In 1893 all doubts were dissipated by the publication of Cook's own journal by the Hydrographer of the Admiralty, Captain Wharton. It was found that no less than three copies of Cook's Journal were extant. The copy in possession of the Admiralty contained the narrative of the close of the voyage, which was not contained in the others. Cook wrote (30th Sept. 1770) "In the A.M. I took into my possession the officers', petty officers', and seamen's Log Books, and Journals, at least, all that I could find, and enjoined every one not to divulge where they had been." On the 25th October he sent from "Onrust near Batavia"—"a copy of my journal containing the proceedings of the whole voyage," with charts. "In this Journal I have with undisguised truth and without gloss inserted the whole transactions of the voyage."
When Cook arrived in England, six months afterwards, "the full Journal of the voyage was deposited at the Admiralty."[1]
The naming of Botany Bay was thus recorded by Cook. "The great quantity of plants Mr. Banks and Dr. Solander found in this place occasioned my giving it the name of Botany Bay."
On the 6th May he wrote of Port Jackson: "We were about two or three miles from the land, and abreast of a bay, wherein there appeared to be safe anchorage, which I called Port Jackson."
In this edition the author has in all cases quoted Cook's words, which are as graphic as those of Defoe. Something may be said as to the historical advantages or disadvantages attendant upon writing
- ↑ Captain Wharton (Preface, p. viii). The three copies of Cook's Journal, Captain Wharton says, are—"practically identical except for the period 13th to 19th August 1770, during which the wording is often different though the events are the same." The period was critical as will be seen (Vol I, pp, 10, II).
