Darwin Correspondence Project

Dearest Philos

What you will say to me for not having written before I know not—but really I have not been idle or forgetful.

I trusted to Fuller for all immediately necessary information and I will now try to give you the rest.

Captain Beaufort was out of town when my letters & papers reached London (from Falmouth) and the Chart duster put them away in a corner (excepting one private one) to await Capt. B's return!!! Those papers related to the Chronometric results &c &c—upon which the necessity for our going to Woolwich was to be founded—

Orders had been sent to Plymouth for the Beagle to pay off there—but Ld. Amelius Beauclerk had civility & sense enough to stay proceedings and approve of my going to London to see the Lords & Masters myself— I boarded Sir John Barrow, and then made a stalking horse of him while attacking the others.

All was satisfactorily settled in a very short time—and they acceded civilly to my proposal of calling at Portsmouth. I was delighted to see that the Valpo. cargo of charts had not only arrived but that they were mostly Engraved —or in the Engraver's hands—and on a large scale. They have given much satisfaction at the Hydl. Office.

I have promised to give them a short paper for the Geogl. Society— a slight sketch of our voyage— I will do what I can—according to time and ask you to add, and correct.

Rice Trevor & Alexr Wood crossed me on the road—they in one mail—I in another—but I was soon down again & with them at Devonport— Fuller told me you looked very well and had on a good hat!

Who the deuce was my cousin in a broad brimmed hat?

I was delighted by your letter.— The account of your family—& the joy tipsy style of the whole letter were very pleasing. Indeed Charles Darwin I have also been very happy—even at that horrid place Plymouth—for that horrid place contains a treasure to me which even you were ignorant of!! Now guess—and think & guess again. Believe it, or not,—the news is true —I am going to be married!!!!!!! to Mary OBrien—

Now you may know that I had decided on this step, long very long ago.— All is settled & we shall be married in December. Rice Trevor Alexr. Wood & Talbot like her much. Pray call on my sister in Stratton Street—she longs to see you,—& ask to see the children.—

Money matters are better than you think. Your's most sincerely | Robt. FitzRoy

Beagle. Portsmouth 20th. Oct. (night)— arrived this morning—shall sail tomorrow morning for Woolwich Sights are taken.