BY EOYAL COMMAND 145 
to allow me to be angry, even had I cause. I often speak 
testily when I do not mean it, as you know ; and hope I 
said nothing in my letter that gave offence, but I must say 
I was then annoyed to hear that ' my drawings and letters 
were known far and wide.' We did take possession of the 
land (landing on the little island) in the name of Her M.G.M.Q. 
Victoria, and so we did last January, and on another little 
island. I wish His E.H. much joy of Her Majesty's acquisi- 
tions, nothing but Her wish will get me near them again, 
for I suppose if the Queen tells you, go you must nolens 
volens. Their Majesties' interest and attention is most 
flattering to a poor Asst. Surgeon, beyond everything 
flattering. 
Capt. Boss wrote Prince Albert a long letter from the 
Falklands which caused him many hours' deep study and 
the purser many candles. ... If he should show any more 
interest in the Expedition he may like to hear the particulars 
of the cruise, all of which I leave to your judgement, only 
premising that I do not at all like my letters to be sent about 
whole. Use your discretion about any parts you like, but 
you must see that I may say many things intended only 
for the four walls of West Park. Had I my own way I 
would forward occasional notices of the cruise to the 
' Athenaeum,' but I feel sure Capt. Boss would not like it, 
nor do I wish to be the mouthpiece for both ships, trumpeting 
our own fame. 
It seemed likely that Eoss's calculated economy of news 
might defeat its own ends. 
Capt. Eoss told me the other day that * the " Athenaeum " 
was never friendly to him and took no notice of our pro- 
ceedings.' I thought the latter part very true but did 
not tell him, telling him instead that the papers had no 
means of getting news about us ; he did not, or would not, 
take the hint. He seems to wish all the news to come home 
with him, to astonish the world like a thunder clap ; but 
will find himself much mistaken I fear ; * out of sight, out 
of mind,' and if the knowledge of our proceedings be stifled 
it will beget indifference, instead of pent-up curiosity, ready 
to burst out on our firing one gun at Spithead. I do not 
believe he tells Sabine too much, or his own father. 
