General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Volume 16

General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Volume 16" by Robert Kerr is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This volume appears to focus on the detailed voyages and explorations of the Pacific Islands, particularly significant events and interactions with the native populations of places like Otaheite and the Society Islands. It combines narratives of navigationwith anthropological insights into the cultures encountered during these early expeditions. The opening of this volume introduces the reader to a detailed account ofCaptain Cook's voyages, beginning with an exploration of the Society Islands. It describes the encounters with the islanders of Toobouai, noting their customs, language, and physical characteristics. As Cook's expedition continues, tensions and conflicts emerge, particularly surrounding the reverence given to the captain by some natives and the practices of human sacrifice during a war with the neighboring island of Eimeo. The narrative also highlights the colorful interactions between European explorers and the indigenous peoples, offering a rich tapestry of maritime exploration filled with cultural observations and events that would shape future engagements in the region.

T RANSACTIONS AT OTAHEITE, AND THE SOCIETY ISLANDS; AND PROSECUTION OFTHEVOYAGETOTHE COAST OF NORTH AMERICA. SECTION I. An Eclipse of the Moon observed.-The Island Toobouai discovered.-Its Situation, Extent, and Appearance.-Intercourse with its Inhabitants.-Their Persons, Dresses, and Canoes described.-Arrival at Oheitepeha Bay, at Otaheite.- Omai's Reception and imprudent Conduct.-Account of Spanish Ships twice visiting the Island.-Interview with the Chief of this District.-The Olla, or God, of Bolabola.-A mad Prophet.-Arrival in Matavai Bay. Having, as before related, [1] taken our final leave of the Friendly Islands, I now resume my narrative of the voyage. In the evening of the 17th of July, at eight o'clock, the body of Eaoo bore N.E. by N., distant three or four leagues. The wind was now at E., and blew a fresh gale. With it I stood to the S., till half an hour past six o'clock the next morning, when a sudden squall, from the same direction, took our ship aback; and, before the sails could be trimmed on the other tack, the main-sail and the top-gallant sails were much