That there may be a continent, or large tract of land, near the pole, I

will not deny; on the contrary, I am of opinion there is; and it is

probable that we have seen a part of it. The excessive cold, the many

islands and vast floats of ice, all tend to prove that there must be

land to the south; and for my persuasion that this southern land must

lie, or extend, farthest to the north, opposite to the Southern Atlantic

and Indian Oceans, I have already assigned some reasons; to which I may

add the greater degree of cold experienced by us in these seas, than in

the Southern Pacific Ocean under the same parallels of latitude.

In this last ocean, the mercury in the thermometer seldom fell so low as

the freezing point, till we were in 60° and upwards; whereas in the

others it fell as low in the latitude of 54°. This was certainly owing

to there being a greater quantity of ice, and to its extending farther

to the north, in these two seas than in the South Pacific; and if ice be

first formed at, or near land, of which I have no doubt, it will follow

that the land also extends farther north.

The formation or coagulation of ice-islands, has not, to my knowledge,

been thoroughly investigated. Some have supposed them to be formed by

the freezing of the water at the mouths of large rivers, or great

cataracts, where they accumulate till they are broken off by their own

weight. My observations will not allow me to acquiesce in this opinion;

because we never found any of the ice which we took up incorporated with

earth, or any of its produce, as I think it must have been, had it been

coagulated in land waters. It is a doubt with me, whether there be any

rivers in these countries. It is certain, that we saw not a river, or

stream of water, on all the coast of Georgia, nor on any of the southern

lands. Nor did we ever see a stream of water run from any of the

ice-islands. How are we then to suppose that there are large rivers? The

valleys are covered, many fathoms deep, with everlasting snow; and, at

the sea, they terminate in icy cliffs of vast height. It is here where

the ice-islands are formed; not from streams of water, but from

consolidated snow and sleet, which is almost continually falling or

drifting down from the mountains, especially in the winter, when the

frost must be intense. During that season, the ice-cliffs must so

accumulate as to fill up all the bays, be they ever so large. This is a

fact which cannot be doubted, as we have seen it so in summer. These

cliffs accumulate by continual falls of snow, and what drifts from the

mountains, till they are no longer able to support their own weight; and

then large pieces break off, which we call ice-islands. Such as have a

flat even surface, must be of the ice formed in the bays, and before the

flat valleys; the others, which have a tapering unequal surface, must be

formed on, or under, the side of a coast composed of pointed rocks and

precipices, or some such uneven surface. For we cannot suppose that snow

alone, as it falls, can form, on a plain surface, such as the sea, such

a variety of high peaks and hills as we saw on many of the ice isles. It

is certainly more reasonable to believe that they are formed on a coast

whose surface is something similar to theirs. I have observed that all

the ice-islands of any extent, and before they begin to break to pieces,

are terminated by perpendicular cliffs of clear ice or frozen snow,

always on one or more sides, but most generally all round. Many, and

those of the largest size, which had a hilly and spiral surface, showed

a perpendicular cliff or side from the summit of the highest peak down

to its base. This to me was a convincing proof, that these, as well as

the flat isles, must have broken off from substances like themselves,

that is, from some large tract of ice.

When I consider the vast quantity of ice we saw, and the vicinity of the

places to the pole where it is formed, and where the degrees of

longitude are very small, I am led to believe that these ice-cliffs

extend a good way into the sea, in some parts, especially in such as are

sheltered from the violence of the winds. It may even be doubted if ever

the wind is violent in the very high latitudes. And that the sea will

freeze over, or the snow that falls upon it, which amounts to the same

thing, we have instances in the northern hemisphere. The Baltic, the

Gulph of St. Laurence, the Straits of Belle-Isle, and many other equally

large seas, are frequently frozen over in winter. Nor is this at all

extraordinary, for we have found the degree of cold at the surface of

the sea, even in summer, to be two degrees below the freezing point;

consequently nothing kept it from freezing but the salts it contains,

and the agitation of its surface. Whenever this last ceaseth in winter,

when the frost is set in, and there comes a fall of snow, it will freeze

on the surface as it falls, and in a few days, or perhaps in one night,

form such a sheet of ice as will not be easily broken up. Thus a

foundation will be laid for it to accumulate to any thickness by falls

of snow, without its being at all necessary for the sea water to freeze.

It may be by this means these vast floats of low ice we find in the

spring of the year are formed, and which, after they break up, are

carried by the currents to the north. For, from all the observations I

have been able to make, the currents every where, in the high latitudes,

set to the N., or to the N. E. or N. W.; but we have very seldom found

them considerable.

If this imperfect account of the formation of these extraordinary

floating islands of ice, which is written wholly from my own

observations, does not convey some useful hints to an abler pen, it

will, however, convey some idea of the lands where they are formed.

Lands doomed by nature to perpetual frigidness; never to feel the warmth

of the sun’s rays; whose horrible and savage aspect I have not words to

describe. Such are the lands we have discovered; what then may we expect

those to be which lie still farther to the south? For we may reasonably

suppose that we have seen the best, as lying most to the north. If any

one should have resolution and perseverance to clear up this point by

proceeding farther than I have done, I shall not envy him the honour of

the discovery; but I will be bold to say, that the world will not be

benefited by it.

I had, at this time, some thoughts of revisiting the place where the

French discovery is said to lie. But then I considered that, if they had

really made this discovery, the end would be as fully answered as if I

had done it myself. We know it can only be an island; and if we may

judge from the degree of cold we found in that latitude, it cannot be a

fertile one. Besides, this would have kept me two months longer at sea,

and in a tempestuous latitude, which we were not in a condition to

struggle with. Our sails and rigging were so much worn, that something

was giving way every hour; and we had nothing left, either to repair or

replace them. Our provisions were in a state of decay, and consequently

afforded little nourishment, and we had been a long time without

refreshments. My people, indeed, were yet healthy, and would have

cheerfully have gone wherever I had thought proper to lead them; but I

dreaded the scurvy laying hold of them, at a time when we had nothing

left to remove it. I must say farther, that it would have been cruel in

me to have continued the fatigues and hardships they were continually

exposed to longer than was absolutely necessary. Their behaviour,

throughout the whole voyage, merited every indulgence which it was in my

power to give them. Animated by the conduct of the officers, they showed

themselves capable of surmounting every difficulty and danger which came

in their way, and never once looked either upon the one or the other, as

being at all heightened by our separation from our consort the

Adventure.

All these considerations induced me to lay aside looking for the French

discoveries, and to steer for the Cape of Good Hope; with a resolution,

however, of looking for the isles of Denia and Marseveen, which are laid

down in Dr. Halley’s variation chart in the latitude of 41-1/2° S., and

about 4° of longitude to the east of the meridian of the Cape of Good

Hope. With this view I steered N. E., with a hard gale at N. W. and

thick weather; and on the 26th at noon, we saw the last ice-island,

being at this time in the latitude of 52° 52ʹ S., longitude 26° 31ʹ E.

The wind abating and veering to the S., on the 1st of March, we steered

W., in order to get farther from Mr. Bouvet’s track, which was but a few

degrees to the east of us, being at this time in the latitude of 46° 44ʹ

S., longitude 33° 20ʹ E., in which situation we found the variation to

be 23° 36ʹ west. It is somewhat remarkable, that all the time we had

northerly winds, which were regular and constant for several days, the

weather was always thick and cloudy; but, as soon as they came S. of W.

it cleared up, and was fine and pleasant. The barometer began to rise

several days before this change happened; but whether on account of it,

or our coming northward, cannot be determined.

The wind remained not long at south before it veered round by the N. E.

to N. W., blowing fresh and by squalls, attended, as before, with rain

and thick misty weather. We had some intervals of clear weather on the

afternoon of the 3d, when we found the variation to be 22° 26ʹ W.;

latitude at this time 45° 8ʹ S., longitude 30° 50ʹ E. The following

night was very stormy; the wind blew from S. W. and in excessively heavy

squalls. At short intervals between the squalls, the wind would fall

almost to a calm, and then come on again with such fury, that neither

our sails nor rigging could withstand it, several of the sails being

split, and a middle stay-sail being wholly lost. The next morning the

gale abated, and we repaired the damage we had sustained in the best

manner we could.

On the 8th, being in the latitude of 41° 30ʹ S., longitude 26° 51ʹ E.,

the mercury in the thermometer rose to 61, and we found it necessary to

put on lighter clothes. As the wind continued invariably fixed between

N. W. and W., we took every advantage to get to the west, by tacking

whenever it shifted any thing in our favour; but as we had a great swell

against us, our tacks were rather disadvantageous. We daily saw

albatrosses, peterels, and other oceanic birds; but not the least sign

of land.

On the 11th, in the latitude of 40° 40ʹ S., longitude 23° 47ʹ E., the

variation was 20° 48ʹ W. About noon the same day, the wind shifting

suddenly from N. W. to S. W. caused the mercury in the thermometer to

fall as suddenly from 62° to 52°; such was the different state of the

air, between a northerly and southerly wind. The next day, having

several hours calm, we put a boat in the water, and shot some

albatrosses and peterels; which, at this time, were highly acceptable.

We were now nearly in the situation where the isles which we were in

search of, are said to lie; however, we saw nothing that could give us

the least hope of finding them.

The calm continued till five o’clock of the next morning, when it was

succeeded by a breeze at W. by S., with which we stood to N. N. W. and

at noon observed in latitude 38° 51ʹ S. This was upwards of thirty miles

more to the north than our log gave us; and the watch shewed that we had

been set to the east also. If these differences did not arise from some

strong current, I know not how to account for them. Very strong currents

have been found on the African coast, between Madagascar and the Cape of

Good Hope; but I never heard of their extending so far from the land;

nor is it probable they do. I rather suppose that this current has no

connection with that on the coast; and that we happened to fall into

some stream which is neither lasting nor regular. But these are points

which require much time to investigate, and must therefore be left to

the industry of future navigators.

We were now two degrees to the north of the parallel in which the isles

of Denia and Marseveen are said to lie. We had seen nothing to encourage

us to persevere in looking after them; and it must have taken up some

time longer to find them, or to prove their non-existence. Every one was

impatient to get into port, and for good reasons; as for a long time we

had had nothing but stale and salt provisions, for which every one on

board had lost all relish. These reasons induced me to yield to the

general wish, and to steer for the Cape of Good Hope, being at this time

in the latitude of 38° 38ʹ S., longitude 23° 37ʹ E.

The next day the observed latitude at noon was only seventeen miles to

the north of that given by the log; so that we had either got out of the

strength of the current, or it had ceased.

On the 15th the observed latitude at noon, together with the watch,

shewed that we had had a strong current setting to the S. W. the

contrary direction to what we had experienced on some of the preceding

days, as hath been mentioned.

At day-light, on the 16th, we saw two sail in the N. W. quarter standing

to the westward, and one of them shewing Dutch colours. At ten o’clock

we tacked and stood to the west also, being at this time in the latitude

of 35° 9ʹ S., longitude 22° 38ʹ E.

I now, in pursuance of my instructions, demanded of the officers and

petty officers, the log-books and journals they had kept; which were

delivered to me accordingly, and sealed up for the inspection of the

Admiralty. I also enjoined them, and the whole crew, not to divulge

where we had been, till they had their Lordships’ permission so to do.

In the afternoon the wind veered to the west, and increased to a hard

gale, which was of short duration; for, the next day, it fell, and at

noon veered to S. E. At this time we were in the latitude of 34° 49ʹ S.,

longitude 22° E.; and, on sounding, found fifty-six fathoms water. In

the evening we saw the land in the direction of E. N. E., about six

leagues distant; and, during the forepart of the night, there was a

great fire or light upon it.

