Pallisser

It is very possible that Cook, during this year, rendered assistance to Captains Debbieg and Bassett, engineers, who were engaged in surveying important points and harbours with a view to fortification, and Pallisser had been instructed to give them every help.

The Life of Captain James Cook Kitson, Arthur 1907

Pallisser did not see Cook till some time after the accident, when the worst was over, and it is quite in keeping with Cook's character to minimise his sufferings, and to insist on the work being kept going as far as possible.

The Life of Captain James Cook Kitson, Arthur 1907

After another short cruise the Eagle returned to Plymouth with Pallisser very ill with fever.

The Life of Captain James Cook Kitson, Arthur 1907

He obtained sick leave, and Captain Proby was ordered to take command, but was detained so long in the Downs by contrary winds that Pallisser, who had heard a rumour of a French squadron having been seen in the Channel, shook off his fever and resumed the command of his ship, which was almost ready for sea.

The Life of Captain James Cook Kitson, Arthur 1907

On receipt of this letter Pallisser wrote to Cook, and this communication, together with autograph copies of letters written by Cook having reference to the Grenville, a receipt for her husband's pay, signed by Mr.. Cook, and some other papers of interest relating to his voyages, are now in the hands of Mr. Alexander Turnbull, of Wellington, New Zealand.

The Life of Captain James Cook Kitson, Arthur 1907

Cook returned to Spithead on 30th November, and from thence to Deptford for the winter, and in February obtained permission from the Admiralty to publish the charts he had completed; Captain Pallisser, who made the application, said he was of opinion that they “would be of great encouragement to new adventurers on the fisheries upon those coasts.”

The Life of Captain James Cook Kitson, Arthur 1907

This was Cook's first experience of an important naval action, and Pallisser was complimented by the Lords of the Admiralty for his gallant conduct.

The Life of Captain James Cook Kitson, Arthur 1907

Nor had it interrupted his survey so much as he (Captain Pallisser) expected.

The Life of Captain James Cook Kitson, Arthur 1907

These complaints were endorsed by Captain Pallisser, who succeeded Hamar on the Eagle, for he wrote that some of the crew were turned over from ship to ship so often that he was quite unable to make out their original one:

The Life of Captain James Cook Kitson, Arthur 1907

In reference to this accident the Lords of the Admiralty wrote to Lord Halifax, quoting a letter they had received from Captain Pallisser, dated 14th November 1764:

The Life of Captain James Cook Kitson, Arthur 1907