This witnesses to the confidence and enthusiasm that Cook inspired amongst those under him.
There were also other Endeavours amongst the junior officers.
The main object of the voyage was the settlement of the great question of the southern Continent.

Cook was directed to explore the whole region about the South Pole, starting from the Cape of Good Hope, and working eastward.

The winter of the southern hemisphere was to be employed as Cook thought fit.
This voyage brought Cook's qualities as a seaman and commander more prominently to view even than the former.

The conditions were very different.

Instead of mapping coasts and islands, the principal duty was exploration of tempestuous seas in high latitudes, amongst ice, searching in vain for the illusive southern land.
Cook carried it out thoroughly.