The young man became a linguist and made a thorough study of English and French methods of trade.

Having laid this foundation for the venture, the son was now sent to India, where he lived for three years in the interests of his house, building up a trade almost fabulously profitable.
How fortunes were won in those stirring days may be discerned from the record of young Derby's ventures while in the Orient.

In 1788 the proceeds of one cargo enabled him to buy a ship and a brigantine in the Isle of France.

These two vessels he sent to Bombay to load with cotton.
Two other ships of his fleet, the Astrea and Light Horse, were filled at Calcutta and Rangoon and ordered to Salem.

It was found, when the profits of these transactions were reckoned, that the little squadron had earned $100,000 above all outlay.
To carry on such a business as this enlisted many men and industries.
While the larger ships were making their distant voyages, the brigs and schooners were gathering cargoes for them, crossing to Gothenburg and St.Petersburg for iron, duck, and hemp, to France, Spain, and Madeira for wine and lead, to the French West Indies for molasses to be turned into rum, to New York, Philadelphia, and Richmond for flour, provisions, and tobacco.