He had no sympathy with the ordinary foibles and weaknesses of his men.

The charms of Tahiti, the paradise of the sailor, were no charms for him; he hardly notices the attractive ladies of that island; the attractions of the place to him were the abundance of provisions, as a means of fitting his expedition for further exploration and hardship.

The strongest proof of his capacity as a commander is the devotion of his officers.

Those who know the Navy know how difficult it is for any man who rises from the ranks to be successful in command.

But Cook was a gentleman born; he had the intuition of great minds for fitting themselves to every position to which they may rise, and there is never a whisper of disinclination to submit to the rule of the once collier boy, the son of a labourer.
His intelligence is remarkably shown in his greatest triumph, the suppression of scurvy.