John Kendrick (American sea captain) facts for kids
John Kendrick was an important American sea captain. He lived from 1740 to 1794. He played a big role in the American Revolutionary War and explored the Pacific Northwest. He also helped establish the fur trade there. Kendrick led the first United States expedition to the Pacific Northwest. He is remembered for his part in the 1789 Nootka Crisis. This was an event at Nootka Sound that almost caused a war between Britain and Spain.
Kendrick was also the first American to try trading with Japan. He started the Hawaiian sandalwood trade. Sadly, he died during a friendly exchange of cannon salutes when one cannon fired a loaded shot by accident. John Kendrick was key in opening trade routes in the Pacific Northwest, the Hawaiian Islands, and China. He helped the young United States become a global trading power.
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The Adventures of Captain John Kendrick
Early Life and Seafaring Beginnings
John Kendrick was born in 1740 in Harwich, Massachusetts. He was one of seven children. His family had a long history of sailors. His father, Solomon, was a whaling captain. John started sailing with his father when he was just 14 years old.
Kendrick was friendly with local native tribes, like the Wampanoag. These friendships later helped him connect with native peoples in the Pacific Northwest. He joined a whaling crew at age 20. During the French and Indian War, he served in the militia for a short time.
In the 1760s, John stayed in Massachusetts while his father moved to Nova Scotia. Massachusetts was a place of growing rebellion against British rule. John might have been involved in protests against British taxes and actions, like the events leading up to the 1770 Boston Massacre. In late 1767, John Kendrick married Huldah Pease, who also came from a family of sailors.
A Patriot in the American Revolution
Kendrick was a strong supporter of American independence. He was even one of the "Sons of Liberty" who took part in the Boston Tea Party in 1773. During the American Revolutionary War, he commanded a privateer ship called the Fanny. This ship had eighteen cannons and a crew of 104.
The Fanny attacked British ships and captured several of them. This made Kendrick famous and brought him wealth. In 1777, his ship and another privateer captured two valuable British ships. These ships were taken to Nantes, France. This incident caused a stir because France had not yet joined the war. It helped speed up France's decision to join the fight against Britain.
Kendrick returned home a hero in 1778. With money he received, he bought a house and helped build the first public school in Wareham, Massachusetts. He lived there with his family. He sailed to war again in 1779, but was captured by a British ship. He was later released and returned to America. He continued to capture British ships until the war ended in 1783. By this time, he had six children. After the war, Kendrick returned to whaling until he was chosen to lead the first American ships of discovery.
Leading the Columbia Expedition
After the American Revolutionary War, John Kendrick was chosen to lead an important expedition. A group of merchants from Boston, led by Joseph Barrell, funded this journey in 1787. The expedition included two ships: the larger Columbia Rediviva and the smaller sloop Lady Washington.
Captain Kendrick, then 47 years old, commanded the Columbia. Robert Gray, who was 32, commanded the Washington. Kendrick was in charge of the entire expedition. The crews of both ships totaled about 40 men. Many of them were veterans of the Revolutionary War.
One of the officers, Simeon Woodruff, had sailed with Captain James Cook on his third voyage around the world. This meant Woodruff had already visited the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, and China. Another officer, Joseph Ingraham, later became a captain himself. Kendrick also brought two of his sons, John Jr. and Solomon, on the voyage.
Journey Around the World
The Columbia Expedition left Boston Harbor on October 1, 1787. They reached the Cape Verde Islands in November. Here, an officer named Simeon Woodruff left the expedition after a disagreement with Kendrick. Kendrick then reorganized the ship's cargo to improve its handling.
The ships continued their journey, reaching the Falkland Islands in February 1788. They prepared for the difficult voyage around Cape Horn. During this time, tensions grew between Kendrick and another officer, Robert Haswell. Haswell was transferred to the Washington to serve under Captain Gray.
Kendrick decided to sail far south to avoid the worst of a storm near Cape Horn. They faced cold, heavy weather, and icebergs. On April 1, 1788, during a severe storm, the two ships lost sight of each other. The Columbia was badly damaged and driven eastward. The Washington continued through violent squalls.
Captain Gray, now separated, decided to continue alone. He sailed to Alejandro Selkirk Island as planned, but left when he didn't see the Columbia. He then headed north, stopping at Ambrose Island for supplies.
