300 BEAGLE SAILS ADELAIDE REPAIRED. NoV. 1829- 



The Beagle being ready to resume her voyage, sailed on the 

 19th of November to survey the southern coasts of Tierra del 

 Fuego; after which, she was to rejoin the Adventure at Rio 

 de Janeiro.^ 



As the Adelaide had received some damage in getting 

 aground, it was requisite to lay her on the beach for examina- 

 tion and repair. Her mainmast, also, was found to be sprung 

 so badly, as to render a new one necessary ; which we should 

 have found much difficulty in obtaining, but for the kindness 

 of General Aldunate, who, finding that we were at a loss, pro- 

 posed to give us the flag-staff" of the town, a beautiful spar of 

 alerse, that was in every way suitable. Previously, however, to 

 accepting his off'er, being aware that such an act might expose 

 him to much reproach from the people of the town, who were 

 all very proud of it, I caused inquiry to be made whether a 

 spar of the necessary dimensions could be brought from Cal- 

 buco ; and in the meantime we proceeded with the repairs. 



A creek behind Sandy Point off^ering every convenience for 

 heaving her down, the Adelaide was moved into it, and laid 

 on the beach. On stripping her copper off", the injury proved 

 to be considerable ; but not beyond our means to repair. Upon 

 examination, the foremast was found to be in a bad state, but 

 could be rendered effective by fishing it with the sound portion 

 of the other mast, therefore our only real difficulty was to get a 

 mainmast. From the account I received from Calbuco, I found 

 that, without a great delay, not less than two months, and 

 sending a portion of our people with ropes and tackles, there 

 was no chance of procuring a spar : it could only be obtained 

 at a considerable distance from the shore, and when felled must 

 be dragged over several high ranges of hills, which might be 

 called mountains, before it could be got to the water-side. 

 General Aldunate, through whom this inquiry was made, then 

 renewed his offer of the flag-staff", which I accepted most thank- 

 fully ; and by his order it was taken down, and conveyed to 

 the ship, soon after which it was converted into an excellent 

 mainmast for the schooner. Before it was moved, a new, but 

 * See orders to Captain Fitz Roy, in the Appendix. 



