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Title: A Chronological History of The Voyages and Discoveries in
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Author: James Burney
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Title: A Chronological History of The Voyages and Discoveries in
the South Sea or Pacific Ocean.
Author: James Burney
THE VOYAGE OF CAPTAIN ABEL JANSEN TASMAN IN THE YEAR 1642
and
NOTICES OF A SECOND VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY BY TASMAN. OF THE AMSTERDAM
STADT-HOUSE MAP OF THE WORLD; AND OF THE NAMES HOLLANDIA NOVA AND
ZEELANDIA NOVA
* * *
Being Chapter IV and VII of Volume III of BIBLIOTHECA AUSTRALIANA #5
JAMES BURNEY
A CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF VOYAGES AND DISCOVERIES IN THE SOUTH SEAS
Volume 3
N. ISRAEL/AMSTERDAM DA CAPO PRESS/NEW YORK
Published 1967
A Facsimile of:
A CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE VOYAGES AND DISCOVERIES IN
THE SOUTH SEA OR PACIFIC OCEAN.
PART III.
From the Year 1620, to the Year 1688.
ILLUSTRATED WITH CHARTS AND OTHER PLATES.
By JAMES BURNEY, CAPTAIN IN THE ROYAL NAVY.
LONDON. 1813.
* * * * *
CONTENTS OF VOLUME III.
CHAPTER IV.
THE VOYAGE OF CAPTAIN ABEL JANSEN TASMAN IN THE YEAR 1642.
Manuscript Journal of Captain Tasman's
Tasman sails from Batavia
At the Island Mauritius
Land discovered
Is named Van Diemen's Land
Frederik Hendrik's Bay
Other Land discovered, and named Staten Land [since, New Zealand]
Moordenaar's Bay
Drie Koningen Island
Pylstaart Island
Amsterdam Island
Amamocka Island
Island North of Amamocka
Prins Willem's Islands, and Heemskerk's Shoals
Onthona Java
Marquen Islands
Groene Islands
Island St Jan
Ant. Kaan's Island. Cape Sta. Maria. Gerrit Denys Island. Vischer's
Island
Salomon Sweert's Hoek
Coast of New Guinea
Vulcan's Island. Hooge Bergh
Islands Jamna and Arimoa
Islands Moa and Inson
Willem Schouten's Island
Return to Batavia
CHAPTER VII.
NOTICES OF A SECOND VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY BY TASMAN. OF THE AMSTERDAM
STADT-HOUSE MAP OF THE WORLD; AND OF THE NAMES HOLLANDIA NOVA AND
ZEELANDIA NOVA.
Second Voyage of Discovery by Tasman
Extract from his Instructions
Of the Name New Holland; 0n what occasion first applied to the
Terra Australis
Amsterdam Stadt-house Map of the World
Zeelandia Nova
* * * * *
{Page 59}
CHAPTER IV.
THE VOYAGE OF CAPTAIN ABEL JANSEN TASMAN IN THE YEAR 1642.
After the discovery of the Western coast of the _Terra Australis_ or
_Great South Land_ by Theodoric Hertoge, which was in the year 1616, the
Hollanders endeavoured at various opportunities to obtain further
knowledge concerning the country and its extent, as well by their ships
outward bound from Europe touching on different parts of the coast, as by
vessels sent purposely from their Eastern settlements to make
examination. Before the Presidentship of Governor Van Diemen, however,
only the Northern and Western coasts had been visited: and to that time
no limitation had been set by the track of any navigator to the extent
Southward and Eastward of the _Terra Australis_.
In 1642, the Governor and Council at _Batavia_ fitted out two ships to
prosecute the discovery of the South Land, principally with a view to
ascertain its extent. The command of this expedition was given to Captain
Abel Jansen Tasman, and his Voyage proved to be one of the most
importance to geography of any which had been undertaken since the first
circumnavigation of the globe.
The history of this Voyage will here be given in the Commander's own
words, or, to speak more precisely, in a translation of them from his
Journal, concerning which some prefatory explanation is necessary. In
fact, all the published accounts of Tasman's Voyage are derived from his
own Journal. The earliest extant, or at present known to have been
published, is a very abridged narrative in the Dutch language, entitled,
_een kort verhael uyt het journael van den Kommander_ Abel Jansen Tasman
_int' ontdekken van t'onbekende Suit Landt int Jare 1642_; (i.e. _A short
relation from the Journal of the Commander_ Abel Jansen Tasman, _in the
Discovery of the Unknown South Land, in the year 1642_), which was
published at Amsterdam, in 1674; by Dirck Rembrantz Van Nierop.
Translations of this abridgment were soon after printed in most of the
European languages. In 1726,
{Page 60}
Valentyn published the Voyage at greater length, accompanied with charts
and views, in the IIId volume of his East Indian Descriptions. Mr.
Dalrymple, from a comparison and examination of Valentyn with the
accounts before published, drew up a narrative of the Voyage, which, with
a selection of the charts and views from Valentyn, he published in his
_Historical Collection of Discoveries in the Pacific Ocean_.
Subsequent to the publication of Mr. Dalrymple's _Historical Collection_,
a manuscript Journal of Captain Tasman's, with charts and views of the
lands discovered by him, was brought to this country, and was purchased
of the then possessor by Mr. Banks (the present Sir Joseph Banks) shortly
after his return from the _South Sea_. In Sir Joseph's Library it has
been preserved not merely as a curiosity. To facilitate the means of
information from so valuable a manuscript, he procured it to be
translated into English; and the Dutch original with the English
translation are kept on the same shelf in his Library. From these, with
the permission of the Right honourable owner, the account of Abel Jansen
Tasman's Voyage is now offered to the public. The English translation was
made in 1776, by the Reverend Charles Godfrey Woide, who was then
Chaplain to His Majesty's Dutch Chapel at St. James's Palace, and
afterwards Under Librarian to the British Museum, and is done with much
care and judgment. Mr. Woide, in a note, expresses his opinion that this
Journal is not in the handwriting of Captain Tasman, though he remarks
the manner of spelling to be of the time of Tasman's Voyage. He makes the
three following objections. 1st. That where Tasman's name appears as a
signature, it is accompanied with the word '_Onderstout_'
(_Undersigned_). 2dly. He notices the entire omission of three days in
the Journal; and 3dly, he points out some inaccuracies which appeared to
him more like the mistakes of a transcriber than of a journalist. Mr.
Woide has given too much weight to these objections. The word
_Onderstout_ accompanying
{Page 61}
the signatures, was a formality not unusually practised by those who
subscribed their names; as appears by an example in this same Journal,
where the opinion of one of the steersmen being demanded, is delivered in
writing, _'Onderstout by my, Pieter N. Duytz.'_ i.e. Undersigned by me,
Pieter N. Duytz.[*] The charge of three days being omitted, is
immaterial, from the circumstance of the ships being on the days in
question (Sept. 22d, 23d, and 24th, 1642) at anchor in port.
With respect to the distinction between the inaccuracies of a transcriber
and of a journalist, it is to be observed, that the journalist is
frequently his own transcriber. It is a common practice with Voyagers,
with Commanders especially, to keep two Journals, the last written of
which is a transcript from the first, generally with additions or
corrections as the journalist thinks proper, and this, the latter
written, is considered, not as a copy, but as the fair Journal. Such,
almost invariably, are the Journals transmitted by Sea Commanders to
their superiors. The Manuscript in the library of Sir Joseph Banks, by
the manner in which it is concluded (which will be seen in its place) has
the appearance of being the Journal delivered by Captain Tasman to the
Governor and Council at _Batavia_. But nothing is a more convincing proof
of this being an original Journal than that the particulars of the
navigation, from leaving _Batavia_ to Tasman's arrival at the scene of
new discovery (a part of his voyage which has little or nothing to
attract curiosity, or to repay the trouble of copying at length) are
noted down in as full and circumstantial a manner as the more important
occurrences and remarks when on the coast of newly discovered countries.
On comparing the Manuscript with Valentyn, nearly but not all the charts
and views in the Journal are found in Valentyn;
[* MS, Journal. February the 14th, 1643.]
{Page 62}
but the copier or engraver has at times varied from the original, by
substituting what he intended as improvements in lieu of supposed defects
in the Journal. The figures in the original drawings it is true are so
disproportioned as to he susceptible of alteration without danger of
swerving wider from the truth; but the alterations have extended in a few
instances to views of land, and to matters which relate to geographical
positions, in all which, a copy cannot be too scrupulously exact.
Valentyn has made another variation from the original, by relating all
the proceedings in the third person.
Such parts of the Journal as it would be wholly useless to publish, are
here omitted; of which kind has been judged nearly the whole of the
nagivation from _Batavia_ to the _Island Mauritius_; and generally, the
common occurrences whilst not in sight of land. Such curtailment does not
reduce a journal to an abstract, seeing the material parts are retained
at length. Where remark or explanation has appeared necessary, it is
introduced in the form of note at the bottom of the page, or deferred
till after the conclusion of the Journal.
The longitude is reckoned Eastward from the _Peak of Teneriffe_, (which
is 16° 46' W. of the Meridian of _Greenwich_, and was nearly so estimated
in Tasman's time). The distances are set down in Dutch or German miles,
15 of which measure one degree.
A peculiarity in Tasman's Journal, of which it is proper the reader
should be timely advertised, is, that in the narrative of occurrences, he
begins and ends the day at midnight: but the reckoning of the ship's
course or route is kept from noon to noon; the latitude and longitude
being set down for each day at noon, with the course and distance made
good from the preceding noon.
* * * * *
{Page 63}
JOURNAL or DESCRIPTION By me _Abel Jansz Tasman_, Of a Voyage from
_Batavia_ for making Discoveries of the _Unknown South Land_ in the year
1642.
May GOD ALMIGHTY be pleased to give His Blessing to this Voyage. Amen.
[1642 August]
August the 14th, we set sail from the road of _Batavia_ in the yacht
Heemskirk, in company with the fly boat the Zeehaan, for the _Strait of
Sunda_: and it was resolved (in Council) to sail from the said _Strait_
SWbW to 14° South latitude; afterwards to steer WSW to 20° S; and
afterwards, due West for the _Island Mauritius_.
[1642 September]
September the 4th, in the afternoon, we had variation 22° 30' NW. At the
end of the first watch of the night we saw land; whereupon we shortened
sail and lay to for the rest of the night.
The 5th, in the morning, we perceived the land to be the _Island
Mauritius_. We stood in, and anchored there about 9 o'clock in the
morning. We had latitude 20° S, and our longitude by reckoning was 83°
48', we supposing ourselves to be 50 miles Eastward from the _Mauritius_
when we first saw it.
The 6th, we sent one of our mates, with three of our seamen, and six-men
from the Zeehaan, to the woods to assist the huntsmen in catching game.
At four this afternoon, the ship _Arend_ from the mother country anchored
here. She sailed from the _Texel_ the 23d of April last. The Captain of
the Arend reported to the Commander on shore, Van Steelen, that he had
spoken a French ship near the Island. The Commander therefore immediately
dispatched some people to the Northwest part of the Island, being
suspicious that the Frenchmen intended to cut ebony there, which would
not be allowed.
The 7th, we received from the shore eight goats and one hog. We sent four
of the goats to the Zeehaan; and sent two more men to assist the hunters.
{Page 64}
The 9th, we sent our carpenters on shore to cut timber.
The 10th [and at other times afterwards] we received goats, and hogs from
the shore, half of which were sent to the Zeehaan.
The 13th. This day we sent fish to our people in the woods.
The 16th, the yacht Little Mauritius got under sail to fetch ebony from a
place to the Eastward, to he put on board the Arend; but she was
prevented from getting out by the high wind.
The 21st, the Little Mauritius got out, having been detained till now by
a strong ESE trade wind.
The 25th, at day break we had a light breeze from NNE, and afterwards it
blew rather fresher from NWbW, which is the first land breeze we have had
since we have been here at anchor. Our chief steersman, Francis Jacobsz,
and Mr. Gillemans, took a draught of the land.[*]
The 26th, we held a Council, and we appointed the 4th day of the next
month for our departure from this Port.
[1642 October]
October the 4th. This was the day fixed for our departure; but the wind
being contrary, we were forced to lie still. We sent our first steersman
with the steersman of the Zeehaan to sound the Easterly entrance of the
Port, to examine if we could pass that way; but they found the depth,
with the highest spring tide, to be no more than 13 feet.
[* This draught of the Mauritius SE Port, (a copy of which is annexed
from Captain Tasman's Journal) has neither scale nor soundings. The
different sketches which have been, published of this Port, have less
resemblance to each other than might be expected. According to a plan in
Van Keulen, from the Islands at the South-eastern entrance, which is the
entrance included in Tasman's sketch, to the fort, the distance is one
Dutch mile and a half. Van Keulen lays down sufficient depth of water in
the Port for ships of any size; and the smallest depth of water in the
channel towards the Eastern entrance, 3½ fathoms. The chart published in
Viscount de Vaux's History of the _Isle de France_, makes the distance
from the islands at the SE entrance to where the Dutch Fort stood, nearly
one-third less than Van Keulen; and the smallest depth, between the two
entrances, three fathoms. By the observations of M. d'Apres and the Abbe
de la Caille, the Island _Mauritius_ is in latitude from 19° 58' S, to
20° 31' S; and the middle part in 57° 30' E longitude _from Greenwich_.]