At day-break on the 18th, we saw the land again, bearing N. N. W., six

or seven leagues distant, and the depth of water forty-eight fathoms. At

nine o’clock, having little or no wind, we hoisted out a boat and sent

on board one of the two ships before mentioned, which were about two

leagues from us; but we were too impatient after news to regard the

distance. Soon after, a breeze sprung up at west, with which we stood to

the south; and, presently, three sail more appeared in sight to

windward, one of which shewed English colours.

At one P. M. the boat returned from on board the Bownkerke Polder,

Captain Cornelius Bosch, a Dutch Indiaman from Bengal. Captain Bosch,

very obligingly, offered us sugar, arrack, and whatever he had to spare.

Our people were told by some English seamen on board this ship, that the

Adventure had arrived at the Cape of Good Hope twelve months ago, and

that the crew of one of her boats had been murdered and eaten by the

people of New Zealand; so that the story which we heard in Queen

Charlotte’s Sound was now no longer a mystery.

We had light airs, next to a calm, till ten o’clock the next morning,

when a breeze sprung up at west, and the English ship, which was to

windward, bore down to us. She proved to be the True Briton, Captain

Broadly, from China. As he did not intend to touch at the Cape, I put a

letter on board him for the Secretary of the Admiralty.

The account which we had heard of the Adventure was now confirmed to us

by this ship. We also got, from on board her, a parcel of old

newspapers, which were new to us, and gave us some amusement; but these

were the least favours we received from Captain Broadly. With a

generosity peculiar to the commanders of the India Company’s ships, he

sent us fresh provisions, tea, and other articles, which were very

acceptable; and deserve from me this public acknowledgment. In the

afternoon we parted company. The True Briton stood out to sea, and we in

for the land; having a fresh gale at west, which split our fore top-sail

in such a manner, that we were obliged to bring another to the yard. At

six o’clock we tacked within four or five miles of the shore; and, as we

judged, about five or six leagues to the east of Cape Aguilas. We stood

off till midnight, when, the wind having veered round to the south, we

tacked, and stood along-shore to the west. The wind kept veering more

and more in our favour, and at last fixed at E. S. E., and blew, for

some hours, a perfect hurricane.

As soon as the storm began to subside we made sail, and hauled in for

the land. Next day at noon, the Table Mountain over the Cape Town bore

N. E. by E., distant nine or ten leagues. By making use of this bearing

and distance to reduce the longitude shewn by the watch to the Cape

Town, the error was found to be no more than 18ʹ in longitude, which it

was too far to the east. Indeed, the difference we found between it and

the lunar observations, since we left New Zealand, had seldom exceeded

half a degree, and always the same way.

The next morning, being with us Wednesday, the 22d, but with the people

here Tuesday, the 21st, we anchored in Table Bay, where we found several

Dutch ships; some French; and the Ceres, Captain Newte, an English East

India Company’s ship, from China, bound directly to England, by whom I

sent a copy of the preceding parts of this journal, some charts, and

other drawings, to the Admiralty.

Before we had well got to an anchor, I dispatched an officer to acquaint

the governor with our arrival, and to request the necessary stores and

refreshments, which were readily granted. As soon as the officer came

back, we saluted the garrison with thirteen guns, which compliment was

immediately returned with an equal number.

I now learnt that the Adventure had called here, on her return; and I

found a letter from Captain Furneaux, acquainting me with the loss of

his boat, and of ten of his best men, in Queen Charlotte’s Sound. The

captain, afterwards, on my arrival in England, put into my hands a

complete narrative of his proceedings, from the time of our second and

final separation, which I now lay before the public in the following

chapter.

CHAP. VIII.

CAPTAIN FURNEAUX’S NARRATIVE OF HIS PROCEEDINGS, IN THE ADVENTURE, FROM

THE TIME HE WAS SEPARATED FROM THE RESOLUTION, TO HIS ARRIVAL IN

ENGLAND; INCLUDING LIEUTENANT BURNEY’S REPORT CONCERNING THE BOAT’S

CREW, WHO WERE MURDERED BY THE INHABITANTS OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE’S SOUND.

After a passage of fourteen days from Amsterdam, we made the coast of

New Zealand near the Table Cape, and stood along-shore till we came as

far as Cape Turnagain. The wind then began to blow strong at west, with

heavy squalls and rain, which split many of our sails, and blew us off

the coast for three days; in which time we parted company with the

Resolution, and never saw her afterwards.

On the 4th of November, we again got in shore, near Cape Palliser, and

were visited by a number of the natives in their canoes, bringing a

great quantity of cray-fish, which we bought of them for nails and

Otaheite cloth. The next day it blew hard from W. N. W., which again

drove us off the coast, and obliged us to bring to for two days; during

which time it blew one continual gale of wind with heavy falls of sleet.

By this time our decks were very leaky; our beds and bedding wet; and

several of our people complaining of colds; so that we began to despair

of ever getting into Charlotte Sound, or joining the Resolution.

On the 6th, being to the north of the Cape, the wind at S. W. and

blowing strong, we bore away for some bay to complete our water and

wood, being in great want of both; having been at the allowance of one

quart of water for some days past; and even that pittance could not be

come at, above six or seven days longer. We anchored in Tolaga Bay on

the 9th, in latitude 38° 21ʹ S., longitude 178° 37ʹ E. It affords good

riding with the wind westerly, and regular soundings from eleven to five

fathoms, stiff muddy ground across the bay for about two miles. It is

open from N. N. E. to E. S. E. It is to be observed, easterly winds

seldom blow hard on this shore, but when they do, they throw in a great

sea; so that if it were not for a great undertow, together with a large

river that empties itself in the bottom of the bay, a ship would not be

able to ride here. Wood and water are easily to be had, except when it

blows hard easterly. The natives here are the same as those at Charlotte

Sound, but more numerous, and seemed settled, having regular plantations

of sweet potatoes, and other roots, which are very good; and they have

plenty of cray and other fish, which we bought of them for nails, beads,

and other trifles, at an easy rate. In one of their canoes we observed

the head of a woman lying in state, adorned with feathers and other

ornaments. It had the appearance of being alive; but, on examination, we

found it dry, being preserved with every feature perfect, and kept as

the relic of some deceased relation.

Having got about ten tons of water, and some wood, we sailed for

Charlotte Sound on the 12th. We were no sooner out than the wind began

to blow hard, dead on the shore, so that we could not clear the land on

either tack. This obliged us to bear away again for the bay, where we

anchored the next morning, and rode out a very heavy gale of wind at E.

by S. which threw in a very great sea. We now began to fear we should

never join the Resolution; having reason to believe she was in Charlotte

Sound, and by this time ready for sea. We soon found it was with great

difficulty we could get any water, owing to the swell setting in so

strong; at last, however, we were able to go on shore, and got both wood

and water.

Whilst we lay here, we were employed about the rigging, which was much

damaged by the constant gales of wind we had met with since we made the

coast. We got the booms down on the decks, and having made the ship as

snug as possible, sailed again on the 16th. After this we met with

several gales of wind off the mouth of the Strait; and continued beating

backwards and forwards till the 30th, when we were so fortunate as to

get a favourable wind, which we took every advantage of, and at last got

safe into our desired port. We saw nothing of the Resolution, and began

to doubt her safety; but on going ashore, we discerned the place where

she had erected her tents; and, on an old stump of a tree in the garden,

observed these words cut out, “Look underneath.” There we dug, and soon

found a bottle corked and waxed down, with a letter in it from Captain

Cook, signifying their arrival on the 3d instant, and departure on the

24th; and that they intended spending a few days in the entrance of the

Straits to look for us.

We immediately set about getting the ship ready for sea as fast as

possible; erected our tents; sent the cooper on shore to repair the

casks; and began to unstow the hold, to get at the bread that was in

butts; but on opening them found a great quantity of it entirely

spoiled, and most part so damaged that we were obliged to fix our copper

oven on shore to bake it over again, which undoubtedly delayed us a

considerable time. Whilst we lay here, the inhabitants came on board as

before, supplying us with fish, and other things of their own

manufacture, which we bought of them for nails, &c. and appeared very

friendly; though twice in the middle of the night, they came to the

tent, with an intention to steal, but were discovered before they could

get any thing into their possession.

On the 17th of December, having refitted the ship, completed our water

and wood, and got every thing ready for sea, we sent our large cutter

with Mr. Rowe, a midshipman, and the boat’s crew, to gather wild greens

for the ship’s company; with orders to return that evening, as I

intended to sail the next morning. But, on the boat’s not returning the

same evening, nor the next morning, being under great uneasiness about

her, I hoisted out the launch, and sent her, with the second lieutenant,

Mr. Burney, manned with the boat’s crew and ten marines, in search of

her. My orders to Mr. Burney were, first to look well into East Bay, and

then to proceed to Grass Cove, the place to which Mr. Rowe had been

sent; and if he heard nothing of the boat there, to go farther up the

Sound, and come back along the west shore. As Mr. Rowe had left the ship

an hour before the time proposed, and in a great hurry, I was strongly

persuaded that his curiosity had carried him into East Bay, none in our

ship having ever been there; or else, that some accident had happened to

the boat, either by going a-drift through the boat-keeper’s negligence,

or by being stove among the rocks. This was almost every body’s opinion;

and on this supposition the carpenter’s mate was sent in the launch,

with some sheets of tin. I had not the least suspicion that our people

had received any injury from the natives; our boats having frequently

been higher up, and worse provided. How much I was mistaken, too soon

appeared; for Mr. Burney having returned about eleven o’clock the same

night, made his report of a horrible scene indeed, which cannot be

better described than in his own words, which now follow.

“On the 18th we left the ship; and having a light breeze in our favour,

we soon got round Long Island, and within Long Point. I examined every

cove, on the larboard hand, as we went along, looking well all around

with a spy-glass, which I took for that purpose. At half-past one, we

stopped at a beach, on the left hand side going up East Bay, to boil

some victuals, as we brought nothing but raw meat with us. Whilst we

were cooking, I saw an Indian on the opposite shore, running along a

beach to the head of the bay. Our meat being drest, we got into the boat

and put off; and, in a short time, arrived at the head of this reach,

where we saw an Indian settlement.

“As we drew near, some of the Indians came down on the rocks, and waved

for us to be gone; but seeing we disregarded them, they altered their

notes. Here we found six large canoes hauled up on the beach, most of

them double ones, and a great many people; though not so many as one

might expect from the number of houses and size of the canoes. Leaving

the boat’s crew to guard the boat, I stepped a-shore with the marines

(the corporal and five men), and searched a good many of their houses;

but found nothing to give me any suspicion. Three or four well-beaten

paths led farther into the woods, where were many more houses; but the

people continuing friendly, I thought it unnecessary to continue our

search. Coming down to the beach, one of the Indians had brought a

bundle of _Hepatoos_ (long spears), but seeing I looked very earnestly

at him, he put them on the ground, and walked about with seeming

unconcern. Some of the people appearing to be frightened, I gave a

looking-glass to one, and a large nail to another. From this place the

bay ran, as nearly as I could guess, N. N. W. a good mile, where it

ended in a long sandy beach. I looked all round with the glass, but saw

no boat, canoe, or sign of inhabitant. I therefore contented myself with

firing some guns, which I had done in every cove as I went along.

