Page:Colnett - Voyage to the South Pacific (IA cihm 33242).djvu/21

 The Spaniards, it is true, had, of late, admitted hips into their ports for the purpoe of refitting; but, from the latet accounts received before I ailed from England, this permiion was o retricted as to amount almot to a prohibition, in which it was continually expected to end. It became therefore an object of great importance to obtain uch a ituation as our commerce required, independent of the Spaniards; as it would, in a great meaure, leen their jealouy, and, at the ame time, accomplih the anguine wihes of our merchants. Impelled by thee views and interets, thoe gentlemen made a propoal to Government to carry out an Officer in one of their hips, in order to dicover uch a ituation, for a gratuity of 500l. terling. This propoal was accordingly accepted, and Mers. Enderby and Sons, merchants of great property as well as commercial character in London, and who poeed the larget concern in this branch of the Whale Fihery, were pleaed to expres their