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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

In 1861, John Barrow made the 113th successful ascent of Mont Blanc. This photo is from 1885, but I doubt much had changed. Before his ascent, he had walked on the glacier below. [My collection]

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Not the Arctic, but the Mer de Glace (sea of ice) in Chamonix, France. John Barrow went on holiday there for years & climbed this glacier. I acquired this c.1900 colour photo (photochrom process), it's so beautiful.😍 Climbing gear was simpler back then. [My collection] #Alpine #Mountaineering

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

On 30 August 1856, Arctic veteran & all-around badass Sir John Ross died peacefully in London aged 80. The year before, he wrote a very affectionate letter to a young lady, which I'm very happy to have acquired! Including the envelope, pretty rare. See alt text for transcription. #NavalHistory

43 Gillingham Street Sunday night

My very dear Bessie
Why will you desire impossibilities for how is it possible I can tell you how delighted I am? — I have just returned from dinner at Sir Henry Dillon and found your amiable epistle — need I add that I would fly to Nr 46 —?— But tomorrow Effie dear the {Bombay Bride who arrived this night, is to call for me tomorrow I expect between 2 & 3 and I must wait to take leave of her should pop in about that time it would — would not

be an agreeable surprise, come to see you and hear all the wonders you have escaped I shall but not to stay this month, for I am involved in the business of publications, my love I give between you and Clara but in the name of goodness don’t quarrel about it and believe me
Yours for ever and a day
John Ross

Miss Jekyll [Elizabeth Jekyll, born 1835. Granddaughter of Captain John Jekyll, d. 1839]
46 York Terrace
Regents Park

The letter paper is embossed with the motto and heraldry used by both John Ross and James Clark Ross. 'Spes Aspera Levat' (Hope Lightens Difficulties). The Union Jack planted at the North Magnetic Pole and a dip circle. Next to that, a fox.

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Where I am with my Fitzjames biography? Spring 1827. I'm still finding a lot of new info and writing goes slowly when you actually cite your sources for everything. But very satisfying to be writing the book after all those years of research! [My book] #NavalHistory

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Historical research conferences using AI generated images now... Sad state of affairs. Would they be alright with people submitting an AI generated paper, too? 🥲

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Had my Arctic Council article printed as a booklet, with the collage I made for my MA research project on the cover. If you've read my article I would love to hear your thoughts/comments! [See pinned post for the link.] #Arctic #arthistory #NavalHistory #19thC

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

I just read the letter again and I think it says PUBLIC papers. 😅

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Question for #NavalHistory people: what do the "purple papers" mean? See this mention of it in an 1826 letter from a Captain to the Admiralty:

Sir,
In compliance with the directions of my Lords Commissioners to report to you for their information whether it is true that I went to Washington from New York as mentioned in the purple papers, and to account to you for having left my ship for so distant a place and so long a period;

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

In October I'll be speaking about my research at two polar history conferences. Really looking forward to it! Great line-up of speakers at both. Shackleton Autumn School in Athy, Ireland and 'Into The Ice' at Plymouth University. #polar #NavalHistory

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

My first academic publication has been published today: the exhibition and reception history of the painting 'The Arctic Council' (1851). This took 3 years to research and write, and I'm so happy that all can read about my findings now! doi.org/10.1017/S003... #navalhistory #polar

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

William O'Byrne's huge naval biographical dictionary (1849). John Barrow helped O'Byrne gain access to Admiralty papers and before publication asked to see only one biography in advance... that of his "esteemed & gallant friend" James Fitzjames. #NavalHistory

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

On 21 May 1836, Fitzjames' uncle Robert Coningham died & on that same day, Fitzjames almost died in a storm that wrecked one of the Steamers of the Euphrates Expedition. A poem about this sad event was published in 1840, of which I'm happy to have a copy. #NavalHistory #19thC

