James Cook held the rank of Post-captain, so should have been in command of a third rate ship. However, he had been appointed to Resolution, a sloop. Charles Clerke was Commander of the companion sloop Discovery. The vessels were at Deptford Dockyard being “fitted out for a Voyage to remote Parts”. Both men were called Captain by everyone, as was usual for those in charge of ships.
Boswell’s and Johnson’s Views on Cook
On 2 April, 1776, James Boswell, the biographer of Dr Samuel Johnson, met Cook and his wife Elizabeth at a dinner given by Sir John Pringle, President of the Royal Society. Boswell wrote that the host described the captain as “a plain, sensible man with an uncommon attention to veracity”. Pringle told Cook that Lord Monboddo had told him that Monboddo was very pleased to hear that Cook claimed to have seen a nation of men like monkeys. Cook denied speaking in such terms. “ ’No’, said he, ‘I did not say they were like monkeys. I said their faces put me in mind of monkeys.’ ” Boswell considered the distinction “very fine but sufficiently perceptible” and, in his discussions with Cook, found he “did not try to make theories out of what he had seen to confound virtue and vice”.
Cook told Boswell that Omai had begged him to carry back “port wine, which he loved the best of any liquor, and gunpowder”. Cook would not let him have the latter, and continued, “for some time after Omai’s return home he would be a man of great consequence, as having so many wonders to tell”. Yet Omai “would not foresee that when he had told all he had to tell, he would sink into his former state, and then he would wish to go to England again”. Cook, therefore, intended to leave the coast before Omai “had time to be dissatisfied at home”.
The next day Boswell visited Johnson. “I gave him an account of Captain Cook, and told him I felt, while I was with the Captain, an inclination to make the voyage. ‘Why, so one does’, said the Doctor, ‘till one considers how very little one learns’. I said I was certain a great part of what we are told by the travellers to the South Sea Islands must be conjecture, because they cannot know language enough to understand so much as they tell”.
On 18 April, Boswell dined at the Mitre Tavern in London with Sir John Pringle, Daniel Solander, Joseph Banks and others of the Royal Society. He sat next to Cook who “candidly confessed… that he and his companions who visited the South Sea Islands could not be certain of any information they got, or supposed they got, except as to objects falling under the observation of the senses; their knowledge of the language was so imperfect they required the aid of their senses, and anything which they learnt about religion, government, or traditions might be quite erroneous”. Four days later Boswell visited Cook at Cook’s home in Mile End, London. They took tea in the garden and a blackbird sang.
The next day William Anderson, surgeon’s mate in Resolution during Cook’s Second Voyage, and surgeon in her for the Third Voyage, submitted to the Royal Society “An Account of Some Poisonous Fish in the South Seas”. It was printed in the Society’s Philosophical Transactions later in the year. It refers to the sickness suffered from the fish eaten at Malekula, New Hebrides, in 1774.
The Fitting-out of the Sloops
Cook wrote his journal for his Third Voyage in a style that meant it would be ready for publication soon after his return. In his log, he used Ship Time, i.e., from noon to noon, as was customary. However, in his journal he used Civil Time, i.e. from midnight to midnight. Cook wrote only a few sentences in his journal about the preparation of Resolution for the forthcoming voyage. He kept a copy of the letters he sent and received. Many of these letters are in the archives of the Admiralty at The National Archives (TNA), Kew. Some are in other public institutions around the world, and some are in private hands.
On 8 April, Cook wrote to the Navy Board. “Please to order His Majestys Sloop the Resolution under my Command to be supplyed with Surgeons Necessaries for her present intended Voyage. But as Almonds, Currants, Garlick & Shallots, are perishable articles, the Surgeon desires that one half the Value of them may be supplyed in sugar and the other half in well dryed Raisins”. It was decided to “Write to the Contractor to order the Supply the Captn desires [and to] Acqt him”.
