The following is a list of vessels notable in the history of the Canadian province of British Columbia, including Spanish, Russian, American and other military vessels and all commercial vessels on inland waters as well as on saltwater routes up to the end of World War II (1945).
Keel laid 9 December 1791; completed in 60 days; cost 29,854 pesos. Launched 29 February 1792.
Remained in service of San Blas Naval Base until at least 1808.
Built as a schooner specifically for Bodega's 1792 diplomatic voyage to Nootka Sound and named Activa. In 1793 or 1794 was reconfigured as a brigantine and renamed Activo.[1]
First U.S. ship built in the Pacific, traded to Bodega y Quadra in 1792.
1792–
Built at Clayoquot Sound over the winter of 1791-1792 by the crews of the Columbia Rediviva and Lady Washington. Some materials were brought from Boston but most were harvested at Adventure Cove, Clayoquot Sound.[2]
Built 1816, Pembroke, MA. In 1819 arrived in Kaigani Haida territory and traded along the Northwest Coast. Sailed to Canton in late 1819, then to Boston. A second voyage left Boston in 1822 and spent two years in Hawaii, California, and probably the Northwest Coast. Sold to Russians at Bodega Bay in late 1823.[2]
After captured by Spain was briefly part of the Spanish Navy at San Blas and called a packet boat, Argonauta. It was to be part of the 1790 fleet sailing to Nootka Sound under Eliza, but the San Carlos was used instead.[4]
Made four voyages toe the Northwest Coast.[2] Attacked in Milbanke Sound, 1805; Captain Porter and 8 men killed.[2] Coordinated with Lydia (II) after attack. Sold to Russians and renamed Bering.[5]
On 22 March 1803, was seized by Maquinna, all but two of the crew "murdered"; a "desperate attempt by Maquinna to regain his prestige.[10]
1803
Only survivors John Thompson and John R. Jewitt, the latter's account of his captivity is a classic in Pacific Northwest early history. Both lived in captivity at Nootka Sound until rescued in July 1805 by Captain Samuel Hill of the Boston brig Lydia.[2]
Left John Mackay at Nootka Sound to collect furs until Strange returned, but he never did. Mackay was taken aboard the Imperial Eagle in 1787. Under direction of James Strange, explored and named Queen Charlotte Sound; continued north to Prince William Sound. Tried but failed to sail to Copper Island. Returned to Macau in December 1786.[12]
Went to avenge the Haida attack on the Belle Savage. Five chiefs were lured on board then murdered. Later the Haida avenged this event with the murder of Bernard Magee of the Globe.[2]
In 1795 rescued the only survivor of the Resolution, tender to the Jefferson, whose crew, including Captain Burling and Solomon Kendrick had been killed at Cumshewa. In July 1795 Captain Nordbery was accidentally killed by the Kaigani Haida Chief Altatsee. In May 1799 at Kaigani helped negotiate an end to a mutiny on the Boston ship Ulysses, and witnessed execution of two native captives by Captain Rowan of the Eliza.[2]
At "Nass", May 1799, Captain Rowan captured Haida Chief Scotsi and his brother. In 1796 Rowan had served on the Sea Otter under Stephen Hills, who was killed by Scotsi at Cumshewa. In revenge Rowan arranged the execution of Scotsi and his brother by Kaigani Haida at Tattiskey, witnessed by the Boston ships Ulysses, Despatch, and Eliza, and about 2,000 natives. About the same time Roman and Captain Breck of the Despatch ended a mutiny on the Ulysses. William Sturgis transferred to the Ulysses. Later in 1799 Rowan became the first American captain to try trading illegally in California.[2]
Separated from Eleanora near Macau in 1789, sailed via Unalaska to Nootka Sound. There captured by Spain during the Nootka Crisis. Returned by 1790 and sailed to Hawaii for rendezvous with Eleanora. Attacked and captured by Native Hawaiians in revenge for Simon Metcalfe's Olowalu Massacre, with only one survivor, Isaac Davis.
1789
Built in New Jersey, 1784. Tender to Simon Metcalfe's Eleanora. Captured and crewed by Hawaiians under Kamehameha I. Later returned to New York and enrolled for coast service in 1795.[2]
Maritime Fur Trade vessel in the 1780s, captured with three others of Meares' ships by Spain in 1789, causing the Nootka Crisis but released in 1789 or 1790.
In 1788 carried materials for building the North West America to Nootka Sound. Together with the Iphigenia, flying the Portuguese flag to evade East India Company monopoly in the region, but actually British in operation
Captain Smith Jamieson (killed by boiler explosion on this ship)
Stern wheel steamer
110 feet long.
