116 APPOINTMENT TO THE BEAGLE. [Ch. V. 



the cause of natural science if this fine opportunity was 

 lost. 



The contents of the foregoing letter were communicated to 

 Darwin by Henslow (August 24th, 1831) : — 



" 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 consider 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 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." 



On the strength of Henslow's recommendation, Peacock 

 offered the post to Darwin, who wrote from Shrewsbury to 

 Henslow (August 30, 1831) : 



" Mr. Peacock's letter arrived on Saturday, and I received it 

 late yesterday evening. As far as my own mind is concerned, 

 I should, I think certainly, most gladly have accepted the 

 opportunity which you so kindly have offered me. But my 

 father, although he does not decidedly refuse me, gives such 

 strong advice against going, that I should not be comfortable 

 if I did not follow it. 



" My father's objections are these : the unfitting me to settle 

 down as a Clergyman, my little habit of seafaring, the nhorfness 



