Letter readings from the Voyages of Discovery

To observe the declination of the compass, or its variation from the meridian of the place, frequently marking with all the latitude and longitude of the place …To carry dipping needles with you, and observe the inclination of the needle in like manner.To remark carefully the ebbings and flowings of the sea in as many places, as they can …To make plots and draughts of the prospect of considerable coasts, promontories, islands and ports, marking the bearings and distances as near as they can.To sound and mark the depth of coasts and ports, and such other places near the shore as they shall think fit.To sound and mark the depths of the ocean in several places …To take notice of the nature and the soil of the bottom of the sea in all soundings, whether it be clay, sand, rock, etc.To keep register of all changes of wind and weather at all hours, by night and by day, showing the point the wind blows from, whether strong or weak, the rains, hails, snow etc, the precise times of their beginnings and continuance, especially hurricanes and spouts: And above allTo take exact care, to observe the trade winds, about which degree of latitude and longitude they first begin, where and when they cease, or grow stronger or weaker …To observe and record all extraordinary meteors, lightnings, thunderstorms, ignes fatui, comets, etc, marking still the place and times of their appearing, continuance, etc.To take up sea water in several places, 2, 3, or 400 fathoms deep to compare the weight and saltiness thereof with the water upon the surfaces.To keep an exact diary containing these things mentioned, and all other ordinary observations relating to the ship’s course, and all such extraordinary things as occur, and at their return unto England to deliver one copy of their diary, finely written, and their course pricked out upon their card, for his Royal Highness the Duke of York and another to Trinity House to be >perused by the Society at Gresham College.

On this Voyage nothing has been discovered which can be any way serviceable to the Company. The Soil of this Country hath been found very barren, and as a Desert; no Fresh-water Rivers have been found, but some Salt-water Rivers, as also no Four-footed Beasts, except one as great as a Dog, with long Ears, living in the Water as well as on the Land.Black Swans, Parrots and many Sea-Cows were found there; as also a Lake, whose water seemed to be Red, because of the Redness of the Bottom of it: and round along the Shore there was some Salt. Our People had seen but Twelve of the Natives, all as black as Pitch, and stark naked, so terrified, that it was impossible to bring them to Conversation, or a Meeting: They lodge themselves as the Hottentots, in Pavilions of Small Branches of Trees. By Night our People saw Fires all over the Country; but when they drew near, the Natives were fled. The Coast is very low, but the Country far from the Sea is high.Upon the Island near the coast have been seen Rats as great as Cats, in an innumerable Quantity; all which had a kind of Bag or Purse hanging from the Throat upon the Brest downwards. There were found many well-smelling Trees, and out of their Wood is to be drawn Oyl smelling as a Rose, but for the rest they were small and miserable Trees. There were also found some Birds nests of prodigious greatness, so that Six Men could not, by stretching out their Arms, encompass One of them; but the fowls were not to be found.There was great Store of Oysters, Lobsters and Crabs; and also strange sorts of fish.There were also Millions of Flies, very much troubling Men. They saw a great many Footsteps of Men and Children, but all of an ordinary bigness. The Coast is very foul and full of Rocks.

