A Narrative of the Death of Captain James CookSamwell, David
History
A Narrative of the Death of Captain James Cook
Samwell, David
Cook, James, 1728-1779 -- Death and burial
To those who have perused the account of the last voyage to the Pacific
Ocean, the following sheets may, at first sight, appear superfluous. The
author, however, being of the opinion, that the event of Captain Cook's
death has not yet been so explicitly related as the importance of it
required, trusts that this Narrative will not be found altogether a
repetition of what is already known. At the same time, he wishes to add
his humble testimony to the merit of the account given of this
transaction by Captain King. Its brevity alone can afford an excuse for
this publication, the object of which is to give a more particular
relation of that unfortunate affair, which he finds is in general but
imperfectly understood. He thinks himself warranted in saying this, from
having frequently observed, that the public opinion seemed to attribute
the loss of Captain Cook's life, in some measure, to rashness or too
much confidence on his side; whereas nothing can be more ill-founded or
unjust. It is, therefore, a duty which his friends owe to his character,
to have the whole affair candidly and fully related, whatever facts it
may involve, that may appear of a disagreeable nature to individuals.
The author is confident, that if Captain King could have foreseen, that
any wrong opinion respecting Captain Cook, would have been the
consequence of omitting some circumstances relative to his death; the
goodnatured motive that induced him to be silent, would not have stood a
moment in competition with the superior call of justice to the memory of
his friend. This publication, he is satisfied, would not have been
disapproved of by Captain King, for whose memory he has the highest
esteem, and to whose friendship he is under many obligations. He is
sanguine enough to believe that it will serve to remove a supposition,
in this single instance, injurious to the memory of Captain Cook, who
was no less distinguished for his caution and prudence, than for his
eminent abilities and undaunted resolution.
The late appearance of this Narrative has been owing to the peculiar
situation of the writer, whose domestic residence is at a great distance
from the metropolis, and whose duty frequently calls him from home for
several months together. He has the pleasure of adding, that, in
publishing the following account of Captain Cook's death, he acts in
concurrence with the opinion of some very respectable persons.
Narrative of the Death of Captain Cook
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account