Birth and education--Enters the Royal Navy--Employed to take soundings
in the Saint Lawrence--Diligence in study--Marriage--Expedition to
observe the transit of Venus--Cook appointed to the command--Equipment
of the _Endeavour_--Scientific men sail with him--Leave Plymouth--The
nuns of Santa Clara--Jealousy of the Governor of Rio de Janeiro--Natives
come on board--Their behaviour--Landing and exploring the country--
Overtaken by a snow-storm--Sufferings from cold--Return to the ship--
Voyage continued--Round Cape Horn--Run 700 leagues--Coral reefs--Naming
islands--Anchor in Matavia Bay--Conduct of the natives--Captain Cook
lands--Aspect of the country--Reception by the chiefs--Pocket-picking by
the inhabitants--A thief shot--Annoyance of Captain Cook--Excursions up
the country--Erect a fort--Punishment of one of the ship's company--The
pity of the natives excited--Theft--Recovery of the property--The
transit of Venus--The Queen Oberea--A native priest wishes to accompany
the English--Dress, habits, and manufactures of the natives--The
expedition sails--Islands visited--A famous warrior--Dancers--The
Society Islands--Off Oheteroa--Opposition of the people--Anniversary of
sailing--A comet--Discovery of New Zealand--Disturbance with the
natives--Prisoners taken--Attempt to carry off a boy--Mercury Bay--
Furious Gale--Survey of New Zealand completed--Australia sighted--
Anchor, and go on shore--Conduct of the people--Botany Bay--Strikes a
reef--Repairing the vessel--Australia--Sail for England--Sickness at
Batavia--Arrival.
Captain James Cook, who deservedly takes rank as the greatest of English
explorers and navigators, was the son of a farm labourer, and born at
Marton, near Stockton-upon-Tees, on the 27th of October, 1728. Shortly
afterwards his father, an intelligent and industrious man, obtained a
situation as farm bailiff to Mr Thomas Skottowe, of Airy-holme, near
Ayton, in Yorkshire, by whom young James, when old enough, was sent to a
commercial school, where he learned writing and the rules of arithmetic.
At the age of thirteen he was apprenticed to Mr William Sanderson, a
grocer and haberdasher, at the fishing town of Straiths, near Whitby.
He remained with his master until he was about eighteen years of age,
when, having a strong desire to go to sea, he obtained a release from
his engagement, and having apprenticed himself to Messrs. Walker and
Company, shipowners, of Whitby, he embarked on board one of their
vessels--the _Truelove_, collier--trading between Newcastle and London.
After having made several voyages, from his thorough knowledge of
seamanship, he was raised to the rank of mate on board the _Friendship_.
In her he remained until the breaking out of war between England and
France in 1756, when, considering the risk he ran of being pressed, he
volunteered as an able seaman on board the _Eagle_, of sixty guns,
commanded by Captain Harmer, who was succeeded by Captain Palliser,
afterwards Sir Hugh Palliser, Cook's warm and constant patron. He had
by this time many friends on shore, and his captain, who having remarked
his intelligence and assiduity, had already made him a quartermaster,
received a letter recommending him to his notice, and in a short time
obtained for him a warrant as master. In 1759 Cook was accordingly made
master of the _Grampus_, but the former master returning, he was
appointed to the same rank on board the _Garland_. He was again doomed
to disappointment, as she had sailed, but quickly received an order
appointing him to the _Mercury_, which immediately sailed for North
America, to join the fleet under Sir Charles Saunders, which, in
conjunction with General Wolfe's force, was engaged in the siege of
Quebec. He was here employed, by the recommendation of Captain
Palliser, who now commanded the _Shrewsbury_, in taking soundings in the
Saint Lawrence opposite Quebec. While thus occupied he had a narrow
escape of being captured by the French. After this he had many
opportunities of displaying his talents, while he applied himself
diligently to the study of astronomy and other branches of nautical
science. While serving on board the _Northumberland_, he was engaged in
the capture of Newfoundland, and was afterwards employed, at different
periods, in surveying its coast. At the end of 1762, returning to
England, he married Miss Elizabeth Batts, a young lady of respectable
family. By her he had six children, three of whom died in their
infancy. His last visit to Newfoundland was as marine surveyor, in
1767. After the establishment of peace between England and France, two
expeditions had been fitted out to circumnavigate the globe, one under
Lord Byron, and the other under Captains Carteret and Wallis. Before
the return of the latter commanders, a new expedition was designed for
the purpose of observing the transit of Venus, which had been calculated
by astronomers would occur in 1760. Various parts of the Pacific were
talked of as most suitable; but before the expedition was ready, Captain
Wallis returned and recommended King George's Island or Otaheite as the
most eligible situation for observing the approaching transit.