To the King’s Most Excellent MajestyThe Memorial of the President, Council and Fellows of the Royal Society of London for improving Natural knowledge Humbly shewethThat the passage of the Planet Venus over the Disc of the Sun, which will happen on the 3rd of June in the year 1769 is a Phaenomenon that must, if the same be accurately observed in proper places, contribute greatly to the improvement of Astronomy, on which Navigation so much depends.That several of the great Powers in Europe, particularly the French, Spaniards, Danes and Swedes are making the proper dispositions for the Observation thereof; and the Empress of Russia has given directions for having the same Observed in many different places of her extensive Dominions.That the like appearance after the 3rd of June 1769 will not happen for more than 100 years.That the British Nation have been justly celebrated in the learned world for their knowledge of Astronomy, in which they are inferior to no Nation upon Earth; Ancient or Modern; and it would cast dishonour upon them should they neglect to have correct Observations made of this important Phaenomenon.That a correct Set of Observations made in a Southern latitude would be of greater importance than many of those made in the Northern. But it would be necessary that the Observers who are to pass the line should take their departure from England only in the spring; because it might be some time before they could fix upon a proper place for making the Observation within the limits required.That the Expense of having the Observations properly made in the Places above specified, including a reasonable gratification to the persons employed; and furnishing them with such Instruments as are still wanting, would amount to about 4000 pounds, inclusive of the Expenses of the Ships which must convey and return the persons that are to be sent to the southwards of the Equinoctial Line, and to the North Capes.That the Royal Society are in no condition to defray this Expense; their Annual Income being scarcely sufficient to carry on the necessary business of the Society.The Memorialists attention to the true ends for which they were founded by Your Majesty’s Royal Predecessor; The Improvement of Natural Knowledge, conceived it to be their duty to lay their sentiments before Your Majesty, with all humility, and submit the same to Your Majesty’s Royal consideration.

Rio de Janeiro, 30th November 1768SirI take the opportunity of a Spanish Packet bound from hence to Europe, to acquaint you of the Arrival of His Majesty’s Bark the Endeavour under my Command at this port on the 13 Instant & that having recruited our Water & stock of Provisions shall put to sea again without loss of time, being now in as good a condition for prosecuting the voyage as the day we sailed from England, neither Mr Green nor myself hath been able to make any Observations worthy of the Attention of the Royal Society, no one Gentleman in this Ship have been permitted to go ashore at this place, this unheard of treatment has not only prevented Mr Green & myself from making any Astronomical observations here, but, Mr Banks and Doctor Solander from Collecting any of the productions of this country; I am not at a loss to Assign the true reason the Vice Roy had for treating us in the manner he hath not withstanding several Memorials & Letters have passed betwixt me & him on the same subjects, he only pleaded Custom & the orders of His Court … the account we gave of our Selves, of being bound to the Southward to observe the Transit of Venus / a phenomenon they had not the least Idea of / appeared so very strange to these narrow minded Portuguese that they thought it only an invented story to cover some other design we must be upon, this I believe to be the reason for the unpresidential reception we met with here …I amSirYour most obedient, humbleServantJames Cook.

Three weeks have I been lying at an anchor in the river the banks of which are crowded with plants, animals, etc., such as I have ever seen before.All this time I have not been permitted to set my foot upon land because, forsooth, the Gentry here think it is impossible that the King of England could be such a fool as to fit out a ship merely to observe the transit of Venus.From hence they Conclude that we are Come upon some other Errand which they think to disappoint.O Perrin! You have heard of Tantalus in hell, you have heard of the French man laying swaddled in linnen between two of his mistresses, both naked, using every possible means to excite desire, but you have never heard of a tantalised wretch who has born his situation with less patience than I have done mine.I have curs’d, swore, rav’d, stamp’d and wrote memorials to no purpose in the world. They only laugh at me and exult in their own penetrations to have defeated so deep laid a scheme as they suppose ours to have been …

Dear Sir,Capt Cook arriv’d at the Cape on the 22nd of March last after a voyage of 28 months without having lost a single person by sickness and on the contrary the whole crew were in perfect health on their arrival. This is attributed by Forster to the use of Sower-Crowt & wort from malt -They have discover’d many new islands some of which were 80 leagues in length and have penetrated to 71.10 S. Lat. W. Long. 106 & ½ -Forster hath collected 260 new plants & 200 new animals - that they are so he pronounces very positively -The landscape painter hath sent over many views of these newly discover’d islands which I am told are masterly.The Otaheitee Man was put on shore again and proved incorragibly stupid which Capt Cook says he is the more sorry for as Omai is a very great blackguard -You must not however tell your patient of this as perhaps he may call Capt Cook behind Buckingham House on his arrival which is expected every hour.Ever YrsD Barrington.Captain Cook says that Kendal’s watch together with the Lunar Tables prov’d a most faithfull guide in all difficulty.

