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 23 WIST MAIN STRUT 
 
 WIRSTIR.N.Y. USSO 
 
 (716) 172-4303 
 
 
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n^^^i<ri^,^J^^^,^/J:<^.^^^J^ 
 
 Authentic Statement 
 
 OF ALL THE 
 
 
 AG T S 
 
 RELATIVE TO 
 
 NOOTKA SOUND. 
 
 **'f<^A**<=-<;^A*<'«^,j,^^i«^'|!^;^^*<'P^^ 
 
 I 
 
1 
 
 't 
 
 t 
 
 r 
 
n 
 
 
 f 
 
 CONTINUATION 
 
 O F A N 
 
 AUTHENTIC STATEMENT 
 
 OF ALL THE 
 
 FACTS 
 
 RELATIVE TO 
 
 NOOTKA SOUND, 
 
 Its 
 
 DISCOVERY, HISTORY, SETTLE- 
 MENT, COMMERCE, and the Public 
 Advantages to be derived from it. 
 
 WITH 
 
 OBSERVATIONS on A LIBEL, 
 
 WHICH HAS BEEN TRACED TO A 
 FOREIGN AMBASSADOR! 
 
 In a second LETTER, 
 By A R G O N A U J. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 Printed for the AUTHOR, and fold by 
 W. S. FORE S. No. 3, Piccadilly. 
 
 M.DCCXC, 
 
-V" 
 
 
 ?■• 
 
 ERRATA. 
 
 y ^*'S^ ij» line II, >r advantageous, rM^ advantages 
 yt — , — 20, /or Magellan, rea^i Le Maire 
 ^16, — 4, fpr Cypru, trati Cyprus 
 •» ^4» — " 5,yi;not, rtW now 
 ^ 34» — 191 ^ir/i? the. 
 
 
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 ■' vn iliijU fsf 'vi^u iU.4i: 
 
 ^•J 
 
Authentic Statement, &c. &c. 
 
 continued. 
 
 tages 
 
 
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 >d 
 
 > 'A^ 
 
 
 \ .1 : 
 
 i -.; 
 
 :/f^ 
 
 M'i,rr.? 
 
 'i-- iU.4.^^ 
 
 To THE K I N G- 
 
 SIRE, 
 
 P 
 
 X REVIOUS to the continuation of the 
 
 Nootka Sound eftabllfhrnent, commerce, 
 fpoliation, &c. it is indifpenfibly neceflary 
 to call the attention of your Majefty and 
 the public, to a dark tranfaftion unfolded 
 in the following letter. In the detedion, 
 convidion and punifliment of which, the 
 proprietors and the public are equally inte- 
 refted, by reafons 'joth perfonal and political. 
 ?ut, whatever fufpicions we entertain, we 
 pretend not to deyelope the fecret motives 
 which aduate other men. We folicit not 
 
 the 
 
 2 
 
 ^j\ 
 
 K) i '•«• 'V 
 
I ■■ 
 
 [ 2 ] 
 
 the public credit toaffertion, or declamation ; 
 our appeal is to fa6ls and proofs : neither 
 do we prefume to determine how far the 
 recent obfervation, and emphatical predic- 
 tion of a fublime and elegant orator, will 
 apply to the prefent cafe. "^ 
 
 " I fear not the liberty nor licentioufnefs 
 " of the prefs, I dread moft its venality.*' 
 
 Libel on the Proprietors of the Nootka Sound 
 
 Commerce, 
 
 The following paragraph was inferred in 
 yefterday's Gazetteer, (Thurfday, 27th 
 May) and was inftantly, on difcovery, an- 
 fwered by the fubfequent note to the editor. 
 
 '* // isfaid^ that one of the perfons chiefly 
 *' inter ejled in the affair of Nootka Sound^ 
 *' and on whofe refpediahle authority Mini- 
 *' tiers have fo rafjly and publicly committed 
 *' the EngliJJj nation^ did^ in the courfe of the 
 *' la/i war J make application to the court of 
 *' France^ for letters of marque to cruize 
 " againji the Britifh trade^ which, from his 
 
 *' intimate 
 

 clamation ; 
 "s : neither 
 )W far the 
 cal predic- 
 ator, will 
 
 ;ntioufnefs 
 venality." 
 
 otka Sound 
 
 inferted in 
 ay, 27 th 
 ►very, an- 
 the editor. 
 
 (ons chiefly 
 'ca Soundy 
 ity Mim- 
 commuted 
 'rfe of the 
 be court of 
 to cruize 
 , from his 
 ' intimate 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
 [ 3 ] 
 
 ** intifHate knowledge^ he fated ^ that he could 
 ** materially affeB : it is certainly worth the 
 ** attention of Parliament to enquire^ whether 
 " Minijiers have lifened to the tefiimony of any 
 *^fuch charaEler — // is in our power to be 
 ** mo7^e explicit.^* 
 
 - " 7o the Editor of the Gazetteer, 
 
 Argonaut prefents his compliments to 
 the editor of the Gazetteer, was ftruck with 
 aftonifhment on reading in the Gazetteer of 
 this morning, a falfe, fcandalous, malici- 
 ous libel, againft Argonaut's friend, now 
 abfcnt, one oj the perfons chief y inter e fled in 
 the affair of Nootka Sound. 
 
 I can moft confidently aflure you and the 
 public, that the whole of the above pa- 
 ragraph is a deliberate falfehood, a rank 
 atrocious calumny ; and fo foon as you give 
 up the name of the cowardly aflaffin, to 
 which you can have no reafonable nor ho- 
 nourable objedions, I have authority to fay, 
 he will be profecuted with the utmoft ri- 
 gour of the laws, and dragged, with in- 
 famy, to pubhc juftice and puniihment. 
 
 B2 la 
 
v 
 
 I 
 
 r ♦ ], 
 
 In the mean time, I expc£l, from your 
 candour and liberality, a contradiction of 
 that flanderous paragraph in to-morrow's 
 Gazetteer, in language as indignant and 
 reproachful as is due to fuch a calumniator 
 and impoflor. In hade 9* 
 
 ? ? 
 
 ■i i V 
 
 <f)' 
 
 P, S, The bearer is my friend (Mr. Et- 
 ches's brother) who demands the author's 
 name. 
 
