CHAPTER 13. 1772 TO 1774. SECOND VOYAGE.

Saying goodbye to his family on 21st June, Cook, accompanied by Mr.

Wales, left London for Sheerness, and the next day dropped down to the

Nore. The Resolution was now drawing only fifteen feet ten inches of

water instead of seventeen, a very satisfactory improvement. She was

given a good trial on a wind, and was found "to answer exceeding well."

On 3rd July they arrived at Plymouth, having been boarded the day before

by Lord Sandwich and Captain Pallisser, who were on a tour of inspection,

and Cook had the pleasure of giving them a satisfactory account of his

ship: "I had not one fault to allege."

On arrival at Plymouth, Cook found that orders had been given to the

stores that he was to be supplied with whatever he thought necessary, but

the only things required were larger coppers for the distilling

apparatus, the ones they had on board having proved far too small. The

officers and crew were paid up to 28th May, and the petty officers and

men also received two months' advance to enable them to provide

necessaries and extras for the voyage. Cook remarks:

"The payment of six months' wages to the officers, and crews of these two

sloops, being nearly all they had due, was an indulgence never before

granted to any of His Majesty's Ships."

Cook now received his final orders, which he had assisted to draw up--in

fact, "nothing was inserted that I did not fully comprehend and approve

of." He was to call at Madeira for a supply of wine; to sail for the Cape

of Good Hope and there refresh his men; then to look for Cape

Circumcision, placed by M. Bouvet in 54 degrees South, 11 degrees 20

minutes East, to determine if it formed part of a continent, and if so to

explore it, following the coast and endeavouring to get as near to the

South Pole as he could without endangering his ships or crews. Should

Cape Circumcision prove to be an island, or should he be unable to find

it, he was to proceed as far south as he thought there was a probability

of meeting with land, and then steering east, circumnavigate the world in

as high a latitude as he could. In case of meeting with land he was to

explore as far as time would permit. When the season rendered it unsafe

to remain in high latitudes he was to retire to the north to refit and

recruit, and at a proper season to return to the south. In any unforeseen

circumstances he was to use his own discretion, and if the Resolution

should be lost, he was to prosecute his voyage in the Adventure. A copy

of these orders was given to Captain Furneaux, and in case of separation

the following rendezvous were named: Madeira, Port Praya in the island of

St. Iago, the Cape of Good Hope, and New Zealand.

FORSTER SAVES SHIP!

The Forsters evidently were far from pleasant travelling companions, and

at one time or another seem to have quarrelled with every one on board

the ship. At the very first the father was dissatisfied with the

accommodation allotted to him, and offered Mr. Cooper 100 pounds to turn

out of his cabin; when this offer was declined, he tried to force Mr.

Gilbert, the Master, to give up his, threatening if he refused he should

be reported to the king and turned out of the Navy; this threat appears

to have been a favourite one, and soon became a by-word with the seamen,

who, according to Mr. Wales, would use it to each other on every possible

occasion. But, according to his own account, Mr. Forster was able to save

the expedition from a very great disaster on 12th July. He says he came

on deck and noticed the ship was adrift from her moorings; neither the

officer of the watch nor the look-out had seen it till he called

attention, and then, after a scene of the greatest confusion, the ship

was fortunately brought up within a few feet of the rocks. On the other

hand, the Master's log admits the Resolution got adrift, but before Mr.

Forster reached the deck the fact had been reported to the Captain, all

hands turned up, the jib and forestay sail set, and the ship quietly

dropped down into the Sound and anchored, never having been in the

slightest danger. The only other one to notice the affair was Midshipman

Willis, who simply states, "dropped from the Buoy and anchored in the

Sound."

Having received the private signals of the East India Company's Navy, and

letters of introduction from the Prince of Orange to all the principal

officers of the Dutch East India Company, instructing them to afford

every assistance that might be required, Cook hoisted the signal to the

Adventure to weigh anchor at 5 A.M. on 13th July, and with a north-west

breeze the two ships sailed for Madeira. When well out in the Channel the

Resolution's crew was mustered, and it was found that, owing to a mistake

of the clerk, there was one man more than the complement, so John Coghlan

was entered on the Supernumerary List for Wages and Victuals.

On the 23rd they were able to relieve a small French boat, from Ferrol to

Corunna, which had been blown far off her course, and had been short of

water for a fortnight. The day following they fell in with three Spanish

men-o'-war; Cook says: "The sternmost hoisted English colours and fired a

gun to leeward, and soon after hoisted his own proper colours, and spoke

with the Adventure." It appears she enquired who they were, and where

they were going, and finally wished them a good voyage. This account did

not satisfy Mr. Forster, who waxes eloquent and describes the event as "a

scene so humiliating to the masters of the sea." He must have formed a

strange opinion of Cook if he thought for a moment he was one to put up

silently with anything humiliating to the British flag. Marra, in his

Journal, points out that the build and rig of the ships were unusual for

men-o'-war, and that when the Spaniards found they had stopped king's

ships, they "made a proper apology, and very politely took leave, wishing

them a good voyage."

THE FIRST LOSS.

At Madeira, where they arrived on 29th July, they were kindly received by

Mr. Loughnan, a merchant of Funchal, who entertained some of the party at

his house throughout the stay, obtained permission for the Forsters to

explore the island, and procured for the ships the stores that were

required. Here Cook, with his eye on the scurvy, purchased as many onions

as he thought would keep good, and ordered them to be served out

regularly to the crews as long as they lasted. A further stock of fresh

food in the shape of fowls, pigs, goats, and fruits--chiefly oranges and

bananas--was laid in at Port Praya, where they had called for water. On

the 19th the first death occurred; one of the carpenter's mates, Henry

Smook, was at work on one of the scuttles and, falling overboard, was

seen under the stern; every effort was made to save him, but it was too

late. Cook says he was a good, steady man, whose loss was often felt

during the voyage.

On 27th August Cook learnt that the Adventure had also had her losses.

Two midshipman, Lambrecht and Kemp, had died of fever, brought on,

Captain Furneaux believed, by bathing and drinking too much water under

the hot sun of Port Praya. At this time the Resolution had a clean bill

of health, but for fear lest the heavy rains, to which they were

continually subjected, might cause sickness, the ship was constantly

fumigated, washed down, and thoroughly dried by means of stoves, as

advised by Captains Pallisser and Campbell, with satisfactory results. On

nearing the Cape a sharp but unavailing look-out was kept for a bank

which had been reported, and on 30th October they arrived in Table Bay.

The run from home was considered to have been good, as they had in great

measure escaped the calms they had been told to expect at that season of

the year, and the currents, though very strong, had only caused a

difference between the longitude obtained by observation and that by dead

reckoning of three-quarters of a degree, so Cook concluded that those

north of the Equator in the one direction were balanced by those to the

south in the contrary one.

On landing they were received by the Governor, Baron Plattenberg, who

told Cook he had received orders from Holland that the two sloops were to

have every assistance that the place afforded. He also said that two

French ships, commanded by M. de Kerguelen, had discovered land in 48

degrees South, near the meridian of Mauritius, but after sailing along

the coast for about forty miles, he had been blown off by a heavy gale,

in which he had lost both boats and men. Two other French ships had also

called in March, which were on their way to explore the South Pacific

under M. Marion.

Wales and Bayley got their instruments ashore in order to make

observations for the purpose of correcting the watch machines. That made

by Kendal was found to be working well, and gave the longitude within one

minute of time when compared with that fixed by Messrs. Mason and Dixon

in 1761. The first lieutenant of the Adventure, Mr. Shank, who had been

ill almost from the day of leaving England, applied for leave to return

home, as he felt unfit to proceed, and Mr. Arthur Kemp was made first

lieutenant, his place being taken by Mr. James Burney. Mr. Sparrman, a

former pupil of Linnaeus, was engaged by Mr. Forster as an assistant, and

makes his appearance on the rolls as servant. The crews were well looked

after, as much time granted on shore as possible, and fresh meat, fresh

vegetables, and fresh baked bread were served out daily in ample

quantity, so that when the ships sailed to the southward they were all

"in as good a condition as when they left England." Cook found time to

write a letter of farewell to Mr. Walker, as it was:

"customary for men to take leave of their friends before they go out of

the world; for I can hardly think myself in it, so long as I am deprived

of having any connection with the civilised part of it, and this will

soon be my case for two years at least."

