non, the
Aurora Australis, such as the angular bearing and elevation of the point
of coruscation; the bearing also of the principal luminous arches, etc.
9. It has been asserted that lunar and solar halos are not always exactly
circular, and a general order might, therefore, be given to the officer
of the watch, to measure their vertical and horizontal diameters whenever
they occur, day or night.
Large collections of natural history cannot be expected, nor any
connected account of the structure or geological arrangements of the
great islands which you are to coast; nor, indeed, would minute inquiries
on these subjects be at all consistent with the true objects of the
survey. But, to an observant eye, some facts will unavoidably present
themselves, which will be well worth recording, and the medical officers
will, no doubt, be anxious to contribute their share to the scientific
character of the survey.
I have now exhausted every subject to which it can be necessary to call
the attention of an officer of your long experience; and I have,
therefore, only further to express my conviction, that if Providence
permits you to retain your wonted health and activity, you will pursue
the great objects of this expedition with all the energy in your power,
and with all the perseverance consistent with a due regard to the safety
of His Majesty's Ship, and to the comfort of your officers and crew.
Given, etc. this 8th of June, 1837.
F. Beaufort,
Hydrographer.
...
OFFICERS AND CREW.
The crew embarked in the Beagle in this her third voyage, consisted of:
John Clements Wickham, Commander and Surveyor.
James B. Emery, Lieutenant.
Henry Eden, Lieutenant.
John Lort Stokes, Lieutenant and Assistant Surveyor.
Alexander B. Usborne, Master.
Benjamin Bynoe, Surgeon.
Thomas Tait, Assistant Surgeon.
John E. Dring, Clerk in charge.
Benjamin F. Helpman, Mate.
Auchmuty T. Freeze, Mate.
Thomas T. Birch, Mate.
L.R. Fitzmaurice, Mate.*
William Tarrant, Master's Assistant.
Charles Keys,** Clerk.
Thomas Sorrell, Boatswain.
John Weeks, Carpenter.
A corporal of marines and seven privates, with forty seamen and boys.
(*Footnote. This officer I afterwards appointed to the assistant
surveyorship (vacated upon my succeeding Captain Wickham) on account of
the active part he had taken in the surveying duties: an appointment most
handsomely confirmed by Captain Beaufort.)
(**Footnote. Mr. Keys was always a volunteer for boat wor
|