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HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S SHIP BEAGLE, THE MOST FAMOUS SHIP CONNECTED WITH THE HISTORY OF THE GALAPÁGOS

Since the founding of the British Navy, its ships and their histories have been an inspiration to those who were to follow in the footsteps of their great admirals, the mere mention of such a ship as the Victory filling the heart of every Englishman with pride. However, Darwin's ship, the Beagle, was too insignificant to command any attention, and it was not until after the return of Charles Darwin, the naturalist on board, and the publication of the results of his voyage, Journal of Researches into the Geology and Natural History of the Various Countries Visited by H.M.S. Beagle, that it became one of the famous ships of His Majesty's Navy.

Fig. 15

Fig. 15. His Majesty's Ship Beagle hove to in the Strait of Magellan,

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It is truly amazing that the modern chart of the Galápagos made in 1942 by the U.S.S. Bowditch, a vessel 380 feet in length and 6,000 tons displacement, equipped with every modern device for marine surveying, should so closely approximate the survey made by Captain Fitz-Roy over a hundred years ago. His little vessel was at the mercy of strong and uncertain currents together with deadly calms so prevalent in those regions. Certainly no greater tribute could be paid to the Beagle's commander.

In this day and age when radar, wireless, sonic depth finders, and various other aids to navigation are commonplace aboard ships, those who have read Darwin's journals might be interested, and many are, to know what sort of vessel it was in which Darwin made his famous voyage and accomplished so much on that famous five-year cruise. The Beagle left England on June 27, 1831, and was paid off at Woolwich November 17, 1836.

Designed by Sir Henry Peake, Surveyor of the Navy, she was launched at the Woolwich Yards, London, England, May 11, 1820. The Beagle was classed as a sloop, rigged as a brig, and had a displacement of 235 tons. The length of the gun deck was 90 feet; the length of keel for tonnage was 73 feet, 7 5/8 inches; the extreme breadth was 24 feet, 6 inches; the depth in the hold was 11 feet; light draught of water, forward it was 7 feet, 7 inches, and abaft it was 9 feet, 5 inches; the armament on the gun deck was 26-pounder guns and 8 18-pounder carronades. She carried a complement of 75 men.

In 1808, some thirty small brigs were built for the Royal Navy, and a few more in 1813. The same design was used from 1818 onward, the last being the Termagant of 1837, so the Beagle came under this master plan of 1818.

Like vessels of her day, she was stoutly built, her deck beams being approximately a foot in width and had what is known as a welldeck with t'gallant fo'c'sle and poop deck, the compartment below being fitted as a chart room. Although vessels of this size were sometimes steered with a tiller, the Beagle was fitted with a wheel. Captain Fitz-Roy made several suggestions regarding alterations while the vessel was being overhauled, and for the comfort of the crew the spar deck was raised twelve inches forward and eight inches aft. She had none of the modern inventions, such as turnbuckles for setting taut the standing rigging, this being done with lanyards and dead eyes with block and tackle as power. For bracing the yards, there were no pendants with luff tackles or double purchases, the braces being

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whips and power gained by more men tugging on the hauling part, and to board the main tack in a stiff breeze, even on a vessel the size of the Beagle, meant plenty of man power.

Fig. 16

Fig. 16. Detailed plans of H.M.S. Beagle.

The main deck was given over to living quarters, the captain's room aft taking up the entire width of the stern. Forward of this were the officers' rooms along the sides and the midshipmen's quarters, and forward of these were the warrant officers' rooms and store rooms. A small locker, or bin, as it was called, took up the midship section, with the galley just abaft the foremast. The seamen swung their hammocks from the main hatch forward.

The lower hold was given over to supplies, ammunition, coal, various stores, and that all important item, water. Even with the crew reduced to fifty-eight, when one stops to consider the vessel was only ninety feet in length, it can readily be seen that accommodations were anything but de luxe.