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

I'm researching the Franklin Search Expeditions & Sophia Cracroft's journals contain interesting anecdotes. Such as Horatio Austin doing the equivalent of drunk texting in 1851. [My transcription] #NavalHistory

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

Printed books.❤️ (E-books are great for word searching, though.) #research

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Another very interesting addition to my collection. Georgiana, Lady Chatterton's biography of her uncle Admiral Lord Gambier, which she presented to a Sir Edward with a long letter written at Smedmore, the house which has a portrait of Sir James Gambier (Fitzjames' father). #NavalHistory

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Finally had a chance to visit Sherard Osborn's grave. He's in a pretty prestigious spot at Highgate. Earlier this week I saw this new to me photo of him, aged 41. [The National Archives] He died at only age 54. He was so much like Fitzjames (Sophia Cracroft agrees with me)! #NavalHistory #19thC

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

One of Fitzjames' childhood homes. Not too shabby! The Manor House in Abbots Langley was unfortunately demolished in 1953. #Hertfordshire #19thC

Mansion in a field with trees and two cows.

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Jeremy Irons rocking up to The National Archives with his dogs, love it. His research assistants! [2006, Who Do You Think You Are UK]

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Fitzjames' paternal grandfather, who died long before he was born, did not have the best reputation... #mybook #navalhistory

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

James Fitzjames mystery man of the Franklin Expedition? Gosh, if only there were hundreds of letters from which we could learn all about him. If only they were available. Oh wait, they have been available since 1970. (I've read & typed them all out, one day they'll all be published!) #NavalHistory

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

HMS St Vincent in John Barrow's 1882 journal. Fitzjames served on this ship 50 years earlier. #NavalHistory

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

Sir Leopold McClintock, Robert Falcon Scott, and Ernest Shackleton all in one photo in 1901! On the deck of the ship Discovery.[From the book 'Face to Face: Polar Portraits', 2008] #NavalHistory

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Sir James Gambier skilfully steers a ship called Fanny. #mybook #NavalHistory

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Fitzjames' father Sir James Gambier being difficult in Brazil... [From my Fitzjames biography that I am writing right now]

Before they could return to Rio de Janeiro, Sir James detained the expedition for 15 days by purchasing a huge tree situated on a mountaintop in an almost inaccessible part of the forest, which had to be cut down and somehow transported to the ship. While May entertained himself by exploring the region and admiring crafts such as canoe-making and ceramics, he observed Sir James’ tree project with only a little faith in its success:

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Very excited to announce my talk at the @rgsibg.bsky.social !! 27 April, both in person and online. 🥳 #NavalHistory www.rgs.org/events/upcom...

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

These are the contents. The essay about Stanley's letter repeatedly says 'the HMS' 🥲. I look forward to reading all the essays.

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

'The Awe of The Arctic', a beautifully illustrated book about the 2024 exhibition at the New York Public Library that I sadly didn't get to see. Including a letter from HMS Erebus' Surgeon Stephen Stanley! Well worth getting this book. #Arctic #NavalHistory

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 31/01/2026

A new addition to the shelf: Sir John Ross' head! Thank you Anatomical Museum Edinburgh for sharing a 3D printable file of this object. Wonder if I'm the first one to actually have it printed... I don't think it's a death mask, it says Feb. [18]21 on the back.

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Some 19th century nautical books to the right and a 19th century spyglass. I told the antiques seller that I will bring the latter with me to the Arctic when/if I get to go there. #mybookshelf

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

Very happy to have a presentation copy of John Barrow's 1845 book about the Elizabethan Navy. He signed it to Lord Albert Conyngham whose bookplate is inside. Some of the pages are uncut, so Conyngham never read the entire book. [My collection] #19thC #NavalHistory

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Admiralty wax seal on the envelope of an 1852 letter from John Barrow. Pretty! [British Library] #NavalHistory

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

I love Rear Admiral Sir John Ross' signature. [John Ross to John Brown, 20 February 1850, British Library] #Arctic #NavalHistory

