This 1978 issue commemorates the 200^th anniversary of James Cook’s arrival to Canada’s western coast. Interestingly, Captain Cook’s visit was something of an accident; his intended purpose was to find Pacific entry to the Northwest Passage, but inclement weather forced him ashore earlier than he had planned.

Now, the right-hand stamp is a portrait Cook commissioned for his wife. On account of him being away from home so often, he figured it right for her to have something nice to remember him by. It was painted by Nathaniel Dance, and presented to Mrs. Cook not long before her intrepid husband departed on what would be his final voyage.

On the left is an example of artwork produced by the official artists who accompanied Cook on his explorations. This particular painting (depicting Nootka Sound, Vancouver Island) was done by one John Webber.