Far & Away: History of Lady Washington

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Far & Away is from the lyrics of an eighteenth century balad, Over the Hills & Far Away. The book is concerned with bringing to light the people and events surrounding the sailing vessel Lady Washington. The sloop, which was later converted into a brigantine, began its life as a merchant vessel. It served as a privateer during the American Revolution, soon after which she was fitted out for one of the first American expeditions to China. During her career she sailed the entire Northwest coast and became the first American vessel to visit Japan. Though she was not a commercial success, Lady Washington was crucial to the early American merchant trade, exploration and the nation as a whole. Many people forget how difficult the first few years were for America as a nation. They were still considered rabble colonists and not worthy of notice by the rest of the world. When vessels like Lady Washington began mingling with British, Spanish and Portuguese ships, at least the maritime world began to have a newfound respect for the fledgling nation. The story of the captains, crew and financeers was not one of perfect heroism, however. They were real people with difficult personalities and problems that are still relevant today. The contribution of such American vessels should not be ignored and it is time for a fresh look at the explorers of the Northwest coast and the vessel Lady Washington is a perfect example.

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