CAPTAIN JAMES COOK.

James Cook was born in a mud hut at Marton, in the north riding of

Yorkshire, 27th October 1728. His father was an agricultural servant,

who, with his wife, bore a most unexceptionable character for honesty

and industry. The village school-mistress taught the boy to read; but

at eight years of age his father, through his good conduct, was

appointed to be bailiff of a farm near Great Ayton, belonging to

Thomas Skottowe, Esq., who at his own expense put James to a

day-school in that town, where he was taught writing and the first

rules in arithmetic. The predilection of the lad inclined him for the

sea; but as this stood contrary to the wishes of his parents, he was

soon after his twelfth year apprenticed to William Sanderson, a

general dealer in haberdashery, grocery, hardware, etc., at Staith,

upon the coast, about ten miles north of Whitby. The youth’s mind,

however, continued more occupied upon maritime affairs than anything

else, and though he faithfully discharged his duty to his master, he

longed to be at sea. An opportunity occurred to favor his desires. Mr.

Sanderson canceled his indentures, and left him to pursue his

inclinations. Thus freed, he bound himself to Messrs. John and Henry

Walker, who owned the Freelove, in which Cook embarked. She was

principally engaged in the coal trade, but made a voyage or two to the

north; and when his time was out, the youngster still continued to

serve as a foremast-man till he was made mate of one of Mr. John

Walker’s ships. During this period he evinced no particular marks of

genius. His associates, however, were not exactly the class of persons

to observe the real bent of his mind; they thought him taciturn, and

sometimes sullen; but this doubtless arose from his studious habits,

and endeavors to acquire knowledge. As for practical seamanship, there

could be no better school than a collier.

When in his twenty-seventh year, war broke out between England and

France, and Cook, who was then in the Thames, tried to escape the

press-gang, which was sweeping the river of every seaman that could be

picked up. This restraint, however, did not meet his views; he looked

upon the service of his country as honorable, and at once entered for

the Eagle, of 60 guns, commanded by Captain Hamer, who, a few months

afterwards, was superseded by Captain (subsequently Sir Hugh)

Palliser. The young man’s steady conduct and seaman-like qualities

soon attracted this officer’s attention. His knowledge of the coasts

was excellent; and Mr. Skottowe having applied to Mr. Osbaldeston, M.

P. for Scarborough, to exert his influence to raise Cook to the

quarter-deck, by the joint interest of this gentleman, with Captain

Palliser, a warrant as master was obtained on 10th May 1759, James

being then in his thirty-first year. He joined the Grampus, but she

had a master already; he was then appointed to the Garland, but she

was abroad; and eventually he sailed in the Mercury, to join the fleet

under Sir Charles Saunders, then engaged in conjunction with General

Wolfe in the reduction of Quebec. Here the peculiar talents of Mr.

Cook were called into active operation. The buoys in the navigation of

the St. Lawrence had all been removed by the French at the first

appearance of the English fleet, and it was essentially necessary that

a survey should be made of the channels, and correct soundings

obtained, to enable the ships to keep clear of the numerous shoals. By

the recommendation of his old commander, Captain Palliser, this

onerous duty was confided to Mr. Cook, who readily undertook it in a

barge belonging to a 74. This could only be executed in many parts

during the darkness of the night, on account of the enemy; and he

experienced a narrow escape one night when detected, his boat having

been boarded by Indians in the pay of the French, and carried off in

triumph, he and his companions getting away just in time to save their

lives and scalps. Through Mr. Cook’s judicious arrangements, the fleet

reached the island of Orleans in safety; and he afterwards surveyed

and made a chart of the St. Lawrence, which, together with sailing

directions for that river, were published in London.

On his return from Quebec, Mr. Cook was appointed master of the

Northumberland, under Lord Colville, who was stationed as commodore at

Halifax. Here he enjoyed much leisure during the winter, but instead

of frittering it away in the frivolous or worse amusements of a

seaport, he diligently employed it in studies suitable to his

profession. No sailor can possibly advance beyond the rank of an

ordinary seaman unless he be acquainted with the theory as well as the

practice of navigation; and to gain this knowledge, he must attain a

proficiency in mathematics. Aware of this, Cook began by gaining a

knowledge of Euclid’s Elements of Plane Geometry; and then of the

higher branches of mathematical study, including nautical astronomy.

By these means he soon learned to take observations, to calculate a

ship’s progress, and to ascertain the degree of latitude and longitude

at any given spot on the trackless ocean. In short, he became an

accomplished mariner, ready for any office of trust. Besides improving

himself in these useful branches of education, he possessed sufficient

tact to cultivate urbanity of manner, and to gain the confidence and

esteem of his acquaintance. This was a point of some consequence; for

intellectual acquirements, without a polite and high moral bearing,

are of small avail in the general intercourse of the world, and,

personally, may do more harm than good. It is gratifying to know that

Cook aimed at gentlemanly behavior not less than skill in his

profession; and to this commendable effort――which the most humble may

practice――is perhaps owing not a little of his future success in life.

In 1762 the Northumberland was ordered to Newfoundland, to assist in

the recapture of that island; and here the talents and assiduity of

our hero were again conspicuous. Greatly improved by his winter’s

studies, he was now still more able to make nautical surveys, and

these he carried on to a considerable extent on the coast of

Newfoundland; laying down bearings, marking headlands and soundings,

and otherwise placing on record many facts which proved highly

advantageous to future voyagers, especially those engaged in fishing

speculations.

Towards the close of this year (1762) Mr. Cook returned to England,

and was married at Barking, in Essex, to Miss Elizabeth Batts, who has

been spoken of as a truly amiable and excellent woman. In the

following year, through the intervention of Captain (afterwards

Admiral) Graves, the governor of Newfoundland, who was well acquainted

with Cook’s worth, he was appointed to survey the whole coast of that

island, which he accomplished with great ability, as well as Miquelon

and St. Pierre, which had been ceded to the French. Cook then returned

to England, but did not remain long. His constant friend, Sir Hugh

Palliser, assumed the command at Newfoundland, and took Mr. Cook with

him, bearing the appointment of marine surveyor, and a schooner was

directed to attend upon him in his aquatic excursions. His charts and

observations, particularly on astronomy, brought him into

correspondence with the members of the Royal Society; and some

scientific observations on the eclipse of the sun were inserted in the

57th volume of the Philosophical Transactions.

Here may be said to close the first chapter in Cook’s life. We have

traced him from the humble home of his father, an obscure peasant,

through the early part of his career, till his thirty-fourth year, at

which time he had gained a footing among the most learned men in

England. The youthful aspirant will observe that this enviable point

had not been reached without patient study. Cook could have gained no

acquaintanceship with members of the Royal Society, nor could he have

placed himself in the way of promotion, had he been contented to

remain an illiterate seaman.

FIRST VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD. Prepared by diligent self-culture, Cook

was ready for any enterprise which circumstances might produce. The

project of a voyage of discovery, involving certain important

astronomical observations, fortunately came under discussion while he

was in a state of hesitation as to his future movements. The principal

object of the expedition was to observe a transit of the planet Venus

over the face of the sun, which could only be done somewhere in the

Pacific or Southern ocean. The transit was to happen in June 1769. The

Royal Society, interested as in the phenomenon for the sake of

science, applied to George III to fit out an expedition suitable to

take the observations. The request was complied with; and no other man

being so well calculated to take the command it was given to Cook. The

appointment was quite to the mind of our hero, and he was soon ready

for sea. He received the commission of a lieutenant from his majesty,

and the Endeavour, of 370 tons, was placed at his disposal. About this

time Captain Wallis returned from his voyage of discovery, and

reported Otaheite (now called Tahiti) to be the most eligible spot for

the undertaking. That island was therefore fixed upon for the

observation. Mr. Charles Green undertook the astronomical department,

and Mr. Banks (afterwards Sir Joseph) and Dr. Solander, purely through

love of science, and at great expense to themselves, obtained

permission to accompany the expedition.

The Endeavour was victualed for eighteen months, armed with 12

carriage guns and 12 swivels, and manned with a complement of 84

seamen. Every requisite preparation was made for such a voyage that

human foresight could suggest; trinkets and other things were put on

board to trade with the natives; and on the 26th of August 1768, they

sailed from Plymouth Sound for the hitherto but little explored South

Seas. On the 13th September they anchored in Funchal roads, Madeira,

and here commenced the researches and inquiries of the men of science.

From hence they departed on the night of the 18th; and falling short

of water and provisions on the Brazil coast, they put into the

beautiful harbor of Rio Janeiro on the 13th November. The viceroy of

this fine city could make nothing of the scientific intentions of the

English, and was exceedingly troublesome and annoying. When told that

they were bound to the South Seas to observe the transit of Venus, he

could form no other conception of the matter than that it was the

passing of the north star through the south pole. Numerous

difficulties were thrown in the way of the departure of the voyagers

after they had victualed and watered; and when they sailed, shots were

fired at them from the fort of Santa Cruz, a heavy battery at the

entrance of the harbor; and on inquiry, Mr. Cook ascertained that the

pass for the Endeavour had not been sent from the city. A spirited

remonstrance was made, and the viceroy apologised.

