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Historical Records of New Zealand Vol. II.
Captain Cook to Secretary Stephens
Captain Cook to Secretary Stephens.
Sir,—
The death of Captain Clements, one of the captains in the Royal Hospital at Greenwich, making a vacancy there, I humbly offer myself to the Lords Commiss'rs of the Admiralty as a candidate for it, presuming, if I am fortunate enough to merit their Lordships' approbation, they will allow me to quit it when either the call of my country for more active service, or page 118 that my endeavours in any shape can be essential to the publick, as I would on no account be understood to withdraw from that line of service which their Lordships' goodness has raised me to, knowing myself capable of engaging in any duty which they may be pleased to commit to my charge.*
I am, &c.,
Jam's Cook.
* This was not an idle promise. Six months afterwards we find-Cook soliciting the Admiralty to allow him to leave his honourable retirement and take charge of the Resolution and Discovery.—(See his letter of 10th February, 1776, post, p. 122.) The appointment Cook asked for was made on the day (Saturday, 12 August, 1775) he applied for it. He had on the previous Thursday been promoted to the rank of post-captain.