INTRODUCTION, 
xxxi 
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 objedts it em¬ 
braced, will bell appear from the Inftrudtions under which 
Captain Cook failed; and the infertion of them here, will 
convey fuch authentic information, as may enable the Read¬ 
er to judge with precifion how far they have been carried 
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 Majefiy’s Sloop the Reso¬ 
lution. 
TAPYHEREAS the Earl of Sandwich has figmfied to us his Majefty’s plea- 
* fure, that an attempt Jhould he made to find out a Northern pajfage hy 
Jea from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean; and whereas we have, in purfuance 
thereof caufed his Majeftf s floops Refolution and Difcovery to he fitted, in all 
refipeits, proper to proceed upon a voyage for the purpofe above-mentioned, and, 
from the experience we have had of your abilities and good conduit in your late 
voyages, have thought fit to intrufi you with the conduit of the prefent intended 
voyage, and with that view appointed you to command the firft mentioned fioop, 
and direited Captain Clerke,. who commands the other, to follow your orders for 
his further proceedings j You are hereby required and direited to proceed with the 
faid two floops direitly to the Cape of Good Hope, unlefs you Jhall judge it necef- 
fary to flop at Madeira, the Cape de Verd, or Canary IJlands, to take in wine for 
the ufe of their companies; in which cafe you are at liberty to do fo, taking care 
to remain there no longer than may be necejfary for that purpofe* 
On 
