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Robert Gray (sea captain) Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Maritime Explorations of Robert Gray

Cheat Sheet:
The Maritime Explorations of Robert Gray Study Guide

Early Voyages and First Circumnavigation (1787-1790)

Robert Gray was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 10, 1755.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historical records indicate that Robert Gray was born in Tiverton, Rhode Island, on May 10, 1755, not Boston.

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Robert Gray's first circumnavigation of the world was completed in 1790 aboard the ship *Columbia Rediviva*, marking the first such voyage by an American vessel.

Answer: True

Explanation: The voyage of the *Columbia Rediviva* under Captain Gray in 1790 indeed marked the first circumnavigation of the globe by an American vessel.

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The primary objective of the 1787 voyage led by Captains Kendrick and Gray was to explore the Arctic regions of North America.

Answer: False

Explanation: The principal objective of the 1787 expedition was to engage in the maritime fur trade along the Northwest coast and transport pelts to China, not Arctic exploration.

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During the 1787 expedition, Robert Gray commanded the *Columbia Rediviva*, while John Kendrick commanded the *Lady Washington*.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the 1787 expedition, Captain John Kendrick commanded the *Columbia Rediviva*, while Captain Robert Gray commanded the *Lady Washington*.

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After rounding Cape Horn, the ships encountered a severe storm that separated them, causing damage to the *Columbia Rediviva*.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following their passage around Cape Horn, the vessels were indeed separated by a severe storm, which resulted in damage to the *Columbia Rediviva*.

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The *Lady Washington* and *Columbia Rediviva* spent the winter of their first voyage in San Francisco Bay.

Answer: False

Explanation: During their first voyage, the ships *Lady Washington* and *Columbia Rediviva* wintered in Nootka Sound, not San Francisco Bay.

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Captain Gray and Captain Kendrick swapped command of their ships during the initial voyage, with Gray eventually taking command of the *Columbia Rediviva*.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the course of the initial voyage, Captain Gray and Captain Kendrick did exchange command of their respective vessels, with Gray ultimately assuming command of the *Columbia Rediviva*.

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Gray's arrival in Canton in 1790 was insignificant, as he failed to trade his cargo of pelts for tea.

Answer: False

Explanation: Gray's arrival in Canton in 1790 was highly significant, as he successfully traded his cargo of pelts for tea, a crucial step in establishing the maritime fur trade route.

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The *Columbia Rediviva*'s return journey in 1790 marked the first time an American vessel completed a circumnavigation of the globe.

Answer: True

Explanation: The return journey of the *Columbia Rediviva* in 1790 was indeed a landmark event, representing the first circumnavigation of the Earth by an American vessel.

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The *Columbia Rediviva* was a ship commanded by Robert Gray that was primarily used for coastal fishing.

Answer: False

Explanation: The *Columbia Rediviva*, captained by Robert Gray, was primarily instrumental in the maritime fur trade and the first American circumnavigation, not coastal fishing.

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Charles Bulfinch conceived the idea of trading pelts from the Northwest Coast directly to China, inspired by Captain Cook's accounts.

Answer: True

Explanation: Charles Bulfinch, a Boston merchant, conceived the strategic idea of trading pelts acquired on the Northwest Coast directly to China, drawing inspiration from Captain Cook's published accounts.

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In what year did Robert Gray successfully complete the first circumnavigation of the globe by an American vessel?

Answer: 1790

Explanation: Captain Robert Gray completed the first circumnavigation of the globe by an American vessel in 1790 aboard the *Columbia Rediviva*.

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What was the principal objective of the 1787 expedition commanded by Captains Kendrick and Gray?

Answer: To trade for pelts on the northwest coast and transport them to China.

Explanation: The primary objective of the 1787 expedition led by Captains Kendrick and Gray was to acquire pelts on the northwest coast and transport them to China for trade.

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During their inaugural voyage, where did the vessels *Lady Washington* and *Columbia Rediviva* winter?

