once or twice by stealth; a guard-boat being stationed to prevent them from passing. Even the Commander could not land, without a Brazilian officer to attend him every where as a spy; nor return on board, without an officer intruding into his boat. To these and other vexatious restrictions, our navigators were forced to submit. Indeed, when, in one instance, an attempt was made to break through the Viceroy's regulations, the pinnace and her crew were detained by his orders, for two or three days. On this occasion, as on others of a like kind, Cook's behaviour was at once dignified and prudent. He sent the Viceroy a spirited remonstrance: he also wrote to the Admiralty a full account of this unfriendly treatment, with a copy of his correspondence with the Viceroy; which he had an opportunity of forwarding by a Spanish packet from Buenos Ayres, the Commander of which politely offered to convey letters to Europe.
On monday, Dec. 5th, having taken in such refreshments as were judged necessary, the Endeavour weighed anchor, and began to leave this inhospitable shore. The Viceroy had sent the Lieutenant a polite letter, wishing him a good voyage; yet, as if resolved to continue his incivility to the last, he omitted sending orders to the fort of Santa Cruz to allow the vessel to pass, so that on coming abreast of the fort, she was fired at, and was detained there two days till the necessary order arrived. At last our navigators got clear of the harbour, and of their guard-boat; after which, Mr. Bank, got ashore on some small islands, where he procured many species of plants and insects.
From Rio Janeiro, Lieut. Cook directed his
