n writing of the Cape, Cook draws attention to the fact:

"that a stranger is at once struck with surprise and disappointment, for
no country we have seen this voyage affords so barren a prospect as this,
and not only so in appearance but in reality."

Then further on he says:

"Notwithstanding the many disadvantages this country labours under, such
is the industry, economy, and good management of the Dutch, that not only
the necessary, but all the Luxuries of Life are raised here in great
abundance, and are sold as cheap, if not cheaper, than in any part of
Europe, some few articles excepted."

On the other hand, he complains of the exorbitant charges made by the
Dutch East India Company for naval stores. As at Batavia, they were sold
at a certain fixed price from which there was no deviation.

Calling in at St. Helena, they found H.M.Ss. Portland and Swallow, with a
convoy, in the roads, and received some few much-needed stores from them,
together with the information that all danger of war between Spain and
England was over. They all sailed in company on 5th May, but after a few
days Cook explained to Captain Elliott, of the Portland, who had come on
board the Endeavour, that his ship, sails, and rigging were naturally not
in very good order after his lengthy voyage, and therefore he should
probably be unable to keep up with the other ships. He requested the
Portland to take charge of letters, charts, and journals for the
Admiralty. These papers only arrived in England three days in advance of
the Endeavour. For some days the good Bark kept within easy reach of the
fleet, and was able to obtain extra medical advice for Mr. Hicks, who was
suffering from consumption when he left England, but had held out well
till stricken with the Batavian fever, when he gradually sank and died on
25th May; Mr. Charles Clerke was appointed third lieutenant, in place of
Mr. Gore, promoted. Since leaving the Cape they had also lost their
Master, Mr. Molineaux, of whose intelligence Cook speaks very highly, but
deplores his want of steadiness, the true cause of his early death. Mr.
Pickersgill was appointed to the vacancy.

ANCHOR IN THE DOWNS.

On the 21st June they were still in sight of some of the convoy, but
during the night they had their main topgallant sail split, and the
topmast sprung, in a heavy squall; in fact, their gear was in such a bad
state that something gave way daily. On 7th July they spoke a brig from
London,