4 June 1792 The Most Historic Day in the Voyage of Discovery

4 June 2013 Tuesday

Shatoosh, Pashmina and Hira Barbara Reid have departed the historic anchorage of the HMS Discovery at Blake Island and headed north following in their wake up into Possession Sound. Both the HMS Chatham and the Discovery are piloting, surveying and map mapping. Mr Whidbey is exploring the island that becomes Whidbey Island. Alot is happening, the Chatham runs aground in Port Susan,and gets off without damage, but today is a day of rest for all the men.

4 June 1792- Edmond Meany quotes Captain George Vancouver," all the men were served as good a dinner as we were able to provide for them, with double allowance of grog to drink the King's health, it being the anniversary of HIS Majesty's birth; on which auspicious day, I had long since designated to take formal possession of all the countries we had lately been employed in exploring, in the name of, and for HIS Britannic Majesty, his heirs and successors.

To execute this purpose, accompanied by Mr.Broughton and some of the officers, I went on shore about one o'clock, pursuing the usual formalities which are generally observed on such occasions, and under the discharge of a royal salute from the vessels, took possession accordingly of the coast, from that part of New Albion, in the latitude of 39 degrees 20 minutes north, and longitude 236 degrees 26 minutes east, to the entrance of this inlet of the sea, said to be supposed straits of Juan de Fuca; as likewise all coast islands,etc.within the said straits, as well as on the northern as on the southern shores; together with those situated in the southern quarters; which interior sea I have honored with the name of the Gulf of Georgia, and the continent binding the said gulf, and extending southward to the 45th degree of north latitude, with that of New Georgia; in honor of His present Majesty. This branch of Admiralty Inlet obtained the name of Possession Sound; its western arm, after Vice Admiral Sir Alan Gardner, is distinguished by the name of Port Gardner and its smaller eastern one by that of Port Susan.( his wife)."

King George III was born in 1738 and reigned 60 years.