Captain James Cook of Mile-end, a gentleman skilfull in astronomy, & the successful conductor of two important voyages for the discovery of unknown countries, by which geography & natural history have been greatly advantaged and improved, being desirous of the honour of becoming a member of this Society, we whose names are underwritten, do, from our personal knowledge testify, that we believe him deserving of such honour, and that he will become a worthy & useful member.

As many Gentlemen have expressed some surprise, at the uncommon good state of Health, which the crew of the Resolution, under my Command, experienced during her late long voyage; I take the liberty to communicate to you the methods that were taken to obtain that end -A good deal was owing to the extraordinary attention paid by the Admiralty, in causing such articles to be put on board, as either by experience or suggestion, were judged to tend most to preserve the health of Seamen. I shall not trespass upon your time in mentioning all these articles; but confine my self to such, as were found the most useful -We had on board a quantity of Malt, of which was made sweet Wort, and given to such of the men, who showed the least symptoms of the Scurvy; and also, to such, as were thought to be threatened with that disorder … This is without doubt one of the best Antiscorbutic Sea-Medicines yet found out; and if given in time, will, with proper attention to other things, I am persuaded, prevent the Scurvy from making any great progress for a considerable time. But I am not altogether of the opinion that it will cure it at Sea -Sour Krout, of which we had a large quantity, is not only a Wholesome Vegetable food, but in my opinion, highly antiscorbutic and spoils not by keeping. A pound of it was served to each man, when at sea, twice a week, or oftener when it was thought necessary -Portable Soup or Broth, was another great article, of which we had a large supply. An ounce of this, to each man … was boiled in their Pease, three Days in the Week. And when we were in places where Vegetables were too be got, it was boiled with them, and Wheat, or Oatmeal, every morning for Breakfast, and also with Pease and Vegetable for Dinner. It enabled us to make several nourishing and wholesome messes, and was the means of making the People eat a greater quantity of Vegetables than they would have done otherwise.Rob of Lemons and Oranges is an Antiscorbutic we were not without, and the Surgeon made use of it in many cases with great success -

But the introduction of the most Salutary Articles, either as Provision or Medicines, will generally prove unsuccessful unless supported by certain regulations -On this principle, many years experience, together with some hints I have had from Sir Hugh Palliser, the Captains, Campbell, Wallis and other intelligent officers, enabled me to lay a Plan whereby all was to be governed -The Crew were at Three Watches, except upon some extraordinary occasions. By this means they were not so much exposed to the weather, as if they had been at Watch and Watch, and had generally dry cloaths to shift themselves when they happened to get wet - Care was also taken, to expose them as little to wet weather as possibly could be done.Proper methods were employed to keep their Persons, Hammocks, Bedding, Cloaths etc constantly clean and dry. Extra care was taken to keep the ships clean and dry betwixt Decks. Once or Twice a Week, she was air’d with fires, and when this could not be done, she was Smoaked with Gun Powder, mixed with Vinegar or Water. I had also frequently a fire made in an Iron Pot at the bottom of the well, which greatly purified the air in the lower parts of the Ship. To this and Cleanliness, as well in the Ship, as amongst the People, too great attention cannot be paid; the least neglect occasions a putrid, disagreeable smell below, which nothing but fires will remove; and if these be not applyed in time, these smells may be attended with bad consequences -Proper attention was paid to the Ships Coppers, so that they were kept constantly clean - The fat, which boiled out of the Salt Beef and Pork, I never suffered to be given to the People, as is customary; being of opinion that it promotes the scurvy.I was careful to take in Water wherever it was to be got, even tho’ we didn’t want it … Of this essential article we were never at an allowance, but had always plenty for every necessary purpose. I am convinced that with plenty of fresh Water, and proper attention to Cleanliness; a Ship’s Company will seldom be much afflicted with the Scurvy; even tho’ they are not provided with any of the antiscorbutics before mentioned …These, Sir, were the methods, under the care of Providence, by which the Resolution performed a voyage of Three years and Eighteen Days, through all the Climates, from 52 degrees North to 71 degrees South; with only the loss of four men of one Hundred and Eighteen. Two were drowned; one was killed by a fall, and the other died after a long illness occasioned by a complication of disorders, without the least mixture of the Scurvy.I have the honour to be,Sir,Your Most Obliged and Humble ServantJames Cook.

