There is in the public library near me a book "The history of Cleveland" by the Reverend John Graves written in 1808 which contains an anecdote on Cook.

It relates that during the Endeavour's journey down the Thames to Deptford (or would it have been the Earl of Pembroke?) another collier swung out and there was a slight collision causing superficial damage. Cook, in a temper, sent for the offending skipper.

In an abject state and probably fearing for his ticket on reaching Cook's cabin he 'hoped he would not be too hard on an old friend'. It transpired that they had known one another in their youth, and as memories were renewed Cook's attitude softened and he presented the offending skipper with a bottle of wine as he left the cabin.

Ken Whilde

Originally published in Cook's Log, page 347, volume 8, number 2 (1985).