 Aftek fome altercation between the bearer 
 and the editor, and being fnecringly told, 
 that the editors of newi'papers were totally 
 indifferent as to the confequence of print- 
 ing libels ; at length, the editor declared 
 his author to be a man of high rank and 
 failiion, a foreign Atyihajfador ; that he, the 
 editor, was then going to the Opera-houfe, 
 where he exptded to fee him, that he 
 would there relate thecircumftance tohim, 
 and if the Ambaffador had no objection, he 
 W )uld then mention his name. The next 
 day (Friday, May 28) the following writ- 
 ten anfwer was received at the editor*s 
 houfe. No. 16, Shire-lane. , 
 
 SIR, 
 
9 from youf 
 tradition of 
 to-morrow's 
 Jjgnant and 
 calumniator 
 
 id (Mr. Et- 
 he author's 
 
 [ 5 ] 
 
 1 the bearer 
 ingiy told, 
 ^ere totally 
 
 of print- 
 r declared 
 ^ rank and 
 at he, the 
 era-houfe, 
 9 that he 
 ce to him, 
 edion, he 
 rhe next 
 ing writ- 
 5 editor's 
 
 SIR, 
 
 / 
 
 S I R, 
 
 ^y 
 
 IChtre is no paragraph in the Gazetteer 
 of yeflerday, againft the proprietors of the 
 Nootka Sound Commerce. The conduc- 
 tors have no authority to deliver up the 
 name of any correfpondent. 
 
 J. Etches, Efq. 
 
 Friday, 28th May. 
 
 It would be offering an infult to the pub- 
 lic underftanding, were we to draw many 
 inferences from this extraordinary and 
 avowed correfpondence between a foreign 
 Ambajfador and the editor of an Englifh 
 newfpaper ; more efpecially in the prefent 
 momentous crifis. We however, content 
 ourfelves, at prefent, with a naked ftate- 
 ment of faas, fubmitting them to the 
 public comments ; the calumniators (hall 
 hz made refponfible to the laws. The 
 paragraph, even if founded on truth, would 
 be but a lame defence and juftification of 
 the predatory feizure of Britifh property 
 and Britlfli (hips. Befides, it requires very 
 little depth of penetration to difcern that 
 
 this 
 
r 
 
 1 i i I 
 
 ! I 
 
 
 :*: 
 
 
 f 
 
 [ 6 ] 
 
 this paragraph is equally libellous on the 
 prefent meafuresof the Britifh Government 
 and Parliament. ■ ^ 
 
 The Nootka Sound proprietors have al- 
 ready been plundered of the whole fruits 
 of many years induftry, and difcoveries, and 
 of their property to an immenfe amount : 
 at the fame time, their officers and men 
 have been dragged, with ignominious ex- 
 ultation and fludied infult, into confine- 
 ment and flavcry. Are thefe the grateful 
 returns for the noble efforts of humanity 
 and heroifm exercifed by Sir Roger Curtis 
 and Britifh feamen, to drowning Spaniards 
 at the fiege of Gibraltar ? At the hazard 
 of life, and before the rage of battle had 
 fubfided, they were fnatched from the jaws of 
 death, by an enemy as valiant as merciful. 
 Thefe brilliant proofs of generofity in war, 
 are rewarded by fetters and handcuffs, to un« 
 offending and induftrious Britifh merchants. 
 
 Muft the injuries and fufrerings of the 
 Nootka Sound proprietors, be ftill fur- 
 ther aggravated by ftabs aimed at their pri- 
 vate 
 
 
 ( ' 
 
on the 
 rnment 
 
 lave al- 
 5 fruits 
 es, and 
 lount : 
 i men 
 •us ex- 
 )nfine- 
 rateful 
 nanity 
 Curtis 
 iiiards 
 iazard 
 e had 
 iwsof 
 rciful. 
 war, 
 o ini- 
 lants. 
 
 [ 7 ] 
 
 vate charader and reputation ? This is 
 perfecution with a vengeance. It unites, 
 in one climax of villainy, the remorfelefs 
 rancour of an inqiiifitor, with the rapacity 
 and violence of an Arab, or an Algerine. — 
 Happily for mankind, there is a folly at- 
 tendant on wickednefs, which leads to its 
 own detection and defeat. Is the Britifli 
 nation fo mean and pufillanimous as to 
 fufFer fuch a daring infult, and wholefale 
 robbery to efcape unpuniihed ? or are they 
 fo dull of intelled as to be mifled and 
 duped by fuch perfonal flander and anony- 
 mous abufe ? Is this pitiful plea fubfti- 
 tutcd as a condudlor to carry off the natio- 
 nal refentment ? To us it v/ould be no 
 matter of furprife, were the proprietors 
 next charged with the crime of being he- 
 retics, whom, according to the inquifitorial 
 code, it would be meritorious to defpoil, and, 
 to exterminate. 
 
 f the 
 fur- 
 
 • pri- 
 vate 
 
 Let us whifper a parting word to the 
 
 editor of the Gazeteer, that gentleman, 
 
 by this tranfadion, has for ever forfeited 
 
 our good opinion, and friend(hip. Pie is 
 
 • indebted 
 
i 1 
 
 
 i 
 
 l: ! 
 
 i: 
 
 il 
 
 ill 
 
 ■■>{ 
 
 f I ' 
 
 ri 
 
 [*8 ] 
 
 indebted to our lenity and humanity for 
 the ftifling of thofe obfervations which' 
 ipontaneoufly prefent thcmlelves on the 
 perufal of his written excufe and incon* 
 Cftcncy. 
 
 mmmm 
 
 Continuation of the Nootka Sound Statemenfy 
 
 On the arrival of the Spaniards, the 
 proprietors had every profped of being 
 rewarded with ample fortunes ; the arrange- 
 ments made, and the treaties formed with 
 the Indian Chiefs muft have deflroyed all 
 foreign competition, and have given them 
 an exclufive poffeffion of the trade for many 
 
 » 
 
 years. 
 
 • 
 
 It was the intention alfo of the proprie- 
 tors, previous to failing the prefent fea- 
 fon, to have obtained authoritative per- 
 9iiffion of the honourable the Eafl: India 
 Company, of the right of riifpofal of their 
 own furs at Canton ; by being deprived of 
 which, contrary to the intention of the 
 
 honour- 
 
mity for 
 
 which 
 
 on the 
 
 iucon* 
 
 itementy 
 
 !s, the 
 being 
 'range* 
 d with 
 ^ed all 
 i them 
 many 
 
 oprie- 
 t fea» 
 ! per- 
 India 
 their 
 ed of 
 F the 
 lour* 
 
 c ? ] 
 
 honourable Company, they have been 
 fufFerers to a very great amotint. 
 