On the 7th December the voyagers finally quitted this place, and on

the 14th January 1769, entered the Straits of Le Maire, where the sea

was running tremendously high, and on the following day anchored in

the Bay of Good Success. Although the season was extremely inclement,

yet the love of botany induced Mr. Banks, Dr. Solander, Mr. Monkhouse

the surgeon, and Mr. Green the astronomer, to ascend the mountains in

search of plants. They took with them their attendants and servants,

with two seamen; and after suffering severe hardships from the cold

and the torpor it produced, they got back to the ship on the second

day, leaving two black men, who had accompanied them, dead from the

extreme severity of the weather. They could not be got on, but lay

down to rest, and slept the sleep of death. Dr. Solander with great

difficulty was saved; for although the first to warn others against

the danger of reposing, yet he was eventually himself so overcome,

that great exertion was required to force him along. They found the

inhabitants on the coasts of these straits a wretched set of beings,

with scarcely any covering; dwelling in hovels made of sticks and

grass, that offered no obstruction to the entrance of the wind, the

snow, and the rain. They wandered about, picking up a scanty

subsistence wherever they could, though they had not a single

implement to dress their fish when caught, or any other food: still

they appeared contented; and the only things they coveted from the

English were beads and useless trinkets.

On the 26th January the Endeavour took her departure from Cape Horn,

and before March 1st had run 660 leagues. Several islands were

discovered in their progress, most of which were supposed to be

inhabited; and their beautiful verdure and delightful appearance were

highly gratifying to the sea-worn mariners. On the 11th of April they

came in sight of Otaheite, and two days after anchored in Port Royal

(Matavai), where the scientific gentlemen landed, and fixed upon a

spot to serve them for an observatory. The natives displayed much

friendship; but, to prevent collision, Mr. Cook drew up a code of

regulations by which communication and traffic were to be carried on.

A tent was erected on the site proposed――the natives keeping outside a

marked boundary――and a midshipman with thirteen marines were placed

over it as guards. As soon as this was accomplished, the party

proceeded to examine the interior of the island; but soon after their

departure, one of the natives snatched away the musket of the sentry.

The marines were ordered to fire, and the thief was shot dead. This

greatly alarmed the natives; but in a day or two they again became

familiarized and friendly. Mr. Cook proceeded to erect a fort round

the observatory, and mounted six swivel guns, which caused

apprehensions among the chiefs; but the natives assisted in the works;

and the commander displayed his sense of justice by publicly flogging

the butcher for having attempted or threatened the life of a wife of

one of the chiefs, who was particularly favorable to the English. On

the first stroke of the lash, the natives earnestly solicited that the

man should be forgiven; but Mr. Cook deemed the example essential, and

inflicted the whole punishment, greatly to the pain and regret of the

compassionate Indians, many of whom shed tears.

As soon as the fort was completed, and the astronomical instruments

were landed, they sought for the quadrant by which the transit was to

be observed, but it was nowhere to be found. Diligent search was made,

and a reward offered, but without success; and it was feared that the

object of their long and arduous voyage would remain unaccomplished.

At length, through the judicious intervention of Mr. Banks, the

quadrant was recovered from the natives who had stolen it, and with

great joy set up in its place. The approach of the time of observation

produced anxiety and excitement; and hoping that the atmosphere would

be clear and favorable, as well as to make assurance sure, Mr. Cook

established two other observatories――one on the island of Eimeo, under

Mr. Banks, and the other to the eastward of the main observatory,

under Mr. Hicks (the master).

The morning of the 3d June was ushered in with a cloudless sky, and at

the fort the transit was observed in the most satisfactory manner. The

success of their enterprise was highly gratifying to the voyagers; but

their pleasure was somewhat damped by the violence which at times was

engendered between the natives and the seamen, the former of whom

proved to be dexterous thieves. But Mr. Cook would not allow the

plunderers to be fired upon, as he considered the issue of life and

death to be of too important a nature to be intrusted to a sentinel,

without any form of trial or show of equity; nor did he deem a petty

theft as meriting so severe a punishment. On one occasion, however, he

seized upon all their fishing canoes, fully laden; and though from

motives of humanity he gave up the fish, yet he detained the vessels,

under a hope that several articles which had been pilfered would be

restored. But in this he was mistaken; for nothing of value was given

up, and ultimately he released the canoes. Mr. Cook and Mr. Banks

circumnavigated the island, and visited many villages, where they

renewed acquaintance with the several chiefs. Exploring parties were

also sent into the interior; and Mr. Banks planted the seeds of

water-melons, oranges, lemons, limes, and other plants and trees which

he had collected for the purpose (some of which are now in rich

perfection); and it was ascertained that parts of the island

manifested appearances of subterranean fire.

On the 7th July the carpenters began to dismantle the fort preparatory

to departure, and on the 13th the ship weighed anchor. Tupia, one of

the principal natives, and chief priest of the country, with a boy of

thirteen, having obtained permission from Mr. Cook to embark for

England, they took an affecting and affectionate leave of their

friends. Few places possess more seductive influences than Otaheite.

The climate is delightful, the productions of the earth bountiful and

almost spontaneous, and the people, though addicted to pilfering,

simple, kind-hearted, and hospitable.

After quitting Otaheite, the Endeavour visited the islands Huaheine,

Ulietea, Otaha, and Bolabola, where Mr. Cook purchased various

articles of food. They also anchored at Owharre, and exchanged

friendly gifts with the natives; and presents of English medals, etc.,

with inscriptions, were made to the king Oree. Ulietea had been

conquered by the king of Bolabola, but he received the English with

considerable courtesy. These visits occupied rather more than three

weeks; and Ulietea, Otaha, Bolabola, Huaheine, Tabai, and Mawrua, as

they lay contiguous to each other, were named by Mr. Cook the Society

Islands.

In their intercourse with the natives of these places (all of which

more or less resembled the manners and habits of the Otaheitans), they

were greatly assisted by Tupia, who was very proud of the power

possessed by his new friends. On the 9th August, the Endeavour quitted

Ulietea, and on the 13th made the island Oheteoa, where they attempted

to land; but the natives displayed so much hostility, that Mr. Cook

deemed it best to desist, and proceed on his way to the southward in

search of a supposed continent. On the 25th they celebrated the

anniversary of their departure from England, and on the 30th they

observed a comet; it was just above the horizon, to the eastward, at

one A. M.; and about half-past four, when it passed the meridian, its

tail subtended an angle of forty-five degrees. Tupia declared that its

appearance would be the signal for the warriors of Bolabola to attack

the Ulieteans and drive them to the mountains. The vessel was now

proceeding in a south-westerly direction from the Pacific towards New

Zealand, Cook designing to return by way of the Cape of Good Hope, and

thus circumnavigate the globe. On the 6th October land was discovered,

which proved to be a part of New Zealand; where, having anchored, an

attempt was made to open a communication with the natives, but without

effect. Their hostile menaces and actions were all of a decidedly

warlike nature, and it was only when they felt the superiority of

firearms, of which they seemed to have been in ignorance, that they

desisted from attacks. Tupia addressed them to be peaceable, and they

understood his language; but he could not prevail upon them to put

confidence in the English. A conflict took place, in which some of the

New Zealanders were rather unnecessarily killed, and three boys were

taken prisoners, who were treated with much kindness. As the place

afforded nothing that the voyagers wanted, Mr. Cook named it Poverty

Bay. The Boys were dismissed, and the treatment they had experienced

induced some of the Indians to come off to the ship; but it appeared

almost impossible to conciliate any one of them for long. Armed

parties in large canoes assembled, and paddled off to the Endeavour,

under pretext of trading, but in reality to plunder; and in various

instances it was deemed essentially necessary to fire upon them. They

also seized Tayeto, Tupia’s boy, but were compelled to relinquish

their prey through the effects of a musket ball; and the lad, taking

advantage, leaped from the canoe, in which he had been held down, and

swam back to the ship. Whilst standing along the coast, they fell in

with the largest canoe they had yet seen: her length was 68½ feet, her

breadth 5 feet, and her depth 3 feet 6 inches. About this time the

Endeavour narrowly escaped being wrecked on the rocks that lay some

distance from the land; but by the skill and judgment of Mr. Cook, the

danger was avoided. On the 9th November, Lieutenant Cook, accompanied

by Mr. Green, landed with the necessary instruments to observe the

transit of Mercury over the sun’s disc, and this they performed to

their entire satisfaction.

On the 5th December, whilst turning out of the Bay of Islands, it fell

calm; and the Endeavour drifted so close to the shore, that

notwithstanding the incessant roar of the breakers, they could

converse with the natives on the beach. The pinnace was got out to tow

the vessel’s head round; but none expected to escape destruction, when

a light land-breeze sprang up, and gradually they got clear from their

perilous situation――the ground was too foul to anchor. About an hour

afterwards, just as the man heaving the lead sang out ‘seventeen

fathoms,’ she struck on a sunken rock with force; but the swell washed

her over, and she was again in deep water. On the 30th December they

made the land, which they judged to be Cape Maria, Van Diemens; and on

the 14th January, 1770, anchored in a snug cove in Queen Charlotte’s

Sound, to refit the ship and clean her bottom. Here they caught a

great quantity of fish by means of the seine――at one time not less

than three hundred weight at two hauls. They also found an excellent

stream of fresh-water. In one of their researches they discovered an

Indian family; and it is related that they had indisputable proofs of

the custom of eating human flesh. The place they were in is described

as very delightful; and Mr. Cook took several opportunities of

obtaining views from the high hills, and examining the nearest coast.

