by Susan Ternyey, Sept 2025
Self-Determination—Part 1
If the Onedin Line could be considered a body of work, then surely its structural frame would be the theme of Self-Determination, with other themes fleshing out the story. The impetus James Onedin felt to make his own way in life began the story, and carried it forward. Similarly, other characters in the story wanted to choose and have charge of their lives’ directions. What were the things that offered those opportunities? What were the things that limited the fulfillment of their longings?
A backdrop of individual freedom and value,and the rule of Law
One could trace the development of individual freedom from the earliest of times--it’s not a straight line. Important, and more near to the story of England (as well as its colonies), were the limits to the power of rulers over their subjects--the Magna Carta, for example. The advantages of Britain’s limits on the power of the politically and socially powerful become profoundly illustrated when James and Capt. Baines voyage to other countries, or even have to deal with certain citizens of other countries, such as the Portuguese Dom Vasco (S1 E7), who has essentially enslaved the peasants under his care.
Anne & James met with the virtual enslavement of Pacific Islanders through the practice of Blackbirding when they voyaged to Australia (S1 E12), and actual slavery in America before 1865 (S1 E14). A Chilean shipowner and her captain actually committed murder aboard their ship when it was infected by the deadly Yellow Jack fever (S2 E4). Powerful Islamic traditionalists in Turkey (S2 E9) nearly succeeded in creating a pretext to destroy James’ brother-in-law Albert. The sheik from Zanzibar had enslaved what he called “Pilgrims” (S2 E 13).
Caroline Maudslay’s husband was beheaded by natives in Brazil (S3 E2). Both James and Jack Frazer failed in efforts to make a deal in Brazil due to the economic rivalry between the authorities of 2 cities (S3 E 4), despite the decisions of the distant Brazilian government. Caroline’s powerful Brazilian asmirer was his own law (S3 E6).
Capt. Baines was put in a quandary by a corrupt Venezuelan official during unsettled times, but the honest captain resisted the enticements to dishonor, and eventually was rewarded for it (S3 E9). Of course, bribery happened in Britain as well, but probably not to the extent of that James faced at the Suez Canal (S3 E11) and other adventures. Some Brits took advantage of less lawful places, like Mexico, to foist investment schemes on their fellow British citizens, such as the “Honorable Kernan” (S3 E12). Americans are not painted in a particularly delightful light, though perhaps no worse on the whole than various British villains, for example, crimping happened in both countries: Baines & others got crimped in Liverpool (S1 E5, etc), Robert got crimped in NYC (S5 E4). A group of Americans hijacked James’ ship in S3 E13. James used the term “Yankee Bloodship” as a derogatory epithet. Americans and British have had a sort of love/hate relationship since colonial times.
James’ South American development of Port Baines was confiscated by insurrectionists (S5 E1). Baines was held hostage by a mafia boss in Sicily (S5 E8). International arms dealer Herr Becker (one of his aliases) tricked Elizabeth into gun running (S7 E4), from which James attempts to profit—unsuccessfully, due to an honorable British military man. James & Baines were held as hostages by the Russians for their part in the return of Prince Alexander of Bulgaria (S8 E2). Revolutionaries in “Guayada” overthrew Margarita’s father, the President (S8 E3). James sought to deal with African tribesmen under the thumb of a local obi-man/religious leader (S8 E5) . James & Margarita dealt with an Englishman who took advantage of Chileans (S8 E9), and managed to pull off a venture anticipated to keep them in business for the next 20 years.
It was out of the development of English Common Law (the practical experience of centuries of seeking justice and equity under law), Christianity, as well as Enlightenment thinkers (and familiarity with the history of various forms of government, especially democracies) that the US developed its Constitutional Bill of Rights. The ideas they formed and were informed by, grew out of the English experience.
https://www.nlnrac.org/earlymodern/common-law/primary-source-documents/us-bill-of-rights.html
• Freedom of speech, religion (still developing in Victorian times), assembly, petition for redress . . .
• The right to bear arms . . .
• The right against unreasonable search and seizure . . .
• Public trial by jury & evidence, with the right to defense . . .
• No excessive and cruel punishments . . .
• The right to own property and to inherit . . .
• The right to vote for representatives and laws to be enacted . . .
Compare:
S2 E1--Without agreeing with Jessop (Union organizer), Anne says that a man has a right to air his own opinions
Inventing Freedom: How the English-Speaking Peoples Made the Modern World by Daniel Hannan
www.hannan.co.uk
Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World by Niall Ferguson
Empire: The Rise and Demise of the British World Order and the Lessons for Global Power by N.Ferguson
Civilization: The Six Killer Apps of Western Power by Niall Ferguson
https://www.pbs.org/wnet/civilization-west-and-rest/killer-apps/
Authorities in Victorian Britain ignored certain injustices, such as the crimping of sailors (S1 E5), however, for the most part, Britain sustained the rule of law, had grown past the insurrections that interrupted citizen’s rights and freedoms in its earlier history and in other nations. There were still struggles, though, as they wrestled with the development of unions and their strikes (eg S2 E2, S3 E2, S4 E2).
British law also put limits on one’s freedoms. It outlawed the slave trade (trading one group’s freedom for that of another—the freedom to trade vs the freedom not to be traded--S1 E1), the Harbor Board & regulations (presumably order vs disorder S1 E3 & 5, S2 E14), Health & safety laws (S1 E13, S2 E3 & 5, S4 E5). Those who didn’t sail once they signed up would be given 3 months prison time (S3 E2 & 5), strikers might be compelled to serve prison time (S2 E2 & 14, S3 E2). Mutiny had serious legal consequences (S1 E2, S1 E11, S2 E1). Plimsoll sought the enactment of a law requiring load lines on ships, for the safety of the crews (S3 E5). James resented some government regulations (see S3 E5, as did Jack Frazer S3 E1), seeing it as the interference of people far away making laws about things they knew nothing about (see also S6 E4 “. . . you wouldn’t want the government telling you how to run your business . . . we don’t do things like that in this country, thank God,” Sir Norman says to Sir Daniel, mentioning Karl Marx, who Daniel and most people had not heard of yet).
