (probably 

 owing to Wood's letter) seems determined to make me [as] 

 comfortable as he possibly can. I like his manner of pro- 

 ceeding. He asked me at once, " Shall you bear being told 

 that I want the cabin to myself? when I want to be alone. 

 If we treat each other this way, I hope we shall suit ; if not, 

 probably we should wish each other at the devil." 



We stop a week at [the] Madeira Islands, and shall see 

 most of [the] big cities in South America. Captain Beaufort is 

 drawing up the track through the South Sea. I am writing 

 in [a] great hurry ; I do not know whether you take interest 

 enough to excuse treble postage. I hope I am judging 

 reasonably, and not through prejudice, about Captain Fitz- 

 Roy ; if so, I am sure we shall suit. I dine with him to-day. 

 I could write [a] great deal more if I thought you liked it, and 

 I had at present time. There is indeed a tide in the affairs 

 of man, and I have experienced it, and I had entirely given it 

 up till one to-day. 



Love to my father. Dearest Susan, good-bye. 



CH. DARWIN. 



C. Darwin to J. S. Henslow. 



London, Monday [Septembers, 1831]. 

 MY DEAR SIR, 



Gloria in excelsis is the most moderate beginning I 

 can think of. Things are more prosperous than I should 

 have thought possible. Captain Fitz-Roy is everything that is 

 delightful. If I was to praise half so much as I feel inclined, 

 you would say it was absurd, only once seeing him. I think 

 he really wishes to have me. He offers me to mess with 

 him, and he will take care I have such room as is possible 

 But about the cases he says I must limit myself ; but then he 



