Dec. 1829. 



PARTY DISTRESS. 



SG9 



if they were in want of provisions, so as we did not hear from 

 them I trusted that they had found wild fowl enough, and 

 were not in distress. 



" 27th. Rather a more moderate morning with clearer wea- 

 ther. W e looked out anxiously for the whale-boat, as, in such 

 weather, she might get back to the ship without much diffi- 

 culty. Before noon Mr. Wilson and the coxswain were seen 

 on shore making signals to the ship ; and a boat was sent 

 immediately to bring them on board. They were very weak 

 and tired, having walked across the island during the preceding 

 afternoon and nischt, and having had no food for the last two 

 days. The master and the other four men were said to be in 

 a cove at the back of the island, and to have been without pro- 

 visions since the 24th, not having been able to find either shell- 

 fish or wild fowl. 



" At the time Mr. Wilson arrived on board, I was absent tak- 

 ing angles and bearings, but was soon informed of his return, 

 and at noon left the ship with a week's provisions for the 

 master''s party and my own boat's crew. I had not lost sight 

 of the Beagle when I met the former returning. Having given 

 them some food, and two fresh hands to help them in pulling 

 to the ship (it being then quite moderate and fine) I continued 

 my course to the place they had left, in order to do what the bad 

 weather had prevented the master from doing. Being favoured 

 with a fine afternoon I succeeded in obtaining the necessary 

 angles and bearings, and returned to our vessel the following 

 morning. 



''28th. At my return I found the master and his party 

 nearly recovered. They had tried every day to return to the 

 ship, but had been repeatedly forced back, at the risk of being 

 driven out to sea. The gusts of wind from off the high land 

 were so powerful as almost to upset the boat, although she had 

 not even a mast up. Continual rain had wetted their ammu- 

 nition and tinder, and they were then without fire or victuals : 

 upon which Mr. Wilson and the coxswain set out, on Satur- 

 day afternoon, to acquaint us with their situation. 



" When they came down to the sea-side the Fuegians took 



VOL. T. 2 b 