Family Law regulated wives’ property rights (S2 E2-3 “A wife does not have property,” James says. “Money a wife receives [for housekeeping] is at her husband’s forbearance . . .”; it is recognized that if Emma marries him, Fogarty will be Callon & company, S2 E3, & S2 E14). Family Law also regulated divorce (S2 E5, 7, 11; S7 E8), and parental rights and duties (eg those under 21 couldn’t marry without parental consent—S6 E3 & 10).
Rights vs Privileges
In Britain (as just about everywhere), class had certain privileges, and there was a certain prejudice against those who tried to scale the ladder of class. Ironically, even the social climber Sarah Onedin resented those who didn’t stay where she considered they belonged (S2 E1). Robert & Sarah’s attitude toward Dunwoody buying their home, with the suggestion of his becoming their landlord (S5 E3), was matched by Mrs. Gibson’s attitude about them buying her former employers’ home (S5 E10).
The head of the inquiry in Capt. Baines’ case considered him too low class to be in command (S2 E8), though later he apologized. Lady Lazenby scorned being thought of as tradespeople (S2 E11), and at the same party, Robert & Sarah are proud to boast being included in the guest list: “Houseful of gentry . . . The cream of Liverpool society . . . And us as good as any of ‘em.”
Albert complained that his father had said openly that he had married below himself, yet Albert expected a certain deference toward himself (as when he boarded the “Charlotte Rhodes” sailing for San Francisco S2 E8). The series begins with Capt. Webster considering himself, a retired Naval officer, a gentleman, above the station of the mere shopkeeping Onedins (S1 E1).
The self-determination of a whole nation
Garibaldi took passage with James, seeking to unite Italy under its own governance (S1 E10), instead of being split between its neighboring nations and feuding states. During “Bloody Week”, the French battled over what their nation would be, and against Prussian rule (S2 E12). The Confederate States of America sought their own governance as well (S2 E14), but the Union forces fought to keep the nation together. Rebels in Turkey, no doubt, were fighting for their own rule (S5 E2). The Boers fought for freedom from British rule, and anticipating such troubles, Daniel Fogarty sold out his interests there (S6 E1). Count & Countess Orova fled to NYC when their castle in Roumelia was burned down in a war with Bulgaria, the Turks being responsible (S7 E3). Would Bulgaria choose their own Prince Alexander (forced to abdicate by the Russians), or a puppet ruler chosen by a foreign power? (S8 E1)
Britain’s power as an Empire gave power to its subjects abroad
“Before Drake, Britain was a relatively small inward country that battled France from time to time but had relatively little global influence compared to Spain and Portugal, the great maritime powers. After Drake, England was one of the most powerful nations in the earth. An argument can be made that the British empire began with Drake.” https://ioa.factsanddetails.com/article/entry-520.html
In the episode “Passage to Pernambuco” (S1 E7) James relies upon being a subject/shipowner of the British Empire to enforce his authority over the Portuguese Dom Vasco. Gun running James (S1 E9) also threatens his French opponents with his citizenship in the British Empire. Both James and Albert argued against the Prussian officer’s authority with the international power of Britain during “Bloody Week” (S2 E12). James himself came up against British military power when an honest officer refused to make a deal to buy illegally traded guns in the episode “Dirty Cargo” (S7 E4).
British Commercial Law allowed & recognized certain Rights & Freedoms, but also set Limits
James and others took advantage of British laws to develop their interests in commerce & trade. Success & Prosperity gave these venturers the power to determine the course of their own lives.
Contracts
James began business by signing a contract first with his brother Robert, then with Braganza (S1 E1). Over the years he signed many contracts, which spelled out both rights and responsibilities in writing, legally binding. As ship’s captain, he knew the details of his employer’s contract with Braganza, and through many years his captains, partners, and companies executed many contracts for him. Robert found out the hard way that one must carefully read the details of all contracts one signs (S1 E1). Jack Frazer said the same to Elizabeth, even though he was the one who asked her to sign (S3 E13). James found himself obliged to fulfill a contract made by a previous owner, even, when he had to transport Portuguese peasants to America (S1 E7). However contracts could be rendered void when breached. James calls his contract to carry Islamic “Pilgrims” voided because the man had actually enslaved them (S2 E13).
Ownership
Owners could use their property to secure debts, lenders could entail property for payment of debts. Robert refused to use the shop and stock to secure a loan for James’ new venture (S1 E1), fearing the venture would fail and he would lose all his property. So James gained ownership of his first ship through marriage, as a dowry. Capt. Webster signed over his ownership rights of the “Charlotte Rhodes” to his new son-in-law (through the bargaining and influence of his daughter Anne). James was able to mortgage that ship, and other property, to secure loans to invest in his company (S1 E4). Capt. Webster lost his house when he mortgaged it foolishly and the debt was called in (S1 E4).
James & Baines (& stowaway Anne) illegally sneaked out of port with a ship distrained (impounded) for debt so they could earn money to pay off their debt (S1 E9), incurred through an accidental explosion. Later when the bank was about to seize all his ships for payment of debts James owed due to the confiscation of Port Baines by insurgents, James & Baines sailed his 6 ships out of Liverpool before they could have distraints nailed to their masts (S5 E1), to the consternation of Banker Harris and conniver Macaulay. James himself bought up the debt of Salt Line heir Sinclair in order to acquire the company from the profligate who had laid waste to his uncle’s lifetime’s work, James was so disgusted with the nephew (S4 E9).
As owner, James soon found additional responsibilities that he had not had to concern himself with as an employee (S1 E3; harbor dues, stowage costs, etc). In S2 E1 Fogarty explains to Emma, who has just inherited Callon & Co., that profits must be made to work/be reinvested (something James often said): crews must be fed and paid, harbor dues, pilotage, dock fees, stores to be put on board, vessels to be maintained, shore staff paid . . .
