Some of the most eminent merchants in Boston, in this way, laid the foundation of their fortunes.
This trade was not carried on without risk.

The north-west coast of America at that period had not been surveyed; no good charts had been constructed, and the shores were lined with reefs and sunken rocks, which, added to a climate where boisterous winds prevailed, rendered the navigation dangerous.
This traffic was attended with other perils.

The Indians were bloodthirsty and treacherous; and it required constant vigilance on the part of a ship's company to prevent their carrying into execution some deep-laid plan to massacre the crew and gain possession of the ship.
For this reason the trading vessels were always well armed and strongly manned.

With such means of defence, and a reasonable share of prudence on the part of the captain, there was but little danger.

But the captain and officers were not always prudent.