He was employed to survey the whole of the river St. Lawrence below Quebec; and so completely did he execute this service, that his chart of the St. Lawrence, which was published, with the soundings, and directions for sailing, immediately came into general use, and still maintains its high reputation.
On the 22nd of September, 1759, Mr. Cook was appointed Master of the Northumberland man of war, commanded by Lord Colvill; and wintering at Halifax, he employed his leisure hours in reading Euclid, and studying astronomy, with other branches of science connected with his profession. His books were few, and his opportunities for improvement limited; yet by dint of application, and vigour of intellect, he made uncommon progress. It is scarcely necessary to add, that he soon gained the esteem and friendship of Lord Colvill, as of every officer under whom he served. In 1762, after the Northumberland had been employed in the recapture of Newfoundland, Cook's talents were again conspicuously displayed, in making a survey of the harbour and heights of Placentia; which gained him the favour and high esteem of Capt. (afterwards Admiral) Graves, Commander of the Antelope, and Governor of Newfoundland.
Toward the close of the year 1762, Mr. Cook returned to England, and on the 21st of December, married, at Barking in Essex, Miss Elizabeth Batts, an amiable and worthy lady, who still survives him, at a very advanced age. His marriage brought a considerable accession to his happiness; although his domestic enjoyments could only be tasted at intervals, the duties of his profession obliging him to be much more abroad than at
