1914 - McNab, R. Historical Records of New Zealand, Vol. II. - TASMAN'S JOURNAL, p 18-43

       
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  1914 - McNab, R. Historical Records of New Zealand, Vol. II. - TASMAN'S JOURNAL, p 18-43
 
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TASMAN'S JOURNAL.

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TASMAN'S JOURNAL.

Dec. 13.

New Zealand sighted between Hokitika and Okarito.

JOURNAL or Description drawn up by me, Abel Jansz Tasman, of a voyage made from the Town of Batavia, in East India, for the discovery of the unknown south land, in the year of our Lord 1642, the 14th of August. May God Almighty vouchsafe His blessing on this work. Amen.

[Off the coast of New Zealand, December 13, 1642.] Item the 13th do. Latitude observed, 42° 10'; longitude, 188° 28'; course kept east by north; sailed 36 miles in a south-south-westerly wind with a top-gallant gale. Towards noon we saw a large, high-lying land, bearing south-east of us at about 15 miles distance; we turned our course to the southeast, making straight for this land, fired a gun, and in the afternoon hoisted the white flag, upon which the officers of the "Zeehaen" came on board of us, with whom we resolved to touch at the said land as quickly as at all possible, for such reasons as are more amply set forth in this day's resolution. In the evening we deemed it best, and gave orders accordingly to our steersmen, to stick to the south-east course while the weather keeps quiet, but should the breeze freshen, to steer due east, in order to avoid running on shore, and to preclude accidents as much as in us lies; since we opine that the land should not be touched at from this side, on account of the high open sea running there in huge hollow waves and heavy swells, unless there should happen to be safe land-locked bays on this side. At the expiration of four glasses of the first watch we shaped our course due east. Variation, 7° 30' N.E.

Item the 14th do. At noon, latitude observed, 42° 10'; longitude, 189° 3'; course kept east; sailed 12 miles. We were about 2 miles off the coast, which showed as a very high double land, but we could not see the summits of the mountains,

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TASMAN'S JOURNAL.

1642 Dec. 14.

Nears Cape Foul wind.

Passes Cape Foul wind.

Nears Cape Farewell.

owing to thick clouds. We shaped our course to northward along the coast, so near to it that we could constantly see the surf break on the shore. In the afternoon we took soundings at about 2 miles distance from the coast, in 55 fathoms (a sticky sandy soil), after which it fell a calm. Towards evening we saw a low-lying point north-east by north of us, at about 3 miles distance; the greater part of the time we were drifting in a calm towards the said point; in the middle of the afternoon we took soundings in 45 fathoms, a sticky sandy bottom. The whole night we drifted in a calm, the sea running from the west-north-west, so that we got near the land in 28 fathoms, good anchoring-ground, where, on account of the calm, and for fear of drifting nearer to the shore, we ran out our kedge-anchor during the day-watch, and are now waiting for the land-wind.

Item the 15th do. In the morning, with a light breeze blowing from the land, we weighed anchor, and did our best to run out to sea a little, our course being north-west by north; we then had the northernmost low-lying point of the day before north-north-east and north-east by north of us. This land consists of a high double mountain-range, not lower than Ilha Formoza. At noon, latitude observed, 41° 40'; longitude, 189° 49'; course kept north-north-east; sailed 8 miles. The point Ave had seen the day before now lay south-east of us, at 2 1/2 miles of distance; northward from this point extends a large rocky reef; on this reef, projecting from the sea, there are a number of high steep cliffs, resembling steeples or sails; one mile west of this point we could sound no bottom. As we still saw this high land extend to the north-north-east of us, we from here held our course due north, with good, dry weather and smooth water. From the said low point with the cliffs, the land makes a large curve to the north-east, trending first due east, and afterwards due north again. The point aforesaid is in latitude 41° 50' south. The wind was blowing from the west. It was easy to see here that in these parts the land must be very desolate; we saw no human beings nor any smoke rising; nor can the people here have any boats, since we did not see any signs of them; in the evenings we found 8° N.E. variation of the compass.

Item the 16th do. At six glasses before the day we took soundings in 60 fathoms, good anchoring-ground. The northernmost point we had in sight then bore from us north-east by east, at 3 miles distance, and the nearest land lay south-east of us at 1 1/2 miles distance. We drifted in a calm, with good Weather. and smooth water; at noon, latitude observed, 40° 58'; average longitude, 189° 54"; course kept north-north-east; sailed 11 miles. We drifted in a calm the whole afternoon;

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1642 Dec. 16.

Anchors off Cape Farewell sandspit.

in the evening at sunset we had 9° 23' increasing N.E. variation; the wind then went round to south-west with a freshening breeze; we found the farthest point of the land that we could see to bear from us east by north, the land falling off so abruptly there that we did not doubt that this was the farthest extremity. We now convened our council with the second mates, with whom we resolved to run north-east and east-north-east till the end of the first watch, and then to sail near the wind, wind and weather not changing, as may in extenso be seen from this day's resolution. During the night, in the sixth glass, it fell calm again, so that we stuck to the east-north-east course. Although in the fifth glass of the dog-watch we had the point we had seen in the evening south-east of us we could not sail higher than east-north-east slightly easterly, owing to the sharpness of the wind. In the first watch we took soundings once, and a second time in the dog-watch, in 60 fathoms, clean grey sand. In the second glass of the day-watch we got a breeze from the south-east, upon which we tacked for the shore again.

Item the 17th do. In the morning at sunrise we were about one mile from the shore; in various places we saw smoke ascending from fires made by the Natives; the wind then being south, and blowing from the land, we again tacked to eastward. At noon, latitude estimated 40° 32'; longitude, 190° 47'; course kept north-east by east; sailed 12 miles. In the afternoon, the wind being west, we held our course east by south, along a low-lying shore with dunes, in good dry weather; we sounded in 30 fathoms, black sand, so that by night one had better approach this land aforesaid sounding; we then made for this sandy point until we got in 17 fathoms, where we cast anchor at sunset owing to a calm, when we had the northern extremity of this dry sandspit west by north of us; also high land extending to the east by south; the point of the reef south-east of us; here, inside this point or narrow sandspit, we saw a large open bay upwards of 3 or 4 miles wide; to eastward of this narrow sandspit there is a sandbank upwards of a mile in length, with 6, 7, 8, and 9 feet of water above it, and projecting east-south-east from the said point. In the evening we had 9° N.E. variation.

Item the 18th do. In the morning we weighed anchor in calm weather; at noon latitude estimated 40° 49'; longitude, 191° 41'; course kept east-south-east; sailed 11 miles. In the morning before weighing anchor, we had resolved, with the officers of the "Zeehaen," that we should try to get ashore here, and find a good harbour; and that, as we neared it, we should send out the pinnace to reconnoitre; all which may in extenso

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TASMAN'S JOURNAL.

1642 Dec. 18.

Sails into Golden Bay.

Visited by Maoris.

Description of Maoris.

be seen from this day's resolution. In the afternoon our Skipper Ide Tiercxz and our Pilot-major Francoys Jacobsz, in the pinnace, and Supercargo Gilsemans, with one of the second mates of the "Zeehaen," in the latter's cock-boat, went on before to seek a fitting anchorage and a good watering-place. At sunset, when it fell a calm, we dropped anchor in 15 fathoms, good anchoring-ground; in the evening, about an hour after sunset, we saw a number of lights on shore, and four boats close inshore, two of which came towards us, upon which our own two boats returned on board; they reported that they found no less than 13 fathoms water, and that when the sun sank behind the high land they were still about half a mile from shore. When our men had been on board for the space of about one glass the men in the two prows began to call out to us in a rough, hollow voice, but we could not understand a word of what they said. We, however, called out to them in answer, upon which they repeated their cries several times, but came no nearer than a stone-shot; they also blew several times on an instrument of which the sound was like that of a Moorish trumpet; we then ordered one of our sailors (who had some knowledge of trumpet-blowing) to play them some tunes in answer. Those on board the "Zeehaen" ordered their second mate (who had come out to India as a trumpeter, and had in the Mauritius been appointed second mate by the council of that fortress and the ships) to do the same; after this had been repeated several times on both sides, and, as it was getting more and more dark, those in the Native prows at last ceased, and paddled off. For more security, and to be on our guard against all accidents, we ordered our men to keep double watches, as we are wont to do when out at sea, and to keep in readiness all necessaries of war, such as muskets, pikes, and cutlasses. We cleaned the guns on the upper-orlop, and placed them again, in order to prevent surprises, and be able to defend ourselves, if these people should happen to attempt anything against us. Variation, 9° N.E.