After various persons had been proposed to command the expedition, the
Secretary of the Admiralty named Cook; and Sir Hugh Palliser, who was
applied to, strongly recommending him, he was at once appointed.
Instead of selecting a frigate or larger ship, Sir Hugh Palliser chose
the _Endeavour_, a bark of three hundred and seventy tons, built for a
collier, as more suitable for the purpose, as she could, from her build,
carry ample provisions and stores, could run into shallow water, and
might be laid on shore to be repaired without risk.
She was at once carried into a basin in Deptford yard, and Lieutenant
Cook received his commission as commander. She was fitted with ten
carriage and ten swivel guns, and those appointed to sail on board her
numbered, in addition to the commander, his officers, and scientific
men, forty-one able seamen, twelve marines, and nine servants, making
altogether eighty-five persons. She was victualled for eighteen months.
One of the chief promoters of the expedition was Mr Banks, afterwards
Sir Joseph Banks, President of the Royal Society, who obtained
permission to join the expedition. He took with him Dr Solander, a
Swedish naturalist, a secretary, two draughtsmen, and four servants.
The Admiralty also appointed Mr Green, an astronomer, to assist
Lieutenant Cook in his observations. A large supply of such articles as
were likely to be useful were taken on board by Mr Banks.
The _Endeavour_ having gone round to Plymouth, set sail from thence on
the 26th of August, 1768, and steered a course for Madeira. Here the
simple nuns of the convent of Santa Clara, hearing that the strangers
were great philosophers, begged to be informed when it would thunder,
and whether a spring of fresh water was to be found anywhere within the
walls of the cloisters.
The _Endeavour_, sighting Teneriffe, reached Rio de Janeiro on the 13th
of November. Here the ignorant Portuguese Governor, jealous of the
expedition, and unable to comprehend its objects, treated the voyagers
with scant courtesy. His only idea was that they were going out to
witness the passing of the north star through the south pole.
On the 11th of January, 1769, Cook came in sight of Tierra del Fuego,
and three days afterwards entered the straits of Le Maire. The
_Endeavour_ anchored in the bay of Good Success, where they met with a
number of the inhabitants, three of whom were induced to come on board,
but showed a remarkable want of interest in all they witnessed. Being
treated, however, in a kind way, they became very friendly, and showed
no fear of their visitors. They were not so low in the scale of
humanity as many voyagers have described them, and probably not less
capable of receiving instruction than other savages. The weather being
fair and mild, on the 16th of January Mr Banks, Dr Solander, Mr
Green, Mr Monkhouse, the surgeon, and Mr Buchan, a landscape painter,
landed to explore the country. After crossing a morass, commencing the
ascent of a mountain, and passing a wooded tract, it being nearly eight
o'clock in the evening, the party were greatly fatigued, while they were
chilled with the intense cold. Though Dr Solander had kept saying,
"Whoever sits down will sleep, and whoever sleeps will wake no more," he
himself was the first to insist on resting, and it was with the greatest
difficulty his companions could get him on. He and a black man were at
length allowed to recline against some bushes for about five minutes,
but even during that short period his limbs became so numbed that he
could hardly move. The rest of the party had gone on, and had succeeded
in lighting a fire, towards which the Doctor was dragged, but it was
found impossible to rouse the black, who was left in charge of another
black and one of the seamen named Richmond. The snow came on and fell
incessantly for two hours.
Mr Banks dispatched some persons to look for Richmond and the blacks,
but they were unable to find them. About midnight a cry was heard, and
the seaman was discovered standing, but unable to move, while one of the
blacks lay insensible on the ground. So exhausted were the party that
their united efforts failed to bring in the unfortunate negroes, who
quickly expired, and were left where they fell, covered up with boughs.