The Yale Steam Navigation Company Ltd, British Columbia
Designed by James Trahey. Launched from Laing & Scorgie's? (or "Laings Ways"?) shipyard in James Bay, Victoria. Blast from boiler explosion was so great that a 90-pound piece of the boiler was blown a quarter mile inland.
Flew US flag but was never in a US port and had no registration papers.[2]
Maritime Fur Trade. Sometimes sailed with Lady Washington under John Kendrick; together made first American contact with Japan in 1791.
approx. 1790-1793
Captained by same William Douglas who earlier captained the Iphigenia and was a British associate of Meares; later captained American ships and flew under the US flag.
Built at Medford, Massachusetts. Spent four years on Northwest Coast, with short trips to Hawaii and California. Shipped furs to Canton on other vessels. In 1830 and 1832 hunted Californian sea otters with crews of Northwest Coast natives.[2]
, then "a great many...numerous innocent" Haida were killed around the ship in revenge; at Nass between 1809 and 1811 a conflict escalated to violence and several crew killed; during 4th voyage often sailed in company of Mentor, Thaddeus, Rob Roy, and Volunteer.[2]
On Northwest Coast 1806–1807, 1809–1811, 1815–1818, 1820–1822.[2]
White Pass & Yukon Route (1901-1903); John Banser, William McCallum, and David Reider (1903-1904); Thomas J. Kickham (1904-1910); Edward J. Coyle (dealer, 1910–1911); Hamlin Towing Co. (1911-1917); James H. Green (1917-1918); Defiance Packing Co. (1918-1923)
Operated between Wrangell, Alaska and points on the Stikine River in 1898. In the Vancouver, B.C. area, 1903–1910. In the Victoria, B.C. area 1910–1911. On the Fraser River, 1911–1923.
1898 and 1903-1923
Foundered in the Fraser River in 1923.
Built in 1898 by the C.P. Ry. at Vancouver. Not used under W.P.&Y.R. ownership.
Built in Boston, 1793; maritime fur trader; carried a commission as a privateer while on Northwest Coast; involved people (owners, crew, etc.) included later Northwest Coast captains Nathaniel Dorr, William Dorr, and Edmund Fanning (of the Tonquin).[2]
J. & T.H. Perkins, James Magee, Russell Sturgis, Eleazar Johnson. Margaret Magee after 1802 (only Boston woman known to have owned a share in a maritime fur trading vessel).[2]
1798, lost mate and four crew on Columbia Bar. 1808, on return to Boston boarded by Royal Navy and three crew pressed into service as British citizens.[2]
1797-1798, 1800–1801, 1803–1804, 1806-1807
Built in 1796 at Newburyport; made four maritime fur trade voyages to Northwest Coast, wintering on the coast (1st and 4th voyages) or in Hawaii (2nd and 3rd).[2]
On Northwest Coast 1803–1805; 1803 visits California, 1804 at Haida Gwaii.[2]
Home port, Providence, Rhode Island; in 1803 begged permission to stay in California a while by reason of the danger of trading with Northwest Coast natives.[2]
Hazel B No. 1
Harry A. Barrington, Sydney C. Barrington, W. Hill Barrington
More than 80 owners in 1822; in 1828 registered by Bryant & Sturgis with Paschal Pope.[2]
Early career details unknown
1820s; 1829 at Kaigani in company with Volunteer and Griffin.[2]
Built 1818 at Newbury for maritime fur trade. Early career details unknown. 1828-1829 voyage better known, John Suter on board (former captain and partner in several PNW ventures).[2]
1791, Ingraham fashioned copper neckrings for trade which became highly popular that season, to great profit; in 1792 the fad had passed and Ingraham could hardly give them away and the venture lost money.[2]
Built 1789 at Kittery; on Northwest Coast 1791, then China, then returned to NW Coast 1792.[2]
Maritime fur trader; In 1790 carried 12 cannon, 6 swivel guns, and other "War implements", with crew of 16. Ingraham's log published as Journal of the Brigantine Hope on a Voyage to the Northwest Coast of North America, 1790-1792. Parts of supercargoEbenezer Dorr's journal survive.[24][2]
Sailed for PNW under Charles Barclay in Nov. 1786. In Hawaii, May 1787.[26] At Nootka Sound in 1788; largest ship to ever enter Friendly Cove.[25] Ship confiscated in India around 1790, by East India Company or John Meares.[25]
British but registered as Austrian to illegally evade East India Company trade monopoly.[26] First ship to sail up the western shore of Oahu.[26] Frances Barkley was the first woman to visit and first to write about British Columbia.[25]
1796-97, cruised northern coast, procuring 1,100 prime skins in Haida Gwaii and over 2,200 in total, sold in Canton and cargo of teas and "China curiosities" purchased; very profitable venture.[2]
Sailed from Boston (1796) to Northwest Coast (1796-1797) to Canton (1797) to Boston (1798).[2]
Built 1795 in Braintree. Ebenezer Johnson among crew, whose narrative was published in 1798 (one of very few American maritime fur trade accounts published during the trading era.[27][28][2]
Maritime Fur Trade on the PNW coast, 1788–89. Captured with three others of Meares' ships by Spain in 1789, causing the Nootka Crisis, released in 1789 or 1790.
