14 



LETTER MR. WILSON. 



1831. 



my plan, went to the Admiralty, and soon afterwards told me 

 that I should be appointed to the command of the Chanticleer, 

 to go to Tierra del Fuego. 



My agreement with the owner of the John was, however, 

 in full force, and I could not alter it without paying a large 

 proportion of the whole sum agreed on for the voyage. 



The Chanticleer was not, upon examination, found quite 

 fit for service ; and, instead of her, I was again appointed to 

 my well-tried little vessel, the Beagle. My commission was 

 dated the 27th of June, and on the same day two of my most 

 esteemed friends. Lieutenants Wickham and Sulivan, were 

 also appointed. 



While the Beagle was fitting out at Devonport, I received 

 the following letter from Mr. Wilson. 



" Sir, Walthamstow, 5th Aug. 1831. 



" I am informed that the Fuegians who have been lately 

 resident in this place are shortly to return to their native 

 country under your care. Will you permit me to ask whether, 

 if two individuals should volunteer to accompany and remain 

 with them, in order to attempt to teach them such useful arts as 

 may be thought suited to their gradual civilization, you will 

 give them a passage in the Beagle ? and whether, upon your 

 arrival on the coast of Tierra del Fuego, you will be able to 

 give them some assistance in establishing a friendly intercourse 

 with, and settlement amongst the natives of that country ? 

 Would these individuals be required to pay you for their pas- 

 sage, and maintenance on board ? or would his Majesty's 

 Government allow them to be maintained on board at the 

 public expense ? Do you think that you would be able to visit 

 them, after their first settlement, supposing so desirable an 

 object should be attained, in order to give them some encou- 

 ragement, and perhaps assistance ; or to remove them if they 

 should find it impracticable to continue their residence among 

 the natives ? 



