The mutiny was suppressed by armed sailors from the French whaler "Jean Jacques", whilst Mestivier's widow was taken on board the "Rapid" (a British sealer). The "Sarandí" returned on 30 December 1832 and Pinedo took control. Pinedo's investigation of the mutiny was interrupted on 2 January 1833 by the arrival of HMS "Clio" under the command of Captain Onslow. Onslow had been sent to reassert British sovereignty over the islands and 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.