The Explorations of Cpt. James Cook

The Explorations of Cpt. James Cook http://www.blogigo.de/cook James Cook, geboren am 27. Oktober 1728 in Marton (England), war einer der bedeutendsten Entdecker überhaupt. Bereits in seiner Jugend entwickelte er eine Faszination für die Seefahrt und nutzte jede Gelegenheit, seine Fähigkeiten als Seefahrer zu schulen. Dazu bekommt er vor allem in der Royal Navy Gelegenheit, in die er 1755 eintritt.   Im Jahr 1768 tritt er seine große Entdeckungsreise an, im Auftrag der Royal Society, einer britischen Institution zur Wissenschaftspflege. Offizieller Auftrag ist es, Beobachtungen des Durchgangs der Venus vor der Sonnenscheibe von Tahiti aus zu beobachten, aber er soll auch nach einem unbekannten, im Pazifik vermuteten Südkontinent terra australis suchen.   Am 26. August 1768 sticht er von Plymouth aus mit der Endeavour, einem umgebauten Kohlenfrachter, in See und erreicht Tahiti am 13. April 1769. Während seines dreimonatigen Aufenthalts kartografiert er die Insel, nimmt seine astronomischen Beobachtungen vor und Wissenschaftler aus seiner Besatzung studieren das Leben der Eingeborenen, sowie die Tier- und Pflanzenwelt.   Von Tahiti aus segelt er nach Süden, um den dort vermuteten unbekannten Kontinent zu finden, als er aber 40° südliche Breite erreicht, gibt er die Suche vorerst auf und ändert den Kurs in Richtung Neuseeland, um die Insel zu erforschen und zu kartografieren. Seit dem der Holländer Abel Tasman, der 1642 als erster Europäer Neuseeland entdeckte, von den Maori angegriffen wurde und floh, hatte kein Europäer Neuseeland besucht.   In diesem Weblog erscheinen Originaltexte aus dem Tagebuch von James Cook, die während der Erforschung Neuseelands 1769 bis 1770 entstanden. Es beginnt mit dem Eintrag vom 5. Oktober 1769 kurz bevor die Endeavour Neuseeland erreicht.   Alle Einträge erscheinen in "Echt-Zeit", versetzt um 234 Jahre und 6 Monate. Der Eintrag vom 5. Oktober 1769 erfolgt also am 5. April 2004. de james_cook james_cook Fri, 18 Jun 2004 21:11:00 +0200 daily 1 Monday, 18th. December 1769 Moderate breezes at West and West−North−West and Clear weather. At 4 p.m. Tack'd and stood in shore, in doing of which we meet with a Strong rippling , and the Ship fell fast to leeward, occasioned, as we thought, by a Current setting to the Eastward. At 8 Tack'd and stood off North until 8 a.m., when we Tack'd and stood in, being about 10 Leagues from the Land. At Noon the Point of Land we were near to yesterday at noon bore South−South−West, distant 5 Leagues. Latitude observed 34 degrees 8 minutes South. Fri, 18 Jun 2004 21:11:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Monday-18th.-December-1769/76/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Monday-18th.-December-1769/76/ Sunday, 17th. December 1769 A Gentle breeze between the South−West by West and West with Clear weather. In standing in Shore sounded several times and had no ground with 90 fathoms of line. At 8 a.m. Tack'd in 108 fathoms 3 or 4 miles from the Shore, being the same point of Land as we had to the North−West of us before we were blown off. At Noon it bore South−West, distant about 3 Miles. Mount Camel bore South by East, distant 11 Leagues, and the Westermost land in sight bore South 75 degrees West; Latitude observ'd 34 degrees 20 minutes South. The people at work repairing the Sails, the most of them having been Split in the late blowing weather. Thu, 17 Jun 2004 21:35:21 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Sunday-17th.-December-1769/75/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Sunday-17th.-December-1769/75/ Saturday, 16th. December 1769 Fresh breezes between the South by West and South−West. Clear weather with a Swell from the Westward. At 6 A.M. saw the land from the Mast Head bearing South−South−West. Got Top Gallant Yards up and set the Sail, unbent the Foresail to repair and brought another to the Yard. At Noon, Latitude observ'd 33 degrees 43 minutes South; Course made since Yesterday Noon North 60 degrees West; distance 56 Miles. The Land in sight bearing South by West, distant 14 Leagues. Wed, 16 Jun 2004 19:58:10 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Saturday-16th.-December-1769/74/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Saturday-16th.-December-1769/74/ Friday, 15th. December 1769 Fresh Gales at South−West, and for the most part clear weather with a large Swell from the Westward. At 8 P.M. Tack'd and Stood to the South−East until 8 a.m., and then Tack'd and stood to the Westward with as much sail as the Ship could bear. At Noon we were in the Latitude of 34 degrees 10 minutes South, and Longitude 183 degrees 45 minutes West, and by Estimation about 15 Leagues from the Land notwithstanding we used our utmost Endeavours to keep in with it. Tue, 15 Jun 2004 23:05:36 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Friday-15th.-December-1769/73/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Friday-15th.