He at the end speaks of his ships, both "well provided and well mann'd,"

and of the Resolution he says: "I can assure you I never set foot in a

finer ship."

THE FIRST ICE.

On 22nd November they sailed for the south, and soon began to feel the

colder climate; the warm jackets and trousers provided by the Admiralty

were served out, extra cuffs to protect the hands being sewn on, and

warmly-lined canvas capes being made. From the 29th till 6th December

they were involved in such a heavy gale that the ships were unable to

carry any sail, and a large quantity of the live stock bought at the Cape

perished from the effects of wet and cold. A scuttle which had been

insecurely fastened was burst open by the sea, and a considerable

quantity of water was taken on board, but beyond necessitating some work

at the pumps and rendering things unpleasantly damp for a time, no damage

was done. It, however, gave Mr. Forster an opportunity for an account of

the terrible danger they were in, and, most wonderful to relate, to speak

well of the conduct of the crew. The ships were carried so far to the

east by the gale, that Cook gave up the idea of searching for Cape

Circumcision for the present. On the 10th the first ice was encountered

in latitude 50 degrees 40 minutes South, and a little higher they were

stopped by a large field, to which they "could see no end, either to the

east, west, or south." This field was followed along to the south-east

for some days, but no opening was found, so being in constant danger from

detached pieces, Cook reluctantly gave orders to change the course to the

northward. About the middle of December signs of scurvy began to show,

and extra precautions were at once taken; fresh wort was served out

regularly to all hands and the worst case received considerable benefit

from the treatment, although "Rob of Lemons and Oranges" (a sort of jelly

made from the fruits) had had no effect. Furneaux reported at this time

that he had cured two very bad cases with the Rob.

SHIPS PARTED.

When they had got thoroughly clear of all signs of ice, Cook once again

turned south, and by 26th December had worked down as far as 50 degrees

31 minutes South, 26 degrees 57 minutes East, where, though surrounded by

large masses of floating ice, they steered to the west, leaving the main

ice field to the north of them. Gradually working down to 60 degrees

South in the longitude given for Cape Circumcision, and being some

ninety-five leagues further south, with no signs of land, Cook concluded

that M. Bouvet must have been deceived by the ice. (Bouvet Island was

discovered by the German Deep Sea Discovery ship Valdivia on 25th

November 1898. The position was fixed as 54 degrees 26.4 minutes South, 3

degrees 24.2 minutes ??South, and not 54 degrees South, 11 degrees 20

East, as given to Cook, which will account for his want of success in his

search for it.) Here Mr. Wales was enabled to get a sight of the moon for

the second time since leaving the Cape of Good Hope, and, taking several

observations, fixed the position of the ship with tolerable accuracy.

Changing the course to East-South-East, very foggy weather was

encountered, accompanied by great cold, which coated the rigging with

ice, rendering it very pretty to the eye but difficult and unpleasant to

work. Cook says that, though this suggested very intense cold to the

mind, in reality the thermometer was rather higher than it had been, and

the sea was far less encumbered with ice. Taking large blocks of ice on

board it was found that, when the sea water was drained off, they

provided perfectly fresh water on melting, thus removing a great weight

from Cook's shoulders, and he determined on venturing further to the

southward. On 17th January 1773 they crossed the Antarctic Circle in

longitude 39 degrees 35 minutes East, and at noon their latitude, by

observation, was 66 degrees 36 minutes 30 seconds South, the sea being

free from ice. However, in the evening they found themselves completely

blocked by an enormous field, extending, as far as the eye could reach,

from the south-east round to the west; and as the summer was nearly over,

Cook decided it was unwise to attempt anything further southwards, and

ordered a retreat to the north. Again making for the land claimed to have

been discovered by the French, he spent some days searching for it, but

nothing was seen except some floating weed and a few birds that are

supposed never to get far away from land. On 8th February a brisk gale

sprang up, accompanied by very hazy weather, thickening into fog, and the

two vessels separated. The Resolution cruised about, firing guns and

burning flares, but no response was heard, and when the weather cleared

up, the Adventure was not to be seen. Poor Mr. Forster was dreadfully

scared when he realised the two ships had parted company; he says that

none of the crew "ever looked around the ocean without expressing concern

on seeing our ship alone on this vast and unexplored expanse." He seems

to have been thoroughly unhappy, for he describes the whole voyage, from

the Cape to New Zealand, as a series of hardships such as had never

before been experienced by mortal man. Cook conjectured, rightly as it

proved, that being a little to the south of Tasman's track, Furneaux

would make for the rendezvous he had been given at New Zealand, and

therefore felt himself free to push on to the south-east, as he judged

that if any large body of land was in the vicinity, it must lie in that

direction, for the swell coming from the south-west precluded the

possibility of any mass of land being in that quarter.

On 17th February a display of the Aurora Australis was reported to Cook,

who speaks of it as something quite new to him, although Banks noted a

display during the voyage of the Endeavour between Timor and Batavia. The

present one is described as having a spiral motion, the direction not

strongly defined, and at times strong flashes of light. A second display

was seen on the 25th, but not so marked. On this day, too, some of the

ship's boats engaged in watering from a small iceberg, had a narrow

escape from destruction as the berg turned completely over whilst they

were at work.

The weather becoming very unsettled the Resolution was obliged to make to

the north, and on 8th March, the finest day they had experienced since

leaving the Cape, they were able to fix their position by observation as

59 degrees 44 minutes South, 121 degrees 9 minutes East, the thermometer

registering 40 degrees. Of course this pleasant break was followed by a

heavy gale, with a tremendously heavy sea, and the ship ran before it for

New Zealand. Cook's wish was to touch at Van Diemen's Land, so as to

satisfy himself as to its forming a part of New Holland, but the wind

kept obstinately between west and north, having shifted after the gale,

and he thought it would occupy a longer time than he could spare, so he

bore up for the South Island. It was soon found that a few degrees of

latitude made a great difference in the temperature, "which we felt with

an agreeable satisfaction."

On 25th March at 10 A.M., New Zealand was sighted, and Cook steered in to

the land with the intention of putting in to the first port that appeared

suitable, but as the weather became very hazy, he thought it safer to

stand off again. He had picked up the land at a point which he had only

seen from a distance on his previous visit, and "now saw it under so many

disadvantageous circumstances, that the less I say about it, the fewer

mistakes I shall make."

DUSKY BAY.

The following day they got safely into Dusky Bay, finding forty-four

fathoms at the entrance and a sandy bottom. In about a couple of leagues

they found a good anchorage in fifty fathoms, a hawser's length or so

from the shore. This was found to be rather inconvenient, but another one

was soon found by Lieutenant Pickersgill, and received in consequence the

name Pickersgill Harbour. Here the observatory, forge, and tents were set

up. Spruce beer was brewed, to which molasses and some of their

inspissated malt juice was added, fish caught, and, in fact, everything

possible for the comfort of the crew for a short time, was done. They had

been a hundred and seventeen days at sea, had sailed 3,600 leagues

without a sight of land, and had arrived with only one man sick with the

scurvy, "occasioned, chiefly, by a bad habit of body and a complication

of other disorders."

One day, passing an island whilst out surveying, Cook was called by a

Maori and landed to meet him. The native was accompanied by two women,

and after an attempt at conversation, presented Cook with a piece of

native cloth, asking, as far as could be understood, for a boat-cloak in

return. One was made for him out of red baize, and gave so much

satisfaction that he presented Cook with his pattou, a sort of short flat

club made of stone. He visited the ship, and took great interest in all

that was going on, particularly with the saw pit. After watching the men

some time, he intimated his desire to try his hand in the pit, but found

the work not quite so easy as it looked, and soon required very little

persuasion to relinquish his task.

Cook speaks very favourably of Dusky Bay, a good anchorage, plenty of

good water, game, fish, and easy to enter. The timber he describes as the

best he had seen in New Zealand, with the exception of that at the

Thames. There was but little edible herbage, but he tried to remedy this

by planting a quantity of European seeds, and he also left, in a place

where he hoped they might be undisturbed, a pair of geese. Whilst here

Cook was for a time confined to his cabin by what he describes as a

slight cold, but Mr. Forster says was a severe attack of rheumatism.