Kendrick arrived at the meeting point about a month after Gray had left. The Columbia needed repairs and supplies. Kendrick decided to risk visiting a Spanish settlement on Robinson Crusoe Island. The Spanish governor, Don Blas Gonzales, allowed them to make repairs and resupply. However, this act of kindness later cost Gonzales his job. The Spanish authorities in Peru and Mexico were warned to seize any American ships they found.
As they sailed north, both crews began to suffer from scurvy, a serious illness caused by lack of Vitamin C.
In August 1788, the Washington sighted land near the border of California and Oregon. They traded with native groups for sea otter skins and fresh food, which helped with the scurvy. They found a safe harbor near Tillamook Bay. After a few days, a conflict with natives occurred, and a crew member was lost. The Washington managed to escape to the open sea and set course for Nootka Sound.
First Americans at Nootka Sound
The Washington arrived at Friendly Cove in Nootka Sound on September 16, 1788. They found a British ship there, the Felice Adventurer. Two more British ships arrived soon after. All these ships were part of a fur trading business.
A few days later, Kendrick's Columbia arrived. Kendrick took command of both American ships again. He decided the expedition would spend the winter in Nootka Sound. He wanted to befriend the local Nuu-chah-nulth people and get a head start in the fur trade. During the winter, Kendrick became friends with Nuu-chah-nulth chiefs Maquinna and Wickaninnish.
After winter, Kendrick sent the Washington south for a short trading trip. Captain Gray found the entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and collected many furs. He returned to Nootka Sound in April 1789. Kendrick had moved the Columbia to a cove called Marvinas Bay. He built a small outpost there, which he named Fort Washington. This was the first US outpost on the Pacific coast. Kendrick hoped it would be a base for American trade.
Kendrick realized the smaller Washington was better for trading along the coast. So, he prepared it for another trading voyage. The British captains also set off to find furs.
While sailing, Gray's Washington met a Spanish warship, the Princesa, commanded by Esteban José Martínez. Martínez had come to claim Nootka Sound for Spain. He questioned Gray but let him go, knowing Kendrick's ship was still in Nootka Sound.
Martínez arrived at Friendly Cove, Nootka Sound, on May 5, 1789. Kendrick met with Martínez and explained that his ship was damaged and his crew was sick. He said he had built a house and a gun placement for protection. Kendrick agreed to Spanish authority and said he would leave once his ship was repaired.
Kendrick saw Martínez's arrival as a chance to help his own goals. He treated Martínez with respect. Some believed Kendrick encouraged Martínez to act against the British. This would reduce British competition in the fur trade and help the Americans.
On May 12, 1789, Martínez took control of the British ship Iphigenia and held its crew. This worried Chief Maquinna, who moved his people away from Friendly Cove. Martínez later released the Iphigenia after its captain agreed to certain conditions. Kendrick and Ingraham witnessed these agreements. Martínez then confiscated another British ship, the North West America.
On June 17, 1789, Robert Gray returned to Nootka Sound. He found the Spanish in control, with Fort San Miguel built. Gray sailed to Kendrick's outpost. Kendrick had collected hundreds of furs during Gray's absence. On June 28, Kendrick brought both American ships to Friendly Cove.
On July 2, Martínez released another British ship, the Princess Royal. Soon after, the British ship Argonaut arrived. Martínez and the Argonaut's captain, James Colnett, argued over who owned Nootka Sound. Martínez arrested Colnett and seized the Argonaut. Kendrick, at Martínez's request, also prepared his cannons.
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These events led to the Nootka Crisis. News of the seizures reached Europe and almost caused a war between Britain and Spain.
Trading on the Northwest Coast
On July 13, 1789, a Nuu-chah-nulth leader named Callicum was killed by Martínez. This made relations between the Spanish and the natives much worse. The next day, Kendrick decided it was time to leave Nootka Sound.
Kendrick asked Martínez if he could return next year, and Martínez agreed with conditions. Martínez also asked Kendrick to take some prisoners and furs to Macau, China. Kendrick wrote a short letter to his business partner, Joseph Barrell, and to his wife.
