 Under the command of Silas M. Duncan the "Lexington" sailed for Port Louis to put an end to what was regarded by the US as a "nest of pirates".On 31 December 1831, the "Lexington" came to anchor off Port Louis, Brisbane and six others were arrested on charges of piracy, the guns of the settlement spiked and the powder magazine blown.Duncan also offered passage to any from the settlement that wished to leave, and the majority of the population took up this opportunity to leave the islands.