The next day, Cook wrote to the Admiralty Secretary. “Please to Move my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, to order His Majestys Sloops the Resolution, and Discovery, to be supply’d, each of them, with an Apparatus for recovering Drowned persons, as the same may be of great use in their present intended Voyage. I also pray that they will be pleased to order the Resolution to be supplyed with Two Puncheons of Double Distilled Spirit, in order to preserve, from putrefaction, such curious, Birds, Fish and other Animals we may happen to meet with in the Course of the Voyage”. The Admiralty agreed to these purchases, and ordered the Victualling Board to supply the spirits.
Publication of the Journal of the Second Voyage
Cook continued to live at Mile End, where he reviewed his journal of his Second Voyage in readiness for its publication.
On 13 April, the Earl of Sandwich, First Lord of the Admiralty, summoned Cook and Johann Reinhold Forster (the naturalist on Cook’s Second Voyage) to the Admiralty. In the presence of Philip Stephens, the Admiralty Secretary, they signed an agreement. According to its terms Cook’s published volume would contain “nautical observations” and ethnographical descriptions, and Forster’s work would be of natural history, ethnological and linguistic observations and “philosophical remarks”. Forster was free to superintend the printing of his own work but the Admiralty reserved the right to decide on how the costly plates would be distributed between the two works. Forster was to be given proofs of Cook’s volume so that he could translate the whole work into French and German. Both writers were enjoined to “aid and assist each other, in whatever may contribute to render the work compleat”.
Provisions for the Sloops
The minutes of the Victualling Board have several entries for Resolution and Discovery. For example, on 19 April, “Let the Sour Krout [requested by Captain Cook] be sent as desired. And acquaint him”. And, on 29 April, “Let the Pease & Oatmeal [requested by Captain Cook] be sent as desired. And acquaint the Captain”.
Sometimes, Cook had to remonstrate with officialdom. On 21 April, Cook wrote to the Navy Board.
On Saturday last, and not before, I was informed you would not allow His Majestys Sloops the Resolution and Discovery to be fitted with Brass, or Iron Coaked Blocks and Pins. Your refusal of these most essential articles, I apprehend is owing to some Misstake, as the first mentioned Sloop was fitted with them on her late Voyage and I can see no reason why she should not be fitted with them now. When she was Commissioned, I found all her Rigging fitted with Common Blocks, as in Common Voyages, but was told I might have others to put to the Rigging, and convert those already there for Sea Store which I ordered to be done: so that the Coaked Blocks, mentioned on the Boatswains Sea Store Warrent were not intended for Sea Store, as you probably imagined, but for immidiate and constant use. Nor are all of them now wanting, as we have got all the Iron Coaked Blocks, which were in her the late Voyage, that could be found. Without entering into a detail of the usefull and durableness of Coaked Blocks, to this Voyage in particular, I must request you will be pleased to order the Resolution to be supply’d with as many as will, with those she has already got, compleat the most principal parts of her Rigging, and also a sufficient number for the Discovery. Likewise that you will be pleased to order both the Sloops to be furnished with a set of spare Pintles for their Rudders, that in case they should loose the one they have got, we may be enabled to make another.
The Navy Board decided to “Direct Deptford Officers to fitt the Resolution & Discovery with Blocks of Brass Coaked & Iron Pins, agreeable to this Letter”.
Here is another example. On 19 April Cook wrote to the Ordnance Board requesting extra powder, but was told that they could not comply without a letter from the Admiralty. So, on 29 April, Cook wrote to the Admiralty explaining the situation, and the same day, the Admiralty wrote to the Ordnance Board.
Captain Cook of His Majesty’s Sloop the Resolution and (which with the Discovery are to be employed on a Particular Service) having represented to us, that the quantity of Powder allowed the said Vessels is not sufficient, and desired that the Resolution may be supplied half Barrels of Corned Powder and two of Glazed, and that the Discovery may be supplyed with two half Barrels of Glazed Powder, We are to desire your Lordships will cause the said Sloops to be supplyed from Galleons Reach with the said additional quantities of Corned & Glazed Powder accordingly.
Publication of the Journal of the Second Voyage
On 26 April, Cook at Mile End wrote to “Revd Dr Douglas, Canon of Windsor, Windsor Castle”, who was editing Cook’s journal.
