The ship John, registered in Britain in 1790, has a somewhat obscure origin, reportedly having been launched in the United States, though specific details about her construction and launch location are not provided. She was a vessel of approximately 129 to 135 tons burthen, as indicated by the regulatory limits under the Slave Trade Act 1788 (Dolben’s Act), which governed her capacity during her service as a slave ship. John’s early career was primarily dedicated to the transatlantic slave trade, making four voyages between 1791 and 1794. Her first voyage commenced on 4 January 1791 under Captain Patrick Ryan, with her acquiring captives at Anomabu and Cape Coast Castle. She embarked 200 captives and delivered 197 to St Vincent in September, achieving a low mortality rate of 1%, which qualified her master and surgeon for bonuses. Her second voyage began in December 1791 under Captain John Frazer, with a similar pattern of acquiring captives at Cape Coast Castle and Annobon, and returning to London with minimal loss, having embarked 201 and arriving with 200 captives. In her third voyage (1792–1793), still under Captain Frazer (later replaced by George Haliburton), John again acquired captives at Cape Coast Castle and Annobon, arriving at St Vincent with all 225 captives, indicating no loss during the Middle Passage. Her final slave voyage in 1794 was under Captain George Haliburton, departing London on 3 March and arriving at Kingston, Jamaica, with 215 captives. Throughout her slave trading career, John demonstrated relatively low mortality rates, reflecting efficient voyage management. In 1795, after William Collow sold her, John was repurposed as a whaler in the British Southern Whale Fishery. She sailed for the South Seas on 23 February 1795 under a new owner, with her registration continuing until she was last listed in 1797. Her transition from slave trading to whaling marks her significance in maritime history, illustrating the shifting commercial uses of vessels during the late 18th century.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.