September 8/1789
Cádiz, August 12, 1789: Under the command of Commander Don Alexandro Malaspina, the corvettes of the Real Armada Descubierta and Atrevida set sail on the 30th of last month; the expedition for which they have been commissioned has for its object progress in the sciences and in geography. They have been provided with everything necessary to making a voyage around the world. Besides officers of recognized ability, they have on board astronomers, naturalists, botanists, perspective and botanical painters, and a comprehensive and valuable collection of mathematical, physical and astronomical instruments. The crew complement of each corvette, including officers, is 104 men.
Translated by John Black.
Updated: June 13, 2018