The expedition of Schouten and Le Maire fires on a small vessel in the Pacific
Colijn, M. / Anoniem / Anonymous
The expedition of Schouten and Le Maire fires on a small vessel in the Pacific.
Top left: fol. 36. / 1616 / Maius.
Top centre: Spieghel der Au??tralische Navigatie.
Top right: 1616 Majus.
Bottom centre: Numero 2.
Depicted here are probably inhabitants of the island that Schouten and Le Maire christened 'Verraderseiland' or 'Traitors' Island'. The inhabitants of this island pelted the vessel Eendracht with stones because they were impressed by the hardness of the wood of which it was made. The Dutch felt threatened and responded with musket fire. The island was subsequently named Traitors' Island, as in the days prior to the skirmish contacts had been relatively friendly.
The expedition undertaken by Schouten and Le Maire was equipped in 1615 by Le Maire's father for the Australische Compagnie. This company sought to circumvent the VOC's patent by finding an alternative route to Indonesia. Schouten and Le Maire succeeded in their quest by sailing around Vuurland instead of through the Magellan Straits. But despite their discovery of a new route their voyage was not very successful: when they arrived in Batavia their story was not believed and their remaining ship the Eendracht was confiscated along with its cargo.
Cocos Island is today known as Tafahi, while Traitors' Island is called Niuatoputapu. Both island constitute part of the kingdom of Tonga.
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