94 



APPENDIX. 



I much regret that we could not meet with a suitable companion 

 for Matthews. I trust, however, you will find him to possess many- 

 valuable quahfications for the undertaking. 



With very cordial wishes for your safety and welfare, 



I remain, &c. 



D. COATES. 



To Capt. FiTz.RoY, R.N. 

 &c. &c. &c. 



No. 5. 



Salisbury Square, London, 

 Dear Mr. Matthews, Nov. 10, 1831. 



The friends by whose means you are enabled to proceed to Tierra 

 del Fuego cannot suffer you to depart without offering to you some 

 suggestions and counsel with regard to your future course. 



The undertaking in which you are about to be engaged springs 

 from the benevolent interest taken by Captain Fitz-Roy in the natives 

 of the island of Tierra del Fuego, with whom he became acquainted 

 during his survey of that part of the coast of South America, in 

 which he was employed by His Majesty's Government. Some of 

 them were brought hither by Capt. F. on his return home, about 

 twelve months ago. These individuals, through Capt. F.'s kind 

 exertions, were, during their stay in England, placed under circum- 

 stances to receive instruction in the English language, in the prin- 

 ciples of Christianity, and in some of the most simple arts of civHized 

 life. 



These natives will be your companions on board the ** Beagle," 

 a passage to Tierra del Fuego having, at the instance of Capt. F., 

 been granted to them and to you on board that ship, by the Hberality 

 of the Lords of the Admiralty. 



Some Christian friends having become acquainted with these 

 foreigners, and with Capt. Fitz-Roy 's solicitude to promote their 

 welfare and that of the tribes with which they are connected, have 

 supplied the means of providing the outfit, which was requisite to 



