re afforded an
opportunity of comparing them with their own. Looking into Port Praya in
hopes to find the Discovery they crossed the line on 1st September in
longitude 27 degrees 38 minutes West, and sighted the Cape of Good Hope
on 17th October, anchoring in Table Bay the next day. The ship was found
to be very leaky in her upper works, as the great heat had opened up her
seams which had been badly caulked at first. "Hardly a man that could lie
dry in his bed; the officers in the gun-room were all driven out of their
cabin by the water that came in through the sides." The sails were
damaged, some being quite ruined before they could be dried.

The reception accorded by the Dutch was all that could be desired, and
all the resources of the place were at Cook's disposal. Letters were sent
to England and one invalid, Cook wishing afterwards that he had sent one
or two more, but he had at the time hopes of their complete recovery. On
31st October they were unable to communicate with the shore owing to a
heavy south-easterly gale which did not blow itself out for three days,
and the Resolution was the only ship in the bay that rode through it
without dragging her anchors. On the 10th November the Discovery arrived,
having left Plymouth on 1st August. She sighted land above twenty-five
leagues north of Table Bay, but had been blown off the coast in the
storm.

It may be noted here that the French, Spanish, and United States
Governments issued instructions to their naval officers that Captain Cook
and his ships were to be treated with every respect, and as belonging to
a neutral and allied power. An honour to Cook, and also to the nations
who conferred it on him.

When her consort arrived Cook was almost ready for sea, so the refit of
the Discovery was pushed on as quickly as possible, but some delay arose
in the delivery of bread ordered. Cook says he believes the bakers would
not put it in hand till they saw the Discovery safely at anchor. However,
on 30th November Clerke was handed his instructions, and the two Captains
went on board their respective ships to find them fully supplied for a
voyage which was expected to last at least two years. Live stock had been
purchased at the Cape, and one journalist says that on leaving, the
Resolution reminded him of Noah's Ark.

They did not get clear of the coast till 3rd December owing to light
winds, and then on the 6th "a sudden heavy squall" cost the Resolution
her mizzen top