The Learning Commons

Diary of James Cook, First Voyage

As written by Angela Lett for IDS401 - The Ocean
Instructor: Dave MacInnes

Entry 1: Goals

5 May, 1768
Mile End, England

Today marks the beginning of my career as captain of a ship for the British Royal Navy. I have worked long and hard toward this goal. It hardly seems real to me that this day has finally arrived. I only dreamed of such an honor when I started as an apprentice in the coastal coal trade so many years ago (Rugoff, 1960). As a ship's mate for so many years, I was able to learn the skills that brought me this far: surveying, cartography, and astronomy. All of the hard work has finally paid off.

The Royal Navy Admiralty met today and granted me the rank of Lieutenant for this voyage (Beaglehole, 1974). I am to be in charge of a ship, not yet purchased, that will travel to Otaheite to observe the transit of Venus across the sun (Owen, 1979).

Not only will this voyage be one of scientific discovery, but also of improved relations between the natives and His Majesty, King George (Beaglehole, 1974). I plan to arrive at Otaheite six weeks prior to the transit of Venus (Beaglehole, 1974). This will allow us time to set up an observatory and get to know the natives. I intend to seek their input in everything I do on the island, as well as compensate them for all materials and men used in our endeavour (Owen, 1979).

My backer for this expedition, Mr. Joseph Banks, will actually be accompanying us on the journey (Vilhjalmur, 1947). Mr. Banks is regarded highly in his field of natural science (Owen, 1979). I believe he intends to catalogue as many flora and fauna as possible during the trip. He is good friends with Mr. Carolus Linnaeus, so he must be a fairly accomplished young man (Beaglehole, 1974). Mr. Banks will be accompanied by his librarian, Dr. Daniel Charles Solander (Vilhjalmur, 1947). Dr. Solander is another highly regarded naturalist from Sweden (Owen, 1979).

I am also informed that Mr. Charles Green, an official astronomer of the Royal Society, will be on board (Owen, 1979). It will be nice to have another astronomer to confer with during the transit of Venus.

The voyage is to begin at Plymouth (Beaglehole, 1974). Upon departure we will travel to Madeira for wine (Ibid.). After stocking the hold, we will proceed to travel around Cape Horn to Port Royal Harbour at King George's Island (Otaheite) (Ibid.). If necessary, I will stop at Brazil or Port Egmont for water and other provisions (Ibid.). There are rumors about right now that the Admiralty have another purpose for the trip. However, what that purpose may be is unknown at this time. It is only my greatest dream that I may be able to seek out the Southern Continent. I long to make my mark as a seaman and explorer.

Right now, though, I am content to spend time with my family. Elizabeth has been very encouraging during my time at Mile End Beaglehole, 1974). I will miss her and the children dearly. To be gone from them for any length of time is hard enough. To not know whether I will return is agony to us all. But there is an even greater burden on myself as I worry they will not be here upon my return. But, I must look at my journey as one for the betterment of only hope is that this voyage contributes greatly to science and mankind. That any discoveries made during this voyage may benefit our lives and the lives of our descendants for generations to come.

James Cook

Entry 2: Preparation

4 July, 1768
London, England

The Royal Admiralty of the British Navy has awarded me with a greater honor than I originally thought. They want this to be a two year voyage (Beaglehole, 1974). At first this began as a scientific research voyage, now it will be a true exploration. I plan to travel around the Pacific searching for new people and islands. Perhaps there will even be an opportunity to look for the fabled "Great Southern Continent." The Admiralty has also deemed it suitable to pay me 100 guineas for my services (Ibid). I would almost undertake this trip for free, but I know Elizabeth, my wife, would not be pleased.

Unfortunately, I am worried the trip will not begin on schedule. We have purchased a fine ship, the Earl of Pembroke (Beaglehole, 1974). She is a small, sturdy Whitby coal ship (Owen, 1979). I must say, it will be nice to sail with a familiar ship. All of my years working on the coal ships have made me fond of them. She is 106 feet long, 29 feet 3 inches in breadth and cost all of 2800 pounds (Beaglehole, 1974). However, she is dry docked right now due to the riots, mass meetings and petitions of the workers (Ibid). Although I certainly understand the workers want more money due to higher food prices, I am afraid the seams of the ship will open (Ibid). I can only pray it will be finished in time for the journey.

