Spanish ships.

Two ships from Lima were found to have visited the island twice since Cook’s last call, and the first time the Spaniards built a house with material they had with them.  They left four men in charge, and were away for about ten months.  At the second visit their Commodore died, and was buried near the house which was left at their departure, and the natives built a shade over it to protect it from the weather.  It consisted of two rooms, furnished with table, bed, bench, and a few other trifles, and the timbers were found to have been carefully marked to facilitate erection.  Near by was a cross having the following inscription cut on it: 

CHRISTUS Vincit,
Carolus III.  IMPERAT, 1774.

Cook caused to be cut on the back: 

GEORGIUS TERTIUS Rex. 
Annis 1767, 69, 73, 74, et 78.

At the end of their first visit the Spaniards took away four natives to Lima; one died, one remained at Lima, and the other two returned with the ships; but Cook thinks they were not improved by their experience, and had not added to their respectability in the eyes of their countrymen.

In view of the cold climate to be faced in the near future, Cook was desirous to save his stock of spirits, and mustered the crew of the Resolution in order to explain the position; he pointed out that the supply of coconuts was abundant, and the benefit of the spirits would be appreciated amongst the cold winds and ice of the north, but left the decision to them.  He was gratified to find the crew was willing to accept his suggestion, and ordered Clerke to put the matter before the crew of the Discovery, when it was again well received.  An order was accordingly issued to stop: 

“serving grog except on Saturday nights, when they had full allowance to drink to their female friends in England, lest amongst the pretty girls of Otaheite, they should be wholly forgotten.”

During a state visit paid by the chief of the district, at which Omai attended “dressed in a strange medley of all he was possessed of,” Cook was informed that the Spaniards laid claim to the country, and had given instructions that Cook was not to be allowed to land if he returned.  However, the chief executed a formal surrender of his province to Cook, and presents were exchanged, the whole ceremony ending with a display of fireworks which “both pleased and astonished” the natives.  Some of the civilians reported that they had discovered a Roman Catholic chapel in their walks; but on inspection it proved to be what Cook at once suspected, the grave of a chief decorated with different coloured cloths and mats, and a piece of scarlet broadcloth which had been given by the Spaniards.

Red feathers.