Charles Clerke

Charles Clerke was a British naval officer and explorer in the 18th century. He is best known for joining James Cook's voyages to discover new lands and map the Pacific Ocean. After Cook's death in 1779, Clerke took command of the expedition, continuing the mission with dedication. Sadly, he died in 1782 from tuberculosis during the continued exploration. Clerke contributed to expanding geographic knowledge, and his leadership helped complete the important charts and discoveries begun by Cook.