After several unsuccessful attempts, owing to contrary winds, they left

Dusky Bay on 11th May, and on the 17th, when near Cape Stephens, fell in

with six water-spouts, one of which came within fifty yards of the ship,

and Cook regretted he had not fired a gun at it, as he had heard that

course recommended. He says he had one ready, but was so busy noting the

phenomena that he did not think of it in time. On the other hand, Forster

says that one "was ordered to be got ready, but our people being, as

usual, very desultory about it, the danger was passed before we could try

the experiment."

FURNEAUX REPORTS.

On 18th May they arrived in Queen Charlotte's Sound, finding, as Cook had

expected, the Adventure there before them. Furneaux immediately reported

himself to his commanding officer, and said they had been there for six

weeks. After they had lost sight of the Resolution on 8th February, they

heard a gun and bore up for it, firing every half-hour, but heard no

reply. They then cruised about for three days as near the spot as the

weather would permit, and then, following Tasman's track, as Cook had

surmised, made for New Zealand, sighting Van Diemen's Land on 9th March,

near Tasman's South Cape. He sent a boat ashore at the first opportunity,

and a few traces of natives were seen, but the weather was so threatening

that the boat had to return to the ship. They then put in to Adventure

Bay, and staying five days took in wood and water; they had been reduced

to a quart per day of the last for some time. A few deserted huts and

occasional smokes were seen, but no other signs of the inhabitants. They

then continued up the coast till it trended away to the west, forming,

Furneaux thought, a deep bay. Passing the islands which now bear

Furneaux's name, bad weather came on, and he judged it wise to make for

his rendezvous, firmly convinced that Van Diemen's Land was joined to New

Holland. On 30th March they sighted the South Island, and were greatly

retarded in their run up the coast by the heavy swell from the north. On

their arrival in Queen Charlotte's Sound, they found the pole erected on

Motuara, with the name of the Endeavour and date on it, and several of

the inhabitants came forward to trade and enquire after Cook and Tupia.

On 11th May they experienced the shock of an earthquake, but no damage

was done.

Finding that several of the Adventure's crew were very sick, Cook

immediately sent out boats for a supply of scurvy grass, and:

"gave orders that it should be boiled with wheat and portable broth every

morning for breakfast, and with peas and broth for dinner, knowing from

experience that these vegetables, thus dressed, are extremely beneficial

in removing all manner of scorbutic complaints."

Furneaux had prepared to winter in Queen Charlotte's Sound, but Cook

thought it too soon to settle down to rest and decided to push on. He was

half inclined to go over to Van Diemen's Land and settle the question of

its being a part of New Holland, but Furneaux appeared convinced, and the

winds were contrary, so he decided on proceeding eastwards, and the

Adventure was ordered to refit as rapidly as possible. A boat sent out

for timber on 3rd June was chased by a large canoe filled with men, but

Cook thought no harm was intended; on a second occasion some natives were

on the ship, when a large canoe came up, and those on board requested

Cook to fire on it, saying its occupants were enemies. This Cook declined

to do, and, instead, invited them to come on board, an invitation that

was accepted after a brief ceremonial, and the newcomers behaved

themselves quite properly; but soon Cook had to get rid of them all, for

he found his men were selling their clothing, which they would shortly

require, for things of no value either as curiosities or otherwise. The

newcomers went off to Motuara, and Cook followed them up. He had some

little conversation with them, but did not remember having seen any of

them at his previous visit, and thought none of them recognised him. They

had their cooking utensils with them, and he concluded they intended to

settle down, at any rate for a time.

Gardens had been started by Furneaux on his arrival, and Cook tried to

interest the Maoris in them; he showed them the potatoes, carrots, and

parsnips, which they seemed to understand and appreciate, and they

promised to look after them. He remarks that the intercourse between the

Maoris and the whites did not tend to improve the morals of the former,

whom he had hitherto looked upon as superior in that respect to the other

South Sea Islanders he had come across.

THE WATCH MACHINE.

On 7th June the two ships put to sea, and on the 8th some accident

happened to Arnold's timepiece on board the Resolution, and they were

unable to wind it up. So far it had been working very well, but not quite

so accurately as Kendal's. On the return of the ship to England, Arnold

was informed that either by carelessness or wilfully Mr. Wales had caused

this difficulty. Wales attributed this rumour to the Forsters, to whom he

wrote on the subject, and it is very evident from their replies that

though they did not admit having circulated the report, they were not

ignorant that Arnold had been so informed. There does not appear to be

any ground for the accusation, but it does appear very probable it

originated with the Forsters.

Throughout the rest of June they experienced very rough weather, and it

was not till 18th July that they reached 133 degrees West, having seen no

signs of land on their way. Cook therefore turned northwards so as to

cross the space between his track north and return south in 1769. This

course would practically settle one view about the supposed Southern

Continent, for it had been laid down by some of the theorists that it

must be in the middle latitudes of the South Pacific. New Zealand had

been said to be the western side of this continent (already disproved by

Cook in his previous voyage), and what Forster calls "the pretended

discoveries near America," the eastern side. The proposed course would

take the ships through the centre of the part of the ocean in dispute.

On 29th July, Cook sent a boat to the Adventure, as he had heard her crew

were very sickly, and found that about twenty of her men were down with

scurvy, and the cook had died of the disease. Orders were given that the

utmost precautions were to be taken, and wort, carrot marmalade, and rob

of lemon were to be freely served out. On the Resolution, at the same

time, three men were on the sick list, only one of whom had scurvy, but

some of the others were showing symptoms, so similar precautions were

taken, with good results.

DANGEROUS WATERS.

Cook was so anxious about the Adventure's crew that he would not look for

Pitcairn Island, discovered by Carteret, although he believed he was in

its neighbourhood on 1st August (he was about fifteen leagues to the

west), but a day or so after was able to have Furneaux on board to

dinner, who reported a great improvement. He had some cider on board,

which he had served out with gratifying results. Two islands were sighted

on the 11th, which Cook named Resolution and Doubtful Islands; he

believed them to have been discovered by De Bougainville. The following

morning at daylight they found themselves almost on the top of what Cook

calls "a half drowned island, or rather large coral shoal of about 20

leagues in circuit." In the lagoon which it surrounded they saw a large

canoe under sail. The island was named after Furneaux. As they were now

in such a dangerous neighbourhood, Cook ordered that at night the cutter

with an officer and seven men should keep in advance of the ships until

they arrived in sight of Maitea (Osnaburg Island) on 15th July, when,

being in waters he knew, its services were discontinued. He steered for

the south side of Otaheite in order to get fresh vegetables as soon as

possible, and on the 16th at daybreak they found themselves about two

miles from the reef. The wind dropped, and the set of the current was

taking them on to the reef, so the boats were ordered out to tow, but

getting near an opening through which the tide was rushing with great

force, they were unable to keep the ships off. The anchors were let go,

and the Adventure, finding holding ground, was brought up; but the

Resolution was not so fortunate, and was carried on to the reef and

struck two or three times, fortunately without doing any serious damage.

A land breeze springing up and the tide slackening enabled them to get in

safely, with the loss of three anchors, a cable, and a couple of hawsers;

the bower anchor was recovered by Mr. Gilbert the next day. Cook says

that though he thought they had a remarkably narrow escape, the natives

who saw them did not seem to appreciate that they had been in any danger.

They remained at this anchorage for a week, and obtained plenty of

coconuts and bananas; but though they saw hogs, they were unable to

purchase any, as the people declared they all belonged to their chief;

so, hearing he was in the neighbourhood, Cook landed to call on him, and

at once recognised him as Tearee, whom he had seen in 1769. The chief

also remembered him, and enquired after several of the Endeavour people.

He tried to get Cook to make a longer stay, promising supplies of fresh

meat as an inducement, but as such promises had so often been broken

before, Cook replied he should leave the next day. Whilst here one of the

marines, who had been ailing more or less all the voyage, and had become

dropsical, died, and the one man who was suffering from scurvy still

remained on the sick list. On the other hand, the Adventure's crew had

greatly improved in health with the change to fresh vegetables. One of

the natives was found to have picked up coconuts from which the sailors

had drunk the milk, and having carefully sealed up the holes, resold

them, and did not seem disconcerted when his trick was found out.