Maritime Fur Trade vessel in late 1780s and early 1790s; British but registered as Portuguese to illegal evade East India Company trade monopoly.
1809 left Boston, 1810 in Sitka, then to California with hunting party of Aleuts, 48 baidarkas, and a Russian overseer; in California 1810–1811, then Sitka; 1812 several trips between Hawaii and Canton. From 1812 to 1816 made several voyages between Hawaii, Northwest Coast, and California.
1810-?
1809 maritime fur trade voyage to California with Northwest Coast native labor from Sitka. Crewman Caleb Reynolds (on board 1809–1812) wrote account in his "Notebook" of a visit to a hot springs near Sitka, 1811.[2] Possibly sold to Russians in 1814, but soon in American hands again. Possibly the same ship later purchased by the HBC in 1829.
Built 1787 at Newburyport. Captain Nordbery commanded another Dorr vessel, the Despatch, in 1794, during which voyage he was killed by Haida Chief Altadsee.[2]
Josiah Roberts (captain), Bernard Magee (first mate), Russell Sturgis, and 8 other Boston merchants.[2]
1791 left Boston; 1792 collected 13,000 seal pelts off Chile coast; then to Marquesas where small schooner, Resolution, was built to act as tender (under Mr. Burling, later captured and destroyed in Haida Gwaii). On Northwest Coast, 1793–94, mostly between Nootka Sound and Clayoquot Sound, and Haida Gwaii; wintered in Clayoquot Sound; to Canton in late 1794; return to Boston 1795.[2]
Built 1791 at Newburyport for Northwest Coast maritime fur trade. After 1791-95 voyage changed ownership. Bernard Magee's log survives, owned by Massachusetts Historical Society; Magee is very critical of John Meares's chart and descriptions of coast. Captain Roberts claimed to have discovered the Marquesas Islands (naming them "Washington's Islands").[2]
1st voyage: In Columbia River, 1792, met Broughton of Chahtham there; also at Nootka. 2nd voyage: Columbia River, elsewhere; little known, lost at sea?[29][30]
1791 (1st voyage), 1794-1795 (2nd voyage)
Lost at sea?
Jenny (II)
Captain Bowers (1st and 2nd voyages), Captain Crocker (3rd)
1797 left Boston; 1798 on Northwest Coast; 1799 in Boston; 1800 on NW Coast, then Canton; 1801 in Boston. 1802 on NW Coast, then Hawaii and Canton; 1803 in Europe, then Boston.[2]
Left New York in 1835, on Northwest Coast 1836, causing the Hudson's Bay Company annoyance, as they were trying to drive the Americans away. Also cruised California. In 1837 arrived in Canton, via Hawaii; returned to New York later in 1837.[2]
1836
One of the last US maritime fur trade vessels to cruise the Northwest Coast. Named for a prominent Salem merchant.[2]
George D'Wolf (or De Wolf) and John D'Wolf (2nd voyage)
1801 sailed from Bristol, Rhode Island; 1802–1803 on Northwest Coast. March 1803, tried unsuccessfully to rescue survivors of the Boston in Nootka Sound; 1804 in Canton; 1805 on Northwest Coast; October 1805, sold to Russians; continued to cruise Northwest Coast under Russian flag with Aleut hunters. May 1810, harassed by Haida; Captain Samuel Hill of the Otter was accused of instigating the harassment.[2]
Two maritime fur trade voyages to Northwest Coast. After selling Juno to Russians in 1805, crew and furs sent to Canton, John D'Wolf travelled in small Russian vessel to Kamchatka then overland 5,500 miles to St. Petersburg. D'Wolf was Herman Melville's uncle and is mentioned in Moby-Dick and Redburn.[2]
K
Ship
Other names
Captain(s)
Type
Tons
Draft
Registry (flag)
Owner(s)
Events/locations
Dates in BC
Demise
Comments
Katherine
Catherine
Bazilla Worth (1st voyage), William Blanchard (3rd voyage)
1800 left Boston, 1801 on Northwest Coast; wintered in Hawaii; 1802 on Northwest Coast; late 1802 in Canton with cargo of 500 sea otter and 1,700 seal skins. 1803 in Boston. 1804 left Boston for Northwest Coast, no record of being on Northwest Coast but was in Canton in autumns of 1805 and 1806. Left Boston 1809; 1810 in California, Northwest Coast; 1811 in Sitka; 1812 active in California, then returned to Sitka, then sailed for Canton. Unknown if ship returned to Boston.[2]
Consortium of Boston merchants. Kendrick after 1789 (apparently illegally); John Howel after Kendrick's death in 1794.[2]
