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

94 APPENDIX. I much regret that we could not meet with a suitable companion for Matthews. I trust, however, you will find him to possess many- valuable qualifications for the undertaking. With very cordial wishes for your safety and welfare, I remain,, &c. D. Coaxes. To Capt. FiTz-RoY, R.N. &c. &c. &c. No. 5. Salisbury Square, London, Dear Mr. Matthews, Nov. 10, 1831. The friends by whose means you are enabled to proceed to Tierra del Fuego cannot suffer you to depart without offering to you some suggestions and counsel with regard to your future course. The undertaking in which you are about to be engaged springs from the benevolent interest taken by Captain Fitz-Roy in the natives of the island of Tierra del Fuego, with whom he became acquainted during his survey of that part of the coast of South America, in which he was employed by His Majesty's Government. Some of them were brought hither by Capt. F. on his return home, about twelve months ago. These individuals, through Capt. F.'s kind exertions, were, during their stay in England, placed under circum- stances to receive instruction in the English language, in the prin- ciples of Christianity, and in some of the most simple arts of civilized life. These natives will be your companions on board the " Beagle," a passage to Tierra del Fuego having, at the instance of Capt. F., been granted to them and to you on board that ship, by the hberality of the Lords of the Admiralty. Some Christian friends having become acquainted with these foreigners, and with Capt. Fitz-Roy's soHcitude to promote their welfare and that of the tribes with which they are connected, have Bupplied the means of providing the outfit, which was requisite to