 In making rcftitutioti to the proprietors, 
 they are indifputably, as was before ob- 
 ferved, entitled to probable, and profpe<fl:ive, 
 as well as adual loffes. In future, com- 
 mercial adventurers will reap the benefit 
 of what they have been at fo great an 
 expence to difcover, and eftablifli. — Every 
 fucceeding year would have reduced their 
 expence, and increafed their trade : nor 
 could the Afiatic and other markets ever 
 be furcharged with the ftaple articles of 
 their commerce. To replace the proprie- 
 tors in the fame fituation mufl: require 
 many years, and perhaps never can be 
 accompliflied. 
 
 The Indians, hitherto, had been im- 
 prefled with an idea that no human force 
 could oppofe, much lefs conquer Britain ; 
 but having lately been witnefs to its humi- 
 
 liation, they will natu rally become eft ranged, 
 and lofe that reverence and adoration which 
 they entertained for the power, fuperiority 
 
 ^ and 
 
 \i. • 
 
i 
 
 \ii V 
 
 i«,f >i 
 
 ! i' 
 
 '^IM 
 
 
 [ 10 ] 
 
 and prote£lion of its fubjedls. In their 
 future mutual intercourfe and traffic, there 
 will be on each fide, more diffidence and 
 diftruft, and the proprietors precautions 
 for their own fecurity and defence, muft 
 increafe their ftationary force and expen- 
 diture. 
 
 Should even the Nootka fettlements and 
 fhips be immediately reftored to the pro- 
 prietors, the Spaniards, Ruffians, and 
 North Americans will have the whole 
 benefit and commercial emoluments of the 
 laft, the prefent, and the enfuing year ; 
 perhaps they will lay claim to new difco- 
 veries; and (hould they perfevere in the 
 Princefs Royal's tradl, they may probably 
 open a comunication with the great inter- 
 nal lakes of that continent. In this cafe, 
 were they even to be prohibited from the 
 weftern coaft, the North Americans, 
 I mean our late revolted colonies, night, 
 through the intervention of the Indians 
 of the back fettlements, become com- 
 petitors in the fur trade, by opening an 
 intercourfe with the Indian fettlements on 
 
 the 
 
"^^s. In their 
 traffic, there 
 liffidence and 
 5 precautions 
 lefence, muft 
 5 and expen- 
 
 tlements and 
 to the pro- 
 uflians, and 
 the whole 
 ments of the 
 ifuing year; 
 » new dlfco- 
 svere in the 
 lay probably 
 great inter- 
 n this cafe, 
 id from the 
 Americans, 
 lies, -night, 
 the Indians 
 come com- 
 opening an 
 tlements on 
 the 
 
 [ ,1 ] 
 
 the eaft fide of that continent, and thereby 
 draw the current of the fur commerce to 
 the Atlantic fhori^s. The Hudfon's Bay 
 Company is an example of this ; they have 
 a regular communication with the northern 
 Indian tribes, to the diftance of upwards 
 of 1500 miles. 
 
 Again, fliould the Ruffians become 
 fufficiently powerful, or lay in wait for a 
 favourable opportunity, (witnefs the armed 
 neutrality) they might probably, not be 
 very fcrupulous about difpofleffing both 
 Englifh and Spaniards. So fenfible was 
 the Emprefs of Ruffia of the importance 
 of this trade, that five fail of large frigates, 
 armed enjiuie, were two ) ears ago equipped 
 at St. Peterfburgh, and furnifhed with 
 every kind of ftores, for the formation of 
 fettlements on the north-weft coaft, and 
 on the oppolite coafts of Alia, for eftabllfh- 
 ing a complete Marine Yard for Ship 
 building, and for profecuting a regular 
 fyftem of commerce, on the moft extenfive 
 fcale, throughout the great Pacific. The 
 equipment was made under the diredion 
 
 of 
 
I 
 
 \ ■' 
 
 li 
 
 ! 
 
 1 
 
 1 1 1 
 
 f »» ) 
 
 of Captain Trevannon, a lieutenant in the- 
 Britifli Navy, and a favourite officer of the 
 late Captain Cook, whom he accompanied 
 in his laft voyage. This naval expedition, 
 when ready to depart, w^s fruftrated by 
 the rupture with Sweden. The whole con- 
 fifting of a chofen fet of officers and 
 feamen, were at the exprefs and urgent 
 demand of Admiral Greig, detahied for 
 the manning of his fleet. 
 
 Ml 
 
 <i. 
 
 ll 
 
 Captain Trevannon was to have a£led 
 in concert with a land expedition, of fimilar 
 importance and purport, under the com- 
 mand of Captain Billens, another of 
 Captain Cook's fcholars, w4io was accom- 
 panied by 1500 attendants, and affiftants, 
 coniifling of the moft feled mecha- 
 nicks, artificers, &c. aflembled from 
 all parts of Europe, and who are now, 
 and have been during the laft four years, 
 occupied in furvcying the eaftern coaft, 
 and large rivers of Afia. I can add, from 
 authority, that every part of Captain 
 Trevannon's equipment is now laid up in 
 the ftore houfes ajt St. Peterfburgh, until 
 
 the 
 
 
 -- -H^ 
 
jnant in the 
 fEcer of the 
 ccompanied 
 expedition, 
 uftrated by 
 whole con- 
 fiicers and 
 ind urgent 
 ;;tained for 
 
 have aifled 
 
 , of fimilar 
 
 the com- 
 
 nother of 
 
 as accom- 
 
 afliftants, 
 
 mecha- 
 
 ed from 
 
 are now, 
 
 )ur years, 
 
 rn coaft, 
 
 dd, from 
 
 Captain 
 
 id up in 
 
 h, until 
 
 the 
 
 f 
 
 ai 
 
 C ^3- ] 
 
 th^ firfl; favourable opportunity for refum- 
 ing the voyage, on the. return of peace, 
 
 la the prefent critical moment, any ra^ 
 or equivocal conceflions on the part of 
 Britain^ refpe<Sling the right to their own 
 difcoveries, priority of occupancy, and 
 commerce in thofe parts, muft be fatal 
 to the future traffic, and mercantile pur* 
 fuits throughout. They would al(b be an 
 indifcreet furrender of the ftupendous ad- 
 vff g ^QflM g which might be expedled from 
 the difcovery of a north- weft paflage. The 
 north-weft continent of America, from 
 the latitude 45 north, was not difcovered 
 before the late voyage of Captain Cook, 
 nor the interior parts before the Nootka 
 Sound expeditions : neither have the 
 Spaniards the moft diftant pretenfions to 
 the oif<^ve^ry of the South Cape, the Straits 
 of M^^Uan,' ^or of Staten Ifland ; their 
 abfurd claims have been recently difcuffed, 
 and refuted in a pamphlet by an able 
 writer, Dalrymple, 
 
