Knowing that Cook had previously surveyed the …

Years: 1791 - 1791
Knowing that Cook had previously surveyed the coast west of Prince William Sound and found no passage, Malaspina ceases his search at that point and sails to the Spanish outpost at Nootka Sound on Vancouver Island.

Malaspina's expedition spends a month at Nootka Sound.

While at Nootka, the expedition's scientists make a study of the Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka peoples).

The relationship between the Spanish and the Nootkas us at its lowest point when Malaspina arrives.

Malaspina and his crew are able to greatly improve the relationship, which is one of their objectives and reasons for stopping in the first place.

Due in part to Malaspina's ability to bequeath generous gifts from his well-supplied ships about to return to Mexico, the friendship between the Spanish and the Nootkas is strengthened

The gaining of the Nootka chief Maquinna's trust is particularly significant, as he is one of the most powerful chiefs of the region and had been very wary of the Spanish when Malaspina arrived.

His friendship strengthens the Spanish claim to Nootka Sound, which is in question after the Nootka Crisis and resolved in the subsequent Nootka Conventions.

The Spanish government is eager for the Nootka to formally agree that the land upon which the Spanish outpost stands had been ceded freely and legally.

This desire has to do with Spain's negotiations with Britain than over Nootka Sound and the Pacific Northwest.

Malaspina is able to acquire exactly what the government wants.

After weeks of negotiations the principal Nootka chief, Maquinna, agrees that the Spanish will always remain owners of the land they then occupy, and that they have acquired it with all due propriety.

The outcome of the Nootka Convention depends in part on this pact.

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