{Page 65}
The 5th, our shallop went fishing, and returned with excellent fish for
all the ship's crew.
The 6th, we endeavoured to get through the SE channel, but were obliged
to give it up. Caught fish for all the crew.
The 7th, the wind continued Easterly. In the evening, we came to anchor
under the Islands which are before the Bay, and had 17 fathoms muddy
bottom. It is very difficult to get out of this Bay, the South Easterly
winds blowing here so continually. No vessel ought to come in here unless
for business.
The 8th, in the morning, we had a breeze from shore with rainy weather.
We weighed anchor, but the wind came contrary, and we were obliged to
anchor again. About 8 o'clock, the wind changed and blew from NEbE. We
weighed anchor, and stood out South Eastward to sea: for which the Lord
be praised.
This _Island Mauritius_, its South part, is in 20° 12' S, and in
longitude 78° 47' E from _Tenerife_. We kept our course SSE.
The 9th, the wind was from between the East and SE, and we stood to the
Southward.
The 12th, the variation was 23° 30' NW.
[After the 12th, the winds were variable, and the course was directed
South Eastward.]
The 27th, in the morning, we saw a great deal of duck weed. We held a
Council, and it was resolved to keep a man constantly at the topmast head
to look out; and that whoever first discovered land, sands, or banks
under water, should receive a reward of three reals and a pot of arrack.
Our latitude this day by account was 43° S, and our longitude 88° 6'. In
the afternoon, we had variation 26° 45' NWesterly.
[1642 November]
November the 4th, at noon, our latitude by account was 48° 25' S. In the
afternoon on comparing with the master and the steersmen, we found our
middle longitude[*] to be 107° 25'.
[* The longitude by the mean of all the reckonings.]
{Page 66}
Saw several patches of duck weed: we had a great many thunnies about the
ship, and we also saw a seal, which made us conjecture that some Islands
might be hereabouts. At night we shortened sail.
The 6th, we had a storm from the West, with hail and snow: the weather
very cold. At noon, latitude 49° 4' S. longitude 114° 56'. The variation
was 26°.
The 7th, the wind was Westerly with hail and snow. This morning we held
Council; and the following was delivered to us by our first Pilot, as the
advice of himself and the Steersmen.
"According to the large map of the _South Sea_, the Eastern part of the
_Salomon Isles_ is in 205°; the longitude beginning with the _Piko de
Teneriffe_, being at present used by every body. 6 The longitude of
_Batavia_ is 127° 5'; and the longitude of _Hoorn Islands_ 185° 45'. This
is our advice: that we should keep to the parallel of 44° S latitude till
we have passed 150° longitude: and then make for latitude 40° S, and
keeping in that parallel, to run Eastward to 220° longitude: and then
steering Northward, search with the trade wind from East to West for the
_Salomon Islands_. We imagine if we meet with no main-land till we come
to 150° longitude, we must then meet with Islands. "Undersigned, Francis
Jacobsz."
Whereupon we resolved with our Council and Steersmen to steer NE to
latitude 45° or 44° S.
The 10th, we had fine weather. We supposed our latitude to be 44° S; but
at noon we found we were in 43° 20'. Longitude 126° 45'. The variation
was 21° 30' NWesterly. The sea ran very high from the SW, and sometimes
from the SE.
The 17th, we continued to see much sea weed floating. The sea still ran
high from the SW, wherefore we presume that there is no large tract of
land to the South. Latitude at noon 44° 15'. Longitude 147° 3'. We
believed we had already passed the
{Page 67}
South land at present known, or that we were at least as far Eastward as
Pieter Nuyts had been.
The 18th, we saw whales. The variation was 12° NWesterly. During the
night, we lay to, and at day-light sailed on again Eastward.
The 19th, our latitude at noon was 45° 5' S. Longitude 153° 34' E. In the
morning the variation was 8° NWesterly.
The 22d, at noon, we found the latitude 42° 49'. Our longitude 160° 34'.
Our compass was not steady as it should be. It may be that there are
loadstones hereabouts, as our compasses do not stand still within eight
points. There is something which keeps the needle in continual motion.[*]
We have found the great NW variation decrease very suddenly.
The 23d, found our latitude at noon 42° 50'. Longitude 162° 51'.
The 24th, we had fine weather and a clear sky, with light wind from SW
and South. Held our course EbN. At noon found the latitude was 42° 25' S.
Longitude 163° 31'. In the afternoon, about four o'clock, we saw land
bearing EbN, distant from us by conjecture ten miles. The land was very
high, and towards evening we saw high mountains to the ESE, and to the NE
two smaller mountains. Our compass here stood right. We had a light
breeze from SE, and resolved to run off in the night five hours to sea,
and then to run back again towards the land.[+] We sounded in the night,
and had ground at 100 fathoms, fine white sand with small shells. We
sounded afterwards, and had black gravel.
The 25th, in the morning, it was calm. Towards noon, the wind came from
SE, and afterwards from the South. We steered towards the shore, and
about five o'clock in the afternoon were within three miles, and had
soundings at 60 fathoms, the bottom coral. We ran nearer the coast, and
at one mile distance had fine white
[* A similar instance of unsteadiness in the needle was observed near
_Cape Horne_ by the Nassau Fleet.]
[+ The track on Captain Tasman's chart of _Van Diemen's Land_, is not so
minutely drawn as to show all the variations of course mentioned in the
Journal.]
{Page 68}
small sand. The coast here lies NbW and SbE, and is level. We were here
in latitude 42° 30', and middle longitude 163° 50'. When you come from
the West, and find the NW variation suddenly decrease, you may then look
out for the land. Near the coast here, the needle points true North. As
this land has not before been known to any European, we called it _Antony
Van Diemen's Land_, in honour of our High Magistrate the Governor
General, who sent us out to make discoveries. The Islands near us we
named in honour of the Council of India, as you may see by the little map
we made.
The 26th, we had Easterly wind with rain, and did not see the land. At
noon, we hoisted the flag to speak the Zeehaan, and ordered Mr. Gillemans
to come on board, to whom we declared the reasons mentioned in a letter,
which we gave him to shew to Gerrit Janszoon, the master of the Zeehaan,
and to the mates; and which is as follows.
"The Officers of the Zeehaan are directed to mark in their Journals,
longitude 163° 50' for the land we saw yesterday, which we found it to be
upon comparing our accounts; and therefore we have fixed this longitude,
and shall begin again from here to reckon the longitude. The Commander of
the Zeehaan is to give this order to the steersmen. The maps also made of
this land should place it in longitude 163° 50' as before mentioned.
"Undersigned, Abel Jansen Tasman."
At noon, we judged our latitude to be 43° 36' S. Longitude 163° 2'.
The 27th, in the morning, we saw the coast again. The wind was NE, with
foggy rainy weather. We steered ESE. Our latitude at noon by account 44°
4' S. Longitude 164° 2'. At the fourth hour of the night, it being very
dark, we lay to.
The 28th, in the morning, we made sail Eastward. Saw the land NE from us,
and stood towards it. The direction of the coast is here SEbE and NWbW.
At noon, our latitude we
{Page 69}
supposed 44° 12' S; longitude 165° 2'. The wind NW, a light breeze. In
the evening, we came near three small Islands, one of which has the shape
of a lion's head, and is about three miles from the main land. During the
night we lay to.
The 29th, in the morning, we were still near the cliff which is shaped
like a lion's head. We sailed along the coast which extends here East and
West. Towards mid-day we passed two cliffs, the Western of which
resembles the _Pedra branca_ near the coast of _China_. The Eastern has
the appearance of a high mishapen tower, [_Hooge plomp Tore_], and is
about four miles from the large land. We passed between this cliff and
the main land. At noon, our latitude by account was 43° 53' S. Longitude
166° 3'.[*] We continued our course along the coast, and about five in
the afternoon, we came near to a Bay which seemed to be a good Road, and
we resolved to make for it. When we were almost in the Bay, a storm arose
which obliged us to take in sail, and return to sea, it not being
possible for us with so much wind to anchor the ships.[+]
The 30th. We had been driven so far off in the night, that at daylight we
could scarcely see the land. We had variable winds this day, and
endeavoured to get in with the shore. At noon, the land bore NW from us.
[1642 December]
December the 1st, we found our latitude at noon 43° 10' S, our longitude
167° 55'. In the afternoon, we had an Easterly
[* According to Tasman's Chart and the situation here noted, the ship was
advanced at noon, near 4 leagues to the East or ENE beyond the two
Cliffs.]
[+ The Bay from which Tasman was thus forced by a storm, is named in his
chart _Stoorm Bay_. The anchorage he aimed at, is the same where Captain
Furneaux stopped in 1773, and which he named _Adventure Bay_. In Tasman's
general sketch of _Van Diemen's Land_, there is no mark of any inlet or
arm of the sea running into the land; but in a separate plan which he has
given of _Stoorm Bay_, openings are left in the coast; and also Westward
of the Bay, the coast is drawn receding Northward, corresponding with the
discovery made in 17Q2, by M. D'Entrecasteaux, of a Strait or passage
through to the NE, which separates the SW part of the land forming
Tasman's _Stoorm Bay_ from the other part of _Van Diemen's Land_.]
{Page 70}
breeze, and an hour after sunset, we anchored in a good port in 22
fathoms, the bottom fine light grey sand.
The 2d, early in the morning, we sent our first steersman with our
shallop, and a boat of the Zeehaan well armed, to a Bay a good mile
towards the North West from us, to look for fresh water, refreshments, or
any other things. They returned three hours before night, and brought
some greens of a kind which grow at the _Cape of Good Hope_ and may be
used in the place of wormwood; and some of another kind which was long
and saltish like sea parsley ('_Pieter Celij du mair_'). The steersman
and the mate of the Zeehaan gave the following account.--They rowed round
the point a good mile, where they found good fresh water, but which
flowed so slowly, that whilst they staid they could get only one pailful.
The greens, such as they brought, grew in great quantity. They heard
human voices, and a sound like that of a trumpet or little gong not far
off, but they could see nobody. They saw two trees which were each from
two to two and a half fathoms big,[*] and tall from the ground to the
branches 60 to 65 feet. The bark had been taken off with flint stones,
and steps were cut for people to climb up to search the nests of the
birds. These steps were full five feet one from the other, whence it was
conjectured that the people here must be very tall, or that they used
some artifice in climbing. They observed on the ground the traces of some
animals resembling the marks made by the claws of a tiger; and they
brought on board the excrements of some quadruped, as we supposed. They
also brought pieces of good looking gums, which dropped from the trees,
some like the _gumma lacca_. At the East corner of this Bay, they had
soundings at 13 and 14 feet: the tide ebbed and flowed about three feet.
Before the said corner they saw people; and some wild ducks, and geese.
They took no fish except muscles which stuck to little
[* Most probably in circumference.]
{Page 71}
bushes. The country was all over furnished with trees which stood thin,
so that one might pass through every where, and distinguish objects at a
distance, without hindrance from bushes or underwood. Many of the trees
were burnt deep in near the ground. Smokes also were observed rising in
several places in the woods.
The 3d, we went with our shallop to the SE part of this Bay, where we
found water, but the land was low and the water saltish. In the
afternoon, we went to a little Bay WSW from our ships; but it came to
blow, and the surf was high. We however let our carpenter swim to the
shore, where he set up a post, and left the Prince's flag' flying upon
it. This was nigh to four remarkable trees which stand in form of a
crescent. When the carpenter had erected the post with the flag, he swam
back to us through the surf, and we returned on board. In the evening, we
observed 3° NE variation. We lay at anchor here in 43° S latitude, and
longitude 167° 3O'.[*]
The 4th, in the morning, we got under sail, with a NW wind, and steered
to the Northward as close as we could, that we might look for a watering
place. In the evening we saw a round mountain about eight miles NNW from
us. We kept
[* Names are not given in the Journal to the Bays or Capes seen of this
land, or to the Islands near it. It is probable they were afterwards
assigned on making the charts. In the chart of the Bay where Tasman
anchored is inserted the name _Frederik Hendrik's Bay_, but disposed in
such manner as to cause a belief that it was applied only to the inner
harbour, which the boats visited on December the 2d . In 1772, M. Marion
anchored in the same Bay in which Tasman had anchored so many years
before; and it appears in the short account published of his Voyage, that
he considered it to be the _Frederik Hendrik's Bay_ of Tasman. The late
French charts however, apply the name solely to the inner port, which
seems to have been the intention of the first discoverers; and to the
anchorage of Abel Tasman and Marion, assign the name of _Marion's Bay_.]