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

When I order items at archives I don't always know what I'll get. Sometimes it's a box full of disintegrating letters & documents and you have to just gently unfold them all. Info about Fitzjames' father Sir James Gambier somewhere in there! [The National Archives]

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

John Barrow's (1808-1898) journals span 30 years & consist of almost 60 (BIG) volumes. I will read every single page. After 2 years I'm about halfway through. It's incredible to be able to read about every day of his life & to get to know him so well. He wanted to be remembered. #19thC #research

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

My first archive visit of 2026 is to Oxford University, reading more journals of John Barrow Jr., Fitzjames' close friend & a friend to all Franklin Expedition searchers. He's so dear to me. These are some of my notes of today.😄 #19thC #research #NavalHistory

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

PROMISCUOUS LETTERS. (It just means various letters but it still makes me laugh.) #research

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

Merry Christmas from the Euphrates Expedition! 🥲🎄 [3rd in command James Bucknall Estcourt to his father, 26 December 1835. Gloucestershire Archives] #19thC

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Sagæus/Sakeouse, a West Greenland Inuk who first visited Scotland in 1816 because he was curious about the wider world. He later joined Sir John Ross' 1818 Arctic expedition as interpreter & draughtsman. [National Portrait Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh] #Arctic #Inuit

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Common mistake (I also got it wrong in the beginning): You either say HMS Erebus or the Erebus. It's never "the HMS (His/Her Majesty's Ship)". [Image not of Erebus, but ships drawn by Secret FitzUncle.] #NavalHistory

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

Never had a view this stunning from an archive's window. Spent a few days at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh, photographing letters from Rear Admiral Sherard Osborn to his publisher Blackwood. I plan to write Osborn's biography.

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

"Soothing to Old Maids & Bachelors" John Barrow shares an interesting article, with statistics of the state of English marriages. "Those who are really happy: 6." JB feeling vindicated that he never married. [JB's journal, 17 April 1879] #19thC

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 15/11/2025

Obtained a lithograph of my favourite Sir John Ross portrait, of him all cosy by a fire and no doubt scheming about something or other. [By Daniel Maclise aka Alfred Croquis, first published in Fraser's Magazine 1834.] #NavalHistory

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

The 'Aurora Borealis' newspaper by the crew of Franklin Expedition Search vessel HMS Assistance, on display at the Queen's House, National Maritime Museum Greenwich. In the header is shown Erebus and Terror and a sort of sea goddess version of Lady Franklin. #NavalHistory #Arctic

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

HANDSOMEST MEN IN THE NAVY. William Edward Parry and John Ross. [National Maritime Museum Greenwich] #NavalHistory

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 02/11/2025

Jail for whoever colourised this photo, Fitzjames was a GINGER. Sigh, the paperback that should never have been. Buy the original hardback if you want to read Battersby's Fitzbio. Or just wait for my infinitely more accurate one! 🙃 #NavalHistory #FranklinExpedition

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 01/11/2025

FINALLY I CAN START WRITING THE FITZBIO. Studied as many primary sources as I possibly could, now have some secondary sources left to read, but after 4.5 years I can finally begin to write that book. And then there's the Letters Book, too.... #NavalHistory #excited!

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

I gave a talk on polar explorer Frederick Cook at the Shackleton Autumn School. Here it is in written form, including some more text and visual material that I didn't get to include because of limited time: fabtet.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-...

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

The Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805, details of a 1806 painting by Louis-Philippe Crépin. The British flag is in the water and Nelson has just been shot. In this painting, you'd think the French were winning... [Musee de la Marine, Paris] #NavalHistory

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

On 15 October 1859, the Illustrated Times published this image of some of the Franklin Expedition relics found by McClintock's expedition. [My collection] #NavalHistory #Arctic

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James Fitzjames @captjamesfitzjames.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

Euphrates Expedition, 30 September 1836: steaming into Baghdad with gay flags. [Charlewood's journal] #NavalHistory

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