I have had a little conversation with [the printer] Mr [William] Strahan about my Journal, he has promised to give it all the assistance in his Power.
G[eorge] Campbell will look over the Nautical part & Sr Hugh Palliser has also promised to give his assistance.
I have divided it into Books and Chap[ter]s takeing the former Voyages and Lord Ansons for my guidance; but submit the whole to your better judgement, with full hopes that you will make such alterations, as you may see necessary.
Forster submitted to Lord Sandwich the first part of his edited journal, which he called “An Account of a Voyage round the World in the Years 1772-1775 by John Reinhold Forster”. These two chapters of 62 pages covered 11 June to 30 October, 1772.
On 28 April, Cook wrote to Canon John Douglas at his house in London.
I am sorry Captain Furneaux’s Journal has given you so much trouble, I am in some measure in fault for not looking over the Copy before it was put into your hands. If it is equally convenient to you, I should be glad to put of[f] waiting upon you till next Saturday, when I will bring the whole Manuscript with me, to let you see how I have divided it into Books & Chapters. By that time, I may have the Introduction ready for you to look over; I may also know my Lord Sandwich’s opinion on Mr Forster’s Works, a part of which I am told by my friend Dr Shepherd, is in his Lordship’s hands.
Nelson Becomes the Botanist for the Voyage
Joseph Banks was looking for someone to send to the Pacific to bring back specimens for his growing herbarium. On 24 April, James Lee, a nurseryman at Hammersmith near London, recommended David Nelson who “understands something of botany, but does not pretend to have much knowledge of it. I have inquired personally into his character and find him exactly suited for the purpose of a collector”.
Two days later, Nelson “Receivd of Master Joseph Banks Esq’re the Sum of twelve pounds twelve Shillings on account of wages commencing this day”. For the sum of £35 a year Nelson agreed
that I will sail with Capt. Clerke on board his Majesties ship Discovery & that I will under Capt. Clerkes orders collect & preserve all such plants & Seeds of plants as I shall be able to find in all such places as the ship may touch at also that I will take & preserve as many insects as I shall be able & that I will send back or on my return give to Jos. Banks Esq’re my employer all & every one of such plants seeds & insects as I shall collect not retaining to my self or disposing of to any other person any of the Same.
Cook Recruits a Boy from Christ’s Hospital
On 25 April, Cook wrote to the Admiralty Secretary. “Please to Move their Lordships to direct the Governors of Christs Hospital to let me have one of the Boys, which are now ready to leave the Mathematical School”. The Royal Mathematical School had been established within Christ’s Hospital School in 1673 by King Charles II. Its purpose was to train students to become mathematicians and navigators in order to pursue careers as naval officers or merchant seafarers.
Two days later, the Admiralty Secretary replied.
Having laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your Letter of the 25th Instant, requesting to have a Boy out of Christ’s Hospital for an Apprenctice, I am commanded by their Lordships to send you the inclosed Letter recommending you to the Treasurer for that purpose.
The enclosed letter said.
Captain Cook, Commander of His Majesty’s Sloop the Resolution, being desirous of having a Boy out of Christs Hospital as an Apprentice, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to recommend him to you for that purpose.
On 1 May, the admission and discharge register for Christ’s Hospital School has an entry saying “Matthew Paul is this day discharged from this Hospital for ever by James Cook Esquire, Commander of His Majesty’s Ship the Resolution, with whom he is to serve seven years”. The Master of the school was William Wales, the astronomer who had sailed with Cook on his Second Voyage. According to Resolution’s muster books, Matthew Paul had joined her on 10 February, almost three months earlier. Perhaps Cook was seeking retrospective permission for something he had already arranged.
Publication of the Journal of the Second Voyage
On 2 May, Sandwich decided that Forster’s draft was a “narrative” and not the agreed “philosophical observations”, so he requested Richard Owen Cambridge, a poet and well-known literary figure, to correct the manuscript. Daines Barrington, a lawyer and naturalist, continued to act as an intermediary between Sandwich and Forster. Five days later, Forster let it be known that he was not prepared to demean himself as an author. The proposed corrections were arbitrary and unreasonable and his manuscript was likely to be “castrated”.
