Narrative of the surveying voyages of his majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle (vol.1): between the years 1826 and 1836 : describing their examination of the southern shores of South America, and the Beagles's circumnavigation of the globe

Jan. 1828. lieutenant sholl. 121 Before he had reached within two miles of her, the Beaole touched the ground, but was extricated from the danger most fortunately, because it was nearly high water ; and had she remained a-ground during the tide, the consequences might have been serious — at least, she could not have been got oft' without lightening her considerably. The brig proved to be the Adeona (Mr. Low's vessel), on her way to meet the Ux- bridge. In attempting to enter the narrow, she grounded on the shoals, and had been left dry. The following tide again floated her, and she was on the point of getting under- weigh, when the Beagle hove in sight. Captain Stokes finding that the Adeona had received no damage, proceeded to Grcoory Bay. By the Beagle's arrival we were informed of the death of Lieutenant Robert H. Sholl, after an illness of ten days. His remains were interred at Port San Julian, where a tablet was erected to his memory. This excellent young man's death was sincerely reo-retted by all his friends, and by none more than by me. He was appointed to the expedition, as a midshipman, solely on account of his high character. During our voyage from England, he made himself con- spicuously useful in saving the cargo of a vessel, which was stranded in Port Praya ; and on our arrival at Rio de Janeiro the Commander-in-chief appointed him to a vacant lieutenantcy on board the Beagle : an appointment which, up to the period of his lamented death, he filled zealously and most creditably.* On the 1st of March we were surprised by the appearance of three Europeans, walking round Point St. Anna. A boat * I cannot avoid noticing; here the considerate conduct of the Com- mander-in-chief (Sir George Eyre) with respect to this appointment. By the tenor of my instructions the Adventure and Beagle were placed under the Admiral's orders; and the vacancy, had he wished to exercise his prerogative, might have been filled by one of his own followers. It was, however, given, at my request, to Mr. Sholl, as being more con- versant with the duties of this peculiar service than any of the midship- men of the flag-ship. The Admiral's conduct, on this occasion, calls for my warmest thanks.