Summary

Orders clothing, books, and other supplies for the voyage, to be sent to him in London.

Summary

Received offer of post as naturalist in the Beagle in the same mail as WDF’s last letter. Outlines details of prospective voyage. Not certain, but thinks he probably will go.

Expresses pleasure that all is well with their friendship, which he prizes.

Summary

Mentions letters from Peacock and Henslow; tells of offer of a position on surveying voyage, his initial refusal, and eventual acceptance. Describes FitzRoy and course of voyage.

Summary

Discusses help he is receiving in his preparations for the voyage from William Yarrell and others. He has ordered a case of pistols, a rifle, and a good telescope with compass. It is settled that he will go.

Describes the coronation of William IV.

Summary

All is settled – nothing can now alter CD’s determination. Details of plan and arrangements. Beaufort believes CD’s collections should be presented to some public body. CD thinks a large central collection best for natural history. Is busy getting advice and information from Yarrell and Capt. P. P. King for the voyage.

Summary

Suggestions and information helpful to CD in preparation for Beagle voyage. David Brewster’s meteorological papers. Suggests an oyster-trawl for collecting marine animals. Recommends CD see R. E. Grant. For meteorological observations suggests F. W. Beechey’s Voyage to the Pacific [1831] and an interview with J. F. Daniell of King’s College.

Summary

Congratulates CD on Beagle appointment as an "opportunity … of studying all the natural sciences at once, after your own taste".

Summary

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.

Summary

Plans to come to Shrewsbury.

Is pleased with cabin assignment on Beagle. Beagle will map the east side of Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia and set longitude of many places.

Summary

Plans to come to Cambridge to discuss Beagle voyage. Only difficulty is disposal of his collections. South Sea Islands now more probable.

Summary

Is glad of CD’s appointment and hopes it will be a source of happiness and honour.

Answers a query about books.

Suggests CD go to Geological Society, present himself, as AS’s friend, to William Lonsdale and study the Society’s collection.

Tells CD of his work in Wales; includes a diagram and explanations.

Ramsay’s death a grievous loss.

Summary

Rejoices in CD’s appointment and predicts he will rank with Candolle, Henslow, and Linnaeus.

Recounts their past pleasures and gives news of friends, who are scattering fast.

Summary

Reports on errands he has done for RF. Has discussed with Beaufort the question of his having right to dispose of his collection.

Summary

Describes his appointment, the Beagle, his companions, and the objectives of the voyage. Gives his schedule before departure.

Summary

Sends congratulations and good wishes; feels the Wedgwoods bear much responsibility, since he would not have accepted the Beagle appointment had he not been at Maer "that 1st. of September".

Summary

Sends him a purse, which she asks him to use in remembrance of her.

Summary

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.

Summary

Thanks CTW for his letter [125]. "I do not think I ever received a more kind letter than yours or one that gave me so much pleasure.— You ought to have in your mind, the prospect of leaving England for 3 or 4 years before you can understand how to enjoy such a letter from such a person as yourself—". Regarding the voyage, "all is finally settled, & I have sealed away about half a chance of life.— If one lived merely to see how long one could spin out life,—I should repent my choice.— As it is I do not.—"

Thanks CTW for four fungi which have arrived.

Summary

Much disappointed that CD will leave home before she returns.

Summary

She encloses a pin with "genuine hair" and is flattered that it will go around the world with CD.