 The 
 
r:.h i 
 
 
 iH 
 
 > « 
 
 i 
 
 HtiU 
 
 i^- 
 
 Hi 
 
 t 
 
 « 
 
 nil! 
 
 IM 
 
 \ 
 
 
 
 .■E 
 
 '<y 
 
 
 [ 14 1 
 
 The enlightened commercial public are 
 not to be informed, that the difcoveries and 
 trade within the vicinity of the Pacific, pre- 
 fent one of the principle, and of the few re- 
 maining fources, and unexplored tradls of 
 remote commerce. They open profpeds 
 to rich harvefts and unexplored mines of 
 American and Afiatic wealth, and point out 
 no inconfiderable refources, in addition to 
 the European gleanings. 
 
 But, perhaps, the majority o f thcBritifh 
 Parliament, and nation, are not yet apprifed 
 of the immenfe political importance of the 
 ftations at Nootka, and at Staten Ifland. It 
 will ftagger their belief to be told, that they 
 are, in that view, not inferior to Gibraltar, 
 in cafe of hoftilities with Spain ; au event 
 which either now, or in no long fpace of 
 time feems inevitable. If Spain evades it at 
 prefent, it will be more from policy and 
 fear than inclination ; and the firft fymp- 
 toms of Britain's political derangement or 
 diftrefs will, as in the cafe of the American 
 rebellion, be a fignal for the protrufion 
 of their fting, and the repetition of their 
 
 enmity. 
 
 '. :■! 1 
 
public are 
 »veries and 
 acific, pre- 
 he few re- 
 I trads of 
 profpeds 
 mines of 
 point out 
 Idition to 
 
 ber-Britiih 
 t apprifed 
 ice of the 
 land. It 
 that they 
 Gibraltar, 
 an event 
 : fpace of 
 ades it at 
 licy and 
 1: fymp- 
 ment or 
 nierican 
 otrufion 
 of their 
 enmity. 
 
 [ '5 ] 
 
 enmity. Thefe ftations have llkewife an 
 advantage of which Gibraltar cannot boaft; 
 they can be maintained, not only without 
 expence, but will, at the fame time, add a 
 prodigious revenue to the national ftreams. 
 
 It would be eafy for us to difcriminate, in 
 detail, thofe numerous modes of annoyance, 
 whenever the brazen throat of war fhall 
 fummon Britain to arms. The geographi- 
 cal reader will have no difficulty to antici- 
 pate, and to fubfcribe to the fubftance of 
 thofe general hints. 
 
 The mention of Gibraltar withdraws us 
 to a momentary digreffioii from the im- 
 mediate fubjed. As an impregnable for- 
 trefs, as the gates of the Mediterranean 
 Straits, and as occafioning a divifion of the 
 Spaniih force, it is unqueftionably a moft 
 valuable pofleffion. This cannot be faid of 
 Minorca, on which fo much money was 
 expended, and which never was, nor ever 
 could be of any real confequence to the in- 
 tereft of Britain. On the other hand, a 
 thoufand reafons, political and commercial, 
 
 ihould 
 
t 
 
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 !.l 
 
 
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 liiiij 
 
 ■i'V 
 
 
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 m| 1' ' 
 
 J u I < , 
 
 
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 i; 
 
 ti 
 
 fV .' 
 
 I *6 '1 
 
 ihcfuild long (ince have fixed the atterttion of 
 Britain on one of the illands about the 
 mouth of the ^gean or Archipelago, (Can- 
 dia or Cypru^l ) This would be an inefti- 
 mable acquifition to the Britifti commerce, 
 and probably, in the prefent diftreffed (itu- 
 ation of the Turkish empire, might be ob- 
 tained in return for our friendly offices* 
 From this center, a commerce, whofe be- 
 nefits are yet unfathomable, might be ex- 
 tended to Egypt, Syria, Turkey, Perfia, 
 .&c. Articles from thofe extenfive and 
 luxurious regions, equally cflential to our 
 manufactures, to our real wants, and to our 
 luxuries, might be obtained in barter for 
 the ftaple produdlions of our own ifland. 
 
 In a word, we are decidedly of opinion 
 with a profound political writer (Camp- 
 bell's Political Survey of Great Britain) that 
 our ifland might be trebled in its popula- 
 tion ; and rendered equal in this refpe£l to 
 tan Aliatlc ifland of the fame extent, I mean 
 Japan. To this I will add, that I believe 
 our commerce might be increafed and mul- 
 tiplied in a compound ratio, and circulated 
 
 through 
 
ibout the 
 go, (Can- 
 ati inefti- 
 
 omtnerce, 
 sffed iitu- 
 ht be ob- 
 \y offices, 
 t'hofe be- 
 lt be ex- 
 '> Perfia, 
 five and 
 al to our 
 ^id to our 
 'arter for 
 iflaiid. 
 
 opinion 
 (Camp- 
 lin) that 
 popula- 
 rpedl to 
 I mean 
 believe 
 id mul- 
 •culated 
 hrough 
 
 through a variety of new channels, amongft 
 thofe delightful regions which environ 
 the eaftern (hores of the Mediterranean. 
 Did time permit, I could edablifh both 
 thefe propoiitions to a mathematical de- 
 monftration. 
 