Before the ships reached their anchorage at Matavai Bay they were crowded

with natives, many of whom Cook recognised, and almost all of whom knew

him. Otoo, the king, at once recognised Cook, and enquired after Banks,

Solander, and others of the Endeavour; yet Forster gravely asserts that

he never saw them at the former visit. The old fort on Point Venus was

reoccupied, tents pitched, and the observatory set up, and the camp was

placed under the command of Lieutenant Edgecombe of the Marines.

SPANIARDS HANGED.

The king gave a theatrical entertainment in honour of their arrival, at

which his sister was the only female performer. It had some reference to

the coming of the ships, but they were not able to follow the thread of

the story. Cook could see that Otoo was nervous and uncomfortable, and

felt dissatisfied with his reception, so determined to cut short his

stay. No one could understand the reason of the unsatisfactory feeling,

but Forster suggests that it was owing to the advice of a Spanish

deserter, who had left his ship about March 1773. This vessel was

commanded by Don Juan de Langara y Huarto, and was from Callao; her

voyage has not been published, but the natives gave Forster to understand

that four of her sailors had been hanged on her arrival. Cook refers to

the presence of a white man, who, when he thought he had been observed,

disappeared and was not seen again. Young Forster made an attempt to

explore the interior, but finding the climbing more difficult than he

expected, soon returned. In the gardens which had been planted at the

Endeavour's visit, pumpkins seemed to be the only things which had done

well, and for these the natives did not care, "which is not to be

wondered at," says Cook. Further enquiries as to the religious ceremonies

were made, but nothing very definite was ascertained; it appeared that on

very rare occasions special criminals, selected by the high priest, were

sacrificed at the Moris. Cook also formed the opinion that the standard

of morality amongst the women was much higher than had previously been

admitted.

Sailing with a favourable wind on 1st September for Huaheine, the

Adventure ran ashore going through the reef, but with the assistance of

the Resolution's boats, she was soon towed off without serious damage.

Forster, as usual, tries to cause trouble by declaring that Cook would

not send assistance till the Resolution was safely anchored, and thus

added to the danger of his consort. As the boats were in the water before

the accident occurred, in order to render immediate assistance if

required, Mr. Forster's story is too thin.

On arrival Cook was informed his old friend Oree was coming to see him,

so he went ashore to meet him. The boat was hauled up close to the

chief's house, and then five young plantain trees, as emblems of peace,

were carried on board one by one, the first three being each accompanied

by a young pig with his ears ornamented with coconut fibre; the fourth

was accompanied by a dog; and the fifth by the bag which Cook had given

Oree in 1769, containing the pewter plate with the inscription relating

to the Endeavour's visit, and the beads, and imitation coins. On the

advice of his guide, Cook decorated three of the plantains with nails,

medals, beads, etc., and he, Furneaux, and Forster, landed with them in

their hands. They were requested to sit down, and the trees were taken

from them and placed before Oree, the first for God, the second for the

king, and the third for Friendship. The chief then came forward and

greeted Cook in a most affectionate manner, the tears trickling down his

cheeks. Further presents were then exchanged, and the ceremony was over.

SPARRMAN'S MISADVENTURE.

Here they were able to purchase a plentiful supply of everything, pigs,

fowls, and fruit, and Cook says if he had been able to stay longer he

might have bought as much more as everything seemed abundant. The only

disagreeable thing that happened was to Mr. Sparrman, who, out by himself

botanising, was set upon and stripped of everything but his

trousers--Besant substitutes spectacles for trousers. He made his way

towards the boats, and was befriended by a native, who gave him some

cloth to put over his shoulders and escorted him to the others. When Oree

heard of the affair he placed himself in Cook's hands, and did his best

to find out the culprits, and after a time Sparrman's hanger and the

greater part of his things were recovered. It seems probable that some

native law had been unwittingly broken and Sparrman's treatment was meant

as a punishment, for every one else had been particularly well treated.

Before leaving Cook added to Oree's treasures a copper plate on which was

inscribed, "Anchored here, His Britannic Majesty's Ships Resolution and

Adventure, September 1773." Some medals were also given him, and he was

requested to show them to any visitors that came.

At Ulietea they were received at a heava or dramatic performance, one

portion of which illustrated robbery by two men, and Cook says it was

acted "in such a masterly manner as sufficiently displayed the genius of

the people in this vice." Fruit and vegetables being rather scarce, Mr.

Pickersgill was despatched with a boat from each ship to an island Cook

calls O'Taha, where they were said to be plentiful, and he was able to

purchase as much as they had means to pay for, at a very reasonable rate;

but during negotiations the bag containing the trade was stolen.

Pickersgill at once seized everything of value he could lay his hands on,

signifying at the same time that all should be returned when the bag and

its contents were produced. In the evening a chief, who had been friendly

all day, went off and soon after came back with the bag and about half

its contents. Eventually all was recovered, and the boats left with good

loads in a perfectly friendly manner. When the boats went from Ulietea

the crews of the two vessels were again entertained, but during the night

all the natives disappeared, to the surprise and annoyance of Cook, who

thought something serious had happened to offend them. It turned out

that, seeing the boats did not return, the natives thought it was a case

of desertion, and were afraid they might be held responsible.

BAGPIPES APPRECIATED.

Leaving here, the course was to the south of west so as to clear the

tracks of other explorers, and then to call at Middleburg and Amsterdam.

Each night the ships lay to in order that they might not overlook any

unknown island, and on 23rd September Harvey's Islands were sighted and

named. On 1st October Middleburg was reached, but no good anchorage being

found, they went on to Amsterdam. Before they got clear away, however,

two canoes came out, and the coast opening up in a more promising manner,

they ran in again and found ground in twenty-five fathoms. Plenty of the

natives, quite unarmed, came off to the ships, some, amongst whom was a

chief named Tioony, were invited on board; the traders were so anxious to

do business, that those who could not get near enough to hand their goods

into the boats, pitched them over the heads of their friends. Some of the

party accompanied Tioony to his house, which was delightfully situated,

and were entertained with refreshments, in the shape of coconuts,

bananas, and a few shaddocks, called by Forster pumplemoses, and music;

and in return the ship's bagpipes played, to the great enjoyment of the

natives. Turnbull, who visited the Pacific during the years 1800 to 1804,

says that these instruments were remembered, and in Otaheite were

specially asked for. The musical contribution of the natives commenced

with a song by three girls, who sang rather nicely, and were duly

rewarded with presents, whereon all the women began singing in a manner

which Cook describes as "both musical and harmonious." A short walk

disclosed plantations "well laid out and kept," but as eatables seemed

scarce, a departure was made the next day for Amsterdam, the waves

breaking high upon the rocks as they followed the coast.

Off the southern point of Amsterdam several canoes came out, and their

occupants came aboard without hesitation, presenting cava root as a

peace-offering. The ships anchored in eighteen fathoms, and were soon

crowded with visitors. Nothing but cloth was offered for sale, so Cook,

finding the sailors were parting with clothing they would soon be

wanting, issued an order that no curiosities were to be purchased, with

the result that next morning hogs, fowls, coconuts, and bananas were

forthcoming. Cook, Forster, and some of the others went ashore and found

a chief, Attago, who had attached himself to Cook, very useful in their

trading. Mr. Hodges painted a picture of this landing, but, as Mr.

Forster very justly points out, the attire of the natives is far too

classical. It was noticed that many of the natives had lost the top joint

of the little finger of one, and in some cases, of both hands. This was

understood to be a mark of mourning for the loss of parents.

The fowls here were remarkably good, and the sailors purchased some for

the purpose of cock-fighting, but they proved much more successful in the

pot. The island is described as well cultivated, not an inch of ground

being wasted in roads or fences. Forster reported having seen a large

casuarina tree loaded with crows, but they proved to be that pest of the

fruit grower--flying foxes. He also states that the Resolution anchored

in the same spot as Tasman when he discovered the island.

The natives proved as adept at thieving as the majority of the South Sea

Islanders. One man, who had stolen some books from the Master's cabin,

got off in his canoe, and being chased, took to the water, and diving

under his pursuers' boat, unshipped the rudder, and got clear away. Mr.

Wales, in going ashore, took off his shoes and stockings to save them

from the wet, when they were at once snatched up by a native, who ran off

with them over the coral rocks, leaving poor Wales in what Cook calls "an

unpleasant but laughable position," unable to follow over the sharp

stone; however, Attago soon afterwards recovered them.