Item the 19th do. Early in the morning a boat manned with thirteen Natives approached to about a stone's cast from our ships; they called out several times, but we did not understand them, their speech not bearing any resemblance to the vocabulary given us by the Hon. Governor-General and Councillors of India, which is hardly to be wondered at, seeing that it contains the language of the Salomonis Islands, &c. As far as we could observe, these people were of ordinary height; they had rough voices and strong bones, the colour of their skin being between brown and yellow; they wore tufts of black hair right upon the top of their heads, tied fast in the manner of the Japanese at the back of the heads, but somewhat longer

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1642 Dec. 19.

Council convened.

Encounter with Maoris.

and thicker, and surmounted by a large, thick white feather. Their boats consisted of two long narrow prows side by side, over which a number of planks or other seats were placed in such a way that those above can look through the water underneath the vessel; their paddles are upward of a fathom in length, narrow and pointed at the end; with these vessels they could make considerable speed. For clothing, as it seemed to us, some of them wore mats, others cotton stuffs; almost all of them were naked from the shoulders to the waist. We repeatedly made signs for them to come on board of us, showing them white linen and some knives that formed part of our cargo. They did not come nearer, however, but at last paddled back to shore. In the meanwhile, at our summons sent the previous evening, the officers of the "Zeehaen" came on board of us, upon which we convened a council, and resolved to go as near the shore as we could, since there was good anchoring-ground here, and these people apparently sought our friendship. Shortly after we had drawn up this resolution we saw seven more boats put off from the shore, one of which (high and pointed in front, manned with seventeen Natives) paddled round behind the "Zeehaen"; while another, with thirteen able-bodied men in her, approached to within half a stone's throw of our ship. The men in these two boats now and then called out to each other. We held up and showed to them, as before, white linens, &c, but they remained where they were. The skipper of the "Zeehaen" now sent out to them his quartermaster with her cockboat with six paddlers in it, with orders for the second mates that if these people should offer to come alongside the "Zeehaen" they should not allow too many of them on board of her, but use great caution, and be well on their guard. While the cockboat of the "Zeehaen" was paddling on its way to her those in the prow nearest to us called out to those who were lying behind the "Zeehaen," and waved their paddles to them, but we could not make out what they meant. Just as the cockboat of the "Zeehaen" had put off from board again, those in the prow before us. between the two ships, began to paddle so furiously towards it, that, when they were about half-way, slightly nearer to our ship, they struck the "Zeehaen's" cockboat so violently alongside with the stem of their prow that it got a violent lurch, upon which the foremost man in this prow of villains, with a long blunt pike, thrust the quartermaster, Cornelis Joppen, in the neck several times with so much force that the poor man fell overboard. Upon this the other Natives, with short thick clubs, which we at first mistook for heavy blunt parangs, and with their paddles, fell upon the men in the cock-boat, and overcame them by main force, in which fray

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TASMAN'S JOURNAL

1642 Dec. 19.

Casualties: Three killed, one wounded.

Set sail.

Second encounter.

Council meeting.

three of our men were killed and a fourth got mortally wounded through the heavy blows. The quartermaster and two sailors swam to our ship, whence we sent our pinnace to pick them up, which they got into alive. After this outrageous and detestable crime the murderers sent the cock-boat adrift, having taken one of the dead bodies into their prow and thrown another into the sea. Ourselves and those on board the "Zeehaen", seeing this, diligently fired our muskets and guns, and though we did not hit any of them, the two prows made haste to the shore, where they were out of the reach of shot. With our fore upper-deck and bow guns we now fired several shots in the direction of their prows, but none of them took effect. Thereupon our Skipper Ide Tercxsen Holman, in command of our pinnace, well manned and armed, rowed towards the cock-boat of the "Zeehaen" (which, fortunately for us, these accursed villains had let drift), and forthwith returned with it to our ships, having found in it one of the men killed and one mortally wounded. We now weighed anchor and set sail, since we could not hope to enter into any friendly relations with these people, or to be able to get water or refreshments here. Having weighed anchor and being under sail, we saw twenty-two prows near the shore, of which eleven, swarming with people, were making for our ships. We kept quiet until some of the foremost were within reach of our guns, and then fired one or two shots from the gun-room with our pieces, without, however, doing them any harm; those on board the "Zeehaen" also fired, and in the largest prow hit a man who held a small white flag in his hand, and who fell down. We also heard the canister-shot strike the prows inside and outside, but could not make out what other damage it had done. As soon as they had got this volley they paddled back to shore with great speed, two of them hoisting a sort of tingang 1 sails. They remained lying near the shore without visiting us any further. About noon Skipper Gerrit Jansz. and Mr. Gilsemans again came on board of us; we also sent for their first mate, and convened the council, with whom we drew up the resolution following, to wit: "Seeing that the detestable deed of these Natives against four men of the 'Zeehaen's' crew, perpetrated this morning, must teach us to consider the inhabitants of this country as enemies, that therefore it will be best to sail eastward along the coast, following the trend of the land, in order to ascertain whether there are any fitting places where refreshments and water would be obtainable"; all of which will be found set forth in extenso in this day's resolution. In this

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1642 Dec. 19.

Sailed past Stephen Island towards the North Island.

Tacked back towards the South Island.

murderous spot (to which we have accordingly given the name of "Moordenaers Bay") 2 we lay at anchor in 40° 50' S. latitude, 191° 30' longitude. From here we shaped our course east-north-east. At noon, latitude estimated 40° 57'; longitude, 191° 41'; course kept south; sailed 2 miles. In the afternoon we got the wind from the west-north-west, when, by the advice of our steersmen, and with our own approval, we turned our course north-east by north. During the night we kept sailing, as the weather was favourable, but about an hour after midnight we sounded in 25 or 26 fathoms, a hard sandy bottom. Soon after the wind went round to north-west, and we sounded in 15 fathoms; we forthwith tacked to await the day, turning our course to westward, exactly contrary to the direction by which we had entered. Variation, 9° 30' N.E This is the second land which we have sailed along and discovered. In honour of Their High Mightinesses the States-General we gave to this land the name of Staten Landt, 3 since we deemed it quite possible that this land is part of the great Staten Landt, though this is not certain. This land seems to be a very fine country, and we trust that this is the mainland coast of the unknown south land. To this course we have given the name of Abel Tasman passagie, because he has been the first to navigate it.

[The five pages following are taken up by coast surveyings and drawings with inscriptions]:

Item the 20th do. In the morning we saw land lying here on all sides of us, so that we must have sailed at least 30 miles into a bay. We had at first thought that the land off which we had anchored was an island, nothing doubting that we should here find a passage to the open South Sea; but to our grievous disappointment it proved quite otherwise. The wind now being westerly, we henceforth did our best by tacking to get out at the same passage through which we had come in. At noon, latitude observed 40° 51' south; longitude, 192° 55'; course kept east half a point northerly; sailed 14 miles. In the afternoon it fell calm. The sea ran very strong into this bay, so that we could make no headway, but drifted back into it with the tide. At noon we tacked to northward, when we saw a round high islet west by south of us, at about 8 miles distance, which we had passed the day before; the said island lying about 6 miles east of the place where we had been at anchor, and in the same latitude. This bay, 4 into which we had sailed so far by mistake, showed us everywhere a fine good land: near

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TASMAN'S JOURNAL.

1642 Dec. 20.

Ran in under Stephen and D'Urville Islands.

At anchor near Pelorus Sound.

The same.

Cook Strait suspected.

the shore the land was mainly low and barren, the inland being moderately high. As you are approaching the land you have everywhere an anchoring-ground, gradually rising from 50 or 60 fathoms to 15 fathoms, when you are still fully 1 1/2 or 2 miles from shore. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon we got a light breeze from the south-east, but as the sea was very rough, we made little or no progress. During the night we drifted in a calm; in the second watch, the wind being westerly, we tacked to northward.

