The Voyage of La Pérouse: Part 2 From Monterey Bay to Botany Bay

Abstract

The expedition sailed from Monterey Bay on 24 September 1786 meaning to cross the Pacific to reach the Portuguese colony of Macao. By that date, the Spanish enthusiasm for discovery had flagged, and their chief concern had become the security of the route from Acapulco to Manila. Whereas the French, primarily interested in new discoveries and the promotion of navigation in little-known areas, chose a more northerly route through waters less explored. The benefits from a leisurely passage for exploration had to compete with a need for repairs to the ships that could not be accomplished until reaching Macao. As a consequence, anchorages during the crossing would be few and brief, a circumstance necessarily irritating to the naturalists on board but beyond their control.