The language was closely allied to that used in the Society Group, many

words being identical; and Cook concluded they had some form of religious

worship, as he noted enclosed pieces of ground in which one or two

particular men were accustomed to repeat speeches apparently of a set

nature.

NEW ZEALAND ONCE MORE.

On 7th October, sailing for New Zealand, they were delayed by contrary

winds, and did not sight the neighbourhood of Table Cape till the 21st.

They stood in to Tolago and Poverty Bays with the intention of presenting

any chiefs who came off, with pigs, fowls, and garden seeds in hopes of

making a commencement in stocking the island, but none were seen till

Cape Kidnappers was reached, when two made their appearance, and were

duly given two boars and two sows, and four hens and two cocks, first

obtaining a promise that they should not be killed; to these were added a

supply of seeds, such as peas, beans, cabbage, turnips, etc. Standing on

through a series of heavy squalls, in one of which the Resolution lost

her fore topgallant mast, they ran into a violent gale which lasted for a

week, and, after a slight moderation, came on with increased fury, and

the two vessels parted company.

On 3rd November the Resolution reached her old anchorage in Ship Cove,

Queen Charlotte's Sound; but the Adventure was seen no more during the

voyage. Forster was much upset by the stormy weather, "the dreadful

energy of the language" of the sailors, the absence of their consort

which "doubled every danger," the shortness of the table supplies and his

own dislike to a further trip to southern latitudes. Hoping the Adventure

might yet come in, Cook pushed on with his refit, and thoroughly

overhauled his stores. About 4000 pounds weight of ship's bread was found

unfit for food, and another 3000 pounds nearly as bad; they were very

fortunate, therefore, in getting a plentiful supply of scurvy grass and

wild celery, and a small quantity of vegetables from the gardens they had

previously laid out.

Any doubts that may have been felt about the cannibalism of the New

Zealanders was set at rest by some of the officers who surprised a party

engaged in a feast. A human head was purchased from the feasters and

taken on board, and a piece of the flesh being offered to a Maori, it was

greedily devoured. A South Sea Islander, Odidie, was intensely horrified,

and refused to touch the knife with which it had been cut, nor would he

be in any way friendly with the eater. Cook firmly believed that only

enemies killed in battle were eaten, and did not think the custom arose

from any shortness of food.

Enclosing in a bottle, which was buried under a marked tree in the

garden, a memorandum giving the dates of his arrival and departure, the

direction he intended to steer, and other information he thought might be

useful to Furneaux, Cook sailed on 25th November, and as they passed

through the straits, guns were continually fired, and a sharp lookout

kept for signs of the Adventure; but nothing was seen, and as no other

rendezvous had been appointed, Cook gave up all hope of her rejoining

him. The Resolution, when clear, bore up for the south-east, but had the

course at the first been north of east, the two ships might possibly have

met, for the Adventure was then on her way from Tolago Bay and arrived in

Ship Cove four days after the departure of her consort. Cook says his

crew were in good spirits, and in no way dejected, "or thought the

dangers we had yet to go through were in the least increased by being

alone." They were quite ready to go, "wherever I might think proper to

lead them." Even Mr. Forster had to admit at a little later date, that:

"notwithstanding the constant perils to which our course exposed us, in

this unexplored ocean, our ship's company were far from being so uneasy

as might have been expected."

ARMOUR OF ICE.

On 6th December, at 8.30 A.M., they reckoned they were "at the Antipodes

to our friends in London, consequently as far removed from them as

possible." Here a swell coming from the south-west showed there was no

great body of land in that direction, except at a considerable distance.

The first ice was seen on 12th December in 62 degrees 10 minutes South,

and on the 15th, in 66 degrees South, they were obliged to edge away

north as they were surrounded by large quantities of loose ice, and it

was very foggy. Working up to between 64 and 65 degrees, they again

headed east still hampered by ice and fog, but in a few days the weather

improved a little, and they recovered the Antarctic Circle, and reached

67 degrees 31 minutes South on the 23rd, the highest south latitude

hitherto attained. The rigging was so coated with ice that it was

difficult to work the ship, and Cook altered his course to the

north-east. Marra says, under 18th December:

"Icicles frequently hung to the noses of the men, more than an inch

long...the men, cased in frozen snow, as if clad in armour, where the

running rigging has been so enlarged by frozen sleet as hardly to be

grasped by the largest hand...yet, under all these hardships, the men

cheerful over their grog, and not a man sick, but of old scars."

Cook says that some of the men suffered from fever brought on by the

unavoidable exposure to cold and wet, but it was slight, and "happily

yielded to the simplest remedies." The ship was so surrounded by masses

of ice as to cause some apprehension, but by taking advantage of every

breath of air the danger was averted. Christmas Day was passed in

constant watchfulness.

"We were fortunate in having continual daylight, and clear weather, for

had it been foggy as on some of the preceding days, nothing less than a

miracle could have saved us from being dashed to pieces."

On 7th January 1774, five very successful observations gave the mean

longitude as 123 degrees 21 minutes West, the watch gave it 123 degrees

44 minutes, and the dead reckoning as 123 degrees 39 minutes. Cook

signifies his keen appreciation of the watch machine, and says: "I must

here take notice that our longitude can never be erroneous while we have

so good a guide as Mr. Kendal's watch."

OBEDIENT AND ALERT.

A further attempt to the south was made, and on 30th January the high

latitude of 71 degrees 10 minutes South was reached, in longitude 106

degrees 54 minutes West, further progress being stopped by a large and

solid field of ice. This record was not beaten till 1823, by Weddell, and

until recent years very few of the attempts on Antarctic discovery had

proved as successful. Satisfied that there was no continent existing

within the Arctic Circle except so far south as to be practically

inaccessible on account of ice, he acknowledged he did not regret he

found it impossible to go further, and, thinking that in the unexplored

parts of the South Pacific there was room for many large islands, and

also that discoveries already made had been imperfectly laid down on the

charts, he decided that it was his duty, as he had a well-found ship and

a healthy crew, to remain in these waters and add what he could to the

knowledge of geography. He therefore planned to find the land discovered

by Juan Fernandez in 38 degrees South, and, if unsuccessful, to proceed

to Easter Island and fix its position, as it was very uncertain, then to

proceed to Otaheite, where he had a faint hope he might hear of the

Adventure, and, proceeding further west, settle the position of Tierra

Austral del Espiritu Santo of de Quiros. Afterwards to turn south-east,

and, reaching Cape Horn in November, he would have the best part of the

summer for exploration in the South Atlantic. He says:

"Great as this design appears to be, I however thought it possible to be

executed; and when I came to communicate it to the officers, I had the

satisfaction to find they all heartily concurred in it. I should not do

these gentlemen justice if I did not take some opportunity to declare

that they always showed the utmost readiness to carry into execution in

the most effectual manner, every measure I thought proper to take. Under

such circumstances it is hardly necessary to say, that the seamen were

always obedient and alert; and on this occasion they were so far from

wishing the voyage at an end, that they rejoiced at the prospect of its

being prolonged another year and of soon enjoying the benefits of a

milder climate."

Mr. Forster does not agree with this account, for he says:

"The long continuance in these cold climates began now to hang heavily on

our crew, especially as it banished all hope of returning home this year,

which had hitherto supported their spirits. At first a painful

despondence owing to the dreary prospect of another year's cruise to the

south seemed painted in every countenance; till by degrees they resigned

themselves to their fate with a kind of sullen indifference. It must be

owned, however, that nothing could be more dejecting than the entire

ignorance of our future destination which, without any apparent reason

was constantly kept a secret to every person in the ship."

It is evident that Cook and his officers did not think it necessary to

consult Mr. Forster as to the movements of the ship, or, what is more

probable, he was in one of his irritable moods and must say something

nasty about someone.

The decision to turn northwards was taken none too soon, for on 6th

February a furious storm came on, playing havoc with the sails and

running rigging, and though it abated somewhat next morning, it blew very

strong till the 12th, and would have been highly dangerous if it had

caught them amongst the ice. On the 17th Cook judged he had crossed his

outward track of 1769, and on the 20th he notes the thermometer rising to

66 degrees, the only real summer day they had experienced since leaving

New Zealand. Having arrived at the position laid down for the land

supposed to have been seen by Juan Fernandez, he cruised about but found

no signs, so on the 25th stood away for Easter Island.