By some mistake in Valentyn, the ship's place on the 1st of December at
noon, is given for the situation of _Frederik Hendrik's Bay_. The chart
of _Van Diemen's Land_, likewise, in Valentyn, though the outline of
coast is the same as in Tasman's chart, is marked differently in
longitude, and not agreeing with the Journal.
{Page 72}
our course close to the wind N Eastward. Several smokes of fires were
seen along the coast all the day. Here I should give a description of the
extent of the coast, and the Islands near it; but I hope to be excused,
and refer for brevity's sake to the Map made of it and joined herewith.
The 5th, we kept our course as before, and lost sight of the land, the
part last seen being the round mountain, which was then due West, six
miles from us. We assembled the Council, and resolved to keep our course
Eastward to longitude 195°. At noon, our latitude was by account 41° 34'
S. Longitude 169°.
The 11th, the variation was 7° N Easterly.
The 12th, we had a high sea from the SW.
The 13th, our latitude was 42° 10' S. Longitude 188° 28'. Towards noon,
we saw a large high land[*] about 15 miles SSE from us. We steered
towards it, but the wind was light and variable. In the evening, we had a
breeze, and steered East.
The 14th, at noon, we were about two miles from the shore. Our latitude
was 42° 10' S; longitude 189° 3'. This is a high double land. We could
not get sight of the tops of the mountains for dark clouds. We sailed
along the coast Northward, so close that we could see the waves break on
the shore. We had soundings at two miles distance, 55 fathoms grey sand.
In the evening and night it was calm, and a current set from the WNW
which made us approach the shore, so we anchored with our stream anchor
in 28 fathoms, muddy bottom.
The 15th, in the morning, having a light wind, we weighed and stood
farther from shore, and then kept our course Northward. At noon our
latitude was 41° 40' S; longitude 189° 49'. We did not perceive any
people, or the smokes of fires upon the land: and we could see that near
the sea-coast the land was barren.
[* This discovery was at first named Stasten Land; but afterwards, NEW
ZEALAND.]
{Page 73}
The 16th, we had little wind. Latitude at noon 40° 58' S. At sunset, we
found variation 9° 23' N Easterly. The Northern extremity of the land in
sight bore EbN from us. We steered towards it NE and ENE. In the second
watch, we had soundings at 60 fathoms, fine grey sand.
The 17th, at sunrise, we were about one mile from shore, and saw smoke
rising in different places. At noon, latitude by account 40° 32' S;
longitude 190° 47'. In the afternoon we sailed EbS, along a low land full
of sand hills; having soundings at 30 fathoms depth, black sand. At
sunset we anchored in 17 fathoms, near a sandy point of land, within
which we saw a large open Bay, three or four miles wide. From this sandy
point, a shoal or sand bank runs off a mile to the ESE, which lies under
water, with six, seven, and eight feet depth: when you have passed this
shoal, you can enter the Bay.[*] Variation here 9° N Easterly.
The 18th. In the morning we weighed anchor, and stood into the Bay; our
shallop and a boat of the Zeehaan going in before us to look for good
anchorage and a watering place. At sunset it was calm, and we cast anchor
in 15 fathoms, good muddy ground. An hour after sunset, we saw several
lights on the land, and four vessels coming from the shore towards us.
Two of these were our own boats. The people in the other two called to us
in a strong rough voice. What they said, we did not understand; however,
we called to them again in place of an answer. They repeated their cries
several times, but did not come nearer than a stone's throw: they sounded
also an instrument which made a noise like a Moorish trumpet; and we
answered by blowing our trumpet. This was done on
[* In a view given in the Manuscript Journal of the coast at this part, a
remark is inserted that this shoal or bank extends three miles Eastward
and Southward from the sandy point. The Chart, however, agrees with what
is said-in the Journal, as above.]
{Page 74}
both sides several times. When it grew dark, they left off, and went
away. We kept good watch all night, with our guns ready.
The 19th, in the morning, a boat of the natives having 13 men in it, came
near our ship; but not nearer than a stone's throw. They called to us
several times, but their language had nothing in it like to the
vocabulary of the _Salomon Islands_ given to us by the General and
Council at BATAVIA. These people, as well as we could judge, were of our
own common stature, strong boned, and of a rough voice. Their colour is
between brown and yellow; their hair black, which they tie up on the
crown of the head, like to the Japanese, and wear a large white feather
upright in it.[*] Their vessels were two narrow long canoes fastened
together, upon which, boards were fixed to sit on. Their paddles were
more than a fathom long, and were pointed at the end. Their clothing
seemed to us to be of mats, or of cotton: but most of them went with
their breast naked.
We showed them fish, linen, and knives, to invite them to come to us; hut
they would not, and at length rowed back to the land. In the meantime,
the Officers of the Zeehaan came on board us, and we resolved to go
nearer to the shore with our ships, as here is good anchorage, and the
people seemed to be desirous of our friendship. Immediately after we had
taken this resolution, we saw seven vessels coming from the shore. One of
them in which were 17 men, came very quick, and turned round behind the
Zeehaan. Another with 13 stout men came within half a stone's throw of
our ship. They called out one to the other several times. We showed them,
as before, white linen: but they lay still. The Master of the Zeehaan,
Gerard Janszoon, who was on board of our ship, ordered his boat, in which
were a quarter-master and six seamen, to go to his ship,
[* This part of the New Zealander's dress is omitted in the drawing. In
Valentyn it has been supplied on the authority of the narrative.]
{Page 75}
to carry directions to the mates to keep on their guard, and that in case
these people should come along side, not to allow too many of them to
enter the ship at one time. When the Zeehaan's boat put off from our
ship, the natives in the _praws_ or canoes nearest to us, gave a loud
call to those who were behind the Zeehaan, and made a signal with their
paddles, the meaning of which we could not guess. But when the boat of
the Zeehaan had gone quite clear from our ship, the canoes of the natives
which were between our two ships made furiously towards her, and ran with
their beaks violently against her, so as to make her heel and take in
water; and the foremost of these villains, with a blunt pointed pike,
gave the quarter-master, Cornelius Joppe, a violent blow in his neck
which made him fall overboard. The others then attacked the rest of our
boat's crew with their paddles, and with short thick clubs (which we had
in the beginning supposed to be clumsy _parangs_[*]) and overcame them.
In this scuffle, three of the Zeehaan's men were killed, and one was
mortally wounded. The quarter-master and two seamen swam for our ship,
and we sent our boat which took them up alive. After the fight, these
murderers took one of our dead people into their canoe: another of our
dead men fell overboard and sunk. They let the boat go. Our ship and the
Zeehaan fired at them with our muskets and guns, but we did not hit them,
and they paddled away to the shore. We sent our boat to bring back the
boat of the Zeehaan, wherein we found one of her men dead, and one
mortally wounded.
After this, there could no friendly intercourse take place between us and
the natives, nor could we hope to obtain water or refreshments here; so
we weighed anchor and set sail. When we were under sail, twenty-two of
their boats put off from the shore and advanced towards us. Eleven of
them were full of people. When they were come within reach of our guns,
we
[* Parangs are knives used in some parts of the _East Indies_ for cutting
wood.]
{Page 76}
fired two shot at them, but without effect. The Zeehaan fired also, and
hit a man in their foremost canoe, who was standing with a white flag in
his hand, so that he fell down. We heard our grape shot clash against
their canoes, but we know not what the effect was, except that it caused
them suddenly to retreat towards the shore, where they lay still and did
not come towards us again.
We named this Bay _Moordenaar's Bay_, [i.e. _Murderer's Bay_.] The part
in which we anchored is in 40° 50' S latitude, and in longitude 191° 30'.
Variation there, 9° 30' N Easterly. From _Moordenaar's Bay_ we steered
ENE; but during the night we sailed backward and forward, having
soundings from 26 to 15 fathoms.
This is the second Land discovered by us. We named it _Staten Land_ in
honour of the States General. It is possible that this land joins to the
_Staten Land_;[*] but it is uncertain. It is a very fine country, and we
hope it is part of the _Unknown South Continent_.
The 20th, in the morning, we saw land nearly all round us, so that we
have sailed perhaps 30 miles into a Bay. We at first thought the place
where we had anchored was an Island, and that we should find a clear
passage [Eastward] to the _Great South Sea_; but to our great
disappointment we find it otherwise. The wind being from the Westward, we
did all in our power to turn to windward to get back the way we had come.
At noon we were in latitude 40° 51' S. Longitude 192° 55'. In
[* Meaning the _Staten Land_ to the East of the _Tierra del Fuego_,
discovered and so named by Schouten and Le Maire. The supposition that
both Schouten and Le Maire's discovery and his own might form part of one
and the same great Continent, led Tasman to apply the name on the present
occasion; and singularly enough, in the last year in which it could have
been allowable: for in the year which next followed, the Expedition of
Hendrik Brower to _Chili_, deprived Schouten and Le Maire's _Staten Land_
of the honour of being any longer conjectured to be Continental Land. And
Tasman's _Staten Land_ being thereby proved a separate Land from Schouten
and Le Maire's discovery, its name was, not long afterwards, changed for
that of NEW ZEALAND, which name it still retains.]
{Page 77}
the afternoon it was calm, and the current ran strong into the Bay. The
land all around seems to be good fine land. The sea coast is low, but the
land within is high enough. We found a muddy anchoring ground, at 60, 50,
and to 15 fathoms depth, about 1½ or 2 miles from shore. We had light
winds all the afternoon.
The 21st, in the second watch of the night, a breeze came from the West,
and we sailed Northward. We found the coast of the Northern land to
extend towards the NW. In the morning, it began to blow fresh. After
breakfast we put about, and stood towards the South coast. Towards
evening, we ran for shelter within a small Island which we brought to
bear NNW of us, and then cast anchor in 33 fathoms, the bottom sand and
shells. We had other Islands and cliffs near us. Our latitude here was
40° 50', and longitude 192° 37'.[*] It blew so hard in the night that we
let go another anchor and got down the topmasts, as did the Zeehaan.
The 22d and 23d, the gale continued strong from the NW, with dark foggy
weather. The Zeehaan was almost forced from her anchors.
The 24th, in the morning, it was calm. The Officers of the Zeehaan came
on board our ship, and proposed that if the wind and weather would
permit, we should examine if there is any passage through this Bay, as
the flood tide was observed to come from the SE.[+]
The 25th, the weather looked still very dark, and we remained at anchor.
The 26th, in the morning, the wind came from ENE. We got under sail, and
held our course North, and afterwards NNW, intending to sail round this
land Northward.
[* The situation here mentioned in the Journal is a quarter of a degree
more Northerly than the anchoring place marked on the Chart.]
[+ The uafavourable appearance of the weather seems to have prevented
Tasman from making the proposed examination.]
{Page 78}
The 27th, we had a strong breeze from SW. At noon, our latitude was 38°
38' S. Longitude 190° 15'. After noon we steered NE [to get in with the
land]. Variation 8° 20' NE.
The 28th, at noon, we saw a high mountain EbN from us, which at first we
took to be an Island, but we found it was a part of the main land, and
that the coast here extends as much as I could observe North and South.
This mountain is in 38° S latitude. Our latitude at noon, by account, was
38° 2'. Longitude 192° 23'. At five miles from the shore we had soundings
in 50 fathoms, fine sand mixed with clay. In the night it blew hard.
The 29th, we had a fresh gale. Latitude at noon 37° 17' S.
The 30th, the weather became moderate, wind WNW. At noon our latitude was
37° S. Longitude 191° 55'. We sailed NE, and towards evening saw the land
again, bearing NE and NNE; we therefore steered more to the North.
The 31st, at noon, found our latitude 36° 45' S: longitude 191° 46'. The
coast here lies SE and NW. This land is in some places high; and in some
full of sand hills. In the evening we were three miles from shore. Had
soundings in the night at 80 fathoms.
[1643 January]
January 1st, 1643. This is an even coast, without shoals or banks, but
there is a great surf on the shore. Latitude at noon 36° 12' S.
The 2d, and 3d, running Northward along the coast.
The 4th. This morning we were near a Cape of land, and had an Island NWbN
from us. We hoisted the white flag for the Officers of the Zeehaan to
come on board, and we resolved to stand for the Island to look for fresh
water and greens. We find a strong current setting Westward, and much sea
from the NE, from which we hope to find a clear passage Eastward. In the
evening we were near the Island, but could not observe that any thing we
wanted might be got here.
