Historical Records of New Zealand
Lord Grenville to the Lords of the Admiralty. — (Banks Papers.)*
Lord Grenville to the Lords of the Admiralty.
(Banks Papers.)*
My Lords,—
His Majesty having judged it expedient that an expedition should be immediately undertaken for acquiring a more complete knowledge than has yet been obtained of the north-west coast of America, I am commanded to signify to your Lordships his Majesty’s commands that the necessary measures should be adopted for that purpose. The Discovery and Chatham, brig, being, as I understand, in readiness for this service, it is desirable that no time should be lost in their proceeding to the Sandwich Islands, where the officer commanding those vessels should be instructed to winter.
During the time of his remaining at those islands he is to employ himself in the survey and examination of them; and as soon as the weather is favourable, which may be expected to be in February or at latest in March, 1792, he should be instructed to repair to the American coast for the purpose of his survey.
* Indorsed: “Copy of a letter from Lord Grenville to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, dated Whitehall, 11th Februray, 1791 (two enclosures).“ The enclosures are missing. A different plan was proposed in the first instance; ante, p. 113. Instructions to Lieut. Menzies; ante, pp. 115–117.
† The King of Spain.
‡ Nootka Sound, on the north-west coast of America. (Vancouver Island.)
In the examination of this coast the principal objects which he is to keep in view are:–
First.—The acquiring accurate information with respect to the nature and extent of any water communication which may tend in any considerable degree to facilitate an intercourse for the purposes of commerce between the north-west coast and the countries upon the opposite side of the continent which are inhabited or occupied by his Majesty’s subjects.
Secondly.—The ascertaining with as much precision as possible the number, extent, and situation of any settlements which have been made within the limits above mentioned by any European nation, and particularly by Spain, and the time when such settlement was first made.
With respect to the first point, it would be of great importance if it should be found that by means of any considerable inlets of sea, or even of large rivers, communicating with the lakes in the interior of the continent, such an intercourse as I have already mentioned could be established. It will, therefore, be necessary that for the purpose of ascertaining this point the survey should be so conducted as not only to ascertain the general line of the sea-coast, but also the direction and extent of all such considerable inlets, whether made by arms of the sea or by the mouths of large rivers, as may be likely to lead to or facilitate such communication as I have described.
This being the principal object of the examination, as far as relates to this part of the subject, it will probably appear to your Lordships that a considerable degree of discretion must be left to the officer commanding the expedition as to the best means of executing the service which his Majesty has in view.*
* * * *
* A blank occurs here. Twelve lines written by the transcriber, which the Minister, presumably, did not wish to go out of the office, have been erased.
* The passage was found. The land which is separated by it from the American continent is called Vancouver Island, in honour of Captain Vancouver, who circumnavigated it.
If in the course of any part of this service his Majesty’s ships or officers should meet with the subjects or vessels of any other power or state, they are to treat them in the most friendly manner, and to be careful not to do anything which may give occasion to any interruption of that peace which now happily subsists between his Majesty and all other powers.
The whole of the survey above mentioned, if carried on with a view to the objects here stated, without too minute and particular an examination of the detail of the different parts of the coast laid down by it, may, as I understand, probably be completed in two summers. In the intermediate winter the ships are to be directed to return to the Sandwich Islands, and during their continuance there to endeavor to complete any part that may be unfinished of their examination of those islands.
After the conclusion of the survey in the second summer the commanding officer should be directed, supposing the state and circumstances of his ships should admit of it, to return by Cape Horn, for which the season will then probably be favourable. It seems doubtful how far the time may admit of his making any particular examination of the western coast of South America. But if this should be practicable, he should begin such examination from the south point of the Island of Chiloe, which is in about 44 south latitude; and he should direct his attention to ascertaining what is the most southward Spanish settlement on that coast, and what harbours there are south of any such settlement.
In the execution of every part of this service it is very material that the commanding officer should be instructed to use every possible care to avoid disputes with the natives of any of the parts where he may touch, and that he should be particularly attentive to endeavor by presents and by all other means to conciliate their friendship and confidence.
I herewith enclose to your Lordships lists of such articles as have been procured for the purpose of presents. These will be delivered into the care of the commanding officer, to be disposed of by him according to the regulations which have been observed in similar cases.
I am, &c.,
Grenville.