James the owner took the risk of losing his investments (eg S1 E2, S2 E1 “It’s my risk”), the responsibility of finding contracts, maintaining his ships, crewing the ships, had ultimate responsibility for the employees and dealings of the company, as he described in S8 E3. For all his work he considered it only befitting that he get the largest share of the company’s income (S1 E4).
Some owners/employers, some captains & officers, seemed arbitrary to their employees. For example, when Fogarty was made captain of a ship over the mate who felt he deserved it (S1 E5). Some were downright cruel (eg Bully Hayes S1 E5 and the mentally unhinged captain of S1 E11). Before James’ sister became an employer, she was flippant about laying people off (S4 E2) and the concerns of employees. After she became head of Frazers, she had different advice for her son (who would inherit Frazers—see S5 E7; S6 E2 ) and later ordered her chief clerk Dunwoody to lay off family men last (S8 E3).
Legal Partnerships
James offered a legal partnership to Capt. Webster, but Anne knew that on her father’s death, the surviving partner would inherit the company, and that didn’t suit her purposes, no matter James’ stated intentions (S1 E1).
James finally got his brother Robert to sign a partnership document, which made each partner responsible for the debts of the company. Robert had to pay the debts and spousal allotments while James was away at sea (S1 E1).
Importantly, both partners had to sign documents for company business, and sometimes Robert used that as leverage to extract concessions from James (S4 E7, S5 E9).
James convinced his friend/business associate Braganza to go into partnership with him for the “Pampero”, to save Braganza’s vineyards and to further James’ business interests. Braganza had the capital to buy the ship, James agreed to maintain it, they both agreed to split the profits of each voyage, and James negotiated to be able to buy out Braganza within 5 years. When a fire destroyed some of the cargo, James commented that those who share the profits must also share the losses (S1 E7). Unfortunately, James never did manage to buy out Braganza’s share before the ship was wrecked (without insurance), rounding the Horn of South America (S1 E15).
Limited Liability Companies
James used the relatively new law (1855) creating Limited Liability Companies (S1 E4) so that neither his nor Robert’s private property could be attached for company debts, only to the extent of their investments. To begin such a company, all they needed were 2 persons serving as a Board of Directors. Again, both of them had to sign legal documents for the company (S1 E4).
Public Stock Companies—offering part ownership to shareholders
James (along with his brother Robert, and brother-in-law Albert Frazer), formed a public stock company in order to build Albert’s steamship design. James took Robert to seek advice and understanding about how to set it up, wanting to protect themselves from a take-over. Unfortunately, under advice from Fogarty, Callon managed to get control of the company by buying up shares under other names (nominees), and then he and Fogarty continually tried to force Albert to change his design (S1 E15 and forward). James created another public stock company to fund his Port Baines venture (S4 E9).
Employers/Employees
Both Employers and Employees had certain rights and responsibilities by law. These were enacted by Parliament (eg S2 E2), legally enforceable, and, of course, changed as time went on, whwn efforts were made to improve the lot of employees. At the beginning of the series, there was no legally required compensation for loss of life, limb, or illness for crew members or their families (S1 E2, S1 E6).
Ship’s captains were in charge of the ship, responsible over the crew and for the crew. James made a point of that many times, such as S1 E7, S2 E1, and S7 E1 (though as owner he had a hard time leaving it at that, sometimes, eg S2 E7 & S7 E5). Officers under the captain, as well as crewmen, were expected to show due deference, as well as obedience to orders. Disobedience could bring a charge of mutiny, which was a very serious crime (see also S1 E11).
On their return voyage from Lisbon (S1 E2), when Anne had to take command due to James’ debilitating illness, the crew didn’t like it, but Baines as 1st mate required them to show her due respect, even when he disagreed with her. He himself was obedient to her, until he felt it necessary to take charge for the safety of the ship and crew. He schooled her on the seriousness of the charge of mutiny, but this he did in private, out of the hearing of the crew. Discipline was essential.
There were some rights and responsibilities made legal by “custom and practice”, such as when a crewman’s wife was refused an advance on her husband’s pay beyond her allotment (S1 E6). Jessop aboard James’ ship stood on the grounds of “custom and practice” as to his duties (S2 E2).
Miss Simmons had virtually no self-determination under the tyrannical rule of her employer, Mrs. Arkwright (S1 E4), and lost her unpaid position not only because her employer moved away and didn’t take her along, but because she had divulged her employer’s affairs.
We find how imperious Daniel Fogarty could be as a ship’s captain in S1 E5, when he drives the men hard to get back to Liverpool sooner. Even before being made a captain, he was imperious toward his underlings (S1 E4) and tricked the crew into working through tainted water so he could get home to Elizabeth (S1 E3). Callon was a difficult employer, blaming his employees for things they couldn’t help (the weather), and things he should have taken care of (S1 E1). The Rag & Bone woman was harsh with her women, both verbally, and physically (S1 E4).
James, too, could be imperious, even a tyrant, aboard ship and toward his employees (yet he seemed to mellow with time and prosperity). Baines took his share of the brunt of that (S1 E2, S1 E4, S1 E6 . . . S4 E1, S4 E8, and so forth). Anne spoke up for Baines, “He’s your right hand. You’d do better to let him appreciate it.” (S1 E5, S2 E7, as well as in other episodes, and Letty & Margarita also reminded James of Baines’ importance to him, and that he deserved to be treated better). Although James and Baines had a rough way of speaking to one another (as old seadogs), and were on the outs a few times over their 20+ years (probably at least 25 yrs; see S2 E5 & 7, S4 E10, S5 E1, S8 E6-7), their friendship grew and deepened over those years and with all they went through, and James in the end showed how much he valued Baines by naming his son/heir after him. More about their relationship under the theme of Friendship.
