Print of the barque 'Free-Trader' in the London Docks, c. 1829, one of Cooke's many etchings of shipping in London. The vessel's name recalls the Free Trade movement, which sought the abolition of customs duties. The British government abolished most duties in the 1840s and 1850s. A barque is a sailing vessel with three masts. Until the mid-19th century they were relatively small sailing ships, but later were built up to about 3000 tons.