M. Crozet, second to M. Marion du Fresne in command of the French expedition that was out in the following year, says: 

“As soon as I obtained information of the voyage of Cook, I carefully compared the chart I had prepared of that part of the coast of New Zealand along which we had coasted, with that prepared by Captain Cook and his officers.  I found it of an exactitude and of a thoroughness of detail which astonished me beyond all power of expression.  I doubt whether our own coasts of France have been delineated with more precision.  I think therefore that I cannot do better than to lay down our track of New Zealand on the chart prepared by the celebrated English navigator.”

CHAPTER 10. 1770.  AUSTRALIA.

The next thing to be done was to decide the course to be taken towards England.  Cook would have liked to have returned by the Horn and thus settle the existence or non-existence of a large body of land in the South Pacific, but the time of year and the condition of his ship suggested that would be to court disaster.  The same reasons held good against a direct course to the Cape of Good Hope, with the added disadvantage of there being no probability of any fresh discoveries, as that part of the Ocean had been frequently traversed.

“It was therefore resolved to return by way of the East Indies by the following route.  Upon leaving this coast to the Westward until we fall in with the East coast of New Holland, and then to follow the direction of that coast to the Northward or what other direction it might take us, until we arrive at its Northern extremity; and if it should be found impracticable then to Endeavour to fall in with the Land or Islands discovered by Quiros.”

This extract from Cook’s Journal shows that he made no claim to the discovery of Australia, and settles the stupid story that his connection with the discovery of the east coast was an accident.  It was a course laid down after thorough consideration of the best charts, very poor at best, in his possession.

Botany bay.

The good ship Endeavour got under way on 31st March 1770, with a favourable wind and clear sky, heading a little north of west.  On the 16th a change in the birds denoted the neighbourhood of land, and after a touch of contrary wind, on 19th April 1770 Lieutenant Hicks sighted land extending from north-east to west, distant five or six leagues.  This was the looked-for east coast of New Holland, and the ship was at the entrance of Bass Straits, but on his chart Cook shows by a dotted line that he felt uncertain whether van Diemen’s Land was joined to New Holland or no.  The low hill which was first seen was named Point Hicks after its discoverer, and its position is given as 38 degrees 0 minutes South, 211 degrees 7 minutes West.  Three waterspouts were seen a short distance from the ship, and are remarkable as being the first ones mentioned in the log.