Archibald Blair

[3] The Chagos archipelago, in the southern Indian Ocean, was of interest both as a hazard to shipping, being low lying, and as a potential staging post for vessels en route to India via the Cape of Good Hope.

A British attempt to form a settlement in 1786 was unsuccessful, as the islands were unable to support the necessary cultivation, and were considered difficult to fortify.

But Blair, head surveyor on the expedition, carried out a detailed survey, starting with Diego Garcia, and then examining the other islands in the group.

The work resulted in the publication of several charts and views, as well as a report on the survey, published by Alexander Dalrymple, Hydrographer of the East India Company.

On his first voyage, between December 1788 and April 1789, he surveyed the southern part of Great Andaman Island, identifying several harbours that might be useful, including a fine natural harbour on the SE of the island which he initially named Port Cornwallis (later renamed Port Blair after him).

[7] As a result of his report, the Governor-general decided to colonise the islands in order to provide a safe harbour in the war against pirates.

In 1792 Blair was ordered to relocate the settlement to North Andaman Island and hand over command to Major Alexander Kyd.

Teoman 10 leagues Lat.2°43‘N It is very secure being skreened from both Monsoons, and is easy of access the bottom a stiff clay.

He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in May, 1799, his candidacy citation describing him as " Archibald Blair Esqr of Bayford, Herts, Captain on the Maritime Establishment of the East India Company at Bombay a Gentleman distinguished in his profession and for astronomical observations and having been employed by The East India Company in forming an Establishment at the Andamans ".