sent a note requesting that the Sarandí and garrison leave the islands. His Majesty's sloop Clio, Berkeley Sound, 2d January, 1833. Sir, I have to acquaint you, I have received directions from his Excellency the Commander-in-chief of his Britannic Majesty's ships and vessels of war on the South American station, in the name of his Britannic Majesty, to execute the 'rights of sovereignty over these islands.' It is my intention to hoist to-morrow morning, the national flag of Great Britain on shore, when I request you will be pleased to haul down your flag on shore, and withdraw your forces, taking with you all stores, etc, belonging to your Government. I am, Sir, your most obedient humble servant, J. J. Onslow, Commander. His Excellency the Commander of the Buenos Ayrean forces at Port Luiz, Berkeley Sound. The Argentine historian Laurio H. Destéfani indicates that Pinedo did in fact make preparations to resist. His ship, the ARA Sarandí mounted 8 guns (8 x 8-pounder) compared with the eighteen guns (16 × 32-pounder carronades, 2 × 6-pounder bow guns) of the Brig-Sloop HMS Clio. He had twenty five soldiers at his disposal, although nine men had been implicated in the mutiny as had the adjutant, captain Juan Antonio Gomila (Mestivier's second-in-command). This compared with the complement of twenty Royal Marines aboard the Clio. One concern was that a large number of his crew were British mercenaries, which was not unusual in the newly independent states in Latin America, where land forces were strong, but navies were frequently quite undermanned. Despite this Destefani reports that Pinedo released Gomila instructing him to arm and prepare the men, with Gomila arming the garrison. Pinedo also prepared the ship and spoke to the crew who indicated their willingness to fight but Pinedo lost his nerve and decided to offer no resistance. Pinedo protested verbally and refused to lower the Argentine flag. The British forces disembarked on 3 January and switched the flags, delivering the Argentine one to Pinedo. The British schooner Rapid departed on 5 January 1833 taking the mutineers to Buenos Aires. There is some confusion over the date of the sailing of the Sarandí, official protests indicate that the Sarandí sailed on 5 January and modern accounts repeat this. However, the trial transcript from Pinedo's court martial indicate that the Sarandí sailed a day earlier. Argentina now claims that Vernet's colony was also expelled