United States Exploring Expedition
The United States Exploring Expedition of 1838–1842 was an exploring and surveying expedition of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding lands conducted by the United States. The original appointed commanding officer was Commodore Thomas ap Catesby Jones. Funding for the original expedition was requested by President John Quincy Adams in 1828; however, Congress would not implement funding until eight years later. In May 1836, the oceanic exploration voyage was finally authorized by Congress and created by President Andrew Jackson.
The USS Vincennes at Disappointment Bay in early 1840
Andes near Alparmarca, Peru: Sketched from an Elevation of 16,000 Feet, an illustration by Alfred Agate
The Peacock after hitting the bar of the Columbia River near Cape Disappointment in Washington state
Thomas ap Catesby Jones was an American naval officer who served during the War of 1812 and the Mexican–American War.
An illustration of Jones
Battle of Lake Borgne, Louisiana
Grave of Thomas ap Catesby Jones in the cemetery of the Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, Lewinsville, Virginia