Johnston Blakely
| Johnston Blakeley | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 1781 Seaford, County Down, Ireland |
| Died | October 1814 (aged 32–33) Atlantic Ocean |
| Place of burial | Lost at sea |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy
|
| Years of service | 1800–1814 |
| Rank | Captain (posthumous) |
| Commands held |
Enterprise Wasp |
| Battles/wars |
Quasi-War with France War of 1812 |
| Awards |
Thanks of Congress Congressional Gold Medal |
| Relations | Vice-Adm. Charles Adams Blakely (great-grandnephew) |
Johnston Blakeley also spelled Johnston Blakely (October 1781 - October 1814) was an officer in the United States Navy during the Quasi-War with France and the War of 1812. He is considered to be one of the most successful American naval officers of that period.
Blakeley was born near Seaford, County Down, Ireland. Brought to the United States as a child in 1783, he graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a member of The Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies, in 1800, then joined the Navy and was appointed a Midshipman in 1800.
After service in President during the Quasi-War with France and command of Enterprise early in the War of 1812, Master Commandant Blakeley was appointed to command of the newly built sloop-of-war Wasp.
In 1814, he made a very successful cruise which in June included the sinking of HMS Reindeer. In September, in a similar action, Blakeley sunk HMS Avon. That month he also captured the mercantile brig Atalanta. Wasp was last heard of 9 October 1814 and is believed to have foundered in a gale.[1] Blakeley received the Thanks of Congress, a gold medal, and posthumous advancement to the rank of Captain for his last cruise.
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