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Elitnburgi) Cabtnrt l^ibrarg— Nets Edition.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION

OF THE GLOBE

AMD PB00RE8S Of

^mmx^ in \^t ^ntifir d^nu,

PROM THE VOTAGE OP MAORrLAN TO THrE DEATH OF
CAPTAIN COOK.

" Wh»» peiili dare him r not the mighty deep
TV'ith all iti pMiopljr of rave* and stonni!
Kot the round world itself, itith northern ice
And tnrriil lonri, and touthem ice again !
Man has dared all, that, liko th« Ariel (pilte.
He girdlet round the world."

LONDON:

T. NELSON AND SONS, PATERNOSTEB BOWi

AMD EDINBURGH.

MOCCCLIL

Win)

PREFACE.

The object of the present Work is to give a compre-
hensive History of the yarious Circnmnavigations of the
Globe, and to describe at the same time the Progress of
Discovery in Polynesia.

The innumerable islands which are scattered over the
vast expanse of the Pacific, have in all times excited
the liveliest regard. In few regions of the earth does
Nature present a more fascinating aspect, or lavish her
gifts with more bountiful profusion. Favoured by mild
and serene skies, the fertile soil of these insular terri-
tories produces the most luxuriant vegetation, which,
with its many rich and varied hues, clothes the whole
land from the margin of the sea to the summits of
the loftiest mountains. As the voyager soils along
their picturesque shores, he is refreshed by perfumes
borne on the breeze, from woods which at the same
time display the bud, the blossom, and the mature
fruit. Nor is the character of their inhabitants less cal-
culated to inspire interest. In countries where the
bread-tree affords ** the unreaped harvest of unfurrowed

2601^1

PREFACE.

tielfls," where the people neither plough nor sow, nor
do any work, their first visiters believed that they had
at length discovered the hnpj>y region with which poets
ndorned the golden nge. To later explorers, as has been
rrniarked by Humboldt, " the state of half-civilisation
in which these isljuulers are found gives a peculiar
'' charm to the description of their manners. Here a
king', followed by a numerous suite, comes and presents
the productions of his orchard ; there the funeral-festi-
val embrowns the shade of the lofty forest. Such pic-
tures have more attniction liian those which portray
the solemn e^ravity of the inhabitants of the Missouri or
the Maranon."

In every compendium of voyages, from the days of
Purclias downwards, a prominent place has been as-
signed to the discoveries and exploits of those navigators
whose course has led them to encompass the world, —
whether in search of imaginary continents, in quest of
warlike adventure, or in the peaceful pursuit of scien-
tific knowledge. But the manner in which the History
of Circumnavigation is given in most of the works al-
luded to, tends to repel mther than to invite the attention
of the common reader. In the imperfect abridgments
which have from time to time appeared, no endeavour
is made to supply the deficiencies or to illustrate the
obscurities of the original narrative oy the light of
more recent discovery. The mind is wearied by innu-
merable repetitions, and perplexed by irreconcilable
discrepancies. The vast extent, too, of some collections
cannot fail to deter a majority of inquirei-s : in one of

PREFACE.

which (Bil)liotheque Uiiiversjille uos Voyages par M.
Albert Montcfmont, in-8^ Piuis, 1033-1836), the "Voy-
ages autour (lu Monde" occupy about twenty volumes.

The excellent work of the late Admiral Burney may
be said to be almost the only one in which an attempt
has been made to digest this nr.ass of crude materials in
a methodical and connected narrative, possessing the
advantages of jterspicuous arrangement, and elucidated
by the investigations of rece\!. navigatoiu. Of the
" Chronological History of tic Discoveries in the South
Sea" every one must speak witii respect, as of a book
distinguished by great erudition and by laborious re-
search. It chiefly addresses itself, however, to the pro-
fessional and scientific student ; and is, indeed, obviously
rendered unfit for g.neral p.-rusal by the copiousness
and minuteness of its technical details. Though bring-
ing down the annals of maritime enterprise no farther
than to the commencement of the reign of George III.,
it occupies five volumes in quarto, — leaving the history
of the short period comprehended between that epoch
and the death of Cook (undoubtedly the most mterest-
ing of the whole) to be pursued in works extending to
more than three times the same amount.

Nor must it be overlooked, that however excellent the
performance of Admiral Burney may have been in its
own day, it has now become in some measure antiquated)
from the great accessions which geographical science has
received since his work was submitted to the public.
To our knowledge of the Archipelago of Tonga and
Feejee, great contributions have been lately made by

PREFACE.

Mariner and D'Urville. Otahcite and the Society
Islands have been elucidated with singular fidelity by
the Reverend Mr Ellis, as well as by Messrs Bennet
and Tyernian. The labours of the gentlemen just
nsmed, with those of the American missionary, Mr
Stewart, of the officers of H. M. S. the Blonde, and of
MM. Morineau and Botta, have greatly enlarged our
acquaintance wit'i the Sandwich group. Much light
has been thrown on New Zealand by the writings of
Cruise, Rutherford, Yate, Earle, D'Urville, and the
contributors to the Missionary Register. The Ladrone
or Marian Islands, the Navigators', and the vast range
of the Carolines, have been for the first time satisfac-
torily illustrated by the inquiries of Freycinet and
Kotzebue. The voyager last mentioned, as also his
countryman Billinghausen, M. Duperrey, and Captain
Beechey, have completed the discovery of the Low or
Coral Archipelago ; and the researches of Dillon and of
D'Urville have supplied much valuable information on
the state and productions of the New Hebrides.

In preparing this volume, the greatest pams have
been taken to turn to advantage the important investi-
gations of the writers just named ; and while much
interesting matter has been derived from the collections
of Debrosses, Dalrymple, and Burney, the work, it is
hoped, will afford evidence that in no Instance where
they were accessible have the original authorities been
neglected.

For some valuable information embodied in the ac-
count of Cook's Voyages, which occupies so considerable

PREFACE.

a portion of these pages, the Publishers have been
indebted to the relatives of his family. By the kind-
ness of the late Mr Isaac Cragg-Smith, they were fur-
nished with the original manuscript of the great voyager's
Observations of the Transit of Venus, and a fac-simile
of tills interesting relic accompanies the book. It may
also be stated, that the Portrait (engraved by Hoi-sburgh
after Dance) which is prefixed to the work was pro-
nounced by Mrs Cook — now no more — to be the most
accurate of all the likenesses of her illustrious husband.

The scenery of the different countries visited by that
eminent seaman, the appearance of the natives, as well
as their dress and arms, are successfully illustrated by
numerous beautiful engravings from the able hand of
Mr Jackson.

The present volume comprises the History of Circum-
navigation from Magellan to Cook, — a period of more
than two centuries and a half, — and details the proceed-
ings of those navigators who effected discoveries in the
Pacific during the same time. It will be followed by a
second, bringing down the narrative to the present day ;
exhibiting a copious view of the recent French, Russian,
and German voyages, hithei-to but little known in this
country.

The achievements of three circumnavigators, — Drake,
Cavendish, and Dampier, — seemed to deserve a more
minute description than was compatible with the design
of this Work, and an early Number of the Edinburgh
Cabinet Library was devoted to an account of their
lives and actions. To the former impressions of that

PREFACE.

volume waa prefixed a brief notice of some of the firat
discoveries in the South Sea, which, as it is rendered
superfluous by the more ample details now given, has
been withdrawn in order to make way for several in-
teresting facts and illustrations, derived from various
books that have appeared m Great Britain and ou the
Continent since it was originally is<'ued.

EniKBrncH, June 1. liA>\

'i'l

rONTENTS

CHAPTFJl 4.

DISCOVERY OF THE SOUTH SEA — 1618.

Gco^^raphical Kiiowledjje of the Ancients — Their I^rnorance of a
Sea to (he East of China — First «een by Marco Polo <1271-
1295)— Projfress of Modern Discoivery — Columbus (1492)— Pa-
pal Bull of Partition (I494j— Cabral ( 1 5(«))— Cabot (1497-16 17)
Cortereal (1500j— Pinzon (1600)— Vasco Nunez ie Balboa
hears of the South Sea — Its Discovery (26th Sept. 15Id}j. .Pa^e 17

CHAPTER II.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF MAGELLAN— 1519-1522.

Magellan's Birth and Services — Proposals to the Spanish Court ac-
cepted—Sails on his Voyajfe (20th Sept. 1619 - Anchors at Port
San Julian — Transactions there — Description of the Natives —
Discovers the Strait (21st October 1520}— Enters the South Sea
(28th November) — The Unfortunate Islands — The Ladrones
(0th March 1521) — The Island of Mazaj;uaor Limasava— Ztbu
— Intercourse with the Natives — Death of Ma^llan (27th April)
— His Character —Fleet proceeds to Borneo — Arrives at Tidore —
The Ship Vitoria reaches Spain (f>Ui Sept. 1622)— Fate of the
Trinidad— Results of the Expedition,.. «)3

CHAPTER III.

DISCOVERIES AND CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS FROM MAGELLAN
TO THE END OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY— 1622-16()Ul

Expedition of l.oyasa (1526)— Discovery of Papua or New Guine<(
(1526)- Voyages of Saavedra (1627-1529)— Of Villalobos (1C42)

CONTENTS.

— Of Legaspi (1564)— Of Juan Fernandez (1563-1574)— Expe-
dition of Mendana, and Discovery of the Solomon Islands (1567)
— John Oxenharo, the first Englishman that sailed on the Pacific
(1675)— Circiimnavijration of Sir Francis Drake (1577-1580)—
Expedition of Sarmiento (157U) — Circnranavij^tion of Cavendish
(1586-1588)— His Second Voyage ( 1591)— The Falkland Islands
discovered (1592)— Expedition of Sir Richard Hawkins (1593)
— Second Voyage of Mendana (1595) — The Marquesas— Santa
Cruz — Expedition of five Dutch Vessels (1598) — Circumnaviga-
tion of V .n Noort a598-l601)_Retrospect, Page 62

CHAPTER IV.

CIUCUMNAVIGATICNS AND DISCOVERIES OF THE SEVEN-
TEENTH CENTURY— 1600-1/00.

Voyage of Quiros (1605-1606) — La Sagitaria — Australia del Es-
piritu Santo — Luis Vaez de Torres discovers the Strait bptween
New Holland and New Guinea (1606) — Circuranavii^jition of
ipilbergen (1614-1617)— Of Schouten and Le Maire (1615-1617)
— Discovery of Staten Land and Cape Horn — Cocos, Good Hope,
and Horn Islands^New Ireland — Expedition of the Nodals
(1618)_DiscoveryofNew Holland by DirckHatichs(16l6)-Cir-
cumnavigation of the Nassau Fleet (1623-1626) —Voyage of
Tasman (1642)— Discovery of Van Diemen's Land, of New Zea-
land, and the Friendly Islands — Voyages of Hendrick Brower
(1642) and La RiKhe (1675) — Expeditions of the Buccaneers
(1683-1691)— Discovery of Davis' or Easter Island (1687)—
Voyage of Strong, and Discovery of Falkland Sound (1690) —
Retrospect^ 91

CHAPTER V.

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS FROM THE BEOINNINO OF THE
EIGHTEENTH CENTURY TO THE REIGN OF GEORGE III.

—1700-1761,

Circumnavigation of Dampier and Funnel (1703-1706), of Woodes
Rogers (1788-1711), of Clipperton and Shelvocke (1719-1722),
of Roggewein (17'?1-1723) — Easter Island— Pernicious Islands
— Circumnavigation of Anson (1740-1744) — Objects of the Ex-
pedition — Passage of Cape Horn — Severe SuflFerings of the Crew
— Juan Fernandez — Cruise oa the American Coasts — Burning

CONTENTS.

of Payta— Loss of tlie Gloucester — Tinian — Capture of the Ma-
nilla Galleon — Return of the Centurion to England — Fate of
the Wager, Page ^^

CHAPTER VI.

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS OF BYRON, WALLIS, AND CARTERET—

17t)4-17«>y.

Voyapre >( Byron (1764.17«6)— Its Objects— Vain Search for
Pepys' Island — Discovery of the Islands of Disap|H)intment, King
George, Prince of Wales, Danger, and Diike of York — Circum-
navigations of Wallis and Carteret (1766-I76y) — Their Sepa-
rati«)n (1767) — Wallis discovers the Islands of Whitsunday,
Queen Charlotte, Egmont, Cumberland, and Osnaburg — Arrives
at Otaheite— Transactions there — Sails for Tinian — Anchors in
the Downs (17^58) — Carteret discovers Pitcairn's Island (1767)
—Santa Cruz or Queen Charlotte's Islands — The Solomons- St
George's Channel and New Ireland — New Hanover— Arrives at
Spithead (1760), 167

CHAPTER VII.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF BOUGAINVILLE— 1766-1769.

Project for colonising the Falkland Islands (1763) — Their Cession
to Spain (1767)- Disputes with England (1769-1771)— Settle-
ments abandoned (177'<2) — Bougainville discovers the Dangerous
Archipelago (1768) — Maitea — Otaheite — Incidents during his
Stay there — Takes a Native with him — The Grand Cyclades or
Australia del Espiritu Santo — Louisiade or the Solomons — Bouca
— Choiseul and Bougainville Islands— Return to France (1769)
— The Otaheitan in Paris — Voyage of Marion (1771)— Expedi-
tion of Surville (17''9)— Terre des Arsacides — Voyage of Short-
land (1788)— New Georgia— Retrospect, 209

CHAPTER VIII.

LIFE OF COOK PREVIOUS TO HIS FIRST VOYAGE— 1728-1768.

Birth and Parentage of Cook— His Education— His Indentures
with a Draper — Apprenticeship on board a CoUier — Volunteers
into tlie Navy (1755)— Appointed Master of the Mercury (1769)

C0NTKNT8.

— Hi"4 Services atQuebec- Hairbreadth Kficape — He first stixliea
Euclid — His Marriaji^e (17fi2)— Made Muiine Surveyor of New»
iuiindland and Labrador (17'»4) — ConHniinicates a» Observation ot*
nn Eclipse to the iJojal Society (17W7) — History <»fthe Transits
of Venus — Predicted in 1629 by Kepler — Discovery and Obser
vation of Hnrrox (1039) First Appreciation of its Uses — Pro-
fessor James Grejrory (1663) — Dr Edmund Halley (1677-1716)
— His Exhortation to future Astronomers — Transit of 1761 —
Preparations for that of 1769 — Pro|)osai to send a Ship with
Oi)server8 to the South Sea -Cook promoted to the Hank of Lieu-
tenant, and appointed to conduct it (2dtii May 1766) — His Choice
of a Vessel — Sir Joseph Banks determines to join the Ex{>edi-
tioD — Prt^paratioos and Instructions lur tlie Voya^^e^ . Pay;e 241

CHAPTER IX

FinST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF CoOK— 176lM77i'

Dcfmrture (26th August 1766) — Adventtiro on Tierra del Fuey;o
(16th January 1/69) — Discovery of La(^..on, Thrum Cap, Bow)
The Groups, and Cliain Islands — Arrival at Otabeite — Observa-
tion of the Transit and Incidents dining their Stay — Discovery
of the Islands of Tcthuroa, Hiiabcine, Uliatea, Otalia, Tuba;.,
Bolabola, Maurua, and Gheteroa— Makes the I'-ast Coast of New
Zealand (7th August) — Affrays with the Natives— Doubles the
North Ca]ie — Discovers Cook's Straits, and circumnavigates the
Islands — Sails for the East Coast <if New Holland — Discovery
of New South Wales (19th April IJJO)— Botiiny Bay—Inter-
course with the Natives — Port Jackson— Dangerous Position of
the Ship— Reaches the most northerly Point of Australia — Re-
discovery of Torres' Strait — New Guinea — Timor — Batavia —
Mortality among the Crew — Arrivid in England (12th June
1771), 257

CHAPTER X.

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK— 1772-1775.

Objects of the Voj'age — Departure (I3th July 1772) — Search
for Bouvet's Land — The Southern Continent - Aurora Australia
— Arrival at New Zealand — Visit to the Low Archipelago —
Otabdte — Huaheine — Ulietea— Re-discovery of the Tonga or
Friendly Islands — Second Visit to New Zealand — Separation of
tlie Ships — Search fur Uie Terra Australia lesuroed — Highes*

CONTENTS.

South Latitude attained (liOth January 1774)— Dangerous Ill-
ness of Cook— Easter Island Las Maniuesas —The Society Isl-
ands—The Ton^ra Islands— New Hebrides— Disrovery of New
Caledonia— Norfolk Island— Third Visit to New Zealand— Run
across the Pacific- Survey of Tierra del Fueiro and Staten Land

Discovery of New South Georgia and San;iwich Land — Hettirn

to the Cape of Good IIo|)e— Adventures of Captain Furneaux—
Conclusion of the Voyajfe (IJOtli July 177''i) — Honours paid to C»H)k
His nariative of the Expedition— Oinai in Enjfland,..PH{,'e 204

CHAPTER XL

cook's THIRD VOYAGE— 177fiI75{l'«

Oltjects of the Expedition— Departure (12th July 177fi)— Ker-
jruelen's or Desolation Island—Van Diomen's Land — New
Zealand — Mauj^oea, Wenooa-ette and Wateeoo — Piihuerston
IslanrI — Trai'sactions at the Friendly Islands — the Society Isl-
ands -Otaheite — Eimeo—Huaheine— Settlement of Omai there,
and Notice of his Life — Ulictoa- Bohibola — Cook sails north-
ward—Christmas Island — Discovers the Sandwich Archipelajjo
(IHth January 177'!)— Mi'kes the Coast of New Albion —
Nootka Sound - ('ook's Hiver — Behriufr's Slrait-Icy Ca|)e —
Proirress to the North arrested — Revisits the Sandwich Islands
— Reception by the Natives— Cook is worshipped as their God
Orono — Sails from Karakaooa Ray, but is obli)^edto return to it —
Hostile Disposition of the Natives — The Discovery's Ciitter is
stolen— Cook goes on Shore to recover it -Interview with the
Kinjr— A Chief slain — Attack by the Natives — Death of Cook
I4th February 1779)— Recovery and Burial of Part of his Re-
mains — The Voyaj^e is r(>sumed — Death of Captain Clerke —
The Ships reach China — Fur-trade — Arrival in England (4th
OctolHjr 1700), 341

CHAPTER Xn.

OBSEHVATIONS ON THE CHAUACTEtt OF COOK.

Honours paid to him — Personal Appearance — Temper and Habits
— His Children and Widow — Energy and Perseverance — Self-
education — His vast Contributions to Geography — Skill in deli-
neating and fixing his Discoveries — Discovery of the Means of
preser'^ing the Health of Seamen — Advantages derived from his
Voyages —Progress of Civilisation u. Polynesia — Conclusion..4l0

CIRCUMNAVIGATION

THE GLOBE.

CHAPTER I.

Discovery of the South Sea,

Ge<^japhical Knowledge of the Ancients — Their Ignorance of a
Sea to the East of China — First seen by Marco Polo — Progress
of Modern Discovery — Columbus— Papal Bull of Partition —
Cabral — Cabot— Cortereal — Pinzon — Vasco Nunez de Balboa
hears of the South Sea — Its Discovery.

•

The existence of the vast ocean which separates the con- chap. i.

tinents of Asia and America was never imagined by the , , — r.,

. 11, '^eas of the

ancients ; nor, indeed, do they appear to have had any ancients.

certain knowledge that Asia on the east was bounded by
the sea.

Homer had figured the world as a circle begirt by Homer.
" the great strength of ocean," and this belief in a cir-
cumambient flood long continued to prevail. It was
implicitly received b^ many geographers, and, being
carried onwards with the advance of science, was from
time to time reconciled to the varying theories and con-
jectures of the increased knowledge of succeeding ages.

discovehy op the south sea.

Supposed
fiieircling

lh>\% of
Aristotle,
S«ncca, iind
Hcrodolua.

CHAP. 1. Thus, long after the spherical form of the earth was
tauQ;ht, the existence of its ocean-jfirdlc was credited ;
and in the geoffraphical systems of Eratosthenes, Straho,
Mela, and others, the waters of the Atlantic were de-
picted as lavinjj^ on the one hand the shores of Europe,
and encirclintj on the other the inystcrious regions of
Scythia and India. Nay, so fur had the speculations of
philosophy outstripped the rude navigjition of the times,
that the possibility of crossing this unknown ocean was
more than once contemplated. Having formed an esti-
mate of the circumference of the globe, Aristotle con-
ceived that the distance between the pillars of Hercules
and India must he small, and timt a communication
might be effected between them. Seneca with more con-
fidence affirmed, that with a fair wind a ship would sail
from Spain to the Indies in a few days. But these notions
were far from beiiig universally received. Herodotus
had early denied the existence of this circle of waters ;
and those who maintained the affirmative, reasoned on
grounds manifestly hypothetical, and beyond the narrow
limits of their knowledge. Of the northern countries of
Asia they knvw nothinu:, nor were they acquainted with
the extensive regions beyond the Gni,i.';es, — a vast space
that they filled wiCh their Ejistern Sea, which thus com-
menced whirc their information stopped, and all beyond
was dark. The progress of discovery at length brought
to light the existence of lands in those portions of the
globe supposed to be covered by the ocean ; but, proceed-
ing with undue haste, it was next imagined that Asia
extended eastwards in an indefinite expanse. It was
figured thus by Ptolemy, the last and greatest of the
ancient geographers. He removed from his map the
Atlanticum Mare Orientale (the eastern Atlantic),
which had so long marked the confines of geographical
research, and exhibited the continent as stretching far
beyond the limits previously assigned to it. His know-
ledge did not enable him to delineate its eastern ex-
tremity, or the ocean beyond : he was therefore induced
to terminate it by a boundary of " land unknown."

PmCTCss of
discovery.

rioV-niy.

DISCOVBllY OP THE SOUTH SEA.

With Ptolemy ceased not only the advance of science, chap, l
but even the memory of almost all that had been former- Decline of
ly known. The long night which succeeded the decline S?""*'
of the Roman empire was now closing in, and a dreary
space intervened before its shadows were dispelled by
the dawn of a brighter day than the world had yet
witnessed.

The first gleam of light came from the East, where Arftbian
the Arabs i>ursued the stndy of geography with the 6wugr»»i' >»-'»3.
utmost ardour. Their systems again revived the belief
in a circumambient ocean, which bound the earth like a
zone, and in which the world floated like an egg in a
basin. That portion of this belt of waters which was
imagined to flow round the north-eastern shores of Asia,
they called by the name of "The Sea of Pitchy Dark-
ness." The Atlantic had by the Greeks been regarded The Atinntie
as a fairy scene, where the Islands of the Blest were
j)luccd, in which, under calm skies, suiTounded by un-
ruflled seas and amid groves of the sweetest odour,
the favoured of the gods enjoyed everlasting peace and
happiness. This fable found no place among the Arabs,
who bestowed on that ocean the name of " The Sea of
Darkness," and filled their imaginations with appalling
pictures of its storms and dangers. Xerif al Edrisi, one ^oHfai
of the most eminent of their geographers, who wrote
about the middle of the twelfth century, observes, —
** No one has been able to verify any thing concerning
it, on account of its difficult and perilous navigation, its
great obscurity, its profound depth and fnquent tem-
pests ; through fear of its mighty fishes and its haughty
winds ; yet there are many islands in it, some peopled,
others uninhabited. There is no mariner who dares to
enter into its deep waters ; or, if any have clone so, they
have merely kept along its coasts, fearful of departing
from them. The waves of this ocean, although they
roll as high as mountains, yet maintain themselves with-
out breaking ; for if they broke, it would lie impossible
for a ship to plough them."

But the mystery of this " Sea of Pitchy Darkness " was

DISCOVERY OF THE SOUTH SUA.

CHAP. I.
Murco Polo.

Tlie court of
Kublui Kliaiv

Islands of
the Indian
Ocuan.

ZInnngu or
Japan.

at length removed. Townrds the end of the thirteenth
century, the celehmted Venetian traveller, Marco Polo,
succeeded in penetrating across the Asiatic continent,
and reached the farthest shores of China. He brought
l)ack to Europe tales of orii-ntal pomp and magnificence
fur beyond any previous conception. His work exer-
cised the greatest influence on the minds of that age,
which, prone to belief in marvellous stories, found un-
bounded gratification in the glowing descriptions of the
"^.vealth of those eastern countries ; the extent and archi-
tectural wonders of their cities ; the numbers and glit-
tering array of their armies ; and, above all, the incon-
ceivable splendour of the court of the great Kublai
Khan, his vast palaces, his guards, his gny summer-
residences, with their magnificent gardens watered by
beautiful streams, and adorned with the fairest fruits
and flowers. Among these visions of immeasurable
riches, a prominent place was occupied by the sea whicli
was found to be the eastern boundary of China. He
drew a picture of it, widely differing from the gloom
and tempests with which the Arabs had invested its
waters. He spoke of its extent, so great, " that, accord-
ing to the report of experienced pilots and mariners who
frequent it, and to whom the truth must be known, it
contains no fewer than seven thousand four hundred and
forty islands, mostly inhabited." As to their products,
he told that no trees grew there that did not yield a
fragrant perfume. He dwelt on the abundance of their
spices and drugs, and summed up the whole by declar-
ing, that " it v\ as impossible to estimate the value of the
gold and other articles found in these islands ! " But
all others were outshone by the more lavish splendours
of Zipangu, the modern Japan. There, were to be
found abundance of precious stones, and large quantities
of pearls, some white, and others of a beautiful pink
colour. The inhabitants were of a fair complexion, well
mp.de, and of civilized mannera. " They have gold," it
is said, " in the greatest plenty, its sources being inex-
haustible ; but as the king does not allow of its being

DISCOVERY OF Tllfi SOUTH SEA.

Piilace of the
Bovereign of
Jupiia.

exported, few merchants visit the country, nor is it frc- CllAP. I.
quented by much shipping from other parts. To tliis
circumstance we are to attribute the extraordinary rich-
ness of the sovereign's pulace, according to what we are
told by those wlio liave acce&s to tlie place. The entire
roof is covered with a plating of goM, in the same man-
ner as we cover houses, or more properly churches,
with lead. The ceilings of the halls arc of the same
l)rccious metal ; many of the apartments have small
tables of pure gold, considerably thick ; and the windows
altjo have golden ornaments. So vast, indeed," exclaims
tlic Venetian, " arc the riches of the palace, that it is
impossible to convey an idea of them !"* Marco Polo
was careful to explain, that the sea hi which Zipangu
and its neiglibouring islands were placed was not a gulf
or branch of the ocean, like the English or the Egean
Soas, but a large and boundless expanse of waters.

Tims early was the Asiatic margin of the South Sea
made known ; but more than two centuries elapsed
before its opposite boundary was reached, or a Europeon
ship was launched upon its waves.

The Atlantic shores of Africa were the first scenes rortuKiteso
of that career of modern discovery which characterized ^n the^]^fri-
thc spirit of the fifteenth century. The main object can coast,
wns the circumnavigation of that continent, in order to
open a direct path to India, the grand source of com-
merce and wealth ; and, under the auspices of Prince
Henry of Portugal, this end was pursued with a steadi-
ness and perseverance which produced the most important
results. There was inspired a confidence, hitheii;o un-
felt, in the art of navigation ; its capabilities were much
advanced, and the range of its enterprise extended far
beyond all previous limits. A passion for maritime
adventure was also spread throughout Europe, and
men's minds were excited to daring undertakings and
bold speculations. Attention was turned to the un-

The Travpls of Marco Polo, a Venetian, in tlie Thirteenth
cntury, translated from tlie Italian, with Notes by Wiilian Mars*
tin, F.U.$. London, lUlii. 4to, p. 561^, et i,eq.

den.

; t

CIIaP. I.

Influence on
Europe.

: i ;

s I i

Columbus.

Supposed cir-
cuiiiference
ot the earth.

Departure of
Colunibui

DISCOVERY OF THE SOUTH SEA.

known waters of the Atlantic, and imagination wantoned
in figuring the wealth, the wonders, and the mysteries
of the lands that were hidden in its hosom. The fables
of antiquity were revived ; the Atalantis of Plato came
again to be believed ; and to its classic fictions were
added the marvels of many a Gothic and monkish
legend, and the visions of splendour st-en in the glory of
the setting sun. Yet all these glittering fancies failed
to tempt any mra'iner to sail boldly forth into the
ocean, and explore the secrets of its depths.

At length arose Christopher Columbus, — a man of
whom it has l)cen happily remarked, that the nar-
rative of his life is the link which connects the history
of the Old World with that of the New. From the
study of ancient and modern geographers he became
convinced of the existence of lands wlrich might be
reached by sailing westward. He argued that the
eartli was a sphere, and, following Ptolemy, he assigned
to it a circumference of twenty-four hours. He esti-
mated that fifteen of these were known to the ancient;?,
and that what remained to be explored was occupied by
the eastern countries of Asia and the sea seen by Marco
Polo, which he believed to be identical with the Atlantic.
He was therefore firmly assured, that, by proceeding
westward across this ocean, he would arrive at the
shores of the Asiatic continent and its neighbouring
island of Zipangu, of which the glowing description leit
by the Venetian traveller seems to have constantly
haunted his thoughts.

After many years of doubt and disappointment spent
in soliciting various princes to engage in the enterprise,
he at length set ssiil from Spain on the 3d of August
1492, and the 12th of October following landed on
San Salvador, one of the Bahama Islands. After cruis-
ing for some time among this cluster, believed by him
to be part of the great archii)elago mentioned by Marco
Polo, he discovered the island of Cuba, which he con-
cluded to be a portion of the continent of Asia. He
next visited the beautiful island of Hayti or St Domingo,

DISCOVERY OF TOE SOUTH SEA.

and, having loaded his vessels with specimens of the CHAP. I.
ii)habitants and productions of this new country, re- pigcJJ^y of
turned to Europe. In his third voyage, Columbus dis- the continent
covered the continent of America, and looked upon it ^ ^^'^^^^
as the Aurea Chersonesus of the ancients, — the penin-
sula of Malacca in modern maps. As he sailed along its
shores, he received tidings of a great water situated to
the soutli, and, conceiving tliat it must be connected
with the Gulf of Mexico, determined to search for the
strait or channel of communication. His last voyage
was dedicated to this fruitless attempt ; and he died
in the firm conviction that this southern sea was the
Indian Ocean, and that the land" he had visited be-
longed to the eastern boundary of Asia. How very far
did he under-estimate the grandeur of his acliievemcnts !
He thought that he found but a new path to countries Mi,t„];pri
known of old, while he had in truth discovered a con- estimatL' of
tinent hitherto uninip.gined, yet rivalling the ancient coveiy.
world in extent. Who will not share in the regret
which has been so eloquently 'xpressed, that the gloom,
the penury, and disappoihtment which overcast his
latter years, were visited by none of those bright and
consoling l"^pcs which would have flowed from the re-
velation of the future glory of " the s])lendid empires
which were to spread over the beautiful world he had
discovered ; and the nations, and tongues, and languages,
wliich were to fill its lands with his renown, and to
revere and bless his name to tlie latest posterity ! " *

To secure the possession of the vast countries dis- p, , jf^ ^^^
covered by Columbus, the King of Sjjain applied foi tiicNow
the sanction of the Pope. Martii. V. and othei |, mtiffb
had granted to Portugal all the countries whieli it
might discover from Cape Bojador and Cape Nun to
the Indies ; and the Portuguese monarch now com-

World.

* History of tlie Life and Voyages of Cliristoplier Columbus,
by Wasliint^ton Irving-, vol. iv. p. 01, — an adniiiahle book, i .
wliioh jflustry of rosearcli, elegance and loftiness of tlioiif;lit and
diction, liave combined to rear a work, whicli, surpssiny' uli others
in the subject, will itself probably' never be surpassed.

DISCOVERY OF THE SOUTH SEA.

t \

CHAP. I. plained that his neighhoiir in visiting America had
violated the rights conferred on him hy the Holy Father.
While this complaint was undergoing investigation, the
court of Castile exerted its influence with Pope Alex-
ander VI. ; and on the 4th of May 1493, a Bull wa«
issued, which most materially influenced the future
Niitnrcof the coursc of maritime discovery. By this important docu-
Papai Bull, ment, the head of the Catholic Church, " with the
plenitude of apostolic power, by the authority of God
Omnipotent granted to him through blessed Peter, and
of the vicarship of Jesus Christ, which he exercises upon
earth," assigned to the Spanish sovereigns " all the
islands and main-lands, with all their dominions, cities,
castles, places, and towns, and with all their rights,
jurisdictions, and appurtenances, di.-covered, and which
shall be discovered," to the west of an ideal line drawn
from pole to pole, at the distance of a hundred leagues
westward of the Azores. Thus did Spain at once ac-
quire " an empire far more extensive than that which
seven centuries of warfare obtained for the Romans ! " *
This munificent grant was accompanied with one im-
portant injunction : Alexander adjured the sovereigns
** by the holy obedience which you owe us, that you
appoint to the said main-lands and islands upright men
and fearing God, learned, skilful, and expert in instruct-
ing the foresaid natives and inhabitants in the Catholic
faith, and in teaching them good morals, employing for
that purpose all requisite diligence." The terrors of
Divine wrath were thundered against those who should
infringe the papal grant. " Let no person presume
with rash boldness to contravene this our donation,
decree, inhibition, and will. For if any person pre-
sumes to do so, be it known to him that he ill incur

Important
injunction.

• Memoir of Columbus, hy D. G. B. Spotorno, Profpssor of
Eloquence in the University of Genoa, published in " Memorials
of Columbus, or a Collection of authentic Documents of that cele-
brated Navijfator, now first published from the ori|rinal Manu-
scripts, by order of the Decurions of Genoa. Translated from the
Spiinish and Italian." London, 1823. 8vo.

mSCOVERY OP THE SOUTH SEA.

2i"j

the indignation of Almighty God, and of the blessed CHAP. I.
apostles Peter and Paul." * Even by orthodox princes, cont"^,^ of
however, these threatenings were held light. As has the rapui
been remarked by Purchas, "the Portugalls regarded '^'*^^"
them not ; and not the Bull, but other compromise
stayed them from open hostilitie." By an agreement
between the two nations of the Peninsula, concluded in
] 494, it was covenanted, that the line of partition describ-
ed in the ecclesiastical document should be extended 270 Apreemont
leagues farther to the west, and that all beyond this ';i'tweei>
l)oundary should belong to Castile, and all to the east- "['ortujlaL
ward to Portugal.t Thus their territories were defined
with sufficient certainty on one side of the globe ; but
the limits on the other were left perfectly vague, and
became a fertile subject of dispute.

* Tlie original Bull may be consulted in Purchas, vol. i. p.
lJi-15. A translation from a copy exhibiting some variations, but
i'i no ^eat consequence, is inserted in the " Mi'morials ol' (Colum-
bus" above quoted, document xxxvii. p. 17'2-1>!3. This last has
been followed in the ({notations given ni the present work. The
copy in Purchas is accompanied by a chapter of '' Animadversions
on the said Bull of Pope Alexander," which cannot fail to gratify
the curious in abuse and invective, in which it will scarcely yield
the palm to any of the " Hytings " of our earlier Scottish poets, or
to the controversial writings or Scaliger, Milton, or Salmasius. In
one sentence Alexander is called " Heire f)f all the Vices of all
the Popes," — " the Plague-sore into that Chayre of Pestylence,"
— "the Alonster of Men, or indeed rather an incarnate J)evill,"
— so necessary did Purchas consider it " not to suffer this Bull to
passe unbaited !"

f This agreement (sometimes called the treaty of Tordesillas)
was concluded on 7th June, but was not subscribed by Ferdinand
till 2d July 14y;{, and by John not till 27th February 1494. It was
confirmed by a Bull in 15U6. The late Adnural Burney, whose work
we will have occasion so often to mention with re-ipect," writes of this
agreement, — '• At the instance of the Portuguese, with the cou-
M-'Ht of the Pojie, in I4ij4 tiie line of )>artition was by agreement
removed 270 leagues more to the west, tfiat it niu/ht accord with
their possensions in the Brazils." — Chronological History of
the Discoveries in the South Sea, vol i. p. 4. It is impossible
to admit the existence of the motive here assigned ; for Brazil was
not discovered by Cabral until six years after the date of the agree,
men t— Purchas, vol. i. p. 30. Robertson's Hist, of America,
book ii. Irving's Columbus, iii. 147, and authorities there quoted.
— It is proper to mention that Burney is by no means singulai in
Uiis mistake.

DISCOVERY OF THE SOUTH SEA.

CHAP. I.

Passage of
tlie Cape of
Cuod Hope.

Brazil.

Meantime, the Portuguese had achieved the grand
ohject which they had so long laboured to attain. In
1486, Bartholomew Diaz reached the southern extre-
mity of Afi'ica, which he named the Cape of Storms ;
but the Portuguese monarch gave it the more auspicious
title of Good Hope. Eleven years after, Vasco de
Gama doubled tliis dreaded promontory, and conducted
a fleet to the rich shores of India, — an event which was
destined to exercise on the career of American discovery
more than an indirect influence, powerful as that was.
The vast treasures which Portugal drew from countries
where the harvest of the adventurer was prepared before
he visited the field, mightily inflamed the avidity of
Spain, and breathed a new spirit of ardour into her
enterprises. Nor did the former kingdom fail to contri-
bute her exertions towards extending the knowledge of
Discovery of *'^® *^^^ continent. In the year 1500, the second expe-
dition which was fitted out for India, under the com-
mand of Pedro Alvarez de Cubral, standing westward to
clear the shores of Africa, discoverc'l the coast of Brazil,
and took possession of it in name of the Portuguese
crown. It has been well observed by an eminent
writer on this subject, " that Columbus' discovery of
the New World was the effort of an active genius,
enlightened by science, guided by experience, and acting
upon a regular plan, executed with no less courage than
pt•^^e(U)ytilis perseverance. But from this adventure of the Portu-
discovery. guese, it appears that chance might have accomplished
that great design which it is now the pride of human
reason to have formed and perfected. If the sagacity of
Columbus had not conducted mankind to America,
Cabral, by a fortunate accident, might have led them a
few years later to the knowledge of that extensive con-
tinent." *

* Uobert.son'.s Historj' of" America, book ii. Care must be taken
not to overvalue tlie merits of Cabral. It sboiild be recollected that
his discovery was the result of chance; and farther, that Brazil had
been visited some months previously by Diego Lepe, and still
earlier by Vicente Yanez Pinzon, who was tlie first to cross the
equator in the Atlantic.

Ideas su?-

DISCOVERY OF THE SOUTH SEA.

We have seen that even Portugal yielded but a chap. i.
scanty deference to the right which the Pope had EnEiisiT
usurped of bestowing the world at his will ; and Eng- adventure.
land was still less inclined to acquiesce in such an
assumption of power. So early as 1497, an armament
sailed from this country, conducted, under letters-patent
from Henry VII., by John Cabot, a native of Venice
settled at Bristol, and by his three sons, Louis, Sebastian,
and Sanchez.* The object appears to have been to find
a western passage northwards of the new Spanish dis-
coveries, and by this route to reach India. In prosecu- voynpc of
tion of this great scheme, Cabot, on the 24th of June Joim Cabot.
1497, approached the American continent, probably at
Newfoundland ; and his son Sebastian, in two successive
voyages, performed in 1498 and 1617, explored a large
extent of the coast, from Hudson's Bay on the north as
far as Florida on the south. Although unsuccessful in
the attainment of their immediate purpose, these expe-
ditions have justly entitled the English to the high
distinction of being the first discoverers of the mainland
of America, — Columbus not having seen any part of it Discovery of
till the 1st of August 1498. In 1500, three years after tiieinainiiina
the first voyage of Cabot, Caspar Cortereal, a Portuguese
gentleman, under the sanction of King Emanuel, pur-
sued the track of the Cabots with the same views.
Sailing along the east coast of Newfoundland, he reached
the northern extremity of that island, and entered the
mouth of the St Lawrence, which, with no small show
of proluibility, he concluded to be the open' ng into the
west that he was seeking. He proceeded a) jo along the
coast of Labrador, and appears to have advanced nearly
as far as to Hudson's Bay.

* A late acute writer has started a question as to the compara-
tive ajjency of John and Sebastian Cabot. (Memoir of Sebastian
Cabot. London, 1831 ; p. 42, et sen.) This point lias been amply
considered in a previous volume of this Library, to which reference
is made for a minute relation of the discoveries of the Cabots. — His-
iorical View of the Progress of Discovery on the more Northern
Coasts of America, eliap. i., and Append* x. Edinburgh Cabinet
Library, No. IX.

DISCOVERY OP THE SOUTH SEA.

CHAP. I

Zeal nnd
nctivity of

Nntional

entlinsiusm

excUed.

i \

Spanish
Aoyiigerat

While England and Portugal were thus examining
the coasts of the New World, Spain, which had first
opened the path, pursued it with unabated zeal and
activity. The peculiar circumstances of that country
afforded much encouragement to the spirit of adventure.
The long war she had waged with the Moors, and the
high and romantic feelings wliich animated that contest,
fostered a strong desire of excitement, and an ardent
love of enterprise, which found in the regions discovered
by Columbus an ample and inexhaustible field. " Chi-
valry left the land and launched upon the deep ; the
Spanish cavalier embarke<l in the caravel of the disco-
verer." Year after year her ports poured forth fresh
expeditions, while national enthusiasm was almost daily
excited by rumours of new countries far richer and
more fertile than any previously known. The details
of these navigations, however, more properly belong to
another work ; and it will be sufficient in this place
briefly to allude to their chief results. In 1500, Rodrigo
de Bastides explored the northern coast of Tierra Firmn,
from the Gulf of Daricn to Cape de Vela, from about
the 73d to the 79th degree of west longitude. In thu
same year, Vicente Yanez Pinzon doubled Cape Sin
Augustine, discovered the Maragnon or River of Ama-
zons, and sailed northward along the coast to the island
of Trinidad. The same active voyager engaged in
several other expeditions ; and in one of these, in which
he was accompanied by Diaz de Solis, made known to
Europeans the province of Yucatan. Almost contem-
poraneously with the first voyage of Pinzon, his towns-
man, Diego Lcpe, pursuing nearly the same path, added
largely to the knowledge of the coasts of Brazil. In
1612, Juan Ponce de Leon set sail in quest of the fabled
island of Bimini, where flowed the miraculous Fountain
of Youth, whose waters were of such wonderful power
that whosoever bathed in them was restored to the
vigour of early manhood. Though this fairy region
was in vain sought for, the important discovery of the
blooming coast of Florida was achieved.

DISCOVERY OP THE SOUTH SEA.

imcz

In the succeeding year, 1513, the Spaniards at lenc^th cilAF. I.
nachcd that ocean of which they had heard many vague —
rumours from the natives of Tierra Firma. The honour
of this discovery is due to Vasco Nunez de Balboa, av^senx
man sprung from a decayed family, and who, first '« i^«ii>""-
appearing in the New World as a mere soldier of for-
tune, of dissolute habits and of desperate hopes, had, b /
courage and intrigue, raised himself to the government
of a small colony established at Santa Maria in Darien.
In one of his forays against the native inhabitants, when
in this command, he procured a large quantity of gold.
While he was dividing the treasure among his followers, ni^povny
much disputing took place in the presence of a young di goui
cacique, who, disdaining brawls for what seemed to him
bo mean an object, struck the scales with his hand, and
scattered the gold on the ground, exclaiming, " Why
should yon quarrel for such a trifle \ If this gold is
indeed so precious in your eyes, that for it you forsake
your homes, invade the peaceful lands of strangers, and
expose yourselves to such sufferings and perils, I will
tell you of a province where you may gratify your
wishes to the utmost. Behold those lofty mountains !" ho
said, pointing to the south, " beyond these lies a mighty
sea, which may be discerned from their summit. It is
navigated by people who have vessels not much less
than yours, and furnished like them with sails and ofirs.
All the streams which flow down the southern side of
those mountains into that sea abound in gold ; and the
kings who reign upon its borders eat and drink out of
golden vessels. Gold is as plentiful and common among
these people of the south as iron is among you Spaniards."
From the moment in which he heard this intelligence, ^ew object
the mind of Vasco Nunez became occupied with this ofanibitiou
one object, and he steadfastly devoted all his thoughts
and actions to the discovery of the southern sea indicated
by this chief. Many difficulties, however, retarded the
undertaking, and it was not till the 1st of September
1613 that he stt forth, accompanied by no more than a
hundred and ninety soldiers. After incredible toil ii

DISCOVERY OP THE SOUTH SEA.

CHAP. I.

Discovery oi
tlie Pacific
Ucuun.

Pcliffions
c'litliusiasm
and avarice.

Bay of San
Miguel.

marching through hostile trihcs, he at length approached
the base of the last ridge he had to climb, and rested
there for the night. On the 26th of September, witli
the first glimmering of light, he commenced the ascent,
and by ten o'clock had reached the brow of the moun-
tain, from the summit of which he was assured he would
sec the promised ocean. Here Vasco Nunez made bis
followers hjilt, and moimted alone to the bare hill-top.
What must have been his emotions when he reached the
summit ! Below him extended forests, green fields, and
■winding rivers, and beyond he beheld the South Sen,
illuminated by the morning sun. At this glorious sight
he fell on his knees, and extending his arms towards the
ocean, and weeping for joy, returned thanks to Heaven
for being the first P^uropean who had been permitted to
behold these long-sought waters. He then made signs to
his companions to ascend, and when thoy obtained a
view of the magnificent scene, a priest who was among
them began to chant the anthem " Te deum laudamus,"
all the rest knetling and joining in the solemn strain.
This burst of jpious enthusiasm is strangely contrasted
"with the feelings of avarice to which, even in the mo-
ment of exultation, their leader surrendered his mind,
Avhen he congratulated them on the prospect " of becom-
ing, by the favour of Christ, the richest Spaniards that
ever came to the Indies.*' After this he caused a tall
tree to be felled, and formed into a cross, which was
erected on the spot whence he first beheld the western
deep. He then began to descend from the mountains
to the shores of the new-found ocean ; and on the 29th
of September reached a vast bay, named by him San
Miguel, from the festival on which it was discovered.
Unfurling a banner, whereon was painted a figure of the
Virgin with the arms of Castile at her feet, he marched
with his drawn sword in his hand and his buckler on
his shoulder knee-deep into the rushing tide, and, in a
loud voice, took possession of the sea and of all the
shores it washed. He concluded the ceremony by cut-
ting with his dagger a cross on a tree that grew in tlio

DISCOVERY OP THE SOUTH SKA.

water ; and his fonowers, dispersing themselves in the chap t.
forest, expressed their devotic hy carving siniihir marks
with their weapons. Vasco Nunez then hetook hin)silf "^poi'sof the
to pillage : he exacted from the natives contributions in
gold and provisions ; and being told of a country to the
south, where the people possessed abundance of gold,
and used beasts of burden, the rude figure of the lama
traced on the beach suggested to him the camel, and
confirmed him in the opinion that he had reached " the
gates of the East Indies." From the circumstance of Nnmo of the
tiie ocean having been first descried from the Isthmus of ""^ "'^'''"''
Darien, which runs nearly east and west, it received
the name of the South Sea, — a title which, however
accurately applied to the part first seen, is employed with
little propriety to designate the M'hole vast expanse of
the Pacific. Tidings of this great discovery were imme-
diately transmitted to Spain, and received with delight
and triumph. But instead of rewarding so important a
service, the court despatched a governor to supersede
Balboa, who, by the pei-fidy of his successor, was publicly
executed in 1617.*

Meantime the colony on the Davien continued to ex- Darion
tend their knowledge of the western ocean, to make ex- ^"'ouy.
cursions in barks, and to form small settlements in the
vicinity. Larger vessels were soon const, ctcd ; and
violently taking possession of some small islands in the
Gulf of San Miguel, which they named the Pearl Islands,
the Spaniards extorted from their conquered subjects a
large annual tribute drawn from the treasures of the
deep.

As the hope decayed of finding a passage to India Settlement
through a strait in the American continent, the design "'^ i'**"'^""*-
Avas formed of establishing a regular intercourse by the
Isthmus of Darien ; and a settlement was accordingly
fixed at Panama, whence vessels were to visit the eastern

* The extraordinary career of Vasco Nunez de Balboa has of
ate been invested with a new interest by the elej^ant memoir of
Don Manuel Josef Quintana. — an English translation of which, by
Mrs Hodson, appeared at Edinburj^h in IU32.

DISCOVERY OF THE SOUTH SEA.

CHAP. 1

Cnuscs of
failure.

Timid navi-
iriition of tlie
I'ucitic.

shores of Asia. This scheme, however, failed of success.
Within a month after the ships destined for the voyage
liud been launched, their planks were so destroyed by
worms as to render them quite useless. No better suc-
cess had followed an attempt which was made in 1515
to find an opening into the Austral Ocean, in more
southern latitudes. The commander of the expedition,
Juan Diaz de Solis, in exploring the country at the
mouth of the Rio de la Plata, fell into an ambuscade
and lost his life. Upon this disaster, the undertaking
was abandoned, and the vessels returned to Spain.

Such was the knowledge obtained of the South Sea
prior to the year 1619. Its waters had indeed been
discovered, and the highest hopes formed of its treasures
as well as of the rich lands washed by its billows. But
all attempts to explore its vast expanse had failed ; and
the seamen who boldly crossed the broad Atlantic were
content to creep cautiously along the gulfs and creeks
of this newly-reached ocean. No strait had yet been
found to connect its waves with those of seas already
known and navigated ; it seemed to be hemmed in by
inaccessible barriers ; and the great continent of America,
which had been regarded as a main object of discovery,
was now in some degree considered as an obstacle in tlie
^•ath to further enterprise.

CmCUMXAVIOATION OF MilOELLAN. 33

CHAPTER II.

Ch'cumnaviyation of Mayellan.

Maj^ollan's Birth and Services — Proposals to tlie Spanish Court ac-
cepted — Sails on hi^iVoyajj^e -Anchorsat Port San Julian — Tmns-
actions there — Description of the Natives — Discovers the Strait
— Enters the South Sea — The Unfortunate Islands — The La-
drono^ — The Island of Maza^^ua or Limasava — Ztbu— Inter-
coifrst with the Natives — Death of Ma^rellan — His Character —
Fleet proceeds to Bo»-neo,— Arrives at Tidore — The Ship Vitoria
reaches Spain — Fate of the Trinidad — Results of the Expedition.

The glory of dhcovcring a path to tlie South Sea, and CHAP IL
of overcoming the difficulties which had hitherto im- Fernando do
peded the navigation of its waters, is duo to Fernando MugciijuL
de Magalhanes, Magalhaens, or, as it has hcen more
commonly written in this country, Magellan.* He
was hy birth a Portuguese, and sprung from a nohle
family. He had served in India with much honour
under the standard of the famous Albuquerque, and had
there made considerable acquirements in practical sea-
manship. To these were added no mean scientific at-
tainments, and much information, derived from a cor-
respondence with some of the first geographers and most

• In Hawkeswortli's account of the first voyaj^e of Captain C(M>k
(Hawkes. Coll , vol. ii. p. 41, London, 1773), appears the following
note : — " The celebrated navijjator who discovered this strei^ht
was a native of Portugal, and his name, in the lanj^uaji^e of his
country, was Fernando de Magalhaens; the Spaniards call him
Jlernundo Mu(/alhanes, and the French Magellan, which is the
orthoy^raphy that has been {^^enerally adopted : a jjentleman, the
iifth in descent from this great adventurer, is now living in or near
London, and communicated the true name of his ancestor to iVIr
[Sir Joseph] Banks, with a request that it mi^lit be inserted in this
work."

[CHAP, II

^lotlves for
lili uiiilor-
tuUititf.

'I i

t f

Snpposcii
ili^covuries
uf Mttrtlii
Luliein.

Rejection of

MiiSelliiii's

pi'opui-alS'

CIHCUMNAVIOATION OF MAGKLLAN.

successful navigators of those days. The grounds on
which he projected liis groat undertaking have not
been accurately rcconled. It has l)een supposed he was
struck with the circumstance that the South American
continent trends still more to the westward in proportion
as the higher latitudes are attained ; tlmt he concluded
from this, that in shape it was probably similar to
Africa ; and that its southern extremity must be washed
by an open sea, through which there would necessarily
be an entrance into the ocean beyond. There have not
been wanting persons, however, to ascribe the honour
of this discovery to Martin Beheni, — a distinguished
geographer of that age, to whom also has been given
the merit of having anticipated Columbus in finding
the New World. But the pretensions sot forth in be-
half of this individual have been traced to an error in
attributing to him the construction of a globe made
many years after his death, which took place in 1606.*
This date is fatal to his claim, as at that time the South
Sea itself was not discovered. It must be remembered,
likewise, tlmt for many yeai-s afterwards, the best
mariners of Spain searched unsuccessfully for the strait
in question, which they could hardly have missed, if, as
is alleged, it had been laid down in the charts of Behem.
Magellan first made an offer of his service to his own
sovereign, who, says Fray Gaspar,-J- " did not choose to

* Irviiii^'s Columbus. Appendix, No. xii. vol. iv. p. 205-212.
See also Biirney's Discov. in the South Sea, i 4r)-4J{.

f Ctinquest of the Phi!i;piiie Islands. The principal authorities
for the voyage of iVlauollan are Herrera, Barros, and Pij>af'elta.
This last autlior, a nativi> of Vicenza in Italy, accompanied the ex-
pedition. From an imperCcct copy of his narrative, an account was
compiled by Purchas, vol. i. book i, chap. ii. The first })erfect
edition was published from a manuscript in the Ambrosian Library,
by C. Amoretti : — " Prime Viag^io intorno al ^lobo terraccpieo.
Milano, IJJOO." This has since been translated into the French
and English lanjruaj'es. In the "Historical Cullection of the
several Voyajjes and Discoveries in the South Pacific Ocean, by
Alexander Dalrymple," London, 17^9, will be found translations
of Herrera, Barros, and Caspar, arranged in a manner that much
facilitates a comparison between their varyini;^ statements. It is
to be regretted tliat Dalrymple has only treated of th»» voyage

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP MAOKLLAN.

%')

lu'ur it, nor to give it any confidence, but dismissed him
with a frouii and singulftr disu'raco, very dirtennt from
whiit was due to the ])roposal of Magalhanes, and the
reptitation he had nc(|uiriMl for his vnlour." Thus did
I'ortugal, after having njcctcd the greatest honour in
the career of discovery, — the finding of America, —
siiurn away the second, — the glory of tlje first circum-
navigation of the globe. — Magellan, accompanied by
Ruy Falero, a native astrologer who was associated with
him in the enterprise, then determined to go to the
Spanish court an<l tender the fame and ])rofit of his
undertaking to the Emperor Cliarles V. lie arrived at
Valladolid, where his majesty then was, al>out 1517,
and his proposals were listened to with attention and
respect. We are told by Ilerrera that he brought with
him a globe fairly painted, on which he had described
the lands and seas, and the track he meant to pursue,
but carefully left the strait blank, that they might not
anticipate his design. This precaution (if the tale is to
be credited) was a bitter satire on the little faith to be
reposed in the honour of princes, but it was not used
without good reastjii ; for Magellan had before him the
example of John II. of Portugal, who, having gathered
from Columbus the theory of his great project, with
singular meanness, secretly despatched a vessel to make
the attempt, and rob the discoverer of his honours.

The emperor, on considering the proposals of Magellan,
was so much gratified as to confer on him several dis-
tinctions. Articles of agreement were drawn out to the
following etfect : — The navigator, and his countryman,
Ruy Falero, agreed to reach the Moluccas by sailing to
the west ; it was stipulated that they were to enjoy a
ten years' monopoly of the track which they explored,
and to receive a twentieth part of all the revenue and
profits, which, after deducting the expenses, should

of Mag^ellan down to his entry into the Pacific. Burney has dili-
irently examined all the autliuritics with his usual acumen and pei-
suverunce, and has woven the wliule into a comprehensive and dis-
criminating narrative. q

CHAP. II.

Dlstnlssnl
fioin I'or-
tttgaL

Visit to thj

Spaiiisli

court.

i'tispiclnns
prucuutions.

Articles of
agreement

ill

\SltM

CIIAl'. II.

Title and

privilutres

conceded.

^Tnproll.".n'3
&quiidi'uii.

Moan jen-
luisy of tlic
Poitugueso
ki.ig.

P^pjivturo oi
M..;iclluii.

ClIICrRlNAVIGATION OP MAGELLAN.

accviie from their discoveripfj. He was ah* to enjoy the
title of Adt'lantado over the seas and Jands he should
hajipcn to make known. Certain privileges of mer-
chandise were conceded to him and his associate, includ-
ing a fifth i)art of all that the 8hii)s should bring home
in the first voyage : the emperor agreed to furnish lor
the expedition fivi^ vessels, two of 180 tons, two of
ninety, and one of sixty ; and this fleet was to be
victualled for two years, and provided with 2o4 men.

These articles were concluded in Saragossa, and Ma-
gellan then njiaircd to Seville, where, in the church of
Santa Maria de la Vit(iria de Triana, the royal standard
of Spain was fojnially delivered to him ; and he took a
soleii.n oath that he would perfoim the voyage with all
faithfulness as a good vassal of the emperor. His squad-
ron was composed of the Trinidad, the San Antonio,
the y itoria, the Concepcion, and the Santiago ; but the
period of sailiiig was retarded by the interference of the
Portuguese king, who thre\v every obstacle in the way
of the enterprise which he hi'useli had not either the
spirit or the generosity to encourage. He even endea-
voured to entice Magellan from the Si anish service by
promises of more advantageous tcims. Failing i.i this,
he is supposed to have countenanced various reports
which we^e circulated against the lame of the adven-
turer ; while others among his countrymen ])redicted,
thiit " the King of Spain 'vould lose the expenses, for
Fernando Magalhanes was a chattering fellow, and little
reliance to be placed in him, and that he would not
execute what ht' pvomised."*

At length this renowned leader sailed from San Lucar
on th>? 20th, or, according to some acccv.nts, on the 21st
of September 1519. His first destination was the
Canary Islands, where he stojipod to take in wood and
water ; and on tlu IStli December following he came to
uncl.or in a })ort, which was named Santa Lucia, in 23^
degrees of soutii latitude, and on the coast of Brazil.

* Jleriera, dci-. ii. lib. iv. cap. x.

7 \ ^

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP MAGELLAN.

'i liis has someiimt'd been supposed the Rio de Janeiro of chap. ii.
the Portuguese ; but modern observation docs not con- j^^.^j"^ „(
firm the opinion. The natives appeared a confiding, south
credulous, good-heurted race, and readily gave provi- '^'"*'' ^"'
bions in exchange for trifling wares ; half-a-dozen fowls
were obtained tor a king of spades, and the bargain was
considered to be equally good by both parties. Piga-
fetta siiys, — " They were very long lived, generally
reaching 105 and sometimes 140 years o; age."

Weighing anchor on the 27th, the squadron sailed pio ,13 i^
southward, and or. the 11th January 1520, reached i'^^'-*-
Cape Santa Maria on the Rio de la Plata, where they
took in sujiplies. Near this place Juan Diaz de Solis
about five yeaie before had been murdered by the natives,
.n which account they kept at a distance from their
visiters. Putting again to sea, and touching at diff^orent
places, the fleet, on Easter Eve, came; to anchor in a
port which was named San Julian ; and there Magellan
remained five months. Discontent, and at last oiJcn
mutiny, broke out in his shi})s, the ringleaders being Mutiny in
certain Sjiani-h officers, who felt mortified at serving thesqiuiiiim.
under a Portuguese commander. The first step taken
to restore ordei', however much it might accord with
the character of that rude age, cannot be reconciled with
our notions of lionouraole conduct : a pei'son was de-
spatched with a letter to one of the captains, with orders
to stab him whilst he was engaged in reading it. This
commission being unscrupulously execut'Hl, and followed
up by measures equally prompt in regard to the other
mutineers, the authority of the captain-general was soon
fully re established.

"While the fleet l;iv in this harbour, the SfUitiago, one ri . » 1
" ' ~ ' Cruise &x\<\

01 the ships, made an exploratory cruise ; and on the 8d wm k oi tiio
May, the anniversiry of the Finding of the Holy Cross, ''^"''"S"-
discovered the river named Santa Cruz. Having ad-
vanced about three leagues farther to the south, the
vessel was wiecked, though the crew, after suffering
very great hardsjjips, ultimately rejoined the squadron.
The long period which they passed on that coast enal d

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF MAGELLAN.

ciiap. II. the Spaniards to form an intimate acquaintance with
— the natives. Tliey had at first concluded that the coun-

Tntprvicw try was uninhabited ; but one day an Indian, well made

Willi a native. ^^^ ^j gigantic size, came capering and singing to the
beach, throwing dust upon his head in token of amity.
A seaman was forthwith sent on shore, and directed to
imitate the gestures of this merry savage, who was of
such immense stature, says Pigafetta, that a middle-
sized Castilian only reached to his waist. He was large

Personal np- ^^ proportion, and altogether a formidable apparition ;

iicaiaiice. his broad face being stained red, save p. yellow circle
about his eyes, and two bcart-shaped spots on his cheeks.
His hair was covered with a white powder. His cloth-
ing, formed of the skin of the guanaco,* covered bis
body from head to foot, being wrapped round the ar >
and legs, and sewed together all in one piece, like the
dress of the ancient Irish. Shoes fabricated of the hide
of the same animal, which made the feet ajipear round
and large, procured for his whole tribe the name of
Pata-gones, or clumsy-hoofed. The arms of this indivi-
dual were a stout bow and arrows, — the former strung
with gut, the latter tipped with flint-stones sharpened.
He ascended the ship of the captain-^,eneral, where he
appeared quite at his ease, ate, drank, and made merry,
till, seeing his own image in a large steel mirror, he
started back in alarm, and threw down four Spaniards.
The good reception of this giar. .; brought more to the
beach, who were taken on board and feasted, six of them
eating as much as would have satisfied twenty seamen.
The first Indian liad pointed to the sky, as if to inquire
whether the Europeans had descended thence ; and they
all wondered that the ships should be so large and the
men so small. They were in general dressed and armed
alike. They had short hair, and carried their arrows
stuck in a fillet bound round tbeir heads. They ran

• The camelus huanacns of IJnnaeu.s, a species of luma. This
aniiiiiil, described by Pigafetta as iiavin^ the body of a camel, the
legs of a stag, the tail of a horse, and the head and ears of a mule;
excited great amazement among the S])anish seamen.

N.'Uivcs on
board tlio
sliii)S.

! I

I !

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF MAGELLAN.

with amazing swiftness, and devoured their meat raw as CHAI-. ii.
soon as it was obtaiiied. These savages practised bleed-
iug by rudely cupping the part affected, and produced
vomiting by thrusting an arrow pretty far down the
throat of the patient. Magellan wished to carrj' home i\>rfi,iinns
some of this singular race; and European craft was ^'''''f'"'' "^
basely opposed to Indian confidence and credulity.
Fixing on two of the youngest and most handsome, lie
presented to them knives, glass beads, and mirrors, till
their hands were filled ; then rings of iron were offered ;
an<l as they were eager to possess them but could not
take hold of any more articles, the fetters were put upon
their legs^ as if to enable them the move conveniently
to carry these ornaments away. On discovering the
treachery, they vainly struggled for freedom, and shrieked
to their god Setebos.* Besides these prisoners, the cap- Attempt to
tain-general was desirous of securing two females, that 8<"'='« "tiier
the breed of giants might be introduced into Europe ;
but though the women, whose stature was not so re-
markable, were far from beautiful, their husbands be-
trayed considerable symptoms of jealousy ; and, as they
were more seldom seen, an opportunity of entrapping
them could not be found, ^i was therefore resolved to
seize other two men, in the hope of effecting an exchange.
Force, however, was not so successful as stratagem, and
it was with difficulty that nine of the strongest Spaniards
threw them down. One of the savages broke loose even

natives.

* "They say," writes Pigafetta, "that when ar>y ^^f them die,
there appears "ten or twelve devils loapinij;' and dam iiij>; about tlie
h(Kiie of the dead, and seeme to have tlieir bodies painted with
divers colours, and that amonj^ otliers there is one scene bi^r^er
than the residue, who niaketh |j;reat mirth and rejoycing. This
great Devili they call Selebos, and call the iesse Clieleule " — Pur-
chas, vol. i. p. o5. It lias been supposed that from this passaji^e
Shakespeare borrowed the demon Setebos, introduced iu the Tem-
pestj act i. scene ii. : —

" I must obey : his art is of such power,
It would control my dam's j^od, Setebos,
And make a vassal of him."
There are other passajjes in the play of which the hint may have
been taken from the narrative of r igsifetta

..J J 1J>.. -' ' '•"■Tlp'^^^ff

^WWI

Deparhire
fiiim San
Julian.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF MAGELLAN.

CHAP. II. in spite of every effort to detain him ; and in the end
EscinTIifa *'^^ P^^" failed, for the other made his escape, and
captive. MagelUm lost one of his own men, who was shot with a
poisoned arrow in the pursuit. His companions, who
fired on the runaways, " were unable," says Pigafetta,
" to hit any, on account of their not escaping in a straight
line, but leaping from one side to another, and getting
on as swiftly as horses at a full gallop."

On the 21st August, the fleet left Port San Julian,
after taking possession of the country for the King
cf Spain by the customary ceremonial of erecting a
cr ^f he symbol of salvation, so often degraded into
an ei< i of rapacity and cruelty in the fairest portions
of the New World. Two months were afterwards
passed at Santa Cruz, wliere the squadron was well
supplied with wood and water ; and, on the 18th
October, standing southward, they discovered Cape de
las Virgines, and shortly afterwards the desired strait.
After careful examination of the entrance, a council
w£is held, at which the pilot, Est^van Gomez, voted
for returning to Spain to refit ; while the more resolute
spirits recommended that they should proceed and com-
plete their discovery. ■" Magellan heard all in silence,
and then firmly declared, that were he, Instead of the
slighter hardships already suffered, reduced to eat the
hides on the ship's yards, his determination was \o
make good his promise to the emperor. On pain of
death, every one was forbidden to speak of the short-
ness of provisions or of home, — which, though a some-
what unsatisf

The strait
discovered.

Ill

sfactory

stifling the pangs of hungei

♦Gomez was by birth a Portuj^uese; and it has been alle^red,
that the in'<i(liou3 advice wiiich he j^ive on this occasion, and his
mutiny and desertion at a later period, were dictated by a desire
to promote the interests of Portuy^al. See Memoir of Sebastian
Cabot, p. 121). — Another motive for tlie treachery of Gomez has
been assigned by Pigafetta, viz. that he had previously engaged
himself in the Spanish service, and had been appointed to, or
promised the command of, a small squadron, to sail on a projected
enterprise, vt^liich was laid aside on the arrival of Magellan i:i
Spuiu.

(

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF MAGELLAN.

'^l

Firmness of
MiigelLin.

Exp1oi1ni»
thu Strait.

or the longinc:s of affection, equally well answered the CHAP. IL
purpose of the captain-general. Pigafetta makes no
mention of the council ; but siiys the whole crew were
persuaded that the strait hr.d no western outlet, and
would not have explored it but for the firmness of
Magellan.

Two vessels were sent to examine the opening, and
a hurricime coming on drove them violently thirty-six
hours, during which they were in momentary alarm
Icbt they should be i'orced ashore. The coasts more
than once seemed to approach each other, on which the
voyagers gave themselves up for lost ; but nevv channels
successively opened, into which they gladly entered.
In this manner they were led on till they had penetrat-
ed the First and Second Gut, when the gale having
abated, they thought it most prudent to retrace their
course, and report what they had observed to the com-
mander. Two days had already passed, and the captaui-
general was not without fear that his consorts must
have been cast away in the tempest ; while smoke
being observed on shore, it was concluded to be a
signal made by those who had had the good fortune to
escape. Just at this instant, however, the ships were
seen returning under full sail, with flags flying ; as
they came nearer, the crews fired their bombards and
uttered shouts of joy. These salutations were repeated
by their anxious companions ; and, on learning the
result of the search, the whole squadron advanced,
liaving named the land where the smoke was seen
Tierra del Fuego. On reaching the expanse into which
the Second Gut opens, an inlet to the south-east was
observeil, and two vessels were despatched to explore it,
while the others steered to the south-west. Estevan
Gomez was pilot in one of the ships sent on the former
service; and, knowing that Magellan no longer lay Estevan'
between him and the open sea, he incited the crew to Gi'Hiez.
mutiny, threw the captain into chains, and under the
darkness of night put about the helm and shaped his
course homeward. This recreant had on board wiili

SaiUnpof llie
whole fleet.

I
I I

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF MAGELLAN.

CHAP. II,

Death of one
of the cap-
tives.

First sifflit
of the Paciflc
Ocean.

Knme of the
Strait.

Northward
Course.

Islnnd of San

him one of the giants, whom he calculatocl upon being
the first to present at the court of Spain ; but the poor
prisoner pined under the heat of the tropical regions,
and died on approaching the line. In the mean time,
the commander of the expedition pursued the channel
to the south-west, and anchored at the mouth of a
river, where he resolved to wait the arrival of the
other vessels ; he ordered a boat, however, to proceed
and reconnoitre, and on the third day the sailors re-
turned with the intelligence that they had seen the
end of the strait, and the ocean beyond it. " We wept
for joy," says Pigafetta, " and the cape was denominated
II Capo Deseado, for in truth we had long wished to
see it." Public thanksgiving was also made ; and after
spending several days in a vain search for the deserter,
and erecting several standards in conspicuous situations,
the three remaining ships stood towards the western
mouth of the strait, Avhich they reached thirty -seven
days after discovering Cape de las Virgines. Magellan
entitled this long-sought passage the Strait of the Pata-
gonians, — a name which has been justly superseded
by that of the discoverer. He found it to be so deep,
that anchorage could only be obtained by approafliing
near to the shore ; and estimated the length of it at 110
leagues. Pigafetta relates, that during the voyage he
" talked with the Patagonian giant " on board of the
captain-general's ship, and obtained some words of his
native language, so as to form a small vocabulary, which,
as far as subsequent inquiries afford the means of judg-
ing, is substantially correct.

It was the 28th of November when the small squad-
ron gained the open sea, and held a northerly course,
in order to reach a milder climate (the crews having
already suffered severely from extreme cold), as well as
to escape the storms usually encountered about the
western opening of the strait.

On the 24th January 1621, they discovered an island,
which was named San Pablo in memory of the Pata-
gonian, who had died, after being baptized, it is alleged.

ClRCUMNAVIGATIOiN OF MAGELLAN.

at his own request ; and on the 4tli February another chap. ii.
small island was seen, and called Tiburones, or Sharks' rpj,j^,'j;^j, ^^^
Island. The crews had now suffered so much from the "^iin !<»'
want of provisions and fresh water, and from the ra-
vages of the scurvy,* that, depressed by their condition
and prosjjccts, they named these discoveries Las Desven-
tur.ulas, or the Unfortunate Islands. Their sufferinus,
for three months and twenty days after entering the
Pacific, were painful in the extreme. Nineteen died
of scurvy ; and the situation of the remainder, reduced
to chew the leather found about the ship, and to drink
putrid water, was in the highest degree deplorable.
Even sawdust was eaten, and mice were in such request
as to sell for half a ducat a-piece. Their only solace was
a continuance of delightful weather, and of fair winds
which carried them smoothly onwards. To this circum- oripin of the
stance the South Sea owes its name of Pacific, — a title "'"J^<^ Pucuic
which many succeeding seamen have thought it ill de-
serves. On the 6th of March were discovered three
beautiful and apparently fertile islands, inhabited, and
therefore likely to afford succour to the fleet. The In-
dians immediately came off in their canoes, bringing
cocoa-nuts, yams, and rice. Their complexion was
olive-brown, and their form handsome ; they stained Native
the teeth black and red, and some of them wore long supi'iit-^
beards, with the hair of their heads hanging down to
the girdle. On these poor islanders, whose pilfering
propensities obtained for this group the appellation of
the Ladioncs (or Tliieves), the captain-general took

* As Piiraf'etta describes the effects of this disease without nam.
intj it, it is obvious that to its severity was then added the terror
of" a new and stranjre visitation. " Our j^reatest misfortune," he
sa^'s, " was hein^- attacked by a malady in wliich the (rums swelled
so as to hide the teeth as well in the upper as the lower jaw,
whence those affected thus were incapable of chewing; their food.
Resides those who died, we had from twenty-five to thirty sailors
ill. who suffered dreadful pains in their arms, lej^s, and other parts
of the body." Some years later, when the crews of Cartier were
seized by the same disorder, it appeared to them also equally novt»l
and loathsome. — See Historical View of the Proi^ress of Discovery
on the more Northern Coasts of America, p. 64.

CIKCUMNAVIOATION OF MAGELLAN.

CHAP. II. s^igrml vongeance for a small offence. A skiff was stolen
CrueTie- from the stern of tbe capitnna, or admiral's ship, upon
ven>?e on the which Magellan landed with ninety men, plundered
natives. their provisions, and burnt fifty or sixty of their houses,*
which were built of wood, having a roof of boards
covered with leaves about four feet in length, probably
those of the bananier (musa pisang). lie also killed
some of the natives, to whom the arrow was an unknown
weapon, and who when pierced by the shafts of the
Spaniards, excited pity by vain attempts to extract them.
incffcotniii 1'bt'y had lances tipt with fish-bone ; and when the
retaiiutioii. invaders retreated, they followed with about 100 canoes,
variously painted, black, white, or red, and showed fish,
as if disposed to renew their traffic ; but on getting
near they pelted the people in the ships with stones,
and then took to flight. The boats of these savages re-
sembled gondolas, and were furnished with a sail of

i \

* P. le GoSien, in liis History of the Ladroneor Marian Islands,
has asserted, tlmt at tlie lime jMajyellan arrived, the natives were
altogether ignorant of fire, and that, when for tlie first time they
saw it consuming their houses, they rega«"ded it as an animal which
attached itself to tlie wood, and fed u|K)n it. This tale has been
jidopted by the Abbe U.iynal, in his Ilistorj' of the F.ast and West
Indies, and has sewed him as a topic for ample declamation: and
tlie Abbe Prevost, in his " Histoire generale des Voyages," has
also given it credit, quoting as his authority the narrative of Piga-
fctta. As, however, was very early remarked by the President de
Brosses, in his " Histoire des Navigiitions aux Terres Australes,"
Pigafetta, credulous and fabulous as he is, has made no mention of
this circumstance. This alone mif'ht be held sufficient to disprove
the unsupported assertion of Le Gobien. But, as Malto-Brun has
observed (Knglish Translat. vol. iii. p. H18), ^^ these inlands are
filled with volcanoes,^' — a circumstance of which Raynal was not
aware, as he accounts for this supposed ignorance of fire, by assum-
ing the fact that here there are " none of those terrible volcanoes,
the destructive traces of which are indelibly marked on the face of
the globe." Nor is this all; a later French navigator remarks,
" Les insulaires chez qui on assure que le feu etoit incimnu avoient
dans leurs langues les mots fev, hiulei\ churbon, hraise, four^
piiller, hoiiillir. Sec, et fahriquoient, avant Vaniree des Evro-
fieens dans leurs iles, des pnteries cvidemment souvtises a Faction
du feu.** — Voyage autour du Monde, execute sur les Corvettes de
S. M. I'Uranie et la Physicienne pendant les anm es 1817-18-19 et
'20. Par M. Louis de Freycinet — His;orique, tome ii. p. 106.
See also pp. 322, 4<^i.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF .MAGELLAN.

pnlm-leavcs, which was hoisted at the one si.'c, while, CllAr ri.
to halance it, a heam oi* out- rigger was fastened to the K,itiu^
other. Vessels of the same construction were af'terwavds vcsscb.
ohserved in the South Sea hy Anson and Cook, who
very much admired the ingenuity of the contrivance.
From the 16tli to the 18th of Marcli, other islands were
discovered, forming the group then called the Archi-
pelago of St Lazarus, hut now known as part of the Disrovory d
Philippines. The inhahitants were found to he a friendly pi',^Ji'^',',',\'i^
and comparatively civilized people. They wore orna-
ments of goM ; and, though otherwise nearly naked,
displayed cotton head-dresses embioideied with silk.
They were tattooed, and had their bodies perfumed
with aromatic oils. They cultivattid the land and form-
ed stores of spices ; they nsed harpoons and nets in
fishing ; and Vza cutlasses, clubs, lances, and bucklers,
some of them ornamented with gold. On the 26th,
the fleet left Humunu, the principal member of the
group, and afterwards touched at some others in the
same archipelago.

At a small island named Mazagua, and supposed to be Communir.i-
the Limasava of modern charts, a slave on board, by '"'" ^^'^'' ""*
name Enrique, and a native of Sumatra, was able to
make himself understood by the savages, lie accord-
ingly acted as the interpreter of Magellan in explaining
the reasons of this visit on the part of the Spaniards,
and in imfolding the terms of comm.crce and friendly
intercourse which they wished to establish with them.
Mutual presents were made, and ceremonial visits
exchanged ; the captain-general doing every thing likely imprcssJona
to impress the Indian king with the power and superi- produced on
ority of Europeans and the dignity of the emperor his
master. For this purpose he caused a sailor to be
clothed in complete armour, and directed three others
to cut at him with swords and endeavour to stab him.
On seeing the mailed man remain unharmed amid this
shower of steel, the island-prince was greatly surprised,
and remarked, that a warrior so protected would be ablu
to contend with a hundred. "Yes," replied the into

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF MAGELLAN.

CHAP. II. preter, in the name of the cftptiiin, " and each of th<»
tliree vessels has 200 men armed in the same manner."
l{(!ccption on With this chief Magelhm formed a close friendship;
and two Spaniards being invited on sltore to inspect the
* curiosities of the country, the chronicler of the voyage

was sent as one of them. They partook of an entertain-
ment with tile Rajah CoLimbu, as he was called, and
were served in vessels of porcelain. The king's manner
of eating was to take alternately a mouthful of pork
and a spoonful of wine, lifting his hands to heaven
before he helped himself, and suddenly extending his
left fist towards his visiter in such a manner that, on
his first performing the ceremony, Pigafetta expected
to receive a blow on the face. Seeing all the rest of the
company go through tiie same gesticulations, the polite
Vicentinc conformed to the customs of the place, and
having finished his repast, was otherwise very graciously
treated, being introduced to the heir-apparent, and left
at night to repose on a comfortable matting of reeds
with pillows of leaves to support his head. Among the
luxuries of Mazagua were candles made of gums, rolled
up in the foliage of the palm-tree. The sovereign was a
remarkably handsome man, of olive complexion, with
long black hair ; his body elegantly tattooed, and per-
fumed with storax and gum-benjamin. He was adorned
with gold ear-rings, " and on each of his teeth," says
the narrator, " were three golden dots, so placed one
would have thought his teeth had been fiistened with
this metal." * About his middle he wore a tunic of
cotton cloth embroidered with silk, which descended to
the knees ; around his head was wrapped a silken tur-
ban or veil ; while a dagger at his side, having a handle
of gold and a scabbard of exquisitely carved wood,
completed the costume of this barbaric ruler. It was

Tlic Rove-

ri'ij,'!! I If

• Peron montions small s[)ots of silver on the fore-teeth of some
of the people of Timor, fixed to the enamel by a kind of mastic, so
firmly that he cotild not pick them off with his nails ; and the man
who wore them ate before him without seeming to feel any inron«
vcuience from their whimsical finery.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP MAOELLAV.

observed that liis subjects enlivened tl)eniselves by con- ciiAP II.
stantly chewing betel and arcea, mixed with a portion
of lime. They acknowledy;ed one Supreme Being, liiens of a
whom they called Abba, and worshipped, by lifting ij"j',^g"'"
their hands towards heaven. At this time was Magellan
first seized with the violent desire of making proselytes,
in which he easily succeeded. On Easter Day, a party
landed to say mass, and all their ceremonies were
exactly imitated by the natives. Some of the Spaniards
afterwards received the communion ; which being ended,
" the captain," says Pigafetta, "exhibited a dance with
swords, with which the king and his brother seemed
much delighted." A large cross garnished with nails
and a crown of thorns was then erected on the top of a
hill, and the Indians were told that, if duly adored, it
would defend them from thunder, tempests, and all
calamities. The men then formed into battalions, and
having astonished the savages by a discharge of mus-
ketry, returned to the ships. Such were the first mis-
sionary labours among these islands! Gold was seen in
some abundance ; but iron was obviously much more Value nt-
valued, as one of the natives preferred a knife to a l"^'"^*^ ^^
doubloon in exchange for some provisions. Tiie com-
modities brought to the ships were hogs, goats, fowls,
rice, millet, maize, cocoa-nuts, oranges, citrons, ginger,
and bananas. At the request of the rajah, part of the
Spanish crew went on shore to help him in gathering in
his crop of rice ; but the poor prince, who had assisted
on the previous day at mass and afterwards at a banquet,
had yielded so far to intemperance that all business was
deferred till the morrow, when the seamen discharged
this neighbourly office, and shortly afterwards saw
harvest-home in Mazagua.

On the 5th of April the fleet sailed, the king attena- snninRof tha
ing it in his pirogue. Being unable to keep up with ^''^'•
the squadron, he and his retinue were taken on board ;
and on the 7th of the same month they entered the
harbour of Zebu, — an island rendered memorable by
the first settlement of the Spaniards in the Philippines.

CHAP,

Tsliiiid of
ZuUu.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP MAGELLAN.

Kcccptlon of
MiiKflian by
thu king.

The accounts wliicli the captain-general had received of
the riches and power of the sovereign, made it a point
of good policy to impress him and his suhjects with tlie
greatness of their visiters. The ships therefore entered
the port with their colours flying ; and a grand salute
from all the cannon caused great consternation among
the islanders, ahout 2000 of whom, armed witii speara
and shields, stood at the water-side, gating with astonish-
ment at a sight so new to them. An ambassador,
attended by the interpreter Enrique, was sent on shore,
charged with a message importing the high consideration
which " the greatest monarch on earth," and his captain-
general, Magellan, entertained for the King of Zebu.
He also announced that the fleet had come to take in
provisions, and give merchandise in exchange. The
prince, who actod through his ministers, made the
strangers welcome, though he insisted on the payment
of certain dues. These, however, were dispensed h,
in consequence of the representations of a A »

merchant then in the island, who had heard of the
Portuguese conquests in the East ; and in a few days,
every requisite ceremony being observed, a treaty of-
fensive and defensive was formed. In manners and in
social condition this people did not appear to differ
from the natives of Mazagua. Their religion, it is true,
version wi iiie whatever it was, sat but li^'htly upon them ; for in a few
days Magellan converted and baptized half their number.
The rite was administered on shore, where a rude
chapel was erected. Mass was performed, and every
ceremony was observed which could deepen the impres-
sion of sanctity ; among wliich, tlie firing of guns from
the ships was not forgotten. The royal family, the
Rajah of Mazagua, and many pei-sons of rank, were the
first converts ; the king receiving the name of Carlos,
in honour of the emperor. Among these sudden Chris-
tians were also the queen and ladies of the court.
Baptism was likewise administered to the eldest princess,
daughter of his majesty and wife of his nephew the
Ucir-apparent, a young and beautiful woman. She

Sudden cfin-

CIKCUMNAVIGATION OF MAQKLLAN.

usually wore a robe of black and white cloth, and on cii.\P ii.'
htr luad a tiara of date-lcavi-s. " lit-r inouth ft*id .,. "T",.
nails," adds PigatVtta, "were of a very lively red." or theqneiii
One day the queen came in state to hear mass. She "' """*''*•
was dressed in a garment like that of her daughter,
with a silk veil strijjcd with gold flung over her head and
shoulders ; and three young girls walked before her,
each carrying one of the royal hats. The attendants
were numerous, wearing small veils and girdles, or short
petticoats of palm-cloth. Her majesty bowed to the
altar, and having seated herself on a cushion of em-
broidered silk, was with the rest sprinkhd by the
captain-general with rose-water, — " a scent," says the
writer already quoted, " in which the women of this
country much delight."

A cure performed on the king's brother, who after oaro effcotci
being baptized recovered of a dangerous illness, com- ''^ ^i»«''""»«
pleted Magellan's triun^ph. Pigafetta gravely relates,
" we were all of us ocular witnesses of this miracle."
By way of help, however, to the supernatural agency, a
restorative cordial was immediately administered, and
repeated during live days, until the sick man was able to
go abroad. The fashionable religion of the court spread
rapidly. The cross was set up, idols were broken, amid
zealous shouts of " Viva la Castilla!" in honour of
the Spanish monarch, and in less than fourteen days
from the arrival of the squadron the whole inluibitants
of Zebu and the neighbouring islands were baptized, save
those of one infidel village, which the captain-gemral
burnt in punishment of their obstinacy, and then erected
a cross amidst the ashes and ruins.

Among other customs, the Zebuians drank their wine Cntertain-
by sucking it through a reed. At an entertainment iJI""f„f'^^"
given by the prince, the heir-apparent, four singing girls imucc.
were introducer^ One beat a drum, another the kettle-
drum, the third two smaller instruments of the same
description, and the fourth struck cymbals against each
other ; and as they kept excellent time, the effect was
]deusing. The kettle drum was of metal, and in form

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF MAGELLAN.

Native
music.

Exnction ol
iiibute.

CHAP. II and tone somewhat like European bells. Other j'ounj^
women played on j^ongs ; and the islanders had a miisieal
instrument resembling the bagpipe, as well as a sort of
violin with copper strings. Their houses were raised on
2*03ts, and divided into chambers, tlie open space below
.lorving as a shed for domestic animals and poultry.
Provisions were plentiful, and the Indians everywhere
showed hospitalit}' to their visiters, constantly inviting
them to eat and drink. Tliey appeared indeed, to place
much of their enjoyment in the pleasui'es of the table,
at which they often remained four or five hours.

Magellan availed himself of the submissive and re-
spectful demeanour of these people, and exacted from
them and the chiefs of the neighbouiing islands a tribuie,
which seems to have been willingly paiJ. The King of
Matan alone refused . "> acknowledge this new sovereignty,
and with much spirit replied to the demand, tliat as
strangers he wished to show them all suitable courtesy,
and had sent a present, but he owed no obedience to
those he had never seen ])efore, and would pay theni
none. This answer greatly incensed the captain-general,
now above measure elated'with the success which hadat-
a'uack on the tended his late labours. He forthwith resolved to punish
natives. the refractory chief, refusing to listen to the arguments
of his officers, and particularly to those of Juan Serrano,
who remonstrated with him on the impolicy of his de-
sign. Accordingly, on the 27th of April, being a Satur-
day, wliich Magellan always considered his fortunate
day, he landed with forty-nine of his people clotluM^. ij
mail, and began an attack on about 1500 Indians. Tii6
King of Zebu attended his ally with a force ; but his
tictive services; were declined, and his men remained in
their boats. The battle between crossbows and mus-
ketry on the one side, and arrows and wooden lances on
the other, raged many hours. The natives, brave from
the onset, rose in courage when they became familiar-
ized with the Spanish fire, which did comparatively
little execution. A party of the latter was detached to
burn a village, in the hope that the destruction of their

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF MAGELLAN.

houses would overawe and induce them to disperse ; ')ut CHAP. IT.
the sight of the flames only exasperated them the more, c.,„r^ ane
and some of them hastening to the spot, fell upou their skill of tiio
enemies and killed two. They soon learned to take aim
at the legs of the assailants, which were not protected
by mail ; and pressing closer and harder upon their
ranks, threw them inco disorder, and compelled them to
give way on all sides. Only seven or eight men now
remained with their leader, who, besides, was wounded
in the limbs by a poisoned arrow. He was also re-
peatedly struck on the head with stones ; his helmet
was twice dashed oflF ; a lance thrust between the bars
wounded him in the temple ; and his sword-arm being
disabled, he could no longer defend himself. The fight
continued till they were up to the knees in water ; and
at last an Indian struck Magellan on the leg. Ho fell Death of
on his face, and as the islanders crowded about him was ^^ i^"""'-
seen to turn several times towards his companions ; but
tliey were unable either to rescue him or revenge his
death, and made for the boats. " Thus," says Pigafetta,
"perished our guide, our light, and our support !"

Though the rash warfare waged with the unoffending ciianu tev of
cliief of Matan cannot be vindicated on any principle ol "'® Aaniu\ii.
justice, the premature and violent death, in the very
middle of liis career, of a navigator and discoverer second
only to Columbus, will ever be a cause of regret. Magel-
lan was eminently endowed with the qualities necessary
to a man engaged in adventures like those in which he
spent his life. He had a quick and ieady mind, ever
fertile in expedients, and never wanting in self-posses-
sion. He possessed the rare tdent of command ; being
no L'ss beloved than respected by his crews, though
Spanish pride and national jealousy made the officers
sometimes murmur against liis authority. He was a
skilful and experienced seaman ; prompt, resolute, and
inflexible ; having a high sense of his own dignity, and
maintaining it with becoming spirit. When, on one
occasion, certain of the pilots re jnstratcd with him on
the direction of i\is course, his only answer was, that

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF MAGELLAN.

CHAP. II.

Pors'inul ap-
pearance.

III '

Hatred of

Mm liy tlic
Tortuj^uese.

their duty was to follow him, not to ask questions. In
personal appearance, he was rather mean ; his stature
was short, and he was lame from a wound which he had
received in battle with the Moors. His former voyage
to India, which he extended to Malacca, and the success-
ful one he had just made, entitle him to be named the
first circumnavigator of the globe. The unfortunate
circumstances which led him to abandon his native
country, in order to serve her foe and rival, long ren-
dered his memory odious in Portugal. The only land,
indeed, in which his fame was not acknowledged was
the country which gave him birth. " The Portugall
authoio," says Purchas, " speake of him nothing but
treason, and cry out upon him as a traitor for sowing
seeds likely to produce warre 'twixt Castile and Por-
tugall : Nor doe I in those thingcs undertake to justifie
him. But out of his whatsoever evill, God produced
this good to the world, that it was first by his meanes
sayled round : Nor was his neglect of his countrey ne-
glected, or rcvengefull mind unrevenged, as the sequele
manifested by his untimely and violent death." It is
impossible to condemn Magellan for carrying his rejected
services to the Spanish court ; though the necessity of
such a step must for ever be deplored, both for his own
and for his country's sake.*

• A {i;'enoroii.s feelinjif has hiirrieil iraiiy
the Kiny: of Portiitral. tlie iuslice of which i

writers into censures on
m^ cit Portugal, tlie justice ot wliicli maj' perliaps he doubted.
It must he recollected, that the proposal of Magellan to Emanuel
went no farther than to undertake the douhtfid search of a danger-
ous passage to the Moluccas ; and that the Portuguese already en-
joyed the monojwly of a safe iind shorter route than that which
he eventually explored. His majesty miist also have been aware,
that the discovery of a western passage to the Spice Islands was
likely to give SjKiin an opportunity of asserting a right to those
valuable possessions under the treaty of Tordesillas. These power-
fill reasons of state-jmlicy, in an age when self-interest only was con-
sulted in undertakin|};s of discovery, ought surely to have heen al-
lowed some weight m favour of the Portuguese court, and, at any
rate, to have ooviated such obloquy as that of Dalrymple in (he
following sentence : — " Every pisblic-spirited Portuguese must lar
lueut tliat oblivion has concealed the names of those ministers who

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF MAGELLAN.

Kight Spaniards fell with their leader, and twenty-
two were wounded. During the heat of the engagement
the King of Zebu sat in his balanghay, gazing on the
combat, which had doubtless produced a considerable
change in his notions as to the prowess of his new allies ;
but towards its close he rendered some assistance which
iacilitated their re-embarkation. Though tempting offers
were made to the people of Matan to give up the body
of the captain-general, they would not part with so
proud a trophy of victory. The result of this fatal battle
put an end to the friendship of the new Christian king.
He wished to make his peace with the offended sovereign
of Matan, and by means of the treacherous slave Enrique,
wlio, on the death of Magellan his master, refused, until
compelled by threats, to continue his services as inter-
preter, formed a plan for seizing the ships, aims, and
merchandise. The officers were invited on shore to a
banquet, where they expected to receive, previous to
their departure, a rich present of jewels, prepared before
the death of Magellan for his Most Catholic Majesty.
A party landed accordingly to tlie number of twenty-
four ; but from certain appearances which met their
eyes, Juan Carvallo tli f)ilot, and another Spaniard,
suspected treachery, and j. turned to the ships. Tin y
had scarcely reached them, wlien the shrieks of the
victims were heard. The anchors bein? instantly raised,
the vessels were laid close to the shore and fired several
shots upon the town. At this time Captain Juan Serra o
was seen dragged to the edge of the water, wounded
and tied hand and foot. He earnestly em eated his
countrymen to deslat from firing, and to ransom him
from this cruel and treacherous people. They tuined
a deaf ear to his prayers ; and he was thus hl^ ., the
mercy of the islanders. Pigafetta relates that, nnding
all his entreaties were vain, he uttered deep imprecations.

merit the eternal execration of their countr},', for hv'ms Instnimonta
in depriving it of the services of" so jfreat a man as Alagaihanes." —
Hi&t. Collect, of Discov. in the South Sea, vol. i. {% 4.

CHAP. IL

Loss of tlie
Spaaioi'UA.

Treachery of
the kiny of
Zebu.

^tiissaprc of
ihc Span-

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF MAGELLAN.

i: ■

chap. n.

Heartless de-
sertion of
their com-
rades.

Fate of the
captives.

Kcduction of
tile anna-
uient.

DimcuUy of

olraininjj

Viovisions.

and appealed to the Almighty on the great day of judg-
ment to exact account of his soul from Juan Carvallo,
his fellow-gossip. His cries were, however, disregarded,"
continues the narrator, " and we set pail ^ ithout ever
hearing afterwards what hecame of him." This cruel
abandonment of a friend is imputed to the hope which
Carvallo entertained of succeeding to the command on
the death of Serrano, the captains of the other ships
being already massacred. It is but justice to the people
of Zebu to mention, that one narrative of the voyage
imputes the indiscriminate slaughter of the Spaniards to
a quarrel arising between them and the natives, for in-
sulting their women. Some years afterwards it was
incidentally learned that, instead of being all murdered,
eight of the Europeans were carried to China and sold
as slaves. But the truth was never clearly ascertained.
The armament of Magellan next touched at the island
of Bohol, where, finding their numbers so much reduced
by sickness and the battle of Matan, they burned one of
the ships, first removing the guns and stores into the
others now commanded by Carvallo. At Zebu they had
already heard of the Moluccas, tlieir ultimate destina-
tion. They touched at Chippit in Mindanao on their
way, and afterwards at Cagayan Sooloo, where they first
heard of Borneo. In this voyage they were so badly
provided with food, that several times hunger had nearly
compelled tliem to a])nndon their ships, and establish
themselves on some of the islands, wheie they meant to
end their days. This purpose appears to have been
particularly strong after leaving the last-mentioned
anchorage, where the people used hollow reeds, through
which by the force of their breath they darted poisoned
arrows at their enemies, and had the hilts of their pon-
iards ornamented with gold and precious stones. The
trees, moreover, grew to a great height, but none of the
necessary supplies could be obtained. They therefore
sailed with heavy hearts and empty stomachs to Puluan,
where provisions being very abunlant, they acquired
fresh courage to persevere in their ^'oy^ge. Here a pilot

I! \

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF MAGELLAN.

wfts procured, with whose assistance tl y steered towards chap. li.
Borneo, which island they reached on the 8th July . .-—
1521, and anchored three leagues from the city, which bonieo.
was computed to contain 25,000 families. It was built
within high-water-mark, and the houses were raised on
posts. At full tide the inhabitants communicated by
boats, when the women sold their various commodities.
The religion of Borneo was the Mohammedan. It
abounded in wealth, and the natives are described as
exhibiting a higher degree of civilisation and refinement
than has been confirmed by subsequent accounts. Let-
ters were known, and many of the arts flourished among
them ; they used brass coin in their commerce with one
another, and distilled from rice the spirit known in the
East by the name of arrack.

Presents were here exchanged, and after the ceremo- deception of
nial of introduction, permission to trcide was granted, tiic Spanish
Elephants were sent to the water's side for the Spanish '^'"""^^y
embassy ; and a feast of veal, capons, several other kinds
of fowl, and fish, was placed before them on the floor,
while they sat on mats made of palm. After each
mouthful they sipped arrack from porcelain cups.
They were supplied with golden spoons to eat their
rice ; in their sleeping-apartment two wax flambeaux
in silver candlesticks, and two large lamps with four
lights to each, were kept burning all night, two men
being appointed to attend to them. The king was a
stout man about forty. When admitted to an interview,
the deputation first pnssed through a large saloon thronged Uoruea
with courtiers, and then into an ante-room where were
300 guards armed with poniards. At the extremity of
the apartment was a brocade curtain, and when this
was drawn up the king was seen sitting at a table with
a little child, and chewing betel, while close behind him
were ranged his female attendants. No suitor was per*
mitted to address his majesty personally, but communi.
cated his business in the first place to a courtier, who
told it to one of a higher rank, who again repeated it to
a still greater dignitary, who, in his turn, by means of a

Productions
of Borneo.

Attack bythc
Spaniai'da.

Piratical pro
ceudings.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF MAGELLAN.

hollow cane fixed in the wall, breatlu/d it into the inner
chamber to one of the principal officers, by wiiom it was
ultimately conveyed to the royal ear. The monarch
received the Spanish gifts with merely a slight move-
ment of the head, discovering no eager or undignified
curiosity, and returned presents of brocade, and cloth of
gold and silver. The courtiers were all naked, save a
piece of ornamented cloth round their waists. On their
fingers they wore many rings ; and their poniards had
golden handles set with gems. The curtain of the royal
saloon, which was raised when the ceremony began,
dropped at the conclusion, and all was over. Pigafetta
was told that the king had two pearls as large as pullets*
eggs, and so perfectly round that, placed on a polished
table, they rolled continually. The productions of
Borneo were rice, sugar-canes, ginger, camphor, gums,
wax ; fruits and vegetables in great variety ; and among
the animals were elepliants, camels, horses, and buffaloes,
asses, sheep, and goats. The people were peculiarly
skilful in the manufacture of porcelain, which constituted
a principal article of their merchandise. Theiv pirogues
were ingeniously formed, and those used for state pur-
poses had their prows carved and gilt.

The Spaniards, who seldom or never left any port
they visited on good terms with the people, in real or
affected alarm for an attack, seized several junks in the
harbour, in which they knew there was a rich booty,
and kidnapped some persons of quality.

The authority of Carvallo, which had never been
respected, was now set aside by the choice of Espinosa
as captain-general. Sebastian del Cano, a Biscayan,
was also made a commander ; and the squadron fortli-
with commenced what more resembled a privateering
cruise than a peaceful voyage of discovery and traffic,
pillaging all the small vessels they met, and holding the
passengers to ransom. Between the north cape of
Borneo and the island of Cimbubon, they found a com-
modious port for careening, — a labour which occupied
them forty-two days. They were destitute of many

i^^k^J^Ji

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF MAGELLAN.

things necessary for ninking repairs ; but the most cilAP n.

serious ineonveuience was the difficulty of procuring —

timber, whicli, altliougli barefooted, they were obliged

to drag from among the tangled and prickly bushes.

It was among these thickets tliat Pigafetta found the Extroordi-

famous animated leaf, the account of which tended so "'""y ?''<-'"<>-

much at first to stamp his narrative with the character served.

of fable. " What to me seemed most extraordinary,"

he says, " was to see trees, the leaves of which as they

fell became animated. These leaves resemble those of

the mulberry-tree, except in not being so long. Their

stfilk is short and pointed ; and near the stalk, on one

side and the other, they have two feet. Upon being

touched they make away ; but when crushed they

yield no blood. I kept one in a box for nine days ; on -j |,g „„(.

opening the box at the end of this time, the leaf was mated leaf.

nlive and walking round it. I am of opinion they live

on air." Subsequent travellers have observed a similar

phenomenon, and some conjecture that it is moved by

an insect within ; while others describe it as a species

of bat, the wings of which exactly resemble a brown

leaf with its fibres Continuing their piratical voyage,

they encountered a dreadful storm, and in their alarm

vowed to set free a slave in honour of each of the three

saints, Elmo, Nicholas, and Clare. The desired lights, pjectiic

the tokens of safety, having appeared on the mast-heads, Ugiits.

and continued to shine two hours, the storm abated, and

the promised oflFering was made.* Touching at Sarran-

gan, they seized two natives, whom they compelled to

act as their pilotsto the long-sought Moluccas, which they

at length reached, and on the 8th November anchored

at Tidore. They met with a hospitable and kind re-

• It may be proper to explain, that tlie electric li^jlits, which in
stormy weather are frequently seen flickering- on the tips of the
masts, were believed to represent the body of'Siiint Elmo, and regard-
ed as a sure sign that there was no danger in the tempest. When the
lights were three in number, two of tliem were supposed to mark
the presence of Nicholas and Clare. The appearance of these
lambent fiauies was hailed with the chanting of litanies and orisuniii. *

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP MAOBLLAN.

CHAP. II. ception.

Arrival nt tlio
Mdluccas.

suveroign

Prndnctlon.s
oflhcitjhiiuU

I I

Abandon-
ment 01 tho
Trinidad.

The ships were visited by Ahnanzor, the
of tho inland ; a traffic in spices was com-
menced, and a factory establislied on shore, where trade
soon became brisk, the native productions being readily
given in exchange for red cloth, drinking-glasses, knives,
and hatchets. This king was a Mohammedan, to which
faith the Moors, at a period comparatively recent, had
converted as many of the native princes of the Efist
Indian Islands as they had stripped of their power.

