Edmond Bigot de La Touanne ( 1796 - 1863)

La Touanne was a French topographical artist and naval officer. He was lieutenant on the Thetis expedition to the South Seas in 1824-26 under the command of Hyacinthe de Bougainville, which had been given secret orders to report on the defence capabilities of British settlements. On arriving at Port Jackson in 1825 Bougainville, his officers and La Touanne extensively and explored the colony recording as they travelled. Bougainville’s report stated that although the colonies defences were poor the harbour was so deep and so protected as to be almost impregnable.