He was a Lincolnshire man, hailing from Horncastle, and had been a schoolfellow of Banks.

But it was not through Sir Joseph's influence that he was selected.

Flinders made his acquaintance while the refitting of the vessel was in progress, and found him desirous of making the voyage.

As his former captain spoke well of him, his services were accepted.

Samuel Ward Flinders went as second lieutenant, and there were six midshipmen, of whom John Franklin was one.
Originally it was intended that Mungo Park, the celebrated African traveller, who was at this time in England looking round for employment, should go to Australia on the Investigator, and act as naturalist.