The Moluccas, which had been discovered by the
Portuguese in the year 1611, were found to be five in
number, lying on the west coast of a large island called
Gilolo. They were named Tidore, Ternate, Motir,
Biichian, and Maquian. Their best spices were nut-
megs, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon, which grew almost
spontaneously. The houses were built on piles or posts,
and fenced round with cane hedges. The King of
Bachian sent as a gift to the emperor two dead birds of
cxqaislte beauty, which, the natives called " birds of
God," saying they came from Paradise. These animals,
as well as the clove- tree, of which Pigafetta gives a
description, are now well known. By the middle of
December the cargoes were completed ; and the Span-
ish commander, ready to depar. . was charged with
letters and presents, consisting of the rarest productions
of the island, sent to the emperor his master by the
King of Tidore. When about to sail, the Trinidad was
found unfit for sea ; and t'le Vitoria proceeded alone
on the homeward voyage, with a crew of forty-seven
Europeans, thirteen Indians, and also Molucca pilots.
These native mariners entertained tlie Europeans with
many a marvellous legend. While steering for Min-
danao, before coming to the Moluccas, Pigafetta had
heard of a tribe of hairy men, inhabiting a cape on the
island Benaian, very fierce and warlike, and who were
said CO consume the hearts of their prisoners with lemon
or orange juice ; and he was now told of a people whose
ears were so long, that the one served them tor a mat-

" ZTTMiumt!^' "-' ""'

CmCUiMNAVIGATlON OF MAGELLAN.

i I

tress and the other for a coverlet.* He was also
informed of a tree, vvliich gave shelter to birds of suffi-
cient size and strength to pounce upon an elephant,
and bear him up into the air.

The Vitoria touched at different places in the voyage
to Spain, and, after a mutiny and the loss of twenty-one
men, paased the Cape of Good Hope on the 6th May
1522. Being reduced to the greatest extremity for want
of provisions, the officers anchored in the harbour of
Santiago, one of the Cape de Verd Islands belonging to
the Portuguese, on what, according to their reckon-
ing, was Wednesday the 9th July, but which, in fact,
proved Tliursday the 10th — a difference which was ex-
ti'emely perplexing at first, though a little reflection
soon enabled Pigafetta to perceive the reason.+ Some
provisions were obtained before the quarter whence the
ship had come was suspected ; but the truth being at
length discovered, in consequence of a sailor offijring
some spices in exchange for refreshments, the boat was
seized, and the people on board seeing preparations
making for an attack, crowded sail and escaped.

On Saturday the 6tli September 1522, after a voyage
of throe years' duration, in which upwards of 14,000

* The classical reader will be amused bytlie coincidence between
tlie narratives of the Molucca pilots and the wonders related by
Straljo, who recounts this amon^ other lefjfcnds broujjht from the
Kast by the soldiers of Alexander the Great.

f To illustrate the fact mentioned in the text, let us suppose a
ship sailintf westward keeps pace with the sun, it is evident that the
crew would have continual day, or it would be the same day to
them during their circumnavigation of the earth ; whereas the
people, who remained at the place the vessel departed from, would
iuive a tiight in the mean time, and conseciuently must reckon a day
more than the voj'agers. If the ship sailed eastward, an opposite
effect w<iuld be produced ; for, by constantly meeting the sun every
morning at an earlier hour, a whole day is gained in the tour of the
globe. Hence, if two ships should set out at the same time from
any port, and sail round the world, the one eastward and the other
westward, so as to meet again at the same port, they will be found
to differ two days in reckoning their time at their return. — Keith
on the Use of the Globes, p 42. A beautiful illustration of the
jihenomenon will aWo be found in Sir J. F. W. Herschers Treatise
on Astronomny (Lardncr's Cabinet Cyclopa:dia), p 1^7*

CHAP. n.

Extravngiint
marvels.

Passiijjo of
the Ciipu of
Gooil Iliipe.

Difference of

reckoning,'.

Attempt to
seize tlie
vessel.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF MAGELLAN.

CHAP. IL

Arrival at
Sun Lucar.

Thanksfflr-
ing services.

Rewards of
Setmstian del
Cano.

Fate of the
Ti-iuidad.

Rpsultso'fthe
voyage.

longues of sea Imd been traversed, Sebastian del Cano
brought the Vitoria into San Lucar, and on the 8th
proceeded up the river to Seville. Pigafotta, from
whom every historian of this remarkable voyage bor-
rows so largely, concludes his narrative in language
almost poetical : — " This, our wonderful ship, taking
her departure from the Straits of Gibraltar, and sailing
southwards through the great ocean towards the An-
tarctic Pole, and then turning west, followed that course
so long that, passing round, she came into the east, and
thence again into the west, not by sailing back, but
proceeding constintly forward ; so compassing about the
globe of the world, until she marvellously regained her
native country Spain." The crew on reaching Seville
walked in their shirts, barefooted, and carrying tapers
in their hands, to church, to offer thanks for their safe
return ; eighteen men, out of sixty who sailed from the
Moluccas, being all that came home in the Vitoria. The
vessel itself became the theme of poets and romancers ;
but though some have asserted that she was preserved
till she fell to pieces, Oviedo, a contemporary writer,
states that she was lost on her return from a voyage to
St Domingo. The commander, Sebastian del Cano,
escaped the neglect which was the common fate of
Spanish discoverers. He was liberally rewarded, and
obtained letters-patent of nobility, with a Globe for a
crest, and the motto Primus me circumdedisti (You first
encompassed me).

The Trinidad was less fortunate than her consort.
After having refitted, she attempted to recross the
Pacific, but was nearly wrecked ; and being driven
back, the crew were made prisoners by the Portuguese,
whose jealousy of Spanish enterprise in these parts was
now viokntly inflamed by ;the late transactions at the
Moluccas.

The voyage of Magellan was attended by the most
important results ; it effected the communication so
long desired between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans,
and removed the barriers which had hitherto obstructed

CIRCUMNAVIOATION OF MAGELLAN.

European navigation in the latter sea. It opened a new .CHAP, IL
path to the riches of India and the spices of the conti- New"way
i;uous islands ; and in fact achieved what Columhus ami opened to

O ' lit

his companions had so long endeavoured to accomplish.
It ascertained the southern boundary of the American
continent, and the extent of the great sea which divides
Asia from that portion of the globe. In its progress he
discovered the Unfortunate Islands, the islands Saypan,
Tinian, and Aguigan, four others of the group of the
Ladrones, and the Philippines or Archipelago of St Demonstm-
Lazarus. He also demonstrated the spherical form of *'°" °' *•'*'
the earth beyond the possibility of doubt ; and accom- torm of the
plished what had baffled, eve a on the threshold, every **''*''•
drevious navigator.

■ '\t .. '

CHAP. III.

Assumption
by Spain.

Dispntctl of
iSp!ini»li
Claims by
roitugaL

FROM MAGELLAN TO TUE END

CIIAI'TER TIT.

Discoveries and Ciirumnavigatiori/t from Magellan to the.
End of the Sijitecuth Century.

Expedition r>:"IiOyaM(i — Discovery of Papua or New Guinea^ Voy-
age of Saavedra— of Villalobos — Of Legaspi— Of Juan Fernan-
dez — Expedition of Mcndann, and Discovery of the Solomon
Islands — Jolin Oxenhani, the first Englishman that sailed on tim
Pacific — Circumnavigation of Sir Francia Drake — Expedition of
Sarniiento — Circumnavigation of Cavendish — His Second Voy-
age — The Falkland Islands discovered — Expedition of Sir
Richard Hawkins — Second Voyage of Mendanu — The Manpie-
sas— Santa Cruz — Expedition of five Dutch Vessels — Circum-
navigation of Van Noort— Iletrospect.

Altj the seas and lands discovered by Magel'un were
declared by Spain to be her exclusive possession, — an
assumption which the other European States, especially
Portugal, were unwilling to acknowledge. The privi-
lege of sailing by this track to the Moluccas, as well as
those islands themselves, the principal advantages gained
by the recent discoveries, were claimed on the double
title of the papnl grant and the alleged cession by the
native princes. But John III., the Portuguese monarch,
was equally tenacious of his rights. The old dispute as
to a boundary and partition line was renewed, and
referred to a convocation of learned cosmographers
and skilful pilots, who met near Badajos, and parted as
they met ; the commissioners of both crowns being alike
obstinate in their claims. The respective governments
were thus left to establish their rival pretensions as they
should find most convenient ; and Spain, accordingly,
lost no time in fitting out an expedition to secure the
full benefit of Magellan's labours.

}

:U...

OF THE SIXTl-KNXn CENTUIIY.

This nrniaincnt consisted of seven vessels, of which CHAP. III.
Garc'ft Jofre de Loyasn, n kiii;>ht of St John, wns np- Nov.- armn-
pointed captain-general ; Sehastian del Cano and other '"'^"' '^"'-'^
hurvivors of the former enterprise poing ont under his
command. Tl'c squadron sailed from Corunna on the
24th July 1625. Every precaution havinrr hrjn taken
to ensure the success of the voyage, the fleet at first
proceeded prosperously. But accidents soon occurred, P.',^il^,*,^ ","/*
and to the still imperfect state of nautical science we the voyage,
must impute many of the suhsequent disasters of
Loyasa. The captain-general was separated from the
other ships ; the strait so lately discovered had already
hecome uncertain ; Sehastian del Cano's vessel was
wrecked near Cape de las Virglnes ; the others were
injured ; one of them was forced to the southward,*
and two, after suffering much damage, appear to have
been conducted back to Spain. In short, it was April
before they entered the sound ; the passage proving
tedioub and dismal, and the crew having suffered much
from the extreme cold. Few natives were seen, and ^''Pfrt',""^y
those who appeared showed signs of a hostile disposition,
probably from recollecting how their confidence was
abused by their former visiters. On the 26th May, the
fleet reached the South Sea, but was almost immediately
dispersed in a storm. Two of the vessels steered for
New Spain, and in their course endured much from Wnnt of pro-
want of provisions ; the sailors having little else to
subsist on than the birds which they caught in the

visions.

Of the two remaining ships, one ran aground

* Tho Spaniards claim an important discovery in consequence of
tliis accidental circiimsiance. Tlie San Lesmcs, a bark commanded
by Francisco de Hozes, is reported to have been driven to 65° south
in the j?ah?, anrl the laptain affirmed tiiat he had seen the end of
Tierra del Fiiej^o. This a Spanisii writer supposes to have been
Cape Horn ; while Burney thinks it more probable that it was Sta-
ten Land, the certain discovery of which is, however, of much later
date. The extent of projectinj^ land between the eastern entrance
to the strait and Cape horn makes it unlikely that it could have
been seen by the crew of the San Lesmes. — ChiiJii. Ili.t. of Discov.
in South Sea, vol. i. p. 134.

FROM MAGELLAN TO THE END

llutiny and
deaths.

SufferinRs
and priva-
tiuns.

CHAP. in. at the island of Sanghir, after the crew had mutinied
and thrown overboard the captain, liis brotlier, and the
j)ilot ; while the other, which carried the admiral and
his second in command, held north-west. Both these
officers were now sick ; and, four days after crossing
the line, being the 30th of July 1626, Loyasa died, and
Del Cano, who had weathered so many dangers, expired
in less than a week. Alonzo de Salazar, who succeode*^
to the charge, steered for the Ladrones, and, in 1^*^'
north, discovered the island which he named San Bar-
tolome, the native appellation of which has been lately
ascertained to be Poulousouk.* Between Magellan's
Strait and the latitude now specified, thirty-eight of the
seamen perished, and the survivors were so enfeebled
that they thought proper to entrap eleven Indians to
work the pumps. Salazar, the third connnander, died ;
and it was November before they came to anchor at
Zamafo, a port in an island belonging to their ally the
King of Tidore. On reaching the Molucqis, disputes
immediately arose between the Spaniards and the Por-
tuguese governor settled at Temate ; and a petty mari-
time warfare ensued, which was prosecuted several
years with various degrees of activity and success, — the
people of Tidore supporting their former friends, while
those of Ternate espoused the cause of their rivals.

In the course of this j^ear, 1626, Papua was dis-
covered by Don Jorge de Meneses, in his passage from
Malacca to the Spice I4ands, of which he liad been ap-
pointed governor by the court of Portugal. About the
same period, Diego da Rocha made himself acquainted
with the islands De Sequcii'a ; believed to be a part oi
those which in modorn times bear the name cf Pek w,
and belong to the extensive archipelago of ttie Caro-
lines.t In the course of the following summer, the

DiscoTcry of
I'apua.

* Voyage aiitoiir du Monde, pa- M. L. de Freycinet. Hislorique,
tcrme ii. pp. d9, 7<>'

f " Leslies qu'il [Dio^'o du Rocha] norama Seqiieira, ne j)arois.
sent etre aiitres, eii eft'el, que les Matelotas^ sitnecs dans I'E. N. E.
des Palaos." — Freycinet, bi op. cit., tome ii. p. 7tJ.

OP THE SIXTEENTH CENTCRY.

fourth captain-general of Loyasti's squadron died, as
was alleged, by poison administered at the instigation
of the Portugueae governor ; and shortly afterwards,
liis ship, wliicli had been much damaged by repeated
actions, was declared unfit for the homeward voyage.

In the same season, the celebrated Ilernan Cortes
equipped tiiree vessels for the Spice Isles, which sailed
from New Spain on the eve of All Saints under the
command of his kinsman Alvaro de Smivedra. Two {)f
them were almost immediately separated from tlie
admiral, who, pursuing his course alone, after leaving
the Ladrones, discovered on Twelfth Day a cluster
of islands, to which, from this circumstance, he gave
the name of Los Reyes, or The Kings.* The men were
naked, Sfive a pL'ce of matting about their middle, — tall
robust, and swarthy, with long hair, and rough beards
They had large canoes, and were armed with cane
lances. When Saiivedra, after a run of little more than
two months, reached the Moluccas, he was immediately
attacked by the Portuguese, but supported by his
countrymen, the residue of Loyasa's fleet, who had
now built a brigantine. Having completed his cargo,
he sailed for New Spain on the Sd June 1528, — an
eastward voyage that for a series of years baffled tlie
most skilful navigators. Land was reached, which the
Spaniards named Isla del Oro, in the belief that it
abounded in gold. TJ^ere is, however, reason to con-
clude that it was Papua, afterwards called New Guinea,
fron, the resemblance between the natives and the
negroes on the coast of Africa. They were black, with
short crisped hair, and had the featuies of that dis-
tinctive race of Polynesia, since termed Oceanic negroes,
who are found in many of those groups which are
scattered throughout the vast Pacific, sometimes mixed
with the other great family by which these islands are

CHAP. III.

Treafliury of
the Tditu-
guese.

Hcmnn
Curtes eqiiipj
an cxpeiii-
tion.

Arrival at the

Koluccas.

Pnpna or
New Guinea

• They are included in tlie Carolii'e ranpi. and are supposed to
be identical with tin; K^oi IsUnds oi the jjreMiut iuuj>!>. — i' nycinet,
tome ii. p. 7i>>

->.^,f>»V*

MRMIIP

PROM MAGELLAN TO THE END

Second
voyiiKC for
New Spain,

Islaiult).

CHAP. III. peopled, but generally apart. Saavcdra, finding the
— wind unfavourable, was obliged to return to the Mo-
luccas ; nor was his second attempt to reach New Spain,
in the following year, more fortunate. In this voyage
he once more touched at Papua. When formerly there
he had made three captives, two of Avhom, on again
seeing the beloved shores of their native land, plungid
into the sea M'hile the ship was yet distant ; but the
third, who was more tractable, and had by this time
been baptized, remained as envoy from his new friends
to his ancient countrymen, and to establish an amicable
traffic. When the vessel neared the beach, he also left
htr, in order to swim ashore ; but, without being
allowed to land, he was assailed and murdered, as an
outcast and renegade, in presence of his Christian pa-

Thti Cnvoiine trons. A group of small islands (part of the Carolines)
in 7° north, were, from the circumstance of the natives
being tattooed or painted, named Los Pintados. To the
north-east of this cluster, several low ones, well peopled,
were discovered, and named Los Buenos Jardines.* At
this place Saavedra dropped anchor, and the inhahitants
drew near the shore, waving a flag. A number of men
came on board accompanied l>y a female, who touched
each of the Spaniards in succession, and was from that
circumstance supposed to be a sorceress brougiit for the
purpose of discovering what kind of beings they were.
Both sexes were light-complexioned and tattooed. The
women were beautiful, with agreeable features and long
black hair, and wore dresses of fine matting. Saavedra,
on landing, was met by a promiscuous band advancing
in a certain order, with tambourines and festal songs.
To gratify the curiosity of their chief, a musket was
fired, which struck them with such terror that the
greater part immediately fled in their canoes to a station

Appearance
fit the
women.

* " Nous recnnnoissons dans les prnmicros [Los Piistados] iiiie
portion des iles Ralik, et dans les secor.des [Los Buenos Jardinrsj
iV'xtremito noid des liadak, jrroupe explore long-ti-irps apres
[nnO-17] par le capitaine russe Kotzebue." — Froycinot, Lome ii.

OP THE SIXTEENTH CENTl'RY.

three leagues distant, whence they were with difficulty chap. iir.
induced to return. These islands afforded abundance of ^isn^s of
cocoa-nuts and other vegetable productions. The com- tiie Spmiish
mander died soon after leaving the Good Gardens ;* ^'^y"^"'^^'*-
and, after vainly attempting to reach New Spain, the
sliip once more returned to the Moluccas. After sus-
taining many varieties of fortune, the Spaniards, finding
that they could procure no reinforcements from their
own country, consented to abandon the settlement, on
condition of being furnished with means to convey
tl'cm home. They accordingly departed fur Cochin in Return to
1534, but did not reach Europe till 1537, after an ^"''^i'*-'-
absence of twelve years. " 'J'hough the honour," says
Barney, " of sending forth the second ship that en-
circled the globe cannot be claimed by the Spanish
nation, it is nevertheless a justice due to the memory of
the few of Loyasa's and Saavedra's men who reached
their native country, to notice them as the navigators
who the second time performed tliat tour." 'I'

Several voyages had in the mean time boon attempted Privnto i u
by private adventurers ; but they all proved abortive, ^'^'^'^^"''■"i"*

• To Saavedra is ascribed the bold idea of ciittiii!^ a canal
from sea to sea ihroii^li tlie Istiimus of Daricn. Tins project,
which has been often nnived, V(*ry eur.y enj^aned the attention of
Spain. It is discussed in Jos. Acosta's Ilistoiy of the Iiuiies, —
wIjo ur^es against the desitrn an opinion, that one sea beinj^ hi^lu-r
than the otl>er, the undcrtukinj^ must be atter.di'd by soino awl'nl
calamity to the ji^lobe. Observations made under the patrona;^e of
Bolivar, and completed in 182!i, seem to show that ihe levels of
the two oceans are different ; but as our ideas of a canal no l'in>>-er
imply a channel through which the waters ot the one sea should
f!()W into the other, the approhens^ions that occurred to tlio Spani><li
historian have ceased to appal us. The chie!' ob: tade is tlie enor-
mous expense ; tor it seems now to be sulliciently proved that
either a canal or a railway is (juite practicable (See Ri.vai So-
ciety Tran.-actioos lor IfJMO; ; — indeed, it is reported that the con-
•strnctiun of tin; latter has been licterminod on by ihe ^'overnment
of New Granada. A cut was in fact made in IjliBj connect inj^ a
tributary of the San Juan with a biauch of the Quito, and thus
openiuL^ a coniuiunicatiun between ihe Atlantic and the Pacilic,
durin;; ihe rainy i-ea^on, for the canoes of the countiy, \Nhich draw
liom one to two I'eet of water.

•|- Cliron. Hist, of Discov. in South Sea, vol, i. p. IGl. t^

FROM MAGELLAN TO THE END

■f

CHAP. IIL and the passage by Magellan's Straits, as well as the

schemes which began to be entertained for opening a

communication through the Istiimus of Darien, were

abandoned, when, in 1629, the Emperor Charles V. mort-

Cession of gaged or ceded to Portugal his right to all tiie ishxnds

the Spanish west of the Ladrones, for 350,000 ducats (£1 08, 1 81 , los.)

cliiims to till mi T • • ■ ii ^ ti

rortuguese. ihe discoveries now openmg in other quarters likewise
contributed to divert attention from this point. Tlie
peninsula of California was visited a few years after-
wards. Its gulf and outer shores were examined by
Cortes in 1536 ; new settlements were also every year
rising in Mexico and Peru, which engrossed the cares of
the Spanish governor ; and it was not till the year 1642,

New Spanish that, forgetting the cession to Portugal, a squadron was

squadiou. once more fitted out, destined for the Archipelago of St
Lazarus. This was the work of Mendoza, viceroy of
Mexico, and the command was intrusted to his brother-
in-law, Ruy Lopez de Villalobos. He discovered the
island of San Tomas, in latitude 18° 30' north, and a
cluster, whicli he named EI Coral. On the 6th January
1543, at 85 leagues from the Coral Isles, the fleet passed
ten islands belonging to the group of the Carolines, and
probably the same with Saavedra's Gardens. — The

Fctticmentin squadion coasted along Mindanao, and on reaching Sar-
rangan, an island near the south part of Mindanao, re-
solved to establish in it that settlement which was the
chief purpose of their expedition. This the natives,
though at first hospitable and friendly, stoutly opposed ;
but the captain-general, having already taken formal
possession of all the islands for the emperor, deleruiined
to make good his point, and accordinj^iy, attacking their
forces, compelled them to retreat. Here the Spaniards
raised their first harvest of Indian corn in the Philip-
I)ines, — the name now given by Villalobos to the archi-
pelago, in compliment to the Prince- royal of Spain.
The inhabitants of several islands in a short time be-
came more friendly ; traffic was established ; and this
success once more excited the jealous apprehensions oi
the Portuguese, and induced them to foment intrigues

tli^' Philip,
pines.

OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.

among the native chiefs who favoured the different
European leaders. In the progress of events, the con-
duct of Villalohos was maiked by perfidy to the allies
he had gained, and by treachery to his sovereign. In
despite of the remonstrances of his officers, he accepted
unworthy terms from the Portuguese, and provided
himself a passage home in one of their ships. But his
main object was defeated, for he died at Amboyna of
sickness and chagrin, — thus eluding the vengeance of
the country which he had betrayed.

The commencement of a new reign is a period pro-
verbial for energy and activity. Among the first acts
of Philip II. was an order issued to the Viceroy of
Mexico ibr the final conquest of the Philippines. The
Fray Andres de Urdaneta, a celebrated cosmographer
and navigator, who, after sailing with Loyasa, had be-
come a monk, was requested to accompany an expedi-
tion for this purpose ; and to him the honour was given
of nominating the captain-general, his own profession
forbidding him to hold any secular rank. His choice
fell upon Miguel Lopez de Lcgaspi, a person of great
prudence, who sailed with four ships from Navidad in
New Spain on the 21st November 1504. On the 9th
January following, they discovered a small island,
which they named De los Barbudos, on account of the
large beards of the natives, and next morning a circle of
islets, which were called De los Plazeres, from the
shoals which ran between them. A similar group were
perceived on the 12th, named L^-.s Ilermanas, or The
Sisters ; and are supposed to be the same with the Pes-
cadores and Arrecifes of modern charts. The squadron
touched at the Ladrones, and without seeing other land
made the Philippines, where, according, to the sealed
orders received from the king, they were to form a
settlement. On the 13th of February, they anchored
near the east part of the island Tandaya. The natives
wore the semblance of friendship ; and an alliance was
made with the chiefs, according to the customs of their
country, the parties drawing blood from their arms and

CHAP. HI.

Renewed
jealousy jif
the Poitu-
gucse.

Accession of
Philip II. ,

New exposi-
tion ol dis-
covery.

Arrival at
tlie Phdii)-
piues.

FROM MAGELLAN TO THE END

SitiRuliir
])le(lgi; of
inutiml
fldciity.

violence of
tlie Spanl
ards.

s t

CHaP. III. breasts, and mingling it with wine or water, in which
they pledged mutual fidelity.* In this ceremony the
captain-general declined to join, alleging that there was
no person on the other side of sufficient rank to contract
with him. The Indians, however, could not be so far
ensnared as to become the dupes of European policy, re-
marking that the Spaniards gave " good words but bad
workij." The fleet sailed from place to place, but small
progress was made in gaining the confidence of the
people, who were now fully alive to the intentions of
their visiters. One station after another was abandoned,
and though a good understanding was established with
the chief of Bohol, with whom Legaspi performed the
ceremony of bleeding. Zebu was at last selected as the

Jealousy and centre of colonization. There the Spaniards carried
matters in a higher tone than they had hitherto as-
sumed. The tardiness of the people to acknowledge the
offered civilities of the voyagers was used as a pretext
for aggression, and the foundation of the first Spanish
colony in the Philippines was laid in the ashes of the
sacked capital. Ilostilitirs continued to be waged for a
time between the islanders and the invaders ; but at
last a peace was concluded. Tlie news of the settle-
ment was cariied back to America by the Fray Andres
Urdaneta, the pilot-monk, who sailed on the first June,
and on the third of October reached Acapulco, — an ex-
ploit highly extolled at the time, as the passage across
the Pacific from west to east, so necessary to facilitate
the communication between the Philippines and the
mother-country, had hitherto baffled every navigator.
By following a course to the 43d degree of north latitude
fair winds were obtained ; and the homeward voyage
long continued to be made to Now Spain by the same
track, which acquired the name of Urdaneta's Pas-age.
The occupation of Manilla soon followed that of Zebu,

Urdaneta's

passage.

* The classii'!\I reader will not need to ho reminded that Ilero-
d<^tiis reconls similar customs as prevalciit anion^ the Scythians
uiid ulhei' nations.

mmmmmir^

^B!F

OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTUItV.

re
le

and became the insular capital of the Spaniards in the cnAP. ill.
eastern world.

Geograpliical discovery and maritime enterprise were Oc":ipiitioii
now to receive a new spirit from that extraordinary "*^^'*"'^"- •
career of conquest which, commenced by Hernan Cortes
almost contemporaneously with the voyage of Magellan,
had already extended over the greater part of the west-
ern coast of South America. In the year 1663, Juan jnnTi
Fernandez, a Spanish pilot, in the passage from Peru to i'i;"""»'^»'
the new establislmients in Chili, had stood out to sea in
the hopes of finding favourable winds, and in his progress
descried two islands ; one of which was called Mas-afuera,
while the other received the name of its discoverer, and
has since acquired much celebrity as the supposed scene
of Defoe's romance of Robinson Crusoe.

In the year 1567, Lopez Garcia de Castro, the viceroy ExpcfUtinn
of Peru, fitted out the first expedition which sailed fjj,\fpen7
from that country expressly for the purpose of discovery.
He intrusted the command to Alvaro de IMendana de
Neyra, who departed from Callao, the port of Lima, on
the 10th of January. Having directed his progress
westward a distance which is variously stated by dif-
ferent writers, he reached a small island inhabited by
copper-coloured savages, and named it the Isla de Jesus.
Shortly after, he discovered a large shoal, which he islands dis-
called Baxos de la Candelaria (Candlemas Shoals), and ^"^ '^'*^'^-
from this descried an extensive land, for which he set
sail, and anchored in a harbour, that received the ap-
pellation of Santa Ysabel de la Estrella (St Isabel of
the Star). The inhabitants were of a bronze complexion,
had woolly hair, and wore no covering save round thoir
waists. They were divided into tribes, and engaged in
continual warfare with one another. They seemed to
be cannibals ; but their usual food consisted of cocoa-
nuts, and a species of root which they called venaus.
Having first, with the characteristic devotion of the
age, caused mass to be celebrated on these new-found
shores, Mendana constructed a brig large enough to
carry tliiity men, which was despatched to explore the

FROM MAGELLAN TO THE END

i»Iillldd.

CFJAP. iiL neighbouring coasts. The result was the discovery ot
ArchTpeiago ^^ archipelago consisting of eighteen islands, some of
of eiRiitccn which were found to be 300 leagues in circumference,
"* " * though of several others no definite knowledge was
obtained. The names of Santa Ysabel, Guadalcanal,
Malaita, San Christoval, and El Nombre de Dios, were
bestowed on the principal ones ; while the group re-
Tiio s-iiomon ceived the general appellation of the Solomon Islands,
from a belief that they had supplied the gold and
treasure employed in the building of the Temple.* The
air was extremely salubrious ; the fertile soil offered
ample resources for a dense population, and the rivers
washed down great quantities of the precious metals.
Tliis archipelago, however, was not explored without
several rencounters taking piaffe between the Spaniards
and the savages, who fought with much valour. After
this rapid survey, Mendana returned to Peru in the
beginning of March 1568. Many years passed ere any
farther knowledge of his discoveries was sought ; and
their situation long furnished a perplexing theme for
the discussion of geograpliers.

In the year 1574, Juan Fernandez visited two small
islands lying near the continent of America, which
were named San Felix and San Amber. About the
same period, a discovery is ascribed to him of a more
doubtful character. Sailing from the coast of Chili,

Juan
Fciuandez.

* The minds of the early discoverers seem to liave been con-
stantly inflamed by the description of the wealth of Solomon, who
" made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones," and whose " drinking
vesseU were of fjold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest
of Lebanon were of pure gold ; none were of silver ; it was nothing
accounted of in the daj's of Solomon." — 1 Kings, x. 21, 27. The
land of Ophir, from which the navy of Hiram brought gold ami
"great plenty of almug-trees, and precious stones," was the object
of continual search; and Columbus, among his other dreams, be<
licved that he found this source of Jewish splendour in Hispaniola
and Veragua — Irving's Colnmbus, vol. iii. p. 251, and vol. iv. p.
51). Tiie true position of Ophir is yet a questio vexata among geo-
graphers. It has been placed in India, in Arabia, in Africa, and
even in Peru. Etymolo^j', the never failing support of such spe-
culations, comes in aid of this last hypothesis with tlie expressior
" gold of Parvaim."

i i

OP THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.

tihoiit the latitude of 40° south,* he is reported to have chap. ill.
reached, after a voyage of a month, the coast of a con- -— ■
tinent which seemed to be very fertile and well culti- discoveiies.
vntcd. The people were white, wore fine attire, and
were of an amiable and peaceful disposition. Several
large rivers fell into the sea, and altogether it "appeared
much better and richer than Peru." This country has
been supposed by some to be New Zealand ;. others are
inclined wholly to discredit the voyage; and the data
are certainly too meagre to warrant the identification of
this supposed continent with any of the islands in the
Pacific known to geography.

The year 1575 witnessed the first launching of a bark j^^^ oxm-
by an English seaman in the waves of the South Sea, — ham.
a feat which was accomplished by John Oxenham, a
native of Plymouth. Landing on the north side of
Darien, he marched across the neck of land ; and having
built a small vessel, he intrusted himself to the ocean,
and steered for the Pearl Islands. There he captured {;j,c(.j,j,8 and
two rich prizes, and returned with his spoil to recrosa late.
the isthmus, — an attempt in which he was slain.

Unfortunate as was the issue of this enterprise, it
did not chill the ardour nor damp the courage of our

* It is to be ro^retted that tlie learned Bnrney shouhl have les-
sened the value of liis important work by the h)ose and unschohirlike
i'asliion of departing' from the words of liis author, even while pre-
tending to nuote literally. This practice has led him into numerous
mistakes. 1 bus, in relatinjr the discovery of Fernandez, he takes oc-
casicm to quote the Memorial of Doctor Juan Luis Arias, published
by Ualrymple (Hist. Coll., vol. i. p. 53), as to the following ef-
fect: — "Arias says, ' The pilot, .Juan Vernandez, sailed from the
coast of Chili, a Utile more or less than forty degrees, in a small
ship, with certain of his companions,' &c." — Ciiion. Hist, of Dis-
cover}', vol. i. p. 300. But the passage, as it stands in Dalrym-
ple, 's materially different: "A pilot, named Juan Kernandez, who
discovered the track from Lima to Chili, by ti^oing' to the westward
(which till then had been made with much difficulty, as they kept
along shore, where the southerly winds almost constantly prevail),
sailing from the coast of Chili, about the latitude of forty de-
qrees. little more or less, in a small ship, with some of his compan-
ons," &c. — Vol. i. p. 63. It will be seen that Burney thus quotes
Arias as specifying the longitude, while :a truth he only indicates
the latitude.

.«»«tMBMWA» MMklW

FROM MAGFLT.AN TO THE END

Sir Francis
DruUe.

R^firms In
tliu i'acific.

CliAr. TIL countrymen. Within two years Avas conimonced the
first voyage round the globe performed by tiie British,
in the person of the renowned Sir Francis Drake.
When, from a "goodly and great high tree" on the
Isthmus of Daricn, this bold navigator first saw the
South Sea, we arc told that "he besought Almighty
God of his goodness to give him life and leave to sail
once in an English s'iip in that sea." Several years
elapsed before this wish was gratified ; but at length, on
the 13th December 1677, he was enabled to set sail from
Plymouth with a fleet of five vessels, bearing 164 men.
He made the eastern inlet to the Straits of Magellan on
the 20th of August, and in seventeen days after entered
the Pacific. Here he encountered a succession of storms,
during one of which he was driven far to the southward,
when, it is probable, he discovered Cape Horn. " He
fell in," says an old naiM or, " with the uttermost part
of land towards the South Pole ; which uttermost cape
or headland of all these islands, stands near in the SGtli
degree, without which there is no main nor island to be
seen to the southwards, but the Atlantic Ocean and the
South Sea meet in a large and free scope." When the
weather became fair, Drake stood to the northward, and
cruised along the coasts of Chili, Peru, and Mexico, cap-
turing the vessels of the Spaniards and plundering their
towns. In the hope of finding a north-east passage or
strait, he still continued his course, and explored a
country, which he named New Albion, to the 48th de-
gree of north latitude. It was tlien determined to run
westward, and return to Europe by the Cape of Good
Hope. After sailing sixty-eight days, he discovered
some islands, to which he gave the name of the Thieves,
and which have been conjectured to be identical with
some of those called the Pelew in the Caroline archi-
pelago.* From these he proceeded to the Philippines ;

Cnpture of
prizes.

I-lanf1s dia-
cijvered.

* " Drake decouvrit des lies, qn'il nomma Islands of Thieves, et
qui paroissent etre les iles situees au siid de Yap. Elles portent
sur lu carte No. 7 de notre Atlas hydro^raphique, le noni d'iles

OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.

7'»

and after touching nt Java and other places, set sail for CIIA?. III.
England. On the 15th June 1500, he passed the southern p,,sfiiure of
point of Africa, wliicli> ^ays an old author, " is a most "/« ti.ipe of
stately thing, and the fairest cape we m\v in the whole ^^ ^^'
circumference of the earth ;" * and on the 20th of Sep-
teniher anchored safely at Plymouth, after an absence of
two years and nearly ten months. In geographical dis-
covery Drake's voyage was barren, but it gave a new
spirit to the maritime enterprise of Britain, and brought
wealth and fame to its commander. Queen Elizabeth iiononmbio
honoured him by dining on board his ship, where she n^'i"''" "*"
also conferred the distinction of kniglithood ; for many
years his vessel was preserved at Deptford ; and a chair,
made from one of her planks and presented to the Uni-
versity of Oxford, lias been celebrated by the muse of
Cowley.t

Tiie unexpected appearance of Drake in the South Aiiim of tiie
Sea was a matter of serious alarm to the Spaniards. Si.auiaids.
Their exclusive navigation of that ocean was now gone ;
and instead of gathering in peace the treasures which
the islands in its bosom, and the opulent empires on its
margin, might afford, they perceived that henceforth
they would have to contend for their riches with a
powerful and ambitious enemy. In fact, they soon
saw the English successfully penetrating the Magellanic Renpwcd
Straits, — a channel so difficult as to have given rise to a attention to
saying, "that the passage had closed up.'* It had, lauicsfn ■'«
indeed, been little frequented by the Spaniards, who, it
may be conjectured, found a more profitable employ-
ment in the colonization of their lecent conquests.
But the havoc which Drake carried along their coasts
once more attracted their attention to the Straits, and,
in 1579, Pedro Sarmiento do Gamboa was despatched

Lamnleao Ouron. I^'ile Yap est nominee aussi Eup par quehiuea
auteurs." — Freycinet, tome ii. p. 77»

• Ilakluyt, vol. iii. p. 742.

■f A copious narrative of the Life and Voyafi^es of Drake has
already appeared in the Edinburj;h Cabinet Library, No. V.
Lives and Voyages of Drake, Cavendihh, and Dainpier.

^PBWsniBS

CHAP. III.

Kxpedltion
of Do Glim-
buu.

Piifferlnps

Hlld fililUl'C

ot the colony.

Expedition
of Cuveuilisli.

Plunclorinff
of tlie Spaul-
uidd.

I ■•
i'

PROM MAGELLAN TO THE END

from Lima to survey them, ond report the result of his
observations. In pursuance of his advice, it was deter-
mined to fit out a powerful armament, with a design of
fortifying the narrows, and thus closing against hostile
intrusion what they considered the only portal of the
Pacific. The fate of this expedition was singularly
disastrous ; nor was it until after making repeated
attempts and sustaining much loss that they effected an
entrance. Two cities were founded, named Nomhre de
Jesus and San Felipe, and peopled hy Europeans, who
had a supply of provisions for only eight months. On
his voyage to Spain, the captain was token prisoner by
an English cruiser belonging to Sir Walter Raleigh.
II is unfortunate colony was speedily reduced to the
greatest miseries ; no attempt was made to send them
succours from home ; and, being thus abandoned to
want and the frightful inclemencies of the weather, sad
ravages were made among them. Only two who sur-
vived these dreadful suiferings returned to their native
country.

The path to the South Sea once laid open, no long
time elapsed ere it again became the scene of English
adventure. In 1586, Mr Thomas Cavendish, a gentle-
man of the county of SuiFolk, fitted out, at his own
expense, an expedition to the Pacific, and sailed from
Plymouth on the 21st July. He reached the Straits of
Magellan on the Gth January following, and cleared
their farther outlet on the 24th of February. Like
Drake, the object he had in view was plunder ; and,
like that navigator too, he stood along the western
coast of America, cp.rrying fire and sword wherever he
went. At Icngthj in November, glutted with spoil, he
steered across the ocean, and in January 1588 made the
Ladrone Islands. In the passage homeward he touched
at St Helena, and first communicated to England its
capabilities and advantages. He arrived at Plymouth
on the 9th September, having circumnavigated the
globe in two years and fifty days, — a period shorter
than that required by either of his predecessors.

OP THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.

The chief contrlbut

which
iscovcry " '^

ik' to CHAP.

IJo.<ults of

Isluiids.

this voyage
geography was the discovery of Port Desire on the cast
coast of Patagonia. In a lucrative point of view it was tiic voyugo.
80 successful, that Cavendish resolved to engage in
another expedition to the same quarter of the globe.
Accordingly, he again left England, and, after a voyage
of seven months, he entered the Striit of Magellan, on
the 14th cf April 1692. Dispirited by the storms which
he encountered there, he determined, on the 15th of
May, to retrace his course towards the coast of Brgzil,
and soon afterwards died on his pissage home.

The voyage, though its results were not very gratify- niscovpr>- of
ing, was marked by an incident of some imjjortnnce. tiu! FaikhuiJ
After repassing the Straits, one of the vessels under the
command of Captain Davis, was aeparated from the
squadron, and having met with adverse gales, was
" driven in among certaine Isles never before discovered
by any knov en relation, lying fiftie leagues or better
from the shoare, east and northerly from the Streights,
in which place, uulesse it had pleased God of his won-
derful) mercie to have ceased the winde, wee must ot
necessitie have perished." * On this group he seems to
have bestowed no name ; but they are now known by
the designation of the Falkland Islands.t After this
occurrence Davis succeeded in reaching tlie South Sea ;
but, returning almost immediately, his sliip eventually (aptain
arrived at Bearhavcn in Ireland, in June 1593, with J^Jivis.
only sixteen persons remaining of seventy-six who left
England. Of the expeditions now briefly noticed, which
constitute so important an era in the naval history of
this country, and abound with spirit-stirring adventures,
a copious narrative has been given in a preceding volume
of the Edinburgh Cabinet Library. J

• Haklryt, vol. iii. n,
tu

8,6.

•)" Burn y seems to have been amontr the first to vindicate Davis'
claim to tlie discovery of this {^ronp, wnicli it was supposed was for-
irerlyseen by Sir Ricliard Hawkins. — Chron. Hist. Discov., vol. iu
p. 103.

;}: Lives and Voyages of Drake, Cavendish, and Danipier. For
a further account of Davis, one of England's most intrepid seamen,

FROM MAGELLAN TO THE END

Capture of
his vessel.

CHAP. IIL We hav shortly to mention yet another expedition

fitted out in the reign of Elizabeth. This was under-

Expeditionof taken by Sir Richard Hawkins, who sailed from Ply-
.sir ijiciuud mouth on the 12th of June 1593. In his passage
towards the Strait, he observed the islands formerly
seen by Davis, though he appears to have considered
them as r.ltogether unknown. " The land," he says,
" for that it was discovered in the "ligne of Queene
Elizabeth, my souereigne lady and mistris, and a niayden
queene, and at my cost and aduenture, in a perpctuall
inen^.ory of her chastitie, and remembrance of my ende-
vours, I gave it the name of Hawkins' Maiden- land."*
Si>' Richard reached the South Sea, and began to follow
the example of his more illustrious predecessors, Drake
and Cavendish ; but his fortune proved very different.
On the 22d of June 1594, his ship was cai)tured near
Cape de San Francisco, and carried into Panama, in
honour of which event that city was illuminated.

This was the last voyage in the Pj>oitic made by
English navigators for many years Tlie course of our
narrative accordingly turns again to the expeditions of
the Spaniards.

In 1594, Philip IL, in a letter to the Viceroy of
Peru, recommended " the encouragement of enterprises
for new discoveries and settlements, as the best means
to disembarrass the land Irom many idle gentry ;" and,
in compliance with this suggestion, an armament was
prepared next year to effect a settlement in the island of
San Christoval, one of the Solomon archipelago, visited,
as has been already narrated, in 15(57. Tlie fleet con-
sisted of four vessL'ls supplied with 878 men, of whom
280 were soldiers ; it was commanded by Alvaro de
Mend ana, by who n the islands had been discovered,
under the title of Adelantado, and the chief pilot was

Plans of
Philip iL

who, having pflPected discoveries in the extreme refriona of the north
and the south wliich have imniortahzed his ninve, was doomed to
uerish in a quarrel in tiie Kast Indies, the reader is referred to the
K arr.itive olDiscovery and Adventure in tlie Polar Seas and Uegions.
• Turclias, vol. iv. p. 1384.

i!!l^

r'i

lie

ilS,

OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTLUY.

Pedro Fernandez de Quiroo, — a name whicli afterwards chap. Iif.
became famous in the annals of nautleal adventure. „ "" .

mi 1 1 1 • 1 1 I • -r" 1 lA PlO]iMratl"i'..'J

Ihe adelantado was accompanied by Ii;s wite, tlic Donna lo: coioniza-
Ysabel Berreto, and, as was usual in those days, a cer- '^°"'
tain number of priests sailed on board tlie armada.

On the 16th of June 1595, Mendana, leaving Payta,
pursued a course nearly due west until the 21.st July,
when he was in bititude 10° 60' S., and, by the reckon-
ing of Q,uiros, 1000 leagues distant from Lima. On that
day an island was di-jcvercd and named La Madalena ; Discovery <f
and the adelantado, believing it to be the land he sought, '"'"' •^''""
there was much rejoicmg among the crew, and 2e JJeum
laiidamus was sung with great devotion. Next day,
when they drew near the shore, there sallied forth in
rude procession about seventy canoes, and at the same
time many of the inhabitants made towards the ships
by swimming. They were in complexion nearly white,
of good stature, and finely formed ; and on their faces
and bodies were delineated representations of fishes and
other devices. TIk Spanish chroniclers extol the gentle
manners and the beauty of these natives very highly.
" Thei'e came," says Figueroa,"' '• among others, two
lads piddling their canoe, whose cj'es were fixed on the
ship ; they had beautiiul faces, and the most promising
animation of countenance ; and were in all things so
becoming, that the pilot-mayor (Quiros) affirmed nothing
in his life ever caused him so much regret as tlu; having
such fine creatures to be lost in that country." Short TnTitmrnt ..f
as was the mtercourse whieli the Sj)aniaras had witii
these gentle savages, it was marked by bloodished and

* " IIi'clios (le Don Carcia Iliirtado di' Moiidoza Quarto iNfar-
quos de C;iii<'to, por I'-l Di rtnr Cliristoval Siian'Z de I'lgiicroa.
iNladiid, KJKJ." An almost lilcral translation of so niiKli of this
work as relates to MendMna's voy li^e will tie loiuid i;i I 'ali Nniole's
Ilisl. Coll., vol i. pp. 'i7-I(4and l!»;')--JO;{. i'liis transiatioii hasheeu
used in tlie present jiecouiit. 'I'iirre lias hien preserved another
narrative of tlie voya^^^e in a letter written by I'eiiro Kei naiidez de
Qiiiios, the pili.t-inayir, to Don Antonio Meij^a. and pnhlished hy
iiim in "Siicesos de i.'.s Philipiiuv'. Mexieo, ItiU'J." Tliis is also
lo be found in Dalr\i!ij,)!eV e.wedent wmk.

m
m

FROM MAGELLAN TO THE END

CHAP, !!I

Nnmpsof Uu
RlMlip ut
IttlunUs.

Ceremony of
t.'iking pos-

New cotir'^e
imrsucU.

Pissntisfac-
tidii ol'tlio
crew.

violence. When Mendana had passed the south end of
La Madalena, he descried three otlier islands, and this
civeumstance for the first time convinced him that he
was not among the Solomon group. He named these
newly discovered ones La Dominica, Santa Christina,
and San Pedro, and gave to the whole cluster the title
of Las Marquesas de Mendoza. A spacious harbour was
soon observed in Santa Christina, and named Port Madre
de Dios ; and the fleet having been safely anchored, the
adelantado and the Lady Ysabel landed. On tliis occa-
sion mass was performed with much ceremony, tlie
natives standing silently by, kneeling when tlie strangers
knelt, and endeavouring generally to imitate their ges-
tures. Prayers were then said, and in the name of the
King of Spain possession was taken of the islands, — a
formality which was completed by the sowing of some
maize. A large party of soldiers being left on shore,
soon fell into hostilities with the natives, drove them
from their houses, and hunted them with slaughter into
the woods.

' At length, on the 5th of August, the adelantado set
sail from Las Marquesas, assuring the crews that on
the third or fourth day they would reach the Solomons.
More than a fortnight passed, however, and no land was
seen, till on the 20th they discovered four small and low-
islands with sandy beaches, and covered with palms and
other trees. Tiiese were named San Bernardo, and a
similar one, descried nine days alter, was, from its lonely
situation, called La Solitaria. It has been conjectuied
to be identical with one of the Desventuradas of Magel-
lan.* The ships passed on, pursuing the same course,
but discontent and disappointment soon broke out on
board. Of the land, long since predicted by the adelan-
tado as near at hand, no signs had yet apiieared ; and
some of the crew scrupled not to say that they were
going no one knew whither. Amid these nuirinurs ot
dissatisfaction, Mendana, we are told, went about with

Burney, Chroii. Hist Discov., vol. ii, u. 1/5.

OP THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.

>nnti\ Cr;iz
(U . SCO ve roil.

n rosary evr in his Imnd, wearing an air of devotion CHAP, ill,
and severely veprchcnding all profanene.ss of speech.

On tiie night of tlie 7th of September, land was at
length perceived; and on that same night one of the
vessels disappeared and was no more seen. At snnrise
the land was ascertained to be an is]an<l of large extent ;
and was forthwith named Santa Cruz. Another wa.s
seen to the northward, on which there was a volcano in
great activity. When first observed, it had a regularly
formed peak ; but this \^as destroyed a few days after
by an eruption of such violence as to be fejt on boavd
the ships, though at the distance of ten leagues. The
natives were immediately recognised by Mendana as of
a kindred race with the inhabitants of tiie Solomons,
yet they appeared to speak a ditfercnt language. Their
hair was woolly, and frequently stained wliite, red, and
other colours ; they had ornaments of bone or teeth
round their necks, and used bows and arrows. Their \yaif<'«owi;h
warlike disposition was evinced by their commencing
an attack on the Spaniards. This was, indeed, (juiekly
repelled ; but the ferocity of the savages and the cruelty
of the voyagers kept up a continued warfare during-
tlieir stay. The adelantado at length detcrmineci to
form a settlement on the margin of a boy, which from
its goodly aspect was named La Graciosa. The ground
was soon eieared and several liouses built. Sedition and
mutiny, however, now made their appearance, and it ^'^"^^'"5' ""'^
was found necessary to punish three of the conspinit(n's

with death. The hdmmanity of his people towards the
natives reached at the same time a htiight altogother
nnj)recedcnted- A chietj Malipe, whoui Quiros calls
" our greatest friend and lord of the island," was mur-
dered by some of the crew, apparentiy without the
slightest cause or pretext ; though, to tlie honour of
Mendana, it should be m.entioned tliat he inflicted d(iatU
on the perj)etrators of this cruel outrage. But this was
among the last of liis acts, disease and care having aireatly
reduced hi.ii to the utmost extremity. On the 17th of
October, which wua marked by a total eclipse of the

WWWNHHKlW^lilMIUilMVBHIIIIIIi^^

MMIIlii

FUOM MAGELLAN TO THE END

Df'.Hl! of

Meadaua,

Ills diarac
li.r.

CHAP. III. 11100") ^^6 made his will, leaving liia authority to his
wife. Donna Ysahel, and constituting her brother, Don
Lorenzo Berreto, captain-gencrai under her. He was
so weak that ho could scarcely subscribe his name to
this document, and he only 8\irvivcd tiil midjiight.
His character mav be given in the words of Figueroa :
" He was known to be very eager to acconiplish what-
ever lie put haiid to ; he was zealous for the iionour of
God and the service of the king ; of higii mind, which
had engaged luia in tlie former voyages and discoveries ;
good actions gave him pleasure, and he detested bad ;
he was very courteous and sweet- tenjpered ; not too apt
to give reason?, and therefore not desirous of tliem ;
more solicitous of works than words. He appeared to
be well in regard to his owii couj'jcience. He never passed
ibr high,, so that it was the opij\ion that he knew more
than lie performed.'"'' The melancholy rites of burial
were celebrated with suitable pomp. The coffin wa>ji
borne on tlie shoulders of eight officers, and tlie soldiers
marched with, muskets reversed, and dragging their
colours in li»e dust.
Penth i!f {he. Shortly after, tlie new captain-general was wounded
new cHptaiu- j^j g^ skirmish with the natives, and died on the 2d
November. The vicar soon followed him, — " a loss,"
savs Figueroa, "such as the sins of these unfortuna!:e
pilgrims deserved ; it served as a stroke to tell them
tlu'y were displeasijig to God, when,, after so maJiy cor-
poreal aiHictions, he took from tlicm their spiritu:il

* I3uniey scenss to have been disposed to inolv only on the ilaik
siJo of ;MeH(lana\s cliaractcr; " His nicrit.s," it is ohservefl, "as a
navi,,;atvir, or as a couunaricier. liave not coiiti'il)iiti''d towards itni-
tieiinjj; liiin conspicuous; i.i/id it is remarked in liijueroa thai I'lis
death nuis htnwnled ONLV bi/ hig r(latio»s and his J'avoiirilet'."
— Cliron. Flist. Disoov., vcif ii. p, H'y2, Tliis cortaiaiv i-, not a iair
n'piesfiita<i(>ii of Fii.>;oonia''« statenunit, which T\\n-< tluis: — "'Tlie
'j^'oveiiioss and licr fiscMids \veii> nr.icli allVcted by iiis diatii, oihiT.s
\v(>re {;la(! cf it. Ji is fo ha .ytijijioscti titti^i; were liie u-u/t<t people
in the voin party ^ to whom his t/imdness gnve nffmca ; for it is
iinpossilile for one win? livp.s in dioad to love that, whicli occasion.s
his firar; and purtiiulavly wiicn tlic uictcd iiavo x\n- ^ood vojiul^e
oftla.il evil wo:!.-."' — .!i)a!ryn)i,'c, liiist. (Jo!L, \(1. i. p. 1,.0.

OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.

V i\

'<!

comfort." Continued misfortunes had now reduced the Cil\i». iif.
st.'ttlement to a state so helpless that twenty determined j|,(, co'o-iy
savages could have destroyed it without danger ; and a 'iindoneiU
the Donna Ysiibel, bereft of her husband and brother, and
discouraged by so many evils, resolved to abandon the
projected colony. Having accordingly embarked all the
settlers, and taken on board the corpse of the adehtntado,
the three vessels which now composed the fleet set sail
on the 18th of November, after a stay at Santa Cruz of
two months and eight days.

It was intended to seek the island of Sim Christoval ; !^;?")Thr^
" but," says Q,uiros, " when we continued on the course Carolines.
two days and saw nothing, on the petition of all the
people, wIjo spoke aloud, the governess commanded me
to take the route for the city of Manilla." In their
voyage thither, an island was discovered about thirty
leagues in circuit, and clothed with trees and herbage.
No name seems at that time to have been assigned to it,
and tliough its position is very imperfectly indicated, it
may be conjectured to be one of the Carolinesr* Two
of the vessels reached the Philippines after much priva-
tion ; the third was found stranded on the coast with
all her sails set, but her people were dead.t

Shortly after this disastrous expedition, the Spaniards Appearance
were filai'med by the appearance of a new foe in the |!,vds^)n'tiio"
occau which they hud ever regai'ded as their own. This SuuUi -Sci*
unexpected enemy was the Dutch, who, fired alike l)y
the hatred of the nation whi(;h had so long oppressed
them, and stimulated by hopes of gain, determined to
carry the hostilities, hitherto confined to the plains of
the Low Countries, far beyond the l>ounds of Europe,
nii'i to attack the possessions of their fvrmer tyrants in
India and the South Seas'.

* ll \.i lUiiH ||(»(|i'>'H I'V iM. t]p Fr.-^ycinet, apparently on (he an-
itiority (if 'if xi'iru : — " In Iftilf), (Jniroc, siiccesscur de Mendana, fit
la decouveitf dn I'ile Hopnleu, (jui d'almrd re iif des I'^spagnols le
nnni (Ic QiiiiO'-n, puis ocliii de Torrc'!, (1^10 ca[)itiiiii(> de rotte nation."
— VoyiiffP iiiitpur i\\\ IMonde. Ilistoriqiie, V>mi.' ii. p. 77*

f haliyiiiple, Hist, (loll., vol. i. j). 5U, note. ^

i : ;i!ll

,M!i

FllOM MAfJELLAN TO THE END

CHAP. III.

First Dutch
t*.\itedition.

I'
'I'

III June l/;f)B, five vessels left Holland for the pur-
pose of suilin^^ to the East Indies by the Straits of
Magellan, and crnising against the Spaniards on the
coasts of Chili and Peru. On the 6th of the following
April, they entered the Straits ; but in consequence of
some unforeseen difficulties, thoy were obliged to winter
in Green Bay, where they suffered much from cold and
want, many of the men dying of hunger. They had
also repeated conflicts with the natives, who are de-
scribed as being of formidable stature, with red bodies
and long hair, and animated with such implacable
hatred against the Dutch, that they tore from their
graves the bodies of some sailors, which they mangled
nisporsion of or altogether removed. On the 3d of September, the
tiiu >(iua- squadron reached the South Sea, but was soon dispersed
in a storm, and never again met. Sibald de Weert re-
passed the Straits, and after seeing some of the islands
discovered by Davis, and which now received the name
of Sibald de Weert, brought home to the Maes, in July
1600, the only ship that returned to Holland. Dirck
Gherritz, in the yacht comnianded by him, Avas driven
to 64° south latitude, where he got sight of land, sup-
posed to be the South Shetland Isles.* An English-
man, named William Adams, acted as chief pilot in the
squadron, and the vessel in which he sailed stood over
to the const of Japan, where they were detained, but
kindly treated. Adams built two ships for the emperor,
and became so great a favourite, that he granted him a
living " like unto a lordship in England, with eightie or
ninetie husbandmen " for servants ; but he failed to ob-
tain permission to return home, though he greatly desired
to " see his poore wife and children, according to con-
science and nature." t Finding that he could not pre-
vail for hi Hi self, he interceded for his companions, who,

William
,Ailams tlie
cliiel" pilot.

• This fiict sconis to liavo been little remarried, and does not af-
fect tlie merit of Captain Smith s discovery in 181M.

f " Wilham Adams, — his Voyaj^e by tlie Magellan Straits
to Jajian, written in two letters by himselfe." — Purchas, vol. "u
p. 12».

t^r^mm^mmm

lit'.

Its
u

III

OF THE 6IXTKEM1I CENTl'HV.

being allowed to depart, joined a Dutch fleet under chap. iif.

General Matelief. Their caT)tain was killed in an en- ... :~" ,

' Ills rtcatli Ht

gagenient with tlie Portuguese oIt Malacca, after which riiancio.
all trace of them is lost. News of the death of Adams,
at Firando in Japan, was brought to this country in
1C21.

Almost contemporaneously with this expedition, some Socnmi
Dutch merchants fitted out four ships under Olivier Van aitiou. " ""'
Noort, who sailed from Goree on the 13th September
1508, with objects similar to those contemplated by De
Weert. A voyage of a year and seven days l)r(»u,L',ht
them to I'ort Desire, where they careened their three
vessels, having previously burned one as unserviceable ;
and, according to Purchas, they took in this jdace pen-
guins to the number of " 50,000, being as bijzge as
geese, with cgges innumerable, which proved very re-
freshing to the diseased."* Some natives being ob-
served on the north shore, the general landed with
twenty men, and as the savages had disapjieared they
proceeded into the country. Five sailors left in charge
of the boats straggled to some distance ; upon which Connift
about thirty Patagonians, tall, fierce, tawny, and "paint- )|,',['i'^ J^^'
ed to the degree of terror," attacked them, murdered
three, and wounded another with an arrow. By the
time the general and his party returned, the assailants
had all lied, and none were again seen near the place.
After entering the Straits, the ships were appioached
from the south coast by a single man, who was pursued
and ineffectually fired at. A more convenient oppor-
tunity, as the Dutchmen conceived, for revenging the
death of their three comrades occurred at the smaller of Oonirrrroo
the Penguin Islands. As the boats nenred the land, "' •' "j^/I'f,
about forty natives, thinking; they came in search of the
birds which abound there, threw some from the top of a
cliff, made signs for them not to land, and discharged
arrows when these intinifitions were disregarded. Tbo
Hollanders were not slow to retaliate with musketry :

* Purchas, vol. i. p. T^

FROM MAGELLAN TO THE END

Sill 11" liter of
thu uativcd.

i ^\

iiiiiiatioii.

! ;;

iiii'iMli

It i

CIIaP. tit. which soon drove the savages from the rock. They
again rallied, however, on the side of a hill at the mouth
of a cavern, and fought with the utmost determination
until the destructive fire of the Dutch left not one man
alive. In the interior of the grotto were found huddled
together the women and children ; mothers had placed
their own bodies as a protection before their offspring,
and many of both were wounded. The invaders com-
mitted no farther outrage, except carrying off four boys

Cinci extcr- and two girls. One of the former having been taught
to speak Dutch, afterwards informed his captors that
they had exterminated the males of a whole tribe, — a
deed which, as it is related without any expressions of
regret or pity, was probably never regarded by the per-
petrators as being in the least more atrocious than if
they had cut down so many trees for the use of their
squadron. Sibald de Weert's ship was seen in the
Straits, and that commander made a request to be sup-
plied with some biscuit ; but his countryman coolly
answered, that he had no more than was sufficient for
his own use, and if he should exhaust his stores, this
was not a part of the world where bread could be pur-
chased.

Along the west coast of South America some prizes
of little consequence were made, and when near the
equator they stood across towards the Philippines. At
Guahan, in the Ladrones, about 200 canoes came off
to barter, the people in them shouting, " Hierro, hierro ! "
(iron, iron!) aud in their eagerness oversetting each
other's boats, — a catastrophe which occasioned much
confusion, but no loss of life, as they were all expert
swimmers. The Dutch did not find them honourable
in their transactions, as they covered baskets of shells
with a thin layer of rice at top, and if they had an op-
portunity, pulled a sword from the scabbard, and leap-
ing into the sea, eluded, by diving, the bullets of the
enraged owners. The women were no less expert in
such exere. than the men, as was ascertained by
dropping bit^ iron, Avhich they fetched up fiom the

Visit t" the
riiiliiipiiics.

Tl'oft o- tho

IllltlVUfi.

OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTl'RV.

«7

bottom. Thence Van Noort proceeded in a leisurely chap, in
manner, capturing trading vessels, burning villages, and captures and
carrying off provisions as occasion served. His force spoliation.
was now reduced to two ships, the Mauritius and Een-
dracht. He learnt from some Chinese that the capital
of the Spanish settlements was well fortified, and the
harljour sufficiently protected. He therefore anchored
off the entrance of the bay to intercept the craft bound
thither. After some tiuic, tlie colonists sailed out
to attack them ; when their admiral, Do Morga, con-
fident in a large superiority of numbers, ran directly
aboard of the Mauritius, and, getting possession of the
deck, pulled down the flag. The Hollanders, however, Fiffhtwith
continued to fight, though in a skulking manner, when iiiaVu':i!
Van Noort, tired of this tedious and ineffectual warfare,
lold his men, that if they did not come out and en-
counter the enemy more vigorously, he would set fire
to the magazine and blow up the ship. They did so
accordingly, and drove the Spaniards back into their
own vessel, which, having been damaged in boarding,
soon after went down. Most of the seamen were
saved by the country-boats ; but numbers also were
shot, knocked on the head, or killed with pikes by the
Dutch, who refused quarter. The Eendracht, seeing
the colours of the Mauritius lowered, and thinking
the captain-general had surrendered, took to flight,
but was pursued and captured ; upon which the pri-
soners being conveyed to Manilla, were immediately
executed as pirates. Without any farther adventure npttim lo
of consequence, and having added nothing to the know- ^ '^" "
ledge of the South Sea, Van Noort brought his ship to
anchor before the city of Amsterdam on the 20th of
August lf)01.

This was the first circumnavigation performed by the
Dutch, and was remarkable for the rigour with which
discipline was enforced. In many of the Spanish ex-
peditions mutinies broke out which could not be sub-
dued without the sacrifice of several lives ; but here,
although a spirit of insubordination was repeatedly

(i I

rfn

FllOM MAGELLAN TO THE END

]{i)^oi'ous

severity of
clLci])liiit'.

Siimmnry of
ry,

CifAP. III. displayed, it seems to liave bicn uniformly checked
1)i'fore spnading to any considerable extent. Indi-
viduals who had been found guilty were put ashore at
various points ; and, among others, the second in com-
mand was left in Patagonia with a little bread and
wine. Every thing of this nature was done with the
sanction of a council of war,* whose sentences were
occasionally marked by no little severity : in one case
they caused a seaman's hand to be pinned to the mast
with a knife, where ho was condemned to remain till
he could release himself by slitting it open. This
cruel punishment was formerly usual in cases where
an assault had been committed upon the pilot or com-
mander.

The voyage of Van Noort closes the long list of enter-

!;f uibcovery! P^'i^^'^ made in the sixteenth century ; and, before
passing on to the events of the seventeenth, it may not
be improper briefly to glance at the progress of discovery
among the islands and along the coasts of the South Sea
since the iime when Vasco Nunez, from the mountain-
peak of iJarien, beheld "below him extended a vast
chaos of rock and forest, and green savannas and wander-
ing streams, while at a distance the waters of the promised
ocean glittered in the morning sun." +

* Bnrnoy (Cliron, Hist. Discov., vol, ii. p. 209) sajs, it does not
appear who composed this tribunal ; but the original account of the
voyaj|;e mentions that the "council of war" jrave a judgment which
it also attributes to the " j^enoral and his officers." This makes
it sufficiently plain of whom the council in a Dutch fleet consisted ;
and further, one of the letters of William Adams states, that all
the pilots in the squadron expressed in the council an opinion which
so displeased the captains that they excluded them for the future
from their deliberations. — Purchas, vol. i. p. 129.

•j- Voyajies of the Companions of Culnmbus, p. 173. Wasliihff-
ton Trvin;^' has described this evi«t, "one of the most beautiful and
strikiu';' incidents in the history of the New World," with even
more than his usual eleirance. It is in itself so picturesque as to !)e
liarely susceptible of farther embellisliment from poetry, thoujrh
]Mr Irving considers that the fate of Nunez "nii^ht furnish a theme
of wonderful interest for a noem or a drama." His great dis-
covery has been happily alluded to in a beautiful sonnet by a
jounfT poet, who, however, has confounded him with the conqueror
of JNlcjcico : —

111

ill

OF Tlin SIXTF-KNTII CKNTURY.

Islands dia-
covcred.

The continent of Ainerici, constituting the western chap. hi.
boundary of this vast ocean, had already l)cen explor- jrxtcnTof
cd from tlic white clill':i of New Albion, in 48° nurtli iimi ix-
latitude, to Cape Pilaris on Tierra del Fuego, in 64° '''°''-'*^
south. Some imperfect kuowlodge had been obtained
of lands even still farther south : Drake had seen the
promontory which afterwards received the dreaded name
of Cape Horn, and the Dutch bad descried tlie bleak
islands now called New South Shetland. Magellan had
laid open the strait which bears his name, and was
then looked on os the only entrance from the Atlantic
into the South Sea. Along the coast had been dis-
covered several islands, the principal of which were
Chiloe, Mocha, Mas-afuera, Juan Fernandez, San Felix,
San Amber or Anibrosio, Lobos, Los Galapagos, Cocos,
San Tomas, and the Pearl Islands. The eastern bound-
ary of the South Sea was less accurately known. Yet
on that side the Japan Islands, Formosa, the Phi-
lij)l)ines or Archipelago of St Lazarus, Borneo, the
Moluccas, Papua or New Guinea, had all been more or
less minutely examined, and might be held to define
with sufficient accuracy the eastern limits of the Pacific,
from the latitude of 40° north to that of 10° on tho
ojiposite side of the equator. Southward of this all was
luiknown and unexplored ; and the geographers of the
period, bold in their ignorance, delineated the capes, the
gulfs, the promontories, bays, islands, and coast of a ^"'"!''""''>'
great continent extending from the vicinity of
Guinea to the neighbourhood of Tierra del Fuego, under
the name of Terra Australis nondum cognita. Of
the innumerable clusters of islands with which the
South Sea is studded, very few had been at this time
discovered. Las Desventuradas, the Ladronos or Ma-

si.utheni
New coutiuenr.

" Then felt I like some watcher of the skies
When a new planet swims int<» his ken..
Or like stout Cottez, when witli esif^le eyes
He stared at the Pacific, and all his men
Looked at each otiier witii a wild surmise,
Silent, upon a peak in Darien."

-
1 1

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

*^^

1.0

I.I

12.8

m m

•»». I£

u U4

£ kS, 12.0

11:25 HI 1.4

I'
i

1.6

Photographic

Sciences

Corporation

7 ; WiST MAIN STRUT

WHSTIR.N.Y. 145M

(716) 872-4503

•SJ

fl '

FROM MAGELLAN, Ace.

CHAP. in. nans, the Sequeira or Pelew, and several others of the
Carolines ; the islands of San Bernardo, Las Marquesas,
Solitaria, the Solomons, Santa Cruz, and a few smaller
groups, were all that were known of those countries and
islands, the extent and number of which have at length
claimed for them the rank of a fifth division of the
globe.

During this period the earth had been sailed round
four times. Of these circumnavigations, the first was
effected by Spaniards under a Portuguese commander ;
the second and the third by the English^ and tho
fourth by the Dutch.

Islands di!>-
covered in
the South
Sea.

CircnmnaTl
gallons of
the globe.

Ill

•-*:gt*-:jt.-: " 'wMw

[er
nd
th
lie

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS AND DISCOVERIES, Stc 91

ad
as

CHAPTER IV.

Circumnavigations and Discoveries of the Seventeenth

Century.

Voyage of Quiros — La Sanitaria — Australia del Espiritu Santo —
Luis Vaez de Torres discovers the Strait between New Holland
and New Guinea — Circumnavigation of Spilbergen — Of Schouten
and Le Maire — Discovery of Staten Land and Cape Horn —
CocoH, Grood Hope, and Horn Islands — New Ireland — Expedition
of the Nodals— Discove yof New Holland by Dirck Hatichs — Cir-
cumnavigaiion of the Nassau Fleet — Voyage of Tasman — Dis-
covery of Van Diemen's Land, of New Zealand, and the Friendly
Islands — Voyages of Hendrick Brower and La RiKhe — Expedi-
tions of the Buccaneers — Discovery of Davis* or Easter Island —
Voyage of Strong, and Discovery of Falkland Sound — Retrospect.

There had long been an abatement in the ardour of chap. IV.
that passion for adventure which formerly inflamed the causeTof
hearts of the Spanish nation, afforded to her chivalrous abatement of
youth so many harvests of gain, and extended her for adveil-
sceptre over regions of great extent, wealth, and beauty. *'*''*•
Avarice had become sated with the gold already obtained, -
or, chilled by the frequent disappointment of its eager
hoprs, had become suspicious and distrustful of future
promises. Enthusiapm had been quenched by the mis-
fortunes of those wh(>8e beginning had been the most
prosperous and seemed most certain of success. Reli-
gious zeal had found, in the lands already explored,
ampler bounds than it could occupy. National policy memsTif
required rather the permanent security and improve- policy.
ment of conquered countries, than a search after new
regions. There had even arisen a superstitious feeling
against the discovery of the South Sea, as if it had been

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS AND DISCOVERIES

CHAP. IV.

Sup rititious

tcui&

Pi'ilro Tor-
ii uidez do
(^uiros.

Arpuments
for tlie exist-
ence of a
fi'Mitliern
coutiutiut.

an impious intrusion into the secrets of nature. The
untimely fate of all who had been principally concerned
ir. this great event was now recollected. It was told,
that Vasco Nunez had been beheaded, — that Magellan
had fallen by the hands of the infidels, — that his com-
panion, the astrologer Ruy Falero, had died raving mad,
— ^and that the seaman De Lepe, who had first descried
the Strait from the topmast,, had abandoned Christ to
follow Mohammed. But the spirit which had glowed
so long was not wholly dead, and we have yet to record
the actions of one of the most distinguished navigators
whom Spain has produced.

Undaunted by the hardships and ill success of the
last voyage of Alvaro de Mendana, the pilot, Pedro
Fernandez de Quiros, returned to Peru, eager to engage
in fresh adventures, and, as one of his memorials
expresses it, " to plough up the waters of the unknown
sea, and to seek out the undiscovered lands around the
antarctic pole — the centre of that horizon."* Arguing
upon grounds which were received by many, even down
to our own day, he asserted the existence of a vast
southern continent, or at least of a mass of islands, the
antipodes of the greater part of Europe, Africa, and
Asia. The viceroy, to whom he detailed his views,
heartily approved of the project ; but the limits of his
authority hindered him from furnishing means for its
execution, and he therefore sent him to Spain with
letters of recommendation to the king and his ministers.
These were successful. Quiros left the court " with the
most honourable schedules which had ever passed tho

• Dalrymple, Hist. Coll., vol. i. p. 98. The chief authorities for
the voyage of Quiros are his own memorials (which are inserted in
Dalrymple, vol. i. p. 145-174; and in Purchas, vol. iv. p, 1427),
together with the relations of Fi^iieroa and Torqnemada (Monar-
chia Indiana, Seville, Uil5, and Madrid, 1723), botii translated by
Dalrymple, vol. i. p. 95-144. In Burney's Citron. Hist. Discov.,
vol. li. p. 467-478, Appendix, No. i. was printed, for the first
timet the " Relation of Luis Vaer. de Torres, concerning' the discov-
eries of Qiiiros as his almirante. Dated Manilla, I2th July 16(>7;"
translated by Mr Dalrymple from a Spanish M S. in his possession.

^ Z^^^J^SVtl^^^^^^-

<4MBBaMMMa

OP THR SEVKNTEENTIl CENTURY.

council of state," and arriving at Lima and " throwing chap, iv
into oblivion all that he had endured for eleven years i>..„J~ir*

... 1 • « ji, t 1 Preparations

.n the pursuit of so important an object, * he began to for new dis-
prepare for his long-cherished enterprise. covery.

Having built two vessels and a zabra (a kind of vessels pro-
launch), the strongest and the best armed, says Torque- viifiti for tim
mada, of any that had been seen on either sea, on *^^^^
tho 2ist of December 1605, he set sail from the
port of Callao, having under him, as second in
command, Luis Vaez de Torres.+ Six Grey or Fran-
ciscan Friars accompanied the expedition ; and, in con-
formity with their wonted respect for religion, guns
were ^red on the 25th during the day, and the ships
were illuminated during the night, in honour of the
solemn festival of the Nativity. On reaching the lati-
tude of 26° south, Quiros considered it proper to pursue
a more northerly track, in oppos a to the advice of
Torres, who thought that by advancing to SO" south
there was greater probability of finding the desired
continent. On the 26th of January 1606, between the First di-w
parallels of 24** and 25'' south latitude, and 1000 leagues [^^J^ "'
west from Peru, land was seen. It was a low flat
island, with a sandy surface, here and there diversified
by a few trees, though apparently without inhabitants,
and it received the name of La Encarnacion. Three
days after another island was discovered ; it was " plain
and even a-top,*' might contain about twelve leagues,
and was called San Juan Bautista.J From this Quiros
sailed in a north-westerly direction, and on the 4th of
February saw an island or group of islands, encircled by

• Torqnemada. Dalrymple, Hist. Coll., vol. i. p. 104.

•f" Cook, in the introdnrtion to his second voy.nge, falls into tlie
siniriilar mistake of representinfr Torres as commander of t!»e expe-
dition, and Quiros oniy as pilot. Vovau:e towards the South P'>l'
:ind round the World, in the Years 1772-1775. 3d edition. London,
177y> — Gen. Introd. p. xii.

:}: It may be proper here to state, that the memorial of Torres
has preserved a totally different nomenclature of the lands from
that given by Quiros, and that for obvious reasons we hare adopteil
the names bestowed by the latter.

mL LJ.-

fSBm^^mm

■NPV

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS AND DISCOVERIES

CHAP. IV.

Group of
Islands dis-
covered.

La Dcccna.

Appearance
of the
nutives.

\§'\

Reception
of the
voyagerSi

a reef and having a lagoon in the cencre. This land,
which was ahout thirty leagues in circuit, received the
name of Santelmo. The next day four other islands
were seen ; they were barren and uninhabited, and
resembled in all respects those previously discovered.
They were called Los Quatros Coronadas ; and two of a
similar character, observed in the vicinity, were named
San Miguel Archangel and Conversion de San Pablo.

On the 9th of February an island was seen in the
north-east, and, from the circumstance of being the tenth
which had met their eyes, received the appellation of
La Decena. It appeared to be like those previously in-
spected, and the ships passed on. The next day a sailor
on the topmast gave the cry of " Land a-head ! " to the
great joy of all on board. " It was," says Torres, " a
low island, with a point to the south-east which was
covered with palm-trees ;" * and the columns of smoke
which rose from different parts showed that it was in-
habited. The zabra was directed to search for an an-
chorage, and having found it in ten fathoms the boats
were sent to effect a landing. About 100 Indians were
seen upon the beach making signs of joy ; but so great
was the surf which broke upon the rocks, that the
crews, with heavy hearts, abandoned their intention of
landing and resolved to row back to the ships. " They
were thus returning quite disconsolate," says Torque-
mada, " when a brave-spirited young man, Francisco
Ponce, a native of Triana, slighting the danger, got up,
saying, that if they should thus turn their faces from
the first perils which their fate presented, what hope
could there be of success in the event V* and with this
threw himself into the sea and swam ashore. The
islanders welcomed him with much apparent affection,
frequently kissing his forehead, and encouraged by the
example now set them, some others leapt into the sea
and swam to land. The natives were in colour mulat-
toes, well limbed, and of good carriage ; they were

* Burncy, Cliron. Hist. Discov., vol. ii. p. 408.

OP THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.

raked, and armed, some with la ces of thick wood, burnt
nt the ends and about twenty-seven palms in len^j^th,
some with swords of the wood of the palm-tree, and not
a few with great clubs. They lived in thatched houses,
situated by the margin of the sea among groves of palms.
A person who appeared to be a chief had on his head
a kind of crown made of small black feathers, but so
fine and soft that they looked like silk. In one of the
woods was discovered what seemed to be an altar,
rudely formed of stones ; and " our people," says the
Spanish chronicler, *' solicitous where the Prince of
Darkness had dwelt to place the royal standard whereby
the Prince of Light gave life to us, with Christian zeal
cut down a tree with their knives, which they formed
into a cross and fixed in the middle of the place."* The
island was found to be divided by a narrow isthmus
which was overflowed at high water ; its latitude was
between 17" 40' and 18° 30' south, and its longitude, as
computed from the different accounts, has been fixed by
Barney at 147° 2' west from Greenwich, t This dis-
covery was named La Sagitaria, and ha-, by the most
eminent geographers, been generally considei'ed as iden-
tical with Otaheite. This opinion has been founded on
the coincidence of position, on the similarity of the
iUhmus, on the resemblance in extent and form, and,
above all, on the circumstance that no other island,
widely as the Pacific has now been searched, is known
to which the description will at all apply. But it must
not be concealed that there are many and material ob-
jections to this theory. Torres expressly describes it as
a " low island," — a remark which is quite irreconcilable
with the mountain-peaks of Otaheite ; and even the account
of the isthmus, in so far as regards its being overflowed
at high water, does not agree. The other discrepancies
are, that the shores of Sagitaria afforded no anchorage,
and that its smaller peninsula must have been at least

CHAP. IV.

Arms and
(IwellinKS of
the Islanders.

Cliristian
zeal of the
voyagers.

Supposed to
be Otaheite.

Discrepan-
cies now ob-
servable.

• Torqiiemada. Dalrymple, Hist. Coll., vol. i. p. 113.
f Chron. Hist. Discuv., vol. ii. p. 2U2.

CIUCUMNAVIOAllUNO AM> DISC'OVERIKS

CHAP. IV.

LHter con-
clusions.

VoynRc
I'eiiunicd.

J'li iny
niiiong the
bcuiuen.

N' w Itind
discovered.

1 ;;

eight Spanish leagues in extent, — facts which ore alto-
gether inapplicable to Otaheite. * Little weight, how-
ever, has been given to these remarljs, and the identity
of the two islands is now generally admitted ; though,
when all circumstances are considered, doubts may still
be entertained as to the soundness of the conclusion.

On the 12th of February, Quiros resumed hb voyage,
and, while yet in sight of La Sagitaria, saw a very low
island, which he named La Fugitiva. On the 21st, an-
other discovery was made of a plain and uninhabited
spot, which was called El Perogrino. About this time
a mutiny broke out on board his ship, headed by the
chief pilot ; it being the intention of the disaffected to
make themselves masters of the vessel and sail in a
direct course to the Philippines. The only punishment
which Quiros inflicted, was to send the pilot as a pri-
soner on board the vessel commanded by Torres. On
the 2d of March, a level island was seen to the west-
ward ; and on a nearer approach it was found to be
inhabited. The intercourse with the natives was unfor-
tunately hostile, and much blood was shed ; but the
beauty of their forms so struck the Spaniards, that they
gave them the appellation of La Gente Hermosa. There
is reason to believe that this is the same with the San
Bernardo of Mendana.

Quiros continued to sail westward in the parallel of
10° south upwards of thirty days. Towards the end of
that period frequent signs of land were observed, and on
the afternoon of the 7th of April a high and black coast
was discovered. They failed to reach it, however, be-
fore the 9th, when it was found to be inhabited : many
houses were descried on the beach and among the
woods ; and on a small islet, which had been converted
into a rude fort, were about seventy dwellings. This
island-fortress was taken possession of by the Spaniards

* Wales' Remarks on Mr Foster's Account of Captain Cook's
Last Voyaire round the World io the Years 1772-1775. London,
1778. Pp. 24,25,26.

OP THE SKVENTEENTH CENTURY.

without opposition, — the vicinity of Santa Cruz, and a
knowledge of Mendana*8 transactions there, having
taught the savages the fatal efficacy of fire-arms. The
appellation of this country was Taumaco, and its inhab-
itants were apparently of diflFerent races, — some having
a light copper-colour, with long hair, — others resem-
bling mulattoes, — while a third class had the black skin
and frizzled hair of the Oceanic negro. Their arms
were bows and arrows, and they had large sailing
canoes. From the chief, whose name was Tumay,
Quiros obtained information of upwards of sixty islands,
and, among others, of a large country called Manicolo.
He determined to sail in quest of these, and on the 19th
quitted Taumaco ; and, changing his course to the
southward, reached an island, which in appearance nnd
in inhabitants resembled the one he had just left, and
was by the natives denominated Tucopia. The voy-
agers still proceeded southward till they passed the lati-
tude of 14', at which point they pureued a westerly
direction ; and after one day's sailing, discovered a vol-
cano surrounded by land, about three leagues in circuit,
well wooded, and inhabited by black people with large
beards. When near this island, which was named
Nuestra Senori de la Luz, land was perceived to the
westward ; while in the south, and " towards the S.E."
was seen " other land still larger, which seemed to have
no end, and was full of great mountains." After some
deliberation it was resolved to make for the island in
the west, which received the name of Santa Maria ; but,
after touching there, Quiros determined to steer towards
the high regions that lay to the south. On the 2d of May,
he moved the vessels into a large bay, and, believing
that he had at length discovered the great southern con-
tinent, gave it the name of Australia del Espiritu
Santo.

The bay, in honour of the festival on which they
had entered it, was named San Felipe y Santiago ;
while a port far within, where they anchored, was called
La Vera Cruz. This hai'bour, which could have con-

CHAP IV.

Appearancu
01 the
imtiveH.

Information
obt.iined of
oUier Islands

Snpposed
discovery of
the Southuni
contiuunt.

CIRCUMNAViaATIONS AND DISCOVERIES

CHAP. IV tttined above a thousand ships, was situated between
iiHibtTuT aud *^^o streams, one of which was named Jordan and the
iivuis. other Salvador. Of these rivers one was equal in size

to the Guadalquivir at Seville. " The strands of this
bay," says Torquemada, " are broad, long, and clear ;
the sea is here still and pleasant, for although the winds
blow strong, within the bay the water Is scarce moved.
There are in all parts in front of the sea pleasant and
agreeable groves, extending to the sides of many moun-
tains which were in sight ; and also from the top of one,
to which our people climbed, were perceived at a distance
extremely feiiile valleys, plain and beautiful ; and
various rivers winding amongst the green mountains.
lT!«h esHma- f j^g whole is a country which, without doubt, has the
uuw laud, advantage over those of America, and the best of the
European will be well if it is equal." * — " From the
breaking of the dawn," says Quiros, " is heard through
all the neighbouring wood a very great harmony of
thousands of different birds, some to appearance night-
ingales, blackbirds, larks, and goldfinches, and infinite
numbers of swallows, and besides them many other
kinds of birds, even the chirping of grasshoppers and
crickets. Every morning and evening were 'enjoyed
sweet scents wafted from all kinds of flowers, amongst
them that of oiange-flowera and sweet basil." t As
the boats rowed towards this second Eden, the isl-
anders crowded to the beach, and endeavoured, by
friendly signs, to prevent their landing. The Spaniards,
however, leapt on shore ; upon which a native chief
drew a line on the ground with his bow, and made
signs that the strangers should not pass beyond it.
But Luis Yaez de Torres, thinking this would appear
cowardly, stept across the boundary, and strife instantly
ensued. A flight of arrows, on the one side, was re-
sponded to by a discharge of musketry on the other,
which killed the chief and several of his followers.

• Torquemada. Dalrymple, Hist. Coll., vol. i. p. 137.
+ " Relation of a Memorial presented by Captain Pedro Fernan-
dez de Quiros." Dalrymple, Hist Coll., vol. i. p. 170.

Collision
with the
nutivea.

OP THE SEVENTEENXn CENTURY.

From this time all peace was at an end ; the savages re- ciiAP. iv.
jected every offer of conciliation, and by sudden ambus. y^,,a,Jdon-
cado and open attack sought revenge for the blood of mcnt of the
their leader. This ceaseless enmity, and the failure of *="'*"*'T^-
provisions, determined Quires to quit the place before
a month had elapsed. He had, however, previously
taken possession of the country in the name of the
king, and founded a city under the title of La Nueva
Jcrusalen. The natives are described as black, cor-
pulent, and strong. Their houses are built of wood and
thatched, and they have plantations enclosed with pali-
sades. They are possessed of musical instruments re-
sembling the flute and drum ; they manufacture some
sort of earthen vessels, and build large canoes adapted to
long voyages.

In endeavouring to quit the harbour of San Felipe y Departiive
Santiago, much stormy /eather w^iis encountered, and *"'" ^^""•'''co.
for some reasons, which cannot now be nscci'tained,
Quiros parted company with his consort. After a vain
search for the island of Santa Cruz, he agreed, in com-
pliance with the opinion of his officers, to sail for Mexico^
where he arrived in the middle of October.

Still thirsting after discovery and adventure, he once' Return to
more repaired to the court of Spain, and continued Spain.
there several years, beseeching the throne for assistance
to pursue the starch of new lands. So great was his
importunity that he is said to have presented no fewer
than fifty memorials. One of these, after discussing
in glowing language the beauty and fertility of the
Australia, thus concludes:— "Acquire, sire, since you Enffemess if
can, acquire heaven, eteraal fame, and that new world lincwed '
with all its promises. And since there is none who ^^venture
solicits of your majesty the rewards for the glad tidings
of so groat and signal a blessing of God, reserved for
your happy time, I, sire, supplicate them, and as such
my despatch, for the galleons are ready, and I have
many places to go to, and much to provide and to do.
If Christoval Colon's conjectures did make him perti-
nacious, what I have seen, what I have felt, and what I

CHAP. IV
Dentil of

Qui 108.

rrocccding
ol Torres. *

Position
occupied by
the Dutch.

Reconcile-
ment and
union of
Simin and
Foitu»;aL

! i

100

CIUCUMNAVIOATION8 AND DISCOVERIES

oflfer, mu8t niuko me so importunate." * The solicita^
tions of Quiros were at last crowned with success, and
in 1614 he set out on his way to Lima, in order to
arrange another expedition. But this gratification he
was doomed never to enjoy ; he died, while on his
journey, at Panama.

We now return to Torres, who, during two weeks
after the departure of Quiros, remained in the Bay of San
Felipe y C^aniingo. On leaving this he sailed along the
west side of the Australia del Espiritu Santo, which he
found to be well watered and possessed of many ports.
He also ascertained that it was no continent, but an
island. He continued to steer to the south-westward,
till he reached the 21° of south latitude, when he
changed his course to the north-east, and in 11 J° en-
countered what he believed to be the eastern extremity
of New Guinea. Being unable to weather this point,
he directed his course to the westward, along the southern
coasts, and having sailed through the strait between New
Holland and New Guinea, which he was the first to
penetrate, arrived at Manilla in May 1607.

Holland was now rising fast in the scale of maritime
importance, and gradually assuming that station which
the Spaniards had so long occupied. Following the
example first set by the English, the Dutch had already
sent two fleets into the South Sea, as is related iu the
preceding chapter ; and, in pursuing the course of the
narrative, we now reach a period at which they hold the
most distinguished place in the history of navigation
and discovery. The cession of the Moluccas by Spain
to Portugal put an end for some time to the disputes
between these powers in the Pacific, and the union
of the two crowns in 1681 prevented any renewal of
the contests. The islands themselves, however, never
wholly submitted to the dominion of either of those
masters ; and when the Dutch, in 1599, first visited
Ternate, they found encouragement to establbh a fac-

* Oalrymple, Hist Coll., vol. i. pp. 173, 174.

OP THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.

101

tory ; where, from that time, they steadily pursued chap. iv.
pinns for securing an exchisive trade. Their East India » .7^ »
Company (established in 1602) fitted out six vessels, imiia cum-
which, under George Spilbcrgen, sailed from the Texel ^""y-
on the 8th of Augnst 1614, destined to penetrate through
the Straits of Magellan to the South Sea, there to cruise
against the Spaniards, and to strengthen the power of
their countrymen in the Spice Islands. They were
furnished equally for war or for trade ; and so ably
was the expedition conducted, that the five largest
vessels reached the Moluccas in safety, after defeating
Roderigo de Mendoza with . ; greatly superior force near
the American coast. The Peruvian admiral had boasted Vain bonst
that he would make prisoners or slay the whole of his I'emvinn
enemies : — " Two of my ships," he said, " would take admiral.
all England ; how much more those Hens of Holland,
after so long a journey has spent and wasted them ! " *
In the encounter, the Low Country warriors betrayed
nothing of the spirit of the fowl to which they were insult-
ingly compared ; but the arrogant governor did not sur-
vive to encounter the ridicule which he had justly
merited, for his vessel, aficr escaping from the conflict,
went down at sea. It was not to be expected that a
Dutchman, whose orders were to employ himself in
fighting and traffic, should deviate from the accustomed thTvoytue.
track in search of new lands, or spend much time in
investigating the character and manners of the people ;
his voyage accordingly presents nothing that is now in-
teresting in either of these respects, though the survey
of the Straits of Magellan and of Manilla furnished to
mariners better charts of these channels than any before
executed. On the 29th March 1616, Spilbcrgen arrived
at the Moluccas, and till the end of the year continued
occupied with the affairs of his employers. He seems
then CO have left his own vessels, and, coming home in
command of the Amsterdam and Zealand, arrived on the
1st July 1617.

* Purchas, vol. i. p. 81.

»«^»--»»*fc

. ■■ ■■»^fjffU!f muLji

CHAr. IV.

Exclusive
charter of th
Dutch East
India com-
pany.

Southern
ciimpany
funned.

Ti'ie gold

102 CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS AND DISCOVEltlES

By the charter of the Dutch East India Company,
no other merchants were allowed to pass round the
Cape of Good Hope or through the Straits of Magellan
to the Moluccas, — a prohibition supposed to be sufficient
to secure to that body an exclusive trade in the spices.
Many English pilots were, however, about this time in
the service of the United Provinces ; and by their
means, it is probable, was the fact made known, that
Drake had discovered an open sea to the south of Tierra
del Fuego. Accordingly, about the year 1613, some
merchants, proceeding on this ground, imagined that a
new passage might be found to India, and that they
might thus acquire a right to participate in the gainful
traffic to these regions. An expedition was accordingly
planned, chiefly, as appears, by Isaac le Maire, a wealthy
citizen of Amsterdam, and by William Schouten, a
native of Hoom, and an experienced mariner. Their
object was not openly avowed : they obtained from the
States-general the privilege of making the first four
voyages to the places which they miglit discover, and
formed themselves into an association under the name
of the Southern Company ; but as the destination of
the vessels was not disclosed to the seamen, who were
engaged to sail whithersoever their commanders chose,
the other merchants were displeased because they could
nat penetrate the designs of their neighbours, and those
w^ho engaged in the enterprise were derisively denomi-
nated Gold Seekers.*

* It Is proper to observe, that the details of the voj'age of
r-houten and Le Maire are in many instances involved in doubt.
Two accounts oftiieir voyajye were published slmrtly after its com-
pletion, written bv the respective friends of the two navigators, and
the discrepancies between these narratives, though they do not affect
the more important events of the voyage, involve the minuter details
in much perplexity. There is sometimes a difference between th' i-
reckonings of from twenty-five to forty-five minutes of latitudt ;
they vary in their dates to the extent of eight or nine days ; and
even while thej^ agree as to the substance of events, they differ as to
the order of their occiii rence. In the ff>llowing account, we have en-
deavoured to reconcile their conflicting statements so far as possible ;
»nd where that was not practicable, have generally given preference

OF THE SEVENTKEMll CENTURY.

103

Schouten, accompanied by Jacob le Maire, tbe son chap. iv.
of Isaac, in the capacity of supercargo, sailed from the _ ... — .
Texel on the 14th of June 161^, with two ships, the somhcm
Eendracht and Hoorn. It was not till the 26th ot^^P*'*'"""-
October, after they had crossed the line, that the crews
w^ei"e informed of the intentions of their leaders ; and
when told that they were steering by a new passage to
the south of the Straits of Magellan, for the " Terra
Australis" (probably the Australia del E^piritu Santo
of Quiros), some of them, that they might not forget
the name, wrote it in their caps with chalk. The ships
were conducted into Port Desire, where, during the Disaster nt
process of careening, the Hoorn was accidentally burnt.
On shore were found multitudes of birds like lapwings.
A man, standing in one spot, could with his hands
reach fifty-four nests, each containing three or four
eggs. Thousands of these were carried on board and

Port Desire.

to the authority of the first-published account, the Journal of the
Voyage of IViHiam Schouten., which ap[>earcd at Amsterdam in
1617, in the Dutch and French langna^es, hearing in the latter the
title of "Journal ou Description du Aleiveilleux Voyag« de Guil-
laume Schouten." It was translated into Latin by De Bry in 1619,
and an English tran.xlation appeared at London in the fame }'ear,
and afterwards in Purchas, vol. i. p. 88-107. The second narra-
tive of the voyage was printed at Amsterdam in 1G22, under the
title of "Journal et Miroir de la Navigation Australe de Jacques
Le Maire, Chef et Conducteur de deu.\ Navires." In addition to
these have appeared various other relations, to which it is not ne-
cessary to advert, as they are of no authority, and contain nothing
but what will he found in the two original uuthorities. But one ex-
ception must be made from this judgment,— the "Navigation Aus-
trale par Jac. le Maire et par W. Corn. Schouten," said to be
compiled from the Journal of Adrian Claesz, and published in the
" Recueil des Voyages a I'Ftablissement de la Comp. des Indes
Orient " Translations of the Journals of Schouten and of Le M aire,
andof parts of that attributed to Claesz, are inserted in Dalrymple's
Hist. Coll., vol ii. p 1-64. An able and critical narrative will be
found in Burney's valuable work. This author, though he seems fre-
quently to have preferred the account given by the friends of Le
Maire, states with much candour tiiat "on comparison, the fact
appears that the greater portion of the Nuvigution Au.\trule de Lt
Maire is taken I'rom the Journal du Merveillevx Voyage de fV.
Schouten, and that, the editor has endeavoured to disguise the
plagiarism by verbal alterations." — Chron Hist. DiscoV , vol. ii.
p. MO.

- : • v^Ti ;y,-. vviy « j- . 'v:aifc7sa ia_-g aw«Mt.-& »ic— i

CMAP. IV.

Game and
provi8ion&

Sepnlchral
piles of
Btoneik

1C4 CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS AND DISCOVERIES

used as food, to the no small saving, doubtless, of the
five cheeses, and other provisions, which had been ap-
portioned to each sailor for the voyage.* On the main-
land some pools of fresh water were found, by following
the direction in which certain animals with long necks,
supposed to be harts, but probably horses, were ob-
served daily to repair for the purpose, as was rightly
conjectured, of drinking. On the summits of hills and
on elevated rocks were observed piles of stones, which
some of the people had the curiosity to remove ; and
beneath, without any pit being dug, were found human
skeletons, several of which, it is alleged, measured ten
or eleven feet in length, and " the skulls,*' it is said
in the description which accompanies the plates inserted
in the " Journal du Merveilleux Voyage de Schouten,"
" we could put on our heads in the manner of helmets."
On the 13th of January 1616, the Eendracht left
Port Desire,+ and stood to the southward. On the 18th

* " It was ordered tliat every man should have a can of beere a
day, fuure pound of bisket, and half'e a pound of butter (besides
sweet suet^ a weeke, and five cheeses for the wliole voyajfe.' — Pur-
olias, vol. 1. p. Uil.

f When Sir John Narboroiigh lay at Port Desire in 1670, he
discovered a relic of the visit of Schouten and Le Maire. " One of
my men," he writes, "found a piece of sheet lead, which had tlsis
inscription engraved on it : —

' MDCXV. EEN SCHIP EKDE EEN JACHT OENAEMT EEN-
DRACHT EN HOORN OGARRIVEERT DEEN VIII DECEM-
BER VERTROKEN MET EEN SCRIP D'EENDRACHT DEN
X. JANUARY; MDCXVI.

C I. LE MAIRE. S. W. C. SCHOVTS.

AR. CLASSEN. I. C SCHOVTS. CL. lANSEN BA.V.'

(t e. MDCXV. A ship and a yacht, named Eendracht and Hooro,
arri^o'l here on the 8th December. Departed with the ship Een-
dracht 10th January mdcxvi. In a hole of the post lay a tin
box, with a siiuet of written paper enclosed in it, but so eaten by
the rust of the box that it could not be read. We found several
pieces of board of the wreck of some ship that had been burned."
— Journal kept by Captain John Narborough. Burney, Chron. Hist.
Discov , vol. iii. pp. 334, 335. These fragments must have belon),if-
ed to the Hoorn, which, as has been mentioned, accidentally took
fire while bein^ careened. Ttiere is a discrepancy of three days
between the date of departure in tiie inscription and in the accounts
uf the voyage.

OP THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.

105

It.

tliey saw the islands of Sibald de Weert (the Falk- chap. iv.
lands), and two days after, at noon, passed the latitude —
of the entrance of the Straits of Magellan. It was now cntnmce of
that the most critical part of their voyage commenced, ^'*' straits of
and the winds, soundings, and appearances of the land
and water, were observed and noted with the greatest
minuteness. On the 24th, they came to the most
easterly point of TieiTa del Fuego, and saw another
country still farther in the same direction, which they
nuined Staten Land, in honour of the States of Holland.
Passing through the channel, which afterwards in a
meeting of their council was entitled the Strait of Le
Maire, the coast on the left was found to diverge
towards the east, while that on the right turned west-
south-west ; and the mariners knew they had a wide
sea before them, the colour of the water being blue,
and long waves coming from the south-west. At last,
on the SOth, they passed the most southerly point of P'f=sn-"e of
Tierra del Fuego, which was named Cajo Horn or '^''^
Hoorn, in honour of the town of Hoorn in West Fries-
land, the birthplace of Schouten. The land was high
and hilly, covered with snow. In some parts of this
ocean, whales were so numerous that the pilots were
incessantly obliged to alter their course in order to
avoid running against them, while in others the sea- wimioa and
birds, unused to the sight of human beings, alighted in ^^'^' " ^
the ship and suffered themselves to be taken by the
sailors. The weather was frequently tempestuous, and
they never wanted rain or mist, snow or hail. On the
3d of February, they were in 69° 30', their greatest
southern latitude, from which, standing north-west,
they reckoned on the 12th that they had again attained
the parallel of the Straits of Magellan, and consequently
had effected a new passage into the Pacific Ocean ; for
joy of which, an allowance of three cups of wine was
dealt out to all the men.

At Juan Fernandez they missed the anchorage, but A' tI ^a*
obtained a little water, and were most successful in Fernantioz.
their fishing, the bait being caught the moment it was

106 CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS AND DISCOVERIES

SuccessUil
fishing.

CHAP. IV. dropt, 80 that those emploj'ed "continually without
ceasing did nothing hut draw up" bream and corcobados.
From this island, in a course north-west by north, they
crossed the southern tropic, then stood north-west aa
far as 18° of south latitude. On the 10th of April was
discovered a circular strip of land full of trees, with
sea-birds perched on the branches, the interior having
the appearance of being overflowed at high water. No
in rks of inhabitants could be perceived, but three dogs
were seen, which, as the Dutchmen allege, could neither
bark nor growl ; and from this circumstance it was
itos Island, denominated Honden or Dog Island. On the 14th,
they came to another narrow border well covered with
wood, surrounding a salt-water lake in the middle, and
styled it Sonder-grondt, or Bottomless, because they
failed to obtain soundings. A great number of natives,
of a copper colour, with long black hair fastened up
behind, were seen ; some of whom pushed off in a canoe,
and addressed themselves to the Dutch by signs and
speeches, in which they became so emphatic as to over-
set their bark. Those on shore waved their garments
and branches of trees, thereby inviting, as was supposed,
the strangers to land. By and by their skilfs ventured
nearer the ship, and one of them getting into the
gallery, showed that he knew the value of iron, by
vlthTmUuna. drawing the nails from the cabin windows and concealing
them in his hair. As it was understood that hogs and
fowls were plentiful, a party went ashore in the boat
for the purpose of trading ; but immediately on their
landing, about thirty islanders rushed from the woods
and assiiultcd them. The discharge of three muskets
soon put them to flight ; but from this inauspicious
beginniiig it was thouglit needless to attempt any farther
to es ablish a friendly intercourse. The noses of these
people are described as flat, " which," as Burney re-
marks, " is no part of the general character of the
inhabitants of any of the islands at present known in the
South Seas." '*^ On the 16th, our navigators filled four
' Cliron. Hist. Discov., vol. ii. p. 381.

OP TUE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.

107

CHAP. I v;

Fly hluad.

casks of water from an island resembling those previously
visited, and which thej named Waterlandt. Two days
after, another being descried, some of the crew landed
and entered a wood, where, seeing a native with what
appeared to be a bow in his hand,* and having no arms
themselves, they hastened back to the ship covered with
black flics, which infested all on board three or four
days. The name of Vlieghen or Fly Island was in
consequence bestowed on the place.

