The object, indeed, was of peculiar magnitude, and worthy to be pursued by a great prince, and a great nation.
Happily, the period was arrived in Britain for the execution of the most important scientific designs.

A regard to matters of this kind, though so honourable to crowned heads, had heretofore been too much neglected even by some of the best of our princes.

Our present sovereign had already distinguished his reign by his patronage of science and literature, but the beginnings which had hitherto been made were only the pledges of future munificence.

With respect to the object now in view, the gracious dispositions of his majesty were ardently seconded by the noble lord who had been placed at the head of the board of admiralty.

The Earl of Sandwich was possessed of a mind, which was capable of comprehending and encouraging the most enlarged views and schemes with regard to navigation and discovery.
Accordingly, it was by his particular recommendation that a resolution was formed for the appointment of an expedition, finally to determine the question concerning the existence of a southern continent.