The night was passed in the greatest possible misery. In the morning,
so fierce were the snow-blasts that it was found impossible to proceed,
while they dared not venture to quit the fire. At length, having shot a
vulture, the only food they obtained, at ten o'clock they set out, and
after walking three hours found themselves on the beach, in sight of the
vessel. On the 22nd the _Endeavour_ proceeded on her voyage, and the
fourth day afterwards rounded Cape Horn. She then ran for seven hundred
leagues without land being in sight. Several coral islands were passed,
the first of which was inhabited, and, after the dreary mountains of
Tierra del Fuego, appeared a terrestrial Paradise. It was an almost
circular band of land, with here and there cocoa-nut trees rising out of
it, and enclosing a large lagoon. The natives appeared to be tall, of a
copper colour, with long black hair, and they held in their hands poles
of considerable length. This was called Lagoon Island, others, from
their shape, obtained the names of Bow Island, Chain Island, and and
Bird Island.
About noon on the 9th of April the high mountains of Otaheite were
faintly discerned, but owing to calms the ship did not come to an anchor
in Matavia Bay until the morning of the 13th. She was immediately
surrounded by canoes, their crews bringing off fruits and fish, and
waving green branches as a sign of friendship.
These were taken by the seamen and placed in different parts of the
ship, to show the natives that their visitors also wished for peace.
Strict rules were now laid down by the commander for the government of
his people while on shore. He then landed with Mr Banks and Dr
Solander, and a party of men under arms.
The natives received them in the most humble manner, the first who
approached creeping up on his hands and knees to present a green branch
as an emblem of peace.
After examining a place to ascertain if it was suitable for watering
purposes, the party marched three or four miles into the interior
through groves of trees loaded with cocoa-nuts and bread-fruit,
affording the most grateful shade. Numerous huts were seen under these
trees, which in the daytime had the appearance of roofs without walls.
At night mats were let down, to afford such privacy as the habits of the
people in that genial climate required.
All this time none of the principal persons of the island had made their
appearance. After the ship had been there a couple of days, two chiefs,
Matahah and Tootahah, came off, the first fixing on Mr Banks as his
friend, and the latter on Captain Cook. The ceremony of making friends
was gone through. It consisted in the natives taking off the greater
part of their clothing and putting on that of their visitors. Their
dress was formed of the bark made from the paper mulberry-tree. Captain
Cook, Mr Banks, and others went on shore with their new friends, where
they met another chief named Tabourai-Tamaide, and formed a treaty of
friendship with him.
During a feast with which he entertained his visitors, Dr Solander and
Mr Monkhouse found that their pockets had been picked, the one of an
opera-glass, the other of his snuffbox. The chief showed his concern,
and offered several pieces of native cloth as a compensation. This,
however, was refused. The chief going out, by the aid of a sage woman,
recovered the articles, and restored them to their owners.
One of the first objects to be attained was the erection of a fort, to
protect the astronomical instruments. The spot was soon fixed upon,
away from the habitations of the natives, and a party of men sent on
shore to commence operations. While the principal officers were away, a
number of people gathered round to watch what was going on, and one of
them, rushing forward, seized a sentry's musket, and made off with it.
Without consideration, a midshipman ordered the marines to fire, which
they did, but did not hit the thief. He, however, being pursued, was at
length shot dead.
Notwithstanding this, the chiefs behaved with great moderation, and
seemed satisfied that the act was not in consequence of any hostile
feeling, though death was far too severe a punishment for the crime the
man had committed.
Cook was greatly annoyed at this incident. He considered it prudent,
however, to warp the ship closer in, to protect his people while engaged
on shore, as he feared, in consequence of no natives coming near the
ship, that they might be attacked. Before long, however, the natives
got over their alarm, and brought propitiatory gifts of the usual green
boughs. So confident was Cook of their good feeling that he allowed his
officers to make excursions into the country.
Crossing a belt of fertile land on the side of the harbour, they reached
a range of barren hills. Beyond them again they descended into a wide
plain, watered by a river nearly a hundred yards wide. The plain was
studded over with houses, the inhabitants of which appeared to live on
the ample productions of their country. Happy as the people appeared to
be, it was evident that they were mere children of impulse, scarcely
knowing right from wrong. The greater number were pertinacious thieves,
and addicted besides to many vices. Though not apparently bloodthirsty,
they were accustomed to offer up human sacrifices. But little insight
at that time was gained into their religious practices.
