1831.] JOSIAH WEDGWOOD'S ADVICE. 173 



have definite objects upon which to employ himself, and might 

 acquire and strengthen habits of application, and I should think 

 would be as likely to do so as in any way in which he is likely 

 to pass the next two years at home. 



3. The notion did not occur to me in reading the letters ; 

 and on reading them again with that object in my mind I see 

 no ground for it. 



4. I cannot conceive that the Admiralty would send out 

 a bad vessel on such a service. As to objections to the expe- 

 dition, they will differ in each man's case, and nothing would, 

 I think, be inferred in Charles's case, if it were known that 

 others had objected. 



5. You are a much better judge of Charles's character 

 than I can be. If on comparing this mode of spending the 

 next two years with the way in which he will probably spend 

 them, if he does not accept this offer, you think him more 

 likely to be rendered unsteady and unable to settle, it is 

 undoubtedly a weighty objection. Is it not the case that 

 sailors are prone to settle in domestic and quiet habits ? 



6. I can form no opinion on this further than that if ap- 

 pointed by the Admiralty he will have a claim to be as well 

 accommodated as the vessel will allow. 



7. If I saw Charles now absorbed in professional studies 

 I should probably think it would not be advisable to interrupt 

 them ; but this is not, and, I think, will not be the case with 

 him. His present pursuit of knowledge is in the same track 

 as he would have to follow in the expedition. 



8. The undertaking would be useless as regards his pro- 

 fession, but looking upon him as a man of enlarged curiosity, 

 it affords him such an opportunity of seeing men and things 

 as happens to few. 



You will bear in mind that I have had very little time 

 for consideration, and that you and Charles are the persons 

 who must decide. 1 am 



My dear Doctor, 



Affectionately yours, 

 Josiah Wedgwood, 