Cook’s Family
Hugh, the last child and fifth son of James and Elizabeth Cook was born in May. His elder brothers James and Nathaniel were still alive, aged 12 and 11, respectively. However, the other three children, Elizabeth, Joseph and George, had died in infancy.
The Sloops’ Time at Deptford Ends
On 4 May, the Admiralty wrote to Cook. “Having appointed John Rogers belonging to the Sloop under your command, to be Boatswain of His Majesty’s Ship the Daphne, You are hereby required and desired to discharge him, and send him to this Office for his Warrant, and You are to make out and have sent to the Navy Board proper Pay Lists for his Wages”. Rogers was Boatswain’s mate in Resolution. Daphne was a recently commissioned six rate ship. She sailed with troops to North America.
On 6 May, Cook wrote in his journal. “a Pilot came on board to carry the Ship to Long reach”, downstream in the River Thames. Various winds prevented them from sailing until 29 May, which was the next time Cook wrote in his journal.
On 7 May, Clerke wrote to the Admiralty.
I beg leave to trouble you with the following request to their Lordships. There are two men David Markham & Willm Morris onboard the Lion (commanded by Lieutt Pickersgill) with whom I have long since been acquainted, who are very desirous of going the Voyage with me. I propos’d to Mr Pickersgill to give him two men in their lieu which he very readily came into, so entrust the favour of their Lordships that we may be indulged in their exchange.
According to Discovery’s musters, David Markham had joined on 8 March, and William Morris on 22 March. Perhaps Clerke was seeking retrospective permission for something already arranged. Thomas Tomkins and Charles Willis were discharged from Discovery to Lion on 16 May. Richard Pickersgill had sailed with Clerke on both of Cook’s First and Second Voyages, and in Dolphin before that. Pickersgill had been appointed to command the armed brig Lion earlier that month.
Three days later, Clerke wrote to the Navy Board. “Mr Law being appointed Surgeon of His Majesties sloop Discovery I beg he may be furnish’d with the various necessaries for the insuing Voyage”. It was agreed to “Write to the Contractor to order a supply”.
An interesting exchange of letters occurs that shows the method and formality of communication in the navy. On 12 May, Clerke wrote to the Admiralty Secretary. “I beg to trouble you to acquaint their Lordships that I have left Deptford with His Majesties Sloop Discovery under my command, and have anchor’d in [Galleons] Reach to take in my Guns &ca in obedience to their Lordships Orders of the 14th of February”. Two days later the reply was “I have read to my Lords Commissrs of the Admiralty your letter of the 13th Inst, informing them of your arrival at Galleons Reach with the Sloop you command”.
On 16 May, David Samwell in Resolution at Deptford wrote to his friend Matthew Gregson, an upholsterer in Liverpool.
The Pilot is now on board but the wind is against us. We are going a few miles lower down the river to a place called the Galleons to take in our guns & we shall stay there a week or ten days... Omiah & Lord Sandwich come to pay us a visit now & then... [Omai] takes a couple of bulls & cows with him & I believe he will take a horse... I hope we may not sail till Sunday as there is a fine ship of 74 guns called the Culloden to be launched from Deptford Yard just opposite to us Saturday.
Culloden, a third rate ship, was launched there on 18 May.
On 21 May, Clerke wrote in his log.
The Hound Sloop of War came down here, and anchored so near us to risque the Vessels being foul of each other every hour; so we weigh’d our small Bower [anchor], carried out a small Anchor and endeavour’d to warp clear of her, but in warping the Hawser broke very near the Anchor, so let go the Bower again & moor’d half Cable each way. The boats employ’d sweeping for the [lost] Anchor.
Cook Sits for His Portrait
On 24 May, Cook wrote to Joseph Banks from Mile End.
