Wampoa Roads, Canton
Watercolor 14” x 21”
When the two ships of James Cook’s last voyage called at China, the few furs collected on the Northwest Coast brought stunning prices and the realization that here was a large market hungry for fine pelts. At the same time there was an equally large market in Europe and eastern America eager to acquire Chinese goods. It did not take too long to see the natural connection between the two, and ships began to appear on the Northwest coast with goods that it was hoped would induce natives to part with their furs. The first ship arrived in 1785 and for the next fourty years they appeared in ever increasing numbers until the near extinction of the sea otter brought an end to the industry.
The fur trade had three major components. First was the outbound voyage to the Northwest Coast to trade for furs, principally for sea otter, most prized by the Chinese. Second was the passage to China, often with a break in Hawaii for rest and fresh provisions. The third destination was China where the furs were exchanged for high value goods such as porcelain, silk and tea which were sailed home for the domestic market. Canton played a crucial role in the industry. Outside of Macao it was the only port where foreigners were permitted to land their cargos, and the anchorage in the Pearl River was a hub of activity. Ships could proceed no farther than Wampoa Roads, about twelve miles below Canton. Beyond that point only ships boats carrying captains or ships agents were allowed to conduct the intricate business of trade.
A complicated and oppressive system of inspections, customs, and fees were in place. All transactions had to be made through an organization known as the Hong or Cohong, and the exorbitant fees ensured that a merchant’s representative or ‘fixer’ was more than adequately compensated. This system could keep ships bottled up in the anchorage for months, but such was the value of the trade, that the captains suffered the indignities and obstructions and prayed for eventual release.