Item the 21st do. During the night, in the dog-watch, we had a westerly wind with a strong breeze; we steered to the north, hoping that the land which we had had north-west of us the day before might there fall away to northward, but after the cook had dished we again ran against it, and found that it still extended to the north-west. We now tacked, turning from the land again, and as it began to blow fresh, we ran south-west over towards the south shore. At noon, latitude observed 40° 31'; longitude, 192° 55'; course kept north; sailed 5 miles. The weather was hazy, so that we could not see land. Halfway the afternoon we again saw the south coast; the island which the day before we had west of us at about 6 miles distance now lay south-west by south of us at about 4 miles distance. We made for it, running on until the said island was north-north-west of us, then dropped our anchor behind a number of cliffs in 33 fathoms, sandy ground mixed with shells. There are many islands and cliffs all round here. We struck our sail-yards, for it was blowing a storm from the north-west and west-north-west.

Item the 22nd do. The wind north-west by north, and blowing so hard that there was no question of going under sail in order to make any progress; we found it difficult enough for the anchor to hold. We therefore set to refitting our ship. We are lying here in 40° 50' S. latitude, and longitude 192° 37'; course held south-west by south; sailed 6 miles. During the night we got the wind so hard from the north-west, that we had to strike our tops and drop another anchor. The "Zeehaen" was almost forced from her anchor, and therefore hove out another anchor likewise.

Item the 23rd do. The weather still dark, hazy, and drizzling; the wind north-west and west-north-west, with a storm, so that to our great regret we could not make any headway.

Item the 24th do. Still rough, unsteady weather, the wind still north-west and stormy; in the morning when there was a short calm, we hoisted the white flag, and got the officers of the "Zeehaen" on board of us. We then represented to them that since the tide was running from the south-east there was

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1642 Dec. 24.

At anchor. Set sail.

Passed Cape Egmont.

Sights Mount Karioi.

Bad weather.

likely to be a passage through, so that perhaps it would be best as soon as wind and weather would permit, to investigate this point, and see whether we could get fresh water there; all of which may in extenso be seen from the resolution drawn up concerning this matter.

Item the 25th do. In the morning we reset our tops and sailyards, but out at sea things looked still so gloomy that we did not venture to weigh our anchors. Towards evening it fell a calm, so that we took in a part of our cable.

Item the 26th do. In the morning, two hours before day, we got the wind east-north-east, with a light breeze. We weighed anchor and set sail, steered our course to northward, intending to sail northward round this land; at daybreak it began to drizzle, the wind went round to the south-east, and afterwards to the south as far as the south-west, with a stiff breeze. We had soundings in 60 fathoms, and set our course by the wind to westward. At noon, latitude estimated 40° 13'; longitude, 192° 7'; course kept north-north-west; sailed 10 miles. Variation, 8° 40'. During the night we lay-to with small sail.

Item the 27th do. In the morning at daybreak we made sail again, set our course to northward, the wind being southwest with a steady breeze; at noon, latitude observed 38° 38'; longitude, 190° 15'; course kept north-west; sailed 26 miles. At noon we shaped our course north-east. During the night we lay-to under small sail. Variation, 8° 20'.

Item the 28th do. In the morning, at daybreak, we made sail again, set our course to eastward, in order to ascertain whether the land we had previously seen in 40° extends still further northward, or whether it falls away to eastward. At noon we saw east by north of us a high mountain, which we at first took to be an island; but afterwards we observed that it forms part of the main land. We were then about 5 miles from shore, and took soundings in 50 fathoms, fine sand mixed with clay. This high mountain is in 38° S. latitude. So far as I could observe this coast extends south and north. It fell a calm, but when there came a light breeze from the north-north-east we tacked to the north-west. At noon, latitude estimated 38° 2'; longitude, 192° 23'; course held north-east by east; sailed 16 miles. Towards the evening the wind went round to north-east and north-east by east, stiffening more and more, so that at the end of the first watch we had to take in our topsails. Variation, 8° 30'.

Item the 29th do. In the morning, at daybreak, we took in our bonnets, and had to lower our foresail down to the stem. At noon, latitude estimated 37° 17'; longitude. 191° 26'.

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TASMAN'S JOURNAL.

1642 Dec. 29.

Sailing north along coast.

The same.

The same.

The same.

The same.

Towards noon we again set our foresail, and then tacked to westward; course kept north-west; sailed 16 miles.

Item the 30th do. In the morning, the weather having somewhat improved, we set our topsails and slid out our bonnets. We had the "Zeehaen" to lee of us, tacked and made towards her. We then had the wind, west-north-west, with a top-gallant gale. At noon, latitude observed 37°; longitude, 191° 55'; course held north-east; sailed 7 miles. Towards evening we again saw the land, bearing from us north-east and north-northeast, on which account we steered north and north-east. Variation. 8° 40' N.E.

[The next page has two coast-surveyings, with inscriptions: " A view of the Staete Landt in 38° 30' S. latitude." "A view of the Staete Landt in 36° S. latitude."]

Item the last do. At noon we tacked about to northward, the wind being west-north-west, with a light breeze. At noon, latitude observed 36° 45'; longitude, 191° 46'; course kept north-west; sailed 7 miles. In the evening we were about 3 miles from shore. At the expiration of 4 glasses in the first watch we again tacked to the north. During the night we threw the lead in 80 fathoms. This coast here extends south-east and north-west; the land is high in some places, and covered with dunes in others. Variation, 8°.

Item the 1st of January. In the morning we drifted in a calm along the coast--which here still stretches north-west and south-east. The coast here is level and even, without reefs or shoals. At noon we were in latitude 36° 12'; longitude, 191° 7'; course kept north-west; sailed 10 miles. About noon the wind came from the south-south-east and south-east. We now shaped our course west-north-west, in order to keep off shore, since there was a heavy surf running. Variation 8° 30' N.E.

Item the 2nd do. Calm weather. Half-way the afternoon we got a breeze from the east; we directed our course to the north-north-west; at the end of the first watch, however, we turned our course to the north-west, so as not to come too near the shore, and prevent accidents, seeing that in the evening we had the land north-north-west of us. At noon we were in latitude 35° 55'; longitude, 190° 47'; course kept north-west by west; sailed 7 miles. Variation, 9 degrees.

Item the 3rd do. In the morning we saw the land east by north of us at about 6 miles distance, and were surprised to find ourselves so far from shore. At noon, latitude observed 35° 20'; longitude, 190° 17'; course held north-west by north; sailed 11 miles. At noon the wind went round to the south-south-east, upon which we steered our course east-north-east,

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1642 Jan. 3.

Sights Three Kings Inlands.

Cape Maria van Diemen.

Look for water.

to get near the shore again. In the evening we saw land north and east-south-east of us.

Item the 4th do. In the morning we found ourselves near a cape, and had an island north-west by north of us; upon which we hoisted the white flag for the officers of the "Zeehaen" to come on board of us, with whom we resolved to touch at the island aforesaid, to see if we could there get fresh water, vegetables, &c. At noon, latitude observed, 34° 35'; longitude, 191° 9'; course kept north-east; sailed 15 miles, with the wind south-east. Towards noon we drifted in a calm, and found ourselves in the midst of a very heavy current, which drove us to the westward. There was besides a heavy sea running from the north-east here, which gave us great hopes of finding a passage here. This cape, which we had east-north-east of us, is in 34° 30' S. latitude. The land here falls away to eastward. In the evening we sent to the "Zeehaen" the pilot-major with the secretary, as we were close to this island, and, so far as we could see, were afraid there would be nothing there of what we were in want of; we therefore asked the opinion of the officers of the "Zeehaen" whether it would not be best to run on, if we should get a favourable wind during the night, which the officers of the "Zeehaen" fully agreed with. Variation, 8° 40' N.E. •

[The two pages following contain a double-page chart of New Zealand from Cape Maria Van Diemen as far as the 43rd degree S. latitude, with inscription: "Staete Landt: This land was made and discovered by the ships 'Heemskerck' and 'Zeehaen,' the Hon. Abel Tasman, commander, A.D. 1642, the 13th of December."]

