Charles Darwin, Robert Fitzroy And Simon Rodriguez Met In Concepcion, Chile, After The Earthquake Of February 20,1835

Simon Rodriguez (SR) was in Concepcion during the earthquake of Feb 20 1835 that destroyed the city. A month later he and two other dwellers were asked for a report on the state of the city. The report, dated Aug 13, 1835 mentions: "FitzRoy Esq. noted that the Island of Santa Maria was upheaved 9 feet after the earthquake". The same value appears in the reports of Robert FitzRoy (FR) and Charles Darwin (CD). CD and FR visited Concepcion Mar 4-7, and RF Mar 27-Apr 17 and Jun 21-Jul 9, 1835. There was no possibility of communication between the three men later in 1835, as SR stayed in Concepcion, and CD and FR continued their voyage. The reports of RF and CD were published only in 1839. Therefore, for their values of the islands elevation to coincide, the three must have talked and exchanged ideas and views about the earthquake within the mentioned dates. This statement is supported by additional facts: FR and CD were hosted by a friend of SR during their visits. They mention having talked extensively with the inhabitants. SR was one of the most learned persons at the time in Concepcion. SR's and CD's reports converge in several aspects. In others, however, the reports differ although this does not weaken our assertion. Thus, it is quite possible they maintained conversations previous to their reports, setting their ideas in agreement, although it cannot be ruled out completely that SR got CD's and FR's information via another person.