-December-1769/73/ Thursday, 14th. December 1769 Strong Gales at West and West−South−West with Squalls at times attended with Rain. At 1/2 past 3 P.M. Tack'd and stood to the Northward. A small Island lying off Knockle point, bore South 1/2 West, distant half a League. In the evening brought the Ship under her Courses, having first Split the Fore and Mizen Top sails; at Midnight wore and Stood to the Southward until 5 a.m., then Tack'd and stood to the North−West. At this time saw the land bearing South, distant 8 or 9 Leagues; by this we found we had fell very much to Leeward since Yesterday morning. Set the Top sails close Reeft and the people to dry and repair the Damaged Sails. At Noon a strong Gale and clear weather, Latitude observ'd 34 degrees 6 minutes South. Saw land bearing South−West being the same North−Westermost land we have seen before, and which I take to be the Northern Extremity of this Country, as we have now a large swell rowling in from the Westward which could not well be, was we covered... Mon, 14 Jun 2004 23:36:19 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Thursday-14th.-December-1769/72/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Thursday-14th.-December-1769/72/ Wednesday, 13th. December 1769 Fore part of P.M., Moderate breezes at North by West and fair weather; stood in shore until 5 O'Clock, at which time we tack'd and stood to the North−East being 2 Leagues to the Northward of Mount Camel and 1 1/2 Mile from shore, and this situation had 22 fathoms water. At 10 it began to blow and rain, which brought us under double Reeft Top sails; at 12 Tack'd and Stood to the Westward until 7 A.M. when we Tack'd and stood again to North−East, being at this time about a Mile to windward of the place where we tack'd last night. Soon after we Tack'd it came on to blow very hard at North−North−West with heavy squalls attended with rain, this brought us under our Courses and Split the Main Top sail in such a manner that it was necessary to unbend it and bring another to the Yard. At 10 it fell more moderate and we set the Top sails double reef'd. At Noon had strong Gales and hazey weather, Tack'd and stood to the Westward. No land in sight for the first time since we... Sun, 13 Jun 2004 19:58:37 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Wednesday-13th.-December-1769/71/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Wednesday-13th.-December-1769/71/ Tuesday, 12th. December 1769 Moderate breezes of Wind between the North−West and North and Smooth Water, yet we gain'd very little in plying to Windward; at Noon Mount Camel bore South by West 1/4, distant 4 or 5 Leagues. Latitude observed 34 degrees 34 minutes South. Sat, 12 Jun 2004 21:06:07 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Tuesday-12th.-December-1769/70/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Tuesday-12th.-December-1769/70/ Monday, 11th. December 1769 Gentle breezes at North. M.d and pleasant weather. Keept plying all the day, but got very little to Windward; at Noon was in the Latitude of 34 degrees 32 minutes South, the Northermost inland set yesterday at noon bore North−West by West, distant 6 or 7 Leagues. Fri, 11 Jun 2004 21:54:01 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Monday-11th.-December-1769/69/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Monday-11th.-December-1769/69/ Sunday, 10th. December 1769 Had the winds from the Western board all this day, a Gentle breeze and clear weather. In the evening found the Variation to be 12 degrees 41 minutes East per Azimuth and 12 degrees 40 minutes by the Amplitude; in the morning we stood Close in with the Land, 7 Leagues to the westward of Doubtless Bay. Here the shore forms another large open Bay; the Bottom of this and Doubtless Bay cannot be far from each other, being to all appearance only seperated by a low neck of land from which juts out a Peninsula or head land, which I have named Knockle Point. West by South 6 Leagues from this point and about the Middle of the Bay is a high Mountain or Hill standing upon a desart shore, on which account we called it Mount Camel; Latitude 34 degrees 51 minutes; Longitude 186 degrees 50 minutes. In this Bay we had 24 and 25 fathoms Water, the bottom good for Anchorage, but their seems to be nothing that can induce Shipping to put into it for no Country upon Earth can look more barren than the land... Thu, 10 Jun 2004 21:15:36 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Sunday-10th.-December-1769/68/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Sunday-10th.-December-1769/68/ Saturday, 9th. December 1769 P.M., had a Gentle Breeze at West, which in the Evening came to South and continued so all night; this by daylight brought us pretty well in with the land, 7 Leagues to the Westward of the Cavalle Isles, and where lies a deep Bay running in South−West by West and West−South−West, the bottom of which we could but just see, and there the land appear'd to be low and level, the 2 points which form the Entrance lie West−North−West and East−South−East 5 Miles from each other. This Bay I have named Doubtless Bay; the wind not permitting us to look into this Bay we steer'd for the Westermost land we had in sight, which bore from us West−North−West, distant 3 Leagues, but before we got the length of it it fell calm, and continued so until 10 o'Clock, when a breeze sprung up at West−North−West, and with it we stood off North. While we lay becalm'd, several of the Natives came off to the Ship in 5 Canoes, but were fearful of venturing ... Wed, 09 Jun 2004 21:45:13 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Saturday-9th.