The inhabitants were friendly disposed, and everywhere received the

English with hospitality. Mr. Cook selected a favorable spot, on which

he erected a pole, and having hoisted the union jack, named the place

Queen Charlotte’s Sound, in honor of her majesty. Coins and

spike-nails were given to the Indian spectators; and after drinking

the queen’s health in wine, the empty bottle was bestowed upon the man

who had carried it when full, with which he was much delighted.

On the 5th February he quitted this part of New Zealand, and proceeded

to explore three or four islands in that locality, giving names to

capes, headlands, rocks, etc. But this was not accomplished without

considerable peril, on account of the strength of the currents. To one

place he gave the name of Admiralty Bay, where he took in wood and

filled his water-casks, and sailed again on the 31st March, intending

to return home by way of the East Indies. On the 19th April they came

in sight of New Holland (or New South Wales, as it is now called), and

anchored in Botany Bay on the 28th, where they landed; but contrary to

the will of two or three Indians, who attacked the English with their

lances, but on the firing of muskets, fled. The voyagers left beads

and trinkets in the huts of the natives, and during the time they

remained at that place they were untouched. The inhabitants seemed

utterly regardless of the ship, though they could never have seen such

a spectacle before. Here they caught a fish called a string-ray,

which, after the entrails were taken out, weighed 336 pounds.

Mr. Cook prosecuted his discoveries in New South Wales with zeal and

energy over a tract of 1300 miles; but on the 10th June, near Trinity

Bay, the Endeavour struck on a reef of coral rocks, and was compelled

to start her water, throw her guns overboard, and use every mode to

lighten the vessel; but with four pumps at work, they could not keep

her free; and every soul, though struggling hard for life, yet

prepared for that death which now appeared to be inevitable. Upon

these rocks the ship remained for nearly forty-eight hours, her

sheathing ripped off, and the very timbers nearly rubbed through: by

great exertion, however, she was got afloat at high tide, and it was

found that she made no more water than when aground; and the men, by

working incessantly at the pumps, kept her afloat. At the suggestion

of Mr. Monkhouse, a sail was fothered (that is, pieces of oakum and

other light materials were slightly stitched to it), and being hauled

under the ship’s bottom, the loose pieces were sucked into the leaks,

and in a great measure stopped the holes, so that they were enabled to

keep the water in the hold under with only one pump. On the morning of

the 17th, after running aground twice, they got into a convenient

harbor for repairing their damages; and here, when the vessel was hove

down, they found a large piece of rock in the ship’s bottom, firmly

jammed in the hole it had made, so as to exclude the sea, and which,

if it had fallen out, must have proved fatal to all.

About this time the scurvy broke out amongst them, and attacked

indiscriminately both officers and men; but the quantity of fish that

was caught, allowing each man two pounds and a-half per day, together

with turtle and herbs, somewhat checked its progress. Three of the

turtle caught weighed together 791 pounds. The natives took but little

notice of the voyagers at first, but afterwards became familiar; and

on one occasion, when refused something which they wanted, one of them

seized a firebrand, and going to windward of the place where the

armorer was at work, set fire to the high grass, so that every part of

the smith’s forge that would burn was destroyed. A musket ball was

fired at them, and they ran away. The fire was repeated in the woods

shortly afterwards, but without injury, as the stores and powder that

had been landed were already on board. The hills all round burned

fiercely for several nights.

It must here be mentioned, that the injuries sustained by the vessel

proved destructive to many valuable specimens that had been collected

by Mr. Banks, which had been put for security in the bread-room, but

the salt-water saturating a great portion, they were utterly spoiled.

The place where they refitted was named by Mr. Cook Endeavour River.

Its entrance for many miles was surrounded with shoals, and the

channels between them were very intricate. On the 4th August they

quitted their anchorage, and it was not till the 24th that they got

clear of the reefs and sandbanks. After another narrow escape from

being wrecked, they made New Guinea on the 3d September, where they

anchored, and went on shore; but the hostility of the natives, who

resembled those of New South Wales, prevented intercourse. The latter

used a sort of combustible material that ignited, without any report.

The land looked rich and luxurious in vegetation, and the cocoa-nut,

the bread-fruit, and the plantain trees, flourished in the highest

perfection. Mr. Cook made sail to the westward, contrary to the wish

of his people, who wanted to cut down the trees to get their fruit,

but which, through humanity to the natives, he would not permit. In

pursuing their voyage, they fell in with islands which were not upon

the charts, and passed Timor and others, intending to run for Java: on

the 17th they saw a beautiful island, and found Dutch residents, with

cattle and sheep. The crew of the Endeavour had suffered many

privations and hardships, and the scurvy was making havoc among them,

so that they complained of their commander not having put in at Timor;

but now they obtained nine buffaloes, six sheep, three hogs, thirty

dozen of fowls, etc., with several hundred gallons of palm syrup. This

was the island Savu, and the natives are spoken of as highly pure in

their morals and integrity, and their land a perfect paradise.

On the 21st Mr. Cook again sailed, and on the 1st of October came

within sight of Java, and on the 9th brought up in Batavia Roads,

where they found the Harcourt East Indiaman, and once more enjoyed the

pleasure of communicating with their countrymen, and obtaining news

from home. As it was deemed necessary to reëxamine the Endeavour’s

bottom, preparations were made for the purpose. Tupia and his boy

Tayoeta were almost mad with delight on viewing the display of

European manners on shore; but sickness assailed all who resided in

the city, and the two Indians became its victims. In about six weeks

there were buried Mr. Spearing, assistant to Mr. Banks, Mr. Parkinson,

artist, Mr. Green, astronomer, the boatswain, the carpenter and his

mate, Mr. Monkhouse and another midshipman, the sailmaker and his

assistant, the ship’s cook, the corporal of marines, and eleven

seamen.

On the 27th of December the Endeavour, being completed, stood out to

sea, and on the 5th of January 1771, anchored at Prince’s Island, but

sailed again on the 15th for the Cape of Good Hope, where they arrived

on the 15th of March. On the 14th April Mr. Cook resumed his voyage

home, touched at St Helena (1st May to 4th), made the Lizard on the

10th of June, and anchored the next day in the Downs, where Mr. Cook

left her.

The arrival of Mr. Cook, and the publication of sketches of his

voyage, produced earnest desires to ascertain the full extent of his

discoveries. Unknown parts had been explored; vast additions were made

to geographical and scientific knowledge; the productions of various

countries, together with the manners, habits, and customs of the

natives, excited universal curiosity and deep interest; so that, when

Dr. Hawkesworth’s account of the voyage, from the papers of Mr. Cook

and Mr. Banks, was published, it was eagerly bought up at a large

price. The astronomical observations threw much information on the

theory of the heavenly bodies; navigation had eminently proved its

vast capabilities: it had been in a great measure determined that no

southern continent existed, or at least that neither New Zealand nor

New South Wales were parts of such a continent; and most interesting

accounts were given of the places visited and the perils encountered.

Mr. Cook was promoted to the rank of commander; the Royal Society

honored him with especial favor and notice; and his society was

courted by men of talent and research, eager for information. His

worthy patrons, Sir Charles Saunders and Sir Hugh Palliser, were

gratified to find their recommendations had been so well supported;

the Earl of Sandwich, then at the head of the Admiralty Board, paid

him considerable attention; and his majesty George III, treated him

with more than ordinary consideration. Captain Cook enjoyed sufficient

to make him proud; but he was too humble in mind, too modest in

disposition, and too diffident in manners, to cherish one atom of

unbecoming self-estimation.

SECOND VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD. The idea of the existence of a southern

continent, or as the learned called it, _Terra Australis Incognita_,

had existed for more than two centuries; and though Cook had sailed

over many parts where it was said to be situated, without seeing land,

yet his first voyage did not altogether destroy the expectation that

it might yet be found. Besides, his discoveries in the South Seas had

whetted the public appetite for still further knowledge on the

subject. The king, well pleased with what had been done, wished more

to be accomplished; and accordingly, two stout ships built at Hull

were purchased――the Resolution, of 462 tons, commanded by Captain

Cook, with a complement of 112 persons; and the Adventure, of 336

tons, commanded by Tobias Furneaux, with a crew including officers, of

81 souls. These appointments took place on the 28th of November 1771,

and the most active exertions were immediately called into operation

to fit them for the undertaking. Experience had taught Captain Cook

what was the most essential and requisite for such a voyage; not only

for the comforts and preservation of his people from scurvy, not only

for commerce with the natives, but cattle and seeds of various kinds,

and numerous things which philanthropy suggested, were shipped for the

purpose of spreading the advantages of propagation and fertility

amongst the South Sea islands; the benefits of which have since been

experienced by other voyagers in an eminent degree. The Admiralty

engaged Mr. W. Hodges as landscape painter; Mr. J. R. Forster and son

were appointed to collect specimens of natural history; and Mr. Wales

in the Resolution, and Mr. Bayley in the Adventure, were sent by the

Board of Longitude to superintend astronomical observations, for which

they were furnished with admirable instruments and four excellent

time-pieces.

The instructions given to Captain Cook were――‘To circumnavigate the

whole globe in high southern latitudes, making traverses from time to

time into every part of the Pacific Ocean that had not undergone

previous investigation, and to use his best endeavors to resolve the

much agitated question of the existence of a southern continent.’

