CHATHAM entering Friendly Cove.
August 28th, 1792

Watercolor 21" x 29"


DISCOVERY and CHATHAM arrived off Nootka on the morning of August 28th, after a slow passage in light winds from the top of Vancouver Island. Fog in the sound prevented DISCOVERY from entering, but it cleared earlier for CHATHAM and she sailed first into the anchorage. A spanish launch escorted her in and the fort and ship exchanged a volley of salutes. The process was repeated in the afternoon when the fog lifted, and DISCOVERY was guided to the anchorage by a Spanish pilot. Another thirteen gun salute was exchanged between the ship and the fort. So began over six agreeable weeks of wining and dining, and salutes blazing away at the least excuse until the natives complained of all the noise and the British ran short of powder. The treaty negotiations were extensive and very cordial, but ended without a resolution. Neither Vancouver or Bodega were comfortable with the responsibilities of international diplomacy and in the end decided to leave the fine details to their respective governments. Although neither spoke the others language they parted great friends.