Collecting and Disseminating Knowledge in the Early Modern Atlantic World

Sea Otters and Imperial Design

Sea Otter

Drawing of a sea otter, in the style of John Webber, artist on Cook's third voyage

Ledyard had the idea to make his fortune by tapping his knowledge of the Pacific Northwest and China trade. He made two great efforts to secure partners and finance for his grand plan, once with Revolutionary War financier Robert Morris and then as a partnership with a new acquaintance in France, Captain John Paul Jones. On paper, the idea was sound, establishing a triangular trade United States-fur factory around Nootka Sound or a similar area-Canton-United States.  The United States were starved for trade goods valued in China, except two: ginseng and potentially fur.[1]  The Morris partnership fell through due to funding only permitting one venture, loaded with ginseng from the Appalachian mountains, referencing Cook and Ledyard.[2]

            Frustrated and broke, as he sold all rights to his book to the publisher for £20, Ledyard traveled to Lorient in France to consider his options. Not willing to give up his idea, he at made the acquaintance of  John Paul Jones, whose wartime raids on the British Isles had caused Cook’s ships to take a longer and safer route to England. On its return voyage.  Jones was intrigued by the possibility and entered a partnership with Ledyard, as they attempted to secure the shipping.[3]  The venture collapsed in light of both English and French ventures to the Northwest Pacific for the same purpose, namely to establish trading posts and territorial claims. Jefferson understood the potential ramifications, directing Jones to report on the French activity, and forwarding his findings to the then American Secretary of State, John Jay.[4]

Ledyard to Jefferson July 7, 1786

Correspondence between Ledyard and Jefferson discussing the sun and attraction of celectial bodies. Ledyard adn Jefferson met in Paris and planned Ledyard's next exploration.

Commodore John Paul Jones

Another American adventurer and potential partner, John Paul Jones. Jones and Ledyard's venture was dropped when the costs tripled due to ships being readied for LePerouse's voyage, described by Jones to Jefferson.

      The young United States did not have the finances to support exploration or global diplomatic efforts, so the supercargo and masters of merchants filled some of those roles, whether official or not. Samuel Shaw, an investor who elected not to become involved with Ledyard’s proposal but did sail as supercargo on the one remaining vessel Morris financed, ensured upon his return Jay received a full accounting of how the ship and crew had been received and treated around the globe.[6]  In the case of Ledyard, his failed attempts at commercial enterprise led him to Paris and the salon of Thomas Jefferson, which became the jumping off point for his next scheme, to discover the best route from Russia to the American continent and explore the path of the Mississippi.

            Jefferson was already considering the ideas of exploring the continent to open it for the expansion of the United States. The riverine system and connections between rivers was critical to the Northwest Territories ceded by Great Britain and the westernmost of the colonies, such as Kentucky for the vital transportation of goods to markets. As the Jones venture collapsed for Ledyard, Jefferson and Ledyard discussed the idea of traveling across Russia to seek a passage to North America and then exploring the continent west to east.[7]