138 THE VOYAGE. [Oh. VI. 



Tory, if it was merely on account of their cold hearts about 

 that scandal to Christian nations — Slavery." 



" I have watched how steadily the general feeling, as shown 

 at elections, has been rising against Slavery. "What a proud 

 thing for England if she is the first European nation which 

 utterly abolishes it ! I was told before leaving England that 

 after living in slave countries all my opinions would be 

 altered ; the only alteration I am aware of is forming a much 

 higher estimate of the negro character. It is impossible to see a 

 negro and not feel kindly towards him ; such cheerful, open, 

 honest expressions and such fine muscular bodies. I never saw 

 any of the diminutive Portuguese, with their murderous coun- 

 tenances, without almost wishing for Brazil to follow the example 

 of Hayti ; and, considering the enormous healthy-looking black 

 population, it will be wonderful if, at some future day, it does 

 not take place. There is at Rio a man (I know not his title) 

 who has a large salary to prevent (I believe) the landing of 

 slaves ; he lives at Botofogo, and yet that was the bay where, 

 during my residence, the greater number of smuggled slaves 

 were landed. Some of the Anti-Slavery people ought to 

 question about his office ; it was the subject of conversation at 

 Rio amongst the lower English . . . ." 



G. D. to J. S. Henslow. Sydney [January, 1836]. 



My dear Henslow — This is the last opportunity of communi- 

 cating with you before that joyful day when I shall reach Cam- 

 bridge. I have very little to say : but I must write if it is 

 only to express my joy that the last year is concluded, and that 

 the present one, in which the Beagle will return, is gliding 

 onward. We have all been disappointed here in not finding 

 even a single letter ; we are, indeed, rather before our expected 

 time, otherwise I dare say, I should have seen your hand- 

 writing. I must feed upon the future, and it is beyond 

 bounds delightful to feel the certainty that within eight months 

 I shall be residing once again most quietly in Cambridge. 

 Certainly, I never was intended for a traveller ; my thoughts 

 are always rambling over past or future scenes; I cannot 

 enjoy the present happiness for anticipating the future, which 

 is about as foolish as the dog who dropped the real bone for its 

 shadow 



I must return to my old resource and think of the future, but 

 that 1 may not become more prosy, I will say farewell till the 

 day arrives, when I shall see my Master in Natural History, 