[The next two pages contain two double-page coast-surveyings, with inscriptions: "A view of Drie Coningen Island, when it is north-west of you at 4 miles distance." "A view of Drie Coningen Island, when you are at anchor on the north-west side of it in 40 fathoms; to this island we gave the name of Drie Coningen Island, because we came to anchor there on Twelfth-night-eve, and sailed thence again of Twelfth-day."]

Item the 5th do. In the morning we still drifted in a calm, but about 9 o'clock we got a slight breeze from the south-east, whereupon with our friends of the "Zeehaen" we deemed it expedient to steer our course for the island before mentioned. About noon we sent to the said island our pinnace with the pilot-major, together with the cock-boat of the "Zeehaen," with Supercargo Gilsemans in it, in order to find out whether there was any fresh water to be obtained there. 5 Towards the

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TASMAN'S JOURNAL.

1642 Jan. 5.

Fresh water found.

Description of inhabitants.

Boats sent for water.

evening they returned on board, and reported that, having come near the land, they had paid close attention to everything, and had taken due precautions against sudden surprises or assaults on the part of the natives; that they had entered a safe but small bay, where they had found good fresh water, coming down in great plenty from a steep mountain; but that, owing to the heavy surf on the shore, it was highly dangerous, nay, well-nigh impossible, for us to get water there; that therefore they pulled farther round the said island, trying to find some other more convenient watering-place elsewhere; that on the said land they saw in several places on the highest hills from thirty to thirty-five persons--men of tall stature, so far as they could see from a distance--armed with sticks or clubs, who called out to them in a very loud rough voice certain words which our men could not understand; that these persons, in walking on, took enormous steps or strides. As our men were rowing about some few in number now and then showed themselves on the hill-tops, from which our men very credibly concluded that these natives in this way generally keep in readiness their assagays, boats, and small arms, after their wonted fashion; so that it may fairly be inferred that few, if any, more persons inhabit the said island than those who showed themselves; for in rowing round the island our men nowhere saw any dwellings or cultivated land, except just by the fresh water above referred to, where higher up, on both sides the running water, they saw everywhere square beds looking green and pleasant, but owing to the great distance they could not discern what kind of vegetables they were. It is quite possible that all these persons had their dwellings near the said fresh water. In the bay aforesaid they also saw two prows hauled on shore, one of them seaworthy, the other broken; but they nowhere saw any other craft. Our men having returned on board with the pinnace, we forthwith did our best to get near the shore, and in the evening we anchored in 40 fathoms, good bottom, at a small swivel-gun-shot's distance from the coast. We forthwith made preparations for taking in water the next day. The said island is in 34° 25' S. latitude, and 190° 40' average longitude.

Item the 6th do. Early in the morning we sent to the watering-place the two boats--to wit, ours and the cock-boat of the "Zeehaen"--each furnished with two pederaroes, six musketeers, and the rowers with pikes and side-arms, together with our pinnace with the Pilot-major Francoys Jacobsz and Skipper Gerrit Jansz, with casks for getting fresh water. While rowing towards the shore, they saw, in various places on the heights, a tall man standing with a long stick like a pike, apparently watching our men. As they were rowing past, he had

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1642 Jan. 6.

Boats return unsuccessful.

Tasman sails away.

called out to them in a very loud voice. When they had got about half-way to the watering-place, between a certain point and another large high rock or small island, they found the the current to run so strongly against the wind, that with the empty boats they had to do their utmost to hold their own; for which reason the pilot-major and Gerrit Jansz, Skipper of the "Zeehaen," agreed together to abstain from exposing the small craft and the men to such great peril, seeing that there was still a long voyage before them, and the men and the small craft were greatly wanted by the ships. They therefore pulled back to the ships, the rather as a heavy surf was rolling on the shore near the watering-place. The breeze freshening, we could easily surmise that they had not been able to land, and now made a sign to them from our ship with the furled flag, and fired a gun, to let them know that they were at liberty to return, but they were already on their way back before we signalled to them. The pilot-major, having come alongside our ship again with the boats, reported that owing to the wind the attempt to land there was too dangerous, seeing that the sea was everywhere near the shore full of hard rocks, without any sandy ground, so that they would have greatly imperilled the men, and run the risk of having the water-casks injured or stove in. We forthwith summoned the officers of the "Zeehaen" and the second mates on board of us, and convened a council, in which it was resolved to weigh anchor directly, and to run on an easterly course as far as 220 degrees longitude, in accordance with the preceding resolution; then to shape our course to northward, or eventually due north, as far as latitude 17° south, after which we shall hold our course due west in order to run straight in sight of the Coques and Hoorense Islands, where we shall take in fresh water and refreshments; or, if we should meet with any other islands before these, we shall endeavour to touch at them, in order to ascertain what can be obtained there; all this being duly specified and set forth at length in this day's resolution, to which for briefness sake we beg leave to refer. About noon we set sail; at noon we had the island due south of us at about 3 miles' distance; in the evening at sunset it was south-south-west of us at 6 or 7 miles distance, the island and the rocks lying southwest and north-west of each other. During the night it was pretty calm, with an east-south-east wind, our course being north-north-east, very close to the wind, while the tide was running in from the north-east.

* * * * *

Done on the ship "Heemskercq "; date as above.
Your Worships' obedient and ever obliged servant,
ABEL JANSZ TASMAN.


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THE SAILOR'S JOURNAL.

1642 August.

1642: November 13th do.

The 14th do.

The 16th do.

The 16th do.

The 17th do.

The 18th do. (In another handwriting: Cast anchor in a beautiful and safe bay).

The 19th do. (In another handwriting: Attack of 9 Southland ships in which 3 Dutchmen were killed.)

JOURNAL KEPT ON THE NEW VOYAGE ROUND THE SOUTH IN EAST INDIA MADE BY THE COMMANDER ABEL (in another handwriting: JANSZ. TASMAN) IN THE YEAR 1642 IN AUGUST.

Fol. 7 verso.

Southern latitude observed, 42° 5'; longitude, 194° 53'; course, E. by N.; wind variable, but fresh breeze generally from S.S.W., with a stiff loomgale till morning against breakfast, then the weather became calmer, clear bright sunshine, tempered sky; sailed 33 miles; had seen land about 12 to 13 miles.

Southern latitude observed, 42° 19'; longitude, 195° 39'; course, E.S.E.; wind W., generally with calm, clear, bright weather with sunshine, tempered sky; sailed 9 miles. Item do.: In the afternoon we took soundings in 60 fathoms, rocky bottom, about one mile from the (6); had variation of 8° 0' N.E.

Southern latitude observed, 41° 49'; longitude, 195° 56'; the (7) N.N.E.; the wind variable, with stiff, clear, and bright weather, with sunshine; sailed 8 miles.

Southern latitude observed, 40° 50'; longitude, 196° 28'; the course N.N.E., the wind variable, with a stiff breeze, say light breeze, clear bright weather with sunshine; sailed 16 miles; had the variation of 8° 19' N.E.

Got no altitude, but guessed to be on the latitude of 40° 6', and on the longitude of 197° 55'; the course N.E. by N.; the wind variable, but fresh breeze mostly from the western side, with fair bright weather; guessed to have sailed 20 miles.

Got no altitude, but guessed to be on the latitude of 40° 11', and on the longitude of 198° 3'; the course E. by S.; the wind variable, with clear bright weather and a light breeze; guessed to have sailed 6 miles. Item do.: By the help of God we came to anchor in a beautiful and safe bay, in 15 fathoms of water; the bay widened at the mouth W. by N.

(Written in between in another handwriting and afterwards struck out again: 19th of November and following days to 18th of December inclusive here omitted; see in the more accurate journal drawn up by A. J. Tasman himself, in the book with the heading: "Tasman's Discovery of Hollandia or South Land.")

In the morning, before breakfast, nine ships, full of people, came from the land, which we thought came to us to make peace, and treat us with friendship; but, on the contrary, they have, to our deep regret killed three of our people. May our Lord God preserve us from greater misfortune. The first was called Jan Tyssen, from Oue-ven; the second Tobias Pietersz, from Delft; the third Jan Isbrantsz. Soon afterwards we got under sail, steering our course N.E. by E.

