August 1829,  ALDUNATE—YNTENDENTE. 211 
returned, but was daily expected, having been despatched to 
survey some interior channels on her way to Childe. Our 
anchorage was off Point Arenas, which is not only the best in 
the bay, but appeared to be well adapted to our wants. The 
Beagle had arrived early in July, and had sent to Valparaiso 
for stores with which to refit, and make preparations for another 
cruize to the south. 
The harbour master, Mr. Williams, an Englishman, visited 
us soon after our anchoring, and by him I forwarded to the 
Yntendente (or governor), Don José Santiago Aldunate, the 
letters brought for him from Chile. 
In the afternoon I received his acknowledgments, and offers 
of all the assistance in his power to render. As it was probable 
that our stay would occupy some weeks, I established myself 
at a house in the town, obtained by his kindness ; and there 
fixed my portable observatory, and set up an azimuth altitude 
instrument, 
PQ 