The sail plan is not available and the drawing of the vessel made while in the Strait of Magellan does not show her with the royal yards in place, though it does show that she carried single topsails. Ten-gun brigs of the Royal Navy did carry royals, but in stress of weather or for various reasons, the t'gallant and royal yards were sent down and stowed in the shrouds. This was probably the case with the roval vards when the sketch was made.

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The records show she remained at Woolwich until 1825 when she was allocated to surveying service by admiralty order of September 17, 1825. Her armament was reduced from 8 to 4 carronades and her complement from 75 to 58, while so employed.

On September 27, 1825, the vessel was docked at Woolwich to be fitted for surveying Magellan Strait, copper taken off, sheathed with wood and re-coppered. Her rig was changed to that of a bark in order to facilitate her maneuvering, and on September 7, 1825, Commander Pringle Stokes became her first commanding officer. On his death he was succeeded by Commander William George Skyring as acting commander until Commander Robert Fitz-Roy took over until the end of her first commission, October, 1830, when she was paid off at Woolwich.

During the second commission of the Beagle, June 27, 1831, to November 17, 1836, he took command once more and although he was promoted to captain during the cruise, and was eligible to command a ship of the first rate, he still continued his duties as surveyor in command of the Beagle.

On fitting out the vessel for its cruise into the Pacific, Commander Fitz-Roy made many requests in order to make the vessel as comfortable as possible for the crew and to facilitate his work. That the admiralty had great confidence in him is shown by the fact that his many requests were granted even to the minutest details. The following correspondence with the Naval Board in regard to the outfitting of his command shows with what care he prepared for the voyage which ended so successfully:

[P. Rt. Adm. 106/1346 F. Off Capt Fitz-Roy (Lihon's Rudder) ]t

H.M.S. Surveying Vessel Beagle

Hamoaze. July 4, 1831.

Gentlemen:

The peculiar nature of the Service for which the Beagle is destined, — that of exploring coasts, little known, — in doing which she is, of course, very liable to accident of all kinds; — makes me feel more confident in asking you to order Lihon's Rudder to be fitted to her; — than would be the case under ordinary circumstances.

I am aware she is too small a vessel to be thought worthy of the extra expense and trouble.

Should you think proper to favor the Beagle, upon this ground

7 [Many of these letters bear file designations and comments as well as endorsements by officials, with or without their initials. All of these are enclosed in brackets so that they will be distinct from the original text. In a few cases the parenthetical material may be that of the author. — Editor.]

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and thus add to the advantages she already possesses — I shall be deeply gratified.

[(Endorsed) The Commander at Plymouth will cause the rudder to be fitted.]

[F. Off. 64]

H.M.S. Surveying Vessel Beagle

Hamoaze, July 14, 1831

The Beagle being ordered to be fitted out for ———— continuing the survey of South America Capt. Fitz-Roy requests some small changes in the interior fittings suggested by my former voyage in the same vessel — — — — The manner in which the Chanticleer was fitted, having answered so extremely well leads me to hope that you will allow the Beagle to be fitted in some respects, similarly. [(Referred to Surveyor)]

[P.R.O. Adm. 106/1346 F. Off. 70 Capt. Fitz-Roy (Lightning Conductor)]

H.M.S. Surveying Vessel Beagle

Hamoaze, July 9, 1831

I have the honor of requesting that you will consider of the propriety of allowing the Beagle's Masts to be fitted with Harris's Lightning conductors.

In my humble opinion they are likely to be very serviceable & I earnestly hope that my request for them may meet with approval. [(Endorsed) Acquaint the Admiralty with this application & that the Board think it may be adviseable to comply with. W.]

[F. Off. 69]

H.M.S. Surveying Vessel Beagle

Hamoaze, July 9, 1831

[(requesting that the Beagle's upper decks may be "raised eight inches")] In examining this Vessel, the Officers of the Dock Yard have found that nearly the whole of the Upper Decks, — a great part of the Spirketting, — and the greater part of the Water Ways require to be replaced, being very defective.

While repairing these defects I am assured by The Officers of the Shipwright's department in this Dock Yard that the beams, and the whole of the Deck may be raised and refastened at an expense which will not exceed one hundred pounds — and without more than one week's additional time being required for the repair of this Vessel.

