Matthew Flinders through French eyes: Nicolas Baudin's lessons from Encounter Bay
Date
2017
Authors
West-Sooby, J.
Fornasiero, J.
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Journal article
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The Journal of Pacific History, 2017; 52(1):1-14
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John West-Sooby and Jean Fornasiero
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Abstract
The encounter between Nicolas Baudin and Matthew Flinders off the south coast of New Holland in April 1802 has attracted considerable attention. For many, it has come to symbolise the triumph of the spirit of international scientific cooperation over national rivalries and personal ambitions. Scholarly analysis of the complexities of the encounter moment itself has, however, served to modify this idealised image. The injustice subsequently done to Flinders by François Péron and Louis de Freycinet, who failed to acknowledge his discoveries on this coast in the published account of the French voyage, has also generated much discussion. The impact of the encounter on Baudin and his men, on the other hand, has not been subjected to the same scrutiny. Through a close examination of the archival documentation, this essay offers the French perspective on Matthew Flinders and highlights the ramifications for the Baudin expedition of this fateful meeting with him.
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© 2017 The Journal of Pacific History, Inc.