It was at first proposed to sheathe them with copper; but on considering that copper corrodes the iron-work, especially about the rudder, this intention was laid aside, and the old method of sheathing and fitting pursued, as being the most secure; for although it is usual to make the rudder-bands of the same composition, it is not, however, so durable as iron, nor would it, I am well assured, last out such a voyage as the Resolution performed.

Therefore, till a remedy is found to prevent the effect of copper upon iron-work, it would not be advisable to use it on a voyage of this kind, as, the principal fastenings of the ship being iron, they may be destroyed.

On the 28th of November, 1771, I was appointed to the command of the Resolution; and Tobias Furneaux (who had been second lieutenant with Captain Wallis) was promoted, on this occasion, to the command of the Adventure.

Our Complements of Officers and Men were fixed, as in the following Table.

RESOLUTION

Officers and Men, Officers Names

Captain (1) James Cook. 
Lieutenants (3) Rob.  P. Cooper, Charles Clerke, Richd.  Pickersgill.

Master (1) Joseph Gilbert. 
Boatswain (1) James Gray. 
Carpenter (1) James Wallis. 
Gunner (1) Robert Anderson. 
Surgeon (1) James Patten. 
Master’s mates (3)
Midshipmen (6)
Surgeon’s mates (2)
Captain’s clerk (1)
Master at arms (1)
Corporal (1)
Armourer (1)
Ditto mate (1)
Sail-maker (1)
Boatswain’s mate (3)
Carpenter’s ditto (3)
Gunner’s ditto (2)
Carpenter’s crews (4)
Cook (1)
Ditto mate (1)
Quarter-masters (6)
Able seamen (45)

Marines
Lieutenant (1) John Edgecumbe. 
Serjeant (1)
Corporals (2)
Drummer (1)
Privates (15)

Total, 112

ADVENTURE

Officers and Men, Officers Names

Captain (1) Tobias Furneaux. 
Lieutenants (3) Joseph Shank, Arthur Kempe.

Master (1) Peter Fannin. 
Boatswain (1) Edward Johns. 
Carpenter (1) William Offord. 
Gunner (1) Andrew Gloag. 
Surgeon (1) Thos.  Andrews. 
Master’s mate (2)
Midshipmen (4)
Surgeon’s mates (2)
Captain’s clerk (1)
Master at arms (1)
Ditto Mate (1)
Sail-maker (1)
Ditto Mate (1)
Boatswain’s mate (1)
Carpenter’s ditto (2)
Gunner’s ditto (2)
Carpenter’s crews (1)
Cook (4)
Ditto mate (1)
Quarter-masters (4)
Able seamen (33)

Marines
Lieutenant (1) James Scott. 
Serjeant (1)
Corporals (1)
Drummer (1)
Privates (8)

Total, 81

I had all the reason in the world to be perfectly satisfied with the choice of the officers.  The second and third lieutenants, the lieutenant of marines, two of the warrant officers, and several of the petty officers, had been with me during the former voyage.  The others were men of known abilities; and all of them, on every occasion, shewed their zeal for the service in which they were employed, during the whole voyage.