October 1834 (4)

Captain Fitzroy’s Journal:
I now proposed, first, to go to San Carlos, there set two of our boats at work among the islands eastward of the large island, while the Beagle would survey the more exposed coasts, those to the west and south; then the ship was to examine the seaward shores of the Chonos archipelago, while another of her boats was employed among those islands; and, the Chonos explored, she would return to San Carlos, collect her scattered parties, and proceed along the coast, northwards, taking all the ports and islands in her way.

October 1834 (3)

Captain Fitzroy’s Journal:
All on board partook, more or less, of the mortification caused by parting with our consort, just as she was most wanted, and most able to take an effective part; and I confess that my own feelings and health were so much altered in consequence — so deprived of their former elasticity and soundness — that I could myself no longer bear the thoughts of such a prolonged separation from my country, as I had encouraged others to think lightly of, while I could hold out to them the prospect of seeing as well as doing a great deal among the islands of the Pacific, besides completing the surveys of Chile and Peru.

October 1834 (2)

Captain Fitzroy’s Journal:

I had asked to be allowed to bear twenty additional seamen on the Beagle's books, whose pay and provisions would then be provided by Government, being willing to defray every other expense myself; but even this was refused. As soon as my mind was made up, after a most painful struggle, I discharged the Adventure's crew, took the officers back to the Beagle, and sold the vessel.

October 1834 (1)

Captain Fitzroy’s Journal:
At this time I was made to feel and endure a bitter disappointment; the mortification it caused preyed deeply, and the regret is still vivid. I found that it would be impossible for me to maintain the Adventure much longer: my own means had been taxed, even to involving myself in difficulties, and as the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty did not think it proper to give me any assistance, I saw that all my cherished hopes of examining many groups of islands in the Pacific, besides making a complete survey of the Chilian and Peruvian shores, must utterly fail.

A hiatus

With Charles being sick (see last post) there are no diary entries until the 10th November. So until that time I will be using various of Charles' letters and Fitzroy's Journal for the period to fill the gap. But stay tuned, there is still SO much to anticipate, including, of course, the Beagle's visit to the Galapagos.

By the time the diary resumes, Conrad Martens will have left the Beagle. Above is an image by Conrad, made just before the Beagle voyage, of a view from Lympstone in the Exe estuary in Devon, only a few miles from my home. It is completely unchanged today. I have a watercolour by a local artist made around 15 years ago of the same view ~ the likeness is uncanny, yet coincidental.