Plenty of James’ employees complained of working conditions aboard his (and others’) ships (see, for example, S1 E6, S3 E5, S3 E9, and in particular S2 E1-2). Anne complained of it (S2 E 1-2), Robert complained of the food and determined to improve it, as ship’s chandler/supplier (S1 E7, S2E2). Caroline accused James of despicable working conditions aboard ship in season 3 (more than one episode), as did Letty later (S6 E1). Yet Anne also defended James as tough but fair (S2 E1, etc), and we see in many episodes not only his justice, but care/gruff-love and pragmatic negotiation (S1 E7, 8, 11; S2E2 . . .). Though he was condemned for shipping sailors aboard a fever ship (S2 E4-5), he did first go aboard himself, had the ship limed, water and focsle fabrics disposed of, tried to make sure the ship was safe for his men. He got after Baines for thinking of family over ship and crew, just as Baines accused him of caring more about profits than his men and his promises of work (S2 E7), showing that neither was without fault.
While separated from James, Anne learned more about other employers, how demanding, how unfair and prejudiced, how some take advantage (S2 E3—5). Meanwhile, the owner of the ‘Samantha” was not only immoral, but criminal, and required such of her employees (S2 E4-5). James tells Albert Frazer on their way to San Francisco that an apprentice “is a dog’s body to the officers, and a snotnose to the crew” (S2 E8).
S2 E8—shows Baines in a position over other employees
S3 E3—James requires Capt. Baines to take his difficult father-in-law off his hands (also E9)
S3 E5—all seamen/employees love a grumble, James says, but . . .
S3 E7—James counsels Baines on leadership by force of personality rather than brute physical force. Baines says many owners want a Capt. who can keep men in line with a fist: the men only
respond to such
S3 E8—James holds sailors to their 3 month trading contract, despite lateness in year to go to the Baltic
S3 E9—both Fogarty and his engineer have found working for James distasteful
S3 E10—James requires Capt. Baines to steam up an African river with a native to see if it’s navigable
S4 E1—Frazer pressures the captain of the “Helen May” to meet a contract no matter what
James is unhappy with Baines visiting Frazer, gives a command position to another captain
S4 E7—Elizabeth can be an imperious boss as well (also S4 E9)
S5 E6--Baines won’t let Yallop go ashore for good reason, as he had not let the crew barter Foochow
S5 E7--Sarah runs a sweatshop, Robert instructs employees of his strict rules and fines
S5 E7—Elizabeth & Fogarty counsel William on responsibilities of employers
S5 E8—Robert fires Mrs. Purvis for tardiness, she begs Letty for work, even at sweatshop pay
James plays a tricky game of “poker” with Baines as hostage
S5 E10--William is a stickler for details
S6 E1—William lays off 40 men; Dunwoody would rather work for Elizabeth/Fogarty than William
S6 E2--William pressures a captain to sail in thick fog
S6 E4--William cuts wages in half
S6 E8--Capt. Baines is obliged by James to sail an old enemy’s ship home
S7 E2—James is unhappy with his new chief clerk
On the other hand, Letty found a generous employer (S5 E3), and tried to be a conscientious one herself (S5 E8-9, S6 E10, S7 E3-6). Season 8 episode 4, Elizabeth, embarrassed by bad press sets lay-off policy: first unmarried men, then married with no children, and lastly married men with children.
Additional limits on self-determination:
Accidents of life, the economy, weather
S1 E2—& plenty other episodes , a storm comes up (eg S1 E15 loss of the “Pampero”, S2 E7 “Pibroch”)
S1 E7—grape beetle threatens to destroy Braganza’s vineyards
S1 E9—the ship James has chartered explodes (due to a careless seaman)
S1 E12—no wool to fulfill James’ contract due to the Australian gold rush
S1 E14, S2 E12, & S5 E2--War
S2 E1—Callon warehouse fire
S2 E6—sailors adrift in a lifeboat after ship sunk
S2 E9—volcanic eruptions in the Aegean
S2 E11--mast splits in cold, Baines nearly loses leg
S3 E1 (and other episodes, eg S4 E2, S4 E6)--economic downturns
S3 E12--Baines is lost when Fogarty’s ship hits an iceberg
S4 E1--James’ ship nearly broadsided by a Frazer steamer going full bore in the fog
S4 E8—the “Charlotte Rhodes” gets stuck on an uncharted shipwreck
S5 E7--steamship has engine/equipment troubles, young lace maker loses use of hand in an accident
S5 E9--Baines’ arm is broken by a falling bale of jute, he has to stay ashore
S6 E1--Boer troubles; when Panama Canal is built in future, it will squeeze out James & nitrate traders
S6 E10--James & Baines are lost at sea, then found
S7 E2—William is killed through heroism duing an accident
S8 E4—the van der Rheede brothers have experienced several financial setbacks
S8 E6—Capt. Baines’ ship caught in a storm, then catches fire, killing young Tom
S8 E9—Daniel’s ship goes down, he is lost
The actions/choices of others
(spouses considered separately below)
S1 E4—Capt. Webster loses his house when Callon forecloses on his debt
S1 E5—Callon has Baines crimped
S1 E7--Dom Vasco virtually enslaves Portuguese peasants, James offers them a way out
S1 E10—assassins commandeer James’ ship
S1 E11—mentally unstable captain tries to destroy the crew & ship
S1 E12—blackbirders attempt to sell islanders into virtual slavery
S1 E14—pilot refuses to guide James’ ship out of the Yankee blockade
S1 E15—Callon takes over James’ company
S2 E3—Stowaway forced to work to earn his passage; father takes it out on James’ trade
