In 1840 the Colonial Lands and Emigration Commissioners proposed the Islands be colonised, and two ships, the Susan and Acton left for the Islands with nineteen settlers, led by J.B Whitington.  Mutual contracts and letters of agreement were signed by the settlers and superintendents, in an attempt to control behaviour in the new colony.  The superintendent was also expected to act as judge, registrar and shipping master.  Marriages were performed, offences tried in court and vessels registered from 1839 onwards.