While the fort was in course of erection, the natives watched the
proceedings closely. It was finished by the 26th of April, and six
swivel guns were mounted on it. This seemed to alarm the people, who
moved to a distance; but the chiefs came in with their wives, and
exhibited no signs of fear. While they were there the butcher took a
fancy to a stone hatchet in the hands of one of the women, and because
she refused to give it, he threatened to kill her. The captain hearing
of this, ordered him to receive a couple of dozen in the presence of the
natives.
When they saw the first strokes given their kind feelings being aroused,
they entreated that the rest of the man's punishment might be remitted,
and when their petition was refused they burst into tears. A day or two
after this great alarm was caused in the fort by the disappearance of a
large instrument in a case, without which the intended observation could
not be taken. The friendly chiefs were applied to, and by their means
the thief was traced, and though the parts of the instrument had been
divided among various persons, the whole were collected uninjured, and
it was finally set up in its place.
To have a better chance of obtaining a clear sky, the astronomers were
divided into three parties. One with Mr Banks proceeded to the island
of Eimeo, twelve miles west of Otaheite; Mr Hicks went to a spot
eastward of Matavia Bay; while Captain Cook and Dr Solander remained at
the fort. The eventful morning of the 3rd of June arrived. The sky was
perfectly clear, and the passage of the planet Venus over the sun's disc
was observed to great advantage.
Captain Wallis had discovered a female whom he supposed to be the Queen
of the isles. She was recognised by Mr Molineux, the master of the
_Endeavour_, who had accompanied Captain Wallis on his late voyage. Her
name was Oberea. She was therefore treated with much attention, and
many presents were made to her. Among them she seemed to value most a
child's doll, possibly supposing it to be one of the gods of the white
man. She had apparently been deposed, and Tootahah had become the
principal chief, but, jealous of the favours shown to Oberea, was not
content until a doll had been presented to him also, and at first he
seemed to value it more than a hatchet. Among the attendants of Oberea
was Tupia, who had become a priest, and had evidently considerable
influence among his countrymen. He had from the first attached himself
to the English, and now expressed a strong desire to accompany them when
they should quit the country. As his services were likely to prove of
the greatest value, Captain Cook gladly agreed to his proposal, and he
was appointed interpreter on board the _Endeavour_.
The inhabitants of Otaheite were far superior to those of most of the
other islands. They were all more or less clothed in well-made cloth
manufactured from the paper mulberry-tree, and ingeniously painted. In
wet weather they wore instead garments made of matting, some of a very
fine and beautiful description. They produced a great variety of
basket-work, and made string and rope of various thicknesses. Their
houses were neat, and they were remarkably clean in their habits, many
of them washing twice or oftener in a day. The last event of importance
which occurred was the desertion of two marines, who stole from the
fort, intending to remain in the country.
As Captain Cook could not allow so bad an example to be set, he was
compelled, in order to recover them, to detain Tootahah and several
other chiefs until the fugitives should be restored. The natives
retaliated by capturing two petty officers, and the arms of two others,
and matters began to look serious, until, by the intervention of
Tootahah, the deserters were restored and received due punishment.
After a stay of three months the voyagers, having bade farewell to their
friends on shore, prepared for sailing, when Tupia, accompanied by a boy
as his servant, came on board, and expressed his readiness to accompany
them.
About noon on the 12th of April the anchor was weighed, and the vessel
getting under sail, the Indians on board took their leave of their
visitors and Tupia, weeping with a deep and silent sorrow, in which
there was something very striking and tender. Tupia evinced great
firmness, struggling to conceal his tears, and, climbing to the
masthead, made signals until he was carried out of sight of the friends
he was destined never again to see. As they sailed along he frequently
prayed to his god Tane for a favourable breeze, but it was observed that
he never commenced his orisons until he saw the signs of the coming
gale.
The islands of Eimeo, Huaheine, Ulietea, and Bolabola were visited in
succession. The ship anchoring near Ulietea, Captain Cook took the
opportunity to stop a leak, and take in ballast; he went also to visit
Opoony, the warlike sovereign of Bolabola, who had conquered this and
many of the neighbouring islands. Instead of seeing a fine-looking
warrior, as he expected, he found a withered, half-blind, decrepit old
man, who was, notwithstanding, the terror of the surrounding islands.
The people on shore welcomed their visitors with all possible courtesy.
On their way they met a company of dancers, men and women, who were said
by Tupia to be among the principal people. The women wore graceful
head-dresses of long braids of hair and flowers, with pearls in their
ears. The upper parts of their bodies were unclothed, but they were
amply covered from the breast downwards in native cloth stained black.