O 1 the 8th of May, when out of sight of land, an J^JJ^ J"'''*"
Indian vessel was observed standing to the north, across covered,
the course of the Eendracht, from which three guns
were fired as a signal that the other should lay to. It
was strange that Schouten, who must have been aware
that fire-arms were entirely unknown to many of these
poor islanders, should have expected such a signal to be
understood, or thought that, upon their failing to com-
ply, he might justly use violence. The Indian^ at first
paid no attention to the summons, and on its repetition
made every endeavour to escape. A boat was, however,
lowered with ten musketeers, who speedily out-man- ^^*P*"^^J|'
oeuvred the fugitives, and, when within half-range,
mercilessly fired four shots among them, by which one
was wounded, and immediately leapt into the sea.
Fifteen or sixteen otliers, in terror, blackened their fm-es
with ashes, threw overboard their merchandise, which
consisted of small mats and some fowls, and committed
themselves to the waves, one man carrying an infant
with him. The Dutch found in the vessel eight women
with three children at the breast, and several others
nine or ten years old, an aged man also, and the

* " They saw a savajj^e who seemed to them to hare a bow in
his hand," says the Journal of Schouten ; and it is remarked, in the
description o\ an island subsequently visited (see below, p. IIH),
that *' these were the first bows we saw at the islands in the South
Sens." The Navigation Anstrale of Le Maire 8|)eaks positively
of having " perceived a sava^^e man with his bow in his hand, as if
to shoot fish." But the observations of modern navigators tend,
without exception, to establish the fact that bows and arrows aie
not in use on Fly Island.

108 CIUCUMNAVIQATI0N8 AND DISCOVERIES

Kescueof the
survivors.

Departure of
tliu eunoe.

CHAP. IV. wounded youth who had returned on board ; but no
weapons of any kind. Wlien the canoe hud been taken
alongside of the Eendracht, the boat returned to the
assistance of the Indians in the water, of whom only
two were saved, who pointed downwards, to signify that
all the rest had gone to the bottom. They fell on their
faces before their conquerors, kissing their feet and
hands ; and on being presented with knives and beads,
gave in return two mats and two cocoa-nuts, although
tiiey had little provisions left for their own use. Their
whole stock of fresh-water being exhausted, they drank
from he sea, and supplied their children with the same
beverage. Towards evening, the Indians were put on
board their canoe, " that were welcome to their wives,
which claspt them about the necks, and kissed them ;*'*
one of the women, however, appeared to be in much
affliction, lamenting the loss of her husband. Their
hopes of a prosperous traffic b^'.ng blasted by this cruel
disaster, the savages now steered a course the reverse
of that they had formerly held, on their return, no
doubt, to the place whence they had adventurously
sailed, quitting sight of land without any of the aids
which render such a navigation safe.

On the 11th May, the ship anchored at Cocos Island,

cocos Island. gQ named from the abundance of that species of fruit :
another island lay about a league to the south-south-
west. Canoes soon flocked to the place, and by degrees
a few of the natives ventured on board, and being enter-
tained with some tunes by a seaman who played on the
fiddle, they danced and " showed themselves joyful and
delighted beyond measure." Numerous groups speedily
resorted to the vessel, admiring every thing they saw,
and pilfering whatever they could carry off. " They
wondered at the greatnesse and strength of the shippe,
and some of them crept downe behind at the rother
(rudder), under the ship, and knockt with stones upon
the bottome thereof, to proove how strong it was."f

Arrival at

• Burchas, vol. i. p. 96.

t Ibid. p. 97.

OP THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.

109

They brought for traffic plenty of cocoas, bananas, chap. iv.
yams, and some small hogs, "which were purchased at —
an easy rate for old nails and beads ; and so eager were tiie nativeai
they, that those in the outer canoes secured their com-
modities in their teeth, and dived under the rest,
endeavouring to cut them out from the advantage of
lying closer to the ship. The king of the southern
island had sent a present to the Eendracht, and received
one in return. The next day he came with a large
assemblage of his people, ostensibly for trade, which was
carried on as usual for some time ; but, on the striking Trcnchery of
of a drum, the whole of them, amounting to about 1000, "'« Indians,
set up a shout, and assailed the Hollandei's with stones.
The great guns and musketry soon dispersed these
rude warriors in consternation, and Schouten set sail,
naming their country Verraders or Traitors' Island.
The voyagei-s remarked among them one man perfectly
white. On the 14th, in searching for anchorage near
an island which they called Good Hope, from its pre-
senting a fair promise of supplying their want of fresh
water, an affray took place with the natives ; for which
reason they again thought it advisable to continue their
course.

On the 18th May, they were in latitude 16° 6' south, General
and on this day a general council was held to decide on ^^o""*'**
the future direction of their voyage. Schouten repre-
sented, that though they were now at least 1600 leagues
westward from the coast of Peru, they had discovered
no part of the Terra Australis, and that no indications
even of its existence had yet been met with. There
was, he stated, little likelihood of their success, and they
had besides sailed much farther to the westward than
was their original intention. The result of continuing
in their present track, he said, must be tliat they would
full upon the southern coasts of New Guinea, and in the
event of their not finding a passage on that side of the
island, they must without doubt be lost, as the constant
trade-winds would altogether preclude their return to

CHAP. IV.

Change of

course

adopted.

nutiTtis.

110 CIRCITMNAVIGATIONS AND DI8C0VERIi:S

the eastward.* He bade them remember also that their
store of victuals was but small, and that there was
little prospect of increasing it-; and concluded by asking,
if it were not butter, considering all these things, to
alter their course and to sail northward, thus passing by
the upper shorts of New Guinea, and reach the Molucca
Islands. This suggestion was at once adopted, and their
line of motion changi^d to the north-north-west. To-
wards evening of the next day, they catne in sight of
land, divided apparently into two Islands, distant from
each other about a cannon-shot. They directed the
ship towards them ; but, owing to contrary winds, it
was not until the noon of the 21st that they got within
a league's distance. About twenty canoes instantly
came off, filled with people much resembling the inha-
Conflict witii bitants of Good Hope Island. As they approached the
vessel they made a great hallooing, which was inter-
preted by the navigators into a salutation of welcome,
and answered with the sound of trumpets and shouting.
One of the natives, however, having been observed to
shake his wooden asaayay or spear in a warlike manner,
and the theft of a shirt from the gallery having been
discovered, a cannon and some muskets were dischar<5ed
against them, by which two of the savages were wounded,
and the whole put to flight, the linen (which belonged
to the president) being thrown into the sea. A boat
which was afterwards despatched to search for a more
convenient anchorage was attacked, and, in the conflict
which ensued, six of the islanders were killed, several
wounded, and one canoe captured.

On the 23d, the ship was drawn into a bay, and safely
moored at about the distance of a stone's throw from
the shore, and so near to a stream of fresh water that a
supply could be procured by the boats within range of
the guns. Here the adventurers remained seven days,

* This rcasonin{r shows that Schouten was i(>nnraDt of the strait
hetween New Guinea and New Huliaud, discuveied by Luis Vaez
t\i\ Torres. See above p. 100.

Bay of
lefiige.

OP THE SEVENTLENTII CENTURY.

holding a friendly intercourse with the inhabitants, and chap. IV.
receiving provisions from them, in return for knives, prie,i^y
beads, nails, and trinkets. Immediately on their an- intercourse
choring, these last flocked in vast numbers to the beach, nativea!'
and soon after came oiF to the ship in their canoes.
Towards night an old man brought four bunches of
cocoa-nuts as a present from the ariki or herico, the
title by which, here as well as at Cocos Island, the chief
or king was distinguished. He refused to accept any
gift in return, but invited the Europeans to go on shore.
Accordingly, on the morning of the next day, three of ^.^,^''to*ti>o'
them landed, six of the natives having been first put on king.
board the ship as hostages. Tliey were welcomed with
much ceremony, and found the sovereign seated on a
mat in an open house or shed, called a belay. On their
approach, he joined his hands and bowed his head down-
wards, remaining in that position nearly half, an hour ;
when the Hollanders having at length put themselves
into a similar posture, he resumed his usual attitude.
One of his attendants, supposed to be a chief of high rank,
kissed the feet and hands of one of the Dutchmen,
" sobbing and crying like a child, and putting the foot
of Adrian Claesz upon his neck." A present was given Acceptable

..11 /. 1111 11 presentH to

to the prmcipal ruler, of two hand-bells, a red bonnet, tiio king.
and some trifling articles, all of which were received
with much joy, expressed by repeated exclamations of
**Awoo!" In return, the visiters were gratified with
four small hogs. During the time the sailors were
taking in water, " when any of the Indians came neere
the boat, the king himselfe came thither and drave them
thence, or sent one of his men to doe it." His subjects
seemed to yield him implicit obedience, and to hold him
in great awe. A native having stolen a cutlass, a com-
plaint was made to one of the royal attendants, who in-
stantly caused the criminal to be brought back and beaten
with staves. The weapon was restored ; and the stran-
gera were informed by signs, tliat if the ariki knew of
it, the thief s head would be cut off'. After this, says
the Journal of Schouten, " we had nothing stolen from

Cnptin e of a
tliieU

CHAP. IV.

Terror for
fire-ann8.

Unsuccessful
attempts ut
barter.

Prosent of
flsli to the
kiug.

Excursion
into the
interior

112 CIHCUMNAV1GATI0N8 AND DISCOVERIES

US, neither on the shore, nor in the ship, nor elsewhere ;
neither durst they take a fish that we angled for."
Tho report of a musket produced great consternation
among the islanders, and caused them to run off quak-
ing and trembling. Their terror was still greater at the
discharge of a cannon, which was fired at the desi a of
the king. They all with one accord, accompanied by
his majesty, fled to the woods ; " but not long after they
came againe, scarce halfe well assured." *

On the 25th, three of the navigators again tried to
barter for hogs, but were unsuccessful. The king, how-
ever, " after he had said his prayers, which he used to
doe every time that they went on shore," showed much
kindness towards them. On the 26th, Jacob le Maire
landed, and made some trifling presents. He met with
much respect, though he failed to procure a supply of
stock. The aviki and his son bestowed upon him and his
companion a headdress, consisting of feathers of various
colours, which they themselves wore. This cap seems
to have been a mark of honour peculiar to the king and
his family ; while every member of his council was
distinguished by having a dove sitting on a perch beside
him. On the evening of the 27th, some fish which had
been caught during the day were presented to his ma-
jesty, who immediately devoured them raw, " heads,
tails, entrails, and all, with good appetite." The night
closed in festivities, some of the Hollanders remaining
on shore, and mingling in the moonlight dances of the
natives. Two of the sailons performed a mock fight
with swords, — ^a spectacle which excited much admira-
tion among the islanders. On the 28th, the voyagers,
attended with trumpets, went on shore in state, to visit
the king ; when they became spectators of au interview
between him and a neighbouring prince.

On the 29th, Le Maire, accompanied by three of the
seamen, made an excursion into the interior of the
country, having a son and a brother of the ariki for

* Purckas, vol. i. pp. 99, 100.

OF THE 8EVENTEKNTII CENTURV.

113

>ii

guides. They saw nothing worthy of remark, except chai*. IV.
a red earth used by the natives for paint, and several xppiicatit
caves and holes in the mountains, with divers thickets '"r provi-
and groves where they lay in ambush in time of war. ''""'"
On their return, the young nobles went with the cap-
tain on board his vessel, and evinced much satisfaction
on being informed, that if a few hogs and yams could
be obtained the ship would sail in two days. In the
afternoon, the monarch, with sixteen of his attendants,
appeared on deck with the donation of a hog and a bas-
ket of cocoa-nuts. He delivered these with much cere-
mony : having placed the basket on his neck, he pros-
trated himself, and in this posture offered his gifts to Le
Maire, who raised him up, and sat down beside him.
At the command of the ariki, his people lifted the Dutch
officer and another, and placed them upon their shoulders
as a token of reverence. The chief was then conducted fJ'*"}'',"","
through the various parts of the ship, expressing his the king,
wonder at what he saw. When led into the hold, " he
fell down upon his face and prayed," — a ceremony which
he performed when he first came on board. His atten-
dants kissed the feet of the seamen, and placed them on
their own heads and necks, in sign of an entire submis-
sion. In the evening, one of the Europeans having been
successful in taking a quantity of fish, went to present
some to the king, when he found a number of girls
dancing to the music of a hollow piece of wood like a
pump, " which made a noyse, whereat the yong wenches
danced after their manner, very finely, and with a good
grace, according to the measure of the noyse of the
instrument.*'*

The king, on the morning of the SOth, sent to the Present of
ship two small hogs. On the afternoon of the same day j'^*^*"
he received a visit from a neighbouring ariki, who was
accompanied by 300 men, bringing with them sixteen
hogs. As the stranger chief drew near to his brother

* Purchas, vol. i. p. lUO.

Interview
between the
kinff and u
cliief.

Kiiva fcnst

lit CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS AND DISCOVERIES

ciiAr. IV. sovereign, he began at some distance to perform stranf^e
ceremonies, and bowing down his body, fell to the ground
on his face, and remained there " praying" with a loud
voice, and apparently with great fervour. The native
prince advanced to meet his visiter, and went through
the same forms. ** After much adoe, they both rose up
on their feete, and went and sate together under the
king's behiff and there were assembled together at least
900 men." In the afternoon the Dutch witnessed a
kava-fcost. A number of the people having chewed the
kava (a sort of green herb) in their mouths for some
time, deposited it in a wooden vessel ; they then poured
water on it, and having stirred it, the liquor was par-
taken of by the arikis and their attendants. The
islanders, says the Journal of Schouten, ** presented
that notable drinke (as a speciall and a goodly present)
to our men ; but tliey had enough, and more than
enough, of the sight thereof.'** On this occasion, like-
wise, the discoverers observed the manner in which
these savages cooked their hogs. Sixteen were pre-
pared for the present banquet as follows : being ripped
up, the entrails removed, and the hair singed off, they
were roasted by means of hot stones placed in the in
ternal cavity.

Each of the arikis presented to the foreigners one of
the hogs thus dressed, along with a number of the same
animals alive ; receiving in return ** three copper beak-
ers, foure knives, twelve old nayles, and some beades,
wherewith they were well pleased."

Early on the morning of the 31st, preparations were
made for sailing. After breakfast, the two chiefs came
on board with six additional hogs. On this occasion
they wore green cocoa-tree-leaves round their necks,
which it was presumed was customary with them in
taking leave of friends. They were entertained with
wine, and received presents of various articles ; while a

Jlodo of
cuokinf;.

rmtlicr pre-
Kc-nts of liog»

* Purchas, vol. i. p. 100.

OP THE 8EVENTEENTU CENTURY.

115

nnil was bestowed on each of their attendants. Le • CIIAP. iv.
Muire accompiinicd them on shore, when gifts were onco DepaTiure of
more exchanged. At noon the ship proceeded on her ^^ '^^
voyage, and the Hollanders bade adieu to the natives, on
whose island they bestowed the name of Hoom, in
honour of the birthplace of Schouten. Tlie inhabitants
are described as of large stature and well-proportioned
limbs. They ran swiftly, and were very expert in
swimming and diving. Their complexion was a tawny
yellow, approaching to the hue of bronze. Much care
was bestowed on the dressing of their hair, and they
aiTanged it in several different manners. The ariki had
a long lock hanging down to his thighs, and twisted into
knots ; his attendants wore two such locks, one on each
side ; and some of the islanders had four or five. The
females are described as having a very repulsive appear- Appojirnnce
ance and being of small stature ; they wore their hair cut o|'|>c females
closely to their heads. Such of the habitations as were bitiitutiona.
seen along the margin of the land, were of nearly a
conical form, about twenty-five feet in circumference,
ten or twelve in height, and covered with leaves. Their
furniture consisted of a bundle of dried herbs resembling
hay, which served for a couch, one or two fishing-rods,
and sometimes a wooden club or staff. The hut of the
ariki himself could boast no further decorations. ** We
could not perceive," says the Journal of Schouten,
" that they worshipped God, or any gods, or used any
devotion, neither the one nor the other, but lived with-
out care like birds in the wood." * It appeared to them ^^^9 f
also that the inhabitants subsisted on the spontaneous
fruits of the soil : " They neither sowe nor reape, nor
doe any worke ; there the earth of itselfe yeelds all that
they need to sustaine their lives, .... so that

* Purchas,Tol. i. p. 101. On this passa^^e it must be remarked,
that the ran^ of their observation was very limited, and can by no
means be admitted as pr«>of that these islanders had no religion ;
though the "prayers," which the ariki is so often described as
iwing, apparently meant, not devotional adorations, but words of
ceremony.

i)\

New group
of iiilundd.

116 CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS AND DISCOVERIES

CHAP. IV. there mt u may plainly behold and see the golden world
whereof the poets write." *

On leaving Iloorn, the adventurers pursued a north-
westerly course, and on the 21st of June fell in with a
group of small islands covered with trees. Some of the
natives came off to the ship in canoes : they are de-
scribed as in all respects resembling the inhabitants of
the former place, except in their complexion, which was
of 3 more dusky hue, and in their arms, which were
bows and arrows, the first that the voyagers had seen in
the South Sea. Some beads and nails were presented to
them, who, having nothing to give in recompense,
pointed to the west to signify that their king dwelt
there, in a country abounding with every species of
wealth. The next day, sailing in the same course, they
passed at least twelve or thirteen islands grouped to-
gether ; and on the 24th discovered three low ones,
which, from their being " very green and full of trees,"
they named the Green. Another was in sight, on which
were discerned seven or eight hovels. This they named
St John's, from their having seen it on the 24th of June,
the nativity of the Baptist. On the morning of the
25tli, they obtained a view towards the south-west of a
high land, which they conjectured to be the point of
Coast of New New Guinea, but which in reality was the country since
called New Ireland. About noon tliey drew near to it,
and sailed along the shore in a north- M-esterly direction.
The coast is described as very high and green, and of a
pleasant aspect. The inhabitants spoke a language
totally different from that used by the natives of all the
other places at which the vessel had touched. The

• Pnrchas, vol. i. p. 101. This passage m.iv perhaps remind
the reader of some lines in Lord Byron's poem of " The Island ;"
" The bread-tree, which without the ploughshare yields
The unreap'd harvest of unfurrow'd fields. . . .

lands ....

Where all partake the earth without dispute.

And bread itself is jrather'd as a fruit;

Where none contest the fields, the woods, the strer.ms :—

The ^ddless a^e, where gold disturbs no dreams ! "

OP THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.

117

ship's boat, when employed in sounding for an anchor- chap iv
age, was attacked by a party in canoes with volley's of —
stones thrown from slings ; but a fire of musketry tiie"nativea.
speedily put the savages to flight. In the evening,
after the vessel had anchored, some others came off^, and
addressed the sailors in a dialect which they did not un-
derstand. They remained watching the ship all night,
and the Europeans perceived signal-fires lighted along
the shore. In the morning eight skiffs arranged them-
selves round her ; one of them containing eleven, and
the others from four to seven men each. The Dutch
threw beads to them, and made friendly signs ; but the
savages all at once commenced an attack with their
slings and other weapons. The assault was returned
with discharges of cannon and muskets, whereby ten or
twelve were killed. At the same time they captured
four canoes, and made three prisoners, one of whom
died shortly after he was taken ; and at noon the two
others were carried towards the land in order to be ex-
changed for provisions. A pig and a bunch of bananas ^ ,^
were thus procured, and one of the captives was set at rausyui!
liberty. Two days after, some of them came to the
ship, but refused to ransom their countryman ; and on
the evening of that day the Eendracht proceeded along
the coast in a north-westerly direction. Several islands
were seeu to the northwards ; and on the 1st of July she
again came to anchor, having an island about two leagues
long on the north, and the coast of New Ireland on the
south. Here twenty-five canoes commenced an attack, attack of
but were repulsed, a number of tli*» '^at'vcs being killed, canoea.
and one taken. Here, too, one of the Hoiltinders was
wounded, " being," says the Journal, " the first that
was hurt in all our voyage ;" and after him the captive
was named Moses. They continued to sail along this
coast till the 8d, when they lost sight of it : and having
passed several small islands, on the 6th they cr me in
sight of the northern coast of New Guinea. About the
middle of September, they arrived at the Moluccas,
whence, in the end of that month, they sailed to Java.

?':J

118

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS AND DISCOVERIES

CHAP. IV.

Confiscation

oft)io

Eendracht

Alarm of the
Spaniards.

New Spnnish
e.\pedition.

Discovery of
New Holland

On the 1st of November, while lying oflF Jacatra, the
Eendracht was confiscated by the Dutch East India
Company, on the ground that the owners were not
partners of that body, and had made the voyage with-
out their leave. Their ship being thus taken from
them, several of the seamen entered into the service of
the Company, and the remainder embarked for Europe
on board the Amsterdam and Zealand, which sailed
from Bantam on the 14th of December. Le Maire died
a few days after leaving Java ; but the rest of the
voyagers arrived safely on the 1st of July 1617, having
been absent from their native country two years and
seventeen days.

The finding of this new passage into the Pacific ex-
cited much interest in Europe. To Spain it caused more
alarm than any of the hostile armaments which Hol-
land had sent forth against her South Sea possessions,
and no time was lost in fitting out an expedition to ex-
plore the new discoveries of Schouten and Le Maire.
The command was intrusted to two brothere, Bartolome
Gracia de Nodal and Gon9alo de Nodal, who, having
engaged several Dutch pilots, set sail from Lisbon 27th
September 1G18. They followed the track of the late
adventurers, and in passing Cape Horn saw some small
rocky islands lying to the south-westward of that pro-
montory, and named them the Isles of Diego Ramirez.
They then steered northward, and, penetrating the
Straits of Magellan, completed. the circumnavigation of
Tierra del Fuego, and arrived at Spain in July 1619.

Contemporaneously with the discovery of Cape Horn,
the Dutch effected another of still greater importance, —
that of the vast island or rather continent of New Hol-
land or Australia. It does not fall wit- i the limits of
this work to enter on the difficult question how far this
country was known to the early Portuguese voyagers.
Neither is it in our province to decide whether the honour
of its discovery is not due to Luis Vaez de Torres, who,
in sailing between New Holland and New Guinea, saw
land on the south, which must have been part of this

OP THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.

]U)

great island.* It may be doubted if the Portuguese CHAP. IV.
were aware of the nature of the lands they are said to RpsiiitTof
have visited ; it is certain, moreover, that Torres con- previous
ceived them to be parts of a large archipelago ; and, at «^»e'^^«t'°"^
all events, these visits led to no beneficial result, and
had passed into oblivion. The honour of discovering
New Holland, therefore, so far as utility and the advance-
ment of science are concerned, may be safely awarded
to the Dutch. In October 1616, the ship Eendracht,
commanded by Dirck Hatichs (or, as it has been more
commonly, but less correctly written, Hertoge), in her
passage from Holland to the East Indies, discovered, in
latitude 25°, the western coast of Australia, and called
it Land Eendracht, — a name which it still retains.

Only a few years elapsed after the completion of the NTew Dutch
voyage of Schouten and Le Mairc before another arma- cxpcditioiu
ment left Holland for the South Sea. The truce which
for twelve years had subsisted between Spain and the
United Provinces having expired in 1021, both parties
hastened to resume active hostilities. Among other
measures, the Dutch, early in the year 1023, fitted out
a naval armament against Peru ; and it is to the pro-
ceedings of this fleet that we have now to direct the
reader's attention. It consisted of eleven ships, mount-
ing 294 cannon, and supplied with 1G37 men, of whom
600 were soldiers. The command was intrusted to
Jacob I'Hermite, an officer who had acquired celebrity
in the service of their East India Company ; and the
squadron, which, in honour of Prince Maurice of Nassau,
one of its chief promoters, was named the Nassau Fleet,
sailed from Goree on the 29th April 1623.

On the 11th August, they anchored off Sierra Leone, StayatSieiTa
and remained there till the beginning of September.
During their stay they experienced the fatal effects
of that pestilential climate, from which Europeans
have since suffered so much. They buried forty-two
men, and many more suffered severely, among whom was

Lcoiie.

* See above, p. 100.

120 CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS AND DISCOVERIES

CHAP. IV.

Fatal effects
of the
flimata

Passage of
tlie Strait
Le Muire.

Delay from

contrary

winds.

Nassau Bay.

""le Admiral I'lTermite, who contracted a disease from
which he never recovered. After leaving this coast,
they visited the islands of San Tomas and Annabon,
at the latter of which they remained till the beginning
of November. It was in their instructions, that they
should not touch at any part of the South American
continent northward of the Rio de la Plata, and that
they should penetrate into the South Sea by the newly-
discovered Strait of Le Maire, which was considered to
afford a more certain passage than the Straits of Magel-
lan. It was the 1st of February before they made the
Cape de Penas on Tierra del Fuego, and on the 2d they
entered Strait Le Maire, which the Journal of the Voy-
age says they would not have known, had not one of the
pilots who had previously passed through it recognised
the high mountains of Tierra del Fuego. Some of the
ships anchored in two bays near the northern entrance,
which thev named VervSchoor and Valentine, and are
tlie same with the Port Mauritius of modern maps and
the Bay of Good Success.

Althougli the whole fleet had passed through the strait
just described on the evening of the 2d of February, yet,
owing to contrary winds, they were on the 14th still
seven leagues eastward of Cape Horn. The next day
they doubled that promontory, and saw " a great gulf
between that cape and the cape next to the west," which
they were prevented from entering by b id weather. On
the 16th, Cape Horn lay to the eastward, and they disco-
vered two islands, which, according to their reckoning,
were distant to the westward fourteen or fifteen leagues.
The following morning, they perceived that they had
lost ground, and fearing that they should still fall to
leeward, they entered a large bay and cast anchor. In
this harbour, which was afterwards named Nassau Bay,
they remained ten days. On the 23d, some boats,
which were sent to procure water, were compelled by a
sudden and violent storm to return, leaving nineteen
of the crew on shore wholly destitute of arms, of whom
next day only two were found alive. The savages, it

OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.

121

appeared, as Boon as night came on, attacked them with CHAr. rv.
clubs and slings, and killed, all except the two, who had FataUttack
contrived to conceal themselves. Only five bodies were "^ »a™ges.
discovered, some of which were cut into quarters, and
others strangely mangled. Not a single native was seen
after this unfortunate event. A party which had been
sent to examine the neighbouring coast, reported that
the Tierra del Fuego was divided into several islands ;
that without doubling Cape Horn a passage into the South
Sea might be effected, through the Bay or rather Gulf
of Nassau, which was open to the east as well as to the
west ; and that through some of these numerous open-
ings it was presumed ships might penetrate into the
Strait of Magellan. Such parts of the Tierra del Fuego Appenrnrco
as were seen, appeared decidedly mountainous, though dei'Fuetfo "*
not wanting in many fine valleys and watered meadows.
The hills were «;lad with trees, all of which were bent
eastward, owing to the strong westerly winds which pre-
vail in these parts. Spacious harbours, capable of shel-
tering the largest fleets, were frequently observed be-
tween the islands. The natives are described as differ-
ing little in stature from the people of Europe, and
as being well proportioned in their limbs. Their hair
is long, black, and thick, their teeth " as sharp as the Appearance
blade of a knife." They paint their bodies of different ua^yea,
colours and with fanciful devices ; their natural com-
plexion, however, seemed to be as fair as that cf a
European. Some of them were observed to have one
side of their body altogether wliite, ard the opposite
entirely red ; others were remarked wi h the trunks of
their bodies white, and the face, arms, f nd legs coloured
red. The males were perfectly nuked ; the females, Drcsi
who were painted like the men, wore only a little piece
of skin about tbe waist, and a string of shells round
their neck. Their huts were constructed of trees, in a
conical form, having an opening at the top to let tbe
smoke escape ; the floor was sunk two or three feet
below the level of the ground ; and the sides of the
walls were covered with earth. Their fishing-tackle
consisted of lines, stone hooks, and harpoons, and were

122

CIUCUMNAVIGATIONS AND DISCOVERIES

CHAP. IV.

Mnn of Tierra del Fuego,

Arms and

CUllOCS.

Dcpartnro
from Nassau
Bay.

generally fabricated with some degree of neatness. For
arms they had sharp knives made of stone ; slings,
bows, and arrows with stone heads ; lances pointed with
bone, and clubs. Their canoes measured in length from
ten to sixteen feet, and about two in width ; they were
built of the bark of large trees, resembling in shape the
gondolas of Venice. In regard to their manners and
habits, the report is very unfavourable : They more
resemble beasts than human beings ; " for besides that
they tear flien to pieces, and devour the flesh raw and
bloody, there was not perceived among them the smallest
indication of a religion or government ; on the contrary,
:licy live together like beasts." *

The fleet left Nassau Bay on the 27tb February, and
for some time met with westerly winds, so that they

Burney, Chron, Flist. Discov., vol. iii. p. IS.

'Vkiwjf

OP THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.

123

?s,
th
)m
re
le
ad
re
at
id

did not reach the island of Juan Fernandez till the chap, i v.
beginning of April. Having taken in water here, they jgiandof
sailed on the 13th for the coast of Peru, and on the 8th Juan
of May were oif Callao, where they remained until the *®™*°"*^^
14th of August. On the 2d of June, Jacob I'Hermite,
the admiral, died of the lingering illness contracted at
Sierra Leone, and which was aggravated by the hard-
ships and misfortunes of the expedition. He was buried j^^^^^ ^f jj,q
on the island of Lima, the Isla de San Lorenzo of acimiraL
modern charts ; and the vice-admiral, Hugo Schappcn-
Imra, succeeded to the command. On leaving Callao,
they proceeded northward, and after various delays
arrived at Acapulco on the 28th of October. Here they
remained some time, and having at last finally resolved
to proceed westwards to reach the East Indies, on the
29th of November they bade adieu to the shores of
Mexico, and directed their course across the Pacific.

On the evening of the 25tli January 1626, they came Guaiian.
in sight of Gualian, one of the Ladrones or Marians,
having on the 15th passed some islands supposed by
them to be those of Graspar Rico, but wliich more pro-
bably belonged to the group San Bartolome, discovered
in 1526 by Loyasa.* They left Guahan on the 11th
of February, and in the beginning of March arrived at
the Moluccas, where the fleet having been broken up. Breaking up
the expedition may be said to have terminated. The
admiral, Schappenham, embarked in the Eendracht for
Holland, but died while off the coast of Java. The
vessel proceeded on her voyage, and en the 9th of July
1626 anchored in the Texel ; having the first journalist
of the expedition on board, who thus reached his native
country after an absence of three years and seventy
days. This armament failed in effecting the hostile
designs with which it was undertaken, and was nearly
as unsuccessful in adding to maritime science. It con-
tributed little or nothing to geography but the know-
ledge of Nassau Bay, and a more accurate examination
of the southern shores of Tierra del Fuego.

• See above, p. 04 ; and Burney, Chron. Hist Discov., vol. iii. p.
Ji3, ami vol. I. p. lys.

of the fleet

CHAP. IV.

Prosecution
ot tlio

discovery of
New IlulUnd

Discovery of
Van Die-
Dicn':i Land.

Stntcn LanJ,
or New
Zealand.

124 CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS AND DISCOVERIES

The discovery of New Holland, which had been
commenced by Dirck Hatichs, continued for many
years to be occasionally prosecuted by the Dutch ; but
not before 1642 was it ascertained what were its south-
ern limits, or how far it extended to the eastward.
This was effected, at least within a rude degree of accu-
racy, by Abel Jansen Tasman, one of the most illustrious
of the Dutch navigators, and who found a generous and
liberal patron in Anthony Van Diemen, the governor of
Batavia.*

Tlie expedition, which was fitted out by him and his
council, sailed from Batavia on the 14th August 1642.
On the 24th November, they discovered Anthony Van
Diemen's Land, so named, says Tasman, " in honour of
our high magistrate, the governor-general, who sent us
out to make discoveries :" they continued to coast along
that island till the 6th December, when they directed
their coui*se to the eastward. On the 13th, a shore was
discovered, to which Tasman gave the name of Staats or
Staten Land, from a belief that it was a part of the
country of the same name discovered by Schouten and
Le Maire, to the east of Tierra del Fuego ; but the
name was afterwards changed into New Zealand. Dur-
ing his progress along the coast, he was attacked by the
Bavages with that courage and ferocity which later
navigators have so fatally experienced.

For some time after leaving New Zealand the ships
pursued a north-easterly course, till, on the 19th of
January, they reached a high island, two or three miles

* For many j'ears the only account of Tasman's voyajje was to
be found in a curtailed abridgment of bis journal, published at Am-
sterdam in 1674, and a more copious relation inserted in Valentyn's
East Indian Descriptions. About 1771j however, a MS. journal of
Tasman (supposed to be the original) fell into the hands of Sir
Joseph Banks, and was found to be much more complete than any
previous narrative. An English translation, executed in 1776 by
he Rev. C. G. Woide, was published by Burney, — Chron. Hist.
Discov., vol. iii. p. 63-1 10. The journal thus commences : — "Journal
or Description by me, Abel Jansz Tasman, of a Voyage from Ba-
tavia for making Discoveries of the unknown South Land, in the
Year 1642. May God Almighty be pleased to give His Blessing
to this Voyage ! Amen.

OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.

125

in circumference, on which they bestowed the name of
Pylstaart or Ti.)pic-bird, from the number of these fowls
which frequented it. On the 21st, two more were dis-
covered, distant from each other about a mile and a
half. The northern was named Amsterdam, because,
says Tasman, " we found plenty of provisions there ;'*
and to the southern they gave the title of Middleburgh.
By the natives, the latter is called Eooa, and the former
Tongataboo ; and the one last mentioned is the principal
of the cluster now called the Friendly Islands. Some
of the savages approached in a canoe : they are described
as exceeding the common stature of Europeans, of a
brown complexion, and wearing no other dress than a
slight covering round the waist. They called out loudly
to the voyagers, who shouted in return, and after show-
ing them some white linen, threw a piece overboard.
Before the canoe reached the spot, the cloth had begun
to sink ; but one of the natives dived in pursuit of it,
and after remaining a long time under water brought
up the linen, and, in token of his gratitude, placed it
several times on his head. They also gave them some
beads, nails, and looking-glasses ; these the islanders ap-
plied in like manner, and in return presented a small line,
and a fishing-hook made of shell like an anchovy. The
Dutch in vain tried to make them understand that they
wanted fresh water and hogs. In the aiternoon, how-
ever, they were observed in great numbers running
along the shore displaying white flags : these were con-
strued as signs of peace, and returned by a similar token
hoisted on the stern. On this, a canoe bearing white
colours came off^ to the ship. It contained four individuals
with coverings of leaves round their necks, and with their
bodies painted black from the waist to the thigh. From
the nature of their present, which consisted of some
cloth made of the bark of a tree, and from the superior-
ity of their vessel, it was conceived that they came from
the chief or sovereign. The officers bestowed upon
them a mirror, a knife, spikes, and a piece of linen ; a
glass was also filled with wine, and having been drank

en A p. IV.

Further
discovery of
lan'J.

Natives of
the Friendly
hlanUa.

Presents
niiidc to tlie
nutivca.

Gifts sent
in return.

f *

Iliiitcr with
the uativeit.

Bii

126 CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS AND DISCOVERIES

CHAi'. IV. olF, was again filled and offered to the natives ; but thoy
poured the liquor out, and carried the glass on shore
Shortly after, many canoes arrived to barter cocoa-nuts
for nails. A grave old man, who, from the great respect
paid to him, seemed to be a leader, also came on board,
and saluted the strangers by placing his head upon their
feet. He was presented with a piece of linen and several
other articles, and conducted into the cabin. On being
shown a cup of fresh water, he made signs that there
was some on the island. In the evening, one of the
natives was detected in the act of stealing a pistol and a
pair of gloves ; but the mariners contented themselves
with taking the things from him " without anger." To-
wards sunset, about twenty canoes came from the shore
and drew up in regulai order near the ship ; the people
that were in them called out several times in a loud voice,
Present from " Woo, WOO, WOO !" Upon which those who were on
the King. board sat down, and one of the skiffs came alongside
with a present from the king, consisting of a hog, cocoa-
nuts, and yams. A plate and some brass wire were
given in return. The exchange of provisions for nails
continued until night, when the savages went back to
the shore, leaving only one of their number. The
following morning, they resumed their station, and the
barter was renewed. This day, several females appeared,
and it was observed that the elder women had the little
finger cut off from both hands. The meanmg of this
custom the Dutch could not discover ; but, as appeared
to them, it was confined to the more aged individuals.*

* Later vovai^ers have found that this is by no means the case.
'^ The most singular circumstance which we observed ainon^^ these
people was, that many of them wanted the Utile finder on one and
sometimes on both hands; the difference of sex or a^e did not
exempt them from tliis amputation ; for even amongst the few
children whom we saw running about naked, the greater part had
already suffered this loss. Only a few grown people, who had pre-
served both their little fingers, were an exception to the general
rule." — Forster's Voyage round the World, vol. i. p. 435. Of the
origin of this remarkable usage, Forster s))eaks in the following sen-
tence: — *'The native told us that a man lay buried there, and,
[^uinting to the place where his little finger had formerly been rut

SincTiilar
native

custuin.

OP THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.

127

The wonders of the ship were shown to the natives ; chap. iv.

and one of the great guns was fired, wliich at first occa- TenoTof

sioned a considerable panic among them ; but, on per- tire-m-ms.

reiving that no harm followed, they quickly recovered

their courage. The men sent on shore to procure water,

found the wells so small that they were obliged to take

it up in cocoa-nut shells. Next day, they made signs to

the chief that the fountains must be made larger. He

instantly ordered this to be done by his attendants, and

in the mean time conducted the sailors into a pleasant

valley, where they were seated on mats, and supplied

with cocoa-nuts, fish, and several kinds of fruit. The

people of Amsterdam Island, says the captain, " have

no idea of tobacco, or of smoking. We saw no arms

among them ; so that here was altogether peace and

friendship. The women wear a covering of mat-w^ork

that reaches from the middle to the knees : the rest of

their body is naked. Thoy cut their hai: shorter than

that of the men."* Between the islanders and these tYiaiidiy

their first European visiters there seems to have existed w^'^J'tho

an uninterrupted feeling of kindly good-will. Before aativea.

departing, Tasman records, that he "ordered a white

flag to be brought, and w.e went with it to three of their

chiefs, to whom we explained that we wished it to be

set up in that valley (where they had been entertained

with cocoa-nuts, fish, and fruits), and that it might

remain there as a sign of peace between us ; at which

they were much pleased, and the flag was fixed there."

A display of the same kindness on the part of the natives

led Captain Cook, a century afterwards, to bestow on

away, he plainly si|j^nified, that when his madnas or parents died
they mutilated tlieir hands."— Ibid. vol. i. p. 451. The accuracy of
this view is doubtful ; it is more probable that the mutilation is made
as a propitiatory sacrifice to avert death. — J. G. Dalyell's Darker
Superstitions of Scotland, Edinburuh, 1834, p. lUU, and authori-
ties there quoted. It may be addeo, that tlie rite is not confined to
the natives of the Friendly Isles, but has been observed among the
Hottentots of the Cape of Good Hope, the Guaranos of Parajj^ay,
and the natives of California.

* Burney, Chron. Hist. Discov., vol. iii. p. 84.

New cluster
of IsIanilH *
discuvci'ud.

128 CIUCUMNAVIQATIONS AND DlSCUVEltlES

CHAP. IV. their country the name of the Friendly Islands. This
visit of the Dutch was brought prematurely to a close,
by the winds having driven one of their vessels from
her anchorage.

A few hours' sail in a north-easterly direction brought
the voyagers to a cluster of islands, the largest of which,
called by the natives Annamooka, they named Rotter-
dam. They remained here some days, maintaining an
amicable intercourse with the savages. During an ex-
cursion into the interior, they "saw several pieces of
cultivated ground or gardens, where the beds were re-
gularly laid out into squares, and planted with different
plants and fruits, bananas, and other trees, placed in
etraiglit lines, which made a pleasant show, and spread
round about a very agreeable and fine odour." Tlie
inhabitants are represented as resembling those of Am-
sterdam Island, and so addicted to thieving that they
stole every thing within their reach. They appeared
to possess no form of govenimcnt, and to be without a
king or chief; but one of them detected in stealing^
was punished by being beaten with an old cocoa-nut on
the back until the nut broke.* They are represented
as entirely ignorant of any religion ; they practise no
worship ; and are without idols, relics, or priests,
though they seem to observe some singular supersti-
tions. " I saw one of them," says Tasman, " take up a

Thievish
propensities
of tlie
natives.

• With rejfard to the {government of these islanders, tliere is a
discrepancy in the Journal of Tasman, which his translators and
commentators ha', o overlooked. In eivin^ a j>;enerai description of
the natives, he pv| vessly says, — "llie people of this island have
no kinjj^ or chieC."- -Durney, Ciiron. Hist. Discov., vol. iii. p. 89.
But, in narratinjT his transactions there, he not only mentions the
existence of a cliief, but specifies the name by which the natives
culled him : — "• 'i'hey took us," he saj^s, " to the east side of the
island, where six large vessels with masts were lyinj^. They then
led us to a pool of water, which Wius about a mile in circumference ;
but we were not yet come to the aigy or latoun, as they call their
chief. When we had rested, we again asked where the aigy was,
and they pointed to the other side of the pool of water ; but the
day being far advanced, we returned by another way to our boats."
— Chron. Hist. Discov., vol. iii. p. 88. Modern discoveries have
ehowu that this last passage is correct.

wate|

respt

watcl

ous,

dent^

princ

lie si

of thl

form]

nortll

eight

and

Islan

dang<

visite

OP TUB 8EVENTEENTU CENTURY.

129

water-snake which was near his boat, and lie put it chap. iv.
respectfully upon his head, and then again into the cri",'
water. They kill no flies, though they are very numcr- uuiivo iaea\
ous, and plague them extremely. Our steersman acci-
dentally killed a fly in the presence of one of the
prhicipal people, who could not help showing anger at it."
lie seems to have formed a viry unfavourable estimate
of their character, and styles them " peoj)le who have the
form of the human species, but no human manners."

On leaving this group, he directed his course west- PHncp
north-west, and, after six days' sailing, came to about isi'j[llj |.' '
eighteen or twenty small islands, surrounded with shoals
and sandbanks, which were named Prince William's
Islands and Ileemskerke's Shoals, and which, from tho
dangerous reefs surrounding them, have been rarely
visited since their first discovery. The remainder of his
voyage possesses little interest, as his track was pretty
nearly the same which had been pursued by Schouten and
Le Maire. He arrived at Batavia on the 15th June, in
the year 1643, after an absence often months and one day.

While Tasman was engaged in this voyage, which Iy"*A ,,
ascertained the southern boundary of the Terra Aus- company's
trails, another expedition, fitted out by the Dutch West "^P»='i'i"^n-
India Company to cruise in the South Sea, dispelled the
delusive notions which had been entertained regarding
the extent of the Staten Land discovered by Schouten
and his colleague. The command of this entcrpi ise was
intrusted to Ilendrick Brower, who sailed from the
Texel on the 6th November 1642, and reached the en-
trance of Strait Le Maire on the 6th of March following.
The day was very clear, and the whole surface of
Staten Land was plainly revealed ; and instead of being
part of a large continent extending to New Holland,
was found to be a small island, nine or ten of their miles,
as they calculated, in length. The winds were unfavour-
able for their passage through the strait, and they re-
solved to sail to the east of the isle. This they did
without meeting any obstacle, and thence pursued the
passage by Cape Horn into the South Sea, where no
better fortune awaited them than had been experienced

CHAP. IV.

Browne's
Strait

Tasman's

second

voyage.

Discovery by
La li.che.

Adventures
of the
Lucc-aneers

Vci'iJlcjiity.

130 CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS AND DISCOVERIES

by the ill-fated Nassau Fleet. Tlie nc«me of Brewer's
Strait was given to the track whic^ he had pursued
round Staten Tsland, from a belief that there existed
lands to the eastwaid.

After this voyage, a long period elapsed, marked
by an almost total cessation of maritime enterprise.
In 1644, it is true, Tasman was again sent out, with
instructions to ascertain whether New Guinea, New
Holland, and Va:i Diemen's Land, were one conti-
nent, or separated by straits. No record of his voyage,
however, has been preserved, and if he made any dis-
coveries they soon passed into oblivion. In 1676, a
merchant of the name of La Roche, born in London
of French parents, observed, to the east of Staten
Land, an island which appears to be identical with the
New Georgia of Cook ; and these are the only expcuitions
on record, from the date of Erower's voyage till we
come to the adventures of the Buccaneers, in the latter
pari of the century.

Many of these rovers became desirous of trying their
fortune in the South Seas, and fitted out for that pur-
pose a vessel of eighteen guns, in which they sailed
from the Chesapeake 23d August 1683. They were
commanded by Captain John Cook, and among their
number were several who were afterwards known to
fame, — William Dampier, Edward Davis, Lionel Wafer,
and Ambrose Cowley. On tlie coast of Guinea they
captured a ship whijh they christened the Bachelor's
Delight, and, having burned their old vessel " that she
might tell no i-ales," embarked on board the^'r prize.
In January 1684, they saw the islands first visited by
Davis, and at that time distinguished by the appella-
tion of Sibald de Weert. The editor of the journal
left by Cowley, one of the historians of the voyage,
anxious to flatter the Secretary of the Admiralty, re-
presented these as a new discovery, and gave to them
the name of Pepys, — a circumstance which we shall
hereafter see occasioned much perplexity and useless
soai oh. After passing Cape Horn, the Buccaneers touch-
ed at Juan Fernandez, and thence set sail for the coast

OP THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.

131

of Mexico, having been joined in their cruise by the
ship Nicholas of London, under the command of John
Eaton. In July, Captain Cook died, and was suc-
ceeded as chief officer by Edward Davis ; and in Sep-
tember Eaton and Davis parted company, — the former,
with whom went Cowley, sailing for the East Indies,
and the latter remaining in the South Sea. Shortly
after this event, Davis was joined by tho Cygnet, Cap-
tain Swan, as also by a small bark, manned by Buc-
caneers ; and with this united force, which was still
farther augmented by French adventurers, the rovers
continued to carry on their depredations with varying
success until August 1685. At that time serious dis-
sensions arose, and Swan, leaving his consorts, determin-
ed to sail northward to the Californian coast, with the
intention of proceeding to the East Indies. In this
voyage he was accompanied l)y Dampier, who has left
a narrative of the expedition. It was the 31st of
March 1686 before they quitted the American coast and
stood westward across the Pacific, nor did they reach
the Ladrones until May. After departing from these,
they visited in succession the Bashee Islands, the Phi-
lippines, Celebes, Timor, and New Holland. In April
1688, they were at the Nicobar Islands, and here Dam-
pier quitted the expedition, and found his way to England
in 1691. The Cygnet afterwards perished off Madagas-
car. In the career of Davis, who, as has been mentioned,
remained in the South Sea, the most remarkable event
was the discovery of an island named after him, and now
generally identified with Easter Island. In 1688, this
bold mariner returned to the West Indies.*

The last ten years o^ the seventeenth century are
almost entirely barren in discovery. In 1690, an ex-
pedition, fitted out partly for privateering, partly for
trading purposes, and placed under the command of
Captain John Strong, brought to light, in their course
to the South Sea, the passage between the two larger

* For a minute narrative of this voyaj^e, and an account of the
rise and history of the Buccaneers, the reader is referred 1 tho
Lives and Voya>res of Drake, Cavendish, and Dampier.

CHAP. IV.

Death of
Captain
Jamea Cook.

Nrtrrat'vc of
Dumpier.

^-'!scn^•prv hi
t!ie South
Sea.

Fxpertitinn
of Ciiptaiii
Strong.

CHAP. IV.

Falkland
Sound.

Dampler's
voyage.

Progress ot
discovery
in tlie
seventeenth
century.

Adv^inces
in gcoKi-aphi'
cal tiuience.

132 CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS AND DISCOVERIES

islands of the Falkland group. He named this channel
Falkland Sound, — a term v/hich has since been generally
applied to the islands themselves. In 1699, M. de
Beauchesne Gouin, a French commander, detected an
island to the east of Tierra del Fuego, and bestowed on
it his own name, which it still retains. The same year
was marked by a voyage under the auspices of the
British government expressly for the extension of geo-
graphical science. It was placed under the direction of
Dampier, and its object was the more minute examina-
tion of New Holland and New Guinea. It added much to
our knowledge of these countries, and is the most import-
ant contribution to science made by that navigator.

In reviewing the progress of discovery in ti>e sf^ en-
teenth century, it will be seen that enterprise Inr ii' I
during its latter years, and that almost every addition
made to our knowledge was effected in the earlier por-
tion of it. During that time were made the important
acquisitions of Staten Island, Strait Le Maire, and Cape
Horn, and of several harbours and islands of Tierra del
Fuego. In the more central parts of the Pacific there
were visited the New Hebrides, the groups of the Society
and Friendly Islands, and mrny of the smaller isles
scattered over the great ocean. On. the Asiatic side,
some information had been obtained of New Holland,
Van Diemen's Land, and New Zealand. The coasts of
New Guinea were more ai curately examined, and many
of the islands which stretch along its shores were ex-
plored. The existence of a strait between New Guinea
and New Holland was ascertained ; though, from acci-
dental circumstances, the memory of this achievement
was soon lost. Such were the advances made in geo-
graphical science during the first forty years of the
century ; the remaining portion was undistinguished by
any acquisition of great importance. In this long space
we have to enumerate only the discoveries of one of the
Carolines, which gave its name to the group, of New
Georgia, Easter and Beauchesne Islands, Falkland Sounl,
and a survey of some parts of Australia.

Of the three circumnavigations made in the course of

OP THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.

133

Preocciipa-
tion of
England

this age, all were performed by the Dvitch.* Spain had OHAP. iv.
now withdrawn from the field of enterprise into which DutciTenter-
she was the first to enter ; and during tlie seventeenth prise.
century but one expedition for South Sea discovery of
any note ^as fitted out from her ports. England, dis-
tracted by the great civil war and other events, had
neglected to follow up the career so boldly begun by
Drake and Cavendish ; and, with the exception of Dam-
pier's voyage to New Holland, her only adventurers in
the Pacific were the lawless Buccaneers. To the United
Provinces is due the honour of having, during this
period, kept up the spirit of investigation, and widely
extended the limits of geographical knowledge.

* We Iiave followed Biirney and Bougainville in not assigninjj
the title of circuninavijj^ations to the expeditions of the Buccaneers
between 1683 and 1691, above narrated. We may here also state,
that we can neither rank Gemelli Careri (1697) nor M. de Pages
(1767-1776) among circumnavigators, because that word can hardly
be applied to travellers who, mdeed, encircled the globe, but diil
so by crossing the Isthmus of Dariun and several pans of Asia.
M. de Pages can have been styled a circumnavigator only by those
who hi>d read no farther than the titlepage of his book, and were
ignorant of the meaning attached by the 1' rench to the word voyage.
-"Voyages autour du Monde et vers les deux Poles. Par Ai-
de Pages." Paris, 17»2, 2 vols 8vo.

J 34

FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE

CHAP. V.

English

CHAPTER V.

Circumnavigations from the Beginning of the Eighteenth
Century to the Reign of George III.

' '- Tinavijiption of Dampier and Funnel, of Woodes Rogers,
Jlipperton and Shelvocke, of Rog^ewein — Easter Island —
i ^rnicious Islands — Circumnavigation of Anson — Objects of the
Expedition— Passage of Cape Horn — Severe Sufferings of the
Crevr — Juan Fernandez — Cruise on the American Coasts — Burn-
ing of Payta — Loss of the Gloucester — Tiuian — Capture of the
Manilla Galleon — Return of the Centurion to England — Fate of
the Wager.

The early part of the eighteenth century was marked
by numerous privateering voyages to the South Sea,

voyages to
tlie South
Sea.

privateering generally undertaken by English merchants ; expedi-
tions which, inde< d, served little to advance either ma-
ritime science or the reputation of British seamen. Tlie
principle which almost invariably regulated them M'as,
" No prizes no pay," and this led to continual disorder
and insubordination. The commanders, too frequently,
were men of no education, of dissipated habits, and of
violent and avaricious dispositions. Altogetlier, the
narrative of these buccaneering adventures is one of the
least creditable in the naval annals of our country.

The first of them which we have to notice, was
directed by one whom Captain Basil Hall has not
unjustly styled " the prince of voyagers," — ^William
Dampier. This skilful navigator sailed from Kinsale
in Ireland, on the 11th September 1703, in command of
two ships, the St George and the Cinque Ports galley,
and entered the South Sea in the beginning of the fol-

Dami;ier.

EIGHTEENTH CENTURY TO GEORGE III.

135

lowing year. But even his talents and resolution were chap. v.
unable to preserve order among his boisterous crews, nisseiision
and the history of their proceedings accordingly is an ft"*! tumult
unbroken series of dissension and tumult. On the 10th "I^w?^
of May, these disputes had reached such a height that
the vessels agreed to part company. The Cinque Ports,
which sailed to the southward, was eventually run
ashore, and the people taken prisoners by the Spaniards.
In September, anotlier quarrel broke out on board the
St George, which led to the desertion of the chief mate,
John Clipperton, with twenty-one of the seamen. In
January 1705, differences again occurred, and the re-
mainder separated into two parties. One of these im-
mediately sailed for the East Indies, and, returning to
Europe by the Cape of Good Hope, arrived in the Texel
in July 1706 : a narrative of their voyage has been left
by Funnel. Shortly after this secession, Dampier was Misfortnnus
forced to abandon the St George, and to embark in a ^' ^'*"'i'^''-
prize which had been taken from the Spaniards. In
this he proceeded to the East Indies ; but being unable
to produce his commission, which had been stolen from
him, it is said, by his mate Clipperton, his vessel was
seized by the Dutch, and he himself detained some time
a prisoner.

In 1708, we again meet this bold seaman as a cir- Posers nnd
cumnavigator, in the capacity of pilot to Woodes Rogers, '""^'*'^'
who sailed from Cork on the 1st September, in the com-
mand of two ships, fitted out by the merchants of
Bristol to cruise against the Spaniards in the South Sea.
In December, the squadron reached the Falkland
Islands, and after being driven to the latitude of 62"
south in doubling Cape Horn, arrived in January 1709,
at Juan Fernandez, the well-known rendezvous of the
Buccaneers. Their visit was the means of restoring to Delivery o
civilized life the celebrated Alexander Selkirk, whose Selkirk.
residence on this island upwards of four years became,
as has been already hinted, the groundwork of Defoe's
romance of Robinson Crusoe. After this nearly a
twelvemonth was spent in cruising on the coasts of

«fl

^?«?=T7srs=!5aRWP»PTEwaBi

13f)

FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE

CHAP. V.

Success
of the
expedition.

New expedi-

li '

Peru, Mexico, and California. In January 1710 they
sailed across the Pacific, and in March made the Ladrone
Islands. They arrived in the Thames on the 14th of
October 1711, loaded with a booty which rendered the
enterprise highly lucrative to the owners. With this
voyage closed the long and checkered life of Dampier ;
on his return to England he sunk into an obscurity
which none of his biographers has yet succeeded in re-
moving.*

Tlie success of this expedition led soon afterwards
tion pUiuKd. ^Q another of a similar description. In 1718, the war
which was then waged between Spain and the German
empire appeared to some " worthy gentlemen of London,
and persons of distinction," to afford a favourable op-
portunity of cruising against the subjects of the former
country in the South Sea, under commissions from
Charles VI. Accordingly, two ships, the Success of
thirty-six guns and the Speedwell of twenty-four, were
fitted out in the river Thames. To give some colour to
the design, their names were clianged into the Prince
Eugene and the Staremberg ; and this latter vessel was
despatched to Ostend, under the command of Captain
George Shelvocke, to take on board some Flemish
officers and seamen, and to receive the commioolon from
the emperor. The conduct of this gentleman, while en-
gaged in these preparations, was by the owners con-
sidered imprudent, and, on his return to England, he
was superseded in his office of commander-in-chief by
Clipperton (who had sailed as mate with Dampier in the
St George), though he was allowed to continue in
charge of the Staremberg. During the course of these
arrangements. Great Britain declared war against Spain ;
the imperial authority was in consequence laid aside,
and the Flemish officers and seamen discharged ; the

Commission
from tlie
emperor.

• For an account of the voyages and circumnavigations in which
Dumpier bore a part, more full and detailed than was compatible
with the plan of the present volume, the reader is referred to " Lives
and Voynges of Drake, Cavendish, and Dampier."

EIOnXEENTH CENTURY TO GEORGE III.

137

ships recovered their original names, and were manned
with English crews.

Thus fitted out, the Success and Speedwell sailed from
Plymouth on the 13th February 1719. Six days after,
a violent storm arose, and both ships were obliged to
pass the niglit under bare poles. The gale abated on
the following evening, when they again proceeded, the
former under Clipperton holding a south-easterly di-
rection, while Captain Shelvocke in the latter stood to
the north-west, — a difference of course which so effec-
tually disjoined them, " that from that day they never
saw each other till they met in the South Seas by mere
accident." It will be necessary, therefore, in the notice
of this expedition, to give distinct narratives of the pro-
ceedings of the two commanders.

When they parted company, the whole stock of wine,
brandy, and other liquors, designed for the supply of
both ships, was on board the Speedwell ; and this cir-
cumstance has generally been admitted as evidence in
favour of Clipperton, that the separation could not be
designed on his part. It is certain that, after losing
sight of his consort, he immediately set sail for the
Canary Islands, the first rendezvous which had been
agreed on in case of losing each other. He arrived there
on the 6th March, and, after having waited ten days in
vain, set sail for the Cape de Verd Islands, the second
place appointed for their meeting. Having cruised here
also an equal period, and hearing nothing of Shelvocke,
he directed his course for the Straits of Magellan, at
the eastern entrance of which he arrived on the 29th
May. During this passage several of the seamen died,
and much hardship and privation had been experienced ;
and on the 18th of August, when he reached tlie South
Sea, the crew were in such an enfeebled condition, " that
it was simply impossible for them to undertake any
thing immediately." In conformity, therefore, with his
instructions, which appointed Juan Fernandez as the
third rendezvous, Clipperton immediately proceeded
thither, and remained about a month, after which he

CHAP. V.

Departure ot
tlie Success
ind Speed-
well.

Separntlon of
the ships.

Good faith of
Clippuituii.

Hardsliiis
and privu^
tions.

130

CHAP. V.

Capture of
prizes.

Loss of Ills
booty.

Jloeting of
tliti cuusorts.

Fate of
Clipperton.

PROM THE BEGINNING OF THE

departed for the coast of Peru, which he reached in
October. Although he had lost upwards of thirty of his
men prior to the time of his quitting the island just
named, he was so successful as, in the course of little more
than four weeks, to have taken five prizes, some of them
of considerable value, besides one which he captured, but
which subsequently made her escape. On the 27th of
November, he despatched a vessel to Brazil, loaded with
booty valued at more than £10,000 ; but she never
reached her destination, having, there is reason to think,
been intercepted by the Spaniards. From this time to the
beginning of 1721, he continued to cruise on the Ameri-
can coast with indifferent success. On the 25th Janu-
ary in that year, he met with Shelvocke near the island
of Quibo, and, after exchanging a few stores, parted
company on the succeeding day. During their stay on
the Mexican shore, they again met on four different oc-
casions. On three of these, they passed each other
without speaking ; and on the fourth, a proposal made
by Clipperton, that they should sail in company, met
with no success. This took place on the 13th of
March ; and, four days afterwards, the last-named officer
sailed for China. About the middle of May, he made
Guahan, one of the Ladrones, his departure from which
was hastened by an unfortunate quarrel, which ter-
minated to his disadvantage. On the 2d of July, he
arrived in China, when the disputes which ensued re-
garding the division of plunder were referred to the
judgment of the native authorities. These awarded to the
proprietors £6000, to the common seamen £97, ISs. 4d.
each, and to the captain £1466, lOs. The owners' share
was committed to a Portuguese ship, which took fire in
the harbour of Rio Janeiro, and not more than £1800
of the property was saved. Clipperton's vessel was sold
at Macao, and her crew returned home. The unfortu-
nate commander reached Gal way in Ireland, in the be-
ginning of June 1722, where he died within a week
after his arrival.
On parting with his consort, Shelvocke contrived so to

EIGHTEENTH CENTURY TO OEORQE III.

139

manage hi8 course that he did not reach the Canaries chap. v.
until the l7th of March, two days after the other had proci^nRs
departed. Having icmained there more than a week, of sheivocke.
he proceeded to the Cape de Verd Islands, where he
also waited some time for Clipperton. After plunder-
ing a Portuguese vessel on the coast of Brazil, he passed
Strait Le Maire, and in rounding Cape Horn experienced
such tempestuous weather, that he was driven to a high
southern latitude. He seems to have been much struck Driven into

■with the bleakness of these cold and steril regions : ''''^H^""i"
,, __r , , „ , ,, , . , „ « , « cm latitude.

" We had not, he says, " the sight of one fish of any

kind since we were come to the southward of the
Streights of Le Maire, nor one seabird, except a discon-
solate black albatross, which accompanied us for several
days, hovering about us as if it had lost itself ; till Mr
Hatley, observing in one of his melancholy fits that this
bird was always hovering near us, imagined from its
colour that it might be an ill omen ; and so, after some
fruitless attempts, at length shot the albatross, not '"'°*^^**'*°'"'
doubting that we should have a fair w^ind after it." *

* This incident is believed to have ^\\en rise to tlie late Mr
Sanniel Taylor Coleridge's wild and beautiful poem of " The Rime
of the Ancient Mariner."

<' And now there came both mist and snow,

And it grew wond'rous cold,
And ice mast high came floating by,

As green as emerald.

« « « * *

Nor shapes of men nor beasts we ken,

The ice was all between.

« ♦ • » ♦

At length did cross an albatross.
Thorough the fog it came.

And a good south wind sprung up behind.

The albatross did follow ;
And every day for food or play.

Came to the mariner's hollo !

In mist or cloud, on mast or shroud
It perch'd for vespers nine.

I shot the albatross.
* *

with my cross-bow

140

FROM THE BEGINNING OP THE

CIIAP.V.

Arrival at
tlie InIuikI
of Cliiloe.

^. 'recked on
tlic island
of . I nan
l-'ernandez.

Capture of a
i^paniiih ship

At length, about the middle of November, he made the
western coast, and on the 30th of the same month an-
chored at the island of Chiloe. His instructions were,
that on entering the South Sea he should immediately
proceed to Juan Fernandez ; but it was not until the
nth of January 1720 that he repaired thither to inquire
about his colleague, who Lad been there about three
months previously. He remained only four days, and
then steered towards the shores of Peru, along which
he cruised till the beginning of May, capturing several
vessels, and burning the town of Payta. On the 11th
of the same month he returned to Juan Fernandez, off
which, partly for the purposes of watering and partly
detained by bad weather, he remained until the 25th,
when his ship was driven on shore and became a wreck.
With the loss of one man, the crew succeeded in gain-
ing the land, carrying along with them a few of their
stores. Little unanimity subsisted among' the seamen ;
and hence the building of a new vessel in which they
were employed proceeded but slowly. It was not until
the 5th of October tliat their rude bark was launched,
which even then was considered so insufficient, that
twenty-four of them chose rather to remain on the
island than trust themselves to the ocean in such a
feeble structure.

On the 6th, Shclvocke and forty-six others put to
sea, and stood eastward for the shores of the continent.
After two ineffectual attempts on different vessels, he
succeeded in capturing a Spanish ship of 200 ions bur-
den, into which he transferred his crew, and abandoned
the sloop. Being once more in a condition to commit
hostilities, he continued to cruise along the coast, from
Chili northward to California, until about the middle
of the year 1721. During this period, as has been al-

Then all averr'd I had kill'd the bird

That broufrht the fo}r and mist ;
'Twas ri^ht, said they, such birds to slay

That bring the fog' and mist."
Coleridyes Foetical IVorks. Lend. 1834, vol. ii. p. 3-fi.

EIGHTEENTH CENTURY TO GEORGE III.

Ill

ready mentioned, he met Clipperton, with whom he chap. v.
finally parted towards the end of March. On the 18th -.
of August he sailed from California for China, and on from
the 2l8t discovered an island to which his own name ^t'l??"!"'.* '
was given, though there seems good reason for suppos-
ing it to be the same with Roca Partida, one of the
Revillagigedo Isles, seen by Spilbergen and other early
voyagers.* On the 11th November he reached his des-
tination, and anchored in the river of Canton, where he
sold his prize, dividing the plunder which he had
acquired among his crew. On this occasion, the able
seamen received £440, 7s. 2d. each,and the commander's
share amounted to £'2642, 10s. He soon afterwards Arrival In
procured a passage to England in an East Indiaman, KuRiand a »l
and landed at Dover on the 30th July 1722. He was
arrested, and two prosecutions instituted against him, —
the one for piracy, and the other for defrauding his
proprietors. Of these the first was abandoned for want
of evidence, and the second was interrupted by his
escape from prison and flight from the kingdom. He
afterwards succeeded in compounding with the owners,
and having returned he published an account of his
voyage.

The next circumnavigation was that accomplished by Jacob
Jacob Roggewein, a Dutchman.t An injunction to ^^^^gewc n,
prosecute the search for southern lands had, it is said,
been laid upon him by his father a short time before
his death. This last had, in the year 16G9, presented
a memorial to the Dutch West India Company, con-
taining a scheme for discovery in the South Sea, and

* Bnrney, Chron. Hist, Discov., vol. iv. p, fioL
•f" Two accounts of Rof^jjewein's vojajj^e exist. The first appear-
ed without the author's name at Dort, in 17-'^ under the title of
" Twee Jaari^e Reyze rondom de Wereld," — A Two Years' Voyage
round the World. The second, written in German, was printed at
Leipsic in 1738; — a French translation was published at the Hajijue
in 1/39. This work was written by Charles Frederick Behrens, a
native of Mecklenburg, who was sergeant and commander of the
troops in Rojjgewein's fleet. Both accounts have been translated
by Mr Dalryinple (Hist. Coll., vol. iL p. t]a-I2U), who termiuutfs
his valuable work with this voyage.

r ■
i t

\ ,;■ ,

' ''- .1

! ■ ':

U 1

■p

142

FROM THE BEGINNING OP THE

Plan of
file elder
lioggcwcin

Expeditious
picimrution
of vcsaels, .

CHAP. V. his proposals weu so wi'll received, that some vessels
were equipped for the purpose ; but the disturbances
between the United Provinces and Spain put a btop to
the project. In 1721, it was renewed by his son, in an
application to the same association, which bore a refer-
ence to the memorial of his fatlier. It has been in-
sinuated, that the readiness with which the request of
Roggewein was conceded, had its origin, less in a desire
for the advancement of science than in interested mo-
tives. No time, it is certain, was lost in preparing the
expedition, which consisted of three vessels, the largest
carrying 36 guns, and manned by 111 men. These
sailed from the Texel on the 21 st August 1721, and in
November were off the coast of Brazil, from which they
" went in quest of the island of Auke's Magdeland
(Hawkins* Maiden-land), but could find no such
place."* Tiiey were equally unsuccessful in another
attempt to identify the same island under the different
name of St Louis ; but on the 21st December y had
the good fortune to see one, to which they the

appellation of Belgia Australis, and in which, tiiough
they chose not to perceive it, they only re-discovered
the Maiiien-land and Isles of St Louis. On the same
day, one of the vessels was separated from her consorts
in a violent storm. On the 10th March, Roggewein
came in sight of the coast of Chili, and on the eighteenth
anchored at Juan Ferrandez, where he remained three
weeks.

On leaving this port he directed his course for Davis*
Land, which, like Hawkins* Maiden-land, he failed to
trace, or at least affected not to recognise : pretending
that he had made a new discovery, he exercised the
privilege of a first visiter in bestowing on it a name,
that of Paaschen, Oster or Easter Island. While they
were sailing along the shore in search of anchorage, a
native came off in his canoe, who was kindly treated,
and presented with a piece of cloth and a variety oi

Arrival
lit Juan
Fernandez.

Assumed
discoveries.

Dalrj'niple, Hiiit. Coll., vol. ii. p. 88.

EIOUTEENTII CENTURY TO OEOROE III.

113

CHAP. V,

baubles. Ho was naturally of a dark-brown complex-
ion, but his body was painted all over with figures, and
his ears were of a size so unnatural ** that they hung nplj^uranro
down upon his shoulders," occasioned, as the Europeans "» » nutiva
conjectured, by the use of largo and heavy earrings. " A
glass of wine," says one of the journals of the voyage,
" was given to him ; ho took it, but instead of drhiking
it, he threw it in his eyes, which surprised us very
much." Ho seemed so fascinated with the strangers
that it was with difficulty he was prevailed on to depart ;
— " he looked at them with regret ; he held up both
his hands towards his native island, and cried out in a
very audible and distinct voice, *Odorroga! odorroga!'"*
— exclamations which were supposed to be addressed to
his god, from the many idols observed along the coast.

The succeeding day the discoverers anchored close to inteiTievr
the island, and were invnediately surrounded by many with tiio
thousands of the inhabitants, some of whom brought
with them fowls and provisions, while others " remained
on the shore, running to and fro from one place to
another like wild beasts." They were also observed
to make fires at the feet of their idols, as if to offer up
their prayers and sacrifices before them. On the
following day, as the Hollanders were preparing to land,
the savages were seen to prostrate themselves with
their fiaces towards the rising sun, and to light many
fires, apparently to present burnt-offerings to their
divinities. Several of them went on board the ship, Native pvicst.
among whom one man quite A'hite was conjectured,
from his devout a'.d solemn gestures, to be a priest, and
was distinguished by wearing wl ite earrings of a round
shape and of size equal to a man's fist. The sailors,
upon returning this visit, commenced an attack, ap-
parently unprovoked, on the natives, and by a heavy
slaughter taught them the deadly efficacy of the musket.
They are desdibed as having " made the most surpris-

• Dalrymple, Hist Coll., vol. ii, pp 90, 91.

\4i

FROM XnE BEGINNING OF THE

I !

CHAR V.

Unprovoked
slaufrliter of
tlie natives.

Recrets
of tlicir
assailants.

Appearance
of t'le
K-ster
Ii^ijulers.

ing motions and gestures in the world, and viewed their
fallen companions with the utmost astonishment, wonder-
ing at the wounds the bullets had made in their bodies."
Though dismayed, they again rallied and advanced to
within ten paces of their enemies, under an impression
of safety, which a second discharge of fire-arms too
fatally dissipated. Among those wlio fell was the in-
dividual that first came on board, — a circumstance, says
the journalist " which chagrined us much." Shortly
after, the vanquished returned and endeavoured to
redeem the dead bodies of their countrymen. They
approached in procession, carrying palm-branches and
a sort of red and white flag, and uttering doleful cries
and sounds of lamentation ; they then threw themselves
on their knees, tendered their presents of plantains,
nuts, roots, and fowls, and sought, by the most earnest
and humble attitudes, to deprecate the wrath of the
strangers. The lustorian represents his companions as
:o affected with all these demonstrations of humility
and submission, that they made the islanders a present
" of a whole piece of painted cloth, fifty or sixty yai'ds
long, bead^, small looking-glasses, &c." They returned
to their ships in the evening with the intention to
revisit the island on the succeeding day ; but this design
was frustrated by a storm, which drove them from
their anchors and obliged them to stand out into the
open sea.

The inhabitants of Easter Island are described as
being of a well-proportioned stature, thou^,J rather
slender, of complexions generally brown, but, in some
instances, of European whiteness. They delineate on
their bodies figures of birds and other animals ; and a
great piupoHion of the females were "painted with a
rouge, very bright, which much surpasses that known
to us ;" and had dresses of red and white cloth, soft to
the touch like silk, with a small hat made of straw or
rushes. They were generally of a mild flisposition,
with a soft and pleasing expression of countenance, and
so timid, that when they brought presents to the

EIGHTEENTH CtHTURY TO GEORGE 111.

145

CHAP. V.

Womai. of Easier Island-

voyagers, they threw the gift at their feet and made n ExtrcTno

precipitate retreat. Their ears, as already noticed, timidity.

were so elongated as to hang down to their shoulders,

and wefe sometimes ornamented witii large white rings

of a globular form. Their huts were about fifty feet Their hutsw

lo!ig and seven broad, built of a number of poles

cemented with a fat earth or clay, and covered with

the leaves of the palm-tiee. They had earthen vessels

for preparing their victuals, but possessed few other

articles of furniture. No arms were perceived among

them, and their sole defence from the cruel hostilities

of their visiters appeared to be reposed in their idols.

These were gigantic pillar. " stone, having on the top

the figure oi u human head adorned with a crown or

; I

( H.

146

FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE

CHAP. V.

Names of
their idola.

Nature of
their govern-
ment

Gicantic
size.

Course of t!io
voyagers.

garland, fonned of small stones inlaid with considerable
skill. The names of two of these idols have been pre-
served, — Taurico and Dago ; and the Hollanders thought
they perceived indications of a priesthood, the memberi
of which were distinguished by their ponderous ear-
rings, by having their heads shaven, and by wearing
a bonnet of black and white feathers. The food of the
inhabitants consisted entirely of the fruits of their land,
which was carefully cultivated and diided into en-
closures. No traces were found of a supreme chief or
ruler, nor was any distinction of ranks observed, except
that the aged bore staves, and had plumes on their
head?^ .And that in families the oldest member appeared
to exercise authority. It would be improper to pass
without notice the fabulous account of the immense
stature of the natives, given, in one of the accounts of
the voyage, with the strongest protestations of its truth:
— "AH these savages are of more than gigantic size ;
for the men, b^ing twice as tall and thick as the largest
of our people, they measured, one with another, the
height of twelve feet, so that we could easily — who
will not wonder at it ! — without stooping, have passed
betwixt the legs of these sons of Goli.ah. According to
their height, so is their thickness, and all are, one with
another, very well proportioned, so that each could
have passed for a liercules." It is added, that the
females do not altogether come up to these formidable
dimensions, " being commonly not above ten or eleven
feet!"*

From Easter Island the Dutchman pursued a course
nearly north-west, and about the middle of May caine
in sight of an island, to which he gave the name of

* Dalrymple, vol. ii. p. 113. " I doubt not," adds the Journal-
ist, " but most people vvbo read this voyage will give no credit to
what I now relat*^, and that this account of the height of these
giants will probably pass with them for a mere fable or fiction; but
tins I declare, that I have put down nothing but the real truth, and
that this people, upon the nicest inspection, were in fact of such a
surpassing height as I have here described."

EIGHT r.KNTH CENTURY TO GEORGE III.

147

Carls-hofF, which it still retains. After leaving this,
one of his vessels suddenly ran aground and was wrecked,
on a cluster of low islands, which he distinguished by
the epithet of Schaadelyk or Pernicious. These are
generally supposed to be identical with Palliser's Islands ;
and modern voyagers seem to have observed in the
vicinity traces of Roggewein*s visit and shipwreck.*
Among these he sailed five days, and on the 2.5th May
discovered two small ones, probably the Bottomless
and Fly Island of Schouten and Le IVIaire.-}- A few
days later, he perceived a group, to which he gave the
appellation of Irrigen or the Labyrinth ; and, continu-
ing in the same westerly course, on the 1st of June
reached an island which he denominated Vcrquikking
or Recreation, and which is supposed to be Uliatea,
one of the Society cluster, — a conjecture rendered more
probable by the tradition prevalent among the natives,
of their having been visited by Europeans. The navi-
gatore found their landing opposed by the inhabitants,
who were armed with pikes, and who did not withdraw
tiieir opposition until they were overpowered by fire-
arms. On the succeeding day another conflict ensued,
wlien the event wa litFcrent; the invaders were ob-
liged to retreat, aftci iuiving some of their men killed
and many severely wounded. The jH<oplc are described
as robust and tall, their hair long and Mack, '"'eir bodies
painted, and their dress consisting of a kind oi network
round the waist.

Shortly after quieting Recreation Isla; 1, it was de-
termined in a general council of officer, that to sail
back by the co- .vSe which they had traversed was im-
possible, and that they were therefore under tl neces-
sity of going home by the East Indies. In ^ordance
with this resolution, they continued to steer westward,
and on the 15th of June reached a cluster of islands,
which they called Bauman, supposed to be the Navi-

CIIAP. V.

Wreck of one
of the sliiifl.

Recrc:i:ior
Island.

Conflict with
tiie natives.

rui'thor
route ile;cr-
uiiued Jii.

• Rnrnoy, Chron. Hist. Discov., vol. iv. \\ 6/').
•f* See above, pp. 106, lOj.

J 48

FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE

CHAP. V. gators* Isles of the present maps. From this point the
Siitr.iinKs of ^^^^^^ ^^ Ruggewcin coincided too closely with that ol
tlie crew.

Arrival at
Java.

Appeal to
General.

War Tietwoer
Spain ai.d
Britain.

Schouten and other discoverers, to offer much of novelty
or interest ; nor has this part of his voy ige been very
clearly narrated. The scurvy broke out among his
crew and committed frightful ravages : " There was
nothing," says a journalist of the voyage, " to be seen
on board, but sick people struggling with inexpressible
pains, and dead carcasses that were just released from
tliem, and from which arose so intolerable a smell, that
such as yet remained sound were not able to endure,
but frequently swooned with it. Cries and groans were
perpetually ringing in their ears, and the very sight of
the people moving about was sufficient to excite at
once terror and compassion." In the month of Sep-
tember, he arrived at Java, with the loss of not fewer
than seventy men by sickness, besides those killed in his
conflicts with the islanders ; and in October proceeded
to Butavia, where his ships were arrested by the Dutch
East India Company, condimned, and sold by public
auction. The crews were sent home free of expense,
and landed at Amsterdam on the 28th July, " the very
same day two years that they sailed on this voyage."
Against these proceedings, the West India Company
sought redress in an appeal to the States General, who
ordained the East India Company to make full com-
pensation for the vessels, — a decision which, when the
judgment in the more favourable case of Schouten and
Le iMaire is considered, it may be not uncandid to sup-
pose, proceeded more from the superior influence of the
appellants than froni the array of legal arguments on
their side. After tlic voyage of Roggewein, twenty
years passed without witnessing one expedition to the
Pacific of the slightest importance.

When war broke out between this country and the
Spaniards in 1739, among other measures adopted l)y
the British administration, it was resolved to send an
armament into the South Sea?: to attack their trade
and settlements in that part of ihe world, in the hope

EIGHTEENTU CENTURY TO GEORGE III.

1-IS)

Geortju
An:ion.

of cutting off the supplies which they derived from chap. v.
their colonies. The original \> in of this expedition jj
was as magnificent as the actual equipment of it was equipment
mean. It was intended that two squadrons should he gnil^jjy/^
despatched, the one to proceed directly by the Cape of
Good Hope to Manilla, in the Philippines ; the other to
double Cape Horn, and, after cruising along the western
coast of South America, to join the former, when both
were to act in concert. But of this romantic scheme
only one-half was put in e\ecution ; and that, too, in a
spirit of petty econoir.3; quite inconsistent with the
success of the enterprise. The attack on Manilla was
abandoned, and the design limited to the fitting out of a
few ships to cruise in the South Seas, under the com-
mand of Captain George Anson.

This officer received his commission early in January Captain
1740 ; but so tardy were the proceedings of the govern,
ment, that his instructions were not delivered to him
until the end of June ; and when in virtue of these he
repaired to his squadron, in the expectation of being
able to sail with the first fr.'r wind, he found that he
liad to encounter difficulties which detained him nearly
three months longer. Three hundred able seamen were
wanting to complete the crews ; and in place of those.
Commodore Anson, after a tedious delay, was able to inemcient
obtain only 170 men, of whom thirty-two were drafted the vessels
from sick-rooms and hospitals, ninety-eight were marines,
and three were infantry officers; the remainder, amount-
ing to thirty-seven, were regular Kiilors. It was part of
the original plan to furnish the squadron with an entire
regiment, and three Independent companies of 100 men
each ; but this design was laid aside, and the ships were
ordered to be supplied with 500 invalids collected from
the out-pensioners of Chelsea Hospital. These consisted
of such soldiers as, from their age, wounds, or other in-
firmities, were incapable of serving ; and Anson re-
monstrated against the absurdity of sending them on
an expedition of so great length, and which must be
attended by so many hardships and privations ; but

750

FROM THE BEQINNINO OP THE

CfiAP. V. hU representations, though supported by those of Sir
Ciiarles Wager, only drev forth the answer, "that

Unsuccess-
ful remon-
strance of
Anson.

Dissatisfac-
tion of tlio
crews.

persons who were supposed to be better jiidges ot
soldiers than he or Mr Anson, thought them the pro-
perest men that could be employed on this occasion." *
This admitted of no reply, and the veterans were ac-
cordingly ordered on board the squadron. Instead,
however, of 600, there appeared no more than 269 ;
for all who were able to walk away had deserted, leav-
ing behind them only the very dregs of their corps, men
for the most part sixty years of age, and some of them
upwards of seventy. The embarkation of these aged
warriors is described as having been singularly affecting.
Their reluctance to the service was visible in their
countenances, on which were seen also apprehension of
the dangers they Avere to encounter, and indignation at
being thus dragged into an enterprise which they could
noways assist, and in which, after having spent their
youthful vigour in the service of their country, they were

* " A Voyage round the World in the Years 1740-1-2-3-4, by
Gcor^;e Anson, Esq., Commander-in-Chief of a Squadron of his Ma-
jesty's Ships sent upon an Expedition to the South Seas. Com-
piled from Papers and other Materials of the Right Honourable
George Lord Anson, and published under his Direction. By Richard
Waiter, M.A., Chaplain of his Majesty's Ship the Centurion.
London, 1740,'' 4to, p. 6. This is the principal authority for the
circumnavigation of Anson, and has ever been popular and highly
admired for the beauty of the narrative and vividness of the de-
scriptions. In this last point, indeed, there is reason to fear that
accuracy is sacrificed to effect. An attempt was made to deprive
Walter of the honour of this work, which is attributed to Benjamin
Robins, F.R.S,, author of Mathematical Tracts, London, 1 701,
2 vols Uvo, and otiier works. This question has .been amply dis-
cussed; but there appears no decisive evidence of Robins claim.
Those wlio are anxious to enter into the discussion may be refer-
red to the preface, by James Wilson, to the Mathematical Tracts
above mentioned ; to Nicol's Literary Anecdotes of the Eigh-
teenth Century, vol. ii. p. 20fi; to the Biographia Britannica, voce
Anson ; and to the Corrigenda and Addenda to that Article inserted
in the 4th volume of the work. Besides Walter's narrative, them
appeared " A True and Impartial Journal of a Voyage to the South
Seas, and round the Globe, in his Majesty's Ship the Centurion,
under the Command of Commodore George Anson. By Pascoe
Thomas, Teacher of the Mathematics oa board the Centurion.
London, 1745," 8vo.

EIGHTEENTH CENTURY TO GEORGE III.

151

too probably doomed to perish. To expose the cruelty chap. v.
of this measure, it need only be stated, that not one of —
these unhappy men wiio reached the South Sea lived to procculihiga!"
return to his native shores.* To supply tlie room of
the 241 invalids who had deserted, raw and undisciplin-
ed marines, amounting to nearly the same number, were
selected from diflFercnt ships and sent on hoard ; upon
which the squadron sailed from Spithead to St Helens,
to await a favourable wind. It consisted of eight vesselsofti
vessels, the Centurion of sixty guns ; the Gloucester and squadron
the Severn of fifty each ; the Pearl of forty ; the
Wager of twenty-eight ;t the Tryal sloop of eight ;
and two store-ships ; and, exclusive of the crews of these
last, contained about 2000 men. After being thrice
forced back by adverse winds, they finally sailed from
St Helens on the 18th September 1740; and, having
touched at Madeira, anchored on the 18th December at
the island of Santa Catalina, on the coast of Brazil,
where they remained about a month.

They arrived at Port San Julian in the middle of Entranpc of
February 1741 ; and on the 7th March entered Strait Llfi?"'''
Le Maire, where, though winter was advancing apace,
they experienced a brightness of sky and serenity of
weather which inspired them with high hopes that the
greatest difficulties of their voyage were past. " Thus
animated by these delusions," says Mr Walter, " we
traversed these memorable straits, ignorant of the dread-
ful calamities that were then impending and just ready
to burst upon us ; ignorant that the time drew near
when the squadron would be separated never to unite
again, and that this day of our passage was the last
cheerful day that the greatest part of us would ever live
to enjoy." ij: The last of the ships had scarcely cleared Chamrc of
the straits, when the sky suddenly changed, and ex
hibited all the appearances of an approaching storm,
which soon burst with such violence, that two of them

• Burney, Chron. Hist. Discov., vol. v. p. 40.

+ According to Thomas (p. 2) the Wager can led but 20 gv.as.

$ Waher, p. 76

luire.

woatncr.

CHAP. V.

Drciulful
btonn.

':i

Injuries to
tliesuuuii'U.

SnfferinRS
and extromo
Diortiility of
the crew.

102

FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE

with difficulty escaped being run ashore on Staten Land.
From this time to the 25th May, the expedition en-
countered a succession of the most tempestuous weather.
The oldest mariners confessed that the fury of the winds
and the mountainous waves surpassed any thing they
had ever witnessed. " Our ship,'* says Thomas, who
sailed in the Centurion, " was nothing to them ; but,
notwithstanding her large bulk and de<>p hold iii the
water, was tossed and bandied as if she had been no
more than a little pitiful wherry." * The sails were
frequently split in tatters, and blown from the yards ;
the yards themselves were often snapped across ; and
the shrouds and other rigging were repeatedly blown to
l)ieces. The upper works were rendered so loose as
to admit water at every scam ; the beds were almost
continually wet, and the men were often driven from
them by the rushing in of the waves. The rolling of
the vessel was so great, that the seamen were in danger
of being dashed to pieces against her decks or sides ;
they were often forced from the objects they had taken
hold of to secure themselves from falling, and, in
spite of every precaution, met numerous accidents ; one
had his neck dislocated, anoth' who was pitched below,
had his thigh fractured, and a I)oatswain's mate had his
collar-bone twice seriously injured. To add to their
misery, the scurvy broke out with great violence ; at
first carrying off two or three a- day, but increasing in
virulence till the mortality amounted to eight or ten.
Few of the crew escaped its attacks, and on these the
labour of managing the ship fell so heavilly, " that,"
says Thomas, " I have on that account seen four or five
dead bodies at a time, some sewn up in their hammocks,
and others not, washing about the decks for want of
help to bury them in the sea." t The disease at last
attained such a height that we are informed there were
not above twelve or fourteen men, and a few officere
capable of doing duty. On the invalids, who had been

* Thomas, p. 21.

t Ibid. p. 22.

Eir.IITEENTII CENTURY TO GEORGE III.

i:>3

so cruelly sent on tliis expedition, the disease prodiuted chap. v.
the most extraordinary effects ; wounds wliich had been pccuiia^Riir.
healed many years now opened, and appeared as if they fuiini-rsoftiie
had never been closed, and fractures of bones wliich had
been long consolidated now again appeared, as if the cal-
lus of the broken bone had been dissolved l)y the disease.
The wounds of one aged veteran, which had been re-
ceived more than fifty years previous, at the battle of
the Boyne, broke out afresh, and seemed as if they
had never been healed.* At length, after a period of
intense suffering, on the morning of the 8th of May, the
crew of Anson's own ship, the Centurion, saw the west-
ern coa.st of Patagonia, the high mountains of which
were for the most part covered with snow. The island island of
of Nuestra Senora del Socorro, whieh had l)een appointed scljlj^ra'dei
as the rendezvous of the fleet, was also visible ; but, Sucono.
from the weak condition of his crew, the commodore
waited here two days, when he set sail for Juan Fer-
nandez, abandoning the design whieh had been formed
of attacking Baldivia. Short as was Anson's delay on
tliis occasion, he has been severely censured for it by
Thomas, who declares, — " I verily believe that our
touching on this coast, the small stay we made here,
and our hinderance by cross winds, which we should
have avoided in a direct course to Juan Fernandez, lost
us at least sixty or seventy of as stout and able men as
any in the navy." t It was not until daybreak of the A"'val
0th of June that they descried the island now named, rernuudcz.
which, notwithstanding its rugged and mountainous
aspect, says Walter, "was to us a most agreeable sight."
An anecdote whicii has been preserved by Dr Beattie
may perhaps present a livelier idea of the distress en-
dured than a lengthened description : " One who was on
board the Centurion in Lord Anson's voyage, having got
some money in that expedition, purchased a small estate
about three miles from this town (Aberdeen). I have
had several conversations with him on the subject of the

Walter, p. lOi

+ Thomas, p. 27.

154

FHOM THE BEGINNING OP TUB

Appearanco
of land.

CHAP. V. voyage, and once asked hiin whether ho had ever read

— the liistory of it. He told me he had read all the

of extreme history, except the description of their suflFerings during

suffeiinjf. ^jjg y^j^ f^^,,^ Capc Horn to Juan Fernandez, which he

said were so great that he duret not recollect or think
of them." *

On the succeeding day they coasted along the shore,
at about the distance of two miles, in search of an an-
chorage. The mountains, which at first view had ap-
peared bare and steril, they now perceived to be covered
with luxuriant woods, and between them they could see
fertile valleys of the freshest verdure, watered by clear
streams, frequently broken into waterfalls. " Tliose
only," says Walter, " who have endured a long series of
thirst, and who can readily recall the desire and agita-
tion which the ideas alone of springs and brooks have at
that time raised in them, can judge of the emotion with
which we eyed a large cascade of the most transj)arent
water, which poured itself from a rock near 100 feet
high into the sea, at a small distance from the ship.
Even those amongst the diseased, who were not in tlie
very last stages of the distemper, though they had been
long confined in their hammocks, exerted the small re-
mains of strength that was left them, and crawled up to
the deck to feast themselves with this reviving pros-
pect." t The succeeding day, the Centurion anchored
on the north-eastern side of the island ; in the passage
from Brazil 200 of her men having died, and 130 of the
remainder being on the sick-list. No time was lost in
erecting tents and conveying the sick on shore, — a
labour in which Anson assisted in person, and exacted
the aid of his officers. He continued here some months
to recruit the health of his crew, and to wait the arrival
of the rest of the squadron. Of the seven vessels which
accompanied him from England only three, the Glou-
cester, the Tryal sloop, and the Anna store-ship, suc-

Delight of
the sullui'd'a

Time spent
at Juan
Fei'Hundez.

* Sir William Forbes' Li(e of Beattie, vol. ii. p. 36.
t Walter, p. 111.

EIGHTEENTU CENTUUY TO OEOUGE III.

jr>5

ceeded in reaching Juan Fernandez. The Industry had chap. v.
l)ccn dismissed on the coast of Brazil, while the Severn and „ .., ~~<.
l*carl, which had separated from the commodore in the the Sivei n
passage round Cape Horn, returned homewards without "'"' ^'''''''''
having entered the South Seas. The Wager, the only
remaining one, reached the western coast of Patagonia,
where she experienced disasters and sufferings which
will be hereafter noticed. Before leaving Juan Fernan-
dez the Anna was broken up, and her crew distributed
among the other vessels, which stood much in need of
this aid ; for, since leaving St Helens, the Centurion oio«t
had lost 292 men out of her complement of 606 ; in the mortality.
Gloucester there remained only 82 out of 374 ; and in
the Tryal, out of 81 there survived but 39.* In short,
of upwards of 900 pereons who had left England on
board these three vessels, more than 600 were dead.

On the 8th of September, while the expedition was Rich prize
still at anchor, a strange sail was discovered and chased, *^"^'""^'*'
and though she escaped, the English, duriikg lue jiursuit,
were fortunate enough to capture another, which proved
to be a rich merchantman, bound from Callao to Val- "
paraiso, and having on board dollars and plate to the
amount of about £18,000 sterling. Intilligence ^\'as
obtained from this prize, that there were several su -h
vessels on their voyage from Callao to Valparaiso, and,
accordingly, no time was lost in despatching the Tryal
sloop to cruise off the latter port. In a few days the P"''''"''* "*'
Centurion sailed, along with the captured ship, to join
the Tryal, leaving the Gloucester at Juan Fernandez,
with orders to proceed to Payta, and cruise there until

* These statements are made as the nearest approach to acrn-
r»i-v which is now attainahle. The numbers of the crews are so
loosely mentioned, that, according); to Walter, in one place (n. 14) the
Tryal had 100 men, and in another (p. 160) only 81. Witn him the
men on board the Centurion are at one time 525, and at another
(p. 159) 506; and Pa>coe Thomas rates them in different places
(p. 42) 518, 512, and (Appendix, p. 8) 510. The latter author
makes the number alive in the Gloucester considerably higher than
Walter. " We found," he says, " in a miserable condition, not
many above one hundred p-ople alive."— 1\ 31.

J5G

FROM THE UEOTNNING OP THE

Tlie 'Iryal's
prize.

Attack on

I'.iyta.

•1:1

CHAP. V. re-enforced by the others. When the commodore fell Jn
with the sloop, he found that she had taken a j)rize ;
but, being herself in a shattered condition, sluvwas sunk,
and her crew transferred to the foreigner, which was
n';w commissioned under the name of the Tryal's )'rize.
Having disposed his fleet so as best to command the
dilferent cities and their trade, Anson continued to cruise
along the coasts of Chili and Peru, until nearly the
middle of November, when, from information he obtained
from a vessel which he had captured, he determined to
make an attempt on Payta. Fifty-eight men"* were
selected .< '>r this purpose, who embarked in three boats,
and rowed for the harbour, whi(!h they had just entered
when they were discovered by a ship's crew, who
manned their barges, and pulled towords the town
shouting, " The English ! the English dogs !" In a
few minutes, the hurrying of liglits to and fro, and
'other signs oi" pi-eparation, gave notice that the inhabit-
ants were alarmed, and before the assailants could
roach the landing-place a cannon-ball from ihe fort
whistled over their heads. But ere a second Jischarge
could take place the seamen had landed, r.iid, forming
into a body, marched in the direction of the governor's
house. The noise of the drums which they carried,
" the shouts and clamours of threescore sailors confined
so long on shipboard, and now for the first time on
shore in an enemy's country, joyous, as they always are
when they land, and animated in the present case with
the hopes of an immense pillage," joined to the sudden
nature of the attack and the darkness of the night,
struck such a panic into the inhabitants, that in less
than a quarter of an hour, and with the loss of one
killed and two wounded, the assailants were masters of
the town, the governor fleeing from it half-naked and
with such precipitation that he most ungallantly left

P.iptnvc ot
tlie town.

* Accordingly t(. Thomas (p. 5b) there were onlj' forty-nine; and
this is confirmed by the description of the " plan of Payta," which
accompanies Walter's voyage, p. 189.

EIOIITEKNTII CnNTUItY TO GRonnR IIT.

157

C'oniplofo

MlCfC!<S of
tliu IIH.^uil-

obtaiiu.'d.

behind him his lady, to whom lie hud been but three or chat, v

four days married, and who afterwards made her eseape

" Avith no other clotlies to eover her but her shift." '*

Two uuy2 were occupied in conveying the phinder to

the vessels ; and tiiis being eft'eeted the town was set on

fire, and, witl> the exception of two churclie.", burned to

tile ground ; and, ol' the six ships in the bay five having

been sunkt and one cavried olf, " we weighed and came

to SCO," says Tjjomas, *' with all our prizes, l)eing six

sail, and left this place entirely ruined." The value of

the silver coin and plate taken in Payta was reported to jinmenso

exceed £30,000,1 and to this there were to be added I'yyty

rings, gold watches, and jewels, besides what ])ilhige fell

into the hands of the individuals engaged in the attack.

Walter mentions a report, that the inhabitants, in their

representations to the Spanish court, estimated their

loss at a million and a half of dollars. Two days after Success

this exploit, Anson was joined by the Gloucester, wliicli (j'i'uLi,^ti,

he found had also captured several prizes, having on

board bullion to the amount of about .£18,000.

It was now resolved to cruise off Cape San Lucas or
Cape Corrientes for the Manilla galleon, and the squadron
accordingly sailed in that direction. On the .5th De-
cember, they anchored at the island of Quibo, where

* Thomas, p. .56. Walter, p. 194. From a note in Rmnoy,
Cliron. Hist. Discov., .ol. v. p. o7i vve learn that lliis lady was alive
in 1791, and acknowledged to an Enj^lish seaman "the lihoral con-
duct observed towards prisoners in Commodore Anson's expedition."

'|- Burnej', Chron. Hist. Discov., vol. v. p. ftH, states that the five
ships were burned; but both Walter fp. 202) and TliomaR (p. ♦•;{)
menticm their bein^ sunk. Indeed, one of the illustr. .tions in Wal-
ter's voyage (plate 24, p. 201) represents the vessels in the act oF
goinij down.

^ This is probably above the truth. IMr Thomas j^ives a spe-
cific account of the number ot'ounces ot'bullion captured, and oltheir
value, by which ho "makes the whole amount £24,415, 10s. 4(1."
He adds, however, as a reason lor his estiniatinjif the value at
about £32,000, that though " I know not certainly whether
there was any thinj^ in specie farther in this capture, yet I know
that j7 was genernllii esteemed to ha near £*J2.000 sterling'' (Ap-
pendix, p. 4). The exaggerating effects of a common rumour like
this are too well known to be valued as of any bi^h authority.

♦

158

FROM THE BKGINNING OF THE

' i

Ai :

OlAP. V.

Missing the

Manilla

galleon.

Disappoint-
ment oi
Ai.son.

Setting snil
lor Cliinn.

they took in a supply of wuler, and remained about
three days, wlien they resumed their voyage to the
northwards. A succession of unfavourable weather
rendered their progress so extremely slow, that they did
not make the Mexican coast, a little to the north- west
of Acapulco, till the end of January. This was past the
usual time of the galleon's app( arance ; hut Anson con-
tinued to sail along the coast in hopes of inter. ,;ep'dng
her till a late period in February, when he received
information that she had arrived the previous month,
about twenty days l)cfore he had reached the coast.
Tliis intelligence, however, was accompanied with the
more gratifying information, that she was to leave
Acapulco to return to Manilla in the beginning of
March, and with a cargo infinitely more valuable than
that which she had brought from the Philippines. The
cruise was therefore continued, and with increased strict-
ness, every precaution being taken, and the most scru-
pulous vigilance observed, until long after the period
fixed for her sailing, when the search was abandoned on
the supposition, which afterwards proved to be correct,
that her departure was delayed for that year, on account
of the English fleet.

Thus disappointed, Anson formed the resolution of
attacking Acapulco, and by that means possessing him-
self of the object of his wishes ; but this plan fell to the
ground, and, leaving his cutter to watch the Manilla
ship, he sailed for the harbour of Chequetan, about thirty
leagues westward, to obtain a supply of water. During
his stay there, the different vessels which had been cap-
tured were destroyed ; and it was resolved that the
squadron, which i-.ow consisted of only two ships, the
Centurion and Gloucester, should quit the South Seas
and sail for China. Various accidents, however, contri-
buted to postpone their departure, and it was not
until the 6th of May tha*^ they lost sight of the moun-
tains ot Mexico. They experienrod much difficulty in
getting into the track of the trade-winds, which they
e:;pectcd to reach in a few days, but did not meet until

EKJnXEENTII CENTURY TO GEORGE III.

150

8even or eight weeks after leaving tlie coast. This dis- chap. V.
appointment pressed on them the more severely, owing ""

to the crazy condition into which their ships had now
fallen, more particularly the Gloucester, which sailed
very heavily. The scurvy, too, again made its appear- Rpnp\yc(i
ance, and raged with a violence little less fatal than that the trews"*
which had marked its attacks in the passage round Cape
Horn. Though the trade- wind had constantly favoured
them from the end of June to the latter part of July,
their progress, owing to the distressed condition of the
crews, had been so very slow, that by their reckoning*
they were still 800 leagues from the Ladrones. At this
time they met with a westerly breeze, succeeded by a
violent storm, which so damaged the Gloucester as toAbnndon-
render her abandonment necessary. Two davs were?.',*;'"' "'^1'.'^
employed in removing her crew and part of her stores
on board the Centurion ; and, on the 16th of August,
she was set on fire, to prevent her falling into the hands
of the Spaniards, to whom the valuable prizo-poods on
board would have rendered her a welcome acciuisition.
" She burned," says Walter, " very fiercely the whole
night, her guns firing successively as the flames reached
them ; and it was six in tlie morning, when we were
about four leagues distant, before she blew up ; the re-
port she made upon this occasion was but a small one,
but there was an exceeding black pillar of smoke, which
sliot up into the air to a very considerable height."*
Though re-enforced by the additional crew, An^on had *^.']i]^'",".^'*
Still to struggle with difficulty and distress. The late and distress.
storm had drifted him from his course ; there was a leak
in his vessel which it was found impossible to btop ;
and the scurvy ra^ed with such violence, tliat no day
passed in which he did not lose eight or ten, and some-
times twelve of the ship's company.

At length, at daybreak of the 23d, two islands were
discovered to the westward, — " a sight which," says
Walter, " gave us all great jo^ , and raif^ed our drooping

liiifr

\Valt(

•r, p

HOO.

]()0

FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE

jii. I

■ i 1 1

LaiuUng fha
sick.

CHAP. V. spirits ; for before this a universal dejection had seized
Discovery of 'i^j and we almost despaired of ever seeing land again."
land. These proved to be two of the Ladrones ; but the ex-

hausted seamen remained in sight of them three days
without being able to come to an anchor. On the 2Gth
three -others were discovered, and the ship's course was
directed towards the one in the centre, which was ascer-
tained to l)e the island of Tinian. They moored here on
the evening of the 28th, and the next day proceeded to
hmd their sick, — a labour in which Anson here, as at
Juan Fernandez, personally assisted. The accounts
which the journalists have left us of this island repre-
!>ent it in the most favourable colours ; they dwell on
its sunny slopes and gentle declivities, — the beauty ot
its lawns, — the luxuriance of its flowers and vegetation,
— the grandeur of its forests, and the richness and variety
of its fruit-trees. " The fortunate animals, too," it is
added, " which for the greatest part of the }ear are the
sole lords of this happy soil, partake in some measure of
the romantic cast of the island, and are no small addi-
tion to its wonderful scenery ; for the cattle, of which
it is not uncommon to see herds of some thousaiuls feed-
ing together in a large meadow, are certainly the most
remarkable in the world ; for they are all of them milk-
white, except their ears, which are generally black.
And though there are no inhabitants here, yet the cla-
mour and frequent parading of domestic poultry, which
range the woods in great numbers, perpetually excite
the ideas of the neighbourhood of farms and villages,
and greatly contribute to the cheerfulness and beauty

Dosci'iption
ot the island
01 Tinian.

of the place.

