Copy 1, Volume 4

A voyage of discovery to the north Pacific Ocean, and round the world; in which the coast of north-west America has been carefully examined and accurately surveyed. Undertaken by His Majesty's command principally with a view to ascertain the existence of any navigable communication between the north Pacific and north Atlantic Oceans; and performed in the years 1790, 1791, 1792, 1793, 1794 and 1795. In the Discovery sloop of war, and armed tender Chatham, under the command of Captain George Vancouver ... / [George Vancouver].

  • Vancouver, George, 1757-1798.
Date:
1801
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A voyage of discovery to the north Pacific Ocean, and round the world; in which the coast of north-west America has been carefully examined and accurately surveyed. Undertaken by His Majesty's command principally with a view to ascertain the existence of any navigable communication between the north Pacific and north Atlantic Oceans; and performed in the years 1790, 1791, 1792, 1793, 1794 and 1795. In the Discovery sloop of war, and armed tender Chatham, under the command of Captain George Vancouver ... / [George Vancouver]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    The miffion is not confpicuous from fituation, nor does it command an extcniive profpedl; in -thefe refpedts that of Barbara has fome advan¬ tage ; its Prefidio likewife excels all the others in ncatnefs, cleanlincfs, and other fmaller, though eflential comforts; it is placed on an elevated part of the plain, and is raifed fome feet from the ground by a bafement ftory, which adds much to its pleafantnefs. The Prefidio of St. Diego feemed to be the leaft of the Spanifli ellablifliments with which we were acquainted. It is irregularly built, on very uneven ground, which makes it liable to fome iii- conveniencics, without the obvious appearance of any objedl for feledting fuch a fpot. The fitua- tion of it is dreary and lonefome, in the midft of a barren uncultivated country, producing fo little herbage, that, excepting in the fpring months, their cattle are fent to the diftance of twenty or thirty miles for pafturage. During that feafon, and as long as the rainy weather may continue, a fufiicient number are then brought nearer for the ufe of the Prefidio and miffion ; and fuch as have not been wanted are ao;ain fent back to the in- tterior country when the dry weather commences; which, although more produdlive in point of grafs, is not very prolific in grain, pulfe, fruits,, .roots, or other culinary vegetables I underftood that they are frequently obliged to refort for a fupply