ILES MARQUISES

Lors d'un séjour à bord de sa baleinière The James Cockburn, William Winkworth écrivit à son oncle une lettre datée du 1er mai 1831 où il relate son périple dans les Iles Marquises et les différentes escales qu'il effectua afin que l'équipage se ravitaille : "This island and I should say the whole group of islands are well adapted for a South Seaman to refresh at, provisions being very plentiful and very cheap. Muskets are in great requisition on account of the wars they are perpetually engaged in; for one of these we can get 7 or 8 good hogs, one pound of powder one hog; breadfruit and plantains, coconuts, etc. may be procured for tobacco and pipes in like proportion. Iron hoops too and lead is covetted by some with great eagerness"..."they are so eager for muskets and powder finding our mode of weapons much superior to theirs; in fact their own implements of war viz. clubs, spears etc. may be procured for a mere trifle, some of them I have bought as presents for friends at home."
Winkworth fut par la suite capitaine de la goélette The Sarah partit de Sydney à destination de Port Philip, Victoria, en juin 1838 mais qui disparut corps et âmes en mer.