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

INTRODUCTION. In 1825, the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty directed two ships to be prepared for a Survey of the Southern Coasts of South America and in May, of the following year, the Adventure and the Beagle were lying in Plymouth Sound, ready to carry the orders of their Lordships into execution. These vessels were well provided with every necessary, and every comfort, which the liberality and kindness of the Admiralty, Navy Board, and officers of the Dock-yards, could cause to be furnished. On board the Adventure, a roomy ship, of 3o0 tons burthen, without guns,* lightly though strongly rigged, and very strongly built, were Phillip Parker King, Commander and Surveyor, Senior Officer of the Expedition. J. Cooke Lieutenant. B. AiNswoRTH Master. J. Tarn Surgeon. • Excepting one fnr signals.