INTRODUCTION. xxxi 



and having crofled the equator into its Northern Parts, then 

 to hold fuch a courfe as might probably fix many intereft-- 

 ing points in geography, and produce intermediate difco- 

 veries, in his progrefs Northward to the principal fcene of 

 his operations. 



But the plan of the voyage, and the various objecfts it 

 embraced, will bell appear from the Inftrudlions under 

 which Captain Cook failed ; and the infertion of them here, 

 will convey fuch authentic information, as may enable the 

 Reader to judge with precilion how far they have been car- 

 ried into execution. 



By the Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord''. 

 High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland, &c. 



SECRET INSTRUCTIONS for Captain James 

 Cook, Commander of his Majefly's Sloop the 

 Resolution. 



TyfT'HEREAS the Earl of Sandwich has Jignified to us his Majefly's- 

 ^ '^ fleajure-, that an attempt fioidd be made to find out a Northern pajfage 

 hy fea from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean; and whereas we have., in pur - 

 Juance thereof, caujed his Majefly's floops Refolution and Difcovery to he 

 fitted, in all rejpe^s, proper to proceed upon a voyage for the purpoje 

 above-mentioned, and, from the experience we have had of your abilities and 

 good conduct in your late voyages, have thought fit to intrufl you with the con- 

 du£l of the prejent intended voyage, and with that view appointed you to com- ■ 

 mand the fir ft mentioned floop, and dircEled Captain Clerke, who commands the 

 ether i to follow your orders for his further proceedings; You are hereby re- 

 quired and direSfed to proceed with the /aid two floops direlily to the Cape of 

 Good Hope, unlefs you fljall judge it necejfary to flop at Madeira, the Cape de 

 Verd, or Canary Iflands, to take in wine for the ufe of their companies ; in 

 which cafe you are at liberty to do Jo, taking care to remain there no longer 

 than may be necejfary for that purpqfe. 