>j *

* Walter, p. 30'J. After tJie lapse of nearly u century, a memo-
rial of Anson's sojourn at Tinian has been lately broujj;l)t to light.
By the Nautical Mag'azine for July WM (vol. iii. p. 429), it appears
that " a whaler lately, on woityhing her anchor at the i.sland of
Tinian, hooked np the anchor of the Centurion of 64 j^uns, which
was lost by that ship in the year 1742, wiien Commodore Anson
touched there to refnvsh his crew. It was comparatively little cor-
roded, having on a thick coat of ru.st; the wooiien stock was com-
Jileteiv rotted oil."

KIGIITLENTII CENTURY TO GEOIIGE III.

ICl

At this plensiint island Anson remained until the 21st chap. v.
of October, when, the health of his crew having been ~"
restored and the vessel supplied with fresh provisions, Mncnoin
he set sail for Macao in China, where he arrived on tho '^'""'^
12th of November. The live months which he passed
here were employed in refitting his shattered ship and
still farther confirming the health of his men. He
added also to their number some Lascars and Dutch,
and was once more in a condition to resume hostilities.

On leaving Macao, he gave out that he was bound Dcsipns of
for Batavia, on his homeward voyage for England ; but '^"^""•
his real design w'as very different. From the sailing ot
the Manilla galleon of the previous year liaving been
prevented by his appearance off Acapulco, he calculated
that this season there would be two ; and he resolved to
cruise off the island of Sanial, in the hope of intercept-
ing so rich a prize. This flesign he had entertained ever
since he left the coast of Mexico, but had prudently
abstained from revealing it. When his ship, however,
was once fairly at sea, he summoned the whole crew on
deck, and informed them of his intentions. In allusion
to some absurd fables wliieh prevailed regarding tho
strength of the Manilla ships, and their being impene-
trable to cannon-shot, he said he trusted there was none
present so weak as to believe , uch a ridiculous fiction ;
" for his own part, he did assure tlu in upon his word,
that whenever he met with them, he would fight them
so near, that they should find his bullets, instead of be-
ing stopped by one of their sides, should go through
them both."*

The station on which Anson had determined to cruise station
was the Cape Espiritu Santo, part of the island of Samal, ""fiy crui/a""
and he arrived there on the 20th of May. After a
month spent in the greatest impatience and anxiety, a
general joy was diffused among the crew by the sight
of a sail at sunrise of the 20th June. They instantly
(stood tow^ards it, and by mid-day were within a league's

Walter, [>. 371.

if;2

FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE

CHAP. V.

Fight witli a

SfmniHh

galleon.

Disorder
anionj: t!io
Spanish
crew.

iTrmenso

booty

obtained.

Iloweward
voyage.

distance, — the galleon, to their surprise, continuing in
her course, and bearing down upon them. Tlie fight
was commenced by Anson, who, in order to embarrass
the Spaniards, whom he observed busy in clearing their
decks, gave directions to fire, though his previous ordei-s
had been not to engage till within pistol-shot. Immedi-
ately after he took up an advantageous position, by
which he was able to traverse the most of his guns on
the enemy, who could only bring part of theirs to bear.
At the commencement of the battle, part of the netting
and mats of the galleon took fire ; but, upon being ex-
tinguished, the fight continued with unabated deter
mination. Symptoms of disorder, however, were soon
observed on board the merchantman ; their general,
" who was the life of the action," was disabled, and the
men could hardly be prevailed on to remain at their
posts. Their last effort was marked by the discharge
of five or six guns with more skill than usual ; when,
as a signal that the contest was abandoned, the standard
of Spain was struck from the mast-head, — the ship's
colours having been burned in the engagement. The
treasure in specie found on board the prize has been
estimated at upwards of £300,000 sterling. Anson at
the siime time learned that the other had set sail much
earlier than usual, and was most probably moored in
the port of Manilla long before he had reached Samal.

As notiiing was now to be gained by remaining among
the Philippines, he at once set sail for the river of
Canton, where he arrived about the middle of July,
and remained until the beginning of December. Tlie
homeward passage was not attended with any remark-
able event, and on the 15th June 1744, after an
absence of three years and nine months, the Centurion
anchored at Spithead. General joy was diffused through
the nation by the return of the expedition, diminished
though it was both in men and ships ; and the treasure
tnken from the galleon was carried through the streets
to the Tower in thirty-two waggons, in the same man
ner as the silver taken hy Blake.

EIGIITEEiNTII CENTUV<Y TO CfEOROE III.

1()3

Catitps of the

suflfcrins:

endured.

The distress which was experienced on boiird this chap, v,
squadron is to be ascribed solely to tlv^ ill-judged
measures which were adopted in its equipment ; while
the unflinching perseverance and courage displayed by
the seamen, and the intrepidity and prudence of tlie
commander, are worthy of a place in the brightest page
of the naval annals of our countrv.*

The disastrous fate of the Wager, one of the ships Fatcofthe
which put to sea under Lord Anson, has been already >c^f (>' the
alluded to. In addition to the sufferings endured by
the rest of the ileet in their stormy passage round Cape
ilorn, her crew were dispirited by evil omens and
superstitious fears. Tlie captain who (commanded them
when they left England died ere they reached tlie
Straits of Le Maire, and it was currently rumoured, both
among officers and seamen, that shortly beiore his death
he had predicted, " that this voyage, which both officers suiHrstitiPiw
and sailors had enijagcd in with so much cheerfulness i^.i ;"i;iiea-

'a"o

and alacrity, would prove, in the end, very far from
their expectations, notwitlistanding the vast treasure
they imagined to gain by it ; that it would end in
poverty, verni'n, famine, death, and destruction." -|-
These gloomy forebodings appear to have deeply im-
pressed all on board, more especially as the defective
equipment of the vessel rendered their fulfilment too

• A curious illustration of the Iii;rh o|)inion entertained of the
conduct of Anson's expcditioti will he found in the " Jonrual of »
Cruise mude to the Pacific Ocean, hy Ca|)tain David I'orter, in the
United States frigate Essex, in the Years 1J512, l»i;*), and UU4.
2 vols 8vo. Philadelphia, l!ll.")." Ci ptain I'orter informs us, tliat
the fame of Anson served only to " rouse his amhitioii," and as an
incentive "to make the name of the Essex as well known in the
Pacific Ocean as that of tlu> Centurion;" and he {fives it as his
opinion, that "the voyage of tlw; Essex oui^lit not to vield the pahn
to those of Anson and C<H)k." The gallant ciptaln, fiis vi-ssel, and
all her prizes but one, were captured hy a British frijcate of inferiur
force; yet he cannot refrain from summing up his fancied tiiumpli
over Anson by the reproacli that "he had no trophies of his success
to exhibit!" '

'f A Vo3'aife to the South Seas, in the Years 1740-1. By Jolin
nulkelj', ann John Cummins, late {junner and carpenter of the
W'a^er. Second edition. Loudon, 1757» p- 5.

St ns.

) i

i ?

! :

T3BBe"

■n \

11)4

FROM Tilli liKtilNNING OF THE

CTTAl*. V.

The Wa.rer
Kciiamted
from tlie
equMdron.

1) iven on

blioi'O.

SulTerinKS
ol the slr.p-
vrecked
crew.

probable. She was separated from the squadron in the
end of April ; upon which Captain Cheap, in obedience
to his orders, immediately proceeded to search for the
aj)i)ointed rendezvous, — the Isle of Socorro.

On the 14th of May, it was discovered that the vessel
was driving right on shore, and though her course was
instantly altered and every precaution used, the next
morning at daybreak she struck on a hidden rock, and
grounded between two small islands about a gunshot
from the beach. The scene which ensued was of the
most revolting nature, and the description which has
been left of it by the Honourable John Byron, then a
midshipman on boai'd, is perhaps little interior in real
iiorror and sublimity to the most imaginative concep-
tions of his noble grandson.* The ship held together
for a considerable period, and the whole crew might
have got to the land in safety, had not many, in the
phrensy of despair and intoxication, obstinately refused
to quit her.

Among the miserable beings who reached the shore
heart-burnings and dissensions speedily appeared ; and
the history of their abode on this desolate coast is one
wearisome succession of insubordination, discord, and
crime. Afier five months thus consumed, during which,
out of about 140-|- wha were shipwrecked, no fewer

* Narrative of the Hon. John Byron, bein^ an Arcount of the
Shipwreck of the Waiter, and the subsequent Adventures of her
Crew. Written bj' Himself. — The editor of the late edition of By-
ron's works, in tracing the poet's imitations, appears to have over-
looked a passage in tlie Narrative which may iiave suj^g-ested the
lines —

" Then shriek'd (he timid, and stood still the brave, —
Then some leap'd overboard with dreadful yell,
As eager to anticipate their grave.'"

Don Juan, canto ii. st. 52.

The following' sentence occurs in Commodore Byron's Narrative : —
"So terrible was the scene of foaminjj breakers around us, that one
of the bravest men we had could not lielp expressinjr his dismay at
it, saying it was too shocking a sight to bear, and would have
thrown himself over the rails of the quarter-deck into the sea
had he not been prevented." — Second edition, p. 12.
+ Thei<e numbers arc stated as the nearest approximation to the

EIGUIEENTU CENTUIIY TO GEORGE III.

IGJ

than fifty died, the long-boat was at last converted into
a schooner ; and on board of her and the ship's cut-
ter, seventy-one of the survivors departed, in order
to proceed to Brazil by the Straits of Magellan. Thirty
survived to reach Ilio Grande, about the end of January
1742 ; nineteen were abandoned to their fate on differ-
ent parts of the coast, only three of whom survived to
reach Europe ; and twenty- two perished, chiefly through
hunger and fatigue. Among the twenty who remained
on the coast where the Wager was wrecked was the
captain, who had been made prisoner by part of his
crew, and was left there at his own desire. Cheap and
his unfortunate companions determined to proceed north-
wards in the barge and yawl, which had been left to
them. The hardships they experienced made frightful
havoc among their little band ; only six of whom, after
a series of almost unparalleled sufferings, arrived at the
island of Chiloe.*

The melancholy fate of the Wager led to an import-
ant alteration in the laws of our naval service. Much
of the crime and misery was justly atUibuieU to the
circumstance that the pay of a ship's (rompany ceased
immediately upon her wreck ; and a rule was in conse-
quence established " that, in future, every person enter-
ing into the service of his majesty's navy should be

truth which can be made. The tlitlerent iiarratii cs ji^ive very con-
tradictory accounts of the numbers. Burney ((Jiiron. Hist. Dis.
CUV., vol. V. p. 91) makes tlie number on board at tlie date of the
sliijivvreck 130, and states (vol. v. p. 101) that i.t 24th June forty-
five had died and seven deserted, which reduces the whole at tiiat
time to seventy-eight. Yet afterwards (vol. v. p. lOti), he states
that in October the number reniaininj^, inciudiMg' tiie seven desert-
ers, was ninety-two. Bulkely makes the number shipwrecked 152.
Byion rates them at 145.

* Captain King, in the course of the surve}' which he made of
the southern extremity of the American continent in the years
11)26-7-^5-9-30, discovered, near the west end of the easternmost of
the Guaineco Islands, the beam of a vessel, wiiich there is riivson
to believe was a relic of tlie unfortunate Wager. From this circum-
stance, he bestowed upon the island the name of that ship. — iTourn^l
of the Royal Geogniphical Society, vol. i. p. 159.

CHAP. V.

Attempt to
e>ciiiie in the
lonK-boatoud
cutter.

Proceed I nga
of Captain
Chcup.

Altorution in
the nuval
laws.

166

FROM THE BEGINNING, &c.

CHAP. V held attached to that service, and be entitled to the pay,
maintenance, or emoluments belonging to his station,
until such time as he should be regularly discharged by
an order of the Admiralty or of his superior officer." *

Retrulai

discharce

required.

• Biirncy, Cliron. Hist. Discov., vol. ii. pp. 127, 12H. We liave
now to take leave of this va!ual)le and iinpurtant work, and cannot
do so without an acknowledj^mont of the ^reat assistance which it
has aft'oided us.

CIKCLMNAVIGATIONS OF DYUON, Ac.

167

CHAPTER VI.

Circumnavigations of Bi/ron^ Wallis^ and Carteret.

Voyn^e of Byron — Its Ohjocts — Vain Search for Popys' Island —
Discovery of tlie Islands of Disappointment, Kinjj Georf^e, Princo
of Wall's, Danj^er, and Duke of York — Circumnavigations «)f
Wallis and Carteret — Their Separation — Wallis discovers the
Islands of Whitsunday, Queen Charlotte, Ejrniont, Cumberland,
and Osnabur^ — Arrives at Otaheite — Transactions there — Sails
for Tinian — Carteret discovers Pitcairn's Island — Santa Cruz or
Queen Charlotte's Islands — The Solomons — St Georj^e's Channel
and New Ireland — New Hanover — Arrives at Spithead.

England had hitherto held only a secondary place in chap. vi.
the annals of maritime enterprise. Spain and Portugal, Kevive7i
which first occupied the field, had achieved the great spirit o;
discoveries of the American continent, the Pacific Ocean, KngiaiuU^ '"
and the passage to India by the Cape of Good Hope.
At the end of the sixteenth century, the empire of the
deep passed to HoU.nnd. After a short and brilliant
career, the spirit of adventure began to languish, and
continued nearly 100 years almost entirely dormant,
when it again broke forth in Britain with a strength
and lustre which have procured for our country, as the
liberal promoter of geographical science, an equal, if not
superior rank to any nation of ancient or of modern
times.

We have now arrived at the reign of George III., — a neicn of
period which will ever be memorable for the value and "'^'-^'^ ^^
extent of its discoveries, effected, as has been justly re-
marked, " not with a view to the acquisition of treasure
or the extent of dominion, but the improveuient of

1GB

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS OP

1 <

CiiAP. VI. commerce and tlie increase and diffusion of knowledge."
„ — The love of science, and the ecosraphical learning which
tastes and nc- the young monarch lumselt possessed, secured a favour-
qniemciits f^],!^ hearing to every undertaking for exploring new
"*'" lands ; and the design which for this purpose he had
formed immediately after his accession, he proceeded to
put in execution so soon as the peace of 17G3 left his
mind free from tiie cares of war. The views which
were entertained in the i.quipment of his first expedi-
tion are briefly expressed in the instructions delivered
to the commodore, — a document which deserves to be
Libcrnl views Quoted for its elevated sentiments : " When-ai nothing
enteitainea. can redound more to the honour of this nation, as a
maritime power, to the dignity of the crown of Great
Britain, and to the advancement of the trade and navi-
gation thcivof, than to make discoveries of countries
hitherto unknown ; 1 whereas there is reason to be-
lieve that lands and islands of great extent, hitherto un-
visited by any European power, may be found in the
Atlantic Ocean, between the Cape of Good Hope and
tlie Magellanic Streight, within the latitudes convenient
for navigation, and in climates adapted to the produce
of commodities useful in commerce ; and whereas his
majesty's islands called Pepys* Island and Falkland's
Islands, lying within the said tract, notwithstanding
their having been first discovered and visited by British
navigators, have never yet been so sufficiently surveyed,
as tliat an accurate judgment may be formed of their
coasts and product ; his majesty, taking the premises
into consideration, and conceiving no conjuncture so
proper for an enterprise of this nature as a time of
profound peace, which his kingdoms at present happily
enjoy, has thought fit that it sliould now be under-
taken."*

Pepys' nnd
Fiiiklvimrs
Islands.

• An Account of the Vov ijj^es inidei taken by the Order of his
present Majesty for makinjr Discoveries in the Southern Hemi-
spliere. Drawn np from tlie Journals of the Commanders, and from
the Papers of Josepli Banks, Escj. By John Ilawkesworth, LL.D.

•in

BYRON, WALLIS, AND CAUTICKKT.

It'I})

These instructions wore dated the 17th of Juno 1704, rii\r VI.

and on the 3d of July the snuadron sailctl froni I'ly- ,. ".""

•II' I • 1111 S j'lnilioii

mouth. It consisted or two ships, — the Dolphin oi fi t.i u>v

twenty-four puns, n^.anned by 150 men and forty-one ''''"^"^'"i-
officers ; and the Tamar, carrying sixteen guns, with a
crew of ninety seamen and twenty-six officers. 'J'ho
first of these vessels was sheathed with copper, the
better to prepare her for the voyage, and is said to have
been the first ship so furnished in the British navy.
The command of the expedition was intrusted to the Cm^nK, ijio
Honourable John Byron, whose sufferings, when a '•}"'"•
midshipman on board of the Wager, liave been alrea ly
alluded to. From that disastrous enterprise he returned
to his native country at the age of twenty-two, and
having gone through the various steps of promotion, had
now attained the rank of |)ost-captain. The greatest
secrecy was preserved as to the precise object in view ; nroat
and so far was this carried, tliat the seamen were J'l'jlj'ii'j'tjinca.
engaged to sail for the East Indies. Tlu>y were not
undeceived as to their real destination until the 22d of
October, when, after leaving Kio Janeiro, they were
called on deck and informed that they were bound on a
voyage of discovery, in consequence of whieh they were
all to be allowed double pay, Tiiis intelligence was
received with the greatest joy imaginable, and their
course was shaped towards the coast of Patagonia. They
arrived at Port Desire on the 21st of November, an<l re-
mained there until the 5th of the next month, when,

London, 177IJ' 'i vols 4to. Gpncral Introduction, pp. i. ii. Tliis
vork is the chief anthoiity (or the three voyaj^f-es narrated in tlie
present cliapter. Its pubhcation was fatal to the author's char-
acter. The danji^erons tendency of iiis views on lehj^ion, tlie fi^ra-
tiiitons lubricity of liis descriptions, and his j^ross and slovenly in-
accuracy, at once excited a storm of popular indij^nation, in vvi.ich
perished all tlie honour and reputation j^ained hy his previous vviil-
iiif^s. He was ambitious to make his hook " •'noiher Anson'.s
Voyage ;" but he lias imitated that lively and spirited nan alive iu
no respect but in inattention to the strictness of truth. Hewasen-
ffaged to undertake (he work by Lord Sandwich, the fir.st lord of
the Admiralty, and his services were remunerated by the munifict-iit
sumofA'GOOO.

170

CIRCUMNAViaATIONS OP

I/>ok out for
the i-liiii(la of
SibaliUlu

CHAP. VI. liavinpf conn)letc(l tlieir supplies, they sailed in search of
pii'for 1^'^'Py^' Islt'ntlj — one of the chief objects set forth in their
r.pys' instructions. The land, to which this name was given

Iitiaud. Ijj honour of the celebrated Secretary Pepys, was sup-

posed to have been discovered, as has been already stated,
in 1G04, by the Buccaneers under Cook, in the latitude
of forty-seven degrees and forty nunutes.* After cruis-
ing in search of it six days, Byron, being now certain
that no such land existed in the situation laid down by
the editor of Cowley's Journal, determined again to re-
turn to the American continent, keeping a look-out for
the islands of Sibald do Weert, which, by all the charts
he had on board, could not be far from his track. t The
hopes which seem to have been cherished of finding in
these regions a mild climate were now dissipated, and it
was at,M et'd by all, that, except in the length of the day,
there was no difference between the height of summer
hove and the diptli of winter in England. After a
storm, which, the commodore declares, surpassed any ho
experif>nced in weathering Cape Horn with Anson, he
arrived at the entrance of the Straits of Magellan, where
he anchored in the vicinity of Cape de las Virgenes.

A number of horsemen were perceived riding back-
wards and forwards on the coast opposite the ship, and
waving something of a white colour, as if inviting the
voyagers to land. Two boats were accordingly maimi d,
and as they drew near the shore, they observed about
500 peoj)le, the greater part of whom were on horse-
back, waiting their approach, still making signals and
hallooing with great vociferation. No weapons were
seen among the'u ; but Byron, notwithstanding, con-
sidered it prude'.it to intimate by signs that they should
retire to ^^ome distance, — a request with which they
instantly complied. As soon as he landed, he drew up
the boats' crews on the beach, and ha vuig given orders
that none of them should leave their ranks until he
called or beckoned on them to do so, he advanced alone

TTorsemcn at
Ciipe (lelus
Vii'gcnci

* See ubi)ve, p. 130.

f Hawkeswortlis Coll , vol. i. p. 25.

BYRON, WALLIS, AND CARTERET.

171

luitivcs.

towards the savages. These continuing to retreat as he cilAP. VI.
approached, he made signs that one of them should i^.^j!^^
come near, when an individual from among their leaders with the
walked towards him. " This chief," says he, ** was of n '"*"y^'*'
gigantic stature, and seemed to realize the tales of mon-
sters in a human shape ; he had the skin of some wild
hcast thrown over his shoulders, as a Scotch Highlander
wears his plaid, and was. painted so as to make the most
hideous appearance I ever hcheld ; round one eye was
a large circle of white, a circle of black surrounded the
other, and the rest of his face was streaked with paint
of different colours. I did not measure him, but if I
may judge of h.'s height by the proportion of his sta-
ture to my own, it could not be much less than seven
feet."* With "this frightful colossus," us the com- (-.ip^n^jp
modore terms him, he walked towards the natives, who, nj/ooj tho
at his request intimated by signs, sat down, when he
presented them with beads, ribands, and other trinkets,
— all which they received with becoming composure.
He describes the whole of them as " enormous goblins,"
and adds, that " few of the men were less than the chief
who had come forward to meet me." His lieutenant,
T\Ir Gumming, " though six feet two inches high, became
at once a pigmy among giants; for these peo]»le may
indeed more properly be called giants than tall men."
Another account of the voyage, professing to be written
by an officer of the Dolphin,t says of these savages, such
was their extraordinary size, that when sitting they
were almost as high as the commodore when standing ;
and adds, that Byron, though he measured fully six feet,
" and stood on tiptoe, co:ild but just reach the crown
of one of the Indians' heads, who was not by far the
tallest among them." — " The women," it is said, " seemed Appearanco
to be from sevoii and a half to eight feet high ; but the '^l^^lj^^
m n were for the most part about nine feet in height,

* Hawkesworth's Coll., vol. i. p. 21J.

•f" A Voyage round tlie World iii liis Majesty's Ship the Dolphin,
roiiimandecl by the IIonoiiral)le Commodore Byron. Jiy an Officer
on board the said Ship. London, 17*»7. P. 45-53.

i T

■?i \

172

CllJCTMNAVIGATIONS OP

I ^ !'.

' -i

of the
aaiT'tivG

Cimiiiuiig'3
account.

i! 1

CHAP. VI. and some Tnon*." The stature of Lieutenant Gumming
Probable seems to have recomraeixdcJ him to the favour of these
exiifrgeiation savages, some of whom, we are told, " patted him on
th? shoulder ; hut their hands fell with such force that
it affected his whole frame." That these statements
much exaggerate the size of the people on the IMagel-
laric Straits there con he little doubt, while it is equally
certain, on the other hand, that the^ ire not without
some foundation.* Byron's own statement makes them
less than seven feet, and even this he docs not give as
the result of actual measurement, but as the conclusion
he cnme to from comparing his own figure with that of
the chief. Making allowance for the uncertainty at-
tending such a mode of computation, there seems to be
no ground for questioning the veracity of the commo-
dore, though the stories in the anonymous account aro
evidently fabulous. Lieutenant Gumming, who acts so
prominent a part in these relations, when afterwards
questioned on the subject, evinced some reluctance to
enter on the discussion ; " 1/ut at length it was i)artly
gathered and partly extorted from him, that had the
occurrence taken place any where else than at Patagonia,
they should have set them down as coed sturdy savage:;,
and thought no farther about tl'ein."t

• See Lives and Voyn^reR of Drake, Cavendish, and Dampier, p.
101, note. Mr Weddel ( Voya>.;e towards iJieSonth Pole, in tlie Years
ir)22-24, London, lH2o) thinks " tliat tliose with whom Commodore
Byron communicated wcreprohaMy chiefs; l)ntit is more than pro-
bahle tliat tiiis tribe, of wiiatever size, were not inhabitants of the
shore, hnt of the interior, and from t!ie country farther to tlie nortli-
wanl., and of course seldom, perhaps never, on the shores of the
Straits when any ve'-sels touched tliere, since that time." He adds,
that more northern Pj. la^onians bad been seen by his officers, " who
descrilK'd tliem to be generally about gix feet bi<jh, well proportioned,
and appearin^^ upon tlie whole above the ordinary size." - P. 20^5.

-|- T!<is anecdote appears in a Memoir of the Honourable John
Byron, prefixed to an edition of his Narrative published at Kdin-
burjrh in 1H12 by .John Ballantyne & Co. Mr Cnmniin^'s statement
was made to the late Captain Uoliert Scott of Rosebank, \mcle of
Sir Walter Scott. " The writer of this Memoir," it is said, " had
the pleasure of Capt.iin Scott's personal acqunintance, from whom
he had this anecdote."— P. 36.

l._.

BYRON, WALLIS, AND CARTERET.

173

Byron now sailed up the Straits as far as Port Famine, chap. vt.
to procure a supply of wood and water before he i^xnriaTifo
proceeded to search for the Falkland Islands. It was aiu\ uauty
the month of December, the midsummer of these re- ^iu|[r>-.
gions, and their wild shores Avere clothed with a
luxuriance of vegetation. The voyagers oi)served the
ground covered with flowers of various hues, which
loaded the air with their fragrance ; innumeralfle clusters
of berries glistened en the bushes ; amid the rich grass
ftnd pea-blossoms there were seen feeding large flocks of
birds of uncommon beauty ; and forests grew by the
banks of the rivers, abounding with trees fit to be masts
for the largest ships in the British navy. Woods
spread up the sides of the hills from the water's edge ;
but the mountains farther inland were bl-nik and bare,
and their rugged summits, covered with snow, were
seen towering high above those nearest the shore. Drift-
wood was also found in large quantities. Alter a short
stay the vessels completed their stores, and on tiie 4th
of January 1765 weighed anchor and steered back
through the Strait?.

On the 11th, high, craggy, barren rocks were ob- pi^poTeTjr
ser;ed, much resembling Statcn Land ; innumerable J'.^,{|'J],n^|
quantities of seals and birds were remarked, and many Islands.
whales approached the ships, some of tliem of a very
great ai;;c. On the 15th, a harbour was discovered, so
capacious that the whole navy of England might ride
in it ; to which, in honour of the first lord of the Ad-
miralty, the name of I\">rt Egmont was given. Byron
now beu..me convinced that the islands he bad reached
were the Pepys' Island of Cowley, the Ahiiden-land
of Hawkins, and the Falklands of later geographers ;
and under this last name he took possession of tliem ior
the British crown, — a ceremony which, it has hi m
remarked, the tenor of his instructions rendered super-
fluous. On leaving this group, he stood towards Port
Desire, where he met tlie store-ship which had been
tlespatciied from England with provisions. He then
returned to the Straits, to pass into the South Sea ;

174

CmCUMNAVIGATIONS OP

cnAi». VI.

Wfttcriiig

pliice
sdectccL

Dis.nppf.int-
ineiU Islands.

N<>ccjsity of

aoaiuloniiig
tile islttiKls.

which, however, he did not reacli till tlic beginning of
April, the passage having occupied seven weeks and
two days.

With the view of preserving secrecy, the island of
Mas-afuera had been selected as a watering-place, in
preference to that of Juan Fernandez ; but a heavy
surf which broke on its rocky shore prevented hini
from ol)tnining a full supply. Hence Byron steered
nearly due north, until he attained the latitude of 20°
40', when he changed his course to the westward, in
order to bear down upon Davis' Land or Easter Island ;
hut, finding his progress slow, he soiled to the north-
west, in order to profit by tiie trade-wind. On the
morning of the 7th of June, he was in the latitude of
14° 5' south, and longitude 144° 68' west, when he dis-
covered two islands, to the smaller of which he directed
his prow. As he drew near, it presented the most
heautiful appearance ; tiie sea broke upon a beach
of the finest white sand, and the interior was covered
with tall trees grouped into dtlightful groves. Many
of the natives, armed with sp >ars, appeared on the
strand wIk ^ they lighted several fires, apparently as
signals; for similar tokens instantly blazed upon ' le
other island. A boat was despatched to search for
anchorage, but returned witl;out having found any.
'J'he scurvy had by this time made dreadful havoc
among the crews, and such of the sick as were r^blb
to crawl on deck "stood gazing at this little j/aradiso,
which nature had forbidden them to enter;' where
they saw cocoa-nuts hanging from the trees in laryo
clusters, the shore strewed with the sliells of turtle,
while the wind wafted to them the fragrance of the
finest fruits. As no anchoring-ground was Ibuml near
the other island, the cajitain was compelled to quit these
inaccessible shores, on which he bestowed the name of
Disappointment. The natives were of a deep copper-
colour, well prop(>rtioned in their limbs, ami oi" great
activity and vigour.

On tl'ic evening of the Otb, land was again descried,

EYRON, WALLTS, AND CARTER FT.

i7r)

and, on more minute examination, Avas ascertained to chap. VL
eon-ist of two islands, which, in honour of his majt"itv, „. —

, . * Kin "5

were called King Geor^jj'o's. Wliile the boats sailed (icurye's
along the coast of one of them in search of anchorage, ^'^i*"^'*-
the hostile intentions of the natives were so clearly
manifested that it was deemed necessary to fire. 'I' wo
or throe of them were slain ; one of whom, after
being pierced by three balls, seized a large stone, and
died in the act of throwing it against his eneniv. No
anelioragc was discovered ; but it was neverthele.>*s
thought expedient to land part of the crews, in order LniKHnjr ff
to procure a supply of cocoa-nuts and scurvy-grass. '""' ^'* '''°

CIVWS.

As the people iiad fled, their dvellings were totally
deserted, except by their <logs, which kept up an inets-
sant howling as long as the seamen continued on sliore.
Ju the neighbourhood of tlie huts, beneath the ti)ick
shade of lofty trees, were observed stone buildings,
which, from their description, seem to have somewhat
resembled the cromlechs of the ancient Britons?, and
were conjectured to be burying-places. When th^'
boats drew near to the shore of the other island, an old (^ve^ti'j'e,, ,,f•
man of a veuerableappearance, and wearing a long white tin; isiujiiicit
beard, acc(>mpanjcd by a youth, came forward from the
crowd of savages, lie ajipeaved to bi; a chief, and in
one hand held the green i;raiieh of a tree, wliile with tl)e
other he prosed his beard to his bosom, and in this
attitude c(>nunenced a long oration, the periods of which
had a musical cadence by no means disagreeable. During
this speech the people in the boats threw him several
presents, Init these he would not suffer to be touched
until lie had finished his harangue ; upon whieli ad-
vancing into the ^^ater, he threw the green branch to
the seamc'i, and then picked up their gifts. Encouraged
by these friendly signs, one of the midshipmen swaux
through tlie surf to the shore, an<l several of tlie natives
came otl' to thn boats, bringing with them cocoa-nuts suVpIks.
and fresh-water. Tins island lies in latitude 14' 41',
and longitude 149^' IT/.

On (juitting it Byron stood to the westward, and in

t i;

?Tr

176

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS OF

ii' \ 'is'

if !f

Si \ A

rvince
of \Viiie3'

Oianpe of
course.

CHAi\ VI. tlie afternoon of the next day discovered a small island,
of a green and pleasant appearance, but surrounded hy
many rocks and i.slets, which occasioned dreadful
hreakerg. It appearing, however, to be inluabited, was
named after the i*rince of Wales ; and is now believed
to be the same with the Fly Island of Schouten and
Le Malre.* While in this vicinity the commodore
became impressed Avith tiie opinion that land existed
not far to the south, as well from tlie discontinuance of
a heavy swell which had prevailed for some time, as
from the vast ilocks of birds which, as evening closed
in, always took tbcir iiight in that direction. The un-
healtliy state of his crew, however, prevented him from
going in search of it ; and the discovery of Otaheite
and the Society Isles was accordingly reserved for the
more auspicious fortuiie of Waliis. Byron's course was
now directed north-westwards ; and, after liaving sailed
more than (300 leagues, he observed, on the 21st of
June, a cluster probably identical witli the San Bernardo
of Mcndana,t winch, from the shoals and stormy sea
that forbade approach to tliera, he denominated the
Islands of Danger. Three days later, while pursuing
his course in a westerly direction, he perceived another
i^^land, to which he gave the name of the Duke of
York ; and on the 2d of July, in latitude 1'^ 18' south,
longitude 17«3'^ 46' east, he approached one, low and
flat, but well covered with wood. About 1000 natives
appeared on the beach, and more than sixt^v canoes
pulled off from the shore, and ranged themsc^lves round
the ships. The savages were tall and well formed ;
their complexion a bright copper colour ; their hair
long and black, in some tied up beliind in a great
bunch, in, others arranged into three knots ; their
features good, and marked by an expression of cheerful
intrepidity. Tliey wei'c perfectly naked, weaving no-
thing on their persons but some ornameiits of shells ai
tiieir necks, wrists, and waists. One, who appeared to

t Ibid. 11. 80.

Intercourse
villi ihe
niuivc&

BYRON, WALLIS, AND CARTKRi:!.

177

he a chief, had «'i string of human tet'th round his body. ciiAP. VI.
Their arms consisted of a kind of spear, broad at tlie r. —

1 roco'^dtnp's

end, and stuck full of shark's teeth as sharp as lancets, oi om oc liVe

One of these savages swam to the ship and ran u]) tiie "'''^^^^'

side like a cat, and having stepped over the gunwale

sat down on it and burst into a violent fit of laughter,

then started up and ran all over tlie ship, attempting to

tteal every thing that came in his way. A jacket and

trousers were put upon him, and his gestures, which

were like tliose " of -a monkey )iewly dressed," juo-

duced much merriment among the sean)en ; and, after

playing a thousand antic tricks, he leaped overboard,

and swam in his new garments to his canoe. Finding

it impossible to procure refreshments for the sick, the

ships were obliged to make Siiil from this place, which

was named Byron's Island.

On the 30th of June, the squadron came in sight of Different
Tinian, and on the 31st, ancliored in the very same spot «^^^''"i''"'"3
where Lord Anson formerly lay with the Centurion.
The aspect of things was to them, however, very dif-
ferent from the high-wrought description of the former
voyage. " I am indeed of opinion," says tlie commo-
dore, " that this is one of the most unhealthy spots in
the world, at least during the season in which we were
hare. The rains were violent and almost incessant, and
the heat was so great as to threaten us with suffocation.
. . . We were incessantly tormented by the flies in
the day, and by the musquitoes in the night. The
island also swarms with centipedes and scorpions, and a
large black ant scarcely inferior to either in the malia-
rity of its bite. Besides these thcj'e were venomov.s
insects without number, ahogether unknown to us, by
which many of us suffei'td so s<'vereiy that we were
afraid to lie down in our beds."* Till the period of
\th oi'llvrd tliere, not one of tlie crew had dicv ; but
Vk lillfl at that island two were lost in a fever ; those

oi liiiiuiu

• Huwkeswortii's Gill,, ygl, i, p. 118,

r i

' u

'! \\

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS OF

Provisions
and return
home

Cnptain
Wallis's
cxpudltion.

t !

i i

iiii

CHAP. vf. afflicted with the scurvy, indeed, recovered ver^r
quickly. He stayed nine weeks, when, the health of his
crew being re-established and a stock of provisions hiid
in, he proceeded to Batavia, where he remained till the
10th of December, at which time he set sail for England.
An accident having happened to the Tamar which ren-
dered it necessary that she should run down to Antigua
to be repaired, the vessels parted company on the 1st of
April 1766 ; and on the 7th of May, the Dolphin made
the islands of Scilly, after a voyage of something more
than two and twenty months.

In little more than three months after the return of
Commodore Byron, another expedition was sent out to
prosecute the same general design of making discoveries
in the southern hemisphere. It consisted of the Dol-
phin, which was equipped as before, and of the Swallow,
a sloop mounting fourteen guns, with a complement of
ninety men, besides twenty-four officers. The latter
was commanded by Captain Philip Carteret ; while
Captain Samuel Wall is, who hoisted his pendant in the
Dolphin, was intrusted with the general superintend-
ence of the enterprise. The vessels sailed from Ply-
mouth on the 22d August 1766, attended by a store-
ship which, after landing her cargo at Port Famine,
proceeded with a load of drift-wood and young trees
for the use of a British colony established that year at
Port Egmont in the Falkland Islands. On the 16tli of
December, they anchored near Cape do las Virgencs,
at the eastern entrance of the Straits of Magellan.
Several of the natives were observed riding along the
beach abreast of tiie ship, and during the night they
made great fires and frequently shouted very loud. In
the morning, some boats were manned and stood towards
the shore, where, having landed, Wallis distributed
several trinkets to the savages, and took an oi)portunity
of ascertaining their height by actual measurement.
One of them was six feet seven inches ; several reached
six feet and a half ; and the average of their stature,

S^i-nits of
Wugfllan.

Intov^ icw
vitli tlio
iiiitivcs.

tarn

HUB

BYRON, WALLIS, AND CARTERET.

179

according to liim, was from five feet ten to six ftet ; c:iap. vi.

while Carteret says, " they were in general all from six AnivaTnt

feet to six feet five inches."* In the afternoon of the Toit ramiuo.

same day they entered the Straits, and on the 26th

arrived at Port Famine, where they remained till the

middle of January 1/(57 ; the sick heing sent on shore,

and tents erected on the hanks of the Sedger River.

Their passage thence was so stormy and tedious that

they did not reach the western mouth of the Straits till

the 11th of April, "after," says the author, "having

been for near four months in a dreary region, where we

were in almost perpetual danger of shipwreck, and where

in the midst of summer the weather was cold, gloomy,

and tempestuous."t On the very day that they entered

the South Sea the two vessels parted company, and did

not again meet.

Captain Wallis, who held his course to the north- Sufforines

» . ciinnrec! by

west, suffered much from the severity of the climate wuUis.
and the attacks of the scurvy. At length, on the 8d
of June, several gannets were seen, which, along witii
the variahlencss of the winds, led to tiie hope that land
was not far distant. The next day a turtle swam jiast
the ship ; many birds were seen on the 6th ; and on
tlie succeeding noon the sight of a low island at the
distance of five or six leagues diffused universal ioy on
board. As they drew near, a second was descried to i"i"|™" ^^'
the north-westward, and two canoes were seen paddling
quickly from the one to the other. The shores were
examined in vain for an anchorage ; but the boals
wh'ch landed procured cocoa-nuts and scurvy-grass : no
inhabitants were seen, though some huts and skiffs
attested their recent presence. The captain gave it tlie
name of Whitsunday Island. He describes it as about

* "A Letter from I'hilin Ciirteret, Ivsq., Ctiptain of the Swallow
Sloop, to Matliew AIat\', M,J)., Sec. 11. S., on the Inhabitants of
the Coast of Pata;;-onia." — Philosopliical Transact ioMs, vol. Ix.
p. '20-2(5. Carteret sailed with Commodore Hyron, and expresses his
rhai^riii that Captain Wallis m-j^lected to acquire a jj^reater know-
le(l_''e of these savages.

•f- Hawkesworth's Coll., vol. i. u KJ:>.

•tjit

IHO

CiKCUMNAVlGATlONS OF

Queen

C;lliUlOtt0'3

Iblund.

til

CHAP. VI. four miles in length nnd three in breadth ; but a later
voyager has reduced its length to a mile and a half, and
assigned to it a situation forty miles westward of that
mentioned by his predecessor.* He now stood for the
other island, and sent out the boats, which sailed along
the beach until dark ; but, though they procured some
water and cocoa-nuts, they returned to the ship without
finding safe ground. Next morning, they were again
despateiied with instructions to effect a regular landing ;
which they no sooner did than all the inhabitants em-
barked, and sailed away to the westward. This island,
where Wallis remained two days longer, he named
after Queen Charlotte. It is estimated by him to be
about six miles long and one broad, and is said to
abound in cocoa-nut trees ; but these appear to have
been completely eradicated since the time of liis visit.-j-
Having directed his course to the westward, on the
afternoon of the same day, which was tiie 10th June,
he discovered another island, on which he found congre-
gated the savages who had fled from Queen Charlotte's,
along with some othei-s, amounting in all to about four-
score. The men were armed with pikes and firebrands,
and advanced before the women and children, making
a great noise, and dancing in a strange manner. This
island, which seema to have been selected as a place of
retreat, for which its inaccessible shores rendered it
well adapted. Captain Wallis denominated Egmont, in
honour of the earl of that name, the first lord of the
Admiralty.^ The next morning, another island was

Eflmont
laiunds.

* Narrative of a Voj'age to tlie Pacific and Beeriti^'s Strait, in the
Years lB2r)-2(i-27-2y, to co-operate with the Polar Kxpeditions. Hy
Capt. F. W. Beechi-y. 2 vols 8vo. London, llJiil, vol. i. p. 20a.
Wallis placed it in latitude 19° ::«' S., longitude 137" 5ti W. Cap-
tain Beechey makes its latitude l'J° 2'i' 'M" S., and its iontritude
138° 'M) 4H" W.

■f 1 'lie}', vol. i. p. 207. No cause has been assigned lor this
sin;;ul>i ' antje.

+ Tlu tiiude assigned by Wallis is 19° 20' S., the longitude
131) 30 \\ . ('aptain Beechey's tables give the latitude of the
north auii south-\vot,t extremities, ibe former 19° 22' 59" S., the

nVIlON, WALLIS, AND CAUTERFT.

cliiinis to
discovery.

seen, rcsemblinc: the one just described in all respects chap. vr.
except in breadth ; but a high sea which broke on its; gioucJ^ r
rocky beach rendered landing impossible. Sixteen isluaO.
natives were observed, armed like the others. It was
called Gloucester ; and later navigators, while they
assign to it a different position, bear testimony to the
accuracy of his deserij)tion, though its present form and
extent arc said to ditFer materially. On the 12th, an
island was observed, which was denominated Cumber-
land ; while the name of Prince William Henry was
bestowed on a small low one descried at a distance on
the daybreak of the 13th. The varii ty of longitudes
assigned to these places has led succeeding observers to Repeated
claim them as new discoveries ; and, exercising the
privilege of a first visiter, the French officer Duperrey
seems to have conferred on Prince William Henry's
the new title of L'Ostange.* On the 17th, land was
seen in the north-west : it was high, and covered with
cocoa-trees ; but as no anchorage could be found, Wallis,
after procuring a few articles of refreshment, pursued his
course, bestowing on the country the title of Osnaburg,
— a name which has since given place to the native ap- Muitea
pellation of Maitea.

In about half an hour after, very lofty ground wa.*- P''*?"^^'"-^
discerned to the west-south-west ; but though the ship
was immediately steered toward it, owing to adverse
weather, she did not reach it that night. The next
morning, which broke clear and fair, showed it at the
distance of five leagues At eight o'clock, they were
close under it, when a thick fog obliged them to lie to,
and for a time concealed from them the shores of Ota-
heite. At length the mists rolled away, and they saw
before them a country of "the most delightful and ro-
mantic api)earance that could be imagined ;" along the

latter U»°24'2fi", tlio lonptii<le oftlie same spots KW 12 03" W.,
and U^!)° 14' lU". Captain Beeclicy calls this "tlie sfcniid dis-
covery oi" Captain Wallis," vol. i. p. 210, apparently forgettinj^
Queen Charlotte's Island.

* Beechey? vol. i. pji. 241), 250.

» I

^4 '.

I i 1

1 1

182

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS OP

CHAP. VI. coast extended fertile plains covered with fruit-trees of
BeauTvana v^^'io"^ kinds, and embosomed amonc^ these were seen the

ft'i-tlllty of
tlie.isluud.

a native pro
phecy.

iii!

illH

houses of the natives ; the interior rose into towering
"■ mountains crowned with wood, and large rivers were
seen falling from the rocks in picturesque cascades.
Around the ship, the water was studded with some
hundreds of canoes of various sizes, containing about
800 individuals, who sat gazing at her in great astonish-
ment, and by turns conversed one with another.
Their wonder was excited by other circumstances
besides the vast bulk and strange construction of the
Fulfilment of Dolphin ; they beheld the fulfilment of a prophecy,
which had been handed down to them from remote
times, but was of a nature so incredible, that they
scarcely expected it would ever come to pass. One of
their sages, named Maui, had in an inspired moment
foretold, that " in future ages a vaa ama ore, literally,
an outriggerless canoe," would come to their shores
from a distant land. An outrigger being indispensable
to keep their barks upright in the water, they could
not believe that a vessel without one could live at sea,
until, on looking on the magnificent structure before
them, they unanimously declared that the prediction of
Maui was fulfilled, and that the fated ship had arrived.*

* Polj'ncsian Resoarclies, dining a Residence of nearly Ei^ht Years
in the Society and Sandwidi Islands. By William lillis. 2d edition,
London, UV.i) . vol. i. p. 'dlYi. Mr Ellis' account of the native tradi-
tions reg'arding the arrival of Wallis is hardly reconcileahle with facts.
He says, that when the people first saw the ships, they were indnced
to siip{)ose them " islands inhahited hy a supernatural order of heinjfs,
at whose direction lightnings flashefl, thunders roared, and the de-
stroying demon slew with instantaneous but invisible strokes the most
daring and valiant of their warriors. But when they afterwards
ivent alongside, or ventured on hoard^^ iScc, they discovered them
ID be ships, and " were confirmed in this interpretation when
theij saw the small boats belonging to the ships emploi/ed in
fiussing to and fro between the vesacl and the .shore." — Vol. i.

E. 3H4. But in point of fact, the natives came alongside, ventured on
oard, and became famili^ir with the boats, before they knew any
thing of the " lightning- Hash and thunder-roar," or the deadly
effects of fire arms. There are one or two smaller inaccuracies in
jMr Ellis' valuable work with regard to the early visiters. He

BYRON, WALLIS, AND CARTERET.

jra

After havinj? consulted together for some time, tliey citap. vf.
paddled tluir canoes round tlic vessel, mnkinc: various f,.j,.,^
signs of friendship, and a person, hohUng in his hand <i niiviiiKi's of
Ijranch of the plantain-tree, spoke ahout fifteen minutes, "'" "''"v'-'*-
and concluded by throwing the hougli into the sea.
Soon after, one was prevailed on to come on l)oard, hut
would not accept the presents offered to him until some
of liis companions, after " much talk," threw a few
similar twigs on the deck. Several of tlie others soon
hnitated his example. One of them was attacked hy Ainrmata
a goat, which butted at him, and, on turning hastily s^at
round, the appearance of an animal so new to him,
raised on its hind legs preparing to repeat the blow,
struck him with such terror that he instantly leapt into
the water, and was followed by all his countrymen. In
a brief space, however, they again ventured on deck,
and were presented with trinkets and nails ; their visit
being terminated by one of them snatching a new laced
liat from a midshipman's head, and springing with his
plunder over the ship's side.

No anchorage being found here, Wallis stood along iTn<;tiic pro-
the shore, the boats keeping close to the land to sound. the"uativt6
In the afternoon, they reached a large bay, where a
great number of canoes came around them ; and the
captain, suspecting their hostile intentions, made a sig-
nal for his people to join, while, to intimidate tlie
savages, he fired a nine-pounder over their heads.
Though startled by the report, they endeavoured to cut
off the boats, and made an attack with ytoncs, which
wounded several seamen, when a musket was fired at

seems almost to have forj^otton that Wallis was expressly sent
out to prosecute tlie discovery of new lands; for lie attrii)utes
tlie arrival at Otalieite to "accident, so far as Ca|)tain Wallis was
concerned." — Vol. ii. p. 1. The result of a concerted expedition
can scarcely be called " accident ;" nor can we see the distinction
on which the discoveries of Cook are attributed to a desire for "the
advancement of knowledge," and those of Wallis ascribed to chance.
The discovery of Sanitaria by Quiros occurred in the beginning of
the seventeenth, not " towurds the end of the sixteenth century,"
as stated by Mr Ellis, vol. i. p. 6.

H-

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

..V

K<^

4i^

:/.

i.O

1.1

121

ja liJ 12.2
^ lift

Its

140

IL25 iU

Photographic
_Sdences
Corporation

2^ ' .'iST MAIN STRUT

WiBSTER,N.Y. 145«0

(716) 872-4503

■

*f'^

184

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS OP

Alarm at
fiic-arms.

Jinchorage
of the
Dolpliin.

CHAP. VI. the man who had commenced the assault. Tlie shot
pierced his shoulder, and as soon as the wound was
perceived by his companions, they leapt into the sea ;
while the others paddled away in great terror and con-
fusion. Not long after, a canoe came off to the ship,
and one of the natives having spoken about five minutes,
threw a branch of the plantain-tree on board, — a token
of peace which the English accepted, and gave him some
trinkets, with wiiich he departed apparently well pleaiied.
Next morning, the search for anchoring-ground was
renewed, and continued during all that day ; in the
evening, the Dolphin lay to abreast of a fine river, and
a great number of lights were observed along the shore
throughout the night. At dawn, anchorage was ob-
tained ; and as soon as the vessel was secured, the boats
were sent out to examine the coast and seek for a
watering-place. When they approached the land, the
canoes which were engaged in traffic with the crew
sailed after them, and three of the largest ran at the
cutter and staved in her quarter, while the islanders
made themselves ready to board her. The party fired,
and two of the natives fell into the sea ; on which the
naUves. attack was instantly abandoned. Their companions
pulled the men who had fallen overboard from the
water and set them on their feet ; finding they could
not stand, it was tried if they could sit upright ; one of
them, who was only wounded, was able when sujiported
to retain this posture ; but the other, who was dead,
they laid in the bottom of the canoe. Notwithstanding
this affray, some of them speedily resumed their traffic,
and an amicable intercourse was maintained during the
time the Dolphin lay there. The men despatched to
procure water, found the beach lined with inhabitants,
who endeavoured to entice them on shore by every ex-
pedient they could devise ; but, unwilling to trust those
whose hostile dispositions they had so lately experienced,
landing was postponed until the ship should be moored
so as to cover them with her guns.

At daybreak on the 28d June, while standing off to

Renewed

I i;i

BYIION, WALLIS, AND CARTERET.

185

effect this object, a bay six or eight miles to leeward chap, vi
was discover <fd from the mast-head, and Wallis imme- Danfferous
d lately bore away for it. As he stood in to this harbour, lorai rec;..
the Dolphin suddenly struck on a coral reef; but after
beating against it about an hour, a fresh breeze springing
up, slie swung off, and shortly after came to an anchor
within it. The next morning they procc eded to wnrp
the ship fartliet in, when a great nun ber of people
came off and engaged in traffic, by which hogs, fowls. Traffic with
and fruit, were exchanged for knives, nails, and beads. ""^ "**'"«*
As the day advanced, the canoes gradually increased ;
and the captain observed with some anxiety the appear-
ance of those w hich last arrived. They were double, and
of a very large size, containing ittle else but round pebble-
stones, and each was manned by twelve or fifteen stout
fellows. From these circumstances, it was judged
prudent to keep one of i^>e watches constantly under
arms, while the rest of the crew were engaged in warp-
nig the shipt Meanwhile more of the small craft
continued to arrive ; although those which now moved
from tbe shore presented any tiling? but a warlike aspect.
They were filled with females, who tried every art to
attract the attention of the sailors: while the double
canoes were closing round the Dolphin, some of the
savages on board of them sung m a hoarse voice, others
sounded the cjnch, and a third party played on an
instrument rf.semblmg a flute. One, who sat on a Ho<<tiic <i<--

^^ ' »> 1^1 It ar I'll run

canopy fixed on his small boat, now came alongside and
handed up a bunch of red and yellow feathers. Wallis
received this with expressions of friendship, and was
preparing to present the dor or with some trinkets in
return, when the latter, having paddli-d off to a little
distance, threw into the air n br«\nch of a cocoa-nut-tree.
At this signal a univei'sal sloiit burst from the islanders ;
all theii canoes at once m( ved towards the man-of-war ;
and a shower of stones ^v-m poured into her from all
directions. The watch were instantly ordered to fire
and t'Vo of the qimrter-deck swivels loaded with small
hhot were discharged neai-ly at the same time. The

iiioustiuduuc

111

ffl;i

I86

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS OP

native
TesselSi

Violent
assault on
the ^ip.

CHAP. VI. natives appeared to be thrown into confusior . but in a
FieeroT ^^^ minutes renewed tlie attack. At this time there
were about 300 of their vessels round the ship, with at
least 2000 men on board ; many thousands were observed
crowding the 8hoi*e ; and others were paddling towards
the Dolphin in the greatest haste from all sides. The
crew having now got to their qiiarters, a fire was
opened from the great guns, which soon put to Hight
those near the ship, and also checked the embarkation
of more warriors from the land. The savages, however,
were not dispirited ; the firing having ceased, tiie canoes
soon gathered together and lay for some time looking at
their antagonist from the distance of about a quarter of
a mile. Suddenly they were observed to hoist white
streamers ; they then paddled towards the stern, and
began a discharge of stones, each about two pounds in
weight, and slung with such force and an aim so true
that many of the seamen were woimded. Several
canoes, at the same time, were making towards the
bow, and among these was one which appeared to have
a chief on board. Two cannon were now run out abaft
and pointed ut the assailants in that quarter, while
others were run forward and fired from the stem. A
shot from one of these struck the vessel which contained
the supposed leader, and cut it asunder ; which was no
sooner perceived than the others dispersed with such
haste that in half an hour there was not a single canoe
in sight. The people who lined the shore were observed
running over the hills in great precipitation, and no
farther token of hostility appearing, the English pro-
ceed to moor the ship and to sound the bay.

About noon of the succeeding day, it was ascertained
that the beach afforded good landing in every part ; no
canoes were visible, and Lieutenant Furneaux was
ordered to go ashore. This was effected without oppo-
sition ; and having erected a pole, on which he hoisted
a pendant, and turned a turf, he took possession of the
country by the name of King George the Third's Island,
title which has been superseded by the indigenous

Taking pos-
session ot the
isknd.

! I;

BYRON, WALLIS, AND CARTERET.

187

appellation of Otaheite, or, as it is now sometimes
writtcii, Tahiti.* Two old men were discovered on the
opposite side of a river which flowed into the bay, and
signs having been made that they should come over, one
of them complied and advanced towards the lieutenant
on his hands and knees. He was presented with some
trinkets, and as soon as the boats put off he began to
caper round the flag, and threw down some green boughs
before it. He was afterwards joined by ten or twelve
others, who brought with them two large hogs, which
they deposited at the foot of the pole, and, after a pause,
began to dance. The quadrupeds were then put on
board a canoe, into which the old man accompanied
them ; and, coming alongside of the ship, he made a for-
mal oration and presented some plantain-leaves, one by
one, each accompanied by a few wr i slowly and
solemnly spoken. He concluded by v. jring the two
hogs, for wliich he would accept nothing in return, but
eagerly pointed to tbo land.

During the night, innumerable lights were seen along
the coast, and the sound of drums, conchse, and other in-
struments, was heard ; and, when the morning of the
26th broke, the pendant >vas found to have been carried
away. The lieutenant again landed, and while he was
engaged in fllling the water-casks, the old man appeared
with some fruits and a few fowls. At this time Captain
Wallis, who was confined to the ship by ill health,
observed through his glass a multitude of the savages

* The latter spelling is said by Mr Ellis to approximate more
nearly to the native pronunciation; but, from a feeling (which we
share with Captain Beechey and others) of '< veneration for the
name as it is written in the celebrated Voyages of Cook," we shall
adhere to his orthography. The name Tahiti is, besides, in itself
objectionable. " By tiie natives," says Mr Ellis, " their isbind in
called Ta-hi-ti. The i having the sound of e in their language, it
is pronounced as if written in English Ta-he-te." — Vol. i. p. 7.
If Otaheite is to be set aside, because not consonant with the native
pronun<"iati(>n, why should Tahiti be retained when liable to thu
same objection ? Even on Mr Ellis* own showing and principles,
Tahiti should in turn give way to Tahete.

CHAP. VI.

Name ol the
new dis-
covery.

Renewal of

friendly de-
monstrations

The British
pendant
carried away.

(' ■ i

'!'■■■

■, * ■'

) (.

li: .

V ■

, -

188

CIRCUMNAVIOATIONS OP

CHAP. VI.

Nnmcrous
muster of
natives.

Reassem-
bling of the
native fleet.

Piepprflon of
t)ie wliule
fleet.

i!,i:.

Consterna-
tion ot tiie
natives.

coming over a hill at about the distance of a mile ; a
great number of canoes were seen making towards the
watering-place from behind the two points of the bay ;
many thousands of the natives were perceived advancing
through the woods in the same direction ; and a large
party was discovered creeping behind the bushes close
to the caterers. A boat was instantly despatched to
warn them of their danger ; but before it reached the
shore they had seen the islanders lurking in tlie thicket
and had embarked. The bay now exhibited a spectacle
of singular interest. The canoes from both sides ad-
vanced rapidly towards the same point, and, as they
came near, stopped to take on board more warriors and
great bags of stones. The margin of the beach was
thronged with people all hastening to the river, and a
hill which looked down on the harbour was crowded
with women and children, who had seated themselves
to view the approaching conflict.

At length the preparations of the native armament
were completed, and the whole flotilla made towards the
Dolphin, which immediately opened a destructive fire.
The rude armada was almost instantly dispersed ; the
canoes on the east side of the bay paddled round the
point, and were soon beyond the reach of shot ; while
those on the west side were run on shore, and deserted
by their crews. The fire was now directed into dif-
ferent parts of the wood, and the savages, driven from
this shelter, ran up the eminence on which the women
and childrtn had taken their position. The hill was
thronged with several thousand people, who considered
themselves beyond the reach of danger, when, to im-
press on them the tremendous power of his artillery,
Wallls ordered some of the guns to be fired at this vast
multitude. Two of the balls struck the ground near a
ti-ee where a great number were sitting in fancied
security, and created such a consternation " that in less
than two minutes not one of them was to be seen." To
complete his victory, he sent the carpenters to destroy

BYRON, WALLIS, AND CARTERET.

ir '

all the canoes which hnd been run aground. More than chap. VI.
fifty, some of them sixty feet in length, were demolbh-
ed in a few hours.

These severe measures at length produced the desiriv' Thcisinnders
effect ; the islanders were now completely dispirited. «ii»rir't*;d-
and submitted to keep peace with tho:«e strangers, whose
terrible superiority made war hopeless. A few hours
after the battle, about ten of them issued from the
wood bearing green boughs, which they stuck up on the
shore, and deposited beside them some hogs, dogs, and
bundles of cloth. Thb peace-ofFering was accepted,
and returned by a present of hatchets, nails, and some
other articles ; and, from this time, a friendly feeling
was displayed in all their transactions.

The next dav, the 27th June, the sick were landed I^nnf^ing the
and a tent erected for their residence. A traffic wa^
commenced for provisions, and continued to be carried
on amicably, chiefly through the medium of the old
man on behalf of the islanders, and the gunner on the part
of the English. Iron was the object which the natives *

prized most highly, and for a small portion of it they
willingly parted with every thing they had. " To discover
what present would nvst gratify them," says Wallis, " I
laid down before them a Johannes, a guinea, a crown-
piece, a Spanish dollar, a few shillings, some new half-
pence, and two large nails, making signs that they should
take what they liked best. The nails were first seized Native ralue
with great eagerness, and then a few of the halfpence,
Imt the silver and gold lay neglected."* No event of
importance occurred until the 11th July, when the
gunner conducted on board a tall woman, apparently
about forty-five years of age, and, says the eaptain, " of
a ple.ising countenance and majestic deponment." She visit of the
displayed a freedom and ease of carriivge which appeared Queen,
to have been formed by habitual command ; while she
accepted the presents which were given her with a very
good grace. Understanding that the commander had

fi'

!■ J

ii'

Hawkeswortirs Coll., vol. i. p. 240.

t i

■i

190

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS OP

CHAP. VL

Her
residence.

Visit by
Wall is to the
Queeu.

Attention to
the iuvalid&

Presents of
native cloth.

been ill, she made signs inviting him to land. The gun-
ner conducted her ashore, and, on his return, reported
that her house was spacious, and furnished with many
domestics and guards, and that another mansion which
she possessed " was enclosed in lattice-work."

The next morning, Wallis landed for the first time,
and " my princess, or rather queen," says he, ** for such
by her authority she appeared to be, soon after came
to me." She ordered her attendants to take him, and
two of the officers who had been sick, in their arms and
carry them to her house ; and when they approached it
they were met by numbers of both sexes, whom she pre-
sented to the captain as her relations, and taking hold
of his hand she made them kiss it.* They were then
ushered into the dwelling, which was large and commo-
dious, and on the invalids being seated their arms and
legs were gently chafed by young girls. During this
operation, the surgeon, heated by his walk, took oflF his
wig to cool himself ; " a sudden exclamation of one of
the Indians who saw it, drew the attention of the rest,
and in a moment every eye was fixed upon the prodigy,
and every operation was suspended ; the whole assembly
stood some time motionless in silent astonishment, which
could not have been more strongly expressed if they had
discovered that our friend's limbs had been screwed on
to the trunk." t When the chafing was finished, their
hospitable entertainer ordered bales of cloth to be
brought, with which she dressed them after the native
fashion. On their departure she accompanied them to
the boats ; and Wallis having declined the honour of
being again carried, the supposed queen, says he, " took

• An engraving of this scene inserted in Hawkesworth's Coll.,
vol. i. p. 242, is entitled " A Representation oF the Surrenderor the
Island of Otaheite to Captain Wallis, by the supposed Queen, Obe-
rea."— Description of the Cuts, p. xxxvi. It seems difficult to ac-
count for the origin of this strange title ; there is certainly nothing
even hinted at in the text of such a *' surrender," nor had this ima-
ginary queen the power of giving away what was not her own.

f Hawkeswortlrs Coll., vol. i. p. 243.

«!

BYRON, WALLIS, AND CARTERET.

J91

me by the arm, and whenever we came to a plash of chap. Vt
water or dirt, she lifted me over with as little trouble x?ative"fea«t
as it would have cost me to have lifted over a child."
The next morning a present was sent to her of some
hatchets, bill-hooks, and other things, and the gunner,
who convoyed them, found her conducting an entertain-
ment given to about 1000 people. She distributed the
viands to the guests with her own hands, and when this
was done, seated herself on a place elevated above the
rest, and was fed by two female servants.

On the 14th, the same officer observed an old woman S|nguLir
on the opposite side of the river weeping bitterly. A woniun.
young man who stood by her crossed, and, coming to
the Englishman, made a long speech, and laid a plan-
tain-bough at his feet. He then repassed the stream to
bring over his aged friend and two large hogs. " The
woman," says the captain, " looked round upon our
people with great attention, fixing her eyes sometimes
upon one, and sometimes upon another, and at last burst
into tears. The young man who brought her over the
river, perceiving the gunnei-'s concern and astonishment,
made another speech longer than the first. Still, how-
ever, the woman's dirstress was a mystery ; but at h ngth
she made him understand that her husband and three
of her sons had been killed in the attack on the ship
During this explanation she was so affected that at last
she sunk down unable to speak, and the two young
men, who endeavoured to support her, appeared to be
nearly in the same condition ; they were probably two
more of her sons, or some very near relations. The
gunner did all in his power to sooth and comfort her ;
and when she had in some measure recovered her recol-
lection, she ordered the two hogs to be delivered to him, ^^^^
and gave him her hand in token of friendship, but would
accept nothing in return, though he offered her ten
times as much as would have purchased the hogs at
market." *

* Hawkesworth's Coll., vol. i. pp. 244, 245.

Present of

i' ,' I

• M

it 1

* ; ■ f

it, ••

192

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS OP

:t — -

CMAP. VI.

rresent from
tliu Qucuii.

Explorlngf

Eclipse of
the sun.

Attention ol
tilt Queen.

■1

On the 2l8t July, the queen again came on board,
and brought several hogs as a present, for which, as
usual, she would accept no recompense. On her de-
parture, the captain accompanied her on shore, whtre
he was very kindly treated, and remained during the
day. As he was parting in the evening, he intimated
that he would leave the Island in seven days, which she
instantly comprehended, and expressed a desire that he
would extend them to twenty. " I again," says the
commander, " made signs tl.at 1 must go in seven days,
upon which she burst into tears, and it was not without
great difficulty that she was pacified."

On the morning of the 25th, a party, consisting oi
forty seamen and all the marines, was sent out to explore
the interior of the island. The instructions given to
them would almost lead us to think that the expedition
had been fitted out with the expectation of discovering
regions abounding in gold and silver : They were directed
to " examine the soil and produce of the country, not-
ing the trees and plants which they should find, and
when t^«^v saw any stream from the mountains, to trace
it to its source, and observe whether it was tinctured
with any mineral or ore." While they were absent an
eclipse of the sun was observed, and the queen was
sliown the powers of the telescope, which excited in her
" a mixture of wonder and delight which no language
can describe." With a view to the security of the
party, Wallis invited her and several of the chiefs on
board, to partake of a dinner which was prepared for
the occasion ; but her majesty would neither eat nor
drink. In the evening the men returned, and reported
that they had " proceeded up the valley as far as they
could, searching all the runs of water, and all the places
where water had run, for appearances of metal or ore,"
but had found none. Shortly after, the great lady and
her attendants departed, and on leaving, asked her host
if he siill persisted in quitting the island at the time he
liad fixed ; " and when," sjiys he, " 1 made her under-
Vtand that it was impossible I should stay longer, she

Ifv

X^SEgBs y-.iS!wisi™*-

im.

1»

■4

!^*'-

ii-!i^

■- "»%

H • I

■ ; r

■ '1

■^ '.

102

■ ^■-^

111

CHAP. VI.
ri'csent fi'om

tliO QUL-Jll.

Exploring

EcUpse of
the sun.

On the u«f,

and l)rouj :.■ u^% ..„' ^ i. , as

usual, sIm r«o*nu|n UK'. On Ijh-i tie-

jtarture, i . . nnii. i Jur on sluti'p, \>ufp"r

lie was V Atc<i, rtiid retuuine'l thtrin^ thr

day. A» ,-■ itits;;; in iUc wvcrjint?, lie i».ti»nat' rl

that he ^ .<Atc lin' ialniid in wvcn ilays, whic'i ^hi."

instantly fvii»'/uleJ, and »xj'ifss d u d«>iire that he

would ex thiiu to t>u;ut\. ''I ti^ain," aaya the

command , " iruul*- sigjis that i iiiu«it gu in swven day.s,

upon whi . flhc biirst into toinii, v.il it wu» not «itli. )t

great dIflF :lly tJmt »hc wi.-s juu r.u'd,"

On th< ui'Tiiintj r-f tlv; ^'Hh, h ]"!k«ty, consisting oi

forty se;n 'i: and all th<' nsru int-s, waj> sent out to cxj'lore

tlie intei •• ui the isl.ind. Th* instrnctiuns givtu to

them wo d «,hiu»*«) WvA an to 'Mnk that th** (fXiM-dition

had beei iil ti ring

regions a
to " exa
inj^ the
when tb
it to its
with an

I ■ 1 1 ut.ted
.' ' i't4tttn\ not-

>uinUuitd.

iiud

to tra<:o

..,►4

>l»i.

V*' wlierlu-r it wa8 tinctmvd
Wliile llit. V wero al'S«.'Ht uu

le.

eclipse tin- suu \\m < ^.served, and the ^jiiftu wiw
shown t powi 18 (d the rclcbi'ope, whicli oxciud in her
" a mi J V \f wundt'f and d(di|4:ht vvJiieh no ]anj;uage
can des
party, '
board, i
the
drink

■^U■'^t Kit \hv Bfcurity <d" ilui
' liv r^'iefH on

tt.

■if:

•k,«

for

occ

II >>u< Wcf majj-^ty sft-oulij

In tfu « v.;nii>/if thi' ju<'jj rtuiru<*d, ai*d f»"^j.>< sttd
that th y had •* pi '.ict^'d^^d yp tlie >alley aa f'lr <*» t»i'-*y
could, ."..ij-cdn'n^: all iho run-i of watir, jind all tliopbutes

Attention of
thti Queuu.

when

■e at( r iiad run, foi* .ujtjicarui

toi's ct* metal or ove.

but ha^ i'juii^

nt'l

ii.

her attendants departed, and on leaving, asked her host
if he still i)ersisted in quitting the island at the time he
Viad fixed ; " and when," says he, " 1 made her under-
hand that it was impossible I should stay longer, she

'Iff

]

♦ ll

i, i

•"il!P»ipPliP!!pp||||P!||Wl!i^^

I %

r \

WWW^'f^

BYRON, WALLIS, ANI> CARTERET.

195

expressed her ngret by a flood of tears, which for a chap. VI.
while took away her speech." *

The next day, the ship being completely supplied ivcpamtion
with wood and water, preparations were made for sail- '•*' **«!*»*' *"*«^
iiig. The island princess came on board with presents,
and renewed her solicitations that Wallis would remain
ten days longer, and on receiving a negative, burst as
usual into tears. She then inquired when he would
return, and on his intimating in ififty days, she tried to
reduce the period to thirty. She remained in the Dol-
phin till nighty and when told that the boat was I'eady
to conduct her on shore, she threw herself down on the
arm-chest, and wept very passionately ; and it was with
the greatest difficulty that she was prevailed on to quit
the vessel. The next morning, that of the 27th July,
she again came to see her friends, " but not being able rasrfonato
to speak, she sat down and gave vent to her passion by ofthe Queea
weeping ;" and it was not until they were under sail
that she took her departure, " embracing us all," says
the narrator, " in the most affectionate manner, and
with many tears." Soon after, the ship was becalmed,
when the queen again came off in her canoe, in the bow
of which " she sat weeping with inconsolable sorrow."
The captain gave her various articles which he thought
would be of use to her, and others that were merely
ornamental ; and, as he remarks, " she silently accepted
of all, but took little notice of any thing." About ten
o'clock, a fresh breeze springing up, the ship cleared
the reef, when the natives, and particularly the queen,
once more bade them farewell, " with such tenderness
of affection and grief," says the navigator, " as filled
both my heart and my cyes."+ To tlie harbour in wliich

}'■ I

* Huwkesworth's CnW., vol. i. p. 251.

+ Ibid p. 239. The account of liis interview with this lady
has eijMtSi'd Wallis to a good deal of" ridicule. Mr BaiTow
(Eventful History of the Mutiny of the Bounty, London, 18111,
p. 16) remarks,—" Tiie tender passion had certainly caujrht hold
of one or both of these worihios, and if her majesty's lanfrnaife
bad been as well understood by Captain Wallis as that of Dido

196

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS OP

Isknd of
Eimea

Craiy state
of the
Dolphin.

CHAP. VI. he had moored he gave the name of Port-Royal ; but it
MatavafBay. *8 better known by the native designation of Matavai
Bay.

He now sailed along the shores of the neighbouring
island of Eimeo, which he named after the Duke of
York, and on the next morning discovered the one
which he dedicated to Sir Charles Saunders, though the
native appellation seems to be Tabuaemanu.* Another,
about ten miles long and four broad, called after Lord
Howe, was the next discovery ; while a dangerous
group of shoals was denominated the Scilly. The
ship's course was continued westward until she made
the Traitoi-s and Cocos Islands of Schouten and Le
Maire, which the captain designated Keppel and Bos-
cawen.

The crazy state of the Dolphin now determined him
to return to Europe by the west, instead of braving
again the stormy climate of Cape Horn or i,he Straits.
He accordingly shaped his course for the Ladrones, and
arrived at Tinian on the 19th of September, having
discovered on the way two small islands enclosed within
a coral reef, which his officers, in honour of him, called

vras to iBneas, when pressing him to stay with her, tliere is no
doubt it would have been f'uuna not less pathetic, —

" Nee te noster amor nee te data dextera quondam
Nee moritura tenet crudeli f unere Dido ? ' "

Nor couhl my kindness your compassion move,

Nor plit^hted vows, nor dearer bands of love ?

Or is tlie death of a despairinir queen

Not worth preventing, though too well foreseen? — DnVDEK.

Dalrympie has characterized Captain Wallis as " him who left
the arms of a Calypso to amuse the European world with stories
of enchantments in the New Cytherea, mistaking the example of
Ulysses, who never wished to return home till he had achieved that
for which he went abroad." But it should be kept in view, that
the narrative, though it runs in Wallis' name, was in reality the com-
position of another; and that the blunt and unsuspecting seaman
may not have been very likely to discover the ridiculous colouring
which the account was made to assume.

* This is the name by which Mr Ellis usually calls Sir Charles
Saunders' Island ; but he also uses tliat of " Maiaoiti."— Vol. i.
p. 8.

BYRON, WALLIS, AND CARTERET.

197

■'Vallis.* At Tinian he remained about a month, when
li set sail for Batavia ; in his passage to which he en-
countered many tempestuous gales, " While one of
these blasts was blowing with all its violence, and the
darkness was so thick that we could not see from one
part of the ship to the other, we suddenly discovered
by a flash of lightning a large vessel close aboard of
us. The steersman instantly put the helm a-lee, and
the sh:^> answering her rudder, we just cleared each
other. This was the first ship we had seen since we
parted with the Swallow."

The remainder of this voyage was marked by no
incident of any interest. The Dolphin anchored in the
Downs on the 20th of May 17C0, just 637 days from the
time she had spread her sails in Plymouth Sound.

The separation of Wali is and Carteret at' the western
mouth of the Straits of Magellan, however muc'.i re-
gretted by the commanders at the time, cannot no'.v be
regarded as otherwise than fortunate. Had the vessels
kept company, the knowledge of Otaheite and of a few
small islands would, in all probability, have been the
only acquisition ; but while the one was exploring its
coasts, the other, by pursuing a track more to the south-
ward, made discoveries of equal importance, and brought
back to Europe tidings of the long-lost lands of Quiros
and Mendana, as well as of a strait betwixt New Britain
and New Ireland.

As was formerly noticed, it was on the 11th April
1767, when the vessels had just come in sijilit of the
South Sea, that the Dolphin caught a favourable breeze,
before which she stood away and soon cleared Cape
Pill res, leaving the Swallow in the narrows, where siio

* This discovery is spoken of in the text us rDnsistinjf of only
one island, wliile the acconi[)anying' chart shows two. It were cer-
tainly to be wished that there had been no discrepancy; hut we
have the authority of Hawkesworth for follow inj^ the latter. " Great
care," says he, " has been taken to make the charts and the nautical
part of the narrative coincide; if there should be any difterence,
which it is hoped will not be the case, the charts -are to be confided
in as of unquestionable authority." -General Intrcd. p. vii'.

CHAP. VI.

WalliJt
Islands.

Providential
escape^

Hesultsoflhe
si'pn ration
ot W.I His and
Carteret.

Parting of
tiicir vesscli

198

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS OP

i ]'

CHAP. VL

Insufficient
BuppUe&

Course of

Captain

Carteret

Pitcaim's
laluuiL

Peopled by
tlic muti-
neers of tlie
Bounty.

remained four days. Captain Carteret ascribes much of
his detention to the crazy state of his ship and the want
of proper supplies, — a subject to which he frequently
recurs during his voyage.

On leaving the Straits, he stood to the north for
the island of Mas-afuera, where he stopped some time
to procure a supply of water. He then sailed to the
west\^ .rd, and searched, though in vain, for the islands
of San Felix, and for Davis' Land or Easter Island.
His first discovery was that of a spot the romantic
history of which has attracted in later times so much
attention. On the 2d of July, he descried land, which
on a nearer approach aj)peared " like a great rock rising
out of the sea :" its circumference is described as not
exceeding five* miles ; and it is added, that it was
covered with trees, but without any appearance of in
habitants. The surf, which broke with great violence
on every side of it, forbade landing, and in honour of
the young gentleman to whose eye it first appeared, it
was called Pitcaim's Island. It was a perusal of
Carteret's description of this spot that led Christian
and the mutineers of the Bounty to seek in it a retrent
from the vengeance due to their guilt.t It was well
adapted for their purpose ; approach was difficult ; it
seemed to be uninhabited, afforded fresh water, and the
trees with which it was covered showed it to be fertile.
They found in it, indeed, every thing which they de-
sired from external nature, and had no hinderance to
their hopes of happiness but in their own evil passions,
which in a short time brought down upon them punish-
ments as deadly as those they sought to fly from, and
stained this fair isle with crimes as dark as ever ti-agedy
recorded. Pitcairn's Island has been supposed to be
the La Encavnacion of Q,uiros ; but the description
which that navigator gives, — "low and flat, with a

• Hawkesworth's Coll., vol. i. p. 341. By the accompanjir.g
chart the circumference appears to oe about nine milcti.
f Beechey, vol. i. p. 80.

BYRON, WALLIS, AND CARTERET.

199

sandy surface, here and tLere diversified by a few chap. vi.
trees," * — is quite inconsistent with the hilly land, the supposed
summits of which Beechey found to be 1109 feet above aKreement
the sea. Captain Cook's conjecture, that it is identical diwovwier
with Quiros' second discovery, — the Island of San Juan
Bautista, — seems also untenable. This last is described
as " plain and even a- top," and as containing about
twelve leagues ; circumstances which are by no means
applicable to the other, t Mr Barrow remarks, that
" we muc ; look for La Encarnacion somewhere else ;
and Ducies Island, in that vicinity, very low, and with-
in 6° of longitude from Pitcairn's Island, answers pre-
cisely to it." I

About six days after his departure hence, Carteret Omnbnrg
discovered southward of his track a small, low, flat "'"""^
island, almost level with the water's edge, and covered
with green trees. He bestowed on it the name of the
Bishop of Osnaburg, and, according to his calculation,
its latitude was 22° south, its longitude 141° 84' west.
Captain Beechey searched in this neighbourhood two
days, but was unable to find it ; and he therefore imagines
it to be identical with one on which he discovered the
marks of a shipwreck, supposed to be that of the
Matilda whaler, lost near this in 1792. This he pro- J^™?J/*^'
poses should be called Osnaburg and Matilda Island. Whaler.
We are reluctant to dissent from so able a navigator as
the gallant captain ; but his theory appeal's irreconcil-
able with the facts. Carteret speaks of Osnaburg Is-
land as " small, low, and flat, and covered with green
trees ;"§ and, as Captain Beechey himself remarks, the
crew of the Matilda " describe themselves to have been

• See above, p, 94.

+ A Voyage towards the South Pole and round the World, 1772-
177^) vol* !•) General Introduction, p. xii. Captain Cook has beea
led into an error from a misinterpretation of the Spanish text, the
meaning of which seems certainly rather ambiguous. But, however
it may be construed, the " level top," on which all are agreed, makes
ft inapplicable to Pitcairn's Island.

± Kventful History of the Mutiny of the Bounty, p. 28U, nota

6 Hawkesworth's ColL, vol i. p. 343.

yii

200

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS OP

Dlscrepan
cies in
various
accounts.

Olonoester
isluuds.

CHAP. VI. lost on a reef of rocks ; whereas the island o a which
these anchors are lying extendsyot<r/&en mxlea in length,
and has one of its sides covered nearly the whole of the
way with high trees, which, from the spot where the
vessel was wrecked, are very conspicuous, and could
not fail to be seen by persons in the situation of her
crew." * In attempting to remove this striking dis-
crepancy by the hypothesis " that a considerable al-
teration has taken place in the island," he must have
foi'gotten, that if this be Osnaburg, it was " small " and
covered v.ith trees in 1767, the date of its discovery.
How improbable is it that it should have been wooded
then, have become a bare reef of rocks in 1792, and
again bear trees, and extend *' fourteen miles in length,"
in 1826 !

The next day, Carteret saw two small islands, wliich
he called after the Duke of Gloucester ; they were re-
plenished with wood, but apparently uninhabited, and
the long billows rolling from the southward convinced
him that there existed no continent in that direction.
He continued his course to the westward, until he
had sailed, according to his reckoning, 1800 leagues
from the shores of America ; when, finding his en-
deavours to keep in a high southern latitude ineffectual,
and his crew in a sickly condition, he determined to
approach the equator, to get into the trade- wind. His
object was to reach some island where he might procure
refreshment ; after which he hoped to be able to resume
his voyage towards the south.

On the 26th of July, he was in latitude 10° south,
° and longitude 167° west, where he expected to fall in
with the Islands of Solomon, and for that purpose kept
in the same parallel until the 3d of August, when,
having attained the latitude of 10° 18' south, and longi-
tude of I77g° east, " five degrees to the westward of the
situation of these islands in the charts," he came to the
conclusion, "that if there are any such islands their

Scnrch for
the isliuuls
£>oIumon.

• Beechev. vol » p. 217.

I \

BYRON, WALLIS, AND CARTERET.

201

Indeflnlte-
ncfs of
fonncr
discoverers.

DeUplit of
tlie crew at
sight of land.

situation is erroneously laid down." Had the construe- chap. vi.
tors of tliese maps examined the original authorities,
they would have scarcely ventured to assign any certain
position to these islands. The latitude in which the
ancient writers place them varies from 7° to 19° south,
and the longitude from 2400 miles to 7500 miles west
of Peru ; and so imperfectly was their situation ascer-
tained, that even their discoverer was baffled in an
attempt to revisit their shores.*

At daybreak on the 12th of August, land was seen,
and so distressed were the crew that, says the captain,
" the sudden transport of hope and joy which this in-
spired, can, perhaps, be equalled only by that which a
criminal feels who hears the cry of a reprieve at the
place of execution.'* It proved to be a cluster of islands,
of which seven were counted, but there was reason to
believe that there were many more. In the evening,
the ship anchored off the largest, and the natives were
discovered to be black, woolly headed, and naked. The
lext morning, the master was despatched in the cutter
to explore the coast for a watering-place ; and the long-
boat was sent on shore in the afternoon to endeavour to
establish a friendly intercourse with the inhabitants.
These, however, either disregarded or did not understand
the amicable signs made to them, but resolutely ad-
vanced within bowshot of the boats, when they dis-
charged their arrows, and instantly fled into the woods.
No harm was sustained by this attack, which was re-
turned with a fire of musketry equally unsuccessful.
Shortly after, the cutter came alongside, with the
master mortally wounded by three arrows which were
still sticking in his body, and three of the seamen in the
same condition. The savages, it appeared, had at first
received them with marks of friendship, and only com-
menced an attack on the master when they saw him
wantonly cutting down one of their cocoa-nut trees.

* Sep above, pp. 80, 82; and Dalry.nple's Hist Coll., vol. i
p. 44-46.

Attack of the
nativeaL

mmm

202

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS OP

Determined
hnstility of
tlte naUves.

CHAP. VL The next, and several succeeding days, were spent in ob-
taining a Binnll supply of water ; but such was the deter-
mined hostility of the people that the party were obliged
to keep within shelter of the guns. There was no hope of
obtaining the refreshments required, and on the l7th,
therefore, the anchor was weighed, and the vessel pro-
ceeded to coast the northern side of the island. It ap-
peared to be very populous, and numerous villages were
observed, from some of which the inhabitants came out
as the ship passed by, *' holding something in their hands,
which looked like a wisp of green grass, with which
they seemed to stroke each other, at the same time
dancing or running in a ring." *

On arriving at the west end of the island, the sickly
condition of his crew, his own bad health, the frail state
of his ship, and other considerations, determined Carteret
immediately to stand to the north, abandoning all
thoughts of southern discovery, or of more closely ex-
amining the interesting group which he had reached.
To the whole cluster he gave the general appellation
of Queen Charlotte, and distinguished seven of them by
individual titles. The largest was called Egmont or
New Guernsey, — and, says he, " it certainly is the same
to which the Spaniards have given the name of Santa
Cruz ; " — the native term seems to be Andany or Ni-
tendy. One which exhibited volcanic appearances, and
seems to have been remarked by Mendana,t was desig-
nated Vulcano. The most northerly of the group was
named Swallow or Keppel.J Three to the south and

Qneen

Charlotte

Islands.

■I

• Hawkesworth's Coll., vol. i. p. 359.

+ See above, p. 81. The identity of Queen Charlotte's Islands
with the archipcliigo of Santa Cruz, discovered by Mendana in 1595,
was triumphantly established by M. le Comte de Fleurieu in a work
entitled '' Decouvertes des Fran9ais dans le sud-est de la Nouvelle
Guinee. Paris, 1790," 4to. This volume is distinguished by the
most laborious research, sin^lar acuteness, and critical discrimi-
nation. An English translation appeared at London in 1791 .

X In the chart, this island is called Swallow — in the text, Kep.
pel. M. Balbi (Abrege de Geo^fraphie, Paris, 1833, p. 1267)
conjectures it to oe identical with what he calls *' le groupe de Fi.

BYRON, WALLI8, AND CARTERET.

203

cast of Egmont were called respectively, Lord Howe's chap.vi.
or New Jersey, Lord Edgecurabe's or New Sark, and jfameTgiven
Ourry or New Alderney ; and the name of Trevanion to tho
was bestowed on a small one at the north-west comer isiamiT
of Santa Cruz. The two islands of Edgecuinbe and
Ourry, modern geographers represent as only one, bear-
ing the appellation of Toboua. It has been proposed by
French writers to withdraw the name of Queen Char-
lotte, as applied to this cluster, and to substitute the
"Archipelago of La Pcrouse," in honour of that un-
fortunate navigator, who perished on one of them, a^ we
shall hereafter have occasion to narrate.

On leaving this group, Carteret held a west-north- Oowcr's,
west course, and on the evening of the second day, dis- anIJ cart".
covered a small, flat, and low island, which he called vtt'8 isiunds
Gower's. The inhabitants resembled those of Egmont ; ^^^'f^'^'^'
no anchorage was found, and during the night tht- cur-
rent drifted his ship to the southward, and brought him
in sight of two other islands. The smaller of these was
denominated Simpson's ; and to the other, which was
lofty and of a stately appearance, the captain gave his
own name, which he seems to have been rather fond of
linking to his discoveries, as his voyage presents us with
Carteret's Island, Carteret's Point, and Carteret's Har-
bour. The inhabitants were quite naked ; their arms
were bows and arrows, and spears pointed wiih flint,
and, says tlie gallant author, " by some signs which they ^"[,',^,^ pT"
made, pointing to our muskets, we imagined they were fire-arm^
not wholly unacquainted with fire-arms." Tliis know-
ledge they most probably received from a triditiontl
account of the visit of Mendana, about two ceiturics
previous; for it is completely established th t these
islands are part of the archipelago which bears the
name of Solomon. Gower's, for exai jple, is identified
with the Nombre de Jesus of the Spaniards, and with

loli;" but as he mentions this as " compos6 de huit ilots," and
Carteret describes Swallow Island as ''al^n^ilat island;" his theory
does uot seem to be tioable.

204

CIKCUMNAVIGATIONS OP

CarterctV
nine islandi).

CHAP. VI. the Inattendue of the French navigator Surville ; and
Carteret's is supposed to be the JNIalaita of Mendana.*

He now changod his course to the north-west, and on
the 24th discovered nine islands, which he imagined to
be the Ontong Java of Tasnian, — an hypothesis which
has not been adopted by all modern geographers, sonivi
of whom assign this to Carteret as an original discovery,
M, d'Urville considers a group lately made known by
the American captain, Morrell, and named by him the
Massacre, to be identical with Carteret's Nine Islands.t
On that same night another was seen, and called after
Sir Charles Hardy ; it was of considerable extent, flat,
green, and of a pleasant appearance, and numerous fires
which blazed upon its shores showed it to be well
peopled. It is supposed to belong to the Green Islands
t visited by Schouten and Le Maire.;}; At daybreak of
the 26th, they saw one to the southward, large and high,
which was named Winchelsca'? or An8on*8,§ and about
ten o'clock next morning, they descried another to the
northward, which was conjectured to be the St John's
^nphorjnjr In Island of Schouten. Soon after, the elevated land of
Wy, New New Britain was visible, and light winds and a strong
current bore the Swallow next day into the gulf which
Dampier had named St George's Bay. Here Carteret
anchored, and remained several days for the purposes of
refreshment ; during which time he visited some small
islands and harbours, and took possession of the whole
country, " for his majesty George the Third, king of
Great Britain."

While attempting to get off the land, in order to
double Cape St Mary, he was met with a violent gale

lirituiu

• See above, pp. 71» 72.

f Observations sur Ics Decouvertes dii Capitaine Americain, J.
Morrell. Par M. J. d'UrviHe. Bulletin de la Societe de Geogra-
phie, tome xix. No. cxxi. p. 272.

t See above, p. 116; and Burney's Chron. Hist. Discov., vol. ii,
p. 418

§ This discovery receives the name of Winchelsea in the text and
of Anson in the chart, ft seems to be tlie Bouca of Bougainville.

BYRON, WALLIS, AND CARTERET.

205

right a-hcad, and a strong current at the same time set chap. vi.
tlie ship into St George's Bay. Finding it impossible p„s,;j^of
to get round the cape, he determined to attempt a pass- st. (ieorgc'8
age through the inlet, which, from the flow of the sea, ^'''*""'^''
he was induced to tliink must open to the westward.
He accordingly stood in that direction, and passing a
large island * which divided the channel, found, on the
morning of the 11th September, that he had lost sight
of New Britain, and that the supposed bay was indeed
a strait. It was named by him St George's Channel,
while the land on the north, which had been hitherto
supposed a part of Nova Britannia, was forthwith de-
nomiMated New Ireland. Carteret pursued his course Now Ireland,
along the south side of this country, and on the same
night discovered an island larger than the former, to
which he gave the appellation of Sandwich. During
his stay, some canoes, manned by the people of New
Ireland, rowed towards the ship. These were black and
woolly headed, and much resembled the people of Queen
Charlotte's group. Like them, they were naked, ex- Native
cept a few shell ornaments on their arms and legs. Adornment.
" They had, however," says the navigator, " adopted a
practice, without which none of our belles and beaux
are supposed to be completely drest ; for the hair, or
rather the wool upon their heads, was very abundantly
powdered with white powder, and not only their heads
but their beards too." f Steering nearly westward, in
a short time he came to the south-west extremity of
New Ireland, which was named Cape Byron ; while to
an island, divided from the other by a narrow strait, he
gave the title of New Hanover. This is described as

* The perplexinff discrepancies between the text and charts of
this voj^age, render it almost impossible to present a clear account
of the situation of these inlands. The island, called in the chart
" I. Man," seems to be wliat in the text is called the Duke of
York's Island ; and the Isle of Man of the text seems to be the
small oblong' island, north of the promontory named in the chart
Cane Stephens.

T Hawkesworth's Coll., vol i. p. 379.

206

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS OF

CHAP. VI.

Portlund
lidjuU.

A«lmlrr,lty
Ittlandtti

Evidences of
n distinct
race in ilie
»utlvti&

Arrlvnl
nt tlie
riiilippine
Islundti.

high, " finely covered with trees, among which are
many plantations, and the whole has a most beautiful
appearance." Next morning, six or seven islands were
perceived to the westward ; their extent was vcjry con-
siderable, and they were named after the Duke of Port-
land. The swell of the sea now convinced Carteret
that he had passed through the channel and was clear
of all the land.

On the 15th September, he reached some islands, of
which the inhabitants resembled those of New Ireland ;
but this cluster, called by him the Admiralty, he was
obliged to leave after a very superficial and imperfect ex-
amination. Four days later, he discovered two small ones,
which he called Durour's and Maty's ; and on the 24th,
other two, to which he gave the name of Stephens*
Islands.* The next day, he observed a group, consist-
ing of three, surrounded by a reef. The natives were
of a copper colour, with fine long black hair and pleas-
ing features, evidently of a distinct race from the people
of New Ireland. One of them who came on board, re-
fused to leave the ship, and accompanied the voyagers
to Celebes, where he died. The captain called him
Joseph Freewill, and named the islands after him ;
though the original designations were ascertained to be
Pegan, Onata, and Onello. On the 12th of October, a
spot of land scarcely bigger than a rock was seen, and
denominated Current Island ; and the next day, two
nearly as small were observed, on which the title of St
Andrew was bestowed.

On the 26th, the adventurers made the coast of Min-
danao, one of the Philippines, where they spent several
days in endeavouring to establish a friendly communi-
cation with the natives. On the 4th of November,

♦ The late French n^Tigator, Duperrey, having in vain sought for
the islands last named in the situation assigned to them hy Carte-
ret, has come to the conclusion that they are the Providence
Islands of Dampier. — Lives and Voyages of Drake, Cavendish, and
Dampier, chap. xi. ; and Rapport fait k 1' Academic Royale des
ftciences, sur le Voyage de la Coquille, commandee par M. L. J
Duperrey. 4to, p. iv.

";!

BYRON, WALLI8, AND CARTERET.

207

finding themselves diHappointed in their hopes of pro- chap. vi.
curing refreshments, they set sail for the island of ^,,„p,^ ^y ^
Celebes. In their progress, they were attacked at mid- pimtu.
night by a pirate, who endeavoured to board them. De«
feated in this attempt, he commenced a discharge with
swivel guns and fire-arms, which the Kngiishman re-
turned with such deadly effect, ** that shortly after he
sunk, and all the unhappy wretches on board perished.
It was a small vessel ; but of what country, or how
manned, it was impossible for us to know." At length, Anrborinfr
after a tedious and stormy passage, on the 15th of De- •" "'^ 1'"^ "'
cember, Carteret anchored off the town of Macassar,
from which he removed in a few days to the Bay of
Bonthain. The jealousy of the Dutch, which had pre-
vented him from remaining at the former place, wrought
him considerable annoyance during the five monchs he
stayed at the latter. On the 22d of May 1760, he set
sail fcr the i»land of Java, where his vessel ui\^erwent
extensive repairs before proceeding on her homeward
voyoge. He stopped at the Cape of Good Hope on the
28th November, and continued there till the 6th of Ja-
nuary 1769. On the 19th of February,* nearly three
weeks after leaving the island of Ascension, a ship was
discovered bearing French colours ; and at noon of the
next day she was so close to the Swallow as to be able
to hail her. " To my great surprise," says the captain, ^".j?'^!''^J^y ,
** the French vessel made use both of my name and that ;,'uiuvlllo.
of the ship, inquiring after my health, and telling mc,
that alter the return of the Dolphin to Europe, it was
believed we had suffered shipwreck in the Streight of
Magellan, and that two ships had been sent out in quest
of us." The officer here alluded to was M. Bougain-
ville, who had just sailed round the globe, and was now
directing his course homeward. JNo other incident

• The date assi^^ed to this rencontre by Bougainville, in the
text of his book (p. 3U6), is the 25tli of February, and the 18th is
that given in the Introduction (p. 7). where lie says Carteret ar»
rived m England in June, two months later than the true date.

208

CIRCUMNAVIGATIONS, Ac

Return to
Spitlieud.

Departure of

Captain

Cook.

CHAP. VI. worthy of notice occurred during the voyage. On the
7tli March, the Swallow made the Azores, or Western
Islands, and passing between St Michael and Terceira,*
dropped anchor on the 20th at Spithead.

More than six months before the return of Carteret,
Captain Cook had sailed from England on the first of
those expeditions which brought him such imperishable
honour, and so widely enlarged the bounds of science.
But before we proceed to the relation of the life and
actions of this illustrious navigator, we have to record
the circumnaviyjation of the Frenchman just named,
and tlie voyages of one or two less distinguished dis-
coverers.

* The Bibliotlieaue Universelle des Voj'ages, par M. Albert
Montemont, Paris, U533, translates this part of Carteret's Journal
as follows : — " Le 7 Mars nous arrivames anx lies Hebrides, et
nous passames entre Saint-Michel et Tercere." — Vol. iii. p. 229.
Who could have imagined that St Michael and Terceira were
among tlie number of the Hebrides !

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF BOUGAINVILLE. 209

CHAPTER VII.

Circumnavigation of Bougainville.

Project for colonising the Falkland Islands — Their Cession to SpaiiT
— Disputes with England — Settlements abandoned — Bougainville
discovers the Dangerous Archipelago — Maitea — Otaheite — In-
cidents during, his Stay there — Takes a Native with him— The
Grand Cyclades or Australia del Espiritu Santo — Louisiadeor the
Solomons — Bouca — Cheiseul and Bougainville Islands — Return
to France — The Otaheitan in Paris — Voyage of Marion — Expe-
dition of Surville — Terre dcs Arsacides — Voyage of Shortland—
New Georgia — Retrospect.

•4

St;

France was among the latest of European nations to chap, vil
embark in South Sea discovery. Her career may be ^ —

•^ Commence-

said to comn.^nce with Bougainville ; for before his day mcnt of the
she had produced very few eminent navigators, and of ^.'.[J:^"^,!^^^
these the adventures are so imperfectly recorded, that it aiscovcry.
is almost impossible to separate what is certain from
what is doubtful, or to distinguish between truth and
fiction.

In 1503, the Sieur Binot Paulmier de Gonnevillc is ;';fi|'|;^'."^
reported, in sailing to the East Indies, to have obtained (!( x,\v
a view of a southern land, by some imagined to be ]M"W ^'"^^'^"'^
Holland ; though, with a greater show of reason, it is
supposed by others to be the island of Madagascar.
The discoveries of La Roche and of De Beauchcsne
Gouin, in the latter years of the seventeenth century,
have been already mentioned.* The beginning of the

i:'4 !

See pp 130, 132.

210 CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP BOUGAINVILLE.

CHAP. VIL

Fmitlcss

French

expeditionSi

Le Gentil
rie la Bur-
binaiSk

Proposprt
col<iiiisation
of the
Fiilklani
Islands.]

succeeding age was marked by several French expedi-
tions into the Pacific, but which were attended by no
results of any interest or importance. It is only neces-
sary to advert to one of them, — that of Le Gentil de la
Barbinais, — and even this is involved in so much doubt,
that the acute Bumey has questioned " if such a voyage
was really made by such a person."* This officer is
said to have engaged as supercargo of a French ship,
under an English commission, bound for the South Sea.
He left France in August 1714, was at Concepcion in
March following, and about a twelvemonth afterwards
proceeded to China. Subjected there to various delays,
he embarked on board another vessel, and returned
home in 1718. His narrative is disfigured by the
grossest ignorance, and is perfectly useless for any geo-
graphical purpose. As a specimen of his accuracy, it
may be mentioned, that he places Port Desire on Tierra
del Fucgo ; assigns to Staten Island a more southerly
latitude than Cape Horn ; and tells that this latter pro-
montory was discovered by a certain Captain Hoorn, who
gave it his own name.

The first French circumnavigation had its origin in a
design of colonising the Falkland Islands, — a project
which, as we have seen, occupied a prominent place in
the expedition of Commodore Byron.t

Louis Antoine de Bougainville was born at Paris in
1729, of a family of which he was not the only dis-
tinguished member, — the writings of his elder brother,
Jean-Pierre, having assigned him a high rank as a geo-

* Chron. Hist Discov., vol. iv. p. 508.

•)- Bougainville, who had appeared as an author before liis circ.im-
naviiration, himself wrote the history of his voyag- ander the title
of " Voyage antour dii Monde par la Vretnite dn Roi La Boiideuse et
Ja Flute L'Etoile, i;({6-17«!). Paris, 17/1," 4to. Another edition
anpeari'd in 1772, in two volumes 8vo; and in the same year, an
abridf^ed translation into the German langnaf^e was |)ublished at
Lelpsic, in one volume 8vo. An English translation, bj' John Rein-
hold Forster, was printed pt London in 1772, in one volume 4to.
Occasion will be taken to point out a few of tlie blunders wliich
disfigure this publicatiou.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP B0U»3AINVILLE. 211

grapher, a critic, an antiquary, and a poet. The early
life of the former was marked more by activity than by
steadiness of purpose. He passed through a variety of
professions, and was successively a barrister, secretary
to an ambassador, an adjutant, a captain of dragoons, an
aide-de-camp, and a colonel of infantry. In all these
capacities he discharged his duties with great reputa-
tion, and among other honours which he received, his
sovereign conferred on him the order of Saint Louis.
When the peace of 1763 deprived him of a field for the
exertion of his military talents, he turned his attention
to naval affairs ; and, struck with the happy situation
of the Falkland Islands as a place of refreshment for
vessels sailing to the Pacific, he proposed to the French
government the establishment of a settlement there.
The expense of the expedition he undertook to dis-
charge from his own private resources, aided by his
relatives ; and having procured two vessels, the one of
twenty,* the other of twelve guns, he set sail from St
Malo on the 15th of September 1763. After touching
at Santa Catalina and at Monte Video, to procure a
stock of horses and horned cattle, he arrived at the
Falklands on the 31st of January in the following year;
and, having sailed along the northern coast in search of
a harbour, came to a great bay in the eastern extremity
of the cluster, which seemed to be well fitted for the
proposed colony. On landing, he discovered the cause
of an illusion which had deceived many of the early
voyagers, to whom it appeared that these islands were
covered with wood, — an effect produced by a gigantic
rush, not less than five feet in height. He remarked,
too, the singular fearlessness with which the animals,
hitherto the only inhabitants of these bleak regions,
approached the colonists ; and that the birds permitted

* Burney, on what authority we know not, describes the larger
of the two vessels as carrying twenty-four guns. — Chron. Hi»t.
Discov., vol. V. p. 143. M. de Bougainville's words are, — " L'Aigle
de vingt canons et le Sphinx de douze." — Voyage autour du
Monde, p. 48.

CHAP, vir

Efliication
of De Bou-
gainville

Ilononrs
conferred
ou him.

ExpefllMon
iiiKlcr liis
guidauce.

Can^f* of

♦(>ria r
Uiuaions.

212 CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF BOTTOAINVILLE.

CHAP. VII.

Fearlessness
«r the natlvo
aaiiuala..

Poutrain-

ville's

colonists.

