Globetrotting adventurer Heinrich Zimmermann from Wiesloch embarked on a worldwide voyage
Heinrich Zimmermann, a metalworker from Wiesloch, Germany, joined Captain James Cook's third Pacific expedition as the ship's coxswain on the HMS Discovery. Born in 1741, Zimmermann would later publish his personal account of Cook's final voyage in 1781, providing valuable insight into this historic expedition.
Zimmermann's role on board involved steering and navigating the ship's boat and assisting in small-boat operations. The third voyage of Captain Cook, which took place between 1776 and 1779, aimed to explore the Pacific, including the Hawaiian Islands and search for the Northwest Passage. Unfortunately, this voyage ended tragically with Cook's death in Hawaii in February 1779[1][2].
Zimmermann witnessed Cook's death in a dispute with locals. The British historical narrative often emphasises the restrained behaviour of Captain Charles Clerke, but Zimmermann claims the British did not act moderately[3]. After Cook's death, his body was dismembered and boiled by the islanders[1].
The crew's journey began by sailing over the Canary Islands and the Cape of Good Hope into the Pacific. One of the stations that particularly impressed the sailors was Tahiti. Differences in the body paintings of the various Polynesian peoples caught Zimmermann's eye immediately[4].
Following Cook's death, Zimmermann was present at the discovery of Hawaii in 1778. After the expedition, he returned to Germany and was honoured by Elector Carl Theodor, who appointed him "Electoral Shipmaster" on Lake Starnberg[5].
However, Zimmermann's life took an unexpected turn when he couldn't find work as a metalworker. He eventually ended up in London, where he worked in a sugar refinery[6]. Despite this, his book, 'From Wissloch in the Pfalz, Voyage around the World with Captain Cook', published in 1781, became a bestseller in Germany[2].
Zimmermann's ethnological sense for the customs and clothing habits of foreign societies developed during his time on the expedition, making his account a unique and valuable record of this historic voyage.
References: 1. The Encyclopedia of World Biography 2. Britannica 3. The British Library 4. German National Library 5. Palatinate State Archive 6. The National Archives
During his journey with Captain Cook's third Pacific expedition, Heinrich Zimmermann, the metalworker from Wiesloch, Germany, found a new fascination in adventure-travel, particularly when they landed at various Polynesian islands like Tahiti. After returning to Germany, Zimmermann's book, detailing his experience, became a bestseller, reflecting the growing interest in the lifestyle of municipalities he encountered during his travels.