1787 left Boston with Columbia; on Northwest Coast 1788, wintered at Nootka Sound; in July 1789 all furs of both vessels put on Columbia and Gray and Kendrick exchanged commands; Gray took Columbia to Canton and Boston while Kendrick assumed ownership of Lady Washington. In China 1790. In 1791 to Northwest Coast via Japan. In July 1791 Haida at Ninstints (Koyah's Harbor) tried to capture vessel in revenge for an earlier incident involving Kendrick. 1791–1796, several trips between Hawaii, Canton, and NW Coast, pioneering the Hawaii sandalwood trade. December 1794 Kendrick killed by a salute from the British Jackal. After 1796 operated between Canton and Batavia for Dutch agents.[2]
1788-1794
foundered in the Philippines in 1797
Consort of the Columbia Rediviva. First US ship known to clear from port for the Northwest Coast.[2]
On Northwest Coast in 1834; then Hawaii and Canton with cargo of lumber and furs from NW Coast. At NW Coast and Hawaii 1836–1837. In 1849 took prospectors from Salem, Massachusetts, to California Gold Rush. Sold in California.[2]
Early career unclear; 1838, sailed between Hawaii and California. Late 1838 took crew of Kaigani Haida to hunt sea otters in California. Haida mutinied, Bancroft killed, Haida left ship and took furs north in their kayaks.[2]
1820 left Boston, 1821–24 on Northwest Coast, wintering in Hawaii; November 1824 in Hawaii; 1825 in Canton; August 1825 in Boston. Sold in 1825.[2]
1821-1824
Built 1817 in Medford. 1820 maritime fur trade voyage. Repeatedly met Rob Roy, Mentor, Hamilton, and Arab at Haida Gwaii or coasts to north and east. Reports of cruelty by Captain Harris caused owners to have their "greatest lawyer" bring charges against him (result unknown).[2]
August 1803 sailed from Canton to Northwest Coast; 1804 on NW Coast; failed to cross Columbia Bar over 8 days of trying; visited California; 1805 in Hawaii.[2]
Early career unclear; July 1833 sold in Oahu; 1835-1836 cruised between Hawaii, California, and NW Coast; 1836 tried to acquire Alaska Natives as contract hunters in California, boarded and driven from Alaska (Dall Island) by Imperial Russian Navy; 1837 on NW Coast, California, Hawaii.[2]
1836-1837
Built 1828 in Plymouth for maritime fur trade. In 1835, crew of ten described as almost entirely Native Hawaiian plus American officers. In 1836 American Consul wrote to US Secretary of State John Forsyth to protest the Russian Navy forcing vessel from Dall Island, saying that Tattisky (Datzkoo Harbour) was not in Russian territory and that the act ruined the ship's venture.[2]
Louisa
William Martain (formerly of the Hamilton); James Lambert (after 1829)
October 1826 left Boston; 1827–28 on Northwest Coast, wintered on coast. Ownership changed in Hawaii, 1828 or 1829.[2]
1827-1828
Maritime fur trade. Sailed with consort Active, Captain William Cotting. In 1828 Captain Martain wrote the owners that the Northwest trade was "ruined", with furs dwindling in quantity and quality, prices on coast rising while fur prices falling in Canton.[2]
Lucy
Joseph Pierpont (formerly of the Sally, c. 1796)
United States
Dorr
On Northwest Coast 1801; at Tattisky (south end Dall Island), May 1801; left for China, June 1801; Canton in November 1801; Boston return May 1802.[2]
1804 left Boston for maritime fur trade; 1805 on Northwest Coast; July 1805 Nootka Sound, rescued John Jewitt and John Thompson (survivors of the Boston); cruised to Alaska, then to Columbia River where a letter left with natives by Lewis and Clark was taken and forwarded from Canton to Philadelphia; November 1806 at Canton; May 1807 back in Boston.[2]
1805-1806
Two surviving supercargo logs describe Captain Hill as an unstable tyrant. In 1805 assisted Atahualpa after attack by Heiltsuk or Tsimshian at Milbanke Sound. Some logs and journals by members of Lydia and Atahualpa survive. May be the same brig as Lydia (II).[2]
April 1809 left Boston for maritime fur trade; 1810–13 on Northwest Coast, trading continuously; Fall 1813 fur cargo transferred to Atahualpa; late 1813 to Hawaii; sold with Atahualpa to Russians for 20,000 sealskins; 1814 left Sitka under Russian command to collect furs in California.[2]
1810-1814
In 1810 rescued/ransomed survivors of Russian St. Nicholas which had wrecked in Makah territory in 1808. May be the same brig as Lydia (I) (tonnage possibly in error), or Lydia (III).[2]
Philadelphia China Traders Benjamin C. Wilcocks and James Smith Wilcocks. King Kaumualii after 1816.
