The Life of Captain James Cook, the CircumnavigatorKitson, Arthur
History
The Life of Captain James Cook, the Circumnavigator
Kitson, Arthur
Cook, James, 1728-1779; Explorers -- Great Britain -- Biography; Geographers -- Great Britain -- Biography
On 10th February Rocks Point, near Cape Farewell, was sighted, and on the
12th they anchored near their old berth in Queen Charlotte's Sound, and a
camp was immediately established. Here they were visited by a few of the
natives, some of whom remembered Cook and were recognised by him. At
first they thought he had come to avenge the Adventure's losses, but
after a time were persuaded to put aside their distrust, and they flocked
down to the shore, every available piece of ground being quickly occupied
by their huts. Cook describes how one party worked. The ground was
selected, the men tearing up the grass and plants, and erected the huts,
whilst the women looked after the canoes, properties, and provisions, and
collected firewood; and he kept the children and some of the oldest of
the party out of mischief by scrambling the contents of his pockets
amongst them. At the same time he noticed that however busy the men might
be, they took care to be within easy reach of their weapons; and he on
his side had a strong party of marines on duty, and any party working at
a distance from the ship was always armed and under the command of an
officer experienced in dealing with the natives. Cook was pleased to
notice his men were not inclined to associate with the Maoris, and he
always tried to discourage familiarity between his crew and the natives
of the islands he visited. It is worthy of remark that two of the
Resolution were on the sick list, whilst the Discovery had a clean bill
of health.
One of their constant visitors was a man Cook calls Kahoura, who was
pointed out as having been the leader at the massacre of the Adventure's
men, and it was a matter of surprise to the natives that having him in
his power Cook did not kill him; but after the fullest possible enquiry
Cook believed it was best to let matters rest, as the attack had
evidently arisen out of a sudden quarrel, and was totally unpremeditated.
Burney thinks the Maoris felt a certain contempt for the English, either
because they were too generous in their dealings, or else because the
murders were unavenged.
The gardens that had been made at the last visit had in some respects
prospered; in particular the potatoes from the Cape had improved in
quality, but as they had been appreciated by the natives, there were few
to be got. Burney, on the other hand, declares that nothing could be
heard of the pigs and fowls that had been left. Omai was anxious to take
a New Zealander away with him, and soon found one to volunteer. It was
explained that he must make up his mind that he would not be able to
return, and as he seemed satisfied he and a boy were taken. When they
were seasick they deeply and loudly lamented leaving their home, but on
recovery they soon became "as firmly attached to us as if they had been
born amongst us."
THE WEEKLY PAPER.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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