History of a Voyage to the Falkland Islands

voyage around the World in 1764, was on the point of executing it (h).

"If one of these places was found, after this examination, to be suitable for what I propose, it is inconceivable how useful a place of refreshment could be, so far advanced towards the South, and so near Cape Horn. The Duke and the Duchess of Bristol The author refers to the privateering ships Duke and Dutchess, commanded by Woodes Rogers, which circumnavigated the globe between 1708–1711. took only thirty-five days from the time they lost sight of the Falkland Islands until their arrival at the Island of Juan Fernandez in the South Sea; and as the return from there is even easier, because of the West winds that prevail in those latitudes, I do not doubt that one could make this voyage from the Falkland Islands to that of Juan Fernandez, going and returning, in a little more than two months."

(h) Here is what is said in the account of Byron regarding the Malouines original: "Malouines" — the French name for the Falkland Islands, derived from the mariners of St. Malo. Islands. "The most considerable Island is situated to the North of Port Egmont. We landed there, attracted by its situation, and we had the pleasure, from the top of a very high mountain, of enjoying an admirable vantage point: one has much trouble climbing to the summit of this mountain; but one is well compensated by the pleasant view of the entire extent of the Port, of the three passages which come to end

This voyage of Byron is subsequent to that of Dom Pernetty which you are about to read. The English had taken extraordinary precautions for the preparations of this armament, which excited the attention

"there, of our vessels which we saw at anchor, and of all the sea which surrounds this Island and the neighboring Islands, to the number of fifty, both small and large, and which all appeared to us carpeted in greenery. On January 23, the Commander, accompanied by the Captains and the principal Officers, landed on the Island; a post was immediately fixed on the shore, at the top of which the Union flag was attached; and as soon as it was unfurled, the Commodore declared that all these Islands belonged to His Britannic Majesty, and that he took possession of them in the name of the Crown of England." Voyage around the World, made on the warship the Dolphin, etc. page 131, etc. The Author, throughout the course of this account, never names the Malouines Islands; and I prefer to believe him a poor Geographer, rather than a malevolent Politician.