Page:A Voyage of Discovery and Research in the Southern and Antarctic Regions Vol 2.djvu/292

258 remains of the ill-fated and barbarously murdered Brisbane, the companion of Weddeil on his daring and adventurous voyage to the highest southern latitudes, were removed from beneath the heap of stones, where the Gauchoes had left them, into the burial-ground, and a suitable inscription placed over them.

At the request of the Lieutenant-governor I made an excursion to Port William, accompanied by Captain Crozier, for the purpose of forming an opinion upon the relative merits of the two harbours, and whether Port Louis or Port William is the best adapted to be the chief port of the colony in a naval and commercial point of view combined. The result of the investigation, which, owing to unfavourable weather, occupied us nearly a week, was, that we agreed in considering Port William to possess so many advantages over Port Louis, that I recommended the settlement should be removed to the former place, for the following reasons.

Port William is much more easy of access from its situation near the eastern extreme point of the island (Cape Pembroke), so that ships are almost immediately in harbour after making the land, and as immediately at sea, clear of all dangers on leaving the harbour; whereas to gain Port Louis they have usually to beat twelve or thirteen miles against the prevailing winds, a serious objection, so far as merchant or disabled vessels are concerned.

Secondly, Port William has the advantage of