Voyage de découvertes dans la partie septentrionale de l'ocean Pacifique.

First French Edition, First State, 2 volumes. [6], xxxii, 243, [1]; [iv], 341, [3] pp. 3 large folding engraved maps, 4 engraved plates (3 folding) and 5 folding tables, contemporary tan calf gilt, red leather spine labels, spine gilt, 8vo (194 x 120 mm), Paris: Dentu, 1807. An excellent copy.

Broughton was commander of Captain William Bligh’s old ship, the Providence, when he joined Captain George Vancouver on his voyage to the northwest American coast. Great Britain’s claim to the Oregon territory was largely based upon

Broughton’s exploration of the mouth of the Columbia. He visited Port Stevens and Port Jackson in the summer of 1795. He also stopped at Nootka Sound and the Korean coast. Broughton set sail on La Providence (former ship of Capt. Bligh, famous shipwrecked of the Bounty).

After having made a half-circumnavigation (England, Rio de Janeiro, Australia, Tahiti & Sandwich Islands), Broughton arrived in the waters of the north of the Pacific (Japan, Korea, Kuril Islands), penetrating further than La Pérouse. Exploring the islands of the Bering Sea, he continued his route by the American coast, missed Vancouver, went back down towards California and crossed the Pacific again to Japan before returning to England. “The aim of these voyages was to explore the eastern coasts of Asia in search of the mythical lands of Jesso, and among the volcanic islands in these parts. The scientific team of these expeditions produced a very rich set of information, which concerns navigation, geography, the populations encountered and their languages” .

Chadenat 4220;Forbes 382; Howes B821; Sabin 8424.