James Cook correspondence, 18 December 1764 - 11 July 1776, and papers, 8 December 1759 - 10 March 1779

Fonds

Primarily comprises correspondence between Cook and the Commisioners of Victualling and the Navy, with copies of instructions etc., possibly leaves torn from the Grenville's letterbook. Arranged and described chronologically.¶ ¶All, except two letters in portfolios (DLMS 92 and DLMSQ 141), are in one volume (DLMSQ 140) arranged in the Library contents list created and inserted in 1968. Twenty items are in Cook's hand, others with his signature. Some items have notes in ink and pencil added by other hands which in several cases identify the item as being in Cook's hand. Correspondents include the Commissioners of Victualling, the Navy Office, Admiralty Office, Capt. John Walker of Whitby, Capt. William Hammond of Hull, Rev. Dr Kaye and Capt. Hugh Debbieg. The greater part of the correspondence concerns the preparation of Cooks ships, especially the victualling and fitting out for his voyages. Two of Cook's letters to Walker are accounts of his first and second voyages. The letter to Kaye refers to Cook's imminent departure on his third voyage and his letter to Capt. Hammond concerns the seaworthiness of the Resolution. Papers comprise various certificates, orders and instructions, a bill of exchange and a pass.