Papers of the Board of Longitude : Captain Cook's journal of voyage to the South Seas

Cook, James; King, James

Papers of the Board of Longitude

<p style='text-align: justify;'>This significant volume demonstrates the range of astronomical observations made by Captain Cook [<a target='_blank' class='externalLink' href='http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/14102.html'><img title="Link to RMG" alt='RMG icon' class='nmm_icon' src='/images/general/nmm_small.png'/></a>] and James King [<a target='_blank' class='externalLink' href='http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/107078.html'><img title="Link to RMG" alt='RMG icon' class='nmm_icon' src='/images/general/nmm_small.png'/></a>] on the first part of their voyage on board HMS Resolution [<a target='_blank' class='externalLink' href='http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/13374.html'><img title="Link to RMG" alt='RMG icon' class='nmm_icon' src='/images/general/nmm_small.png'/></a>]. Cook's third and final voyage of discovery left England in 1776 and returned, without its Captain in 1780. Entries in this journal come from navigational observations and variations of the ship's compasses. They run from 18 June to 21 November 1776 and encompass the journey from England to Cape Town [<a target='_blank' class='externalLink' href='http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/13258.html'><img title="Link to RMG" alt='RMG icon' class='nmm_icon' src='/images/general/nmm_small.png'/></a>]. The observations for the rest of the voyage continue in <a href='/view/MS-RGO-00014-00061'> (RGO 14/61)</a>.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>The purpose of this voyage was ostensibly to return Omai [<a target='_blank' class='externalLink' href='http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/153974.html'><img title="Link to RMG" alt='RMG icon' class='nmm_icon' src='/images/general/nmm_small.png'/></a>] to the Society Islands [<a target='_blank' class='externalLink' href='http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/13852.html'><img title="Link to RMG" alt='RMG icon' class='nmm_icon' src='/images/general/nmm_small.png'/></a>]. Omai was a Raiatean who travelled to England from Huahine [<a target='_blank' class='externalLink' href='http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/13893.html'><img title="Link to RMG" alt='RMG icon' class='nmm_icon' src='/images/general/nmm_small.png'/></a>] on board HMS Adventure [<a target='_blank' class='externalLink' href='http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/86374.html'><img title="Link to RMG" alt='RMG icon' class='nmm_icon' src='/images/general/nmm_small.png'/></a>], which had sailed as part of Cook's second voyage to the Pacific. This was not the primary purpose of the voyage, however. HMS Resolution was under instructions to travel alongside HMS Discovery [<a target='_blank' class='externalLink' href='http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/13374.html'><img title="Link to RMG" alt='RMG icon' class='nmm_icon' src='/images/general/nmm_small.png'/></a>] to find and chart the elusive North-West Passage [<a target='_blank' class='externalLink' href='http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/540935.html'><img title="Link to RMG" alt='RMG icon' class='nmm_icon' src='/images/general/nmm_small.png'/></a>]. This imagined trading route connecting the North Atlantic with the North Pacific was much sought after, to the extent that the Admiralty [<a target='_blank' class='externalLink' href='http://collections.rmg.co.uk/archive/objects/531512.html'><img title="Link to RMG" alt='RMG icon' class='nmm_icon' src='/images/general/nmm_small.png'/></a>] extended their long-standing award for its discovery just before this voyage, in 1775.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>A range of entries record latitudes, by means of dead reckoning and lunar observations. Longitude was also recorded and was measured by lunar observation, timekeeper, lunar observation combined with dead reckoning, and lunar observation combined with use of the timekeeper. Alongside these observations, the journal contains entries noting the 'variation' of the compass. The variation is the difference between the direction shown by the magnetic needle and true north. Many voyages of discovery noted this constant deviation. Captain Matthew Flinders [<a target='_blank' class='externalLink' href='http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections.html#!csearch;authority=agent-7692;makerReference=agent-7692'><img title="Link to RMG" alt='RMG icon' class='nmm_icon' src='/images/general/nmm_small.png'/></a>] is said to have described the cause after his 1801 voyage on HMS Investigator [<a target='_blank' class='externalLink' href='http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections.html#!csearch;authority=vessel-320960;vesselReference=vessel-320960'><img title="Link to RMG" alt='RMG icon' class='nmm_icon' src='/images/general/nmm_small.png'/></a>]. The range of navigational and astronomical instruments and tasks documented in this journal highlights the complexity of developing a solution for finding longitude and accurately surveying coasts. An extensive range of instruments were developed and deployed and neither the timekeeper nor the Nautical Almanac provided a solution in themselves. Furthermore the entries for longitude and latitude show Cook and King often used different instruments and techniques used in conjunction to produce a collaborated result.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Not present in these lists of quantified entries is an account of the effort that went into the use and deployment of these instruments. Significantly, however, as in many logbooks and journals from voyages of discovery in the late eighteenth century, the volume contains a section entitled 'Explanation of the Table of Days Work and Observations', which gives a clear description of the method through which the instruments were used. Cook and King's entries do not always relate to observations made on board the ship. The role of land-based observing was crucial for Cook's voyages, and the many voyages of discovery of the period. It required the construction of a temporary land-based observatory but was vital for accurately checking the rates of the ship's timekeepers, and for calibrating the many instruments. The notes on observing for the voyage contained in RGO 14/59 provide a valuable insight to the lists of entries and 'Explanations of the Tables' in this volume. Cook and King relay the problems that could occur when setting up the astronomical observatory on land in a few brief notes interspersed in this volume. They describe the problems of <a href='/view/MS-RGO-00014-00059/1'> strong winds blowing the observatory to pieces (RGO 14/59:14v)</a> and the continual effort through which they sought to keep the expensive instruments used on the voyage working. On November 4th, Cook notes that when the astronomical clock stopped, he brought a clockmaker on board to repair it.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Cook's three voyages have become famous for their various encounters with land, from the extensive early ethnographic descriptions of Pacific islanders, to Cook's death on Hawaii during the third voyage (see Marshall Sahlins, How "Natives" Think: About Captain Cook, (Chicago, 1995) for example). But what should not be forgotten is the degree to which the navigational and astronomical aspects of the voyages also relied upon, and were challenged by, the dependence on contact with land.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Eóin Phillips<br />History and Philosophy of Science<br />University of Cambridge<br /></p>

