Submitted by PeterPavement on Wed, 04/26/2017 - 12:51
Darwin is living in London persuading Fitzroy to accept him on the voyage and preparing clothing, equipment, books, and financial matters.
Latitude:
51.507151
Longitude:
-0.129094
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Submitted by PeterPavement on Wed, 04/26/2017 - 12:51
Darwin is living in London persuading Fitzroy to accept him on the voyage and preparing clothing, equipment, books, and financial matters.
Wood has heard from FitzRoy, who seemed so much against CD’s going that CD and Henslow gave up. CD is in London; has seen FitzRoy, who is now ready to invite him. CD remains undecided. He likes FitzRoy. Gives details of prospective arrangements. They probably will be gone three years; "round the world" is not certain. Want of room is a serious objection.
Has met FitzRoy, who has now offered him the post of naturalist on board the Beagle. Other details about the voyage arrangements – mess, CD’s status, route, books.
Orders clothing, books, and other supplies for the voyage, to be sent to him in London.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Plans to come to Cambridge to discuss Beagle voyage. Only difficulty is disposal of his collections. South Sea Islands now more probable.
Reports on errands he has done for RF. Has discussed with Beaufort the question of his having right to dispose of his collection.
Describes his appointment, the Beagle, his companions, and the objectives of the voyage. Gives his schedule before departure.
CD’s luggage is frightfully bulky, though he has been as economical as possible. Has made financial arrangements for his expenses.
Plans to study mathematics during voyage.
Asks JSH to take charge of his consignments of specimens from the voyage.
Has just heard Beagle sailing is delayed so he will remain another week in London. Asks whether RF has a good set of mountain barometers, which geologists tell him are important.
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darwin@lib.cam.ac.uk
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