Answer: In Nootka Sound

Explanation: The ships *Lady Washington* and *Columbia Rediviva* spent the winter of their first voyage in Nootka Sound.

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Which vessel did Captain Robert Gray command during the first circumnavigation of the globe?

Answer: The *Columbia Rediviva*

Explanation: Captain Robert Gray commanded the *Columbia Rediviva* during the first circumnavigation of the globe by an American vessel.

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What was the primary purpose of the 1787 expedition jointly led by Captains Kendrick and Gray?

Answer: To trade for pelts and transport them to China.

Explanation: The primary purpose of the 1787 expedition, led by Captains Kendrick and Gray, was to trade for pelts on the Northwest coast and transport them to China.

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What specific role did Charles Bulfinch fulfill in relation to Captain Robert Gray's maritime expeditions?

Answer: He financed Gray's voyages and conceived the idea of trading pelts to China.

Explanation: Charles Bulfinch played a crucial role by financing Captain Robert Gray's voyages and conceptualizing the strategy of trading pelts directly to China, inspired by Captain Cook's accounts.

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In what year was Captain Robert Gray born?

Answer: 1755

Explanation: Captain Robert Gray was born in 1755.

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Which vessel holds the distinction of being the first American ship to circumnavigate the globe?

Answer: The *Columbia Rediviva*

Explanation: The *Columbia Rediviva*, under the command of Captain Robert Gray, was the first American vessel to successfully complete a circumnavigation of the globe.

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Pacific Northwest Trade and Exploration (1790-1792)

Robert Gray is primarily recognized for his pioneering role in the American maritime fur trade along the northern Pacific coast of North America.

Answer: True

Explanation: Captain Robert Gray's expeditions were instrumental in establishing the American maritime fur trade along the Pacific Northwest coast, a significant undertaking for the era.

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The ships carried trade goods such as firearms and tobacco for exchange with indigenous populations.

Answer: False

Explanation: The ships carried trade goods such as blankets, knives, and iron bars for exchange with indigenous populations, not firearms and tobacco.

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During an attempt to enter a river near 46°N latitude in 1788, Gray's ship ran aground and was attacked by indigenous people, leading to the loss of one crew member.

Answer: True

Explanation: While attempting to navigate a river near 46°N latitude in 1788, Gray's vessel ran aground, was attacked by indigenous people, and tragically resulted in the loss of one crew member.

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Robert Gray departed for his second voyage to the Pacific Northwest coast on September 28, 1790.

Answer: True

Explanation: Captain Robert Gray commenced his second voyage to the Pacific Northwest coast on September 28, 1790, aboard the *Columbia*.

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During his second voyage, Robert Gray sailed under official papers issued by the British Crown.

Answer: False

Explanation: On his second voyage, Captain Gray sailed under official papers issued by the United States government, signed by President George Washington.

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The sloop *Adventure* was built by Gray's crew during the winter of 1791-1792 and was used for further exploration and trade.

Answer: True

Explanation: The sloop *Adventure* was indeed constructed by Captain Gray's crew during the winter of 1791-1792 and subsequently employed for additional exploration and trade activities.

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What is considered Robert Gray's primary achievement as detailed in the provided information?

Answer: Pioneering the American maritime fur trade along the northern Pacific coast.

Explanation: Captain Robert Gray is primarily recognized for his pioneering role in establishing the American maritime fur trade along the northern Pacific coast of North America.

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What was the intended purpose of the sloop *Adventure*, constructed by Captain Gray's crew?

Answer: To conduct further exploration and trade.

Explanation: The sloop *Adventure*, built by Captain Gray's crew during the winter of 1791-1792, was intended for further exploration and trade activities.

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Discovery of the Columbia River (1792)

In 1792, Robert Gray is credited with the discovery and naming of the Mississippi River.

Answer: False

Explanation: Captain Robert Gray's significant discovery in 1792 was the Columbia River, not the Mississippi River.

