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
In a journal published by Newbery, the anonymous writer says that two
officers fought a duel whilst the ships were at Otaheite. He does not
give the cause, but says three shots were exchanged, resulting in one hat
being spoiled, and then the antagonists shook hands and were better
friends afterwards. The story is not confirmed by any of the other
journals.
On 29th September, after giving Otoo a short run out to sea and back, the
two ships sailed for the north side of Eimeo, arriving the next day, and
were greeted by a chief, Maheine, who was bald-headed. Of this defect he
seemed much ashamed, and always appeared with his head covered with a
sort of turban. Cook thinks perhaps this shame rose from the fact that
natives caught stealing on the ships were often punished by having their
heads shaved, and adds that "one or two of the gentlemen whose heads were
not overburdened with hair, lay under violent suspicions of being titos
(thieves)."
One of the few remaining goats was stolen, but after threats of serious
reprisals was given up, together with the thief, who was eventually
discharged with a caution; but on a second one disappearing and not being
found after careful search, Cook felt that he must make an example, or
nothing would be safe, so he ordered one or two houses and canoes to be
destroyed, and sent word to Maheine that he would not leave a canoe on
the island if the goat was not returned. The goat was recovered, and the
next day the people were as friendly as if nothing had occurred. Cook was
particularly annoyed, for he had sent a present of red feathers to Otoo,
and requested him to send in return a couple of goats to Eimeo.
OMAI SETTLED.
On 11th October the ships sailed for Huaheine, and when they arrived Cook
was so ill he had to be landed from the ship, but he makes no mention of
it in his Journal. He thought this island would be more suitable for Omai
than Otaheite, and as Omai was agreeable a piece of ground was obtained
from the chief and a small house erected and a garden laid out and
planted. The interest of the different chiefs of the neighbourhood was
sought on Omai's behalf, and as it was seen that some of the natives were
inclined to take advantage of his good nature, Cook let it be understood
that if, should he return and find Omai in an satisfactory condition,
some one would feel the weight of his displeasure. Then the most serious
thing that can be brought against Cook's treatment of the natives
occurred. In extenuation it must be remembered that he admits that he was
inclined to be hot-tempered, though it did not last; he had been
constantly irritated by repeated losses, and he was at the time really
seriously ill, and also when all was over he sincerely regretted he had
taken such strong measures.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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