Regular dramas were represented before the strangers, and the style of
dancing was objectionable in the extreme. An ample supply of hogs,
poultry, and provisions having been obtained at Ulietea, the _Endeavour_
again sailed. When off Bolabola, at which the landing was found to be
extremely difficult, to gratify Tupia Captain Cook fired one of his
guns, though the ship was several leagues off. Tupia's object was to
exhibit his hatred of the King of that island, as well as the power of
his new allies. To the group of islands which had been seen or visited,
Captain Cook gave the name of the Society's Islands, but Otaheite was
not included among them, and continued to be known as King George's
Island.
On the 13th of August the _Endeavour_ came off Oheteroa, considerably to
the south of the others. Here the natives, dressed in coloured cloths
and feathers, stood ready to oppose a landing; and after several
fruitless attempts to conciliate them, Captain Cook continued his course
to the southward. On the 25th of August, the anniversary of their
departure from England, the day was celebrated by taking a Cheshire
cheese from a locker where it had been preserved for the purpose, and
tapping a cask of porter, which proved to be in excellent order. On the
morning of the 30th a comet was seen in the east, a little above the
horizon. After this, a heavy sea and strong gales were met with from
the westward, and the ship being wore round, stood to the northward. On
the weather moderating, the cruise was continued westward during the
whole month of September, and on the 6th of October land was seen from
the masthead bearing West-by-North.
On the evening of the next day the voyagers got near enough to observe
that the country was of great extent, with several ranges of hills
rising one above the other, and beyond them a lofty chain of mountains.
The general notion was that they had found the _Terra Australis
Incognita_. Night coming on, they were compelled to stand off, but the
following day again sailed for the shore.
They saw some neat small houses, and a large number of people seated on
the beach. Farther on was discovered a high regular paling, enclosing
the whole top of a hill. In the afternoon the ship came to an anchor
off the mouth of a river in a bay, the sides of which were composed of
white cliffs of great height.
Such was the first view the English obtained of New Zealand, which has
since become the home of many thousands of our countrymen. Captain
Cook, Mr Banks, Dr Solander, and a party of men having landed, tried
to open a communication with the natives across a river. While they
were on the bank, a party of savages with long lances rushed out of a
wood, and were on the point of spearing the men left in charge of the
boat, when the coxswain fired and shot one of them dead. The natives
then ran away. On examining the dress of the dead man, it was found to
answer the description given in an account of Tasman's voyage, which
convinced the explorers that that navigator had previously visited the
country. On the following day the natives again appeared on the
opposite side of the river, inviting the strangers to cross; but Tupia
warned them to be careful, and prepared for hostilities. Ultimately the
savages swam across, almost all armed. At first they appeared inclined
to trade, but in a short time made an attempt to seize the weapons of
the English, and one of them carried off the cutlass of a seaman, which
he flourished about his head as he made his escape. Others in
considerable numbers came down to his assistance. At first Mr Banks
fired, and merely wounded the man, who was still retreating, when Mr
Monkhouse took a more fatal aim, and he dropped, and another piece being
fired, the savages at length fell back. Shortly afterwards Captain
Cook, who was anxious to make some prisoners, and by treating them well
to inspire a general confidence, sent the boats to capture some canoes
which were seen coming in from the sea. The natives, however, assailed
their pursuers so vigorously with stones and other missiles, that the
English were compelled to fire, and four men were killed. Three boys
were captured. Cook deeply lamented this proceeding, though it appeared
to be almost unavoidable. The boys on being taken on board became
reconciled, and at first seemed very unwilling to be sent on shore, but
were ultimately seen to join their companions.
Such was the unhappy commencement of our acquaintance with the natives
of New Zealand. As nothing could be obtained at the place where Cook
first anchored, it was called "Poverty Bay." Leaving on the 11th, he
proceeded along the coast for six days, until the bluff headland was
reached, to which he gave the name of "Cape Turnagain," as the ship was
there put about to return along the coast. She continued her course
until she had sailed completely round the island. Names were given to
the bays and headlands, which they retain to the present day. The
intercourse with the natives was mostly of the same lamentable character
as that at the commencement, though they in some instances brought off
fish and willingly traded with the voyagers. The savages, however,
stole whatever they could lay hands on, though appearing to be amicably
disposed. One suddenly seized Tayeto, Tupia's boy, and, dragging him
into his canoe, made off. The marines fired at the canoe farthest from
the boy, when one of the natives fell, on which the other let go his
hold of Tayeto, who leaped overboard and swam to the ship.