[P.R.O. Adm. 106/1346 F. Off. 72 Capt. Fitz-Roy (Boats)]

H.M.S. Surveying Vessel Beagle

Hamoaze, July 9, 1831

I have to request that you will allow four Boats be built at this Dock Yard for the use of — — — — Beagle, of the undermentioned

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descriptions, being the best calculated for convenient storage on the Vessel, and for the Surveying Service —

No. 1 Yawl —         26 feet in length

No. 2 Cutter —       23   "          "

No. 3 Whale Boat —          25   "          "

No. 4 Whale Boat —          25   "          "

I have also to request that the Yawl and Cutter may be built on Mr. John's principle of diagonal planking; and that the Yawl may be fitted with the windlass invented by Captain the Honble George Elliot.

(Endorsed) "It has been usual to all Surveying Vessels such boats as are best calculated for the Service in which they may be employed —

        The Beagle as a 10-gun brig is allowed Yawl of 26 or Cutter 25 feet Jolly boat of 16 or 14 feet Gig — 22 feet

by the establishment but the Committee of Naval Officers recommended Mr. John's principle of building Boats, to be confined to Launches.

[(Endorsed beneath by another hand) Give orders as requested by the Captain.]

[(Next ref. F. Off. 70)]

ers 69 (cont) Capt. Fitz-Roy (Enclosure in F. Off 69)] Report — ]

Plymouth Dock Yard

14 July, 1831

In obedience to Minute of 13 instant, on the enclosed letter from Commander Fitz-Roy of the Beagle, we beg leave to acquaint you that as the greater part of the flat of the Upper deck, water-ways and Skirketting are more or less defective, and will require to be replaced with new materials, we are of the opinion that the alteration of raising the deck eight inches may be performed at an expense of £ 120, and as the space between Decks is only five feet, the storage as well as the comfort of the crew will be increased by making the alteration.

[F. Off. 66]

H.M's Surveying Vessel Beagle

Hamoaze, July 4, 1831

request to have the Beagle to be fitted with a Patent Windlass in addition to her Capstan, similarly to H. M. S. Chanticleer.

I have also to beg that if you approve of the stove which was fitted on board the Chanticleer, and since transferred to the Phito you will permit a similar stove to be fitted on board the Beagle — — — it saves much room & much fuel.

[(Endorsed) Ask Mr. Fraser at that rate he won't supply a stove for the Beagle.]

[Surveyors as to Windlass — Desire the Woolwich Officers to for-

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ward to Plymouth — — — the patent windlass now on hand the Chanticleer to be fitted.]

[P.R.O. Adm. 106/1346 F. Off. 69 cont. Capt. Fitz-Roy (Raising Deck)]

[F. Off. 69 cont.]

Commissioner Ross and the Master Shipwright authorize me to say that they approve of my proposal, — and consider that as so much of the deck requires replacing very little additional labour would be necessary to raise it entirely. If, however, the additional expense should be deemed more than proper: — I respectfully beg that permission may be granted for raising the deck: — and that I may be allowed to defray the expence myself.

The Beagle is ordered to carry only two six-pound guns — therefore raising the deck will not be of consequence as respects the guns and their ports. By making this alteration the storage & comfort of the Vessel will be greatly increased — She will be much dryer upon deck: — Her waist will be less deep, — and as she carries only two guns — the stability of the vessel will not be affected, as might be the case if the guns were raised with the Deck.

[(Endorsed) Surveyor]

[(Navy Office 11 July 1831) The Board refers this letter to the Command, at Plymouth — — — he will cause a Report to be made without loss of time. G. Smith]

[Plymouth Yard 13 July 1831 For the immediate report of the Officers]

[14 July The Board are referred to the annexed report of the Officers. George Smith. Secretary — Plymouth.]

[(Endorsed) July 18 will comply with this request — — — in consequence of the service upon which she will be engaged.]

