So laudable a defire of embarking in this new channel
of commerce, naturally engâged the attention of the world
in general, and the undertaking was approved of, and encouraged
by Gentlemen whofe names alone were fuffi-
cient to bring the Voyage into public notice. The Right
Honourable Lord Mulgrave, Sir Jofeph Banks, and Mr.
Rofe, honoured us with a vifit on board ; and with that degree
of goodnefs which ever diftinguilhes their characters,
fignified their approbation of the plan, and beft wilh.es for
its fuccefs.
Thefe very flattering encouragements were additional
inducements for the Owners to profecute the undertaking
with vigour ; and nothing was left unattempted, that could
poffibly be thought ofj to render it fuccefsfuL Whatèver
furs might be procured in our traffic on the American
Coaft, were to be difpofed of in China, fubjedt to the immediate
controul of the Eaft India Company’s Supercargoes,
andin confequenceofthisconfignment, both veflels
Were to be freighted home on the Company’s account.,
But pecuniary emolument did not altogether engrofs.
the attention of the Owners on this oceafion for in addition
to the provifions ufually allowed in Merchants fer-
vice, (and of which thegreateft care was taken to procure
ther
the very beft of every kind) a plentiful flock of all the
various antifcorbutics was laid in which could be thought
of, as prefervatives to health. Thefe, and an unremitting
attention to the rules obferved by Captain Cook, have,
under Providence, been the means of preferving the
health of the people, in every variety of climate ; for during
the prefent Voyage, which has been of more than,
three years continuance, the Queen Charlotte, out of
thirty-three hands, loft only one perfon.
Though a knowledge of this circumftance is of the ut-
moft importance to all perfons who are engaged in a fea-
faring life, and therefore can never be made too public,
yet that alone would fcarcely have been thought a fuffi-
cient inducement to publifh the following Work ; but it
is prefumed that the advantages which both Geography
and Commerce will derive from this Voyage, are neither
uninterefting or unimportant; fo that there perhaps will
need no apology for laying the refult of it before the
world.
In order that the Reader may form a better idea of the
advantages which may be derived from this publication,
a brief recapitulation of what has been done by former
Navigators on the American Coaft, and particularly what
b 2 addition