They already knew the value of the business from experience along their own shores and now extended their operations to the American coast. Vessels from England and a few from other European nations also entered the trade, inspired by the reports from the crew of Cook. The English predominated, but were embarrassed by the monopoly of the Oriental ports, given to the East India Company by England. Gradually the others dropped out and the development of the maritime fur trade was left to the little nation which had just entered upon its national life.
Among the merchants of Boston were some who had for years been interested in the trade with China. The breaking out of the Revolutionary War had interrupted the trade, and it had just begun to be renewed. Embarrassed by the lack of products, which were acceptable to the Chinese in exchange for their own products, they had been obliged to send specie to settle the balances. Of especial interest, therefore, would be the discovery of a product which could be used to further the business already begun. They were accustomed to meet in social intercourse, and generally the conversation would turn to the explorations of Cook and the prospects of the fur trade of the Northwest. When at length the undertaking seemed feasible, six of the merchants furnished the capital necessary to send two vessels to the Northwest coast to engage in the trade.[1] A silver medal was struck to commemorate the occasion, and under the command of Captains Robert Gray and John Kendricks the "Lady Washington" and the "Columbia" started out upon their memorable and significant voyage in 1787.[2]
After the first trip the representations of Ledyard were