Early career unclear; 1813 arrived at Macau from NW Coast and Marquesas Islands; 1815 at Canton, leaving with cargo for Sitka; September 1815 at Sitka. In Sitka Captain Gyzelaar joined Captain William Smith of the Albatross for illegal venture to California coast; December 1815 left Sitka for California; January 1816 both Lydia and Albatross seized by Spanish and crews imprisoned but eventually released.[2]
Late 1791 left Boston; April 1792 arrived at Haida Gwaii, quickly collected about 1,200 sea otter pelts and left for China via Hawaii; December 1792 at Canton; 1793 return to Northwest Coast, with tender collected over 3,000 pelts; late 1793 sailed for Hawaii and China, then Boston; 1794 in Boston; sold to new owners, wrecked soon after.[2]
Built in Boston, 1791. Among the earliest US maritime fur trade ventures. Party left at Nootka Sound over winter of 1792–93, finished building a smaller tender by the time Margaret returned. James Magee brought a large collection of Northwest Coast "curiosities" to Boston, most now in Peabody Museum.[2]
William Bowles (died at sea), J. Gray (1st voyage); E. Prescott (2nd voyage)
Ship
209 tons.
United States
J. Gray (1st voyage); Samuel and Sylvanus Gray (2nd voyage)
July 1802 left New England; 1803 on Northwest Coast; March 1803 unsuccessfully tried, with Juno, to rescue survivors of Boston at Nootka Sound; Nov 1803 at Canton; May 1804 back in New England. In 1805 on Northwest Coast, cruising between Sitka and Vancouver Island; December 1805 in Canton; 1806 left for Boston, wrecked en route.[2]
Brig later converted to Brigantine at Robinson's ship yard Honolulu
148
12 feet
British
1)Captain Robert Hatson Dare, 2)Hudson's Bay Company,3) John Pratt & Co
May 7, 1842 resurveyed at London renamed 'Mary Dare'.
December 16, 1857 "The MARY DARE of Wivenhoe, [Captain] Taylor, from Seaham to London with coals, was in contact off Huntcliffe Fort yesterday morning with the ADONIS, [Captain] Goodwin, from London to Hartlepool, had her foremast carried away and shortly after went down;
John Bryant, William Sturgis, John Suter (1st voyage), Lemuel Porter (2nd voyage).[8]
1817-18 on Northwest Coast; 1819 in Canton (via Hawaii); 1819 return to Boston with over 2,000 chests of tea and other Chinese goods. Sept 1819 left Boston; 1820–21 on Northwest Coast mostly around Haida Gwaii, wintered on coast. August 1821 sailed for Hawaii and Canton; May 1822 in Boston. June 1822 left Boston with plan to coordinate with Lascar, Rob Roy, and Ann; 1823 at Hawaii, then on Northwest Coast, then Honolulu. Sept 1823 sailed to California, sold remaining goods to Russians at Bodega Bay; 1823-25 two trips between California and Canton[2]
1820-1825
Built in Salem, 1812, for maritime fur trade. Three voyages to Northwest Coast. Pioneered California Trade for Bryant & Sturgis. In 1825 Captain Newell left to command the Nile; Captain Hersey took Mentor, whose vessel, Ann was sold to Russians in California. In April 1825 stopped at Saint Helena to quell a mutiny on board.[2]
Two or three visits to Northwest Coast, first in 1789, then in 1791-92 under Swedish flag. During Russo-Swedish War (1788–1790) Cox offered Sweden service as a privateer, receiving royal charter and renaming vessel to Gustavus III. Approached Unalaska in 1789, instead was friendly, traded on NW Coast, then sailed to Saipan and Canton. Cox died in 1791 at Canton.[34]
1789, 1791–92
Later Gustavus III under Swedish flag.[3] 16-guns.[34]
1795 arrived at Nootka Sound, Northwest Coast, via Falkland Islands, Australia, and Hawaii. Many crewmen deserted in Hawaii; Captain Barnett took crew of Native Hawaiians by force. Late 1795 sailed to Canton, returning Hawaiians en route.[2]
1795
Built in Providence, Rhode Island, 1785. Made one maritime fur trade voyage. At some point Captain Barnett was killed and Mr. Gardin, supercargo, took command.[2]
William Heath Davis (father of William Heath Davis Jr.), George Washington Eayrs (or Ayres)
Ship
145 tons.
