S40 



FALKLAND ISLANDS. 



On the 2d of January 1833, H.M.S. Clio anchored in Berke- 

 ley Sound, to carry these orders into effect ; H.M.S. Tyne, 

 about the same time, anchoring in Port Egmont. In each 

 place the British colours were hoisted and saluted : the small 

 Buenos Ayrean garrison at Port Louis quietly withdrew, and 

 sailed for the Plata in an armed schooner, belonging to Buenos 

 Ay res : and from that time those unhappy islands have been 

 more ostensibly British, though but little has yet been done 

 to draw forth the resources, and demonstrate the advantages 

 which they unquestionably possess. When the Tyne and Clio 

 sailed, after a very short stay at the islands, no authority was 

 left there, but the colours were entrusted to an Irishman, who 

 had been Mr. Vernef s storekeeper.* 



In 1834, a lieutenant in the navy, with a boat's crew, 

 was sent to reside at Port Louis, and since that time various 

 small ships of war have succeeded each other in visiting and 

 exploring the numerous islands and harbours of that archipe- 

 lago. 



Those who may wish for more historical information on this 

 subject — for further details of former negociations between 

 Spain and England, or of the late discussions between North 

 America and Buenos Ayres — should refer to Dr. Johnson's 

 " Thoughts respecting the Falkland Islands" (Johnson's 

 Works, vol. viii. p. 96^ Murphy's Edition, 1816) ; to Junius's 

 42d Letter ; and to papers published at Buenos Ayres in 1832; 

 in addition to general history. 



* Not long- before the Clio arrived, there had been a mutiny in the gar- 

 rison, and the Buenos Ayrean commanding officer had been barbarously 

 murdered. In the early part of 1834, Mr. Brisbane fell a victim to 

 treachery. These fatal occurrences will be mentioned again in the course 

 of my narrative. 