 We are now to rcfume the primary fub- 
 je£t and theme of the prefent narrative : the 
 liberality, difintereftednefs, and patriotifna 
 which gave birth to the original enterprife 
 and equipment, will be manifeft by a pcr- 
 ufal of the following authentic copy of the 
 proprietors' iuftru£tions to the dlHercnt 
 command<;r5 and captaina of their fhips in 
 the Noctka commerce. In thefe iiiftruc- 
 tioiiS there will not be found a (ingle trace 
 of clandeftine or illegal views, but glaring 
 evidence of fair and honourable commerce. 
 
 D 
 
 London^ 
 
 
 k 
 
J 
 
 :) 
 
 !i 
 
 it 
 
 ^ hi 
 
 ill 
 
 SI 
 
 lil! 
 
 im 
 
 ;i !ii 
 
 [ '8 ] 
 
 London, Sept. 3, 1785. 
 
 hiftruSiions to Capt. NATHANIEL 
 PORTLOCK, Commander of the 
 Ship King George. 
 
 1 OU having been appointed to the con:i- 
 mand of the faid (hip, purfuant to an agree- 
 ment already made with you, for the pur- 
 pofe of condu(5ting the prefent expedition, 
 on commercial principles, to the north -weft 
 coaft of America, from thence to the Japa- 
 nefe and other iflands on, and near the coaft 
 of Alia, and to Canton, in China. 
 
 Hi I 
 
 IS i / 
 
 \\ . \M\\ 
 
 You are hereby required to proceed with 
 the faid (hip, taking under your command 
 the fnow. Queen Charlotte, Capt. George 
 Dixon commander, who hath direftions to 
 follow your inftrudlions ; you are to pro- 
 ceed without lofs of time, dire<flly to Cape 
 Horn, unlefs you find it abfolutely necef- 
 
 fary, 
 
 \ ' 
 
 ' 
 
 Hi 
 
^/. 3, 1725- 
 
 'HANIEL 
 
 nder of the 
 
 i. '1 
 
 to the com- 
 to an ag ree- 
 fer the pur- 
 expedition, 
 I north -weft 
 \o the Japa- 
 ear the coaft 
 la. 
 
 recced with 
 r command 
 pt. George 
 lireflions to 
 ire to pro- 
 Wj to Cape 
 itely necef* 
 fary, 
 
 r 19 ] ' 
 
 fary, for the refrefhment of your fliip's 
 company, or from any other material acci- 
 dent ; in fuch cafe you may put into Ma- 
 deira, or any other place you may deem 
 necell'ary ; particularly obferving to make 
 fuch flay as (hort as pofTible. 
 
 On the arrival of the faid (hip off the 
 Cape, or off Staten land, you are to put into 
 fuch port, harbour, or found as you fhall 
 deem the moft prudent, for wooding and 
 watering the (hips, and refrefliingyour com- 
 panies ; from thence you are to proceed, 
 (particularly obferving to give as good an off- 
 hig as you pojjibly can to the Spanijh fettle-^ 
 ments) diredly to the coaft of New Albion, 
 falling in with the land in latitude 43"* 00' 
 north. 
 
 On your arrival, you are to make the firft 
 convenient port you poflibly can, and en- 
 deavour, to the utmoft of your abilities, to 
 cultivate a friend(hip with the natives, for 
 the purpofe of opening a traffic with them 
 for the produce of their country : and, as 
 you have a large fupply of every article of 
 
 D 2 goods, 
 
-'^ ^ 
 
 
 I' 
 
 : i 
 1 
 
 vi 
 
 S,ii 
 
 !-fi|l 
 
 t • l> 
 
 !l 
 
 
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 \i. 
 
 I 
 
 
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 [ ao ] 
 
 goods, both for bartering :.iid for prefents, 
 you are hereby required to traffic with ihetn 
 with that liberality, integrity, and genero- 
 fity as (hall imprint on their Kiinds the true 
 charaEier of a Britijh merchant. You are to 
 proceed along the coafl, to the northward, 
 entering all the bays, harbours, founds, 
 creeks, and rivers that you (hall deem of 
 benefit, and confiftent with the true intent 
 of a commercial voyage. In refpedl to th« 
 traffic to be met with ;' you are v;ell ac- 
 quainted that furs of all kinds are l\iQ chief, 
 objed at the prefent ; but you are requeftecj 
 to make every pofllble inquiry, particularly, 
 at King George's Sound for copper, for 
 whatever other articlcb of commerce there 
 «re to be met with, and for the future be- 
 nefit of fecuring the trade of the continent 
 andiflands adjacent, you are to eftabli(h fuch 
 fadorles. as you (hall fee neceffary, and con- 
 liftent with the fafet)? of fuch fettlers, and 
 your (hip's company. King George's Sound, 
 we (hould prefume, not only from being cenr 
 trical, but in every refpe£l confiltent with 
 the intent of farming fuch eftabli(hment : 
 
 but 
 
 "•VIW^"" iMW«p|i« 
 
for prefents, 
 ic With ihetn 
 and genero- 
 inds the true 
 You are to 
 : northward, 
 irs, founds, 
 ball deem of 
 5 true intent 
 ifped to th« 
 ire well ap- 
 ire '^he chief 
 ire requefte4 
 Particularly, 
 copper, for 
 nerce there 
 future be- 
 e continent 
 hblifli fuch 
 y, and con - 
 ittlers, and 
 ge's Sound, 
 ibeingcenr 
 Irtent with 
 bliihment : 
 but 
 
 [ ^i ] 
 
 but in this refpeft we rovft leave you entire* 
 ly difcretional. 
 
 Mr. William Wilby we have deemed 
 perfeaiy qualified for fuch an undertaking, 
 and he accompanies you entirely with tha5 
 intent ; therefore wherever you Ihall deen^ 
 it neceffary to eftablifli a factory, you are to 
 purchafe of the natives fuch a track of land 
 as you (hall think beft fuited for the purpofe 
 of trading, and for fecurity ; paying them 
 in the moft liberal and friendly manner for 
 the fame. You are to take every poffible 
 ftep by prefents, or by any other mode, or 
 maxim, you (hall deem prudent for th« 
 cultivating a cordial and lafting friend(hip 
 with them. You are then to appoint as 
 many men as you fhall deem neceflary, and 
 who (hall turn out as volunteers, to be com* 
 panions to Mr. Wilby. You are to give 
 theni every poffible affiftance, to ere6t a logr 
 houfe, or fuch other building as (hall appear 
 neceflary for their refidence, and for the 
 carrying on a traffic with the natives. You 
 are to give them every alTiftance to make 
 fuch place tenable ngainft the natives, and 
 \ provide 
 
^ 
 
 , 
 
 
 
 : ! ,1 
 
 
 1 
 
 |r| 
 
 
 r 
 
 1 
 ■ 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 ( 
 
 iliiiiiii 
 
 I 
 
 I I'^^^iifi 
 
 
 r ,)i^ 
 
 !SI! 
 