On the 13th July 1772, the two vessels quitted Plymouth, and after

touching at Madeira for wine, and at the Cape de Verde for water,

crossed the line with a brisk south-west wind, and anchored in Table

Bay, Cape of Good Hope, on the 30th October. Here Captain Cook

ascertained that the French were prosecuting discoveries in the South

Seas, and that, eight months before, two French ships had sailed about

forty miles along land in the latitude of 48 degrees, but had been

driven off by a gale of wind. He also learned that two others had

recently left the Mauritius for a similar purpose. On the 22d November

Captain Cook took leave of Table Bay, and pursued his voyage for Cape

Circumcision, but encountered very severe gales, which destroyed much

of the live stock, and the people experienced great inconvenience from

the intensity of the cold. The judicious management of the commander,

however, prevented any fatal result. Warm clothing was given to the

men; the decks below were kept well dried and ventilated, as well as

warmed; and an addition was made to the issue of grog. On the 10th

December they fell in with immense icebergs, some two miles in circuit

at the edge of the water, and about sixty feet in height, over which

the sea was breaking with tremendous violence. On the 14th the ships

were stopped by a field of low ice, to which no end could be seen,

either, east, west, or south. On the 18th they got clear of this

obstruction, but continued amongst the fields and bergs, with heavy

gales of wind, till the 1st January 1773, when it was clear enough to

see the moon, which they had only done once before since quitting the

Cape. The fogs had been so impenetrable as to obscure the heavens.

Various indications had induced a belief that land was not far

distant, and Captain Cook had as near as possible pursued a course for

the supposed Cape Circumcision. By the 7th January they had reached

the latitude of 67 degrees 15 minutes south, where they found the ice

closely packed from east to west-south-west, and further progress

debarred, unless by running the hazard of getting blocked up as the

summer in this part of the world was rapidly passing away. The captain

therefore desisted from penetrating further to the south, and returned

northerly, to look for the asserted recently-discovered land of the

French. On the 1st February they were in latitude 48 degrees 30

minutes south, and longitude 58 degrees 7 minutes east, where it was

stated to have been seen; but nothing of the kind presented itself to

view. He traversed this part of the ocean with similar results; and

during a dense fog, parted company with the Adventure. On the 23d they

were in latitude 61 degrees 52 minutes south, and longitude 95 degrees

2 minutes east; the weather thick and stormy, and the ship surrounded

by drifting ice. Captain Cook therefore stood to the north in a hard

gale with a heavy sea, which broke up the mountains of ice, and

rendered them, by their numbers, still more dangerous, especially in

the long dark nights. On the 13th and 14th March the astronomers got

observations which showed the latitude to be 58 degrees 22 minutes

south, and the longitude 136 degrees 22 minutes east, whilst the

watches showed the latter to be 134 degrees 42 minutes east. Captain

Cook had become convinced he had left no continent south of him, and

consequently shaped a course for New Zealand, to refresh his men,

refit his ship, and look for the Adventurer. He made the land, and

anchored in Dusky Bay on the 26th March, after having been 117 days at

sea, and traversed 3660 leagues without seeing any land; whilst during

the whole time, through the arrangements and supplies of Captain Cook,

scarcely a single case of scurvy occurred. From Dusky Bay they removed

to another anchorage, where fish were plentifully caught, and the

woods abounded with wild fowl; timber and fire-wood were close at

hand, and a fine stream of fresh water within a hundred yards of the

ship’s stern. This place was named Pickersgill harbor, in honor of the

lieutenant who discovered it. The workmen erected tents for the forge,

the carpenters, the sail-makers, coopers, and others, and a spot was

selected for an observatory. Some tolerably good beer was manufactured

from the branches and leaves of a tree resembling the American black

spruce, mixed with the inspissated juice of wort and molasses.

On the 28th some of the natives visited them, and though at first shy,

a friendly intercourse was subsequently established. Captain Cook

surveyed Dusky Bay, where in retired spots, he planted seeds, and left

several geese. They also caught a number of seals, from which they

procured a supply of oil. On the 11th May they quitted this place for

Queen Charlotte’s Sound, and on the 17th it fell perfectly calm, and

they had an opportunity of seeing no less than six waterspouts, one of

which passed within fifty yards of the Resolution. The next day they

made the Sound, where the Adventure had already arrived, and great was

the joy of meeting. On the 4th June they celebrated the birthday of

George III, and a chief and his family, consisting of ninety persons,

were shown the gardens which had been made, which they promised to

continue in cultivation. A male and female goat were put on shore on

the east side of the Sound, and a boar and two sows near Cannibal

Cove, which it was hoped would not be molested.

On the 17th June the ships sailed, and on the 29th July the crew of

the Adventure manifested rather alarming symptoms of a sickly state.

The cook died, and about twenty of her best men were incapable of duty

through scurvy and flux; whilst at this period only three men were

sick in the Resolution, and but one of these with the scurvy. The

difference was attributed to the people of the former ship not having

fed much upon celery, scurvy-grass, and other greens, whilst at Queen

Charlotte’s Sound. On the 1st of August they were in the supposed

position of Pitcairn’s Island, laid down by captain Carteret in 1767;

but as its longitude was incorrectly stated, they did not see it, but

must have passed it about fifteen leagues to the westward. August 6th,

the ships got advantage of the trade-winds at south-east, being at

that time in latitude 19 deg. 36 min. south, and longitude 131 deg. 32

min. west. The captain directed his course west-northwest, passed a

number of islands and rocks, which he named the Dangerous Archipelago,

and on the 15th of August came in sight of Osnaburgh Island, or

Maitea, which had been discovered by captain Wallis, and sail was

immediately made for Otaheite, which they saw the same evening.

On the 17th the ships anchored in Oaiti-piha Bay, and the natives

immediately crowded on board with fruit and roots, which were

exchanged for nails and beads; and presents of shirts, axes, etc.,

were made to several who called themselves chiefs. Their thieving

propensities, however, could not be restrained; and some articles of

value having been stolen, Captain Cook turned the whole of them out of

the ship, and then fired musketry over their heads, to show them the

hazard which they ran. It is worthy of remark, that though Tupia was

well known to the islanders, yet very few inquired what had become of

him; and those who did, on being informed that he was dead, expressed

neither sorrow, suspicion, nor surprise; but every one anxiously asked

for Mr. Banks and others who had accompanied Captain Cook in his

former voyage. With respect to the Otaheitans, considerable changes

had occurred. Toutaha, the regent of the great peninsula of that

island, had been slain in the battle about five months before the

Resolution’s arrival, and Otoo was now the reigning chief. Several

others friendly to the English had fallen; but Otoo manifested much

friendship for them. A few days subsequent to their anchoring in the

bay, a marine died; the rest of the men, who labored under sickness

and scorbutic weakness, very soon recovered, through the supplies of

fresh meat and vegetables.

On the 24th the ships got under weigh, and the next evening anchored

in Matavai Bay, where the decks became excessively crowded by natives,

who had visited them the voyage previous. On the following day Captain

Cook went to Oparre to see Otoo, whom he describes as a fine well-made

man, six feet high, and about thirty years of age. He was not,

however, very courageous, for he declined accompanying the captain on

board the Resolution, as he was ‘afraid of the guns.’ The observatory

was fitted up, the sick were landed, as well as a guard of marines,

and the natives brought hogs and fruits to barter. Some disturbance

that took place through two or three marines behaving rudely to the

women, caused at the time considerable alarm; but the men were seized

and punished, and tranquillity restored.

Everything being ready for sea, on the 1st of September the ships

quitted Matavai Bay, and visited the other islands. At Owharre, the

chief brought the presents he had received from Captain Cook on the

previous voyage, to show that he had treasured them. He also behaved

very generously, in sending the best fruits and vegetables that could

be procured for the captain’s table. The intercourse with the natives

was proceeding very quietly, when, on the 6th, without any

provocation, a man assailed Captain Cook with a club at the

landing-place; and Mr. Sparrman, who had gone into the woods to

botanise, was stripped and beaten. The Indians expressed great

contrition for this outrage; and the king, on being informed of it,

not only wept aloud, but placed himself under the entire control of

the English, and went with them in search of the stolen articles. His

subjects endeavored to prevent this, but his sister encouraged him,

and not meeting with success, Oree insisted on being taken on board

the Resolution to remain as a hostage. He dined with Captain Cook, and

was afterwards landed by that officer, to the great joy of the people,

who brought in hogs and fruits, and soon filled two boats. The next

day the ships unmoored, and put to sea for Huaheine, where they

remained a short time, and received on board a native named Omai, who

afterwards figured much in England.

The inhabitants of the Society Islands generally manifested great

timidity; on some occasion they offered human sacrifices to a supreme

being. The voyagers quitted this part of the world on the 17th, and

sailed to the westward, and gave the name of Harvey’s Island to land

they discovered on the 23d. It was in 19 degrees 18 minutes south, and

158 degrees 4 minutes west. By October 1st they reached Middleburg,

and were welcomed with loud acclamations by the natives. Barter

commenced; but the people ashore seemed more desirous to give than

receive, and threw into the boats whole bales of cloth, without asking

or waiting for anything in the return. After leaving some garden

seeds, and other useful things, the ships proceeded to Amsterdam,

where they met a similar reception; but Captain Cook putting a stop to

the purchase of curiosities and cloth, the natives brought off pigs,

fowls, and fruits in abundance, which they exchanged for spike nails.

