Journal of Vice-Admiral John Byron, 21 June 1764-07 May 1766

Component identifier:

File JOD/58

Content Summary:

Journal of Commodore John Byron kept on HMS Dolphin on its voyage round the world, 21 June 1764 – 7 May 1766. (231pp.)

The journal commences with the departure of the frigate Dolphin and the sloop Tamar from the Downs. It records the voyage to Madeira, St Jago, Rio de Janeiro (Sept.-Oct. 1764), the east coast of Patagonia, the Falkland Islands (Jan. – Feb. 1765), the Strait of Magellan (March – April 1765), Mas Afuera (Alejandra Selkirk Island), King George Islands (June 1765), Atafu (Duke of York's Islands), Nukunau (Byron Island), Rota (July 1765), Pulau Timoan, Sumatra (Nov. 1765), Batavia (Dec. 1765), Cape of Good Hope (Feb. 1766), St Helena (March 1766) and the Scilly Islands (May 1766). There are a few gaps, with no entries between 25 Dec. 1765 and 10 Feb. 1766.

The Tamar, captained by Patrick Mouat, parted company with the Dolphin in March 1766, on account of damage to its rudder. It sailed to Antigua before returning to England in June 1766.

Many of the entries are very brief, simply recording the winds, weather, and the ship's position. There are fuller entries when the ship when Byron and the crew landed at Patagonia, the Falkland Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, Takaroa and Takapoto (King George Islands), Rota and Batavia. These entries include descriptions of the landscape and coastlines, animals, birds and fishes, encounters with the Patagonians (Tehuelches), the annexation of the Falkland Islands, the passage through the Strait of Magellan, Pacific canoes, conflict with islanders at Takapoto, and dealings with the Dutch at Batavia and the cape of Good Hope.

Processing information:

M605

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