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

APPENDIX. 159 troops on shore, at the settlement formerly held by the English, I sent a lieutenant to know if any officer was there on behalf of his Catholic Majesty, empowered to make restitution of possession to me, agreeably to the orders of his Court for that pvirpose, dupli- cates of which I had to deliver him : I was answered, that the com- manding officer, Don Francisco de Orduna, a lieutenant of the royal artillery of Spaim, was furnished with full powers, and ready to effect the restitution. He soon after came on board the Juno to me, when I dehvered him liis CathoHc Majesty's orders. We then examined into the situation of the settlement and stores, adjusted the form of the restitution and reception of the possession — instruments for which were settled, executed, and reciprocally delivered (that wliich I received from the Spanish officer, and a copy of what I gave him, are here enclosed). On Monday, the 16th of Sejitember, I landed, followed by a party of marines, and was received by the Spanish offi- cer, who formally restored me the possession ; on which I caused his Majesty's colours to be hoisted and the marines to fire three volleys, and the Juno five guns, and was congratulated, as were the officers with me, by the Spanish officer, with great cordiality on the occa- sion. The next day Don Francisco, with all the troops and subjects of the King of Spain, departed in a schooner which they had with them. I have only to add, that this transaction was effected with the greatest appearance of good faith, without the least claim or reserve being made by the Spanish officer iji behalf of his Court." Lord Grantham to the Earl of Rochford. " Madrid, 2d January 1772. " I have received the honour of your lordship's despatch, contain- ing the agreeable intelligence of the restitution of Port Egmont and its dependencies, with the due formalities. On receiving this notice I waited on the Marquis de Grimaldi, to assure him of his Majesty's satisfaction at the good faith and punctuality observed in this trans- action. M. de Grimaldi seemed aware of the intention of my visit, and was almost beforehand with me in communicating notice of this event's being known in England. He seemed well pleased at the conclusion of this affair, but entered no further into conversation upon it."