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Historical Records of New Zealand Vol. II.
Captain Cook to Secretary Stephens
Captain Cook to Secretary Stephens.
Sir,—
The party of marines which, I understand, are ordered immediately on board his Majesty's sloop Resolution,* under my command, will increase the number of her crew above the established complement, which is already nearly compleate; to page 90 discharge seamen in the river may be the means, not only of the sloop leaving England short of complement, but not being man'd with such able seamen as might be wished; I therefore pray you will be pleased to move my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to order the overplus men to be born on the supernumerary list untill there is an opportunity to discharge them into some of his Majesty's ships at one of the outports, after first compleating the two sloops' complements therefrom.
I Am, &C.,
Jam'S Cook.
* The party of marines on board the Resolution consisted of one lieutenant (John Edgcumbe, who had accompanied Cook in the Endeavour as Sergeant of Marines—ante, p. 77), one sergeant, two corporals, one drummer, and fifteen privates. On the Adventure were eight privates, one drummer, one corporal, and one sergeant, under Lieutenant James Scott.