The island was extensively cultivated; there appeared to be not an

inch of waste ground; and the fertility of the soil was excellent.

Captain Cook paid a visit to the head chief, who was seated, and

seemed to be in a sort of idiotic stupor, nor did he take the

slightest notice of the captain or any one else. The inhabitants of

these islands are described as being of good shape, regular features,

brisk and lively; particularly the women, who were constantly merry

and cheerful. Most of the people had lost one or both of their little

fingers, but no reason could be gathered as to the cause of

amputation.

The voyage was renewed on the 7th October, and on the 21st they came

in sight of New Zealand, eight or ten leagues from Table Cape, when

Captain Cook presented the chief with two boars, two sows, four hens,

two cocks, and a great variety of seeds――wheat, peas, beans, cabbage,

turnips, onions, &c., and a spike nail about ten inches in length, with

which latter he seemed to be more delighted than with all the rest put

together. After beating about the coast in a variety of tempestuous

weather, the Resolution anchored in Ship Cove, Queen Charlotte’s

Sound, on the 3d November; but the Adventure was separated from them

in a heavy gale, and was never seen or heard of during the remainder

of the voyage. In this place they made the best use of the means they

possessed to repair the damage they had sustained, but, on examining

the stock of bread, ascertained that 4992 pounds were totally unfit

for use, and other 3000 pounds in such a state of decay that none but

persons situated as our voyagers were could have eaten it. On inquiry

after the animals left on the island by Captain Cook, most of them

were preserved in a good condition, with the exception of two goats

that a native had destroyed. The articles planted in the gardens were

in a flourishing condition. To his former gifts the captain now added

many others, and placed them in such situations that they were not

likely to be disturbed. Whilst lying here, complaint was made that

some of the Resolution’s men had plundered a native hut. The thief was

discovered, tied up to a post, and flogged in the presence of the

chiefs and their people, who expressed themselves satisfied with the

punishment inflicted. It was a great principle with Cook to set an

example of strict honesty.

In this second voyage the captain gained indisputable proofs that the

New Zealanders were eaters of human flesh; but he firmly believed that

it was the flesh of captives, or those who had been killed in battle.

Captain Cook quitted New Zealand on the 26th November, his ship’s

company in good health and spirits, and nowise daunted at the

prospects of hardships they were about to endure in again searching

for a southern continent or islands in high latitudes. They were not

long before they once more encountered fields and islands of ice, and

when in latitude 67 degrees 5 minutes, they were nearly blocked up. On

the 22d of December they attained the highest latitude they could

venture――this was 67 degrees 31 minutes south, and in longitude 142

degrees 54 minutes west; but no land was discovered. The crew of the

Resolution were attacked by slight fever, caused by colds, but on

coming northward, it was cured in a few days; and on the 5th January

1774, when in 50 degrees south, there were not more than two or three

persons on the sick list.

After traversing the ocean as far south as it was prudent to go, all

the scientific men expressed their belief that ice surrounded the pole

without any intervening land; the Resolution consequently returned to

the northward to look for the island of Juan Fernandez. About this

time Captain Cook was seized with a dangerous and distressing disease,

and it was several days before the worst symptoms were removed. On his

amending, there being no fresh provisions on board, and his stomach

loathing the salt food, a favorite dog of Mr. Forster was killed and

boiled, which afforded both broth and meat, and upon this fare he

gained strength. The Resolution on the 11th March, came in sight of

Easter Island, situated in 27 degrees 5 minutes south, and 109 degrees

46 minutes west, where they remained a few days, and found the

inhabitants very similar in appearance and character to the people of

the more western isles. The place, however, afforded scarcely any food

or fuel, the anchorage was unsafe, and the only matters worthy of

notice were some rudely-carved gigantic statues in the interior.

Captain Cook left Easter Island to pursue a course for the Marquesas,

and got sight of them on the 6th April. During the passage the captain

had a recurrence of his disorder, but it was neither so violent nor so

long in duration as before. The ship was anchored in Resolution Bay,

at the island of St. Christina, where thievery was practiced equally

as much as at the Society and other isles; and one of the natives was

unfortunately killed whilst in the act of carrying away the iron

stanchion of the gangway. They had now been nineteen weeks at sea,

entirely on salt provisions; but still, owing to the anti-scorbutic

articles and medicines, and the warmth and cleanliness preserved,

scarcely a man was sick. Here they obtained fresh meat, fruits, yams,

and plantains, but in small quantities; and the captain having

corrected, by astronomical observations, the exact position of these

islands, once more made sail for Otaheite. During the passage they

passed several small islands, and discovered four others, which Cook

named after his old commander, Sir Hugh Palliser. On the 22d April the

anchor was again let go in Matavai Bay, where the usual process was

gone through of erecting the observatory to try the rates of the

watches; but no tent was required for the sick, as there was not a man

ill on board.

During the stay of Captain Cook at this island, where refreshments of

all kinds were readily obtained, and particularly in exchange for some

red feathers that had been brought from Amsterdam, the old friendships

were renewed with Otoo and other chiefs; there was a constant

interchange of visits; and on one occasion the Otaheitans got up a

grand naval review.

The large canoes in this part of the world are extremely graceful and

handsome in display, particularly the double war canoes, with flags

and streamers, paddling along with great swiftness, and performing

their evolutions with considerable skill. No less than 160 of the

largest double war canoes were assembled, fully equipped, and the

chiefs and their men, habited in full war costume, appeared upon the

fighting stages, with their clubs and other instruments of warfare

ready for action. Besides these large vessels, there were 170 smaller

double canoes, each of these last having a mast and sail, and a sort

of hut or cabin on the deck. Captain Cook calculated that the number

of men embarked in them could not be fewer than 7760, most of them

armed with clubs, pikes, barbed spears, bows and arrows, and slings

for throwing large stones; in fact, strongly resembling the

representations of engagements with galleys in the Mediterranean

described some centuries before. The spectacle at Otaheite was

extremely imposing, and greatly surprised the English.

Whilst lying at Matavai Bay, one of the islanders was caught in the

act of stealing a water-cask. Captain Cook had him secured and sent on

board the Resolution, where he was put in irons, and in this degraded

situation was seen by Otoo and other chiefs, who entreated that the

man might be pardoned. But the captain would not comply with their

requests; he told them that ‘any act of dishonesty amongst his own

people was severely punished, and he was resolved to make an example

of the thief he had caught.’ Accordingly, the culprit was taken ashore

to the tents, the guard turned out, and the offender being tied to a

post, received two dozen lashes, inflicted by a boatswain’s mate.

Towha, one of the chiefs, then addressed the people, and recommended

them to abstain from stealing in future. To make a further impression

on them, the marines were ordered to go through their exercise, and

load and fire with ball.

A few days afterwards one of the gunner’s mates attempted to desert,

and it was soon ascertained that he had formed an attachment on shore,

and if he had got away, the natives would have concealed him up the

country. Indeed the temptations for remaining in this beautiful

country were very great. Every requisite to sustain existence was

abundant, the scenery splendid, the earth spontaneously fertile, the

waters abounding with fish――in short, a few hours’ exertion was

sufficient to obtain a week’s supply; and in a climate replete with

health, a European might have rendered others subservient to his will,

and lived without labor of any kind.

They next anchored in Owharre harbor, at Huaheine, and the former

amicable intercourse was repeated. The stock of nails and articles of

traffic being much reduced, the smiths were set to work to manufacture

more. Whilst lying here, the voyagers had an opportunity of witnessing

a theatrical representation, principally founded on an actual

occurrence. A young girl had quitted Otaheite and her friends to

accompany a seaman to Ulieta, and she was now present to see the

drama. It described her as running away from her home, the grief of

her parents, and a long string of adventures, which terminated in her

return to her native place, where her reception was none of the most

gentle that can be conceived. The poor girl could hardly be persuaded

to wait for the conclusion, and she cried most bitterly.

They parted from the inhabitants with much regret, and having called

at Ulieta, they sailed past Howe Island, and discovered another nearly

surrounded with reefs, to which the name of Palmerston was given. On

the 20th July fresh land was seen, on which they went ashore, but

found the natives fierce and hostile. The firing of muskets did not

deter them; and one came close enough to throw a spear at the captain,

which passed over his shoulder. The captain presented his piece, but

it missed fire, and the daring fellow was saved. They named this

Savage Island. It lies in latitude 19 degrees 1 minute south,

longitude 169 degrees 37 minutes west. From thence, after passing a

number of small islets, they anchored on the 26th on the north side of

Anamocka, Rotterdam, and commenced trade for provisions. But here, as

at the other islands, frequent disputes and conflicts took place with

the inhabitants on account of their thievish propensities. Here they

ascertained that a chain of islands, some of which they could see,

existed in the neighborhood, forming a group within the compass of

three degrees of latitude, and two of longitude, and which Captain

Cook named the Friendly Isles; which designation they certainly

merited, for the social qualities and conduct of the natives.

Pursuing their course westward, they came, on the 1st July, to a small

island, which, on account of the great number of turtle, was named

after that amphibious creature; and on the 16th they saw high land;

and after coasting it for two other days, they anchored in a harbor in

the island of Mallecollo, to which the captain gave the name of Port

Sandwich. At first the natives were hostile, but they were soon

conciliated through the bland manners of Cook, and were found strictly

honest in all their dealings. In fact, they are described as totally

different to any they had yet visited. They were very dark, extremely

ugly, and ill-proportioned, and their features strongly resembled

those of a monkey.

