In 1799 both Elias Hasket Derby and his wife die, and their company fails soon after. Meanwhile, the Crowninshield family rises in business and politics. The situation changes in 1807 when Jacob Crowninshield dies from tuberculosis. Brother Benjamin takes his place in politics and serves as Secretary of the Navy. During the War of 1812, John Crowninshield captains a successful privateer until the ship is taken by the British. He sits out the rest of the war in Halifax, Nova Scotia.