belonging to Mr. John Wilkinson of Whitby, employed in the Baltic trade, under the command of Captain Gaskin, a relation of Mr. Walker. Next year he served in a Stockton ship; and in February, 1752, Mr. Walker engaged him as mate of the Friendship, of about 400 tons; his character, as an intelligent, active, and steady seaman, being now well established. This situation Mr. Cook held three years; during which, as well as in his previous service, he was acquiring that expertness in seamanship, and that intrepidity in danger, which are so necessary for a British seaman; and for which Whitby sailors, in particular, have often been distinguished. The vessel was employed in the coal trade, one of the best schools for making good seamen; and so well was Captain Walker satisfied with the ability, faithfulness, and good conduct of his mate, that he was about to promote him to the command of the Friendship, when new and unexpected circumstances led Mr. Cook to bend his talents and services in another direction. The name of the last vessel in which he served Mr. Walker, was a kind of memorial of the connexion between them; for their friendship lasted during life, and even unto this day the memory of Captain Cook is revered by Mr. Walker's descendants, some of whom still reside at Whitby.
