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Historical Records of New Zealand Vol. II.
Captain Cook to Secretary Stephens.*
Captain Cook to Secretary Stephens.*
Sir,—
Mr. James Grey,† who was with me in the Endeavour, bark, and at present boatswain of the Cruizer, sloop, has signified his desire to go out again with me. I pray you will be pleased to move my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to appoint him boatswain of his Majesty's sloop Drake. Permit me, sir, to recommend to their Lordships Thos. Hardman, who has sail'd with me sence the beginning of the year 1767, in the stations of boatswain mate and sailmaker. He is well quallified to be boatswain of any of his Majesty's sloops in ordinary or Home service. His constitution at present is not sufficient to stand such a voyage as I am going, otherwise I should have applied for him to have been appointed my boatswain.
I am, &c.,
Jam's Cook.
P.S.—I shall recommend Robt. Anderson,‡ who was also with me in the Endeavour, to be appointed gunner of the Drake, provide he quallifies himself for that station.
* No date, but evidently about the end of December, 1771.
† James Grey [or Gray] was an A.B. in the Endeavour until the 5th February, 1771, when he succeeded Samuel Evans as quartermaster. He accompanied Cook as boatswain of the Resolution in 1772–5.
‡ Robert Anderson was an A.B. on the Endeavour until the 25th September, 1768, and from that date quartermaster. He accompanied Cook as gunner of the Resolution in 1772–5, and again in the same capacity and on the same vessel in 1776–80.