Soon after getting to sea, various other islands were seen and named;

and an affray took place with some of the natives, in which two of

them were wounded. A promontory near where the skirmish occurred they

called Traitor’s Head. After cruising about amongst the great number

of islands in this locality, making observations and taking surveys,

they steered towards New Zealand, to wood and water, previous to a

renewal of their search southward; and on the 4th September discovered

land, and entered a pleasant harbor on the following day, where they

were well received. On the 13th they weighed again, and surveyed the

coast, by which they ascertained that the island was very extensive;

and, from certain peculiarities, Cook named it New Caledonia. Botany

here received great accessions. Many plants were collected hitherto

unknown: and both geography and natural history afforded much research

to the scientific men. A small island, on which were growing some pine

trees, received the name of Pine Island; and another was called

Botany, from the great variety of specimens obtained.

The Resolution, in proceeding for New Zealand, touched at an

uninhabited island, abounding with vegetation, which was named Norfolk

Island, and on the 18th October anchored in Ship Cove, Queen

Charlotte’s Sound, where she refitted and the captain completed his

survey. Captain Cook had buried a bottle near the Cove when he was

here before, and in digging now it was not to be found. It was

therefore supposed that the Adventure had anchored here, and her

people had removed it. On the 10th November they took their departure;

and having sailed till the 27th in different degrees of latitude, from

43 degrees to 54 degrees 8 minutes south, Captain Cook gave up hopes

of falling in with any more land in this ocean. He therefore resolved

to steer for the west entrance of the Straits of Magellan, in order to

coast along the south side of Terra del Fuego, round Cape Horn to the

Straits of Le Maire. On the 17th December he reached his first

destination, and here the scenery was very different from what they

had before beheld. Lofty rocky mountains entirely destitute of

vegetation, craggy summits, and horrible precipices; the whole aspect

of the country barren and savage. Yet near every harbor they were

enabled to procure fresh-water and fuel; and there were plenty of wild

fowl and geese. The inhabitants were wretchedly poor and ignorant.

On the 25th January 1778, having coasted it as far as 60 degrees

south, the land presenting the same uncouth appearance, covered with

ice and snow, and the ship exposed to numerous storms, and the people

to intense cold, the course was altered to look for Bouvet’s Land; but

though they reached the spot where it was laid down on the charts, and

sailed over and over it, yet no such place could be discovered; and

after two days’ search more to the southward, Cook came to the

conclusion that Bouvet had been deceived by the ice, and once more

bent his thoughts towards home――especially as the ship stood in need

of repairs, and her sails and rigging were nearly worn out――and

consequently steered for the Cape of Good Hope, where he heard of the

Adventure, and anchored in Table Bay on the 22d of March. From thence

he sailed on the 27th of April, touched at St. Helena on the 15th of

May, and remained till the 21st, and then got under weigh for

Ascension, where he arrived on the 28th; and from thence shaped a

course for the remarkable island Fernando de Noronha, which he reached

on the 9th of June; and pursuing his way for the western islands,

anchored in Fayal Roads on the 14th of July, where Mr. Wales the

astronomer determined the position of the Azores by a series of

observations. The Resolution ultimately entered Portsmouth on the

30th; and Captain Cook landed after an absence of three years and

eighteen days, having sailed 20,000 leagues in various climates――from

the extreme of heat to the extreme of cold. But so judicious had been

the arrangements for preserving health, and so carefully had Captain

Cook attended to the ventilation between decks, and the mode of

promoting warmth, as well as the food, etc., of the people, that he

lost only one man by sickness. It may naturally be supposed that the

wear and tear of the ship was great, her rigging scarcely trustworthy,

and her sails unfit to meet a fresh breeze; yet so careful were the

officers of the masts and yards, that not a spar of any consequence

was carried away during the whole voyage.

The fame of Captain Cook as a navigator, coupled with his marked

humanity as a man, now exalted him in public estimation far beyond

what he had before experienced; and the utmost anxiety prevailed to

obtain intelligence relative to his discoveries, etc. The king, to

testify his approbation, made him a post captain nine days subsequent

to his arrival; and three days afterwards, a captaincy in Greenwich

Hospital was conferred upon him, to afford an honorable and competent

retirement from active service. On the 29th of February 1776, he was

elected a member of the Royal Society, and in a short time he was

honored with the gold medal; Sir John Pringle, in presenting it,

uttering a well-merited eulogium on the worthy receiver. The

account of his second voyage was written by Captain Cook himself,

and manifests a plain manly style, giving facts rather than

embellishments.

COOK’S LAST VOYAGE. The discovery of a supposed north-west passage

from the North Atlantic to the North Pacific oceans had for many years

been ardently sought for both by the English and the Dutch. Frobisher

in 1576 made the first attempt, and his example was in succeeding

times followed by many others. But though much geographical

information had been gained in the neighborhood of Hudson’s Bay,

Davies’ Straits, Baffin’s Bay, and the coast of Greenland, yet no

channel whatever was found. By act of parliament, £20,000 was offered

to the successful individual. But though Captain Middleton in 1741,

and Captains Smith and Moore in 1746, explored those seas and regions,

the object remained unattained. The Honorable Captain Phipps

(afterwards Earl Mulgrave) was sent out in the Racehorse, accompanied

by Captain Lutwidge in the Carcase (Lord Nelson was a boy in this

latter ship), to make observations, and to penetrate as far as it was

practicable to do so. They sailed on the 2d of June 1773, and made

Spitzbergen on the 28th; but after great exertions, they found the ice

to the northward utterly impenetrable. Once they became closely

jammed, and it was only with great difficulty they escaped

destruction. On the 22d of August, finding it impossible to get

further to the northward, eastward, or westward, they made sail,

according to their instructions, for England, and arrived off Shetland

on the 7th of September.

Notwithstanding these numerous failures, the idea of an existing

passage was still cherished; and earl Sandwich continuing at the head

of the Admiralty, resolved that a further trial should be made, and

captain Cook offered his services to undertake it. They were gladly

accepted, and on the 10th of February, 1776, he was appointed to

command the expedition in his old but hardy ship, the Resolution, and

captain Clerke, in the Discovery, was ordered to attend him. In this

instance, however, the mode of experiment was to be reversed, and

instead of attempting the former routes by Davis’ Straits or Baffin’s

Bay, etc., Cook, at his own request, was instructed to proceed into

the South Pacific, and thence to try the passage by the way of

Behring’s Straits; and as it was necessary that the islands in the

southern ocean should be revisited, cattle and sheep, with other

animals, and all kinds of seeds, were shipped for the advantage of the

natives.

Every preparation having been made, the Resolution quitted Plymouth on

the 12th of July (the Discovery was to follow), taking Omai, the

native brought from the Society Isles, with him. Having touched at

Teneriffe, they crossed the equator September 1st, and reached the

Cape on the 18th of October, where the Discovery joined them on the

10th of November. Whilst lying in Table Bay, the cattle were landed;

and some dogs getting into the pens, worried and killed several of the

sheep, and dispersed the rest. Two fine rams and two ewes were lost;

but the two latter were recovered; the others could not be got back.

Captain Cook here made an addition to his stock, and, besides other

animals, purchased two young stallions and two mares.

[Illustration: SYDNEY, N. S. WALES.]

[Illustration: BARON VON HUMBOLDT.]

November 30th the ships sailed again, and encountered heavy gales, in

which several sheep and goats died. On the 12th of December they saw

two large islands, which Cook named Prince Edward’s Islands; and three

days afterwards several others were seen; but having reached

Keguelen’s Land, they anchored in a convenient harbor on Christmas

day. On the north side of this harbor one of the men found a quart

bottle fastened to a projecting rock by stout wire, and on opening it,

the bottle was found to contain a piece of parchment, on which was an

inscription purporting that the land had been visited by a French

vessel in 1772-3. To this Cook added a notice of his own visit; the

parchment was then returned to the bottle, and the cork being secured

with lead, was placed upon a pile of stones near to the place from

which it had been removed. The whole country was extremely barren and

desolate; and on the 30th they came to the eastern extremity of

Kerguelen’s Land. To his great chagrin, whilst exploring the coast,

captain Cook lost through the intense cold two young bulls, one

heifer, two rams, and several of the goats.

On the 24th of January, 1777, they came in sight of Van Diemen’s Land,

and on the 26th anchored in Adventure Bay, where intercourse was

opened with the natives, and Omai took every opportunity of lauding

his friends the English. Here they obtained plenty of grass for the

remaining cattle, and a supply of fresh provisions for themselves. On

the 30th they quitted their port, convinced that Van Diemen’s Land was

the southern point of New Holland. Subsequent investigations, however,

have proved this idea to be erroneous; Van Diemen’s Land being an

island separated from the mainland of Australia by Bass’ Straits.

On the 12th of February captain Cook anchored at his old station in

Queen Charlotte’s Sound, New Zealand; but the natives were very shy in

approaching the ships, and none could be persuaded to come on board.

