Patronage and the Pariah of C aptain C ook's Third Voyage: C aptain J ohn W illiamson, Sir W illiam J ones and the D uchess of D evonshire

The most perplexing character in the historical drama known as the ‘ D eath of C aptain C ook’ is L ieutenant J ohn W illiamson. Reviled by contemporaries for failing to come to C ook's aid at K ealakekua B ay, he was inexplicably promoted and given command upon his return to B ritain, a mystery that has led to scholarly accusations of a cover‐up at both shipboard and Admiralty levels. In uncovering patterns of command and patronage that affected W illiamson's later career, this article explores the workings of interest in the R oyal N avy, expands W illiamson's biography and offers new insights into his role in C ook's death.