“I now kept close to the east shore, and came to another settlement,

where the Indians invited us ashore. I inquired of them about the boat,

but they pretended ignorance. They appeared very friendly here, and sold

us some fish. Within an hour after we left this place, in a small beach

adjoining to Grass Cove, we saw a very large double canoe just hauled

up, with two men and a dog. The men, on seeing us, left their canoe, and

ran up into the woods. This gave me reason to suspect I should here get

tidings of the cutter. We went ashore, and searched the canoe, where we

found one of the rullock-ports of the cutter, and some shoes, one of

which was known to belong to Mr. Woodhouse, one of our midshipmen. One

of the people, at the same time, brought me a piece of meat, which he

took to be some of the salt meat belonging to the cutter’s crew. On

examining this, and smelling to it, I found it was fresh. Mr. Fannin

(the master) who was with me, supposed it was dog’s flesh, and I was of

the same opinion; for I still doubted their being cannibals. But we were

soon convinced by most horrid and undeniable proof.

“A great many baskets (about twenty) lying on the beach tied up, we cut

them open. Some were full of roasted flesh, and some of fern-root, which

serves them for bread. On farther search, we found more shoes and a

hand, which we immediately knew to have belonged to Thomas Hill, one of

our forecastle men, it being marked T. H. with an Otaheite

tattow-instrument. I went with some of the people a little way up the

woods, but saw nothing else. Coming down again, there was a round spot

covered with fresh earth about four feet diameter, where something had

been buried. Having no spade, we began to dig with a cutlass; and in the

mean time I launched the canoe with intent to destroy her; but seeing a

great smoke ascending over the nearest hill, I got all the people into

the boat, and made what haste I could to be with them before sun-set.

“On opening the next bay, which was Grass Cove, we saw four canoes, one

single and three double ones, and a great many people on the beach, who,

on our approach, retreated to a small hill within a ship’s length of the

water-side, where they stood talking to us. A large fire was on the top

of the high land beyond the woods, from whence, all the way down the

hill the place was thronged like a fair. As we came in, I ordered a

musquetoon to be fired at one of the canoes, suspecting they might be

full of men lying down in the bottom; for they were all afloat, but

nobody was seen in them. The savages on the little hill still kept

hallooing and making signs for us to land. However, as soon as we got

close in, we all fired. The first volley did not seem to affect them

much; but on the second, they began to scramble away as fast as they

could, some of them howling. We continued firing as long as we could see

the glimpse of any of them through the bushes. Amongst the Indians were

two very stout men, who never offered to move till they found themselves

forsaken by their companions; and then they marched away with great

composure and deliberation; their pride not suffering them to run. One

of them however, got a fall, and either lay there or crawled off on all

fours. The other got clear without any apparent hurt. I then landed with

the marines, and Mr. Fannin stayed to guard the boat.

“On the beach were two bundles of celery, which had been gathered for

loading the cutter. A broken oar was stuck upright in the ground, to

which the natives had tied their canoes; a proof that the attack had

been made here. I then searched all along at the back of the beach, to

see if the cutter was there. We found no boat, but instead of her, such

a shocking scene of carnage and barbarity as can never be mentioned or

thought of but with horror; for the heads, hearts, and lungs of several

of our people were seen lying on the beach, and, at a little distance,

the dogs gnawing their entrails.

“Whilst we remained almost stupified on the spot, Mr. Fannin called to

us that he heard the savages gathering together in the woods; on which I

returned to the boat, and hauling alongside the canoes, we demolished

three of them. Whilst this was transacting, the fire on the top of the

hill disappeared; and we could hear the Indians in the woods at high

words, I suppose quarrelling whether or no they should attack us, and

try to save their canoes. It now grew dark, I therefore just stepped

out, and looked once more behind the beach to see if the cutter had been

hauled up in the bushes; but seeing nothing of her, returned and put

off. Our whole force would have been barely sufficient to have gone up

the hill, and to have ventured with half (for half must have been left

to guard the boat) would have been fool-hardiness.

“As we opened the upper part of the sound, we saw a very large fire

about three or four miles higher up, which formed a complete oval,

reaching from the top of a hill down almost to the water-side, the

middle space being inclosed all round by the fire, like a hedge. I

consulted with Mr. Fannin, and we were both of opinion that we could

expect to reap no other advantage than the poor satisfaction of killing

some more of the savages. At leaving Grass Cove, we had fired a general

volley towards where we heard the Indians talking; but, by going in and

out of the boat, the arms had got wet, and four pieces missed fire. What

was still worse, it began to rain; our ammunition was more than half

expended, and we left six large canoes behind us in one place. With so

many disadvantages, I did not think it worth while to proceed, where

nothing could be hoped for but revenge.

“Coming between two round islands, situated to the southward of East

Bay, we imagined we heard somebody calling, we lay on our oars and

listened, but heard no more of it; we hallooed several times, but to

little purpose; the poor souls were far enough out of hearing; and,

indeed, I think it some comfort to reflect that, in all probability,

every man of them must have been killed on the spot.”

Thus far Mr. Burney’s report; and, to complete the account of this

tragical transaction, it may not be unnecessary to mention that the

people in the cutter were Mr. Rowe; Mr. Woodhouse; Francis Murphy,

quarter-master; William Facey, Thomas Hill, Michael Bell, and Edward

Jones, forecastle-men; John Cavenaugh and Thomas Milton, belonging to

the after-guard; and James Sevilley, the captain’s man, being ten in

all. Most of these were of our very best seamen, the stoutest and most

healthy people in the ship. Mr. Burney’s party brought on board two

hands, one belonging to Mr. Rowe, known by a hurt he had received on it;

the other to Thomas Hill, as before-mentioned; and the head of the

captain’s servant. These, with more of the remains, were tied in a

hammock and thrown over-board, with ballast and shot sufficient to sink

it. None of their arms nor clothes were found, except part of a pair of

trowsers, a frock, and six shoes, no two of them being fellows.

I am not inclined to think this was any premeditated plan of these

savages; for, the morning Mr. Rowe left the ship, he met two canoes,

which came down and stayed all the forenoon in Ship Cove. It might

probably happen from some quarrel which was decided on the spot; or the

fairness of the opportunity might tempt them, our people being so

incautious, and thinking themselves too secure. Another thing which

encouraged the New Zealanders, was, they were sensible that a gun was

not infallible, that they sometimes missed, and that when discharged,

they must be loaded before they could be used again, which time they

knew how to take advantage of. After their success, I imagine there was

a general meeting on the east side of the sound. The Indians of Shag

Cove were there; this we knew by a cock which was in one of the canoes,

and by a long single canoe, which some of our people had seen four days

before in Shag Cove, where they had been with Mr. Rowe in the cutter.

We were detained in the sound by contrary winds four days after this

melancholy affair happened, during which time we saw none of the

inhabitants. What is very remarkable, I had been several times up in the

same cove with Captain Cook, and never saw the least sign of an

inhabitant, except some deserted towns, which appeared as if they had

not been occupied for several years; and yet, when Mr. Burney entered

the cove, he was of opinion there could not be less than fifteen hundred

or two thousand people. I doubt not, had they been apprized of his

coming, they would have attacked him. From these considerations I

thought it imprudent to send a boat up again; as we were convinced there

was not the least probability of any of our people being alive.

On the 23d, we weighed and made sail out of the Sound, and stood to the

eastward to get clear of the Straits; which we accomplished the same

evening, but were baffled for two or three days with light winds before

we could clear the coast. We then stood to the S. S. E., till we got

into the latitude of 56° S., without any thing remarkable happening,

having a great swell from the southward. At this time the winds began to

blow strong from the S. W., and the weather to be very cold; and as the

ship was low and deep laden, the sea made a continual breach over her,

which kept us always wet; and by her straining, very few of the people

were dry in bed or on deck, having no shelter to keep the sea from them.

The birds were the only companions we had in this vast ocean; except now

and then, we saw a whale or porpoise, and sometimes a seal or two, and a

few penguins. In the latitude of 58° S., longitude 213°[18] E., we fell

in with some ice, and every day saw more or less, we then standing to

the E. We found a very strong current setting to the eastward; for by

the time we were abreast of Cape Horn, being in the latitude of 61° S.,

the ship was a-head of our account eight degrees. We were very little

more than a month from Cape Palliser in New Zealand to Cape Horn, which

is an hundred and twenty-one degrees of longitude, and had continual

westerly winds from S. W. to N. W., with a great sea following.

On opening some casks of peas and flour, that had been stowed on the

coals, we found them very much damaged, and not eatable; so thought it

most prudent to make for the Cape of Good Hope, but first to stand into

the latitude and longitude of Cape Circumcision. After being to the

eastward of Cape Horn, we found the winds did not blow so strong from

the westward as usual, but came more from the north, which brought on

thick foggy weather; so that for several days together we could not be

able to get an observation, or see the least sign of the sun.

This weather lasted above a month, being then among a great many islands

of ice, which kept us constantly on the look-out for fear of running

foul of them, and, being a single ship, made us more attentive. By this

time our people began to complain of colds and pains in their limbs,

which obliged me to haul to the northward to the latitude of 54° S., but

we still continued to have the same sort of weather, though we had

oftener an opportunity of obtaining observations for the latitude.

After getting into the latitude abovementioned, I steered to the east,

in order if possible to find the land laid down by Bouvet. As we

advanced to the east, the islands of ice became more numerous and

dangerous; they being much smaller than they used to be; and the nights

began to be dark.

On the third of March, being then in the latitude of 54° 4ʹ S.,

longitude 13° E., which is the latitude of Bouvet’s discovery, and half

a degree to the eastward of it, and not seeing the least sign of land,

either now or since we have been in this parallel, I gave over looking

for it, and hauled away to the northward. As our last track to the

southward was within a few degrees of Bouvet’s discovery, in the

longitude assigned to it, and about three or four degrees to the

southward, should there be any land thereabout, it must be a very

inconsiderable island. But I believe it was nothing but ice; as we, in

our first setting out, thought we had seen land several times, but it

proved to be high islands of ice at the back of the large fields; and as

it was thick foggy weather when Mr. Bouvet fell in with it, he might

very easily mistake them for land.

On the 7th, being in the latitude of 48° 30ʹ S., longitude 14° 26ʹ E.,

saw two large islands of ice.

On the 17th, made the land of the Cape of Good Hope, and on the 19th

anchored in Table Bay, where we found Commodore Sir Edward Hughes, with

his Majesty’s ships Salisbury and Sea-horse. I saluted the Commodore

with thirteen guns; and soon after, the garrison with the same number;

the former returned the salute, as usual, with two guns less, and the

latter with an equal number.

On the 24th, Sir Edward Hughes sailed with the Salisbury and Sea-horse

for the East Indies; but I remained refitting the ship and refreshing my

people till the 16th of April, when I sailed for England and on the 14th

of July anchored at Spithead.

CHAP. IX.

TRANSACTIONS AT THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE; WITH AN ACCOUNT OF SOME

DISCOVERIES MADE BY THE FRENCH; AND THE ARRIVAL OF THE SHIP AT ST.

HELENA.

I now resume my own Journal, which Captain Furneaux’s interesting

Narrative in the preceding chapter, had obliged me to suspend.

The day after my arrival at the Cape of Good Hope, I went on shore and

waited on the governor, Baron Plettenberg, and other principal officers,

who received and treated us with the greatest politeness, contributing

all in their power to make it agreeable. And, as there are few people

more obliging to strangers than the Dutch in general at this place, and

refreshments of all kinds are no where to be got in such abundance, we

enjoyed some real repose, after the fatigues of a long voyage.

