August 1829, 



ALDUNATE' 



: YNTENUENTE, 



211 



returned, but was daily expected, having been despatched to 

 survey some interior channels on her way to Chiloe. Our 

 anchorage was off Point Arenas, which is not only the best in 

 the bay, but appeared to be well adapted to our wants. The 

 Beagle had arrived early in July, and had sent to Valparaiso 

 for stores with which to refit, and make preparations for another 

 cruize to the south. 



The harbour master, Mr. Williams, an Englishman, visited 

 us soon after our anchoring, and by him I forwarded to the 

 Yntendente (or governor), Don Jose Santiago Aldunate, the 

 letters brought for him from Chile. 



In the afternoon I received his acknowledgments, and offers 

 of all the assistance in his power to render. As it was probable 

 that our stay would occupy some weeks, I established myself 

 at a house in the town, obtained by his kindness ; and there 

 fixed my portable observatory, and set up an azimuth altitude 

 instrument. 



St O 



