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[Page 3]
reception in New Spain, & gives a general sketch of a much later date than we had before, of the Commotions in Europe, but nothing surprises us so much, as the arrival of Monsieur De la Peyrouse [Perouse] at the Cape of Good Hope, after so long an absence, and who he says has been some degrees nearer the South Pole than Capt. Cook was. I think his Voyage must be a very interesting one, & we long to hear somewhat more of it.
Don Fidalgo has employed his people here during the winter, in improving this settlement & putting it in a better state of defence. He has rised a Battery with embrasures on the small Island at the entrance mounting twelve or forteen guns where there was only one or two before on a platform; and the Snow has brought some troops, so that these appearances does not look as if it was the intention of Spain to give up this settlement.
After we leave this Port we enter again in Fitzhughs' Sound, and recommence our interior examination, which as we advance, will I expect, become more & more interesting; but I do not think we shall be able to finish it this Summer - we return to California in the Autumn, & expect to have some dispatches from Government, waiting for us at San Diego, relative to the business of this settlement & the coast in general.
I continue daily, with much delight, augmenting my knowledge & collections of the Natural History of this Country, which keeps my mind in a continual scene of amusement, & affords a pleasing hope of my being able on my return to lay before you a satisfactory out-line of its produce in general.
Both vessels remain very healthy having lost by death, only one man since we left England. I have the honor to be with due respect & grateful esteem.
Sir
Your most obedient and Humble Servt.
Archibald Menzies