M. de

>fcrville.

return of
Bouciiin-
ville to the
colonists

themselves to be taken by the hand, and even voluntarily
alighted on the persons of the new settlers. When the
islands were lately visited by his majesty's ships Tyne
and Clio, the British officers made a similar observa-
tion. " The snipes were abundant in the marshy places,
and so heedless of approach as almost to submit being
trodden upon before taking to flight ;" and the wild
geese are described as " standing goggling with out-
stretched necks at their assailants, merely trying to get
out of the way with feet, when wings would have served
them better." *

Bougainville's little establishment consisted of no
more than twenty-seven individuals, five of whom were
females, and three children. On the l7th of March,
Ihey commenced the construction of their future habi-
tations, which were merely huts covered with rushes.
They also erected a magazine capable of containing
provisions for two years, and a small fort mounting
fourteen pieces of cannon. To encourage this feeble
community, M. ^e Nerville, cousin to the navigatoi*,
consented to remain in charge of their interests until
his relative should return from France with supplies ;
and, having made these arrangements, the latter so-
lemnly took possession of the country in his sovereign's
name, and on the 8th of April set sail for France. In
October, he again departed from St Malo, and reached
the Falklands on the 5th January 1765, having during
the voyage made a fruitless search for Pepys' Island.
He found the settlers in perfect health, and, having
landed those he had brought with him, he proceeded
to the Straits of Magellan, in order to take in a cargo
of wood for their use. From this voyage, in which he
saw the fleet of Commodore Byron, he returned on the
29th of March ; and on the 27th April following, mailed
again for his native country, leaving behind him no

* Narrative of Visit to tlie Falkland Islands, bv an Officer ot
the Tyne ; published in the Atheneeum, Numbers Sli'j and 300, 20th
and 2/th July 1U33.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP BOUGAINVILLE. 213

fewer than eighty persons.* In the latter part of the chap. vii.
same year, he despatched a vessel from France, which provisions
was accompanied with a store-ship belonging to the mui ainmnui-

1 . . . . , ••• i .1 iii tidii sent to

kmg, carrymg provisions and ammunition to the settle- the settle-
ment. These left the colony in a prosperous condition ; '"""'•
its numbers were about 150 ; the governor and com-
missary (I'ordonnateur) were provided with commodious
mansions of stone, and the rest of the population had
houses built of turf. There were three magazines for
public and private stores ; of the wood brought from
the Straits several vessels had been built, besides two
schooners destined to make a survey of the coasts ; and
a cargo, consisting of oil and the skins of sea-wolves,
was consigned to the mother- country.

It will be in the recollection of the reader, that, in '['jiyj^^^'*
January 1765, Commodore Byron had taken possession iKtween
of the Falklands in the name of his Britannic Majesty, ElfgiamL"^
and liad rapidly surveyed their coasts and harbours.t
In 176G, an English settlement was made at Port Eg-
mont (the Port de la Croisade of the French) ; and in
December of that year. Captain Macbride, of the Jason
frigate, having touched at the establishment formed by
Bougainville, claimed the islands as belonging to the
British crown, and threatened to force a landing if it
were not amicably conceded. His tlneats did not re-
quire to be executed ; he was permitted to go ashore,
and, having visited the governor, left the colonists in
peace. Before this period, however, the Spaniards had ei^in'^"
advanced a claim, which the court of France were not
inclined very seriously to resist, as they had found by
this time that there was small chance that tacir parti-
cular views would ever be realized. Accordingly, in

SnantsTi

I ■

• « La colonie se trouvait composee de^ quatre-vingtx pei-
sonnes," says M. de Bougainville, p. 52. This Mr J. R. Forster
translates, — "The colony consisted of twenty-four |j)ersons."—
P. 41. The same statement is repeated at p. 135, vol. iv. of " An
Historical Account of all the Voyages round the World." 4 vols
8vo. London, 1773.

•|- See above^ p. 173. q

to Spain.

I!*:

214 CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP BOUGAINVILLE.

CHAP. VII. the month of November 1766, the French administra-
Isiandsceded *^**" acknowledged the right urged by Spain, and deter-
mined to cede the islands accordingly. M. de Bougain-
ville has omitted to mention the grounds on which this
demand was based ; but from the expression " le droit
primitif," and his attempt to give to the Spaniards the
honour of first visiting the Falklands, It may be conjec-
tured that their claim was made on this footing. " It
appeal's to me," says he, "that the first discovery of
them may be attributed to the celebrated Amerigo
Vespucci, who, during his third voyage for the discovery
of America, in the year 1502, sailed along the northern
coast. He was ignorant, indeed. If it belonged to an
island or was part of a continent ; but it is easy to con-
clude from the route which he followed, from the
latitude at which he arrived, and from his description of
the coast, that it was the shore of the Malouines."*
But M. de Bougainville, in forming this theory, must
have misunderstood the main facts on which he pro-
ceeds. " We found this land, says Vespucci, " altogether
barren, without harbourSy and destitute of inhabitants."
These remarks cannot apply to the Falkland Islands,
which, says Burney, " in every quarter present good
harbours, where safe anchorage may be found." But
even if tlie merit of making it known is to be attributed
to Vespucci, still it confers no " droit primitif " on the
Spanish crown, as that navigator, during the voyage in
question, was in the service of Emanuel, king of
Portugal.t

Jlistakon
ideas of >I.
dc iJougaiii-
ville.

• Voyngp, p. 47. The Malouines is the name commonly applied
by tlic French to this chister, which to tlie grievous perplexity of
geojrraphers, has at different times received the names of Davis'
i^outliern Island, Hawkins' Maiden*land, Sihaidde VVeert's Islands,
Pepys' Island, Belda Australis, Isles of St Louis, Malouines, Islea
Nouvelles, and Falkland Islands.

•j" It has been already stated (above, p. 77) that these islands were
discovered by Captain John Davis, and any lengthened discussion of
Vespucci's claim were here out of place. It may be mentioned, tliat
his voyages are involved in much doubt, and that better evidence
than lias yet been adduced must be brought forward before we can
place implicit reliance on his alleged discoveries. The reader will

Wi.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP BOUGAINVILLE. 215

France having, on whatever grounds, recognised the chap. vit.
claim now mentioned, M. de Bougainville received NewlxpetU-
orders to proceed to the colony, and, after formally tion of m. de
delivering it up to the Spaniards, to make his way to ^"Jf**"'
the East Indies by pursuing a course between the tropics.
For this expedition he received the command of the
frigate La Boudeuse, mounting twent y-six twelve-
pounders, with power to reinforce himself at the Falk-
lands by taking the storeship L'Etoile. He put to sea Rptnm to
on the 16th of November 1766, but on the 21st wasV'^''^-
obliged, by stress of weather, to seek refuge in Brest.
Here he made various alterations in the equipment of
his vessel, in particular, exchanging his heavy cannon
for the same number of eight-pounders. On the 5th
December, he resumed his voyage, with a crew, consist-
ing of eleven officers, three volunteers, and 203 sailors,
warrant-officers, soldiei's, cabin-boys, and servants. He
was also accompanied by M. Le Prince de Nassau
Sicghen, who had obtained the king's permission to
join the discoverers.

On the morning of the 31st of January 1767, h^ Monle N^idco
arrived at Monte Video, where he found two Spanish
frigates commissioned to receive the formal cession of
the Falklands. In company with these he sailed on the

find an instructive discussion on Vespucci in tlie Appendix No. ix.
to Mr WashinfTton Irvinjy's History of Columbus (vol. W. pp. 157,
191 ). We are certainlj' of the opinion expressed bj' Dr Ronertson,
tliat several years after the alleged voyaye of Vespucci, the farthest
extent of discovery did not exceed "tliirtv-fi''e dej^rees south of
the equator." It is singular that Malte brun should have been
ignorant of the theory put forward by Bougainville. ".Permetty
and Bougainville are of opinion," he says, "that iliese islands were
discovered between the years 1700 and 170U, by five vessels that
set out from Saint Malo; hence the origin of their French name." —
Malte Brun (English translation), vol. v. p. 482. Since tliis note
was written, the author has seen the Voj-age autour du Monde of
M. Duperrey, who has come to the same conclusion, that Ves[)ucci
did not discover the Falklands. RI. Duperrey thinks that the lanri
discovered by Vespncci was the New South Georgia of Cook, which
he sup[)oses to have been previously visited by La Roche and
Duclos Guyot. — Voyage de la Couuille, Partie Hislorique, vol. i.
p. 98.

ii^flEn i um%

tmmm

216

CIIICUMNAVIGATION OP BOUGAINVILLE.

CHAP. VII

Delivery of
the settle-
ment to the
Spanish
officers.

Fate of til e
settlers.

Arrival of
liostilo
fri(rntca
at Port
Egmont

28th of February, and on the evening of the 23d of
March anchored off the islands. On the 1st April, ho
delivered the settlement to the proper officers, who
took po-ssession of it by hoisting their national standard,
which, at sunrise and at sunset, was honoured with a
salute of twenty-one guns as well from the shore as from
the ships in the port, A letter from the French king
was read to the colonists, granting them license to re-
main under the dominion of their new sovereign, — a
permission of which several families availed themselves.
The rest embarked in the Spanish vessels, which sailed
for Monte Video in the end of April, leaving Bougain-
ville to wait tlie arrival of the Etoile.

Before entering on the narrative of his voyage, it may
be proper briefly to advert to the fate of the settlers on
these contested islands. In November 1769, an Englisli
frigate, which cruised in those seas, fell in with a
schooner belonging to Port Solidad, as the station was
now named. The claims of the British captain were
met by strong assertions of right on the side of the
Spaniard ; but the parties contented themselves with
formal protests and declarations, and no hostilities en-
sued for some months. On the 4th of June 1770, a
vessel of the same nation put into Port Egmont, under
pretence of distress, but the arrival, three days after, of
four other frigates, her consorts, speedily led to the dis-
closure of the real objects of the visit. This force con-
sisted of five ships, bearing 134 guns and upwards of
1600 men, including a party of soldiers and marines,
who were accompanied by a train of artillery, compris-
ing twenty-seven pieces, besides four mortars and some
hundred bombs, Tlicse extensive preparations are cer-
tamly placed in a ludicrous point of view, when it is
mentioned that they were directed against " a wooden
block-house, which had not a port-hole cut in it, and
only four pieces of cannon, which were sunk in tlie mud,
to defend it." * The officer in command saw the im-

* Annual RefJ•i^tc^ for 1771> p- 9.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF BOUGAINVILLE. 217

Embarking
were of tho

possibility of making any effectual resistance, and only chap, vir
waited the actual commencement of hostilities that he
might demand articles of capitulation. These
concluded on the 10th of June ; and shortly afterwards '^"^'^'^*-
all the settlers embarked in tlie frigate, and reached
this country in September. Tlie intelligence of these
transactions excited a strong sensation here, and the
popular voice was loud in demanding redress for this
act of injustice. Ministers were charged with meanness
in tamely submitting to an insult on the nation, and
several motions on the subject were made in parliament.
After much negotiation, the matter was amicably
aiTanged, by a declaration of the Spanish sovereign,
that " he disavowed the said violent enterprise." At
the same time he gave liis consent that the English Restoration
should be reinstated in the same condition as before the '5,**"'^^.
10th of June, — coupled, however, with a reservation, tlie lidiisii.
that this concession should not anywise "affect tho
question of the prior right of sovereignty of the islands.'*
In virtue of this explanation, Port Egmont was formally
restored to the British, in September l77l ; but the
settlement, which had led to so much discussion, and
nearly involved the country in war, was found so un-
profitable, that it was abandoned the succeeding year.
The history of the establishment which our qovernment
has recently made in these islands belongs to another
part of our work.

We now return to M. de Bougainville, who, having Course pnr-
remained at the Falklands during the months of March, Bouguhi. "
April, and May, 1767, without being joined by the ^'iie-
store-ship that was to accompany him, at length set sail
for Rio Janeiro in the beginning of June. This port
had been appointed as a place of rendezvous in the event
of L'Etoile failing to reach the Malouines ; and on his
arrival, he found that his consort had been in the
harbour about a week. He continued there until the
middle of July, when he proceeded to Monte Video ;
where he was so long detained by various accidents that
he did not resume his voyage till the month of Novem-

mmmmmmmmmm

CHAP. VII.

Interview
witli tliu
nutivcs of
Tlerrn tlel
Kuego.

Size cf til o'
Piitugoiuun.'i

Search for
Davis' Lund.

L'lle cle la

218 CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP BOUGAINVILLE.

her was fur advanced. The Cape do las Virgenes was
made on the 2d December^ and on the 2dd of January
1768, he cleared the western entrance of the Straits of
Magellan. During this passage, he had various inter-
views with the tribes, both on Tierra del Fuego and on
the continent. In a group of Patagonians which he
describes, there was none taller than five feet ten inches,
nor below five feet five, French measure ; which, being
reduced to the English standard, gives as the greatest
stature six feet 2*5704 inches, and as the smallest, five
feet 10'3d4 inches. We are told at the same time, that
the crew of L*Etoile had, on a previous voyage, seen
several natives whose height exceeded by four inches
that now stated^

His first object, on entering the Pacific, was to search
for Davis' Land, which, like many previous navigator^
he did not find. He then directed his course in a more
w^esterly direction, and, on the 22d of March, discovered
four small islands, to which he gave the name of Les
Quatre Facardins. The wind prevented him from
approaching this group, and he therefore bore westward
for a small island about four leagues distant. So heavy
a sea broke on all sides, that it was found impossible to
get ashore on this little spot, which, from the appear-
ance of its inhabitants, was named L*Ile des Lanciers.
At daybreak on the 23d, land was again visible ; which,
on examination, proved to be an islet in the shape of a
horse-shoe very much elongated, whence he was induced
to bestow on it the name of L'lle de la Harpe. Captain
Cook supposes Les Quatre Facardins to be identical with
the Lagoon Island discovered in his first voyage, and
L'lle dcs Lanciers and L'lle de la Harpe to be the same
as his Thrum Cap and Bow Island.* In this hypothesis
he has been followed by M. Fleurieu, Captain Beechey,
and some other writers ; but much as we are disposed
to respect his opinion, we cannot, in this instance, yield

• General Introduction to Cook's Second Vo\'age, p. xviii.
below, pp. 2H2, 263.

See

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP BOUGAINVILLE. 219

onr assent. Bow Island and L'lle de la Uarpe are evi- chap, vil
dontly one, and Les Quatre Facardins may with some ^„ppJJ^
probability be regarded aa only another name for the coincidence
Lagoon, though Cook's remark, that « the whole looktd "^'^»«"^««'*
like many islands," is rather opposed to M. de Bougain-
ville's description of " quatre ilots." But our chief ob-
jection is to the identification of Thrum Cap with L'lle
des Lanciers. In the French officer's account of the
latter, one of the most prominent features is the cocoa-
tree. " Tout I'interieur," says he, " etoit couvert de
bois toufFus, au-desms desqucls a'elevoient les tigesfeconde*
des cocotiera;** and again, *^ Les cocotiara nous offroknt
partout leurs fruits^ ct leur ombre sur un gazon emaiUe
defleurs*** Of Thrum Cap, Cook says, " Nor could Cook-i
we distinguish any cocoa-nut-trees, though we were isj^nd!
within half a mile of the 8hore."t There is a still
more material discrepancy in the extent of these islands ;
for while the one just named is described as " n t much
above a mile in compass,"! we are told that L'lle des
Lanciers is a league in diameter. Captain Beechey, in
supporting the theory of Cook, mentions a circumstance
which, had he attended to Bougainville's description,
must have convinced him it could never apply to Thrum j
Cap. That island, the gallant captain remarked, was
" well wooded, and steep all round.^* As we approached
L'lle des Lanciers, says the Frenchman, *' we perceived
that it was surrounded by a very level shore of sand."§
These striking differences lead us to the conclusion, that
Thrum Cap is a discovery of which the honour is due to
Cook, and that L'lle des Lanciers must be sought for in
some other island of the same archipelago.

On the 26th, La Boudeuse was near a very low island
stretching from south-east to north-west, in length

* Voyajfe, p. 179. f Hawkesworth's Coll.. vol. ii. p. 73.

:J: Hawkesworth's Coll., vol. ii. p. 73. Captain Beechey saj'f",
"Thrum Cap is only 1700 yards lon^, by 1200 broad." — Voyage
to the Pacific, vol. i. p. 255, et ibid. '210

'M'

UDie.

§ '( Nons decouvrimes qu'elle est borde d'une plage dc sable tres
lie." — Voyage, p. 1/9.

Tlic Island
of Muitua.

220 CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP BOUGAINVILLE.

criAP. viL about twenty-four miles ;* and for two days her course
L' ArphT (1 ^^y *"^o"l? several others, which, being partly over-
Dangereux, flowed and surrounded by rocks and breakers, rendered
tlie navigation very perilous. To the whole, lying
between Lcs Quatre Facardins and these last, was given
the general name of " L'Archipel Dungereux." Eleven
were sten, but it was conjc eturcd that there were many
more, and M. do Bougainville was of opinion that
Quiros discovered the south part of t!ie chain in 1606,
and that it is the same to which, in 1722, lloggewein
gave the name of the Labyrinth.

The voyagers still pursued a westerly course, and,
on the morning of the 2d of April, descried a high and
very steep mountain, which they named Le Boudoir
or Le Pic do la Boudeuse. This is the Maitea of our
modern maps, the Osnaburg Island of Wallis, and
probably the La Decena of Quires. As they drew near,
they beheld land more to the westward, of Which the
extent was undefined. They immediately bore down
for this ; but it was not until the morning of the 4th
that they were sufficiently close to hold any communi-
cation with the inhabitants. These came off in their
skiffs, and presented a small hog and a branch ot
banana in token of amity ; and very soon after, the
sliips were surrounded with more than 100 canoes,
engaged in a brisk traffic. The French voyager seems
to have been as strongly impressed with the beauty
ef Otaheite as was his predecessor Wallis. " The as-
pect of the coast," says M. de Bougainville, " wtis very
pleasing. The mountains rose to a great height, yet
there was no appearance of barrenness, all parts were
covered with woods. We could scarcely believe our eyes,
when we beheld a peak clothed with trees, even to its
solitary summit, which rose to the level of the mountains
in the interioi^part of the isle. Its breadth grew grad-
ually less towards the top, and at a distance it might

* " Vin^t-qimtr« milles." — Voyage, p. 182. This is tranoldl.d
oy J. H. Forster *' twenty-four leu(/ue:i."

AiTlval at
Otaiicite.

CIl

have beer
which the
with garhi
our eyes
cascade, \
tops, and
village w
there app*

On Ian
strations <
trict forth
he found
their han<
the word
mansion,
the Btran
courtesies
nor curio
navigator
and wate
several pi

A prof
shore w(
was info
stay on
to their
urged h(
to which
days,
to reduc

• Voya
+ Durii
of one of
descriptio
a note on
and willi
looked up
would liai
not say,
philosoph

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF BOUGAINVILLE. 221

have been taken for some pyramid of a vast height, ciiAR vir.
which the hand of a tasteful decorator had en wreathed r. "77. .
With garlands of fonage. As wo sailed along the coast, of tiiu iitiuud.
our eyes were struck with the sight of a beautiful
cascade, which precipitated itself from the mountain-
tops, and threw its foaming waters into the sea. A
village was situated at the foot of the waterfall, and
there appeared to be no breakers on the shores." *

On landing he was received with mingled demon- Roroption hy
strations of joy and curiosity ; and the chief of the dis- "'cWunJti*
trict forthwith conducted him to his lesidence. Here
he found several women, wlio saluted him by laying
their hands on their breasts, and repeating several times
the word tayo. An old man, also an inmate of the
mansion, seemed to be displeased with the appearance of
the strangers, and withdrew W'ithout answering their
courtesies, but he manifested neither fear, astonishment,
nor curiosity. After having examined the hou8e,-j- the
navigator was invited to a repast of fruits, broiled fish,
and water, on the grassy turf in front, and he received
several presents of cloth and ornaments.

A proposal made by the stranger to erect a camp on ||'»JectioTis to
shore was received with evident displeasure, and he remaining
was informed that though his crew were at liberty to ^° ^^'^^^
stay on the island during the day, they must retire
to their ships at night. On his wishes being farther
urged he was asked if he meant to remain foi* ever ;
to which he answered that he would depart in eighteen
days. An ineffectual attempt was made by the natives
to reduce the period to nine ; but they at last con-

• Voyage, pp. 187, 18«.

+ During this examination, M.de BonrainviHe observed an image
of one of tiie deities of the natives, and has given a very graphic
description of it in his work. His translator, Mr J. R. torster, in
a note on this passage, denies the exis-tence of idolatry in Otaiieite,
and with coul arrogance remarks, that '' had M. de Bougainville
looked upon many ihings with a mote philosophical eye, his account
would have proved less subject to mistakes." — P. 2^1. We need
not say, that in this instance the mistake exists only in the ^' d: .><«
philosophical eye " oi the trauslator. *

•M>

I 1

222 CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP BOUGAINTII LB.

CHAP. VIL

liii '\

Friendly rS
tentioiiH to
the sick.

Fertility ani*.
beauty of tlio
eountry.

Dunclna Womnn of OtaUjiU.

rented, and at once resumed their former amicable
Gearing. Tlie chief set apart a large shed for the ac-
commodation of the sick ; the women and children
brought antiscorbutic plants and shells, when they learn-
d that these were prii^ed by the French ; and the
males gave their cheerfal assistance iii supplying the
vessels with wood and water. Every house was open to
the strangers, and the natives vied with each other in
e\:ces8 of hospitality. They welcomed them with songs

anc^

feasts, and exhibited their dances and wrestling-

matches before them. " Often, as 1 walked into tho
interior," says Bougainville, " I thought I was trans-
ported into the garden of Eden ; v/e crossed grassy plains
covered with iair fruit-trees, and watered by small
rivulets which diffused a delicious coolness around.
Under the shade of the groves lay groups of the natives,
all of ^ hom gave us a friendly salutation ; those whom
we met in the paths stood aside that we might pass, and

CTRCUMNAVIOATION OP BOUOAINTILLE. 223

every where we beheld hospitality, peace, calm joy, chap, vii,
and all signs of happiness." * But this paradise was n,,j.~
perfect only in appearance ; for the possessors of it were pilfering.
such accomplished pilferers, that nothing was safe with-
in their reach. " We were obliged," says he, " to take
care even of our pockets ; for the thieves of Europe are
r ot more adroit than the inhabitants of this country."
Murder, too, was soon introduced into this Elysium ;
several of the islanders were found slain, >»nd evidently
by the arms of the Europeans; though the efforts of Perfidy o( tie
the captain were in vain exerted to discover the culprits, "^i'^'*"'^
The natives shortly after withdrew from the neighbour-
hood of the camp, the houses were abandoned, no
canoe was seen on the sea, and tlie whole island ap-
peared like a desert. The Prince of Nassau, who was
sent out with four or five men to search for the people,
found a great number of them, with the chief Ereti,
about a league distant. The leader approached the
prince in great fear ; while the women, who were all
in tears, threw themselves on their knees and kissed Native
his hands, weeping, and repeating several times, " Tayo, appeal.
mate ! " (You are our friends, yet you kill us I) The
prince succeeded in a short time in inspiring them
with confider.ce, and their former intercourse was re-
newed, even with greater demonstrations of kindneris jn
the part of the savages.

Vhe bad ground, which in nine days cost him six ^"**''7'f,r! "*
anchoi-s, proved a powerful reason for shortening his
stay. When the chief perceived them setting sail, he
leaped into the first canoe he could find on shore and
rowed to the vessel, where he embraced his visiters, and
bade them farewell in tears. He took by the hand an
islander who had come off in one of the skiffs, and pre-
sented him to the commander, stating, that his name
was Aoiourou, that he desired to go with him, and beg-
ging that his wish might be granted. The young man
then embraced a handsome girl who seemed to be his

* VoiOiie, p. lUa.

224

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF BOUGAINVILLE.

Aotouron,
a native's
cnibarcation

Oumaitia
Island.

criAP. vn. mistress, gave her three pearls from his ears, kissed her
once more, and, notwithstanding her grief, tore himself
from her arms and leapt on board. " Thus," says Bou-
gainville, " we quitted that good people ; and I was no
kss surprised at the sorrow which our departure occa-
sioned to them, than at the affectionate confidence they
showed on our arrival." The French navigator testified
his sense of the beauty and enchantments of this coun-
try by bestowing on it the name of Nouvelle Cythere,
— ^an appellation which, like that givven by his prede-
cessor Wallis, has been supplanted by the native title
of Otaheite.

As they continued their course westward, they disco-
vered an island which Aotourou called Oumaitia, and
which is, perhaps, identical with that of Sir Cha '. ■•^
Saunders, one of the indigenous appellations of which is
Maiaoiti.* It was now the 16th of April, and M. de
Bovgainville shaped his course so as to avoid the per-
nicious Islands of Roggewein. One night when there
was not a cloud in the sky, and the constellations shone
in all their tropical brilliancy, Aotourou, pointing to a
star in the shoulder of Orion, bade tliem direct their
progress by it, and in two days they 'vould reach a fruit-
ful country which he knew, and where ho had friends.
Finding that his suggestions were not complied with, he
endeavoured to seize the' helm and turn tlie vessel to-
wards the desu'ed point. It ^ /as with great difficulty
that he was quieted, and the refusal evidently gave him
much sorrow. At daybreak he climbed to the topmast,
and remained there the whole morning, looking stead-
fastly in the direction of the territory which he wished
to reach. To the islands which he had passed since he
quitted the Dangerous Archipelago, Bougainville gave
the name of L'Archipel de Bourbon.

On the 3d of May, land was seen to the north-west.

reslred
course of
Aoioiu'uu.

* EIli3* Polynesian Researches, 2d edition, vol. i. p. 8. The
position BBsigned to Oumaitia does Dot agree, however, witli tlie
situatioa uf JNIaiaoiti.

■*^

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF BOUGAINVILLE. 225

and, on a nearer approach, proved to be one of a cluster
of islands, among which the French captain sailed severrJ
days. The information yvhich he has collected regard-
ing this group (the Bauman Islands of Roggewein) is,
however, very scanty, and he may be said, indeed, to
have effected nothing more than to give an assurance of
its existence. The inhabitants spoke a language distinct
from that of Otaheite, and appeared to belong to a dif-
ferent and more savage race. He named their abode
L'Archipel des Navigateurs ; and to a small island which
lie sav/ shortly aiter, he gave the appellation of L'Enfont
Perdu.

At daybreak on the 22d, a long and high land was
discovered to the westward, and when the sun rose two
islands were discerned and named He de la Pentecote
and He Aurore. As they sailed along the eastern coast
of the latter, a small but very lofty eminence was seen ;
it resembled a sugar-loaf in shape, and was called Le
Pic de I'Etoile.* Shortly after, some mountains were
perceived towering above Aurora Island, and at suiiset
the voyagers were full in view of the coast of a high
and very extensive land. In the morning they sailed
along its north-west shore, which was steep and covered
with trees ; no huts were per-eptible, but several canoes
descried at a distance, and columns of smoke rising from
the forest, showed that it was inhabited. About nine
o'clock, a party was sent on shore to procure wood ;
they found the beach crowded with natives, who were
armed with bows and arrows, and made signs to forbid
their landing. As the French continued to advance, the
savages gradually drew back, but still in the attitude of
attack, and the distribution of a few pieces of red cloth
only produced among them a sort of sullen confidence ;
they still kept to their arms and watched the voyagers
with undisguised suspicion. M. de Bougainville landed

" This peak, in nnn^aiiiville's cliart, is ca'led Pic de VAverdi, —
a discrepancy we sliould not have noticed, had it not been trans-
f-Tred to the excellent chart prefixed to Captain Cook's second
voja^^e, and thus apt to perplex tho English reader.

CHAP. VIL

Tl)e Bauiiiun
Islands.

lie de la Pen-
tecote anil.Ilo
A arove.

.iiS:

Hostile ap-
pearance 01
the natives.

'' Bi

;S!

226 CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF BOUGAINVILLE.

CHAP, viil in the afternoon to perform the ceremony of taking
Attackbv possession of the new territories, -and the boats having
tiie naUve* completed their lading, the whole party received orders
to return. Scarcely had they left the shore, when the
natives-advanced to the edge of the water and directed
against them a shower of stones and arrows. A few
muskets were fired into the air ; but the savages still
pressing on to the assault, a more deadly discharge was
directed against them, and they fled into the woods with
great cries. Bougainville divides these islanders into
two classes, — black and mulatto. Their lips are thick ;
thtP o-^ir woolly and frizzled ; their bodies small, ugly,
and i 1e ; and their language diff^erent from that of

Otaheiie Their arms were bows and arrows, clubs of
iron-wood, and slings for projecting stones ; they wore
ornaments in their nostrils, a sort of bracelets on their
arms, and plates of turtle-shells on their necks. Their
condition seemed to be very miserable ; they appeared
to be engaged in intestine war ; and the harsh sound of
a sort of drum was frequently heard in the interior of
the woods calling them to the combat. From the pre-
valence of the loathsome disease of leprosy, Bougain-
ville named this L'Isle des Lepreux. For several days
he continued to sail among numerous islands, the uiha-
bitants and general appearance of which exactly resem-
bled that which he had visited. He was unable, however,
to determine either the number in the cluster, or to
examine any of them so closely as to warrant the im-
posing of separate names. He had no doubt that this
archipelago was the Australia del Espiritu Santo of
Quires, and even concluded that he had re-discovered
the Bay of San Felipe y Santiago of that navigator.*
Notwithstanding this conviction, he gave the group the
title of L'Archipel des grandes Cyclades, — a name which
has been superseded by that of New Hebrides, bestowed by
Cook. A late French geographert has proposed a third

* See above, p. }>7.

f Abrejje de Gi:oj;raphie, par Adrien Bulbi, p. 12C7.

Miserable
conditio;: of
tlie natives.

Hbbridjs.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP BOUGAINVILLE. 227

designation, that of Archipel de Quiros, in honour of chap vtl
the first visiter.

While the voyagers were among the Grand Cycladcs, CnHons
a singular discovery was made on board the Etoile. bJiiJi-d liio "^
The figure, voice, and beardless chin of Bare, the ser- Etoile.
vant of M. de Commer9on the naturalist, had excited
suspicions of his sex, which were removed only by the
hardihood with which he endured toils and privations.
The quick eyes of the Otaheitans, however, pierced his
disguise the moment he set foot on shore ; and after this
recognition, finding it vain to attempt concealment any
longer, Bare confessed to the captuin that she was a History of
woman, and told him the tale of her life. At an early ||^e volunteer
age she became an orphan, and the loss of a lawsuit
involved her in such distress as induced her to assume
the dress of a man. Slie entered into the family of a
Genevese gentleman at Paris, and served him as valet
for some time ; when, anxious to make the voyage of
the world, she offered her services to M. de Commer9on
at Rochefort, just as he was on the point of embarking.
" Je lui dois la justice," says the commandant, " qu'elle
s'est toujours conduite a bord avee la plus scrupuleuse
sagesse. EUe n'est ni laide ni jolie, et n'a pas plus de
vingt-six ou vingt-sept ans. II faut convenir que si les
deux vaisseaux eussent fait naufrage sur quelque ile
deserte de ce vaste ocean, la chance eut ete fort singu-
liere pour Bare." *

M. de Bougainville lost sight of the Grand Cyclades La Bntnre
on the 29th of May, and continued to bear nearly due
west till the night of the 4th of June, when the moon
enabled him to discover that he was in the vicinity
of a low sandy coast. As morning advanced, he found
it to be a small islet, nearly level with the water ; he
named it La Bature de Diane. Next day, several pieces
of wood and some unknown fruits floated by the ship,
and on the 6tli many slioals and rocks were perceived.
These appearances induced him to alter his course to

* Vc>yaj;e, p. 254. . .

; I

'\ i)

l!i

5 f

I li

ance.

M i

1 '

iH^

ji '

iii.

Hi ij

H "!

H-'

H''

H':'

228 CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP BOUGAINVILLE.

CHAP. VIL the north, in which direction he stood for three days
Cui-fieTnc do without seeing land. Long hefore dawn, however, on
roiangerio. . the moming of the 10th, a delicious odour indicated
that, he was approaching a coast, and with the increase
of light he found himself in a large and beautiful gulf,
to which he gave the name of Cul-de-sac de I'Orangerie.
" I have seldom seen," says he, " a country of a feirer
aspect. A low land, chequered with plains and groves,
spread along the margin of the sea, and rose in an
amphitheatre to the mountains in the interior, whose
heads were hid in clouds. But the melancholy condi-
tion to which we were brought, did not allow of our
visiting this magnificent country." He once more
altered his course, and steered to the eastward along the
shore of this new land, which he coasted until the 25th,
when, having doubled its eastern point, which he named
CapeL>eliver. (jap de la Delivrance, he saw towards the north an
open sea, into which he gladly entered. He gave the
name of Louisiade to this discovery, of which he ascer-
tained little more than the existence, and which is still
very imperfectly known.

On the 28th, land was once more perceived in the
north-west, which, on a closer approach next day, was
found to consist of two islands. The inhabitarts were
perfectly black ; their hair was curled and long, and
stained of various coloui's, white, yellow, and red ; they
wore bracelets, and small plates of a white substance on
their necks and foreheads ; they were armed with bows
and spears ; and their cries and general demeanour in-
dicated a warlike disposition. The boats, in searching
for an anchorage, found a capacious bay, into which
a river discharged itself ; but, while engaged in examin-
ing it, they were assailed by about 150 of the natives,
embai'ked in ten canoes. These savages fought with
much bravery, but were soon put to flight, and two of
their skitFs captured. One of them had carved on it the
head of a man, the eyes being mother-of-pearl, the ears
of tortoise-shell, and the lips stained of a very bright
scai'let ; the appearance on the whole, was that of a

He ChoIseuL

Attack by
the uuUvcai

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP BOUGAINVILLE. 229

mask with a very long beard. The jaw of a man, half chap, vil.
broiled, was found in one of the canoes. In noticing inrti«itlon or
this affray, Bougainville makes an observation which cunnibaiiam.
has been amply verified by succeeding navigators : " We
have observed throughout this voyage, that the savages
of a black complexion are generally more barbarous
than those tribes that approach more nearly to white.**
The bay where this attack took place, and the land to
which it belonged, were named He et Baie Choiseul,
and the island has since been identified as one of the
Solomons of Mendana, the Arsacides of Surville, and
the New Georgia of Shortland.

He now determined to seek a passage through the noujrain
channel which seemed to divide the two islands, and vnie's
soon had the satisfaction to find that it was a strait
which gradually opened as he proceeded. It was named
Bougainville's Straits, and a current at the southern en-
trance received the appellation of Raz Deni3. On the
morning of the 3d July, the island of Choiseul was no
longer visible, and he stood along the shore of the west-
ern land just called after himself, which rose into very
high mountains, and was terminated towards the south-
west by a lofty promontory, denominated Cap I'Averdi.
Land was again perceived still farther to the north-west,
and distinctly separated from the cape just described by
a strait or gulf. Some of the natives came near the
ship, and continued to crv out, " Bouca I Bouca ! ""»''*
Onelle !" from which the Frenchman designated their
island Bouca. It is believed to be the same with the
Anson or Winchelsea Island of Carteret, and is remark-
able for the density of its population.* The inhabitants
had their ears pierced and drawn down ; and many had
their hair stained red, and white spots painted on differ-
ent parts of their bodies. Their canoes were smaller,
and of a different construction from those of Choiseul.
On the afternoon of the 6th, two diminutive islands
were perceived towards the north and north-west •

ill t

* See above, p* 204.

StanairiR to
the noi ill.

11^

; li.^-

230 CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF BOUGAINVILLE.

CHAP. VII. and almost at the same moment, a larger one between

NewTrdand "orth-west and west, which also presented the appear-

Coaat. ance of aoveral good bays. He immediately shaped his

course in that direction, and on the evening of the 6th

anchored in a capacious inlet. A few days after, a

piece of a leaden plate was found, having inscribed on it

... . . . HOR^D HERB

ICK majesty's

and curiosity having been thus awakened, a farther
search discovered numerous and recent marks of the
visit of an English vessel. In fact, Bougainville was
now on the coast of New Ireland, and the harbour in
which he was moored, and which he had called Port
Praslin, was within two leagues of that which Carteret
had examined, and distinguished by his own name.

He remained here till the 24th, when, ignorant of
the passage which had been discovered between New
Britain and New Ireland, he stood to the north, and
then sailed westward along the coast of the latter. He
passed the north-western extremity of this country in
the beginning of August, and on the 8th saw a low flat
island about throe leagues long, covered with trees. It
was called Anachoret's or Hermit's Isle ; and a cluster
of low islands, among which they were entangled the
next day, received the name of L'Echiquier or the
Chessboard, On leaving these they discovered the
high shores of New Guinea, which they continued to
coast till the end of the month, when they entered the
group of the Moluccas ; and early in September an-
chored at the island of Boero, where they were
hospitably received by the Dutch governor.

From this they sailed on the 7th, and in three weeks
reached Batavia, " one of the finest colonies in the
world,'* says Bougainville, " and where we looked on
each other as having terminated our voyage." The
native of Otaheite who accompanied them, perhaps esti-
mated that city more justly, when he described it as
" enoua mati " — (the land which kills). On the 16th
of October, they again set sail, and having touched at

HeriTiit's
Islaud.

AiTival at
BaUvio.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF BOUGAINVILLE. 231

the Isle of France and the Cape of Good Hope, reached cuap. vii.
the island of Ascension on the 4th of February 1769. juinnTTot
They learned that Captain Carteret had departed hence Ascension.
only five days before their arrival, and, as has been al-
ready mentioned, they succeeded in overtaking him be-
fore he reached Britain.* On the 16th of March, the Arrival
discoverers entered the port of Saint Malo, " having," sujnt'jmo,
says their commander, ** lost only seven men during the

* In tlie Memoirs of Dr Burney by his daughter, Madame
D'Arbhiy, London, 1U32, 3 vols ovo, occurs this passage : —
'< The following note upon Captain Cook is copied from a me.
morandum-book of Dr Burney 's: — <In February, I had the ho.
nour of receiving the illustrious Captain Cook to dine with me in
Queen Scjuare, previously to his second voyage round the world.
Observing upon a table BougainvilWa Voyage autour du Monde,
he turned it ovei, and made some curious remarks on the illiberal
conduct of that circumnavigator towards himself when they met
' \d crossed each o*hpr, which made me desirous to know, in cxa*
mining the chart of M. de Bougainville, the several tracks of the
two navigators, and exactly where they had crossed or approached
each other. Captain Cook instantly took a pencil from his
pocket-book, and said he would trace the route; which he did
in so clear and scientific a manner, that I would not take fifty
pounds for the book I ' " — Vol. i. pp. 270, 271. While we admire
the Doctor's enthusiastic adoration of this relic of Cook, we cannot
help smiling at his ignorance. He must have totally misunder-
stood his "curious remarks," elucidated as they were by the
penciUsketch. Cook and Bougainville never *^met or crossed
each other," as the Doctor might have known if he had carefully
read the book on which he put so high a value. The time during
which Cook and Bougainville were at sea together extends from
26th August 1768, to Ulth March 1769. At the first of these dates
the former left England, and on the same day the latter crossed the
line in the neighbourhood of New Guinea. la September, Cook
was at Madeira, and Bougainville at Batavia, where he remained
till the 16lh of October. On the 7th December, the Knglishnian left
Rio Janeiro, and on tha 12th the other departed from the Isle
of France. On the 14th January 1769, Cook entered Strait Le
Maire, and a few days after, the Frenchman doubled the Cape of
Good Hope. He arrived in France on the 16th of March, at which
time Cook was in the South Sea. At no time were they much
nearer one another than half the circumference of the globe. Cook's
remarks may have applied to the meeting of Carteret and Bougain.
ville (above, p. 2U7, 2U8) ; but the tale is so incorrectly told, that aav
further comment were useless.

■■■■«

PB«

mmmmmmmmmmm

Aotonrou's
want of in-
telligence.

232 CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP BOUGAINVILLE.

CHAP. VIL two years and four months which had elapsed since we
— left Nantes : —

*" Puppibus et laeti natits imposuere coronas.'"
Interest ex- The interest excited in Paris by the appearance of
otaheitouin the Otaheitan who had accompanied the voyagers to
Europe. Europe was very great ; and, says the leader of the ex-
pedition, I spared neither money nor trouble to render
his visit agreeable and useful to him. The account
which has been left of his emotions and conduct, in a
scene and under circumstances to him so extraordinary,
is unfortunately very defective and meagre. Mr Forster,
the translator of Bougainville, tells us it cannot be
denied, that Aotourou ** was one of the most stupid
fellows ; which not only has been found by English-
men who saw him at Paris during his stay there, and
whose testimony would be decisive with the public were
I at liberty to name them, but the very countrymen of
A-otourou were, without exception, all of the same
opinion, that he had very moderate parts, if any at
all."* The same opinion seems to have been enter-
tained by many of the Parisians ; and though the com-
manding officer combats it warmly, he has certainly
failed to adduce any proof of even moderate intelligence
or capability in his barbarian ward. The only sight
which roused his curiosity was the opera. Of this we
are told he was passionately fond, — ^knew well on what
days the house was open, — and went there alone, paying
at the door like any ordinary visiter.

In March 1770, he left Paris, and embarked at Ro-
chelle on board a vessel bound for the Isle of France,
from which the government engaged to convey him to
his native island. Bougainville very liberally contri-
buted thirty-six thousand francs (about £1600 sterling),
the third part of his fortune, towards the fitting out of
this expedition ; and the Duchess of Choiseul expended
a considerable sum in purchasing cattle, tools, and seeds,

* Forster's Translation, p. 265, note.

Departure
Lorn France.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP BOUGAINVILLE. 233

to be taken out to Otaheite. Aotourou arrivid in safety
at the Isle of France, which he left on the 18th of
October 1771, on board the Mascarin, commanded by
M. Marion du Fresne, who had also under his orders a
ship called the Marquis de Castries, conducted by M. du
Clesmeur. Marion's instructions were to convey Aotou-
rou (or, as he is called in the account of this voyage,
Mayoa) to Otaheite ; then to explore the Southern
Pacific in search of new lands ; and, finally, to examine
more closely the lately re-discovered islands of New Zea-
land. At the island of Bourbon, the Otaheitan was at-
tacked by the smallpox, of which disease he died shortly
afterwards at Madagascar. Marion then pursued his
voyage to the south-east ; and, in the course of it, he
discovered a few small islands, of which the chief are
Cavern, Marion, and Marion and Crozet. On the 10th
of February 1772, he arrived at Van Diemen*s Land ;
on the 24th he made Cape Egmont, on New Zealand ;
and shortly after anchored in the Bay of Islands. The
horrible massacre, which took place here, of M. Marion
and twenty-six of his crew, is too well known. After
that catastrophe, the survivors steered for the islands
of Rotterdam and Amsterdam, two of the Tonga or
Friendly group, and, without having made any dis-
covery, visited the Ladrones and the Philippines, and
then returned to the Isle of France.

This expedition was so closely connected with the re-
cent enterprise from the same nation, that though a
little inconsistent with strict chronological arrangement,
we have given it a place here instead of inserting it after
the first voyage of Cook. For a similar reason, and to
preserve uninterrupted the narrative of the discoveries
of our great countryman, we shall here notice the en-
deavours of Surville and Shortland, both of which bear
an intimate relation to the navigations of Carteret and
Bougainville.

The enterprise of Surville had for its object a com-
mercial speculation, the nature of which it is not now
easy to develop. M. de Fleurieu, to whom the public

CHAP. VII.

Arrival at
the Isle of
France.

Death from
small-pox.

MflAMcre ot
M. Marion
%ad crew.

Order of

successive

expeditionsL

Surrille's
enterprise.

234

CIRCUMNAVIUATION OP BOUGAINVILLK.

Supposed
motives of
the voyuge.

Extravagant
anticipations.

CHAP. vir. are indebted for the most complete history of it,* has
alluded to the motives with a haste and brevity which
seem to indicate a desire that something should be
concouled or forgotten. This may be considered as
a partial corroboration of the account of the Abbe
Rochon,+ who maintains that this officer was sent out to
discover a new El Dorado, — a marvellous island, abound-
ing with gold, and riches, and fine cloths, and inhabited
by Jews, — reported to have been lately seen by the
English about seven hundred leagues west from the
coast of Peru. The acute and learned author of the
French Discoveries may well be supposed anxious not
to promulgate that his countrymen, in the days of Cook,
listened to a tale better fitted for the dark times and
heated imaginations of the earliest adventurers ; when
Juan Ponce de Leon sailed in search of the Fountain of
Youth ; when golden regions were sought for
day ; and when the lost tribes of Israel were
found in the islands of the Caribbean Sea, oi he

sliores of Tierra Firme. Whatever was the aim of
Surville, the results of his voyage, in a scientific point
of view, were most important. If he foand not the
fairy land he sought, he mainly contributed to restore
to Europeans a knowledge of the Islands of Solomon,
which, since their discovery by Mendana in 1667, had
so often eluded the seatch of the most active navigators,
that their very existence had become doubtful.

Having completed his cargo, he sailed from Pon-
dicherry on the 2d of June 1769, in the Saint Jean
Baptiste, a vessel of seven hundred tons, carrying
twenty-six twelve- pounders and six smaller cannons.
He directed his course towards the Philippines, which
he passed, and, holding northward, arrived in the end
of August ai the Bashee Islands. On quitting these,
he steered cowards the south-east, with the intention

very

Arrival at
the Basheo
IblunUsi

* D6couvertes des Fran9ais dans le sud-est de la Nouvel'e
Giiinoe. Paris, 1790.
f Voyages a LMadagascar et aux Indes Orientates. Paris, 1791.

CIRCIIMNAVIOATION OP BOUGAINVILLE. 235

of entering the South Sea in the neiglihourhood of chap. Vll.

New Guinea. He erossed the Line on the 23<l Septem- j,^ dTilTrrc.

bcr, and on the 5th October was in latitude 4° 38' south, mioro Vuew

Frequent signs of Innd had been perceived for sonio

days ; and on the 7th an island was seen, which was

named He de la Premiere Vue, and on the succeeding

day a country of great extent presented itself. He

continued to sail along the coast till the 13th, when

he reached an excellent harbour, which he called Port

Praslin. Here he anchored, and remained nine days port Prasiiiu

in the expectation of getting a supply of water and

refreshments, of which his crew, though the vessel had

been victualled for three years, stood already much in

need. These hopes, however, were in a great degree

boffled by the treachery and hostility of the savages,

which soon led to a battle in which Surville acted a

part of questionable propriety. Not contented with vioienco

having dispersed the natives by several murderous dis- ["T'v'^!'*' '''°

charges of fire-arms, he formed the resolution of taking

some of them prisoners ; and, in prosecution of this

design, did not hesitate to fire into a canoe, although

the people on board seemed inclined to peace. He killed

one, and succeeded in securing another, a lad about

fifteen years of age, whom he named Lova Sarega, and

carried with him. Having procured a few necessaries

he left Port Praslin on the 21st, designating the country

to which it belonged Terre des Arsacides, or Assassins, Tcrre dos

with a view to express the fierce character of the in- ^^^'^^ *^^

habitants, who, in dress, arms, manners, and physical

conformation, reserr.uled those described by Bougain.

ville at Choiseul Island. The Land of the Assassins is,

indeed, identified as belonging to the great archipelago

of the Solomons, discovered by Mendana.

It was the 6th of November before he cleared the Supposed
southern point of this insular territory, of which the inuttendue.
knowledge he obtained was very limited. The island
which he named Inattendue is supposed to be the same
that Carteret had seen, and called Gower. On the
30th of October, he observed another, which received

236 CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP BOUGAINVILLE.

DHAP. VII.

Islands dis-
covered.

Arrival at
New Zealand.

Sufferings of
the crew.

Chservations
of Lieutenant
ShortlunU.

the appellation of L*Ile des Contrariete's, and on the
3d of November, ho descried three small ones, called
by him Les Trois Soeurs. His other discoveries were,
a diminutive island named lie du Golfe ; two called
lies de la Delivrance ; and the sout^iern extremity of
the Land of the Ai*sacides, on which he bestowed the
appellation of Cap Oriental.*

On the 7th, he 'ost sight of these shores, and directed
his course to New Zealand, where he arrived on the
16th of December, at the very time that Cook was
beating about the coast. Close, however, as thjy were
to each other, the voyagera did not meet ; and, on the
Ist January 1770, Surviile left tht island. All hop js of
finding the fabled land were already abandoned ; death
and disease had made sad havoo among his crew ; and
the only object now entertained was to reach some
European settlement to save the survivors, who were
h*^^ Jly able, even with the assistance of the officers,
to hand the sails. In April, they arrived at Callao ;
and the captain, anxious for an interview with the
Spanish governor to solicit the assistance he so much
needed, rashly put oflF in a small boat, and perished in
the surf.

Scanty as was the information regarding the archi-
pelago of the Solomon Isles acquired by this commander
and his predecessors, Carteret and Bougainville, their
eastern coasts had, nevertheless, been delineated with
some degree of accuracy ; and the voyage of Lier.r jnant
Shortland, while guarding a fleet of transporfj from
New South Wales to England, scived to detei-mine the
leading leatures of the western shores.t This officer
left Port Jackson on the 14th July 1788, and on the

• It has been proposed to call this cape after its discoverer,
and it seems but reasonable that his name should 1x3 connected
with some part of the arciiipelago. Cook, in his Second Voyage
(3d edit vol. ii. p. 2t>7), fails into an error in representi.Uif Surviile
to have given " his own name " to the land he discovered.

+ A narrative of this r?;pedition will be found in " The Voyape of
Governor Philip to Botany Bay. London, 178y," 4tu, p. 183.221.

rmmm

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP BOUGAINVILLE.

237

dlst, at noon, discovered land nearly in the same lati- chap. vit.
tilde with Surville*s Cap Oriental, and bestowed on it pjsc^y of
the appellation of Cape Sidney. He continued to sail Cape Siduey.
along this coast till the 7th of August, giving ncnnes
to the more prominent capes and bays, but obtaining
no certain intelligence of the nature or extent of the
land. An interview with the natives showed, that
they ag sed in all poinis with the descriptions of the
French navigators. On quitting this archipelago he
sailed through Bougainville's Straits, and continuing
his course to the north-west, visited the Pelew Islands,
and arrived at Batavia on the 18th of November. Con- ,
ceiving the lands he liad seen to be a new discovery,
he conferred on them the appellation of New Georgia,
and bestowed on the chwmel thiough which he passed
the name of Shortland's Straits. Rit in no long time,
when their position was more minutely examined, it
became evident that the countries observed by him be-
longed to the same group with the Terre des Arsacides
and the Isle Choiseul. The names imposed by the Name finally
English were then dropped ; the absurd title given Sc^onloa
by Surville was also abandoned ; and geographers now islands.
lecognise this cluster by the name of " The Solomons,'*
bestowed by its lirst visiter, Mendana.

Having traced the progress of discovery in the Pacific
Ocean during two centuries and a half, it may now be
convenient to pause ; and, before piaceeding to the
history of the greatest nev'gator that ever sailed on its
waters, survey what had been . Iready accomplished, and
what still remained to be done.

Numerous as were the expeditions into the South Resnitsof
Sea, by far the greater portion of it was yet unexplored, expeuu"""
Northwards of the Equator one track only was followed,
— ^namely, that between Mexico, or New Spain, and the
Philippines, about the latitude if IS** N. ; and from this
line little varict'cn was made, i. r was there any attempt

i ^1

ill

!■

(In

''II

I'll

lOUS.

I \

238

RETROSriX'T.

CHAP. VII.

Limited
range of ob-
servation.

"VVallis and
Bougdin-
ville's range.

Merceraiy
viewsof otlier
navigators.

to examine the unknown sea on either side. The great
expanse of the Pacific south of the Line had indeed been
more extensively navigated ; yet, with one exception, the
courses of the several voyagers lay within very narrow
limits. The discoveries of Quiros were between 10''
and 25° of south latitude ; Schouten's route was nearly
in the parallel of 16° S. ; Roggewein*s was almost coin-
cident ; and Mendana's never lay far from 10° S. The
most distant land in that direction reached by Wallis
was Whitsunday Island, in 19° S. ; Carteret attained a
higher latitude, and saw Pitcairn's Island, in 25° ; but
the rcr^^otest discovery of Byron was the group of the
Disappointment Islands, in 14° S. To the north of the
Equator, Carteret effected nothing ; Byron was equally
unsuccessful ; and the most northerly position brought
to light by Wallis, was the island, in 13° 18' S., which
received his own name. Bougainville's range lay be-
tween 19° S., th" latitude of Les Quatre Facardins, and
6° S., the parallel of Bouca. These were the only
voyagers (with the exception of Magellan) who followed
new tracks ; and it will be seen that they confined
themselves to the space between the Line and the
twenty-fifth degree of south latitude.

The many other navigators whose exploits are re-
counted in these pages, more intent on the acquisition
of Spanish gold than on the search for unknown re-
gions, almost invariably pursued one common and well-
frequented path. On entering the Pacific, they stood
for Juan Fernandez, in order to recover their health or
replace their stores ; they then coasted the American
continent to California ; after which, they either re-
traced their way to the Atlantic by Cape Horn or tlie
Straits, or more usually crossed the South Sea in the
track of the Manilla galleon. Such was the route of
Drake, Cavendish, Van Noort, Spilbergen, the Nassau
Fleet, the English Buccaneers, Dampier, Rogers, Clip-
perton, Shelvocke, and Anson.

The only adventurer into a high southern latitude was
Tasman. Entering the Pacific from the Indian Ocean,

RETROSPECT,

230

he advanced to about 44° and discovered Van r)ienien's
Land. Thence, pursuing nearly the same parallel, he
stood eastward till he encountered New Zealand, and,
sailing along its western shores, bore northward till he
got into the track of Schouten ; having cHsccvered in
his passage the Tonga Islands, on the coniines of tlse
Tropic.

From this recapitulation, it will be seen, that of th<
Southern Pacific there remained altogether unknown
the great space bounded on the north by the twenty-
fifth parallel of latitude, and by the meridians of longi-
tude 86° W. and 170° E. No vessel had yet attempted
to traverse this wide extent, and, consequently, with
respect to it there prevailed the utmost uncertainty and
ignorance. A learned geographer writes in 1771, " So
far as to absolute experience, we continue ignorant
whether the southern hemisphere be an immense mass
of water, or whether it contains another continent and
countries worthy of our search." * The portion of the
Northern Pacific which remained unexplored was, per-
haps, still more extensive.

Such were the mighty tracts concerning which
nothing had been ascertained. There were, besides,
several spacious regions, vhich certain navigators had
indeed announced the exisl iice, but wlio stopped shoit
before the extent was brought t - li ht. Of New Hol-
land, only the western side was known ; the nnrthern
limit (the strait discovered by Torres in 160t)) had
passed into oblivion, and this great country was gen-
erally represented as joming New Guinea ; on the south,
there was no certainty whether it exten<I '1 to Van
Diemen's Land, or where its termination should be
fixed ; to the east, it was involved in utter darknoss ;
one point only was clear, that it did not stretch 1^ , und
long. 170°, being nearly the meridian of Tasm;! track.
The limits of New Zealand were still more indefinite.
Only its western shores had been visited, and, for all

* Dalrymple, Hist. Coll., toI. ii. — " Invpstigation of wliat may
be farther expected in the South Sea," p. If

Kew
UoUand.

CHAP. VII.

Discovery of
Van Die-

)■

man's Land.

Kxtent of

(

inipxplorcd

space.

Imperfectly 4
observed |

regions. . i

2(0

RKTROSPKCT.

ing New
Zealand.

T'ncertainty
us to the
existence of a
Boutliern
cuntlnent

CHAP. VII. that was then known, it might have extended eastwar 1
ideasmjard- ^® within 16° of Chili. Mr Dalrymple remarks, that it
is " still a question if Staat's Land, or New Zealand, be
part of a continent or only islands ; thougli it is most
probably the former, as Tasman supposes it to be."

In short, the great problem of geography, the exist-
ence of a vast Southern Continent, was still unsolved,
riie discoveries of succeeding years had no doubt much
circumscribed the bounds assigned to it in the sixteenth
century ; yet within the unvisited bosom of the Pacific
there still remained ample space for a country exceeding
Europe in dimensions, and surpassing, even in its most
high and palmy state, the widest empire ever seen in
either hemisphere. Nor with the believers in this land
was its extent its only merit. Its fancied splendour and
fertility were to cast into the shade all that had been
told of Mexico or Peru ; for here was to be found the
original fountain of their civilization, the parent-country
of the first Inca ! And to the nation that should dis-
cover it there was promised an accession of wealth and
power greater than had flowed to Spain from the con-
quests of Cortes and Pizarro,

''■i l;

COOK.

CHAPTER VIII.

Life of Cook previous to nis First Vopage.

Birth and Parentage of Cook— His Education — His Indentures
with a Draper — Apprenticeship on board a Collier — Volunteers
into the Navy — Appointed Master of the Mercury — His Services
at Quebec — Hairbreadth Escape — He first studies Euclid — His
Marriage — Made Marine Surveyor of Newfoundland and Labra«
dor — Communicates an Observation of an Eclipse to the Royal
Society — History of the Transits of Venus — Predicted in 1G29
by Kepler — Discovery and Observation of Horrox— First Appre-
ciation of its Uses — Professor James Gregory — Dr Edmund
Halley — H is Exhortation to future Astrf lomers — Transit of 1761
— Preparations for that of 1769 — Proposal to send a Ship with
Observers to the South Sea — Cook promoted to tiie Rank of Lieu-
tenant, and appointed to conduct it — His Choice of a Vessel — Sir
Joseph Banks determines to join the Expedition — Preparations
and Instructions for the Voyage.

James Cook was the son of humble parents. His CITAP. Ti;r.
father, also named James, and supposed from his dialect Birtirami
to he a Northumbrian, was a labourer or farm-servant, parentage of
and his mother was of the same rank. Both of them
were highly esteemed by their neighbours for their in-
tegrity, temperance, and industry. They appear to
have resided, first at the village of Morton, in the North
Riding of Yorkshire ; afterwards at Marton in Cleve-
land, a small place in the same county, situated between
Gisborough and Stockton-upon-Tees. Here, in a mud-
cottage, every vestige of which has long been swept

;

242

LIFE OP COOK

CHAP. VIIL

Sister of
Cook.

Early
education.

Oriffinal
destination.

Introduction
to a sealiii'lng
Ufe.

Ambitious
views.

away, the subject of this memoir was bom on the 27th
of October 1728. He was one of nine children, none of
whom survived their parents, excepting himself and a
daughter, of whose history nothing is recorded but that
she was married to a fisherman at Redcar, and that her
home became the abode of her father in the latter part
of his life, which was extended to the long term of
nearly eighty-five years.

Cook was taught his letters by the village-school-
mistress. Dame Walker. When he was eight years
old, his father was appointed hind, head-servant, or
bailiff, on the farm of Airy Holme, the property of
Thomas Scottowe, Esq., near Great Ayton, at the foot
of Roseberry Topping ; and in the school of this place,
at the expense of his father' s employer, he learned
writing and the rules of arithmetic.

At the age of thirteen he was apprenticed to a draper,
in the fishing-town of Staiths, about ten miles north of
Whitby ; but this employment little accorded with the
bent of his disposition, which now developed itself in a
strong passion foi' the sea. A qudrrel having occurred
tetween him and his master, his indentures were given
up, and he bound himself for seven years to Messrs
John and Henry Walker, owners of two vessels in the
coal-trade. These worthy Quakers early appreciated
his good conduct and great anxiety to acquire skill in
his profesision ; and after he had served on board the
Freelove, and for a short time in another "hip, they
promoted him to be mate of the Three Brotlirrs. Pro-
mises were made to him of farther preferment ; but to
these, as his thoughts were already turned to a loftier
sphere, he seems to have given little heed. Mr John
Walker, one of his employers, remarked, that " he had
always an ambition to go into the navy." * It was not
observed by those who knew him at this period, that he

• Memoir of Cook, by Edward Hawke Locker, Esq., in the
" Gallery of Greenwich Hospital," ^London, 1831) part i. With
the amiable Quakers, his first friends, Cook ^ maiataiued if corre-
spondence to the last v^ar of his existence."

PREVIOUS TO HIS FIRST VOYAGE.

243

was anywise distinguished for talent ; but no one can chap. vni.
doubt that his active mind was then laying the founda- y^^.f„^J]!^
tions of future eminence, or that much of the skill in ment of
practical navigation, which he afterwards displayed, was j^«,wiertga.
acquired in that admirable nursery of seamen, — the
eoasting'trade.

Early in 1756, on the commencement of hostilities Commence-
with France, there was an active impressment in the ^^^"fimes
Thames. Cook, then in his twenty-seventh year, hap- with France,
pened to be in a vessel on the river, and was at first
desirous to conceal himself ; but, after some hesitation,
he resolved to go into the service, and proceeded to
Wapping, where he entered as a volunteer on board the
Eagle of sixty guns. Captain Hamer. Shortly after-
wards. Captain Huorh Palliser succeeded that officer ; Friemisiiip

J • 1 1 J- • iv » • of Captain

and quickly discemmg the young man s superior sea- paiiiser.
manship, afforded him every encouragement, rated him
quarter-master, and from that time continued to be his
steady patron. Letters in his favour from friends in
Yorkshire, — among whom was ?.Ir Osbaldeston, the
parliamentary representative of Scarborough, — arrived
in the course of a few months, and his commander
obtained for him a warrant as master of the Mercury n,'^,st''e"*°Ai,
frigate, dated the 16th of May 1759. In allusion to Mercury.
similar commissions for the Grampus and the Garland,
both rendered abortive by unforeseen circumstances, Dr
Kippis remarks, " These quick and successive appoint-
ments show that his interest was strong, and that tlie
intention to serve him was real and effectual." *

The Mercury received orders to join the fleet, which, c^^' j**^ *°
under Sir Charles Saunders, was in co-operation with
General Wolfe, at that time engaged in the siege of
Quebec. A combined attack on the fortified position at
Montmorency and Beaupoii had been concerted ; but it
was necessary, in the first place, to procure accurate
soundings of the St Lawrence, between L'lle d'Orleans
and the shore on which the French army lay. This, a

* BiogrHphiH Britannica (2d edition), vol. iv. p. lOL

244

LIFE OP COOK

Dangerous
Bervice en-
trusted to
lilm.

Karrow
escape from
tbe enemy.

FtrlTtlng

CHAP. VIII. service of great danger, which could only be performed
during the night, was, on the recommendation of Captain
Palliser, intrusted to Cook, who discharged it in the
most complete manner. He had scarcely achieved his
task when he was discovered by the enemy, who
launched a number of canoes filled wftli Indians to sur-
round and cut him off. He instantly made for the
British encampment, but was so closely pursued that
the savages entered the stern of his barge as he leapt
from the bow under the protection of the English senti-
nels. The boat was carried off in triumph ; but Cook
was able, in the words of one of his biographers, " to
furnish the admiral with as correct a draught of the
channel and soundings as could have been made after
our countrymen were in possession of Quebec." There
was reason to suppose that before this period he was
entirely ignorant of drawing, having seldom or never
capacity and handled a pencil ; and if this conjecture be well founded
P'jrsevcranco, it affords a striking proof of his capacity and persever-
ance. Not long afterwards he was employed to make a
survey of the whole river below Quebec ; and his chart
was executed with such skill and exactness that it was
immediately published by orders of the Admiralty.*
Hiu merits now began to a.... 'act general attention,

* Besides these important duties, if we could trust the companion
of his last voyage, Cook was er.iployed in others of still greater
conseiiuence. " At the sic^ of Quebec," it is said, *' Sir Charles
Saunders committed to his charge the execution of services of
the first importance in the naval department. He piloted the
boats to the attack of Montmorency ; conducted the embarkation
to the heights of Abraham ; examined the passage and laid buoys
for the security of the large ships in proceeding up the river." —
Voyage to the Pacific Ocean, for making Discoveries in the North-
em Hemisphere (2d edition, l^ondon, Ti785), vol. iii. p. 47- For
this statement, no other authority has been observed than that of
Captain Kin^, whose sketch of Cook's life is meagre and defective.
No allus'on is made to it in the minute narrative of Dr Kippis ;
and, as he wrote from the information of Sir Hugh Palliser and
oiher friends of our navigator, his silence must be regarded as con.
elusive. The passage, mdeed, appears to be a vague exaggeration
of the real services of Cook, — to which, it should be noted, thern
is no other reference made by Cautaiu King

■i

PREVIOUS TO niS FIRST VOYAGE.

245

and, on the 22d of September 1759, Lord Colville ap-cnAr.viii.
pointed him master of his own ship, the Northumber- ^pj^'J^Yert
land, in which he remained on the Halifax station during mtister of the
the winter. He must have long felt the difficulties JJlS"""'*^'"
under which he laboured from his defective education ;
and we learn that he now took advantage of a little
leisure, afforded by the season, to instruct himself in
the branches of science most necessary to his profession.
"It was here, as I have often heard him say," writes Matiipmnti-
Captain King, " that during a hard winter, he first read ^"' »i"'i'^'«^
Euclid, and applied himself to the study of mathematics
and astronomy, without any other assistance than what
a few books and his own industry afforded him." * He
accompanied his lordship to Newfoundland in September
following ; aided in its recapture from the French ; and
by the diligence which he exhibited in surveying the
harbour and heights of Placentia, secured the favourable
notice of the governor of the island.

He returned to England about the close of the year ; Return ti>
and, on the 21st December 1762, married Miss Eliza-
beth Batts, at Barking in Essex, — a woman of an ami-
able and generous disposition, from whose society, how-
ever, he was quickly called away.t

In the beginning of 1763, Captain Graves; who, c„Yt.n:\
during Cook's visit, had been goveruvor of Newfound-
land, was again appointed to that office ; and being

Knglftnd iiad
inurriuge.

.ii'a\c&

* Voyag'e to the Pacific Ocean, vdI. iii. p. 47. Captain Kinj^
places this event under tlie year 17<)iit hut, as he ineutiuns that
Cook was at that time master of the Nortluimberiand, the date of
liis appointment to that vessel shows that it must have been in the
siicceedinj^ winter. At the time when tlie future discoverer thus
hejj;;in his second education he was in his thirty-first year.

•f An absurd story is told by some of the biographers of Cook,
that he " was godfather to his wile; and, at the very time slie was
christened, had determined, if she irrew up, on the union which af-
terwards took place between them. ' Tiiis tale, as we were assur-
ed by the late Mr Isaac Craj^jj-Smith, a relative of Mrs Ct)ok, is with-
out the 8liy;htest foundation ; the two families were at the time un-
acquainted,— the Owe residinir in the suburbs of the metropolis, the
other in Yorkshire, where Cook, then only thirteen years old, was
terving his apprentice^liip.

246

LIFE OF COOK

CHAP. VIII.

Employed In
a Bui-vey ot
Newfound-
land.

Viilniible

rliui'ts

publibliud.

Oliservntionu
ot an cclipfse
of tlio sun.

desirous to procure accurate surveys of the colony, he
made proposals to our navigator, which were willingly
accepted. Towards the close of the year he returned
home ; but his stay on this occasion was as short as on
the former, for his old friend, Sir Hugh Palliscr, being
selected to superintend that settlement, and Cook having
agreed to resume his situation, he was, on the 18th of
April 1764, nominated marine surveyor. In the dis-
charge of this duty he continued four years, occasionally
returning to England, and spending the winter there.
The manner in which he executed his commission called
forth the highest approbation. He explored the interior
of the country more fully than had been hitherto done,
making several valuable additions to geography ; and
the charts which he afterwards published wers distin-
guished by unusual correctness. During this period
also, he furnished evidence of his success in the study of
practical astronomy, by " An Observation of an Eclipse
of the Sun at the Island of Newfoundland, August 6,
1766, with the longitude of the place of observation
deduced from it," communicated to the Roval Society
by Dr J. Bevis, and read 30th April 1767. It occupies
only two pages in the Transactions, and is evidently a
report "drawn up by the doctor, — Cook having probably
been in England when he imparted his notes to that
gentleman. This is consistent with the remark of Dr
Kippis, who speaks of the year 1767 as " the last time
that he went out upon his station of marine surveyor of
Newfoundland." *

* In Watt's Bibliotheca Britannica, in Chalmers' Biojrraphical
Dictionary, and in some other memoirs of Cook, there is attributed
to him an octavo pamphlet, which was published in the year 17^9,
under the title of " Remarks on a Passage from the River Balise,
ill the Bay of Honduras, to Merida, the Capital of the Province of
Juratan, in the Spanish West Indies, by Lieutenant Cook." This
journey he is saia to have performed in 1 765, with despatches from
the admiral on the Jamaica station to the Governor of Jucatan, re-
lative to the logwood -cutters in the Bay of Honduras. But at that
time, as has been stated, he was engaged in his survey of Newfound-
land ; and in 1761), ^vhen the tract appeared, he was in the Suutli

PUEVIOUS TO HIS FIRST VOYAGE.

247

At this period the attention of men of science in all
{ nits of the world was eagerly turned to an important
astronomical phenomenon, the observation of which
must be considered as a leading event in the life of
Captain Cook, as it gave a new direction and a higher
object to his genius.

This was the passage of Venus across the sun. The
transits of the planets were little regarded until Kepler,
in a work published at Leipsic in 1629, aroused the
curiosity of astronomers, by predicting that the solar
disk would appear to be traversed by Mercury in 1631,
and by Venus in the same year, and a second time in
1761. Before any part of this announcement could be
verified, its illustrious autlior died (in November 1630) ;
but the transit of Mercury was observed by Gassendi at
Paris within a day of the time foretold ;* that of Venus,
unfortunately, was not visible to him, having taken
place while the sun was under the horizon. This he
must have lamented the more, as Kepler h^.d picdicted
that a century would pass before the recurrence of a
similar phenomenon. But a young English astronomer,
Jeremiah Horrox, having been led to turn his thoughts
towards the suljoct, discovered, that on the 4th Decem-
ber 1639, Venus would again pass across the sun. This
information he communicated to his correspondent,
William Crabtree ; and, on the day mentioned, these
two friends, — the one near Liverpool the other at Man-
chester, — beheld a spectacle, of whicli, among all the
learned men in Europe, they were the only witnesses.
Horrox wrote an account of his observations, but dying
within a few days after (on 3d January le^lO), more

CHAR VII».

lin|H)rtiiiit

UNrrMiioiniciil

plieiuiiiieiu)n.

Kpploron tlic
trnii^itsof tile
pialiUtS.

Transit
t)bsfrvwl I y
llori'dx aii(!l
Crabtrti;.

Sea. In reply to inquiries made in rejjard to this pamplilet, Mr Isaac
CrafJ-jf-Smith, after consiiltinif witii Mrs Cook, assured us she was
entirely ignorant of it, and tliat her husband had never been in the
Bay of Honduras.

* The phenomenon was seen by several astronomers ; but Gas-
sendi was the only one who published an account of iiis observatioiis
m a tract entitled " De Mercurio in Sole Viso et Veiiere Invina,
Harisib, 1631, pro udnionitione Kepleii, &c. Par. 1032," 4to.

I?--

24f]

LIFC OF COOK

CHAP. VIII. than twenty years elapsed before his work was pub-

lished.*
rscsofoncii ^^ y^^* however, no one had clearly discerned the
ubservHttons. uses to whicli this phenomenon has since beeu applied
in the discovery of one of the most important truths in
the range of science. By observations made at distant
points on the globe, the astronomer obtains the means
of determining the Sun*s Parallax^ or the angle which
the earth's semidianieter subtends at the sun, by means
of which he can ascertain the disttince of the one body
from the oth<. r. The honour of fii*st pointing out this
important application has been commonly ascribed
to Edmund Ualley, .though it is certain that lie was
anticipated by one whose name is no less distinguished,
— James Gregory, the inventor of the reflecting teles-
cope, and the first professor of mathematics in the
University of Edinburgh. So early as 1G63, this
eminent mathematician, then about twenty-four years
of age, proposed and solved the question, — " From the
apparent conjunction of two planets to find out Uieir
parallaxes ;" to which he annexed the scholiu.n : —
" Tliis problem, tliough attended with considerable
labour, may be productive of the most admirable ad-
vanttiges, by observing the passage of Venus or Mercury
over the solar disk, for thereby the Parallax of the Sun
may be discovered." f This passage demonstrates that

First tlls-
coverer (f
their iivmti
cal value

GrpRory's

scii'jliu:u.

• It wa.s entitled, " Venus in Sole Visa, anno 1639," and first
appeared in the " Alerrurius in Sole Visus " of Hcvelius, puh-
lisiied at Dantzic in l(it)2.

f " Problema Ex duorum Planetarum conjunctione corporali

iitriuscjue planetae Parallaxes investigare. SchoUiim. — Hoc

Problema pulclierrimum liabet usnm, sed f'orsan lahoriosum, in ob-
f-orvationibiis Veneris, vel Mercnrii particnlam Solis obsciirantis :
ex talibus enim Solis parallaxis investi^ri poterit." — Optica Pro-
vwfn. Anthore Jacobo Gregorio, Abreilonensi Scoto. Lond.
ItlHS, p. 12JI-130. The claim of Grejifory to this important su^-
tjestion was first vindicated by the gentleman who afterwards so ably
filled the same academical chair. Professor Wallace (ArchaBolo{i;ia
Scotica, vol. iii. |.. 2>53). But several years previous to this,
he observes, " I mentioned this passage to the late Dr Hutton, and
he very properly noticed it in the Life of Grefjory, contained in the
seco'id eilitio"' Vf his Diclirnary. " ( Lond. 1815, vol. i. pj'. (iOl, 602.)

PREVIOUS TO HIS FIItST VOYAGE.

249

its ,iuthor was fully aware of the benefits to be derived citap. >'llt.
fi'or.i this rare occurrence, and that llnlh-y was not the n^j^y ,,
first to appicoiate them. Still, to that j)hiloso|)her is t'.eotyof
due the merit of satisfactorily elucidating the theory ol '""""*
transits, of directing attention towards thim, and im-
jjvessing upon astronomers the vast importance of tlie
results to be obt/iiripd from a careful oDservation.
His thoughts were called to the subject in the year
1677, during his residence at St Helena, for tlie purpose
of examining the stai-s of the Soutliern Hemisphere.
1'here happened at that period a transit of Mercury, Ohservfttion
which he observed with the \itniost cuie. Contrary to !!l u!™'!'.'
his expectation, he was enabled to fix the very instant
in which the planet, entering the sun's limb, seemed to
touch it internally, as also that in which it went off.
He thus ascertained the amount of time occupied by the
passage of Mercury over the sun's disk, " without an error
of a single second ;" for, as he informs us, " the thread
of solar light intercepted between the obscure limb of
the planet and the bright limb of the sun, though exceed-
ingly slender, affected the sight ; and, in the twinkling
of an eye, both the indenture made on the sun's limb
by Mercury entering into it vanished, and that made by
going off appeared." He instantly j)erccived that, by
such observations, the sun's parallax might be duly de-
termined, provided Mercury were nearer to the earth,
and had a greater parallax when seen from the sun.
But this planet, though it frequently traverses the
solar disk, was, he saw, not very suitable for the pur-
pose ; because the difference between its parallax and Ovcitervaine
that of the sun is always less than the latter, which is J[ ^'JJ *•"«»*''
the object of the inquiry. There remained, however,
the transit of Venus, — a much rarer phenomenon, in-
deed, but peculiarly appropriate ; because the parallax
of that planet, being almost four times as great as that
of the sun, occasions very sensible differences between
the times in which she seems to be passing over the
solar disk, at diflFerent parts of tl.e earth. From due

i euu!i.

! i'

^mmmsfmmsmmmmmmmmmmmm

2')0

LIFE OF COOK

Simple re-
quisites for
observation.

Ji<'velop-
luent (if
1-1 alley 'a
views.

CHAP. viii. observations of these, he inferred that the 8un*s parallax
might be detennined with extreme accuracy, and with-
out any other instruments than good clocks and tele-
scopes ; while, on the part of the observers, there were
only required diligence, fidelity, and a moderate skill
in astronomy. The parallax of Venus being once ascer-
tained, that of the sun and thence the earth's distance
from the sun may be found. And by Kepler's third
law (that the squares of the periodical times are pro-
portional to the cubes of their mean distances), the
distances of all the other planets from the sun may be
determined ; so that, from the observation of this one
phenomenon, the transit of Venus, can be calculated the
diameter of the planetary orbits, and the extent of the
whole solar system.

Haliey briefly stated the result of his reflections in
his *' Catalogus Stellarum Australium," published in
1679. He developed them more clearly in an Essay,
read to the lloyal Society in 1691 ;* and in 1716, he
again most earnestly recommended the subject to the
attention of that body, and of men of science in general.
From his advanced age, he could entertain no hopes of
living to witness the next transit in 1761. He there-
fore solemnly addressed himself to future astronomers,
most impressively exhorting them, " moniti hujus
nostri memores," to devote all their energies and to use
every endeavour to obtain accurate observations of so
unusual an occurrence. With great fervour he de-
precated such a state of the atmosphere as might ob-
struct their view, and off^ered up the most ardent wishes
for their complete and triumphant success, — " Utque
tandem," he concludes, *' orbium celestiuin magnitu-
dines intra arctiores limites coercitje in eovum gloriam
famamque sempiternam cedant." t

• " De visibili conjunctione Inf'eriorum Planetanim cum Sole." —
riiilosonhical T.ansactloiis, No. cxciii, vol. xvii. p. 311-522.

f " Metliodus sin^ularis qua Solis Parailaxis r>ive distantia a
Terra, o|)e Veneris intra Solem eonspiciendsB, tiito rleterminari po-
tent." — Fhil. Trans. No cccxlviii. vol. xxix. p. 4d4-4f)4. Jaiiu's

Appeal to his
u.>u onomical
euccessors.

PREVIOUS TO HIS FIRST VOYAGE.

251

Halley died in 1742 ; but his affecting appeal to ciiap. viii.
posterity was not made in vain. About a twelve- Bosco^h's
month before the long-expected event, the celebrated ititiresstotiia
Boscovich addressed a communication to tlie Royal so^ety.
Society, warmly urging attention to the phenomenon ;
and from the very next paper in the memoirs of that
body, read on the 26th of June 17C0, we learn that they
had " come to a resolution to send persons of ability
to proper places, in order to observe the approach- observLrs
ing passage of Venus over the sun, the 6th of June sent to
next year."* Under their auspices, accordin/^ly, and jdaoes.'
favoured by royal munificence, the Rev. Nevil Mas-
kelyne, accompanied by Mr Waddington, re])aired to
St Helena, while Messrs Mason and Dixon were de-
spatched to Ber^oolen, in the island of Sumatra. Nu-
merous preparations wei"e likewise made at home, and
methods devised for securing ample communications
from observers abroad. The whole scientific world,
indeed, as may be seen from the subjoined note, was
alive to an occurrence which had been termed " spec-
taculum inter Astronomica longe nobilissimum," and Gpnovii
individuals of the highest rank partook of the prevailing Entimsiasm
enthusiasm .t

Ferjjuson's " Plain Metliod of finding the Distances of all the
Planets from the Sun by the Transit of Venus," and Benjamin
Martin's "• Venus in the Sun," both pul)li-jhed in 17*>l. were" little
m )re than loose translations .jf thi>. tract, with some notes and ad-
ditions, partly popular and partly scientific.

* Thil. Trans., vol li. p. HHli".

■f- In Britain, the observations at Saville House, by Mr Short
and Drs Blair and lievis, were made in presence of their lloval
Hii>;hnesses the Duke of York (hrotiier to Gcorf^-e III.), Princes
William Henry and Frederick, and I'rincess Aujfusta; Lord iMac-
clesfield's Observatory at Siiirburn Castle was supplied bv Messrs
Hornsby, Phelps, an(l BartU'tt; Air Bliss attended the ifoyal Ol-
servatoiy at Gr<>enwich ; Mr Canton observed at Spittal S(juari';
Kilicott and I 'ollond at Hackney ; Mr Dunn at Chelsea; and Mr
Haydon at Liskeard, in Cornwall. In other parts of Ei.'liopr.
there were De Lalande, Maraldi. and De Lisle, at the Hoval
Observatory in the Palace of Lu.xembonr^r and at the Hotel de
Clufrny; De la Caille, Le M(>nnier. and Ferner, at CouHans, &c. ;
Zanotti at Bologna ; Mayer at Schweziuj^a, near ll»'idelber[r

« » »*■ it^ iM MWt^'ifcA -«^Wiii

252

LIFE OF cook:

CHAP. viir.

Imperfect
results of tlie
concerted
obscrvatioiiSi

rt'iposcd
nstrononiicdl
(xpediti'n to
the South
Sea.

Gi vernment

These extensive arrangements were unfortunately in
many cases baffled by untoward circumstances. Some
observers failed to reach their appointed stations ; a
few were not in good health, and had to intrust the
duty to subordinate assistants ; in other Instances, the
instruments were disordered, or not ready in time ;
and, on the whole, the position of the planet and the
state of the atmosphere proved generally inauspicious
to nice examination. But, though the discrepancies in
the results were considerable, the possibility of success on
the next opportunity, on the 3d of June 17G0, was as
confidently expected as ever.

Nearly two years previous to tliat period, the Royal
Society resolved to sand out observers to some part
of tlip South Sea, betwei-n the longitudes of 140*' and
180° west of Green vvich. They were, however, in no
condition to defray the expense of such an undertaking ;
and it was found necessary, in February 1768, to pre-
sent a memorial to his majesty, sotting forth the great
advantages to be derived from it, and requesting the
royal aid. This petition was at once granted, and on
the 3d of April, Mr (afterwards Sir Philip) Stephens,
the Secretary of the Admiralty, informed the society
that a bark would be provided for the purpose. It was
intended to intrust the charge of the expedition to
an eminent geographer, whose name has been often
mentioned in the preceding pages, — Alexander Dai-
ry m pie, brother to that distinguished antiquary and
scholar, Lord Ilailes. Aware of the difficulty, in such

Lulofs at Loyden ; l''ximenus at Madrid ; Mallet and Bergmann at
Cpsal; (Jlister at Heinosjand; Planniua at Cajanebiir^ ; VVar^ontin
and Kling^en.stierna at Stockholm : Justander at Abo, in Finland ;
Hellant at Tornea. In Asia, C'.iappe observed at Tobolsk in Silie.
ria; Porter, the Knj;^lish ambi.ssador, at Constantinople; Hirst,
cliaplain of one of his majesty's shipfi, at Madras ; Magoe at Cal-
cutta ; Tollier at Pe-kinir. In AFlUCA may be enumerated, Ma-
i!on and llixon at the Cape of Cood Hope, as they were prevented
from reacliin;^ Bencoolen; Maskelyne at St Helena. In Ame-
lUCA, it was observed by Winthrop at St John's, Newl'ouridland,
Jind by others at Kingston and Port Royal, in Jamaica; whil(> Pin-
gie was stationed at the island of Rodri^jues, in the Indian Ocean.

PREVIOUS TO ins FIRST VOYAGE.

S53

a navigation, of securing tlie obedience of a evew who
were not subjected to strict naval discipline, it waf-
proposed that this gentleman sliould receive a brevet-
commission to command the vessel ; and it was stated
as a precedent, that William III. had, in 1608, appoint-
ed Ilalley to be captain of the Paramour Fink, on a
vo^'age of discovery to the South Atlantic. This was
an unfortunate example to adduce ; for the officers and
crews of the learned astronomer had sliyhted Ills au-
thonty, refused to obey Ins directions, and at last be-
came so insolent and insubordinate, tliat, without liaving
effected almost any thing, to use his own words, he
" found it absolutely necessary " to return to England,
and to incur tlie cost of a second expedition. Tliese
circumstances could not fail to be rtniembcred bv the
Lords of the Admiralty ; and, when the representJition
of the society was laid before them. Sir Edward, after-
wards Lord Hawke, then at the head of the board,
declared, " that his conscience would not allow him to
trust any ship of his majesty to a person who had not
regularly been bred a seaman." On the matter being
again urged, he replied, that he would rather have his
right hand cut off than that it should sign any such
commission ; and Mr Dalrymple, t)n the other part, was
found equally determined not to proceed without it.

In this dilemma, Mr Stephens suggested that an-
other individual should be employed. With a discri-
mination which does him the highest honour, he had
early appreciated the talents of Cook, who was now
proposed by him as a person fully qualified for the
undertaking, and one wl>o had also been regularly edu-
cated in the navy. lie appealed for a confirmation
of his views to Sir Hugh Palliser, and that gentle-
man most warmly seconded the recommendation, which,
fortunately for science, proved successful. Cook, then
in his fortieth year, was appointed to conduct the
expedition, and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant
by a commission dated the 26th of May 1768.

The Admiralty having intrusted Sir Hugh with the
selection of a suitable vessel, he called its future coui-

CHAP. VIII,

Proposed
brevet coiu-
misslou.

ObstnciO!'
oi'ijiinatii v;
in tli:j i>iu-

Seli't^tion of

(Juyk.

Proniotpfl to
the nmk '*t'
lieulwiuiiU

•Mr

251

LIFE OP COOK

CHAP. VIH,

Selection of
a vebsel.

Essontl?.!
(limlities
requisite;

Illnstrinus
t'xaiiiple in
confirmation.

mander to his assistance, and proceeded to examine a
great number of ships in the Thames. Even in thia
first step in tho enterprise, its conductor disph^yed the
discernment and sagacity for which he was afterwards
so remarkable. At that time there was much discus-
sion regarding the size and kind of vessels most proper
for such a voyage ; some recommending East India-
men, or heavy barks of forty guns ; while others pre-
ferred large, good-sailing frigates, or three- decked ships,
such as were then employed in the Jamaica trade.
With that confidence in his own judgment, which is
the result of a strong and sound-thinking mind, Cook
dissented from the views of both parties, and chose a
bark built for the coal-trade, of the burden of 370
tons. He at once saw that the qualities most essential
were, that the ship should be of no great draught of
water, yet of suflficient capacity to carry the requisite
stores ; of a construction that would bear to take the
ground ; and of such a size that she might, if necessary,
be laid on shore for repair with safety and convenience.
These properties, he remarks, are not to be found in
either of the two classes proposed, " nor indeed in any
other but north-country-built ships, or such as are built
fur the coal-trade, which are peculiarly adapted to this
purpose. In such a vessel, an able sea-officer will be
most venturesome, and better enabled to fulfil his in-
structions than he possibly can (or indeed than would
be prudent for him to attempt) in one of any other sort
or size." * He probably was not aware that his opin-
ions on this subject coincided with those of the illus-
trious discoverer of the New World. Of the three
ships that first crossed the Atlantic, one only was full
decked, the others were caravels or light barks, little
superior to the small coasting-craft of the present day.
" It was not," says Mr Irving, " for want of large
vessels in the Spanish ports, that those of Columbus
were of so small a size. He considered them best
adapted to voyages of discovery, as they required but

• General Iiitrod. to Second Voyage, p. xxv.

PREVIOUS TO HIS FIRST VOYAGE.

M^h

little depth of water, and therefore could more easily chat viii
and safely coast unknown shores and explore bays and
rivers. He had some purposely constructed of a very
small size for this service." *

Before the Endeavour could be completely fitted out, Recomm.n-
Walh's returned from his circumiiavigation, and rccom- o|!,'i""iteu»
mended Otaheite as the most eligible situation for ob- the stutiuiu
serving the approaching transit. It had been proposed
to make the observations at one of the Marquesas, or at
the islands of Amsterdam, Middleburg, or Rotterdam ;
but this intention was now abandoned, and the Royal
Society expressed to the Admiralty their wish to have
t!ie astronomers conveyed to Port Royal, in the newly-
found island. The observers whom they selected were
Mr Green, assistant to Dr Bradley in the Royal Obser-
vatory at Greenwich, and Lieutenant Cook.

During these preparations, permission to join the ex- Appiinition
pedition was solicited by Mr (afterwards Sir Joseph) oiMr. iiai.i.s
Banks, the well-known President of the Royal Society ex^ediuuu.
during a period of nearly fifty years.f The wish which
he had expressed was at once acceded to, and he im-
mediately made arrangements on the most extensive
scale. He procured a large supply of such articles as
were likely to be useful ov acceptable in the countries
he was to visit. He engaged to accompany him a
Swedish naturalist, Dr Solander, the favourite pupil
of Linnoeus ; ;{: and besides a secretary and four servants,

* Life of Columbus, vol. iv. p. 2li4. In his tliird voyage, when
sailinif a!on^ the shores of the Gulf of Fi'ria, he complained of the

f-ize of his ship, which was "nearly a Irmdred tons burthen."

Vol. i. p. 1»1.

+ Sir Joseph Banks was horn at London, 13th Fehrtiary 1743. Ho
quitted Oxford in 17B3, and three years thereafter made a voyaire to
Newfonndland. In 177^5 he was elected I'rosidont of the Iloyal
Society; he was created a baronet in 1781, re ived the order of
the Bath in 1795, and in lilO'i was elected a forcitrn Associate of
the National Institute of France, He died lUth May i820.

J Solander at this time held an ap[)ointment in the British Mu-
seum. Some interestinjT notices of him are ^iven in the Edinburgh
Cabinet Librarj-, No. XVI., Lives of Lminent Zoologists, fr<>ij
Aristotle to Linnaeus inclusive, p. 343-34U.

1 I

256

LIFE OP COOK, &c.

CHAP. VIII. two of whom were

Efficient
nssistnnts.

ri'ovisions,
« fflcers, aud
Clew.

negroes, he took out two draughts-
men, the one hi the department of landscape, the other
in natural history.

The Endeavour was victualled for eighteen months,
and had on board ten carriage and twelve swivel guns.
Her crew, besides the commander and other officers,
consisted of forty-one able seamen, twelve marines, and
nine servants, — in all eighty-five persons. The mstruc-
tions given to Cook were, to proceed directly to Otaheite,
a»d, after the astronomical observations should be com-
pleted, to prosecute the general design for discovery in
the Pacific, in which Byron, Wallis, and Carteret, had
been employed. He was ordered to sail as far south as
the latitude of 40° ; if no land was found, he was then
to steer to the west, between the foi-tieth and thirty-filth
parallels, till he encountered New Zealand, and having
explored that country, he was to return to England }>y
hiich route as he might think proper.

FIRST CIBCUMNAVIOATION OP COOK.

257

CHAPTER IX.

First Circumnavigation ofCcf/fc,

Departure — Adventure on Tierra del Fueji;o — Discovery of T.nj^on,
Thrum Cap, Bow, The Groups, and Ciiain Islands — Arrival at
Otaheite — Observation of the Transit and Incidents durinff their
Stay — Discovery of the Islands of Tethnroa, Huaheine, Uiiatea,
Otaha, Tubai, Bolabola, IMaurun, andOheteroa — JNIakestbe East
Coast of New Zealand — Affraj's with the Natives— Doubles
the North Cape — Discovers Cook's Stniits, and circumnavigates
the Islands -Sails for the East Coast of New Holland — Dis-
covery of New South Wales — Botany Bay — Intercourse with
the Natives — Port Jackson — Danjrerous Position of the Ship —
Ueaches the most northerly Point of Australia— Re-discovery
of Torres' Strait — New Guinea — Timor — Batavia — INIortalitv
among the Crew— Arrival in England.

On the 27th May 17C8, Lieutenant Cook hoisted his chap. ix.
pendant on hoard the Endeavour, then lying in Dept- Departure of

ford Yard, and on the 30th July hore down the river Lieuteimnt

Cook
and proceeded to Plymouth, whence he finally set sail

on the 26th of August.

While at Madeira, which they reached on the 13th visit to

Septemhcr, the navigators visited the convent of Santa *^'^''^'^'^-

Clara ; and the simple nuns, hearing that some of the

strangers were great philosophers, asked among other

questions, " When it would thunder \ " and " Whether

a spring of fresh water was to be found any where

within the walls of the cloister ? " The voyagers passed

the island of TenerifFe on the 23d, and observed, after

the sun had sunk below the horizon, that the lofty Peak

still received his rays, and, while the rest of the island

258

FIRST CIROUMNAVIOATION OF COOK.

CHAP. IX.

T.iiminous

aii)icnTiince

Tiona del

I UC{{0.

Landintr at
Strait Lc

Sufi. 'rinse
liouicoij.

reposed in the darkest shades, glowed with a warmth of
colour which no lan<yuage could describe. As they pur-
sued their course to Brazil, they had an opportunity of
observing that luminous appearance of the sea which
has so often excited the admiration of marinei's. They
anchored at Rio de Janeiro on the 13th November, but
the jealousy of the Portuguese governor would only
allow refreshments to be procured under the most
rigorous restrictions ; and his ignorance was such, that
he could form no other notion of the purpose of the
voyage than that it was to witness " the passing of the
North Star through tlie South Pole !"

On quitting this port, Cook kept a look-out for
Pepys' Island ; but nothing was perceived but a fog-
bank, which at a distance closely resembled land. On
tlie 11th January 17G0, he was in sight of Tierra del
Fuego, and three days afterwards entered Strait Le
Maire.

Tiie morning of the 16th was fair and mild, much
like one of our bright days in May, and Mr Banks
landed with a party to explore the country. They
commenced the ascent of a mountain, the lower region
of which was covered with wood ; this was succeeded
b}^ what seemed a plain, while the top consisted of bare
rocks. About three o'clock, they reached the second
stage of the hill, which they discovered to be a swamp,
overgrown with low bushes of birch, so interwoven and
stiff that it was necessary to step over them, while at
eveiy exertion the foot sunk ankle-deep in the soil.
The day now became cold and gloomy, and the wind
swept down in sudden gusts accompanied with snow.
Tliey still pressed on in good spirits, and had crossed
about two-thirds of the wooded morass, when Mr
Buclian, the landscape-painter, was seized with a fit
of epilepsy. A fire having been kindled, he was left
in charge of those who were most fatigued, while Mr
Banks, Dr Solander, and Messrs Green and Monkhousej
continued their ascent. By the time they reached the
summit, the day was so far spent that it was hopeless

FIRST CIUCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

259

to think of regaining the ship before night ; it.was re- chat ix.
solved, therefore, to build a hut in a wood at some di.s p ~ .
tance, and the gentlemen last named were despatched t( oi u hut.
conduct those who had remained below to a spot froni
which all might advance together. It was nearly eigbt
o'clock before the whole party were assembled at this
rendezvous, chilled with the intense cold, but cheerful
and in health, — as Mr Buchan had sufficiently recovered
to attempt the remainder of the journey. There was
still good daylight, and they set forward to reach the
nearest valley, — Mr Banks walking last to prevent any
one from lingering behind. Dr Solander, in crossing. F .tal tpn'-
the mountains of his native land, had learned that '^'"^^ ** ^^^ '^
fatigue and extreme cold frequently produce an irre-
sistible desire for sleep, against which he now cautioned
his companions, earnestly exhorting them to keep in mo-
tion, however painful the effort might be : " Whoever sits
down," he warned them, " will sleep, and whoever sleeps
will wake no more ! " The doctor was himself the first
that was affected with this inclination for repose ; and so
powerful was it, that he insisted on being suffered to lie
down, and, in spite of every expostulation and entreaty,
stretched himself on the snow. Richmond, one of the
black servants, had felt the same effects, and began to
lag behind, when five of the party were sent forward to
light a fire at the first convenient place. Mr Banks, and
four others who remained with him, succeeded in drag-
ging Solander and the negro almost to the edge of the
wood, when both declared they could go no farther.
Prayers and remonstrances were equally unavailing ; D owsiness
the black, when told that if he did not proceed he ucr.
would be frozen to death, answered, that " he desired
nothing but to lie down and die ; " while the naturalist
expressed himself willing to go on, " but that he must
first take some sleep." It being impossible to carry
them, they were allowed to recline themselves, partly
supported by the bushes, and in a few minutes both
were in a profound sleep. Soon afterwards, the welcome
mtelligence was received that a flame had been khidkd

2()0

FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

CHAP. IX. about a quarter of a mile in advance. Solander was
Rnpideffects ^^^^^ Wakened ; but though he had not slumbered quite
of the cold five minutes, he was hardly able to move his limbs, and
the muscles of his feet were so shrunk that his shoes
fell off ; it was found imjwssible to make the negro stir,
and he was left in charge of the other black and one of
the seamen. With much difficulty Mr Banks got the
doctor to the fire, when b'* despatched two persons for
Richmond, but they returned without having been able
to find him. The snow again came on, and fell in-
cessantly for two hours. About midnight, those at the
fire heard a distant shouting, and having proceeded a
little way, found the seaman calling for help, and barely
able to totter on. Farther off, Richmond was discover-
ed standing, but unable to move, and his companion lay
on the ground totally insensible. The united efforts oi"
the whole party failed to hr'mg them to the fire ; the
nij^ht was extremely dark, the snow very deep, and it
was with difficulty that they made their way through
the bog, — floundering and stumbling among the bushes.
An attempt to kindle a flame at the spot was equally
unsuccessful, owing to the heavy fall of snow and the
quantities of it wliich every blast shook from the trees.
/rpiindon- There ^vas no alternative but to cover the unhappy
An^canV^'^ Africar>3 with boughs, and resign them to their lot.*

* In a narrative of the voyaj^^e, compiled from the paj)ers of one
of the drauu^btsinen employed ny Mr Banks, it is s id that the sea-
man, " toucl.ied with sympathy for his companions, told the company
of the condition in which he left them; and they were disposed to
have yielded them assistance, but it being almost dark, there was
not any probability of finding' them, and the attempt would have
been attended with tiie risque of their own lives; thei/ therefore
declined it." — Journal of a Voj'age to the South Seas, faithfully
transcribed from the Papers of the late Sydney Parkinson (London,
llT'i), p. 10. It will be seen that this statement is directly con-
tradicted by that given in the text, on the authority of Sir Joseph
Banks and Captain took, which is in every way preferable. Mr
Parkinson was not of the party, and could only learn the details by
hearsay in the ship ; his papers were never prepared by him for publi-
cation ; and the so-called Journal ./as given to the world after his
death, not from the original, but from various loose memoranda and
fragments. In such a work, it is evident, little faith can be placed.

FIRST CIUCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

2(51

The coltl to which the pnrty had been exposed in these CIIAP. IX.
endeavours nearly deprived some of them of sensation, Extrerno
and one suffered so severely that it was thought he «ufferinj»
would not live to reach the fire. The night was passed
in great misery ; and when the morning dawned, the
snow-blasts were so strong that it was found impossible
to proceed. At six o'clock, they were able to perceive
the place of the sun in the heavens ; but, although the
clouds became thinner and began to break away, the
snow still fell so thick that they could not venture to
quit their fire. A party sent out to ascertain the fate
of the blacks found them both dead ; a dog which be- Faitiifiiin.sH
longed to one of them was sitting close to the corpse of ' **'
his master, and it was with difficulty that he was pre-
vailed on to forsake it. At eight, a breeze sprung up,
the sky became at length clear, and the snow, dropping
from the branches in large flakes, was considered a sure
sign of an approaching thaw. They began to prepare
for their departure, and made a meal on a vulture,
which afforded each person about three mouthfuls. At
ten they set out ; and, after walking three hours, found \^^^^^ *'^'''*
themselves on the beach, at no great distance from the
vessel, where their absence during the night had oc-
casioned much anxiety.*

Oil the 22d, Cook resumed his voyage through the

* Hawkesworth's Coll., vol. ii. p. 4(5-53. Sydney Parkinson's
Junrn., pp. 9, 10. " It is (juite inexplicable to me," says a late
author, "how Dr Solander and his [)arty could possibly feel the
effects of cold as they did. We are told that he was seized with a
torpor, and that two black servants were actually frozen to death,
Hsleep;— and yet, here plants Hourisli«d ! — they returned to the
vessel with some hundred new specimens! One would suppose
that it would be needless to search for plants in a climate so lij^or-
niis in its effects. "—Vovage to the Southern Atlantic, in the yuurs
l{'28-9-30, in H. M. sloop Chanticleer, by W. H. IJ. Webster,
snrfreon (London, 1»34), vol. i. p. 200. iThe p'-nts which were
leathered were '■'■ Alftine plants,'' and .Mr Webster's amazement
at their "flonrishin{rin a climate so rijjorous in its effects," is scarcely
more misplaced than his astonisthment that two negroes should perisli
from exposiire on a hillside dnrinj;^ a whole ni^lit to a severe snow-
storm, accompanied by a hard frost and a pieicing wind. j^

262

FIRST CIUCUMNAVIOATION OF COOK.

Capu liuru.

DNcovnry
of Lai(oua

CHAP. IX. strait, and, on the fourth day after, passed Cape Horn.

pitss!iK«'of 0" ^'*6 1*** "^ March, he was in latitude 38° 44' S., and
longitude 110° 33' W. A log of wood floated past the
ship, the sea hecanie suddenly smootli, and it was tl»e
general opinion tlmt land lay to windward ; hut none
was discovered till tiie 4th of April, when an island was
seen three or four leagues towards the south. It was
little more than a horder of land, broken in several
places, and enclosing a large lagoon, the whole having
tJie appearance of many islets covered with wood ; above
which towered two cocoa-nut trees bearing a great
re8eml)lance to flags. Habitations were descried under
the shade of some palms, and to the voyagers, " who
for a long time had seen nothing but water and sky,
except the dreary hills of Tierra del Fuego, these groves
seemed a terrestrial paradise." Several natives were
perceived on the shore, and appeared to be tall, of a
copper colour, and with long black hair ; some of them
held in their hands poles upwards of fourteen feet in
length. To this spot was given the name of Lagoon
Island ;* and Cook was afterwards of opinion that it
was the same which Bougainville had visited the pre-
ceding year, and called Les Quatre Facardins.t

About sunset, the Endeavour was close to a low
woody island, of a circulai* form, and not much above
a mile in comjjass. It was covered with verdure oF
many hues ; but no inhabitants were seen, nor could
any cocoa-trees be discerned. It received the appella-
tion of Thrum Cap ; and though Cook believed it to be
the He des Lanciers of his French predecessor, we have
more reason to regard it as a discovery of his own.

rhrnm Ci'.p
Inland.

