BEFORE THE GREAT VOYAGE 35 



never allow him to entrust one of the King's 

 ships to a man who was not a sailor. Since the 

 hydrographer insisted, the Minister swore that 

 he would sooner have his right hand cut ofif than 

 sign such a commission. Mr. Dalrymple replied 

 that he was determined to gain his point, and 

 that he would gain it. Things had reached this 

 pitch, and threatened to remain there, when the 

 Secretary, Mr. Stephens, suggested, with mani- 

 fest common sense, that since Sir Edward 

 Hawke and Mr. Dalrymple were equally reso- 

 lute, it would be necessary to choose another 

 leader for the projected expedition. He added 

 that he knew Mr. Cook, and that since Mr. Cook 

 had been a master in the King's service and 

 engineer-geographer of Newfoundland, he be- 

 lieved him to be a fit person to satisfy the desires 

 of the Royal Society and of the Admiralty. He 

 said besides that Sir Hugh Palliser, Governor 

 of Newfoundland, would furnish testimonials 

 on behalf of Cook. Mr. Stephens' words, being 

 words of wisdom, were heeded by the learned 

 Society during the discussions in which had been 

 felt the unwonted breath of mundane tempests. 

 Sir Hugh Palliser, upon being consulted, sup- 

 ported with all his influence the recommenda- 

 tion of Mr. Stephens, and declared that he was 

 well aware of the skill and worth of Mr. Cook. 

 It was thus that James Cook was appointed by 



