Description of the sea coast of Nova Scotia, 1762 [manuscript]

Creator

Cook, James, 1728-1779

Call Number

MS 5

Created/Published

[1762]

Extent

0.05 m. (1 v.)

Items

1

Scope and Content

Manuscript notebook, 1762, in James Cook's hand, with caption title Description of the sea coast of Nova Scotia. Includes two maps, in watercolours and pen and ink, on folded leaves. The map titled "A sketch of Harbour Grace and Carbonere in Newfoundland" is signed and dated 1762. The untitled map shows Saint John River, New Brunswick. With autograph index. Original notebook kept by James Cook in which he recorded observations relating to the coastlines of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island and Newfoundland. The remarks he made include descriptions of coastal features, both natural and manmade, compass readings, latitude and longitude, and depth of water and distances. Cook entered some of his observations in columns under the headings of: marks for anchoring, of wooding and watering, of provisions and refreshments, descriptions of fortifications defending places, and, further descriptions in regard to trade shipping.

Background

James Cook (1728-1779) was a noted explorer, navigator and hydrographer. In 1769 he reached New Zealand and charted its coastline. Cook sailed further west and the coast of New South Wales was sighted in April 1770. Sailing north he charted 5000 miles of the eastern coastline with great accuracy. Cook landed at Botany Bay and collected many botanical and biological specimens for later study. He took formal possession of New Zealand and New South Wales for England. Cook's second expedition sailed far south and thus confirmed that a great southern continent did not exist. On his third voyage to explore the Pacific coasts of North America and Siberia, Cook visited the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) but was killed here in 1779. Cook was also known for successfully dealing with scurvy amongst his crew, a common disease at that time.