Page "James Cook" Paragraph 14

Cook's aptitude for surveying was put to good use mapping the jagged coast of Newfoundland in the 1760s, aboard the HMS Grenville.

He surveyed the northwest stretch in 1763 and 1764, the south coast between the Burin Peninsula and Cape Ray in 1765 and 1766, and the west coast in 1767.

At this time Cook employed local pilots to point out the " rocks and hidden dangers " along the south and west coasts.

During the 1765 season, four pilots were engaged at 4 shillings a day each: John Beck for the coast west of " Great St. Lawrence ", Morgan Snook for Fortune Bay, John Dawson for Connaigre and Hermitage Bay, and John Peck for the " Bay of Despair.