268 CONDUCT — RliFLECTIONS. 



However unjustifiably Mr. Vernet may, in fact, have behaved 

 towards vessels belonging to the United States of North 

 America, it must be remembered that he had a commission 

 from the Buenos Ayrean Government, empowering him to act 

 as civil and military governor of the Falklands ; that he 

 believed the Buenos Ayrean authority valid ; and had no 

 doubt in his own mind that he was doing right. Mr. Vernet, 

 therefore, was no robber — no pirate — as he was termed by Cap- 

 tain Duncan, because he tried to uphold his situation, and pre- 

 vent his settlement being robbed by people who had no claim 

 whatever upon any of the islands. However wrong Vernet's 

 actions may have been, he was responsible to his Government 

 for them ; and those who acted under his order, he having a 

 legal commission, certainly did not deserve to be seized as 

 pirates, put into irons, and so carried to the Plata ! Neither 

 was it just (setting mercy quite aside) to destroy the infant 

 colony, break open or tear down doors and windows, search 

 houses, drawers, and chests, trample over gardens, break 

 through fences, and ill-use the helpless, unarmed settlers to 

 such a degree, that for many months afterwards whenever a 

 man-of-war was seen approaching, the frightened inhabitants 

 at once fled to the interior, not knowing how they might be 

 treated. Poor Brisbane (of whom frequent mention has already 

 been made, and of whom I have yet to speak), was taken, with 

 others, in irons to Monte Video, where the British consul 

 obtained his release ; he had joined Vernet in a contract to take 

 seal upon the Falklands, and was left in charge of the settle- 

 ment at the period of Captain Duncan"'s hostility. At that time 

 Vernet himself was absent, having gone with his family to 

 Buenos Ayres, in order that he might attend at the ensuing trial 

 of those sealing vessels which had been detained by him for 

 repeatedly taking seal upon the Falkland Islands, after he 

 had duly warned them off. 



I have heard much of Mr. Vernet and his proceedings, 

 from various quarters — from enemies as well as friends — and 

 although I never met him, and therefore cannot be partial from 

 friendship, I do sincerely pity his misfortunes ; and it is my 

 belief that he has been much misrepresented. 



