The Three Voyages of Captain Cook Round the World. Vol. VI. Being the Second of the Third VoyageCook, James
History
The Three Voyages of Captain Cook Round the World. Vol. VI. Being the Second of the Third Voyage
Cook, James
Cook, James, 1728-1779 -- Travel; Explorers -- Great Britain -- Biography; Voyages around the world -- History -- 18th century
A circumstance which I shall now mention of Otoo, will shew that these
people are capable of much address and art to gain their purposes.
Amongst other things which, at different times, I had given to this
chief, was a spying-glass. After having it in his possession two or
three days, tired of its novelty, and probably finding it of no use to
him, he carried it privately to Captain Clerke, and told him, that, as
he had been his very good friend, he had got a present for him, which he
knew would be agreeable. “But, says Otoo, you must not let _Toote_ know
it; because he wants it, and I would not let him have it.” He then put
the glass into Captain Clerke’s hands; at the same time, assuring him,
that he came honestly by it. Captain Clerke at first declined accepting
it; but Otoo insisted upon it, and left it with him. Some days after, he
put Captain Clerke in mind of the glass; who, though he did not want it,
was yet desirous of obliging Otoo; and thinking, that a few axes would
be of more use at this island, produced four to give him in return. Otoo
no sooner saw this, than he said, “_Toote_ offered me five for it.”
“Well, says Captain Clerke, if that be the case, your friendship for me
shall not make you a loser, and you shall have six axes.” These he
accepted; but desired again, that I might not be told what he had done.
Our friend Omai got one good thing at this island for the many good
things he gave away. This was a very fine double sailing canoe,
completely equipped, and fit for the sea. Some time before, I had made
up for him, a suit of English colours; but he thought these too valuable
to be used at this time; and patched up a parcel of colours, such as
flags and pendants, to the number of ten or a dozen, which he spread on
different parts of this vessel, all at the same time; and drew together
as many people to look at her, as a man-of-war would, dressed, in a
European port. These streamers of Omai were a mixture of English,
French, Spanish, and Dutch, which were all the European colours that he
had seen. When I was last at this island, I gave to Otoo an English jack
and pendant, and to Towha a pendant; which I now found they had
preserved with the greatest care.
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.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account