I have seventy men for this voyage, forty of whom are seamen (Beaglehole, 1974). Most seem very sea worthy and respectable, although they are young. I do have some reservations about Robert Molyneux. He is very good at surveying and drawing charts, but intemperate with drink (Ibid). I have also been given a one-handed cook that the Admiralty feels will be suitable for the journey (Ibid). As if food on the open sea wasn't bad enough to begin with.

I have been well supplied with the usual stores. I have also ordered lemon and orange syrups and sauerkraut in order to prevent scurvy (Beaglehole, 1974). I have also obtained the goat that was on board the Dolphin in order to have fresh milk on board (Ibid).

Training the men and loading the ship will begin in a few days, and I must prepare.

James Cook

Entry 3: The first day

25 August, 1768
Plymouth, England

We have finally set sail! Luckily the ship was refurbished in time and christened the Endeavour (Vilhjalmur, 1947). What a perfect name, because I have found out this will be more of an endeavour than I thought.

I have been given secret orders that are greater than I ever imagined. I have been told to make the discovery of a continent at latitude 40 (Beaglehole, 1974). If that discovery is made, I am to explore as much of the coast as possible, and bring back as many details and samples of the soil, its products, the beasts, birds, fish, minerals, seeds, fruits, trees, and grains (Ibid).

Now I will be an explorer in my own right, not merely going to lands that have already been discovered and charted. I have been instructed not to share this information with the crew until we are in open sea (Beaglehole, 1974). I am sure they will be as excited as I am. This is the opportunity of every sailor's dreams.

I am sure there will be some reservations among the men as to the likelihood of our accomplishing such a journey. But I believe that our route will prepare them for the task. We begin with a familiar, if not easy, route. We will cross the Atlantic Ocean and sail down the coast of South America, stopping at Tierra del Fuego if necessary (Rugoff, 1960). We will then round Cape Horn and head for King George's Island, or Otaheite as the natives call it (Ibid).

I believe only good will come of this expedition. The possibilities for the future of our country are limitless. The Southern Continent could become our greatest colony yet.

James Cook

Entry 4: A typical day

3 March, 1769
Pacific Ocean

We have made it safely around Cape Horn. I am fortunate in that all my men are healthy and strong thus far. The sauerkraut seems to be working very well. This will revolutionize sea travel. My crew seems very healthy and they are extremely productive. There are the occasional outbursts of rowdiness and drunken behavior. However, the worst offender is the surveyor Robert Molyneux. His drunkenness is reprehensible. I must constantly put him to task to keep him off the bottle. Even so, I know he slips drinks in during work.

We are all glad for the milder weather as we near moderate climates. Everyone on board looks forward to reaching King George's Island. The rest is well deserved by the crew. As well as the chance for fresh food and opportunities for new stores. And, of course, many of the men have heard about the beautiful women. However, I refuse to let my men take advantage of the natives (Owen, 1979). If they are gracious enough to supply us with food and extend their hospitality, we will repay them with respect.

James Cook

Entry 5: The Climax

19 April, 1770
Coast of New South Wales

I've found it! The greatest moment in my life has been realized! I sailed west across the Tasman Sea and reached the southeast coast of the Southern Continent (Owen, 1979). I have named it New South Wales.

We are forced to tack in and off the shore in order to avoid the surf (Beaglehole, 1974). But the danger pales in comparison to the excitement everyone feels about discovering a new land. Not since Columbus has a discovery like this been made.

We have met some of the natives already. They appear darker than the natives of the Pacific Islands, but they are not Africans. Our guide and translator from Otaheite, Tupaia, is not able to speak or understand their language (Beaglehole, 1974). They were not interested in any of our gifts either (Ibid). It is very strange, but they are indifferent to us.

Mr. Banks and Dr.Solander are greatly looking forward to cataloging the flora and fauna of the land. We will probably go farther inland within the next few days.

As well as cataloging the life on the shore, we must chart the shoreline itself. I am afraid we will not have enough provisions to do a thorough survey of the land. But I plan to work as quickly and efficiently as possible to make the most of this voyage.

James Cook

Entry 6: The Return

21 July, 1771
Mile End, England

The greatest adventure of my life has come to an end. So many adventures occurred that I must take time off from sailing to write articles for Philosophical Transactions (Beaglehole,1974).

