He knew, he said, a Mr.Cook, who had been employed as marine surveyor of Newfoundland, who had been regularly educated in the navy, in which he was a master, and whom he judged to be fully qualified for the direction of the present undertaking.

Mr.Stephens, at the same time, recommended it to the board, to take the opinion of Sir Hugh Palliser, who had lately been governor of Newfoundland, and was intimately acquainted with Cook's character.

Sir Hugh rejoiced in the opportunity of serving his friend.

He strengthened Mr.Stephen's recommendation to the utmost of his power; and added many things in Mr.Cook's favour, arising from the particular knowledge which he had of his abilities and merit.

Accordingly, Mr.Cook was appointed to the command of the expedition by the lords of the Admiralty; and, on this occasion, he was promoted to the rank of a lieutenant in the royal navy, his commission bearing date on the 25th of May, 1768.
When the appointment had taken place, the first object was to provide a vessel adapted to the purposes of the voyage.