The good treatment which strangers meet with at the Cape of Good Hope,

and the necessity of breathing a little fresh air, has introduced a

custom not common any where else (at least I have no where seen it so

strictly observed), which is, for all the officers who can be spared out

of the ships to reside on shore. We followed this custom. Myself, the

two Mr. Forsters, and Mr. Sparrman, took up our abode with Mr. Brandt, a

gentleman well known to the English by his obliging readiness to serve

them. My first care after my arrival, was to procure fresh-baked bread,

fresh meat, greens, and wine, for those who remained on board; and,

being provided every day during our stay with these articles, they were

soon restored to their usual strength. We had only three men on board

whom it was thought necessary to send on shore for the recovery of their

health; and for these I procured quarters, at the rate of thirty

stivers, or half a crown, per day, for which they were provided with

victuals, drink, and lodging.

We now went to work to supply all our defects. For this purpose, by

permission, we erected a tent on shore, to which we sent our casks and

sails to be repaired. We also struck the yards and topmasts, in order to

overhaul the rigging, which we found in so bad a condition, that almost

every thing, except the standing rigging, was obliged to be replaced

with new; and that was purchased at a most exorbitant price. In the

article of naval stores, the Dutch here, as well as at Batavia, take a

shameful advantage of the distress of foreigners.

That our rigging, sails, &c. should be worn out, will not be wondered

at, when it is known, that, during this circumnavigation of the globe,

that is, from our leaving this place, to our return to it again, we had

sailed no less than twenty thousand leagues; an extent of voyage, nearly

equal to three times the equatorial circumference of the earth, and

which, I apprehend, was never sailed by any ship in the same space of

time before. And yet, in all this great run, which had been made in all

latitudes between 9° and 71°, we sprung neither low-masts, top-mast,

lower nor top-sail yard, nor so much as broke a lower or top-mast

shroud; which, with the great care and abilities of my officers, must be

owing to the good properties of our ship.

One of the French ships which were at anchor in the bay, was the Ajax

Indiaman, bound to Pondicherry, commanded by Captain Crozet. He had been

second in command with Captain Morion, who sailed from this place with

two ships, in March, 1772, as hath been already mentioned. Instead of

going from hence to America, as was said, he stood away for New Zealand;

where, in the Bay of Isles, he and some of his people were killed by the

inhabitants. Captain Crozet, who succeeded to the command, returned by

the way of the Philippine Isles, with the two ships, to the Island of

Mauritius. He seemed to be a man possessed of the true spirit of

discovery, and to have abilities. In a very obliging manner, he

communicated to me a chart, wherein were delineated not only his own

discoveries, but also that of Captain Kerguelen, which I found laid down

in the very situation where we searched for it; so that I can, by no

means, conceive how both we and the Adventure missed it.

Resides this land, which Captain Crozet told us was a long but very

narrow island, extending east and west, Captain Morion, in about the

latitude of 48° S., and from 16° to 30° of longitude east of the Cape of

Good Hope, discovered six islands which were high and barren. These,

together with some islands lying between the line and the southern

tropic in the Pacific Ocean, were the principal discoveries made in this

voyage, the account of which, we were told, was ready for publication.

By Captain Crozet’s chart it appeared that a voyage had been made by the

French across the South Pacific Ocean, in 1769, under the command of one

Captain Surville; who, on condition of his attempting discoveries, had

obtained leave to make a trading voyage to the coast of Peru. He fitted

out, and took in a cargo, in some part of the East Indies; proceeded by

way of the Philippine Isles; passed near New Britain; and discovered

some land in the latitude of 10° S., longitude 158° E. to which he gave

his own name. From hence he steered to the south; passed but a few

degrees to the west of New Caledonia; fell in with New Zealand at its

northern extremity, and put into Doubtful Bay, where it seems, he was,

when I passed it, on my former voyage, in the Endeavour. From New

Zealand, Captain Surville steered to the east, between the latitude of

35° and 41° south, until he arrived on the coast of America; where, in

the port of Callao, in attempting to land, he was drowned.

These voyages of the French, though undertaken by private adventurers,

have contributed something towards exploring the Southern Ocean. That of

Captain Surville, clears up a mistake, which I was led into, in

imagining the shoals off the west end of New Caledonia to extend to the

west, as far as New Holland. It proves that there is an open sea in that

space, and that we saw the N. W. extremity of that country.

From the same gentleman we learnt, that the ship which had been at

Otaheite before our first arrival there this voyage, was from New Spain;

and that, in her return, she had discovered some islands in the latitude

of 32° S. and under the meridian of 130° W. Some other islands, said to

be discovered by the Spaniards, appeared on this chart; but Captain

Crozet seemed to think, they were inserted from no good authorities.

We were likewise informed of a later voyage undertaken by the French,

under the command of Captain Kerguelen, which had ended much to the

disgrace of that commander.

While we lay in Table Bay, several foreign ships put in and out, bound

to and from India, viz. English, French, Danes, Swedes, and three

Spanish frigates, two of them going to, and one coming from, Manilla. It

is but very lately that the Spanish ships have touched here; and these

were the first that were allowed the same privileges as other European

friendly nations.

On examining our rudder, the pintles were found to be loose, and we were

obliged to unhang it, and take it on shore to repair. We were also

delayed for want of calkers to calk the ship, which was absolutely

necessary to be done, before we put to sea. At length I obtained two

workmen from one of the Dutch ships; and the Dutton English East

Indiaman, coming in from Bengal, Captain Rice, obliged me with two more;

so that by the 26th of April, this work was finished; and having got on

board all necessary stores, and a fresh supply of provisions and water,

we took leave of the governor and other principal officers, and the next

morning repaired on board. Soon after, the wind coming fair, we weighed

and put to sea; as did also the Spanish frigate Juno, from Manilla, a

Danish Indiaman, and the Dutton.

As soon as we were under sail, we saluted the garrison with thirteen

guns; which compliment was immediately returned with the same number.

The Spanish frigate and Danish Indiaman, both saluted us as we passed

them, and I returned each salute with an equal number of guns. When we

were clear of the bay, the Danish ship steered for the East Indies, the

Spanish frigate for Europe, and we and the Dutton for St. Helena.

Depending on the goodness of Mr. Kendall’s watch, I resolved to try to

make the island, by a direct course. For the first six days, that is,

till we got into the latitude of 27° S., longitude 11-1/2° W. of the

Cape, the winds were southerly and S. E. After this we had variable

light airs for two days; they were succeeded by a wind at S. E. which

continued to the island, except a part of one day, when it was at N. E.

In general, the wind blew faint all the passage, which made it longer

than common.

At day-break, in the morning of the 15th of May, we saw the island of

St. Helena, at the distance of fourteen leagues; and, at midnight,

anchored in the road before the town, on the N. W. side of the island.

At sunrise the next morning, the castle, and also the Dutton, saluted

us, each with thirteen guns; on my landing, soon after, I was saluted by

the castle, with the same number; and each of the salutes was returned

by the ship.

Governor Skettowe, and the principal gentlemen of the island, received

and treated me, during my stay, with the greatest politeness, by showing

me every kind of civility in their power.

Whoever views St. Helena, in its present state, and can but conceive

what it must have been originally, will not hastily charge the

inhabitants with want of industry. Though, perhaps, they might apply it

to more advantage, were more land appropriated to planting of corn,

vegetables, roots, &c. instead of being laid out in pasture, which is

the present mode. But this is not likely to happen, so long as the

greatest part of it remains in the hands of the Company and their

servants. Without industrious planters this island can never flourish,

and be in a condition to supply the shipping with the necessary

refreshments.

Within these three years a new church has been built; some other new

buildings were in hand; a commodious landing-place for boats has been

made; and several other improvements, which add both strength and beauty

to the place.

During our stay here we finished some necessary repairs of the ship,

which we had not time to do at the Cape. We also filled all our empty

water casks; and the crew were served with fresh beef, purchased at

fivepence per pound. Their beef is exceedingly good, and is the only

refreshment to be had worth mentioning.

By a series of observations made at the Cape Town, and at James Fort, in

St. Helena; at the former by Messrs. Mason and Dixon, and at the latter

by Mr. Maskelyne, the present astronomer royal, the difference of

longitude between these two places is 24° 12ʹ 15ʺ, only two miles more

than Mr. Kendall’s watch made. The lunar observations made by Mr. Wales,

before we arrived at the island, and after we left it, and reduced to it

by the watch, gave 5° 51ʹ for the longitude of James Fort; which is only

five miles more west, than it is placed by Mr. Maskelyne. In like

manner, the longitude of the Cape Town was found within 5ʹ of the truth.

I mention this, to show how near the longitude of places may be found by

the lunar method, even at sea, with the assistance of a good watch.

CHAP. X.

PASSAGE FROM ST. HELENA TO THE WESTERN ISLANDS, WITH A DESCRIPTION OF

THE ISLAND OF ASCENSION AND FERNANDO NORONHO.

On the 21st, in the evening, I took leave of the governor, and repaired

on board. Upon my leaving the shore, I was saluted with thirteen guns;

and, upon my getting under sail, with the Dutton in company, I was

saluted with thirteen more; both of which I returned.

After leaving St. Helena, the Dutton was ordered to steer N. W. by W. or

N. W. by compass, in order to avoid falling in with Ascension; at which

island, it was said, an illicit trade was carried on between the

officers of the India Company’s ships, and some vessels from North

America, who, of late years, had frequented the island, on pretence of

fishing for whales, or catching turtle, when their real design was to

wait the coming of the India ships. In order to prevent their homeward

bound ship from falling in with these smugglers, and to put a stop to

this illicit trade, the Dutton was ordered to steer the course

above-mentioned till to the northward of Ascension. I kept company with

this ship till the 24th, when, after putting a packet on board her for

the Admiralty, we parted; she continuing her course to the N. W. and I

steering for Ascension.

In the morning of the 28th, I made the island, and the same evening

anchored in Cross Bay on the N. W. side, in ten fathoms’ water, the

bottom a fine sand, and half a mile from the shore. The Cross Hill, so

called on account of a cross, or flag-staff erected upon it, bore by

compass S. 38° E.; and the two extreme points of the Bay extended from

N. E. to S. W. We remained here till the evening of the 31st; and,

notwithstanding we had several parties out every night, we got but

twenty-four turtle, it being rather too late in the season; however, as

they weighed between four or five hundred pounds each, we thought

ourselves not ill off. We might have had a plentiful supply of fish in

general; especially of that sort called old wives, I have no where seen

such abundance; there were also cavalies, congor eels, and various other

sorts; but the catching of any of these was not attended to, the object

being turtle. There are abundance of goats, and aquatic birds, such as

men-of-war and tropic birds, boobies, &c.

The island of Ascension is about ten miles in length, in the direction

of N. W. and S. E. and about five or six in breadth. It shews a surface

composed of barren hills and valleys, on the most of which not a shrub

or plant is to be seen for several miles, and where we found nothing but

stones and sand, or rather slags and ashes; an indubitable sign that the

isle, at some remote time, has been destroyed by a volcano, which has

thrown up vast heaps of stones, and even hills. Between these heaps of

stones we found a smooth even surface, composed of ashes and sand, and

very good travelling upon it; but one may as easily walk over broken

glass bottles as over the stones. If the foot deceives you, you are sure

to be cut or lamed, which happened to some of our people. A high

mountain, at the S. E. end of the isle, seems to be left in its original

state, and to have escaped the general destruction. Its soil is a kind

of white marl, which yet retains its vegetative qualities, and produceth

a kind of purslain, spurg, and one or two grasses. On these the goats

subsist; and it is at this part of the isle where they are to be found,

as also land-crabs, which are said to be very good.

