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Historical Records of New Zealand Vol. II.
Captain Cook to Secretary Jackson
Captain Cook to Secretary Jackson.
Sir,—
Having understood that their Lordships have ordered two ships to be fitted out for the purpose of making further discoveries in the Pacific Ocean, I take the liberty, as their Lordships when they were pleased to appoint me a captain in Greenwich Hospital were at the same time pleased also to say it should not be in prejudice to any future offer which I might make of my service, to submit myself to their directions, if they think fit to appoint me to the command of the said intended voyage; relying, if they condesend to except this offer, they will, on my return, either restore me to my appointment in the hospital, or procure for me such other mark of the Royal favour as their Lordships, upon the review of my past services, shall think me deserving of.*
I am, &c.,
Jam's Cook.
* The appointment was made on the day on which this letter was written. The matter had previously been arranged by Sir Hugh Palliser, Lord Sandwich, and Mr. Philip Stephens, with whom Cook shortly before had consulted as to the necessary equipment of the expedition, and to whom he had expressed his willingness to take the command.—Kippis's Life of Cook, p. 324.