Captain Vancouver Collection
Meeting Captain Brown
After passing Banks Island Discovery and Chatham entered Hecate Strait, sailing through the night in a NW gale. Soundings of 25 to 40 fathoms were recorded. The Queen Charlotte Islands were visible through the haze. Ahead lay an unexplored channel that appeared forlorn and difficult to navigate. Directing their course through the inhospitable rock strewn labyrinth Vancouver was surprised to discover a whale boat rowing out to meet him through the fog. Repairing aboard, it was learned that they were from the British trading vessel Butterworth, accompanied by the Prince Lee Boo and Jackall. Vancouver honoured Captain Brown of the Butterworth by naming the dangerous channel Brown’s Passage.