NORTH WEST COAST OF AMERICA. 5 



fhips and Englifli capitals could undertake and execute, ^ "j^ ^^ 

 were they lefs oppofed by prejudice an-d reftrained by " — ^ — ' 

 monopolies. 



In order to execute this defign, The King George's 

 Sound Company purchafed a fhip of 320 tons, and a 

 fnow of 200 tons ; having thus a fize and burden which 

 captain Cook, after adequate trials, recommended as the 

 fitteft for diftant employments ; and which, owing to the 

 merchants experience, England happily enjoys in the 

 greateft numbers, Thefe veffels were immediately put 

 into dock, in order that they might be completely fitted 

 for fo long a voyage. With all the fkill and diligence of 

 the fhipwrights of the Thames, it was not, however, till 

 the 8 th of July, that thefe veffels were moored at Dept- 

 ford, for the convenience of fitting their rigging, engaging 

 feamen, and taking on board fuch ftores and other ne- 

 ceffaries as were judged needful for a voyage of fuch length 

 and variety. The beft provifions were purchafed, as being 

 the cheapeft in the end ; and great attention was ufed in 

 providing thofe articles which were thought moft likely to 

 preferve the health of the crews, by adding to their comforts. 



In the mean time the owners appointed me commander 

 of the larger veffel, and of the expedition; and George 

 Dixon of the fmaller : both of us having accompanied 

 captain Cook in his laft voyage into the Pacific Ocean, were 

 deemed moft proper for an adventure which required no 

 common knowledge and experience. Other officers of 

 competent talents were at the fame time appointed, in 

 order that they might know each other and facilitate the 



outfit. 