[P.R.O. Adm. 106/1346 F. Off. 85 Capt. Fitz-Roy (Awnings & Tents)

[F. Off. 85]

H.M's Surveying Sloop Beagle

Plymouth Dock Yard, July 28th, 1831

request for the undermentioned articles in addition to the regular establishment for vessels of her class.

A strong canvas awning for the main & quarter Decks, to be used only in sunny weather.

Two small "Bell Tents"

Two small Boat Tents made according to the enclosed plan.

A strong awning for one Boat (Yawl of 26 feet) made according to the enclosed plan.

During the late survey we made these things on board, finding them so much wanted.

My reason for asking for strong Main and Quarter Deck Awnings in addition to those usually supplied is that an awning used to keep off the sun soon becomes too thin to keep out rain, and as much of the Beagle's must be passed at anchor in very rainy as well as in hot latitudes — the health & comfort of all on board would be im-

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proved, and work carrying on in board materially forwarded by having a dry & sheltered Deck.

[(Endorsed) Approve of these things being supplied as this ship is going in a peculiar service.]

[P.R.O. Adm. 106/1346 F. Off. 99 Capt. Fitz Roy (Cables Anchors)]

[F. Off. 99]

H.M's Surveying Sloop Beagle

Hamoaze 18th August, 1831

Gentlemen:

Having attentively examined some anchors, made upon Lieutenant Rodger's principles, & having heard the opinion of many persons qualified to judge of their merit: — I beg to request that you will allow the Beagle to be furnished with two Bower Anchors of 13 cwt. each: — (stock not included) made according to Lieutenant Rodger's method; in lieu of I. Bower Anchors of the usual construction.

[F. Off. 98. (Another letter regarding Anchors & Cables which are necessary for so long a voyage.)]

South America — and in the Pacific; including a return to England by the way of New Holland, and the Cape of Good Hope, — which service will probably occupy nearly 4 years — the Enclosed list which are greatly similar in number and size to those which the Beagle was furnished on her former surveying voyage & can be stowed with ease.

Being obliged to anchor in — & work into, — or out of rocky unknown places, spare anchors & cables are absolutely necessary — while their purchase in foreign ports is both difficult and expensive.

I have asked for chain cables of one hundred fathoms in length, because the water round about Tierra del Fuego and the West Coast of South America is generally deep — and I never found it prudent to bring the vessel up — or lye at anchor with less than 60 or 70 fathoms — where the water was deep and the bottom rocky — when it blew hard of course a much longer scope with required — to avoid break the anchor or parting the cable.

Having parted from sixty fathoms of chain cable (which was afterwards crept up and recovered) during a severe frost — in the Straits of Le Maire, — and having seen several chain cables snapped at different times by bringing ships up with too short a scope — I am induced to beg you to grant this request.

We had on board the same quantity on our last voyage — (Appended) List of Anchors and Cables requested for the use of H. M's Surveying Sloop Beagle.

Anchors

14 Cwt. (two being Rodger's if allowed)   Five in No.

7 Cwt        Two  "    "

3 Cwt        Four  "    "

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Cables

Chain (established size)     400 fathoms

Hempen do            250    "

Splicing Tails for do         4 sets

Hempen Stream do           200 fathoms

Also, in addition to the Hawsers allowed the Vessels of the Beagle's

Class —

Cables 6 inch          100 fathoms

           "   4   " 100 fathoms

           "   3   " 100 fathoms

[(Endorsed) Give orders according to the Commanders request & acquaint him]

    [P.R.O. Adm. 106/1346 F. Off. 97 Capt. Ritz-Roy (Hammock Cloth Tarpaulin)]

H. M's Surveying Sloop Beagle

Hamoaze, 18th August, 1831

[Asking for a fresh supply of Hammock Cloths]

I am desirous of carrying out a spare set in addition to what is usually allowed. It would add very much to the cleanliness of the Lower Deck and Hold, as well as to the dry and healthy state of the vessel — if two Tarpaulins were allowed; for laying on the Lower Deck during rainy weather to prevent wet and dirt from being absorbed by the planks and working between the Hatches, injuring the cables & hawsers, and accumulating dirt in the Hold.

