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

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.