Captain Cook: His Life, Voyages and Discoveries

Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1871 Excerpt: ... small space in the ocean. The captain was now again taken ill of what he calls a bilious cholic, which was so severe as to confine him to his bed, the charge of the ship devolving on Mr. Cooper. Mr. Patten, the surgeon, proved not only a skilful physician, but an affectionate friend. A favourite dog belonging to Mr. Forster, fell a sacrifice, it being Easter Island. 177 killed and made into soup for the captain; there being no other fresh meat in the ship. A few fish were afterwards caught, which were very acceptable to him. Early on the morning of the 11th of March, 1774, land was seen about twelve leagues distant, which, to the joy of all on board, ultimately proved to be the long sought for Easter Island. On getting near the coast, off a sandy beach, two men in a canoe came off, and after sending up, by a rope, a bunch of plantains they returned to shore. This showed the good disposition of the islanders, and gave the voyagers hopes of obtaining refreshments. "A better anchorage than this part of the coast afforded having been found, the ship brought up here. On the English landing, a few potatoes, plantains and sugar-canes were brought to them; but the natives were such expert thieves that those on board could scarcely keep their hats on their heads or anything in their pockets. A supply of potatoes was obtained, indeed this appeared to be the chief production of the island. The natives had been digging them up as fast as they could from a field close to the landingplace, till a person arrived, who appeared to be the rightful owner, and who drove all the rest away. As Captain Cook was unable to walk any distance, he sent Lieutenants Pickersgill and Edgecombe, with a party of men armed, to explore the country.