Cook was now taken seriously ill and was confined to his bed for several

days by what he calls the bilious cholic, during which time "Mr. Patten,

the surgeon, was to me, not only a skilful physician, but an affectionate

nurse." He recovered very slowly, and the want of fresh food told against

him when it came to the question of gathering strength. The only fresh

meat on board was a dog belonging to Mr. Forster, which was duly

sacrificed and made into soup: "Thus I received nourishment and strength

from food which would have made most people in Europe sick." Marra's

Journal says, under 23rd February:

"This day the Captain was taken ill, to the grief of all the ship's

company." 28th February: "The Captain this day much better, which each

might read in the countenance of the other, from the highest officer to

the meanest boy on board the ship." 4th March: "The Captain perfectly

recovered from his illness, to the great joy of the ship's company."

EASTER ISLAND.

At 8 A.M., on 11th March, Easter Island was sighted from the masthead,

and shortly after noon some of the gigantic statues mentioned in

Roggewin's Voyages were clearly distinguished through the glasses. The

position of the ship at noon had been fixed as 27 degrees 3 minutes

South, 109 degrees 46 minutes West. Standing on and off till next

morning, fair anchorage was found in thirty-six fathoms, but it proved

too near the edge of a bank, and they were driven off it in the night.

One or two canoes came out to meet them as they were working back, from

which plantains were purchased, and Cook proceeded ashore, where he was

immediately surrounded by natives; indeed, some even swam out to meet

him. Many of them possessed European hats, jackets, handkerchiefs, etc.,

which they were said to have obtained from the Spaniards in 1770. Their

language was very similar to that of Otaheite, and Odidie was able to

understand them fairly well. There were no trees exceeding ten feet in

height, and the land is described as extremely parched and dreary, though

a few plantations were seen. Some remarkable pieces of stonework were

noticed, enclosing small areas of ground, in some of which were the

statues already mentioned. These were not looked upon by the natives as

objects of worship, although they did not like the pavements by which

they were surrounded being walked over, or the statues being closely

examined. Mr. Forster regarded the enclosures as burial grounds, and the

statues (portions of some of them are at the British Museum) as monuments

to chiefs.

The water supply being found very bad, though Gonzales is said to have

found good springs, and the fresh food for sale but scanty, the stay was

cut short, and on 16th March sail was made for the Marquesas, discovered

by Mendana in 1595. The next day, according to Marra, the fresh

provisions obtained were served out to the crew at the Captain's expense:

"namely, two pounds of potatoes a man, and a bunch of bananas to each

mess; and this without reducing their ordinary allowance; an act of

generosity which produced its effect; it preserved the crew in health,

and encouraged them to undergo cheerfully the hardships that must

unavoidably happen in the course of so long a voyage."

MARKET SPOILT.

The Marquesas were reached on 7th April, and after a narrow escape from

running on the rocks, satisfactory anchorage was obtained, and they were

visited by some of the natives, from whom breadfruit and fish were

purchased. The next day further trading was done, nails being the chief

medium of exchange, but the natives were inclined to be smart in their

dealings, and on several occasions obtained payment without delivery.

Cook here suffered from a relapse, but was able to get about, and after

warning the officer on watch to keep a smart look-out, or something of

importance would be stolen, took his seat in a boat to go in search of a

better anchorage. He was then informed that a stanchion had been stolen

from the gangway, and the thief had got away to his canoe on the other

side of the ship. He ordered a shot to be fired over the canoes, but no

one was to be hurt, and he would pull round and secure the thief. The

order was apparently misunderstood, for the thief was killed, and the

rest of the natives hurried ashore. Soon after trading recommenced, and

the lesson appeared forgotten, for an attempt was made to steal the kedge

anchor by which the ship was being warped nearer the shore. Cook landed,

and the trading went on as if nothing out of the common had occurred, and

some pigs (so small that it required forty or fifty to provide one meal

for the crew!) and fruit were purchased; but in the afternoon, when the

boats went in for water, all the natives had disappeared. This Cook

attributed to his not being with them, for the next morning, when he

landed, trading was resumed. A short trip was made in the boats along the

coast, and when they returned it was found the market was closed. It

seems one of the young gentlemen had given a small handful of red

feathers he had obtained at Tonga for a small pig, and now nothing else

would be accepted, so they sailed for Otaheite on the 11th. Cook was very

much annoyed at the ill success in obtaining fresh provisions, for though

none of the crew were ill, he thought they stood in need of a change of

food. He describes the inhabitants as the finest race he had seen in the

South Seas, almost as fair as Europeans, and their language very similar

to that of Otaheite. Their arms consisted of clubs, spears, and slings,

the two former very neatly made, and with the latter they threw stones a

considerable distance but without accuracy. Mr. Forster managed to secure

a quantity of small birds with very beautiful plumage.

On the 17th April they sighted the George Islands, discovered by Byron

(native name, Tiookea), but, after sending the Master to report on the

lagoon, Cook decided it was too dangerous to enter, and Mr. Cooper went

off with two boats to see if it were possible to trade. He obtained a few

dogs and coconuts, but the attitude of the natives was so uncertain he

would not land, and returned to the ship. One of the sailors exchanged a

plantain for a dog, so it was concluded the fruit was unknown. On the

19th four more islands were discovered, and named Pallisser Islands, and

on rounding one a strong swell rolling in from the south was encountered,

"a sure sign that we were clear of these low islands." On the 21st, land

a little to the east of Point Venus was sighted, and next morning they

anchored in Matavai Bay, being immediately visited by the natives, who

seemed greatly pleased to see them again. The old camp was reoccupied,

the observatory set up for Mr. Wales, and Cook had again the pleasure to

record he had no one on the sick list.

The king, Otoo, came to visit the camp, bringing as his present a dozen

pigs and some fruit, and then with some of his friends went on board ship

to dinner, and to receive the return present. It was then found that the

red feathers were greatly valued, a very fortunate thing as articles of

trade were running short. Cook, after the disappointment in securing

supplies at the last visit, intended to make a very short stay, but the

place now appeared to be very thriving, houses and canoes were being

built in all directions, and there was every sign of prosperity, so he

decided to remain and refit. On 25th April they had a thunderstorm

lasting three hours, such as no one on board had experienced before.

THE OTAHEITAN FLEET.

Going to visit Otoo on the next day, Cook was surprised to see a large

number of fully-manned canoes ranged along the coast, and a large body of

armed men on the land near them. On landing, he was surrounded by people,

and seized by two chiefs, one of whom wanted to carry him off to see the

king, and the other to see the fleet, and between the two, "I was like to

be pulled to pieces," the crowd making way with cries of "Tiya no

Tootee." He was gradually drawn towards the fleet, but refused to go on

board, and after a time was allowed to return to his own boats, when he

found his companions had been subject to similar treatment. They put out

from shore in order to have a good look at the fleet, and counted one

hundred and sixty large double canoes, all well equipped and fully

manned. The chiefs were swathed in vast quantities of cloth, so that to

the Englishmen it seemed almost a miracle they were able to move. The

vessels were decorated with flags and streamers, and made a very fine

appearance. These were the first line, and, in addition, there were one

hundred and seventy smaller double canoes, each having a small house or

castle on it, which were thought to be transports and store ships, as the

larger ones, as far as could be seen, carried no supplies on board. The

number of men on board was estimated to be no less than 7,500, and it was

ascertained this armada was intended for the subjugation of Eimeo which

had lately rebelled against Otaheite.

Cook was informed Otoo was waiting at the camp for him, but on going

there he found he had not been there, and on looking for him again in the

afternoon he was still invisible. The fleet had also gone away; and then

it was discovered that some of Cook's clothes had been stolen from the

wash, and the king and Admiral were both in dread of his anger. However,

Cook sent word he should take no steps to recover the stolen articles,

and things resumed a friendly aspect, the Admiral, Towha, sending Cook a

present of two large pigs and some fruit, giving orders to the bearers

that they were to receive nothing in exchange. He soon after paid a visit

to the ship, and as it was his first, he examined everything with great

curiosity, and appeared greatly impressed with what he saw. One of the

natives having been caught making off with a small water cask, Cook

determined he should be punished, and made a ceremonial affair of it. The

culprit was first sent on board and put in irons, the natives and the

crew mustered, and then the thief was taken on shore and triced up. Cook

then made a short speech in which he pointed out that when his men were

caught stealing from the natives they were always punished, but the

natives were always stealing from the ship and crew and getting away

unpunished, he therefore ordered the man to be given two dozen lashes.

