White Slaves of Maquinna: John R. Jewitt's Narrative of Capture and Confinement at Nootka

Very good paperback 

The book details the true 1803 story of John R. Jewitt, an English ship's armourer aboard the trading vessel Boston, which was attacked by Mowachaht warriors in Nootka Sound off the west coast of Vancouver Island. Jewitt and a companion, John Thompson, were spared from the initial massacre and held captive/enslaved by Chief Maquinna for 28 months before being rescued.

About the History & Key Figures

• John R. Jewitt: He was a young English blacksmith and armorer working aboard the American merchant ship Boston. Because of his rare skill in forging iron weapons and tools, Chief Maquinna spared his life during the 1803 ambush. Jewitt was kept as a personal artisan to the chief, adapting deeply to the language and customs of the community to survive over his 28-month captivity.

• Chief Maquinna: A powerful hereditary leader (ha'wilth) of the Mowachaht Nuu-chah-nulth people at Yuquot (Friendly Cove) on Vancouver Island. He was an extraordinary diplomat and a central figure in the Pacific Northwest maritime fur trade, interacting directly with legendary explorers like Captain James Cook and George Vancouver.

• The Conflict: The attack on the ship Boston was largely fueled by retaliation for previous mistreatment, insults, and thefts committed against the Mowachaht people by visiting European and American sea captains.