1831.] DEVONPORT. 215 



very wisely in not coming, that is judging from my own 

 feelings, for I am sure if I had left college some few years, or 

 been those years older, I never could have endured it. The 

 officers (excepting the Captain) are like the freshest fresh- 

 men, that is in their manners, in everything else widely dif- 

 ferent. Remember me most kindly to him, and tell him if 

 ever he dreams in the night of palm-trees, he may in the 

 morning comfort himself with the assurance that the voyage 

 would not have suited him. 



I am much obliged for your advice, de Mathematicis. I 

 suspect when I am struggling with a triangle, I shall often 

 wish myself in your room, and as for those wicked sulky surds, 

 I do not know what I shall do without you to conjure them. 

 My time passes away very pleasantly. I know one or two 

 pleasant people, foremost of whom is Mr. Thunder-and-light- 

 ning Harris,* whom I dare say you have heard of. My chief 

 employment is to go on board the Beagle, and try to look as 

 much like a sailor as I can. I have no evidence of having 

 taken in man, woman or child. 



I am going to ask you to do one more commission, and I 

 trust it will be the last. When I was in Cambridge, I wrote 

 to Mr. Ash, asking him to send my College account to my 

 father, after having subtracted about 30 for my furniture. 

 This he has forgotten to do, and my father has paid the 

 bill, and I want to have the furniture-money transmitted to 

 my father. Perhaps you would be kind enough to speak to 

 Mr. Ash. I have cost my father so much money, I am quite 

 ashamed of myself. 



I will write once again before sailing, and perhaps you 

 will write to me before then. 



Remember me to Professor Sedgwick and Mr. Peacock. 

 Believe me, yours affectionately, 



CHAS. DARWIN. 



* William Snow Harris, the Electrician. 