 "ii 
 
 MJiifi'l 
 
 ' I 
 
 [ « ] 
 
 provide them with fuch arms, ammunition, 
 &c. as you ihall deem neceffary for defence, 
 protedtlon, &c. You are to leave them fuch 
 quantities of provifions and other articles for 
 convenience, and for the purpofeof carry- 
 ing on a trade with the natives, as you ihall 
 deem neceflary, till yon Ihall think there is 
 a probability of their being fupplied again. 
 It will be very necefl'ary that all the goods 
 you leave with them ihould be fecured from 
 the difcerning eye of I he natives, as they 
 may prove a temptation to their commit- 
 ting depredations during your abfence. If 
 you can make them a convenient ftore un- 
 der ground to depofit their goods in, I fhould 
 deem them th more fecure. You are like- 
 wile to provide them with a boat and fuch 
 arms and inftruments as may be neceffary, 
 in cafe they (hould not be able to keep 
 perxeable poffeffion. Should it appear pro- 
 bable that a whale filhery can ever be of any 
 material advantage to the Company, you 
 mull leave them every thing ncceflary for 
 the carrying fuch plan into execution. You 
 are likewife to make an agreement with ail 
 the people you leave behind, in fuch a libe- 
 ral 
 
 ii rt 
 
 -'liirriMTIIiililiini-Hilii 
 
 .. yUM IJWi i> fi »i n «ii , 
 
c 
 
 ] 
 
 munition, 
 r defence, 
 :hem fuch 
 rticles for 
 of carry- 
 you (hall 
 k there is 
 led again, 
 the goods 
 I red from 
 , as they 
 com m it- 
 en ce. If 
 ftore un- 
 , I fhould 
 are like- 
 and fuch 
 eceflar}^ 
 to keep 
 )ear pro- 
 >eof any 
 ny, you 
 flary for 
 >n. You 
 with all 
 1 a hbe- 
 ral 
 
 M 
 
 
 ral manner as fiiall appear confiftent with the 
 undertaking. 1 would recommend liberal 
 wages to the men, and to Mr. VVilby, (o 
 much per Ikin, according to the animal,, 
 but whale oil, fins, and copper by the ton, 
 this muft be left to jour dtfl?i*etlon ; always 
 having our motto in your mind," Commercio 
 liberal/ crcfcimus,'** , . 
 
 . After having made fuch eftabhfliments, 
 nf»d run along the coaft to the northward, 
 as far as fliall be prudent, and con fiflent with 
 the undertaking, ycu are to make the beft 
 of your way to the Rurile, Japanefe iQands, 
 and likewife the coaft of Afia, and to take 
 fuch fteps for the difpoliil of your cargoes 
 by laying oft and on the refpedive coafls, as 
 you fliall judge expedient : the norchermoil: 
 parts of the illand of Niphon, the iflands 
 adjacent, the coaft of Corea, Nankin, and 
 China I prefume are the moft advantageous 
 for the difpofal of furs. If a fiidory could 
 poflibly be fettled on the ifiand of Matmi, 
 or any other convenient idand contiguous 
 to the north part of the iiland of Niphon, 
 if this could be done with fufjty, or even 
 
 if 
 
1 If 
 
 i!i!i«i 
 
 hl'i:^! 
 
 
 I. ;. 
 
 if 
 
 HI 
 
 1) 
 
 [ ^4 ] 
 
 if a friendly intercourfe could be opened 
 ivith the natives, it would be accompH(h- 
 ing a great objed ; but this muft be entirely 
 difcretional. 
 
 You will vat be within the limits of At 
 Eaft-Iiidia Company, and as each fhip hatk 
 an attefted copy of our agreement with 
 them on board, I muft requeft you will 
 give fuch agreement a ferious perufa!, that 
 you may in no refpefit tranfgrefs in ar/Jr 
 pprt, where you may be driven by diftrefs, 
 or put into for the purpofe of trading. Hav- 
 ing done all in your power at the iflands, 
 and on the coaft of Corea, Nankin, and 
 China, you are to proceed to Ca^iton, and 
 are there to ad in every refped purfuant 
 to the articles of agreement made with the 
 honourable Eaft-India Company. 
 
 
 You are politively ordered, while you 
 remain at the Cape, or at any other place 
 you touch at, to refrefli your fliips' compa- 
 nies, before entering the Pacific Ocean, 
 to put both vtffels into the beft pofliblc 
 flate of defence you are enabled to do. — 
 
 That 
 
be bpened 
 ccomplifh- 
 be entirely 
 
 iits of iht 
 ^ip hath- 
 lent With 
 you will 
 ufal, that 
 s in ar^ 
 y diftrefs, 
 ng. Hav- 
 c iflands, 
 iiin, and 
 ton, and 
 purfuant 
 with the 
 
 lile you 
 ler place 
 compa- 
 Ocean, 
 poflibie 
 D do. — s 
 That 
 
 i 25 3 
 
 that you keep proper difcipline among yoUf 
 people, and wherever you touch, to a£t 
 with the utmoft prudence aftd caution, fo 
 as not to admit of a poflibility of furprife 
 from the natives. You are further ordered, 
 and that in the moft pofitive manner, not 
 to let any temptation, be it ever fo great, 
 or of whatever nature, to put you off your 
 guard : fhould any difafter or accident hap- 
 pen to your fhips between the two conti- 
 nents of America and Afia, you have hereby 
 full difcretion to give fuch di regions fot 
 ^ the further proceedings of either or both 
 |Veffeb, as you fhall deem confident with 
 • the agreements made with the two compa* 
 I nies,) viz. the South Sea, and India Com- 
 panies.) I 
 
 It 
 
 i-1?vJ 
 
 On your arrival at Canton, fhould both 
 the fhlps be ordered to Europe on theEaft- 
 India Company's account, and you have 
 eftabhflied any factories in the courfe of 
 your voyage, you are in that cafe, to 
 purchafe a veflel to return to the faid 
 faaories; to be commanded by fuch of 
 your officers, as you (hall deem beft quali- 
 
 ^ fied 
 
1 C ■■' : 
 
 r 1 
 
 9 
 
 h' 
 
 f { 
 
 nr 
 
 jji'iy ! 
 
 
 ||f!:i!i! 
 
 ii 
 
 [ «« ] 
 
 fied, with fuch proviiions, trade, orders, 
 &c. &c. as you fhall deem neceflary. — 
 Should this (hip make Sulphur Iflaud, in 
 her rout to the coafb, I could wifh them to 
 make a landing, if to be done with fafety 
 and convenience, but not to lofe any time ; 
 for this ftep you know my reafons : When 
 you firft perule thefe difpatches, put down 
 your own fentiments on this fubjedt, in 
 writing, in cafe of accident to yourfelf. 
 
