Orinoco River, page 30
[page 30]
From the southern coast of Tabago, and specially from
Scarboro’, it has been observd in the introductory Chapter, that
the preferable course of Trade, is with, and by the channel
of The River Oronooko.
My enquiries on the subject of this direction for the
extending British Commerce, have impressd me with a strong
opinion, ‘that the channel of this, great and navigable River,
winding to the sea, through an immense tract of Rich and
Populous Countries in the Interiour of South America, might open
a trade the most advantageous to the manufacturers of Gt Britain,
If the Spaniards were thereto conciliated;- and for ye accomplishing
of which, the Political Crisis, is at this Time most favorable.
The following sketch of the Course of ye River, noting the
settlements which appeard on its Banks, is taken from the minutes
of a voyage describd to me by Mr Jefferies of Demerara, who went
to Guiana, to purchase Spanish Horses,- and arrivd at Tobago from
Angusturas,- august the 8th 1810, after a passage of 9 Days.
Course of the River Oronooko, page 30The course of the Orinoco River is traced by Young in the sketch reproduced on the left.
The notes on the sketch include distances from significant destinations and serve to support Young’s claims for the river’s significance in opening up trade routes to the South American continent.
In this exhibition
- Background information
- Gallery and transcription
- Introducing the Essay
- Natural resources of the island
- Tobago's relative position
- The Commercial & political importance of the island of Tobago
- The Commercial & political importance of the island, continued
- Port of enterprize and command, page 29
- Orinoco River, page 30
- Appeal to British merchants, page 31
- Historical political instability of the island, page 32
- The reach of the Orinoco River, page 33
- Potential trade agreements with Spain, page 34
- Further trade routes with South America, page 35
- Establishing the port of Courland, page 36
- Prospects of national advantage, page 37
- Conclusions
- Military significance of Man o' war Bay, page 38
- Further significances, page 39
- Military consensus, page 40
- French intentions for the island, page 41
- Suitability as a port for ships of war, page 42
- Relative safety of the island, page 43
- The necessity to prepare for conflict, page 44
- Revelations of an inside source, page 45
- Fas est, et ab hoste doceri, page 46
- Select bibliography