A DISTRESSED SHIP
On the 11th of June, things were not looking good for Captain Cook and the Endeavour. They were stuck on the reef and going nowhere. The Captain eventually gave orders to throw things over board to help release the boat from the reef. Six heavy guns were thrown into the water but still the ship wouldn’t budge.
Luckily, as the water rose with high tide, the ship was able to float off the reef. Although the crew were relieved that the ship was free, they soon realised that water was gushing into the bow.
One of the crew, John Monkhouse, came up with the brilliant idea of covering the damaged area with a sail. The crew put his idea into action. The result was very pleasing - the leak had slowed down to almost a stop.
Cook and his men stayed at the Endeavour River for six weeks while they repaired their ship. Once satisfied they continued with their journey.
Cook was worried however that the repairs they had made were not strong enough to last the whole way back home to England. He decided that they would stop over at Batavia to get proper repairs done.
This proved to be a big mistake.
On the 11th of June, things were not looking good for Captain Cook and the Endeavour. They were stuck on the reef and going nowhere. The Captain eventually gave orders to throw things over board to help release the boat from the reef. Six heavy guns were thrown into the water but still the ship wouldn’t budge.
Luckily, as the water rose with high tide, the ship was able to float off the reef. Although the crew were relieved that the ship was free, they soon realised that water was gushing into the bow.
One of the crew, John Monkhouse, came up with the brilliant idea of covering the damaged area with a sail. The crew put his idea into action. The result was very pleasing - the leak had slowed down to almost a stop.
Cook and his men stayed at the Endeavour River for six weeks while they repaired their ship. Once satisfied they continued with their journey.
Cook was worried however that the repairs they had made were not strong enough to last the whole way back home to England. He decided that they would stop over at Batavia to get proper repairs done.
This proved to be a big mistake.
Dear Elizabeth
My days seem like weeks. My heart longs to be back at home with you and the children. My one wish is for this journey that I am commanding to end.
I’ve been thinking about the children. How are they? Are they being good and doing their studies as well as their chores?
I’ve been wanting to tell you how I’m going onboard the Endeavour. On 13 April we observed the transit of Venus. After that the crew and I went in search of the great southern continent. We ended up mapping what the Dutch call New Holland. We tried to make a good impression with the natives but they just fled at our approach.
We are now heading for Batavia. If you are worrying about me, please don’t. I’ll make it home safely.
From your loving husband
James
My days seem like weeks. My heart longs to be back at home with you and the children. My one wish is for this journey that I am commanding to end.
I’ve been thinking about the children. How are they? Are they being good and doing their studies as well as their chores?
I’ve been wanting to tell you how I’m going onboard the Endeavour. On 13 April we observed the transit of Venus. After that the crew and I went in search of the great southern continent. We ended up mapping what the Dutch call New Holland. We tried to make a good impression with the natives but they just fled at our approach.
We are now heading for Batavia. If you are worrying about me, please don’t. I’ll make it home safely.
From your loving husband
James