Narrative of the surveying voyages of his majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle (vol.2): between the years 1826 and 1836 : describing their examination of the southern shores of South America, and the Beagles's circumnavigation of the globe

240 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 Ayres : 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. Vernet'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 Amei'ica 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.