While I was born into a family of farmers, I've always known that I belong at sea. My name is Jack Taylor and these are a collection of my personal adventures at sea. I had the privilege of sailing with a legendary English explorer known as Captain James Cook from 1772 to 1779. He was not only a mentor, but a friend and I seek to honor his memory by publishing my accounts of his journeys in the Pacific Ocean. This preface is to serve as a brief introduction to myself prior to setting sail with Captain Cook on July 12th, 1776.

I was born the second son of five children to John and Abigail Taylor in 1753. My father John was a fifth generation farmer who lived the life that his forefathers did. He always told us that he was "born a farmer and would die a farmer". While we never agreed on much, I always respected his dedication to his profession. My mother Abigail dedicated her life to raising five children and taught us all to read and write. This journal likely wouldn't have been possible without her.

While my other three brothers (John, Oliver, and Robert) were largely focused on farming, my sister and I wished to forgo the family tradition of farming and pursue our own paths. While I dreamed of the ocean, my sister (Susan) dreamed of being involved in theater.

In 1772, at the age of 19, I signed on to sail aboard the UMS Resolution to explore the Pacific Ocean, which lasted until July 1775. This is where I first met Captain Cook, as he was the Captain of the UMS Resolution. While this was Captain Cook’s second voyage into the Pacific Ocean, it was my first. During the voyage, Captain Cook took me under his wing and served as a mentor to me. In return, I served as Captain Cook’s personal assistant where I observed and learned from him. While not all the jobs he bestowed upon me were glorious, I learned a great deal from him, and for that I will be forever grateful.

Upon returning home in July 1775, I briefly rejoined my family farm to help out while I awaited my next voyage at sea. While it was great to see my family again, it wasn't all pleasant. It saddened me to learn that my youngest brother, Robert, had died while I was away. He was taken by a mysterious illness that killed him and a handful of others in the town.

In September 1775, I married my wife Anna Brown. Anna and I had been friends since we were kids and it had always been said among the townsfolk that we were destined for each other.

In early 1776, I was visited by Captain Cook. It was definitely a surprise visit, but a pleasant one, as he came bearing good news. He had been commissioned to lead another expedition into the Pacific Ocean and had come to recruit me. I was eager to return to the sea, so I gladly accepted his offer. I was given the rank of Lieutenant aboard Captain Cook's ship the HMS Resolution. I left in early July to meet Captain Cook in Plymouth, where we departed a few days later.

This journey would bring both exceptional discoveries as well as unimaginable heartbreak.

- J. Taylor 1790

* Sketch of Lieutenant Jack Taylor by UMS Resolution Artist John Webber