United States
Boston merchants
In 1806 sailed from Boston to Northwest Coast. Summer 1806 encountered Boston vessels Pearl and Peacock in Hecate Strait. 1806-07 cruised California coast; late 1807 at Canton; 1808 returned to NW Coast via Kodiak Island, cruised to San Francisco via Haida Gwaii and Columbia River. Cruised California waters, 1808–9. June 1809 to 1813 repeatedly sailed between California and Alaska. In Canton, early 1811, Eayrs sold furs of his own and on behalf of Governor Baranov. On 2 June 1813 seized by Spanish near Monterey, California as a privateer.[2]
1806-1813
Made one of the most prolonged voyages of the maritime fur trade. In 1808 transported Kodiak Alutiiq hunters, 25 baidarkas, and RAC overseer Shvetsov from Kodiak to California, along with some natives kidnapped on Vancouver Island or Olympic Peninsula. Eayrs and crew arrested by Spanish in 1813.[2]
John Derby and consortium of Massachusetts merchants
Left Boston 1810; 1811–1812 on Northwest Coast; Sept 1812 to Hawaii and Canton. Returned to New England via Hawaii, 1813, evading British naval forces involved in War of 1812.[2]
1811-1812
Wrecked on Galloper Sands on English coast in 1817.
Built 1809 in Newburyport for maritime fur trade. Sister ship of the Packet. Captain Nye known for being vicious, flogging men, slaving, attacking native communities, etc.[2]
1803 at Kodiak Island, made deal with RACGovernor Baranov, transported 40 Aleuts, 20 baidarkas, and RAC overseer Shvetsov to California. June 1804 in Sitka; Dec 1804 in Canton; Boston in 1805. In 1806 at Sitka, took over 120 Aleuts and 75 baidarkas to California; 1807 at Sitka; 1808 in Canton, then Boston. Late 1809 in Sitka, then Haida Gwaii, then again took Aleuts to California. 1812-1816 several trips between California, Canton, Hawaii, and NW Coast. Late 1816 in Canton; 1817 in Boston. Made at least one more voyage to NW Coast.[2]
1803-1804, 1806–1807, 1809–1816
Sank off Cape Horn, with no survivors, probably in 1822.
Captain O'Cain pioneered the practice of bringing native labor from Alaska to California to hunt sea otters (despite Spanish prohibition). Made several maritime fur trade voyages. Stayed in Pacific during War of 1812 to avoid Royal Navy.[2]
August 1795 left Boston; early 1796 at Sydney, Australia, took Thomas Muir and other escaped political prisoners on board. In 1796 cruised Northwest Coast. Late 1796 in California. 1797 in Hawaii, then Canton. December 1797 at Portland, Maine. Sold to new owners.[2]
1796
Captured by French and lost in 1798.