Capt. Cook presents his Compliments to Mr Banks, thanks him for his kind congratulations and for the Drawing of the New Zealand spruce. he will speak to Lord Sandwich to have it engraved [for the Second Voyage publication], and if his Lordship Consents, will be obliged to Mr Banks for a description. Cap. Cook intends to be at the west end of the Town tomorrow Morning, and thinks he could spare a few hours before dinner to sit for Mr Dance, and will call upon him for that purpose about 11 or 12 oClock.
The completed painting by Nathaniel Dance has become the most reproduced portrait of Cook.
Resolution leaves Deptford Dockyard
On 27 May, Clerke wrote in his log. “sail’d hence his Majesties Sloop Hound, who in unmooring brought up the small Anchor we lost on the 21st Instant”.
Two days later, Cook wrote in his log. “Slipped our Moorings & Came to Sail”. At noon, Clerke at Galleons Reach noted, “pass’d by his Majesties Ships Perseus & Resolution, and a Russian Frigate”. Perseus was a sixth rate built at Rotherhithe, launched there on 23 March, and commissioned at Deptford until 26 May.
On 30 May, Resolution reached Long Reach. In his journal, Cook wrote, “we took on board our Artillery, Powder shot and other Ordnance Stores”.
On 1 June, Cook wrote to the Admiralty Secretary.
Please to acquaint their Lordships that... as I did not th[i]nk it safe to stop at Galleons Reach with His Majestys Sloop the Resolution under my Command, to take in her Guns and Gunners Stores, I proceeded to Long Reach to take them in there. When this is done I am directed by their Lordships order of the 14th of Febry to proceed to the Nore for further order; but if the only intention for the Sloops stoping at the Nore, is to pay the Crews their advance Wages, I am humbly of opinion this had better be done in Plymouth Sound, as it will give us an oppertunity to take on board some Port Wine which the Victualling Board have ordered to be reserved for us.
The Admiralty agreed, and four days later wrote to Cook at Long Reach.
You are hereby required and directed to proceed forthwith in the Sloop you command to Plymouth, and to give directions to Captain Clerke of the Discovery Sloop to do the like, and to remain at that place, with both the said Sloops, until you receive further orders.
The same day, the Admiralty wrote to Clerke at Galleons Reach.
You are hereby required and directed to put yourself under the command of Captain Cook, Commander of His Majesty’s Sloop Resolution, and follow his orders for your further proceedings
The next day, Clerke “at 2 weigh’d and made sail, at ½ past 4 came too in Long Reach... Found riding here his Majesties Ships Perseus & Resolution”.
On 7 June, the Victualling Board minutes include.
Ordered that Ten Firkins of Butter be cased, and pickle put between the Casks, and sent on board His Majesty’s Sloop the Resolution, and that Six Firkins of Butter be cased, and pickle put between the Casks, and sent on board His Majesty’s Sloop the Discovery.
The same day, Clerke wrote to the Admiralty Secretary. “Please to give Directions for my being Supply[ed] with the General Printed Naval Instructions with the Acts of Parlimt and Statutes”.
Omai, Bayly and the Chronometers
On 5 June, the Admiralty wrote to Cook.
Whereas we intend that Omiah, a Native of one of the South Sea Islands, who was brought to England by Captain Furneaux in the Adventure Sloop, shall have a passage to his Native Country in the Sloop you command; You are hereby required and directed to receive him on board the said Sloop, and to land him at such one of the said Islands as he may desire, when you proceed thither, giving him all proper Accommodation, and victualling him as the Sloop’s Company during his continuance on board.
The same day, the Admiralty wrote a separate letter to Cook about William Bayly, the astronomer, who had previously sailed on Cook’s Second Voyage in Adventure, and who had been appointed astronomer in Discovery.
You are... required and directed to cause... Mr Bayly, together with his Servant, Instruments and Baggage, to be received on board the Discovery [and] whenever there are convenient opportunities and he shall be desirous of landing in order to make observations on shore, to furnish him with a proper Boat and with a sufficient Number of Men, as well to assist in fixing his Instruments as to protect him from any annoyance or disturbance which may be attempted to be given him by the Natives during his stay, and to land, at the same time, a sufficient Quantity of Provisions and Necessaries for the use of himself and Servant, and the Persons who may be put onshore to assist and protect him as above directed.
