been attempted, either in this country or Europe, nor is it known that any thing of the kind had even been contemplated. Ledyard's knowledge of the resources of the Northwest Coast in furs, derived from his observations while there, particularly at Nootka Sound and the Russian establishment on the Island of Onalaska, together with the enormous advances, which he had seen paid in Canton on the original cost of this article, had convinced him that great profits might be realized by a voyage fitted out expressly for this trade.

Hitherto no market had been opened to the natives, by which they could dispose of the superabundance of their furs, or receive such articles in exchange as might suit their fancy or convenience; hence the furs could be purchased extremely low, and paid for in commodities of little intrinsic value, and at such prices as the vendor might choose to affix. It was clear, therefore, in his mind, that they who should first engage in this trade would reap immense profits by their earliest efforts, and, at the same time, gain such knowledge and experience, as would enable them to pursue it for years, with advantages superior to any that could be commanded by the competitors who might be drawn into the same channel of commerce.

So strong had grown his confidence in the accuracy of his opinions, by long reflection on the subject, and such was the eagerness of his desire to prove the truth of his theory by actual experiment, that he applied the whole energy of his mind and character to the task of creating an interest in his project among the merchants, who had the means of carrying it into effect, and without whose patronage nothing could be done. In New York he was unsuccessful; his scheme was called wild and visionary, and set down as bearing the marks rather of a warm imagination and sanguine temperament, than of a sober and mature judgment. No merchant was found willing to hazard his money, or his reputation, in an adventure so novel in its kind, and so questionable in its promise; a scheme not only untried, but never before thought of. His first inquiries in Philadelphia met with no better favor, till Mr. Robert Morris, with an enlargement of mind and purpose, which characterized his undertakings, entered into his views, and made arrangements to furnish the outfits of a voyage, according to the plan he drew up.

The first thing to be done was to procure a ship suitable for such a voyage. At that time there was none unemployed in Philadel

phia, and Ledyard was despatched to Boston, where it was thought a purchase might speedily be effected, and where progress was actually made in the preparation of a vessel for this purpose; but, for some cause not now known, it was taken for a voyage of a differ ent kind. He next proceeded to New London, where the Continental frigate Trumbull was engaged for the voyage; but this ship was afterwards diverted to another adventure, suggested by this plan. The Count d'Artois, a

large French ship then lying in the harbor of New London, was next thought of, but was finally otherwise destined. Again, a ship in New York, of about three hundred tons, was provided; but, on examination, it proved to be so old and defective, that it was condemned as unsafe for a voyage of such length and hazard.

The season was by this time too far advanced to think of prosecuting the voyage before the next spring. Meantime Mr. Daniel Parker was employed to purchase a ship in New York, and to have it in readiness as soon as the favorable season for its sailing should arrive. A ship was procured accordingly, but the outfits were delayed from time to time, till the winter passed by, and then the spring; and, at last, it was sent on an adventure to

Canton. Thus a year was spent, in a vexatious and fruitless struggle to overcome difficulties, which thickened as he advanced, till his patience, and that of Mr. Morris also, would seem to have been exhausted, for the voyage was altogether abandoned.

While he was in New London negotiating for the ship Trumbull, after his return from Boston, he wrote a letter to his mother, from which an extract here follows.

"This is the first opportunity, in reality, which I have had of writing to you, since I have been in this country. My ambition to do everything, which my disposition as a man, and my relative character as a citizen, and more tenderly as the leading descendant of a broken and distressed family, should prompt me to do, has engaged me in every kind of speculation, which afforded the least probability of advancing my interest, my happiness, or the happiness of my friends. These different engagements have led me into different conditions; sometimes I have been elated with hope, sometimes depressed with disappointment and distress. I postponed informing you of my circumstances, indulging the constant hope of their soon being better, until which time I was determined you should not know anything particularly concerning me. If that time

is now arrived, it has been more from the influence of a kind Providence, than my own merits.

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"My prospects, at present, are a voyage to the East Indies, and eventually round the world. It will be of two or three years' duration. If I am successful, I shall not have occasion to absent myself any more from my friends; but, above all, I hope to have it in my power to minister to the wants of a beloved parent, and others who languish and fade in obscurity. My dear sisters engage my tenderest love, and solicitude for their future welfare. My best wish is, that they may be educated and disposed of suitably to the beauty of their persons, and their excellent hearts, and that I could be instrumental in conferring such a kindness. I beg my brotherly salutaTell them I long to strew roses in their laps, and branches of palm beneath their feet."

tions to them.

It ought to be recorded in this place, that while Ledyard was in New York, anxiously waiting for a vessel, his embarrassments, occasioned by the want of moncy, were often relieved, in a spirit of great kindness, by Mr. Comfort Sands. This gentleman became acquainted with him in Philadelphia, and early approved and promoted the enterprise which