With a gentle wind and pleasant weather, he pursued

ii '

• Cook placed it in latitude 18° 47' S. and loniritude 139° 28' W.
Beecliey {rjves for its position lal. 18" 43' !!»' S., and lonjj^. 138"
47' 13" W. The captain attests the accuracy of the description
left by its discoverer, and adds, " Two cocoa-nut trees in the centre
of the island, which Cook ohserves liad the appearance of flags, are
still waving." — Voyage to tlie Pucific, vol i. p. 208.

f See above, p. 218. J See above, p. 2VJ.

FIRST CIIICUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

2(U

his course to the westward, and on the afternoon of the chap. ix.
next day aj)proaehed a lund of much hirger extent than n„w T^mi,
that previously visited. Several of the gentlemen re- oriioiicu
niainc'd at the mast-head the whole evening, admiring '"'""
its singular shape, which was that of a bow, " the arch
and cord of which were land, and the space between
theni water ; the cord was a flat beach, ^vithout any
signs of vegetation, having notl.ing upon it but heaps of
sea-weed ; the horns or extremities of the bow were
two large tufts of cocoa-nut trees, and much the greater
part of the arch was covered with trees of different
height, figure, and hue."* It was designated IJovv
Island, and is evidently the same with Bougainville's
lie do la Ilarpe, called by the natives Ile-ow ; the cir-
cumference was estimated at ten or twelve leagues ;
while smoke ascending from different parts showed that
it was inhabited.

About noon of the 6th, land was again seen to the Blni ibiuu i,
westward, and proved to be two islands, or ratlu".
clusters, covered with trees of various kinds. Many
ratives and canoes were observed, and the place received
tlie nome of The Groups. At daybreak of the Tth,
another was descried and called Bird Island, from the
number of fowls which frequented its shores. It was
thought to be not less than four miles round, had a
Ingoon in the centre, was partially wooded, and " looked
green and pleasant, but we saw neither cocoa-trees nor
inhabiUints." About sunset of the succeeding day, the
Endeavour was abreast of a double range of low and
wooded islets, connected by reefs so as to form one
island of an oval form, with a lake in the njiddle.
From the appearance of the border, it received the
appellation of Chain Island ; its length seemed to be
about five leagues, its breadth nearly as many miles ;
sc ne of the trees were of a large size, and columns of
smoke were seen to rise from sundry places.

The night of the 9th was stormy, with thunder and

Clinln

IsLuiUs.

• Ilawkesworth's Coll.} vol. ii, p. 75.

264

FIRST CIPCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

CHAT. IX.

Osnalinrg or

Maitea

Island.

Rules for in-
tercouiso
witi: tliu
natives.

Int'^rvlcw
wifli tv,o
cl'icid.

» i

rain, and a haze enveloped the voyagers till the next
niorning was far advanced, vvJien the weather having
cleared up, they discovered Osnaburg or Maitea Island.
About noon the hi,t,'-h mountains of Otaheite wore faintly
discerned ; hut calms and light winds so long delayed
the approach of the vessel, that she did not anchor in
Matavai Bay (the Port Royal of its discoverer) before
the morning of the 13th.

The islanders in their canoes immediately surrounded
the ship, exchanging fruits and fish for heads and otiier
trifles. A set of rules to be observed in conducting a
regular +rade, and for the maintenance of a good under-
standing with the inhabitants, was now communicated
to the crew by Cook, who afterwards went on shore
witli Messrs Bardcs and Solander, and a party of men
under arms. They were received by the assembled
hundreds with the greatest humility, — the first vv'ho
approached orouchinu- till he almost crept upon his
hands and knees, Avhile he presented a green branch, —
an emblem of peace borne by .ach of his countrymen,
— and which was accepted with marks of satisfaction.
A short march brought the English to the spot where
the Dolphin had formerly watered. The natives halted
here, cleared away the plants, threw down their boughs,
and made a signal that the strangers should follow their
e>:.im]de. 'J'his ceremony, it was conjectured, not only
implied a treaty of fricmlsliip, but was preparatory to
the cession of the watering-place. Cook, however, did
not tliink it suitai)le for his purpose ; and the people
whom he had as yet seen not being of the highest class,
he resolved, after perambulating the adjoining country,
to endeavour the next day to meet with some of the
chiefs. Two of these anticipated his wishes by paying
a visit eaily in the morning, and inviting him to their
resif^ences, where he was received with much courtesy.
In a short time, however, two of the English had the
mortification to find that their pockets had been picked
of a snuff-l.ox and an opera-glass in a shngreen case.
The announcement of this depredation produced a panic

FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

among the natives, and the chief offerrd a large quantity ciiAr. IX.

of cloth as a conn)ensition ; hut on tliig heing refusid _ ~~

he set off, and eventually succeeded in recovering the ot stohn

lost articles. '""l'^''^'

A theft much more distressing in its conscqn.cnccs iiicft ofa

was committed on the ].5t]i, at tlie tent i)itciied on t'.ie '■^'"i;"';^''*

i musket.

site of the fortress which it was designed to erect, partly
for defence and partly for astronomical purposes. One
of the savages, watching an oppoi'tunity, Miatched and
carried o'F a S'Mitincl's musket ; u})()n which (in the
ahsence of Cook) the officer on duty, a. young mi(lslii[i-
man, ordered the marines to fire, hut fortunately widi-
ont effect, among a crowd of the natives, amounting to
more than 100. The culprit was then pursued and shot
dead. Having reprehended the conduct of the ofheer
as equally harharous and impolitic, the commander took
measures for the restoration of harmony, and in a bhort
time peace was re-estahlished and traffic resumed.

Hitherto the tender-hearted princess, who made so T^'f^ Pi""'^'tss
distinguished a figure in the account of Wallis' voyage,
had not heen seen. She was at last recognised, ai)par-
ently denuded of all authority, sitting with great com-
posure among a numher of women, and althougli she
had now lost many of her ])ersonal attractions, she
became an object of great attention. Her name was
ascertained to be Oberea, and she was the mother of the
heir-apparent to the sovereignty, Terridiri, a boy about
seven years of age. Among the presents made to hei
was a child's doll, which threw her into raptures, and
prove 1 such a source of envy to Tootahah, the uncle of
the prince, and regent of the kingdom, that it became
necessary to propitiate him by a similar compliment.

On the 1st of May, the observatory was set up, and Constm-M n
' ot the

the astronomical instruments taken on shore. To the ouuv.iu'iy.

great surprise and anxiety of every one, the next morn-
ing, the quadrant was nowhere to l)e found. It was at
first suspected that some of the ship's company, ignoiant
of the real contents, bad abstracted tiie box hi which it
was packed ; but nothing occurring to corroborate this

'i *l

> {

I 2 i

1 1

■■Hainii

, ^ _» .».-*.-. ,^.'JW^".«» .»»^-)»»V|V*-'"»^»**'"' I ■!'«<•■"'■* iP*" ■

266

FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

4 t

ppcovery
of the
Ins'.nimcnt.

K.tivo pvo'
nunciutiun,

CTTAr. fX. opinion, a search among the natives was undertaken by
Mr Banks, with the assistance of a chief, Tubourai Ta-
niaidc, who had some knowledge of the route taken by
the culprit. They fortunately succeeded in recovt ring
the instrument so essential to the main object of the
voyage ; but, in the absence of Cook, l\)otahah had
J)ccn seized, to the great terror of the islanders, who
never doubted that he would be put to death as a p ui-
ishment for the theft. He himself had the same p.a*-
suasiontill the very moment when he was set at liiierty —
an event which gave boundless joy to the people, who
Hocked round and embraced him as a father.

On the 10th, the voyagers discovered the native de-
signation of the island to be Otaheite ; and were, at the
same time, much amused by the attempts of the inhab-
itants to pronounce the names of their visiters : Cook
became Toote ; Solander was changed into Torano ;
Banks assumed the form of Tapane or Opaiie ; " Moli-
neux they renounced in absolute despair, and called the
master Boha^ from his Christian name Robert." *

As the day of the predicted transit c rew near, it was
resolved to send t "o parties to observe at distant situa-
tions, in order to lessen the chance of failure from a
clouded atmosphere ; and, on the 1st June, Mr Banks,
with a few attendants, proceeded to the island of Eimeo,
about twelve miles west from Otaheite ; while, on
the morrow, Mr Hicks, with some others, sailed in the
pinnace to fix on some spot to the eastward of Matavai
Bay.

At Eimeo, the evening preceding the important phe-
nomenon was beautiful ; but the solicitude of the party
did not allow them to take much rest during the night ;
" one or other of them was up every half hour, who
satisfied the impatience of the rest by reporting the
changes of the sky , now encouraging their hope by
telling them that it was clear, and now alarming their
fears l)y an account that it was hazy." They were on foot

Cbscnin
paiaca.

* ILiwkesworth's Coll., vol. ii. p. 12H. Parkinson's .riMirnal, p. 05.

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FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

l(\7

by dayhrcak, and saw tlie sun riso from the soa without ciiAP. IX.
a cloud. E(|ual success attended the persons sent to the „ :,
east end ot tlie island ; while " at the luit, says Cook, state of tiio
" there not beini,^ a vapour in tlie sky from the risinj^ atino>i)licie.
to the settinn; of the sun, the whole passage of Venus
over the sun's disk was observed with great advantage
by Mr Green, Dr Solander, and myself." An atmo-
sphere or dusky haze, which surrounded the body of
the planet, rendered it difficult to fix the precise times
of contact, and the observations made by different per- ohso ■■viitim'?
sons varied considerably. According to Mr Green, oi .Mr. Gicci).

h. ' "
Tlio first external contact, or fust appearance of

Venus on the Sun, was
The first internal contact or total immersion was
Tlie second internal contact, or bej^inninjr of the

emersion, was ....
The second external contact, or total emersion,

The latitude of the observatory was ascertained to be
17° 20' 35" S., and the longitude 149° 82' 30" W. of
Greenwich.*

* Ilawkoswortli's Coll., vol, ii. p. 141. Part of tlie orig^inal ma-
nuscript of Cook's oiiservations has lieeii preserved, and an eiij^'raved
fac-siniile of tliis interestiii«r relic has heen procured for the present
work. The result is thus given in the Philosophical Transactions,
vol. Ixi. part ii. p. 410: —

Time p- clock-

*♦* '>! 'iO ' '^''^ ^^^^ visible appearance of 9 on the 0's limb,
' ( see li<;-. 1.
..,j Q/j ( First internal contact, or the limb of 9 seemed to
( coincide with the • 's, fij^. 2.
i A small thread of light seen below the pennmbra,

i fig. ;{.

, Second internal contact ot the penumbra, or the thread
I of light wholly broke,

Conk's

ori^'iiiiil

notes.

40 20

3 10 15

10 47 i S'^^'f'^'l internal contact of the bodies, and appeared
*" ' ( as in the first.

27 24 Second external contact of the bodies.

28 04 Total egress of penumbra, dubious.

Tiie part of the MS. missing, seems to have ccmtained the times
of tiie second contacts, and the first draught of some general ob
servations printed in the I-iiil. Ttans,, as cited above, and ending
nearly as in the engraving: — " The breadth of the penumbra ap-
pi'Lued to me to be nearly equal to ^tli of Venus' semidiaraeter."

, /

I'on

CHAP. IX.

General
anxiety
anionK scicn-
tilic uii.n.

At i:iln-
Lurgii.

FIRST CIRCU3INAVIGATI0N OF COOK.

In other parts of the world, the approach of the phe-
nomenon was watched with eriiial anxiety, A transient
obscurity in the heavens and a gentle shower were more
appalling on that forenoon than a hurricane on another
day. In some jdaces philosophers had to deplore an
evenii j; black with thunder-clouds and heavy rain ;
while in others the storm was over and the sky clear he-
fore tlie hour for observation arrived.* At Edinl)urgh,
Lord Alemoor, one of the Senators of the College of
Justice, considered himself to be peculiarly favoured.
" The morning," f-ays one of his party, " promised ill.
About noon the day was terrible, with thick clouds, and
like settled rain. You mav imagine how we felt !
About two o'clock the wind began to change from the
south to the westward ; about three it was west, and
the clouds breaking. There was about four a very hard
thunder-shower, and calm ; after which the wind began
to blow briskly from the north-west ; the clouds blown
away, and those mar the horizon depressed and held
down ; the sun shone clearer than I ever saw it, and
not a cloud was to be seen in that quarter. It remained
so till after both contacts, when, not half a minute af-

* In the lapse of eight years several clianges had occurred, and
the list of tlfi'se wlio <.I)-ervo(l this plienonienon is considerahly
diH'erent from the catalogue oiven in pa^es 'Jf)!, 2r)2. Lord Mac-
ciestiehl, Messis Iloriisbv aiul Hartlett, observed at Shirhurn
Castle; Alessrs Horsley, Cyril Jackson, Lucas, Syl<es, and Sluick-
hnr^h, at O.xibni ; Dr Bevis at Kew; Canton at i^nittal Scjuare;
Harris, of tlie Mathematical Scliool in Christ's lIos[)ital, at Wind-
sor Castle ; Ludluui at Leicester ; Francis Wollaston at East Dere-
ham, in Norfolk ; Drs Wilson, Irvine, and Heid, at Glasgow; Lord
Alemoor and Dr Lind at Ilawkhill, near Edinhurj^h ; Rev. Mr
Bryce at Kirknowton ; Mason at ('avan, in Ireland; Messier, Du
Sejiuir, Cassini, De Fonchj', Bailiv, IJe Borj, Maraldi, Le Alon-
nier, Fouguere, the Duke de Chaulnes. and others in various parts
of France ; Lieutenant Jardine at Gibraltar; Ferner at Stockholm ;
h'ather Hell at Wardhuus; Mallet at I'onoi, in Lapland; Ru-
monsky at Kola; Rayley at tlie North (ape; Wales and Dyniond
at Piince of Wales' Fort, dson's Bay ; Wright near Quebec ;
Leeds in the province of Mar\ <\ ; Sniil h, Ritterhouse, and others,
at Norriton. Pennsylvania; Fid. , ('■ at Cape Francis, St Domingo*
Chappe in ("alifbrnia ; Mohr at Batavia ; Degloss at Dinapoor, and
Rose at Phesabad, in the East Indies; Dr Solander, Mr Green,
aiul Captain Cook, at Otaheite.

I';
ll

FIRST CIRCIMNAVIGATIO.N OF COOK.

im %f

tenvards, small flyinj? clouds passed over tlie sun ! " * CHAr. ix.
The intercbt with which the unlearned watched the pnpula7
event, appears to have heen almost equal to that of the inti;>est at
individuals who more fully understood its importance.
At Glasgow, " it was apprehended that the smoke of
the town might hurt the observations; and, to prevent
this as much as j)ossible, an advertisement was put in
the newspaper, hcgging the inhabitants, in cases where
it would nut be very inconvenient, to put out their fires
from three o'clock that afternoon till sunsetting." This
request was cheerlully complied with, " insomuch that
there was not a sjjiiu of smoke to be perceived in th.vt
quarter from which the observations could be incom-
moded." t At Philadelphia, Dr Smith was attended At Philacki-
by a great concourse of people, and afraid that the curio- ^' '"""
sity natural on such occasions might interrupt the ob-
servations, he informed them that success depended on
there not being the least noise till the contacts were
over. " And," says the doctor, " during the twelve
minutes that ensued before the first contact, there could
not have been a more solemn pause of expectation and
silence, if each individual had stood ready to receive the
sentence that was to give him life or death." %

On the whole, the numerous observations were satis-
factory, and the results deduced from them scarcely
differed more than the quarter of a second in the sun's
l)arallax, which they determined to be 8.6". 'J'his
agrees with the calculations of La Place, deduced from
the lunar equation in longitude ; but Professor Bessel
having combined and recomputed the original observa-
tions, has recently introduced a small correction, which
makes the parallax to be only 8.676", and consequently
the mean distance of the sun 95,168,440 English miles ;
while, according to the calculations of Encke, the
paiallax is 8.5770", and the distance of the sun
i)5,l 30,040 miles.

During Cook's observations on the transit at Otaheite,

* riiil. Tran?., vol. lix. p. 340. f Ibid. p. 334. J Ibid. p. 3l;y.

Patisfactciy

iLSUitS.

I (

J'sl

"270 FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COoK.

CHAP. IX. some of the crew broke into a, storeroom and abstractiMl a
T. ~\. hunilreilwei^lit of spike-nails, — a tlicft of a serious
oiUiccicw. nature, as '', coukl not fail j^reatly to ucprociate tiie
value of the coin circulated anion^ the natives. One of
the depredators was detected with ])art of the stolen
goods in his possession, and punishetl with two dozen
lashes ; but he refusi-d to impeach his accon)plices.
jMonikiy, the oth of June, was celebrated as the anniver-
sary of liis majesty's ])iith, and several of the chiefs
drank to the health of Klhhuujo^ as they pronounced
King George.
Circumnnvi- ^^ ^^^'^ 2()th, Cook, accompanied by Mr Banks, set
ptioiioithc out to circunmavigate the island, and that day visited
the harbour in which Bougainville had lain, where they
saw the chief Ereti or Oretti, mentioned by the French
navigator, and were informed that Aotourou was his
brother. At night they reached the isthmus which
joins the two peninsulas of Otaheite, — the lesser of
which, it was acertained, bore the appellation of Tiaira-
bou or Otaheite Etc, and had a chief designated Waheatua
for its ruler ; while the other, called Opoureonu or
Otaheite Nuc, was governed ))y a youth named Ootoo
or Outou, the nephew of the regent Tootaliah, and
Oamo, the husband of Oberea. They completed the
circuit of the whole on the 1st of Julv, and estimated
its circumference at about thirty leagues.

Soon afterwards, they began to dismantle their fort,
on which they had bestowed the name of Venus, and to
make preparations for their departure. On this occasion,
we discover for the first time an instance of that fasci-
nation which this lovely island, its gentle people, and
their manner of life, have so often exerted over the rude
hearts of uncultivated men. Two of the marines stole
from the fort on the night of the 8th of July, and, as
was gathered from the natives, had taken refuge in the
mountains, with the intention of remaining in the
country, where they had attached themselves to wives.
Cook resolved to recover them, but was loath to termin-
ate, by any rigorous measures, the harmony which

I'rop.iriitioiis
for departure.

niiST CinClI.MNAVinATION OP COOK.

£71

subsisted hctwceii him and the iHlMiilcrs. Ho was com- chap. IX.
pelk'd, however, to dctiuu several chiefs, ftmont? wliom t), "."
was I ootahah, till the deserters should he brought hack, itciuiincii.
(iineral alarm was the cousequciice ; and in retaliation
two petty oflicers were seized, along with the arms of
two more ; hut (|ulct was at last restored through the
intervention of Tootahah, who gave efi'eetual orders for
the delivery of the fugitives.

On the 12th, a native of the name of Tupia, a priest T„pi,ia
who had l)een hrst minister to Ohcrca when in the "aiivc iikst.
height of her power, came on hoard accompanied by
a hoy, who was his servant, and rcffuested leave to sail
with the voyagers, — a wish which was at once complied
with. " To have such a person on board," says the
lieutenant, " was certainly desirable for many reasons ;
by learning his language, and teaching him ours, we
should be able to acquire a much better knowledge of
the customs, policy, and religion of the pco])le, than our
short stay amongst them could give us." Early on the
succeeding morning, the ship was crowded with chiefs,
while the sea around was thronged with the canoes of
the inferior classes. About noon, the anchor was rin-ewdior
weighed, and the vessel getting under sail, the natives *'"-' ''*^""^i^''3-
on board took their leave, " and wept with a decent and
silent sorrow, in which there was something very striking
and tender ; the people in the canoes, on the contrary,
seemed to vie with each other in the loudness of their
lamentations, which we considered rather as affectation
than grief." * In this scene Tupia evinced great firm-
ness ; he could not indeed restrain his tears, but ho
struggled to conceal them, and having sent his last
present on shore, climbed to the mast-head, where he
continued to make signals, till the winds had wafted him
awav from the friends he was never again to behold.

Cowk first directed his course to a small island called
Tetliuroa, about eight leagues to the north of Otaheite ;
and .11 tlie 14th he passed two others, Eimeo and Ta-

« lIa\vkes\vorth'.s Cull., vol. ii. p. 181.

IMAGE EVALUATION
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23 WIST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. MSSO

(716) t72-4S03

.^\

t^^

272

FIRST CIRCUMNAVIOATION OP COOK.

Islands
discovered.

Iluahcine.

CHAP. IX. buaemanu, assigned by Wallis to the honour of the
Duke of York and Sir Charles Saunders. The 16th was
hazy, with light and changeable winds, and little way was
made ; Tupia frequently prayed to his god Taiie for a
favourable gale ; and as he never began his address till
he perceived that a breeze was close at hand, he was
enabled to boast of his influence with his deity. At
length a gentle wind sprang up, and, on the morning of
the 16th, the voyagers were close to an island named
Huaheine, about seven leagues in compass, and with a
hilly and uneven surface. Several canoes came off, and
in one of them was Oree, the sovereign, who, with fre-
quent expressions of astonishment and wonder, ventured
on board ; and, as a proof of amity, exchanged names
with the chief officer, from whom he received several
presents, among which was a small plate of pewter, with
the inscription, " H is Britannic Majesty's Ship Endea-
vour, Lieutenant Cook, Commander, 16th July 1769.
Huaheine." Two or three days were passed at this
island, the inhabitants of which, though rather stouter
and of larger make, in other respects very closely
resembled the Otaheitans.

A sail of a few hours brought the navigators to
Ulietca or Raiatea, which was observed to be enclosed
within the same reef that surrounded Otaha, and several
lesser islets. A small low island seen to the north, was
by the natives called Tubal, and contained only three
families. Sailing a short distance to the north-west-
ward, on the 29th, tliey were close under the high and
craggy Peak of Bulabola or Borabora ; but, finding the
land inaccessible at that part, they stood off to weather
the south end. The next morning, they got sight of the
small island Maurua, and afterwards anchored on the
w^est side of Ulietea, for the purpose of stopping a leak
in the powder-room and taking in more ballast. The
lieutenant embraced the opportunity of waiting on
Opoony, the warlike sovereign of Bolabola, who had
conquered this and some of the neighbouring countries.
I'rom the reports of his achievements and the teiTor in

Xlalatca.

Opoony,
Rovereiijn of
Lulabola.

FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

273

whicli he was held, th? English expected to behold a CHAP. IX.
formidable personage ; but there appeared before them 71,^ society
a poor weak creature, infirm, decrepit, and sluggii^h, LJouds.
half blind from age, and wholly stupid. To the six
islands now visited, Ulietea, Otaha, Bolubola, Httaheine,
Tubal, and Maurua, with their dependent islets, Cook
gave the mime of The Society Islands, by which they
are still distinguished. They lie between 16° 10' and
16° 55' S. latitude, and 160° 67' and 162° W. longitude.

Oheteroa, considerably to the south or south-west, was OIicti.3 oa.
reached on the 13th August. The natives, s])lendidly
dressed in coloured cloths and feathers, stood on the
shore with long lances and clubs, ready to oppose a
landing. Attempts to conciliate them were fruitless ;
and the commanding officer having sttisiied himself
that no safe anchorage could be found, determined to
continue his course *o the southward. On the 25th,
the voyagei-s celebrated the anniversary of their de-
parture from England, " by taking a Cheshire cheese
from a locker, where it had been carefully treasured up
for this occasion, and tapping a cask of porter, which
proved to be very good, and in excellent order." * On
the 29th, they saw the remarkable comet of 1769 ; and f^i"^ct cf
Tupia, on observing it, exclaimed that as soon as it
should be seen by the people of Bolabola, they would
make war on those of Ulietea, and drive them to the
mountains. The Endeavour was in latitude 40° 22' S.,
and longitude 174° 29' W., on the 1st of September,
with a heavy sea from the westward, and no signs of
land. She then stood northward, and on the 24th, a
piece of seaweed and a bit of wood were observed in '"'I'cntions
latitude 33° 18' S., and longitude 162° 61' W. A seal " "^
was seen asleep in the water on the 27th, and three
days after innumerable flocks of birds were met with.
On the 6th, it was thought that there was a change in
the colour of the wator ; and at last, on the 6th, land
was seen from the masthead ; in the evening, it could

• Hawkesworth's Coll., vol. II. j). 281

;

274

FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

CHAP. IX. be descried from the deck, and appeared to be of great

extent*
Arrivni at As the voyagers slowly approached on the succeed-

Kcw Zcuiund j^g Jay, its dimensions still increased as it was more
distinctly seen. Four or five ranges of hills were dis-
cerned rising one above another, while, far inland, a
\ chain of mountains of vast height towered high over

all. Speculation was busy in conjectures on this great
country, and the general opinion on board was, that
the Terra Austbalis Incognita was at length dis-
covered. As they drew nearer, tliey could see that the
hills were clothed with wood, and that the valleys
sheltered some gigantic trees ; canoes were perceived
crossing a narrow bay ; houses, small but neatly built,
were descried ; beside one of them a crowd of people
were sitting on the beach ; and much curiosity was
excited by t high and regular paling which appeared
to enclose the summit of a hill. In the evening. Cook,
Banks, and Solander, went ashore with a party, and
endeavoured to open a friendly communication with
the islanders, but were obliged to shoot one of them in
self-defence. On examining his dress, it was found to
answer the representation given in an account of Tas-
man's Voyage ; and, indeed, our navigatora were now on
the New Zealand of that discoverer,* but on the opposite
coast to that which he had visited.

On the morning of the next day, the 9th, the lieu-
tenant again rowed to the beach, and found about fifty
of the natives waiting his landing. They started from
the ground, and brandished long pikes and short stone
weapons ; nor did they desist from defiance although
addressed by Tupia in the Otaheitan tongue, until they
saw the effect of a musket in striking the water at a
distance. As soon as the marines were brought up, the
English approached the savages, when their interpreter
again spoke to them, " and it was with great pleasure,"
sjiys Cook, " that we perceived he was perfectly under-

Inton'icw
with ilic
I'utives

Sec ubijve, p. 124.

FIUST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

275

stood." They expressed their willingness to trade for chap. ix.
provisions and M'ater, and desired tlie strangers to cross Hostlio"
the river which flowed between ; but they would not atiitiuio
lay down their arms, and Tupia saw good reason for zUkiiaci^
advising his friends to be prepared for hostility. The
islanders being in turn invited over, first one, then two
and, soon after, twenty or thirty, almost all armed, r

swam across. They attempted to seize the weapons of
the discoverers, and, though assured of death if they
persisted, one of tliera snatched a hanger, with which
he ran off, waving it round his head in exultation. The
rest now grew more insolent, and others were observed
coming from the opposite bank to their assistance. It
was judged necessary to take some measures to repress nicirrcfisat
them, and Mr Banks accordingly fired at the thief, who
was wounded, but still retreated, though more slowly,
flourishing the cutlass as before, '"r Monkhouse took
a more fatal aim, and the savage opped ; upon which
the main body, who had previously retired a little,
began to advance ; three pieces, loaded only v/ith small-
shot, were therefore discharged, when they again fell
back, and went slowly up the country, — some of them
evidently wounded.

Cook, intent on establishing an amicable intercourse I'nsncccssfni
with these intractable barbarians, determined to make an\^c"f,|p"^
some of them prisoners, and to treat them with kind- inteicguiso.
ness in the hope of inspiring general confidence. Two
canoes were soon after observed coming in from sea,
a !d boats were despatched to intercept them ; but they
endeavoured to escape, regardless of the fair promises
shouted after them by Tupia. A musket was then
fired over their heads, in the hope that " it would eithi r
make them surrender or leap into the water;" but thry
stripped for the combat, and assailed their pursuers so
vigorously with stones and other missiles, that t' ^
English were obliged to fire. Their discharge killed
four men ; while the rest of the crew, consisting of three
boys, one of whom offered a stout resist ince, were made '
captives. Justice to the memory of Cook requires us

«■

276

FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

CHAP. IX. to give a place to his own remarks on this most un-
Benovoient fortunate incident : — " I am conscious," he says, " that
rcflf-ctions of the feeling of every reader of humanity will censure
me for having fired upon these unhappy people ; and
it is impossible that, upon a calm review, I should ap-
prove it m^'self. They certainly did not deserve death
% for not choosing to confine in my promises, or not

consenting to come on board my boat, even if they had
apprehended no danger ; hut the nature of my service
required me to obtain a knowledge of their country,
which I could no otherwise effect than by forcing my
way into it in a hosale manner, or gaining admis^sion
through the confidence and good-will of the people. I
had already tried the power of presents without effect ;
and I was now prompted, by my desire to avoid further
hostilities, to get some of them on board, as the only
method left of convincing them that we intended them
no harm, and had it in our power to contribute to their
gratification and convenience. Thus far my intentions
certainly were not criminal ; and though in the contest,
wliich I had not the least reason to expect, our victory
might have been complete without so great an e:rpcnse
of life, yet, in such situations, when the comnvmd to
fire has been given, no man can restrain its excess, or
prescribe its effect."*

On being brought into the boat, the prisonere, who
had squatted down in expectation of death, were clothed
and amply fed. They soon became quite cheerful,
and asked questions with every appearance of pleasure
and curiosity ; but when night came on their spirits
failed them, and they sighed often and loudly. When
pacified in some measure by Tupia, they began to sing
a slow mournful song to an air much resembling a
])salm-tune. Daylight, however, and another copious
meal roused them to cheerfulness ; they were dressed
and decorated, and fell into transports of joy when
a.siured that they would be restored to their friends.

B'linvionr of
tliu captives.

Hawkpswortli's Coll., vol. ii. p. 200.

""flW*-

mmm

yj ll U P ^n iip iw rf . ' — . w wi wjf i w:.'

3 "^

Hi:

»r

i ».

'^*

ii?^

2/6

FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

CHAP. IX to pive

reHfctions of tlie fee

me tor
it is io
prove i
% for noi

consenl
ftppreln
require
\vhicli
\\'ny in
throng!
had all
mid I A
hostilit
mcthoi
no har:
gratific
certain
which
might

■u^!,■" he s.

B hnvionr of
tlie capUvea.

of life.,
fire ha
proscri

On
had sq
and a:
and at
and ci
failed
pacific
a slov
psjilm-
meal i
and d
ttssureu

. ..;■ humanity will eev^ire

, the«j unhiip}ty peo])Ie ; «»vl

■:, {.■>n a <'«lmrovn>\v, I bIh-u!'! >; -

Fhoy cf i-*innly did noMii'wrve d..*:'*

'i»Hif.'^ to cdiifi.le in my |iromisfSj or •'•''t

>g to omn* on h-- .j-d my boat, eVvu if tltiy li-ttl

idc'i Jio i\f,wi(fr ; Imt the nature of my ^o^vi^.*•

ini' to oiUftiii n ki!owkd.^e of their counir^,

could no olliorvvifit <fff<"t that} l>v t'orciii..' t"v'

I it in a l;0'^il« ii^aoMi r, or ^iuiuuig .'uliiMs.u a

the c'onfuienuc find gund-vvin of the p'iH>plf, i

uly picil thf po»M'r of prijseaUj without i^lV.^'t^

;s i;ow prompb'd, hy my deijiiv to avoid furvlirr

* ^ ■' •: ■ ' '.i»fd, ai ihc oi ly

ii:tiJi JoJ :!:'j'.n

•utfil'Ute 10 tlifir

.« •« my ii.tcuiioDS

'••.»gii HI ilu.! wmtcst.'

,. w .< I .; ■• H : ■.' II mj ixp<tt, <jur victoiy

\\iit hvi ;i coiufd«tL: withoiit hj gnat an cxp-.MHo

/et, in Siifh hituaLiuus, wiion Lht; couini.tiu! to

'teen e"iven, no laan c-an robtnln Ma txcesd, •.^r

jt.staV.ct."*

• hrun,:;ht into f.he hoat, the p-riboru-rs, who
IdcwiJ • ;.'itu »i *.f Je.'itli, wv-ri' cUfthoJ

^*-^.- ti b(.*3ft;ne quitii cKcerfnl,

*"i fipp.rtraric.e of plc;wuve
rM?,y ; iiut ^'«vcf., ^..>{jfeit r^mi- i>n their i^pirits
V in, and t!>fv -ipfi^'ii *"U'n niid loudly. VV'hcn
ii^. =.ome nie»i*«ure hy 'I'upia, they ho^ai t6 siii:;;
uvuiTnt'il ymg tu ;in air miuh rt-.suuiiiing a
'U\ Unylight* however, and anotlitr copious
,si'd them to cheeifuineK? ; they wci-o dres^'d

■ ivatcd, and fell int;) traa.si)o;-ts of jwy when

-. ,• ..,- ".T|^ -.,1, i' ',.'

r,.-.

• Hawke.swortli's Coll., vol. ii. p. 200.

2 3

S- O

I: =8

I
I

I'lii 'ill3illl'"v

"■' ^iii^^:piiiv:;!i:i'i;;''W|i|

M\f ' ■.:..V:r|

HHIi.

BHBHI'^"^

H^BI

:i 1^ Iiii

'' ill ' :;i

H . It '

l''

,.'1'''

„:. "'ill

i'i '''

!l ' i IM

jl ,ilil ■ s

/'^^vH

u^^BSI^^^^^^p

^^HHJill^^^^^l^^BI^^^^^^^^^^^^^K If]'* 11 IjUI

,11

-•'

'^^■;''!p !'^^'o

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i 1

iil"^^HHI

' II 1 i

^r-

-*»» ■■ ''■* II

.♦>

:' * h

V t-

i'^-

»■"

•■#»■

FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

27U

Being at first unwillingly put ashore on a point of the chap ix.
coast which they said belonged to their enemies, who Landinffof
would certainly kill and eat them, they had soon after- th« captiTviL
wards to seek protection in the boat. When landed a
second time, they waded into the water, and earnestly re-
quested to be again taken on board ; but the sailors had
positive orders to leave them, and they were in a short
time seen to join some of their associates. To the bay
in which these transactions took place Cook gave the
appellation of Poverty, — because nothing but wood
could be obtained : according to his calculation, it was
in lat. 38° 42' S. and long. 181° 36' W.

Leaving it on the 11th of October, he sailed south- cape Turn-
ward along the shore for six days, till he reached, '^n^^^
in lat. 40° 34' S., a high bluff head with cliffs of a
yellow tint, on whhh he bestowed the name of Cape
Tumagain. Finding no suitable harbour, and perceiv-
ing that the country manifestly altered for the worse,
he changed his course to the northward, and in two
days passed the spot where he first made the coast.
Still pursuing its windings, on the 30th he doubled a
high promontory of white rocks, which, from its position,
he called East Cape. He now found the land trending i:.,st Cii] e
in a north-westerly direction ; and, as he ran along it,
observed increasing signs of cultivation and fertility.
The next day a number of skiffs came off crowded with
warriors, who flourished their arms and uttered loud
shouts of defiance, frequently repeating Uaromaiy harO'
mai, harre uta a patoo-patoo oge ! " Come to us, come
on shore, we will kill you all with our patoo-patoos
[stone hatchets] !'* In the flotilla was a canoe, by far
the largest which had yet been seen, having no fewer Wui Canoe.
than sixteen paddles on each side, and containing in all
about sixty men. It was making directly for the ship,
when a gun, loaded with grape, was fired ahead of it ;
this caused the rowers to stop, and a round shot, which
was fired over them, falling in the water, filled them
with such terror that " they seized their paddles and
made towards the shore so precipitately that they seemed

280

FTR8T CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

CHAP. IX. scarcely to allow themselves time to breathe." The

Cape *P*^* where this took place wns named Cape Runaway ;

KuoAway. and a creek, in which the Endeavour anchored three
days after, was called Mercury Bay, from an observation
of the transit of that planet here made. This harbour
lay In latitude 36° 47' S., longitude 184" 4' W. ; and
Cook did not quit it before the 16th of November, after
taking formal possession in the name of his sovereign,
and recording upon a tree the date of his visit to the
country.

Cape Brett The coast still trended north-westward, and as he sailed
along, he kept as close to it as was consistent with safety.
On the 26th, he passed a remarkable point, which he named
Cape Brett, and three days after, anchored in a creek
lying to the west of that promontory, which received the
title of the Bay of Islands. He did not leave it till the
6th of December ; and passing, on the third day, a harbour
on which he bestowed the appellation of Doubtless, he
was informed by the natives, through the medium of
Tupia, that, ** at the distance of three days' rowing in
their canoes, the land would take a short turn to the
southward, and from thence extend no more to the
west." The same tribe also said that there was to the
north-west a large country, called Ulimaroa,* to which
some people had once saUed in a very large canoe, and
found that its inhabitants eat hogs. On the I7th, after
encountering much adverse weather. Cook made the

North Cape, northern extremity of the island, which he named North
Cape, in latitude 34° 22' S. and longitude 186° 66' W.+
He stood o£r and on this promontory till the 24th, when
he discovered the Three Kings* Islands of Tasman ; and.

I '

^■

* *^ Ulimaraa — qu*il faut lire sans doute Oudi-Mara^ peuple
d*un lieu expose i lachaleur dii soleil." — Voya^ autour du Monde,
par M. J. Dumont D'Urville (8vo, Paris, 1832), tome ii. p. 291.

f Another European vessel was at this time off the coast of New
Zealand,— that of M. de Surviile (see above, n. 236). The Doubt-
less^ Bay of Cook seems to be the same with tluit which the French
navigator, in honour of Law the celebrated projector, designated
Lauriston.

FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

281

on the SOth, perceived the Cape Maria Van Diemcn of ciur. ix.
the same navigator, — the north-western point of the^ "jj^^^i
country. Two remarkable circumstances are recorded V'lin Dieni.tn.
by Cook as occurring while he sailed round the ex-
tremity of New Zealand, namely, that in latitude 85''
south, in tlie midst of summer, there was a gale of wind,
such as, for strength and continuance, he had scarcely
ever experienced before ; and that five weeks were
spent in getting fifty leagues to the westward, — no less
than three of them in making only ten. Happily, during
the storm, hi«> ehh^ was far from land, — " otherwise,"
he says, " it is higl.'y probable that we should never
have returned to relate our adventures."

From Cape Marie, the coast was found to stretch Motmt
nearly south-east by south, and to present every where •^^K"*""*-
a barren shore, consisting of banks of white sand. In
proceeding along it. Cook sailed in the track of Tasman,
though in an opposite direction. On the 10th January
1770, he came in sight of a lofty mountain, in latitude
39° 16' S., longitude 186" 16' W., which, in honour of
the earl of that name, he designated Mount Egmont. In
appearance it resembled thti Peak of Teneriffe ; and its
summit, when occasionally seen towering above the clouds
which almost constantly enveloped it, was observ ed to be
covered with snow. The country at its base was level,
of a pleasant appearance, and thickly clothed with wood
and verdure. On doubling a cape, which received the
same title, he found himself in a large bay or opening,
the southern end of which he could not distinguish.
He sailed into it as far as latitude 40° 27' S., longitude
184° 39' W. In this position, besides the continuance
of the same coast, there appeared an island towards the
south, with several inlets, in one of which he resolved
to careen the ship and take in a stock of wood and
water. On the Ifith, accordingly, he anchored in a
convenient harbour, about four long cannon shot from a
fortified village, the inhabitants of which came off in
canoes, and, after surveying the ship, made signs of
defiance, and began the assault by a shower of stones.

Native
assuult.

282

FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

Reception of
a native.

Cook's
Strui ta-

li^

CHAP. IX. Tupia having expostulated with them, an old man
came on board, in spite of his countrymen's remon-
strances. He was kindly received, and dismissed with
presents, and on rejoining his companions, they imme-
diately commenced dancing, in token of peace. The
Otaheitan was sufficiently understood by them, and
learned that they had never before seen or heard of
such a vessel as the Endeavour ; from which it was con^
cluded that no recoUection was preserved of the visit of
Tasman, in 1642, though this must have been near the
place which he termed Murderers' Bay.

During his stay here. Cook, having ascended one of
the neighbouring hills, beheld, to his surprise, the sea
on each side of the island communicating by a passage
or strait, on the south side of which his ship now lay.
He soon after learned, what he had never before sus-
pected, that the country was divided into two islands,
the southern of which was called by the natives Tavai
Poenammoo, and the northern Eaheinomauwe.* Having
taken possession of the country in name of his sovereign,
he left the inlet (on which he bestowed the appellation
of Queen Charlotte's Sonnd) on the 6th of February, and
soon found himself rapidly borne through the channel,
which, in honour of its discoverer, geographers have
unanimously recognised by the name of Cook's Straits.
To the two capes which marked its eastern outlet, he
gave the titles of Palliserand Campbell, and on doubling
the former he stood to the northward, to determine a
question on which there virere some doubts, whether
Eaheinomauwe was really an islands On the 9th, he
came in sight of Cape Turnagain (termed by the natives
Topolo-Polo), and the point being thus clearly esta-
blished, he resumed his course to the south-east ; and
: unning quickly along the shores of Tavai Poenam loo.

Circnmnavi
Ration of
New Zealand.

* M. Diimont D'Urville, in January 1827, was assured hy two
natixes, that the southern island bore indifferently the title of KaV-
Kohoura or Tavai-Pounamou; and that the northern was called
Ika-Na-Mawi. — Voyajre autour du Monde, tome ii. p. 80.

FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

283

on the 9th of March reached its farthest extremity, in CIIAp. ix.
latitude 47° 19' S., longitude 192« 12' W., whicjh he —
named Cape South.* A sail of three days brought him
to Cape West, in latitude 46° 54' S. and longitude 193°
17' W., from which, along a coast trending townrds the
north-east, he proceeded so rapidly, that on the 26th he
reached a small island at the entrance of Q,ueen Char-
lotte's Sound.

Having now completely circumnavigated New Zea- iinmcwarJ
land, and being resolved to return home, Cook considered *""'®-
it proper to take the opinion of his officers on the route
to be pursued. His own wish was to go back by Cape
Horn, and thus determine the question of a southern
continent ; but, to effect this, it would have been neces-
sary to keep in a high southei-n latitude in the very
depth of winter, — an undertaking for which the vessel
was insufficient. The same objection was urged against
proceeding directly to the Cape of Good Hope ; and ** it
was therefore resolved," says our navigator, " that we
should return by the East Indies, and that with this
view we should, upon leaving the coast, steer westward
till we should fall in with the east coast of New Holland,
and then follow the direction of that coast to the north-
ward till we should arrive at its northern extremity ;
but if that should be found impracticable, it was farther
resolved that we should endeavour to fall in with the
land or islands said to have been discovered by Quiros." f

With this view, at dawn of the 31st March, Cook put Cape

to sea with a fresh gale, and took his departure from a '^ ^

which he named Cape Farewell. His course.

point

which lay almost due west, between the latitudes of 38°
and 40°, was nearly coincident with that of Tasman
from Van Diemen's Land to New Zealand. On the 16th

cap Slid de Cook forme aujourd'hui la pointe la pliiA mi»«
le lie qui a mis le nom de Stewart, et qui s'est troiivr*

I ny ' •• r»_r i_ j' a- J.. J'* u J_ I,'..

* «Le
trale d'une

detache de Tavai-Pounamou \>&r la decoiiverte du detroit de Fo-
veaux."— D'Urville, tome ii. p. 339; M. Balbi, Abr%e d« Geo-
graphie, p. 12H9.

f Hawkesworth's Coll , voL m. p. 29. See above, p. 96-100.

284

FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

8ign» of
vicinity of
land.

Hicks' Point

■Ji

\^'

CHAP. IX. of April, the voyagers observed an egg-bird and a
gannet, and on the next day a small land-bird alighted
on the rigging, but no bottom was found ivith 120
fathoms. A pintado-bird and two Port Egmont hens
were seen on the succeeding morning, and were con-
sidered certain signs of the vicinity of land, which
indeed was discovered on the following day, the 19th,
stretching from north-east to west.

The most southerly point, which received the name
of Lieutenant Hicks, who first descried it, was estimated
to lie in latitude 38° S. and longitude 211° 7' W. ; but
Cook could not determine whether it joined Van Die-
men's Land. Ho instantly made sail to the northward,
and on the 28tli was in latitude 34° S., when he dis-
covered a bay, in which he remained eight days. The
coast, so far as yet visited, was of a pleasing aspect, di-
versified by hills, valleys, and lawns, and almost every
where clothed with lofty trees. Smoke arose from the
woods in several places, and some inhabitants, four of
whom carried a small canoe upon their shoulders, were
observed walking briskly along the shore ; but, owing
to the surf which broke on every part of the beach, it
was impossible to approach them. On entering the
bay, a few huts and several natives were seen ; four
small canoes were likewise discerned, with one man in
each, so busily occupied in striking fish with a long
spear that they scarcely turned their eyes towards the
ship, which passed them within a quarter of a mile.
The anchor being cast in front of a village, preparation
was made for hoisting out a boat; during which an
aged female, followed by three children, issued from a
wood. They were loaded with boughs, and on approach-
ing a hut, three younger infants a-'vanced to meet
them ; but though they often looked at the ship, they
expressed neither fear nor wonder. The same want of
interest was shown by the four fishermen, who hauled
up their canoes, and began to dress their food at the fire
which the old woman had kindled. A party were sent
out to efiect a landing; but no sooner had they ap*

Native
fisliers.

Indifference
oitlionutivei.

FIRST CIRCUMNAYIOATION OF COOK.

285

proached some rocks than two of the men, armed with chap. ix.
lances about ten feet long, and short sticks, which it Tiireatof
was supposed they employed in throwing their spears, hostilities,
came down and called aloud in a harsh language quite
unknown to Tupia, brandishing their weapons in evi-
dence of their determination to defend the coast. The
rest ran off, abandoning their countrymen to an odds of
forty to two. Having ordered his boat to lie on her
oars. Cook made signs of friendship, and offered presents
of nails and other trifles, with which the savages seemed
to be pleased ; but, on the first symptom of a nearer
approach to the shore, they again assumed a hostile
bearing. A musket was fired between them, the report
of which caused the younger to drop a bundle of lances,
which he again snatched up, and a stone was thrown at
the English. Cook now directed small shot to be used ; Effect of
when the elder, being struck on the leg, ran to a hut, **'earujs,
from which, however, he instantly returned, bearing a
sort of shield ; when he and his comra ie threw each a
lance, but without inflicting injury. The fire of a third
musket was followed by the discharge of another spear ;
after which the savages ran off. It was found that the
children had hid themselves in one of the huts ; and,
without disturbing them. Cook, having left some beads
and other articles, retired with all the lances he could
find. Next morning, not one of the trinkets had been
moved, nor was a single native to be seen near the spot.

Small parties were met with at other places during Appearanoo
,, * . . u * i • • J oftheuutivcs.

the excursions m search of water, provisions, and na-
tural curiosities. The people were perfectly naked, very
dark coloured, but not black ; their hair was bushy, and
some very old men were observed with long beards,
while the aged females had their locks cropt short. They
subsisted chiefly on fish, dressed at fires both on shore
and in their canoes. The country was stocked with
wood, of which, however, only two kinds were thought
worthy the appellation of timber ; shrubs, palms, man-
groves, and a variety of plants, — many unknown to the
naturalists, — were plentiful ; birds, some of great beauty,

286

FmST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

CHAP. IX.
fiotany Bajr.

Cape

ri'ibulation.

\ '

abounded ; and there were several strange quadrupeds*
Such, to its first European visiters, appeared the charac-
teristics of Botany Bay, so called from the profusion oi
plants with which, through the industry of Messrs
Banks and Solander, that department of natural history
was enriched. To a harbour about three miles farther
north, " in which there appeared to be good anchorage,"
Port Jackson. ^Jook gave the title of Port Jackson, — a name which
has since become familiar in every quarter of the world.
On the banks of this noble inlet have risen the town^;
of Sydney and Paramatta, and its waters, on which 1000
ships of the line might ride in safety, are whitened by
the sails of almost every people of Europe.

On the 6th May, our navigator resumed his progress
northward along the coast, and in about a month had
advanced nearly 1300 miles. On the 10th of June, he
was off a point which he afterwards named Cape Tribu-
lation, in latitude W €' S., and longitude 214° 39' W.
near the position assigned to some of the discoveries of
Quiros, which certain geographers were of opinion
formed part of some great mainland. With a view to
see whether there were any in the offing, and to avoid
two low woody islets ahead, he hauled from the shore,
intending to stretch out all night, with the prospect of
a fine breeze and clear moonlight. About nine o'clock,
the water, which had deepened from fourteen to twenty-
one fathoms, suddenly shoaled, and, within the space of
a few minutes, fell to twelve, ten, and eight. Prepara-
tion was immediately made for putting about and com-
ing to anchor ; but the next cast of the line showing
deep water, it was thought the vessel had got over tho
shoals. Full twenty fathoms were next sounded, and the
de pth continued to increase ; so that the gentlemen who
had been summoned on deck retired to bed in perfect
security. A few minutes before eleven o'clock, how-
ever, Jhe water shallowed suddenly to seventeen fathoms,
and, before the lead could be again cast, the Endeavour
struck on a rock, and remained immovable except by
the heaving of the surge. Boats being immediately

TTie Endea
your on a
rock.

FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

287

hoisted out, it was found that she had been lifted over a
ledge, and now lay in a sort of basin, with only from
three to four fathoms of water in some places, and in
others not so many feet. An anchor was carried out
from the stern, in hopes that it would take ground
with sufficient firmness to resist the action of the cap-
stan, so that the ship might be moved into deep water ;
but every exertion to effect this was fruitless. Mean-
while the vessel beat on the rocks with such violence,
i\\at the crew could scarcely keep their footing ; and to
increase their dismay the light of the moon showed
them that the sheathing-boards had been separated from
the bottom, and were floating around. The false keel
followed, so that the only chance of safety seemed to lie
in lightening the ship. But she had struck at the
height of the tide, which was now fallen considerably,
and the next flow must return before that process could
be of any advantage. That all might be ia readiness,
however, the water was started in the hold and pumped
up ; all the guns on deck, the iron and stone ballast,
casks, and many other articles, were thrown overboard ;
while the crew became so impressed with their danger
that not an oath was heard, — ** the habit of profaneness,
however strong, being instantly subdued by the dread
of incurring guilt when death seemed to be so near."

At daybreak land was seen about eight leagues off ;
the ship still held together ; and the wind having hap-
pily fallen, and a dead calm ensuing, anchors were got
out and every thing prepared for heaving her off the rock ;
but, though lightened to nearly fifty tons, she did not
float by a foot and a half, so &r short was the tide of
the day to that of the night. Greatly discouraged, the
crew proceeded to diminish her weight still more, by
throwing overboard every thing that could be spared ;
but now the water, hitherto nearly excluded, rushed in
80 fast, that two pumps, incessantly working, could
barely keep her afloat ; and about two o'clock she lay
heelmg to starboard, while the pinnace, which was
under her bows, touched the ground. There could,

CHAP. IX

Fruitlem
exertiunit.

Critical
pubitiun.

Preparations
lor iieaviiiK
off the rock.

Rnshof
water into
the hold.

288

FIRST CIRCUMNAVIOATION OF COOK.

: CHAP. IX.

The Endea-
vour afloat

Fothering

successfully

employed.

Providential
escape.

I I

EndeaTOi:r
lilver.

therefore, be no hope of getting her cff till the mid-
night-tide, which began to rise by five p. m. About
that time the leak was observed to be rapidly increas-
ing ; and though by nine the ship righted, the water,
notwithstanding the action of three pumps, gained con-
siderably. Shortly after ten she floated, and was
heaved clear from the ledge into deep water. The
labour at the pumps had now totally exhausted the
men, none of whom could work beyond a few minutes,
when, falling down on the deck, their places were sup.
plied by others. Still they gained so considerably on
the water, that, by the following morning, no doubt
was entertained of the ship's ultimate safety. As the
leak, however, continued, and the toil of pumping was
excessive, Mr Monkhouse, who had formerly been in
like danger, suggested tlie expedient of fothering the
vessel, — that is, girthing round the bottom a sail pro-
perly covered with oakum, a >'l kept stretched by means
of ropes. It was tried, and answered so well, tha^ the
use of two pumps could now be dispensed with. On
the evening of the 12th, they cast anchor about seven
leagues from the land ; but it was not till the l7th, that,
a safe harbour having been found, the ship was hauled
ashore to undergo repairs. It was then discovered that
her preservation was due to a very singular circum-
stance. " One of the holes," says the commander,
" which was big enough to have sunk us if we had had
eight pumps instead of four, and had been able to keep
them incessantly going, was in great measure plugged
np by a fragment of the rock, which, after having made
the wound, was left sticking in it ; so that the water
which at first had gained upon our pumps was what
came in at the interstices betw^een the stone and the edges
of the hole that received it." *

A small stream near the spot where the vessel wa»
refitted received the name of Endeavour River. Here,
for the first time, Cook himself obtained a sight of the

* Hawkeswortirs CoIL, vol. iii. |x 155.

FIRST CIRCCMNAYIOATION OF COOK.

289

kangaroo, — a species of quadruped before that time un- chap, ix,
known to European naturalists. It had previously been .j^^ —
observed by some of his companions, and astonished Kangaroa
them by its extraordinary leaps, the speed of which set
a greyhound belonging to Mr Banks at defiance. It
was described by one of the sailors, who almost took it
for the devil, to be ** as large as a one-gallon keg, and
very like it ; he had horns and wings, yet he crept so
slowly through the grass, that if I had not been a/eard
I might have touched him."

The navigators left this spot on the 6th August, with ^"|^^
the resolution of pursuing a north-east course, and keep-
ing the pinnace in front to guide them by signals ; but
they were speedily compelled to cast anchor by sudden
shoal-water. On the following day, nothing was in
view but breakers extending on all sides, and far out to
the open sea, into which there seemed no entrance, ex-
cept through a labyrinth of coral rocks, in some parts
as steep as a wall, at others edged with patches of sand,
covered only at high water. Nearly a week passed
among these and other perils, when, getting between
the mainland and three small islands, they thought they
had discovered a clear opening. But the appellation
Cape Flattery denotes its deceptive promise, and they
still found themselves obliged to keep near the shore.
After a few days, they reached a channel which con-
ducted them beyond the breakers.

Early on the morning of the IGth, they were alarmed Dnngeron*
by the roaring of the surf, which at dawn they saw
foaming to a vast height at about a mile's distance ;
while the depth was so great, that they could not reach
the ground with an anchor. In the absence of wind to
fill a sail, the waves drove them rapidly towards the
reef. Boats were immediately sent ahead to tow the
vessel off, but they would have failed to save her had
not a light breeze moved her obliquely from the reel
when she was within 100 yards of it. In less than ten
minutes the wind again fell, and the ship was driven
towards the breakers ; it once more sprung up, and a

::.^£s=

2S)0

FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

Critical
position,

York Capo,
New South

'Wuicai

CliAP. IX. abort space was gained. Meanwhile an opening appeared
in the reef, by which, though not broader than the
length of the vessel, it was d«itermined to attempt a
passage Into the smooth water behind. But, before it
could be reached, the tide of ebb rushed out of it like a
miil-stream, and drove her off. This, though a consi-
derable disappointment, enabled the navigators, with
much exertion, to make an offing of nearly two mill s.
Their situation was nevertheless critical in the extreme,
till another narrow opening was seen to the west, tlirough
which they were hurried with amazing rapidity ; and
shortly afterwards cast anchor within the reef in nine-
teen fathoms, gratefully naming the passage through
which they had escaped Providential Channel.

On the 21st, Cook made York Cape, the most north-
erly point of the coast, in latitude 10° 37' S., longitude
218° 24' W. ; and having landed on a small Island, he
hoisted the English colours, and took possession of the
whole eastern coast of New Holland, from latitude
38° to latitude 10^° S., by the name of New South
Wales.

The discovery made by the companion of Quires, in
1606, of the strait between Papua and Australia, was, it
has been already mentioned, at this time entirely for-
gotten ;* and Cook, in sailing between them, settled the
much-agitated question, " Whether New Holland and
New Guinea were separate islands V* To the channel
which divides them he gave the name of his ship, by
which it is sometimes recognised, although more com-
monly known by the name of its first explorer, Torres.
Its length, from north-east to south-west, was reckoned
ten leagues ; and its breadth five, except at the north-
east entrance, where it was conti'acted to less than two
miles by certain islands. The voyagers left it on the
23d of August, and two days after had a narrow escape
from some shoals, which they approached within lialf-
ft^cablc's length. On the 3d of September, they landed

Torres

SUaitfi.

* See above, pp. 97, 109, 119, 132. 239, and 240.

FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

291

CRAP. IX.

New Galnea.

on New Guinea, near the Cape de la Colta St Bonaren-

tura, in latitude G° 15^ S. The natives resembled

those of Australia, but their skin was not so dark ; they

were equally naked, quite as hostile, and in possession

of a species of fire-arms which emitted ilame and smoke

like a musket ; but the short sticks from which these sin(mlarii«-

i3sued, and which were swung sideways from the bearer, "^° *"°*

made no report. It was uncertain if they projected

any thing that could do mischief at a distance ; for the

whole phenomenon, though it excited wonder at the

time, was impeifectly observed ; nor are we aware that

it has since been satisfactorily explained.

Our navigator now determined to proceed west^-ard Arrival at
towards the Straits of Sunda. On the 9th, he came in ^*^^
sight of Timor, and six days after anchored at Savu, or
Sou, an island to the west-south-west, colonized by the
Dutch, who succeeded the Portuguese in its occupation,
but at the time so little known to Europeans, that Cook
considered it as a new discovery. Leaving it on the
2l8t of September, he came to anchor on the 9th of the
following month in the road of Batavia, where it was
intended to repair the vessel. On their arrival, all the
ship*s company, except the Otaheitan, were in good
health, and even he, delighted with every thing he saw,
continued for a few days to improve in strength and
spirits. But, soon after, Tupia and others becanu' Sickrrss
alarmingly indisposed, and in a short space the sickness crew.**,
spread so much that only a very small number could per-
form duty. Mr Monkhouse, the surgeon, was the first vic-
tim to this pestilential spot ; Dr Solander was barely able
to attend his funeral ; Mr Banks lay confined to bed ;
some of his servants* were dangerously affected ; Tupia
and his boy were evidently sinking apace ; Cook himself
was taken ill : in short, the work of death had com-
menced, and threatened, if not speedily arrested, to
overtake the whole. Befom the Endeavour took her
departure, on the 26th of December, seven of her com-
plement had died, and the number of sick amounted to
forty. Among the deceased were Tayeto and his kind

iwmi II niaiaratiM

•M^m

292

FIRST CIRCUMNAVIOATION OF COOK.

CHAP. IX.

Death of
Tnpia and
Tayeto.

Dangerons
condition uf
tlie ship.

Great
mortality.

Arrival in
the Dowua

Great inter-
est excited
at home.

protector Tupia, ** who sunk at once after the loss of the
boy, whom ho loved with the tenderness of a parent."
On inspecting the ship, it was found that two planks
and the half of a third, under the main channel, near
the keel, had the extent of six feet so worn, as not to
be above the eighth of an inch in thickness ; :.nd even
this gauze-like partition, on which the lives of so many
had depended, was perforated by worms.

The remainder of the voyage was marked by an
alarming mortality, the seeds of which were no doubt
sown at Batavia. In the run from the western mouth
of the Straits of Sunda to the Cape of Good Hope,
which was reached on the 15th of March 1771) few
nights passed without a corpse being committed to the
deep, and those still able to move could not answer the
demands of the sick. In the course of six weeks, the
pestilence carried off Messrs Sporing and Parkinson,
both in the establishment of Mr Banks ; Mr C i-een, the
astronomer, and various others ; in all twenty-three
persons, besides the seven who died at Batavia, and Mr
Hicks, the first-lieutenant, who soon after fell a victim
to consumption.

The Endeavour left the Cipe on the 14th of April,
and on the 12th of June came to anchor in the Downs.

This memorable voyage excited among all classes
the most intense interest. " If," wrote Linnseus, from
Upsal, " I were not bound fast here by sixty-four years
of age, and a worn-out body, I would this very day set
out for London, to see my dear Solander, — that great
hero of botany. Moses was not permitted to enter
Palestine, but only to view it from a distance ; so I
conceive an idea in my mind of the acquisitions and
treasures of those who have visited every part of the
globe." At home, Mr Banks and his companions be-
came the objects of general curiosity ; their conversa-
tion was eagerly sought by the learned, the noble, and
the wealthy ; and even royalty found delight in listen,
ing to the adventures of the discoverers, and examining
the specimens of the arts and manu£Eictures which they

FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

*^93

had gathered in the distant countries they had ex- chap. ia.
plored.*

The manner in which Cook had discharged his duty nonnam anu
secured him almost universal approbation. He was ^H^^*^*^'
honoured with an introduction to his majesty at St
James's, when he presented a journal of his voyage*
with illustrative maps and charts ; and by a commis-
sion, dated 29th August 1771) he was promoted to the
rank of commander. With a becoming pride and con-
sciousness of his own merits, he was desirous to obtain
a higher station ; but his wish could not bo gratified
without violating the rules of the naval service.

* Interest attached itself even to the animals which were on
board the Endeavour in her eventful navi^tion; and Dr Johnson
condescended to write an indifferent epit^m on a goat wliich Mr
Banks had carried with him round the t;h)be : —

** Perpetua ambitA bis terra pnemia lactis
Use habet altrici Capra secunda Jovis."

- -^--^

S94 8EC0>D CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

CHAPTER X.

Second Circumnav^athn of Cook,

Ohjerts of the Voj^afife - Search for Bouvet's Land- The SouUipm
Continent— Aurora Australia — Arrival at New Zealand — Visit
to the Low Archipela^-Otaheite — Huahcine — Ulieteu— Re-
discovery of the Tonga or Friendly Islands— Sectind Visit to
New Zealand — Separation of the Ships— Search for the Terra
Australis resumed — Highest South Latitude attained — Danger-
ous Illness of Cook— Easter Island— Las Marquesas— The So-
ciety Islands — The Tonga Islands — New Hebrides— Discovery
of New Caledonia — Norfolk Island — Third Visit to New Zea-
land—Run across the Pacific — Survey of Tierra del Fuego and
Staten Land — Discovery of New South Georgia and Sandwich
Land — Return to the Cape of Good Hope — Adventures of Cap-
tain Furneaux — Conclusion of the Voyage— Honours paid to
Cook — His narrative of the Expedition— Oniai in England.

CHAP. X.

Pcsiilts of

Cook's

voyage.

New expedi-
tion pro-
tected.

Although, by circumnavigating New Zealand and
exploring the eastern coasts of New Holland, Cook had
exploded- the opinion so long cherished, that these
countries belonged to the great Terra Australis Incog-
nitay yet the question of a vast southern continent re-
mained undecided, and a belief in its existence was still
strongly entertained, both on physical and historical
grounds, by some of the most distinguished men of that
day. ''

Soon after the return of the Endeavour, it was re-
solved to prepare an expedition expressly to settle this
much agitated point. The Earl of Sandwich, then at
the head of the Admiralty, prosecuted the design with
ardour ; it received the cordial approbation of the king ;

;;

II I liiWI pj f i

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

29b

nnd Cook was at once chosen as the intlividunl to whom chap. x.
the execution of it ought to be intrusted.

On considering the nature and dangers of the voyage, 7.1,^. nu^iu.
it was deemed advisable that two vessels should act in tion und
concert. These were similar in size and construction
to the Endeavour, and had been built at Whitby by
the same person. The Resolution, of which Cook had
the command, was rated at 462 tons burden ; and the
Adventure,* of 336 tons, was placed under Captain
Fuineaux, who had sailed as second lieutenant under
Wallis. The former had a complement of 112, and
the latter of 81;, officers and men. Both were equipped Etiuipment
in the most complete manner, according to the science ""^^ "*"**
and experience of the period, under the eye of Lord
Sandwich ; and, besides the very best stores and provi-
sions, the Navy and Victualling Boards supplied a variety
of articles, intended for the preservation of the seamen's
health. Among these were malt, sour crout, salted
cabbage, portable broth, saloop, and mustard, — all well-
known antiscorbutics ; to which were added, for the
sake of trial, marmalade of carrots, and the inspissated
juice of wort ond beer. Clothing suitable to a cold
climate was put on board the ships, together with
ample materials for fishing, and articles to serve as pre-

* From an anecdote preserved by Boswell, it appears that it was Ntmes of the
originally intended to bestow other names on the vessels. " 21st vtss^ela.
March 1772. A i^ntleman haTin^^ come in who was to po as a
mate in the ship along with Mr Banks and Dr Solander, Dr John-
son asked what were the names of the ships destined tor the ex-
pedition. The gentleman answered. They were once to be called
the Drake and tne Raleigh, but now they were to be called the
Resolution and the Adventure. JoHKSOK. — * Much better; (or
had the Raleigh [the Drake ?] returned without goint^ round the
world, it would have been ridiculous. To give them tne names of
ihe Drake and the Raleigh, was laying a trap for satire.* Bos-
WELL. — ' Had not you some desire to go upon this expedition,
sir?' J0HN8OK.— ' Why, yes, but I soon laid it aside. Sir, there
is very little of intellectual m the course. Besides, I see but at a
small distance. So it was not worth my while to go to see birds
Hy, which I should not have seen fly ; and fishes swim, which I
should not have seen swim.'" — Boswell's Lite of Johnson (Mr
Croker's ed.), vol. ii. p. 138.

CHAP. X.

Native
presents.

Abandon-
ment ot the
expeditions
Ly Banlia.

296

111 construc-
tion of the
Resolution.

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

sents for the natives of the countries visited, and as
money for the purchase of provisions. Each vessel had
likewise the framework of a tender, to be set up, it
required, on any emergency. Nor were the interests
of science neglected ; Mr Hodges, an accomplished
artist, was engaged as draughtsman ; and Messrs Banks
and Solander having abandoned their design of ac.
company ing the expedition,* Mr John Reinhold For-

* An attempt has l)cen lately made to ascribe the change in Mr
Banks' intentions to the alleged moroseness of Cook^s tem|)cr. In
a report Irom a committee of the Geographical Society of Paris
(Annales Maritimes, January 1831), it is said: — '^Du reste le
caractere indexible et morose de cet intrepide marin rendit sou-
vent aux personnes appelees a servir sous ses ordres leur position
desagrcable. On se souvient que Banks renon9a a I'accompagner
dans son second voyage, bien qu'il efit tout dispose dans cette in-
tention." This charge appears destitute of the si i^ litest foundaiiwn.
During the first voyage, which extended to nearly three years, Sir
Joseph could not fail to become intimately acquainted with the pe-
culiarities of Cook's disposition; and knowing these so fully, it is
quite inconsistent with the decision and whole character of the late
President of the Royal Society, to suppose that he would have
determined to join the ex))edition, and made expensive arrange-
ments, only to ibrego his design when the hour of sailing was at
hand. Indeed, it is well known that he gave up his project only
** because the Navy Board showed no wilHngneas to provide that
accommodation which the extent of his preparations and the num-
ber of his scientific followers reqiiired." Ihe ibllowing statement
is given in the Annual Register for 177^ ({>• iO^)^ under the dateot
11th June: — " Mr Banks and Dr Solander were not consulted on
the choice of the ship; and on their olyecting to her want of ac-
commodation for their draughtsmen, &c., as well as to her want ot
room to stow the crew, the Navy Board undertook to give all those
conveniences, and patched the same ship with a round-house and
square deck, and without considering whether she could bear it,
manned and equipped her for the voyage. INIr Bunks, Dr Solander,
&c., examined her a second time ; found her convenient if she could
sail, of which they doubted, and reprted her top-heavy. Their
observations were disregarded; but a gale of wind arising, laid
her on her side without her having' a single sail unreeled, and she
could not for some time recover ; tliey ordered the long-boat to save
the crew, when unexpectedly she recovered. Notwithstanding
this accident, she was rejjorted good, and fit for the voyjige, and
was ordered to Plymouth. The pilot obeyed these orders, sending
word he could not ensure her out of the river. At last it was
found the farce could not be carried on longer, and the reports on
which the Navy Board proceeded were found false; expresses were
sent along tlie coast to Deal, &c., to order her into the nearest

SECOND CIRCUMNATIOATION OF COOK.

297

ster * and his son were employed as naturalists. Parlia- chap X.
ment made a grant of £4000, *' as an encouragement for Pftrii7inK5»-
the more e£fectually prosecuting the discoveries towards lury panL

dock to Sheerness, if they could overtake her: this was no difficult
task; for while the other ships cleared the Downs, she did not
make one knot an hour. She was put into dock; they cut oiF her
round-house and part oC her deck, reduced the cabin, and put her in
the same unfit situation she was in when first objected to ; and
then the question was politely put to Mr Banks, Take this or none.
Mr Banks has laid out several thousand pounds for instruments,
&c., preparatory for the voyage ; Mr Zoffani (a well-known piiinter)
near £1000 for necessaries, and the other gentlemen very considei^
able Slims on that account."

* This voluminous author was bom at Dirschau, in Polish Prus- joj,j, Reln-
sia, on the 22d October 1729. He came to Enjfland in 176*), and jiold Foster,
was enjraged by the ArlmiraUy as naturalist to Cook's expedition
a* *lie brief warning often days. His unfortunate temper involved
him in continual broils with his shipmates, one of whom informs us,
that Forster in these disputes so often used the threat, " I will
complain to the king !" that the expression became proverbial
among the seamen, and was jocularly employed by them on the
most trifling occasions. He took with him in this expedition his
sou John George Adam (more commonly allied George), then 17
years old, who published an account of the circumnavigation under
the title of " A Voyaji;:: round the World in his Britannic Majesty's
Sloop Resolution," London, 1777* 2 vols 4to. A translation into
German ap[>eared at Berlin in 1779-17^0. The numerous and of-
fensive attacks upon the conduct of the officers and crew called forth
ii cutting pamphlet from the astronomer, entitled, " Remarks on Mr
Forster s Account ol'Captain C«M)k's Last Voyage. By VVm., Wales,
F.R.S.," London, l77o, Uvo; which occasioned a "Reply to Mr
Wales' Remarks, by Mr Forster," Loudon, 1778, Hvo. In the
succeeding year, he published " A Letter to the Earl of Sand« His works,
wich," London, 1779, 4to, in which he attempted to prove that he
and his father were not rewarded sufficiently, nor agreeably to the
contract, for their services. It was commonly supposed at the
time, that the account of the voyage was the joint pmdiiction ot
both; but this was denied by George. The style is inflated and
pompous, the reflections are for tl." n.oFt part in a verv false taste,
and the work is disfigured throughout by thai 'Superficial and fanci-
ful philosophy which the writings of Lord Kainies have rendered
well known in Scotland. John Reinhold gave to the public '• Ob-
servations made during a Voyage round the World on Physical
Geography, Natural tlistory, and Ethical Phil(>.s(»pliy," London,
1770, 4to. He died at Halle in Germany, on the 9th December
179f{, aged 70; his sou deceased at Paris on the I'itli January tl'M,
in tile 40th year of his life. — Memoirs by Evries. in Biograpliie
Universelle. vol. xv. p. 282-290. Nichols' I^itcuuv Anecdott'S,

vol. iii. p. 90 92, note.

298

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIOATION Of COOK.

\-i

Sailing of the
expedition.

Objects to \>i
aimed at.

CHAP. X. the South Pole ;" and, by agreement with the Boai-d
of Longitude, two gentlemen of distinguished acquire-
ments, Messrs Wales and Bayly, furnished with the best
instruments and timepieces, undertook the astronomical
department.

The ships thus equipped joined in Plymouth Sound,
on the 3d of July 1772 ; and, after a farewell visit from
Lord Sandwich and Sir Hugh Palliser, Cook received
his instructions, dated the 25th of the preceding month.
They directed him to proceed to the Cape of Good Hope,
where he was to refresh his crews, and take in provi-
sions. He was then to sail to the southward in quest
of a point of land named Circoncision, said to have
been discovered in latitude 64° 20' S., and between nine
and eleven degrees of east longitude. In the event of
falling in with it, he was to satisfy himself whether it
belonged to an island, or formed part of the Terra Aus-
tralia so long sought and to explore it as diligently and
extensively as possible. This being accomplished, or in
case he should not find the cape, he was to proceed to
the southward, so long as he thought there was a likeli-
hood of falling in with a continent, and thence towards
the east with the same view : and, generally, he was
instructed to discover such islands as might exist in the
unexplored part of the southern hemisphere, keeping in
high latitudes, and prosecuting his inquiries as near the
pole as possible, until he had circumnavigated the globe.

The cape mentioned in the instructions had been
visited, it was reported, by a French officer, M. Lozier
Bouvet, who, on the 19th July 1738, sailed from Port
POrient in command of two frigates, to search for land
about the latitude of 44° S., longi*"de 366" eastward
from Teneriffe, where some ancient i.iarts had placed a
promontory of the Southern Continent. On the ist
January 1739, in latitude 64° 20' S., longitude 26° 47'
east from the same meridian, he got sight of land, which,
in honour of the day, was named Cape de la Circonci-
sion. It was high and steep, the mountains were for
the most part covered with snow, and the coast was

Royiortcd

French

discuveries.

,-"^

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

299

Sovore
weather.

bordered with ice. From the state of the weather no CHAP. X.
boat could prudently attempt to reach it ; and the navi-
gators left it without being able to determine whether
it was part of a continent or an island.*

Cook took his departure from England on the 13th
July ; made the Cape of Good Hope on the 29th Octo- Anciiorinff in
ber ; and next morning anchored in Table Bay, where "^^^^^ '*'*>•
he remained till the 22d of November. Before sailing,
he was induced, by the solicitation of Mr Forster, to
receive on board, as an assistant to the naturalists, Dr
Sparrmann, by birth a Swede, and a disciple of Linnseus.

The course was first directed towards the discovery of
Bouvet ; but adverse and stonny winds drove the navi-
gators far to the eastward of their intended track, and
left them no hopes of reaching the desired promontory.
They likewise lost the greater part of their live stock,
and underwent no little inconvenience by the rapid
transition from the warm climate of the Cape to that
incident to the latitude of 48° 41' S., which, in the lon-
gitude of 18° 24' E., they had attained on the 6th of
December. On the 10th, they found themselves two
degrees farther south, and for the first time descried
islands of ice, some of which were upwards of fifty feet
in height ; while such was the fury of the waves, that
the sea broke quite over them. The latitude of Point Low ten-.-
Circoncision was attained on the 13th ; but the voyagers r*^''*'^''' '^"'^
considered themselves about 118 leagues to the eastward
of its position. On the morning of the next day, their
course to the south was arrested by an immense field of
ice, to which they could see no end, either in the east,
west, or south. Some of them, and Cook himself at one
time, thought land was discernible over it ; but tliis de-
lusive appearance, it was soon discovered, had been occa-
sioned by ice-hills observed through a hazy atmosphere.
Several days were spent in sailing along this impene-
trable mass, or in clearing various islands which were
floating near it. The weather, meanwhile, was gen-

• '■

• Burney, Chron. Hist. Discov., vol. v. p. 30-37.

300

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

CHAP. X.

Symptoms
of scurry.

Search for a

southern

continent

l>!

Crossing tho

Aiitartic

circle.

Field ice.

erally foggy, with sleet and snow, from which the whole
crew suffered much, though the thermometer did not
descend below 30". Symptoms of scurvy in both vessels,
at the same sime, excited some uneasiness ; but by the
copious use of fresh wort, these were removed.

On the supposition that the ice which had been en-
countered was formed in bays and rivers, it seemed pro-
bable that, as land could not be far distant, it might lie
beyond the large field which alone barred the approach
to it. Cook determined to run thirty or forty leagues
to the east, then endeavour to steer southwards, and, by
getting behind the ice, set the question at rest. But,
though he proceeded in this direction for some time, and
afterwards sailed both to the south and the west of the
alleged position of Bouvet*8 discovery, he neither fell in
with it nor observed any certain indication of land.
Penguins, indeed, were seen in abundance, birds which,
as is commonly believed, never go far from shore.

On the 4th of January 1773, he quitted a part of the
sea which he had amply explored, and took a course
more to the south. On the l7th, he crossed the antarc-
tic circle in the longitude of 39° 36' ; but about six
o'clock the same evening, in latitude 67° 16' S., he
found that farther progress in that direction was imprac-
ticable, " the ice being entirely closed to the south, in
the whole extent from east to yest-south-west, without
the least appearance of any opening.'* This vast body
was composed of masses in the various forms of high
hills, loose or broken pieces packed closely together, and
what the Greenlandmen call field-ice. One floating
portion of this last kind, to the south-east, was of such
size, that no end to it could be aeen from the mast-head ;
it was sixteen or eighteen feet in height, and pretty
equal on the surface. In this situation many whales
were observed ; the brown, white, and blue petrels
were met with in considerable numbei-s, together with a
few dark-gray albatrosses ; but the pintados, so common
in lower latitudes, had wholly disappeared. Amid the
dangers and privations to which the discoverers had been

r ^

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

301

SO long exposed, they were enabled to command an in- chap. X.
exhaustible supply of fresh water, by dissolving portions guppiT^f
of ice which had been allowed to remain on deck a fresh water,
short time, for the purpose of draining off the salt which
adhered to the surface ; and in this manner, in the space
of a few hours, no less than fifteen tuns were obtained.
It was perfectly sweet and well tasted.

The summer of those southern regions was already change of
half spent, and Cook did not consider it prudent to p6r- <'"""®'
severe in the attempt to reach a higher latitude, espe-
cially as some time would be consumed in getting round
the ice, even if this were practicable, which he doubted.
He therefore resolved to proceed in search of lands said
to have been lately discovered by some French officers,
of whose enterprises he had received a meagre report at
the Cape o'c Good Hope. In prosecution of this object,
he first sailed north over part of the sea already tra-
versed, and then north-east, till, on the 1st of February,
he reached latitude 48° 30', nearly in the meridian of
the Mauritius ; but though he used the precaution of
keeping some miles distant from the Adventure, with a
view to more extensive seaich, neither that vessel nor
his own got sight of land. On the day last mentioned, ^"'^^'^f'/'n^^
indeed, Captain Furneaux pointed out circumstances
which seemed to indicate its vicinity ; but there was no
possibility of determining whether it lay to the east or
the west ; and the state of the winds prevenced com-
plete investigation. Other signs of a similar kind were
subsequently noticed ; but they 1 id to no result ; and
our navigator, when in latitude 48° 6', and longitude
68"^ 22' E., being satisfied that if there was any land
near him it could only be an island of inconsiderable
extent, bore away to the east-south-east. A separation
between the two vessels took place on the 8th, " though," tiie"e»se^"
says Cook, " we were at a loss to tell how it had been
effected." He continued to pursue a south-east course,
and was tantalized by some indications of land, espe-
cially the appearance of penguins and other birds, but
found them deceptive. On the l7th, for the fii-st time.

302

SECOND CIRCUHNATIOATION OF COOK*

CHAP. X.

Anrora
Australia

Luminous
arch.

Dangers
from Ice.

he saw luminous appearances in the heavens similar to
those in the other hemisphere, which have been named
Aurora Borealis or Northern Streamers. " The natural
state of the heavens," says Mr Wales, " except m the
south-east quarter, and for about 10° of altitude all
round the horizon, was a whitish haze, through which
stars of the third magnitude were just discernible. >11
round, the horizon was covered with thick clouds, out
of which arose many streams of a pale reddish light
that ascended towards the zenith. These streams had
not that motion which they ave sometimes seen to have
in England, but were perfectly steady, except a small
tremulous motion which some of them had near their
edges." This remarkable phenomenon recurred several
times ; and on one occasion, writes the astronomer, " the
evening was very clear, and the Southern Lights were
exceeding bright and beautiful, and appeared of a semi-
circular or rainbow-like form, whose two extremities
were nearly in the east and west points of the horizon.
This bow, when it first made its «\ppearance, passed a
considerable way to the north of the zenith ; but rose
by degrees, turning, as it were, on its diameter, and,
passing through the zenith, settled at length towards
the southern horizon. These lights were at one time so
bright that we could discern our shadows on the deck."*
On board the Adventure, as we are assured by Mr Bayly,
" they were so bright that large print might have been
read by their light"

Cook had intended again to penetrate beyond the an-
tarctic circle, notwithstanding the advanced season of the
year and the severity of the weather ; but huge masses
of ice, broken and driven about by a heavy sea, and
with which, during dark nights, it was scarcely possible
to avoid coming in contact, deterred him from the de-
sign. He therefore stood to the north-eastward, and on
the 8th of March attained latitude 69° 44' S., in longi-

* Astronomical Observations made in a Voyaue towards the
South Pole, Lond. 1777 4to, po. 343, 344.

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

303

tude 121° 9' E., where, besides the pleasure of a bright chap. x.
sky and an atmosphere as serene and mild as had oc- aeTerestorm
curred since leaving the Cape of Good Hope, there was
that of having not a single island of ice in sight. In
the afternoon, however, the heavens portended a storm,
which speedily came on, and lasted till the evening of
the 10th, attended by a very high sea, and followed by
a long hollow swell from S.S.E. and S.E. by S. "Who-
ever attentively considers this," says Cook, " must con-
clude that there can be no land to the south but what
must be at a great distance." A return of moderate
weather would have inclined him to venture in that
direction ; but he was soon convinced that he had gone
far enough, and that the time was approaching when
those seas could not be navigated.

On the 17th, he was in latitude 5Q° T S., and Dusky Bay,
longitude 146° 63' E., when, having determined to quit New Zealand
the high southern latitudes, he bore away north-east
and north, and on the 2Sth of March came in sight of
New Zealand. The next day he anchored in Dusky
Bay, after being 117 days at sea, and having in that
time sailed 8660 leagues without once seeing land. It
might have been apprehended that a voyage of such
length, in a region so inclement, could not be performed
without the prevalence of scurvy ; but only one man
suffered much by that disease, to which he was predis-
posed by a bad habit of body and by a complication of
other disorders. The general good health of his crew
was by Cook attributed mainly to the liberal use of
sweet wort, and to the frequent airing of the ship by
fires.

A more commodious harbour having been discovered harbour^*'^
by Lieutenant Pickersgill, whose name was given to it,
the ship was removed thither on the 28th, and all hands
were speedily busied in obtaining water, cutting down
wood, setting up the observatory, forge, and tents,
brewing beer from the branches or leaves of the spruce-
fir, seeking provisions, botanizing, and exploring the
country. The transition from their late wearisome

1 <'i

304

SECOND CIRCrMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

General
delight of
the crew.

Description
of the
scenery.

CHAP. X. monotony of life to such employments was made with
general delight. For a long time the crew had been en-
gaged in continual struggles to evade masses of ice
which threatened destruction every moment, amid
storms and mists, and without either refreshment or
sight of land. They now found themselves in a genial
climate and a fertile country, the woods of which were
mellowed by the tints of approaching autumn, and re-
sounded with the songs of strange birds. " The view
of rude sceneries in the style of Rosa," writes Mr
Forster, "of antediluvian forests which clothed the
rock, and of numerous rills of water which every where
rolled down the steep declivity, altogether conspired to
complete our joy ; and so apt is mankind, after a long
absence from land, to be prejudiced in favour of the
wildest shore, that we looked upon the country at that
time as one of the most beautiful which nature, un-
assisted by art, could produce."* The more sober-
minded Cook tranquilly "hoped to enjoy with ease
w^hat in our situation might be called the luxuries of
life." An examination of the bay convinced him that
there were few places in New Zealand yet visited which
afforded the necessary refreshments so plenteously ; and
we are informed, that notwithstanding the rains, which
were frequent at this season, " such as were sick and
ailing recovered daily, and the whole crew soon became
strong and vigorous, which can only be attributed to the
healthiness of the place and the ^sh provisions it af-
forded."

The navigators left Dusky Bay on the 11th May, and
proceeded along the shore towards Queen Charlotte's
Sound, meeting with nothing worthy of remark till the
l7th, when a gentle gale having sunk into a calm, and
a clear sky becoming suddenly obscured by dense clouds,
several waterspouts were seen. Four of them rose and
spent themselves between the ship and the land ; the
fifth was outside the vessel ; while the sixth, which

Water
Bpuut^

Forster*s Voyage, vol. i. p. 124.

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

305

first appeared in the south-west at the distance of two
or three miles, and had a progressive motion in an
irregular line to the north-east, passed harmlessly with-
in fifty yards of the stern. ** I was then below looking
at the barometer," says Mr Wales ; " when I got upon
deck it was about 100 yards from the ship. It is im-
possible to say what would have been the consequences
if it had gone over her ; but I believe they would have
been very dreadful. ... I think that none of
these spouts continued entire more than ten minutes,
perhaps not quite so long. I saw four complete at one
time ; but there were great numbers which began to
form, and were dispersed, by what cause I know not,
before the cloud and water joined." *

Queen Charlotte's Sound was reached at dawn of the
following day, and general satisfaction was diifused by
the tidings that the Adventure was in the harbour.
Captain Fumeaux had lost sight of his consort in a
thick fog, and after firing a gun every half hour as a
signal without receiving an answer, and having passed
three days, according to agreement, in a cruise as near
as possible to the same place, he bore away several
degrees north of Cook's track towards Van Diemen's
Land. He made the farther extremity of this island on
the 10th March, and having, examined its southern and
eastern shores, came to the opinion, " that there are no
straits between New Holland and Van Diemen's Land,
but a very deep bay." On the 19th, when in about 39
degrees of latitude, with land in view, finding "the
ground very uneven and shoal- water some distance off,"
he discontinued his northerly course and stood away for
New Zealand. A passage of fifteen days having brought
him to the coast of that country, he entered Ship Cove
on the 7th April, from which period till the arrival of
the Resolution he had held a peaceable intercourse with
the natives.

No long stay was made in the sound after the junction

CHAP. X

Danger to be
appreheoded

Queen

Charlottrt'a
Sound.

Rennion of
the Resolu-
tion and
Endcai'our.

* Astronomical Observations, p. 346.

306

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

Prosecution
of the
voyage.

CHAP. X. of the vessels, Cook resolving, notwithstanding the season
of winter, rather to traverse the ocean as far as the longi-
tude of 136° or 340° W. between the latitudes of 41**
and 46°, than to remain idle, and thus increase the work
to be performed in the ensuing summer. He had in-
tended to visit Van Diemen's Land, in order to deter-
mine whether or not it made a part of New Holland ;
but he remarks, " as Captain Fumeaux had now in a
great measure cleared up that point, I could have no
business there." * Before leaving New Zealand, he en-
deavoured to benefit it as far as possible by sending two
goats on shore, and by sowing or planting many seeds
and roots of useful vegetables.

Tlie voyage to the e.istward commenced on the 7th
June. It was prosecuted till the 17th July, when, in
latitude 39° 44', longitude 133° 32' W., and nearly in
the middle between his own track to the north in 1769,
and his return to the south in the same year, Cook,
seeing no signs of land, steered noi*th-easterly, with a
view to explore the sea down to latitude 27°, — "a

Benevolent
proceedings.

Unsuccessful
search fur
land

space;

says.

"that had not been visited by any
preceding navigator that I knew of." On the 1st
August, he was near the situation assigned by Carteret
to Pitcairn's Island ; but, failing in his hope of finding
it, without a delay which the sickly state of his consort's
crew rendered inexpedient, and being convinced there
could be no continent between the meridian of America
and New Zealand, unless in a very high southern lati-
tude, he turned his course towards Otaheite.

Daybreak of the 11th revealed land in the south. It
proved to be an island about two leagues in extent, and

* It is to 1)6 re£rretted that Cook, in his reliance on Captain Fur-
neanx abandoned his design of personally investigating this point:
had he done so, without over-estimating his skill or sagacity, we
may express our confidence that he would have anticipated the im-
portant discovery^ made by Messrs Flinders and Bass in i7U8, of
the channel named Bass's Strait, separating Van Diemen's Land
from Australia. An interesting account of this gallant expedition
will be found in Flinders* Voyage to Terra Australis (Lond. 1814,
4to), vol. i. p. 138.193.

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIOATION OP COOK.

307

covered with wood, '* above which the cocoa>nut trees CHAP. X
showed their lofty heads." It was reckoned to he in Rpgoj^tion
latitude 17° 24' S. and longitude 141° G9' W., and and Doubtful
received the name of Resolution. The same day, **''"'^
another was discovered, and called Doubtful. One
which was seen the next morning was entitled Fur-
neaux ; and the designation of that officer's ship, the
Adventure, was given to a third descried in the morning
of the 13th. " I must here observe," says Cook, " that
amongst these low and half-drowned isles (which are
numerous in this part of the ocean) M. Bougainville's
discoveries cannot be known to that degree of accumcy
which is necessary to distinguish them from others.
We were obliged to have recourse to his chart for the
latitudes and longitudes, as neither the one nor the other
is mentioned in his narrative. . . . He \ery pro-
perly calls this cluster the Dangerous Archipelago. The
smoothness of the sea sufficiently convinced us that we
were surrounded by these isles, and how necessary it
was to proceed with the utmost caution, especially in
the night." *

At length, on the 16th August, he came in sight of MaHca
Osnaburg Island or Maitea, when he apprized Captain
Fumeaux of his intention to put into Oaitipiha Bay,
near the south-east end of Otaheite, to get what refresh-
ments he could before resuming his old station at Mata-
vai. But in this attempt, which was made early next
day, he barely escaped total shipwreck on the coral reefs,
in presence of many of the natives, who, probably from
ignorance of his danger, showed not the slightest con-
cern. When safely within the harbour, few of them by'the'
inquired after Tupia, but many for Mr Banks, and natives,
others whom they had known during the previous visit.
The cause of their countryman's demise, as explained to
them, was deemed quite satisfactory ; and, " indeed,"
says Cook, " it did not appear to me that it would have
caused a moment's uneasiness in the breast of any one.

Rpcosmitioo

11:

Voya^ towards the South Pole, vol. i. [). 142

^» '

SOS

SECOND CIRCUAINAVIGATION OP COOK.

CHAP. X

Native
cupidity.

Visit and
gifts to l(ing
Otoo.

Grief of the
deceased
reitcnt's
muiLcr.

Kative enter
taiiiiucQU.

had his death been occasioned by any other means than
by sickness." The captain's rigid system of policy, for
tlie protection or recovery of stolen goods was soon
found to be as necessary and as efficacious as on the
former occasion.

The vessels removed to Matavai on the 26th, by
which time the crew of the Adventure had greatly re-
covered. The voyogers met with many acquaintances
among the crowd who speedily thronged the decks ; and
next day Cook visited Otoo, tiien sovereign of part of
the island, whose friendship was essential in obtaining a
supply of provisions. Suitable presents were accord-
ingly offered and accepted, and, in return, his majesty
promised some hogs, but was loath to go on board, being,
as he said, " mataou no te jMupoue;** that is, afraid of
the guns. Indeed, all his actions showed timidity ;
though he at last ventured to visit the ship, attended by
a numerous train. A more touching interview took
place with the mother of the regent Tootahah, wl?o,
seizing the commander by both hands, burst into
tears, and told him his friend was dead. " I was so
much affected with her behaviour," he writes, " that it
would have been impossible for me to have refrained
mingling my tears with hers, had not Otoo come and
taken me from her." He afterwards learned that
Tootahah had fallen in battle, and that his remains, after
being exposed on a tupapow or open shed, where they
were honoured with the customary rites of mourning,
were deposited in the family marai at Oparee. The
good understanding thus commenced was kept up by
reciprocal acts of kindness and attention. The island-
monarch and his people were gratified by the music of
the bagpipe, their favourite instrument, and by the
dances of the seamen ; while the English were enter-
tained with a dramatic play, or heava^ a medley of
dancing and comedy. All the fruits which the country
produces they obtained abundantly, except that of the
bread-tree, which was not then in season ; but owing to
intestine wars and other circumstances, bogs and fowls

we
foi
tec

isl

(

■HHH

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIQATIOK OF COOK.

300

caAP.x.

Uuubuiua

Tiipnpow and Chief Mourner.

were procured witli difficulty,— only twenty-four of the Tapapow.
former lur *ng been received during a residence of seven-
teen days.

On the Ist of September, our navigator set sail for the Reception
island of Huaheine, which he made the next day.
Before landing, the king, his ancient friend Oree, sent
to the ships the piece of pewter which had been left
with him in July 1769. Cook wished to go to this kind-
hearted prince ; " but I was told,*' he says, ** that he
would come to me ; which he accordingly did, fell upon
my neck, and embraced me. This was by no means
ceremonious ; the tears which trickled plentifully down
his venerable cheeks sufficiently bespoke the language
of his hearts" During their short stay the English re-
ceived every mark of friendship, and procured no fewer jriendahipi
than 300 hogs, besides fowls and fruits. On the 7th,
Cook bade adieu to this gentle monarch, leaving with
him a small copper plate, with the insciiption, " An-
chored here, his Britannic Majesty's Ships Resolution

Murk of

■^k

im^mmmmmnmf

CUAF. X

Omia re-
ceived on
buard.

Oharaaneno
iiurbour.

Native

diamttlc

BkilL

Vow re
pui'suud.

310

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

and Adventure, September ■'V73." Before his depar-
ture, Captain Furncaux consented to take on board a
young mar named Omai, a native of a neighbouring
island. In the opinion of Cook at that time, " he was
not a proper sample of the inhabitants of these happy
islands, not having any advantage of birth, or acquired
rank, nor being eminent in shape, figure, or complexion."

The ships reached Ulietea the same evening, and
spent the night in beating off and on the island, guided
by the lights of the fishei*s on the reefs and shores. On
the morning oi:* the 8th. they anchored in the harbour of
Ohamaneno, and the natives immediately crowded around
them, eager to barter hogs and fruit. The chief, Oreo,
displayed a great affection for the Europeans, and grati-
fied them with the performance of a keavn. The scenes
which most interested them in this rude drama repre-
sented a theft, which was accomplished in so dexterous
a manner as clearly to indicate the genius of the people.
Cook looked for the termination of the piece with some
curiosity, — anticipating the death, or at least hearty
beating of the culprits ; but in this he was disappointed,
both principal and accomplices escaping in triumph with
their booiy. At this place he took on board a youth of
about seventeen or eighteen years of age, named Oedid^e
or Mahir3, a native of Bolabola, and nearly related lo
Opoony, the warlike sovereign of that island.

The discoverers departed from Ulietea on the l7th,
and steered to the west, inclining to the south, that
they n ight avoid the tracks of former voyagers, and get
intc the latitude of the islands discovered by Tasman
and named Middleburgh and Amsterdam,* but now
known as two of the principal of the Friendly or Tonga
archipelago. On the 23d, in latitude 19"^ 18' S., longi-
ttige 168° 54' W., they fell in with two or three small
islets, surrounded by breakers, like most of the low isles
in this sea, and gave them the appellation of Hervey.
On the 2d October, they got. abreast of Middleburgh

* See above, p. 125-128.

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

311

(called by the inhabitants Eooa), where an immense
crowd gave them welcome wiih loud shouts, thronged
round the boats, in which they rowed towards the land,
ulfered native cloth and other articles in exchange for
beads, and seemed more anxious to give than to receiv?.
A chief conducted them to his dwelling, which was
built on the shore, ** at the head of a fine lawn, and
under the shade of some shaddock-trees, in a situation
which was most delightful." Here they were enter-
tained with songs, and invited to join in a cava feast ;
but, says Cook, " I was the only one who tasted it ; the
manner of brewing it having quenched the thirst of
every one else,'' The unceasing kindness of the people,
who vied w'*h each other in their endeavours to please,
made our countrymen regret that the season of the year
precluded a longer stay.

On the 3d, they weighed anchor, and bore down for
Amsterdam or Tongataboo, when they were met mid-
way by some canoes. As they sailed along the coast,
they observed the natives running on the shore, and
displaying small white flags, which, being looked on as
tokens of peace, were answered by hoisting a St George's
ensign. Cook landed on the 4th, and was conducted
over part of the country by a chief called Attago. He
was much surpristed by tlie aspect of the island, and
could have fancied himself transported into the most
fertile plains of Europe. Not a spot of waste ground
was to be seen, — the roads took up the least possible
space, the fences were not above four inches in breadth,
and were often formed^ of some useful plants. " It was,**
lie writes, " every where the same ; change of place
altered not the scene. Nature, assisted by a little art,
nowhere appears in more splendour than at this isle.
In these delightful walks we met nurabera of people :
some travelling down to the ships with their burdens of
fruit ; others returning back empty. They all gave us
the road, by turning either to the right or left, and
sitting down or standing with their backs to the fences,

CHAP. X.

Reception at
Middleburgh.

Native cava
feast.

Tongataboa

Fertile
aspect of the
island.

.f;

;i;i^

■. 1

^?5T

■ipa^a

TTntM »»V»^rm>%

312

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

CHAP.JL

Native
confidence.

Return to
New Zealand.

Separation of
the Kesolu-
tion and
Adventure.

Prospects of
the voyage.

till we had passed."* They showed neither distrust
nor suspicion of their visiters, whom they permitted
freely to ramble wherever curiosity or pleasure invited.
In physical peculiarities, in language, and in many arts
and customs; political and religious, they bore a striking
resemblance to the Society Islanders.

As the period for prosecuting his researches in the high
southern latitudes now approached, the commander
judged it advisable to revisit New Zealand, where wood
and water could be procured for the next portion of the
voyage. The vessels accordingly quitted Amsterdam
on the 7th October, and on the next day made the
Pylstaart or Tropic- bird Island of Tasmai), In latitude
22'* 26' S., and longitude 176° 69' W.

On the 2l8t, they descried the land of . t . Zealand ;
but, in consequence of baffling winds and dangerous
gales, in one of which the Adventure was lost sight of,
Cook did not reach the rendezvous in Queen Charlotte's
Sound till the 3d November. Here he remained noie
than three weeks without any tidings of his consort j
and henceforward, as they did not again meet, our at*
tention must be confined to the solitary course of the
Resolution. Notwithstanding the absence of their
former attendant, the commander assures us that his
crew, far from being dejected, looked as cheerfully on
their expedition to the south " as if the Adventure, or
even more ships, had been in company." Accordin i,o
Mr Forster, however, as the expectation of meeting '. . .
new lands had become faint, a cruise to the south, oPc*;
so full of promise, appeared no. longer inviting. " h
any thing," says he, " alleviated the dreariness of the
prospect with a great part of our shipmates, it was the
hope of completing the circle round the South Pole, in
a high latitude, during the next inhospitable summer,
and of returning to England within the space of eight
months." •[•

♦ Voyage towards the South Pole, vol. i. ^ 20L
t Forster's Voyage, vol. L p. 626.

SECOKD CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

313

Ijd

ler,

rht

'* This navigation was perhaps one of the dullest ever chap. X.
performed. The voyagers left New ZerJand on the KetunTto
26th November, and steered to the south, inclining to the suutii.
the east, with a favoarable wind. On the evening of
the 6th December, they calculated themselves to be at
the antipodes of London.* Ice was first seen on the
12th, in latitude 62° 10' S., longitude 172° W., being
11° 30' farther south than that first met with in the pre-
ceding year ; and on the same day an antarctic petrel,
gray albatrosses, and some other birds, were observed.
On the 14th, several ice-islands and a quantity of loose ice island*.
ice occurred ; and these became more numerous as the
course to the south-east by east was pui-sued. Next
morning, there appeared an immense field, through the
partitions of which it was not deemed safe to venture
into " a clear sea beyond," as the wind would not have
permitted return. A stretch to the north, with some
tacks, was therefore made, but not without very great
risk from the floating islands. On the 22 !, they had
attained a higher parallel than they had before reached,
67^ 31' S., in longitude 142° 54' W. ; but next day, in
a little lower latitude, another quantity of ice wholly
obstructed the passage to the south. At this time the
cold was most inteube, and there was a strong gale at Intense old,
north, attended with snow and sleet, which froze to the ""J^J^' ''"^
rigging as it fell, and made th'- ropes like wires. Ad-
vancing to the north-east, the ice-islands were found to
increase in number, nearly a hundred of them being
seen at noon of the 24th, besides an immense quantity
of small pieces ; but, by taking advantage of every light

• "We are the first Europeans," says Mr Forster, "and, I be-
lieve I may add, the first human beings who have reached this point,
where it is probable none will come ai'ter us. A common report pre.
Tails, indeed, in England, concerning Sir Francis Drake, who is
said to have visited ttie antipodes, which the legend expresses, by
< his having passed under the middh arch of London Brid^^e;' but
(his is a mistake, as his track lay along the coast of America, and
probably originates from his having passed the perioed, or the point
in i8U° longitude, on the same circle of north latitude, on the coast
of Cbliforoia." — Voyage, vol. i. p. 627.

i I

1
t

''I

I ,

! I?

!VnR^

I IIM < i l

CHAP. X

A Christmas
fcaat

SIcknt
the crew.

Abandon-
ment of
further
research.

314

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

air to drift along with them, a tolerably easy berth was
obtained, in which, nearly in the same manner as during
the voyage of the previous year, our navigators held
their Christmas feast. They were fortunate at this time
in having continual daylight and clear weather, for
" had it been as foggy as on some of the- preceding days,
nothing less than a miracle," says Cook, " could have
saved us from being dashed to pieces." Still the dangers
of the situation were so great, that on the 26th, in lati-
tude 6(5° 16', it was judged prudent to make another trip
towards the north, and, by the 9th January 1774, he
found himself in latitude 48° 17', in longitude 127° 10'
W. At this period most of his crew were becoming
diseased, though not seriously. " A general languor
and sickly look were manifested in almost every face,"
says Mr Forster, " and the captain himself was pale
and lean, and had lost all appetite." On the 11th, the
course to the south was resumed, and, on the seventh
day after, the voyagers were in latitude 61° 9' S., longi-
tude 116' 7' W. They crossed for the third time the
antarctic circle on the 26th, and on the 30th reached
the highest southern latitude which had been then at-
tained by f ny discoverer, namely, 71° 10', in west longi-
tude 106° 64'.*

The obstacles which arrested Cook's farther progress,
and the reasons which induced him to abandon any at-
tempt in other directions, cannot be better stated than
in his own words : — " At four o'clock in the morning,
we perceived the clouds, over the horizon to the south,
to be of an unusual snow-white brightness, which we
knew announced our approach to field-ice. Soon after
it was seen from the top mast-head, and at eight o'clock
we were close to its edge. It extended east and west,

* Only one navi^tnr hes penetrated beyond this point. On the
20th February 1822, Captain Weddel reached the latitude of 74"
15', in the longitude of 34° 16' 45" W. In this situation no land
was visible, and only four ice-islands were in si^ht ; but the wind
blowing fresh at south prevented his farther progress, and he was
reluctantly constrained to return. — Weddel's Voyage towards the
South Pole, p. 37.