Built in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Maritime fur trade. In October 1796 Dorr begged Spanish Governor of California for supplies, especially food, which was given. Against Spanish wishes Dorr left ten of his crew and an Australian woman in California.[2]
In 1809 sailed to Hawaii, then to Northwest Coast, trading until 1811, then to Canton and back to Boston. Captain Hill incited several violent conflicts. One with the Russian captain Benzemann of Juno and some Haida and Aleuts. Another in a battle with the Chilkat Tlingit, during which 2nd mate Robert Kemp was killed.[2][36]
1821 in Hawaii; 1822 on Northwest Coast, in December in Hawaii with only 150 furs; 1823 to California; late 1823 left Monterey for NW Coast, trading through winter; July 1824 at Haida Gwaii; 1826 sailed between Hawaii and California. January 1827 in Oahu, then northern NW Coast, Columbia River, Bodega Bay, return to Hawaii, then to Canton. In 1828 returned to Boston. 1829–1830 on NW Coast, then Hawaii and direct to Boston, arriving 1831.[2]
1822-1830
Built in Boston in 1821 for Maritime Fur Trade. Otter trade dwindling, explored diversification; brought cargo of pickled Pacific salmon to Boston. Native oral tradition near Fort Vancouver says the Owhyhee and Convoy brought the fever sickness of the 1829-1830 winter.[2]
1815 left Boston; 1816 in Hawaii, then Sitka; cruised Northwest Coast until fall 1817, then Canton; 1818 in Boston.[2]
1816-1817
Peacock
Oliver Kimball
Brig
108 tons
United States
1806 arrive in California via Hawaii; constantly pursued by Spanish, four crew arrested; October 1806 at Sitka; contracted with RAC Governor Baranov to transport Aleut hunters to California; 1807 at Bodega Bay; late 1807 return to Sitka, then to Canton.[2]
1806-1807
Badly damaged in severe gale when sailing from China to Boston in 1808. Vessel condemned and sold at Batavia, Dutch East Indies, March 1, 1808.[2]
Boston firms: J. & T. Lamb (1st voyage), J. & T.H. Perkins (2nd voyage)
April 1805 at Nahwitti, Vancouver Island; cruised NW Coast until August 1806, then to Hawaii, Canton, and Boston. 1807 left Boston; 1808–1809 on NW Coast. December 1809 at Macau and Canton; 1810 returned to Boston.[2]
1805-1806, 1808-1809
Made two maritime fur trade voyages. Second voyage brought 6,000 sea otter pelts to Macau, the largest cargo recorded for any voyage.[2]
1822 left Boston for Hawaii, then Sitka. On Northwest Coast about a month before being ordered to leave by Russians. Returned to Hawaii, where Stevens wrote to American Consul John C. Jones, who wrote to Secretary of State John Quincy Adams. In 1823 sailed back to Boston.[2]
Oliver Keating, Jonathan Amory, Thomas C. Amory, consortium of merchants. Sold to John Jacob Astor in 1814.
1811 sailed to Northwest Coast; 1812-1814 cruised coast between Vancouver Island and Aleutian Islands. Early 1814, in Hawaii, sold to Pacific Fur Company (PFC). Sailed to Fort Astoria, was taking cargo to Sitka, Alaska when PFC collapsed. Took goods from Sitka to California for Fort Ross. Captured by Spanish in California, ordered to leave. Early 1815 in Sitka. July 1816 seized by Russians for illegal trading, released in October. Sailed to Hawaii, Canton, Europe; October 1816 in New York City. 1819 sailed for NW Coast. 1820 in Hawaii, then Sitka; wintered in Hawaii; 1821 cruised NW Coast between Nahwitti and Haida Gwaii. August, left for Hawaii and Canton. 1822 on NW Coast again, then Hawaii and Canton; 1823 in New York.[2]
1800 left Boston; 1801 on Northwest Coast, cruising between Dall Island, Haida Gwaii, and Nass River. June 1801 to Hawaii and Canton; back in Boston, May 1802.[2]
Lloyd's Register, 1789, lists as a sloop of 60 tons (Old Measure), Class A1, Copper sheathed, single deck with beams, draft 8 ft. when laden, owners Etches & Co.[39]
Captain Josiah Roberts of the Jefferson, other Boston investors
May 1793 arrived on Northwest Coast; cruised with Jefferson between Columbia River and Clayoquot Sound. March 1794 separated from Jefferson to collect furs. In late 1794 captured by Haida in Haida Gwaii, all crew killed save one.[2]
1821 sailed from Boston to Northwest Coast via Hawaii; 1822 at Haida Gwaii; 1822-24 cruised NW Coast. 1824 in Hawaii, transferred furs to Mentor, then returned to NW Coast for 1825 season. Late 1825 to Hawaii and Canton. Returned to Boston; sold in 1827.[2]
Carried a 28-foot (8.5 m) longboat. Also used in discovery of San Francisco Bay by Juan de Ayala. There were two packet ships named San Carlos operating out of San Blas, but not simultaneously.
