Australian History: English Explorers
William Dampier was a pirate who became a sailor when he was a teenager. His boat the Cygnet, traveled the Pacific Ocean, robbing the ships of other countries. When the Cygnet needed repairs, Dampier and his men landed on a quiet beach on the north west coast of Australia. Dampier later wrote a book in which he described his travels and adventures. When it was published in 1697, the king of England was so interested in what Dampier had to say about Australia that he sent him back to discover more about it. This time Dampier was not a pirate. Instead he was given a new ship and a crew, but the ship was old and falling to pieces and the crew disliked Dampier and threatened mutiny. But Dampier managed to reach Australia and explored the northwest coast and part of New Guinea. By this time his ship was leaking badly and the crew even more rebellious. Dampier decided to turn back for England but the ship sunk before it got home. Most of the crew disappeared but Dampier managed to get back safely.
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