ABSTRACT
The Pacific between the American coast and Japan should also come within the scope of the survey, as it was thought that some large islands in that expanse of ocean might form the breeding colonies for the sea otter. Such a view was propagated by men like Dalrymple, Etches and Meares who, for a variety of reasons, wanted government intervention. Whatever its reservations, a few determined men were endeavouring to stimulate government interest in the north-west coast of America and to obtain support for the fur trade. Initially, the government showed to sign of yielding to this pressure, but in 1790 events on the north-west coast of America forced a change in its attitude. Early in January a despatch from Madrid informed the ministers of the seizure of British vessels at Nootka Sound by a Spanish commodore. The British government showed only vague interest in the maritime fur trade, and little the traders themselves could do would alter this situation.
