1831.] THE OFFER REFUSED. l6g 



Captain Beechey,* and spent ^1500 in bringing over and 

 educating at his own charge three natives of Patagonia. He 

 engages at his own expense an artist at ;^2oo a year to go 

 with him. You may be sure, therefore, of having a very 

 pleasant companion, who will enter heartily into all your 

 views. 



The ship sails about the end of September, and you must 

 lose no time in making known your acceptance to Captain 

 Beaufort, Admiralty Hydrographer, I have had a good deal 

 of correspondence about this matter [with Henslow ?], who 

 feels, in common with myself, the greatest anxiety that you 

 should go. I hope that no other arrangements are likely to 

 interfere with it. * * * * 



The Admiralty are not disposed to give a salary, though 

 they will furnish you with an official appointment, and every 

 accommodation. If a salary should be required, however, I 

 am inclined to think that it would be granted. 

 Believe me, my dear Sir, 



Very truly yours, 



George Peacock, 



C. Darwi7i to J. S. Henslow, 



Shrewsbury, Tuesday [August 30?, 1831]. 



My dear Sir, 



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

 it late yesterday evening. As far as my own mind is con- 

 cerned, 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 com- 

 fortable if I did not follow it. 



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



* For ' Beechey ' read ' King.' I do not find the name Fitz-Roy in the 

 list of Beechey's officers. The Fuegians were brought back from Captain 

 King's voyage. 



9 



