MONTE VIDEO. 



127 



and insisted upon the right of Great Britain. 

 In the mean time, Vernet, the governor, acting 

 upon his orders, seized three North American 

 ships for fishing against the laws, and sent 

 them to Buenos Ayres for adjudication. This 

 roused the resentment of the North Americans^ 

 who took a summary revenge, by sending 

 a frigate to Berkley Sounds breaking up the 

 whole establishment, and carrying off the 

 people. This led to a suspension of the 

 functions of the United States consul, after 

 which a minister was despatched from the 

 United States, expressly to claim redress for 

 the seizure of the ships. He was met by loud 

 remonstrances from the government of Buenos 

 Ayres, against the violation of the law of 

 nations by the United States frigate, and a 

 claim for compensation for the injured colony. 

 The minister, in an able memorial,* proved, 

 * Vide Appendix. 



