Crescent (1790 ship) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 Great Britain |
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| Name | Crescent |
| Owner |
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| Builder | Marmaduke Stalkart, Rotherhithe |
| Launched | 15 May 1790 |
| Fate | Foundered 8 March 1807 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 233, or 238, or 262 (bm) |
| Complement |
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| Armament |
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| Notes | Three decks |
The Crescent was a British ship launched in 1790. It was built in Rotherhithe, a place in London known for shipbuilding. Over its lifetime, Crescent had many different jobs. It started by trading goods, then might have acted as a privateer during wartime. It also sailed to the East Indies and later became involved in the difficult and sad business of transporting enslaved people. Finally, it became a whaling ship. The Crescent was lost at sea in 1807 while on its first whaling trip.
Contents
The Early Voyages of Crescent
When Crescent was first built in 1790, it was used for trading. It often sailed from London to places like Smyrna (now Izmir in Turkey). This area was known as the Levant.
Becoming a Privateer
In 1793, a war started between Britain and France. The Crescent's captain, James Moring, got a special document called a "letter of marque". This document allowed private ships to attack and capture enemy ships. This meant Crescent could act like a privateer, which was a private ship armed for war.
Journey to the East Indies
Later, between 1796 and 1798, Crescent made a long journey to the East Indies. This trip was likely for the British East India Company. This company had a special right to control trade in that part of the world.
Captured and Recaptured
During its return from China in 1798, a French privateer ship named Mercure captured Crescent. But just a few days later, a British warship called HMS Caroline rescued Crescent. The ship was then taken to Falmouth, a port in England.
After this, Crescent changed owners and its main trade route. It started sailing from London to Jamaica.
Crescent as a Slave Ship
In 1801, Captain William Chapman took command of Crescent. The ship's purpose changed again. From 1802 to 1804, Crescent was used to transport enslaved people. This was a terrible period in history where people were forcibly taken from Africa.
The ship sailed from London in September 1802. It arrived in West Africa, where it took on board enslaved people at Cape Coast Castle. Crescent then sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to Kingston, Jamaica. After delivering the enslaved people, the ship returned to London in early 1804.
Crescent Becomes a Whaler
In 1805, a group of new owners bought Crescent. They decided to change the ship's purpose once more. After some major repairs, Crescent became a whaling ship. Whaling ships hunted whales for their oil and other products.
Captain Thomas Hopper took charge of Crescent for its new role. The ship left England in March 1805, heading towards Peru. It spent time near the coast of Peru and the Galápagos Islands, hunting whales. By December 1806, it was sailing around Cape Horn, on its way back to London.
The Final Voyage
Sadly, the Crescent's journey came to an end on March 8, 1807. The ship sank off the coast of Patagonia, a region in South America. Luckily, another ship, the Edward from Nantucket, was nearby and rescued the crew members.
