[Enclosure.]
Surgeons' Report on Lieutenant Shank.

Pursuant to an order from Captain James Cook, commander of his Majesty's sloop Resolution, &c., we have examined Mr. Joseph Shank, first lieutenant of his Majesty's sloop Adventure, touching his ill state of health, and find he has for several months past been afflicted with a slow nervous fever and violent rhumatic pains, which have greatly reduced and emaciated him. We are therefore of an opinion that his request to quit is not only reasonable, but absolutely necessary for the restablishment of his health.

Given under our hands, on board his Majesty's sloop Adventure, in Table Bay, Cape of Good Hope, this 16th day of November, 1772.