The Fur Traders. 15 



Mr. Astor covenanted to bear all the losses that might 

 be incurred during the first five years, after which the ex- 

 penses were to be shared by the partners in proportion to 

 their respective interests. As he also furnished all the 

 'capital it will be seen that, as in the case of the South 

 West Company, all the financial responsibility was assumed 

 by Mr. Astor, and the controlling power was vested in him. 

 The object of incorporation simply being to give a higher 

 standing to the enterprise, and to bind his associates to 

 him by giving them an interest in any profits that should 

 result from the successful prosecution of his enterprise. 



Mr. Astor 's plans called for two expeditions to the mouth 

 of the Columbia River; one by water around Cape Horn, 

 and the other overland along the route taken by the Lewis 

 and Clark Expedition, in 1804. 



The sea-going expedition sailed from New York, Septem- 

 ber 8, 1810, on the Tonquin, a bark of 290 tons burden, 

 manned by a crew of twenty-two sailors, and carrying ten 

 guns. The captain was Jonathan Thorn, a lieutenant in 

 the United States Navy, on leave of absence. He was an 

 honest man and capable navigator, but unfortunately his 

 harsh and arbitrary treatment of his passengers Avas a cause 

 of constant irritation during the long journey. This expe- 

 dition was in charge of Duncan McDougal, who was accom- 

 panied by Alexander McKay, David Stewart and his 

 nephew Eobert, partners in the enterprise, and a force of 

 fifty-three clerks, mechanics and canoe-men. 



It is interesting to note here that the clerks were bound 

 to service in the company for five years, at the rate of 

 $100.00 a year payable at the expiration of the term of 

 service, and an annual equipment of clothing to the amount 

 of $40.00. In ease of misconduct or neglect of duty they 

 were liable to dismissal and the forfeiture of any wages 

 that might be due them ; but as on the other hand they 

 were offered promotions and partnerships as a reward for 

 faithful service, it must be admitted that if Mr. Astor is to 

 be charged with having been the originator of the business 

 merger, he must also be given credit for introducing the 

 co-operative system into the business relations of the 

 employer and employee. 



The Tonquin rounded Cape Horn in December ; and after 

 making stops of some length at Hawaii, and the Sandwich 



