During that siege, a difficult and dangerous service was necessary to be performed.

This was to take the soundings in the channel of the river St.Lawrence, between the island of Orleans and the north shore, directly in the front of the French fortified camp at Montmorency and Beauport, in order to enable the admiral to place ships against the enemy's batteries, and to cover our army on a general attack, which the heroic Wolfe intended to make on the camp.

Captain Palliser, in consequence of his acquaintance with Mr.Cook's sagacity and resolution, recommended him to the service; and he performed it in the most complete manner.

In this business he was employed during the night-time, for several nights together.

At length he was discovered by the enemy, who collected a great number of Indians and canoes, in a wood near the waterside, which were launched in the night, for the purpose of surrounding him, and cutting him off.
On this occasion, he had a very narrow escape.