THE LOG OF THE PRINCESA 31
Martinez by Florez did not mention the Portuguese at all, while they did particularize on the treatment to be accorded to English, Russian, and American vessels. The account of the quarrel with Colnett would seem to offer evidence that the acute situation was caused quite as much by the arrogance of Colnett as by misunderstanding on the part of Canizares the interpreter. We have not yet a perfectly unbiased account of what really did happen at Nootka, nor shall we, in all like- lihood, ever have. What we have is another statement of the case, by an active, competent, though naturally prejudiced participant. The fact that the Martinez diary was a daily entry, and that this fair copy of it was made at San Bias, before question of the events made by the viceroy could affect its purport, make it the best available source on affairs at Friendly Cove in the summer of 1789.