Kendrick's son, John Jr., decided to stay at Nootka Sound and join the Spanish Navy.
On July 15, the Columbia and Washington left Nootka Sound. Instead of sailing north, they sailed south to Clayoquot Sound. They stayed there for two weeks, trading with the local natives.
While at Clayoquot Sound, Kendrick and Gray switched vessels. Kendrick ordered Gray to take the Columbia to China. Kendrick would take the Washington north to trade for furs. Kendrick saw a chance for Americans to gain an advantage in the fur trade. All the furs from the Washington were moved to the Columbia. On July 30, Gray sailed the Columbia for Hawaii and China.
Kendrick's movements after leaving Clayoquot Sound are not fully known. He later met another American ship near Dundas Island. He then sailed to Haida Gwaii, where he traded with Haida villages. At Anthony Island, he traded with the village of Ninstints, led by Chief Koyah.
During trading at Ninstints, some items were stolen from Kendrick's ship. Kendrick held Chief Koyah and another chief hostage until the stolen goods were returned. Most items were returned. Kendrick then demanded all remaining furs for trade. Some say he paid a fair price, others say he forced the Haida to accept less. After this, the chiefs were released, and Kendrick left. This incident caused Koyah to lose his leadership role.
Two years later, when Kendrick returned, the Haida remembered this event. A fierce battle broke out. The Haida attacked the Washington, and Kendrick's crew had to fight hard to defend themselves. Many people were hurt in the conflict.
Discovering Hawaiian Sandalwood
Kendrick sailed to the Hawaiian Islands, arriving in November 1789. The Lady Washington was one of the first Western ships to visit Hawaii after Captain James Cook. Kendrick sailed around the Island of Hawaii and anchored in Kealakekua Bay. He traded with Native Hawaiians.
Kendrick recognized sandalwood on the island. He knew it was valuable in China. He asked King Kamehameha I for permission to leave men to harvest sandalwood. Kamehameha wanted help training his men to use firearms. They made a deal, and Kendrick left three men to collect sandalwood.
After leaving Kealakekua Bay, Kendrick visited other islands to resupply. He then sailed for Macau, China.
Shortly after Kendrick's visit, a tragic event called the Olowalu Massacre occurred, where many Hawaiians were killed by another trader. Another small ship was attacked, and its survivor, Isaac Davis, came under Kamehameha's control. Kendrick's men, along with Davis and another man, John Young, survived by serving Kamehameha. They taught Hawaiians how to use muskets and cannons. This helped Kamehameha in his efforts to unite the Hawaiian Islands.
Challenges in China
Kendrick arrived near Macau, China, on January 26, 1790. Captain Gray had arrived earlier. Both captains found trading difficult under the strict Canton System. Kendrick and Gray exchanged letters, and Gray suggested Kendrick go to a smuggling area.
Kendrick fell ill with a long fever and got into debt. But by spring, he recovered. He sold the furs he had for a good price, much better than Gray had managed. With money, he paid his debts and rented a house in Macau. He had the Lady Washington refitted as a brigantine, a type of ship with two masts.
Kendrick faced problems leaving Macau because Chinese officials would not give him permission. He formed a partnership with another American captain, William Douglas. News of the Nootka Crisis and a possible war between Britain and Spain reached Macau. Kendrick was briefly arrested and ordered to leave.
In August 1790, Gray returned to Boston with the Columbia. There were big celebrations, but the expedition was not a financial success. Gray and others blamed Kendrick. Newspapers published articles criticizing Kendrick.
Later, a new governor in Macau lifted Kendrick's restrictions. Douglas returned with furs and Kendrick's Hawaiian sandalwood. The two captains decided to sail together to Japan. They left China on March 31, 1791.
An Attempt to Open Trade with Japan
Kendrick and Douglas left Macau in March 1791. They decided to try trading with Japan, which had a strict policy called sakoku that closed it off to most foreign trade. They reached the Kii Peninsula of Japan on May 6. They sailed into a channel to shelter from a typhoon.
Japanese fishermen visited their ships. Kendrick and Douglas learned that there was no market for sea otter furs in Japan. They were also advised not to go to Osaka, where they would be arrested.
