Claim: English naval officer Richard Pickersgill joined in the circumnavigation of the earth and two year later set off with James Cook as a surveyor.
Evidence: Richard Pickersgill (18 April 1749 in West Tanfield, North Riding of Yorkshire, England – July 1779 in London) was an English naval officer who accompanied the sailor and explorer James Cook on two of his South Seas trips. In 1766, at the age of 17, he participated in the circumnavigation of the world under Captain Samuel Wallis on the Dolphin. Two years later, on August 26, 1768, Pickersgill belonged as a Master's mate to the Endeavor team, which set off with James Cook to its first South Sea voyage. On this trip he also impressed Cook, who had a high opinion of his skills as a surveyor, his dealings with the indigenous peoples they encountered, and his judgment.