The 5th, in the morning, we had little wind and a calm sea. About noon,
we sent Francis Jacobsz in our shallop, and the
{Page 79}
supercargo, Mr. Gillemans, in the Zeehaan's boat to the Island, to try if
fresh water could be got. In the evening, they returned, and reported
that they had been at a safe small Bay where fresh water came in
abundance from a high mountain; but that there was a great surf on the
shore, which would make watering there troublesome and dangerous. They
rowed farther round about this Island to look if there was any more
convenient place. Upon the highest mountain of the Island, they saw 35
persons who were very tall, and had staves or clubs. These people called
to them in a strong rough voice. When they walked, they took very large
strides. On other parts of the Island, a few people were seen here and
there, which with those already mentioned, were thought to be all, or
nearly all the inhabitants of the Island. Our people saw no trees, nor
did they observe any cultivated land, except that near the fresh water
there were some square plots of ground, green, and very pleasant; but of
what kind the greens were, they could not distinguish. Two canoes were
drawn up on the shore.
In the evening, we anchored in 40 fathoms, good ground, a musket shot
distant from the Island. [On the North side.]
The 6th, in the morning, we put water casks in the two boats, and sent
them to the shore. As they rowed towards the land, they saw tall men
standing in different places, with long staves like pikes in their hands,
who called to our people. There was much surf at the watering place,
which made landing difficult; and between a point of the Island and
another very high cliff or little Island, the current ran so strong
against the boats that they could scarcely stem it; for which reasons the
Officers held counsel together, and not being willing to expose the boats
and the people, they returned to the ships. Before we saw them coming
back, we had fired a gun and hoisted a flag as a signal for them to
return. This Island we named _Drie Koningen Eyland_, i.e. _Three Kings
Island_; [on account of this being the day of the _Epiphany_.] It is in
latitude 34° 25' S, and longitude 190° 40'.
{Page 80}
We called the Officers of the Zeehaan on board, and it was resolved in
Council, to sail Eastward to longitude 220°, and then to steer North; and
afterwards to get sight of the _Cocos_ and _Hoorne_ Islands. In the
afternoon, we had the wind ESE, and steered NE. At sunset, _Drie Koningen
Island_ bore SSW distant six or seven, miles; the cliffs and the Island
bearing NE and SW one from the other.[*]
The 7th, 8th, and 9th,[+] steered to the NE, with light East and ESE
winds. A swell from the SE.
The 10th, found our latitude at noon 31° 28' S. Longitude 192° 43'. The
variation 10° 30' N Easterly.
[From the 10th to the 19th, the winds were variable; the courses sailed
were towards the NE.]
January the 19th, at noon, our latitude was 22° 49' S. Longitude 203°
27'. About two o'clock this afternoon, we discovered land bearing EbN
about eight miles from us. We could not get near it, the wind being from
the SE and blowing fresh. It is a high Island, not more than two or three
miles in circumference, and in the situation it was from us, it resembled
the breasts of a woman. It is in latitude 22° 55' S,[
] and longitude 204° 15'. We called it _Pylstaart Eylandt_, [_Tropic Bird
Island_] as we saw many of those birds near it.[**] The variation there
was 7° 30'.
The 20th. At sunrise, the Island, we saw yesterday was still in sight,
SSW from us, six miles. At noon, found we were in latitude 21° 50' S.
About one hour past noon, we saw other land bearing East from us, distant
eight miles. We made towards it, and at night took in sail and lay to.
[* This was not an observed, but an estimated bearing. By the cliffs
(_Clippen_) are meant the small isles and rocks S Westward of _Drie
Koningen Island_.]
[+ The Journal contains no remark of land being in sight on any of these
three days.]
[
This latitude does not correspond with the noon latitude, it being
evident the Island is more Northerly than the ship's situation at noon.
Late observations give the latitude of this Island 22º 23' 30" S.]
[**_Pyl-staert_ or _Pyl-staart_ signifies Arrow-tailed, and is the name
by which the Hollanders distinguish the bird we call Tropic Bird. ]
{Page 81}
The 21st, in the first of the morning, it was calm. An Island bore from
us EbS, distant five miles. Another Island lay to the North of it. We
sailed to the NW part of the Northern Island, where we cast anchor in 25
fathoms, coral bottom. Here we lay in 21° 20' S latitude, and in
longitude 205° 29'. These two Islands lie about SE and NW one from the
other, and one mile and a half apart. The SE Island is the highest: the
Northern Island is like Holland, and we named it _Amsterdam_, for we
found plenty of refreshments here. The Southerly Island we named
_Middleburgh_.[*] At noon, three men [natives] came in a small boat or
canoe near our ship. They were of a brown colour, and naked except a poor
covering round the waist. They were taller than our common stature, and
two of them had long thick hair: the other had his hair cut very short.
They called out loud to us several times; and we did so to them. We
showed them some white linen, and threw a piece about three yards long
into the water to them. They came towards it with their canoe, but it
began to sink, and was already deep in the water when one of them jumped
out of the canoe and dived after it. He was a long time under water, and
at length came up with the linen. He put it several times upon his head
as a sign of thankfulness. They then came a little nearer to the ship,
and we tied two spike nails, a small Chinese looking-glass, and a string
of beads, to a piece of wood, and put it overboard, which they took up,
and in return reached to us with a long stick one of their fish-hooks and
a small fishing-line. The fishhook was made of shell, and like a small
anchovy. They laid the looking-glass and the beads several times upon
their heads, and one of them hung the spike nails round his neck. But as
the shutter was before the looking-glass so that they could not
[* The Northern, which is the largest of the two Islands, is called by
the natives _Tonga-tabu_: the other _Eooa_. _Tonga-tabu_ is the principal
Island of the group which Captain Cook named the _Friendly Islands_.]
{Page 82}
look in it, we reached them another, which they looked in and laid on
their heads. We showed them an old cocoa-nut and a fowl, and asked them
from our Vocabulary for hogs, and fresh water; but we did not make them
understand us. At last, they left us and went on shore, and it seemed to
us as if they went for the purpose of fetching something for us. In the
afternoon, we saw many people running along the shore with white flags,
which we took to be meant for signs of peace, and we hoisted a white flag
at our stern; whereupon four strong men in a small canoe carrying a white
flag, put off from the shore and came on board us. The men were painted
black from the middle to the thighs, and they had coverings of leaves
round their necks. They delivered to us some cloth made of the bark of a
tree; and the white flag they fixed on the stem of our boat. We judged
from their gift, and by their canoe being better than the common ones,
that they came from the King or Chief of the Country; and we gave them in
return, a looking-glass, a knife, a piece of linen, and two spikes. We
filled a wine-glass with wine, and drank it, to show them that it was
nothing hurtful, and then filled the glass again and gave it them: but
they threw out the wine, and took the glass with them on shore. In a
short time after, a great many canoes came to the ships, bringing
cocoa-nuts, for which we gave old nails in exchange, at the rate of three
or four cocoa-nuts for a double spike. Besides those who came in the
canoes, several of the natives swam from the shore, bringing things to
exchange. Presently, a grave old man came on board of us, to whom the
other Islanders showed much respect, so that he seemed to be their Chief.
We conducted him to our Cabin. He paid us his respects, by bowing his
head upon our feet; and we did him honour our way. We showed him a cup of
fresh water, and he made signs that there was fresh water on shore. We
made him a present of a piece of linen and several other things. This
afternoon we detected one
{Page 83}
of the natives in stealing a pistol and a pair of gloves belonging to the
Master of our ship. We took the things from him without anger.
When it was near sunset, about 20 canoes came from the shore and took
stations near our ship in a regular order. The people in them were very
loud, and called out several times, Woo, Woo, Woo! whereupon all the
natives who were in our ship sat down, and one of the canoes came on
board, bringing a present from their King, of a fine large hog, and a
great many cocoa-nuts and yams. The bearer of this was one of the four
men who had first come to us with the white flag and the cloth. We
returned by him a plate and some brass wire. We continued to make
exchanges for provisions, until it began to grow dark, when all the
natives went ashore except one, who staid and slept on board of us.
The 22d, in the morning, many canoes came off to us with cocoa-nuts,
yams, bananas, plantains, hogs, and fowls, which they exchanged for
nails, beads, and linen. Several women also came on board, both old and
young. The elder women had the little finger cut off from both hands; but
the young women had not. The meaning of this we could not guess. The
person who yesterday brought the presents, came this morning with two
hogs; and we in return gave him a handsome knife and eight spike nails.
We likewise gave this old man a satin habit, a hat, and a shirt, which we
put on him. We carried some of the natives below to see our ship, and
fired one of our great guns, which frightened them a good deal, but
seeing that nobody was hurt, they were soon easy again.
About noon, a large boat with a sail, such as is drawn in Le Maire and
Schouten's Voyage, came to us. They made us a present of their cloth and
some provisions, for which we made returns, and caused our music to be
played, which they admired.
In the mean time, we sent our boat and one of the Zeehaan's
{Page 84}
boats to the shore with water casks, they being armed with muskets, and
our Master and Mr. Gillemans going in them. Some of the inhabitants also
went from the ship with our people to shew them where the fresh water
was. They rowed a good way towards the NE coast of this land, and arrived
at last at a place where there were three small wells; but with so little
water in them that they were obliged to take it up with cocoa-nut shells;
and what they took was of a bad colour. The natives who conducted our
men, led them farther into the country to a pleasant valley, where they
were seated upon fine mats, and fresh water in cocoa-nut shells brought
to them. In the evening, the boats returned on board, bringing a live
hog: but from the account they gave, we found we could not water the
ships here. We got by exchanges in the course of this day, near 40 hogs
and 70 fowls, at the rate of a spike nail and a yard of old sail-cloth
for a hog, and a double middle nail for a fowl; yams, cocoa-nuts, and
fruits we bought for coral or beads. These people have no idea of
tobacco, or of smoking. We saw no arms among them, so that here was
altogether peace and friendship. The women wear a covering of mat-work
that reaches from the middle to the knees: the rest of their body is
naked. They cut their hair shorter than that of the men.
The tide here runs SW and NE; and by our account we make it high water
with a SW moon: the current is not strong: the rise and fall of the tide
is seven or eight feet.
The 23d. This morning, myself and the Skipper of our ship, Gerard
Janszoon, went on shore with the shallop and two boats to dig for fresh
water. We made the Chief understand that the wells ought to be made
larger, and he directly set his people to work to do it for us; and in
the mean while, he went with us to the valley, and ordered mats to be
spread on the ground, and when we were seated, cocoa-nuts and fresh fish
and several fruits were brought to us. He behaved to us with great
friendship
{Page 85}
and enquired of us whence we came, and where we intended to go. We told
him we had been more than a hundred days at sea, at which he and the
natives were much astonished. We explained to them that we came to their
country for water and provisions; and they answered us that we should
have as much as we could wish for. We filled to day nine casks with
water, and the Chief made us a present of four live hogs, a good many
fowls, with cocoa-nuts and sugar canes. We presented him with two yards
of cloth, six large spikes, and six strings of coral. I ordered a white
flag to be brought, and we went with it to three of their Chiefs, to whom
we explained that we wished it to be set up in that valley, and that it
might remain there as a sign of peace between us: at which they were much
pleased, and the flag was fixed there.
The anchoring ground where the ships lay was steep and rocky; and about
noon this day, whilst I was on shore, the Heemskerk was driven off the
bank by the strengh of the trade wind, without being able to help it, and
she drifted out to sea. There were but few people on board, and it was
midnight before they got the anchor quite up and secured.
We obtained by exchanges with the inhabitants this day, 100 hogs, 150
fowls, and a large quantity of yarns, and other fruits. As I could not
get to my ship, I was obliged to pass the night on board the Zeehaan.
The 24th, in the morning, the Heesmkerk was four miles to leeward of the
Island. The Zeehaan therefore was got under sail and we went out and
joined her. When I got on board the Heemskerk, we held a Council, and
there being little prospect that we should be able to fetch up to the
Island again, as the trade wind was strong from the SE, we resolved to
proceed on our voyage, and to stop at some other Island, if we should
meet with any.
The place where we anchored at _Amsterdam_ we called Van
{Page 86}
_Diemen's Road_; and the Bay where our boats went to fetch water we named
_Maria's Bay_; in honour of our Governor General, and his Lady. From our
anchoring place at _Amsterdam_, two high but small Islands, about one
mile and a half each in circumference, bore NbW, distant seven or eight
miles.
We directed our course NE, and about three in the afternoon, we saw a low
and pretty large Island, distant four or five miles ENE from us. A short
time afterwards, we saw three small Islands Eastward, and two others to
the SE from us. They are all low land. We steered ENE for the largest
Island, and anchored by the West side of it in 12 fathoms, shelly bottom,
about a musket shot distance from land. NWbN from us, distant eight or
nine miles, we saw two high Islands; and to the North and N Eastward we
saw seven small Islands, distant from us about three or four miles. Most
of these Islands have reefs of coral rock round about them: and the
bottom also is rocky and steep, so that one must anchor near to the
shore, The variation is here 7° North Easterly.
The 25th, in the morning, several canoes came on hoard of us with
cocoa-nuts, yams, and plantains, to exchange for nails, of which they
were very desirous. It seems that but a few people live on this Island.
