The following instructions were received by Captain Wickham, previous to
our departure from Woolwich, and under them I subsequently acted.

BY THE COMMISSIONERS FOR EXECUTING THE OFFICE OF LORD HIGH ADMIRAL OF THE
UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND, ETC.

Whereas his Majesty's surveying vessel, Beagle, under your command, has
been fitted out for the purpose of exploring certain parts of the
north-west coast of New Holland, and of surveying the best channels in
the straits of Bass and Torres, you are hereby required and directed, as
soon as she shall be in all respects ready, to repair to Plymouth Sound,
in order to obtain a chronometric departure from the west end of the
breakwater, and then to proceed, with all convenient expedition, to Santa
Cruz, in Tenerife.

In the voyage there, you are to endeavour to pass over the reputed site
of the Eight Stones, within the limits pointed out by our Hydrographer;
but keeping a strict lookout for any appearance of discoloured water, and
getting a few deep casts of the lead.

At Tenerife you are to remain three days, for the purpose of rating the
chronometers, when you are to make the best of your way to Bahia, in
order to replenish your water, and from thence to Simon's Bay, at the
Cape of Good Hope; where, having without loss of time obtained the
necessary refreshments, you will proceed direct to Swan River; but as the
severe gales which are sometimes felt at that settlement may not have
entirely ceased, you will approach that coast with due caution.

At Swan River, you are to land Lieutenants Grey and Lushington, as well