Page: cover

Captain Cook's journal of voyage to the South Seas (RGO 14/60)

This significant volume demonstrates the range of astronomical observations made by Captain Cook [] and James King [] on the first part of their voyage on board HMS Resolution []. Cook's third and final voyage of discovery left England in 1776 and returned, without its Captain in 1780. Entries in this journal come from navigational observations and variations of the ship's compasses. They run from 18 June to 21 November 1776 and encompass the journey from England to Cape Town []. The observations for the rest of the voyage continue in (RGO 14/61).

The purpose of this voyage was ostensibly to return Omai [] to the Society Islands []. Omai was a Raiatean who travelled to England from Huahine [] on board HMS Adventure [], which had sailed as part of Cook's second voyage to the Pacific. This was not the primary purpose of the voyage, however. HMS Resolution was under instructions to travel alongside HMS Discovery [] to find and chart the elusive North-West Passage []. This imagined trading route connecting the North Atlantic with the North Pacific was much sought after, to the extent that the Admiralty [] extended their long-standing award for its discovery just before this voyage, in 1775.

A range of entries record latitudes, by means of dead reckoning and lunar observations. Longitude was also recorded and was measured by lunar observation, timekeeper, lunar observation combined with dead reckoning, and lunar observation combined with use of the timekeeper. Alongside these observations, the journal contains entries noting the 'variation' of the compass. The variation is the difference between the direction shown by the magnetic needle and true north. Many voyages of discovery noted this constant deviation. Captain Matthew Flinders [] is said to have described the cause after his 1801 voyage on HMS Investigator []. The range of navigational and astronomical instruments and tasks documented in this journal highlights the complexity of developing a solution for finding longitude and accurately surveying coasts. An extensive range of instruments were developed and deployed and neither the timekeeper nor the Nautical Almanac provided a solution in themselves. Furthermore the entries for longitude and latitude show Cook and King often used different instruments and techniques used in conjunction to produce a collaborated result.

Not present in these lists of quantified entries is an account of the effort that went into the use and deployment of these instruments. Significantly, however, as in many logbooks and journals from voyages of discovery in the late eighteenth century, the volume contains a section entitled 'Explanation of the Table of Days Work and Observations', which gives a clear description of the method through which the instruments were used. Cook and King's entries do not always relate to observations made on board the ship. The role of land-based observing was crucial for Cook's voyages, and the many voyages of discovery of the period. It required the construction of a temporary land-based observatory but was vital for accurately checking the rates of the ship's timekeepers, and for calibrating the many instruments. The notes on observing for the voyage contained in RGO 14/59 provide a valuable insight to the lists of entries and 'Explanations of the Tables' in this volume. Cook and King relay the problems that could occur when setting up the astronomical observatory on land in a few brief notes interspersed in this volume. They describe the problems of strong winds blowing the observatory to pieces (RGO 14/59:14v) and the continual effort through which they sought to keep the expensive instruments used on the voyage working. On November 4th, Cook notes that when the astronomical clock stopped, he brought a clockmaker on board to repair it.

