The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook

In August 1777, Captain Cook decided to leave Vaitepiha Bay for Matavai Bay after determining that the Spanish colonial efforts had failed. Before departing, Cook proposed a vote to reduce and eliminate the daily grog ration to conserve supplies for their Arctic voyage, and the crew agreed. In Matavai Bay, Cook and his men were warmly received with a mix of revelry and bartering, though tensions simmered beneath the surface. Cook was invited to witness a human sacrifice meant to curry favor with the god Oro for an impending battle. The ritual, involving a middle-aged itinerant man, was gruesome and performed with indifference by the priests. Cook, Anderson, and Webber observed and documented the ceremony, which highlighted cultural differences and provoked moral outrage among the British. The experience solidified Cook’s belief in the need for objective documentation over intervention in local customs.

In September 1777, Captain Cook and his crew observed the Tahitian war fleet’s maneuvers in preparation for an attack on Moorea, highlighting the islanders’ naval prowess. Cook noted Mai’s growing problems on Tahiti, as he squandered his wealth and alienated powerful chiefs, including Tu, due to his impulsive and imprudent behavior. Mai’s refusal to marry Tu’s sister further strained relations. Cook’s attempts to integrate Mai into Tahitian society failed, leading Cook to plan on relocating Mai to another island. The crew’s prolonged stay led to issues such as theft, disease, and infighting among Cook’s men. Cook and his officers, including the ailing Clerke and Anderson, contemplated their future and health challenges as they prepared to leave Tahiti. Cook’s final efforts included introducing European agricultural practices and livestock to Tahiti, which ultimately failed. The chapter ends with Cook and his crew saying emotional goodbyes to the island, reflecting on the cultural exchanges and conflicts during their stay.

In October 1777, Cook’s expedition arrived at Moorea, where they observed signs of recent conflict and encountered wary locals. Despite initial tensions, Cook engaged in peaceful exchanges with Chief Mahine. However, the theft of two goats from Cook’s livestock triggered a series of aggressive reprisals. Cook, driven by a desire to maintain authority, led a punitive campaign against the islanders, resulting in the destruction of villages and canoes. Mai actively participated in the devastation, further alienating himself from his fellow Polynesians. The missing goats were eventually returned, but the damage was done. Cook’s actions left a lasting negative impact on Moorea and highlighted a troubling shift in his behavior. This episode marked a low point in Cook’s career, suggesting possible underlying psychological or medical issues affecting his judgment.

In October 1777, Cook’s expedition reached Huahine, where he planned to leave Mai. Despite Mai’s preference for Raiatea, Cook refused to assist in reclaiming it from the Bora Borans. Huahine, with its beauty and relative simplicity, seemed a suitable place for Mai to establish himself. Cook purchased land and began constructing an English-style house for Mai, complete with a garden and various structures. Tensions arose when a Bora Boran man stole a sextant and caused further trouble, leading Cook to mete out severe punishments. Despite these challenges, Mai settled into his new home, though he expressed a desire to return to England. As Cook prepared to leave, Mai bid an emotional farewell, showing deep gratitude and affection for Cook and the crew. Cook departed, leaving Mai behind with a mix of hope and apprehension for his future.

After Cook’s departure, Mai’s life took a tragic turn. Although Mai fought bravely in a battle against the Bora Borans, his life on Huahine was fraught with challenges. His house was dismantled, and his possessions looted. He died a few years later from a virus, along with his two New Zealand servants and many of his animals. Mai’s story, full of promise and sorrow, became legendary. His legacy, preserved through English accounts, highlights the complexities of cross-cultural encounters and the unintended consequences of colonialism. The spot where Mai’s house once stood is now marked by a modest church, overlooking the island of Raiatea, symbolizing his unfulfilled dream of returning to his native land.

In December 1777, Captain Cook’s ships crossed the equator into the northern hemisphere, marking a significant transition in their voyage. They arrived at Kiritimati (Christmas Island), an uninhabited atoll teeming with seabirds and sea turtles. Cook and his crew explored the island, capturing turtles and enduring the intense heat. Two sailors got lost, surviving by drinking turtle blood and their own urine until they were rescued. Despite the island’s harsh environment, the crew celebrated Christmas with roasted fish and turtle dishes. After observing a solar eclipse, Cook left a note for future visitors and set sail northward, preparing for the next leg of their journey toward the Arctic.

In January 1778, the Resolution and the Discovery sailed north from the equator and unexpectedly discovered the Hawaiian Islands. Initially surprised by the sight of land, the crew was captivated by the lush, fertile landscape of Kaua’i. The Indigenous Hawaiians, initially wary, were eventually persuaded to come aboard the ships. They were amazed by the iron and other strange objects, leading to a cultural exchange filled with curiosity and theft. The sailors were struck by the similarities between the Hawaiian and Tahitian languages and customs, reinforcing Cook’s realization that there was a Polynesian diaspora. Despite a tense moment when a sailor killed an Indigenous man, Cook’s encounter with the Hawaiians was largely peaceful, and he was enthralled by their generosity and culture.

In January 1778, Captain Cook and his crew continued to explore Kaua’i. As Cook ventured into the Waimea River valley, he was struck by the advanced agricultural techniques and intricate stone structures, unaware of the local myths about the industrious Menehune, legendary dwarfs believed to have built these marvels. Cook’s observations noted the islanders’ healthy, well-fed, and joyful existence, with a strong sense of community and artistry. Cook admired their society and the lush, fertile land. The crew marveled at the natural beauty and abundance of the island, recognizing it as a significant discovery.