What did William Wales record in his log on Cook's voyage?

During James Cook's second voyage from 1772 to 1775, astronomer William Wales compiled a detailed log book recording environmental conditions, instrument testing, and locations. The expedition also utilized equipment like Henry Gregory's azimuth compasses alongside the Larcum Kendall K1 chronometer to test navigational accuracy. Wales's log further captured numerous observations regarding the indigenous peoples and territories encountered across the southern Pacific.

What we know

• William Wales compiled a log book of Cook's second voyage recording locations, conditions, and instrument testing. [3]
• During the voyage, the Larcum Kendall K1 chronometer was successfully employed by William Wales to calculate longitude. [3]
• An azimuth compass manufactured by Henry Gregory traveled with explorer James Cook on his second voyage to the southern Pacific Ocean. [3, 5]

Where to go next

• the bigger pictureWhat was the purpose of James Cook's second voyage?
• how it workedHow did the Larcum Kendall K1 chronometer help calculate longitude?
• a case in pointWhat role did HMS Resolution play in Cook's explorations?
• how we knowWhat instruments did Henry Gregory supply for ocean voyages?
• whoWho was William Bligh and what was his naval career?
• an unexpected connectionHow does William Bligh connect to Pacific exploration history?While famous for the mutiny on the Bounty and governing New South Wales, William Bligh belonged to the same broader legacy of British Royal Navy officers navigating the Pacific following James Cook's foundational voyages.

Sources

• [1]William Bligh (Wikidata Q294147) · CC0 1.0
• [2]William Bligh · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Second voyage of James Cook · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]HMS Resolution (1771) · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Henry Gregory (instrument maker) · CC BY-SA 4.0