A narrative of the death of Captain Cook
David Samwell was appointed Surgeon's First Mate to the Resolution on Captain James Cook's third voyage of exploration. During the voygage he was promoted to Surgeon on the Discovery.
Samwell published A narrative of the death of Captain James Cook: to which are added some particulars, concerning his life and character and observations respecting the introduction of the venereal disease into the Sandwich Islands in 1786. It is a detailed, vivid description of the tragic encounter between the British and the Hawaiians at Kealakekua Bay in February 1779.
On reflecting on the loss of his captain, Samwell wrote
‘He was beloved by his people, who looked up to him as to a father, and obeyed his commands with alacrity. The confidence we placed in him was unremitting; our admiration of his great talents unbounded; our esteem for his good qualities affectionate and sincere.’
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