His understanding was strong and perspicacious.

His judgment, in whatever related to the services he was engaged in, quick and sure.

His designs were bold and manly; and both in the conception, and in the mode of execution, bore evident marks of a great original genius.

His courage was cool and determined, and accompanied with an admirable presence of mind in the moment of danger.

His temper might perhaps have been justly blamed, as subject to hastiness and passion, had not these been disarmed by a disposition the most benevolent and humane.
'Such were the outlines of Captain Cook's character; but its most distinguishing feature was that unremitting perseverance in the pursuit of his object, which was not only superior to the opposition of dangers, and the pressure of hardships, but even exempt from the want of ordinary relaxation.