Jan. 1828. 



LIEUTENANT SHOLL. 



Before he had reached within two miles of her, the Beagle 

 touched the ground, but was extricated from the danger most 

 fortunately, because it was nearly high water ; and had she 

 remained a-ground during the tide, the consequences might 

 have been serious — at least, she could not have been got off 

 without lightening her considerably. The brig proved to be 

 the Adeona (Mr. Low's vessel), on her way to meet the Ux- 

 bridge. In attempting to enter the narrow, she grounded 

 on the shoals, and had been left dry. The following tide 

 again floated her, and she was on the point of getting under- 

 weigh, when the Beagle hove in sight. Captain Stokes finding 

 that the Adeona had received no damage, proceeded to Gregory 

 Bay. 



By the Beagle's arrival we were informed of the death of 

 Lieutenant Robert H. Sholl, after an illness of ten days. His 

 remains were interred at Port San Julian, where a tablet was 

 erected to his memory. 



This excellent young man's death was sincerely regretted 

 by all his friends, and by none more than by me. He was 

 appointed to the expedition, as a midshipman, solely on account 

 of his high character. 



During our voyage from England, he made himself con- 

 spicuously useful in saving the cargo of a vessel, which was 

 stranded in Port Praya ; and on our arrival at Rio de Janeiro, 

 the Commander-in-chief appointed him to a vacant lieutenantcy 

 on board the Beagle : an appointment which, up to the period 

 of his lamented death, he filled zealously and most creditably. 



On the 1st of March we were surprised by the appearance 

 of three Europeans, walking round Point St. Anna. A boat 



* I cannot avoid noticing- here the considerate conduct of the Com- 

 mander-in-chief (Sir George Eyre) with respect to this appointment. By 

 the tenor of my instructions the Adventure and Beagle were placed 

 under the Admiral's orders ; and the vacancy, had he wished to exercise 

 his prerogative, might have been filled by one of his own followers. 

 It was, however, given, at my request, to Mr. Sholl, as being more con- 

 versant with the duties of this peculiar service than any of the midship- 

 men of the flag-ship. The Admiral's conduct, on this occasion, calls for 

 my warmest thanks. 



