John Meares “was sent out in 1786 from Calcutta, by a group of merchants, to enter into the fur trade of the Northwest coast of America. Establishing himself at Nootka Sound he built the first vessel to be launched in northern waters, made important discoveries, and explored the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The discoveries by Meares were part of the basis for the claim of Great Britain to Oregon. The Spanish seizure of his ships led to the convention by which the Spanish claims to any northern territory were finally disallowed” (Hill).
Subsequently, in the arbitration on the Oregon question, England finally yielded to the United States much territory claimed under discoveries made by Meares. Like his French contemporary, Capt. Peron, Meares was also engaged in the fur trade between British Columbia and Canton. The Nootka controversy arose here. His vessels were seized at Nootka Sound by the Spaniards, who claimed all that coast as Spanish. War nearly broke out between England and Spain over the question, and the latter had to give way. In addition, Meares’ account provides a detailed description of the Indian nations in the North-West Pacific, including their customs, language, and manners.
Abbey Travel, 594; Sabin, 47260; Hill, p195; Lada-Mocarski, 46.