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Robert Gray successfully navigated into the Columbia River estuary on May 7, 1792, after finding a safe passage through the sand bars.

Answer: True

Explanation: On May 7, 1792, Captain Gray successfully guided the *Columbia Rediviva* into the Columbia River estuary, having identified a navigable passage through the formidable sand bars.

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Robert Gray named the river he discovered the 'Oregon River' in honor of the region.

Answer: False

Explanation: Captain Robert Gray named the river he discovered the 'Columbia River,' in honor of his ship, the *Columbia Rediviva*, not the 'Oregon River'.

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Gray and his crew navigated approximately 13 miles inland up the Columbia River during their nine-day stay.

Answer: True

Explanation: During their nine-day exploration of the Columbia River, Captain Gray and his crew journeyed approximately 13 miles inland from the estuary.

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During their stay on the Columbia River, Gray's crew traded items like furs for local goods such as nails and iron bars.

Answer: False

Explanation: During their stay on the Columbia River, Captain Gray's crew traded items such as nails for local goods including pelts, salmon, and meat, rather than trading furs for nails and iron bars.

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The 'Great River of the West' was a legendary river that explorers hoped would serve as a passage across the North American continent, and Robert Gray correctly identified the Columbia River as this waterway.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Great River of the West' was a sought-after continental passage, and Captain Robert Gray's discovery and naming of the Columbia River correctly identified this significant waterway.

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Which significant river was discovered and named by Robert Gray in 1792?

Answer: The Columbia River

Explanation: In 1792, Captain Robert Gray discovered and named the Columbia River, a major waterway in the Pacific Northwest.

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What name did Captain Robert Gray bestow upon the river he successfully navigated into on May 7, 1792?

Answer: The Columbia River

Explanation: On May 7, 1792, Captain Robert Gray named the river he entered the Columbia River, in honor of his ship, the *Columbia Rediviva*.

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Approximately what distance inland did Captain Gray and his crew navigate the Columbia River?

Answer: 13 miles

Explanation: Captain Gray and his crew navigated approximately 13 miles inland up the Columbia River during their exploration.

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During their nine-day sojourn on the Columbia River, what specific goods did Captain Gray's crew acquire through trade?

Answer: Nails for pelts, salmon, and meat

Explanation: During their nine-day stay on the Columbia River, Captain Gray's crew traded items such as nails for local goods including pelts, salmon, and meat.

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Interactions and Diplomatic Context

When Robert Gray entered Tillamook Bay in August 1788, his crew peacefully traded with the local Tillamook people, resulting in no casualties.

Answer: False

Explanation: The encounter in Tillamook Bay in August 1788 was not peaceful; it resulted in a conflict with the Tillamook people and the death of Gray's cabin boy, Marcus Lopez.

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The Nootka Crisis involved a territorial dispute between Spain and Great Britain, and Robert Gray's American vessels were directly involved in the Spanish seizures of British ships.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Nootka Crisis was a dispute between Spain and Great Britain, Robert Gray's American vessels were not directly involved in the Spanish seizures of British ships.

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In April 1792, Gray ordered the destruction of the indigenous village of Opitsaht at Clayoquot as a direct response to a peaceful trade negotiation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Captain Gray ordered the destruction of the Opitsaht village at Clayoquot in April 1792, citing perceived insults and rumors of a plot against his crew, not in response to a peaceful trade negotiation.

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Following an attack on a Chicklisaht village where furs were seized, the Chicklisaht sought redress from the Spanish commandant Bodega y Quadra.

Answer: True

Explanation: After an incident involving a Chicklisaht village where furs were confiscated, members of the Chicklisaht sought redress from the Spanish commandant Bodega y Quadra.

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In April 1792, Robert Gray encountered HMS *Discovery*, commanded by George Vancouver, while waiting to enter the Columbia River.