At Mercury Bay--so-called in consequence of an observation of the planet
Mercury having been made in the harbour--the natives behaved in a more
peaceable manner, though many of them there tried to cheat their
visitors. To this conduct there were some exceptions. One chief, named
Toiava, behaved with great propriety, and expressed his hope that his
countrymen would properly conduct themselves in future. Some of the
canoes which approached the ship were of great size, one of them having
sixteen paddles on each side and containing sixty men. She was making
directly for the ship, when a gun loaded with grape-shot was fired in
front of her, and, on a second shot being discharged over the heads of
the crew, they seized their paddles and made for the shore.
A headland, near which this occurrence took place, was consequently
called "Cape Runaway." Captain Cook having landed near the spot called
by Tasman: "Murderer's Bay," on ascending one of the neighbouring hills,
discovered that the country, which he at first supposed to consist of
one large island, was divided by a strait into two islands. This strait
has since been called Cook's Strait. Leaving the inlet, on which he
bestowed the name of Queen Charlotte's Sound, the ship was borne rapidly
through the straits. Having been exposed, when off the coast, to a
furious gale, which, though it was the height of summer, lasted for five
weeks, he continued his survey of New Zealand, and having run down the
coast of Middle Island, and discovered Banks's Island, he returned to
Cook's Straits. The _Endeavour_ took her departure from Cape Farewell,
the last land seen of New Zealand, on the 31st of March; and sailing
westward, on he 19th of April land was descried, which proved to be part
of New Holland. For several days the _Endeavour_ coasted along the
shore to the northward, until at last a bay was discovered, into which
she ran and came to an anchor. Several black natives were seen on shore
flourishing their spears. Abreast of the _Endeavour_ was a village of
about eight huts, and not far off four small canoes, with a man fishing
in each. Presently an old woman with three children came out of the
forest, laden with fire-wood. She threw down her burden, and kindled a
fire, when the men, landing, began to dress the fish, apparently taking
no notice of the ship.
Captain Cook, with several companions, went on shore, when most of the
people ran away; but two, armed with lances, came down on the rocks to
dispute the landing of the strangers, regardless of the presents which
Captain Cook held out to them, flourishing their lances and shouting in
discordant tones. Even when a shot was fired, though at first they
retreated, one of them returned and threw a stone at the invaders. At
last, another musket, loaded with small shot was fired at their legs,
when, one of them throwing a spear, they both took to flight. The
explorers, now landing, found some little children hidden in a hut; they
were not disturbed, but some presents of beads, ribbons, and pieces of
cloth were left in exchange, for a bundle of spears which was
appropriated. It was at first supposed that these were poisoned, as a
green substance was observed on their tips; but, on examining them, it
was found to be seaweed, and that they must have been used for spearing
fish. The next day, when Mr Banks, Dr Solander, and the others,
landed, they found that their presents had not been removed. While the
English were filling casks at a spring, and drawing the seine, when
large numbers of fish were taken, the natives watched what was going
forward without attempting to molest them.
Several excursions were made by the naturalists on shore, when they also
kept at a distance. A few animals and numerous gaily coloured birds
were seen, and vast quantities of plants collected, from which
circumstance Captain Cook gave the place the name of Botany Bay, which
for half a century it retained. On the 6th of May the _Endeavour_ left
Botany Bay, and steered northward. Shortly afterwards, as she was
passing along the coast, a seaman named Jackson observed what he took to
be the entrance to a harbour, which in consequence was called Port
Jackson; but Cook did not attempt to enter, being doubtful at the time
whether it would prove to be a harbour. The object was now to lay the
ship ashore, to clean and repair her. As he sailed along he anxiously
looked out for a suitable spot, landing occasionally to explore the
country. He had got as far north as 16 degrees 4 minutes, when, one
fine night, as the ship was rapidly running on, a grating sound was
heard. She had struck upon a reef. The officers and crew hurried on
deck. The well was sounded: she was making a great deal of water. The
boats were hoisted out, and attempts made to heave her off, but she beat
so violently on the rocks that the crew could scarcely keep their feet,
and she could not be moved. Her sheathing-boards and false keel also
floated up. As she had struck at high water, though she might not sink,
there appeared every probability of her becoming a wreck. Cook did not
despair. At once the guns, ballast, and other heavy articles were
thrown overboard, and preparations made for heaving her off when the
tide again rose. Happily a dead calm came on, and at daybreak land was
seen about eight leagues off. All day long the crew laboured without
moving her. The night tide was likely to be the highest. At length she
was hove off into deep water. Now the difficulty was to keep her
afloat, for the crew were wellnigh exhausted by their exertions. At
length Mr Monkhouse suggested that he had seen a vessel saved by
fothering a sail--that is, covering it thickly with oakum, and then
dragging it under the ship's bottom to the place where the leak existed,
when the oakum, drawn in by the force of the water, would fill up the
openings.
