Endeavour amounted to nearly one hundred; and among these there was more of talent and science than had ever embarked before in any one vessel. No wonder that the expedition excited a great interest in the republic of letters, not only in Britain, but in other kingdoms of Europe.
Every thing being ready for the voyage, the Endeavour sailed down the river on Saturday, July 30th, and on that day fortnight anchored in Plymouth Sound; and having waited there for a fair wind, finally quitted the British shores, on friday, August 26th. On the passage to Madeira, some hard gales were experienced, which occasioned the loss of a small boat and a quantity of poultry; and in Funchiale roads, where the ship was anchored on tuesday, September 13th, Mr. Weir, the Master's Mate, was carried overboard with the anchor, and drowned. At Madeira, where they remained a week, to take in refreshments, Lieut. Cook and his officers, with the scientific gentlemen, were treated with much kindness and respect, by Mr. Cheap, the English consul. Dr. Thos. Heberden, the principal physician of the island; and by the inhabitants generally. Even the Franciscan friars, and the nuns of Santa Clara, gave them a friendly reception. The latter, underetanding that they were visited by a company of philosophers, took the opportunity of putting their philosophy to the test, according to their own views of it, by asking them, among other things, when it would thunder; and, whether a spring of fresh water could be found within the walls of their convent! Our philosophers, however, employed themselves here in more appropriate researches; in examining the natural productions of the island, and making observations