Who could have imagined three years ago that we would discover and explore the Southern Continent. We named hundreds of organisms and landmarks. For example: Botany Bay (named because it is a botanist's dream), Ram Head, Cape Howe, Mt. Dromedary, and Bateman Bay (Ibid).

Of course the trip was dangerous as well. There were times I thought we may never return to England. One time in particular was when the ship stuck fast on a reef off the coast at high tide (Beaglehole, 1974). All possible ballast was thrown overboard to lighten the ship (Ibid). At low tide she heeled to starboard and water poured into the hull (Ibid). Only three pumps were working, and each man, including the gentlemen, took quarter-hour shifts at them (Ibid). Fortunately, the ship floated off at high tide the next day (Ibid). The hole was fothered, covered with a sail sewn with tufts of wool and oakum and spread with sheep's dung (Ibid). This partially plugged the leak, and the water level was kept down with pumps (Ibid).

Unfortunately, I did not finish this journey free from the hand of death. Seven of my crewmen died in Batavia (Owen, 1979). Although I do believe the sauerkraut saved most of my men from that most dreadful of diseases, scurvy.

Most saddening for me were the losses of my only daughter, Elizabeth, and my infant son, Joseph (Beaglehole, 1974). I regret not being here to comfort my wife in those difficult times. Unfortunately, I do not have time to dwell on their deaths. I must sort, pack, and send items from the voyage to the Admiralty(Ibid). Official reports must be made, and many of my men deserve promotions (Ibid). I must look toward the future now. I plan to go back and explore any part of the continent that is thus far uncharted.

James Cook

Final Comments

Bibliography

1. Beaglehole, J. C., The Life of Captain James Cook, (1974), Stanford University Press, Stanford, California, pp 128-152, 227-30, 274, 277-78.

2. Owen, Roderic, Great Explorers, (1979), Mayflower Books, New York, pp 96-101.

3. Rugoff, Milton, The Great Travelers, Vol. 1, (1960), Simon & Schuster, New York, pp 419-433.

4. Vilhjalmur, Stefanson, Great Adventures and Explorations, (1947), The Dial Press, New York, pp 659-662.

Comments

1. Your best entry. In a few sentences you explain about your history, where you are going, how you obtained backing, about your family and personal interests and personal goals. We see you as an idealist.

Back To Paper

2. Excellent entry, we see your careful preparation for the voyage, something about the ship (although more would have been nice - a sailor would have lots of questions about the rig, speed, handling and so on). A nice bit of humor about the cook.

Back To Paper

3. Nicely done, you give a lot of details about the proposed trip. What's missing is a sense of being between preparation and journey, on a cusp with one thing done and another looming up. I can't see you standing on the railing as your ship sails out of the harbor.

Back To Paper

4. Shortest and weakest section. You are musing about the trip, not giving any real feel for the daily work, each person's job. A little more on how you interact with the crew and officers.

Back To Paper

5. A little weak but I'm not sure exactly what the climax for Cook's first voyage was. I don't think he thought New Zealand was the southern continent. Nice note with the drunken surveyor.

Back To Paper

6. Excellent, your conclusions really make the paper. As a reader I feel very satisfied. The excitement about running aground probably belongs in section 5 but is ok here. Another sentence or two about your plans for the future would have been nice. Did you pick up how Cook got his crew to eat the sauerkraut, a new food? He only allowed the officers to have it for a few days and then grudgingly gave it to the crew who demanded to be treated as well as the officers.

Back To Paper

7. Overall: Lots of good information, excellent references and notes. Your Cook is clearly seen through his thoughts and actions. I think you could have been more positive about his seaman skills, he is known as one of the top sailors and captains of all times. The weak parts of the diary is the little information given about the daily work, how Cook was able to lead his crew as a captain and a better idea of the point of climax in the voyage.

