Perez in SANTIAGO off Langara Island.
1774

Oil on canvas 28" x 40"


In the mid eighteenth century Spain became alarmed at the news that Russian expansion was encroaching on her claims to the entire north Pacific. In 1774 Juan Perez was given command of the SANTIAGO and was ordered to explore the coast as far as 60 degrees north latitude, and take possession of any new discoveries for Spain not already occupied by the Russians.

The SANTIAGO was launched late in 1773, the first and largest frigate built at San Blas on Mexico’s west coast. She sailed up to Monterey and sailed from there on 6 June, 1774. She kept well out to sea until 50 degrees north, where on July18 they sighted land. It was the west coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands, and the next day, at 4:30 in the afternoon, they were approached by three canoes. Their location was several miles south-west of Langara Island, and this was the first recorded contact between Europeans and the Haida.

Perez turned back at 54º 40’ North, not the 60º he had been instructed to reach. Fearing hostilities with the natives, he never went ashore anywhere and made no claims of possession for Spain. On August 7 he anchored near the entrance of Nootka Sound and traded with the natives. Silver spoons, pilfered at the time by the natives, were seen by James Cook when he entered the sound four years later.

Perez arrived back at Monterey on August 28th. his instructions largely unfulfilled.