Dec. 1829. PARTY IN DISTRESS. 369 
if they were in want of provisions, so as we did not hear from 
them I trusted that they had found wild fowl enough, and 
were not in distress. 
‘27th. Rather a more moderate morning with clearer wea- 
ther. We looked out anxiously for the whale-boat, as, in such 
weather, she might get back to the ship without much diffi- 
culty. Before noon Mr. Wilson and the coxswain were seen 
on shore making signals to the ship; and a boat was sent 
immediately to bring them on board. They were very weak 
and tired, having walked across the island during the preceding 
afternoon and night, and having had no food for the last two 
days. The master and the other four men were said to be in 
a cove at the back of the island, and to have been without pro- 
visions since the 24th, not having been able to find either shell- 
fish or wild fowl. 
<< At the time Mr. Wilson arrived on board, I was absent tak- 
ing angles and bearings, but was soon informed of his return, 
and at noon left the ship with a week’s provisions for the 
master’s party and my own boat’s crew. I had not lost sight 
of the Beagle when I met the former returning. Having given 
them some food, and two fresh hands to help them in pulling 
to the ship (it being then quite moderate and fine) I continued 
my course to the place they had left, in order to do what the bad 
weather had prevented the master from doing. Being favoured 
with a fine afternoon I succeeded in obtaining the necessary 
angles and bearings, and returned to our vessel the following 
morning. 
“© 98th. At my return } found the master and his party 
nearly recovered. They had tried every day to return to the 
ship, but had been repeatedly forced back, at the risk of being 
driven out to sea. The gusts of wind from off the high land 
were so powerful as almost to upset the boat, although she had 
not even a mast up. Continual rain had wetted their ammu- 
nition and tinder, and they were then without fire or victuals : 
upon which Mr. Wilson and the coxswain set out, on Satur- 
day afternoon, to acquaint us with their situation. 
“When they came down to the sea-side the Fuegians took 
VOL. I. 2k 
