Joseph Fenwick Accidentally Captures an American Vessel
Joseph Fenwick was the first Consul to Bordeaux for the United States.
Fenwick ran into some hot water when a ship he was part owner of captured an American vessel.
Joseph Fenwick
In the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, Joseph and James Fenwick began a merchant firm.
Though the two were from the prominent Fenwick Family of Maryland, Joseph traveled to France where he operated the European house of their company.
They became wildly successful, notably securing French wine for none other than George Washington.
First Consul to Bordeaux
As the Constitution was going through the process of ratification, the firm changed its name to Fenwick, Mason, & Company when John Mason joined the team.
John’s father, George Mason, may have disappointed Washington by arguing against ratification, but when the latter became President Mason sent a letter on Joseph Fenwick’s behalf.
The new government needed to appoint Consuls (which is like an Ambassador, but looks out for the interests of Americans living in specific port cities) and Fenwick seemed like just the man to represent Bordeaux. Mason even outright acknowledges that this was not for Fenwick to make money, but to get around paying certain French taxes.
After receiving further support from George Plater and a change of opinion by Thomas Jefferson, Joseph Fenwick became the first Consul to Bordeaux.
Capturing Americans
After eight years as Consul, Joseph ran into a bit of trouble.
The Quasi-War with France had broken out and privateers on both sides were capturing ships.
When ten seamen alerted authorities that one of the ships that took an American vessel was partially owned by Fenwick, President John Adams removed him as Consul. It should be noted that he claimed he was unaware his merchant ship began acting as a privateer, though he also should have known what his Captain was up to.
Joseph was still defending his conduct when newspapers began printing accusations that he continued to act in his diplomatic position even after his removal.
Defending Himself
Fenwick returned to the United States and defended his character.
In the end, public opinion fell mostly along party lines, with the Democratic-Republicans sympathizing with Joseph.
Even so, Fenwick spent the rest of his life trying to recoup the approximately $10,000 he was owed for service to the United States.
Want to read about other public controversies during the American Revolution?
Great! Check out these articles:
Andrew Porter Powders Yorktown
Hamilton’s Adoptive Brother - Edward Stevens
Do you want to learn more about privateering?
‘Patriot Pirates’ discusses the importance of warfare on the seas during the Revolutionary War.
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