[2] The Johnstons/Johnstones of Outbrecks (sometimes spelt Outhrecks) were a prominent Orkney family and James' father - one of the principal merchants there - had added to their land by acquiring considerable property throughout the islands at Harray, Stenness and South Ronaldsay etc., owning one-third of the town of Stromness itself.

He probably returned home soon afterwards, but by 1761, Johnston was renting a house in Quebec City and in July, the following year, he established a business partnership with John Purss who was to remain his partner and closest friend up until his death.

[1] At various times, Johnston made open his support of Governor Henry Hamilton, Sir James Monk and Chief Justice William Smith, notably in bringing about the change to Quebec's legal system that brought it into line with that of England, and favouring the merchants.

On the outbreak of the American Revolution Geddes was given the rank of colonel and Paymaster of the Forces to General John Burgoyne, and with that army was taken prisoner after the Battle of Saratoga.

[6] The two partners of Johnston & Purss had good personal relationships with many of the other principal British merchants of Quebec, particularly with Mathew Macnider and his brother, the Lymburners, Jacob Jordan and George Allsopp.

Mrs Johnston was an aunt of Mary MacNider (d. 1855), the mother of Félix-Gabriel Marchand, 11th Prime Minister of Quebec and President of the Royal Society of Canada.

Returning the favour, Mrs Johnston sold all Purss' household effects and furniture left by him to her in his will of 1803, raising a sum of £3,500, which she paid to his heirs in Britain.