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Northwest Expedition
Boston was the main arena for post-colonial trade. Joseph Barrell was among the wealthy merchants
who were instrumental in the survival of the fledgling nation. He was involved with many projects,
"merchant ships...fishing craft, whalers, and coasters" (Scofield 38). He was already well
established in international trade, and decided to try his hand at the china fur trade as well. His first attempt at gathering an expedition was doomed to failure, and he was too busy to work out the many details involved. Yet he was unwilling to give up, "there is a rich harvest to be reaped there...by those who shall first go in" (Scofield 38).
It was a fellow friend and neighbor who sparked renewed interest in an expedition. Dr. Thomas
Bulfinch convinced him to try again; this time as a collaboration with other merchants. The
idea was taken up by Bulfinch's son and soon the three of them began planning how to proceed.
They enthusiastically read accounts of Cook's voyage and anything else they could get their
hands on. At the time, there was little practical knowledge of the Native Americans on the
Northwest coast, something that severely cramped the success of the venture.
Samuel Brown and John Derby, both merchants, soon joined them. Along with the experienced
financeers came the young heir John Marsden, and Captain Crowell Hatch of Cambridge.
Meetings were probably marked by lively discussions of the
possibilities awaiting on the Northwest coast.
Most of them seemed to consider the idea as a sort of 'get rich quick' scheme.
Barrell commented, "very valuable property would be brought...from a trifling advance"
(Scofield 40). This unrealistic expectation was prevalent throughout Boston.
Goods from China had begun trickling in and "became the rage" (Scofield 38).
As Barrell and the others saw it, they would buy
a few beads and trinkets and bring back priceless goods from
China. Based on that conclusion, the expedition was formed.
In 1787 they continued their meetings, bringing more immediate practicality into the proceedings.
They pooled $49,000 for the venture, Barrell financing nearly one third of the sum. There was no going back, and the Barrell expedition was finally formed.
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 Photo by Alexa Chipman of the Balclutha's hold
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