I was told, that about this part of the isle is some very good land, on

which might be raised many necessary articles; and some have been at the

trouble of sowing turnips and other useful vegetables. I was also told

there is a fine spring in a valley which disjoins two hills on the top

of the mountain above mentioned; besides great quantities of fresh water

in holes in the rocks, which the person who gave me this information

believed was collected from rains. But these supplies of water can only

be of use to the traveller; or to those who may be so unfortunate as to

be shipwrecked on the island; which seems to have been the fate of some

not long ago, as appeared by the remains of a wreck we found on the

N. E. side. By what we could judge, she seemed to have been a vessel of

about one hundred and fifty tons burthen.

While we lay in the road, a sloop of about seventy tons burthen came to

an anchor by us. She belonged to New York, which place she left in

February; and having been to the coast of Guinea with a cargo of goods,

was come here to take in turtle to carry to Barbadoes. This was the

story which the master, whose name was Greves, was pleased to tell, and

which may, in part, be true. But I believe the chief view of his coming

here, was the expectation of meeting with some of the India ships. He

had been in the island near a week, and had got on board twenty turtle.

A sloop, belonging to Bermuda, had sailed but a few days before with one

hundred and five on board, which was as many as she could take in; but

having turned several more on the different sandy beaches, they had

ripped open their bellies, taken out the eggs, and left the carcasses to

putrify; an act as inhuman as injurious to those who came after them.

Part of the account I have given of the interior parts of this island I

received from Captain Greves, who seemed to be a sensible intelligent

man, and had been all over it. He sailed in the morning of the same day

we did.

Turtle, I am told, are to be found at this isle from January to June.

The method of catching them is to have people upon the several sandy

bays, to watch their coming on shore to lay their eggs, which is always

in the night, and then to turn them on their backs, till there be an

opportunity to take them off the next day. It was recommended to us to

send a good many men to each beach, where they were to lie quiet till

the turtle were ashore, and then rise and turn them at once. This method

may be the best when the turtle are numerous; but when there are but

few, three or four men are sufficient for the largest beach; and if they

keep patroling it, close to the wash of the surf, during the night, by

this method they will see all that come ashore, and cause less noise

than if there were more of them. It was by this method we caught the

most we got; and this is the method by which the Americans take them.

Nothing is more certain than that all the turtle which are found about

this island, come here for the sole purpose of laying their eggs; for we

meet with none but females; and of all those which we caught, not one

had any food worth mentioning in its stomach; a sure sign, in my

opinion, that they must have been a long time without any; and this may

be the reason why the flesh of them is not so good as some I have ate on

the coast of New South Wales, which were caught on the spot where they

fed.

The watch made 8° 45ʹ difference of longitude between St. Helena and

Ascension; which added to 5° 49ʹ, the longitude of James Fort in St.

Helena, gives 14° 34ʹ for the longitude of the Road of Ascension, or 14°

30ʹ for the middle of the island, the latitude of which is 8° S. The

lunar observations made by Mr. Wales, and reduced to the same point of

the island by the watch, gave 14° 28ʹ 30ʺ west longitude.

On the 31st of May we left Ascension, and steered to the northward, with

a fine gale at S. E. by E. I had a great desire to visit the island of

St. Matthew, to settle its situation; but as I found the winds would not

let me fetch it, I steered for the island of Fernando de Noronho, on the

coast of Brazil, in order to determine its longitude, as I could not

find this had yet been done. Perhaps I should have performed a more

acceptable service to navigation, if I had gone in search of the island

of St. Paul, and those shoals which are said to lie near the equator,

and about the meridian of 20° west; as neither their situation nor

existence are well known. The truth is, I was unwilling to prolong the

passage in searching for what I was not sure to find; nor was I willing

to give up every object, which might tend to the improvement of

navigation or geography, for the sake of getting home a week or a

fortnight sooner. It is but seldom that opportunities of this kind

offer; and when they do, they are too often neglected.

In our passage to Fernando de Noronho, we had steady fresh gales between

the S. E. and E. S. E. attended with fair and clear weather; and as we

had the advantage of the moon, a day or night did not pass without

making lunar observations for the determining our longitude. In this

run, the variation of the compass gradually decreased from 11° west,

which it was at Ascension, to 1° west, which we found off Fernando de

Noronho. This was the mean result of two compasses, one of which gave 1°

37ʹ, and the other 23ʹ west.

On the 9th of June, at noon, we made the island of Fernando de Noronho,

bearing S. W. by W. 1/2 W., distant six or seven leagues, as we

afterwards found by the log. It appeared in detached and peaked hills,

the largest of which looked like a church tower or steeple. As we drew

near the S. E. part of the isle, we perceived several unconnected sunken

rocks lying near a league from the shore, on which the sea broke in a

great surf. After standing very near these rocks, we hoisted our

colours, and then bore up round the north end of the isle, or rather

round a group of little islets; for we could see that the land was

divided by narrow channels. There is a strong fort on the one next the

main island, where there are several others; all of which seemed to have

every advantage that nature can give them, and they are so disposed as

wholly to command all the anchoring and landing-places about the island.

We continued to steer round the northern point, till the sandy beaches

(before which is the road for shipping) began to appear, and the forts

and the peaked hills were open to the westward of the said point. At

this time, on a gun being fired from one of the forts, the Portuguese

colours were displayed, and the example was followed by all the other

forts. As the purpose for which I made the island was now answered, I

had no intention to anchor; and therefore, after firing a gun to

leeward, we made sail and stood away to the northward, with a fine fresh

gale at E. S. E. The peaked hill or church tower bore south, 27° west,

distant about four or five miles; and from this point of view it leans,

or over-hangs, to the east. This hill is nearly in the middle of the

island, which no where exceeds two leagues in extent, and shows a hilly

unequal surface, mostly covered with wood and herbage.

Ulloa says, “This island hath two harbours, capable of receiving ships

of the greatest burden; one is on the north side, and the other on the

N. W. The former is, in every respect, the principal, both for shelter

and capacity, and the goodness of its bottom; but both are exposed to

the north and west, though these winds, particularly the north, are

periodical, and of no long continuance.” He further says, that you

anchor in the north harbour (which is no more than what I would call a

road) in thirteen fathoms’ water, one third of a league from shore,

bottom of fine sand; the peaked hill above mentioned bearing S. W. 3°

southerly.[19]

This road seems to be well sheltered from the south and east winds. One

of my seamen had been on board a Dutch India ship, who put in at this

isle in her way out, in 1770. They were very sickly, and in want of

refreshments and water. The Portuguese supplied them with some buffaloes

and fowls; and they watered behind one of the beaches in a little pool,

which was hardly big enough to dip a bucket in. By reducing the observed

latitude at noon to the peaked hill, its latitude will be 3° 53ʹ south;

and its longitude, by the watch, carried on from St. Helena, is 32° 34ʹ

west; and by observations of the sun and moon, made before and after we

made the isle, and reduced to it by the watch, 32° 44ʹ 30ʺ west. This

was the mean result of my observations. The results of those made by Mr.

Wales, which were more numerous, gave 32° 23ʹ. The mean of the two will

be pretty near the watch, and probably nearest the truth. By knowing the

longitude of this isle, we are able to determine that of the adjacent

east coast of Brazil; which, according to the modern charts, lies about

sixty or seventy leagues more to the west. We might very safely have

trusted to these charts, especially the Variation Chart for 1744, and

Mr. Dalrymple’s of the Southern Atlantic Ocean.[20]

On the 11th, at three o’clock in the afternoon, we crossed the equator

in the longitude of 32° 14ʹ west. We had fresh gales at S. S. E.,

blowing in squalls, attended by showers of rain, that continued at

certain intervals, till noon the next day, after which we had

twenty-four hours’ fair weather.

At noon, on the 13th, being in the latitude of 3° 49ʹ north, longitude

31° 47ʹ west, the wind became variable, between the N. E. and south; and

we had light airs and squalls by turns, attended by hard showers of

rain, and for the most part dark gloomy weather, which continued till

the evening of the 15th, when in the latitude of 5° 47ʹ north, longitude

31° west, we had three calm days, in which time we did not advance above

ten or twelve leagues to the north. We had fair weather and rain by

turns; the sky, for the most part, being obscured, and sometimes by

heavy dense clouds which broke in excessive hard showers.

At seven o’clock in the evening on the 18th, the calm was succeeded by a

breeze at east, which, the next day, increasing and veering to and

fixing at N. E., we stretched to N. W. with our tacks on board. We made

no doubt that we had now got the N. E. trade wind, as it was attended

with fair weather, except now and then some light showers of rain; and,

as we advanced to the north, the wind increased and blew a fresh

top-gallant gale.

On the 21st, I ordered the still to be fitted to the largest copper,

which held about sixty-four gallons. The fire was lighted at four

o’clock in the morning, and at six the still began to run. It was

continued till six o’clock in the evening; in which time we obtained

thirty-two gallons of fresh water, at the expence of one bushel and a

half of coals; which was about three-fourths of a bushel more than was

necessary to have boiled the ship’s company’s victuals only; but the

expence of fuel was no object with me. The victuals were dressed in the

small copper, the other being applied wholly to the still; and every

method was made use of to obtain from it the greatest quantity of fresh

water possible, as this was my sole motive for setting it to work. The

mercury in the thermometer at noon was at eighty-four and a half, and

higher it is seldom found at sea. Had it been lower, more water, under

the same circumstances, would undoubtedly have been produced; for the

colder the air is, the cooler you can keep the still, which will

condense the steam the faster. Upon the whole, this is an useful

invention; but I would advise no man to trust wholly to it. For although

you may, provided you have plenty of fuel and good coppers, obtain as

much water as will support life, you cannot, with all your efforts,

obtain sufficient to support health, in hot climates especially, where

it is the most wanting; for I am well convinced, that nothing

contributes more to the health of seamen, than having plenty of water.

The wind now remained invariably fixed at N. E. and E. N. E. and blew

fresh with squalls, attended with showers of rain, and the sky for the

most part cloudy. On the 25th, in the latitude of 16° 12ʹ north,

longitude 37° 20ʹ west, seeing a ship to windward steering down upon us,

we shortened sail in order to speak with her; but finding she was Dutch

by her colours, we made sail again and left her to pursue her course,

which we supposed was to some of the Dutch settlements in the West

Indies. In the latitude of 20° north, longitude 39° 45ʹ west, the wind

began to veer to E. by N. and E.; but the weather remained the same;

that is, we continued to have it clear and cloudy by turns, with light

squalls and showers. Our track was between N. W. by N. and N. N. W. till

noon on the 28th, after which our course made good was N. by W., being

at this time in the latitude of 21° 21ʹ north, longitude 40° 6ʹ west.

Afterwards, the wind began to blow a little more steady, and was

attended with fair and clear weather. At two o’clock in the morning of

the 30th, being in the latitude of 24° 20ʹ north, longitude 40° 47ʹ

west, a ship, steering to the westward, passed us within hale. We judged

her to be English, as they answered us in that language; but we could

not understand what they said, and they were presently out of sight.

