Meares, John

(1756-1809)

   Born in England. Entered the navy, 1776, and served against the French until 1783. Entered the merchant service, 1783, and explored the coast of Alaska, 1786. Explored and surveyed the north-west coast of America, 1789.

   Index: D Winters 1786-1787 in Prince William Sound, 22; half his crew die of scurvy, 22; voyage of 1788, and his connection with "Nootka Affair," 26; at Canton, 1788, 27; expedition to North-West Coast, 27; at Nootka, 27; purchases land from Maquinna for fur-trading post, 27; builds North-West America, at Nootka,--first ship launched in what is now British Columbia, 28; explores coast southwards, 28; enters and examines Strait of Juan de Fuca, and takes possession for Great Britain, 28; sails for China, 28.

   Bib.: Dict. Nat. Biog.