May 1789
SPAIN, MADRID (25 March). There has for some time been a question of sending out one or two Spanish vessels to go round the world. This expedition, modelled on that made by M. de La Peyrouse by order of His Most Christian Majesty, has been decided on today: it will be carried out by two frigates constructed expressly for that mission. The king having ordered that there might be nothing overlooked that could render this voyage useful to the sciences and for the most perfect knowledge of the globe, the choice has already been made of several persons versed in astronomy, physics, natural history etc., to be embarked on these vessels, of which the Marquis de [sic] Malaspina will have the command.
Original text and translation courtesy of Robert King, and edited by John Black.
Updated: June 13, 2018