of him in
existence; three by Webber, one being in the National Portrait Gallery;
one by Hodges; and one or two others by unknown artists. Mr. Samwell,
surgeon on the third voyage, says of an engraving by Sherwin, from the
portrait by Dance, that it "is a most excellent likeness of Captain Cook;
and more to be valued, as it is the only one I have seen that bears any
resemblance to him." This portrait of Dance's represents Cook dressed in
his Captain's uniform, seated at a table on which is a chart. The figure
is evidently that of a tall man--he was over six feet in height--with
brown unpowdered hair, neatly tied back from the face; the clear
complexion shows little effect of exposure to the sea breezes, the
pleasant brown eyes look from under rather prominent brows, the nose
rather long, and a good firm mouth. The whole face gives a very pleasant
impression of the man, and conveys the idea that it was a good likeness.

COOK VOLUNTEERS.

Omai, a native of Otaheite, was brought to England by Furneaux, was
introduced to the King, made much of in Society, was painted by Reynolds,
Dance, and Hodges, and seems to have conducted himself fairly well. He
was to be sent back to his own country; and from the orders given to the
Resolution, when she returned, it was evident she was to be the ship to
take him. There was some difficulty as to the man to take command of the
new expedition, as the Admiralty felt they could not send out Cook again
so soon after his return. However, early in February 1776, he was invited
to dine with Lord Sandwich, to meet Sir Hugh Pallisser and Mr. Stephens,
the Secretary, when the proposed expedition was discussed and the
difficulty of finding a commander was brought forward. It is said that
after some conversation Cook jumped up and declared he would go, and as
the result of this resolve he called at the Admiralty Office on 10th
February, and made formal application for the command, which was accepted
on the same day, and he there and then went to Deptford and hoisted his
pendant on the Resolution. Her complement was the same as the previous
voyage, i.e. 112 men, including 20 marines; and the Quarter Bill,
preserved in the Records Office, shows the stations and duties of each of
the crew, and the positions of the civilians who in cases of necessity
were expected to take their places as small arms men.

The companion ship, the Discovery, was built by Langborne of Whitby, and
was purchased for 2,450