This was done, and succeeded so well that two pumps kept her afloat
until the 17th, when a safe harbour was found, and she was at once
hauled ashore. It was then discovered that a fragment of the rock had
gone through her bottom, and remained sticking there. Had this fallen
out, she must have foundered. Tents and a forge were at once set up on
the shore, and the carpenter, blacksmith, and others to assist, were
speedily busy repairing the damage the ship had received. The sick were
also landed. Of these there were many, for notwithstanding all their
care, that scourge of seamen, scurvy, had already made much progress.
Mr Banks and other scientific gentlemen made excursions into the
country. They saw several animals, but the strangest of all was of
about the size of a greyhound, mouse coloured, and very swift. It had a
long tail, and leapt like a hare, while the print of its feet resembled
those of a goat. It was some time before another of the same species
was seen and shot, when it was discovered to be what has since become a
well-known animal, called after the native name, a kangaroo. Some days
elapsed before any natives were seen. At last a gang approached, when
Captain Cook ordered his people to take no notice of them. This had the
desired effect of allaying their fears, and though shy, they became
tolerably friendly.
A few days afterwards a party ventured on board, and took a great fancy
to some turtles which had been caught, though they seemed to regard
nothing else with interest. They first took hold of one, and then
attempted to carry it off; but, on being prevented, jumped into their
canoes, and paddled away in a rage. On landing, they seized a brand
from under the pitch-kettle, and with it set fire to the long grass. It
blazed up so furiously that it was with the greatest difficulty that the
tent in which Tupia was lying sick could be preserved, while the
woodwork of the smith's forge was destroyed; it also caught a sow and
young pigs, one of which was scorched to death. On a subsequent
occasion the natives played a similar trick. Providentially, the stores
and powder had been taken on board, or the consequences would have been
serious.
Thanks to the knowledge of the naturalist, many vegetables were found on
shore which contributed greatly to restore the health of the
scurvy-stricken patients. Although in many respects the ship could not
have remained at a more satisfactory place, a view to the eastward,
obtained from some high ground, caused serious apprehensions. As far as
the eye could reach were rocks and shoals without number, while it was
evident that there would be great danger in navigating among the winding
channels between them. The master, who had been engaged in surveying
the mouth of the harbour, brought an equally unsatisfactory report, and
it seemed surprising that the ship on entering the bay could have
escaped the numerous dangers in her way. As provisions were running
short, it was necessary to put to sea as soon as possible; but heavy
gales kept the ship in harbour until the 4th of August, when at length
she made her way out of Endeavour Harbour. For many hours, with the
most vigilant care, she was steered among the reefs, until night
approaching, and it coming on to blow, it was necessary to bring up.
The gale increased, and she began to drive. By striking her yards, and
then her topmasts, she at length rode securely. Here she remained for
four days, until Captain Cook resolved to try and find a passage inside
the reefs, close to the shore. At last, by the long rolling swell which
set in from the eastward, he was convinced that he was free of the
reefs; but the movement caused the ship to leak, and serious
apprehensions were entertained that she would be unable to accomplish
the voyage. His object was to ascertain whether the coast of New
Holland, along which he was sailing, was or was not united to that of
New Guinea. By standing on he was afraid that, should a passage exist,
he might overshoot it. The ship was therefore hove to. The next
morning a reef was seen, over which the surf was breaking with terrific
violence. The current rapidly carried the ship towards it, the wind
fell to a dead calm, and it was impossible to anchor on account of the
depth of the sea. The only two boats fit for the service were sent
ahead to tow, and the sweeps were got out; but all their efforts seemed
to be unavailing, and her destruction seemed inevitable, when a light
air sprang up, and she was able to get to some distance. Twice the
breeze dropping, she was carried back towards the roaring breakers,
until an opening was seen in the reef, through which she safely passed.