S2 E3—Anne’s trouble finding/keeping employment, has her money stolen, attacked by drunk…
Ellen Jessop attacked by drunk, incarcerated by false accusation…
S2 E8—Capt. Baines has his license revoked over wrecking the “Pibroch” in order to save lives
S2 E11--Elizabeth & Albert’s divorce could ruin the whole family
S2 E11—James insists against Baines’ objections on using ether & carbolic (sets his leg vs amputation)
S3 E1—Previous repairs on ship James bought were done with sham bolts, ship breaks up
Plimsol attacks reputation of both James and Frazer (who did honest repairs for James)
S3 E2--Caroline Maudslay’s husband is killed by natives in Brazil
S3 E3-- Jack Frazer sells the “Anne Onedin” to himself (Robert derelict in duty)
S3 E4—Brazilians attempt to force Frazer & James to their own advantage
S3 E9—James proposes to Caroline but she refuses
S3 E11—James orders Leonora to stay out of the galley; Pirates attack
S3 E12--the “Honorable” Kernan’s scam/con
S3 E13--James’ ship the “Osiris” is hijacked; James proposes at last to Leonora, too late
S4 E2—coal miners on strike (also S3 E2)
S4 E6—seaman Gill sells info about guano island to Matt Harvey
S4 E10—Robert loses re-election to Parliament; milliner nearly commits suicide from difficulties
James’ expansions evictions make Capt. Baines’ niece & kids homeless
S5 E1—James loses Port Baines to rebels, bank and others lose their investments, too
S5 E1-4—Macaulay employs underhanded means to try to take over Onedin/Frazer interests
S5 E4—Robert is crimped in NYC, Baines has to bail him out
S5 E8--Poor Sicilians are ruled by a mafia boss and robbers; Baines & crew taken hostage
S5 E9—Sarah and committee want to develop a seaman’s home so crimps won’t get sailors
S5 E 10--Crew members attempt to take over the ship; crimp gets ahold of Billie, James & Baines rescue
Season 6--William is taken advantage of by Beaumont pretending to be his friend
S6 E1--Fogarty kept Blake from marrying into Chinese wealth
S6 E2—Insurance company doesn’t want to pay James’ claim for collision with Frazer steamer
S6 E3—Capt. Barry & mate are bribed to blow up their steamship for insurance
S6 E4—thief charters James’ ship, but James finds out in time to thwart him
S6 E4 to S7 E7--Sarah is increasingly influenced by spiritualist until James warns him off
S6 E6—Sir Norman surreptitiously, unethically, buys up land, brutally evicting poor tenants
He is privy to know canal co will need in a few years
S6 E8--William promises to provide for Charlotte & child financially, but not give legitimacy
S5 E10—William is forced to go abroad; Billie Oakum is forced to go along with cutthroats;
After being rewarded for acting the hero, he is caught by the crimps again
S7 E1—one Egyptologist destroys the rep of another, and in fact, sicks the law on him
S7 E3—Paddy West deals dishonestly providing seamen
Count & Countess Orova lose their castle in Roumelia due to warring factions
S7 E4—James loses a charter to Elizabeth due to Dunwoody
a dishonest charterer tricks Elizabeth into running guns after Dunwoody trusts him
S7 E5—young Tom Arnold is forced to go along with murdering thieves
S7 E5—Burgess cons Charlotte into investing in his steamship and ventures
S7 E6—James vs old adversary Summers; sabotage for shipping contract
S8 E2—James vs advice of Baines, falls into trap of Turkish tobacco, he & Baines are held for ransom
Tom rescues them, but Elizabeth & Samuel scrounge up exorbitant ransom, ruining finances
S8 E7-8—Max frames James for a crime he didn’t commit, James committed to prison
Pressure from business associates
Through the years James acts as the controlling partner with his brother Robert. Only occasionally in their partnership does Robert use his own power to withhold his signature to get what he wants from James, eg S4 E7 & S5 E9.
S1 E5--Watson is pressured by Callon not to give any business to James
S2 E1—Emma and Daniel Fogarty pressure Robert to back Fogarty as chairman of Onedin Steamship co
S2 E12--Sir Lazenby pressures James to get involved in Franco-Prussian War
S3 E2 --Frazer seeks to set exclusive trading areas/rights (Frazers vs Onedins)
S4 E4--The Conference tries to put Frazers out of business by getting Robert to agree to higher rates
S5 E2—Macaulay pressures Robert (+Elizabeth) to run business as he outlines, make him partner
S6 E1—Beaumont pressures Symonds to go through with a contract with Frazers
S6 E3--William is involved in insurance scam through Beaumont & Lillie
S7 E6—Letty helps Samuel financially in return for agreement to honor employee promises
S7 E7—Marston offers contract to James only if he hands over Bullen, he accuses of thievery
S7 E8—James pressures Marston to get his friend to let Letty lease home for children
Finances & Debt
The ebb and flow of James’ and his families' companies’ financial challenges over the years is a large part of the story, and a large part of what he could accomplish in his life. He had vision, he was bold, he was courageous, and persistent. In real life, like Robert, we might wonder whether we could have as much faith in an enterpriser like him as he did, or Anne did, or as others came to have. Could we live with the amount of risk he took, the amount and duration of the debts he incurred in the pursuit of his dreams? In a piece of fiction, it’s easier to do and to admire than it might be in the real world. In a fictional tale things generally end well; not always in this life.
