A representation of the attack of Captain Wallis in the Dolphin by the natives of Otaheite
Captain Samuel Wallis (1728-1795) took command of the frigate Dolphin (back from John Byron's circumnavigation of the globe). Wallis' description of Tahiti (as published by John Hawkesworth in 1773 on behalf of the Admiralty) helped, along with the accounts of James Cook and Joseph Banks, to stamp an 'exotic' imprint on Europe's image of the south seas. Wallis' achievements helped shape Cook's first Endeavour voyage. He recommended the island for the Transit of Venus observations and Cook arrived here in April 1769. Cook, like Wallis two years before him, anchored his ship in the shelter of Matavai Bay on the western side of the island. This engraving shows an attack by local Tahitians circa 1767. It is the first of three such images. Mounted in album with PAI3938-PAI3950, PAI3952-PAI4076.; Page 12.; Typewritten title stuck below image.; Plate No.21.