In the latitude of 29° 30ʹ, longitude 41° 30ʹ, the wind slackened and

veered more to the S. E. We now began to see some of that sea-plant,

which is commonly called gulph-weed, from a supposition that it comes

from the Gulph of Florida. Indeed, for aught I know to the contrary, it

may be a fact; but it seems not necessary, as it is certainly a plant

which vegetates at sea. We continued to see it, but always in small

pieces, till we reached the latitude 36°, longitude 39° west, beyond

which situation no more appeared.

On the 5th of July, in the latitude of 32° 31ʹ 30ʺ north, longitude 40°

29ʹ west, the wind veered to the east, and blew very faint; the next day

it was calm; the two following days we had variable light airs and calms

by turns; and, at length, on the 9th, having fixed at S. S. W., it

increased to a fresh gale, with which we steered first N. E. and then

E. N. E. with a view of making some of the Azores, or Western Isles. On

the 11th, in the latitude of 36° 45ʹ north, longitude 36° 45ʹ west, we

saw a sail which was steering to the west; and the next day we saw three

more.

CHAP. XI.

ARRIVAL OF THE SHIP AT THE ISLAND OF FAYAL, A DESCRIPTION OF THE PLACE,

AND THE RETURN OF THE RESOLUTION TO ENGLAND.

At five o’clock in the evening of the 13th, we made the island of Fayal,

one of the Azores, and soon after that of Pico, under which we spent the

night making short boards. At day break, the next morning, we bore away

for the bay of Fayal, or De Horta, where, at eight o’clock, we anchored

in twenty fathoms water, a clean sandy bottom, and something more than

half a mile from the shore. Here we moored N. E. and S. W., being

directed so to do by the master of the port, who came on board before we

dropped anchor. When moored, the S. W. point of the bay bore S. 16° W.,

and the N. E. point N. 33° E.; the church at the N. E. end of the town

N. 38° W.; the west point of St. George’s Island N. 42° E., distant

eight leagues; and the Isle of Pico extending from N. 74° E. to S. 46°

E. distance four or five miles.

We found in the bay, the Pourvoyeur, a large French frigate, an American

sloop, and a brig belonging to the place. She had come last from the

river Amazon, where she took in a cargo of provisions for the Cape Verde

Islands; but, not being able to find them, she steered for this place,

where she anchored about half an hour before us.

As my sole design in stopping here was to give Mr. Wales an opportunity

to find the rate of the watch, the better to enable us to fix, with some

degree of certainty, the longitude of these islands, the moment we

anchored, I sent an officer to wait on the English consul, and to notify

our arrival to the Governor, requesting his permission for Mr. Wales to

make observations on shore, for the purpose above-mentioned. Mr. Dent,

who acted as consul, in the absence of Mr. Gathorne, not only procured

this permission, but accommodated Mr. Wales with a convenient place in

his garden, to set up his instruments; so that he was enabled to observe

equal altitudes the same day.

We were not more obliged to Mr. Dent for the very friendly readiness he

showed, in procuring us this and every other thing we wanted, than for

the very liberal and hospitable entertainment we met with at his house,

which was open to accommodate us, both night and day.

During our stay, the ship’s company was served with fresh beef; and we

took on board about fifteen tons of water, which we brought off in the

country boats, at the rate of about three shillings per ton. Ships are

allowed to water with their own boats, but the many inconveniences

attending it more than overbalance the expense of hiring shore-boats

which is the most general custom.

Fresh provisions for present use may be got, such as beef, vegetables,

and fruit; and hogs, sheep, and poultry, for sea-stock, at a pretty

reasonable price; but I do not know that any sea-provisions are to be

had, except wine. The bullocks and hogs are very good, but the sheep are

small, and wretchedly poor.

The principal produce of Fayal is wheat and Indian corn, with which they

supply Pico, and some of the other isles. The chief town is called Villa

de Horta. It is situated in the bottom of the bay, close to the edge of

the sea, and is defended by two castles, one at each end of the town,

and a wall of stone-work, extending along the sea-shore, from the one to

the other. But these works are suffered to go to decay, and serve more

for show than strength. They heighten the prospect of the city, which

makes a fine appearance from the road; but, if we except the Jesuits’

College, the monasteries and churches, there is not another building

that has any thing to recommend it, either outside or in. There is not a

glass window in the place, except what are in the churches, and in a

country-house, which lately belonged to the English consul; all the

others being latticed, which, to an Englishman, makes them look like

prisons.

This little city, like all others belonging to the Portuguese, is

crowded with religious buildings; there being no less than three

convents of men, and two of women; and eight churches, including those

belonging to the convents, and the one in the Jesuits’ college. The

college is a fine structure, and is seated on an elevation in the

pleasantest part of the city. Since the expulsion of that order, it has

been suffered to go to decay, and will probably, in a few years, be no

better than a heap of ruins.

Fayal, although the most noted for wine, does not raise sufficient for

its own consumption. This article is raised on Pico, where there is no

road for shipping; but being brought to De Horta, and from thence

shipped abroad, chiefly to America, it has acquired the name of Fayal

wine.

The bay, or road of Fayal, is situated at the east end of the isle,

before the Villa de Horta, and facing the west end of Pico. It is two

miles broad, and three quarters of a mile deep, and hath a semi-circular

form. The depth of water is from twenty to ten, and even six fathoms, a

sandy bottom; except near the shore, and particularly near the S. W.

head, off which the bottom is rocky, also without the line, which joins

the two points of the bay, so that it is not safe to anchor far out. The

bearing before mentioned, taken when at anchor, will direct any one to

the best ground. It is by no means a bad road, but the winds most to be

apprehended, are those which blow from between the S. S. W. and S. E.;

the former is not so dangerous as the latter, because, with it, you can

always get to sea. Besides this road, there is a small cove round the

S. W. point, called Porto Piere, in which, I am told, a ship or two may

lie in tolerable safety, and where they sometimes heave small vessels

down.

A Portuguese captain told me, that about half a league from the road, in

the direction of S. E., in a line between it and the south side of Pico,

lies a sunken rock, over which is twenty-two feet water, and on which

the sea breaks in hard gales from the south. He also assured me, that of

all the shoals that are laid down in our charts and pilot-books about

these isles, not one has any existence but the one between the islands

of St. Michael and St. Mary, called Hormingan.—This account may be

believed, without relying entirely upon it. He further informed me, that

it is forty-five leagues from Fayal to the island of Flores; and that

there runs a strong tide between Fayal and Pico, the flood setting to

the N. E. and the ebb to the S. W., but that out at sea, the direction

is east and west. Mr. Wales having observed the times of high and low

water, by the shore, concluded that it must be high water at the full

and change about twelve o’clock, and the water riseth about four or five

feet.

The distance between Fayal and Flores was confirmed by Mr. Rebiers,

lieutenant of the French frigate, who told me, that, after being by

estimation two leagues due south of Flores, they made forty-four

leagues, on a S. E. by E., course by compass, to St. Catherine’s Point,

on Fayal.

I found the latitude of the } 38° 31ʹ 55ʺ N.

ship at anchor in the bay }

By a mean of seventeen sets }

of lunar observations, taken}

before we arrived, }

and reduced to the bay by } 28 24 30 W.

the watch, the longitude }

was made }

By a mean of six sets after }

leaving it, and reduced } 28 53 22

back by the watch }

Longitude by observation 28 38 56

----------------

Ditto, by the watch: 28 55 45

Error of the watch on our } -- 16 26-1/2

arrival at Portsmouth }

----------------

True longitude by the watch 28 39 18-1/2

----------------

I found the variation of the compass, by several azimuths, taken by

different compasses on board the ship, to agree very well with the like

observations made by Mr. Wales on shore; and yet the variation thus

found, is greater by 5°, than we found it to be at sea; for the azimuths

taken on board, the evening before we came into the bay, gave no more

than 16° 18ʹ west variation, and the evening after we came out, 17° 33ʹ

west.

I shall now give some account of the variation, as observed in our run

from the Island of Fernando De Noronho, to Fayal. The least variation we

found was 37ʹ W., which was the day after we left Fernando De Noronho,

and in the latitude of 33ʹ S., longitude 32° 16ʹ W. The next day, being

nearly in the same longitude, and in the latitude of 1° 25ʹ N. it was 1°

23ʹ west; and we did not find it increase till we got into the latitude

of 5° N., longitude 31° west. After this our compasses gave different

variations, viz. from 3° 57ʹ to 5° 11ʹ W. till we arrived in the

latitude of 26° 44ʹ north, longitude 41° west, when we found 6° west. It

then increased gradually, so that in the latitude of 35° N. longitude

40° W., it was 10° 24ʹ W.; in the latitude of 38° 12ʹ N., longitude

32-1/2° W., it was 14° 47ʹ; and in sight of Fayal 16° 18ʹ W., as

mentioned above.

Having left the bay at four in the morning of the 19th, I steered for

the west end of St. George’s Island. As soon as we had passed it, I

steered E. 1/2 S. for the Island of Tercera; and after having run

thirteen leagues, we were not more than one league from the west end. I

now edged away for the north side, with a view of ranging the coast to

the eastern point, in order to ascertain the length of the island; but

the weather coming on very thick and hazy, and night approaching, I gave

up the design, and proceeded with all expedition for England.

On the 29th, we made the land near Plymouth. The next morning, we

anchored at Spithead; and the same day, I landed at Portsmouth, and set

out for London, in company with Messrs. Wales, Forsters, and Hodges.

Having been absent from England three years and eighteen days, in which

time, and under all changes of climate, I lost but four men, and only

one of them by sickness, it may not be amiss, at the conclusion of this

journal, to enumerate the several causes to which, under the care of

Providence, I conceive, this uncommon good state of health experienced

by my people was owing.

In the Introduction, mention has been made of the extraordinary

attention paid by the Admiralty, in causing such articles to be put on

board as, either from experience or suggestion, it was judged would tend

to preserve the health of the seamen. I shall not trespass upon the

reader’s time in mentioning them all, but confine myself to such as were

found the most useful.

We were furnished with a quantity of malt, of which was made _Sweet

Wort_. To such of the men as showed the least symptoms of the scurvy;

and also to such as were thought to be threatened with that disorder,

this was given from one to two or three pints a day each man; or in such

proportion as the surgeon found necessary, which sometimes amounted to

three quarts. This is, without doubt, one of the best antiscorbutic sea

medicines yet discovered: and, if used in time, will, with proper

attention to other things, I am persuaded, prevent the scurvy from

making any great progress for a considerable while. But I am not

altogether of opinion that it will cure it at sea.

_Sour Krout_, of which we had a large quantity, is not only a wholesome

vegetable food, but, in my judgment, highly antiscorbutic; and it spoils

not by keeping. A pound of this was served to each man when at sea,

twice a week or oftener, as was thought necessary.

_Portable Broth_ was another great article, of which we had a large

supply. An ounce of this to each man, or such other proportion as

circumstances pointed out, was boiled in their pease, three days in the

week; and when we were in places where vegetables were to be got, it was

boiled with them, and wheat or oatmeal, every morning for breakfast; and

also with pease and vegetables for dinner. It enabled us to make several

nourishing and wholesome messes, and was the means of making the people

eat a greater quantity of vegetables than they would otherwise have

done.

_Rob of Lemon_ and _Orange_ is an antiscorbutic we were not without. The

surgeon made use of it in many cases, with great success.

Amongst the articles of victualling, we were supplied with _Sugar_ in

the room of _Oil_, and with _Wheat_ for a part of our _Oatmeal_; and

were certainly gainers by the exchange. Sugar, I apprehend, is a very

good antiscorbutic; whereas oil, (such as the navy is usually supplied

with,) I am of opinion, has the contrary effect.

