300 BEAGLE SAILS—ADELAIDE REPAIRED. Noy. 1829. 
The Beagle being ready to resume her voyage, sailed on the 
19th of November to survey the southern coasts of Tierra del 
Fuego; after which, she was to rejoin the Adventure at Rio 
de Janeiro.* 
As the Adelaide had received some damage in getting 
aground, it was requisite to lay her on the beach for examina- 
tion and repair. Her mainmast, also, was found to be sprung 
so badly, as to render a new one necessary ; which we should 
have found much difficulty in obtaining, but for the kindness 
of General Aldunate, who, finding that we were at a loss, pro- 
posed to give us the flag-staff of the town, a beautiful spar of 
alerse, that was in every way suitable. Previously, however, to 
accepting his offer, being aware that such an act might expose 
him to much reproach.from the people of the town, who were 
all very proud of it, I caused inquiry to be made whether a 
spar of the necessary dimensions could be brought from Cal- 
buco; and in the meantime we proceeded with the repairs. 
A creek behind Sandy Point offering every convenience for 
heaving her down, the Adelaide was moved into it, and laid 
on the beach. On stripping her copper off, the injury proved 
to be considerable ; but not beyond our means to repair. Upon 
examination, the foremast was found to be in a bad state, but 
could be rendered effective by fishing it with the sound portion 
of the other mast, therefore our only real difficulty was to get a 
mainmast. From the account I received from Calbuco, I found 
that, without a great delay, not less than two months, and 
sending a portion of our people with ropes and tackles, there 
was no chance of procuring a spar: it could only be obtained 
at a considerable distance from the shore, and when felled must 
be dragged over several high ranges of hills, which might be 
called mountains, before it could be got to the water-side. 
General Aldunate, through whom this inquiry was made, then 
renewed his offer of the flag-staff, which I accepted most thank- 
fully ; and by his order it was taken down, and conveyed to 
the ship, soon after which it was converted into an excellent 
mainmast for the schooner. Before it was moved, a new, but 
* See orders to Captain Fitz Roy, in the Appendix. 
