James Johnstone (explorer) facts for kids
James Johnstone (born around 1759 – died 1823) was a British naval officer and a brave explorer. He is famous for being the sailing master of the ship HMS Chatham. Later, he became an acting lieutenant during George Vancouver's big expedition from 1791 to 1795. This journey explored the Pacific Northwest part of the world. Today, a place called Johnstone Strait in British Columbia, Canada, is named after him!
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Johnstone joined the navy in 1779. He sailed on several ships like HMS Keppel and HMS Formidable. During these early years, he traveled to places like New York and the West Indies. He even took part in a big sea battle called the Battle of the Chesapeake.
On one of his ships, he met Archibald Menzies. They became very good friends for the rest of their lives. In 1785, Johnstone became a master, which meant he was skilled at navigating ships.
In 1786, Johnstone left Britain for a while. He sailed to the Pacific Northwest of North America on a ship called Prince of Wales. He was looking for sea otters. His friend Menzies came along too! Later, Johnstone took command of the Prince of Wales and sailed it all the way back to Britain.
Joining the Vancouver Expedition
After returning to the navy, Johnstone joined HMS Chatham. This ship was going to sail with George Vancouver's ship, HMS Discovery. Their mission was to create detailed maps of the Northwest coast of America. Johnstone's old friend Menzies joined the expedition as the naturalist, studying plants and animals.
The two ships left in April 1791. By the spring of 1792, they reached what is now the U.S. state of Washington.
Mapping the Coastline
For the next three summers (1792, 1793, and 1794), Johnstone was a very important part of the expedition. He led many smaller boat parties that explored and mapped the very twisty coastline of the region.
During the first summer, in 1792, Johnstone helped map Hood Canal. He also explored inlets like Bute and Loughborough Inlet, and channels like Fitz Hugh Sound and Burke Channel. In July, he discovered a strait that Vancouver later named Johnstone Strait in his honor.
More Discoveries in 1793
In 1793, Johnstone continued to lead many boat surveys. He often worked alongside Joseph Whidbey, the sailing master of Discovery. Johnstone went on at least six major boat trips. Some lasted a few days, while one lasted almost two weeks!
On these journeys, he explored and mapped many new areas. These included North and South Bentinck Arms, and several channels like Bullock, Spiller, Mathieson, and Finlayson Channel. He also mapped parts of Princess Royal Channel and Work Channel.
While exploring these areas, he charted the coasts of several islands. These included Roderick Island and the east side of Princess Royal Island in modern British Columbia. He also mapped parts of Kupreanof Island, Wrangell, Zarembo, and Etolin Islands in what is now Southeast Alaska.
Final Surveys in 1794
In the spring and summer of 1794, Johnstone led two more important boat surveys. First, he mapped the east side of Prince William Sound. Then, he charted much of the northwestern part of Kuiu Island. By doing this, he proved that Kuiu Island was indeed an island, not connected to the mainland.
Later Life and Career
After the Vancouver expedition, Johnstone was officially made a lieutenant. He had been serving as an acting lieutenant since 1793.
He continued his naval career, serving on ships like HMS Shannon and HMS Sans Pareil. In 1798, he sailed to the West Indies again, and his friend Menzies joined him once more. In 1801, while commanding the ship-sloop Lark near Cuba, he captured a Spanish privateer ship called Esperanza.
In 1802, he was promoted to commander. He commanded several sloops, including Shark and Alert. In 1805-1806, he commanded HMS Curieux and captured two more Spanish privateer ships.
In January 1806, Johnstone was promoted to captain. In 1808, he was appointed to HMS Leopard. He sailed with a convoy to the Cape of Good Hope and then continued on to the East Indies. In 1810, while still commanding Leopard, he helped attack the Ile de France.
Later in 1810, he transferred to Template:French ship Scipion (1798). From 1811 to 1817, he worked as a Commissioner of the Navy in Bombay, India. However, he had to return to Britain because he became very sick. He then lived in Paris, France.
James Johnstone passed away in London on April 1, 1823, at his good friend Menzies' home.
