Chapter 8 Global Trade, 1785-1793

 How did Girard’s business fare at the start of the 19^th century?

Between 1799 and 1805, Girard had his heyday— more ships were sent out with bigger cargoes and with much bigger profits.¹

What might have been a normal routine for sending out his vessels?

As an example, ships were quickly loaded. The captains were ordered to go to Bordeaux, sell their cargoes and reload with fruit and wine for Saint Petersburg. There they were to sell their cargoes and buy hemp and iron, and sail for Amsterdam. At Amsterdam they were to buy dry goods and sail for Calcutta. ² 

What in particular interested them in Calcutta?

Girard’s biographer Hubbard suggested that they were to sell out their cargo and with the proceeds buy silks, teas and coffees and sail for America. These trips took a year to make, but proved immensely profitable.

As Girard opened his trade worldwide, did he personally manage to travel to places where his ships were destined—China, India, Russia and South America?

No. He was a stay-at-home trader. He was good at delegating responsibilities and trusted his captains and his supercargoes.³

What was his secret for enjoying so much success without seeing first hand these locations?

He had an intimate knowledge of the ports, the economies and the governments of these countries. He read books, studied dispatches and maps of the harbors.  He also questioned his foreign agents in minute detail.

It has been said that Girard had a Scrooge-like character. Did he?

Biographer Harry Wildes writes that Girard, although denied the pleasures of a normal family life, usually had a large number of people around him in his home.  Instead of being a lonely Scrooge-like character, he was remarkably generous, both to his numerous grasping and predatory relatives and to individuals and organizations in his adopted country. Girard was one of the most influential men of his day and contributed greatly to the early development of modern American business and finance. His advice and assistance were sought by presidents and statesmen.

What was Girard’s first newspaper advertisement announcing the arrival of cargo from France?

On Monday, August 1, 1785, Girard advertised in the Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser: “Imported in the Brig Two Brothers from Marseilles French wine, Malaga wine, cognac, Castille soap, preserved fruit, Lucca oil, etc.”

Why did Girard pursue a plan for global maritime trade?

As early as 1787, he became interested in a venture into China trade. The rumors were that such trade was extraordinarily profitable.

Did Girard ever go to sea again?

Since settling in Philadelphia, more than a decade earlier, he set sail once again in December, 1787 for Marseilles, France.  The brig he was sailing was Deux Amis. He made a prolonged stop in Charleston, South Carolina. On leaving Charleston he spent thirty-two days crossing the ocean and then entered the Strait of Gibraltar. He continued on to the French coastal city of Toulon, then on to Marseilles.⁴

What was the reason for Girard’s trip to Marseilles?

Girard had been percolating an idea for some time about going into a partnership with his agent in Marseilles on 50% ownership each for a vessel. The reason was that he wanted to have French ownership papers as well as French insurance so that he could access certain ports that were antagonistic to American trade. Girard  had written to Samatan Frères at Marseilles telling of his proposed voyage to that city and offering to sell them a half interest in the brig Kitty, to ply regularly between their city and Philadelphia. "We should" was the reply, "be as much pleased as yourself to have a half interest in a French vessel to ply regularly between your city and ours. We should gladly be the owners; but the vessel must sail under the French flag, not the American, because two thirds at least, of the crew must be French. Let us have your views in regard to this. If it is possible to meet them we will do so."⁵

Is there a reason that Girard did not go to Bordeaux?

He still owed money to merchants in Bordeaux—almost two thousand dollars. Perhaps he was afraid his vessel would be impounded in Bordeaux and sold to pay his debts. His unwillingness to pay off his debts was a source of some embarrassment to his father. Girard could never honestly explain to himself why he delayed so long. The constant reminders from his father and brother were annoying to him. Hearing nothing from the father he now wrote to his brother John, just returned from Bordeaux, and asked what had been done. "I see on reading your letter to myself" was the reply, "that you ask for news of the funds you sent our father. There were several 6,000 livres to pay, but I believe that many would come to terms. You do not say a word about Pailher who has presented me a note against you for 1200 livres. I will wait until you speak of this to me before writing him. Take your own time.”⁶

Chapter 8 Notes

1. Wildes, Lonely Midas, 39.

2. Ibid., 40.

3. Ibid., 37.

4. Wilson, Stephen Girard, 184.

5. Hubbard, Stephen Girard, 24.

6. Wilson, Stephen Girard, 185.

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