Letter from James Cook to Rev Dr Richard Kaye

1776
Manuscript
Bequest of Sir William Dixson, 1952
DLMS 92

The clergyman and scientist Richard Kaye became rector of the parish of Kirkby in northwest England in 1765, and was still serving in that position in 1776 when James Cook departed on his third voyage of discovery. Considered a man of great character, intellect, faith and compassion, Kaye became a friend of James Cook and a much-appreciated support to Cook’s wife Elizabeth during Cook’s long absences.

Honouring a promise made in this letter to acknowledge Kaye’s service, Cook named the island now known as Kayak Island in the Gulf of Alaska after him. Visiting there on 12 May 1778, Cook buried a bottle with a paper and two small pieces of silver given to him by Kaye.