Answer: True

Explanation: While awaiting entry into the Columbia River in April 1792, Captain Gray's expedition encountered HMS *Discovery*, under the command of George Vancouver.

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Robert Gray informed George Vancouver about a large river he had previously attempted to enter, but Vancouver dismissed its existence.

Answer: True

Explanation: Captain Gray conveyed information to George Vancouver regarding a significant river he had previously attempted to enter, a detail Vancouver initially regarded with skepticism.

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Esteban José Martínez was the British commandant at Nootka Sound during the Nootka Crisis.

Answer: False

Explanation: Esteban José Martínez was the Spanish commandant at Nootka Sound during the Nootka Crisis, not British.

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George Vancouver, a British naval officer, received crucial information about the Columbia River from Robert Gray.

Answer: True

Explanation: British naval officer George Vancouver received vital information regarding the Columbia River from Captain Robert Gray during their encounter in 1792.

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In April 1792, how did Captain Robert Gray's expedition interact with George Vancouver's exploration?

Answer: Gray provided Vancouver with information about a major river.

Explanation: Captain Gray's expedition encountered George Vancouver's exploration in April 1792, during which Gray shared critical information about a significant river he had discovered.

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Following the fatal incident involving his cabin boy in Tillamook Bay, what name did Captain Robert Gray assign to the bay?

Answer: Murderer's Harbor

Explanation: After the conflict in Tillamook Bay resulted in the death of his cabin boy, Captain Robert Gray named the bay 'Murderer's Harbor'.

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Who was Esteban José Martínez, and what was his specific role at Nootka Sound during the period of the Nootka Crisis?

Answer: A Spanish commandant who asserted Spanish sovereignty.

Explanation: Esteban José Martínez was the Spanish commandant at Nootka Sound, where he asserted Spanish sovereignty and played a role in the events leading to the Nootka Crisis.

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In Tillamook Bay, which indigenous group did Captain Gray's crew engage in a fatal conflict with, resulting in the death of Gray's cabin boy?

Answer: The Tillamook

Explanation: Captain Gray's crew clashed with the Tillamook people in Tillamook Bay, an encounter that tragically resulted in the death of Gray's cabin boy.

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In April 1792, what specific reasons prompted Captain Robert Gray to order the destruction of the indigenous village of Opitsaht at Clayoquot?

Answer: Due to perceived insults and rumors of a plot against his crew.

Explanation: Captain Robert Gray ordered the destruction of the Opitsaht village at Clayoquot in April 1792 due to perceived insults and rumors of a plot against his crew, although the plot may have been a misunderstanding.

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Legacy and Recognition

Upon his return from the first circumnavigation, Robert Gray was honored by Governor John Hancock and brought two Hawaiian natives, Atu and Opai, to New England.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following his successful first circumnavigation, Captain Gray received honors from Governor John Hancock and notably brought two Hawaiian natives, Atu and Opai, to New England, marking their first visit to the region.

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Gray's first voyage discouraged other New England merchants from investing in similar ventures to the Northwest Coast.

Answer: False

Explanation: Conversely, the success of Gray's first voyage stimulated other New England merchants to invest in similar maritime ventures to the Northwest Coast.

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Gray's entry into the Columbia River provided a basis for the United States' territorial claims over the region known as the Oregon Country.

Answer: True

Explanation: Captain Gray's pioneering exploration and charting of the Columbia River served as a foundational element for the United States' subsequent territorial claims in the Oregon Country.

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Robert Gray did not publish his geographic discoveries himself; Captain George Vancouver published them in England, acknowledging Gray's contributions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Captain Robert Gray did not personally publish his findings; rather, Captain George Vancouver published them in England, duly acknowledging Gray's significant contributions.

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The frequent trading activities of Boston merchants like Robert Gray led indigenous peoples to refer to Americans as 'London men'.

Answer: False

Explanation: Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast referred to Americans as 'Boston men' due to the frequent trading activities of merchants from Boston, such as Captain Robert Gray, not 'London men'.