S1 E1-2—James as a ship’s captain employed by Callon has saved £175,acquires his 1st ship by marriage
He gets his shopkeeper/ship’s chandler(supplier) brother Robert to sign a partnership contract
For his 1st trading voyage as an owner, on which he depends for his 1st contract;
James has left £150 in gold coin with Robert to pay for refitting and vittling the ship
He didn’t mention the allotments payable to the wives halfway through the voyage
Robert ends up using all his own cash on hand and going into debt to pay partnership debts
S1 E3—James has returned with the contract he sought with friend Portuguese wine producer Braganza
But no cash for harbor dues, stowage, etc. He must scare up any trade he can for little outlay
Vengeful Callon, from whom James “stole” the Braganza contract persecutes James & family
James & Anne must live with her father, Anne acts as company clerk
S1 E4—James sets up an LLC with Robert; James gets 85%, Robert 15%
James mortgages £250 vs “Charlotte Rhodes”, £200 vs the warehouse,to buy the warehouse
Anne’s father mortgaged his house & Callon forecloses, Anne & James move to the warehouse
S1 E5—James incurs £50-60 damage to his ship returning from France
James & Anne cultivate an alliance with Albert, heir of the Frazer shipyard & Elizabeth’s admirer
But Callon has 1st mate Baines crimped, James saves him, Anne learns Elizabeth’s pregnant
S1 E6—Albert saves James from ruin steaming him out to abandoned ship before Callon can salvage
James & Robert face Fogarty, father of Elizabeth’s child, but she refuses him
S1 E7—Braganza faces ruin from beetle, needs new rootstock from US
James convinces Braganza to buy the “Pampero”, cargo & all, in partnership with James
James sails for US to get rootstock, also gets grain
James has got a 5 room home they are to move into (£25/yr)
Elizabeth elopes with Albert, without telling him she’s pregnant via Fogarty
S1 E8—all James’ mortgages paid off
S1 E9—James chartered a ship from Callon, which explodes, insurance won’t pay
Robert complains of debts everywhere, pushing for profits, taking risks, pledging credit
Callon forces Robert to sell to build new dock; Robert’s family move in w/James & Anne
James begs to borrow money for trade, he & Baines sneak out, sailing distrained ship
(“Pampero” already sailing for Lisbon)
Anne stows away; desperate James accepts contract to run guns to French rebels
James gains £2000 to pay off Callon
S1 E10--Robert complains at Director’s Meeting (he & James), he should get a replacement shop
James shows few coins cash he has, Robert says plenty of money spent chartering & cargos
James is hired to take Garibaldi to Italy (along with cargo he already had), earns £400
Albert finds a shop with stock for Robert, who bargains to get it for £375
James uses that shop as beginning to 3rd company, Onedin Chandlers Ltc. Still 85/15% shares
S1 E11--James & Robert own 3 companies (shipping line, warehousing, chandlering)--85/15% shares
Robert complains always in debt; realist James negotiates with mutineers to save cargo
S1 E12—James carries emigrants to NSW as he sails with wool contract, but no wool, no profit
S1 E13—James & Anne sail with emigrants to Quebec, avoid quarantine for Smallpox on board
S1 E14—shippers, mill owners and workers suffer from loss of US cotton during US Civil War
James mortgages all for cargo to run Union Blockade, supplies to Confederates
After promising half to escape Federal prison, they come home with £15,000 profit (after Scots-Yankee runs off with his half)
S1 E15--Prosperity: £27,484+ assets, well-cushioned vs adversity, £200 dividend to Robert & Sarah
Albert & Elizabeth can’t keep up their lifestyle, Elizabeth manages a reconciliation with Albert's father
James puts everything into Public Stock Co to build steamship of Albert’s design
But Callon (advised by Fogarty) buys controlling interest through nominees
“Pampero” is wrecked in storm rounding the Horn
If Callon calls in money for stock bought on promise, James will be bankrupt
S2 E1—James is greatly indebted for Public Stock Co, and loss of the “Pampero”
S2 E1-2--Jessop tells about the life of poor seamen, leads a strike with demands, James negotiates
But Fogarty comes in with brutal strike breakers, strikers loot & burn, Jessop is jailed
S2 E3-5--Anne learns about/lives the life of the poor
S2 E5—Capt. Baines’ sister made homeless by fever brought into the port
S2 E7—Capt. Baines desperate to get his sister out of desperate housing, takes command of coffin ship
S2 E10--£500 saved for house, £1000 salvage, plus £1300 debt all goes to buy an abandoned ship from insurer
S2 E11--James sells shares provisionally to get house, charters ship
S2 E12—Sir Lazenby uses the carrot/stick reward/threat to get James to France to collect money owed
James doesn’t get money owed, is captured, and Elizabeth buys his life with potato cargo
S2 E13—Mr. Mitchell has 5000 shares (would give controlling interest) of James’ Steamship co,
James negotiates a race for tea in China
S2 E14—Jessop trying to elude law; wife died in poverty, children in workhouse; Eliz, Albert, Robert help
Mitchell declares James the winner, James can buy controlling interest for £5000, but loses wife
S3 E2--Leonora learns about the life of poor, Plimsol says poverty & the Law forces men to sail for James
S3 E5—Caroline claims seamen must sail or starve
S3 E9--James has a fleet of 6 ships, and capital as well
S3 E11--James has 8 ships (including the “Anne Onedin”)
S3 E12—Robert & Sarah move into a fancy home in London, but then he loses to Mexican RR scheme
They must return to live in Liverpool (Robert had not been willing to sell out there)
S4 E2--suffering dire lack of business, coal strike enables James to make £6000 profit buying/selling
He borrows £2000 from Robert for downpayment on 2 big sailing ships to be built by Frazer
S4 E3—Jack Frazer dies, leaves all to Elizabeth until her son William turns 21 & inherits
S4 E4—the other steam shippers try to ruin Elizabeth/Frazers with faut “Conference” rates, she outwits
James can afford not to push so hard, but can’t quit
S4 E5—Fever & quarantine ruin shipping in Liverpool
S4 E6—Capt. Baines blown off course discovers a rich guano island
Matt Harvey working for Elizabeth/Frazers stumbles onto ivory cargo instead
S4 E7—The Company is worth nearly £1.25 million; Robert has 15%, James 70% (who owns the rest?)