 You are alfo requefted to take a draft or 
 iketch of any place you may dlfcover, in 
 fuch manner as is confident with the nature 
 of your voyage ; and if you find fuch parts 
 have not been before viiited by other 
 nations, you are to take polTeflion, with 
 the confent of the natives, which you will 
 attempt to gain, by making them prefents 
 (the light' ho?-feman's caps will he a good 
 emblem of your having been among theni) 
 In the NAME of the KING of GREAT- 
 BRITAIN ; and fet up fuch marks or in^ 
 fcripiionSy as will give tcflimony of fuch parts 
 having been taken pofjejjion of by His Majeflf s 
 fubjedls ; and in naming fuch parts, you mufl 
 particularly recolledl our kind patrons. 
 
 Should 
 
ide, orders, 
 
 neceflary . 
 
 ir Ifland, in 
 
 ifli them to 
 
 with fafety 
 
 |e any time ; 
 
 >ns: When 
 
 t put down 
 
 fubjea, in 
 yourfelf. 
 
 ce a draft or 
 difcover, in 
 ^ the nature 
 d fuch parts 
 ^ by other 
 bflion, with 
 ich you wiil 
 em prefents 
 ^^ a good 
 nong the77i) 
 
 ' GREAT- 
 
 arks or m^ 
 
 ^ fuch parts 
 'isMajeJfs 
 s, you mujl. 
 rons. 
 
 Should 
 
 [ 27 ] 
 
 Should any accident happen to your (hip 
 jn the courfe of the voyage, fo as to difable 
 her from further proceeding thereon, you 
 
 .J are hereby authorifed to take the command 
 of the Qiieen Charlotte, and a6l in every 
 refpedl, as if you was on Board the King 
 George. And as it is impoflible to forelee 
 the accidents that may arife in fuch a 
 voyage, you have full power to adl accor- 
 ding to your difcretion, for the benefit of 
 the concerned, fully relying on your abi- 
 lities, in following thefe inftru6bions, as 
 far as fhall appear confident, and for the 
 
 benefit of the undertaking. Whatever 
 
 accident may happen, or alterations you 
 
 ' fhall be necefiitated to make, in profecuting 
 the voyage, you are required to make fuch 
 
 " ample protefl, of fuch circumftances, as 
 you (hall deem fatisfaclory, to the people 
 who have underwrote the faid (hips ; you 
 have a copy of the policy delivered with 
 
 * thefe difpatches. 
 
 i - 
 
 You are particularly required to bring 
 home with you fpecimens of, or famples 
 of every kind of produce you may meet 
 
 E 2 with 
 
WUM 
 
 I 28 ] 
 
 with in the courfe of trafficking, either on 
 the continent of America, or Afia, or 
 Iflands adjacent, and be careful to bring 
 them in as good a ftate of prefervation as 
 you poffibly .can : from the well known 
 friendfliip exifting between yourfelf, and 
 Captain Dixon, I hope I have no occafion 
 to exprefs how requifite and neceflary it 
 is for the benefit of the undertaking, that 
 the utmoft cordiality exift between you. — 
 Fully relying on the utmoft of your en- 
 deavours, and amply fatisfied how much 
 you have this undertaking at heart, I can 
 only pledge my future friendfliip for you, 
 and to your family, during your abfence, 
 and vyifliing you every blefling that Provi- 
 dence can beftow ; I remain moft fincerely, 
 
 your moft afFe(Stionate, 
 and obedient fervant, 
 
 (Signed) Richard Cadman Etches, 
 
 . ( 
 
 ii 
 
 P, S, I have omitted to mention that 
 you arc particularly required, not to let 
 (lip any poffible opportunity of fending 
 
 intelli- 
 
;. 
 
 either on 
 Afia, or 
 ul to bring 
 fervatlon as 
 veil known 
 mrfdf, and 
 no occafion 
 neceffary it 
 aking, that 
 een you. — 
 f your en- 
 how much 
 eart, I can 
 p for you, 
 jr abfence, 
 that Provi- 
 ft fincerely, 
 
 on ate, 
 
 t fervant, 
 
 ^ Etches, 
 
 ntion that 
 
 not to let 
 
 if fending 
 
 intelli^ 
 
 '..f- 
 
 [ 29 ] 
 
 intelligence of your proceedings from the 
 time you leave the Britifti Channel, until 
 you return to England : you are to addrefs 
 fuch difpatches to Richard Cadman Etches, 
 London, and indole them under cover, 
 to George Rofe, Efq. at the Treafury, 
 
 London. 
 
 R. C. E. 
 
 The letter at the beginning of this pam- 
 phlet, entitled " a Libel on the Proprietors 
 *' of the Nootka Sound Commerce," was 
 fent to the editors of two morning news- 
 papers as an advertifement, it was admitted 
 for publication by the condudtors, and 
 paid for, and one of them had a<5tually 
 committed it to the prefs; but afterwards, 
 they thought proper to decline its publica- 
 tion, one of them apologizing with an 
 evaiive declaration, that he never interfered 
 with the conduft of other newfpapers ; the 
 other, that he was afraid of making ene- 
 mies. The principles which didated fiich 
 a rejedion and excufe, involuntarily pro* 
 yoke a few ceufures, not from any motives 
 
 i 
 
I in 
 
 iiii'i 
 
 [ 30 ] 
 
 of private pique or refcntment, but in de- 
 fence of public rights. 
 