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1642 November.

The 20th do.

The 21st do. The 22nd do.

The 23rd do.

The 24th do. (In another handwriting: Hoist the flag as a signal that the officers of the "Zeehaen" should come on board.)

The 25th do. (In another handwriting: Have the merchant from the "Zeehaen" on board as a guest. Made merry.)

The 26th do.

Got no altitude, but guessed to be on the latitude of 40° 46', the longitude of 199° 45'; the course E.S.E.; the wind variable, with a stiff loomgale, variable weather, now sunshine and then again rain, with a cloudy sky; guessed to have sailed 23 miles; four bells in the second watch being beaten, we veered over larboard, and made soundings in 26 fathoms. Item do.: We put on again the mizentopsail, which was broken.

Southern latitude observed, 40° 31'; the longitude of 198° 57'; the course W.N.W.; the wind variable, but fresh breeze mostly from the west side, with continual breeze, now and then sunshine and now and then clouded sky; sailed 20 miles.

To-day came into a creek, about one mile from the shore, in 25 fathoms, grey sandy bottom, and lowered our yards, because of the high wind from N.W.; the course had been S.S.W.; the longitude of 198° 45', the latitude 40° 53'; guessed to have sailed 16 miles. To-day we fastened our mainstay and the topmast shrouds before and behind; made some repairs; the wind blew from S.W., rough weather, very dark and cloudy sky, now and then pale sunshine.

In the beginning of the day-watch we got so strong a wind that we had to drop our small bower and take our topmasts down; in the morning the weather abated somewhat, but against noon the wind began once more to blow very strongly from the N.W. by N.

In the morning at dawn the wind had somewhat abated; was a variable breeze generally from the N.W., with a strong gale, with clear weather, bright sunshine, tempered sky. Today we heaved our anchor hauled here, to wit our small bower; our commander hoisted the flag that the officers of the "Zeehaen" should come aboard; against noon the wind began to blow very hard again from the N.W., so that we were compelled to lie still.

In the morning at dawn the wind had somewhat abated; was a variable fresh breeze, mostly from the N.W., with fine light breeze, thick cloudy sky, now and then a drizzling rain. We put on our topmasts again. The same ditto against noon the master came with the merchant of the "Zeehaen" on board our ship as guests to the commander. There were also two pigs killed for the crew, and the commander ordered, besides the ration, a tankard of wine to be given to every mess, as it was the time of the fair.

In the morning at dawn we got under sail; in the afternoon we got no altitude, but guessed to be on the latitude of 39° 36', on the longitude of 198° 4'; the course N.N.W.; the wind variable, but fresh breeze, mostly from the south, with a light breeze, drizzly, murky and rainy weather; guessed to have sailed 8 miles; during the night we got one-half of arack less.

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THE SAILOR'S JOURNAL.

1642 November.

The 27th do.

The 28th do.

(In another handwriting: The Commander went to the "Zeehaen.")

The 29th do.

(In another handwriting: Travaden, rough weather.)

The 30th do.

The 31st do

The 1st do. (In another handwriting: December.)

(In another handwriting: Put out the boat in order to tow the ship from the shore.)

The 2d do.

We observed southern latitude of 38° 28'; longitude of 197° 40'; the course N.W. by N.; the wind variable, but fresh breeze mostly from the S.W. with rain; in the morning at dawn the weather became fine again, with sunshine; sailed that round day 20 1/2 miles.

Got no altitude, but guessed to be on the latitude of 37° 59', at the longitude of 198° 34'; the course N.E. by N.; the wind S.W., with light breeze, cloudy sky, fine weather, now and then sunshine; guessed to have sailed 13 miles. That same round day in the evening, in the (first watch, we took the topsails in) 8 and clued the sails up, to wit the foresail; in the middle of the night we again arranged our sails. The same ditto in the forenoon; we saw again land and sounded in 50 fathoms; at noon our commander went to the "Zeehaen."

Got no altitude, but guessed to be on the latitude of 30° 8', on the longitude of 197° 39'; the course W. by S., the wind variable, with variable breeze and tempestuous outbursts, stormy weather, thick cloudy sky, with rain and some sunshine. That same round day, in the night, the first watch, we took our topsails in, and in the beginning of the day-watch we put them on again; guessed we had sailed 12 miles.

Southern latitude observed being 37° 3', longitude 198° 35'; the course N.E. by N., with unsteady (9) and fresh breeze; variable weather, cloudy sky with rain and some sunshine; sailed 19 1/2 miles.

We observe the southern latitude of 36° 37', the longitude 197° 15'; kept the course W.N.W.; the wind variable with slight breeze; clear bright weather with sunshine, tempered sky; sailed 17 miles. In the night, in the beginning of the second watch, we veered over larboard, away from the shore, and in the afternoon once more over starboard, towards the shore.

First of December (the word "December" struck out, and afterwards written in again, in another handwriting--December).

We have (our anchor) got the southern latitude of 36° 18', the longitude of 196 10 minutes; the course N.W.; the wind variable but fresh breeze, mostly from the western side, with calm and clear bright weather with sunshine, tempered sky; sailed 17 miles. We put out our boat in order to tow the ship from the shore; sounded in 43 fathoms, near the shore. Sounded once more in 40 fathoms, had a variation of 9° N.E.

Got no altitude, but guessed to be on the latitude of 36° 9', the longitude of 196° 26'; the course W.N.W.; the wind variable;

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1642 December.

The 3d do.

The 4th do.

The 5th do.

(In another handwriting: Came near an island.)

(In another handwriting: The islanders armed with wooden sticks as clubs come near to our people and throw stones down from the heights. It was a people like the mankillers or murderers mentioned before. Our people cast anchor about a shot from the island.)

The 6th do. (In another handwriting: The boat and launch of the "Zeehaen" with casks to the land for fresh water, but must return because of the strong wind.)

The 7th do.

inconstant weather, clouded sky, and some sunshine with drizzling rain; guessed to have sailed 6 miles.

Southern latitude observed, 35° 25'; longitude, 196° 3'; the course N.N.W.; slight breeze, variable wind, mostly calm; clear bright weather with sunshine, clear sky. That round day we sailed 12 miles; the variation was 9° N.E.

Southern latitude observed, 34° 34'; the course N. by E.; the wind S.E., with slight breeze; with clear bright weather. The commander had the great white flag blowing, and we bent another great topsail; sailed 13 miles.

Got no altitude, but guessed to be on the latitude of 34° 23', the longitude of 196° 10'; the course N.N.W.; the wind variable, but fresh breeze, mostly from the western side; guessed we had sailed 3 miles. To-day we went with our boat and the boat of the "Zeehaen" well equipped to the island; about a cannon-shot from the island sounded in 36 fathoms, and coming nearer in 28-25, close to the island 10 and 5 fathoms. The said island is all over very quiet and stony; in the higher places verdure is very scarce; few trees; the island is about 2 miles in circumference; on the west there are three more small islands and some rocks; on the east lay also some rocks; and coming near the land we saw in one place the water running down from above; we also saw some plantation and also people who cried to us; it was a kind of people almost like the people who killed our three comrades on the mainland; they came up to us; had wooden sticks about 2 fathoms or one fathom and a half long and about 2 ft. at the end; were very thick, as if the end were very thick, as if they were clubs; they threw stones down upon us from above; the island is about 10 or 11 miles off the mainland; so then the same ditto we anchored with the help of God about a shot from the island in 40 fathoms, grey sandy bottom. May the Lord God preserve us from damage and misfortune.

In the morning we went with our boat, the launch, and the boat of the "Zeehaen" with casks to the land in order to fetch water, but the wind began to freshen up, and there was also a lee shore, so that we had to return on board; coming aboard we put our boats in and went again under sail with a S.E. wind; fine weather. May the Lord God grant us good fortune and a safe voyage.

Southern latitude observed, 33° 7', and longitude 196° 28'; the course N. by E.; the wind variable and fresh breeze mostly from the eastern side, with a fine constant breeze; variable weather, cloudy sky, little rain; sailed 19 miles, &c.