-December-1769/67/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Saturday-9th.-December-1769/67/ Friday, 8th. December 1769 Forepart of P.M. had a Gentle breeze at North−North−West, with which we stood in shore and fetched close under the Cavalle Islands. They are a Group of Small Islands lying close under the Main land, and 7 Leagues North 60 West from Cape Brett, and 3 1/2 Leagues from Point Rodney. From these Islands the Main land trends West by North. We were here Visited by several Canoes, and the People in them seem'd desirous of Trafficking with us, but at this time a breeze of wind sprung up at South, they could not keep up with the Ship, and I would not wait for them. The wind did not continue long at South before it veer'd to South−West and West, a light breeze. Found the Variation in the Evening to be 12 degrees 42 minutes East, and in the Morning 13 degrees East. Keept standing to the West−North−West and North−West until 10 A.M., at which time we tacked and stood in for the Shore, being about 5 Leagues off, and in this situation had 118 fathoms Water. At Noon Cape... Tue, 08 Jun 2004 23:54:37 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Friday-8th.-December-1769/66/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Friday-8th.-December-1769/66/ Thursday, 7th. December 1769 gutenberg.P.M., a fresh breeze from the Westward and Clear weather. At 3 o'Clock took several Observations of the Sun and Moon; the mean result of them gives 185 degrees 36 minutes West Longitude from the Meridian of Greenwich. What winds we have had this 24 hours hath been against us, so that at Noon we had advanced but very little to the Westward. Mon, 07 Jun 2004 23:26:12 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Thursday-7th.-December-1769/65/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Thursday-7th.-December-1769/65/ Wednesday, 6th. December 1769 P.M., had a Gentle breeze at North−North−West, with which we kept turning out of the Bay, but gain'd little or nothing; in the evening it fell little wind; at 10 o'Clock it was Calm. At this time the tide or Current seting the Ship near one of the Islands, where we were very near being ashore; but, by the help of our Boats and a light Air from the Southward, we got clear. About an hour after, when we thought ourselves out of all danger, the Ship struck upon a Sunken rock and went immediately clear without receiving any perceptible damage. Just before the man in the Chains had 17 fathoms Water, and immediately after she struck 5 fathoms, but very soon Deepned to 20. This rock lies half−a−mile West−North−West from the Northermost or outermost Island that lies on the South−East side of the Bay. Had light Airs from the Land and sometimes Calm until 9 o'Clock a.m.; at this time we had got out of the Bay, and a breeze springing up at... Sun, 06 Jun 2004 23:37:51 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Wednesday-6th.-December-1769/64/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Wednesday-6th.-December-1769/64/ Tuesday, 5th. December 1769 P.M., had the winds at South−West and West−South−West, a fresh breeze. At 3 o'Clock we return'd on board, and after dinner Visited another part of the Bay, but met with nothing new. By the evening all our Empty Casks were fill'd with water, and had at the same time got on board a large quantity of Sellery, which is found here in great Plenty. This I still caused to be boild every morning with Oatmeal and Portable Soup for the Ship's Company's breakfast. At 4 a.m. weigh'd with a light breeze at South−East, but had Variable light Airs and sometimes Calm until near Noon, when a Gentle breeze sprung up at North. At this time we had not got out of the Bay; our Latitude by Observation was 35 degrees 9 minutes South. This Bay I have before observed, lies on the West side of Cape Brett: I have named it the Bay of Islands, on account of the Great Number which line its shores, and these help to form Several safe and Commodious Harbours, wherein is room and... Sat, 05 Jun 2004 20:14:20 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Tuesday-5th.-December-1769/63/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Tuesday-5th.-December-1769/63/ Monday, 4th. December 1769 Gentle breezes at North−West, West−North−West, and West; very fair weather. P.M., Mr. Banks, Dr. Solander, and myself landed upon one of the Islands on the North side of the one the Ship lays under. This Island is about 3 Miles in Circuit, and hath upon it 40 or 50 Acres of Land cultivated and planted with roots; here are likewise several small streams of Excellent water. This Island, as well as most others in this Bay, seem to be well inhabited. At 4 a.m. sent the Long boat to the above Island for water and some hands to cut Grass, and at 9, I went with the Pinnace and Yawl over upon the Main, accompanied by Mr. Banks and Dr. Solander. In our way we passed by a point of land on which stood a Hippa or Fortified Village, the inhabitants of which waved us to come ashore, and accordingly we landed, which we had no sooner done than the People came about us with Quantitys of various sorts of fish, which we purchased of them for meer Trifles. After this they shew'd us the... Fri, 04 Jun 2004 22:27:14 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Monday-4th.