 ^ What private reafons determined thofe 
 editors from the infertion of the preceding 
 letter and advertilement, are unknown to 
 us. We anfwer for ourTelves, that the 
 confederacy of newfpaper editors (hall not 
 deter us from refcuing private character 
 from the daggers of anonymous libellers, 
 nor from contributing our mite to the na- 
 tional dignity and profperity; holding, in 
 equal contempt, the malevolence of foreign 
 or domeftic foes. 
 
 ' -11. 
 
 • 'M 
 
 We deprecate the period when fuch a 
 fyftem of tacit agreement, comblnauon, 
 and connivance fhall be eftablifhed amongft 
 newfpaper editors. Should they be armed 
 with the difcretionary privilege of inferting 
 anonymous calumny, and then, with pe- 
 remptory didlation, rejedt a contradi£lion 
 by the parties injured, with the additional 
 fandlion of their names and relidence; and 
 likevvife, by themfelves or patrons, influ- 
 ence others of their brethren to become 
 
 their 
 
ut in de- 
 
 led thofe 
 ^receding 
 nown to 
 that the 
 flialJ not 
 charader 
 libellers, 
 3 the na- 
 Idlng, ia 
 f foreign 
 
 1 fuch a 
 ^inauon, 
 amongfl 
 )e armed 
 nferting 
 /ith pe- 
 •adldlion 
 Iditional 
 ce; and 
 , influ- 
 become 
 their 
 
 C 31 1 
 
 their protedors or even partizans, then in- 
 deed the popular prefs would become a def- 
 potifni and public nuifance, a monfter 
 of prey againft which mankind, in their 
 own defence, mud unite, and either fub- 
 jugate or deftroy. It would be a fort of 
 ambulh or den, from whence they could, 
 " ad libitum' iffue forth, and with impu- 
 nity wound, cut, ftab, or maim. 
 
 Such an affociation of newfpaper editors 
 i in principles and practice, however, it 
 might pamper the vanity and felf-intereft 
 of the craft, would be fubverfive of general 
 liberty. It would let loofe calumny and 
 venality to riot on the public; and a fur- 
 render or acquiefcence on the part of the 
 nation, to fuch cenforial and inquifitorial 
 powers in the perfons of newfpaper editors, 
 would be a dlrele£llon of their rights, and of 
 their fenfes. For as to the ofzly two rcmahi- 
 ing remedies and redrefs^ left to the injured, 
 and even thefe placed beyond the reach of the 
 indigent or illiterate ; to wit, a laborious 
 and expenfive procefs in Weftminfter Hall,, 
 orjuftification in a detached publication, in 
 
 mul- 
 
:\>\li 
 
 I 
 
 >'' J:. 
 
 M 
 
 I ■ 
 
 Ir m^i 
 
 t 3* 1 
 
 I 
 
 multitudes of cafes, neither would be fuf- 
 cient effectually to efface the afperfion, to 
 atone for the injury, or to repair the breach 
 of undermined reputation. 
 
 What mifchievous confequence would 
 cnfue, (hould the profeflbrs of law be guided 
 by a fimilar principle of illiberality and 
 felfifhnefs ? Should they fay to the appli- 
 cation of an injured client. Sir, it is a bro- 
 ther, you muft excufe our interference ? 
 What endlefs fcenes of chicanery and pil- 
 lage would the public then have to ftruggle 
 againft, and to combat ? 
 
 -ri »>■■«•>«! 
 
 Finally, the author, and thofc chiefly 
 interefted in the Nootka Sound Commerce, 
 having difcharged a duty due to themfelves 
 and the nation, fubmit their cafe to the 
 good fenfe and penetration of your Majefty 
 and your Minifters, of the Parliament, and 
 of the enlightened part of the community. 
 At the fame time time, declaring their in- 
 tention of treating all future perfonal 
 calumny of newfpapers, whether conveyed 
 in the form of paragraphs or letters, by 
 
 fileut 
 
 A 
 
iW be fuf. 
 irfion, to 
 '^e breach 
 
 e Would 
 be guided 
 ality and 
 be appJi. 
 
 t IS a bro. 
 
 rference ? 
 
 /" and pil, 
 ftruggJe 
 
 
 [ 33 3 
 
 filent contempt, or an appeal to the laws. 
 They are thoroughly confident that an un- 
 prejudiced and unbiaffed difcuflion of the 
 public grounds of the prefent controverfy 
 between Spain and this country, will re- 
 dound, equally to their own, and to the 
 
 national honour and intereft. 
 
 ... J 
 
 I have the honour to fubfcribe myfelf. 
 With the moft profound refped, 
 . Your Majefty's , 
 
 ' Moft dutiful and 
 
 Devoted Subje£l, ...^^,. 
 
 '"'} ARGONAUT. 
 
 London 
 
 1790. 
 
 Maje% 
 ^nt, and 
 tnunity. 
 heir in- 
 >erfonaI 
 nveyed 
 -rs, by 
 
 filent 
 
 
 To 
 
C 34 ] 
 
 To THE P U P ;. I C 
 
 I 
 
 '^t 
 
 T is in contemplation to prepare and digeft 
 a complete and concife hiftory of the 
 different European voyages, difcoveries, 
 and fettlements, throughout the Pacific 
 Ocean ; with particular references to the 
 Fur trade, carried on from Nootka Sound, 
 from the eaft fide by the Hudfon's Bay 
 Company, to the fouthern Fifhery, in the 
 vicinity of Staten Ifland, and likewife to 
 the Botany Bay fettlement ; rep refen ting 
 all their immediate, profpedlive, and colla- 
 teral advantages, more efpecially to Great 
 Britain. 
 
 This publication is meant to be com- 
 prifed in one volume quarto, with elegant, 
 original charts, and drawings ; and that 
 the publication (bould be made worthy of 
 tfac critical perufal, it is not intended to be 
 completed in lefs than nine months. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 n 
 
c. 
 
 ; and digeft 
 ry of the 
 lifcoveries, 
 he Pacific 
 res to the 
 ka Sound, 
 fon's Bay 
 ry, in the 
 kewife to 
 )refenting 
 md colla- 
 ' to Great 
 
 be com- 
 i elegant, 
 and that 
 worthy of 
 ded to be 
 ;hs. 
 
 M 
 
 
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 5 i '! 
 
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