While waiting for good weather, some of Kendrick's men went ashore for water and wood. They fired a warning shot at a farmer. Japanese samurai troops were sent to investigate. On May 17, Kendrick and Douglas left, likely having heard about the approaching troops.
This visit was important for the United States as a symbolic first contact. For Japan, it led to new alarms and coastal patrols, increasing its isolation.
A few days later, Kendrick and Douglas found some uncharted islands. They named them the "Water Islands." Here, they decided to separate. Douglas sailed to Alaska, and Kendrick headed for the Pacific Northwest Coast.
Return to the Northwest Coast and New Alliances
In early June 1791, Kendrick arrived at Bucareli Bay. He traded in Tsimshian and Haida territory. He visited several villages in Haida Gwaii.
On June 13, he visited the Haida village X̱yuu Daw Llnagaay, near Ninstints. This was the territory of Chief Koyah, with whom Kendrick had had trouble in 1789. Trading was friendly for a couple of days, and many Haida came to trade. Kendrick relaxed his security.
Kendrick allowed about 50 Haida, men and women, aboard his ship. Chief Koyah also came aboard to trade. During the trading, a Haida chief gained control of a weapon chest. Haida warriors then drew knives and threatened the crew, who retreated below deck. More Haida boarded the ship. A fierce battle broke out. The Haida attacked the ship, and Kendrick's crew had to fight hard to defend themselves. Many people were hurt in the conflict. Koyah was wounded but survived.
Kendrick immediately left for Bucareli Bay to recover. He then sailed to Nootka Sound. He did not know that the Nootka Convention had been signed, preventing war. Kendrick entered Nootka Sound cautiously. The Spanish officer Ramón Saavedra told Kendrick that Nootka Sound belonged to Spain. Kendrick defiantly said he had come to trade. Saavedra decided to wait for his commander to return. Kendrick arrived at his old base in Marvinas Bay on July 12.
At Marvinas Bay, Kendrick was welcomed by the Nuu-chah-nulth natives. Their friendship had lasted. Kendrick began to make alliances with chiefs like Maquinna and Wickaninnish. He learned that British traders would be allowed back. Kendrick hoped his alliances with the natives could help him compete.
Many chiefs gathered at Marvinas Bay. Kendrick entertained them with Chinese fireworks. He then told them that Europeans wanted to establish settlements. He suggested that if he held deeds to their land, it could prevent Europeans from taking permanent control. Kendrick promised they would keep their rights and that he would defend their lands. Most importantly, he offered them firearms. This would help them defend themselves.
The chiefs agreed to Kendrick's proposal. In July 1791, Kendrick purchased Marvinas Bay and surrounding lands from Maquinna and other chiefs. He made similar agreements in Tahsis, Esperanza Inlet, and Nuchatlitz Inlet.
In early August 1791, Kendrick sailed south to Clayoquot Sound. Chief Wickaninnish was waiting to make a similar deal. On August 11, 1791, Wickaninnish and other chiefs granted Kendrick land around Clayoquot Sound. The deed mentioned four muskets in exchange, but Wickaninnish later acquired about 200 muskets from Kendrick. Kendrick's land purchases covered over 1,000 square miles of Vancouver Island. He then built a new Fort Washington in Clayoquot Sound.
On August 29, 1791, the Columbia arrived at Clayoquot Sound on its second voyage. Robert Gray was captain, no longer under Kendrick's command. John Hoskins, sent by Joseph Barrell, was in charge of business.
Kendrick learned that other traders were mostly in the north. He had already acquired most furs on Vancouver Island. Hoskins told Kendrick that the Columbia was no longer under his command. Kendrick offered Hoskins furs in exchange for payment for his men and debts, but Hoskins lacked the authority. Kendrick decided to continue on his own with the Washington.
Gray planned to winter in Clayoquot Sound, using Kendrick's strategy. Kendrick helped tow the Columbia to a cove. Gray's men built an outpost called Fort Defiance. On September 29, 1791, Kendrick sailed for Hawaii. Gray struggled to maintain friendly relations with Wickaninnish's people.
Toward the end of winter, Gray believed there was a plan to attack his camp and ship. In response, Gray ordered his ship to fire on Opitsaht, the main native town of Clayoquot Sound, and the town was destroyed. Although empty, it contained over 200 carved buildings. Gray's actions damaged the good feelings Kendrick had built with American traders.
