27 Sept 1777 Arrival at Moorea on Sept, 30th 1777 "We had no sooner anchored than the ships were crowded with the inhabitants, whom curiosity alone brought on board; for they had nothing with them for the purposes of barter. But, the next morning, this deficiency was supplied; several canoes then arriving from more distant parts, which brought with them abundance of bread-fruit, cocoa-nuts, and a few hogs. These they exchanged for hatchets, nails, and beads, for red feathers were not so much sought after here as at Otaheite".
Excerpt of James Cook’s logbook
(Extrait du journal de bord de James Cook)
On 27th Samwell wrote “Being ready for sea we struck our Tents & got every thing on board”. He continued his journal two days later with “This morning we got under sail and left Matavai Bay attended by Omai in his large sailing Canoe… we then stood to the Westward for Eimeo (name of Moorea at the time)”.
Samwell wrote “at eleven o’clock we anchored in a very good harbour at Eimeo (name of Moorea at the time) unknown to us before, tho’ it is one of the best Harbours we have met with among the South Sea Islands.” James Cook added “This harbour is situated on the North side of the island in the district of Oboonohou; it extends in south or SBE between the hills above two miles, for security and the goodness of its bottom it is not inferior to any harbour I have met with in any of the islands, and has this advantage over most of them, that a Ship can sail both in and out with the reigning trade wind, so that the access and recess are equally easy. It is a little extraordinary that I should have been thrice at Otaheite (name of Tahiti at the time) before and once sent a boat to this island and yet not know there was a harbour in it, on the contrary I always understood there was not” wrote Captain James Cook in 1777, 230 years ago.