The reason was, that on the former voyage, after parting with the

Resolution, the Adventure had visited this place, and ten of her crew

had been killed in an unpremeditated skirmish with the natives. It was

the fear of retaliatory punishment that kept them aloof. Captain Cook,

however, soon made them easy upon the subject, and their familiarity

was renewed; but great caution was used, to be fully prepared for a

similar attack, by keeping the men well armed on all occasions. Of the

animals left at this island in the former voyages, many were thriving;

and the gardens though left in a state of nature, were found to

contain cabbages, onions, leeks, radishes, mustard, and a few

potatoes. The captain was enabled to add to both. At the solicitation

of Omai he received two New Zealand lads on board the Resolution, and

by the 27th was clear of the coast.

After landing at a number of islands, and not finding adequate

supplies, the ships sailed for Anamocka, and the Resolution was

brought up in exactly the same anchorage that she had occupied three

years before. The natives behaved in a most friendly manner, and but

for their habits of stealing, quiet would have been uninterrupted.

Nothing, however, could check this propensity, till captain Cook

shaved the heads of all whom he caught practicing it. This rendered

them an object of ridicule to their countrymen, and enabled the

English to recognize and keep them at a distance. Most of the Friendly

Isles were visited by the ships, and everywhere they met with a kind

reception. On the 10th of June they reached Tongataboo, where the king

offered captain Cook his house to reside in. Here he made a

distribution of his animals amongst the chiefs, and the importance of

preserving them was explained by Omai. A horse and mare, a bull and

cow, several sheep and turkeys, were thus given away; but two kids and

two turkey-cocks having been stolen, the captain seized three canoes,

put a guard over the chiefs, and insisted that not only the kids and

turkeys should be restored, but also everything that had been taken

away since their arrival. This produced a good effect, and much of the

plunder was returned.

Captain Cook remained at the Friendly Islands nearly three months, and

lived almost entirely during that period upon fresh provisions,

occasionally eating the produce of the seeds he had sown there in his

former visits. On the 17th July they took their final leave of these

hospitable people, and on the 12th August reached Otaheite, and took

up a berth in Oaiti-piha Bay, which it was discovered had been visited

by two Spanish ships since the Resolution had last been there.

Animals of various kinds had been left in the country by the

Spaniards, and the islanders spoke of them with esteem and respect. On

the 24th the ships went round to Matavai Bay, and Captain Cook

presented to the king, Otoo, the remainder of his live stock. There

were already at Otoo’s residence a remarkably fine bull and some goats

that had been left by the Spaniards, and to these the captain added

another bull, three cows, a horse and mare, and a number of sheep;

also a peacock and hen, a turkey-cock and hen, one gander and three

geese, a drake and four ducks. The geese and ducks began to breed

before the English left the island.

They here witnessed a human sacrifice, to propitiate the favor of

their gods in a battle they were about to undertake. The victim was

generally some strolling vagabond, who was not aware of his fate till

the moment arrived, and he received his death-blow from a club. For

the purpose of showing the inhabitants the use of the horses, Captain

Cook and Clerke rode into the country, to the great astonishment of

the islanders; and though this exercise was continued every day by

some of the Resolution’s people, yet the wonder of the natives never

abated.

On the return of Omai to the land of his birth, the reception he met

with was not very cordial; but the affection of his relatives was

strong and ardent. Captain Cook obtained the grant of a piece of land

for him on the west side of Owharre harbor, Huaheine. The carpenters

of the ships built him a small house, to which a garden was attached,

planted with shaddocks, vines, pine apples, melons, etc., and a

variety of vegetables; the whole of which were thriving before Captain

Cook quitted the island. When the house was finished, the presents

Omai had received in England were carried ashore, with every article

necessary for domestic purposes, as well as two muskets, a bayonet, a

brace of pistols, etc.

The two lads brought from New Zealand were put on shore at this place,

to form part of Omai’s family; but it was with great reluctance that

they quitted the voyagers, who had behaved so kindly to them.

Whilst lying at Huaheine, a thief, who had caused them great trouble,

not only had his head and beard shaved, but, in order to deter others,

both his ears were cut off. On the 3d November the ships went to

Ulietea, and here, decoyed by the natives, two or three desertions

took place; and as others seemed inclined to follow the example,

Captain Clerke pursued the fugitives with two armed boats and a party

of marines; but without effect. Captain Cook experienced a similar

failure: he therefore seized upon the persons of the chief’s son,

daughter, and son-in-law, whom he placed under confinement till the

people should be restored; which took place on the 28th, and the

hostages were released. One of the deserters was a midshipman of the

Discovery, and the son of a brave officer in the service. Schemes were

projected by some of the natives to assassinate Captain Cook and

Captain Clerke; but though in imminent danger, the murderous plans

failed.

At Bolabola, Captain Cook succeeded in obtaining an anchor which had

been left there by M. Bouganville, as he was very desirous of

converting the iron into articles of traffic. They left this place on

the 8th December, crossed the line, and on the 24th stopped at a small

island, which he named Christmas Island, and where he planted

cocoa-nuts, yams, and melon seeds, and left a bottle enclosing a

suitable inscription.

On the 2d January, 1778, the ships resumed their voyage northward, to

pursue the grand object in Behring’s Straits. They passed several

islands, the inhabitants of which, though at an immense distance from

Otaheite, spoke the same language. Those who came on board displayed

the utmost astonishment at everything they beheld; and it was evident

they had never seen a ship before. The disposition to steal was

equally strong in these as in the other South Sea islanders, and a man

was killed who tried to plunder the watering party; but this was not

known to Captain Cook till after they had sailed. They also discovered

that the practice of eating human flesh was prevalent. To a group of

these islands (and they were generally found in clusters) Captain Cook

gave the name of the Sandwich Islands, in honor of the noble earl at

the head of the Admiralty.

The voyage to the northward was continued on the 2d February, and the

long-looked-for coast of New Albion was made on the 7th March, the

ships being then in latitude 44 degrees 83 minutes north; and after

sailing along it till the 29th, they came to an anchor in a small cove

lying in latitude 49 degrees 29 minutes north. A brisk trade commenced

with the natives, who appeared to be well acquainted with the value of

iron, for which they exchanged the skins of various animals, such as

bears, wolves, foxes, deer, etc., both in their original state and

made up into garments. But the most extraordinary articles were human

skulls, and hands not quite stripped of the flesh, and which had the

appearance of having been recently on the fire. Thieving was practiced

at this place in a more scientific manner than they had before

remarked; and the natives insisted upon being paid for the wood and

other things supplied to the ships; with which Captain Cook

scrupulously complied. This inlet was named King George’s Sound; but

it was afterwards ascertained that the natives called it Nootka Sound.

After making every requisite nautical observation, the ships being

again ready for sea on the 26th, in the evening they departed, a

severe gale of wind blowing them from the shore. From this period they

examined the coast, under a hope of finding some communication with

the Polar Sea; and one river they traced as high as latitude 61

degrees 30 minutes north, and which was afterwards named Cook’s River.

They left this place on the 6th June, notwithstanding all their

watchfulness and vigilance, no passage could be found. The ships

ranged across the mouth of the straits in about latitude 60 degrees,

where the natives of the island by their manners, gave evident tokens

of their being acquainted with Europeans――most probably Russian

traders. They put in at Oonaalaska and other places, which were taken

possession of in the name of the king of England. On the 3d August Mr.

Anderson, surgeon of the Resolution, died from a lingering

consumption, under which he had been suffering more than twelve

months. He was a young man of considerable ability, and he possessed

an amiable disposition.

Proceeding to the northward, Captain Cook ascertained the relative

position of the two continents, Asia and America, whose extremities he

observed. On the 18th they were close to a dense wall of ice, beyond

which they could not penetrate, the latitude at this time being 70

degrees 44 minutes north. The ice here was from ten to twelve feet

high, and seemed to rise higher in the distance. A prodigious number

of sea-horses were crouching on the ice, some of which were procured

for food. Captain Cook continued to traverse these icy seas till the

29th; he then explored the coasts in Behring’s Strait both in Asia and

America; and on the 2d of October again anchored at Oonalaska to

refit; and here they had communication with some Russians, who

undertook to convey charts and maps, etc., to the English Admiralty;

which they faithfully fulfilled. On the 26th the ships quitted the

harbor of Samganoodah, and sailed for the Sandwich Islands; Captain

Cook purposing to remain there a few months, and then to return to

Kamschatka. In latitude 20 degrees 55 minutes, the island of Mowee was

discovered on the 26th of November; and on the 30th they fell in with

another, called by the natives Owhyhee; and being of large extent, the

ships were occupied nearly seven weeks in sailing round it, and

examining the coast; and they found the islanders more frank and free

from suspicion than any they had yet had intercourse with; so that on

the 16th January 1779, there were not fewer than a thousand canoes

about the two ships, most of them crowded with people, and well laden

with hogs and other productions of the place. A robbery having been

committed, Captain Cook ordered a volley of musketry and four great

guns to be fired over the canoe that contained the thief; but this

seemed only to astonish the natives, without creating any great alarm.