And whereas the [Board of Longitude] have thought it expedient to send out for trial during your present intended Voyage, two Watch Machines which have been made by Mr Kendal... one of them, being a copy of that made by the late Mr Harrison and the same that was sent out with you upon your last Voyage, [to be used] on board the Sloop you command; and the other, being of... Mr Kendal’s own Construction and having never yet been at Sea for trial [for] Discovery.
The Sloops are Inspected
On 8 June, Cook wrote in his journal.
The Earl of Sandwich, Sr Hugh Palliser and others of the Board of Admiralty, paid us the last mark of the extraordinary attention they had alalong paid to this equipment, by coming on board to see that every thing was compleated to their desire and to the satisfaction of all who were to embark in the voyage. They and several other Noblemen and gentlemen honoured me with their Company at dinner and were saluted with 17 guns and 3 cheers at their coming on board and also on going a shore.
Cook entertained them with food from Messrs Birch, Birch and Co, of 15 Cornhill, London. Their day book records the meal included turbout, trout, lobsters, shrimps, chickens, pigeons, strawberries, mushrooms, peas, beans, cauliflowers, venison, sweetmeats, biscuits, currant jelly, sauces and a pot of gravy. The cost was £12 2s 0d.
First Survey of the Voyage
On 11 June, William Bayly, “Received the Timekeeper from the hand of Mr Gilpin (Mr Maskelyne’s Assistant) [i.e., to the Astronomer Royal] and carried it on board the Discovery then laying in Longreach & fixed it safe on its bracket”. The next day, Lieutenant James King in Resolution wrote in his journal. “I receiv’d in charge from the Royal Observatory at Greenwich the Time Keeper & the remainder of the Astronomical Instruments, carried them on board, & delivered to Mr Gore... one of three Keys which opens the Box containing the Time Keepers”.
That afternoon, Bayly “went on board the Resolution & from there went on Shore at Purfleet in company with Mr Gore and Mr King, the first & second Lieuts, & Mr Anderson the Surgeon, all of the Resolution; we all drank Tea on Shore and returned on board in the evening”. On 13 June,
In the Afternoon went on Shore at Erith in company with the three Lieutenants of the Resolution & measured the distance between the Landing place at the Sign of the Crown at Erith to the Morter Tavern near the Entrance of Woolwich Warren which measured 5 M[iles], 2 F[urlongs], 8 P[oles]. This was to decide a wager between Lord Sandwich on one part, & Lord Mulgrave & Mr Banks on the other; Lord Sandwich laying it was not 5 Miles, & Lord Mulgrave laid it was more. We staid at the Ship Tavern at Woolwich all night and the next morning breakfasted with Mr Gilbert, the then Master Attendance [Attendant] at the Yard, & then walked back to Erith where was a boat waiting to carry us on board the Ships in Longreach. I arrived on board at noon the 14th.
Publication of the Journal of the Second Voyage
In early June, Forster offered his manuscripts to the government for £200. When it was declined, he offered that, for £1200, he would forego any profits (estimated at £1500). Cook supported this proposal. Sandwich went to the King, and was permitted “to proceed with Capt. Cook’s Narrative solely unless [Forster] submitted to have his Narrative corrected”.
On 11 June, Cook wrote to Canon Douglas.
Yesterday Mr Strahan & I went to the Admiralty in order to meet Mr Forster to settle about the Publication, but instead of finding him there, I found a letter from him to me couched in the following terms. That Lord Sandwich had thought proper to interpret the Agreement between us, in such a manner, as he thought did not agree with its purport; and as his Lordship on that pretence had excluded him from all particip[a]tion of the Admiralty’s assistance, our meeting was thereby rendered unnecessary. I afterwards saw Mr Barrington, who inform’d me the Mr Forster had absolutely refused to make the least alteration in his M.S. [manuscript]... What Mr Forster intends to do I have not heard, but suppose he will publish as soon as possible, and if so he will get the start of me.
