234 



FALKLAND ISLANDS. 



establishment on the spot where the present settlement stands, 

 and forthwith disembarked to commence the laborious under- 

 taking of founding a colony. 



In the year 1764, a squadron was sent to the South Seas by 

 George TIL, in whose instructions, dated June 17th, 1764, 

 it is said, And whereas his Majesty's islands, called Pepys 

 Island and Falkland Islands, lying within the said track,'' 

 (the track between the Cape of Good Hope and the Strait of 

 Magalhaens), " notwithstanding their having been first disco- 

 vered and visited by British navigators, have never yet been 

 so sufficiently surveyed, as that an accurate judgment may be 

 formed of their coasts and product, his Majesty, taking the 

 premises into consideration, and conceiving no junction so pro- 

 per for enterprises of this nature as a time of profound peace, 

 which his kingdoms at present happily enjoy, has thought fit 

 that it should now be undertaken." 



On the 23d January 1765, Commodore Byron went on 

 shore at these islands, with the captains and principal officers 

 of his squadron, " when the Union Jack being erected on a 

 high staff, and spread, the commodore took possession of the 

 harbour and all the neighbouring islands for his Majesty King 

 George III., his heirs, and successors, by the name of Falkland 

 Islands. When the colours were spread, a salute was fired from 

 the ship.*" 



In consequence of Byron's favourable report. Captain Mac- 

 bride was sent out in H.M.S. Jason to begin their colonization. 

 He arrived in January 1766. 



Spain, hearing of the French settlement, immediately laid 

 claim to the islands, as forming a part of her American posses- 

 sions ; and France, influenced by various considerations, agreed 

 to deliver up to Spain her newly-formed colony, upon condi- 

 tion that the projectors and colonists should be indemnified for 

 their losses : an agreement honourably fulfilled by Spain. 



On the 1st of April 1767, De Bougainville gave up posses- 

 sion to the Spanish officer appointed to take charge ; the stan- 

 dard of Spain was hoisted, and royal salutes fired by the ves- 



