Narrative of the surveying voyages of his majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle (vol.2): between the years 1826 and 1836 : describing their examination of the southern shores of South America, and the Beagles's circumnavigation of the globe

ISSl. MR. WILSON ANSWER. 16 " A subscription has been set on foot by gentlemen who are extremely desirous that this opportunity of extending the benefits of civilization should not be lost ; and, in consequence of their united wishes, I now take the liberty of asking these questions. " I am, &c. (Signed) " William Wilson." " To Captain Fitz-Roy, R.N." After reading this communication, I wrote to the Secretary of the Admiralty, and enclosed a copy of Mr. Wilson s letter. The answer is subjoined. " Sir, Admiralty Office, 10th Aug. 1831. " Having laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admi- ralty your letter of yesterday's date, with the letter which accompanied it, from the Rev. William Wilson, respecting the natives of Tierra del Fuego who were brought to England in his Majesty's ship Beagle ; I am commanded to acquaint you that their Lordships will give the necessary orders for the pas- sage of these individuals, and of the two persons who are to accompany them ; and that your request to be allowed to visit these people, after their arrival, will be taken into consideration in preparing your instructions. " I am, &c. (Signed) " John Barrow." " To Commander Fitz-Roy, " H.M.S. Beagle." *&' In consequence of this reply, it was wished that two per- sons should accompany the Fuegians, and endeavour to pass some time in their country : but it was not easy to find in- dividuals sufficiently qualified, and in whom confidence could be placed, who would willingly undertake such an enter- prise. One young man was selected by Mr. Wilson, but a companion for him could not be found in time to embark on board the Beagle. In October the party from Walthamstow arrived, in a