Jan 19, 1789 Home Logbook Jan 21, 1789
Revised Jun 29 2021
163)
Very Variable and unsettled weather and Winds with Calms and some Rain much sea on the Reefs and in Matavai Bay. Wind all round the compass and the Thermr from 81° to 82°.
Armourer employed at the Forge, the Cooper making Tubs for Plants and the Boatswain airing and drying sails in intervals of fair Wr. and other Stores.
This afternoon the Launch returned with the Bull. They found Poeeno at Heeoowow which is a few miles to the Westwd of Itteeah agreeable to his engagement with me. No convenient and well sheltered place being there for the Boat they were obliged to haul her on shore, when with little difficulty they got the Beast in and secured him, and the Natives launched them altogether after a short stay, during which they received every degree of kind treatment. For the night I directed the Bull to remain at Oparre, and Tynah agreed with me that in the morning it should be sent off to Matavai to the Cow and kept there under the care of Poeeno. This was a plan I was very desirous for him to adopt, the Situation being more out of the way of their Battles, and Poeeno a person who will adopt secure methods for their safety in case of an attack; by taking them to the Mountains. In the morning I directed the Butcher to take the Bull to Matavai and I proceeded by water. We got there without accident, and I had now the pleasure to see two fine animals together with once more a prospect of the breed being established in this Island. The trouble, vexatious proceedings of the proprietors, and indifference of the Parties concerning these two creatures being together, made me at one time almost give up hopes of ever accomplishing the Point, but the object appearing to me in so emminent a degree, and which might be lost forever by a single casuality, I spared no pains to get the better of every difficulty. I have every reason to beleive the Bull is the same as Captn. Cook left in 1777 or one of the 1st Breed and the Heifer is not above 5 or 6 years old. She took the Bull soon after he was with her. I left them under the Care of Poeeno, as my property.
Jan 19, 1789 Home Logbook Jan 21, 1789