These were duly administered, and Towha made a speech in which he was

understood to admit the justice of Cook's action. The marines were then

put through their drill, and fired a few volleys with ball, and the

proceedings terminated; but Cook declares he did not know whether the

natives were pleased or frightened by the ceremony. The king's brother

then took some of the officers out to see a part of their fleet at

exercise, and they were just in time to see the conclusion and the

landing of the men. Cook says the canoes were handled very smartly, and

"five minutes after putting ashore you could not tell anything of the

kind had been going forward."

The sea stores were again overhauled, and although the greatest care had

been taken with the packing, large quantities of the bread were found to

be uneatable, rendering the purchase of fresh food at every opportunity

of the greatest importance.

A state visit was paid on board by Otoo's father and some other members

of the royal family, who presented Cook with:

"a complete mourning dress, a curiosity we most valued. In return I gave

him whatever he desired, which was not a little, and having distributed

red feathers to all the others, conducted them ashore in my boat."

MUSKET STOLEN.

On 7th May the king expressed a wish to see Cook, so the latter went

ashore, but found his Majesty and many of his leading men had

disappeared, and the sergeant of marines reported that one of his men had

had his musket stolen whilst on duty. Cook gave orders that if the musket

was returned nothing further was to be said, and returned to his ship.

Suspicion was attracted to six canoes laden with fruit and baggage, so

Cook gave chase in his own boat. One of the canoes then made for the

ship, and the occupants, women whom he recognised, informed him they were

taking some things to the Resolution, and that the king was at Point

Venus. Cook went to the camp, to find this was only a story to put him

off, and he once again gave chase, ordering another boat to follow. A few

shots were fired over the canoes, and five out of the six surrendered,

the one he had spoken with getting away. He was now told that the gun had

been stolen by a native of Tiarabou, and therefore Otoo was unable to get

it back, so after a little discussion he decided to put up with the loss,

and sent word to the king that he would say no more about it. In the

evening, however, the musket and some articles that had not been missed

were returned, and the men who brought them were duly rewarded. Cook says

it was remarkable how many had been actively engaged in their recovery.

One man in particular described most vividly how he had followed up,

attacked and killed the thief of the musket, but at the same time every

one was well aware that this hero had never been away from his own house

throughout the day. A state call was made on Otoo, and with the usual

exchange of presents the old footing was re-established. On the return

from this visit a stop was made "at the dockyards, for such they deserve

to be called," and the canoes in construction were inspected, two of them

being the largest the Englishmen had yet seen.

The king soon after returned the visit, and requested that the big guns

should be fired, but Cook thinks it was very doubtful if the experience

was enjoyed. A display of fireworks in the evening was much more to the

native taste. Referring to the numerous robberies that had been

committed, Cook says he found it far the best to deal mildly with the

delinquents, and the regulations he made were, as a rule, well kept by

the natives. He was now better pleased with his reception, and concluded

that the island was in a more prosperous condition than at his last

visit. When the ship was ready to resume her voyage, several young

natives volunteered to accompany her, and Mr. Forster was most anxious to

take one as a servant, but as Cook could see no prospect of returning

them to their homes, he would not permit one to go.

MARRA DESERTS.

When the anchor was weighed on 14th May, Marra, the gunner's mate, whose

Journal has been quoted, quietly slipped into the water, and endeavoured

to reach a canoe which was hanging about to pick him up, but he was seen

and taken on board again. In his notes he expresses his regret that the

scientific world thus lost the chance of having the experiences of a

prolonged residence amongst these people placed before it. At the time of

leaving there was great talk of the expedition against Eimeo, and Cook

would have liked to have watched the proceedings, but he soon saw that

nothing would be done whilst he remained in the vicinity.

On their arrival at Huaheine on the 15th the ship was immediately boarded

by Cook's old friend Oree with the usual present, and he and his friends

were invited to dine on board. He was asked what he would like for the

return present, and named axes and nails, which were given him with the

request that he would distribute them amongst his people; this he at once

did, to the apparent satisfaction of all. The thieving propensities of

the natives were still as bad as ever; a shooting party was robbed of its

stock of trade goods, and the day after three officers were seized and

stripped, so Cook took an armed party ashore, captured two of the leading

chiefs and a large house, and said he should keep them till the things

stolen were returned. This had the desired effect, and everything was

soon brought back.

On 23rd May they sailed for Ulietea, and on their arrival the next day

were well received, though it was evident provisions were rather scarce.

They were informed here that two ships had arrived at Huaheine, one

commanded by Banks, and the other by Furneaux, and their informant

describes both Captains so well that it was some time before Cook

ventured to reject the tale as too improbable. It is possible that there

was some foundation for the story that ships had been seen, for it

afterwards became known that M. St. Dennis had been in the South Pacific

about this time with two vessels.

Notwithstanding pressing invitations from the natives to stay, Cook

sailed for Lord Howe's Island, discovered by Wallis, reaching it on the

6th June, but as it seemed uninhabited it offered no inducement for any

stay. On the 16th a chain of sand-banks and islets surrounding a lagoon

into which no practicable entrance could be seen, was named Palmerston's

Islands; and on the 20th a landing was effected on Savage Island, but as

the natives were very threatening, and the country enabled them to

approach closely without exposing themselves, the party retired to the

boats. A few spears were thrown, and Marra says that one would have

struck Cook had he not seen it coming and stooped in time to avoid it,

and then aimed with his gun loaded with small shot at the thrower, but it

missed fire; a short time afterwards he again tried it, aiming in the

air, and it was discharged. Forster attributes the constant misfires to

the bad quality of the flints supplied by the Government, and says that

English flints had a very unsatisfactory reputation on the Continent.

MORE THIEVING.

The course was now set for Rotterdam, where they arrived on 26th June,

and were fairly well received by the natives, who brought supplies of

fruit before the anchorage had been reached; but they soon began to play

the old game of trying to annex anything that took their fancy. One

seized the lead which was in use, whilst a second tried to cut the line

with a stone, and was only persuaded to desist by a charge of small shot

fired at his legs. A small party of sailors went ashore for water, and a

quantity was obtained; but again the natives became too pressing in their

attentions. The doctor's musket was stolen, then Mr. Clerke's, then some

other things and a cooper's adze; and Cook, though at first inclined to

take no notice, felt compelled to seize two canoes, and himself wounded a

man, who had rendered himself conspicuous by his disorderly conduct, with

a charge of small shot, and it was at first rumoured he was killed. This

Cook would not believe as he had been very careful not to fire at a vital

spot. After a time the muskets and some of the other things were given

up, so the canoes were returned to their owners, and the adze was

demanded. Instead of the adze, however, the reported corpse was brought

on board, and proved, on examination by the doctor, to be very little the

worse for his experience, having a slight wound on the thigh and a second

one on the wrist. He was soon on his feet, and the adze was then

produced. The next day the people were very civil, and the crew were able

to water without interruption.

On 16th July they sighted Aurora Island, discovered by Bougainville, but

it came on to blow hard, so they did not attempt to anchor. The natives

came down fully armed as if to oppose a landing, and the ship passed on

to Whitsunday Island. Off Malicolo good anchorage was found, and the

natives came on board, and were so pleased with their reception they

returned next day in greater numbers, and whilst Cook was in his cabin

with some who appeared to be chiefs, a great noise arose on deck. A boat

keeper had declined to allow a native to get into his boat, and the

islander was fitting an arrow to his bow as Cook came on deck, with the

intention of shooting the sailor. Cook shouted at him, and he at once

diverted his aim to the Captain, but the latter was too quick, and

peppered him with small shot, spoiling his aim. He was not much hurt, and

proceeded to fit another arrow to his bow, when Cook gave him the second

barrel and induced him to retire. Some of the others also discharged a

few arrows, so a musket was fired over them, without any effect. A

four-pound gun was tried, and the effect was truly marvellous; the

natives in the rigging and on deck threw themselves into the water,

whilst those in the cabin jumped from the ports, and the ship was left in

peace. Cook was not favourably impressed by these islanders, and

describes them as "in general, the most ugly ill-proportioned people I

ever saw." Forster, however, thought they were very intelligent. They

were judged to be a different race from the Society or Friendly

Islanders, and spoke a different language.