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Numerous geographic features, including Grays Harbor and Grays Harbor County in Washington, are named in honor of Robert Gray.

Answer: True

Explanation: Captain Robert Gray is honored through the naming of numerous geographic features, most notably Grays Harbor and Grays Harbor County in Washington State.

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The 'Columbia District' was named after the ship *Columbia Rediviva*, captained by Robert Gray.

Answer: False

Explanation: The designation 'Columbia District' was named after the Columbia River, which was discovered and named by Captain Robert Gray, not directly after his ship, the *Columbia Rediviva*.

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Robert Gray's widow petitioned the U.S. Congress for a government pension, citing her husband's voyages and a claim of his service in the Continental Navy during the Revolutionary War.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following Captain Robert Gray's death, his widow petitioned the U.S. Congress for a government pension, referencing his extensive voyages and a claim of service in the Continental Navy during the Revolutionary War.

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Robert Gray's naming of the Columbia River was historically unimportant for U.S. territorial claims.

Answer: False

Explanation: Captain Robert Gray's naming of the Columbia River was highly significant and provided a crucial basis for the United States' territorial claims over the Oregon Country.

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What was the historical significance of Captain Gray's entry into the Columbia River for the United States?

Answer: It provided a basis for the United States' territorial claims over the Oregon Country.

Explanation: Captain Gray's discovery and naming of the Columbia River provided a crucial foundation for the United States' subsequent territorial claims over the region known as the Oregon Country.

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Following Captain Robert Gray's death, what did his widow petition the U.S. Congress to secure?

Answer: A government pension citing his voyages and claimed Revolutionary War service.

Explanation: Captain Robert Gray's widow petitioned the U.S. Congress for a government pension, citing his significant voyages and a claim of his service in the Continental Navy during the Revolutionary War.

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Who was responsible for publishing Captain Robert Gray's geographic discoveries subsequent to his voyages?

Answer: George Vancouver

Explanation: Captain George Vancouver published Captain Robert Gray's geographic discoveries in England, acknowledging Gray's contributions.

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Among the indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast, what did the appellation 'Boston men' signify?

Answer: Americans due to the frequent presence of Boston merchants like Robert Gray.

Explanation: The term 'Boston men' was used by indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast to refer to Americans, stemming from the frequent trading activities of merchants originating from Boston, such as Captain Robert Gray.

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What was the impact of the success of Captain Gray's inaugural voyage on the trajectory of American maritime trade?

Answer: It stimulated other merchants to invest in similar ventures to the Northwest Coast.

Explanation: The success of Captain Gray's inaugural voyage significantly stimulated other New England merchants, encouraging them to invest in similar ventures along the Northwest Coast.

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What geographical feature or entity served as the namesake for the 'Columbia District'?

Answer: The Columbia River

Explanation: The designation 'Columbia District' was named after the Columbia River, discovered and named by Captain Robert Gray.

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On what grounds did Captain Robert Gray's widow petition the U.S. Congress?

Answer: All of the above.

Explanation: Captain Robert Gray's widow petitioned the U.S. Congress on multiple grounds, including his service in the Continental Navy during the Revolutionary War, his discovery of the Columbia River, and his role in establishing the fur trade.

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Later Life and Demise

The Quasi-War was a declared war between the United States and France from 1798 to 1800.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Quasi-War, occurring between 1798 and 1800, was an undeclared maritime conflict between the United States and France, not a declared war.

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During the Quasi-War, which of Captain Robert Gray's trading vessels was captured by a French privateer?

Answer: The *Alert*

Explanation: During the Quasi-War, Captain Robert Gray's trading ship, the *Alert*, was captured by a French privateer.

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What is the presumed cause of Captain Robert Gray's demise in July 1806?

Answer: Yellow fever

Explanation: It is presumed that Captain Robert Gray succumbed to yellow fever, leading to his death at sea in July 1806.

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