If, in the execution of this service, you should find the season too much advanced to proceed without much risk to the vessel, or exposing yourself and the men to much bad weather, you will give up the design, and hasten to Port Gallant.
Should the Beagle not be in Port Gallant at your return, and no letter left for you in a bottle, you will wait there one week, and then return to Port Famine. At all events, you will endeavour to rejoin the Beagle before the first week in June has ended.
| (Signed) | I have, &c. Robert Fitz-Roy, Commander. |
To Lieut. Wm. Geo. Skyring,
His Majesty's sloop Beagle.
| Sir; | Beagle, Port Famine, 19th April 1829. |
In obedience to the orders I have received from Captain King, it is my direction that you put yourself under the orders of Lieut. Skyring, and proceed with him as he may think best for the execution of the service upon which he is ordered, and in which you will give him every assistance that you can afford.
Mr. Kirke, with a boat and boat's crew, will be sent to assist you.