Who was Captain Cook’s second in command? Who came after Captain Cook?

“Captain Cook’s Right Hand: Lieutenant Zachary Hicks and the Succession of Lieutenant Charles Clerke”

Captain James Cook’s legendary voyages were marked not only by his exceptional leadership but also by the remarkable individuals who served as his second in command. In this exploration, we delve into the roles played by Lieutenant Zachary Hicks during Cook’s first voyage and the intriguing succession by Lieutenant Charles Clerke during the third voyage of HMS Discovery after Cook’s tragic demise in Hawaii.

Lieutenant Zachary Hicks – Second-in-Command on the Endeavour: As Captain Cook embarked on his first voyage aboard the HMS Endeavour in 1768, Lieutenant Zachary Hicks assumed the crucial role of second-in-command. Serving faithfully from 1768 to 1771, Hicks played a pivotal role in the success of the expedition, contributing to the navigational and scientific achievements that characterized Cook’s inaugural circumnavigation.

Lieutenant Charles Clerke – A Familiar Face: During Captain Cook’s third voyage, the HMS Discovery served as the second ship in the expedition. Lieutenant Charles Clerke, having sailed with Cook on both previous circumnavigations, was entrusted with the command of the Discovery.

However, an intriguing twist to Clerke’s story adds depth to his role in this historic journey.

Clerke’s Imprisonment and Release: At the commencement of the third voyage, Lieutenant Charles Clerke faced an unexpected hurdle. He was imprisoned due to his brother’s debts, casting a shadow over his participation in the expedition. Despite this setback, Clerke’s skills and experience earned him a reprieve. He was released at the end of July 1776, just in time to rejoin the voyage.

Commander Charles Clerke – Succession After Cook’s Death: The turning point in Clerke’s role came with the tragic death of Captain James Cook in Hawaii in 1779. Lieutenant Charles Clerke, now in command of the HMS Discovery, assumed leadership of the entire expedition. This transition demonstrated not only Clerke’s resilience but also his commitment to seeing through the ambitious goals set by Cook.

Continuation of the Expedition: Under Commander Charles Clerke, the expedition continued its mission of exploration and discovery. Despite the challenges and the loss of their esteemed captain, the crew, led by Clerke, pressed on, leaving a lasting legacy in the annals of maritime history.

Clerke’s Legacy and the Conclusion of the Voyage: Tragically, Clerke’s time as commander was short-lived. Stricken by illness, he passed away in August 1779, just months after assuming command.