In 1776, Captain James Cook was dispatched by the Admiralty in Great Britain on an expedition to explore the Passage. A 1745 act, when extended in 1775, promised a £20,000 prize for whoever discovered the passage. Initially the Admiralty had wanted Charles Clerke to lead the expedition, with Cook (in retirement following his exploits in the Pacific) acting as a consultant. However, Cook had researched Bering's expeditions, and the Admiralty ultimately placed their faith in the veteran explorer to lead, with Clerke accompanying him.
In 1776, caPtaIN jAMeS Cook was DispaTCHEd by tHe AdMIraLty iN grEat brITAin oN an expediTIon to exPlOrE the PAsSage. a 1745 AcT, wHEn extEnDED in 1775, PromISeD a £20,000 prIzE FOR WhOeVer DiScoVerEd the PaSsAge. inItIally thE Admiralty had wantED cHaRles clErke To lead The expediTIon, with coOK (in retIreMeNT foLloWinG his ExplOits iN thE pacifIc) actinG as a cONsultant. HoWEveR, cook Had reseArcheD berinG's expeditIonS, anD tHe adMirAlty Ultimately plACeD theiR FAIth in thE vetErAn expLOrer to Lead, with cLErkE accompanYing hIm.