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Historical Records of New Zealand Vol. II.

Captain Cook to Secretary Stephens

page 140

Captain Cook to Secretary Stephens.

Cape of Good Hope, 28 November, 1776.

Sir,—

I did myself the honour to write to you by a French ship on the 23rd of last month, and by the Hampshire, Indiaman, on the 5th instant.* On the 10th, Captain Clerke arrived, by whom I received your letter of the 20th of July, and the several things therein mentioned, which I shall duly attend to. The work necessary to be done to the Discovery, and the bakers failing to bake the bread I had ordered for her, thinking if she did not arrive it would be left on their hand, has detained me here some days longer than I expected. I am now ready to put to sea with the first wind, having filled the sloops with provisions, and made some considerable addition to the live stock on board the Resolution, intended to be sent to Otaheite. As I have taken the liberty to do this with a view of serving posterity, by having some to spare to leave on the lands I may touch at before I arrive at that island, I hope it will meet their Lordships' approbation, and that they will order the bill to be honoured which I have taken the liberty to draw on you of this date, in favour of Mr. Christoffel Brand, or order, for the sum of two hundred and fourteen pounds ten shillings and sixpence sterling, in a set of bills of exchange of the same tenor and date, and payable at thirty days' sight, it being for the purchase and keeping the live stock, supporting Omai, and for defraying Mr. Webber's expences, all of which will appear by the enclosed vouchers. A painting which he made of St. Cruz, in the Island of Teneriffe, I have left with Mr. Brand, of this place, to be forwarded to their Lordships by the first safe opportunity.

I am, &c.,


Jam's Cook

* This letter of the 5th November, 1776, is missing.

This letter is also missing.