FIRST VOYAGE 11 



requested that he would point out in what manner they 

 might possibly contribute to his promotion. 



Captain Palliser did full justice to Cook's character, and 

 suggested that a master's warrant might perhaps be pro- 

 cured for him, by which, he would be put in a situation 

 suited to his talents, and be enabled to reflect credit on 

 those who honoured him with their patronage. 



In consequence of this, interest was made for a master's 

 warrant, which he obtained to the Grampus sloop, in May 

 1759 ; but this appointment did not take place, as the 

 former master unexpectedly returned. In a few days, how- 

 ever, he was made master of the Garland ; but here too 

 he was disappointed, for, on inquiry, it was found that the 

 ship had already sailed. At last he was appointed to the 

 Mercury, which was destined for North America, under 

 the command of Sir Charles Saunders, who, in conjunction 

 with General Wolfe, was then engaged in the memorable 

 siege of Quebec. 



During that signal transaction, it was found necessary 

 to obtain the soundings of the river St. Lawrence, directly 

 opposite to the French camp at Montmorency and Beau- 

 port. As this was universally esteemed to be a dangerous 

 and very difficult service, Cook's well-known sagacity and 

 intrepidity recommended him to Captain Palliser for the 

 undertaking ; and notwithstanding the difficulties of having 

 to take the soundings during the night, to evade observa- 

 tion, Cook executed the task in the most complete manner, 

 and to the entire satisfaction of his superiors. For several 

 successive nights he carried on the work unmolested, but 

 at last he was discovered by the enemy, who sent a number 

 of canoes filled with Indians to surround him, and he had 

 no other alternative but to make for the Isle of Orleans, 

 where he was so closely pursued, that he had scarcely 

 leaped from the bow of the boat, before the Indians entered 

 by the stern, and carried her off in triumph. 



There is little or no reason to believe that, before this 

 period, Cook had acquainted himself with the principles of 

 drawing ; but such was the vigour of his mind, and his 

 aptitude for the acquisition of knowledge, that he soon 

 mastered every subject to which he applied himself. And 

 notwithstanding the disadvantages under which he laboured, 

 he presented the admiral with as complete a draught of 

 the channel and its soundings as could have been furnished 

 by the most expert surveyor in more favoured circum- 

 stances. 



Our navigator performed another service, not less im- 

 portant, and which redounds equally to his honour. The 

 navigation of the river St. Lawrence is both difficult and 