POISONOUS FISH.

After leaving, many of those on board were very ill for a week or ten

days from having eaten of a fish which Forster calls a red sea bream, and

Cook believed to be the same as those which poisoned de Quiros's people,

and in his account says that:

"The fish had eaten of poisonous plants, all parts of the flesh became

empoisoned. The ship appeared like the Hospital of a city which had the

plague; there was none who could stand on their feet."

Owing to the care of the surgeons, however "all were recovered."

The next land seen was a small group of islands, named Shepherd's

Islands, "in honour of my worthy friend, the Plumian Professor of

Astronomy at Cambridge"; and Mr. Forster complains that Cook's "rashness

and reliance on good fortune become the principal roads to fame, by being

crowned with great and undeserved success." This was very out of place at

the time, for Cook was exercising the very greatest precautions, as he

fully recognised the dangers by which they were surrounded. He always

stood off and on during the night, and only proceeded through unknown

waters by day. Several of these islets were of a peculiar formation, and

one high columnar rock was named the Monument; Forster gives its height

as 140 yards, the other accounts are satisfied with feet. Many of the

group were inhabited, but no favourable opportunity for landing occurred.

On 1st August a fire broke out on board, and Forster writes:

"Confusion and horror appeared in all our faces at the bare mention of

it, and it was some time before proper measures were taken to stop its

progress, for in these moments of danger few are able to collect their

faculties and act with cool deliberation."

After about half a page of this, on fires in general, he observes:

"Providentially the fire of this day was very trifling and extinguished

in a few moments."

Then a few days after a marine, who had fallen overboard, was smartly

picked up, and being well looked after by his comrades, was soon showing

no ill effects of his accident, thus giving Mr. Forster an opportunity to

write of it as an example of "the result of an esprit du corps to which

sailors, at present, are utter strangers." An utterly unwarranted sneer.

At Erromango, on 4th August, Cook went in with the boats, and the natives

tried to induce them to come on shore, but something roused suspicion

after he and one man had got into the water, so, making signs that he

would come back later, he stepped back. The natives then rushed the

boats, trying to drag them onto the beach, and succeeded in stealing two

oars, at the same time wounding several of the boats' crews, amongst them

Mr. Gilbert, the Master, with a shower of stones, spears, and arrows.

Cook attempted to give one of the chiefs a charge of small shot, but his

gun missed fire, and he was obliged, very reluctantly, to order the

marines to fire, with the result that several of the natives were

wounded. Under the circumstances it was not considered worth while

remaining, so the ship left for Tanna, some twelve leagues to the south.

A bright light had been noticed in that direction the night before, which

proved to have been caused by a volcanic eruption.

A good anchorage was found at Tanna, and the ship warped close in.

Several natives coming on board to trade soon developed the usual

propensity to carry off anything that took their fancy--on this occasion

the anchor buoys were the special attraction. Muskets were fired over

their head to no purpose, so a four-pounder was discharged, which for a

time had a good result; but soon they were as bad as ever, so two or

three musquetoons were fired close to them, and though none were hurt,

the crew were able to get their dinner in peace.

HOT SPRINGS.

An old man, called by Cook Paowang, appeared to be inclined to be

friendly, so Cook landed with a strong party to look for water under his

guidance, and met with some of the elders, exchanging presents with them.

The next day the ship was warped in, and three boats went ashore, but the

natives were very threatening, and after some futile attempts to put

things on a peaceable footing a signal was given to the ship and several

guns were fired, when all the natives ran away except Paowang, who was

suitably rewarded for his confidence. After a time permission was

obtained to get wood, water, and ballast, and whilst trying to lift a

stone out of a pool below high-water mark, one of the crew scalded his

hand badly. The pool proved to be one of a series of springs running down

a spur of the volcano into the sea. Several were tested with the

thermometer, and as much as 202 degrees Fahrenheit was attained. Forster

found a number of cracks on the ridge from which sulphurous vapour and

smoke issued, and one of the crew who had been suffering severely from

rheumatism received great temporary benefit from bathing in one of the

springs.

Many good plantations of yams, sugar-cane, and plantains were seen, but

they could purchase very little as their articles of trade were not

appreciated. The natives did not understand the use of iron, and did not

require cloth as they went almost entirely naked. Though no direct signs

of cannibalism had been found, Cook was convinced that the practice was

not unknown.

After leaving Tanna, the western coasts of the different islands were

followed up till De Bougainville's Passage was reached, when the course

was set for Espiritu Santo. In passing Malicolo canoes put off for the

ship, but the wind being favourable, Cook would not delay, and gave

Forster the opportunity to remark that the main object of the voyage,

i.e. the obtaining a knowledge of the natural history of the islands, was

made subservient to the production of a new track on the chart of the

Southern Hemisphere.

CARDINAL MORAN'S GEOGRAPHY.

On 25th August they entered the bay which Cook believed to be that

discovered by De Quiros, and named by him the Bay of St. Philip and St.

Iago in the Tierra Austral del Espiritu Santo, now known as the New

Hebrides. In this conclusion Cook has the support of Dalrymple and modern

geographers, but Forster, for some reason which is not quite clear, felt

compelled to differ. Cardinal Moran, the Catholic Archbishop of Sydney,

also believes Cook to have been mistaken, for in his History of the

Catholic Church in Australia, he places De Quiros's discovery in Port

Curtis, Queensland, where he claims that the first Catholic service ever

celebrated in Australia was held. He puts aside the fact that the

latitude of Port Curtis, 24 degrees South, does not agree with that given

by De Quiros, 15 degrees 20 minutes South, by saying that the positions

of newly discovered places were, in those days, "often purposely

concealed lest other navigators might appropriate to themselves and their

respective countries, the results of the discovery." He quotes details

given in De Quiros's petitions to the King of Spain, and says: "All these

details fit in admirably with Port Curtis on the Queensland coast." Now

De Quiros says the country he discovered was thickly inhabited by a

people who were armed with bows and arrows, possessed vessels of

earthenware, lived in houses of wood, roofed with palm leaves, were amply

supplied with oranges, limes, pears, almonds larger than those of Spain,

hogs, fowls, goats, capons, etc. That in the bay where he anchored there

was no sandy barren ground, no mangroves, no ants, no mosquitoes, and

that his anchorage lay between two considerable rivers. How these details

fit in with Port Curtis may be evident to his Eminence, but is not

apparent to less distinguished mortals. The district of Port Curtis when

discovered was very thinly populated, and shows no signs of ever having

been otherwise. Bows and arrows and earthenware vessels were absolutely

unknown throughout Australia; houses did not exist, except in the form of

temporary shelters of branches, leaves, and bark; the fruits and animals

mentioned were unknown; and sandy barren country with mangroves, ants,

and mosquitoes does exist in considerable quantity. The anchorage, had De

Quiros ever been there, might have been between two rivers, the Boyne and

Calliope (both of small size), but Cardinal Moran, to make this detail

"fit in admirably", has recourse to the bold measure of moving the mouth

of the Burnett River from Wide Bay to Port Curtis--some 2 1/2 degrees to

the north of its real position.

On the other hand, Cook's description of the New Hebrides fits in with

much greater accuracy. The latitude was found to be 15 degrees 5 minutes

South, and Mr. Cooper, who went ashore with the boats, reported that he

landed near a fine stream of fresh water, "probably one of those

mentioned by De Quiros; and if we were not deceived, we saw the other."

The country was described by Cook thus:

"an uncommonly luxuriant vegetation was everywhere to be seen; the sides

of the hills were chequered with plantations; and every valley watered by

a stream; of all the productions of nature this country was adorned with,

the coconut trees were the most conspicuous."

A few canoes ventured near enough to have some presents thrown to them,

but here the intercourse ended, for Cook felt that, notwithstanding the

inviting appearance of the place, he had no time to spare from the great

object of the expedition, namely, the exploration of the Southern Ocean,

and, as the wind was favourable, sailed for New Zealand for a refit.