ACCOUNT 



OF A LATE 



VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY 



TO THE 



Strait of JWagdlan. 



THE King of Spain, having some time ago resolved to 

 dispatch a vessel, for the purpose of examining and 

 making an accurate draught of the Strait of Magellan, in South 

 America, orders were given to the general of the fleet to select 

 a frigate for the enterprize, who, in consequence, made choice 

 of the Santa Maria de la Cabeza of thirty-six guns, whose good 

 qualities were already well known. For several reasons, it was 

 thought proper that she should not be sheathed with copper, 

 ^ She was built on the modern French model ; which, it was 

 believed, could not fail to render her fit for any kind of na- 

 vigation ; and the experience of this voyage confirmed that 

 opinion : as her good qualities, on many occasions, delivered 

 the officers and men from dangers, to all appearance in- 

 evitable. 



The chief command of the frigate, and of the wdiole ex- 

 pedition, was conferred on Don i\ntonio de Cordova, of the 

 Royal Navy, w^ith leave for him to choose his officers, seamen, 

 and marines ; as also to carry out a second captain and two 

 other officers, particularly conversant with astronomical obser- 

 vations. 



In consequence of this permission, the commander made 

 choice of Don Ferdinand de Miera to be his second captain; 

 and it happened fortunately that Brigadier Don Vincent Tofino 

 was at that time in Cadiz, together with the officers of that 

 department of the Spanish navy, who for two years past had 

 been employed in the construction of a hydrographic atlas, or 

 sea-chart, and coasting-pilot, of Spain : he requested to have 

 two of these gentlemen, who, being thoroughly instructed in 

 astronomical observations, and expert in the use of all the 

 instruments necessary for this expedition, might assist him in 

 the execution of his commission. 



Voyages and Travels, No, 5, Vol 11^ b 