-December-1769/62/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Monday-4th.-December-1769/62/ Sunday, 3rd. December 1769 P.M., Strong Gales at North, with rain; the remainder Gentle breezes from the Westward. A.M., sent 2 Boats to sound the Harbour and one to haul the Sean, the latter of which met with very little Success. Thu, 03 Jun 2004 21:57:28 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Sunday-3rd.-December-1769/61/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Sunday-3rd.-December-1769/61/ Saturday, 2nd. December 1769 Winds at North−West and North. P.M. a Gentle breeze; the remainder Strong Gales and hazey, with much rain towards Noon. At 8 a.m. hoisted out the Long boat, and sent her ashore for water, and the Pinnace to haul the Sean; but they had not got well ashore before it began to blow and rain very hard. This occasioned them to return on board with one Turn of water and but a very few fish. Wed, 02 Jun 2004 23:30:38 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Saturday-2nd.-December-1769/60/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Saturday-2nd.-December-1769/60/ Friday, 1st December 1769 Winds at North−North−West a Gentle breeze. At 3 p.m., the Boats having return'd from sounding, I went with them over to the South side of the Harbour, and landed upon the Main, accompanied by Mr. Banks and Dr. Solander. We met with nothing new or remarkable. The place where we landed was in a small sandy Cove, where there are 2 small Streams of Fresh Water and Plenty of Wood for fuel. Here were likewise several little Plantations planted with Potatoes and Yams . The Soil and Natural produce of the Country was much the same as what we have hitherto met with. The people we saw behaved to us with great marks of friendship. In the evening we had Some very heavy showers of rain, and this brought us on board sooner than we intended. A.M., the wind being still contrary, I sent some people ashore upon the Island to cut Grass for our Sheep, in the doing of which the inhabitants gave them no sort of disturbance, and in the same friendly manner did those behave that were alongside the... Tue, 01 Jun 2004 23:01:28 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Friday-1st-December-1769/59/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Friday-1st-December-1769/59/ Thursday, 30th. November 1769. P.M., had the winds Westerly, with some very heavy Showers of Rain. We had no sooner come to an Anchor than between 300 and 400 of the Natives Assembled in their Canoes about the Ship; some few were admitted on board, and to one of the Chiefs I gave a piece of Broad Cloth and distributed a few Nails, etc., among some others of them. Many of these People had been off to the Ship when we were at Sea, and seem'd to be very sencible of the use of Fire Arms, and in the Trade we had with them they behaved Tolerable well, but continued so not long, before some of them wanted to take away the Buoy , and would not desist at the firing of several Musquets until one of them was hurt by small Shott, after which they withdrew a small distance from the Ship, and this was thought a good opportunity to try what Effect a Great Gun would have, as they paid so little respect to a Musquet, and accordingly one was fir'd over their Heads. This, I believe, would have sent them quite off, if it had not been for... Mon, 31 May 2004 21:49:27 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Thursday-30th.-November-1769./58/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Thursday-30th.-November-1769./58/ Wednesday, 29th. November 1769 Fresh Gales at North−West and West−North−West, kept plying to Windward until 7 A.M., and finding that we lost ground every board we made, I thought I could not do better than to bear up for the Bay, which lies to the Westward of Cape Brett, it being at this Time not above 2 Leagues to Leeward of us, for by putting in there we should gain some knowledge of it, on the Contrary, by Keeping the Sea with a Contrary wind, we were sure of meeting with nothing new. These reasons induced me to bear away for the Bay, and at 11 o'Clock we Anchor'd under the South−West side of one of the many Islands that line the South−East side of it, in 4 1/2 fathoms; but as we fell into this shoald water all at once, we Anchor'd sooner than was intended, and sent the Master with 2 Boats to sound, who found that we had got upon a Bank that spitted off from the North−West end of the Island, and that on the outside of it was 8 and 10 fathoms Water. Sun, 30 May 2004 20:12:33 +0200 http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Wednesday-29th.-November-1769/57/ http://www.blogigo.de/cook/Wednesday-29th.-November-1769/57/