Setting the Scene-James Cook
went to work to repair her, but afterward, Cook was held up by bad weather, not able to sail on for a month. It was later discovered that a large chunk of coral had jammed in the hole in the hull, which probably saved the ship from foundering.
On August the 22nd, 'Endeavour' rounded the tip of the continent, which Cook named Cape York. Soon after, he landed on an island, and claimed possession of the East Coast in the name of King George III, calling it 'New South Wales'. It was time to head home.
The voyages of this era seem incredible to us now. Sailors were away for years at a time; not only exposed to the dangers of the sea, but of the land as well. Cook's crew arrived in Batavia on October 11 1770, pretty much healthy and intact. Cook's use of sauerkraut and fresh fruit to fend off scurvy had worked perfectly. However Batavia was one of the worst ports in the world, being tropical, and a main supply port for the whole East Indies. Disease was rampant. When the 'Endeavour sailed for England, seven crew were already dead, and forty ill.
On the way across the Indian Ocean to Cape Town (South Africa), twenty-three more died. In Cape Town, four more deaths. On July 12 1771, the 'Endeavour' anchors in the Downs. The voyage had taken two years and ten months.
Captain James Cook, with his humble little ship, the 'Endeavour', had literally put Australia on the map.
Latest Articles