Year 1851 - WULAIA tragedy (Puerto Williams)

The death of Allen Gardiner and the Anglican missionaries in Puerto Español moved the members of the Patagonian Missionary Society, who instead of being discouraged, undertook the work with new vigor. Having gathered sufficient funds, a schooner was equipped, christened with the name "Allen Gardiner" in honor of the martyred missionary. The vessel headed for the Malvinas Islands, where they would have their headquarters, under the authority of the Anglican Bishop.

The project consisted of capturing the will of the Fuegians and taking them to this island, where they would be instructed in religion, while also being taught to work.

The ship soon set sail for Tierra del Fuego, with instructions to seek out Jemmy Button, the Indian civilized by Fitz Roy, who would help them accomplish their mission. The ship anchored at Wulaia, where they hoped to find this native.

The missionaries went ashore to build a hut and do some planting. Soon the Fuegians came, who were interested in obtaining food and clothing. Jemmy Button was with them, but in a completely wild state.

One Sunday the missionaries went ashore to celebrate the religious service and while they were gathered in the cabin, the Indians murdered them mercilessly.

A few weeks later, a wolf schooner arrived from the Falkland Islands and its crew were made to confess to the horrible crime. Jemmy Button denied his involvement in it. He even helped them to rig the "Allen Gardiner" again so that it could be taken away. A new attempt by the missionaries had failed.

Later came Thomas Bridges, a young shepherd who had lived for many years on the Falkland Islands with a couple of Fuegian people, from whom he learned their dialect. Bridges settled in Ushuaia, gathered the Indians and spoke to them in their own language. This time, the missionaries were successful. Their work was great and valuable, until little by little the natives disappeared. Apparently, they were killed by contact with the white man.