These Deck Cloths would be used only during wet weather, and would be carried on deck to be cleaned 3 times a day — — —

The Chanticleer and the Beagle always used Tarpaulins for this purpose during their last voyages when they could be procured. [(Endorsed) Let the Sloop have an add'l set of Hammock Cloths; but acquaint the Captain he cannot be allowed painted canvas for the Lower Decks.]

[P.R.O. Ad. 106/1346 F. Off. 103 Capt. Fitz-Roy (Sails & Spares)]

H. M's Surveying Sloop Beagle

Hamoaze, 18 August, 1831

Gentlemen:

I have the honor of requesting that you will allow H. M.'s Surveying Sloop, under my command to be furnished with spars & Sails according to the accompanying list in addition to the present establishment for Vessels of her class. It is probable that the Beagle will be absent from England four years — and will be employed in all climates, without the means of obtaining supplies of stores; she can stow them with ease, an equal number were on board during her last voyage.

I have also to request that two small cooking stoves may be allowed for the use of Boats: — with Tarpaulins as allowed to ships

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employed on the Coast of Africa, & to the Beagle during her last voyage — [(Endorsed) When this vessel fitted out for the Surveying Service in 1825, she was allowed to take such stores as might be generally useful & such proportions as could be conveniently stowed, p. Adm. Order 17 Feb. 1825)] [List — Editor]

Top mast     one in No.       (either fore or Main)

Topsail Yard           one in No.      

Top Gallant Yard    "   "   "           

Top Mast studding Sail                 

                            Booms         Two in no.      

Lower studding Sail Boom One in no.      

[P.R.O. Ad. 106/1346 F.Off.104 Capt. R. Fitz-Roy]

H. M's Surveying Sloop Beagle

Hamoaze, 24 Aug. 1831

I beg to inform you that the patent Galley Stove — made by Mr. Eraser of Shadwell for the use of the Beagle, — is furnished with an additional Bread oven — which I find increases the expense £ 17.

As this oven will be of the greatest use in baking bread for the Ship's Company, I hope it will be allowed by the Navy Board without my paying for it myself —

[(Endorsed) Under the peculiar circumstances of the employment of this Vessel, the Board will pay this additional expense.]

[P.R.O. Adm. — Navy Board Ad. 106/1346 F. Off. 121]

H. M's Surveying Sloop Beagle

Hamoaze Sept. 20, 1831

I beg to be allowed the honor of mentioning to you that the ingenuous Compass, — lately invented by Lieut. Col. Graydon of the Royal Engineers, has not yet been tried in a small vessel, — & that if you approve of the instrument: — I should be very desirous of trying it's Merits.

My own humble opinion — — — is that, if well made, it cannot fail to be of great Service in Foggy or hazy weather, or when, from any cause, the Horizon is obscured, though the sun is visible.

[F. Off. 119]

H. M's Surveying Sloop Beagle

Hamoaze, Sept. 17, 1831

request for "His Majesty's Surv. Sloop B., under my command to be supplied with the under-mentioned "Metal Blocks", on Mr. Bothways construction in lieu of wooden Blocks.

Cat Blocks  double two

     "         "       treble   one

Signal Halyard Blocks        Single  eight

One of the Cat Blocks is more than is allowed by the establishment; — But it will be so useful as a Purchase Block; that I beg it may be allowed instead of a similar Block of Wood; — which would be much larger & liable to split & decay.

[page] 85

[P.R.O. — N B 1831 /1346 (R. Fitz-Roy— N.B.)]

His Majesty's Surveying Sloop Beagle

Hamoaze Sept. 25, 1831

Gentlemen:

With respect to the Ropemaker's warrant applied for in my letter of the 21st inst., — I beg to mention that the Beagle has an Establishment differing from that of Sloops; but Suited to the particular Service on which she will be employed, and as the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty have authorized her to hire a Ropemaker, — I have to request you will grant a Warrant to the man named below

(John Borsworthick from H. M. S. Dublin) —

[ \(Warrant Granted — )]

F. Off. 122

H. M.'s Surveying Ship Beagle

Hamoaze — Sept. 1831

Petty Officers undermentioned — Warrants required.