Our chief pilot and the Master went with the shallop and both the boats
for fresh water, one of the inhabitants going with them to show them
where it was. We gave small presents to some of the natives, that they
might know we did not desire to take their water without paying them for
it. About two hours before sunset, the Master and pilot returned on
board. They reported that they found on shore 60 or 70 persons sitting
down, whom they believed to be all the men on this Island: that they had
no arms, and seemed a good peaceable people. They saw also many women and
children, and were shewn a good path which led landwards two-thirds of a
mile, to a piece of fresh water about a quarter of a mile in
{Page 87}
circumference, and which is a fathom and a half or two fathoms higher
than the level of the sea. They walked round by the edge of this lake,
and found that it lay within a musket shot of the sea on the North side
of the Island, where there was a good sandy Bay, and smooth water for
landing and for loading the boats. In the front of this Bay was a coral
reef, in which there was an opening on the West side. At low water one
can row along the shore to the calm water, but the tide must be risen 1½
or 2 feet before one can get to the sandy strand.
As this was at the North side of the Island, and our ships lay at the
West side, the boats had to row along the shore a full mile to come at
the Bay near the fresh water. About three hours after sunset, our boats
returned on board with water. The tide rises and falls here about eight
feet. In the lake of fresh water were a good many wild duck, which were
not at all shy. The inhabitants came to us with fruits and a few hogs.
They are a thievish people, and steal every thing they can get at. Their
clothing and manners are the same as those of the people of _Amsterdam
Island_, except that the men had not so long and thick hair. The women
seemed to he as strong in their bodies and limbs as the men. We named
this Island _Rotterdam_. The natives called it _Amamocka_.[*] It lies in
latitute 20° 15' S, longitude 206° 19'.[+] The variation here is 6° 20'
NE.
[* The name by which the natives call this Island, is not given in the
Manuscript Journal in the regular course of the narrative; but in the
drawings. Two of the drawings shew the name differently written. _Tabula_
XXI. of the Manuscript, is a plan and representation of the Island
_Amamocka_, with small Islands near it of the names _Amo, Amoa, Amango_,
and _Amatafoa_. _Tabula_ XXII. is a representation of the inhabitants of
_Anamocka_. The navigators of our own time have understood the native
pronunciation of the name to be _Anamocka_; but the number of names with
the same commencement in _Tab_. XXI. have much appearance of some
reference to one common meaning, and favours the probability of
_Amamocka_ being the right native name.]
[+ In Tasman's Chart it is laid down a few miles more Eastward.]
{Page 88}
We continued at anchor taking on board fresh water, and making exchanges
for provisions: and God be thanked, we were here well refreshed, and
provided with water: but the eyes of an Argus are scarcely sufficient to
guard against the thieving of the inhabitants.
On the 31st, at noon, I went on shore with the chief pilot, the Skipper
of our ship, and Mr. Gillemans, the merchant of the Zeehaan, to take our
leave, and to make some more exchanges. When we landed, a great many of
the natives assembled about us. We asked two of the principal among them
to lead us to the Chief of the Island; and they conducted us by narrow
paths, which were very dirty from much rain having fallen in the two last
days, to the South side of the Island, where many cocoa-nut trees were
regularly planted. From here they took us to the East side of the Island
where six large vessels with masts were lying. They then led us to a pool
of water which was about a mile in circumference; but we were not yet
come to the _Aigy_ or _Latoun_, as they call their Chief. When we had
rested, we again asked where the _Aigy_ was; and they pointed to the
other side of the pool of water: but the day being far advanced, we
returned by another way to our boats. In our walk, we saw several pieces
of cultivated ground, or gardens, where the beds were regularly laid out
into squares, and planted with different plants and fruits; bananas and
other trees placed in strait lines, which made a pleasant show, and
spread round about a very agreeable and fine odour: so that among these
people who have the form of the human species but no human manners, you
may see traces of reason and understanding. They know nothing about
Religion or Divine Worship: they have no idols, relicks, or priests: but
they have nevertheless superstitions; for I saw a man take up a water
snake which was near his boat, and he put it respectfully upon his head,
and then again into the water. They kill no flies, though they are very
{Page 89}
numerous and plague them extremely. Our steersman accidentally killed a
fly in the presence of one of the principal people, who could not help
shewing anger at it. The people of this Island have no King or Chief, and
are without government; nevertheless they punished a man who was detected
in stealing from us, by beating him with an old cocoa-nut on the back
till the nut broke.
[1643 February]
February the 1st. This morning we weighed our anchors and sailed towards
the NNW.
The 2d, at noon, we were in latitude 19°20' S; longitude 205° 55'. In the
afternoon, we discovered an Island of a tolerable height, bearing NEbE
from us about seven miles distant.[*] We had the wind from East, a weak
breeze. Our course was North.
On the 4th, being under 17° S latitude, it was resolved in Council to
steer Westward, and to keep a sharp look-out that we might not pass the
_Cocos_ and _Verraders Islands_.[+]
The 5th, we held our course Westward with a light wind from the ESE, and
kept a look-out for _Cocos_ and _Verraders Islands_. Latitude at noon 16°
30'; longitude 203° 12'. After three glasses of the dog watch had run
out, we saw land, and immediately changed our course Southward till seven
glasses were out, and then turned Northward.
The 6th, in the morning, we saw the land again, which we found to be
three small Islands, with many sand banks and shoals round them. A large
reef was to the Westward, which extended to the South, and gave us some
apprehension. We sailed Southward close to the wind, which was from ESE.
This reef was eight or nine miles in length; and right before us we saw
breakers, which we did not dare attempt to pass. We could not clear this
reef, neither could we clear a reef which
[* In Tasman's chart, this Island is laid down due North from the anchoring
place at _Amamocka_, and in latitude 18º 50' S. ]
[+ At the time of altering the course to the West, Tasman was a degree of
longitude to the Westward of _Cocos_ and _Verraders Islands_.]
{Page 90}
was to the Northward. We observed a small channel about twice the length
of a ship wide, where there was no surf; and as we had no other chance
for safety, we steered for it, and passed through the [opening in the]
reef, having four fathoms depth, being all the time under a great deal of
anxiety. You meet every where hereabouts with shoals, and there are here
likewise about 18 or 19 Islands which you cannot coast on account of the
reefs. When we were clear within the opening, we wished much to anchor
near one of the Islands, but could not find anchorage for the many shoals
and reefs. At noon, our latitude by account was 17° 9'. Longitude 201°
35'. After noon, we directed our course Northward to try to get out of
these difficulties before night. There were many sands to the North,
which we could scarcely keep clear of; but at last we found a passage
between the reefs. It was a great disappointment to us that we could not
find anchorage among these Islands. In the evening we saw three hills,
which we took to be so many Islands. Part of the first watch of the night
we ran back to avoid sands. After five glasses [i.e. five half hours] we
put about Northward intending to run that way for the rest of the night.
The wind was fresh from NE, and blew strong with rain. Early in the
morning we came close upon an Island, and therefore we turned again
Southward till day-break. We then saw the Island which yesterday evening
bore NbW, and again put about to the Northward. The wind was NE and
stormy; and we went with shortened sail to the NW. At noon we conjectured
our latitude to be 16° S, and longitude 200° 48'.[*]
The 8th. This day we held Council amongst ourselves in the Heemskerk, it
being too stormy for our friends of the Zeehaan to come on board; and we
came to a resolution to steer a
[* The account of this day's navigation does not well agree with the
track in the Chart. The Journal assigns no name to these Islands. In the
Chart the whole groupe is named _Prins Willem's Eylanden_ (i.e. _Prince
William's Islands_); and the reefs and shoals are named _Heemskerk's
Droochten_ (i.e. _Heemskerk's Shoals_).]
{Page 91}
Northerly course to 5° or to 4° of S latitude, that we might keep clear
of the East coast of _Nova Guinea_, the present time of the year being
the season when the North and South trade winds meet one another, which
must be the cause of a great deal of rain and bad weather. In the large
map of the _South Sea_, there are marked some Islands in the same
latitude as the Islands we have met with, but differing in longitude
above 200 miles from our accounts. However, as our voyage is very long,
and we have sailed much East, and much West, it is possible there might
be such a difference. The Islands by which we were so much encompassed on
the 6th, are about 18 or 20 in number, perhaps more, as we could not
exactly number them in the dark weather we had.
[_From the time Tasman left the Prins Willem's Islands to March the 21st
inclusive, no land was seen, nor does the Journal contain any occurrence
particularly deserving notice, except what relates to the track sailed
and the weather. For that interval therefore, the winds and the ship's
place on every day at noon, are here set down tabular-wise, as being best
adapted for giving a clear view of the navigation. Tasman made the
longitude of Amamocka 206º 19' E. The longitudes therefore set down
in this account of his track, if sub-tracted from 206° 19', will give
longitude by his Reckoning, West of Amamocka._]
{Page 92} and {Page 93} contain a table not reproduced in this ebook.
[1643 March]
The 22d. Had a continuance of fine weather. The breeze light from the
East and NE, with smooth water. We kept our course West, and at noon we
saw land strait before us, distant about four miles; our latitude by
account was 5° 2' S. Longitude 178° 32'. We steered WbN and afterwards NW
to go North of the land. In the evening, we sailed near to and along the
North part of the land, which we found to be many very small Islands,
about twenty. The largest of them is not more than two miles long, and
they all lay within one reef. A reef runs off NW, upon which are three
cocoa-nut trees, by which it may easily be known again. These are the
Islands which are set down in the Map by Jacob Le Maire, about 90 miles
distant from the coast of _Nova Guinea_. We named them _Onthona Java_ for
the great resemblance they have with it. In the evening we saw more land
to the NNW; we therefore kept by the wind to the NNE in the night, with
the foresail up.
The 23d, when it was day, we set sail and steered West. The Islands we
saw yesterday evening bore South, about three miles distant. At noon, we
were in latitude by account 4° 31' S, and longitude 177° 18'. At night we
lay to, for fear of coming on the Islands named _Marken_.
{Page 94}
The 24th. In the morning we made sail again, and steered West. About
noon, we saw land right before us, very low, and appearing like two
Islands, SE and NW one from the other. The most Northerly appears like
Marken which Jacob Le Maire has described. At noon, we were in latitude
4° 55' S, by which we find a current sets Southward. Our longitude, 175°
30'. In the evening we steered to pass to the Northward of these Islands.
In the night we floated with a calm sea which set us towards them.
The 25th. In the morning watch before it was day-light, we heard the surf
beating against the shore. It was still calm, and we got our boats out to
tow, to keep us from the reefs; but the current and swell carried us
towards them, and we could not find anchorage. About nine o'clock in the
forenoon, a canoe with seven men in it came from the land to us. They
brought about twenty cocoa-nuts of a wild kind and not very good, for
which we gave them three strings of coral and some nails. These people
were naked, except a piece of cloth which seemed to be of cotton round
their waist. They were blacker than the inhabitants of the Islands we had
been at, and not so civil or friendly in their behaviour. Some of them
had their hair cut short, and others had it bound up like those villains
at Moordenaar's Bay. One man had two feathers on the crown of his head,
like two horns: another had rings through his nose, but what the rings
were made of we could not distinguish. They did not set much value on the
things we gave them. They were armed with bows and arrows. A breeze
sprung up from the South, which happily carried us from the reef; and the
canoe returned to the shore. There are 15 or 16 Islands in this groupe.
The largest is about one mile long; the rest look almost like houses, and
they lay all together within one reef. This reef towards the NW extends
about a gun-shot beyond the Islands. At the NW part, is a small wood or
cluster of trees growing on
{Page 95}
land that is level with the surface of the sea; and two miles thence
farther to the NW, is a fragment or small clump[*], like a cape of land.
The reef extends still farther N Westward half a mile.
At noon we were in latitude by account 4° 34' S, and longitude 175° 10'.
We sailed on towards the West, and NW.
The 26th. The latitude observed at noon was 4° 33' S, by which we found
that a current had set us Southward, and therefore we steered NW.
Longitude 174° 30'. Variation 9° 30' N Easterly.
The 27th. At noon our latitude was 4° 1'. Longitude 173° 36'. We altered
our course more to the West.
The 28th. We had a weak breeze from East with fine weather and smooth
sea. Towards noon we saw land strait before us. At noon we found we were
in latitude 4° 11' S; longitude 172° 32'. The land was then about four
miles distant. This Island is situated in latitude 4° 50' S,[+] and
longitude 172° 16'; and is 46 miles West and WbN from _Marken_. At night
we floated in a calm sea.
The 29th in the morning, we found the current had set us towards the
Islands. At noon we were in latitude 4° 20', and longitude 172° 17'. In
the middle of the afternoon, two small boats came to us from the shore:
they had two wings [outriggers]; in one were six, in the other three
persons. When they came within a ship's length of us, a man sitting in
one of the canoes broke an arrow in the middle, and put one half in his
hair, which we supposed he meant as a token of friendship. These people
were naked, their bodies quite black; they had curled hair, but not so
woolly as the hair of the Caffres; and their noses were not so flat. They
had bracelets apparently made of bones;
[* _Klyn brokje_.]