But the introduction of the most salutary articles, either as provisions

or medicines, will generally prove unsuccessful, unless supported by

certain regulations. On this principle, many years’ experience, together

with some hints I had from Sir Hugh Palliser, Captains Campbell, Wallis,

and other intelligent officers, enabled me to lay a plan whereby all was

to be governed.

The crew were at three watches, except upon some extraordinary

occasions. By this means they were not so much exposed to the weather as

if they had been at watch and watch; and had generally dry cloaths to

shift themselves, when they happened to get wet. Care was also taken to

expose them as little to wet weather as possible.

Proper methods were used to keep their persons, hammocks, bedding,

cloaths, &c. constantly clean and dry. Equal care was taken to keep the

ship clean and dry betwixt decks. Once or twice a week she was aired

with fires; and when this could not be done, she was smoked with

gunpowder mixed with vinegar or water. I had also frequently a fire made

in an iron pot at the bottom of the well, which was of great use in

purifying the air in the lower parts of the ship. To this and to

cleanliness, as well in the ship as amongst the people, too great

attention cannot be paid; the least neglect occasions a putrid and

disagreeable smell below, which nothing but fires will remove.

Proper attention was paid to the ship’s coppers, so that they were kept

constantly clean.

The fat which boiled out of the salt beef and pork, I never suffered to

be given to the people; being of opinion that it promotes the scurvy.

I was careful to take in water wherever it was to be got, even though we

did not want it. Because I look upon fresh water from the shore, to be

more wholesome than that which has been kept some time on board a ship.

Of this essential article, we were never at an allowance, but had always

plenty for every necessary purpose. Navigators in general cannot,

indeed, expect, nor would they wish to meet with, such advantages in

this respect, as fell to my lot. The nature of our voyage carried us

into very high latitudes. But the hardships and dangers inseparable from

that situation, were, in some degree, compensated by the singular

felicity we enjoyed, of extracting inexhaustible supplies of fresh water

from an ocean strewed with ice.

We came to few places, where either the art of man, or the bounty of

nature, had not provided some sort of refreshment or other, either in

the animal or vegetable way. It was my first care to procure whatever of

any kind could be met with, by every means in my power; and to oblige

our people to make use thereof, both by my example and authority; but

the benefits arising from refreshments of any kind soon became so

obvious, that I had little occasion to recommend the one or to exert the

other.

It doth not become me to say how far the principal objects of our voyage

have been obtained. Though it hath not abounded with remarkable events,

nor been diversified by sudden transitions of fortune; though my

relation of it has been more employed in tracing our course by sea, than

in recording our operations on shore; this, perhaps, is a circumstance

from which the curious reader may infer, that the purposes for which we

were sent into the southern hemisphere were diligently and effectually

pursued. Had we found out a continent there, we might have been better

enabled to gratify curiosity; but we hope our not having found it, after

all our persevering searches, will leave less room for future

speculation about unknown worlds remaining to be explored.

But, whatever may be the public judgment about other matters, it is with

real satisfaction, and without claiming any merit but that of attention

to my duty, that I can conclude this account with an observation which

facts enable me to make, that our having discovered the possibility of

preserving health amongst a numerous ship’s company, for such a length

of time, in such varieties of climate, and amidst such continued

hardships and fatigues, will make this voyage remarkable in the opinion

of every benevolent person, when the disputes about a Southern Continent

shall have ceased to engage the attention, and to divide the judgment of

philosophers.

A

VOCABULARY

OF THE

LANGUAGE

OF THE

_SOCIETY ISLES_.

DIRECTIONS

FOR THE

PRONUNCIATION OF THE VOCABULARY.

As all nations who are acquainted with the method of communicating their

ideas by characters (which represent the sound that conveys the idea),

have some particular method of managing or pronouncing the sounds

represented by such characters, this forms a very essential article in

the constitution of the language of any particular nation, and must

therefore be understood before we can make any progress in learning, or

be able to converse in it. But as this is very complex and tedious to a

beginner, by reason of the great variety of powers the characters of

letters are endued with under different circumstances, it would seem

necessary, at least in languages which have never before appeared in

writing, to lessen the number of these varieties, by restraining the

different sounds, and always representing the same simple ones by the

same character; and this is no less necessary in the English than any

other language, as this variety of powers is very frequent, and without

being taken notice of in the following Vocabulary, might render it

entirely unintelligible. As the vowels are the regulation of all sounds,

it is these only that need be noticed, and the powers allotted to each

of these in the Vocabulary is subjoined.

_A_ in the English language is used to represent two different simple

sounds, as in the word Arabia, where the first and last have a

different power from the second. In the Vocabulary this letter must

always have the power, or be pronounced like the first and last in

Arabia. The other power or sound of the second _a_, is always

represented in the Vocabulary by _a_ and _i_, printed in Italics thus,

_ai_.

_E_ has likewise two powers, or it is used to represent two simple

sounds, as in the words Eloquence, Bred, Led, &c. and it may be said

to have a third power, as in the words Then, When, &c. In the first

case, this letter is only used at the beginning of words, and wherever

it is met with in any other place in the words of the Vocabulary, it

is used as in the second case: but never as in the third example; for

this power or sound is every where expressed by the _a_ and _i_ before

mentioned, printed in Italics.

_I_ is used to express different simple sounds, as in the words

Indolence, Iron, and Imitation. In the Vocabulary it is never used as

in the first case, but in the middle of words; it is never used as in

the second example, for that sound is always represented by _y_, nor

is it used as in the last case, that sound being always represented by

two _ee_s, printed in Italics in this manner, _ee_.

_O_ never alters in the pronunciation, _i. e._ in this Vocabulary, of a

simple sound, but is often used in this manner, _oo_, and sounds as in

Good, Stood, &c.

_U_ alters, or is used to express different simple sounds, as in Unity,

or Umbrage. Here the letters _e_ and _u_, printed in Italics _eu_, are

used to express its power as in the first example, and it always

retains the second power, wherever it is met with.

_Y_ is used to express different sounds, as in My, By, &c. &c. and in

Daily, Fairly, &c. Wherever it is met with in the middle or end (_i.

e._ any where but at the beginning) of a word, it is to be used as in

the first example; but is never to be found as in the second, for that

sound or power is always represented by the Italic letter _e_. It has

also a third power, as in the words Yes, Yell, &c. which is retained

every where in the Vocabulary, at least at the beginning of words, or

when it goes before another vowel, unless directed to be sounded

separately by a mark over it, as thus, ÿa.

Unless in a few instances, these powers of the vowels are used

throughout the Vocabulary; but, to make the pronunciation still less

liable to change or variation, a few marks are added to the words as

follows:

This mark: as öa, means that these letters are to be expressed singly.

The letters in Italic, as _ee_ or _oo_, make but one simple sound.

When a particular stress is laid on any part of a word in the

pronunciation, an accent is placed over that letter where it begins, or

rather between that and the preceding one.

It often happens that a word is compounded as it were of two, or in some

cases the same word or syllable is repeated. In these circumstances, a

comma is placed under them at this division, where a rest or small space

of time is left before you proceed to pronounce the other part, but it

must not be imagined that this is a full stop.

_Examples in all these Cases._

Röa, Great, long, distant.

E’r_ee_ma, Five.

Ry’po_ee_a, Fog _or mist_.

E’h_oo_ra, _To_ invert, _or turn upside down_.

Par_oo_, r_oo_, _A_ partition, _division, or screen_.

A

VOCABULARY, &c.

A

To abide, _or remain_ Ete´_ei_.

_An_ Abode, _or place of residence_ Noho´ra.

Above, _not below_ N_ee_a, s. Tién_ee_a.

_An_ Abcess Fe´fe.

Action, _opposed to rest_, Ta´er_ee_.

Adhesive, _of an adhesive or sticking quality_ _Oo_´p_ee_re.

Adjoining, _or contiguous to_ E´p_ee_iho.

Admiration, _an interjection of_ A´w_ai_, s. A´w_ai_

to _Pee_r_ee_-_ai_.

_An_ Adulterer, _or one that vexes a married T_ee_ho t_ee_ho, s.

woman_ Teeho teeho, ta´rar.

_To_ agitate, _or shake a thing, as water, &c._ E_oo_a´w_ai_.

Aliment, _or food of any kind_ Maa.

Alive, _that is not dead_ Waura.

All, _the whole, not a part_ A´ma_oo_.

Alone, _by one’s self_ Ota´h_oi_.

Anger, _or to be angry_ Warrad_ee_, s.

R_ee_d_ee_.

_To_ angle, _or fish_ E´h_oo_tee.

_The_ Ankle Momöa.

_The inner_ Ankle A´t_oo_a, ewy.

Answer, _an answer to a question_ Oo´m_ai_a.

Approbation, _or consent_, Mad_oo_ho´why.

_Punctuated_ Arches _on the hips_ E´var´re.

_The_ Arm R_ee_ma.

_The_ Armpit E´e.

_An_ Arrow E´_oo_me.

Arrow, _the body of an arrow or reed_ O´wha.

_The point of an_ Arrow To´_ai_, s. O´möa.

Ashamed, _to be ashamed or confused_ Ama, s. He´ama.

Ashore, _or on shore_ Te Euta.

_To_ ask _for a thing_ Ho´my, s. Ha´py my.

Asperity, _roughness_ Tarra, Tarra.

_An_ Assassin, _murderer, or rather man-killer,

soldier or warrior_ Taata, töa.

_An_ Assembly, _or meeting_ Ete_ou_´r_oo_a.

Atherina A´n_ai_h_eu_.

Avaricious, _parsimonious, ungenerous_ P_ee_´p_ee_re.

Averse, _unwilling to do a thing_ Fata, h_oi_to´

h_oi_to.

Authentic, _true_ Par_ou_, m_ou_.

Awake, _not asleep_ Arra, arra´, s. E´ra.

Awry, _or to one side; as a wry neck_ Na´na.

_An_ Axe, _hatchet or adze_ Töe.

Ay, _yes; an affirmation_ _Ai_.

B.

_A_ Babe, _or child_ Mydidde.

_A_ Batchelor, _or unmarried person_ E´ev_ee_ (taata.

_The_ Back T_oo_a.

_To wipe the_ Backside Fy´r_oo_, too´ty.

Bad, _it is not good_ ´Eè´no.

_A_ Bag _of straw_ Ete´öe, s. Eäte.

Bait, _for fish_ Era´_eu_noo.

Baked _in the oven_ Et_oo_n_oo_.

Bald-headed _Oo_po´b_oo_ta.

Bamboo _Ee_n_ee´ou_.

A Bank, _or shoal_ E´paa.

Bare, _naked, applied to a person that is

undressed_ Ta´turra.

_The_ Bark _of a tree_ Ho´hore.

Barren _land_ Fe´nooa Ma_ou_re.

_A large round_ Basket _of twig_ He´na.

_A small_ Basket _of cocoa leaves_ V_ai_´h_ee_.

_A long_ Basket _of cocoa leaves_ Apo´_ai_ra.

_A_ Basket _of plantain stock_ Papa´ M_aiee_a.

_A fisher’s_ Basket Er´re´vy.

_A round_ Basket _of cocoa leaves_ Mo´ene.

_A_ Bastard Fanna t_oo_´n_ee_a.

Bastinado, _to bastinade or flog a person_ Tapra´h_ai_.

_To_ bathe Ob´_oo_.

_A_ Battle, _or fight_ E´motto.