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

315

far beyond the reach of our sight. . . . Ninety-
seven ice-hills were distinctly seen within the field,
besides those on the outside ; many of them very large,
and looking like a ridge of mountains, rising one
above another till they were lost in the clouds. The
outer or northern edge of this immense field was com-
posed of loose or broken ice close packed together, so
that it was not possible for any thing to enter it. This
was about a mile broad, within which was solid ice in
one continued compact body. It was rather low and
flat (except the hills), but seemed to increase in height
as you traced it to the south, in which direction it
extended beyond our sight. I will not say it was im-
possible any where to get farther to the south ; but the
attempting it would have been a dangerous and rash
enterprise, and what, I believe, no man in my situation
would have thought of. It was, indeed, my opinion, as
well as the opinion of most on board, that this ice ex-
tended quite to the pole, or perhaps joined to some land,
to which it had been fixed from the earliest time ; and
that it is here, that is to the south of this parallel, where
all the ice we find scattered up and down to the north,
is first formed, and afterwards broken off by gales ot
wind or other causes, and brought to the north by the
currents, which we always found to set in that direction
in the high latitudes. As we drew near this ice some
penguins were heard, but none seen ; and but few other
birds, or any other thing that could induce us to think
any land was near. And yet I think there must be
some to the south behind this ice : but if there is, it can
afford no better retreat for birds, or any other animals,
than the ice itself, with which it must be wholly covered.
I, who had ambition not only to go farther than any
one Iiad been before, but as far as it was possible for
man to go, was not sorry at meeting with this interrup-
tion, as it, in some measure, relieved us, at least shortened
the dangers and hardships inseparable from the naviga-
tion of the southern polar regions. Since, therefore, we
could not proceed one inch farther to the south, no

CHAP. X.

Appearance
of the ice.

Supposed
source of
southern
icebcr^'Si

ImposflibiHty
of further
progress.

^????"

^!i . > .| ! . P »,.^ iW JIUI. ■iH H liI

316

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

CHAP. X.

Opinions as
to tho pro-
vpect of
discovery.

Search of
new land.

: I

Dan pe. JUS
illneiiS of
Cook.

," he continues, " at this time, to have quitted this
, with a good ship expressly sent out on discoveries,

other reason need be assigned for my tacking and stand-
ing back to the north." *

On the 4th of February, he found himself in latitude
66° 42' S. and longitude 99° 44' W., and though now
convinced that there was no continent except in ex-
tremely high latitudes, he was of opinion that " there
remained, nevertheless, room for very large islands in
places wholly unexamined ; and that many of those
which were formerly discovered are but imperfectly ex-
plored, and their situations as imperfectly known. For
me,
sea

a healthy crew, and not in want either of stores or of
provisions, would have been betraying, not only a want
of perseverance, but of judgment, in supposing the
South Pacific Ocean to have been so well explored that
nothing remained to be done in it." He therefore
resolved to proceed in search, first, of the land said to
have been discovered by Juan Fernandez towards the
end of the sixteenth century, then of Davis' Land or
Easter Island of Roggewein ; and, finally, of the Aus-
tralia del Espiritu Santo of Quiros.f

Cook had for some time concealed from every person
on board a dangerous obstruction of his bowels, and en-
deavoured to overcome it by taking hardly any sus-
tenance ; but this treatment aggravated rather than
removed the malady, the symptoms of which at length,
when he had reached a more northern latitude, were so
alarming that his life was in danger. The disease fortu-
nately abated after a week's confinement to his couch ;
but still so great was his debility, that no one could
doubt the urgency of hastening to a place of refreshment
as the only chance of preserving hia existence. He
speaks of his own condition at this time very briefly.
" I was now taken ill of the bilious colic, which was so
violent as to confine me to my bed ; so that the man-

* Voyfiffe towards the South Pole, vol. i. pp. 267, 268.

t See above, pp. 72, 73; pp. 131 and 142 147; and p. 97-9y.

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

31/

agement of the sliip was left to Mr Cooper, the first CHAP, x
officer, who conducted her very much to my satisfaction, j, —
It was several days before the most dangerous symptoms of the

of my disorder were removed When I c«'n'°">der.

began to recover, a favourite dog belonging to Mr Forster
fell a sacrifice to my tender stomach ; and I could eat
of this fiesh, as well as broth made of it, when I could
taste nothing else." *

On the 26th February he was in latitude 37° 62' S.,
and west longitude 101° 10' ; and having now crossed
his track to Otaheite in 1769^ he was satisfied that the
large and fertile land, " richer than Peru," said to have
been visited by Fernandez, could be no more than a
small island, if indeed any such discovery was ever
made. He then stood away to the north to get into the
latitude of Easter Island, which had been unsuccess-
fully sought by Byron, Carteret, and Bougainville. On
the morning of the llth of March, in latitude 27° 6' 30"
S., longitude 109° 46' 20" W., land was descried from Discovery of
the mast-head, and by noon Cook had no doubt it was '*"**•
that discovered by Edward Davis in 1687. " The joy,"
says Forster, " which this fortunate %vent spread on
every countenance is scarcely to be described. We had
been a hundred and three days out of sight of land ; and
the rigorous weather to the south, the fatigues of con-
tinual attendance during storms, or amidst dangerous
masses of ice, the sudden changes of climate, and the
long continuance of a noxious diet, all together had
emaciated and worn out our crew."t

A landing was effected on the 14th, and the natives interview
behaved in a peaceable manner, though expert and
daring thieves ; they appeared to know the fatal powers
of the musket, which they regarded with much awe, —
arising probably from traditionary accounts of Rogge-
wein's visit. The commander was, however, disappointed
to find, that though there were several plantations of

! '

Wth nativcSi

* Voyage towards the Soiith Pole, vol. i. p. 274.
+ Forster's Voyajje, vol. L'p. 652.

''mmmmit

■•■^ II I HH I H I

lanp

■'mmmmm

CHAP. X.

Inferior ac-
commoda-
tion.

Scarcity of
proviaiouai

Native
stature.

Singular
Mouuiucnta.

318

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

sweet potatoes, plantnins, and sugar-canes, few places
could afford less accommodation. There was no secure
anchoring-ground, no wood, and only a scanty supply of
fresh water of the most wretched quality ; even fisli
were so rare that none could be caught, at least with
hook and line ; while both land and sea birds were very
scarce, and except a few small fowls and some rats, sup-
posed to be eaten by the natives, no animal food was to
be had. In his opinion, nothing will ever induce ships
to tcuch at this island but the utmost distress. The
inhabitants, whose numbers he estimated at 600 or 700,
resembled in many respects those of the isles towards
the west, but had made less progress in some of the arts,
and were worse provided with huts and household uten-
sils. Their affinity to the other tribes of Polynesia at
the same time was so striking, " that,'* we are assured,
" no one will doubt that they have had the same origin."
It was not observed that any man reached the stature
of six feet ; *^ so far are they from being giants, as one
of the authors of Roggewein's voyage asserts." Only
three or four canoes, very mean, and built of many
pieces sewed together with small line, were seen in the
island. They bad outriggers, in the manner so common
in the South Sea, but were small, and by no means fit
for distant navigation.

Cook saw only two or three of the statues described
by the Dutch, but some of his companions who travelled
over the country observed many more. They were
from fifteen to twenty-seven feet in height, and from
Hx to nine in breadth over the shoulders ; and each had
on its head a large cylindric block of a red colour,
wrought perfectly round. The stone of which they
were made was gray, and seemingly different from any
naturally belonging to the island. The carving at the
upper part, which commonly represented a sort of
human head and bust, was rude but not altogether con-
temptible : in particular, the nose and chin were pretty
fairly delineated, while the ears were long beyond pro-
portion ; and, in the bodies, there was hardly any re-

SECOND CIRCUMNAYIGATIOK OF C00&. 31 9

CUAP. X.

{

Monumentt on Euter IikuM)

bemblance to the human figure. Their magnitude was Supposed
such as to make their erection a subject of perplexity, 'j*,JiTOe?°!cft
especially when it was considered how little the natives
were acquainted with the mechanical powers. In the
opinion of Cook, the present inhabitants had no con-
cern in rearing them, as even the foundations of some
were carelessly suffered to fall into ruin. Besides these
monuments of antiquity, many little heaps of stones
were piled up along the coast, and some of the savages
possessed human figures carved with considerable neat-
ness from narrow pieces of wood about two feet long.
Of these images, the native of Bolabola, Oedidee, pur-
chased several, conceiving they would be much valued
in his own country, the workmanship of which they
surpassed.

The navigators sailed thence on the IGth March, and. Voyajreto
favoured by a pleasant breeze, steered to the north-west ^est.
to make the Islands Las Marquesas, which had not been
visited since their discovery in 1595. Shortly after
putting to sea, the commander was afilicted with a re-

320

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

Fleet of Tin-
tive cunoeft

CHAP. X currcnce of his bilious disorder ; but its attack was less
HooiTwanA violent than formerly. On the 6th of April, in latitude
9° 26' S., and longitude 1 38° 14' W., an island was seen,
and named Hood, in honour of the gentleman who first
perceived it. Two hours after another appeared ; and
when a third was discerned the next morning, every
one was satisfied that the cluster was that explored by
Mendana.* Cook coasted the south-eastern shore of
La Dominica, and, passing through the channel which
divides it from Santa Christina, ran along that island in
searchof the port Madre dc Diosof his Spanish predecessor,
in the entrance of which he anchored on the 7th. Ten
or twelve canoes immediately approached from the
shore, but some address was required to get them along-
side of the vessel. At length, a few presents brought one
of them under the quarter-gallery, when the restfollowed ;
and, after exchanging bread-fruit and fish for nails, they
retired peaceably. Each canoe was observed to have a
heap of stones on its bow and every man had a sling
tied round his hand. Many more appeared next morn-
ing, bringing similar provisions and one pig, which were
bartered as before ; but not with perfect honesty, till a
musket-ball was fired over the head of one man whose
unfairness was conspicuous. A great many of the
natives were at this time on board, and the commander,
who was then in one of the boats, having been informed
of the theft of an iron stanchion, gave orders to fire over
the canoe in which the plunderer was making off, but
not to kill any one. In the tumult which ensued, his
commands, unfortunately, were not distinctly heard, and
the depredator was shot dead at the third discharge.
The iron was instantly thrown overboard, and the two
other persons in the skiff leapt into the sea, though in a
short time they clambered again into their vessel.
" One of them," says Coc4i> "a man grown, sat baling
the blood and water out of the canoe in a kind of hys-
teric laugh ; the other, a youth about fourteen or fifteen

Unforttinnte
collision with
the natives.

• See above, pp. 79,

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

321

years of age, looked on the deceased with a serious and ciiAP. x,
dejected countenance ; we had afterwards reason to j . —
believe he was his son." This unhappy event was fol- sumed with
lowed by the precipitate retreat of all the savages. Their **•* i"!^*!*-**
fears were, however, after a short space, allayed, and
for a time barter was carried on with them advantage-
ously, — various fruits, pigs, and fowls, being obtained
on exceedingly reasonable termsy till the indiscretion of
some gentlemen introduced new articles of trade, espe-
cially red feathers, collected at the island of Amsterdam.
This effectually put an end to the intercourse ; nails
and all other things were despised in comparison ; and,
in the absence of a sufiicient stock of feathers, there re-
mained no alternative but to quit the country. This
was a serious mortification to the erew, who had now
been nineteen weeks at sea, and confined all that time
to a salt diet. So serviceable, however, had the many
antiscorbutic articles proved, that at this period there
was scarcely one sick person in the ship.

On the afternoon of the 11th, Cook departed from Departure
Resolution Bay, as he named the harbour where he lioi^Buy*^^'^*
had lain, and steered nearly south-west, with a fine
wind, till the morning of the l7th, when he fell in with
the most easterly of the King George's Islands of Byron,
and ascertained its native appellation to be Tiookea.
Another of the same group was seen the next day ; and
on the 19th, four small and half-overflowed islands were
observed, and named after Sir Hugh Palliser. The
succeeding evening, a great swell rolling from the south,
convinced him that he was now clear of those low lands ,
on which account, and being favoured by a strong gale,
he bore down for Otaheitc.

A pleasant voyage, of little more than a day, brought Arrival at
them within view of that island, and spread general joy ^taheite.
on board. " The forests on the mountains,'* says Mr
Forster, " were all clad in fresh foliage, and glowed in
many variegated hues. . . . The plains shone forth
in the greatest luxuriance of colours, the brightest tints
of verdure being profusely lavished upon their fertile

I'i

322

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIQATION OF COOK.

CllAP. X.

Anchor in
Mataval fiuy.

Abundance
of hogs au(!
fruit

Departure
from

Otalieite.

groves ; in short, the whole called to our mind the de-
scription of Cttlypso's enchanted island." The Re8olu>
tion anchored in Matavai Bay on the £2d ; and no
sooner was her arrival known, than the friendly natives
visited their old acquaintances witli every demonstration
of gladness. Provisions had become very plentiful dur-
ing the eighteen months' absence of the discoverers, and
the desire to possess the red feathers, which had been
obtained at the Tonga Islands, rose almost to a phrensy
among the people. The improvement in the general
state of the country surprised even those who had thought
most highly of its capabilities, and induced Cook to pro-
tract his stay much longer than he originally intended.
Hogs were now abundant, fruits of every kind equally
so, and industry had displayed itself in the erection of
habitations and the construction of an immense number
of canoes. Many of the latter were destined for an ex-
pedition against Eimeo, which had thrown '>if the yoke
of Otaheite ; and our countrymen had f oportunity
of witnessing a grand naval review of th , ?r part of
the island-forces. The war-canoes, each from fifty to
ninety feet long, and double or joined together by strong
transverse beams, amounted to 160 ; and of smaller
craft, designed, it was supposed, to ser^re as transports or
victuallers, there were 170 ; in all 330 vessels, carrying,
by Cook's calculation, 7760 men, warriors and rowers.
The former wore vast quantities of cloth, turbans,
breastplates, and helmets ; and their weapons were
clubs, spears, and stones.

Having executed those repairs on his vessel which the
tempestuous weather of the high southern latitudes had
rendered necessary, he again set sail from Otaheite on
the 14th of May. As the ship was clearing the bay,
one of the gunner's mates, who had determined to re-
main in the island, slipped overboard with the intention
of swimming to the shore, but was instantly taken up.
" When," says the commander, " I considered this man's
situation in life, I did not think the resolution he had
taken so extraordinary as it may at first appear. . .

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

323

Attempted
desertion of
rcnnner'f
mate.

R< optiDn lit
Uualiuinu

I never learnt that he had cither friends or connexions chap. x.
to confine him to any particular part of the world ; all
nations were alike to him. Where, then, could such a
man be more happy, than at one of these isles, where,
in one of the finest climates in the world, he could en-
joy, not only the necessaries, but the luxuries of life, in
ease and plenty!"*

On the afternoon of the next day, the English an-
chored at Huaheine, where they found tlie old chief
Oree as kind as ever. When paying him a farewell
visit. Cook told him that they would meet no more ;
on which he burat into tears, and said, ** Let your sons
come ; we will treat them well." The commander
esteemed him as " a good man, in the utmost sense of
the word," but surrounded by peraons of less worth,
some of whom took advantage of his old age, and, en-
couraged by the carelessness of many of our voyagers,
committed acts of violence, " which no man at Otaheite
ever durst attempt."

Leaving this on the 23d, a few hours brought the
vessel to Ulietea, where she anchored on the following
morning. Cook speaks with great feeling of the hospi.
table manner in which he was treated at this island,
more especially by Oreo and his family. At parting, he
writes, " the chief, his wife, and daughter, but especially

the two latter, scarcely ever ceased weeping

His last request was for me to return : when he saw he

* Voyage towards the South Pole, vol. i. p. 346. These re-
flections may perhaps recall to the recollection of the reader a pass*
a^^ In T.'.e Island : —

" Men without country, who, too lonjr estranfrpd.

Had found no native home, or found it changed,

And, half uncivilized, preferr'd the cave

Of some soft savage to the uncertain wave, —

The gushing fruits that nature gave untili'd ;
* The wood without a path but where they will'd ;

The field o'er which promiscuous Plenty pour*d

Her horn ; the equal land without a lord ;

The earth, whose mine was on its face, unsold.

The glowing sun and produce all its gold."

Byron's Works, vol. xiv. p. 3(!2.

Hospitable
treatment ut
Ulietea.

324

SECOND CIRCU31N^VI0ATI0N OP COOK.

CHAP. X could not obtain that promise, he asked the name of my
Singnia* marai (buryfng-place). As strange a question as thia
inquiry. was, I hesitated not a moment to tell him Stepney, the
parish in which I live when in London. I was made to
repeat it several times over till they could pronounce
it ; then, * Stepney marai no Toote/ \/as echoed through
a hundred mouths at once. I afterwards found the
same question liad been put to Mr Forster by a man on
shore ; but he gave a different, and indeed more proper
answer, by saying, no man who used the sea could say
where he should be burled. What greater proof could
we have of these people esteeming us as friends, than
their wishing to remember us even beyond the period
of our lives ! They had beer repeatedly told that we
should see .hem no more ; they then wanted to know
where we were to mingle with our parent dust." * He
quitted Ulictea on the 5th June, leaving Oedidec behind
him, to their mutual regret.
Final depar. At one time he intended to visit Bolabola, but this
Sode^™™ ''" design was abandoned for want of leisure ; and " taking
Islands. a final leave of these happy isles, on which benevolent
Nature has spread her luxuriant sweets with a lavish
hand,'* he directed his course to the west. On the
next morning, he fell in with the Howe Island of
Wallis, and following a track a little more to the south,
in ten days he found another insular reef, which he
named after Lord Palmerston. On the 20th, he saw
one that was inhabited, and from the indomitable
fierceness of the people, through which even his life
was in danger, denominated it Savage, it lies in lati-
tuc'e 19° 1' S., longitude 169° 37' W., is about eleven
leagues in compass, of a circular form, and has deep
water close to its shores. Favoured by a gentle trade-
wind, the Resolution pursued her route to the south-
west, and passing, on the 25th, through various islets,
several of which were connected by breakers or reefs
of rocks, anchored on the succeeding day about a mile

* VoYa;;e towards the South Pole, vol. L p. 373.

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

'S'Jb

CHAP. X.

from the northern shore of Annamooka or Rotterdam,
one of the Friendly or Tonga group. Here the gallant „
officer experienced no small trouble from the dishonesty disiionesty.
of the natives, which he was obliged to check by
prompt and severe measures, — seizing some of their
canoes, and firing small shot at one of the most resolute
of the culprits, who, besides trifling articles, had pos-
sessed themselves of two muskets. These were forth-
with given up, and mutual good feelings restored. The
productions of this place were found to be the same as
those of Eooa or Amsterdam ; but hogs and fowls, with
some kinds of fruit, were not so plentiful : there seemed
also to be more waste land, and the people generally
were poorer. He departed from Annamooka on the
29th, and steered to the south-west, passing between
two islands of the same group, of which the native titles
are Kao and Tofooa. Continuing his course to the Turtle Island.
west, on the 1st of July he fell in with an island about a
league in length and half that extent in width, situated
in latitude 19° 48' S., and longitude 178"' 2' W. He
named it Turtle Island, and its few inhabitants, though
armed with clubs and spears, fled at the approach of a
boat.

For thirteen days the Resolution held on her westerly Discovery of,
track, followed by strong and steady gales. On
16th July, the weather changed, the sky became foggy,
the wind blew in heavy squalls, and was attended
with rain, signs which, within the tropics, generally
indicate the neighbourhood of some mountainous country.
On the same afternoon, high land was seen bearing
south-west, an<l " no one doubted that this was the
Australia del Espi.itu Santo of Quiroa," — L*Archipel
des Grandes Cyciades of Bougainville.* Cook sailed
round the north end of the He Aurore of his French
predecessor ; and during the 18th continued to ply be-
tween it and L'Isle des Lepreux. On the 20th, he
stretched across to He de la Pentecote, and passing an-

thfi ^'"^ "®
•""^ Aurore.

* Sec above, p. 224-227.

fmrnm

326

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

MallicoUo
Island.

Arpearunce
of the
nntives.

CHAP. X. other called by the natives Ambry m, anchored the next
day on the north-east side of an island, of which he
discovered the name to be MallicoUo,* The natives
were evidently of a race in every respect different from
the inhabitants of any of the countries he had yet
visited, " They were," says he, " the moot ugly ill-
propoitioned people I ever saw ;" their stature was di-
minutive ; they had " flat faces and monkey counten-
ances ;'* their complexion was very dark, and their hair
short and curly. But few women were seen, and these
had their heads, shoulders, and faces, painted of a red
colour. The languaf^e spoken was distinct from that
of the other South Sea Islands : " Of eighty words,"
writes Cook, " which Mr Forster collected, hardly one
bears any affinity to the tongue of any other place I
had ever been at." From hence, on the 23d, he pro-
ceeded towards the south, inclining eastwards, till, hav-
ing passed Ambrym, Paoom, Apee, Monument, Three
Hills, Shepherd's, Montagu, Hinchinbrook, and Sand-
wich Islands, he anchored on the dd of August on the
south-east side of Erromango, The treachery of the
natives led to a skirmish, in which some of them lost
their lives ; and the following evening, he sailed for the
neighbouring island of Tanna, where he found an anchor-
age on the 5th, The next day, the ship was moored close
to the shore, so as to afford to the landing-place and to the
whole harbour the protection of her artillery. Some
thousands of the inhabitants were drawn up on the
beacli, evidently with hostile intentions ; but the dis-
charge of a few guns speedily dispersed them, and the
voyagers, though watched with strict jealousy, were
allowed to explore the country in peace. The natives
were considered as a distinct race from those of Malli-
coUo or of Erromango ; they were of the middle size,

Sklrmi-h
witli the
n.itivps

• " Some of our people," it is added, " pronounced it ManiroU*
or Manicola." — Voyage towards the South Pole, vol, ii. p. 32.
There can be no doubt that it is the same country of which Quir(»»
leceived tidings from tiie diiuf of Taumaco. See above, p. U?.

SECOND ClRCCMNATiGATlON OP COOjJ. 327

CHAP. X.

Man of the Island of '1 anna*

rather slender Mimble and active, and having for theLanctiaRo
most part goiM* features and pleasing countenances, ""^^jjl!^*®*
They were found to possess two language . ; the one,
peculiar, it was understood, to themstlvcs and to the
inhabitants of Erromango aiul Annatom, the other the
same with that of the Tonga group. Their omplexion
was very dark, their hair for the rnost part black or
brown, of considerable length, av \ crisp and curly.
" They separate it," we are told, " into small locks,
which they woold or cue round with the rind of a
slender plant, down to about an inch '' aie ends ; and
as the hair grows, the woolding is conunued. Each of
these cues or locks is somewhat thicker than common
whip-cord ; and they look like a parcel of small strings
hanging down from the crown of their heads," * They

• Voyage towards the South Pole, vol. ii. p. 7H X

•■1

I
1

■pMPVwta

328

CHAP. X.
Native arms.

New

Hebrides

Islands.

Luxuriant
TCt^etation.

Savvey
cuoipleted.

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

were amied with clubs, spears or darts, bows and arrows,
and staves, and wore bracelets of marine shells or cocoa-
nuts, ear-rings of tortoiseshell, necklaces and amulets of
a greenish stone.

Having taken in a large supply of wood and water.
Cook made sail on the 20th with a fresh breeze, and
stretched to the south ; but, seeing no more land in that
direction, he altered his course and steered north-north-
west along the eastern shores of I'anna, Erromango,
Sandwich, and MallicoUo. The night of the 23d found
him in Bougainville's Passage ; and on the 25th, he
entered a large and spacious harbour, which he was
convinced was that named by Quiros San Felipe y San-
tiago.* The port of La Vera Cruz was recognised in
the anchorage at the head of the bay, one of the two
rivers mentioned by the Spaniards was visited, " and, if
we were not deceived," says Cook, " we saw the other.
. . . . An uncommonly luxuriant vegetation was
every where to be seen ; the sides of the hills were check-
ered with plantations, and eveiy valley watered by a
stream. The columns of smoke we saw by day, and
the fires by night all over the country, led us to believe
that it is well inhabited and very fertile." By the 31 st,
he had circumnavigated the island, which proved to be
the largest and most western of the cluster ; it was sixty
leagues in circuit, and the name of Tierra del Espiritu
Santo was given to this, " the only remains of Quiros'
continent." The survey being now completed, the
group was found to extend from latitude 14° 29' to 20°
4' S., and from longitude 166° 41' to 170° 21' E., 126
leagues in the direction of north-north-west half west,
and south-south-east half east. " As, besides ascertain-
ing the extent and situation of these islands," he remarks,
" we added to them several new ones, and explored the
whole, I think we have obtained a right to name them,
and shall in future distinguish them by the name of the
New Hebrides." t

• See above, pp. 97i 98-

f Voyage towards the South Pole, vol. ii. pp. 93, 94, 96.

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

329

Appearance

Having spent more than forty days in examining this chap. x.
archipelago, he made sail f -om it on the Ist of Sep- —
tember, and with a steady wind stood to the south-west, of New^'^
On the 4th, he came in sight of an extensive coast beset Cuiedonio.
with reefs, on which the sea broke with great violence.
A passage through this dangerous barrier having been
discovered, he came to an anchor on the 6th, when his
ship was immediately surrounded by a great number of
natives in sixteen or eighteen canoes. They were of a
peaceable and friendly disposition, and offered no oppo-
sition to a landing; which was effected in the afternoon.
The country much resembled some parts of New Holland ;
the hills and uplands were rocky, and incapable of culti-
vation ; the thin soil which covered them being scorched
and burnt ; and, " indeed," we are informed, " were it
not for some fertile spots on the plains, and a few on
the sides of the mountains, the whole country might be
called a dreary waste." The natives were robust and
well made, in colour nearly approaching those of Tanna, of the
but surpassing them in stature, and having finer features "**'^^*
and more agreeable courtenances. Their language ap-
peared to have many words in common with that used
in New Zealand, in the Tonga Islands, and in Tanna.
In affability and honesty, they excelled the people of
any place yet visited.

On the 13th, Cook quitted his anchorage, and for Dangerous
two days sailed to the north-west, when, finding a ter- "^^'K'^"""-
mination to the land in that direction, and a reef ex-
tending as far as the eye could reach, he altered his
course to the south-east, and again came in sight of the
coast on the 17th. He ran rapidly along it, and, on the
23d, reached its south-eastern extremity, which was
called Queen Charlotte's Foreland. In attempting to
get round this point, some islands were discovered
stretching in the same direction as the mainland ; the
largest received the name of the Isle of Pines, while the
designation of Botany was conferred upon one on which
a party landed. The whole of this survey was attended
with the greatest danger ; and, consideiing the vast

830 SECOND OIRCUMNAVIGATIOM OP COOK.

CHAP. X-

Partial
exploratioa

Voyage re-
newed

Man of New Zealand*

extent of sea yet to be investigated, the state of hia
vessel and her crew, and the near approach of summer,
our navigator, to use his own expression, was obliged,
•* as it were by necessity, for the first time, to leave a
coast he had discovered, before it was fully explored."
lie gave it the appellation of New Caledonia, and fixed
its position between latitude 19° 37' and 22° 30' S., and
west longitude 163° 37' and 167° 14'. With the excep-
tion of New Zealand, it exceeds in size all the islands of
the Austral Ocean, extending in length about eighty-
seven leagues, though nowhere more than ten in breadth.*
He lost sight of land on the 1st of October, and pur-
sued his course to the south till the morning of the 10th,
when in latitude 29° 2' 30" S., longitude 168° 16' E.,

• Voyage towards the South Pole, vol. ii. p. 103-145, Forster's
Voyage, vol. ii. p. 377 442.

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIOATION OF COOK.

331

he discovered an island to which the name of Norfolk chap. K.
was applied. It was of considerable height and about norfoiiT
five leagues in circuit, fertile and luxuriantly wooded, island.
but uninhabited, and our voyagers were, perhaps, the
first that ever set foot upon its shores.

On the I7th, they came in sight of New Zealand, and New Zealand
could distingu ish the summit of Mount Egmont " covered
with everlasting snow." The next day, they anchored
in Queen Charlotte's Sound, for the third time, nearly
eleven months after their former visit. Immediately
on landing, they looked for a bottle, containing a me-
morandum which had been left for Captain Fumeaux.
It was removed, and circumstances soon occurred which
showed that the Adventure had been here ; while, from
conversing with the natives, of whom only a few ap-
peared, and those in a state of unusual timidity, it was
inferred that some calamity had befallen her crew.

On the 10th of November, Cook departed from New Course d«?ter-
Zealand, and with all sails set steered south by east, °^ned on.
to get into the latitude of 64° or 65° S., with the view
of crossing the Pacific nearly in these parallels, and
thus exploring those parts left unnavigated in the pre-
vious summer. On the 27th, he was in latitude 66°
6' and longitude 138° 66' W., when, abandoning all
hope of finding land, he determined to steer directly for
the western mouth of the Straits of Magellan, which
he reached on the 18th of December. With the ex-
ception of that achieved by his colleague, of which he
was then ignorant, this was the first run directly across Run di'wtiy
the Pacific in a high southern latitude. " And 1 must p^clflj***^
observe," he writes, ** that I never made a passage any
where of such length, or even much shorter, where so
few interesting circumstances occuiTed ; for, if I except
the variation of the compass, I know of nothing else

worth notice I have now done with the

Southern Pacific Ocean, and flatter myself that no one
will think that I have left it unexplored ; or that more
could have been done in one voyage, towards obtaining
that end, than has been done in this." *

• Voyages towards tlie South Pole, vol. ii. pp. 170, 171*

'' I

'^^^mmm'^'sm'm!

332

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

CHAP. X, The southern shores of Tierra del Fuego, and the
Chri^s Strait of Le Maire, being still very imperfectly known,
dayntTiemhe now resolved to survey them. On the 20th, he
del Fuego. anchored in a large liarbour, which received the name
of Christmas, from his keeping that festival there.
" Roast and boiled geese," he remarks, " and goose-pie,
was a treat little known to us, and we had yet some
Madeira wine left ; so that our friends in England did
not perhaps celebrate the day more cheerfully than
we did." Cape Horn was doubled on the 29th, and,
two days after, the Resolution anchored off Staten
Land.
Survey of the Having explored those dreary regions. Cook proceed-
Atiam™ ^^ *<* examine the southern part of the Atlantic, in
search of an extensive country, laid down in Mr Dai-
ry m pie's chart of the ocean between Africa and America.
This new enterprise commenced on the 3d January
1775. On the 6th, he found himself in latitude 68° 9'
S., longitude 53° 14' W., nearly in the situation assigned
to the south-western point of the Gulf of St Sebastian
in this supposed shore. Perceiving no sign of land,
he altered his course to the north, looking out for the
coast discovered by I " Roche in 1676,* and revisited
by the Spanish ship Lieon in 1756. On the 12th, in
latitude 54° 28' S., longitude 42" 8' W., nearly three
degrees east of the north-eastern point of the fancied
gulf, he experienced a swell from east-south-east, which
he deemed sufticient proof that no considerable land
existed in that direction. On the 14th, a small rocky
islet was seen, and the next day a more extensive
region presented itself at the distance of eight leagues.
It was covered with snow, and offered several bays or
inlets, in which large masses of ice were observed.

* See above, p. 130. It has I)een already incidentally stated
(p. 215, note), that the French navigator, Duperrey, is of opinion
that La Roche was anticipated in his discovery by Amerigo Ves-
pucci ; but this hypothesis seems more unfounded even than that
stated by Bougauiville. With much more probability says Don
M. F. de Navarrete, " Esta tierra pudo ser al^j^una de las islas de
Tristan de Acuna, de Diejro Alvarez 6 la de Gouhs." — Coleccion de
Via^s y Oe8cubrimianto« (Madrid. 1829 J* vol. iii. p^ 2/8, note.

New Sonth
Georgia.

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

333

He landed on the I7th, and, displaying the ship's colours CIIAP. X.
amid a discharge of sinali arms, took possession of the Dggoj^
island by the title of New South Georgia. It was appearance
found to be about seventy leagues in circuit, but utterly ° *'*® '" *"
desolate, covered with frozen snoWyand without a stream
of water.

Quitting this " poor apology for a continent" on the southern
25th, he stood to the south-east, and on the 27th had '^^^^^
attained the latitude of 60° S., where he met with a
long hollow swell from the west, — a decisive sign of
an open sea in that direction. Four days later, land
was discovered at the distance of three or four miles ;
it proved to be three rocky islets, and over tlie outer-
most there appeared " an elevated shore,, whose lofty
snow-clad summits were seen above the cloudL" A
coast of the same nature which was shortly after per-
ceived still farther to the south, received the appellation
of Southern Thule, and was considered to be in latitude
69" 13' 30" S., longitude 27° 46' W. On the next
morning, a new territory was descried to the north, and
other portions were observed on succeeding days. Cook
gave to his discovery the name of Sandwich Land, Sandwich
though he was uncertain whether the whole were a^''*"*^*
group of islands or the point of a continent ; " for I
firmly believe," lie says, " that there is a tract of land
near the Pole, which is the source of most of the ice
that is spread over this vast Southern Ocean." He
was anxious to clear up this question ; but he felt that
he could not justify himself in now encountering the
hazards of thick fogs, snow-storms, intense cold, islands
or mountains of ice, a sea unknown and almost un-
navigable, and risking all that he had done for the sake
of exploring so dreary a country, "which, when dis-
covered, would have answered no end whatever, or been
of the least use either to navigation or geography." *
The condition of his ship and company, after thei.

* Modern discoverv has fthown that Saudwicii Land is a cluster
of small islands.

ill

a34

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

CHAP. X. lengthened voyage, almost precluded the hope of success,
even had the inducement been greater.
Search for On the 6th February, accordingly, he made sail
Cn^ncis^on. towards the east, in order to renew his search for the
Cape de la Circoncision. He held on in the same
direction till the 22d of February, when he found that
he had run down thirteen degrees of longitude in the
very latitude assigned to Bouvet's discovery, and had
crossed his own track of 1772. Being now only about
forty miles from his route to the south when he departed
from Table Bay, he considered it unnecessary to pro-
ceed any farther eastwards, as he had already satisfied
himself in that quarter. " Having now," he says,
Conciustons *' run over the place where the land was supposed to
lie, without seeing the least signs of any, it was no
longer to be doubted but that the ice-islands had de-
ceived M. Bouvet ;" * and he accordingly determined
to yield to the general wish of his companions and get

arrived at

Siihsoqnent
discovery of
Cape de la
Circoncision.

• Voyage towards the South Pole, vol. ii. p. 238. The opinion
here expressed by Cook, though not unopposed by some trench
writers, received the general sanction of geop^phers ; but, after a
lapse of more than thirty years, the cape seen by Bouvet was a^^in
accidentally discovered. On the 6th October IBUB, two English
whalers, in latitude 5'i" 58' S., and about the lonu^itude of 'd ' 65'
E., came in sight of an island about five leagues in length. It was
covered with snow and surrounded by ice, and no doubt could be
entertained of its identity with Cape de la Circoncision. — fiurney,
Chron. Hist. Discov., vol. t. p. 35-37. Cook's nearest approach
to it was on the IJth February 1773, in the latitude of 54" 20' S.,
and longitude of 6' 33' E., when he had *^a prodigious high sea
from the south, which assured us no land was near in that direc-
tion." — Voyage, p. 235> In fact, at this time Douvet's discovery
lay to the northward. It may be remarked, that, on another occa-
sion. Cook was in the vicinity of land in the South Atlantic Ocean
without perceiving any signs of its existence. On the 17th of Jan-
uary 1773, he was in latitude 67^ 15' S., and longitude 39 ' 35' E.,
not far to the south-east of Enderby's Land, discovered on the 27th
February 1831, by Captain Biscoe, in the brig Tula, in latitude bo"
57' S., and longitude 47" 20' E. Eight days previous to his dis.
covery, Captain Biscoe informs us that he " crossed Cook's track
in 17/3, and found the field-ice precisely in the position in which he
left it." — Journal of the Royal Geogra|)iiical Society, vol. iii. p. 108.
Bulletin de la Societe de Geographie, tome xx. No. cxxiv. (Aout
1833), p. 71' — Nouvelies Annales des Voyages, tome xxix, p. 303L

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF COOK.

335

into port as soon as possible. From latitude 88** 88' S., chap. x.
in longitude 23^ 37' E., on the 13th March, he steered —
for the Cape of Good Hope, which ho made after a
voyage of eight days.

Here he found a letter from his colleague, who had Arrivni at
reached this colony about a year before. It cleared up Good'ijope'
the mystery which had perplexed Cook on his last visit
to New Zealand, by acquainting him that a boat's crew,
ten in number, had been massacred at Queen Charlotte's
Sound by the savages, who, not content with an indis-
criminate butchery, had feasted on the mangled remains
of their victims. After this unfortunate calamity.
Captain Furneaux, despairing to meet his consort, ran
eastward across the Pacific,* and, doubling Cape Horn,
reached Table Bay on the 19th March 1774.

The anchorage at the Cape may be regarded as the Extent and
termination of Cook's second voyage, during which, J^g^'y^^L
reckoning from his departure to his return to this place,
he had sailed over no less than 20,000 leagues, — an
extent nearly equal to thrice the equatorial circumfer-
ence of the earth. In this navigation only four men
had been lost out of the whole company, and but one of
them by sickness, — a proportion considerably below that
shown by the bills of mortality in Europe. Many,
indeed, were weakly, and all, it may well be iniagined,
in need of refreshment ; but only three required to be
sent on shore for the recovery of health, and the rest, state of the
by an improvement in diet, speedily regained their usual '^'®**
strength. Almost all the sails and tackling of the Re-
solution were worn out, though the standing rigging

* Durin^i^ this naTiration, hn narrowly .^uissed seein^i^ the islands
called South Shetlann (seen by Dirck Gherritzin 1599, rediscoTered
ill 1818 by Mr William Smith, in the bri^ William, and fifteen
months afterwards by the U. 8. brijf Her^ilia — see Voyages by
Edmund Fanning, New York, 1833, p. 428.434) and South Orkneys.
** He passed," says Captain Weddel, '* within forty-five miles of the
east end of Shetland, and seventy-five miles of the South Orkneys:
hence twenty miles, we may presume, of a more southerly course
would have given us a knowledgeof'South Shetland fifty years ago." —
V(wa^e towards the South Pole in 1822-24, p. 28. See Bulletin de
la Societe de Geographie, tume xvii. p. 58.

336

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

CHAP. X.

Condition of
tliu vcaiMiL 4

Reception of
C(iol< ut
hunia

Honours and
rewards con-
ferred oa
liiiu.

was still of service. " In all this great run," he states,
" which had been made in nil latitudes between 9"* and
71% we sprung neither low-masts, top-mast, lower nor
top-sail yard, nor so much as broke a lower or top-mast
shroud ; which, with the great care and alilities of my
officers, must be owing to the good properties of our
ship." He left the Cape on the 27th of April, and, on
the 30th of July 1775, anchored at Spithead, having
been absent from England three years and eighteen
davs.

The design of the voyage now completed was, in vast-
F'^ss and grandeur, without a parallel in the history of
nmritime enterprise ; and never, perhaps, had any expe-
dition been conducted with greater skill, perseverance,
or success. Cook was received with every mark of
approbation and honour ; he was raised to the rank of
post-captain, by a commission dated the 9th of August,
and three days thereafter be was named captain in
Greenwich Hospital, — an appointment which afforded
him the means of spending the rest of Ms days in hon-
ourable and easy retirement. In February 1776, he
was unanimously elected a Fellow of t lie Royal Socitty ;
and on the 7th March, the evening of his admission, a
communication was read, in which he detailed the means
he had employed to preserve the health of his crew in
their long and perilous navigation.* For this most

* Phil. Trans., vol. Ixvi. p. 402, et sen. In addition to a liberal
use of tlie various antiscorbutics rnrnisiied by the Navy and Vic-
tualling Boards (see above, p. 295), Cook had recourse to various
other arrangements, which he thus details : —

" The crew were at three watches, except upon some extraordi-
nary occasions. By this means they were not so much ex[)Osed to
the weather as it' they had been at watch and watch ; and they had
(j^eneraliy drj' clothes to shift themselves when they happened to sei
wet. Care was also taken to expose them as little as possible.
Proper methods were employed to keep their persons, hammocks,
bedain^, clothes, &c., constantly clean and dry. Equal pains were
taken to keep the ship clean and dry between decks. Once or
twice a-week she was aired with fires; and, when this could not be
done, she was smoked with g^unpowder, moistened with vinep^r or
water. I had also frequently a fire made in an iron pot at the hot.
torn of the well, which ^eatly purified the air in the lower parts o<

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

3^7

valuable and important essay, the council awarded to cii.vr. x.
him the Copley Medal ; and on the occasion of its do- deception .it
live'y, the president, Sir John Pringle, delivcrc<l a dis- the Uoyai
course highly encomiastic of the great discoverer: — ^^^^^''
" If," concluded the worthy baronet, ** Rome decreed
the '^ivj,: crown to him who saved tlie life of a single
citizen, what wreaths are due to t!u.c man, who, having
himself saved many, perpetuates in your Transactions
the means by which Britain may now, on the most dis-
tant voyages, save numbers of her intrepid mariners,
who, braving every danger, have so liberally contributed
to the fame, to the opulence, and to the maritime em-
pire of their country \"

The account of his first voyage, along with the Arconnt of
narrative of the expeditions of Byron, Wallis, and^l^yJl^^
Carteret, had been prepared for publication by Dr
Hawkesworth. The manner in which that gentleman
executed the charge intrusted to him gave little satis-

the ship. To this and cleanliness, as well in the <:hip as amnn^rst
the people, too |rreat attention cannot be paid. The least nej^lect
occasions a putrid offensive smell below, which nothing but tires
will remove ; and if these be not used in time, those smells will he
attended with had consequences.

*' Proper care was taken of the ship's coppers, so that they were Means for
kept constantly clean. The fat, which boiled out of the salt beef and 'ccurinj? tlm
pork, I never suffered to be |>;iven to the people, as is custoniarv ; J^^*"" o' t''6
Deinjr of opinion that it promotes the scurvy. 1 never failed to talte "^^ '
in water wherever it was to be procured, even when we did not
seem to want it; because I look upon fresh water from on shore to
be much more wholesome than that which has been kept some time
on board. Of this essential article we were never at an allowance,
but had always an abundance for eve^y necessary purpose. I am
convinced, that with plenty of fresh water, and a close attention to
cleanliness, a ship's company will seldom f'<e much afflicted with the
scurvy, thoiijch they should not be provided with any of the anti-
scorbutics mentioned.

" We came to few places where either the art of man or nature
did not afford some sort of refreshment or other, either of the ani-
mal or vefjretable kind. It was my first care to procure what could
be met with of either by every means in my power, and to ohlijre
our people to make use thereof, both by my example and authority ;
but the benefits arisintr from such refreshments soon becfne so ob-
vious, that I had little occasiin to employ either the one or the
oilier."

«■

838

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

CHAP. X.

Preparation
of the narra-
tive of the
second
voyage.

]

Modesty of
the author.

Omid.

Moderate
knowledge oi
Englislu

faction ; and on this occasion it was deemed more
advisable that the history of the enterprise should be
written by him who had so ably conducted it. In
submitting his work to the public, Cook considered it
necessary to plead in excuse for any inaccuracies of
CO u position, or deficiencies in the elegance of style,
which might be observed in his narrative, " that it was
the production of a man who had not had the aivan-
tage of much school-education, but who had been con-
stantly at sea since his youth ; and though, with the
assistance of a few good friends, he had passed through all
the stations belonging to a seaman, from an apprentice-
boy in the coal-trade to a post-captain in the royal navy,
he had had no opportunity of cultivating letters." But,
in truth, the " Voyage towards the South Pole" stands
in no need of such an apology. The sentiments and
reflections are in every instance just, manly, and saga-
cious ; the descriptions are clear and graphic ; and the
style is free from affectation, — plain, flowing, and ex-
pressive.

Omai, the native of Ulietea whom Captain Fumeaux
took on board at Huaheine, was the first inhabitant of
the South Sea Islands seen in Britain, where his presence
naturally excited intense curiosity. He was at once
introduced into the highest circles, and patronised by
the rank, fashion, and beauty of the metropolis. He
was honoured by an interview with his Majesty George
III., who settled on him a pension during his residence
in this country, and made him several presents. He
does not seem to have attained to great proficiency in
the English language ; but, by the aid of signs and
gestures, he was able to make himself generally under-
stood, and in a short time acquired such a knowledge of
the town, that he could traverse it without guide or in-
terpreter. For the opera, which had so many charms
for the Otaheitan brought to Paris by Bougainville, he
appears to have cared little. But we are assured by
Madame D'Arblay, that nothing could be more curious
or less pleasing than one of the songs of his native land^

SECOND CIRCUMNATIOATION OP COOK.

339

which he chanted in the presence of her father : "Voice CHAP- X.
he had none ; and tune or air did not seem to be even unmusical
aimed at, either by composer or performer ; *twas a "ona*
mere queer, wild, and strange rumbling of uncouth
sounds. His music, Dr Bumey declared, was all that
he had about him of savage."* The ease and grace of
his manners, indeed, excited much wonder. With the
talent for mimicry which is characteristic of his nation,
he readily copied the forms of the society in which he
mixed ; and as his intercourse was with the most re-
fined circles, he imitated only admired and elegant
models. Dr Johnson, whose vision, however, was none Dr. Johnson's
of the keenest, tells us, that dining at Streatham with ** *®"^*^'*"*
Lord Mulgrave and the Ulietean, '* they sat with their
backs t ) the light fronting me, so that I could not see
distinctly ; and there was so little of the savage in Omai,
that I was afraid to speak to either, lest I should
mistake one for the other." t We are informed by
another writer, that the island-barbarian was frequently
contrasted with Mr Stanhope (the son of Lord Chester-
field), who, after all that could be eflFected for him
by the care and knowledge of a fond father, by the best
teachers, and the most advantageous circumstances, was
far surpassed, at least in the outward graces of personal
demeanour, by the rude and ignorant native of a remote
island of the Pacific.

But unfortunately his acquirements were limited to fcquhrementf
the superficial observances of social life. No greater oi Omai.
proof of his intelligence has been re orded than his
knowledge of the game of chess, in which he became
singularly proficient. With that zeal in good works for
which he was so distinguished, the benevolent Granville
Sharp laboured to instruct the Ulietean in the principles
of writing, in which, it is said, he acquired sucii skill as
to be able to pen one letter to Dr Solander. Mr Sharp

• Memoirs of Dr Burney, by his Daughter, Madame D'Arblay,
vol ii p. 7.
f Boswell's Life of Johnson (Mr Croker's edition), vol. iii. p. 374,

340

SECOND CIRCUMNAVIGATION OP COOK.

CHAP. X.

Benevolent
efiuitR of
OranvilJe
Sharp.

Motives of
Oinai's visit
to England.

Distinpiiisli-
ed iuvuur&

endeavoured likewise to impart to him a knowledge of
religious principles; but the attempt met with little
success. He appears, indeed, to have possessed a very
ordinary intellect, and was far inferior in genius and
observation to the unfortunate Tupia, who embarked in
the Endeavour, and died at Batavia. The opinion which
Cook at first expressed as to the talents of Omai was im-
questionably just, although partiality for his savage ward
afterwards induced him to think differently.

The rank which he held in his own country was by no
means elevated ; he belonged to neither of the dominant
classes, — the chiefs or the priests. His object in ac-
companying Captain Furneaux to England appears to
have been, a desire to obtain the means of successfully
waging war with the men of Bolabola, expelling them
from Ulietea, and regaining possession of his paternal
domains.

It has been remarked, that few savages have enjoyed
so distinguished a destiny as Omai ; he was painted by
Reynolds, sung by Cowper, and befriended by Cook ;
while he enjoyed the society of Johnson, Banks, Lord
Sandwich, Burney, Solander, Sharp, Lord Mulgrave, and
many others illustrious for their rank or their learning.
In his own estimation, perhaps, he was more fortunate,
in having been favoured with the notice of the most
celebrated beauties of the day, the Crewes, the Cravens,
and the Townshends of tlie last century.

COOK S THIRD VOYAGE.

311

CHAPTER XI.

CooWs Third Voyage.

Objects of the Expedition — Kerpuelen's or Desolation Island —
Van Diemen's Land — New Zealand — Manj^eea, Wenooa-ette
and Wateeoo — Palmerston Island — Transactions at the Friendly
Islands — the Society Islands— Otaheite — Eimeo — Huaheine —
Settlement of Omai there, and Notice of his Life— Ulietea— Bola-
bola — Cook sails northward — Christmas Island — Discovers the
Sandwich Archipelag«) — Makes the Coast of New Albion —
Nootka Sound —Cook's Biver — Behrinj^'s Strait— Icy Cape —
Progress to the North arrested — Revisits the Sandwich Islands
— Reception by the Natives— Cook is worshipped as their God
Orono — Sails from Karakaooa Bay, but is obliged to return to '.i, —
Hostile Disposition of the Natives— The Discovery's Cutter is
stolen — Cook goes on Shore to recover it— Interview with the
King — A Chief slain — Attack by the Natives — Death of Cook —
Recovery and Burial of Part of his Remains — The V{»yage \»
resumed — Death of Capts'n Gierke— The Ships reach China —
Fur-trade — Arrival in England.

While Cook was exploring the deptlis of the Southern CHAP xi.
Hemisphere, the British government prepared an expe- Northern
dition to investigate the seas and regions of the Arctic "R^*'A',i'j'"
Circle. In 1773, Captain John Phipps, afterwards Lord riiipps.
Mulgrave, sailed from England in order to determine
how far ifiavigation was practicable towards the North
Pole ;* and, though the general result of his lordship*8
enterprise could not be regarded as very favourable,

• A notice of this expedition will be found in the Edinburgh
Cabinet Library, No. I., Narrative of Discovery and Adventure in
the Polar Seas and Regions (3d edition), p. 3'JG-Ij3o.

i v'9

■WIHMPIinn

342

cook's third voyage.

!!:

Hopes of
further
disco vury.

Enthusiasm
of iiwk.

CHAP. XI hopes were still cherished that a channel between tlie
Atlantic and the Pacific might be discovered on the
northern verge of the American continent, and it was
resolved that a voyage for this purpose should be under-
taken.

Lord Sandwich, anxious to consult Cook as to the
management of the enterprise, invited him to dine at
his house, along with Sir Hugh Paliiser, and Mr Stephens,
the secretary to the Admiralty. In the discussion that
followed, the importance of the design, the advantages
which it would confer on science and navigation, and
the fair field which it opened for honour and distinction,
were so strongly represented, that the great discoverer,
becoming exceedingly animated, at length started to his
feet, and declared that he himself would take the com-
mand of it. His active and restless spirit seems to have
looked with impatience on retirement and repose, how-
ever honourable ; and scarcely had he returned from
his second voyage when we find him longing to engage
in a new expedition.* The offer which he now made

* We are indebted to Mr Locker (Gallery of Greenwich Hospi.
tal, part i.) for the following letter from Cook, addressed within a
week after his appointment in Greenwich Hospital to one of his
earliest friends and patrons, — the worthy Quaker to whom he waa
apprenticed at Whitoy : —

« Mile End, August 19th, 1775.
L*?tter of " Dear Sir, — As I have not now time to draw up an account of

Cook. such occurrences of the voyage as I wish to communicate to you, I

can onl^ thank you for your obliging letter and kind inquiries after
me durmg my absence. I must, however, tell you, that the Reso-
lution was found to answer on all occasions even beyond my expecta-
tions, and is so little injured by the voyage that she will soon he
sent out again. But I shall not command her: my fnte drives me
from one e.xtream to another. A few months ago, the whole South-
ern Hemisphere was hardly big enoiigh for me, and row I am going
to be confined within the limits of Greenwich Hospital, which are
far too small for an active mind like mine. I must, however, con-
fess it is a fine retreat, and a pretty income ; but whether I can
bring myself to like ease and retirement time will show. Mrs Cook
joins with me in best respects to you and all your family, and be-
lieve me to be, dear Sir, your most affectionate friend, and humble
ervant, "James Cook."

<* To Captain John Walker, at Whitby, in Yorkshire."

cook's third voyage.

343

gratified the secret wishes of his noble entertainer, and
was most willingly and joyfully accepted. On the 9th
of February 1776, he was accordingly re-appointed to
the Resolution ; Captain Gierke being placed under his
orders in command of the Discovery, a vessel of 300
tons, fitted out exactly as the Adventure had been in
the former voyage.

The instructions for conducting this expedition were
dated on the 6th of July 1776. They directed the cap-
tain to make his way to the Cape of Good Hope, and
thence " proceed southward in search of some islands
said to have been lately seen by the French, in the
latitude of 48° S., and about the meridian of Mauritius,"
that is, 67° 28' 30" E. He was then to steer for Ota^
heite, with power to touch, if lie judged it necessary^
at New Zealand ; and having refreshed his crews there,
to run directly for the shores of New Albion, about the
parallel of 46° north. Having sailed along the coast
till he reached the latitude of 65°, he was ordered " very
cai-efuUy to search for and to explore such rivers, or
inlets, as may appear to be of a considerable extent, and
pointing towards Hudson's or Baffin's Bays, and if there
should appear to be a certainty, or even a probability,
of a water-passage into the afore-mentioned bays, to use
his utmost endeavours to pass through.'* Failing in
this, he was to winter in the port of St Peter and St
Paul, in Kamtschatka, and in the spring to renew the
search for a north-east passage into the Atlantic*

By an act of the legislature passed in 1745, a reward
of £20,000 was held out tc any ship not in his majesty's
service, which should discover a channel leading from
Hudson's Bay into the Phcific ; and, with a view of cn-

CHAP. XI.

Tliird voyage

determiuifd

on.

Instntctlona
for the
voyage.

Exploration
tor a riortli-
east passiige.

Keward
offered.

[fy'

cou raging the

crews.

the statute was now amended, so

* Voyage to the Pacific Ocean for making' Discoveries in the
Northern Hemisphere (3 vols 4to, 2d edition, London 17B5), Intro-
duction, p. xxxi-xxxv. Of this work, the first and second volumes
were written by Cook, the third by Captain King, wliile the long
and valuable introduction, and the erudite notes and illustrations,
were from the pen of Dr Douglas, afterwards Bishop of Salisbury

1:1

:i44

COOK S THIRD VOYAGE.

Departure
ot the
Kesolution.

CHAP. XI. as to bring this noble premium within the reach of the
Co-operative pi^esent enterprise. To co-operate with Cook, a vessel
expedition, was despatched to Baffin's Bay to examine its western
shores for an opening into the same ocean ; but Lieu-
tenant Young, to whom the command was intrusted,
returned without having effected any thing.

The Resolution, with Omai on board, sailed from
Plymouth Sound on. the 12th July 1776, and was joined
by the Discovery at the Cape of Good Hope on the 10th
of November. They put to sea on the 3d December,
and proceeded south-east, according to their instructions,
in search of the alleged French discoveries, the position
of which was by no means fully determined.* On the
12th, they fell in with the islands seen by Marion and
Crozet in 1772. Leaving these, they shaped their course
to the southward, and on the 24th, got sight of some
small ones about the latitude of 48° 29' S., and longitude
68° 40' E., which had been visited and named by Ker-
guelen in December 1773. On the same day, standing
to the south-south-east in search of land seen in the
morning, they reached a more extensive coast indented
by several bays, among which they expected to find a
good harbour. This proved to be the true Kerguelen's
Land of which our navigator was in quest ; but, in place
of being a continent, as was at one time supposed, he
found it an inconsiderable and steril island, worthy of
the name of Desolation, if delicacy to the discoverer had
permitted a change of title. No spot in either hemi-
sphere under the same parallel of latitude according to
the report of Mr Anderson, the surgeon, who officiated

* The discoveries so vaffuely mentioned in the instructions were
those made by M. Kerguelen, who sailed from the Isle of France in
January 1772, and on the 12th of February, in lat. 60° 6' S., dis-
covered a hijjli land to which he gave his own name. On his re-
turn to France he represented his discovery in such glowinj^ co-
lours, that Louis X V. gave him the cross of St Louis, and sent
him out to complete its survey. He reached it in December 1773,
and continued to explore its coasts till the 6th of January fojlow-
\n^. On reaching France he was accused of misconduct, deprived
of his rank, and thrown into prison.

Kerjfuelen's
Laud.

COOK S THIRD VOYAGE.

345

yere
ce in
dis-
re-
co-
scnt
773,
low-
rived

ns naturalist, presented less employment to the botanist ; chap. xr.
and its only living creatures were of the marine species, —
chiefly ursine seals, and birds, as penguins and alba-paunaand
trosses. The hills, though of moderate height, were^'o"^*-
covered with snow, even at this season, which corre-
sponded with the month of June in England ; and the
land, where not frozen, was for the most part a mere
bog, which yielded at every step.

Tlie voyagers quitted this bleak shore on the 30th vrrivni at
of December, and steered east by north for New Zea-^"",^i°' ,

' 1 -1 .,1 nan s LuiiJ..

land. On the 24th of January, they descried the coast
of Van Diemen's Land, and two days after, anchored
in the bay fonnerly visited by Captain Fumeaux, and
by him named Adventure. Here wood and water
were procured in abundance ; but fodder for the animaL
on board was not so readily obtained. While some of
the crew were engaged in procuring these supplies,
others carried on a successful fishery, and a party was
employed in surveying the bay. The natives, who ap-ifativea.
proached without fear, had no weapons of offence except
pointed sticks about two feet long, occasionally used
as darts. They were destitute of clothes or ornaments
of any kind, but small punctures were observed on dif-
ferent part of their bodies, some in straight lines and
others in curves. They were of the common stature,
but rather slender ; their skins were black, as also
their hair, which was woolly ; but they were not re-
markable for the other peculiarities of the negro race, —
thick lips, or flat noses.

On the 80th, the ships weighed anchor and put to Arrival at
sea, pursuing their course to the east, till the 10th of
February, when they came in sight of New Zealand,
and on the 12th, anchored in the well-known station of
Queen Charlotte's Sound. Several canoes in no long
time made their appearance, but very few of those who
occupied them would venture on board. Their shy and
timid behavioui Cook considered to arise from a dread
of punishment for the murder of the boat's crew belong-
ing to the Adventure, and used every means to reassure

' New Zealand.

■B

I 5-

346

CHAP. XL

Restoration
of native
confidence.

Cau«e of
former colH-
Bion with tho
natives.

COOK^S THIBD TOTAGE

Weapons of New Zealand*

them of his friendly intentions. In this he was sue-,
cessful ; their distrust gradually gave way, every sign
of fear vanished, and as amicable an understanding wa»
established as if no evil had ever happened to mar it.
The inquiries which he made, as to the melancholy fate
of his former companions, were readily answered, though
considerable discrepancies appeared in the accounts which
he received from different individuals.

The party, it should seem, left their boat in charge
of a black servant, and, unsuspicious of danger, sat
down to dinner about 200 yards off, surr unded by the
natives, who, at that period, there is reason to believe,
entertained no unfriendly designs. During the repast,
some of the savages snatched away a portion of the
bread and fish, for which they were punished with
blows ; while, about the same time, one of them de-
tected in pilfering from the boat received a severe stroke
from the keeper. His cries alarmed his countrymen.

COOK S THIRD VOYAGE.

347

e
h

who imagined he was mortally wounded ; and as their CHAP. xi.
resentment had been excited by the usage which they FatalquarreL
themselves experienced, they readily yielded to the
desire of revenge. A quarrel instantly ensued, in which
two of them were shot dead by the only muskets dis-
charged ; more would probably have fallen, had they
not rushed upon the English, armed with their stone
weapons, and, overpowering them by numbers, left not
one alive. Kahoora, one of the chiefs, acknowledged Eaboora.
that he attacked the commander of the party ; but en-
deavoured to justify himself on the ground that one of
the muskets fired was levelled at him, and that he only
escaped by skulking behind the boat. Whatever truth
there might be in his vindication, the natives frequently
importuned Cook to kill him, and were surprised that
he did not comply with their request. " But if I had
followed the advice of all our pretended friends,*' says
he, ** I might have extirpated the whole race ; for the
people of each hamlet, or village, by turns applied to me
to destroy the other." *

The voyagers left Queen Charlotte's Sound on the saii for tiic
25th February, carrying with them two native youths, igj^^j^
and stood for the Society Islands. On the 29th of
March, they came in sight of one, small but inhabited,
called by the natives Mangeea, situated in latitude 21°
57' S. and longitude 201° 53' E. Its appearance was
very pleasing, and indicated a fertile soil. The people,
who seemed a fine and vigorous race, were of a tawny
colour, and had strong, straight black hair and long
beards ; the insides of their arms were tattooed in the
manner adopted by several of the other islanders of
Polynesia ; their language was a dialect of that which is

* Voya^re to the Pacific, vol. i. p. 124. In 1827, Mr Earle met
with an a^ed savage who, in answer to inquiries put to him, said he
did not remember Cook, but ^ well recollected Captain Furneaux,
and was one of the party which cut off and massacred his boat's
crew; and, from other information," adds the author, '* which I
received, I believe his assertion to have been correct." — Narrative
of a Nine Months' Residence in New Zealand, by Augustus Earle^
(Loudon, 1832), p. 23. .

««ltaMWM

348

cook's third voyage.

Wiiteeoo

Island

discovered.

i:.

CHAP. xr. common throughout the South Sea. One of them, wlio
ventured on board, happening to stumble over a goat,
asked Omai what bird it was.

Leaving this island on the afternoon of the 30th, the
next day brought the navigators in sight of another
similar in appearance and extent, and situated only a
few leagues ♦HHher to the north. On approaching its
shores, a third was observed right ahead ; but as it was
much smaller. Cook sent boats to look for anchorage
and a landing-place on the one first discovered. As they
were putting off, some natives rowed to the ships in
their canoes, and, when asked, gave a few cocoa-nuts,
seemingly without any notion of barter or care for the
value of the presents made in return. Soon after their
departure, another party arrived, whoso conductor
brought a bn^ch of plantains, — a donation which was
afterwards n- icrstood to be from the chief of the
island, and wa3 acknowledged by an axe and a piece oi
red cloth. In a short time, there came alongside a
double canoe, in which were twelve men, who, as they
drew near, recited some words in concert, one of them
first standing up, and giving note of preparation. This
ceremony over, tiiey asked for the commander, to whom
they offered a pig, a few cocoa-nuts, and a piece of
matting. They were then led through the ship, some
of the contents of which surprised them considerably,
though none fixed their attention for a moment. They
were afraid of the cows and horses, but the sheep and
goats did not seem wholly strange to them, though, like
the native of Mangeea, they supposed these animals to
be birds. In most points they resembled the inhabit-
ants of that island, although several of them were of
darker complexion. No landing having been effected
on this day, the attempt was renewed the next mori>
ing by Messrs Gore, Burney, and Anderson, who, ac-
companied by Omai, at length reached the shore, but
amid dangers which occasioned much anxiety to their
companions.

Having anchored within 100 yards of the land, two

Inlerconrso
with tho

nativcai

COOK S TUIRD VOYAGE.

349

canoes came off to give assistance, which they thought chap. xr.
proper to accept ; and their conductors, watching the —
movements of the surf, caught a fit opportunity to push jjfo^a "" ""
through, and placed them on the retf. On the beach,
they were met by several natives, bearing green branches
in their hands, who led them among a crowd whose
curiosity was so troublesome that it was necessary to
repress it by blows from some persons in authority.
The party were then guided through an avenue of
cocoa-palms, to a number of men, arranged in two rows,
armed with clubs, among whom sat a chief cross-legged
on the ground, and cooling himself with a leaf used as
a fan. After saluting this personage, who was distin-
guished by large bunches of red feathers placed in his
cars, the party approached two others seated in the
same posture, and wearing similar ornaments ; one of
them was remarkable for size and corpulence, though
not above thirty years of age ; the second, who was ap-
parently older than either, desired the strangers to sit
down. The people were then directed to stand aside, p,,^pp ^j
and make room for the performance of a dance by about women.
twenty young women, adorned like the chiefs. Their
motions, which were dictated by a prompter, or master
of the ceremonies, were accompanied by a slow and
serious air sung by all the dancers. This entertainment
was followed by a mock club fight.

The island, though never before visited by Europeans, Evidence of
was found to contain three countrymen of Omai, natives ^^^ ^P^^ ^
of the Society Isles. They were the sole survivors of islands.
about twenty persons of both sexes, who, in a voyage
from Otahc'ite to Ulietea, were driven by contrary
winds to this spot, — a distance of nearly 200 leagues.
They had been liere probably twelve years, and were
so thoroughly satisfied as to have no wish to return.
This incident, says tlie intelligent navigator, " will serve
to explain, better than a thousand conjectures of specu-
lative reasoners, how the detached parts of the earth,
and, in particular, how the islands of the South Sea,
may have been first peopled, especially those that lie

850

COOK*S THIRD VOYAGE.

CHAP. XI.

Fine charuc-
tor of tho

pvoplo.

Otokootaiai

Hervcy
IsluucL

remote from nny inhabited continent, or from each
other." * The native name of the island was ascertained
to be Wateeoo ; it is described as a place of great
beauty, agreeably diversified by hills and plains, and
covered with verdure of many hues ; it lies in latitude
20^ 1' S. and longitude 201" 46' E., and is about six
leagues in circumference. Mr Anderson pronounces
the inhabitants a well-made race, more especially those
of rank. Many of the young were perfect models in
point of shape, and had delicate complexions. Accord-
ing to the report of Oinai, their manners and religion
were nearly the same with those of the Society Islands ;
and their language was equally intelligil)le to the Oto-
heitan and to the New Zealunders.

On the morning of the 4th April, Cook proceeded to
visit the neighbouring island, which the natives of that
which he had left termed indifferently Wenooa-ette and
Otakootaia. It lay in latitude 19° 61' S., and did not
exceed three miles in circuit. No human beings were
seen ; but many traces occurred to show that it was
occasionally visited ; some deserted huts were observed,
and under the shade of trees were found monuments of
stone, and enclosed spots which had perhaps been used
as sepulchres.

The voyagers now shaped their course towards Hervey
Island, observed in the preceding voyage.t To the
great surprise of the captain, who had believed the place
to be without inhabitants, several canoes put off from
the shore. From three to six men were in each, but
not one of chem could be persuaded to venture on board.
Although they differed much in appearance from the
natives A Mangeea, — their complexion being of a darker
l»ne, and their aspect more fierce and warlike, — no
doubt could be entertained that they were of the same
race. The name of their island was Terouggemou
Atooa, and they acknowledged tliat they were subject
to the King of Wateeoo j their language was very

* ^'oyajfe to the PanifiCi vol. u p. 202. f Se« above, p. 3 JO.

C00K*8 THIRD VOYAQE.

351

similar to thai of Oiaheite. They said they had seen chap. XL
two great sliip^ sail past, but did not speak with them : """
these must have been the Resolution and Adventure
during the former voyage.

Cook resolved, on the 6th, to bear away for the raimemton
Friendly Islands, at which he was sure to obtain the i»i'i»a.
supplies which the groups he just passed had been found
to deny. On the Idth, when in danger of losing his
cattle from want of food, he readied Palmcrston Island,
which he had discovered in 1774.* Here he fortunately
procured scurvy-grass, palm-cabbages, and young cocoa-
trees for the animals on board ; while his crew fared
sumptuously on birds, fish, and cocoa-nuts. This
cluster, which is uninhabited and without water, com-
prehends nine or ten low islets, which are probably the
summits of the coral-reef that connects them together.
One, on which a landing was made, was scarcely a mile
in circuit, and not more than three feet above the level
oV the sea ; its surface appeared to be merely a coral-
isand, with a small mixture of blackish mould ; but
notwithstanding the poverty and thinness of this soil,
trees and bushes were both numerous and varied. Several
small brown rats were seen, conveyed thither, it was
conjectured, in a canoe, a fragment of which still re-
mained on the beach.t

From this position, which he left on the l7th, the Friendly
navigator proceeded westward. On the night of the ^'^
24th, he passed Savage Island, discovered in his second
voyage ; 4. on the fourth day after, he came in sight
of some of the Friendly group, and moored about five
miles off Komangc* or Mango, the natives of which
brought cocoa-nuts^ plantains, and other articles, in ex-
change for nails.

* See above, p. 324.

+ By some continental geograpliers the name of Cook's Arclii-
pela^> has been applied to Man^eea, Otakootaia, Hcryey Islana,
and their dependencies. See Baibi, Abrej^e de Geographic, p. 1277*
31 array's Encj'clonaEdia of Geography, p. 1523.

1 See above, p. i24.

I 'i

352

COOK S THIRD VOYAGE.

li:l

theft.

CHAP. XI. On tiie 1st of May, he dropped anchor at Anna-
Aunamooka n^ooka (the Rotteiinra of Tasman), in the same spot
which he had occupied three years before. A few days
after his arrival, he met with a chief, whose name has
since acquired a European renowii, — Feenou or Fino^",
— who was then only tributary lord of Hapai, hut
was introduced to Cook as king of all the Friendly
Islands, one hundred and fifty-t! ree in number. This
individual was found very serviceable in forwarding
the object of the voyagers, who experienced no little
annoyance from the thievish disposition of the comihon
Putiisiimer.t people, and even some of the chiefs. After punishing
?Krf!^'^'' one of the latter by inflicting a dozen lashes and tem-
porary confinement, the nobles no longer pilfered in
person, but depi'edations were continued by their slaves,
on whom, we are told, a floirging appeared to make
no greater impression than it would have done on the
inain-mast. The only means by which they could be
effectually restra'ned from pillage was shaving their
heads ; which at oncp jxpodcd them to the ridicule of
their countrym.en, and enal)led the English to keep
them at a distance.

Finding the supply of provisions almost exhausted
in little more than a week. Cook meant to visit Ton-
gataboo ; but, by the advice of the king, he proceeded
to a group of islands called Hapai, lying to the north-
east, of which the principal are Lefooga, Foa, Haano,
Wilia, and Hooaleva. After a dangerous passage through
a sea studded with shoals, rocks, and small islands, the
ships came to an anchor on the l7th May, and soon
after, Feenou and Omai undertook the task of formally
introducing the captain to the natives of the island.
He was conducted to a house on the margin of the sea,
where he was seated beside his patrons ; while the
chiefs and a muiiitude of people were ranged in a circle
outside and in front of the erection. Taipa, a friendly
noble, then addressing his countrymen hy order of
Feenou, exhorted them to behave witii kindness and
honesty to their visiters, and bring to them supplies of

Hapai

Iblauds.

COOK'g THIRD VOYAGE.

3o3

provisions, for which they would receive valuable articles chap. xi.
in exchange. ~~

Early next morning, the latter cliief came on board, y^^^^y^
and persuaded the discoverer to accompany him to hospitality.
the shore, where they found a great concourse of the
inhabitants. A large quantity of yams and other ar-
ticles having been presented with much pon.p, the
spectators formed them.selves into a ring to witness a
succession of single combats, in which the parties fought
with clubs Wrestling and pugilistic matches were also
performed, 'in.l the voyagers saw with surprise " a
couple of lusty wenches step forth and begin boxing,
without the least ceremony, and with as much art na
the men." These diversions took place in the presence
of 3000 people ; and the gifts offered on the occasion
loaded four boats, and far surpassed any donation yet
received in the islands of the Pacific. On first landing,
Cook's quick and sagacious eye perceived " that some-
thing more than ordinary was in agitation ;" but he
seems afterwards to have considered that the magnitude
of the preparations was sufficiently explained by the
munificence of the present. How little was he aware
of the dangers which surrounded him ! Snares were TrencTioroui
laid for his d vstruction ; and the chiefs and their fol- '•'-'^'^i"'*-
lowers, who seemed to outvie each other in kindness
ftnd hospitality, only awaited a token from Feenou to
commence a general massacre. Fortunately, disputes
arose among the conspirators which led to the abandon-
ment of the treacherous design, and the games passed
c^ without the expected signal being made.* The

• Mariner's Ton^a Islands (3<1 edition), Edinburgh, 1827j
vol. ii. pp. 7U 72. *' Mr Mariner," it is said, ''had tliis informa-
tion at different times from several ehief's who were present, and in
K articular from Feenou himself, the son of the chief who was at the
ead of the conspiracy." Had (Jook discovered their treacherous
intentions, he woidd have p.ohably hesitated to apply to these
islanders the epithet Friendly, which so many events have shown
to be sini^ularly undeserved. A witty Frenchman writes, " Nons
dimes adieu auxhabitanadea lies ues hnit., doiit le noin, ainsi uue

^11

•^ #'1

,'!

'.rl

ii-

Ii *

i m 't »fm r »m M i

354

COOK 8 THIRD ViiVAGE.

CRAP. XI

Friendly pio-
Kssionsintei-
chtUigccL

Pe\iew nnd
fireworks.

I
I.

King of
I'uugataboo.

treacherous chief, on whose nod the lives of the strangers
had depended, accompanied them on board, and havhig
been entertained at their table, mvus dismissed with re-
newed marks of their liberality and fiieadship. " As
soon as he got ashore," says Cook, " he sent via a fvesh
present, consisting of two large hogs, a considerable
quantity of cloth, and some yams.'* It v ould be dif-
ficult to determine the feelings by whicii the savage
was actuated in this step ; whether he wa.^ swayed by
remorse or by gratitude ; if his generosity was a cunning
device to obviate suspicion, or if it flowed from a heart
softened into penitence by unmerited kindness, and
anxious to expiate the crime which it had meditated.

Two days after, the islandei-s were gratified by wit-
nessing a review of the marines, and by a display of
fireworks. The music, performed for their amusement,
obtained no praise ; the French Iiorns were absolutely
despised ; and even the drum, which they most ad-
mired, was not thought equal to their own. The natives
on their part exhibited numerous dances and other en-
tertainments, which were prolonged through a great
portion of the night. On the 27th, a large canoe ap-
peared, having a personage on board not previously seen,
who was said to be the real king of Tongataboo und all
the neighbouring islands. It was with difficulty the
commander could be persuaded that Feenou was a sub-
ordinati^ chief ; and it was only from the urgent repre-
sentation of the natives, that he was induced to acknow-
ledge the supremacy of this new visiter. Futtafaihe or
Poulaho, lor he went by both names, was accordingly
invited into the ship, which he was desirous to inspect ;
and he brought with him a present of two fat hogs.
" If weight of body could give weight in rank or power,"
says the captain, " his majesty was certainly the most
eminent man we had seen." When introduced into his

les bienveillantes dispositions, nous rnppellaient si bien nos aminda
1U15." — D Urville, Voyage autour du Munde, tome iv. p. i{92.

COOK S THIRD VOYAGE.

355

presence, Feenou paid precisely tlie usual obeisance, chaf. xi.
saluting the sovereign's foot with his head and hands, Q^^jgaiice to
and retiring when the monarch sat down to eat.* the chiet
Poulaho invited Cook to Tongataboo, whi<^'h they reach™
ed on the 10th June, after a passage dangerous fro!U
the number of coral rocks, on whi{;h both vessels struck,
fortunately without receiving damage.

Their reception was friendly in tlu> extreme, a house ^,.ipj„i,y
was set apart for their use, and tlicy were welcomed rcccpti.'n i.t
with the acclamations of the people. Feenou j;rovod '*J"i5*'!'^''"'^
very serviceable, and the treatment experienced from
other chiefs, though a little capricious and mercenary,
held forth every hope of an amicahie intercourse.
Feasting occupied a considerable portion of the time,
both in the ships and on the shore. It was frc(|uently
troublesome in the former, owing to the number who Troubiosfune
thronged into the cabin, provided neither the spiritual "atiTe visits.
sovereign nor Feenou was there, — the presence of either
generally operating as an exclusion to all the rest. His
majesty's visits were, consequently, much prized by his
host, and appeared to be far from disagreeable to him-
self. He was soon reconciled to English fare : " But
still, I believe,"' says the former, " he dined thus fre-
quently with me, more for the sake of wiiat we gave
him to drink, than for what we set before; liim to eat.

* Cook failed to acqiiiifl a correct knowledge of the ppcnliar gov-
ernment of the Toiij^a Archipeirtgo. I'oulaho was Ti.uitvngn. that ChicI pilct.
is. a divine '"hiof of supreme rank, and of ah^oh\(e power in rehg'ious
aftVvirs, bat jf little aiithoritv ia seoolar matters. His jhtsop is ron-
sidered spcred, and the highest chiefs; must perform towarls htm
the hnmiliatinf^ coieniony of sahitiujif lij.s fool. '■ Dans h^s ataibn-
tionii du touit-in^a;" says DTIrviiK-, "ii est diificilo dc no pas snisir
sur-le-c'iavnp line resspvnhiar.oe asvcz frafjpaiito avv-c le tarattere et
les hf'iineurs doiit lea chretiens cathoiiijuos avaieiit cnvirojine la pi-r-
Sonne dn chef de leiir relipon : puissance spirituelle sansi honicH,
une demi-divinife, aiitoiite trmporello \s\\\i on moinh etendne, buise-
me'is d(? pieds et tiihnts nniversHs." \^>\aue, t.om<i iv, p. 2i)o.
l''pen()U was in possession of tlie totnporul and c.\(.vnitivj' power of
thf Hfate, in virine of an office somewhat. ana(oi.^o\!s to that of tlie
Maire du Palais in France' and his family evenUially s«cceedi;J
in Jcposing Toniton^a,

I ;

Is' I',

•'i

':)

■*««Bn««lP<Vin

BC'C'SC»W-.~rj!E.'iJ*K

^';r,«^r:«.^\'««SKSt^»W^«SS&*!S»»s!te\'!ft^

LWkt\\w),k\<»i«vp

lil

356

cook's THIltU VOYAGK.

Ife H !'

llesohite
01 Cook.

CliAr. XL For he had taken a liking to our 'v\'ine, could empty

^, J . his hottle as well as most men, and wa8 as cheerful
Continued • x- va . x

njitive over it. Ihis social communication did not prevent

depredaiiona ijpjjjj-,y depredations hy the lower orders, whose re-
peated and daring offences became at length so cerious,
that it was necessary tliey should be effectually checked.
On the disappearance of a kid and two turkey-cocks,
Cook had recourse to a mesisure, which, he had found
not unsuccessful on former occasions. " I could not be
so simple," he says, " as to suppos(.^ that this vvjis merely
an accidental loss ; and I was determined to have them
figain. Tlie first step I took was to seize on tixree
canoes that happened to be alongside the ships. I then
went ashore, and, having found the king, his brother,
Feenou, and some other chiefs, in the house that we
occupied, I immediately put a guard over them, and
gave tliem to understand, that they must remain under
I'estraint, till not only the kid and the turkeys, but the
other things that had been stolen from us at different
times were restored. They concealed as well as they
co'ild their feelings on finding themselves prisoners ; and,
having assured me that every thing should be restored
as I desired, sat down to drink their kavay seemingly
much at tlieir ease. It was not long before an axe and
an iron wedge were brought to me. In the mean time,
some armed natives began to gather behind the house ;
but, on a part of our guaxr) marching against them, they
dispersed, and I advised the chiefs to give orders that
no more should appear. Such orders were aecordingly
given by them, and they were obeyed. On asking
them to go aboard with me to dinner, they readily con-
sented ; but some having afterwards objected to the

Vis5f by the king's going, he instantly rose up, and declared he
would be the first man. Accordingly, we came on
board. I kept them there till fo\ir o'clock, when I
conducted them ashore, and soon after the kid and one
of the turkoy~<?ocks were brought back. The -'j.^r,
they said, should be restored the next morning. I
believed this would hap>pen, and released both them and

lioaiiL

COOK S TUIRD VOYAGE.

3r>7

the canoes." * This confidence was verified hy the chap. XI.
result ; the remaininer fowl and most of tlie articles that r. "~"T,
had heen stolen were soon after returned, and the expe- of stokn
dient which had heen adopted iiad not tJie slightest P^P^^^'^y*
prejudicial effect on the friendly dispositions of the king
or lii.s nobles.

A few days before his departure, Cook entertained pm-tini

cn-

Poulaho at dinner. The monarch was ol)served to take tLTtainment
particular notice of the plates, and having obtamed one
of pewter, mentioned two remarkable purposes to which
he meant to apply it. When he had occasion to visit
an^ other island, he would leave the dish at Tongataboo
as a representative, to which the people would pay the
same obeisance as to his own person ; and, on being
asked what had performed this service before, he re-
plied, " A wooden bowl in which he washed his hands." Sinpniar
The other use was for a species of ordeal : when a theft "^'i^e ordoaL
was committed, and the guilty person could not be
discovered, the people were assembled before him, and
when heihad washed his hands in the plato, they ad-
vanced one after another to touch it, in the same manner
as they touciied his foot on other occasions. If the
robber ventured to lay his hands on the sacred vessel,
he was overtaken by instant death, not by violence, but
by the finger of Providence ; if, on the contrary, he
declined the test, his refusal was considered a clear
proof of his guilt.t

* Voyage to t'le Pacific, vol i. p. 304.

+ Voyajj^e to the Pacific, vol. i. p. 'S'2H, More than thirty years Native taboo,
aftcrward.s, Mr Mariner saw this <u^\\ in the possession of Toiiiton-
j^a's son. Cook does not seem to have heen made fully aware of
the purposes to which it was Of.stined, which are th'is explained
hy the olhfr:- -" If any one is ^</6f>ocfy [consecrated or .set apart]
hy touching the person or garments of Touitonga, tiiere is no other
chief can relieve him from his tab<y), because no chief is eijtiai to
him in rank; and to jt void the inconveniencf, arising fr*<vii hisahsence,
r» consecrated bowl (or some wnch flii<ig) belonging {■> Touitonga
U »i|i|/lied to and touched instead of his feet. In l . Afariner's
time, I'oiiitongH always left a pewter dish for this purpose, which
ili4i was given to liis father hy Captain Coi k." — Mariner's Tonga
Islands, vol. ii. p. IBfJ. Tiiis ceremony is termed mot-moe^ and

' i.

> J

I I "1hH » i ti»l 'i i toJii?"-i i»!M>e

NMHM>

n Will <i"

3r)8

look's third voyage.

CHAP. XT.

Departure
ft-om the
Tonga
Islands.

Toobonal
Island.

ncceptlon of
Omul.

Tmpmdent

extrara-

gince.

After a sojourn of nearly three months, during which
time the most cordial friendship was maintained, our
countryman hade adieu to the Tonga Islands on the l7th
of July. The time which he passed among them was
by no means unprofitably spent, as the season for pro-
ceeding to the north had gone by before he resolved to
visit them, and more especially as the abundance of fresh
provisions enabled him to spare his sea-stock. He like-
wise benefited the people, by leaving with them several
useful animals, while he recruited those which were
destined for Otaheite.

On the 8th of August, in latitude 23° 25' S., longi-
tude 210° 37' E., the voyagers discovered a small island,
called by the natives Toobouai, and surrounded by a
coral reef, on which there was a violent surf. The
inhabitants, who spoke the language of the Society
Islands, appeared to be unarmed.*

From this he steered northwards, and, on the fourth
day after, came in sight of the S E. end of Otaheite,
whence several canoes came off. Those on b^rd seem-
ed scarcely to recognise the travelled Ulietean, and tht
meeting even with his brother-in-law was cold and dis-
tant, until he presented him with a few red feathers ;
upon which the heart of the latter warmed, and he
begged that Omai and he might be tayos or friends, and
exchange names. The crimson plumes produced an
alteration equally favourable on the rest of his country-
iHen. Our navigator counselled him to economize the
treasures with which he had been loaded in Britain, so
that he might be respected in his own land ; but the
advice was little regarded, and he allowed himself to
be cheated by every cunning flatterer. " His first in-

until it is performed no person who is tabooed will dare to feed liim-
Belf'with his own hands. The " wooden bowl," which was formerly
used in this rite, it is said, was ^\\&n to the ancestor of Poulaho
by Tasman, in 1(543. — Quarterly Review, vol. ii. p. 32.

• Tills place, wiiere Christian and the mutineers of the Bounty en-
deavoured to effect a settlement in 17^9, Lord Byron has selected
as the scene of his poem of The Island, altering the name for the
sake of e^uiiony into Toolwnai.

cook's tuird voyage.

3".9

terview with his sister," we arc told, " was marked witli cHA?. XI.
expressions of the tenderest affection, easier to be con- — -
ceived than to be described ;" and an old woman, sister his sister.
to his mother, equally fervent in her joy, fell at his
feet and bedewed them with her tears. Having an-
chored in Oaitipiha Buy,* Cook proceeded to inspect

• On jfoin|j; ashore at this place. Cook founrt a wooden house Snujiish
erectod on the martjin of the sea, and near it a cross, witli tlic in- voyaj;ot
scription,"CHRisTrs vincit — Cahohis III. nirFHAT. 1774."
Tliey had been raised, he was told, by the crews of two vessels,
wliich had recently visited the island, and whicli he rij^htly conjec-
tured had been des[)atched from the Spanish settlements in South
America, ile was not able, however, to obtain any certain infor-
mation regarding the voyage; and it is only within the last year
that an account of its transactions has been brou^lit to li^jht, hv a
manuscript presented to the Geoirraphical Society of Paris by M.
H. Ternaux. An alistract of this interesting- document, by M.
D Urville, is inserted in the Bulletin of tlie Society for March ]H'M
(2nrt serie, tome i. p. 145-IH4); and some farther details of the
enterprise have appeared in the Journal of the Royal Geojjraphical
Society of London (vol. iv. p. 182-191).

In October 177U the court of Spain, alarmed at the late visits of
the Knglish to the Snutli Sea, gave orders to tlie Viceroy of Lima
to preiMire, without delay, an expedition to examine the Society
Archi|>elago, and particularly Otaheite, and to report ujion the capa-
bilities, population, and resources of these islands. The viceroy
in consequence fitted out the Aguila frijjate; which, under the
command of IJon Dominjjo Bonechea, sailed from Callao on the
26th of September 1772 She reached Otaheite on the lUth of
November, and on the 26th of March 177^ arrived at Vat{)a-
raiso. The commander made a very I'avourahle representation of
the countries ho had been sent to explore ; and, in conveying his
journals and observations to the king-, " I could not," says the vice-
roy, " but .it the same time strongly express my own opinion to his
majesty, as to the great prejudice which would result to his domin-
ions in these seas if any other power were permitted to take |)re-
vious possession of them."

These views met the approbation of tlie court of Madrid, and Discovery of
Captain Bonechea was again despatched to tiie Society i^roup. the Society
He sailed from Callao on the 20th September 1774, havi i}j on I^lauda.
board two monks of the order of St Francis, a portable house, sheep
and cattle, seeds and implements, two natives bronght away in the
previous voyage, and a linguist, to be left at Otalieite with the mis-
sionaries. On the tiOth October, he discovered an island, which he
named San Narcisso, and which is believed to be the same with lie
Dangier of Duperrey. The next day, he descried another, which
he called I^as Animas (the .Mnller of Billinghausen, and the Frey-
ciuet of Duperrey). On the 1st of November, he discerned one

1^ '

360

cook's third voyage.

CHAP. XI.

Spanish
immitiR of
the Society
Ibluuds.

Dnnth of
liouocliCii.

I'!

Unsnccessful
mission of
Spanish
luoiika.

il ;

■■'

his provisions, caulk the vessels, and make other neces
sary arrangements.

Knowing the excellence of the

wliich he liad seen in liis previous voyaj^e, and denominated San
Simon et Jiidcs ; it is supposed to be identical with the Resohition
of Cook (see above, p. 307). On the morninfr of the 3d, he saw a
low isle (tlie Doubtful of the fjreat Enfjlish navij^ator), whicli he
entitled I.os Martines; and, in the eveninj^ of the same day, an-
other, which he desi|^nated San Quintin ; the latter seems to be that
on wliich Beecliey, in 182*», bestowed the appellation of Croker,
in honour of the very learned and talented Secretary to the Admi*
rahy. The followini^ afternoon, he observed a third, on which he
conferred the title of Todos Santos, and which is apparently the
Chain Island of Cook. At .sunset of the Hth, the summits of Ota-
heite (or, as he designs it, Amat) came in sight ; and on the 27th,
he anchored in the harbour of Oaitiniha, The building of tht»
wooden mansion was comi)leted towarns the end of the year ; and
on the Jst of January 1775, the symbol of Christianity seen by Cook
was erected on the shore with great [)omp, amid the chanting of
masses and discharges of muskets and artillery. Having landed the
cattle, the captain set sail on the 7th, and passing by Eimeo and
Huaheine, touched at Ulietea ; and having descried IJolabola, Tabu-
aemanii, Tethuroa, and Maupete or Maurua, returned to Ota-
htite on the 20th. Six days after, Boncchea died, and was interred
with becoming ceremony at the foot of the cross. The comniand now
devolved on Don Tomas Gayangos, who on the 28th made sail for
Jiima, where he arrived in April, having seen and named in his route
the islands Santa Rosa (the Ravavai or Vavitou of modern maps),
San .Tuan (the Melville of Bcechey), San Julian (the Adventure t)f
Cook), and San Bias (the Tchitshagofl^' of Billinghausen). " The
result of this voyage," we are told, " was the examination of
twenty-one islands, nine of which were low, and the others lofty.
A particular account of them, as well as the track of the frigate
correctly laid down, and all the details of the interesting expedi-
tion, were immediately forwarded to Spain."

Anxiety for the fate of the missionaries left at Otaheite prompted
a third visit; and, on the 27th September 1775, the Aguila, under
the comniand of Don Cayetano de Langara, once more set sail
from Callao. After a voyage of thirty-six days, the captain an-
chored in the harbour of Oaitipiha. He found that the mis-
sionaries, who were determined to abandon their task, had made
no progress in the conversion of the natives, and were so alarmed
by the human sacrifices prevalent in the island, that nothing but a
Spanish garrison would have induced them to remain. It was in
vain that the commander called to their recollection their high and
holy vocation, and exhorted them to persist in the glorious work
* 'ley had begun. Having embarked in the Aguila, they returned
I' Callao on the 17th of February 177''- " 11 est remarquable,"
wi s M. D'Urville, "qu'a I'epque des deux expeditions en 1772
et 177^ l<^s Espagnols n'aieat point senti ni meme soup9onne que

COOKS THIRD VOYAGE.

361

cocoa-nut liquor, he was desirous of prevailing on lu!«
seamen to exchange for it part of their allowance of
spirits during their stay at the island ; and having as-
senil)led the ship's company, he represented the advan-
tages of this measure, in an address so clear and judicious,
that his own crew first, and afterwards that of Captain
Gierke, readily concurred in the proposal.

On the 23d, the vessels were removed to Mataval,
where the caulking and other operations could he more
conveniently carried on. Cook found the sovereign,
his ancient friend Otoo, as anxious as ever to relieve his
wants hy ample supplies of provisions, and to contribute
to his amusement by sports and entertainments. In
return lor these important services, the Englishman
made him various presents of poultry and other animals.
Omai here conducted himself with such imprudence,
that he soon lost the friendship and respect of the king
and every chief of rank : " lie associated," says Cook,
" withnone but vagabonds and strangers, whose sole views
were to plunder him ; and if I had not interfered, they
would not have left him a single article worth the
carrying from the island." The voyagers here met with
their former companion, Oedidee, who, in 1773, had
accompanied them from Ulietea and visited the Tonga
Archipelago, New Zealand, and the Marquesas, and
who now took pains to evince his superior civilisation
by constant repetitions of " Yes, sir," or " If you please,
sir." He entertained his ancient shipmates at a dinner
of fish and pork, — the latter consisting of a hog weigii-
ing thirty pounds, which was killed and served up at
table within an hour.

On the fourteenth of September, the two captains
mounted on horseback, and rode round the whole plain
of Matavai, " to the very great surprise of a great train
of people who attended on the occasion, gazing on
them with as much astonishment as if they had been

Tai'ti (Otalieite) et iMaitea (Maitea or Osnahiiri;) pouvaient se rap-
porter aux lies Saifittaria et Dezena, decoiivcrtes au commeuce-
Hient du xvii siecle par leur computriote Qdiros."

CHAP. xr.

Cocnu-imt
liquor.

Fricnfllv

'TCl-Jltl'M lit

Matavai.

Impni'lpnco
ot Umui.

Hospttdllly
Oedidee.

I{ide round
MatavaL

■i!

;

; 5

mmmmmm

3f)2

cook's xninn voyage.

I :

CHAP. XI.

Curiosity of
the '^utivca.

Natlvo

Ui :l

centaurs." Though this feat was repeated daily, the
curiosity of the islanders continued unahated. They
\vere exceedingly delighted with the animals, whicli
perhaps impressed them with a higher notion of tho
greatness of I'^uropcan nations than all the noveUiea
previously exhihited.

On the 22d, the commander submitted to a ri dve
treat merit of cure for a rheumatic affection, under which he at that
rheuuiati:>m. ^j^^^ laboured. The process, called romee, and gen-
erally performed by female.s, was of the same nature with
that to which Wullis and two of his officers had been
subjected. " I was desired," says he, " to lay myself
down. Then, as many of them as could get round me
began to squec ze me with both hands, from head to foot,
but more particularly on the parts where the pain was
lodged, till they made my bones crack, and my flesh
became a perfect mummy. In short, after undergoing
this discipline about a quarter of an hour, I was glad to
get away from them. However, the operation gave me
immediate relief, which encouraged me to submit to
ftnother rubbing-down before I went to bed ; and it was
so effectual, that I found myself pretty easy all the
night after. IVIy female physicians repeated their pre-
scription the next morning, and again in the evening ;
after which I found tlie pains entirely removed." *

The repeated visits of our countryman had created a
persuasion among the natives that the intercourse would
be continued ; and Otoo enjoined Cook to request the
Earee rahie no Pretaitey the King of Britain, to send to
him, by the next ships, red feathers, with the birds
which produced them, also axes, muskets, powder, shot,
and horses. He followed this solicitation with an as-
surance that, should the Spaniards, who had recently
been there, return, he would not permit them to occupy
Matavai Fort, which he said belonged to the English.
This remark showed with what facility a settlement
might be made at Otaheite, which, however, the great

* Voyage to the Pacific, vol. ii. p. 63.

Viitivc desire
f;>r t'lirtlmr
iutorcourse.

COOK s Til in 1) voYAr.n.

3()3

na'iHgator hdpcd would never hai)j)en ; npprehonding ciTAP. XI
that, conducted as most Kui()|)ean cstul)lislunent8amonL' —
wivagc nations nave untoitunately been, it would pivc risuitxot
tlie nionle just cause to lament that their island had •"^'"'"I't'in
cver heen discovered. " Indeed," he adds, " it is very lamn.
unliki'ly that any measure of tin's kind should ever l>e
seriously thought of, as it can neither serve the purposes
of puhlic amhition nor of private avarice ; and, witliout
such induccnionts, I may pronounce that it will never
be undertaken." *

On the 29th, Cook took his departure from Otaheitc, n^ooptlon it
and the next day anchored in Kimeo, which he now Knneo.
visited for tiie first time. Durini^' a stay of six days, he
was hospitably entertained, and tiie greatest harmony
subsisted between him and the inhabitants ; hut when
Jie was on the eve of quitting the island, one of his
goats was stolen, — a loss which interfered with hia
views of stocking other places with these animals.
Having resolved to use every possible expedient for ita Thoft of
recovery, he in the first i)lace employed menaces, but f^^"'*
with so little effect, that in the mean while another was
taken away. Some of the natives alleged tliat it had
strayed into the woods, and went off as if in quest of it ;
but not one of them returned ; and the peo])le began to
leave the neighbourhood, — the usual indication of con-

* Voyaj^e to the Pacific, vol. ii. p 77. Cowner would seem to
have had this pa^saj^e in his view wlicii he wrote his verses o:i Omai,
which thus coachule : —

" We found no halt

To tempt us in thy country. Doinj^ ^"od,

Disinterested jfood, is not our trade.

We travel far, 'tis true, but not lor noutjht ;

And must he bribed to compass earth a^ain

By other iiopes and richer triiits than yours."
"The sliip Duff had not sailed," says iSIr Kllis, in allusion
to these lines, "and the spirit of missionary enterprise was not
aroused in the British churches. Had ^Jowper witnessed these
operations of Christian benevolence, he would have cheered with his
own numbers those who had gone out from Britain and other hivd'-,
not only to civilize, but to attempt the moral renovation ot the iica-
thea." — Polynesian Ilesearches, vol ii. p. ujS.

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

I.I

2.2

lit

IL25 in 1.4

Ui 12.0

1.6

'^.^•
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Hiotographic
.Sciences
Corporation

S: *'fST MAIN STRUT

WEbSVER.N.Y. M5S0

(716) 872-4503

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^\^\

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,-fr r . isam, ' Wmm mwummjumm.. : n ■■'■u^rja aTri'ti i r' -i

364

COOK 8 THIRD VOYAGE.

CHAP. XI.

Intimidation

oftlie

natives.

.•

Restorntion
of tlic stolen
Koods.

r-\travai,ant
desires ot
Omai.

scious delinquency. Havinpj regained the animal first
abstracted, Cook, in order to obtain restitution of the
other, despatched a boat to that part of the country
where it was said to bo. The officers intrusted with the
duty liaving returned after a fruitless search, he pro-
ceeded the next morning with thirty-five men across
the island, three armed boats being at the same time
ordered to support them if necessary. The inhabitants
fled at their first approach, but, on being assured of
safety, remained in their dwellings. Still no benefit re-
sulted from the expedition, which was more than once
artfully misdirected, and in danger of being attacked.
Having gathered some of the natives together, he in-
formed them, that unless the goat were immediately
delivered np, he would set fire to their houses and
boats. Even this menace failed ; and, in consequence,
six or eight huts and several war-canoes were consun.ed.
The day however passed, and the animal was not re-
stored till next evening, nor without a repetition of the
same severities. The following morning, he took his
departure, and at noon of the 12th October anchored at
Huahcine.

The chief object entertained in visiting this island was
the establishment of Omai in safety and independence.
It was his own desire to settle in Ulietea, where, as was
formerly mentioned, his father had been deprived of
some territorial possessions when the island was con-
quered by the wavriDrs of Bolabola. " I made no doubt,"
says the captain, " of being able to get the paternal in-
heritance restored to the son in an amicable manner ; but
lie was too great a patriot to listen to any such thing,
and was vain enough to suppose that I would reinstate
him by force.'* This belief seems, indeed, to have taken
strong possession of his mind. From the commence-
ment of the voyage, the defeat and expulsion of the
invaders were his constant themes, and he delighted to
indulge in dreams of their flight, when the tidings of
his return with the powerful sftrangei's should be spread

cook's third voyage.

365

throughout the islands. For some time no remon-
strances could dispel these delusions, and " he flew into
a passion if more moderate and rctisonahle counsels were
proposed for his adrantage ;" but, as he drew nearer to
his home, his sanguine hopes sank into despondence,
and he would have willingly remained at Tonga under
the protection of Feenou. He appears, however, still
to have cherished some expectations that the English
would employ their arms to replace him in his father's
lands ; and it was not until Cook peremptorily declared,
that he would neither assist in such an enterprise nor
allow it to be undertaken, that the Ulictean consented
to take up his abode in Huaheine, along with the
youths who had come on board at New Zealand. The
grant of a piece of ground on the seashore having been
obtained from the chiefs by the influence of our country-
man, the carpenters of both ships proceeded to erect a
house. A small garden was enclosed, and stocked with
shaddocks, vines, pine-apples, .melons, and the seeds of
several other vegetables. Tiie European arms which
Omai possessed were a musket, bayonet, and cartouche-
box, a fowling-piece, two pairs of pistols, and several
swords or cutlasses ; besides these he was furnished
with a helmet and coat of mail, numerous toys and
trinkets, a portable organ, an electrical machine, fire-
works, hatchets, iron tools, and kitchen utensils ; and
tliere were left with him a horse and marc, a boar and
two sows, and a male and female kid. To conciliate
the chiefs and secure their protection, he made them
valuable presents ; wliile Cook threatened them with the
weight of his resentment if his friend were injured.

On the second of November, a favourable breeze
springing up, the vessels got under weigh. Long after
the other islanders had taken their departure, Omai,
melancholy and dejected, lingered on deck. It is related
by a journalist of the voyage, that he so much dreaded
lest, after the departure of the squadron, he should be
despoiled of his wealth, and reduced to his former in-
significance, that he- earnestly entreated to be taken back

CHAP. XT.

Passioiiiite
demandai

Establloh-
ment ut
iluaheine.

European
acquisiliuna.

Fears of
OmuL

366

COOK S THIRD VOYAGE.

Grief at
parting.

Fate of Omai.

Cowpcr's
lines in tho

CHAP. XI. to Britain ;* and it wa8 not until the ships were uut at
sea, that ht proceeded to bid farewell to the >fficer8.
When he came to part with the captain he burst into
tears, and continued to weep bitterly as tlie boat con-
veyed him to the shore.

For many years the fate of this " gentle savage " was
an interesting topic for speculation in England ; and, as
Cook predicted, with " luturo navigators of that ocean,
it could not but be a principal object of curiosity to
trace his fortunes." But a long time elapsed ere a sail
returned from those favoured islands with tidings of his
lot, to contrast the harsh reality of truth with the glow-
ing picture which the fancy of Cowper had delineated : —

'' The dream is past ; and thou hast found a^ain

Thy cocoas and bananas, palms atid yams.

