proceeded first to Nootka Sound, and then on a service well calculated to render him an expert navigator, and able marine surveyor.
The Providence, on her voyage to the N.W. coast of America, touched at Teneriffe, Rio Janeiro, New South Wales, Otaheite, and the Sandwich Islands, where Captain Broughton received intelligence that Captain Vancouver, under whose orders he had been directed to place himself, had already taken his departure for England[1]. He, however, proceeded to Nootka Sound, where he anchored on the 17th Mar. 1796, after a passage of thirteen months and two days from Plymouth.
The ship having proved leaky was now hove down, which led to the discovery of a bolt-hole in the garboard-streak through which it was supposed no bolt had ever been drove to the floor-timber. The augur boring remained perfect; nor was there any appearance of decayed iron. The thin copper which covered it had cracked round the hole, and by that means the water was admitted. It was also exactly in the same place the carpenters had supposed, on examining the limbers, and whence the coming in of the water was perceived. Indeed there was no other part of the bottom of the ship that appeared to be bad, although the copper in some parts was much worn, a circumstance which caused Captain Broughton to regret that she had not been sheathed with wood, and then coppered over all.
At Nootka, Captain Broughton received letters dated Mar. 1795, which informed him that Captain Vancouver had sailed from Monterrey bay, in California, on the 1st Dec. 1794; and that the Spaniards had delivered up the port, &c. to Lieutenant Pierce, of the marines, agreeably to the mode of restitution settled between the Courts of London and Madrid. His future proceedings now depending on his own discretion, and as he wished to employ the Providence in such a manner as might be deemed most eligible for the improvement of geography and navigation, he proceeded along the coast to Monterry, and there demanded of his officers their sentiments in writing, respecting the manner in which the discretionary powers allowed to him might most effectually be employed.