Robert invests in a high class house due to Sarah’s bidding
James begins work on a prospectus for Port Baines, Brazil venture
S4 E9—James buys up debt of profligate Sinclair/deteriorated Salt Line (20 ships down to 6)
James discusses with Robert, Port Baines—1876 prospectus, at abt 10.5 min
Capitalized at £3,000,000 for British Trade with wealthy interior of Brazil
(Robert complains to Sarah £5,000,000)
Onedin-Brazil Company Ltd, James shows prospectus to Elizabeth, too, at nearly 11 min
Discusses venture with banker Harris at 27 min; £1.25 million at 2.5% bargained to 2 1/8th %
Robert predicts failure: “Like the rest of James’ promises, it’ll turn to ashes”
Elizabeth: “James has the trick of succeeding where others fail”
S4 10—Capt. Baines’ niece made homeless, evicted in James’ expansion
S5 E1—James & the companies are ruined by the takeover of Port Baines in S. America
James’ 6 ships in port are about to be sold; he & Baines sneak them away to earn money
S5 E2—James returns with 6 ships loaded with Black Sea grain, only able to pay interest on debt
He’s brought a contract and promises of beginning to pay down debt
He gets Harris to sign a paper so his ships are safe to dock & discharge
Harris warns that he’ll have to foreclose on the other Onedin properties, houses, warehouses
James says those don’t matter, it’s the ships that earn the money
Macaulay insinuates himself in Frazers as well as Robert’s store, seeks James’ assets
S5 E3—desperate for income, James takes a contract to ship iron plates to Belfast
Macaulay has had a scheme of making coffin ships, James outwits
Robert & Sarah’s house is sold to Dunwoody, they end up in apartment above store
Robert sails for NYC, gets crimped, has to be bailed out by Capt. Baines
S5 E4—Fogarty returns from Australia very wealthy, partner of Macaulay
James & Elizabeth break up Fogarty/Macaulay partnership
Fogarty inherits his wife Iemma (Callon) 15% of Frazers, etc
James bargains with Fogarty for £5000 and Robert’s original shares for info
S5 E5—James has an opportunity to get some money back (secretly), gets a bag of gold
Letty is given £500 by her previous employer
S5 E6—Letty buys a mill, James gets grain from Philadelphia grain to feed it
S5 E7—James buys a steamboat for emigrants from Poland to US, all kinds of troubles
Samuel is sent to NYC
S5 E8—Sicilian mafia holds Baines for ransom, James outwits, brings emigrants to US
Letty starts sack mending business, poor women willing to work for anything
S5 E9—Fogarty tears up Robert’s £10K debt, Sarah's committee buys James’ warehouse for seaman’s home
James comes home: I’ve paid off every penny that we owe. I’m a free man
Letty employs 30 seamstresses
Robert sells his shares to James for £20K
S5 E10—Robert surprises Sarah with a big new home
Having created a charity named for Prince Albert, Daniel Fogarty is knighted by Queen
James takes Letty to Scotland, buying a pair of ships there
Sir Daniel weds Elizabeth, James marries Letty
S6 E1—Sir Daniel sells out in S. Africa, brings home crate of £100,000 of gold bullion
Beaumont takes over Harris’ bank, insinuates himself with William Frazer
William is running Frazers, with Elizabeth looking over his shoulder via Dunwoody
Samuel returns from NYC, unhappy to be stuck with Robert Onedin & Son
S6 E2—Frazer steamer wrecks James’ ship in fog, James at last get’s imbursed by Frazers & insurance
Charlotte wants to live in style like Elizabeth & Robert & Sarah
Robert amidst dinner with big plans for the future chokes on a bone & dies
S6 E3—Robert’s will ties Samuel to his ventures
William gets involved in insurance fraud with Beaumont and Lillie
James is hired by insurance to investigate
S6 E4—Sarah gets involved with spiritualist
Samuel proves a savvy businessman
William cuts wages in half to undercut competition
Sir Fogarty begins canal scheme, to Elizabeth’s disapproval
James outwits thief/conman who chartered his ship the “Falcon”
S6 E5—James schemes for Sir Daniel to buy the Murchison Line with African advantage
So James can get the one sailing ship of that line
Beaumont had tried to acquire it stealthily through William/Frazers
Charlotte is intimate with William, lies about it
James sails to Norway for trade, brings back ice for Samuel’s salmon
S6 E6—James sails to Africa with cousin of Anne’s, meets with pirates
S6 E7—Letty is unmistakably pregnant, James explodes over the news
Charlotte tells William she is pregnant, he refuses to marry her
William turns 21, inherits the Frazer Line & Shipyard
James & Samuel avoid the party, find an abandoned ship with explosives
S6 E8—James finally learns of Charlotte’s pregnancy & William’s refusal
Didn’t want William for son-in-law anyway
William promises to provide for Charlotte & child financially
S6 E9—James struggles to get home for birth of son, baby dies
S6 E10—James sails with Baines to Africa, they end up adrift in a boat, gone 3 months
Samuel marries Charlotte to protect her reputation
James & Baines return, James reconciles with Letty & Charlotte, glad for grandson
Daniel & Elizabeth uncloak Beaumont’s schemes to William
William is to go abroad for at least a year, Elizabeth will run Frazers
S7 E1—after 2 years since Letty’s baby died and Charlotte’s marriage, Letty wants to settle
James surprises her with a 12 bedroom country home instead of smaller one she wanted
S7 E2—James makes a partner of Burgess in his steamship
William returns, wants to see Charlotte & son, refused by Samuel
William is killed in heroic act of saving children from being trampled
Elizabeth finds out Daniel is unfaithful in London, MP for Manchester, she separates
S7 E3—Letty improves working conditions for her seamstresses
Samuel seeks to complete chain of businesses, from mill to catalogue business, etc
Elizabeth promotes Dunwoody to General manager
William has left a legacy for his and Charlotte’s son
S7 E4—Elizabeth is tricked into running guns to S. Africa, James seeks to profit unsuccessfully
Letty continues to try to improve working conditions
S7 E5—Letty advises Samuel to give Charlotte an allowance
Samuel tries to make Charlotte happy, giving her money & Robert’s original shares/dowry
Seth Burgess cons Charlotte into investing in a partnership with him, so he can buy out James
Samuel is unhappy about Letty’s improvements in the business he has bought from her
S7 E6-- James vs old adversary Summers saboteur for shipping contract, China clay
Sarah has gone to Bath, Elizabeth hosts Chamber of Commerce Ball for Samuel
