James Maxwell joined Resolution for Captain Cook’s Second Voyage on 28 April, 1772, at Longreach in the River Thames. According to the musters, Maxwell was born in London about 1751.
A little earlier, on 31 March, the Admiralty Secretary, Philip Stephens, had written to Cook asking if he was willing to take Mr James Maxwell, midshipman, who was currently in HMS Rose. Cook replied
3 April, 1772.
Sir,—
In answer to your letter of the 31st of last month, I pray you will be pleased to acquaint my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that I am willing to receive Mr. James Maxwell as midshipman on board his Majesty's sloop Resolution.
I am, &c.,
Jam's Cook.
Maxwell entered the musters as an able bodied seaman (AB). During the voyage, he kept a log.1 He was often in trouble with senior officers and other midshipmen.
Maxwell was punished three times during the voyage. He was confined on 1 February, 1773, for threatening violence. He was sent before the mast on 6 February, 1774, for damaging a sail. On 18 March, 1775, he was confined in irons for threatening violence to the ship’s cook with a knife.
Midshipman John Elliott described Maxwell as “an hypocritical canting fellow”. Elliott also described a fight between Maxwell and Charles Loggie (an AB) in January 1774.
Nothing is known about Maxwell after the Resolution voyage. He never became a lieutenant, so he probably left the navy.
John Robson
References
- Maxwell’s log runs from 22 November, 1772, to 13 March, 1775. Reference ADM 51/4555/2-6. Held at The National Archives, Kew.
Originally published in Cook's Log, page 7, volume 47, number 1 (2024).