_A_ Battle-axe O´morre.

_To_ bawl, _or cry aloud_ T_ei_mo´toro.

_A_ Bead Pöe.

_The_ Beard _Oo_me _oo_me.

_To_ beat _upon, or strike a thing_ T_oo_´py _or_

T_oo_´ba_ee_.

_To_ beat _a drum_ Er_oo_´k_oo_.

_To_ beckon _a person with the hand_ Ta´rappe.

_A_ Bed, _or bed-place_ E´ro_ee_, s. Möi´a.

_To_ bedawb, _or bespatter_ Par´ry.

_A_ Bee E´räo.

_A_ Beetle P_ee_re´te_ee_.

Before, _not behind_ Te´möa.

_A_ Beggar, _a person that is troublesome,

continually asking for somewhat_ Tapa´r_oo_.

Behind, _not before_, Te´m_oo_r_ee_.

_To_ belch Er_oo_´y.

Below, _as below stairs_ Teì´dirro, s.

T_ee_diraro.

Below, _underneath, far below_ O´raro.

_To_ Bend _any thing, as a stick, &c._ Fa´fe´fe.

Benevolence, _generosity_ e.g. _You are a Ho´röa. Taata ho´roa

generous man_ öe.

Between, _in the middle, betwixt two_ Fero´p_oo_.

_To_ bewail, _or lament by crying_ E´tat_ee_.

Bigness, _largeness, great_ Ara´hay.

_A_ Bird Manoo.

_A_ Bitch _Oo_re, e´_oo_ha.

_To_ bite, _as a dog_ A´ah_oo_.

Black, _colour_ Ere, ere.

Bladder Töa´me eme.

_A_ Blasphemer, _or person who speaks

disrespectfully of their deities_ T_oo_na, (t_aa_ta.

Blind Matta-po.

A Blister, _raised by a burn or other means_ M_ei_´_ee_.

Blood, Toto, s. Eh_oo_´_ei_.

_To_ blow _the nose_ Fatte.

_The_ blowing, _or breathing of a whale_ Ta´hora.

Blunt, _as a blunt tool of any sort_ Ma´_nee_a.

_The carved_ Boards _of a Maray_ E´ra.

_A little_ Boat, _or canoe_ E´väa.

_A_ Boil Fe´fe.

Boldness Eäw_ou_.

_A_ Bone E´ev_ee_.

_A_ Bonetto, _a fish so called_ Peera´ra.

_To_ bore _a hole_ Ehoo´_ee_, s.

Eh_oo_´o.

_A_ Bow E´fanna.

_A_ Bow-string Aroö h_oo_a.

_To_ bow _with the head_ Etoo´o.

_A young_ Boy, My´didde.

Boy, _a familiar way of speaking_ He´aman_ee_.

_The_ Brain _of any animal_ A´b_oo_ba.

_A_ Branch _of a tree or plant_, E´ama.

Bread-fruit, _or fruit of the bread-tree_ _Oo_r_oo_.

Bread-fruit, _a particular sort of it_ E´patëa.

_An insipid paste of_ Bread-fruit Eh´öe.

_The gum of the_ Bread-tree Tappo´_oo_r_oo_.

_The leaf of the_ Bread-tree E´da´_oo_r_oo_.

_The pith of the_ Bread-tree Po´_oo_r_oo_.

_To_ break _a thing_ O´whatte, s. Owhanne,

s. Fatte.

_The_ Breast, O´ma.

_A_ Breast-plate _made of twigs, ornamented with

feathers, dog’s hair, and pearl shell_ Ta´_oo_me.

_To_ breathe Watte w_ee_te w_ee_

të´aho.

Bring, _to ask one to bring a thing_, Ho´my.

Briskness, _being brisk or quick_ T_ee_´t_ee_re.

Broiled, _or roasted as broiled meat_ _Oo_aw_ee_ra.

Broken, _or cut_ Mot_oo_.

_The_ Brow, _or forehead_ E´ry.

_A_ brown _colour_ A´ur_au_ra.

Buds _of a tree or plant_ Te, arre´ha_oo_.

_A_ Bunch _of any fruit_ E´ta.

_To_ burn _a thing_ Döod_oo_e.

_A_ Butterfly Pepe.

C.

_To_ call _a person at a distance_ T_oo_o´t_oo_´o_oo_.

_A_ Calm Ma´n_ee_no.

_A_ Calm, _or rather to be so placed that the

wind has no access to you_ E_ou_, she´a.

_Sugar_ Cane ´Töo, s. Etöo.

_A_ Cap, _or covering for the head_ T_au_´matta.

_To_ carry _any thing_ E´a´mo.

_To_ carry _a person on the back_ Eva´ha.

_To catch a thing hastily with the hand_, _as a

fly, &c._ Po´po_ee_, s. Peero.

_To_ catch _a ball_ Ama´wh_ee_a.

_To_ catch _fish with a line_ E´h_oo_te.

_A_ Caterpillar E´t_oo_a.

Celerity, swiftness T_ee_´teere, s.

E´tirre.

_The_ Centre, _or middle of a thing_ Tera´p_oo_.

Chalk Mamma´tëa.

_A_ Chatterer, _or noisy impertinent fellow_ Taata E´m_oo_, s.

E´m_oo_.

Cheerfulness Wara.

_The_ Cheek Pappa´r_ee_a.

_A_ Chest ´P_ee_ha.

_The_ Chest, _or body_ O´p_oo_.

_To_ chew, _or eat_ E´y.

Chequered, _or painted in squares_ P_oo_re, p_oo_re.

_A_ Chicken Möa pee´ri_ai_a.

_A_ Chief, _or principal person; one of the first

rank amongst the people_ Eär_ee_.

_An inferior_ Chief, _or one who is only in an

independent state, a gentleman_ T_oo_´_ou_.

Child-bearing Fanou, e´vaho.

Children’s _language_ Father O´pucen_oo_, _and_

Papa.

Children’s _language_ Mother E´wh_ei_arre, _and_

O´pa´tëa.

Children’s _language_ Brother E´tama.

Children’s _language_ Sister Te´t_oo_a.

_The_ Chin, _and lower jaw_ E´t_aa_.

Choked, _to be choked as with victuals, &c._ Ep_oo_´n_ei_na, s.

Er_oo_´y.

_To_ choose, _or pick out_ Eh_ee_e,te,me,my,ty.

Circumcision, _or rather an incision of the

foreskin_ E_oo_re te´h_ai_.

_A sort of_ Clappers _used at funerals_ Par´ha_oo_.

Clapping _the bend of the arm smartly with the

hand, so as make a noise, an Indian custom_ E´t_oo_.

_The_ Claw, _of a bird_ A´_ee_ _oo_.

Clay, _or clammy earth_ Ewh_ou_, arra.

Clean, _not nasty_ _Oo_a´ma, s. E_oo_´

_ee_.

Clear, _pure; as clear water, &c._ Tëa´te.

_White clayey_ Cliffs E´mammatëa.

Close, _shut_ Eva´h_ee_.

Cloth _of any kind, or rather the covering or

raiments made of it_ Ahoo.

_A piece of oblong_ Cloth, _slit in the middle,

through which the head is put, and it then hangs

down behind and before_ Teeboota.

_Brown thin_ Cloth _Oo_´er_ai_.

_Dark brown_ Cloth Poo´h_ee_re.

_Nankeen coloured_ Cloth A´h_ee_re, s. _Oo_a.

_Gummed_ Cloth Oo´_ai_r ara.

_Yellow_ Cloth Heappa, heappa, s.

A´ade, p_oo_´_ee_

_ei_, s. Oora

poo´_ee_ _ei_.

Cloth, _a piece of thin white cloth wrapt round Par_oo_´y, _by which

the waist, or thrown over the shoulders_ name they also call a

white shirt._

_A_ Cloth-beater, _or an oblong square piece of

wood grooved and used in making cloth_ To´aa.

_The_ Cloth-plant, _a sort of Mulberry tree_ Ea_ou_te.

_A_ Cloud E´äo, s. E´a_oo_.

_A_ Cock Möa, e´töa.

Cock, _the cock claps his wings_ Te Moa Pa_ee_,

pa_ee_.

_A_ Cock-roach Potte potte.

_A_ Cocoa nut _A_´r_ee_.

_The fibrous husk of a_ Cocoa-nut P_oo_r_oo_´ waha, s.

P_oo_r_oo_.

Cocoa-nut oil E´rede, äe.

Cocoa leaves E,ne´ha_oo_.

Coition E´y.

_The sense of_ Cold Ma´r_ee_de.

_A_ Comb P´ahoro, s. Pa´herre.

Company, _acquaintance, gossips_ T_ee_´ÿa.

Compliance _with a request, consent_ Mad_oo_, ho´why.

Computation, _or counting of numbers_ Ta´t_ou_.

_A_ Concubine Wa´h_ei_ne, Möebo,

s. Etoo´n_ee_a.

Confusedness, _without order_ E´vah_ee_a.

Consent, _or approbation_ Mad_oo_, ho´why.

Contempt, _a name of contempt given to a maid,

or unmarried woman_ Wah_ei_ne, p_oo_´ha.

Conversation Para_ou_, maro, s.

Para´para_ou_.

_A sort of_ Convolvulus, _or bind weed, common in

the Islands_ O´h_oo_e.

_Cooked, dressed; not raw_ Ee´_oo_, s.

E_ee_´wera.

_To_ cool _one with a fan_ Taha´r_ee_.

Cordage _of any kind_ Taura.

_The_ Core _of an apple_ Böe.

_A_ Cork, _or stopper of a bottle or gourd

shell_ Ora´h_oo_e.

_A_ Corner E´pecho.

Covering, _the covering of a fish’s gills_ Pe_ee_´eya.

Covetousness, _or rather one not inclined to

give_ Pee,peere.

_A_ Cough Ma´re.

_To_ court, _woo a woman_ Ta´raro.

Coyness _in a woman_ No´nöa.

_A_ Crab Pappa.

Crab, _a large land crab that climbs the

cocoa-nut trees for fruit_ E´_oo_wa.

_A_ Crack, _cleft, or fissure_ Mot_oo_.

Crammed, _lumbered, crowded_ Ooa _pee_a´pe, s.

Ehotto.

_The_ Cramp Emo´t_oo_ t_oo_.

_A_ Cray fish, O´_oo_ra.

_To_ creep _on the hands and feet_ Ene´_ai_.

Crimson _colour_ _Oo_ra _oo_ra.

Cripple, _lame_ T_ei_´t_ei_.

Crooked, _not straight_ _Oo_o´p_ee_o.

_To_ crow _as a cock_ A´a _oo_a.

_The_ Crown _of the head_ T_oo_´p_oo_e.

_To_ cry, _or shed tears_ Ta_ee_.

_A brown_ Cuckoo, _with black bars and a long

tail, frequent in the isles_ Ara´werewa.

_To_ cuff, _or slap the chops_ E´par_oo_.

Curlew, _a small curlew or whimbrel found about

the rivulets_ Torëa.

Cut, or divided Mot_oo_.

_To_ cut _the hair with scissars_ O´tee.

D

_A_ Dance H_ee_va.

Darkness Poee´r_ee_, s.

Po_oo_´r_ee_.

_To_ darn O´ono.

_A_ Daughter Ma´h_ei_ne.

Day, _or day-light_ Mara´marama. s.

A´_ou_, s. A´a _ou_.

Day-break Oota´tah_e_ita.

Day, _to-day_ A_oo_´n_ai_.