In Matavai Bay, Tahiti, almost 257 years ago to the day (April 14, 1769), Captain James Cook welcomed Tupaia, an engaging Tahitian priest and navigator, aboard the bark the Endeavour. I capture this historic encounter in the following excerpt from my historical adventure New Zealand: A Novel.
HMS Endeavour…as she’d have looked upon arrival in Tahiti back in the day.
First, some background. The Endeavour was en route to the Southern Ocean. Cook was under orders to locate the land discovered 127 years earlier by Dutch mariner Abel Tasman – that land being what’s referred to now as New Zealand. First, he (Cook) was tasked with recording the upcoming Transit of Venus in Tahiti.
Meeting Tupaia would be a Godsend for Cook as the Tahitian would quickly prove his worth as a navigator after being recruited to join the crew of the Endeavour for the remainder of her voyage.
Excerpt from New Zealand: A Novel follows. (Note the events are described as seen through the eyes of one Nicholas Young, Surgeon’s Assistant aboard the Endeavour)…
The morning after the Endeavour’s arrival at Matavai Bay dawned bright and sunny, a welcome change from the recent foul weather.
Even before the crew had finished breakfasting in the mess, a cry went up that a canoe was approaching. Nicholas and several other crewmen hurried topside and saw two paddlers propelling the canoe toward them across the calm waters of the lagoon. Behind the paddlers sat an impressive-looking Tahitian resplendent in a fine black cloak. His handsome head was adorned by a head-dress of colourful feathers. It was obvious from his appearance, and from the ornate carvings on the bow of his canoe, he was someone of importance.
Aboard the Endeavour, the bosun gave the order to prepare for the arrival of the mystery visitor. A ladder was thrown over the starboard rail as the canoe arrived and two sailors leaned over the side to help the Tahitian on board.
Nicholas noted the visitor appeared to be in his mid-twenties. He possessed an engaging smile, which he flashed frequently, and, to everyone’s surprise, he spoke passably-good English and even better French – a legacy of earlier visits by other ships, and a testimony also to his intelligence and penchant for foreign languages.
The crewmen were astounded to hear someone they considered a savage speaking both French and English so far from Europe and Mother England.
Several minutes later, Cook appeared on deck. “Greetings, Mister Tupaia,” the captain said, having been alerted to the visitor’s name.
“Good day, Captain,” Tupaia beamed as he clasped Cook’s hand between both of his hands.
Cook took an immediate liking to the visitor. He judged him to be a confident chap with an intelligent air. A charming savage, he told himself.
As the two men sized each other up, Nicholas and the other onlookers made their own evaluations. Like most Tahitians, Tupaia cut a fine figure. Yet he was very different to his countrymen. Slender of build and more refined than most, he seemed thoughtful and inquisitive, his sparkling eyes forever moving from one white face to the next as he assessed the strangers around him.
It was Tupaia who spoke next. “Captain, as I, ah, tell your people…I am guide and interpreter…for rest of your stay.” It was a statement, not a request. “Make your time here easy for you.”
Cook looked at him shrewdly. He was sure the Tahitian’s services would be useful, and he was in no doubt the man would expect to be well paid for those services.
As if reading his mind, Tupaia continued smoothly, “Captain, I also high priest and very good navigator. It give me great, ah, happy…to be of service.”
Delighting in the other’s charm, Cook dropped his reserve and clapped the Tahitian on the shoulder. “By thunder, Mister Tupaia, I can see ye will be an asset to this vessel and all who sail aboard her!” Turning to the bosun, he said, “Mister Molyneaux, bring our visitor to the quarterdeck.”…
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New Zealand: A Novel is available now from Harvard Book Store, Mighty Ape NZ, Waterstones UK & Europe bookstores, Barnes & Noble, Kete Books NZ, Amazon and via public libraries.
The audiobook version is available via Amazon’s Audible Audiobooks initiative. (listening time: 11hrs. 25mins.).
Amazon paperback link: https://www.amazon.com/New-Zealand-Novel-Lance-Morcan/dp/0473728524/
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Morcan Books & Films 