Names         Quality            Entry   Last     Date of            Where

                                Ship     Passing            Passed

                                            Cert.   

Wm. Wills Armourer        7 July/31         Adventure       Not      Gun Wharf,

                                9 Nov 1830     known             Plymouth

                                                       

Jno. Bosworthick    Ropemaker      10/July 31       Dublin             Lost in             " "

                                Late     Thetis

                                twenties                      

                                                       

Jas. Lester   Cooper            16 Sept.           Maidstone       21 June             Victy Yard

                    1831                1817    Portsmouth

[P.R.O. Adm. — Navy Board /1346 (Robt Fitz-Roy to N.B.)]

His Majesty's Surveying Sloop Beagle

Hamoaze, Oct. 15, 1831

Gentlemen:

With reference to your letter of the 13th respecting the Compass invented by Lieut. Col. Graydon: — I beg to mention that it is probable the Beagle will not sail from England before the 10th of November: — therefore I have hopes of being enabled to make trial of his Compass.

[F. Off. 129]

His Majesty's Surveying Sloop

Beagle          

Hamoaze, 8th Oct. 1831

I have the honor of requesting that you will allow the Patent Capstan of H. M.'s Surveying Sloop under my command to be returned into Store.

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The excellent Patent windlass with which you ordered the Beagle to be supplied renders the Capstan unnecessary; and I find from repeated careful trials that it causes the Compass card in the Binnacles to deviate 10 degrees from their proper position: — owing to its iron spindle & mass of iron work.

H. M.'s Surveying Vessels Adventure and Chanticleer had Patent Windlasses and never used a Capstan.

The Windlass which is now on board the Beagle was in the Chanticleer during her last voyage (S. America, Cape Horn) and answered every purpose exceedingly well.

[The following notations are also a matter of the Naval Board's record. — Editor.]

Anchors Est. of for Ships

Commr. of the Beagle applies for 5 anchors of 14 cwt. 2 of 7 cwt. & 4 of 3 cwt. — Aug. 18, 1831

Architecture, Naval — Improvements

Commander Fitz-Roy requests that Lihon's Rudder may be fitted to the Beagle Surveying Vessel.

Orders to Plymouth to do so — July 4, 1831

(Arrangements for fitting etc. Wm. Sharp Shipwright sent to Plymouth)

To be provided for the Beagle also Pintles & Braces (Prices)— Aug. 1831

Boats — Establishment of — for Ships

Commr. of the Beagle requests that a yawl, a cutter and 2 whale boats may be built for that vessel —

Orders to Plymouth— July 9, 1831

Boats — Awnings, Curtains & c

Commander of the Beagle requests she may be supplied with 2 small boat Tents, & with a strong awning for a yawl of 26 feet, according to plans sent

Orders to Plymouth— July 28

Boats — Improvements d Alterations

Commr. of the Beagle requests make yawl of 26 ft. & a cutter & 2 whale boats may be built for that Vessel —

Orders to Plymouth— July 9

Cables — Cordage Made of Iron

Commr. of the Beagle applies for 400 (tons?) of chain cable

Orders to Plymouth— Aug. 18, 1831

Capstans & Windlasses

Commander of the Beagle requests that she may be fitted with a patent Windlass, in addition to her capstan, similarly to the Chanticleer. Woolwich Officers to send to Plymouth the Patent Windlass now on the Chanticleer —

Plymouth to fit it in the Beagle — July 4, 1831

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Compasses, Binnacles, &c

Commdr at Plymouth to issue to the Beagle 1 large and 1 small Prismatic, Surveying & Azimuth Compass invented by Mr. Schmalcalder. Commandr to report his opinion — Aug. 24

Commdr of the Beagle applies for one to be sent him — Sept. 20

Lt. Col. Graydon has ordered the Compass required for the Beagle to be put in head, But it is doubtful if it can be completed in time — Acquaint Commandr of the Beagle

