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

INSTRUCTIONS. 23 above-mentioned ; and in addition to the directions conveyed to you in the memorandum, on the subject of your supplies of provisions, we have signified to the Rear- Admiral our desire that, whenever the occasion offers, you should receive from him and the officers of his squadron, any assistance, in stores and provisions, of which you may stand in need. " But during the whole time of your continuing on the above duties, you are (notwithstanding the 16th article of the 4th section of the 6th chapter, page 78, of the General Printed Instructions) to send reports, by every opportunity, to our Secretary, of your proceedings, and of the progress you make. " Having completed the surveys which you are directed to execute on the South American station, you are to proceed to perform the several further operations set forth in the Hydro- grapher's memorandum, in the course therein pointed out; and having so done, you are to return, in the vessel you command, to Spithead, and report your arrival to our Secretary, for our information and further directions. " In the event of any unfortunate accident happening to yourself, the officer on whom the command of the Beagle may in consequence devolve, is hereby required and directed to complete, as far as in him lies, that part of the survey on which the vessel may be then engaged, but not to proceed to a new step in the voyage ; as, for instance, if at that time carry- ing on the coast survey on the western side of South America, he is not to cross the Pacific, but to return to England by Rio de Janeiro and the Atlantic. " Given under our hands, the 11th of November 1831. (Signed) " T. M. Hardy, " G. Barrington." " To Robert Fitz-Roy, Esq., Commander of his Majesty's surveying vessel ' Beagle,' at Plymouth." « By command of their Lordships, (Signed) " Geo. Elliot."