SirI received your exceeding kind letter of the 12th and want the words to express, in any adequate degree, my feelings on the very singular honour which you, Sir, and the honourable learned Society over which you so worthily preside, had been pleased to confer on my late husband, and, through him, on me, and his children, who are left to lament the loss of him, and be the receivers of those most noble marks of approbation, which, if Providence had been pleased to permit him to receive him self, would have rendered me happy indeed.Be assured, Sir, that however unequal I may be to the task of expressing it, I feel, as I ought, the high honour of which the Royal Society has been pleased to do me. My greatest pleasure now remaining is in my Sons, who I hope will ever strive to copy after so Good an Example; and Animated by the Honour bestowed on their Father’s Memory, be ambitious of attaining by their own Merit, your notice and approbation. Let me entreat you to add to the many Acts of Friendship, which I have already received at your hands, that of expressing my gratitude, and thanks, to that learned body, in such a manner as may be acceptable to them.I am, Sir, with greatest respect,Your greatly obliged, andvery humble ServantEliz. Cook.

A description of the anatomy of the Ornithorhynchus paradoxus By Everard Home Esquire. Read December 17, 1801:The peculiar characters of the Ornithorhynchus, as a Genus, or more properly a tribe of Animals, are The Male having a spur on the hind legs, close to the Heel, The Female having no nipples. The beak being smooth, while the rest of the Animal is covered with Hair The tongue having horny processes, answering the purposes of Teeth. The Penis of the Male being appropriated to the passage of the Semen, and its external Orifice being subdivided into several openings, so as to scatter the Semen over an extent of surface, while the Urine passes by a separate canal into the Rectum. The Female having no common Uterus; and the tubes which correspond to the horns of the Uterus in other Quadrupeds, receiving the Semen immediately from the Penis of the Male. These Characters distinguish the Ornithorhynchus, in a very remarkable manner, from all other Quadrupeds, giving this new tribe a resemblance in some respects to Birds, in others to the Amphibia; so that it may be considered as an intermediate link between the Classes Mammalia, Aves, and Amphibia … Between it and the Bird, no link of importance seems to be wanting.

Sir,About twelve months since, I sent you a short account of some observations of the variation of the compass, made upon the coasts of New Holland and New South Wales during my examination of them in His Majesty’s ship the Investigator, which shewed the variation differed considerably on an alteration being made in the direction of the ships head; since that time, I have further digested these observations, and, as far as a slight knowledge upon the subject of magnetism, and my present confinement, which precludes access to further information, will permit, have brought my opinion upon the cause of these differences towards maturity.

I have too much ambition to rest in the middle order of mankind, and since neither birth nor fortune have favoured me, my actions shall speak to the world. In the regular service of the navy there are too many competitors for fame; I have therefore chosen a branch which, though less rewarded by rank and fortune, is yet little less in celebrity; in this the candidates are fewer, and in this, if adverse fortune does not oppose me, I will succeed; and although I cannot rival the immortalised name of Cook, yet if persevering industry joined to what ability I may possess, can accomplish it, then will I secure the second place; if you, Sir Joseph, as my guardian genius will but conduct me to the place of probation. The hitherto obscure name of Flinders may thus become a light by which even the illustrious character of Sir Joseph Banks may one day receive an additional ray of glory; as a satellite of Jove I may reflect back splendour to the gracious primary who, by shining upon me, shall give lustre to my yet unradiated name.