[+ This is a disagreement from the latitude just before given of the ship
at noon, for which no cause appears.]
{Page 96}
some had their faces painted, and wore bands made of the bark of a tree
round their foreheads. We spoke to them from our Vocabulary of the _Nova
Guinea_ language, but they did not understand any thing we said except
the word _Lamas_, which signifies cocoa-nuts. They brought nothing with
them but their bows and arrows. We gave them some beads and nails.
Towards evening a light breeze from the NE drove us towards the Islands,
and kept us employed during the first part of the night in towing the
ships. By the end of the second night watch, we had past clear.
These are what Le Maire has named _Groene Islands_. There are five of
them; to wit, two large Islands, and three small, which are on the West
side.[*] They were so named on account of their being green and pleasant.
We saw to the WSW another large island, and two or three very small
Islands; and also to the Westward, very high land, which seemed to be of
an extensive coast. Variation 9° N Easterly.
The 30th. A light breeze from the NE. Observed a current setting us
Southward. At noon we found the latitude 4° 25'; longitude 172°. In the
evening, _St. Jan's Island_ bore NW, about six miles distant.
The 31st, very light wind East. We held our course West.
[* The _Groene Islands_ are level land and near to each other, so that
when seen from a distance, in many directions they appear as one Island.
In Captain Carteret's Voyage (A.D. 1767) they are described as a single
Island, and named _Sir Charles Hardy's Island_. It is to be observed that
Captain Carteret saw and passed them in the night. Tasman, however,
towards noon saw land, which at noon he calls an Island, and afterwards
describes to be a groupe of five Islands. Tasman has given a view of the
_Groene Islands_, which is copied in Valentyn: but Valentyn's engraver
has embellished this, and other of the drawings, with figures of the two
ships, and has made this addition in a very uninformed manner; for at the
_Groene Islands_ he has represented the ships lying at anchor; and in
some other plates they appear sailing in the direction opposite to the
track.]
{Page 97}
[1643 April]
April the 1st, we were near the East part of _Nova Guinea_[*], which the
Spaniards call _Cabo Santa Maria_. At noon, found we were in latitude 4°
30' S; longitude 171° 2'.
The 2d, we had light winds and calms. We endeavoured to sail along the
coast which here lies NW and SE. About 10 miles distant from _St. Jan's_
is another Island, which we named _Anthony Kaan's Island_. It bears due
North from the _Cape Santa Maria_. At noon we found we were in latitude
4° 9', and our longitude was 170° 41'. _Cape Santa Maria_ then bore
South; accordingly the longitude of the said Cape is 170° 41'. In the
night we had a land wind with which we held on our course N Westward.
The 3d, in the forenoon, we saw a vessel coming towards us from the land:
she was curved at each end, and was full of people. They did not venture
within reach of gun-shot, and after a little time, went back to the
shore. Latitude by account at noon 3° 42' S. Longitude 170° 20'. This
seems to be a very fine land; but we could find no anchorage. In the
night we had lightning and rain, and the wind variable.
The 4th, we sailed along the coast, which extends NWbW with a great many
Bays. We passed an Island which lies NW 12 miles from _Anthony Kaan's
Island_. We called it _Gerrit Denys Island_. At noon, we reckoned our
latitude 3° 22' S. Longitude 169° 50'. In the night had a land wind, with
thunder, lightning and rain.
The 5th, at noon, our latitude by account was 3° S. Longitude 169° 17'.
We were near an Island that is about 10 miles distant to the WNW from
_Gerrit Denys Island_. Some boats which we supposed to be fishing boats
were lying close under this Island, and therefore we named it _Vischer's
Island_. About
[* The land at present named _New Ireland_ was then believed to join, and
form part of _New Guinea_.]
{Page 98}
noon, six boats came in our wake. We threw some beads, nails, and pieces
of sail cloth into the water to float towards them; but they did not mind
these things, and pointed to their heads, as if they wanted turbans. They
were very shy, and kept at a distance as if they were afraid of a shot.
They paddled a good while round the ships, sometimes giving a loud call
to us, which we answered; and at length they returned to the land.
The 6th. In the morning it was calm. Eight small canoes came from
_Vischer's Island_, but they stopped at some distance, in the same manner
as the boats which came yesterday, till one of our quartermasters took
off his girdle and shewed to them; upon which, one of the canoes came to
the ship. We made the people in her a present of a string of coral, and
our quartermaster gave them his girdle: the other canoes then came to the
ship. They gave us a little sago, which was the only commodity they had
in their boats. We named to them _anieuw, oufi, pouacka_,[*] which
signifies cocoa-nuts, yams, and pork; and they seemed to understand us,
for they pointed to the land, and soon after departed. These people are
black as Hottentots can be; their hair is of different colours, which is
caused by powdering it with lime and ochre; they paint their faces red,
the forehead excepted; and some among them had something white as big as
a little finger sticking through their noses. They came without arms, and
were without covering except some green leaves round their middle. Their
canoes had each one outrigger. At noon, our latitude was 2° 55' S;
longitude 168° 59'. In the afternoon, we had a good breeze from the SE.
At night the wind was from the land, and weak.
The 7th, we had little wind. Some canoes came from the
[* These words are from Le Maire's Vocabulary of the _Salomon_ and _Cocos
Island_ language. The Islands at which Tasman had lately stopped, made
these words familiar to him and his people, and occasioned their being
now tried before the words of the _New Guinea_ Vocabulary. ]
{Page 99}
shore, and after signs of invitation being made to them, came along-side.
We bought of them a shark (which they call _Isdaxa_) and a dorado, for
which we gave three strings of beads, and a cap. At going away, they
altogether set up a loud shout. At noon, our latitude by account was 2°
35' S; longitude 168° 25'. Westward of us, the land begins to be very
low, but the coast extends as far as we could see WbN and WNW. In the
afternoon, we saw high land bearing WbN and West, distant by estimation
10 miles. We had a current setting along the coast always in our favour.
In the night we passed a large Bay.
The 8th, in the morning, we sailed by four low Islands, and as we passed
them, found three more small Islands together near them Westward, which
we passed before noon.. Our latitude at noon by account was 2° 26' S;
longitude 167° 39'. Wind Easterly but variable. Found the variation here
10º N Easterly. In the afternoon, we came near a low point of land,
to the North of which lie two small Islands. The coast of the main land
begins here to decline to the South. At sunset, the two small Islands
bore SbW; and the most advanced part of the main land in sight, which was
flat and low, bore from us SWbS, distant about four miles.[*] We kept our
course along the coast.
The 9th, at sunrise, the most Southerly point seen of the main land bore
SEbE, 2½ miles distant. Here the land is suddenly terminated. We saw
likewise a small low Island SSW, about two miles distant. We endeavoured
to sail by the point of the main land, but it was calm. At noon we found
our latitude 2° 53' S; longitude 167° 4'. The variation here was 10° N
Easterly.
[* A view os this Cape is given here from Tasman's Journal, in which it
is named _Salomon Sweert's Hoek_, after a Member,of the Council at
Batavia. It would have been very satisfactory if Captain Tasman had made
charts of all the lands by which he sailed, instead of limiting himself
to be the hydrographer of his own discoveries; but after coming into the
track of Le Maire and Schouten's discoveries, his Journal contains views
only of land unaccompanied with a single chart.]
{Page 100}
The 10th, at noon, we found our latitude 3° S; longitude 167° 4'. The
land bore from NNE to ENE. We kept our course towards the South, partly
to discover more lands, and partly to see if there was a passage here to
the South. Had weak variable winds.
The 12th, at noon, our latitude by account was 3° 28' S, longitude 166°
51'.
The 12th, in the night, there was a shock of an earthquake so strong that
it awoke every person on board who was asleep, and they came terrified
upon deck thinking the ship had struck against rocks. We tried for
soundings, but, found no bottom. We afterwards felt several shocks, but
less violent than the first. The weather was soon after rainy, but the
wind soft and variable. At noon found our latitude 3° 45' S. Longitude
167° 1'. Steered to the SE, and saw a small, round, low Island SbW from
us, 4½ or 5 miles distant.
The 13th, in the morning, we saw high mountainous land, and also low
land, from ESE to SWbW. It appears to us as if we are in a large Bay; for
the water here is as smooth as in a river. Our latitude at noon we
supposed 4° 22' S. Longitude 167° 18'. In the evening we directed our
course towards some mountains that bore SSW from us.
The 14th, in the morning, we saw land from ENE to SSW; and soon
afterwards, we saw land in the WSW. We hoped to find a passage between
them; but on coming nearer,we found a Bay, and that the land all
joined.[*] We therefore directed our course Westward. At noon, observed
the latitude 5° 27' S. Longitude 166° 57'. About three o'clock in the
afternoon, we met with a ledge or reef of rocks, some part level with the
surface of the water. We conjectured this reef to be two miles distant
from the
[* Many years after Tasman's Voyage, a Strait was discovered here, which
separates the land now called _New Britain_ from _New Guinea_.]
{Page 101}
main land. We had light winds and calms. Variation 9° 15' NE.
The 15th, we advanced but little. At noon, our latitude by account was 5°
18' S; longitude 166° 36'. In the evening, a high Island bore from us due
NW, distant six miles.
The 16th, we floated in a calm sea. The main land begins here to extend
from one point to another nearly WbN. We saw on it high mountains and
some fine vallies.
The 17th. This morning we passed by the South of the high Island, and had
other Islands in sight. Found our latitude at noon 5° 8' S. Longitude
166°. Variation 8° 45' NE. At sunset the high Island bore from us EbN six
or seven miles; and the West part of a high mountain on the main land of
_Nova Guinea_ bore SWbS six or seven miles distant.
The 18th, at noon, found our latitude 5° S; longitude 165° 37'. The high
mountain on the main then bore SbE; and other high mountains SWbS from
us. We kept our course Westward.
The 19th, the latitude observed at noon was 5° 9' S; longitude 164° 50'.
A high round Island between us and the main land then bore South, distant
2½ miles. We had the wind from the SE, and steered WSW. At two in the
afternoon we fell in with some rocky banks and reefs; and from our
mast-head saw several small reefs to the Northward, between some of which
there was apparently deep water. We ran Southward, and that way found a
passage between the reefs, when we resumed our course WSW; the round
Island which at noon bore South, at this time bearing SEbE, about four
miles distant; and the Northern part of some mountainous land (which we
supposed,and which proved: to be an Island) bearing WNW, about seven
miles distant. The above-mentioned reef lies in latitude 5° 10' or 5° 12'
S.[*]
[* Tasman means here the part near which he passed; for by the
defcription above, the reefs must be of considerable extent.]
{Page 102}
The 20th, the latitude observed was 5° 4' S; longitude 164° 27'. In the
night we came close under the _Vulcan's Island_ mentioned by W. Schouten
in his Journal,[*] and between this Island and the main land we passed.
We saw a great fire continually rising out of the mountains. We saw also
many fires near the waterside, and inland between the mountains, so that
this seems to be a very populous Island. We heard the ripling of the
current, which set us Westward. In sailing along this coast of _Nova
Guinea_, we continually saw floating wood, such as trees and bushes; and
we passed through muddy streaks which seemed to come from rivers.
The 21st. In the morning the body of _Vulcan's Island_ bore East distant
three miles. We then saw NWbW from us, distant eight miles, the _Hooge
Bergh_ (i.e. High Mountain), so named with reason by Willem Schouten. Our
latitude observed at noon 4° 30' S; longitude 163° 13'. In the night we
sailed between the main land of _Nova Guinea_, and the _Hooge Bergh_
which continually cast out flames from its top. We observed that here the
land of _Nova Guinea_ near the sea shore begins to be low; therefore for
fear of coming into danger, at the end of the first night watch we took
in all our sails and let the ship drift with the current, which we always
found to run Westward. The coast extends from here to the WNW and NWbW.
The _Hooge Bergh_ during the whole night was in violent flames.
The 22d. We set our sails at day-light and steered WNW. At sunrise we
came into quite black water, and for fear it should be a shoal, we
altered our course Northward. The _Hooge Bergh_ then bore ESE and SEbE
distant seven miles; a small high Island bore NNE from us four or five
miles distant; the most Western part of the main land seen, bore WNW; and
to the SSW, at two miles distance from us, was a great River. The
[* See Vol. IId. p.425.]
{Page 103}
course of this river was SSE and NNW between two small high Islands lying
near to other Islands. Westward, we saw three more Islands. When we had
sailed one mile Northward, and more distant from the low land, we
sounded; and finding no bottom, we again directed our course WNW along
the coast. We passed this day six small Islands, all of which we left on
our right hand. At noon, observed the latitude 3° 39' S; longitude 161°
38'. Wind from the ENE, a fine breeze. The land hereabouts is low and
full of rivers, whence come trees and brush-wood floating in whitish
sandy water. The low land forms a Cape here, to the Westward of which is
a large Bay; but the points bear WNW and ESE of each other. In the night,
we passed a high Island which was between us and the main land.
