1831. 



MR. WILSON ANSWER. 



15 



" A subscription has been set on foot by gentlemen who are 

 extremely desirous that this opportunity of extending the 

 benefits of civilization should not be lost ; and, in consequence 

 of their united wishes, I now take the liberty of asking these 

 questions. 



" I am, &c. 

 (Signed) " William Wilson." 

 " To Captain Fitz-Roy, R.N." 



After reading this communication, I wrote to the Secretary 

 of the, Admiralty, and enclosed a copy of Mr. Wilson's letter. 

 The answer is subjoined. 



" Sir, Admiralty Office, 10th Aug. 1831. 



" Having laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admi- 

 ralty your letter of yesterday's date, with the letter which 

 accompanied it, from the Rev. William AVilson, respecting the 

 natives of Tierra del Fuego who were brought to England in 

 his Majesty's ship Beagle ; I am commanded to acquaint you 

 that their Lordships will give the necessary orders for the pas- 

 sage of these individuals, and of the two persons who are to 

 accompany them ; and that your request to be allowed to visit 

 these people, after their arrival, will be taken into consideration 

 in preparing your instructions. 



" I am, &c. 

 (Signed) " John Barrow." 



" To Commander Fitz-Roy, 

 " H.M.S. Beagle." 



In consequence of this reply, it was wished that two per- 

 sons should accompany the Fuegians, and endeavour to pass 

 some time in their country : but it w^as not easy to find in- 

 dividuals sufficiently qualified, and in whom confidence could 

 be placed, who would willingly undertake such an enter- 

 prise. One young man was selected by Mr. Wilson, but a 

 companion for him could not be found in time to embark on 

 board the Beagle. 



In October the party from Walthamstow arrived, in a 



