VOYAGE TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 31 



which could give any hopes of a passage, the ulti- 

 mate success of it would still depend upon there 

 being an open sea between the west side of that 

 continent, and the extremities of Asia. Captain 

 Cook, therefore, was ordered to proceed into the 

 Pacific Ocean, through the chain of his new islands 

 in the southern tropic, and having crossed the 

 equator into its northern parts, then to hold such a 

 course as might probably fix many interesting points 

 in geography, and produce intermediate disoveries, 

 in his progress northward to the principal scene of 

 his operations. 



But the plan of the voyage, and the various objects 

 it embraced, will best appear from the instructions 

 under which Captain Cook sailed ; and the insertion 

 of them here will convey such authentic information, 

 as may enable the reader to judge with precision how 

 far thev have been carried into execution. 



" By the Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord 

 u High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland, &c. 



" Secret Instructions for Captain James Cook, Commander 

 " of his Majesty's sloop the Resolution. 



" Whereas, the Earl of Sandwich has signified to us his 

 " Majesty's pleasure that an attempt should be made to find 

 " out a northern passage by sea from the Pacific to the 

 " Atlantic Ocean ; and whereas we have, in pursuance 

 " thereof, caused his Majesty's sloops Resolution and Dis- 

 " covery to be fitted, in all respects, proper to proceed upon 

 " a voyage for the purpose above-mentioned, and, from the 

 " experience we have had of your abilities and good conduct 

 " in your late voyages, have thought fit to intrust you with 

 tc the conduct of the present intended voyage, and with that 

 " view appointed you to command the first-mentioned sloop. 