The Assignment

Purpose

To relate what we have learned in this unit to a specific exploration and explorer. You will need to find information on one of the following areas of the world's ocean and learn about a particular expedition which explored the region:

Explorers and Areas Explored:

Phoenician: Mediterranean, Red Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Crete, Greece, Black Sea, Caspian, Mediterranean Arabian and Indian Ocean
China: Far East, India, Japan
Rome: Africa, Europe, India
Vikings: Iceland, Greenland, North America, Russia, Baltic, Africa
Renaissance: All temperate seas, Africa entire, Europe, Americas, Pacific Ocean, Australia
Modern Explorers: Polar seas, deep sea submersibles

Procedure

Choose one explorer/exploration and search our library and perhaps others using the computer. If you need to learn how to use the PALS system and GATEWAY, your instructor can give you a two page exercise is appended. After completing the exercise, finding some sources and write a one paragraph abstract about the expedition. Finally you will use the sources and your abstract to create the following parts of your explorer's diary:

Diary Entry

Trip preparation

Goals, finding backers for the trip, mental preparation
Ship(s) used, crew makeup, anticipated length of journey, etc.

The trip

Leaving - the first day
A typical travel day
The first climax - your discovery
Coming home - the day you return, thoughts about the trip

Each of these parts must be at least a page in length, although some should be longer. In order to help you with this I am setting up editing groups. Each of you must turn in a first draft of any one section of your diary one week before the assignment is due. I will copy your section and distribute it to the editing group who will edit it and turn it back to you. Each editing group includes me and 4 other people in the class.

Footnotes: Since this assignment is based on library research - all quotes, indirect references, dates, names and even ideas not your own must be footnoted here (any reference style accepted). Please note all sources used on your abstract page.

Back to Paper

Guide to Peer Editing of Exploration Diary

(taken freely from Teaching with Writing at Guilford: A Cross-Disciplinary Manual for Faculty, Jeff Jeske 1993.)

This should help you respond to your group-mates' drafts. In it are questions to ask yourself. I'm expecting you will spend 5-15 minutes on each paper, providing a minimum of 100 words of commentary. The goal is to provide honest, insightful reader response, thus helping the writer to improve the diary in a subsequent draft. The response can take two chief forms:

Reader based, which provides raw data about the effect the writing has on you, moment by moment, as you read it (e.g., "I like the opening paragraph -- really grabs me!", "terrific point... I seem to need a little more proof, though, in order to be totally convinced,: "I felt myself getting lost here...", "what a vivid image! explodes colors in my mind").
Criterion-based, which helps the writer see where s/he is performing excellently with respect to -- or running afoul of -- those objective criteria used to judge expository and argumentative writing as well as the objectives of this diary by an explorer..

Read the paper through at least twice

-- the first time to get an overview and to register the effects the writing has on you, the second time slowly and with pen in hand. During the second read, clarify your general impressions (how you react or fail to react to the piece) and in the margins or the text itself, note your responses.

In general, consider your function to be less that of editor or proofreader and more that of intelligent, sensitive reader.

Some content and structure suggestions:

Do you have any suggestions for reconceptualizing the whole approach?
Is the introduction clear, interesting and informative? how motivated are you to keep reading.
is the focus maintained throughout the page? Is the voice consistent?
are the examples given appropriate and as concrete as they need to be?
does the diary inform you (has this person done their research?)

Some style questions:

does the voice sound like that of a living, breathing person?
Is this a real explorer confronting the unknown?
are there any spots where the sentences seem too choppy
or cumbersome?
are there any distracting grammatical errors?
any ambiguity, mistaken nuance, made-up words, inappropriate
slang or jargon?
which individual word choices pleased you the most?

Write a fairly detailed note to the author

Begin by explaining to the author what you think their main purpose or idea is in this diary page.

if your interpretation is close to the author's intention, you've immediately established your credentials as a sensitive reader, and your criticism is likely to be considered attentively.

Then make a general evaluation of the diary page, considering the following areas:

what's good
what's weak
how you think the diary can be improved

Note: the best editors have usually been the bluntest and most thorough critics. Serious writers are more grateful for honest, constructive criticism than for empty compliments, and they instinctively respect the reader who is committed to high standards.

At the same time... be lavish with your praise when it's deserved.

Exercise empathy (how would you respond to your criticism?). Be a friend.

Back to Paper

The Writing Zone

Home

Plagiarism and the Honor Code

Grade Descriptions

Understanding Assignments

Working Through the Paper: Diary of James Cook, First Voyage

Why Write?

Zen and the Art of Academia

Online Writing Labs