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TASMANIA AND NEW ZEALAND DISCOVERED.

1643 June 19.

Discovered Tasmania

and

New Zealand.

Reached New Guinea.

RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL AND COUNCILLORS ON TASMAN'S RETURN TO BATAVIA.

Friday, June 19, A.D. 1643.

Inasmuch as on the 15th instant Commander Abel Janszoon Tasman has again come to anchor on this roadstead (for which God be praised) with the yacht "Heemskerck" and the flute "Zeehaen," who on the 14th of August of last year had been dispatched from here by way of the Island of Mauritius with orders to navigate to and discover the unknown southern and eastern lands; as shown by the journals kept on board the said vessels and the reckonings recorded by them, in sailing on an eastern course they found the wind very strong and the seas so high that they did not think it advisable to run farther southward, but thought it better gradually to deviate more to northward of the said course, until they came to 44° lat. and 167° long., where on the 24th November last they sighted and discovered a certain great land surrounded by islands, which land they have christened Antonij van Diemen's land, without, however, being aware how far it extends to north-west or north-east, and without communicating with any of the inhabitants, the ships having only sailed along the south coast of it and onward as far as 189° long., where in the latitude of from 43 to 35 degrees, on December 13, they sighted and came upon another large land, to which they have given the name of Staten Landt), of which latter land they found the natives to be of a malignant and murderous nature, seeing that in a certain large bay these natives came upon them with a number of strongly manned prows, cut off one of our boats from the ships, and killed four of our men in her with wooden clubs, and wounded another who returned on board swimming; the said land was found to trend to southward in lat. 35° and long. 192°, and consequently a passage from the Indian Ocean into the South Sea had been found, it having been ascertained that in this parallel, where the westerly trade-wind is blowing, there is a convenient passage to the gold-bearing coast of Chili; from there running on a north-east course they next, in lat. 21° and long. 205°, came upon certain islands apparently well peopled by civilized and kindly disposed natives, who allowed them to land and take in fresh water, at the same time providing them with such refreshments as they stood in need of; thence they next turned their course to westward, passed a few more islands and shoals, which they strongly surmise to form part of the Insulis Salomonis, and then went on tacking about as far as between the 5th and 4th degree, where they got the coast of New Guinea alongside; they sailed on north of this coast, until they got

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1643 June 19.

Rewards.

between the western extremity of it and the Island of Gilolo, then ran south towards the north coast of Ceram, and farther on through Buton Strait, whence they arrived here as above stated:

And inasmuch as by the instructions handed to Commander Tasman aforesaid and his council we had assured and promised them that, in case in the course of this voyage any rich lands or islands profitable to the company's commerce should be discovered, or serviceable passages for navigation be found, we should on their return award a handsome recompense to the leaders of the undertaking and the common sailors for extraordinary pains taken and diligence shown by them:

Therefore, although in point of fact no treasures or matters of great profit have as yet been found, but only the lands aforesaid and the promising passage referred to been discovered, whose real situation and nature will have to be further ascertained by a subsequent investigation set on foot for the express purpose:

Yet we have unanimously resolved, for the reasons above cited, to award a recompense to the said discoverers on behalf of the honourable company, and in fulfilment of our promise aforesaid--to wit, to the commander, skippers, super and sub cargoes, steersmen, and inclusive of the book-keeper, two months' pay each; and to the common sailors and soldiers one month's pay each; for which they shall each of them be credited in running account to the debit of the company, and subsequently be debited again for the amount of the said recompenses, which shall be paid to them in cash.

* * * *

Done and resolved in the Castle of Batavia, date as above.
(Signed)--
ANTONIO VAN DIEMEN, JUSTUS SCHOUTEN, CORNELIS VAN DER LIJN, SALOMON SWEERS, AND JOAN MAETSUIJCKER, PIETER MESTDAGH, SECRETARY.


Dec. 22.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FURTHER VOYAGE.

Noble, worshipful, wise, provident, and very discreet gentlemen.

From our latest advices you will have seen that we have fitted out certain ships for the further discovery of the south land, both known and unknown, and what instructions we had

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FURTHER VOYAGE.

1643 Dec. 22.

Failure of Tasman.

New proposal.

given to the leaders for their guidance in the said expedition. The yacht "Heemskerck" and the flute-ship "Zeehaen," sent out for the purpose under the command of Skipper-commander Abel Tasman, returned safe to this roadstead on the 15th of June last, having made the home voyage between Halemachera and Nova Guinea through the narrows or passage of Maba along Ceram and through Bouton Strait; in the course of their voyage they lost ten men through illness, and four others besides that were slain by the savages on the coast of Staten Land. Several new lands and islands have by them been discovered in the south, besides which they affirm that they have found an open passage into the South Sea to get to Chili. It would carry us too far to detail in this place the particulars of this voyage, nor would it be necessary, since everything is most fully and amply set forth in the Batavia minutes, under the date of June 15, while for your Worships' further information we also send along with the present the daily registers kept by the aforesaid Tasman and the Pilot-major Francois Jacobsen Visscher, the said registers pertinently showing the. winds and the courses held, and faithfully delineating the aspect and trend of the coasts, and the outward figure of the natives, &c. We have, however, observed that the said commander has been somewhat remiss in investigating the situation, conformation, and nature of the lands discovered, and of the natives inhabiting the same, and, as regards the main point, has left everything to be more closely inquired into by more industrious successors. It also appears that in running to southward from the Island of Mauritius they did not sight any land until they had come to the 49th degree; but thence going eastward they finally got into the South Sea to the south of the south land. Now, that in this latitude there really is a passage to Chili and Peru, as the discoverers stoutly affirm, we are not prepared to take for granted, since, if they had run a few more degrees to the south they might not unlikely have come upon land again, perhaps even upon the Staten Land (thus named by them) which they had left south of them, and which may possibly extend as far as Le Maire Strait, or may be even many more miles to eastward. All this is mere guesswork, and nothing positive can be laid down respecting unknown matters.

In spite of all this, after the return of the discoverers aforesaid we did not give up our plan of having the same voyage undertaken a second time in October last with a fitting number of ships, yachts, and men, with orders to further explore the passage to Chili, to form alliances and trade-connections with the Chilese, with God's aid to wrest from the Spaniards the island of Chily-Way, and to establish a permanent settlement there, and by the

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1643 Dec. 22.

Tasman visits New Guinea.

way endeavour to obtain some good booty in the South Sea; all which bade fair to be crowned with success and to result in considerable profit to the company. But these plans of ours were frustrated by the machinations of the Portugese over here (with whom we were compelled to renew hostilities, and, to vindicate the company's right, to employ our forces against them, as we shall further show in the fitting place). Meanwhile the overbold Portugese in these parts are bringing about their own destruction, but at the same time are doing the Spaniards such staunch service that for the moment we are forced to leave the latter unmolested in the South Sea and elsewhere. Besides this, they would probably have met the Lord General Brouwer in the waters of Chili (unless they should have been there before his Worship), which might have given rise to unexpected encounters on both sides. Still, we have resolved to stand by our plan of taking the matter in hand again towards September or October next (provided the company's affairs will allow of it), this time arms in hand, and to have conveyed to Chili such goods as we know to be in request there, unless your Worships should send us counter-orders to the effect that we are forbidden to navigate and trade thither in virtue of the West India Company's charter, decision on which point on your part we look forward to receiving in March or April next.

At all events, about that time the further discovery of the south lands will be vigorously taken in hand again, in the well-founded hope that something profitable will ultimately turn up there. And, in order to prevent their being idle in the interim, we intend to dispatch the said Tasman and Pilot-major Frans Visscher with two yachts to the north coast of Nova Guinea by way of Banda about the month of February next; and to have the said land discovered and surveyed from Cabo Keer-weer in 17 degrees to westward, in order to ascertain whether the known south land is connected with the same or divided from it--which point, if decided, is likely to be of material assistance in the exploration subsequently to be undertaken. The result of which expedition shall in due time be reported to you.

* * * *

Written in your Worships' Castle of Batavia, December 22, 1643. ...

