This, I trust, will appear in the first, third, fifth, and seventh chapters.

It may be observed, likewise, that the fresh matter now communicated is of the most authentic kind, and derived from the most respectable sources.

My obligations of this nature are, indeed, very great, and call for my warmest gratitude.

The dates and facts relative to Captain Cook's different promotions are taken from the books of the Admiralty, by the directions of the noble lord who is at the head of that Board, and the favour of Mr.Stephens.I embrace with pleasure this opportunity of mentioning, that, in the course of my life, I have experienced, in several instances, Lord Howe's condescending and favourable attention.
To Mr.Stephens I am indebted for other communications besides those which concern the times of Captain Cook's preferments, and for his general readiness in forwarding the design of the present work.

The Earl of Sandwich, the great patron of our navigator, and the principal mover in his mighty undertakings, has honoured me with some important information concerning him, especially with regard to the circumstances which preceded his last voyage.