And homcstall tliatch'd with leaves.' But liiist thou iuuud

I'heir former charms ? And, having seen our state,

Our paluces, our hidiei , and our pomp

Ot'e(iuipa(>:e, our ^rdens, and our sports.

And heard our music; are thy simple Cricnds,

Tiiy simple (are, and all thy plain delights,

As dear to thee as once? And have thy joys

Lost nothin|r by comparison witli ours ?

Bude as thou art (for we returned tiiee rude

And ijf noraiit, except of outward show),

I cannot think thee yet so dull of heart

And spiritless, as never to regret

Sweets tasted here, and lei't as soon as known.

Alethinks I see thee straying on the beach,

And asking of the surge, that bathes thy ibot,

If ever it has wash'd our distant shore.

I see thee weep, and thine are honest tears,

A patriot's for his country: thou art sad

At thouirht of her forlorn and abject slate,

From which no power of thine can raise lier up.

Thus Fancy paints thee, and, though apt to ci r,

Perha|vs errs little, when she paints thee thus.

She tells me, t«To, that duly every morn

Thou climh'st the mountuin-top, with eager eye

I'.xploring far and wide the wat'ry waste

For sight of ship from England. Every speck

Seen in tlie dim horizon turns thee pale

• Journal of Captain Cook's last Voyage to the Pacific Ocean,
faithfully narrated from the original MS. Lond. IJilLSvo. Ana-
lyzed in the GeQtlfcinan's Magazine, vol. 11. pp. 231-234, 278, 279.

COOK 8 THIRD VOYAGE.

3G7

With conflict oF contending hopes and fears.
But comes at last the dull ami dusky eve,
And sends tliee to tliy cabin, wpII prepared
To 'Irt'am all ni^ht ot what the day denied.'

CITAP. XI.

How different from this was the real lifu of Omai ! Rct"ni to
Specjdily abandoning his European dress, and adopting hubiFi
tiie costume of the islanders, he sank into their indolence,
barbarism, and vice. The horses which were left with
him, he regarded only as means of exciting the fear or
the wonder of his countrymen ; and, far from lamenting
their forlorn state with the tears of a patriot, his childish
vanity found constant gratification in the superiority
which the English presents enabled him to assume. Ills
fire-arms rendered him a powerful subject, and secured Abuse of iiis
for him the hand of his sovereign's daughter, with the influence,
dignity or title of Peuiri (wise or instructed). Hence-
forth he continued the inglorious tool of the king's cruel
and wanton humour, assisting him with ' musket in
time of war, and in peace frequently ^musing the
monarch by shooting at his subjects at a distance, ot
gratifying his revenge by despatching with a pistol in
the royal presence those who had incurred his wrath.
He died within three years after his celebrated voyage,
and the New Zealanders did not long outlive him. It
was expected by many that, by imparting the arts and
civilisation of Europe, he would acquire the title of his
country's benefactor ; but his name is now rarely men- pj^g^j^tion ^f
tioned except with contempt or execration. The site tiis name.
of his dwelling is by the natives still called Beritani
(Britain) j and amid the ruins of the garden, they show
a dark and glossy-leaved shaddock- tree, which they love
to tell was plarited by the hands of Cook. The horses
which he left did not long survive, but the breed of
goats and pigs yet remains ; many of the trinkets, part
of the armour, and some of the cutlasses, are als')
preserved, and the numerous coloured engravings of u
large quarto Bible are objects of general attraction.

* The Task, book i.

308

cook's third voyage.

Interesttnf;
associations.

Arrival at
L'lictcu

Attempted
recovery ( f
deserters

CHAP. XL Tliere is, perhaps, no place in the island to which greater
interest is attached ; for, besides its associations with the
names just mentioned, on this spot was reared the first
building in which the true God was publicly worshipped
in Uuaheine ; and here also was erected the first school
for the instruction of the benighted inhabitants in the
knowledge of lettere and the principles of Christianity.*
Cook now stood over for Ulietea, where he moored
on the 4th of November. A few days afterwards, a
marine, yielding to the enticements of the natives,
deserted with his musket and accoutrements. He was
speedily apprehended ; but little more than a week had
elapsed when a midshipman and a sailor were missing
from the Discovery. Captain Clerke set out in quest of
the fugitives, but returned after a fruitless day's toil,
impressed with the belief that the inhabitants were
desirous to conceal them. The commander resolved to
undertake the search in person ; but he proved not
more fortunate than his colleague ; and, as a last resort,
he determined to detain the chiefs son, daughter, and
son-in-law, till the deserters were delivered up. Oreo,
deeply alarmed for the safety of his family, lost no time
in making every exertion for the recovery of the runa-
gates ; while the common people bewailed the captivity
of such eminent personages with long and loud excla-
mations of sorrow. Not trusting for their release to the
stipulated condition, or too impatient to await its fulfil-
ment, they formed a conspiracy to secure the person of
Cook and that of his second in command. The former
had been accustomed to bathe every evening, often
alone, and always without arms; but, after confining

Katiie plots, the chiefs family, he deemed such exposure imprudent ;
and, at the same time, cautioned his officers against
going ftir from the ships. Oi-eo betrayed his knowledge
of tile design by repeatedly asking him, if he would not
go to the bathing-place. Being thus disappointed, it
was determined to seize on Messrs Clerke and Gore,

* Kills, Pulyne&ien Researches, vol. ii. p. 304-372.

,,»

COOK S THIRD VOYAOE.

3(59

who had landed ; and accordingly, a pai-y of the natives chap. xr.

armed with clubs advanced against them, while some

canoes were preparing to intercept their retreat to the Recovery of
ship. A few shots^ though they fortunately wounded tii& iiescrtcia
no one, dispersed these assailants ; and the next night,
the deserters having been recovered, the prisoners were
set at liberty.

On the seventh December, the voyagers quitted Bartfiat
Ulietea and steered for Bolabola, in order to purchase ^"'"^^'i*''
an anchor which had been lost by Bougainville at
Otaheitc, and brought hither by the natives as a present
to the warlike Opoony. Cook's wish to possess it arose,
not from his being in want of such an implement, but
from the necessity of having iron tools to trade with,
and from his original stock being exhausted. He lost
no time, therefore, in offering for it a night-gown, a
shirt, some gauze handkerchiiTs, a looking-glass, some
beads, with other toys, and six axes. At the sight of
these last articles there was a general shout, and the
chief refused to accept the commodities till the English
were put in possession of the anchor. It was found to
be so greatly mutilated, that Opoony probably considered
it quite inadequate to the value of the goods proposed
in exchange ; but our navigator, gratified by the fair
conduct of the chief, took it, and sent in return all the
articles originally intended. The Bolabola men were Estimntinn of
esteemed invincible by their neighbours, and had ex-
tended the fame, if not the terror of their arms, as far as
to Otaheite. The present of the anchor was a j)roof of
the awe in which they were held ; nor was this the
only gift which they had acquired, for a ram, left by
the Spaniards, had been transported hither from the
same island. The captain, on being informed of this
fact, put a ewe on shore, in hopes of producing a breed
of sheep. At Ulietea he left pigs and goats, and from
the numerous presents which he had dispensed, he was
of opinion, that in a few years this archipelago would
be stocked with all the valuable domestic animals of
Europe. " When once this comes to pass," he remarks,

the BolabolA
meiL

S70

cook's third voyage.

CHAP. XL

H( pes of a
breed of
domestic

animala.

Departure on
a northward

Tnnat Island
discovered

** no part of the world will equal these islands in variety
and abundance of refreshments for navip:ator8. Indeed,
even in their present state, I know no place that excels
them. After repeated trials in the course of several
voyages, we find, when they are not disturbed by intes-
tine broils, but live in amity with one another, which
has been the case for some years past, that their produc-
tions are in the greatest plenty ; and particularly the
most valuable of all the articles, their hogs." *

On the eighth of December, he took his departure
from Bolabola, and made sail to the northward. Seven-
teen months had elapsed since he left England, yet he
was aware, " that with r.gard to the principal object of
his instructions, tlie voyage was at this time only be-
ginning." He had now reached the limits of his former
navigation, and entered upon a region rarely traversed,
and never thoroughly explored. In the night between
the 22d and 23d, he crossed the equator in longitude
203° 16' E. ; and, soon after daybreak on the 24tli, saw
a low island, of a very bai'ren appearance, on which he
bestowed the title of Christmas. It was uninhabited,
was about fifteen or twenty leagues in circumference,
and ' f semicircular form. No fresh water could be
found on it, and only a few low trees ; but it abounded
with turtle, of which about 300 were caught, " of the
green kind, and perhaps as good as any in the world."

The voyagers weighed anchor on the 2d January 1778,
and resumed their course towards the north, favoured
by serene skies and gentle breezes. On reaching the
latitude of 10° 30' N., various birds and turtles were
seen every day, and regarded as indications of the
vicinity of land. None, however, was discovered till
the morning of the 18th, when an island appeared bear-
ing north-east by east ; soon after, another was seen
bearing north ; and, on the 19th, a third, in a west-
north-west direction. Doubts were entertained whether
the second, which lay most convenient for approach, had

* Voyage to the Pacific, vol. ii. p. 134.

cook's third voyage.

371

any inhabitants, till some canoes came off, having in chap. xi.
each from three to six men, who, to the agreeable sur- jf„„~
prise of our navigators, spoke the language of Otnheite. canoes.
Though easily pi-c vailed on to come alongside, they
could not be persuaded to venture on board. The name
of their island was ascertained to be Atooi or Tauai ;
they were of a brown complexion, and a considerable
diversity was observable in their features, some of which
were not very different from those of Europeans. The
greater number hnd their hair, which was naturally Appenmnco
black, but dyed of a brown colour, cropt short ; others ami «'"!*»-
permitted it to flow unconfined in loose tresses ; and a few °**""^
wore it tied in a bunch on tlie crown of the head. In
general they had beards ; no ornaments were observed
on their persons, nor were their ears bored ; some
showed punctures on their hands or near the groin ;
and the pieces of cloth worn by them were curiously
stained of various hues. On certain rare occasions they
wore a kind of mask, made of a large gourd, with a
perforation for the eyes and nose ; the top was adorned
with small green twigs, and from the lower part hung
stripes of cloth.

No anchorage being found here, the vessels bore Nntlvo
away to leeward, when tlie canoes departed ; but as ^"""'■•
the discoverera sailed along the coast others succeeded,
bringing roasting-pigs and some fine potatoes, which the
owners readily exchanged for whatever was offered to
them. Several villages were seen, — some on the margin
of the sea, others in the interior of the country ; and
the inhabitants were perceived thronging to the shore
for the purpose of viewing the ships, which passed the
night standing off and on. In the morning, as they
were moving towards the land, several canoes approached,
and some of the natives had the courage to come on
board. Never before, in the course of his voyages, had Aslfnis)!-
our navigator witnessed such astonishment as these njahea.
savages displayed. Their eyes wandered from one object
to another in restless amazement ; they endeavoured to
pciie every thing they came near ; and the wildness of

cook's third toyaoe.

CilAP. XI.

Mail ot Sandwich hlaiiJH in a MasK

Idoiw ofiion. their looks and actions proved them to be totally un-
used to European visiters, and ignorant of all their
commodities, — iron alone excepted ; and of this it was
evident that they had merely heard, or obtained a small
quantity at a distant period. When asked what it was,
they replied, « We do not know ; we only understand
it as toe or Aamai7e,"— the former signifying a hatchet,
and the latter, probably referring to some native instru-
ment, in the construction of which iron might be ad-
vantageously substituted for stone or bone. When
Indifference beads were shown to them, they inquired " Whether
ibr beada they should eat them »" When their use was explained,
they were given back as of no value, and a looking-glass
was regarded with equal indifference. Plates of earthen-
ware and ohina-cups were so new to their eyes, that they
asked if they were made of wood.

COOK 8 THIRD VOYAGE.

373

About three o'clock, the vessels succeeded in anchor- Cir.VP. xr.
ing, and Cook rowed to the land with three ai-mcd boats Reception
and a party of marines. " 1'he very instant," he says, «h"rt'.
" I leaped on shore, the collected body of the natives
all fell flat upon their faces, and remained in that very
humble posture till by expressive signs I prevailed upon
them to rise. They then brought a great many small
pigs, which they presented to me, with plantain-trees, present*
using much the same ceremonies that we had seen
practised on such occasions at the So<'iety and other
islands ; and a long prayer being spoken by a single
person, in which others of the assembly sometimes
joined. I expressed my acceptance of their proffered
friendship, by giving them in return such presents as I
had brought with me from the ship for that purpose." *
The same deferential obeisance was afterwards paid to nefcrcntial
him during an excursion which he made through the
country ; and he believed it to <>e the mode in wiiich
the natives manifested respect to their own chiefs. The
people assisted his men in rolling casks to and from the
watering-place, readily performed whatever was required
of them, and merited the commendations of their visiters
by fair dealing ; there having been no attempt to cheat
or to steal after the first interview.

On the morning of the 23d, a breeze sprung up at pj^s^huwifj
north-east, when, to avoid being driven on shore, it be- on bnee-
came necessary to stand out to procure sea-room ; and ®"**
the adverse winds and currents having drifted the vessels
far from the harbour, after several unsuccessful attempts
to regain it, they anchored off the neighbouring island
of Oneeheow or Is'i-Hau. Here the captain deposited
some goats, pigs of the English breed, and various useful
seeds, which he had intended for Atooi. The provisions
obtained at these islands were reckoned sufficient for
nearly four weeks* consumption ; and, having thus re-
cruited his stores, on the 2d of February he made sail
with a gentle breeze to the northward. " Of what

UII

* Voyage to the Pacific, vol. ii. p. 198.

374

cook's third voyage.

Tho Sand-
wicli IslundflL

Phrovcry of
Ncw Albiun.

I I

CHAP. Xt number," he says, " this newly-discovered archipelago
conbists, must be left for future investigation." Besides
those visited, three others were seen, Woahoo or Oahu,
Oreehoua, Tahoora orTaura. This group, l"ing between
the latitudes of 21° 30' and 22° 16' N., and 199° 20'
and 201° 30' east longitude, received, in honour of tho
first lord of the Admiralty, the name of The Sandwich
Islands.

On the 7th, the wind, having veered to south-east,
enabled the voyagtis to steer north-east and east till tho
12th, when another change induced them to stand to the
northward. About a fortnight after, when proceeding
more towards the east, they met with rockwecd or sta-
leek, and now and then a pitce of wood floated past.
During the whole of this course, scarcely a bird or living
creature was seen ; but, on the 6th of March, two large
fowls settled near the ships. The next day, two seals
and several whales were observed ; and tho dawn of the
'7th revealed the anxiously-ex|*!Bcted coast of New Albion,
in latitude 44° 33' N., longitude 235° 20' E. It was
richly wooded, of moderate height, and diversified with
hills and valleys. To its northern extremity Cook gave
the name of Cape Foulweather, from the gales which
he experienced in its vicinity, and which obliged him to
tack off and on several days. At length, after \ariou3
hazards, a large opening was observed on the 29th, in
latitude 49° 16' N., longitude 233° 20' E., and from its
promising appearance received the title of Hope Bay.
Into this inlet he sailed four miles, when the night
closing in, he came to anchor in deep water, within a
hawser's length of the shore.

It was certain that the country was inhabited ; a
village was observed on the western side of the sound ;
and three canoes shaped like Norway yawls came off.
When they drew near, a native rose and made a long
oration, apparently inviting the strangers to land, and
at the same time he continued strewing feathers to-
wards them, while some of his companions scattered
handfuls of red powder. The speaker, who was dressed

of tnhubit-
br.t&

SI':

cook's TUIRU VOYAQB.

375

a
iff.

CHAP XL

Man of Nootka Sound.

in the skin of an animal, held in each hand a kind of Native
rattle ; and when he sat down, another began to declaim «P«e«J>c*
in his turn, in a language wholly unintelligible to their
visiters. They then quietly conversed among them-
selves, betraying neither distrust nor surprise ; some of
them occasionally stood up and made harangues ; and
one sang a very pleasant air, with a softness quite un-
expected.

The next day, the vessels were removed to a safer Wcndiy
anchorage, amid a great concourse of the inhabitants.
Their disposition was quiet and friendly, and they will-
ingly supplied the voyagers with such provisions as
they possessed, though their refusal to accept any thing
but metal in exchange gave rise to some perplexity.
They preferred brass to iron ; and we are told that, to
gratify their demands, " whole suits of clothes were
stripped of every button, bureaux of their furniture,
and copper-kettles tin-canisters^ candlesticks, and the

2 A

iMH

376

COORDS THIRD VOTAOB.

CHAT. XL

Woman of Nootka Sound.

Nootk^ °' like, all went to wreck." The name of the sound was
Sound. Nootka ; and the natives are described as being under

the common size, with full round visages and small
black eyes. In many individuals the ears were per-
forated in two or three places, for the purpose of sus-
pending bits of bone, quills fixed on a thong of leather,
shells, bunches of woollen tassels, or pieces of thin
copper. Ornaments of iron, brass, or copper, shaped
like a horse's shoe, were frequently introduced into the
septum of the nose, from which they dangled over the
upper lip. The sexes so nearly resembled each other in
dress and stature, that it was difficult to distinguish
them ; the females, it is said, ** possess no natural deli-
cacies sufficient to render their persons agreeable."*

* Voyage to the Pacific, vol. ii. p. 303. The reader will find
ome dtttaUs of Cook's proceedings on the American shores in the

cook's third voyage.

377

»*

Nearly a month was passed in uninterrupted friendship chap. xt.
among these savages ; and when the ships weighed Friendly
anchor, they followed the strangers to the mouth of the parting
dound, importuning them to repeat their visit, and pro-
mising an ample supply of skins.

The voyagers reached the opipn sea on the 26th of storm at sea.
April ; but scarcely had they cleared the land, when a
storm coming on, accompanied with such darkness that
they could not see beyond the ship's length, they were
obliged to stand out from the shore with all the sail
which the vessels could carry. They did not regain the
coast till the 1st of May, in the parallel of 65° 20' ; on
the 4th they saw Mount St Elias, in latitude 58° 52',
and nine days after came to anchor in an inlet two
degrees towards the north, on which they bestowed the
name of Prince William's Sound. The natives were Prince ^
strong chested, with thick stout necks, and heads dispro- sound.™ '
portionately large ; their hdr was black and straight ;
and their beards, which wei'e generally thin, were in
many altogether wanting. ** A mark," says Admiral
Bumey, " which distinguished these people from every
other known, was their under lips being perforated or
slit through in a line parallel to the mouth, and about
three quarters of an inch lower, through which they
wore pieces of carved bone ; and sometimes, which had
a hideous effect, they would remove the bone-ornament, ^'"j'^"!"[
and thrust as much as they could of their tongue deformity,
through the opening." * This incision, indeed, was not
universally adopted, and the sailor who iirst noticed it,
called out that the man had two mouths. The ears,
however, were generally pierced, and bunches of beads
suspended from them ; while the nose was ornamented
by thrusting through the septum a quill of three or four
inches in length. They wore high truncated caps of
straw or wood, like those observed at Nootka. The

Edinburgh Cabinet Library, No. IX., Pro^rress of Discovery on
the more Northern Coasts of America, p. 104-1 10.

• Blimey 's Chronological History of North-Eustem Voyages of
Discovery (London, liifU), p. 222.

378

cook's third tot age.

CHAP. XI.

Female
onuuueuta

Cook's River.

Promontory
of Alaska.

Cape
Oouamiik.

females allowed their hair to grow long, and the majoiity
tied a small lock of it on the crown. In some the lower
lip was bored in several places, to admit tho introduc-
tion of strings of shells or beads of such length as oc-
casionally to hang below the point of the chin.

The commander saHed hence on the 20th, and pur-
sued his course along the coast, which now trended to
the southward. On the 2dd, he reached an opening to
the north, into which he steered the ships, in the expec-
tation of finding the desired termination of the Ameri-
can continent. It was, however, soon discovered to be
only an inlet or an arm of the sea leading to the mouths
of two rapid streams : no name was bestowed on it at
the time, but the Earl of Sandwich afterwards directed
that it should be called Cook's River. Eleven days
were spent in its examination, and the vessels did not
clear its entrance before the 6th of June. They now
sailed south-westward along the great promontory of
Alaska, passing several islands in their course, till the
19th, when some natives came off and delivered a wooden
box, containing a note written in Russian characters.
Unfortunately these w^ere unintelligible to the voyagers,
but they deciphered the dates 1776 and 1778 ; and the
captain was of opinion that it was a paper left by Russian
traders to be delivered to any of their countrymen who
should next visit these regions. On the 2Cth, the vesf Js
reached a large island, which was found to be one of
the Aleoutian or Fox Archipelago, called No wan Al-
sacha or Oonaloska ; and two days after they came to
an anchor in the small bay of Samgonoodha, on its south,
eastern shore.

On the 2d ur July, they again made sail, and doub-
ling Cape Oonamak, coasted the northern side of the
peninsula till they arrived at a large bay, which re-
ceived the name of Bristol, while its northern point was
called Cape Newenham. On the 3d of August, they
had attained the latitude of 62° 34' N., and on that day
died Mr Anderson, the surgeon of the Resolution. " The
reader of this journal," says Cook, " will have observed

OOOK^B THIRD VOYAGE.

370

CHAP. XL

Man of Prince WUiiiun'i Sound.

how useful an assistant I had found him in the course Death of Mr
of the voyage ; and had it pleased God to have spared ■*^°^«™'°-
his life, the public, I make no doubt, might have re-
ceived from him such communications on the natural
history of the several places we visited, as would have
abundantly shown that he was not unworthy of this
commendation. Soon after he had breathed his la<'t,
land was seen to the westward ; it was supposed to be
an island ; and to perpetuate the memory of the de-
ceased, for whom I had a very great regard, I named it Andcnon'i
Anderson's Island." *

Island.

* Vo^ai^ to the Pacific, vol. ii. pp. 439, 440. Burney's Chron.
Hist, of North-East. Voya^^es of Discovery, p. 232>284. From the
circumstance tliat Anderson's Island has not been seen by subseqaent
visiters, there might have been some grounds for qufmtioning Cook's
accuracy i but Beechey has informed us, that he ** discovered a note
by Captain Bli^^h, who was the master with Captain Cook, writtsa
in pencil on the margin of the Admiralty copy of Cook's Third

380

cook's thikd voyage.

CHAP. XI.

Defective
clioi'is.

Woman of Prince William'i Sound.

The discoverers were now at the southern entrance
of Behring's Strait, though, from the defective nature
of the charts then in use, they were not aware of this
important fact. On the 5th, they anchored near a
small island off the continent, and Cook, after landing,
gave it the name of Sledge, from having found one on
the shore, though no inhabitants were seen.* Four

Voyage, by which it is evident that the compilers of the chart have
overlooked certain data collected oiF the eastern end of St Law.
rence Island, on the return of the expedition from Norton Sound,
and that the lard named Anderson's Island was the eastern end ot
the island of St Lawrence. Had Cook*s life been spared, he would
no doubt have made the necessary correction in his chart." — Voyage
to the Pacific, vol. r, p. 29SL

* The native name has since been ascertained to be Ayak ; and
Captain Beechuy remarks the singular coincidence, that this word.
in the language of the Esquimaux, signifies a sledge' — Vojage to
the Pacific, vol. i. p. 400.

cook's third voyage.

381

lis

on
ur

ive

iw-
nd,
lot
uld
iga

ind
>rd.
I to

days after, in the latitude of 65° 46' N., and longitude ciiap. xi.
168° IS' W., he reached a remarkable promontory, the -r-
most westerly point of America yet known, to which he of Waie&
gave the title of Cape Prince of Wales. In the even-
ing, the coast of Asia came in view, when he stood
across the strait, and having passed three islands,* an-
chored on the following morning in a harbour of the
Tschuktschi territories, where the natives^ though much
alarmed, received the voyagers with unexpected polite-
ness, taking o^ their caps and making low bows. From
this port, which he named the Bay of St Lawrence, ^ ^^gj^
he stood over to the north-east to prosecute his ex- Luwreuce.
amination of the American coast. On the l4tli, he was
in latitude 67° 45', near a cape which was named Point
Mulgrave, and three days after he encountered a field
of ice, dense and impenetrable, extending from west
by south to east by north, as far as the eye could
wander. The following day, he reached the parallel
of 70°' 44' N., when his progress was arrested by the
ice, which was ten or twelve feet in height, and com-
pact as a wall. The remotest point in sight towards icy Capa
the east, named, from the glaciers which surrounded
it. Icy Cape, lay in latitude 70° 29' N., and longitude
161° 42' W., and nearly half a century elapsed before
the limits of European discovery were carried beyond
this dreary headland.t

* When in B£hrin^*8 Straits, in 1816, the Russian commander, Behrinp;'a
Kotzebue, fancied that he saw /our islands; and as that which he StraitSi
conceived himself to have discovered considerably exceeded the
others in size, he was 8urprii<ed *<that neither Cook nor Clerke
should have seen it, as Imth their courses led them close by it ; and,"
he adds, "it has occurred to me that it may have since risen from
the sea." — Voyage of Discovery into the South Sea and Behring's
Straits, in the years 1815-1818 (L(»ndon, 1821), vol. i. p. 198. But
Captain Beechey subsequently found that Kotzebue's supposed
discovery has no existence, and that " the islands in the strait are
only three in number, and occupying nearly the same situations in
which they were placed in the chart of Captain Cook." — Vo\'ageto
the Pacific, vol. i. p 3;{5-338, and pn. 399, 400.

-)■ In 1826, the expedition of Beechey extended our knowledge of
the American coast 126 miles north-east of Icy Cape, to a promon-
tory named Point Barrow, in latitude 71° 23' 31" N., longitude

382

COOK S THIRD VOYAGE.

CHAP. XL

Abandon-
ment of
northern
exploration.

Natives of
Oonalaaka.

Present of a
■almon-pie.

The season was now too far advanced to leave any
hope that the great object of the voyage could hi ac-
complished before winter. Abandoning, therefore, all
attempts to find a passage into the Atlantic, Cook turned
his course to the southward, and, on the 2d September,
passed the most eastern promontory of Asia, ascertain-
ing the breadth of the strait, where narrowest, to be
thirteen leagues. He coasted its western shores till
he made the point called Tschukotzkoi Noss, when he
again crossed to the American continent ; and having
explored the large gulf named Norton Sound, anchored
on the 8d of October in Samgonoodha Harbour, in the
island of OonalatJca.* The natives of this place were
the most peaceable and inoiFensive people he had met
with. Their stature was rather low ; their necks short ;
their faces swarthy and chubby, with black eyes and
small beards. Their houses were large oblong pits in
the ground, covered with a roof, which was tliatched
with grass and earth, so that, in external appearance,
they resembled dunghills. Towards each end a square
opening was left, one of which served as a window,
while the other was used as a door, the ascent or de-
scent being facilitated by a post with steps cut in it.

A few days after their arrival, the captains were sur-
prised by the present of a salmon-pie, baked in rye-
ilour, which, with a note in the Russian language, was
delivered to them by two natives from a distant part of
the island. John Ledyard, afterwards distinguished
as a traveller, then a corporal of marines, volunteered
his services to proceed with the messengers, and discover

156" W. — Yo3^e to the Pacific, vol. i. p. 425. Prnc;res8 of Dis-
covery on the more Northern Coasts of' America, p. 289.

* "Here," says Burney, "closed our first season of northern
discovery, — a season of unremittin^r activity. The ability and dili-
gence exercised will best ai)pear by comparing tlie map of the world,
as it stood previous to this voya^re, with the map of the world
drawn immediately after ; and by keepin)r in miud, that tlie addi-
tion of so large an extent of intricate coast, before unknown, was
effected by the labour of a single expedition, in little more than
half a-year."— Chron. Hi/tt o*' ^orth-East. Discov., p. 251

M ■

%:r^

382

COOK 8 THIRD VOYAGE.

CHAP. XL The season was now too far advanced to l«rtv#» «ny

Abandon-
ment of
northern
exploratioD.

Natives of
Oonalaska.

Present of a
lalmon-piei.

B..

: JtC-

th'.'reforo, all
• %}ok turned

. «.'l'^"Uun-
■^ to be

I, V* Iwn he

(ifld having

i^ anclvoTt'd

.iour, ill the

hope that the f
complished beA
attempts to find
his course to th
passed the most
ing the breadtl
thirteen league
he made the po
again crossed t Uw *^Ju. .
explored the lai t Kulf t^au '. -
on the 3d of 0< >hvv in .SauiK
island of Oonal ka.'^' Tli-: nativt^u vt ihis pUco wcro
the most peacci I« and inofit usivc peuplo he had met
with. Their st .uiu whh ratlior low ; tJioirnei-ks short ;
their faces swa ! vilnv ' - yes uiui

small beards. •'■"■- ' >ts in

the ground, co \:.'ted

with grass and ;ipj>)KHrance,

they resembled . .sicb tn*| a iKiuave

opening was 1< > . .^i. <■»', vk ui-. a divert <w i> vtinduw,
while the othe waa tmd a» h dno ., tlu asceut or de-
scent being faci! uud hy a pest vvitli i.iops o\«& in it.

A few days a ''i- ciieiv nrvivaj, the captains wero sur-
prised by the ■ resent of a »!ilnK>u-]ue, baked in f^t-
flour, which, w * a mtti in tiic liiiwian langnagt% vaS
delivered to the ^' '• * ■ art of

the island. J rvhtd

as a traveller, t . !:«;r«l

his services to p tfia dibcover

156» W Voyage > tho l'a«.ifu\ v<^J. i p. 42'i5, Vixp-asfi (A' Dis-
covery on the mon NoriJiBin ("ijaMfs of'.AitiL^rka, jx iJJiy.

* "Here," says llurrsey, '-ohrti-d n.ur lirst *«ya!»«)ii oi' nort^orn
discovery, — a seas* i uf »ii>>vmit(i:?j4 miivit^. Tin? al>ihly »**.! ..',iv-
gence exercised wi 'ifsi ar^^car i)y ciiiti|)ant)g iUf. mn\i oi tl-m- w^rU,
as it stood previo : lo tins voyage, wiili tin* niaji ti( '.!r>- wfjfMi

drawn immediatel' ' ■ - ' ' '

tion of so large an cAicut ut iiitiicuie uuuAit uetuit; uu&uuwii, was
eiFected by the labour of a single expedition, in little more than
haU'a-year."— Chron. Hi«t o^^orth-Kast. Discov., p. 2d)

3- C

e 7 >

Fr- a
I ft «

11 s

1 5

»• >•

\ ^<

m»m ' I I - I I II"

^•^

^ • .tu-^ -*^»* -'-fW..

■■%*'

cook's third voyage.

S85

by whom the friendly gift had been sent. He returned
after two days, along with three Russian traders, whose
visit was shortly followed by that of Mr Ismylofl; the
principal person in the island, with whom, as far as
signs and figures permitted, mutual communication of
geographical knowledge and kindly intercourse took
place. To this hospitable and excellent individual,
Cook intrusted a letter to the Admiralty, enclosing a
chart of his discoveries, which was faithfully transmit-
ted. On the 26th, our navigator set sail for the Sand-
wich Islands, where he now proposed to pass the winter^
if he should find sufficient supplies of provisions.

On the 26th of November, nearly in the latitude of
20° 59' N., ho discovered Mowce or Maui, one of the
Sandwich group, lying farther west than those visited
in his voyage towards the north. The country seemed
well wooded and watered, and the inhabitants were
evidently of the same nation with the tribes to leeward.
On the evening of the 30th, another and a much larger
island, Owhyhee or Hawaii, was discovered to windward ;
and as he drew near its northern shores, the captain saw
with surprise that the tops of the mountains were
covered with snow to a considerable depth. Nearly
seven weeks were passed in sailing round it in search
of a harbour ; but at length a large bay named Kara-
kaooa was observed on the western side, and he came to
anchor on the morning of the l7th January 1779. " I
had nowhere," says he, ** in the course of my voyages,
seen so numerous a body of people assembled at one
place ;" the ships were covered with the natives ; vast
multitudes came off in canoes ; many hundreds were
swimming around ** like shoals of fish," and even the
shores of the bay were thronged with spectators. One
feeling of pleasure seemed to pervade this great crowd,
and was expressed in shouts, in songs, and a variety of
wild and extravagant motions.

In gazing on the lofty vessels of the English, the
people of Owhyhee beheld the fulfilment of an ancient
prophecy. At an early period of their history, when

CHAP. XL

Visited by

Russian

traderti

OiscoTeiy of

Mowee

liluad.

Karakaona

Bay,

OwliyliMk

■Sa*^'

3H6

COOK'S THIRD V0TA6B.

Divine
bououm

CRAP. XL the peace and plenty of the golden age prevailed among
I7stiv7~ them, there lived, near Karakaooa, a god named Rono,
The beautiful goddess Opuna having proved unfaithful
to his bed, he threw her from the summit of a precipice;
but soon becoming frantic with remorse, he roamed
throughout the islands, boxing and wrestling witli every
one he could meet. Having deposited the mangled body
of hb consort in a morai, near the bay, he remained
there for a long time in the deepest dejection and sorrow,
and at length determined to quit the country where so
many objects reminded him of his loss and of his crime.
He accordingly set sail for a foreign land in a strangely
shaped canoe, having promised that he would one day
come back on a floating island, fumbhed ^vith all that
man could deiire.*

After his departure, he was worshipped as a god, and
annual games were established in his honour. Tha
fulfilment of his assurance to return was eagerly looked
for ; and when the vessels under Cook arrived, it w«n
believed that the prediction had come to pass ; the ships

Native »n)ff'. * '^^^ American missiunaries have preserved one of the songs in
which this tradition is embodied, entitled, O RoNO Akua.

1. Rono, Etooah ^or Akua, that t«, Grodl of Hawaii, in ancient
times resided with his wife at Karakaooa.

2. The name of tlie goddess, his love, was Eaikiranee-Aree-
Opuna. They dwelt beneath the steep rock.

d. A man ascended to the summit, and, from the height, thus nd<
dressed the spouse of Rono : —

4. ^ O Kaikiranee-Aree-Opuna, your Ipver salutes you. Keep
this— remove that : one will still remain."

6. Rono, overhearing this artful speech, killed his wife with a
hasty stroke.

(i. Sorry for this rash deed, he carried to a morai the lifeless
body of his wife, and made great wail over it.

7' He travelled through Hawaii in a state of phrensy, boxing
with every man he met.

8. The people, astonished, said, << Is Rono entirely mad ?** He
replied, ** 1 am frantic on her account, I am frantic with my g^reat
love."

9. Having instituted games to commemorate her death, he em-
barked in a triangular boat [piama lau] and railed to a foreign land

1C. Ere he departed he prophesied, <* I will return in after-times,
on an island bearing cocoa* nut-trees, and swine, and dogs. " — Voyag>
of H. M. S. Blomte to the Sandwich Islands (London, 1826^ p^ W.

cook's third voyage.

387

were regarded as mottu or islands, and their commander CHAT. XL
was hailed as the long-nbsent Rono, who had at length snnpMcd
re-appeared to restore the reign of content and happi- choractor of
ness.* It is to be regretted that this belief was not ^*^^
known to the English ; and in perusing the following
details of the divine honours and worship with which
Cook was received, the reader must, in justice to our
great countryman, bear in mind that he was ignorant of
their true intent.

Shortly after the Resolution was moored, two chiefs nis wonhtp
brought on board a priest named Koah, who, approaching ^^^y^^^
the captain with much veneration, threw over his
shoulders a piece of red cloth, and having retired a few
paces, made an offering of a small pig, while he pro>
nouuced a long oration. This ceremony performed, the
holy sage sat down to table, eating freely of the viands
before him ; and, in the evening, the commander, with
Messrs King and Bayly, accompanied him on shore. On
/mding. they were met by four men, bearing wands
tipped with dog's hair, who advanced before them
shouting a few words, among which Rono, or Orono,
was very distinguishable. Of the immense crowd pre-
viously collected the whole had now retired, except a
few who lay prostrate on the ground beside the adjoining Moi-uL
village. Near the beach there stood a moral, consisting
of a pile of stones, fourteen yards in height, twenty in
brt>adth, and forty in length ; the summit of this erection
was well paved, and surrounded by a wooden rail, on
which were iixed several skulls. In the centre was an
old wooden building ; at one side, five poles, more than
twenty feet high, supported an irregular scaffold ; and
on the other were two small houses, between which
there was a covered communication. The voyagers were
conducted to this spot by an easy as'.'ent, and at the

* Ellis* Polynesian ResearcheR, vol. iv. p. 134 Kotxebne's
Voyaee round Ihe World in 1823.182S, (London, 1830), vol. I.
p. l()f-16e, and p. 179-184. Voyage of the Blonde, p. 24-28. Frej-
cioet, Voyage autour du Monde, tome U. p. 1(96.

388

COOK 8 THIBD VOYAGE.

CHAP. XL
Native ido]&

Ceremonial
presentti.

Proceedings
before tbe
idola.

entrance, where they saw two large idols with distorted
features, they were met by Kaireekeea, a tall young
man with a long beard, who jiresented Cook to the
statues, and having chanted a hymn, in which Koah
joined, led him to that part of the moral where the poles
were erected. Under these stood twelve images ranged
in a semicircle, and before the idol in the centre was a
high table, containing a putrid hog, pieces of sugar-cane,
cocoa-nuts, and other fruit. The priest, placing the
captain under this stand, took down the carcass, and
held it towards him; then, addressing him in a long
speech delivered with great fervour and rapidity, he
dropped the animal, and lei him to the scaffold, which
both ascended, not without great hazard. At this time
appeared in solemn procession ten men, who bore a live
hog and a large piece of red cloth, and, advancing a
few paces, prostrated themselves and delivered the latter
to Kaireekeea. He carried it to Koah, who, having
wrapped it round the Englishman, offered him the pig,
which was brought with like ceremony. These two
personages now began to chant, sometimes together, and
sometimes alternately, while the navigator remained on
the scaffold, swathed in red. When the song was over,
the priest threw down the hog, and having descended
with Cook, led him before the images, each of which
he addressed, seemingly in a sneering tone, snapping his
fingers as he passed, till, coming in front of that in the
centre, supposed to be of higher estimation than the
others, he threw himself prostrate and kissed it. The
commander was desired to do the same, and, we are
told, ** suffered himself to be directed by Koah through-
out the whole of this ceremony." The party was next
conducted to another division of the moral, sunk about
three feet below the level of the area, where Cook was
seated between two idols, the sacred functionary sup-
porting one of his arms, and Captain King the other.
When in this position a second procession drew near,
bearing a baked pig, with bread-fruit and cocoa-nuts,
the first of which Kaireekeea presented to him, and

cook's tdird totaoe^

380

again began to chant; while his companions made chap. xr.
regular responses, in which they frequently used the preparations
word Orono. On the conclusion of this ritual, which toraiwwu
occupied the fourth part of an hour, the natives, sitting
down in front of the strangers, began to cut up the hog,
peel the vegetables, and prepare avOf by the same pro-
cess as that practised in Tonga and elsewhere. Part of
a cocoa-nut was taken by Kaireekeea, and having been
chewed by him and wrapped in cloth, was rubbed on
the navigator's face, head, hands, arms, and shoulders.
Then the ava was handed round ; after which the priest
and another chief began to feed their visiters by putting
pieces of the flesh into their mouths. *' I had no great Unpalatable
objection," says Captain King, " to being fed by Pareea, '*'*°'^^
who was very cleanly in his person ; fcui Captain Cook,
who was served by Koah, recollecting the putrid hog,
could not swallow a morsel ; and his reluctance, as may
be supposed, was not diminished, when the old man,
according to his own mode of civility, had chewed it for
him." * This was the last part of the ceremony, and
the English, after distributing iron and other articles,
quitted the moral, and were coPaucted to the boats by
men bearing wands as before, — the people again retiring,
and the few who remained fulling down before them as
they walked along the beach.

Several days pas jd without any event of interest : ^^^'^tory
the observatory was erected, supplies of provisions were
procured, and the necessary repairs executed on the
ship's. Whenever the commander landed, a sacred
herald marched before him, proclaiming the approach of
Orono, and desiring the people to prostrate themselves.
Offerings were made to him ; and, in a temple called
Harre-no-Orono, he was subjected to a repetition of the
various rites with which he was worshipped on his first
landing. The priests daily supplied both the ships and
the party which was stationed on sliore with hogs and
vegetables beyond what was really needed, and not only

• Voyage to the Pacific, vol. iii. p. 8.

lii

392

cook's third voyaob.

CHAP. XL

Preparations
for a parting
gilt

Valuable
donations.

Departure
from Kiini-
luooa Bay

great consumption of hogs and vegetables, the desire
expressed for their absence can excite little surprise ;
but, so far was the monarch from entertaining any hostile
feeling towards them, when he made inquiry as to the
day of sailing, that it is manifest he was actuated only
by a wish to prepare suitable gifts for the occasion. He
was told that the voyagers would leave the island in
two days, and a proclamation was immediately made
throughout the villages, commanding the inhabitants to
bring hogs and vegetables to be offered to Orono on his
departure. At the time fixed, Terreeoboo invited the
two commanders to visit him ; and, on arriving at his
residence, they saw the ground covered with parcels of
cloth, a vast quantity of red and yellow feathers, and
a great number of hatchets and other instruments of
iron, procured in barter with the ships ; while at a little
distance they observed a large herd of hogs, with an
immense quantity of vegetables of every kind. The
king, having set apart about a third of the iron-ware,
feathers, and a few pieces of cloth, ordered the remainder
of the robes, with all the hogs and vegetables, to be
presented to the English, who were astonished at the
value and magnitude of the donation, *' which far ex-
ceeded every thing of the kind they had seen, either at
the Friendly or Society Islands." Captain King was
among the last to quit the island, and the natives crowded
round him, lamenting his approaching departure. They
ui*ged him to remain among them, and even made offers
of the most flattering kind ; and when he informed them
that Captain Cook, whose son they supposed him to be,
would not quit the bay without him, Terreeoboo and
Kaoo waited on the commander, and requested that his
colleague might be left behind. Unwilling to give a
direct refusal, he parted from them with a pr lise, that
he would revisit the island the succeeding year, and en-
deavour to gratify their wishes.

Ho sailed from Karakaooa Bay on the 4th of Feb-
ruary, with the intention of completing his survey of
the archiyclago. On the 8th, he was still in sight of

cook's third voyage.

3J)3

Owhyhee, when it was perceived that the foremast of the chap xi.
Resolution had given way during a gale which sprang j^^j,^^.
up at midnight. Before this injury could be repaired, the Buy.
it was necessary to take out the mast, — an ojioration
which could only be performed in some secure anchor-
age ; and no other harbour having been discovered, it
was determined to return to that which had been so
lately quitted ; and on the 11th, the vessels came to
moorings nearly in the same place as before. That, and
part of the following day, were employed in sending
workmen and materials on shore, together with the as-
tronomical apparatus, under guard of a corporal and
six marines ; and the friendly priests tabooed the posi-
tion against annoyance from the inhabitants.

The voyagers were struck with the altered appear- Chnn«:H«t
ance of the bay, which was now silent and deserted, "f tUciliiy?
except by one or two canoes. Some individuals, indeed,
came off with provisions, but they were few in number,
and the vast multitude which had been assembled on
the former visit seenoed to have dispersed on the depar-
ture of the ships.

On the evening of the 13th, several chiefs interfer- Wnriiko.io-
ed to prevent the natives from assisting the sailors in monstiauons.
rolling the water-casks ; and shortly afterwards, the
islanders armed themselves with stones, and became
insolent and tumultuous. Alarmed by these indications,
Captain King went to the spot ; and on his remonstrat-
ing with the leaders, they dispersed the mob, and allowed
the casks to be filled in quietness. He then went to
meet Cook, who was rowing towards the land in the
pinnace, and having communicated to him what had
just passed, was directed, in the event of any attack on
the part of the people, to fire on them with ball. In a
short time after, they were alarmed by a continued dis-
charge of muskets from the Discovery, against a canoe
which was seen paddling hastily towards the shore,
pursued by a small boat. The commander, concluding
that a theft had been committed, ordered King to follow
him with an armed marine, in order to seize the dclin-

394

COOK*S THIRD VOYAGB.

CHAP. XT.

Affray with
the natives.

Apprehen-
sions uf the
chiet

III

RpRtets cf
Cuok.

quents as they landed. These, however, escaped into
the country, and Cook, having pursued them about
three miles without success, returned to the beach,
ignorant that the stolen articles had been recovered.
Meanwhile, the officer in the small boat, not content
with this success, seized the canoe of the offender, when
Pareea, one of the principal nobles, claimed the skiff as
his property. A violent affray ensued, in which the
chief was knocked down by a blow from an oar. This
was no sooner observed by his followers than they at-
tacked the English with a shower of stones, and forcing
them to retreat, began to ransack a pinnace belonging
to the Resolution, which would have been forthwith
demolished, had not Pareea driven away the crowd.
He made signs to the voyagers to return and take pos-
session of their boat, which they did, while he promised
to use his endeavours to get back the rest of their pro-
perty. As they were proceeding to the ships, he fol-
lowed them, and restored the cap of Mr Vancouver, one
of the midshipmen, and some other trifling articles.
He appeared much concerned at what had happened,
and inquired " if Orono would kill him, and whether he
would permit him to come on board the next day !'*
Being assured that he should suffer no harm, he joined
noses with the officers, the usual token of friendship,
and paddled off towards the village of Kowrowa.

On learning these events, which had occurred during
his pursuit of the fugitives. Cook appeared deeply mor-
tified at their unfortunate result, and said to Captain
King, " 1 am afraid that these people will oblige me to
use some violent measures ; for they must not be left
to imagine that they have gained an advantage over us."
It was too late to take any steps that evening ; and this
officer, having executed the orders he received to re-
move all the natives from the vessels, returned to the
shore. Feeling less confidence in the barbarians, he also
posted a double guard on the moral where his party was
lodged. About eleven o'clock, five men were observed
creeping round the building, who, on finding them-

COOK 8 TUrRD VOYAGE.

395

»>

,0 re-

solves discovered, retired out of sight ; and, about an
hour afterwards, one of them, having ventured up close
to the observatory, a musket was fired over liim by
tlie sentinel, which put the whole to flight. No other
interruption was offered, but " those who were on duty,"
says Mr Sam well, " were disturbed during the night
with shrill and melancholy sounds, issuing from the
adjacent villages, which they took to be the lamenta-
tions of the women. Perhaps the quarrel between us
might have filled their minds with apprehensions for
the safety of their husbands ; but, be that as it may,
their mournful cries struck the sentinels with unusual
awe." *

With daylight of the next morning, Sunday the 14th,
it was discovered that the six-oared cutter of the Dis-
covery had been stolen. It was moored to a buoy close
by the ship, in such a manner that its gunwale was
level with the surface of the sea, and though under the
eye of the watch, it had been cut from its fastenings and
carried off without observation.

On being informed of this theft. Cook desired his
colleague to go on shore and endeavour to pei'suade the
king, Terreeoboo, to exert his authority for the recovery
of the boat. Unfortunately, Captain Clerke was so

• Narrative of tlie Deatli ot'Ca|)taiii James Cook, &c., by David
Samwell, Surgeon of the Discovery (Lond. 17H<)), p. 8. It may be
pn>per liere to indicate the sources from whicli the account given in
the present work of the unfortunate transactions which took place
during this and the foHowing day has been drawn. Tliey are, ls<.
The relation of Captain King in tiie Voyage to the Pacific, vol.
iii. p. 35-62. 2d, The narrative of Mr Samwell, quoted alwve.
3rf, That; of the late Admiral Burney, in his Chron. Hist, f f North-
East. Voy. of Discov., p. 2o5-26(). [These writers were eye witnesses
of the whole or part ot the events which they describe.] 4//i, The
anecdotes collected from a resident in and natives of the Sandwich
Islands, by IVIr Mariner, in his Account of the Tonga Archipelago,
vol. i. p. 72-74. 6lhi The account gathered from the natives by
Mr Ellis, Polynesian Researches, vol. iv. p. 13U I^IB. 6///, The
narrative of Kotzebue, New V^oyage round tlie World, vol. i. p.
17!^-liiB. As might be expected, these authorities exhibit various
discrepancies, which it has been our endeavour to reconcile as far
as possible. The account given by Kotzebue has been used with
considerable caution, as its accuracy has been impeached. See Mr
Ellis' Vindication of the Soutl iSea Mis.siuns (I.oud. Iii31), |). 13.

CJIAP. XI.

Difitnrbanca
JurInK tlie
night

Cutter of tha

discovery

Btoleu.

Ciptatn
Cicrke de-
sired to vhit
the king.

n96

CO0K*S THIRD VOYAGE.

CHAP. XI. weak as to be unable to undertake the expedition, and
TookTt - the great navigator determined to go in pereon. At tliia
mines to go time King came on board the Resolution, where he found
In person, ^j^^ rapines getting ready their arms, and the commander
loading his doubie-barrelled gun. While relating the
events which had occurred at the moral during the night,
he was interrupted by the other " with some eagerness,"
and made acquainted with the loss of the cutter, and
the plan which he had formed for its recovery. This
was, as on similar occasions,* to get possession of the
sovereign, or some of the principal chiefs, and detain
tliein till the stolen property was restored. In the event
of this method failing, he resolved to make reprisals on
the vessels in the harbour, and with this view ordered
three boats to stations near the outer points of the bay,
with directions to give no molestation to the small skitfd,
but to prevent the departure of any large canoe.
KNTieditiontc A little before eight o'clock, Cook left the Resolution
visit the kintr. a^d rowed towards the village of Kov/rowa, where the
king resided. He landed along with Lieutenant Philips,
a sergeant, two corporals, and six private marines, and
as he proceeded towards the hamlet, he >»as received
with all accustomed respect, the people prostrating
themselves at his approach, and presenting him with
small hogs. On inquiring for Terreeoboo and his sons,
the latter, two 3'ouths who had been his constant guests
on board ship, came to him in a short time, and instantly
conducted him towards the house where their father
Offers ot pi u- was. On his way, he was joined by several chiefs,
some of whom more than once asked if he wanted any
hogs or other provisions ; to which he replied, that he
did not, and that his business was to see the king. On
reaching the royal residence, he ordered some of the
natives to inform the monarch of his desire to speak
with him ; but these, returning without an answer,
only presented pieces of red cloth ; when he, suspecting
from this circumstance that his majesty was not there,

• See above, pp. 271, 356; 3(i8.

Vibiuns.

COOK S THIRD VOYAGE.

3i)7

»»

directed Lieutenant Philips to enter. This gentleman CIIAP. xl
found the prince newly wakened from sleep, who, confluence of
though apparently alarmed at the message, at once came leirceoboo.
out. The captain took him by the hand, and invited
him to spend the day on board the Resolution, to which
he at once consented, and the party proceeded towards
the boats, — Terreeoboo leaning on the shoulder of the
lieutenant, while his youngest son, Kaoowa, had reached
the shore and taken his seat in the pinnace. Cook was
perfectly satisfied from what he had learned that the
cutter had been stolen without the knowledge of the
king.

It was while these things were passing, that the boats UnfortnnjTte
placed near the south point of the harbour, oliscrving a with t|,c "^
large canoe endeavouring to leave the bay, fired several "utivcs.
muskets over the heads of her crew, with the view of
preventing their escape. One of the balls unfortunately
killed a chief who happened to be on the shore ; and
two islanders immediately proceeded to the ships to
complain to the commander, and finding that he was at
Kowrowa, followed him thither.

Terreeoboo, accompanied by his English friend, had ^Vllrlikc vm-
already advanced almost to the water's edge, when his P^'"'"""*-
people, conscious of transgression, began to put on their
war-mats, and to equip themselves with spears, clubs,
and daggers. One of his favourite wives came after
him, and throwing her arms about his neck, with many
tears and entreaties besought him to go no farther ; and
with the help of two chiefs, she even forced him to sit
down by the side of a canoe, telling him he would be
put to death if he went into the ship. No ardour of
expostulations could overcome their fears ; and the
natives, in the mean while, collecting in great force
%long the shore, began to throng around their sovereign.
While they did so, an old priest advanced towards the
captain holding out a cocoa-nut as a present, and, in
spite of all entreaty or remonstrance, singing aloud,
with the purpose, it was thoughtj of diverting attention
from his countrymen, who were every moment growii g

398

cook's third totaqb.

DaiigeroiM
pmitlon of
the party.

Moderntlon
of Couk.

CHAP. XI. more tumultuous. Perceiving the dangerons position
in which the voyagers were now placed, and that his
men were too much crowded together to use their arms
with effect, the marine officer proposed to withdraw his
party to some rocks close to the water-side, at the dis-
tance of about thirty yards, — a measure which was
promptly adopted, the crowd making way without re-
luctance. Previously to this, it is related by Mr
Samwell that Koah was observed lurking near with an
iron dagger partly concealed under hb cloak, with the
intention apparently of stabbing Captain Cook or Lieu-
tenant Philips. The latter proposed to Are at him, but
was forbidden by his commander ; the savage, however,
still pressing nearer, the officer struck him with his
piece, on which he retired ; another islancier seized on
the musket of the sergeant, and attempted to wrench it
from bis grasp, but a blow from the lieutenant forced
him to abandon his hold. Terreeoboo remained seated,

Alarm of the in a state of alarm and dejection, while our navigator
urged him in the most pressing manner to proceed, and
such was the irresolution of the monarch, that his per-
suasions might have prevailed, if the chiefs had not
interposed, first with earnest entreaties, afterwards with
threats of violence. The captain held the timid prince
by the hand ; but seeing the general alarm of the
natives, he let go his grasp, observing to Lieutenant
Philips, that it would be impossible to force him on
board without much bloodshed, and that other means
must be employed to recover the boat. The perplexed
ruler was immediately taken away, and was no more
seen ; while Cook, in company with the lieutenant,
slowly turned his steps towards the beach.

At this moment, a native from the opposite shore of
the bay rushed into the crowd, almost breathless, ex-
claiming, " It is war ! The foreigners have commenced
hostilities, — have fired on a canoe from one of their
boats, and killed a chief!" * This announcement occa-

king.

War

declarcli

* F.llis' Pol}'nesiaa Researches, vol. It. p. 131.

COOK*S THIRD YOYAOB.

399

sioned a violent ferment ; the women and children CHAP. XL
immediately disappeared; while such of the men as coIMot
had not already armed themseVes, hastened to put on with the
their war- mats and seize their spears. One of them '"'**^''^
advanced towards Cook, flourishing a long iron spike or
pahooOy hy way of defiance, and threatening to throw a
stone which he held in his hand. Although called en
to keep back, he continued to draw nearer, when our
navigator considered it necessary to fire on him with
small shot. The savage received the full discharge on
his thick mat, which he held up in derision, crying out
" Matteemanoo /*' — The gun is only fit to kill birds,—
and poised his spear as if to hurl it at his antagonist,
who, unwilling to take away his life, knocked him
down with the butt-end of his musket. The only object
now contemplated by the discoverer was the safety of
his party ; but the remonstrances which he addressed to
the islanders on their turbulence were answered by a
vulley of stones, which brought do^vn one of the marines.
A native was observed in the act of darting a spear at
him, when, in self-defence, he discharged his piece, but,
missing his aim, killed another near the assailant, wiio
was equally engaged in the tumult. This was instantly Gcrerai
followed by a general attack with stones, which was *''*'^
answered by musketry from the marines, succeeded by
that of the people in the boats. The captain, expressing
his astonishment at the conduct of the lattor, v\'aved his
hand towards them, and called on them to cease firing
and pull close in to receive the marines. The pinnace
accordingly approached as near as it could without
touching the ground ; but the launch, apparently from
misunderstanding the signal, was unfortunately drawn
farther off. There was on that morning a considerable
swell in the bay, and the surf on the shore was greater
than usual, so that the boats were obliged to lie off on
their oars ; and from the noise of the waves on the
rocks and the uproar of the multitude, it was impossible
for them to hear their commander's orders with dis-
tinctness.

400

cook's THlllD VOYAQR.

Hotrrnt tn
the buulii.

CHAP. XL The natives, contrary to expectation, had stood the
Coiiratfrof fire with great firmness, and though they fell back
the natives, at first, they advanced before the murines had time to
reload, and broke in upon them with frightfiul yells.
After this all was horror and confusion. The soldiers
were borne down and forced into the water, where four
of them were slain and three dangerously hurt. Among
the latter was the lieutenant, who, after he had gained
the pinnace, perceiving one of his men left on the shore,
gallantly leapt overhoard, and, swimming to the .rocka,
succeeded in bringing him off in safety.* Cook, who
had lingered behind, was now observed walking towards
the boats ; ho held his musket in one hand, and the
other was placed against the back of his head, to protect
it from the stones showered hy the natives. A man
followed him, but cautiously and timidly, stopping once
or twice, irresolute whether to strike or not ; and it was
i*emarked that, when the captain's face was towards the
barbarians, none of them offered any violence. On
reaching the water's edge, he turned about to give
orders to the boats, when his pursuer, advancing una-
wares, struck him on the back of the head with a club
or stave, and immediately retreated.t Stunned by the

Cook
wounded.

• Burney compares this with a similar exploit performed diirin^^
the cruise of the Nassau Fleet off tiie coa'^t of New Spain in No-
vember 1624. A boat's crew, who bar! lundod to procure water,
fell into an ambuscade laid by the Spaniards, in which four of them
lost their hves, while the rest were forced to embark in great con-
fusion. " In the haste made, one man was left beliind on the
beach ; but his Ciiptain, Cornelys de Witte, who bad gone himself
on this service, returned to the shore in the face of the enemy, and
took him into his boat, — 'an act of ^enerositj',' as is justly observed
b^ the French translator, ^ worth a wound which he received in his
side, and of which he was afterwards cured.'" — Burney, Chron.
Hist. Di.scov., vpl. iii. pp. 31, 32, note. Hist of North-Eastern
Discov., p. 265.

•\' Mr Mariner was informed that this individual was a native
carpenter, and that he struck Cook, '' either in the apprehension
that he was at that moment ordering his men to increase their fire,
or not knowing him to be the extraordinary beiny: (Rono) of whom
he had heard so much; for be lived a considerable distance np the
country, and was not personally acquainted with him. The natives

cof>K*8 Tnmn voyaoe.

40]

l)low, he totteri'd forward a few paces, and then fell on ciiAr. xi.
his hand and knee, letting his nnibk(>t drop, while n Thpfiuai
great shout hurst i'roni the islanders. As he was rising, l>luw.
and hefore he could regain his footing, another savn^e
stahbed him in the back of the neck with an iron spike,
on which he again fell into a pool among the shelves,
scarcely more than knee-deep. Unable to swim, and
dizzy from the wounds he had received, he turned to-
wards the rocks, and was imnuiliately surrounded by
the natives, who crowded about him and endeavoured
to keej> him under the water. He struggled violently
against them, and succeeded in raising his head, when he
turned his eyes towards the pinnace, as if beseecliing
that aid which, in the confusion of the scene, it was
impossible to afford. Though again forced under water
deeper than before, lie was once more able to lift his
head above it, and, almost exhausted, had laid hold of a
rock for support, when a savage struck him with a club,
and he was seen alive no more. They then dragged indipniUfs
his body from the water, and were observed to snatch *" *''" ^^'^^'
the daggers from each other's hands in order to pierce
the corpse ; nor did they desist for some time, though
a Are was directed against them from the boats, and
several were seen to fall by the side of their victim.*

had no idea that Cook could p«)S8ibly be killed, as they considered
liim a siinernatmul being', and were astonished when they saw him
lull." — loHfja Island?, vol. ii. p. 74. SaniweM'H Narrative, p. IH.

• The anxiety manifested by the islanders to manfjle the body of f^«n»e of tlie
our great countryman was, at the time, commonly attributed to "a ""*'vcs cou-
saviige eagerness to have a share in his destruction." But it has ' "^
been remarked by Dr Martin, that, "in all probability, this eager-
ness to seize the dagger was prompted in each by the wish to be
possessed of an instrument which had become consecrated, as it
were, by the death of so great a man ; at least, this is presumed
from what would have been the sentiment had it happened at
the Tonga Islands." — Mariner's Tonga Islands, vol. ii. p[). 74. 7.%
Tliat tiie seeming barbarity exhibited on this occasion arose from
some superstitious notion, such as that mentioned by Dr Martin, is
a supposition which derives conlirmation from the belief which the
islanders entertained with regard to Cook, from the honours after*
wards rendered to his remains, and from the expressions used by
(he natives to Mr Ellis,—'' After lie was dead, we all Wailed I"—
Foiynesian Researches, vol. iv. p. 132.

402

COOK*S THIRD VOYAOB.

CHAP. XL

Sorrow and
dlunay.

Danger of

Captain

King.

Unsnccesflful
attempt to
recover
Cook't body.

When they at Inst gave way, a small skiff, manned by
five young midshipmen, pulled to the shore, where they
saw the bodies of their companions lying on the ground
without any signs of life ; but considering it dangerous
to land with so small a force, they returned to the vessels,
where the tidings of this great calamity spread univei-sal
sorrow and dismay.

Animated by their success, the natives began to gather
round the moral in another part of the harbour, where
Captain King with some men had been left in charge of^
the astronomical instruments, the foremast of the Re-
solution, and the greater portion of the sails of both
vessels ; but after a brief conflict, a truce wos agreed to,
and the voyagers were permitted to withdraw, carrying
their effects with them, without molestation. The
savages, however, seemed to be still bent on hostilities ;
an immense concourse was drawn up on the shore, and
several went off in their canoes till within pistol-shot of
the ships, challenging the people on board with marks
of defiance and contempt. In the afternoon, King
rowed towards the land, where he had an interview
with some of the chiefs ; and, in answer to his inquiries
after the body of his late commander, was assured that
it had been carried up the country,- but would be restored
the next morning. This promise was not fulfilled; but,
after nightfall of the 15th, a person who had constantly
attended Cook when on shore, came off to the ship and
presented to Captain King a small bundle wrapped up
in cloth, containing a piece of flesh about ten pounds in
weight. This, he aud, was all that remained of the
body of the unfortunate navigator ; — that the rest had
been cut off and burned ; and that the head and all the
bones, except those of the trunk, were in the possession
of the king and the chiefs. Before departing, he asked
with great anxiety, " When Orono would come again *.'*
and " What he would do to them on his return !'*—
questions which were frequently repeated by others.
The impression of the islanders that the murdered leader
w^as their ancient deity was not even yet wholly dia-

CUOX*S THIRD TOY AGE.

403

gipated ; and although some, when they saw his blood chap. xi.
Htrcaniing and heard his groans, exclaimed, ** This is ni-iienn his
not Rono I" others still believed in his divinity, and divinity.
cherished the hope that he would once more appear
among them.

On tt J I7th, a party, who landed to procure water, AmAnit on
experienced so much annoyance from the inhabitants, "'« «»ti>«*
that it was necessary to bum down a few straggling
huts which afforded them shelter. Those to whom this
order was intrusted carried it far beyond the proper
limits : the whole village was set on fire and consumed,
along with the houses of the priests, at whose hands
nothing but friendship had been experienced. This act,
followed by the death of several of the savages, who
were shot in attempting to escape from the flames, con-
veyed a suitable terror of the English power ; and, on
the evening of the 18th, a chief came with presents from
Terreeoboo to sue for peace.

On the morning of the 20th, the mast of the Resolu- Manpiod
tion was replaced, and the same day the remains of the '^JJJ^.'"* **'
lamented commander were delivered up to his successor,
wrapped in a large quantity of fine cloth, and covered
with a cloak of black and white feathers. " We found
in this bundle," says Captain King, **both the hands
of Captain Cook entiie, which were well known from
a remarkable scar on one of them, that divided the
thumb from the fore-finger, the whole length of the
metacarpal bone ; the skull, but with the scalp separat-
ed from it, and the bones that form the face wanting ;
the scalp, with the hair upon it cut short, and the ears
adhering to it ; the bones of both arms, with the skin
of the fore-arms hanging to them, the thigh and leg
bones joined together, but without the feet. The liga-
ments of the joints were entire ; and the whole bore
evident marks of having been in the fire, except the
hands, which had the flesh left upon them, and were
cut in several places and crammed with salt, apparently
with an intention of preserving them. The scalp had a
cut on the back part of it, but the skull was free from

■■■il

404

,.»

COOK S TlllUD VOYAGE.

CHAP. XI. any fracture." ^ The lower jawhone and the f et were
CommTtted f^-'stored on the morning of tho 21st ; and in the after-
to the deep, noon, these remains having been enclosed in a coffin,
the burial-service was read over them, and, with the
usual military honours, ihey were committed to the
deep. " What our feelings were on this occasion,"
says Captain King, " I leave the world to conceive ;
those who were present know that it is not in my
power to express them." Part of the bone?, it may be
observed, were retained by the natives ; and several of
them, held sacred as those of the god Rono, were de-
posited in a temple dedicated to that deity. They were
preserved in a basket of wit ker- work, covered with red
feathers ; religious homage was paid to them, and they
were annually borne in procession through the island by
the votaries of Rono, when gathering offerings for the
maintenance of their worship. They were thus pre-
served and honoured for a period of forty years, until
the abolition of idolatry, and the establishment of the
Christian faith in 1819. At that date they disappeared,
having probably been carried off by some of the priests,
and the English missionaries have hitherto failed to dis-
cover their destination. -I*

By the next day all was ready for s^a, and on the

S:iiictity
nttaelicd to

rcuiuiiis.

Worsliip ol
tiono.

* Voyaj^e to tlie Pacific, vol. iii. p. 80.

•f* " All tliose," says Mr F.llis, " of whom inquiry has been made,
iiave Hnif'ormly asserted, that they were formerly kept hy the priests
of Ro.u), and worship[)ed, but a&vj never jriven any satisfactory
information as to where they a'e now. Whenever we have asked
the kinj;, or Hevaheva the chief priest, or any of the chiefs, they
have either told us they .vere under the care of those who had them-
selv'is said they knew nothing about them, ortliat they were now
lost." —Polynesian Researches, vol. iv. p. 137. Mariner's Ton^i^a
Islands, vol. ii. p 7*>- The last-quoted author was informed " that
the nalives of Owhyhee returned very few of the bones of Captain
Cook, but chiefly siibstitutcd the iiones of some other Englishman
that was killed on that melancholy occasion." But this statement
seems to require co-roboration — ** Not only,*' says Mr Ellis,
" w _re the bones of Cook worshipped but almost every relic left with
them; amon^' other things, a sledge from the north-west coast ot
America, whiriv they called Opaitauariii a crab or shrimp for a
chief to fst on." — Vol. iv. p. 133.

cook's tuird voyage.

405

22J of February our navigators stood out of the bay ; chap. XL
while the islanders, collected in great numbers on the
shore, received their last farewell with every mark of
affection and good-will.

After visiting other islands of the Sandwich group, ncmvn to
about the middle of March they proceeded once more *''^" ''"»'»•
to the northward, and came to anchor in Awatska Bay
in Kamtschatka near the end of April. They were
motD hospitably treated by the commander of that re-
mote province, the celebrated Major Behm, who refused
any remuneration for the liberal supplies with which he
furnished them. They did not quit this friendly har-
bour till the 16th of June, " at least a mrmth later," snys
Burney, " than should li?.ve been desired, as, in a pur-
suit like ours, it, v.us our business to have been ^arly
in the year to the north." They reached Beiiring's Reach
Strait on the 6th July, and on the 19th, attained the i^'.;[i"^''
latitude of 70^^ 33'. Beyond this point, which was five
leagues short of that which had been attained the pre-
vious season, they were not able to penetrate, nor did
they succeed in advancing so far along the coast of
either continent. On the 27th, all farther attempts
were abandoned, and tlie course bent to the southward.
" I will not," says Captain King," endeavour to conceal
the joy that brightened the countenance of every indi-
vidual, as soon as this resolution was made known. We
were all heartily sick of a navigation full of danger, and
in whv)Ii the utmost perseverance had not been repaid
with the smallest probability of success. We there-
fore turned our faces toward home, after an absence ""'^.t^'"'*
of three years, with a delight and satisfaction which,
notwithstanding the tedious voyage we had still to
make, and the immense distance we had to run, were
as freely entertained, and perhaps as fully enjoyed, as
if we had been already in sight of the Land's Knd." *
Three days after, they repassed the strait, and on the
21st of August, came in sight of the mountains of

• Voya{»e *o the Piicific, vol. iii. p. 200.

406

cook's third Voyage.

Death of

Captain

Clerke.

i'Hi

CHAP. XL Kaintschatlca. Captain Clerke had been long and seii-
ously indisposed, and all hopes of liis recovery had been
for some time relinquished by every one but himselP.
He died on the 22d, in the thirty-eighth year of his
age, and was interred on the north side of the harbour
of St Peter and St Paul, vhere the vessels arrived two
days after his demise. Ills body was attended to the
grave by the officers and crews of the ships, and by the
Russian garrison ; the service was read by the priest of
the settlement, amid the firing of minute guns ; and the
melancholy ceremony was concluded by the discharge
of three volleys from the marines. An escutcheon was
placed in the neighbouring church, setting forth his
age and rank, and an inscription of the same purport
was affixed to the tree under which he W8s buried.*

Captain Gore now assumed the command of the i- -
pedition, on board the Resolution, while Captain KiHq'
removed to the Discovery. The instructions from the
Admiralty directed that, if the vessels failed to find a
passage into the Atlantic, they should return to Eng-
land by such course as seemed most likely to advance
geographical knowledge. On this point Captain Gore
requested the opinions of his officers, who unanimously
thought that the largest field for discovery, the sea
between Japan and Asia, could not be safely explored
in the present condition of the vessels, and chat it was
Course deter- therefore advisable to keep to the eastward, along the
mine on. I^ui-jigg^ ^nd examine the islouds lying nearest the
northern coast of Japan ; then to survey the shores of
that country ; and, lastly, to make the coast of China
at as northerly a point as possible, and run along it to
Macao. Of this judicious plan only a small part could
be carried into effect. The attempt to reach the islands

Captains
Gore and
King.

* In 17fi7i tiie unfortunate I.a Perouse placed a brass plate on
the tomh of Ciiptain Clerke; and more lately the Russian admiral,
Krusenstern, erei-terl a monument to his mcniorj- ; which, before
Captain Beecitey's visit in 1827, had, for better preservation, l>een
removed to the ffoveruor's i^arden. — Voyage to the Pacific, vol. ii.
p. 245.

COOK S TIIIllD VOYAUE.

407

north of Japan proved fruitless ; and the ships, driven chap XI.
from those latitudes by contrary winds, anchored at ^^n^^^j
Macao early in December. Macaa

The discoverers here received information of the
public events which had occurred in Europe since the
commencement of th'^ir voyage ; aad, in consequence of
tlie war which had arisen between Great Britain and
France, they prepared their vessels for meeting theQgj,p„,y,
enemy. Fortunately their precautions were rendered conduct
unnecessary by the generous conduct of their adversaries. ** ""'^®'
In March 1779, the court of Versailles issued orders to
the captains of their ships, stating the objects of the ex-
pedition, and the advantages which would result from it
to all nations, and directing that Cook should be treated
as the commander of a neutral or allied power. This
measure, so honourable to the French character, was, we
are informed by the Marquis de Condorcet, adopted on
the advice of the enlightened Turgot. Benjamin Frank-
lin, then in Paris as the plenipotentiary of the United Different
States, addressed to the officers of the American navy an su^d by ^^^'
earnest r.3Commendation to spare the ships of " that I "'cica ««nd
most celebrated discoverer Captain Cook ;" but the
noble feelings which dictated this letter found no re-
sponse in Congress, who instantly issued orders thut
especial care should be taken to seize our voyagers. The
same mean policy was pursued oy the government of
Spain.

While lying at Macao, the sailors engaged m an active TrntTe with
trade with the Chinese for the furs of the sea-otter,
which the}' had procured, without any view to sale, at
Cook's River on the North American coast. " One of
our seamen," says King, " sold his stock for 800 dollars ;
and a few prime skins, which were clean and had been
well preserved, were sold for 120 each. The M'hole
amount of the value, in specie and goods, that was got
for the furs in both ships, I am confident, did not fall
short of £2000 sterling ; and it was generally supposed,
that at least two-thirds of the quantity we had originally
got from the Americans were spoiled and worn out, or

the Chinciie.

408

COOK 8 THIRD VOYAGE.

InfUciitions
of succcsstul
tritding.

Thvcnt of
nmuiiy.

CHAP. XI liad been given away and otliervvise disposed of in
Kamtschatkft. When, in addition to these facts, it is
(remembered that the furs were at first collected without
our having any idea of their real value ; that the great-
est part had. been worn by the savages, from whom we
purchased them ; that they were afterwards preserved
with little care, and frequently used for bed-clothes and
other purposes, during our cruise to the north ; and that
probably we had never got the full value for them in
China i the advantages that might be derived from a
vo3'age to that part of the American coast, undertaken
with commercial views, appear to me of a degree of
infiT'tance sufficient to call for the attention of the
pul .' The seamen were astonished at the high

prices ich they received for an article they had so
easily procured ; and their eagerness to return to Cook's
Inlet, and by another cargo make their fortunes, led
them to the brink of mutiny. The profits of the barter
produced a whimsical alteration in the appearance of the
crews, who, on their entry into the river, were clad in a
motley mixture of rags, skins, and the rude cloth of the
savage countries they had visited — ga'^ments which they
soon exchanged for the gaudiest silks and cottons of
China.
urn!io:ne. The ships took their departure from Macao on the
1 3th January 1780, and touched at the Cape of Good
Hope on the 13th of April. They made the western
coast of Ireland on the 12th August, anchored on the
22d at Stromness in Orkney, and arrived at the Nore on
the 4th of October, after an absence of four years, two
months, and twenty- two days. During this long period
the Resolution lost only five men by sickness, while no
death had taken place in the Disco very .+ Another cir-

* Voj'ape to the Pacific, vol. ill. p. 435.
•f" The bark which bore MajreKan in his eventful voyage became

a favourite theme with the p«)et.s and romancers of Spain; and the
stiip in which Drake sailed round the gh>be received equal honours.*

* One of the uses to which " the ship of fnmous Draco " was applied, is
p inted out in the old play of " Eastward Hoe," (by Chapman, Ben .Ton-
am, and Marstun), where 8ir Fetronel Flash is introduced, saying,

cook's thibd voyaob.

409

cumstance) attended this voyage, which, if \C8 consider its CHAP. XL
duration, and the nature of the service on which they uninterrnpt.
were engaged, will appear scarcely less singular, namely, «* co-opera-
that the two ships never lost sight of each other fur a ibipB.
whole day together except twice.

The destiny of the vessel of a greater circumBav^tor than either
may be seen from the following notice : — ** Cook's old ship, the Dis-
covery, was, some time since, removed from Woolwich, and is now
moored oiF Deptford as a receiving ship for convicts ."—hondoa
NewHpnpers, Au^ist 20, 1834.

"We'll have our provided supper brought aboard Sir Francis DralMs
ship, that hath compassed tiie world, where, with full cups and banquets,
we will do sacrifice for a prosperous voyage My mind gives me that lom*
good spirit of the watci^ should haunt the desart ribs of her, and be aus-
|):cious to all that honour her memory, and will with like orgies ent«r
their voyages."— Act iii>

trame
tdthe
purs.*

lied, is

.Jon-

lying,

410

0B8ERY AXIOMS ON TUB

CHAPTER XII.

CHAP. XII.

Sorrow at the
death of
Cook.

Pension and
honours to
bis family.

Monuments
to his
memory.

Observations on the Character of Cook,

Honours paid to him — PerAonal Appearance — Temper and Habita
— His Children and Widow — Energy and Perseverance — Self-
education — His vast Contributions to Geography — Skill in deli-
neating and fixing his Discoveries — ^Discovery of the Means of
preserving the Health of Seamen — Advantages derived from his
Voyages— Progress of Civilisation in Polynesia — Conclusion.

The tidings of the melancholy fate of Cook excited a
deep and general sorrow throughout Europe, and distin-
guished honours vrere rendered to his name alike hy
foreigners and by his countrymen. The Royal Society
caused a medal to be struck, containing on one side the
head of tlieir late associate, \nth the inscription Jac.
Cook, Oceani Investigator Acerrimus ; on the other,
the figure of Britannia holding a globe, with the words
NUi Inx ENTATUM NosTRi LiQUERE ; and on the eyrgue,
Reo. Soo. Lond. Socio suo, and Auspiciis Georoii III.
His majesty conferred on the widow of Cook a pension
of two hundred pounds a-year, and on each of his sons
an annual sum of twenty-five pounds. Honourable
armorial bearings, symbolical of his achievements, were
assigned to his family.

Sir Hugh Palliser, on his estate in Buckinghamshire,
erected a monument to the memory of his old and dear
friend ; in 1812, the parishioners of Marton placed a
marble tablet to his memory in the church where he
was baptized ; a handsome obelisk, fifty- one feet in
height, was built on the hill of Easby, near Rosberry
Topping, in 1827 ; and the officers of the Blonde raised
on the place where the body of the distinguished voyager

CHARACTER OF COOK.

411

^hire,
dear

ped a

Ire he
jt in
jerry

hiised
rager

was burned a cross of oak, ten feet in height, with thid CHAP. xir.
inscription,-— —

Sacred Monument at

to the memory of Owbytiee.

Capt. James Cook, R.N.
who discovered these Islands
in the year of our Lord 1778.
This humble monument is erected
by iiis countrvmen
in the year of our Lord 1825.

Few visiters leave Owhyhee without making a pilgrim-
age to the spot where its discoverer met his untimely
end, and many cany away pieces of the dark lava-rock
on which he stood when he received his death-wound.
The place is marked by the ruins of a morai, and by
some stunted cocoa-trees, in which the natives show
perforations, produced by the balls fired on the fatal
morning of the 14th February 1779.

In person, Cook was of a robust frame, and upwards
of six feet in height. His head was small, and his face Personal
animated and expressive, though his prominent eye- *^c^j^"*^*
brows imparted to it an appearance of austerity. His
eyes, of a brown colour, though not large, were quick
and piercing: his hair, which was of a dark-brown
hue, he wore tied behind, after the fashion of the day.
His constitution was strong, and capable of sustaining
great labour ; he was exceedingly temperate, and his
stomach bore without difficulty the coarsest viands. In
his address he was unaffected and retiring, even to bash-
fulness : his conversation was modest, lively, and agree-
able ; although at times he appeared thoughtful, wrapped
up in his own pursuits, and apparently under a pressure
of mental fatigue when called on to speak upon any
other. Like Columbus, he seems to have been some-
what passionate ; yet of him, as of the discoverer of
America, it may be said, that the quickness o Iiis tem-
per was counteracted by the benevolence and generosity
of his heart. The calumny that his disposition wajs
harsh, gloomy, and morose, has been already disproved.

He was beloved by his people,'* says Mr Sam well,

Address and
munuei'.

412

OB8ERTATION8 ON TBB

Attachment
ot hl« crew.

Portmlte
of Cook.

CRAP. XII ** 'v^ho looked up to him as to a father, and obeyed hit
commands with alacrity : the confidence we. placed in
nim was unremitting ; our admiration of his great talents
unbounded ; our esteem for his good qualities affection-
ate and sincere."

Two representations of his features hare been pre-
served ; one by Hodges, the artist who accompanied
him in hb second voyage ; another, which was executed
by Dance, is now in Greenwich Hospital, and an
engraving front this fine portrait is prefixed to the pre*
sent Work. It was at the pressing request of Sir
Joseph Banks that Cook sat for this picture, on the eve
of his departure to explore the southern hemisphere,
when all his thoughts were devoted to his arduous
undertaking ; and his active mind impatiently regretted
every hour that he was absent from his duties. These
circumstances may account for the deep thoughtfulness
and the stern expression visible in this delineation of
his countenance ; for, while the painter was busy with
his features, doubtless his mind was ** occupied in great
waters." *

Few of his days were passed in the quiet scenes of
private life ; but though his fortunes called him too
often from the society of his family, not many men
present a more amiable character as a husband and a
father. His hours were divided between the instruction
and amusement of his children, and the study of his
favourite sciences, — ^navigation, astronomy, and mathe-
matics. He was fond of drawing; but did not take
much delight in music or poetry, or in any of the pur-
suits of rural life.

Captain Cook had six children, of whom three died
in infancy. Nathaniel, when sixteen years old, was
lost in 1780 with Commodore Walsingham, in the
Thunderer; Hugh, who was educated at Cambridge

* Memoir of Cook in Gallery of Greenwich Hospital. " His
widow," says Mr Locker, *' has more than once expressed her re-
gret that a portrait, in all other respects so perfect, should convey
this erroneous expression to the eye of a stranger."

Domestic
character.

Family.

CHARACTER OF COOK.

413

for the dmrch, died in 1793, in his seventeenth year.
James, who, at the age of thirty-one, was drowned in
1794, the only S(m who attained to manhood, displayed
much of his father's intrepidity. When pushing off
from Poole to join the Spitfire sloop of war, of which he
was the commander, he was advised to wait till the
storm which was raging should abate : — ** It is blowing
hard,'* he replied, ** but my boat is well manned, and
has weathered a stronger gale ; we shall make the ship
very well, and I am anxious to be on board." He
perished in the attempt, along with the whole of his
crew.

The widow of the great voyager survived him for
more than half a century. To the last she cherished
the most devoted affection for his memory ; and even
after the lapse of so many years, could not speak of his
fate without emotion. Such was her sensibility, that
on receiving tidings of the death of her son James, in
the vain hope of banishing from her mind the recollec-
tion of her losses, she committed to the flames almost all
the letters she had received from his father. F*": a
long period she resided at Clapham, where her unpftected
goodness and generosity secured universal !ove and
respect. Her latter years passed away in intercourse
with her friends, and in the discharge of those offices of
charity and kindness in which her benevolent mind de-
lighted. The afflicting loss of her husband and children,
though borne with submissive resignation, was never
effaced from her memory ; and we are informed tliat
there were certain melancholy anniversaries which, to
the end of her days, she devoted to seclusion and pious
observance. She died on the Idth May 1835, in the
ninety-fourth year of her age. Her body was deposited
in a vault in the church of St Andrew the Great, at
Cambridge, where her sons James and Hugh were
interred. To the parish in which she was buried she
assigned £1000, under the conditions, that, from the
interest of that sum, the monument she had erected to
the memory of her family shall be kept in peifect

CHAP. XII.

Death of hla
]ut Borviv-
tng aon.

His widow.

Residence at
Clapham.

Interment nt
Cambridge.

CHAP. XIL

Beqnests to
the parish of
St Andrew
the Great.

Legaclea.

^rental
characteris-
tics of Cook.

Pnrcnti of
Cook.

414

ODSERVATIONS ON THB

repair ; that tho parochial clergyman shall receive a
small annual remuneration for his attention to the due
discharge of the trust ; and that the remainder shall ht:
equally divided yearly, on St Thomas' Day, among five
poor and aged women residing in the parish, but deriving
no relief therefrom. Besides many legacies to her rela-
tives and servants, she left to the poor of Clapham £760,
and to the Schools for the Indigent Blind and the Royal
Maternity Charity about £1000. The Copley Medal
awarded to her husband, and one of the gold medals
struck in his honour by the Royal Society she be-
queathed to the British Museum.*

The great characteristics of Cook's mind were energy
and perseverance. By the aid of these properties, and
stimulated by an honourable ambition, he was able,
amid the bustle and toil of active service, not only to
acquire a knowledge of his profession rarely equalled,
but to supply the deficiencies of a very imperfect edu-
cation, and raise himself to an eminent station among
men of literature and science. After he had reached
his thirty-first year, with no assistance from teachers,
he mastered, in the few leisure hours which his situa-
tion afforded, the study of mathematics and astronomy.

* Gentleman*8 Map^zinc, July 1835. — Nautical Magazine, .July
lR3o and February 1836. Cook's mother died in 176d, a^red (i3 ;
<* the tombstone wliich records her death, and that of two sons and
three daughters, most of whom died in infancy, is understood to
have been carved by her husband, wiio about ten 'years after re-
moved from Ayton to Rcdcar to spend ihe evening of his days with
his daughter Margaret, the wife of Mr .lames Fleck, a respectable
fisherman and shopkeeper. . . . The father of Cook outlived
his son only a few weeks; and never heard of his untimely end.
He was interred at Marske, April 1, 1779> in the eighty -fifth year
of his age. His son-in-law died a few years ago. The captain's
i^'ster had three sons, all master mariners, and four daughters; her
descendants are numerous. One only of Cook^s nephews is living ;
but three of his nieces yet survive.' —Life and Voyages of Cook,
by the Rev. George Young (Lond. 183H), pp. 16, 450. From
the same source we learn that the elder Cook is said to have been
Imrn at Ednam on the Tweed. About the time that his son entered
the navy he became a mason, and a house which he built for his
owp residence at Ayton is still in existence. Here he was visited
by his son in the brief interval between his second and third voyages.

-c..

CIIARACTBR OP COOK.

415

Unoer similar circumstances, ho attained great profi-
ciency in drawing. Tlie literary talent and information
displayed in the narratives of his second and third cir-
cumnavigations will ever excite astonishment in those
who reflect on the few opportunites for the cultivation
of letters which their author enjoyed. His mental ac-
tivity was conspicuous throughout all his voyages. " No
incidental temptation," says Captain King, ** could
detain him for a moment ; even those intervals of re-
creation which sometimes unavoidably occurred, and
were looked for by us with a longing, that persons who
have experienced the fatigues of service will readily
excuse, were submitted to by him with impatience.'*
The immovable constancy with which he pursued his
objects was equally remarkable ; and there are perhaps
few instances of perseverance on record more worthy of
note than his survey of the coast of New Holland, car-
ried on by him amid continual dangers ; or his search
for a Southern Continent, in which he persisted in spite
of every privation, concealing from all a dangerous ill-
ness that brought him to the brink of the grave. His
courage and resolution were invincible, yet unaccom-
panied with temerity ; hia self-possession never failed ;
and we are told, that " in the most perilous situations,
when he had given the proper directions concerning
what was to be done while he went to rest, he could sleep
during the hours he had allotted to himself with perfect
composure and soundness." His mind was equally
ready and copious in resources ; and his designs were
marked by a boldness and originality which evinced a
consciousness of great powers. These charncteristics
were demonstrated in the very outset of his first expe-
dition, when, differing from the opinions of every one,
he selected his vessel upon principles which the result
most amply vindicated.

It may be justly said, that no other navigator extended
the bounds of geographical knowledge so widely as he
did. The great question of a Southern Continent,
which had been agitated for more than two centuries,

CHAP. XII.

Literary iie-
qulrotueoU

Kcmarkflbla
contitancy.

Ready
resources.

Uneqnnllcd
as a navi-
gator.

416

OBSERVATIONS ON THE

CHAP. XII.

Extent of his
dlflOOTeriei.

Exploration
within the
Antarctic
circle.

Obsenratlons
on the north-
west coast of
America.

he completely set at rest. He first made known the
eastern coast of New He land, more than 2000 miles in
extent, and presenting; perils of the most formidahlt^
nature. He ascertained the northern limit of Australia,
and restored to Europeans the knowledge of the long-
lost Strait of Torres. He diseipated the belief that New
Zealand was a part of the Terra Australis Incognita,
brought to light its eastern boundary previously un-
known, and circumnavigated its shores. He completed
the labours of Quiros and later voyagers in the archi-
pelago of the New Hebrides, and first delineated an ac-
curate chart of their coasts. Ho discovered New Cale-
donia, with one exception the largest island in the
Austral Ocean. He investigated the depths of the
Southern Atlantic, made us acquainted with Sandwich
Land, fixed the position of Kerguelen's Island, visited
the almost-forgotten Isla Grande of La Roche, and sur-
veyed the southern shores of Tierra del Fuego with a
fidelity at that time unprecedented. During this navi-
gation, he twice crossed the antarctic circle, and attain'
a higher latitude than had been reached by any fon
voyager. He explored the Tonga Archipelago and tnat
of Las Marquesas, neither of which had been visited
since the days of Tasman and Mendana, and added
greatly to our knowledge of their situation and pro-
ductions, their inhabitants, manners, and customs.
Easter, or Edward Davis' Island, which had been sought
in vain by Byron, Wallis, Carteret, and Bougainville,
did not elude his researches. He greatly increased our
acquaintance with the Low or Coral Archipelago, and
completed the discovery of the Society Islands. In other
parts of the South Sea, he brought to light the islands
of Norfolk, Botany, Pines, Palmerston, Savage, Hervey,
Mangeea, Wateeoo, Otakootaia, Turtle, Toubouai, and
Christmas. Along: tl*** north-west coast of America, he
effected more in one season than the Spaniards had ac-
complished in two centuries. Besides rectifying many
mistakes of former explorers, he ascertained the breadth
of the strait ^hich separates Asia from the New World —

CHARACTER OF COOK.

417

a point which Behring had left unsettled. Passing thr chap. XIL
arctic, as he had crossed the antarctic circle, lie pene- »,ctiT"
trated farther than any preceding navigator; and as exploration.
more than half a century expired without a nearer ap-
proach being made to the Southern Pole than he had
achieved, a like period elapsed before our knowledge of
the American coast was extended beyond the point to
which he attained. Among the latest and greatest of
his discoveries were the Sandwich Islands, — which, in sandwich
the sentence wherewith his journal abruptly terminates, ^^'^^'^
he truly characterizes as " though the last, in many
respects the most important that has hitherto been made
by Europeans throughout the extent of the Pacific
Ocean.*' *

But it would be injustice to him if we were to esti- inflnence on
mate his merits only by the extent, number, or import- JSencel''"***
nnce of the countries which he added to the map of the
world. It has been remarked by a distinguished cir-
cumnavigator of a neighbouring nation, that his labours
created a new era in geographical science.t Unlike his
precursors, he was not content with being able to an-
nounce the existence of new lands, but delineated the
bearing and figure of their coasts, and fixed their position
with an exactness which can hardly be surpassed even
by means of the improved instruments of our own days.
While great errors have been detected in the longitudes Errors of his
of Byron and his successors, and still greater in those of
the earlier voyagers, every succeeding navigator has
borne testimony to the accuracy of Cook's determina-
tionii. So late as 1815, his chart of the southern coast of
Tierra del Fuego was characterized by Admiral Bumey
as the best guide wliivii the seaman possessed to that region.
Of a more juvenile performance, his map of the shores
of Newfoundland, the late surveyor of the island, Captain
Bullock, speaks in terms of warm commendation. Rraise
equally high has been awarded to his representation of

* Voja^ to the Pacific, toL iL p. 548.

f M. D'Urville, Voyage autour du Monde, tome L p. zii.

418

OBSERVATIONS ON THE

CHAP. XII.

Accnrocy of
his charts.

Testimony of
Mr. EUifl^

Discoveries
relative to
tlie health
01 crews.

IB!

the coasts of New Zealand, by M. Crozet, the companion
of the unfortunate Marion. " As soon,", says he, " as I
had got hold of the voyage of the English, I compared
with care the chart which I had drawn w^ith that taken
by Captain Cook and his officers. I found it to possess
an exactness and minuteness which astonished me beyond
all expression. I doubt whether our own coasts of
France have been delineated with more precision." La
Perouse never mentions the name of the great seaman
without expressing warm admiration of his accuracy ;
and M. D'UrvillR assigns him the title of " fondateur de
la veritable geographic dans I'Ocean-Pacifique : ceux,"
he adds, " qui sont venus apres lui sur les memes lieux
n*ont pu pretendre qu*au merite d'avoir plus ou moina
perfectionne' ses travaux." * Testimony of no less weight
has been borne to the correctness of hio delineations of
people, manners, and countries. " A resider.ce of eight
years in the Society and Sandwich Islands," says Mr
Ellis, " has afforded me an opportunity of becoming
familiar with many of the scenes and usages described
in his /oyages, and I have often been struck with the
fidelity with whicli they are uniformly portrayed. In
the inferences he draws, and the reasons he assigns, he
is sometimes mistaken ; but in the description of what
he saw and heard, there is throughout a degree of ac-
curacy, seldom if ever exceeded in accounts equally
minute and extended." f

Great as are the contributions which Cook made to
geographical science, they are perhaps surpassed in utility
and importance by his discovery of the art of preserving
the health of seamen in long expeditions. The reader

* Voyage aiitour du Monde, tome i. p. xiii.

■f Polynesian Kescarches, vol. iv. p. 3. See also Mariner's
Ton^'a Islands vol. i. p. xv. A later voyaffpr. Captain Waldejifrave,
who visited the Frienoly Archipelago in lb30, writes, "In our tour
through these islands we had great reason to admire the general
accuracy of Captain Cook ; his description of the houses, fences,
manners of the Hapai Islands, is correct to the present day." —
J«iurn. of the Roy. Geog. Soc., vol. iii. p. 186.

CHARACTER OF COOK.

419

who has perused the details which have been given of chap, xil
the sufferings of Anson's expedition, will not be at a suffering* on
loss to appreciate what praise is due to him who re- fonnerexp©-
moved the scurvy from the list of diseases incident to a *^ *
nautical life, and first showed that a voyage of three
yeai*s' duration might be performed with the loss of but
one man by sickness. To use the words with which he
concludes the narrative of his second circumnavigation,
— " Whatever may be the public judgment about other
matters, it is with real satisfaction, and without claiming
any merit but that of attention to my duty, that I can
conclude this account with an observation which facts
enable me to make, that our having discovered the pos-
sibility of preserving health amongst a numerous ship's
company for such a length of time, in such varieties of
climate, and amidst such continued hardships and fa-
tigues, will make this voyage remarkable in the opinion
of every benevolent person, when the disputes about a
Southern Continent shall have ceased to engage the at-
tention and to divide the judgment of philosophers."*
Indeed, had he made no other discovery but this, he
would have been justly entitled to the praise and grati-
tude of mankind.

There still remains one important view in which his New fields of
voyages must be regarded, namely, as having added to euterprisa
the power and riches of his country, by laying open
new fields of commercial enterprise, disclosing sources
of wealth previously unknown, and extending the limits
of her territorial possessions. The shores of New South
Wales, which he was the first to explore, have become
the seat of a vast and flourishing colony, whose wealth
and resources are daily increasing. The ports of New
Zealand are frequented by British shipping ; settlements
of our countrymen have been formed on its bays ; and
its vegetable treasures — its trees and flax — have been
rendered available to the wants of our navy. His dis-
coveries on the northern coast of America gave rise to a

♦ Voyage towards the South Pole, vol. ii. p. 293.

420

OBSERVATIONS ON THE

CHAP. XIL valuable and extensive trade in furs. The Sandwich
Trade result- Is^*'*^*' h*^*^ become so great a mart of traffic, that it
Ing from his has been found necessary to establish an English con-
discoveries, gyiate at their capital. The Southeni Pacific is every
where the resort of whaling- vessels, engaged in a lucra-
tive fishery, and deriving their supplies of sea-stores
from those fertile islands, the various ports and harbours
of which he was the first to make known.* Even the
barren rocks of New South Georgia, which he visited
in his second voyage, have been far from unprof.table ; it
South Sea ^^ believed that, besides the skins of the fur-seal, they
lisheiy. have yielded no less than 20,000 tons of the sea-elephant
oil for the London market. Kerguelen's, or Desolation
Island, has proved a scarcely less fruitful source of ad-
vantage ; and it is calculated " that, during the time
these two islands have been resorted to for the purpose
of trade, more than 2000 tons of shipping, and from two
to three hundred seamen, have been employed annually
in this traffic." t
Advantage to While SO many advantages have accrued to the civil-
Uie natives. J2e(j world from the voyages of the illustrious navigator
whose history has just been narrated, the countries and
nations which he made known have likewise reaped a
rich harvest of benefit ; and it is consolatory to reflect,
that the fears which troubled his benevolent mind lest
the islanders of the Austral Ocean might have "just
cause to lament that our ships had ever found them out,"
have not been realized. The labours of the good and
pious men who sailed in the ship Duff to spread the
glad tidings of salvation among " the isles of the sea,"
though long unsuccessful, have at length been crowned
with a prosperous issue. Throughout the principal
groups of the Pacific idolatry has been overthrown, and

* " Le nombre des navires Anglais et Am^ricains, nrincipale-
ment de baleiniers, qui abordent ^ Tahiti, est de 200 a 250, terme
moyen en six mois. On dit que la population blanche y est de 200
a 3(H) personnes, et augmente chanue jour." — Singapore Chronicle,
quotedin Nouvelles Annates des Voyajjes (1B33), tome xxx. p. 111.

f Weddel's Voyage towards the South Pole, pp 63, 54.

CHARACTER OF COOK.

42]

along with it tlie darker crimes and more Iratal vices of raAP. XIL
the natives. Those desolating wars, in whieh mercy Desolating
was altogether unknown, and neither sex nor age was a native wan
protection from the exterminating fury of the victors,
have ceased. The barbarous sacrifices of human beings,
and the still more sanguinary usage of infanticide, which
prevailed to an extent almost incredible, have been
abolished. Peace, order, and tranquillity are estab-
lished ; not a few of the customs and comforts of Europe
introduced ; schools and churches erected ; and a know
ledge of letters extensively diffused. A printing-press *^J}.^..^
has been established in the Society Islands, from which
a translation of the New Testament into the native
language, a number of initiatory treatises, and a code of
laws ratified by the nation, have already issued. Many
of the inhabitants have made so great progress in learn-
ing, that they have been able to take on themselves the
character of missionaries, and go forth to preach the
Gospel to their benighted brethren in less favoured
places. Others have acquired the arts of the smitb, the
mason, the weaver, the cotton-spinner, the turner, the
ftgi'iculturist, or the carpenter. In the trade last men-
tioned they have made such proficiency as to build, after
the English style, vessels of seventy tons burden, for
commercial enterprises to «' rent parts of Polynesia.

The people of the Sanci Archipela^^o have ad-

vanced still farther in civilisation. The Bay of Hon-
ororu, in the island of Woahoo, almost resembles a
European harbour. Fifty foreign vessels nave been .^een
in it at one time. In the latter part of the year 1833,
it was resorted to by more than 26,000 tons of shipping,
employing upwards of 2000 seamen, and bej'ing the
flags of England, Prust^iU, Spain, America, and Otaheite.*
It is defended by a fortress mounting forty guns, over
which, and from the masts of the native barks, is sus-
pended the national ensign,+ which has alreai^ ueen

* Canton Register, ftth May 1834, quoted in the Asiatic Journal
(March 183ft S vol. xvi. p. 191.

f " Le pavilion Satidwiciiien, se compoaoit d'un jacht Angkis,

Pay of
lioiiuioru.

422

OBSERVATIONS ON THE

CHAP. XI

Town of
Uonororu.

Missions
established.

Seeds of

civiiizaUon

ti()wn.

seen in the ports of China, the Philippines, America,
Kamtschatka, the New Hebrides, and Australia. The
town is regularly laid out in squares, the streets are care-
fully fenced, and numbers of the houses are neatly
built of wood. It possesses a regular police, contains two
hotels, the same number of billiard-rooms, and nearly a
dozen taverns, bearing such inscriptions as " An Ordi-
nary at One o'Clock," "The Britannia," and "The
Jolly Tar." It is the residence of a British and of an
American consul, and of several respectable merchants
of the United States.* Education and a knowledge of
religion are widely spread throughout the islands ; nine
hundred seminaries, conducted by native teachers, are
established, and fifty thousand children receive instruc-
tion in reading.t Within a little distance of the very spot
where Ck)ok was killed, a school has been opened, and a
building erected for the worship of the true God.

The fortune of some others of the countries explored
by him has hitherto been less auspicious ; but in most
of them missions are already planted with every pro-
spect of success, and we may confidently look forward to
the day when teachers of Christianity shall be estab-
lished in all.

It may be said, indeed, that in almost every quarter
of Polynesia the seeds of civilisation are now sown, and
it is a plant (as has been remarked) which seldom
withers or decays, however slowly it may advance in
growth. The hopes, therefore, can hardly be considered
visionary which have been expressed by a late distin-
guished voyager, who, in sailing along the shores of

sur un fond raye lionzontalinipnt de neiif bandes alternatives,
blanclies, roiifjes et bleiies : 1p blanc etoit place le plus baiit et le
3'aclit a I'an^le sitpeiienr, pres la lalingue." — Freycinet, Voyage
autour du Alonde, tome ii. p. 621.

* '* Dans cette ville naisaante, fondee dans un pays dont les ha-
bitans, il y a dix ans, etaient tout-a-tait sauvages, on trouve deja
prescjue toutes les commoditesdes villes d'Europe,"— Observations
sur les Hahitans des lies Sandwich, par M. r. E. Botta. — No
velles Annales des Voyajjes, tome xxii. p. 135.

t Quarterly Journal ot Education, vol. iii. p. 376.

CHARACTER OP COOK.

423

New Zealand, anticipated the period when that magni- CHAP. Xli.
ficent country shall become the Greait Britain of the Prospects of
Southeni Hemisphere, when its now solitary plains NewZeuiauA
shall be covered with large and populous cities, and the
bays which are at present frequented but by the frail
canoe of the wandering savage, shall be thronged with the
commercial navies of empires situated at the opposite
ends of the earth.* When that day shall arrive, and
the fertile islands of the Pacific become the seat of great
and flourishing states, we may confidently predict, that
Cook will be revered, not with the blind adoration Reverence
offered to the fancied Rono, but with the rational re- ^^^ ^'»°
spect and affection due by an enlightened people to him cook.
who was the harbinger of their civilisation ; and that
among the great and good men, commemorated in their
annals as national benefactors, none will be more highly
extolled than the illustrious navigator who, surmount-
ing the dangers and difficulties of unknown seas, laid
open the path by which the benefits of knowledge and
the blessings of religion were wafted to their distant
shores.

* D'Urville, Voyage autour du Monde, :ome ii. pp. 114, 115.

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