Charlotte gets drunk at ball, embarrasses Samuel, runs away with Seth Burgess
James is furious, sends puts out a £50 reward for info, and the same for helping catch them
Letty has been left a foundling on doorstep, must find a place for it
She decides to use the money from the sale of her business to found a children’s home
Marston (wealthy heir to coal & steel) patron of ball spars with Elizabeth, seeks business
Letty helps Samuel financially in return for agreement to honor employee promises
S7 E7—Sarah brings suitor Dampier home from Bath, spiritualist Pilgrim is against
James frees Sarah from both spiritualist/medium Pilgrim and Suitor Damper
Samuel drinks too much, doesn’t want Charlotte back, nor Sarah’s suitor
Charles Marston partners with Elizabeth to build South American railway
Marston has bought the China Clay business, offers contract to Elizabeth, who declines
Marston bargains with James for contract, including return of Bullen he accuses of thievery
Dampier is key to Bullen’s story, Bullen is key to Dampier’s story
S7 E8—Elizabeth agrees to ship wine for Marston’s father’s birthday, but has to ask James’ help
Letty finds a home for her foundlings, but locals block her from attaining it
James agrees to ship wine on time, if Marston uses influence in Letty’s behalf, w/o her knowing
James has not been in favor of Letty’s scheme, but doesn’t pressure her not to pursue it
Helping an injured ship’s captain, James finds the true direction Burgess is headed
S7 E9--James pursues Charlotte & Burgess to Cypress, where he has arranged a trap
James exposes Burgess’ little love for Charlotte, who returns home with her father
James confiscates the “Black Pearl”
S7 E10-- James & Baines make Tom an apprentice, but he spoils himself and is off-guard
Burgess & buddy steal back the “Black Pearl”, kidnap Tom
James tracks Burgess, but his crew desert; James sees his love of ship, and lets him keep it
Sir Daniel is appointed ambassador to Turkey, Marston’s father uses that to thwart marriage
After initial refusal, Elizabeth at last goes to Turkey with Daniel
Sarah pays Doyles (actor & daughter, whom Samuel has fallen for) to take their show to US
S8 E1-- Elizabeth is called back from Turkey by Dunwoody, for the business; she’s glad to be back
Sarah has gone on a worldwide cook’s tour; Samuel more & more the businessman
Samuel becomes chairman of the Chamber of Commerce
James has promised to attend divorce proceedings Samuel has brought vs Charlotte, but:
James agrees to return Prince Alexander of Bulgaria to his kingdom safe & sound
As trustee for William’s son Robert, he uses the money to invest for his purposes
Samuel reimburses the trust due to criticism from Elizabeth
S8 E2-- Lured into a trap (promise of a cargo of Turkish tobacco)
James and Baines are captured & held hostage by the Russians
Tom rescues them
Unknowing of their rescue, Elizabeth and Samuel scrounge up the £50,000 ransom
James is back in the “poor house”
S8 E3—Onedin Line vs Frazer Line business; amalgamation, trying to recover from ransom business
James has been hired to return Margarita Juarez to her S. American president father
James’ Greek agent advises not to unload cargo/reload as no one is paying
Margarita’s uncle has incited a revolt; agent sends emeralds with James
James helps Margarita and her father escape revolution/death; but father gets killed
Elizabeth vs Samuel Onedin in business
Elizabeth intervenes for family men Dunwoody has layed off; bad press leads her to set policy
Lay off single men 1st, then md. w/o kids, those with children last to go
S8 E4-- James marries Catholic Margarita, Elizabeth has difficulty accepting, Samuel doesn’t
James & Margarita honeymoon in the East Indies, Sumatra (western Indonesia)
He & Elizabeth create a new company, Samuel wants a share for investment
James partners with Dutch businessmen so he is allowed to trade in Java, Dutch ports
James creates a web of business interrelationships, and undercuts Van der Rheede bros. in all
When Max tells Theo they must sell out, Theo commits suicide rather than leave his home
S8 E5-- James sails to Africa for trade, supposedly in Samuel’s interests
He outwits the powerful witch doctor and is able to get ivory, build a trading stationat the site of the Methodist Mission there
Baines disapproves James’ overly self-serving business practices, and has a falling out
Samuel uses James’ debt to get a NYC warehouse from Max Van der Rheede
Max blames James for his brother’s death, rather than himself, is out to destroy James
S8 E6--Capt. Baines buys his own ship, the “Sea Spray’
Tom invests in Capt. Baines ship, against James’ will
Tom runs away to join Capt. Baines; Tom is killed in a fire--Capt. Baines blames James
Max calls in James’ debts Samuel had sold him
Samuel returns from New York with a wealthy, ambitious American bride
Charlotte has become a music-hall singer, earns her own self-respect in being good/successful
S8 E7--Max frames James for a crime he didn’t commit
Has a stolen necklace planted on James’ ship
Arranges Betsy (whose male friend had given her the stolen necklace) to be sold into slavery
S8 E8--Charlotte leaves her profession, visits her father in jail and helps him get his company records
Max references being blown on the lee shore: James’ troubles, offers to buy 6 ships for nowt
Dunwoody refuses to even mention the offer to James
Margarita, Samuel, and Elizabeth seek evidence & witnesses to prove James’ innocence
A letter from Betsy, one of Letty’s former employees, comes for “Mrs. Onedin”, now Margarita
The letter outlines how Max got ahold of the necklace; Mr. Sparrow admits to hiding it
Capt. Baines realizes the clever ruse to use him in the plot to plant the necklace
S8 E9--Charlotte is taken into Frazers by Elizabeth, and begins a promising career
Charlotte and Samuel come to some kind of reconciliation
Sir Daniel decides to leave all business & political positions & return to Elizabeth
Daniel’s ship goes down,presumed drowned on his way home
James buys nitrate deposits from Samuel in South America , sails to develop a port for it
Margarita is able to get all the parties in place to make the deal
James figures it will last the next 20 years, which will be ‘til the end of the sailing ship era
Margarita bears James a healthy son on the way home, heir of the Onedin Line
More to come--Part 2, other things affect Self-Determination:
Education
Health
One's own choices
Society/Culture
Spouse
Parents/Family
A separate look at James' sister Elizabeth
My Stories 