Three days later, Cook wrote again to Douglas.
I was with my Lord Sandwich yester Morning, & found that he had not quite given up Dr Forster, but I believe he will be obliged to do it at last. I had some conversation with the Dr last night, and used all the arguments I was master of to persuade him to submit to his Lordship, but to no manner of purpose. The Charts are all finished, but the other Plates I am told, will not be done before Christmas... I have leave to remain in Town till this matter is settled, and at the desire of Lord Sandwich, shall join Mr Stuart with Mr Strahan to manage the Publication &ca of my Book.. I shall take care to get a Compleat list of all the Plates to leave with the Manuscript, & have already made notes where the most of them are to be placed.
On 23 June, Cook still at Mile End wrote to Douglas.
It is now Settled that I am to Publish without Mr Forster... When Captain Campbell has looked over the M.S. [manuscript] it will be put into the hands of Mr Strahan and Mr Stuart to be printed, and I shall hope for the Continuation of your assistance in correcting the proofs... When you have done with the Introduction please to send it to Mr Strahan or bring it with you when you come to Town... Tomorrow Morning I set out to join my ships at the Nore, & with her proceed to Plymouth where my stay will be but short. Permit me to assure you that I shall always have a due sense of the favors you have done, and that I am with great esteem and regard.
The publication of the book was delayed by the engraving of the plates that were to accompany it. In the end, it appeared in May 1777.
Further Orders for the Sloops
On 13 June, the Admiralty wrote to Gore.
You are hereby required and directed to proceed with His Majesty’s Sloop the Resolution to the Nore, and wait there the arrival of Captain Cook until you shall receive further orders.
That day, Clerke wrote to the Admiralty Secretary.
His Majestie’s sloop Discovery, under my Command being in every particular equip’d for Sea, I have receiv’d Orders from Capt Cook immediately to proceed for Plymouth, but some of my own private affairs of the utmost importance to me requiring my attention to them in Town, I wou’d be highly oblig’d to their Lordships if I cou’d be indulg’d in attending them, and sending the Ship round, under the Command of Lieut Burney.
The Admiralty agreed, and the next day wrote to Lieutenant Burney at Longreach.
You are hereby required & directed to proceed with His Majesty’s Sloop the Discovery to Plymouth, and remain there until you receive further Orders”
Charles Clerke’s Financial Difficulties
In 1772, Charles Clerke had stood surety for the debts of his elder brother Sir John Clerke. John sailed for the East Indies without paying his debts of £4,000, and his creditors wanted their money. Charles ended up in the debtors’ prison of King’s Bench in St George’s Fields, Southwark, Surrey, soon after arriving home in Resolution in 1775. Several entries in his journal imply that he was allowed out from time to time.
The fighting in America with the “rebels” there had led to a need for more men in the Royal Navy. So, in early 1776, a law was passed that allowed “Commissioned or Warrant Officers in His Majesty’s Land or Sea Service” who were in a debtors’ prison to be relieved of their debt through a process agreed by a court.
On 18 June, the London Gazette published a notice listing men who
give this publick Notice, that they do intend to take the Benefit of the said Act, at the next General or Quarter Sessions of the Peace to be held in and for the County, Riding, Division, City, Town, Liberty, or Place, or any Adjournment thereof, which shall happen next after THIRTY Days from the FIRST Publication of the undermentioned Names.
There were separate lists of people in the Fleet, Marshalsea, and King’s Bench prisons. The list of people “Surrendered to the Marshal of the KING’s BENCH Prison in the County of Surry”. contains in the “First Notice” section the name “Charles Clerke, formerly and late of Panton-street Westminster [near Leicester Square], a Commissioned Officer in His Majesty’s Navy on Full Pay”. Four days, later, the London Gazette published another list. Clerke appears in the “Second Notice” section. On 25 June, he appears in the “Third Notice” section.
