Article

Manuel Quimper

Published Online January 7, 2008

Last Edited December 16, 2013

Manuel Quimper, naval officer, explorer (fl 1790). At the outbreak of the Nootka Sound Controversy, Quimper and 6 other young naval lieutenants were transferred from Europe to bolster Spain's Pacific strength.

Manuel Quimper, naval officer, explorer (fl 1790). At the outbreak of the Nootka Sound Controversy, Quimper and 6 other young naval lieutenants were transferred from Europe to bolster Spain's Pacific strength. In 1790 he commanded the captured British vessel Princess Royal during the expedition to reoccupy Nootka Sound. In June Quimper was ordered to explore and trade in Juan de Fuca Str. Quimper visited Chief Wickananish at Clayoquot Sound and then explored harbours and bays around present-day Victoria. Later he crossed the strait to explore Puerto Nunez Gaona (Neah Bay), which became the second Spanish post on the Northwest Coast. In 1791 Quimper sailed the Princess Royal to Hawaii and the Philippines to return the vessel to its British owners.