Final Voyages and a Tragic End
Kendrick arrived in the Hawaiian Islands in late October 1791. He learned that Kamehameha was now king of the entire island of Hawaii. There was ongoing conflict among the islands. Kendrick left Kealakekua Bay and sailed to Kauai, which was safer. He left three men on Niʻihau to trade for pearls and prepare sandalwood.
Kendrick arrived in Macau on December 7, 1791. He learned of his diminished reputation in Boston. He wrote to Joseph Barrell, defending himself and accusing Gray of cheating. He also described his land purchases and offered to buy the Lady Washington.
Kendrick fell ill again but recovered. Over the summer of 1792, he built a small tender ship called Avenger. In September 1792, Kendrick and his crew sailed from Macau. They were caught in a typhoon, and the Washington was badly damaged. The Avenger was lost with all its crew. Kendrick returned to Macau for repairs.
The Columbia arrived in Macau about two months later. Kendrick and Gray did not meet. Gray found fur prices very low. On February 8, 1793, the Columbia left for Boston.
Kendrick learned that Gray had fought with Wickaninnish's people and destroyed Opitsaht. He also learned of Gray's discovery of the Columbia River. Kendrick learned about the British Vancouver Expedition and the Butterworth Squadron.
In late February 1793, Kendrick sailed to Hong Kong Island. He wrote to Thomas Jefferson, describing his land purchases and hoping the United States would protect them. He suggested a settlement could bring commercial advantages. Jefferson was already planning an overland expedition to the Pacific coast. However, Congress was unwilling to provoke Britain and Spain by claiming land there.
Kendrick, unaware of these political issues, prepared to sail to the Pacific Northwest. He loaded the Washington with trade goods, including muskets and gunpowder. He left China and arrived at Nootka Sound in May 1793.
Return to the Northwest Coast 1793
Kendrick reached Nootka Sound in late May 1793, just after George Vancouver had left. Salvador Fidalgo was the new Spanish commandant. Fidalgo mistrusted the natives, undoing friendly relations. Some chiefs wanted to attack the Spanish post. Fidalgo knew Kendrick was allied with the natives and likely brought firearms.
Kendrick went ashore with his translator, John Howell. Fidalgo told Kendrick he was ordered to deny the Washington entry. Kendrick threatened to "raise the Indians" and drive the Spanish out if Fidalgo caused trouble.
Kendrick then took the Washington to his old outpost at Marvinas Bay. He was delighted to find his son, Solomon Kendrick, now 22, serving as second mate on the American schooner Resolution. Solomon brought news from home. He also told his father about Don Blas Gonzales, the Spanish governor who had helped Kendrick in 1788 and lost his job. Gonzales had asked Kendrick to help him. Kendrick immediately wrote to Thomas Jefferson, asking for assistance for Gonzales.
In late June 1793, Solomon Kendrick sailed with the Resolution to trade in Haida Gwaii. John Kendrick traded locally in Nootka Sound. He also visited Clayoquot Sound to help resolve a dispute between Maquinna and Wickaninnish. Kendrick returned to Marvinas Bay on July 13, 1793. He made at least one more visit to Clayoquot Sound before departing for Hawaii in early October 1793.
Final Visit to Hawaii and Death
Kendrick arrived in the Hawaiian Islands in late 1793. He met with King Kamehameha on the Island of Hawaii. By January 1794, he had given his carpenter, John Boyd, to Kamehameha's service. Boyd began building a 40-ton armed sloop for the king.
Kendrick toured the islands, trading and meeting his men. He learned that Vancouver and William Brown were trying to claim the islands for Britain. Kendrick returned to Kealakekua Bay and planned to obstruct their efforts.
On January 9, 1794, Vancouver's ships passed Kealakekua Bay. Vancouver learned about Kendrick's shipwright, John Boyd, and the ship being built. This worried Vancouver. He convinced Kamehameha to let his own carpenters build the ship, which he named Britannia.
Vancouver's ships neared Kealakekua Bay on June 12, 1794. As they entered the bay, Kendrick raised the US flag. Vancouver's large ships anchored close to the Washington. The next day, Kendrick and his agent, John Howell, met Vancouver. Kendrick said he was wintering in Hawaii and planned to return to the Pacific Northwest. He had acquired valuable items, including a large feathered war cloak and chunks of ambergris.
