358 SIR JOSEPH BANKS. 



so feeble the barrier by which, in traversing the Indian 

 Ocean, they had been for weeks separated and protected 

 from the unfathomable deep ! The gravest malady, how- 

 ever, that visited the expedition, now broke out in that 

 pestilential climate. Seven of the crew died in a few 

 days; and so many more were sick that not ten men 

 remained fit for duty. Mr. Banks and Dr. Solander 

 were so ill that their lives were despaired of, and they 

 were only saved by going into the country. The iron 

 frame of Cook himself was seen to yield; he, too, fell 

 seriously ill. When they set sail, 26th December, Mr. 

 Banks was carried on board, and his life still despaired of. 

 The ravages of the fever continued throughout the voyage ; 

 and the nightly corse was frequently heard to plunge in 

 the water. Before they reached the Cape, 15th March, 

 three-and-twenty thus perished, including Mr. Green the 

 astronomer, and Mr. Munkhouse, the midshipman, whose 

 suggestion had saved the ship. After remaining there a 

 month, they sailed for England. Nothing material occurred 

 on the voyage, and on the 12th July, 1771, the Endea- 

 vour cast anchor in the Downs, giving up her gallant and 

 prudent commander, with his adventurous company, to 

 the gratitude and admiration of their country. 



Before the vessel was allowed to have any communica- 

 tion with the shore, Captain Cook required every per- 

 son on board to deliver up all his journals, notes, draw- 

 ings and other papers a requisition which was imme- 

 diately and cheerfully complied with. No leave was 

 given to make any disclosures or any separate publication 

 until the Government had determined on the person into 

 whose hands the official accounts should be placed for 

 being communicated to the public. Dr. Hawkesworth 