Commander states that he does not expect to leave England before 10th of Nov. & hopes it can be made in time

Acquaint Col. Graydon — Oct. 15

Fireheaters, boilers, cooking machines, stoves, &c

Commr. of the Beagle requests to be supplied with a stove similar to that ¦which was in the Chanticleer — now in the Pluto. Mr. Fraser to state price — July 4, 1831

Mr. Fraser will supply the Beagle with a firehearth similar to the Chanticleer's for £ 46.10s. Desires to send it to Deptford Plymouth to issue it — Commandr acquainted

Mr. Fraser to report when it will be delivered; it should be delivered by the 7th as there will be an opportunity of forwarding it on that day — July 19

Capt. requests two may be supplied. Portsmouth supplied. — Aug. 19

Commandr of the Beagle reports that the Galley Stove made by Mr. Fraser is furnished by his desire with an additional Bread Oven which adds £ 17 to the expense which he hopes may be allowed — Accepted — That under the peculiar circumstances of the employment of the Beagle the Board will pay the additional expense — Aug. 24

(Mr. Fraser had assigned his interests in firehearths to Beeston & Co., but had himself furnished the one for the Beagle — the Navy Board "have nothing to do" with a private arrangement — Dec. 9

From 1660-1685 men-of-war other than first rates, used the crowned lion as a figurehead, and it was not until 1689-1702 that the privilege of individual figureheads was extended to second rates. In 1727 the Admiralty authorized the use of appropriate figureheads in smaller ships, so taking advantage of this privilege the head of a Beagle was fitted to Darwin's ship, the vessel that was to be his future home for so many months. When Darwin saw the Beagle, he remarked:

[page] 88

She looks most beautiful, even a landsman must admire her. We all think her the most perfect vessel ever turned out of a dockyard. One thing is certain, no vessel has been fitted out so extensively, and with more care. Everything that can be made so is of mahogany, and nothing can exceed the neatness and beauty of all the accommodations.

Fitz-Roy's official inventory informs us that there were lightning-conductors on all masts, the bowsprit, and the flying jib-boom. Upon each quarter hung a whale boat twenty-five feet long. In addition, a stout dinghy was carried astern. Seven brass guns were mounted on deck; one on the fore-castle, two before the chestree, and four abaft the mainmast; five of these were six pounders, and two were nine pounders.

When the Beagle completed her second commission, under Captain Fitz-Roy, she was paid off at Woolwich on November 17, 1836. Remaining idle but a short time, she was commissioned for her third cruise on February 16, 1837 for a survey of the coast of Australia and Bass's Strait under the command of John Clements Wickham, who was invalided home and succeeded by John Lort Stokes. On completion of this cruise, she was again paid off at Woolwich on October 14, 1843. She was then transferred to the Commissioner of Customs, by Admiralty Order of April 1845, for service as a Watch Vessel at Southend and was employed subsequently at Paglesham. She received distinguishing number "7." On May 13, 1870, the Beagle was sold at public auction to the shipbreakers Murray and Trainer for the sum of 525 pounds. Thus ended the career of one of the Royal Navy's famous ships.

The Beagle's commander, Robert Fitz-Roy, had a brilliant career in the Royal Navy. Born at Ampton Hall, Suffolk, he entered the Royal Naval College at Portsmouth in February, 1818. On October 19, 1819, he was appointed to the Owen Glendower cruising on the South American coast, and in 1821 he joined the Hind and served two years in the Mediterranean. In 1825 he served on the Thetis, and in 1828 he was made commander of the Beagle. Though on December 3, 1834, he was promoted to the rank of captain and was eligible for command of a larger vessel, he remained in command of the Beagle on surveying duty.

He was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1857 and Vice Admiral in 1863. In later years, he became Governor of New Zealand and Chief of the Meteorological Department of the Board of Trade.

Finally overwork caused his collapse and prompted him to end his life at his residence at Norwood, Surrey. in June, 1865.