In that mercantilist era, Gillard, like French businessmen at that time, had an instinctive aversion to Britain. He likes the freedom and vitality of this new continent, and even more likes the unparalleled huge commercial potential here. Therefore, he chose to stand on the side of revolutionaries. 1776, Gillard married Mary, the daughter of a shipbuilder in Philadelphia. Shortly after their marriage, they bought real estate in Mill Street in Mount Holly, New Jersey, and opened a grocery store there to provide various materials for the revolutionaries. The British are very angry about this, but Gillard is not afraid. Even when Britain invaded the area, he insisted on opening a business. Gillard's move not only helped the independent cause, but also brought him rich profits and a wide reputation.
1779, Gillard returned to Philadelphia. Although the war continued, he couldn't wait to start his maritime trade. Together with his father-in-law, he built a sloop, named "Water Witch", and set sail. At this time, the war continued, and the powerful British army dominated the sea. Once discovered, the merchant ship will be confiscated. But high risk means high income. A year later, he started trading between New Orleans and Santo Domingo. As early as 1774, he found that trade with the West Indies was the most profitable. Buying sugar and coffee from the West Indies and shipping the United States there, a round-trip income is equivalent to the salary of an ordinary sailor for several years. Since then, wealth has come to Gillard like a ship blown by the wind.
The twenty years from 1780 to 1800 were the golden period of Gillard's maritime trade. The Napoleonic Wars damaged European business and provided Gillard with a godsend opportunity. Although embargoes, blockades, piracy and seizure of merchant ships still occur from time to time, the situation has greatly improved. Because Gillard's merchant ship hangs the American flag and is protected by the state.
1795, Gillard's merchant ship Voltaire set out from Pennsylvania, loaded with millet, went to Bordeaux to replenish some wine and fruit, then went to St. Petersburg to exchange flax and iron, and then sailed to Amsterdam to sell coins. Then I went to China and India, bought a ship full of porcelain, silk and tea, and finally returned to Pennsylvania, which was sold out.
This was a microcosm of Gillard's global trade at that time. 18 merchant ships named after French enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Montesquieu and helvetius sailed on seven oceans. They can be found everywhere in the Far East, South America, Caribbean, Baltic Sea and Mediterranean Sea.
179 1 year, the first American bank was established, and the public could buy some shares. Stephen Gillard took the opportunity to enter the financial sector and bought a lot of stocks. By the end of the 20-year business validity period of 18 1 First Bank, Gillard has become the largest shareholder of the bank. After a heated debate, Congress did not renew the contract with the First Bank. Gillard invested US$ 654.38+US$ 200,000 to purchase all the shares and assets of First Bank and set up Gillard Bank. At this point, Gillard has undoubtedly become the richest man in this country.