Sumatran Expedition E50 The Price of Pepper: Marines at Quallah Battoo
This episode picks up after the War of 1812, when American merchantmen returned to open waters and resumed global trade. As routes expanded into the Pacific, Southeast Asia became a key target for American commerce.
That success brought new risks. In 1831, the merchant ship Friendship was attacked and looted by pirates at Quallah Battoo. President Andrew Jackson authorized a punitive expedition led by Commodore John Downes and a large detachment of Marines. What followed was a brutal amphibious assault designed to send a message: the United States would protect its merchants abroad by force, if necessary.
*************
Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines).
Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.
Thanks to Audible, we can give you a free audiobook! I have included my book recommendation at the end of each episode, but don’t feel obligated to select my suggestion. This offer is available to any of the tens of thousands of audiobooks offered by Audible. Regardless if you decide to continue your membership with audible, this book is yours to keep forever.
References
Cooper, J. F. (1856). History of the Navy of the United States of America. United States: G.P. Putnam.
Chitty, F. F. (1920). Story of the United States' Marines ... "1740-1919".. United States: U.S. marine corps.
Endicott, C. M. (2013). Sumatran Pirates and the Friendship (1831): a true tale of piracy and pepper. SicPress.com.
Morison, S. E. (1921). The Maritime History of Massachusetts, 1783-1860. (n.p.): Houghton Mifflin.
Putnam, G. Granville. (1922). Salem vessels and their voyages: a history of the pepper trade with the island of Sumatra. Salem, Mass.: The Essex institute.
Reynolds, J. N. (2013). Voyage of the United States frigate Potomac, under the command of Commodore John Downes, during the circumnavigation of the globe, in the years 1831, 1832, 1833, and 1834. Book on Demand Ltd.
United States President, Richardson, J. D., & United States Congress Joint Committee. (2016). A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents; Volume 11. Wentworth Press.
Vans, W. (1825). A Short History of the Life of William Vans: A Native Citizen of Massachusetts. United States: W. Vans.