goods for the Indian trade, and supplies for all the posts west of the Rocky Mountains, On arriving in the Columbia, about February or March, she was to unload this portion of her cargo and sail along the coast to gather the sea otter and other furs which the natives had long been accustomed to sell to American shipowners who visited those coasts at irregular intervals. This cruise was to be extended as far north as Sitka, for the purpose of carrying supplies to the Russians in exchange for their furs.[1] Thereafter she was to return to the Columbia. Meantime, in May or June, the traders from the interior posts would have delivered at the central station all the furs secured during the preceding winter on the rivers flowing into the Columbia. These were then to be placed on board the vessel, which would sail to Canton during the following winter. The cargo of furs was to be exchanged for an equally valuable cargo of silks, tea, and other Chinese goods, with which the Astor ship was expected to return to New York after an absence of about two years.
He sends the Tonquin to the Columbia. Such was the plan worked out in all its details by Mr. Astor before any part of it was put into operation. In the summer of 18 10 he fitted out his first ship, the Ton-
- ↑ At Sitka (New Archangel) the Russian American Fur Company collected furs from the neighbouring islands, the Alaskan coast, and the interior. But they had very poor facilities both for marketing their product and obtaining necessary supplies. They were glad of the opportunity to make arrangements with Mr. Astor by which their furs were to be carried to the Canton market and regular supplies brought to New Archangel.