Cook Writes Home to Great Ayton
On 22 June, Cook wrote to his friend Commodore William Wilson at Great Ayton. James and Elizabeth Cook had visited at Ayton Hall in December 1771, the last time they ever went to Great Ayton.
I am at last upon the very point of setting out to join the Resolution at the Nore, and proceed on my voyage, the destination of which you have pretty well conjectured. If I am not so fortunate as to make my passage home by the North Pole, I hope at least to determine, whether it is practicable, or not. From what we yet know, the attempt must be hazardous, and must be made with great caution. I am sorry I cannot furnish you with some New Zealand Flax seed, having not one grain of it left. Indeed, I brought hardly one home with me, but left the most of what I had at the Cape, to try to cultivate it there; for of all that was brought home in my former voyage, I have not heard of a single grain vegetating. It is much to be feared, that this fine plant will never be raised in England.
The journal of my late Voyage, will be published in the course of next winter, and I am to have the sole advantage of the sale. It will want those flourishes which Dr Hawkesworth gave the other, but it will be illustrated and ornamented with about sixty copper plates, which, I am of opinion, will exceed every thing that has been done in a work of this kind; as they are all of them from Drawings made on the spot, by a very able artist. As to the Journal, it must speak for itself. I can only say, that it is my own narrative, and as it was written during the voyage. If you or any of your friends, should want any, care shall be taken that you have of the first impressions. Mrs Cook joins her best respects to you, Mrs Wilson and family.
Webber becomes the Artist for the Voyage
In the spring of 1776, John Webber showed three paintings at the annual exhibition of the Royal Academy. The portrait attracted the attention of Daniel Solander, who was searching for a painter to accompany Cook. Solander went to Webber’s house at 4 Down Street, Piccadilly, London, where he apparently saw other works in landscape that confirmed his opinion of the artist’s excellence. Solander proposed Webber’s as draughtsman.
On 24 June, the Admiralty Secretary wrote to Webber, we will “allow you a Salary at the rate of one hundred Guineas a year for the time you shall be so employed with such farther allowances as may be reasonable & proper for providing yourself with Necessaries & Stock”
Cook was told,
Whereas we have engaged Mr John Webber, Draughtsman and Landskip Painter to proceed in His Majesty’s Sloop under your Command on her present intended Voyage, in order to make Drawings and Paintings of places in the Countries you may touch at in the course of the said Voyage, as may be proper to give a more perfect Idea thereof than can be formed by written descriptions only.
The Sloops Separate
On 15 June, Lieutenant James King in Resolution wrote in his journal.
Unmoor’d & sailed in Company with the Discovery... Anchore’d at the Nore... the Discovery proceeded on towards Plymouth, the first lieut [James Burney] commanding her round to that Place.
Later that day, Discovery arrived in the Downs. According to Cook, “Resolution was ordered to remain at the Nore till I joined her, being at this time in London”. Discovery left the Downs on 19 June.
On 24 June, Cook wrote in his journal,
At 6 o’clock in the Morning I set out from London in company with Omai, we got to Chatham between 10 & 11 and after dining with Commissioner Proby he very obligingly ordered his yacht to convey us to Sheerness where my boat was waiting to carry us on board.
The next day, Resolution set sail from the Nore, and the following day, she anchored in the Downs. Cook, “sent a shore for two boats which had been built at Deal for us”.
Arrival in Plymouth
On 26 June, Discovery arrived at Plymouth. She
saluted the Admiral in [Plymouth] Harbour with 13 Guns. He returned 11. At 10 came too with the best Bower [anchor] between Drake’s Island & the main[land]. Got Hawsers to the Mooring Buoy.
On 29 June, Cook wrote in his journal. “Anchored in Plymouth Sound where the Discovery had arrived three days before”. Samwell commented in a letter to Gregson, “Omiah is a droll Animal & causes a good deal of Merriment on Board”.
The next day, Cook wrote to the Admiralty.
Please to acquaint their Lordships with the arrival of His Majestys Sloop the Resolution under my Command at this place.
Ian Boreham
Originally published in Cook's Log, page 32, volume 49, number 2 (2026).