The 23d, we continued our course WNW, the wind still Easterly. This
morning we passed so many pieces of trees, bamboos, and shrubs, floating,
that we supposed ourselves to be in a large river; and we found we were
set off from the shore by a current. Latitude at noon by account 3° 1' S;
longitude 160° 3'. In the afternoon, we again came close to the land, and
a boat of the country went near the Zeehaan.
The 24th, we continued our course WNW. In the second watch of the night,
we saw low land before us with fires on it. We took in sail and lay by
the wind to wait for day-light. In the night we observed the latitude 2°
20' S.
The 25th, in the morning, we made sail towards the low land on which we
had seen fires in the night, which we found to be three low Islands lying
near the main land; and shortly after, we saw the Island _Moa_ which is
about five miles farther along the coast Westward. In the forenoon we
anchored by the West side of an Island, in 12 fathoms depth, on a good
bottom of grey sand. We had much rain and a swell from the NW. A great
many small canoes flocked round our ships, but they continued
{Page 104}
a long while paddling about us without venturing to come on board. We
fastened some beads to pieces of wood and threw towards them; and at
length they all came to the ships. They had with them only three
cocoa-nuts; but they soon went to the shore and returned again with
cocoa-nuts, unripe bananas, and fish both dried and fresh. These things
they sold to us for nails, beads, and knives; giving 12 or 14 cocoanuts
for a knife. Our latitude at noon was 2° 11' S; longitude 156' 47'. We
found variation here 8° NEasterly. The current has constantly run
Westward, and has set us along the coast at the rate of four, five, or
six miles a day. From the anchorage we now lay at, two small Islands are
in sight to the Westward; also the _Island Arimoa_ bearing NWbW, distant
by conjecture eight or nine miles.
In the evening, all the natives left our ships. Their canoes are very
narrow, being not more than a foot in breadth.
The 26th. In the morning, the natives came again with cocoa-nuts and
unripe bananas. It seems that at this time they have no great plenty of
provisions for themselves. We obtained however as many cocoa-nuts as
served out five to each man of our crew. The wind during the day was from
the NE, and in the night SE from the land.
The 27th. In the morning, the wind was from the SW. Many boats or canoes
came to us from the main land, and from different Islands near us, with
fish, cocoa-nuts, and unripe bananas, to traffic. Among these vessels,
two were large and carried each 18 or 20 men, armed with pikes, bows and
arrows, and harpoons. The people here are almost quite black and naked.
They could pronounce after us the words of our language very exactly. In
their own language they make much use of the letter R, and in some words
pronounce it as if it were three times together. We bartered for as many
cocoa-nuts to day as served to each
{Page 105}
man of our crew six, besides bananas. This day we observed the latitude
2° 10' S.
The 28th, early in the morning, we sailed from _Jamna_, and at noon
anchored close to the _Island Moa_, in 10 fathoms muddy bottom.
Immediately a great many small canoes came to us with cocoa-nuts and
bananas. Our latitude here, we reckoned to be 2° 5' S; our longitude 156°
28'. The cocoa-nuts purchased to day served six to each man.
The 29th, the canoes of the natives came on board with provisions as
usual, and we served out four cocoa-nuts to each of our men. We consulted
this evening, and resolved to sail and proceed on our voyage as soon as
wind and weather would permit.
The 30th, the wind blew hard from WNW, and the sea was high, which
prevented our getting under sail. We trafficked for as many cocoa-nuts as
the natives brought.
[1643 May]
May the 1st. The wind continued to blow from the WNW, and the current set
Eastward, therefore we remained at anchor.
The 2d. In the forenoon we trafficked with the natives, but in the
afternoon it blew hard and they did not come off.
On the 3d, in the morning, the boats of the natives again came on board.
We were busied in cleaning the ship; and as one of our seamen was
standing by the shrowds to hand over the buckets of water, a native shot
at him with an arrow, which went into his thigh. We fired muskets among
their canoes, and wounded one man in the arm. Soon after, we took up our
anchors and ran in between the two Islands [_Moa_ and _Insou_] to where
Jacob Le Maire had formerly moored his ship; and we cast anchor there in
six fathoms, muddy bottom, in calm water and safe from all winds. The
inhabitants, when they saw the ships sailing towards them, were much
alarmed, and held up branches of trees; and in a short time they sent on
board to us the man who had shot the arrow, to make peace with us. When
this was done, the natives came to the ships again as at first,
{Page 106}
but they did not dare to ask so great a price for their goods as before,
and were satisfied with what we chose to give them. We bought so many
cocoa-nuts this day that each of our crew had nine.
The 4th, a great many canoes came on board. We served seven cocoa-nuts to
each of our men.
The 5th, the wind was still Westerly. We bartered for cocoanuts, but what
we got were small and unripe.
The 6th, about eight in the morning, a breeze sprung up from the land,
and we took up our anchors to proceed on our voyage. At these Islands,
_Jamna_ and _Moa_, we procured 6,000 cocoa-nuts, and about 100 bunches of
bananas for the two ships.[*] To help us in our traffick with the
natives, we took pieces of iron hoop, which we fitted with handles in the
form of knives, and made them somewhat bright and sharp.
Before we had sailed a mile, it fell calm, and soon after, the Westerly
wind returned.
The 8th, in the morning at sunrise, we had the great Island _Arimoa_[+]
right SW from us, distant about three miles.
The 9th, we passed by the North side of _Arimoa_. At sunset the North
point of the Island bore EbS, distant seven miles. We were here in 67
fathoms depth about three miles from the shore [of the main land of _New
Guinea_], which is very low. The wind was NW, and we sailed slowly along
[and slanting towards] the shore, having soundings at 50, 40, 30, and 24
fathoms, all good bottom, and then we put about on the other tack.
[* On six of the days that Tasman stopped at these Islands, the numbers
of cocoanuts that were shared out to each of his men are specified. On
five other days the numbers distributed are not noticed, and it is
probable they were in a smaller proportion. Making allowance under the
average for the five days, will give for the number of men in both the
ships at this time, about one hundred.]
[+ Schouten's Chart does not show the Island _Arimoa_ to be larger than
other Islands near it.]
{Page 107}
The 10th, the wind was from the South. We sailed here along a low coast,
in thick water of a greenish colour, which we supposed to come out of
rivers, but we were too far from the land to distinguish exactly. We
observed however, that the stream here set us continually off shore. At
noon, found the latitude, 1° 17' S; our longitude 155° 12'.
The 11th at noon, the wind was SE; the land not in sight. Found our
latitude 1° 3' S; longitude 154° 28'. We steered WbS. Variation 6° 30'
NE. In the night we had a fine breeze, but at times light. It seems
however as if this was the beginning of the Eastern Monsoon.
The 12th, we saw _Willem Schouten's Island_. At noon the North part of
the Island bore from us due West distant six miles. Found our latitude 0°
54' S; longitude 153°17'. In the night we sailed along the North coast of
_Schouten's Island_.
The 13th, in the morning, the West point of Schouten's Island bore nearly
WbS from us, two miles distant; and a small Island bore from us NWbN,
distant from the aforesaid point three or four miles. After we had passed
_Willem Schouten's Island_, we steered WSW to get sight again of the main
land. At noon, we supposed our latitude 0° 54' S; longitude 152° 6'. In
the afternoon, we saw the main land of _New Guinea_ to the SSW, which was
here low land. Wind from between the East and SE.
The 14th. In the morning we came close to the land of _New Guinea_. The
inner land is very high, like the Island _Formosa_; but near the coast,
the land is almost every where low. We sailed West and WbN along the
coast towards the _Cape de Goede Hoop_.[*] Eastward of the Cape the land
begins to be very high, even close to the shore, and without any low
land. It is as high as the land of _Formosa_.
[* Tasman has mistakenly applied this name to a Cape of the main land of
_New Guinea_; the _Cape de Goede Hoop_ of Le Maire and Schouten, being
the West Cape of _W. Schouten's Island_. See Vol. II. p, 432.]
{Page 108}
The 15th, we had a light wind from ENE. At noon, the _Cape de Goede Hoop_
bore South, distant three miles. We reckoned our latitude 0° 41' S;
longitude 149° 53'. Variation here 6° NE.
The 16th, we were sailing past the Bay into which W. Schouten went and
was obliged to return. We had light winds and much calm, but we perceive
by the land that the current every day sets us Westward. At noon the West
point of the Bay bore SSW. Observed in latitude 0° 16' S, longitude 149°
9'. We saw several small Islands near the aforesaid West point.
The 17th. This morning we sailed by the North side of a small Island, at
about a mile distance, and passed over a bank on which we sounded in nine
fathoms, stony bottom. When we had passed this first bank, we had deep
water; but soon after, we found ourselves, in seven fathoms, the Island
then bearing SbE. We saw five or six other Islands before us Westward. At
noon, the small Island we had passed bore East, distant about three
miles. Our latitude by account was 0° 20' S; longitude 148° 34'. At
sunset, we saw NWbW from us, seven or eight Islands lying in one line WbN
and EbS from each other. We left them on our right hand; and on our left
we passed four small Islands which lay close to the main land of _New
Guinea_. Along the coast are several small Bays, but with great depth of
water. In the night we anchored in 40 fathoms sandy bottom, opposite to a
Bay, and about three quarters of a mile from the shore, a large Island
bearing from us WbS, distant about six miles.
The 18th, early in the morning, we weighed anchor, and steered for a
Strait between the main land and the Island. At noon, we had a weak
breeze from the West and found a current setting against us, on which
account we anchored, having bottom at 16 fathoms, coral. We lay here
between an Island and a rock level with the surface of the water. We had
sailed six miles [since yesterday noon], and our latitude by account was
0° 26' S;
{Page 109}
longitude ----.[*] After we anchored, the current ran with more rapidity
till four in the afternoon, when it began to change; running one way
Westward, and the flood Eastward, so that we reckon a WSW moon makes high
water here. We cannot be far from the West end of _Nova Guinea_, for the
coast begins to turn Southward.
This afternoon, several boats came near us. The people in them said they
were Ternatans, and they spoke the _Ternate_ language; but they would not
venture on board, and we believed them to be pirates. In the night we had
a violent storm, and very irregular currents.
The 19th, in the morning, we got under sail. We had Southerly winds and
calms, and endeavoured to make our way to the Southward near the Coast of
_New Guinea_. We saw much cultivated land, and had soundings from 25 to
50 fathoms. At noon we found the latitude 0° 35' S; longitude ----.
The 20th, we were endeavouring to get Southward between Islands. We
sailed over a bank in 5 fathoms. We found the currents here running in so
strange a manner that in my judgement there is no possibility of giving a
description of them.
This West point of _New Guinea_ is extraordinary hilly land. The coast
here is full of turnings, with innumerable Bays and Islands near it; and
the currents in many places are as strong as the tide before _Flushing_
pier head, the flood running Northward, and the ebb Southward; but the
stream following the windings of the coast, and the direction of the
Straits between the Islands. We landed at different places to get
firewood,
[* In the Manuscript, the longitude is not given after the 17th, but is
mentioned with a blank left for the numbers, in manner as above; and the
same is done for some days following. In Valentyn, the longitude is
omitted for several days preceding the 18th of May, and on that day it is
set down 147° 55'; which is a quarter of a degree more Westward than the
distance above specified to have been sailed on the 18th, applied to the
longitude on the 17th, will give; and was apparently calculated with an
allowance for a Westerly current.]
{Page 110}
which is in abundance. We found traces of people, but did not see any
body. The fishermen it appears come here at one season of the year to dry
their fish. Observed the variation here 4° 30' N.Easterly.
The 24th, we found our latitude at noon 1° 6' S; and determined to steer
for the _Island Ceram_.
The 26th, we saw the coast of _Ceram_.
[1643 June]
June the 15th, we arrived at _Batavia_. God be praised for this Happy
Voyage. Amen.
In the ship Heemskerk, dated as above, Your most Humble and most dutiful
Servant, (Undersigned) Abel Jansz Tasman.
* * * With the Commander's signature the Journal concludes. It is written
in the most plain and intelligible style, and abounds in traits
characteristic of the nautical fashions of the time. Such indeed, is the
encomium merited generally by the early Dutch Journals,
The Lands discovered by Tasman are,
_Van Diemen's Land_, under which name are comprehended the smaller
Islands seen by him in that neighbourhood.
_New Zealand_; but whether Continent or Island doubtful.
_Pylstaart Island._
The Groupe now called the _Friendly Islands._
A single Island due North of _Amamocka_, in latitude 18° 50' S.
_Prins Willem's Islands_ and _Heemskerk Shoals._
Land seen NNW of _Onthona Java_, in about 4° 30' S, and longitude 158°
30' E from _Greenwich_.
[The lands seen in the neighbourhood of _New Guinea_ are not reckoned
among the discoveries made in this Voyage, they having been seen before
by Schouten and Le Maire.]
