Submitted by PeterPavement on Wed, 04/26/2017 - 12:51
Darwin writes about the fitting out of the Beagle and the final preparations before setting off.
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Submitted by PeterPavement on Wed, 04/26/2017 - 12:51
Darwin writes about the fitting out of the Beagle and the final preparations before setting off.
Pleasant three-day voyage to Plymouth has increased CD’s admiration for FitzRoy. Describes the Beagle as an excellent vessel, but the want of room is very bad. He likes the officers.
Regrets he cannot take Francis Owen on Beagle as midshipman. RF thinks CD had better be on the books [for victuals], but CD should do as he likes. Refitting progress is slow.
Hopes to be able to help Cambridge Philosophical Society with his collections, but thinks most will have to go to British Museum.
Describes Beagle quarters, the surgeon [Robert McCormick, M.D.], and officers.
Asks JSH’s advice on studying mathematics.
Questions about his college bills.
Describes the living conditions he will have on the Beagle.
The outfitting of the Beagle progresses.
CD has been dining out more than he wishes. He has met W. S. Harris of "Electricity" fame.
His fears and hopes about seasickness.
A new continent has been discovered "somewhere far South". "Perhaps we may be sent in search."
Sailing date fixed for end of month. Beagle is beautiful. Details of instructions and route. Hopes voyage will not exceed four years. Quarters very confined. Considers Jenyns did wisely in not coming. If CD were longer out of college and some years older he never could have endured it.
Regrets that it will be impossible to visit Cambridge for some years. Reminisces about CW’s "classical Sunday evenings", the Glutton Club, and his friends.
"We spend about 2 years in S. America, the rest of time larking round the world."
Still delayed; will not sail until 5 December. Instructions have come, with proposed itinerary.
Confusion on board the Beagle at definite prospect of sailing. Gives directions for sending mail to Montevideo.
Darwin Correspondence Project
darwin@lib.cam.ac.uk
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