Dear Sir—

I have often times thought that I should very much like your Portrait as a remembrance of respect during the time I was on Board the Beagle, when she was Surveying the South West Coast of Chili and Peru, commanded by Captian Fitzroy, for four years, and you was in connection with the Survey on Board the Beagle the whole time.¹

For instance, do you renemder me calling you upon Deck one night, when the Beagle Lay in Chiloway, to Witness the Volcanic Eruption of a Mountain when I was on Duty on the Middle Watch, and you Exclaimed, O my God, what a sight, I shall never forget.²

Another Instance, when whe walked eleven miles from the—River Santa Cruz, and returning Back, you had forgot your Compass and whe had to make our way Back without them;³

Also, do you remember me giving you my Water on our returning to the Vessel when you was—exausted with thirst.

I hope I may have said sufficent as to convince you that I am not an imposter, But one that wishes to have in remembrance of those Happy Days I spent with you on Board the Beagle, that his, the presence of your Portrait.

I trust you will not think me presumtious in asking for the—small favour of respect, Because, I can assure you, I ask from the purest of motives.

With my kind wishes to you | I Remain | yours most obdet | Thomas Burgess

to Doctor Darwin | Down Bromley | Kent