Albatros (19th-century ship) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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| Name | Albatros |
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The Albatros was an American ship that played an important role during the War of 1812. It brought crucial news to W. Price Hunt. Hunt was a partner in the Pacific Fur Company at their trading post in Astoria.
A Challenging Journey
W. Price Hunt had left Astoria on August 4, 1812. He was on a trading trip to Russia. His ship, the Beaver, was damaged by a big storm. This happened in the Bering Sea.
The captain of the Beaver thought it was too risky to go back to Astoria. So, the ship sailed to the Sandwich Islands for repairs. Hunt had to wait there for a supply ship to take him back to Astoria. He was stuck there from late 1812. He later found out the supply ship had crashed near the islands.
News of War Arrives
On June 20, 1813, the Albatros arrived from China. This was when Hunt first learned about the war with the British. This war was known as the War of 1812.
Hunt guessed that the yearly supply ship had not been sent because of the war. He decided to rent the Albatros for $2,000. He needed it to bring supplies to Astoria. Hunt returned to Astoria on August 20, 1813. He had been away for a year. The ship carried food and other important items.
The End of Astoria
When Hunt got back, he learned that a big decision had been made. The company had decided to close down the Astoria trading post. This was because they lacked supplies. There was also the threat of the war. Plus, they faced strong competition from the North West Company.
On August 26, 1813, Hunt left Astoria on the Albatros. He sailed to the Marquesas Islands and then to the Sandwich Islands. Since they decided to leave Astoria, Hunt went to find a ship. He needed it to move the company's goods and workers away.
