[Footnote 3:  We shall not easily find a more excellent specimen of biographical eulogium than what Captain King has now given us.  It does justice to his subject—­and this, be it remembered, is a merit of the highest kind; and it does justice to himself, to his own sense of propriety and principle, which, in the warmth of their friendship, professed admirers are too apt to sacrifice at the shrine of departed worth.  The style is suitable to the sentiments, possessing a dignified simplicity, and an apparent rectitude of aim, which it is impossible not to consider, as, in a great degree, resulting from intimacy with the truly great character whom it so forcibly recommends to our esteem, and which, therefore, may be held as no mean illustration of the efficacy of those virtues which so eminently adorned him.  In this respect, then, Cook was peculiarly fortunate, were there no other record to which posterity might appeal—­more fortunate, by much, indeed, than many, whose lives have been blazoned by vain-glorious historians.  We appeal, therefore, to the feelings of every reader, whether this very circumstance, so providentially directed towards the perpetuity of his fame, does not indicate the real superiority of such a man as Cook over the mass of vulgar conquerors, whom, unfortunately for the world, it has been so much and so long the fashion to admire?  Shall we ever witness the time, when the wanton destroyers of our species, under whatever name or trappings they vaunt themselves, shall inherit the abhorrence and the curses of humanity; and when the only claim to applause that shall be sanctioned, must be founded, like that of our navigator, on the ability and the disposition to confer benefits on society?  It has often been regretted, as is said in the Biographia Britannica, that a monument has not yet been erected to the memory of Captain Cook in Westminster Abbey.  The uneasiness is not superfluous, in so far as the honour of our country is concerned, to which, perhaps, his exertions have really contributed as much as those of almost any individual whose greatness is there embalmed; but to the reputation of Cook, a monument in Westminster Abbey, we agree with the work alluded to, would be of little or no consequence.  “His fame stands upon a wider base, and will survive the comparatively perishing materials of brass, or stone, or marble.  The name of Cook will be held in honour, and recited with applause, so long as the records of human events shall continue in the earth.”—­E.

The following particulars, respecting the death of Captain Cook, are taken from Mr Samwell’s Narrative, as given in the Biographia Britannica; to which, also, we are indebted for the most minute and satisfactory account of this illustrious man ever yet published, and to which, therefore, we refer the more inquisitive reader.