A Voyage of Discovery to the North Pacific Ocean. Vol. II

1801

de Beer Eb 1801 V

London: Printed for John Stockdale

George Vancouver’s expedition to the North Pacific was both political and scientific. He was tasked to re-confirm Britain’s rights at Nootka Sound (in 1789 Spain and Britain came close to war over ownership of this area); to examine a possible passage to the Atlantic; to learn what establishments had been founded by other powers; and to carry out a hydrographic survey on those areas Cook left uncharted. During the five years and 88,000 kilometre journey, Vancouver charted with unparalleled accuracy the Pacific coast-line from California to Alaska. He also disproved the existence of any passage between the Pacific and Hudson Bay. This engraving depicts the Discovery aground on hidden rocks in Queen Charlotte Strait, near Fife Sound, British Columbia, in early August 1792.