The foregoing list is to be respected more according to the magnitude of
the Countries comprized in it, than for its length. All the discoveries
made by Tasman have been seen since his time by other Europeans,
{Page 111}
except one or two small Islands. The _Prins Willem's Islands_ and
_Heemskerk's Shoals_ have been generally avoided in the later South Sea
navigations, on account of the surrounding dangers of which Tasman's
Journal has given such ample warning. In 1797, however, the Missionary
ship the Duff grounded on a shoal in 16° 28' S latitude, and 180° 40' E
longitude from _Greenwich_, which no doubt was part of the _Heemskerk
Shoals_. Tasman has placed the whole of the Islands and Shoals seen by
him of this groupe, in longitude 4° 3' to 5° 30' W from his anchorage at
_Amamocka_, which applied to the longitude of that place, as determined
by modern observations, is 179° 45' E to 181° 12' E from the Meridian of
_Greenwich_. This longitude cannot be liable to much error, as Tasman was
only five days in sailing from _Amamocka_ to _Prins Willem's Islands_.
Tasman marked the longitude in his Charts, and also daily in his Journal,
as reckoned from _Tenerife_. His longitudes, however, are to be computed
from the Meridian of the Island _Mauritius_ at the _South East Port_,
which according to modern observations is 57° 40' E from the Meridian of
_Greenwich_, and which Tasman reckoned to be 78° 47' East from that of
the _Peak of Tenerife_. The difference of these numbers, i.e. 21° 7',
subtracted from the longitudes in Tasman's Journal, will adapt his
reckoning to the Meridian of _Greenwich_, and will shew the situations
which his discoveries would have occupied on the present Charts, if they
had not been seen by later Voyagers.
The following comparisons will serve as a test of the general correctness
of Tasman's reckoning. From the Island _Mauritius_ (the _SE Port_) to his
anchorage at _Frederick Hendrik Bay_, Tasman made longitude 88° 43'. The
difference of the meridians of those places as determined by late
observations is 90° 28'. The comparison made at the principal points of
Tasman's track, between the longitudes deduced from his reckoning, and
those received in the present Charts as established from late
observations, stands thus
From the Meridian of Greenwich.
By Tasman's Reckoning. By late Observations.
Frederick Hendrik Bay 146° 23' E. 148° 8' E.
Three Kings Island 169 33 172 25.
Anchorage at Amamocka 185 12 185 15.
Cape Santa Maria, 149 34 153 26.
East end of New Ireland
{Page 112}
It is observable in Tasman's Voyage, that whilst he was sailing Eastward,
without the Tropics, his reckoning in longitude was less than the truth;
and when within the Tropics he directed his course Westward, his
reckoning in longitude was always too great. The latter circumstance
seems to have proceeded from his making too large allowance for leeward
drift of the sea or current, in the trade winds. The longitude by his
reckoning between _Amamock_ a and _Cape Santa Maria_ is nearly four
degrees more than the difference between those places as found by late
observations; and between _Cape Santa Maria_ and Salomon _Sweert' s
hoek_, Tasman's reckoning is a degree more in longitude than Schouten's.
It was remarked in the introductory part of this Chapter, that some of
the less important parts of Captain Tasman's Journal would not be
inserted in the Copy now published. It is proper also to notice the
omission of Drawings. In the Manuscript Journal, the Charts and Drawings
amount to 38 in number. Copies will be found here of all the Charts; but
of the Views of Land and other Drawings, only a small portion has been
taken. The superior importance of Captain Tasman's Discoveries, and the
advantage of delivering them from his own Journal, would have justified
fuller publication than is here given. Pains, however, have been taken,
that nothing of consequence should be wanting.
In conclusion, it must be allowed, that Abel Jansen Tasman was both a
great and a fortunate Discoverer, and that his success is in part only to
be attributed to Fortune. The track in which he sailed, and the careful
Reckoning kept by him, which so nearly assigns the true situation to each
of his discoveries, shew him to have been an enterprizing and an able
navigator; and it is to be esteemed no small addition to his important
discoveries, and indeed no slight evidence of his merit, that be explored
a larger portion of Unknown Sea in a high latitude, and thereby
restricted the limits of a supposed Southern Continent, more than any
other navigator between the time of Magalhanes and the time of Captain
Cook.
* * * * *
{Page 178}
CHAPTER VII.
NOTICES OF A SECOND VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY BY TASMAN.--OF THE AMSTERDAM
STADT-HOUSE MAP OF THE WORLD; AND OF THE NAMES HOLLANDIA NOVA AND
ZEELANDIA NOVA.
[1644]
We shall conclude this series of the expeditions for discovery undertaken
by the Hollanders during the Presidentship at _Batavia_ of Antony Van
Diemen, with the notice of a second voyage made by Abel Jansen Tasman.
This is one of those of which only a faint remembrance has been
preserved, of which no account has been published; and though it is known
to have benefited geography by causing additions to be made in the chart
of the _Great South Land_ or _Terra Australis_, yet those additions
cannot be claimed with certainty, and are only in part and doubtfully to
be recognized by some of the names imposed upon headlands and other parts
of the coast marking the time, or being similar to the names given in his
former voyage. The discoveries of Tasman have been so ill understood,
that in some of the charts published in the eighteenth century, his two
voyages are confounded by a representation of them in a single track.
The object of the second voyage was 4 to make more full "discovery of
_New Guinea_, and of the unknown coasts of the discovered East and South
Lands." A copy of the Orders and Instructions given to the Commander by
the Governor General and Council at _Batavia_, came into the possession
of Sir Joseph Banks at the same time with the manuscript Journal of
Captain Tasman's first voyage. These Instructions in the original Dutch,
accompanied with an English translation, were published in Mr.
Dalrymple's _Collection of Memoirs concerning the Land of Papua_. They
are dated January the 29th, 1644, and are valuable both for making known
the proposed plan of
{Page 179}
Tasman's second expedition, and for the quantity of information they
furnish concerning the antecedent expeditions and discoveries; brief
notices of which were inserted in the Instructions, to serve as an
additional guidance to the Commander, Abel Tasman.
This second voyage of discovery by Tasman was intended to penetrate into
the _South Sea_; but it does not appear that this intention was
fulfilled. It is proper nevertheless, to notice here the plan of the
undertaking, and it shews that the Hollanders at this time had formed
very just conceptions of the extent and figure both of _New Guinea_ and
of the _Great South Land_. The antecedent expeditions which are recited
in the Instructions were all made on the Western side of _New Guinea_ and
the _Terra Australis_: to particularize them here would be too great a
digression; therefore the readers desirous to be informed respecting them
are referred to Mr. Dalrymple's publication.
The Instructions to Tasman say:
It now only remains to be discovered, whether _Nova Guinea_ is one
continent with this _Great South Land_, or whether it is separated by
channels and Islands lying between them; and also, whether the new _Van
Diemen's Land_ is the same continent with these two great countries or
with one of them."--For which purposes, After fulfilling your orders at
_Amboina_ and _Banda_, you shall in the latter end of February (or sooner
if possible) begin the voyage you are ordered upon, and sail Eastward to
the _Ture hoek_ or _Cape Valsche_, situated in 8° S latitude on the South
Coast of _Nova Guinea_; whence you are to continue Eastward along the
coast to 9° S, crossing carefully the shallow Bight or Cove (vlakke bogt)
at that part, and examining with the yacht about the _High Island_ or
_Speult's River_ for a harbour, also inspecting the state of the country;
and in the interim dispatch the De Brak Tender to look into the Cove for
two
{Page 180}
or three days, to examine if within the _Great Inlet_ there is an
entrance into the _South Sea_, which may be soon known by the course of
the currents.
It is apprehended you will in these parts meet the South East trade-wind,
which will make it difficult to keep in with the coast; nevertheless,
endeavour by all means to proceed, that we may be certain whether this
land [of _New Guinea_] is divided from the _Great_ and _Known South
Land_, or not; and you shall try (if possible) to run to the SE as far as
to the new _Van Diemen's Land_, steering along the East coast of the
_Known South Land_ according to its trending; and from _Van Diemen's
Land_ to the Islands _St. Pieter_ and _Francois_[*], and following the
direction of the coast Westward to _De Wits Land_ and _Willems River_, in
22° S latitude, when the known _South Land_ would be entirely
circumnavigated, and discovered to be the largest Island in the globe.
But as it is possible the Land of _Nova Guinea_ is joined to the _South
Land_, you are then, which the SE trade-wind will enable you to do, to
run along the North [NW] coast from 17° to 22° S, whence you shall steer
along the _Land of Eendragt_ to _Houtmans Abrolhos_; and when you have
found a proper place thereabouts for anchoring, you are to endeavour to
find a chest containing 8,000 rix dollars, that was lost in the wreck of
the ship _Batavia_ in the year 1629. Likewise make search on the main
land thereabout, after two Netherlanders, who, having forfeited their
lives, were put on shore by their Commander Francisco Polsert, if they
are still alive, in which case you can enquire of them concerning the
country; and, if they entreat you to that purpose, give them a passage
hither. On
[* The most Eastern part of _De Nuyts Land_ on the South coast;
diseovered in 1627.]
{Page 181}
this occasion you ought to search for a good watering and refreshing
place in 26° or 28° S latitude, which would be very desirable for our
outward-bound ships.
The foregoing are the principal of the orders which related to the
navigation. With respect to the proposed discovery of the Eastern coast
of the _Great South Land_, it was no small step towards effecting it,
that in his former voyage Tasman had discovered the East coast of _Van
Diemen's Land_. The examinations of his second voyage, however, are
supposed to have been employed wholly on the Northern and Western coasts.
Hitherto the name of New Holland had not been given to any part of this
land. Throughout the Instructions to Tasman for his second voyage, the
_Terra Australis_ is called the _Groote Zuid-land_, or _On-bekende
Zuid-land_. i.e. The _Great_ or the _Unknown South Land_. The earliest
mention that is found of the name of _Nova Hollandia_ or _New Holland_ is
in the year 1665, when it appears to have been adopted by direction of
the Government in Holland for all the Western side of the _Terra
Australis_. Three years prior to that time, the Stadt-house, or Town
Hall, at _Amsterdam_ had been destroyed by fire; in consequence of which
accident, a new Stadt-house was built. Among the embellishments to the
new building were three Hemispheres cut in stone-work, one for a
representation of the Celestial Sphere, the other two for a Map of the
World; and they were each twenty-two feet in diameter. The circles were
of brass inlaid; and the whole was executed under the direction of Arius
Quellius d'Anvers, a sculptor of eminence. Through a strange
misapprehension of the nature of grandeur, this beautiful piece of
geography was destined to decorate the floor, or, strictly speaking, to
be itself the floor in the most public place of resort in the new
Stadt-house, being made the pavement of the great hall between the two
court yards. In a printed description of the building, this disposition
of the three
{Page 182}
Hemispheres is extolled, one, might almost imagine ironically, as an
example of magnificence, the more grand for that it exposed them
incessantly to be trodden upon by a concourse of people[*]. The three
Hemispheres have long been completely effaced. In the year 1773, Sir
Joseph Banks, being then at _Amsterdam_, was at much pains in making
enquiry concerning the Stadt-house Map; but he could obtain no proof of
the work having been visible within the memory of man. Fortunately, owing
to the good taste and judgment of M. Thevenot, a copy of the most
material portion to geography of one of the terrestrial hemispheres has
been preserved in his _Divers Voyages Curieuses_; and much acknowledgment
is due to him on this account.
In the part thus saved by M. Thevenot, is included all that was then
known of _New Guinea_, of the _Terra Australis_ or _South Land_, and of
Tasman's _State Land_. _New Guinea_ is not made to join the _South Land_,
neither is it drawn as a separate land; but at three degrees to the East
of.the _Valsche Cape_ the line of coast is discontinued and a chasm left
of about a degree in latitude, from 7° 45' to 8° 45' S, at which last
parallel the coast of _Carpentaria_ is made to begin. We have here, and
also in what has been cited from the Instructions, to admire how
completely unknown to the world was the discovery which had been made by
Luis Vaez de Torres, of a Strait running between _New Guinea_ and the
_Terra Australis_. In this preserved part of the Stadt-house Map, the
Western side (comprehending more than one half) of the _Terra Australis_
is distinguished by the name _Hollandia Nova_ (or _New Holland_); and
Eastward on the same land, but without defined limits, is inserted the
name _Terre Australe_, which being in the French language was
[* _Description de l'Hotel de Ville d'Amsterdam_. An imperfect copy in
the _British Museum_, title page and date wanting.]
{Page 183}
probably an explanatory addition introduced by M. Thevenot himself.
Farther East is Tasman's _State Land_, which is here named _Zeelandia
Nova_ (or _New Zealand_); by which name it has always been known since.
Dampier has mentioned, having in his possession a Chart of the
discoveries made by Tasman on the West coast of what in Dampier's time
was called _New Holland_, which chart was most probably a copy of what
Thevenot had published.
THE END
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