The Wind from All Directions

1792. British naval lieutenant George Vancouver arrives in the Pacific northwest on a voyage of exploration. He has orders to take possession of Nootka Sound, but finds the Spanish, led by Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, already there and unwilling to leave. Quadra and Vancouver negotiate their countries' claims, manoeuvre for advantage, and seek the support of Maquinna, chief of the Mowachaht, who recognizes the threat posed by all the newcomers to his territory. While the commanders...