Cook's three voyages have become famous for their various encounters with land, from the extensive early ethnographic descriptions of Pacific islanders, to Cook's death on Hawaii during the third voyage (see Marshall Sahlins, How "Natives" Think: About Captain Cook, (Chicago, 1995) for example). But what should not be forgotten is the degree to which the navigational and astronomical aspects of the voyages also relied upon, and were challenged by, the dependence on contact with land.

Eóin Phillips
History and Philosophy of Science
University of Cambridge

Information about this document

Physical Location: Royal Greenwich Observatory Archives
Classmark: RGO 14/60
Subject(s): Geographical exploration; Marine navigation; Longitude; Longitude; ASTRONOMY; Astronomy; Magnetism; Magnetism; Time Measuring Instruments
Author(s): Cook, James; King, James
Date of Creation: 1776
Associated Name(s): Cook, James, 1728-1779; King, James (1750-1784) Captain Royal Navy, circumnavigator
Associated Place(s): Atlantic Ocean; Atlantic Ocean; Pacific Ocean; Pacific Ocean
Extent: 1 volume
Author(s) of the Record: Dr Emma Saunders, Robert Steiner, Eóin Phillips

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RGO 14/60: 4r-8r: Table of 'Days works and observations' (image 5, page 4r) RGO 14/60: 8v-14r: Observations for finding the variation of the compass (image 14, page 8v) RGO 14/60: 14v-16v: Observations of equal altitudes of the sun, made with the astronomical quadrant, for finding the rate of the timekeeper [K1] (image 26, page 14v)

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Information about this document

Physical Location: Royal Greenwich Observatory Archives
Classmark: RGO 14/60
Subject(s): Geographical exploration; Marine navigation; Longitude; Longitude; ASTRONOMY; Astronomy; Magnetism; Magnetism; Time Measuring Instruments
Author(s): Cook, James; King, James
Date of Creation: 1776
Associated Name(s): Cook, James, 1728-1779; King, James (1750-1784) Captain Royal Navy, circumnavigator
Associated Place(s): Atlantic Ocean; Atlantic Ocean; Pacific Ocean; Pacific Ocean
Extent: 1 volume
Author(s) of the Record: Dr Emma Saunders, Robert Steiner, Eóin Phillips

Section shown in images 5 to 13

Classmark: RGO 14/60: 4r-8r
Title: Table of 'Days works and observations'
Abstract:
Preceded by an explanation of the table RGO 14/60: 5v and signed by Captain Cook and James King.
Date of Creation: 16 July 1776-13 Nov. 1776
Associated Name(s): Cook, James, 1728-1779; King, James (1750-1784) Captain Royal Navy, circumnavigator; HMS Discovery (1774-1797); Discovery (Ship : 1774-1797); HMS Resolution, sloop (1770-c 1782); Resolution (Ship)
Associated Place(s): Saint Agnes; Saint Agnes; Tenerife; Tenerife; Cape of Good Hope; Cape of Good Hope; Atlantic Ocean; Atlantic Ocean
Extent: 5 ff.
Material: Paper

Section shown in images 14 to 25

Classmark: RGO 14/60: 8v-14r
Title: Observations for finding the variation of the compass
Abstract:
Preceded by an explanation of the table RGO 14/60: 8v and signed by Captain Cook and James King.
Date of Creation: 18 June 1776-15 Nov. 1776
Associated Name(s): Cook, James, 1728-1779; King, James (1750-1784) Captain Royal Navy, circumnavigator; HMS Discovery (1774-1797); Discovery (Ship : 1774-1797); HMS Resolution, sloop (1770-c 1782); Resolution (Ship)
Associated Place(s): Atlantic Ocean; Atlantic Ocean
Extent: 7 ff.
Material: Paper

Section shown in images 26 to 30

Classmark: RGO 14/60: 14v-16v
Title: Observations of equal altitudes of the sun, made with the astronomical quadrant, for finding the rate of the timekeeper [K1]
Abstract:
Preceded by a note on setting up the observatory and on taking the observations RGO 14/60: 14v and followed by a table of comparisons of the timekeepers and clocks; signed by Captain Cook and James King. The remainder of the volume is blank.
Date of Creation: 24 Oct. 1776-21 Nov. 1776
Associated Name(s): Cook, James, 1728-1779; Kendall, Larcum (1719-1790) watchmaker; King, James (1750-1784) Captain Royal Navy, circumnavigator; HMS Resolution, sloop (1770-c 1782); Resolution (Ship); HMS Discovery (1774-1797); Discovery (Ship : 1774-1797)
Associated Place(s): Atlantic Ocean; Atlantic Ocean
Extent: 3 ff.
Material: Paper