Day after day, keeping the land close aboard, Captain Cook sailed
northward, until his perseverance was rewarded by the discovery of Cape
York, the northern extremity of Australia, and the southern side of
Torres Straits, through which he passed.
Having landed, and taken possession of the whole eastern coast in the
right of his Majesty King George the Third, he called it New South
Wales. Having found his way through the intricate navigation of the
straits, Cook sailed northward along the coast of New Guinea, and at
last came to an anchor in three fathoms of water, though still three or
four miles from the shore. He then, with Mr Banks, Dr Solander, and
others, landed, well armed. They made their way round a wood, until
they reached a group of cocoa-nut trees, at about a quarter of a mile
from the beach, when suddenly three blacks rushed out of the wood, the
foremost of whom threw something from his hand which burnt like
gunpowder, while the others darted their lances.
Though some small shots were discharged at the savages, they still came
on, throwing their darts; but some bullets fired put them to flight, and
it was hoped none were injured. On looking round, they saw the men in
charge of the boat making signs that more natives were approaching, and
presently a hundred appeared, shouting, throwing their darts, and
sending out clouds of smoke from long tubes. As they were watched from
the ship, it appeared that they were using firearms, though the sound
was wanting. Some muskets being discharged over their heads, the
savages retreated leisurely.
Besides other discoveries, Captain Cook on this voyage ascertained the
size of New Zealand, also that the coast of New Holland was fit to
become the habitation of civilised man, and that that vast territory was
separated from New Guinea. The condition of the _Endeavour_ made it now
necessary to carry her to some harbour where she might undergo a
complete refit. The nearest place was Batavia, belonging to the Dutch.
He was aware of its unhealthiness, but he had no choice, and hoped that
his crew would escape. Passing Timor, he came off the island of Savu,
not at that time marked in the charts, but which had lately been taken
possession of by the Dutch, though its native Rajah still remained its
nominal ruler.
From this fertile spot abundance of provisions were obtained at fair
prices. Java Head was reached on the ist of October. Poor Tupia was
very ill, and Mr Banks at once sent on shore to procure fresh
provisions for him. The ship proceeded on to Batavia. Here Cook was
received with all courtesy and kindness by the Dutch Governor, and every
assistance afforded him to repair the _Endeavour_. She was in a worse
state than had been supposed. Her frame was much shattered, her pumps
were rotten, and the planking in some places was not half an inch thick.
Tupia at first seemed to revive as he witnessed the wonders of a
civilised community, but he soon experienced a reaction. Young Tayeto
was also seized with an inflammation of the lungs, and Mr Banks, Dr
Solander, Mr Monkhouse, and others were taken seriously ill. Tents
were set up on shore for the invalids, but before long the surgeon
succumbed. A few days afterwards young Tayeto died, and Tupia, who
loved him as a son, was so much affected that he quickly followed him to
the grave.
Mr Banks and Dr Solander rapidly recovered on being removed to a more
healthy spot, but seven persons were buried at Batavia, and others
imbibed the seeds of disease, which in the end proved fatal. When the
_Endeavour_ sailed from Batavia on the 26th of December, 1770, she had
forty sick on board, and many others in feeble condition; and before she
reached the Cape of Good Hope three-and-twenty persons died, in addition
to those who were buried at Batavia.
On anchoring in Table Bay the sick were sent on shore, where most of
them recovered. At that time Cape Town consisted of about a thousand
brick houses with thatched roofs, and the inhabitants described the
country as sterile, so as not to tempt the English to take possession of
it.
Shortly after leaving the Cape, the master and first lieutenant, Mr
Hicks, died. The latter was succeeded by Mr Charles Clerke, who
accompanied Captain Cook in all his subsequent voyages.
Calling off Saint Helena, Captain Cook found there the _Portland_
man-of-war, commanded by Captain Elliot, with whom he deposited his logs
and other valuable papers, for fear that the _Endeavour_ should not
reach home.
The _Portland_ and her convoy of twelve Indiamen were soon out of sight.
Though the sails and rigging of the _Endeavour_ were rotten, and she
leaked considerably, she ultimately reached the Downs on the 12th of
June.