ANTONIO VAN DIEMEN, ANTH. CAEN, CORNELIS VAN DER LIJN, JOAN MAETSUIJCKER, J. SCHOUTEN, AND SALOMON SWEERS.


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THE SAILOR'S JOURNAL.

THE SAILOR'S JOURNAL.

As the Journal is not known to have ever been printed, either in Dutch or in English, the editor has inserted here his own copy of the original Dutch, so that any who may desire to compare the English translation (pp. 31-34) with the original may do so. Owing to the publication, in 1898, of a photo-lithographic fac-simile of Tasman's Own Journal, it has not been deemed necessary to follow the same course with it.

1642 Augusto.

Den 17 dito.

November den 13 dito.

Den 14 dito.

Den 15 dito.

Den 16 dito.

JOURNAEL GEHOUDEN OP DE NIEUWE VOEIJAGIE OM DE ZUIJT IN INDIEN GEDAEN DOOR COMMANDEUR ABEL (met andere hand: JANSZ. TASMAN) IN 'T JAER 1642 IN AUGUSTO. (Met andere hand: MET'T JAGT HEEMSKERK).

Hadden wij de prince Eijlanden op 't zij van ons. Etc.]

Fol. 7 verso.

De geobserveerde Zuijer brede becomen van 42 graden 5 menuten, de langhte van 194 graden 53 menuten, d' coers O. ten N., de wint variabel, doch coelde meest uijt de Z.Z.W. ten met een stijve marzeijls coelt, tot smornigen tegen het cock schaffen, doen is het weer wat gestilt, claer helder sonneschijn, getemperde lucht, geseijlt 33 mijlen, hadden laent gesien ontrent 12 a 13 mijlen.

De geobserveerde Zuijer brede becomen van 42 graden 19 menuten, de langhte van 195 graden 39 menuten, de coers O.Z.O., de wint W. meest met stilte, claer helder weer met sonneschijn, getemperde lucht, geseijlt 9 mijlen, den selven dito gront geworpen den Smiddachs op 60 vaem, clippige gront ontrent een meijl van de 11 hadden de miswijsinge van 8 graden 0 menuten N.O.

De geobserveerde zuijer brede becomen van 41 graden 49 i menuten, de langhte 195 graden 56 menuten de 12 N.N.O., de wint variabel, met stijf claer ende helder weer, met sonneschijn, geseijlt 8 mijlen.

De geobserveerde zuijer brede becomen van 40 graden 50: menuten, de langhte van 196 graden 28 menuten, de coers N.N.O., de wint variabel met stijve coelte, segge slappe coelte, claer

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1642 November.

Den 17 dito.

Den 18 dito. (Met andere hand: ankeren in een schoone en bequame Baij.)

Den 19 dito. (Met andere hand: Overval door 9 Zuidlanders vaertuijgen waar in 3 Nederlanders dood gebleven.)

Den 20 dito.

Den 21 dito.

Den 22 dito.

helder weer met sonneschijn, geseijlt 16 mijlen hadden de mitwijsinge van 8 graden 19 mehuten N.O.

Geen hoochte becomen, maer gisten op de brede te wesen van 40 graden 6 menuten, ende op de langhte 197 graden 55 menuten, de coers N.O. ten 0. de wint variabel, doch coelte meest uijt de westelij cker hant met moeij helder weer, gisten geseijlt te hebben 20 mijlen.

Geen hoochte becomen, maer gisten op de brede te wesen van 40 graden 11 menuten ende op de langhte van 198 graden 30 menuten, de coers O. ten Z., de wint variabel met claer helder weder ende slappe coelte, gisten geseijlt te hebben 6 mijlen. Den selven dito sijn wij door de hulpe van Godt in een schoone ende bequame baeij ten ancker gecomen, op 15 vadem water, de baeij sterckte in 't uijt loopen W. ten N.

(Met andere hand tusschen geschreven, en later weer doorgehaald: 19 November en vervolgende tot 18 December inclusive hier overgeslagen, ziet in't accurater journael van A. J. Tasman zeiven gehouden, in 't bock met 't opschrift: Tasman's ontdekking van Hollandia ofte Zuidland.)

Des smorgens voor cockx schafven zijn negen vaertuijgen vol volck van lant gecomen, die wij meenden dat bij ons quamen om vrede te maken ende met ons in vrientschap te handelen, doch hebben ter contrarie tot ons groot leetwesen drie van onse volck om het leven gebracht. Godt de Heer die bewaer ons voor grooter ongeluck, den een en hiet Jan Tijssen van Oue-ven, den anderen Tobias Pietersz. van Delft, den derden Jan Tsbrantsz. Wij gingen coers hier naer onder zeijl, onse coers stellende N.O. ten O.

Geen hoochte becomen, maer gisten op de brede te wesen van 40 graden 46 menuten, de langhte van 199 graden ende 45 menuten, de coers O.Z.O. de wint variable met stijve Marzeijls coelte, variabel weer, somtijts sonneschijn, dan wederomme regen met een betogen lucht, gisten geseijlt te hebben 23 mijlen, 4 glasen in de tweede wacht uijt wesende, doen wenden't wij over backboort ende wierpen gront op 26 vaem, den selfden dito hebben wij de cruijsstange die gebroocken was wederomme op geset.

De Zuijer brede becomen van 40 graden 31 menuten, de langhte van 198 graden 57 menuten, de coers W.N.W., de wint varijabel doch koelde meest uijt de westerlij cker hant met gestadige coelte, somtijts sonneschijn, ende somtijt betogen lucht, geseijlt 20 mijlen.

Van dage quamen wij in een bocht ontrent een meijl van de wal, op de diepte van 25 vaem, grauwe santgront, ende streecken onse rees door de harde wint uijt den N. westen, de coers was

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THE SAILOR'S JOURNAL.

1642 November.

Den 23 dito.

Den 24 dito. (Met andere hand: Laten de vlag waijen tot een sein dat de officieren van de Zeehaan zouden aan boord komen.)

Den 25 dito. (Met andere hand: Hebben den Koopman van de Zeehaan aan boord te gast. Kermis gehouden.)

Den 26 dito.

Den 27 dito.

Den 28 dito. (Met andere hand: Den Commandeur aan de Zeehaan gevaren.)

geweest Z.Z.W., de langhte van 198 graden 45 menuten, de brede 40 graden 53 menuten, gisten geseijlt te hebben 16 mijlen. Wij hebben van dage onse groote stach, ende het stengewand after ende vooren vast geset, het goet wat gerepareert, de wint woeij uijt de Z. Westelijcker handt, ongestuijnich weer, heel donckere ende betogen lucht, somtijts bleecke sonneschijn.

Cregen wij soo een harde wint in 't eerste van de dach-wacht uijt den N.W. ten N. dat wij ons tuijancker moesten laten vallen ende onse stenge strijcken, des smorgens nam het weer wat af, maer tegen de middach begon het wederomme seer hardt te waeijen uijt den N.W. ten N.

Des smorgens met den daghe was de wint wat gestilt, was variabel coelde meest uijt de noortwestlijcker hant, met een stijve harde coelte, met claer weer, moeije sonneschijn, getemperde lucht. Wij wonden van dage ons ancker hier verhaelt op, te weten het tuijancker, onse commandeur liet de vlagge waeijen om de officieren van de Zeehaen soude aen boort comen; tegen den middach begon het wederomme seer hart te waeijen uijt den N.W. soodat wij genootsaeckt waren te blijven leggen.

Des smorgens met den daghe was de wint wat gestilt, was variabel, coelde meest uijt de Noortwesten, met moeij labbere koelte, dicke betogen lucht, sometijts wat motregen. Wij setten onse stenge wederomme op. Den self den dito tegen de middach soo quam de schipper met de coopmaen van de Zeehaen aen ons boort te gast by den Commandeur, daer waren oock 2 verekens geslacht voor het volck, ende Commanduer liet boven het raensoen een canne wijn aen elcke back geven, omdat het kermis waer.

