A View at Anamooka.

Rare engraving from the official British Admiralty sanctioned edition of the accounts of Cook’s third and final voyage. All other later copies made of this image by other publishers were unauthorised, usually smaller and inferior in quality.

On his second visit to the Tongan islands on 1 May 1777, Cook headed for Nomuka, the largest island of the south central group of Tonga. Cook’s ships were in want of refreshments and so they established a base on the island, staying until 1 May. Cook explored and remained in the Tongan archipelago until 17 July 1777.

At Nomuka, a party was sent onshore to arrange supplies for the ships. In this picture, fruit and other provisions are being piled within the circle of Nomukan’s, then ferried to the ships in various boats. Marines were sent on shore to ensure the safety of the party. Their musket’s can be seen stacked in the entrance to the central hut.

‘Capt. Cook went on shore in the Bay & fixed upon a House which he hired of the Indians for our Use during our Stay, which saved us The Trouble of erecting our Tents. The Astronomers lived on shore tho’ they did not fix their Observations here. …A large Ring was made before the House where those who had any thing for market exposed them for sale.’ Cook Journals III, 2, 1013.

Beddie 1743-13, p.340, Joppien 3.39A, ill.p.297

From Cook & King, A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean Undertaken by the Command of His Majesty, for Making Discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere….