Summary

Sends some historical data to illustrate the elevation of the coast at Valparaiso in recent times.

Summary

Replies to CD’s letter [250], giving news of himself and mutual friends.

Summary

Met Capt. Harding who said FitzRoy was promoted to Post-Captain.

News of family and friends. Forthcoming marriages of Robert Wedgwood and Tom Eyton.

Summary

Sends CD large beetles from Chiloé.

Describes an earthquake at Caucague.

Gives exact location and measurements of two blocks of granite; has seen and heard of others; will report if he surveys the Potrero on Chiloé.

Summary

Congratulates WDF on his marriage,

reminisces about Cambridge and early entomology. Now neglects entomology for geology.

Describes Concepción after earthquake.

Hopes to cross Cordilleras before they leave South America in September.

Summary

The termination of the voyage has been decided – September 1836.

The earthquake of Concepción.

His geological observations (since November). Can now prove both sides of the Andes have recently risen to considerable heights.

Zoological collection.

Plans to cross the Cordilleras.

Summary

Has just returned from crossing the Cordilleras. Geological observations of formations representing great epochs of violence which broke up the earth’s crust. Shells at over 12000 feet. Silicified trees in sandstone formations at great heights. Red snow and viviparous lizards. Botanical specimens.

Summary

His trip across the Andes and back was his most successful excursion: can clearly demonstate that the western part of the double line of mountains is much older, with fossil shells at 12000ft; the eastern line may be as modern as the Patagonian plains. If proved, this is an important fact in the theory of the formation of the world. Has found petrified trees.

Summary

Gives details of his observations which lend support to the view that Chile is rising with respect to the sea. Reports some observations and opinions with regard to earthquakes and volcanic action in the area.

Summary

Greatly enjoyed CD’s company; has worried about his health. Adds some European and English news.

Summary

Instructions for a journey to the sulphur deposits of the Valle de la Coipa.

Describes volcanic formations capping granite hills from Copiapò to Atacama [Chile]. [See South America, pp. 230–1.]

Summary

Passes on news from England and some Shrewsbury papers.

Summary

Expresses envy for WDF’s life as a clergyman.

Outlines homeward voyage; tells of his hope of seeing active volcanoes and Tertiary strata in Galapagos. Recommends geology to Fox. Discusses Lyell’s views; CD has become "a zealous disciple".

Summary

Looks forward to seeing volcanoes in Galapagos Islands.

Has altered his views on Cordillera formations as a result of another trip. Discusses his theory of their origin and history.

Summary

Sends some geological specimens. Describes his recent trips and findings on the geology of the Andes. Asks if HSF has seen large beds of shells on elevated land – possibly at Rio Grande or S. Brazil.

Summary

Memorandum of geological instructions to guide ABU during a voyage of [Constitucion] to survey the coast of Peru.

Summary

Living quietly on the ship and eating good food has been good for him. He longs for home. Peru is in a miserable state.

Summary

Some of CD’s letters were read at Geological Society in London. Professor Sedgwick says of CD, "doing admirably … collection above all praise … will have a great name among the Naturalists of Europe".

Erasmus has taken office of Clerk to a Government Commissioner. Other family news.

Summary

Definite plans now to leave Valparaiso 1 June and to arrive in Sydney in January; then Cape of Good Hope and home in September 1836.

Describes Concepción after earthquake.

Will cross the Cordilleras. Hopes snow will hold off.

Summary

Urges him to return home. News of family and friends; the Langtons will go to Rio in April and then winter in the West Indies. Henslow has a son.