Day 1
James Cook:
At day light in the morning we discoverd a Bay which appeard to be tollerably well shelterd from all winds
Kamaygal – people of Botany Bay:
As the strangers approached we thought they were ghosts and we gestured for them to go away. They came closer to our shore on smaller boats, then fired their muskets. We retaliated by throwing back spears and stones.
Day 2
James Cook:
… in 3 or 4 hauls with the saine we caught above 300 pounds weight of fish
Kamaygal – people of Botany Bay:
Our people watched the white men on the shore and in their boats. Ignorant of our cultural practices, they took many more fish than they needed.
Day 3
Joseph Banks:
... the Indians were at the houses abreast of the Ship: they were heard to shout much.
Kamaygal – people of Botany Bay:
Our people thought the white-skinned men were ghosts. They avoided interacting with them because there were spiritual consequences for communicating with the dead.
Day 4
James Cook:
Four of the Indians on this immediately threw their lances which went beyond our people, and by their account were thrown about 40 yards.
Kamaygal – people of Botany Bay
Our people pursued the white men and threw spears as a warning, perhaps to keep them away from places they should not enter.
Day 5
Joseph Banks:
We returned to our old occupation of collecting, in which we had our usual good success.
Kamaygal – people of Botany Bay:
Our people kept their distance as the strangers took food from the land. Even with his darker skin, they saw Tupaia as part of the group and avoided him too.
Day 6
James Cook:
There were Six Canoes and Six small fires near the shore and Muscles roasting upon them…we taisted of their cheer and left them in return strings of beeds &ca.
Kamaygal – people of Botany Bay:
The strangers stole food that was still cooking and what they left behind was not edible or of any use to our people.
Day 7
Joseph Banks:
... the large sting rays of which there are abundance in the bay followd the flowing tide into very shallow water.
Kamaygal – people of Botany Bay:
The Stingray is a spirit ancestor. When the white men hunted them for food this would have upset our people.
Day 8
James Cook:
The great quantity of New Plants &ca Mr Banks & Dr Solander collected in this place occasioned my giveing it the name of Botany Bay.
Kamaygal – people of Botany Bay:
If Cook had asked our people, they would have told him that the bay already had a name – Kamay.
Day 9
Joseph Banks:
Went to sea this morn with a fair breeze of wind. The land we saild past during the whole forenoon appeard broken and likely for harbours.
Kamaygal – people of Botany Bay:
They Left.