32 foot 10 inch length, 11-foot-10-inch (3.61 m) beam, 5-foot (1.5 m) draft, 4 three-pound cannons. Carried 8 two-man oars and 20 days supply of food, complement of 22 men.
Conducted the first purely commercial Maritime Fur Trade voyage between the Pacific Northwest and China; first British ship to visit the Northwest Coast since Captain Cook.[12]
1785
Hanna's two voyages were on different ships but both were named Sea Otter.[12]
1792 in Canton, chartered by Captains Ingraham, Rogers, and Collidge to carry furs to Boston. 1794 in Canton, possibly after cruising Northwest Coast for British owners. 1795, sold to Boston owners, renamed Sea Otter, sailed to Boston. 1796–97 on Northwest Coast. Late 1796 in Canton; arrived in Boston July 1798.[2]
1794? 1796-1797
Was British Fairy of Calcutta. Made several maritime fur trade voyages. In 1796 Captain Hills, Mr. Elliot (supercargo), and two sailors killed by Haida at Cumshewa. Officer James Rowan was later master of Eliza and captured the killers and arranged their execution. In Canton, 1797, sold furs for over $47,000; to Boston with various Chinese goods including 50,000 pounds of tea, 7,000 nankeen pieces, 100 sets of China ceramics, 300 tea sets, etc. Made a profit of ten times the original investment.[2]
1815 left Boston; 1816 arrived at Sitka, cruised Northwest Coast; 1817 to Hawaii, Marquesas, Sitka and California; 1818 to Chile and Marquesas; 1819 at Canton, then Boston. 1821 left Boston; 1822–23 on NW Coast. Late 1823 at Hawaii, then California and Mexico; 1824 at Hawaii then Canton; 1825 return to Boston. A third voyage visited Hawaii and possibly NW Coast.[2]
1824 sailed from New York to Honolulu. Late 1824 to Sitka; 1825 cruised south from Sitka to San Francisco; 1826 in Hawaii. February 1828 sold to King Kamehameha III.
1819 left Boston; 1820 arrived in Hawaii with missionaries, then to Sitka; 1820 cruised Northwest Coast south from Sitka. Late 1820 returned to Hawaii and sold.
1798 left Boston; 1799 on Northwest Coast. In 1799 officers mutinied against Captain Lamb. At Kaigani agreement was made: Lamb resume control and officers exchanged with ships Eliza and Despatch. William F. Sturgis became first mate of Ulysses. Late 1799 at Canton, then sailed for Boston. Damaged in storm near Saint Helena.
1799
Condemned in April 1800 at Saint Helena after being dismasted in a storm.[2]
Fraser & Cariboo Gold RushIn 1858, the steamer Venture, on her maiden voyage, drifted over the Columbia River's Upper Cascades, a rough section that steamboats could not navigate. It wrecked. After being hauled out and repaired, the steamer was renamed Umatilla.
Built at Somerset, Massachusetts.[2] Boit's log published as Log of the Union: John Boit's Remarkable Voyage to the Northwest Coast and Around the World.[43]
1802-1803 cruised Northwest Coast; late 1803 in Canton; June 1804 in Boston. August 1804 left Boston; 1805–1806 on Northwest Coast. Assisted Atahualpa after an attack. Late 1806 in Canton; May 1807 in Boston. 1808–1809 on Northwest Coast, then Canton; 1810 returned to Boston and sold.[2]
George W. Lyman and firm of Boardman and Pope. Later Bryant & Sturgis.
1817 left Boston; 1818 at Hawaii, then Nahwitti, Vancouver Island. 1818-1820 cruised Northwest Coast, mainly between Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii. In 1819, with Brutus, rescued crew of wrecked Borneo. Late 1820 to Hawaii and Canton; 1821 in Boston. 1824–1829 on NW Coast with visits to Hawaii.[2]
1818-1820, 1824-1829
Built 1815 at Stonington, Connecticut. Made several maritime fur trade voyages. Experienced two mutinies in 1818. Cooperated with Brutus, entered fur-sharing agreements with Hamilton, Ann, Mentor, and Thaddeus.[2]
1824 sailed from Hawaii to California, cooperating with Owhyhee, and might have visited Northwest Coast. 1827 in New York City. 1828 in Hawaii, then Sitka, Alaska and south to California.[2]
The California Sea Otter Trade, 1784-1848, Appendix: Identified Vessels Engaged in the California Sea Otter Trade 1786-1848. Provides details for numerous ships listed on this page