On February 1, 1794, Vancouver's carpenters began working on the warship for Kamehameha. Vancouver relaunched discussions about Hawaii becoming British territory. Kamehameha agreed to the cession of the island, according to Vancouver's journal. However, Kamehameha and the chiefs refused to remove Kendrick's men.
Kendrick continued his activities, ignoring Vancouver's claims. Vancouver left Kealakekua Bay on February 26, 1794, trying to increase British influence. Kendrick, however, sailed ahead, meeting with chiefs before Vancouver. When Vancouver reached Kauai, he found Kendrick already there. Vancouver tried to pressure Kendrick to withdraw his men, but Kendrick and his men remained in Hawaii.
Not long after Vancouver left Hawaii, Kendrick also sailed to the Pacific Northwest. He found the situation at Nootka Sound difficult. Chief Maquinna's people had suffered a hard winter. Kendrick sailed north, acquiring furs in the Alexander Archipelago. He then headed back to Nootka Sound.
In early September 1794, Kendrick was anchored in Friendly Cove, Nootka Sound. Three Spanish ships and two British trading ships were also there. Vancouver and his three ships soon arrived. Kendrick found his eldest son, John, now called Juan Kendrick, there as master of a Spanish frigate. He also learned that the Resolution had disappeared, and his son Solomon was likely lost. Solomon Kendrick had been killed when the Resolution was attacked and captured by Chief Cumshewa.
Kendrick prepared the Washington for another voyage to China. He had two seasons of furs and valuable ambergris in the hold. A letter from Joseph Barrell awaited him in Macau, offering him ownership of the Washington and independence if he sent 400 chests of tea. But Kendrick would not reach Macau.
On October 5, 1794, William Brown arrived on the Jackall. On October 16, Vancouver left for Monterey. The next day, the Spanish also left Nootka Sound, as required by the Third Nootka Convention. Brown's ships left for Oahu, leaving only the Lady Washington and a Spanish ship. Around the end of October 1794, Kendrick finally sailed for Hawaii.
Kendrick arrived in Hawaii in late 1794. On December 3, Captain John Kendrick in the Lady Washington arrived at Fairhaven and was met by Captain Brown. On December 6, a battle was fought between chiefs of Oahu and Kauai. The King of Oahu won with Kendrick's help. Kendrick informed Captain Brown that the next morning he would raise the US flag and fire a federal salute. Brown agreed to answer with three cannons.
On December 7, 1794, around ten in the morning, Brown's ship Jackal began its salute. When it came to the third cannon, it was not primed. The fourth cannon was fired instead. This cannon was accidentally loaded with round and grapeshot. It pierced the side of the Lady Washington, tragically killing Captain Kendrick as he sat at his table, and injuring others on deck.
An investigation by foreigners on board one of the vessels decided it was an accident. James Rowan, the mate of Lady Washington, later said he would never salute a vessel in a hurry again.
It is believed that Kendrick's body was buried in a cemetery for foreigners in Honolulu. John Howell, the clerk on the Lady Washington, likely led the burial service.
Nineteen days after Kendrick's death, warriors attacked Brown's ships, killing Brown and many of his men. The survivors escaped to Kealakekua Bay.
All of Kendrick's journals, logs, and papers were lost.
Captain Kendrick's Lasting Impact
Because Kendrick's own writings were lost, his story was pieced together from other sources.
Soon after his death, Americans became very important in the maritime fur trade that Kendrick had helped start. Many who followed him praised his efforts. Kendrick's harbor at Marvinas Bay became a common anchorage for American trading ships.
Kendrick Bay and Kendrick Islands in Alaska are named for John Kendrick. Several places in British Columbia are also named for him, including Kendrick Inlet in Nootka Sound and Kendrick Point in Haida Gwaii.
The Kendrick House in South Orleans, Massachusetts, built around 1800, is a historic home. The John Kendrick Maritime Museum in Wareham, Massachusetts, displays some of Kendrick's personal items.
See also
In Spanish: John Kendrick (marino estadounidense) para niños
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