Captain Cook to Mr. Banks^§ (Banks Papers).

I received your letter^‖ by one of your people acquainting me that you had order'd everything belonging to you to be removed out of the ship, and desireing my assistance therein. I hope, sir, you will find this done to your satisfaction, and with that care the present hurry and confused state of the ship required. Some few articles which were for the mess I have kept, for which, together with the money I have remaining in my hands, I shall account with you for when I come to town. Taught by experience not to trust to the knowlidge of servants the whole of every necessary article wanting in such a voyage, I had, indipendent of what I purchased for the mess, layd in a page 97 stock of most articles, which will be now quite sufficient for me, and is the reason why I have not kept more of yours.

The cook and two French horn men are at liberty to go whenever they please. Several of the casks your things are in belong to the King, are charged to me, and for which I must be accountable. I shall be much obliged to you to send them to the Victualing Office when they are emptied, but desire that you will by no means put yourself to any ilconveniency on this head, as I shall not be call'd upon to account for them untill my return.

If it should not be convenient to send down for what may be still remaining in the ship, of yours, they shall be sent you by, sir,