Patagonia Bookshelf

Abstract: The crew of the Glenmore were compelled to abandon ship rapidly in the Strait of Le Maire. Approaching the mainland, they observed tall natives on the cliffs. Judging them to be dangerous, the party crossed to Staten Island, seeking shelter at the St. John's lighthouse. It was to be five months before they were able to leave. While on the island, the lighthouse-keepers said that they had recently found salted human flesh in barrels — the implication being that this was the work of a shipwrecked crew.

Assessment: The crew's decision not to risk a landing near Cape San Diego was based on the belief that the local natives were cannibals. Certainly, their description of tall, naked Fuegians does not apply to the Yamana, who had recently been announced as trustworthy. These are likely to have been Selknam, or members of the Haush sub-group.