Des smorgens met den dageraet gingen wij onder zeijl, des smiddachs geen hoochte becomen, maer gisten op de brede te wesen van 39 graden 36 menu ten, op de langhte van 198 graden 4 menuten, de coers N.N.W., de wint variabel doch coelde meest uijt de Zuijelijcker handt, met een labber coelte, mottich, dijsich ende regenachtich weer, gisten geseijlt te hebben 8 mijlen, des snachts hebben wij een halfken arack minder gecregen.

Hebben wij de bevonde Zuijer brede becomen van 38 graden 28 menuten, de langhte van 197 graden 40 menuten, de coers N.W. ten N. de wint variabel, maer coelde meest uijt den Z.W. met regen, des smorgens met den dage werde het wederomme moeij weer, met sonneschijn, dat etmael geseijlt 20£ mijl.

Geen hoochte becomen, maer gisten op de brede te wesen van 37 graden 59 menuten, op de langhte van 198 graden 34 menuten, de coers N.O. ten N., de wint Z.W. met labbere coelte, betogen lucht, moeij weer, somtijts sonneschijn, gisten geseijlt te hebben 13 mijlen. Dat selfde etmael des savonts in de

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1642 November.

Den 29 dito. (Met andere hand: Travaden onstuimig weer.)

Den 30 dito. Den 31 dito.

Den 1 dito. (Met andere hand: December.)

(Met andere hand: De schuit intgeset om't schip van de wal te boegseren.)

Den 2 dito.

Den 3 dito.

[eerste wacht, doen namen wij de marzeijls in], 13 ende gieden de zeijlen op, te weten de fock, in't midden van de nacht maeckten wij onse zeijlen weer bij. Den self den dito des voor-middachs hebben wederomme lant gesien, ende wierpen gront op 50 vadem, des Smiddachs is onse Commandeur aen de Zeehaen gevaren.

Geen hoochte becomen, maer gisten op de brede te wesen van 38 graden 8 menuten, op de langhte van 197 graden 39 menuten, de coers W. ten Z. de wint variabel met ongestadige coelte ende travaden, onstuijmich weer, dicke betogen lucht, met regen, ende een weijnich sonneschijn. Dat selfde etmael des snachts in d'eerste wacht namen wij de marzeijls in, ende in het eerste van de dachwacht maeckten wij die wederomme by, gisten geseijlt te hebben 12 mijlen.

De geobserveerde zuijer brede becomen van 37 graden 3 menuten, de langhte 198 graden 35 menuten de coers N.O. ten N. met ongettadige end coelte variabel weer, betogen lucht met regen, ende een weijnich sonneschijn, geseijlt 19 1/2 mijlen.

Hadden wij de bevonde zuijer brede van 36 graden 37 menuten, de langhte van 197 graden 15 menuten, de coers behouden W.N.W., de wint variabel met slappe coelte, claer helder weer met sonneschijn, getemperde lucht, geseilt 17 mijlen. Des nachts in't eerste van de twede wacht doen wenden wij het over backboort van de wal af, ende des smiddachs wederomme over stierboort naer de wal toe.

Primo December (het woord: December doorgehaald, en met andere hand weer bij geschreven: December.)

Hebben wij (ons an cker) de geobserveerde zuijer brede becomen van 36 graden 18 menuten, de langhte 196 14 menuten, de coers N.W., de wint variabel, maer coelde meest uijt de westerlij cker hant, met stilte, ende claer helder weer met sonneschijn, getemperde lucht, geseijlt 17 mijlen. Wij setten onse schuijt uijt om het schip van de wal te boecheren, wierpen gront op 43 vaem ontrent de wal, wierpen gront mede op 40 vadem, hadden de miswij singe van 9 graden N.O.

Geen hoochte becomen, maer gisten op de brede te wesen van 36 graden 9 menuten, de langhte van 196 graden 26 menuten, de coers W.N.W., de wint variabel, ongestadich weer, betogen lucht ende een weijnich sonneschijn, met motregen, gisten gezeijlt te hebben 6 mijlen.

De geobserveerde zuijer brede van 35 graden 25 menuten, de langhte 196 graden 3 menuten, de coers N.N.W., slappe coelte, variabel wint, meest stilte, claer helder weer met son-

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THE SAILOR'S JOURNAL.

1642 December.

Den 4 dito.

Den 5 dito. (Met andere hand: Komen naby een eiland.)

(Met andere hand: De eilanders met houte stocken als knodsen gewapeut, naderen de onse, en werpen steenen van boven neer. 't Was een volk als de voorgemelde doodslagers of moordenaers. D'onse komen omtrent een schoot weegs van 't eiland ten anker.)

Den 6 dito. (Met andere hand: De boot en chaloup van de Zeehaan met vaten na land om vers water, dog moeten om de harde coelte keeren.)

Den 7 dito.

Den 8 dito.

neschijn, claere lucht. Dat etmael geseilt 12 mijlen, de miswijsinge 9 graden N.O.

De zuijer brede becomen van 34 graden 34 menuten, de coers N. ten 0. de wint Z.O. met slappe coelte, met claer helder weer. De Commandeur liet de witte vlagge waeijen ende wij sloegen een ander groot marzeils aen, geseijlt 13 mijlen.

Geen hoochte becomen, maer gisten op de brede te wesen van 34 graden 23 menuten, de langhte van 196 graden 10 menuten, de coers N.N.W., de wint variabel, doch coelde meest uijt de westelijcker handt, gisten geseijlt te hebben 3 mijlen. Van dage ginge wij met onse boot, ende boot van de Zeehaen, wel gemontert naer het Eijlant, ontrent een cartouschoot van het Eijland gront geworpen op 36 vaem, ende nader comende op 28-25, dicht onder het Eijlant 10 a 5 vaem. Het Eijlant voorsz. was rontomme hel stil ende steenachtich, het tis boven heel selecht van groente weijnich boomen, het Eijlant is ontrent 2 mijlen in 't rontt, bewesten leggen noch 3 clijne eijlanden, ende eenige clippen beoosten, leggen mede eenige clippen; ende bij het lant comende soo sagen wij op een plaets het water van boven comen loopen, sagen oock eenige plantasie, ende oock volck die ons toe riepen; het was al een slach van volck gelijck het volck, die ons die dre manen dootsloeggen op het groote lant; sij quamen naer ons toe, hadden houte stocken ontrent 2 ofte anderhalff vaem langh, ende waren ontrent 2 voeten aen het ent heel dick, gelijck of het ent heel dick, gelijck ofte het knossen waren; sij wierpen met stenen van boven neer; het Eijlant is ontrent 10 a 11 mijlen om het groote lant; des den selven dito sijn wij door de hulpe van Godt ontrent een schoot weechs van het Eijlant ten ancker gecomen op 40 vaem, grauwe sandtgront. Godt de Heere wil ons voor eenige schade end ongeluck bewaren.

Des morghens sij wij met onse boot, de saloup ende boot van de Zeehaen met vaten naer lant gevaren om water te halen, maer het begon hard te koelen, ende was oock een lager wal, soodat wij wederomme naer boort moesten keeren; aen boordt comende setten wij onse vaertuijgen in, ende gingen wederomme onder Zeijl met een Z.O. wint, moeij weer; Godt de Heere wil onse geluck, ende behouwen reyse verlenen.

De geobserveerde zuijer brede becomen van 33 graden 7 menuten op de langhte van 196 graden 28 menuten, de coers N. ten O., de wint variabel, doch coelde meest uijt de oosterlijcker hant met een moeije stadige coelte, variabel weer, betogen lucht, weijnich regen, geseijlt 19 meijlen.

Etc.

1   Small boom-sails or yard-sails, as carried by tingangs (small Indian vessels).
2   Murderers' Bay.
3   Afterwards named " New Zealand."
4   Zeehaen's Bocht.
5   The sailor's journal in the Sweer's collection gives some more particulars, without great interest however.
6   Probably the word "coast" is omitted
7   The word "course" omitted.
8   The words in parentheses double in the manuscript.
9   Probably "wind" is left out.
10   Apparently the word "grades" and the number of minutes omitted.
11   Vermoedelijk het woord "cust," weggelaten.
12   Het woord "coers" weggelaten.
13   Deze woorden in het handschrift dubbel.
14   Blijkbaar het woord graden en het aantal minuten weggelaten.

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