On the 17th the ships anchored in a bay called by the islanders

Karakakooa. The natives constantly thronged to the ships, whose decks

consequently, being at all times crowded, allowed of pilfering without

fear of detection; and these practices, it is conjectured, were

encouraged by the chiefs. A great number of the hogs purchased were

killed and salted down so completely, that some of it was good at

Christmas 1780. On the 26th Captain Cook had an interview with

Terreeoboo, king of the island, in which great formality was observed,

and an exchange of names. The natives were extremely respectful to

Cook; in fact, they paid him a sort of adoration, prostrating

themselves before him; and a society of priests furnished the ships

with a constant supply of hogs and vegetables, without requiring any

return. On the 3d February, the day previous to the ships sailing, the

king presented them with an immense quantity of cloth, many boat-loads

of vegetables, and a whole herd of hogs. The ships sailed on the

following day, but on the 6th encountered a very heavy gale, in which,

on the night of the 7th, the Resolution sprung the head of her

foremast in such a dangerous manner, that they were forced to put back

to Karakakooa Bay in order to get it repaired. Here they anchored on

the morning of the 11th, and every thing for a time promised to go

well in their intercourse with the natives. The friendliness

manifested by the chiefs, however, was far from solid. They were

savages at a low point of cultivation, and theft and murder were not

considered by them in the light of crimes. Cook, aware of the nature

of these barbarians, was anxious to avoid any collision, and it was

with no small regret that he found that an affray had taken place

betwen some seamen and the natives. The cause of the disturbance was

the seizure of the cutter of the Discovery as it lay at anchor. The

boats of both ships were sent in search of her, and Captain Cook went

on shore to prosecute the inquiry, and if necessary, to seize the

person of the king, who had sanctioned the theft.

The narrative of what ensued is affectingly tragical. Cook left the

Resolution about seven o’clock, attended by the lieutenant of marines,

a sergeant, a corporal, and seven private men. The pinnace’s crew were

likewise armed, and under the command of Mr. Roberts; the launch was

also ordered to assist his own boat. He landed with the marines at the

upper end of the town of Kavoroah, where the natives received him with

their accustomed tokens of respect, and not the smallest sign of

hostility was evinced by any of them; and as the crowds increased, the

chiefs employed themselves as before in keeping order. Captain Cook

requested the king to go on board the Resolution with him, to which he

offered few objections; but in a little time it was observed that the

natives were arming themselves with long spears and daggers, and

putting on the thick mats which they used by way of armor. This

hostile appearance was increased by the arrival of a canoe from the

opposite side of the bay, announcing that one of the chiefs had been

killed by a shot from the Discovery’s boat. The women, who had been

conversing familiarly with the English, immediately retired, and loud

murmurs arose amongst the crowd. Captain Cook perceiving the

tumultuous proceedings of the natives, ordered Lieutenant Middleton to

march his marines down to the boats, to which the islanders offered no

obstruction. The Captain followed with the king, attended by his wife,

two sons, and several chiefs. One of the sons had already entered the

pinnace, expecting his father to follow, when the king’s wife and

others hung round his neck, and forced him to be seated near a double

canoe, assuring him that he would be put to death if he went on board

the ship.

Whilst matters were in this position, one of the chiefs was seen with

a dagger partly concealed under his cloak lurking about Captain Cook,

and the lieutenant of marines proposed to fire at him; but this the

captain would not permit; but the chief closing upon them, the officer

of marines struck him with his firelock. Another native grasping the

sergeant’s musket, was forced to let it go by a blow from the

lieutenant. Captain Cook, seeing the tumult was increasing, observed,

that ‘if he were to force the king off, it could only be done by

sacrificing the lives of many of his people;’ and was about to give

orders to reëmbark, when a man flung a stone at him, which he returned

by discharging small shot from one of the barrels of his piece. The

man was but little hurt; and brandishing his spear, with threatenings

to hurl it at the captain, the latter, unwilling to fire with ball,

knocked the fellow down, and then warmly expostulated with the crowd

for their hostile conduct. At this moment a man was observed behind a

double canoe in the act of darting a spear at Captain Cook, who

promptly fired, but killed another who was standing by his side. The

sergeant of marines, however, instantly presented, and brought down

the native whom the captain had missed. The impetuosity of the

islanders was somewhat repressed; but being pushed on by those in the

rear, who were ignorant of what was passing in front, a volley of

stones was poured in amongst the marines, who, without waiting for

orders, returned it with a general discharge of musketry, which was

directly succeeded by a brisk fire from the boats. Captain Cook

expressed much surprise and vexation: he waved his hand for the boats

to cease firing, and to come on shore to embark the marines. The

pinnace unhesitatingly obeyed; but the lieutenant in the launch,

instead of pulling in to the assistance of his commander, rowed

further off at the very moment that the services of himself and people

were most required. Nor was this all the mischief that ensued; for, as

it devolved upon the pinnace to receive the marines, she became so

crowded, as to render the men incapable of using their firearms. The

marines on shore, however, fired; but the moment their pieces were

discharged, the islanders rushed _en masse_ upon them, forced the

party into the water, where four of them were killed, and the

lieutenant wounded. At this critical period Captain Cook was left

entirely alone upon a rock near the shore. He, however, hurried

towards the pinnace, holding his left arm around the back of his head,

to shield it from the stones, and carrying his musket under his right.

An islander, armed with a club, was seen in a crouching posture

cautiously following him, as if watching for an opportunity to spring

forward upon his victim. This man was a relation of the king’s, and

remarkably agile and quick. At length he jumped forward upon the

captain, and struck him a heavy blow on the back of his head, and then

turned and fled. The captain appeared to be somewhat stunned. He

staggered a few paces, and, dropping his musket, fell on his hands and

one knee; but whilst striving to recover his upright position, another

islander rushed forward, and with an iron dagger stabbed him in the

neck. He again made an effort to procceed, but fell into a small pool

of water not more than knee-deep, and numbers instantly ran to the

spot, and endeavored to keep him down; but by his struggles he was

enabled to get his head above the surface, and casting a look towards

the pinnace (then not more than five or six yards distant), seemed to

be imploring assistance. It is asserted that, in consequence of the

crowded state of the pinnace (through the withdrawal of the launch)

the crew of that boat were unable to render any aid: but it is also

probable that the emergency of this unexpected catastrophe deprived

the English of that cool judgment which was requisite on such an

occasion. The islanders, perceiving that no help was afforded, forced

him under water again, but in a deeper place; yet his great muscular

power once more enabled him to raise himself and cling to the rock. At

this moment a forcible blow was given with a club, and he fell down

lifeless. The savages then hauled his corpse upon the rock, and

ferociously stabbed the body all over, snatching the dagger from each

others’ hands to wreak their sanguinary vengeance on the slain. The

body was left some time exposed upon the rock; and as the islanders

gave way, through terror at their own act and the fire from the boats,

it might have been recovered entire. But no attempt of the kind was

made; and it was afterwards, together with the marines, cut up, and

the parts distributed amongst the chiefs. The mutilated fragments were

subsequently restored, and committed to the deep with all the honors

due to the rank of the deceased. Thus (February 14, 1779) perished in

an inglorious brawl with a set of savages, one of England’s greatest

navigators, whose services to science have never been surpassed by any

man belonging to his profession. It may almost be said that he fell a

victim to his humanity; for if, instead of retreating before his

barbarous pursuers with a view to spare their lives, he had turned

revengefully upon them, his fate might have been very different.

The death of their commander was felt to be a heavy blow by the

officers and seamen of the expedition. With deep sorrow the ships’

companies left Owhyhee, where the catastrophe had occurred, the

command of the Resolution devolving on Captain Clerke, and Mr. Gore

acting as commander of the Discovery. After making some further

exploratory searches among the Sandwich Islands, the vessels visited

Kamschatka, and Behring’s Straits. Here it was found impossible to

penetrate through the ice either on the coast of America or that of

Asia, so that they returned to the southward; and on the 22d August

1779, Captain Clerke died of Consumption, and was succeeded by Captain

Gore, who in his turn gave Lieutenant King an acting order in the

Discovery. After a second visit to Kamschatka, the two ships returned

by way of China, remained some time at Canton, touched at the Cape,

and arrived at the Nore, 4th October 1780, after an absence of four

years, two months, and twenty-two days, during which the Resolution

lost only five men by sickness, and the Discovery did not lose a

single man.

By this, as well as the preceding voyages of Cook, a considerable

addition was made to a knowledge of the earth’s surface. Besides

clearing up doubts respecting the Southern Ocean, and making known

many islands in the Pacific, the navigator did an inestimable service

to his country in visiting the coasts of New South Wales, Van Diemen’s

Land, New Zealand, and Norfolk Island――all now colonial possessions of

Britain, and which promise at no distant day to become the seat of a

large and flourishing nation of Anglo-Australians――the England of the

southern hemisphere.

The intelligence of Captain Cook’s death was received with melancholy

regrets in England. The king granted a pension of £200 per annum to

his widow, and £25 per annum to each of the children; The Royal

Society had a gold medal struck in commemoration of him; and various

other honors at home and abroad were paid to his memory. ‘Thus, by his

own persevering efforts,’ as has been well observed by the author of

the Pursuit of Knowledge Under Difficulties, ‘did this great man raise

himself from the lowest obscurity to a reputation wide as the world

itself, and certain to last as long as the age in which he flourished

shall be remembered by history.’ But better still than even all this

fame――than either the honors which he received while living, or those

which, when he was no more, his country and mankind bestowed upon his

memory――he had exalted himself in the scale of moral and intellectual

being; had won for himself, by his unwearied striving, a new and

nobler nature, and taken a high place among the instructors and best

benefactors of mankind.