Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
as the indigenes, opened fire, killing and wounding several of the
natives. However, in many cases the travellers were able to break
through the barrier of initial fear and suspicion. They established
friendly relations with some communities, bought food from them
and bartered freely for such curiosities as weapons, tools and the
preserved heads of the villagers' consumed enemies.
Having now found a point of reference on the old charts, Cook
was well placed to tidy up some more loose ends. He knew that if
he steered due west he should fall in with what Tasman had named
Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) and that, by coasting it northwards,
he should be able to determine its size. If he then continued in the
same general direction he could discover what lay between it and
New Guinea. This course should provide further information about
New Holland (Australia) and, particularly, whether or not it and New
Guinea were part of the same landmass. This route would also have
the advantage of probable frequent landfalls and, therefore, fresh
food. Cook probably expected to locate more islands in the area rep-
resented on his chart by an empty space. He certainly did not real-
ise that the stage was set for the momentous discovery of the entire
eastern coastline of the Australian continent.
Foul weather carried the
Endeavour
northward of Cook's inten-
ded course and as he approached, and then passed, the chart loca-
tion of Van Diemen's land (it was marked 3° too far to the eastward),
the captain grew anxious. Sea birds and driftwood indicated a near
shoreline and the storm was driving him sharply towards it. Yet it
was quite invisible through the all-enveloping grey of rain, mist and
cloud. The nights were particularly hazardous.
Endeavour
rolled for-
ward under reefed sails while the leadsmen took constant sound-
ings. On the night of 18/19 April 1770, Cook took in all sail and hove
to. It was as well he did so; at dawn the south-east coast of Australia
was clearly visible.
