up and declared he would go, and as the result of this resolve he called at the Admiralty Office on 10th February, and made formal application for the command, which was accepted on the same day, and he there and then went to Deptford and hoisted his pendant on the Resolution.  Her complement was the same as the previous voyage, i.e. 112 men, including 20 marines; and the Quarter Bill, preserved in the Records Office, shows the stations and duties of each of the crew, and the positions of the civilians who in cases of necessity were expected to take their places as small arms men.

The companion ship, the Discovery, was built by Langborne of Whitby, and was purchased for 2,450 pounds from W. Herbert of Scarborough.  According to the Records she was 229 tons burthen, but Cook puts her down as 300 tons; and Burney says the two ships were splendid sailing company, any advantage there might be resting with the Discovery.  The command was given to Charles Clerke, who had been both the previous voyages.

The Resolution hauled out of dock, 10th March, completed her rigging and took in stores and provisions, “which was as much as we could stow and the best of every kind that could be got.”  On the 6th May the pilot went on board to take her down to Longreach for her guns and powder, but owing to contrary winds she did not reach there till the 30th.  On 8th June she was visited by Lord Sandwich, Sir Hugh Pallisser, and others from the Admiralty, “to see that everything was compleated to their desire and to the satisfaction of all who were to embark in the voyage.”  A bull, two cows and their calves, with some sheep, were embarked as a present from King George to the Otahietans in hopes to start stocking the island.  A good supply of trade was shipped, and extra warm clothing for the crew was supplied by the Admiralty: 

“and nothing was wanting that was thought conducive to either conveniency or health, such was the extraordinary care taken by those at the head of the Naval Departments.”

Cook and King were to take observations on the Resolution, and Bailey, who was with the Adventure the previous voyage, was appointed as astronomer to the Discovery; the necessary instruments being supplied by the Board of Longitude.  The chronometer, made by Kendal, which had given such satisfaction last voyage, was again on board the Resolution.  It was afterwards with Bligh in the Bounty, sold by Adams after the Mutiny to an American, who sold it again in Chili.  It was then purchased for 52 pounds 10 shillings, repaired, and rated, and after keeping fair time for some years was presented by Admiral Sir Thomas Herbert to the United Service Museum, and is still in working order.

Clerke in the fleet.

On 15th June the two ships sailed for the Nore; there the Resolution waited for her Captain, whilst the Discovery, under the command of Burney, went on to Plymouth, but, meeting with damage in a gale, had to put into Portland for temporary repairs.  Captain Clerke was detained in London, “in the Rules of the Bench,” as he had become financially responsible for a friend who left him in the lurch.  He wrote to Banks, saying, “the Jews are exasperated and determined to spare no pains to arrest me.”  It appears that he contracted the illness which led to his death at this period.