Historical Account of the Most Celebrated Voyages, Travels, and Discoveries, from the Time of Columbus to the Present Period (Volume 8) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1797. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CAPTAINS PORTLOCK ANB D I X 0 N, TO KING GEORGE'S SOUND, AND ROUND The WORLD. THOUGH Captain Cook's last voyage did not accomplish the original end in view, it surnished philosophy with many new observations, and opened to commerce several extensive prospects. The number and value of the surs he discovered on the western coast of America, soon tempted adventurers to pursue a traffic so very lucrative, regardless of the difficulties and dangers of such a distant enterprise. Several voyages were undertaken from Canton and Bombay to Nootka Sound, the American mart for peltry, at an early period after the discovery of that coast; and in May 1785, some English merchants entered into a commercial partnership, under the title of the King George's Sound Company, for carrying on a sur trade from the western coast of America to China. R 3 Having Having obtained licences from the South Sea and East India Companies, they purchased two ships, one of three hundred and twenty, and the other of two hundred tons burthen, and gave the command of the larger vessel, which was named the King George, to Mr.Nathaniel Portlock; and of the other, called the Queen Charlotte, to Mr. George Dixon. Both those gentlemen had sailed with Captain Cook, and were therefore deemed most proper to conduct an adventure, which required no common knowledge and experience. The inferior officers were all men of competent abilities, and Mr. Evans and Mr. Woodcock, two pupils, from the mathematical school in Christ's Hospital, were engaged as draughtsmen. Having got most of their stores on board, they proceeded down the River Thames to Gravesend, on the 29th of August, and soon after reached Margate Roads. Contrary winds detained them for some days; but at last they reached Guernsey on the 20th of Septembe...