After returning from the coast, Matthew Brisbane was appointed Governor of the Falkland Islands.  Port Louis was in a state of ruin, having been taken advantage of by both gauchos and whalers in the absence of authority, between the last Spanish Governor’s death and the return of the British.  Brisbane attempted to promote law and order in the community whilst re-establishing Vernet’s cattle business. 

He faced strong opposition from the large number of Indian convicts who, having tasted freedom, were unwilling to return to work.  They secretly plotted against Brisbane, and in August 1833 took their chance, attacking and murdering Brisbane, Juan Simon, 'capitaz' of the gauchos, William Dickson, Anton Wagner, a German settler, and Don Ventura Pasos.  The rest of the settlers escaped to a small island in Berkeley Sound where they waited until help arrived.