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THE

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET;

B£t56 A COMPENDIOUS ACCOUNT OF THE FIRST

SETTLEMENT OF THE ISLAND BY THE ENGLISH,

TOGETHER WITH THE

RISE AND PROGRESS

OF THE

WHALE FISHERY;

AND OTHER HISTORICAL FACTS RELATIVE TO SAID
ISLAND AND ITS INHABITANTS.

Sn Stoo 3Ntt8.

BY OB ED MACY.

':\>in

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' . '.*»

i>i

oa;

We know that all things work together for good, to them that love God.

RoMAiva vlii. 28.

Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. John vi. 12.

BOSTON:
HILLIARD, GRAY, AND CO.

1835.

Entered according to Act of Congrees, in the year 1835, by Obed
Macy, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of
Massachusetts.

J. D. FREEMAN, PRINTER,
No. 110 WashiDgton St.

PREFACE.

It has long been a subject of surprise to the author, that no
person has written a history of Nantucket. Such a work,
commencing with the settlement of the island by the English,
and continued to the present day, could not fail of containing
much both of interest and instruction. There are few places
of equal magnitude, the annals of which would afford matters
for a more valuable volume.

The occasion which drew some of the first families to
settle at Nantucket, was that of avoiding the rigors of the
law against the people called Quakers. To enjoy the exer-
cise of the rites of hospitality and of religious freedom, they
were willing to leave their homes, their friends and con-
nexions, to sacrifice their property, and to settle in a place
inhabited by some thousands of savages, from whom, in case
of assault, no retreat could be made. Driven from civilized
society for no crime, but for their virtues rather, they took
refuge in a land of barbarians ; and, without vessels for
flight, or arms for defence, they erected their altars and
traced their furrows with all that confidence and fearless-
ness, which is inspired by unwavering trust in the blessing
of heaven. They committed themselves to the guidance of
divine power, believing that, under His influence, they Would
succeed in their undertaking. They did succeed ; and so
rapidly and so peaceably, that, in a few years, they found
themselves in possession of the whole island, while neither
record nor tradition affords a single instance of hostility
between them and their savage neighbors.

IV PREFACE.

The Whale Fishery will be found a leading topic in the
following pages, and, it is presumed, one of the most inter-
esting parts of this history. Reflecting at how early a
period this business was commenced after the island was
settled, the speedy acquisition of knowledge, as to the best
mode of carrying it on, and the success in its progress, are
considerations which must strike the reader with astonish-
ment. The sight of whales playing near the shores led the
inhabitants to contemplate the advantages which would arise,
could they become possessed of the proper means of taking
them. These means were gradually obtained, consisting
partly of information derived from Cape Cod, but principally
drawn from their own enterprising disposition and indefati-
gable industry. At first they had neither boats nor crafl
suitable for the business, and very few mechanics capable
of making them. The shore, from which it was most proper
to go in pursuit of whales, was on the ocean side of the
island, where the surf, constantly breaking, required that
they should have good boats and skilful hands to manage
them. The whale fishery had its rise amidst these and
other difficulties ; it succeeded, as will be seen in the follow-
ing pages, in a surprising manner, and in a few years afler
its commencement it became the principal business of the
place, and the greater part of the people was engaged in its
various branches.

A community situated like that of Nantucket, and pursu-
ing a business almost as insulated as their location, must
necessarily have some peculiarities. Their manners and
customs have often been noticed by travellers, and, it may
be, placed in a more striking contrast with those of the con-
tinent than comports with strict truth. There is one trait
in their character, however, to which they may claim un-
disputed right; it is a settled, strong, and almost universal
opinion, that wars are wrong. This aversion to the spirit

PREFACE. y

of war, by so great a portion of the people, has often proved
of material benefit. Their peaceable character has recom-
mended them to the clemency of the common enemy, and
in some instances secured to them favors instead of injuries.
Situated, in a time of war, beyond the protecting arm of
government, they have been exempted from taking an active
part in our national contests ; surrounded often by the enemy,
and always utterly defenceless, they enjoyed a greater immu*
nity from plunder and devastation than fortified seaports or
even many inland towns.

Probably the reader, who may be personally acquainted
with some of the incidents herein stated, will discover some
omissions : these may be accounted for in two ways ; first,
the author has been studiously careful rather to omit some
trifling affairs, than to wound the feelings of individuals by
their recital : secondly, although he has taken considerable
pains, notwithstanding the work is of so small magnitude, to
collect materials from every authentic source, yet, greatly
to his mortification, there is very little on record and few
documents relating to much of the time embraced within
the limits of the History.

To write a history of any country or place must be a
pleasing task to persons possessed with endowments, and
qualifications necessary for the right performance of such a
work. History may be properly said to contribute to the
necessities of our species, inasmuch as the experience of
past generations is oftentimes the only criterion by which
to judge of the consequences of present acts. To encourage
every performance of this kind, is, therefore, ihe duty of all
civilized people. It is not pretended, that the work now
presented to the public is free from errors. It is rendered
incomplete by want of knowledge on many materia] points.
Having neither the records nor other manuscripts to appeal

VI PREFACE.

to for the knowledge necessary to a complete history, the
author is aware that some errors may have crept into the
work. Tradition, too often replete with errors, has some-
times necessarily been appealed to ; but as there is no
wilful deviation from truth, it is trusted that the reader will
be favorable in his censure of the work, and consider it as
it is really meant to be, — A statement of such facts and
information as have come to the knowledge of the author ;
intended for the edification of his family/, and such others
into whose hands it may chance to fall. With this view, he
is willing to trust to the candor of every considerate reader^
without further apology.

TO THE READER.

This History is substantially the work of Mr. Obed Mact.
My connexion with it has been limited to such additions and
verbal alterations, as seemed necessary in the progress of prepar-
ing it for the press. This notice seems to be due to Mr. Macy,
as my name was associated with his in the proposals for the
publication.

WILLIAM COFFIN.
J^mtwkdy June 6, 1835.

CONTENTS.

PART FIRST. ,

CHAPTER I.

Discovery of the Island of Nantucket — Purchase of the Island
by Thomas Mayhew — Its sale to Tristram Coffin, and others —
Sachem-deed to Thomas Mayhew, Tristram Coffin, and others-
Geographical description of the Island — Soil and Productions. 1

CHAPTER II.

Settlement of the Island by the English — Biography of Thomas
Macy , the first settler — His removal to Nantucket, accompanied
by Edward Starbuck — Number of Natives, and their means of
subsistence — Edward Starbuck returns to Salisbury ; and
thence proceeds again to Nantucket — Extracts from the Salis-
bury records — Removal of the first purchasers from Salisbury
to Nantucket — Treatment of the Indians — Esquire Kadooda —
Mode of improving the land, and keeping sheep — Divisions
of land from 1659 to 1822 — Peter Folger — Early customs of
the settlers — Indian war previous to the settlement by the Eng-
lish — Indian mode of Fishing — First whale killed — James
Lopar's engagement to carry on the whale fishery — John
Savage employed as cooper — Ichabod Paddock employed to
instruct the inhabitants in the best mode of killing whales and
extracting their oil — Indians employed in the whaling boats —
Cod Fishery — Method of saving whales ; and how they were
descried from the shore — Spermaceti whale found on the
shore — Prophecy at the Folly Hill House — Choice of a site
for the town — The Island included within the lines of the

VIU CONTENTS.

Province of Massachasetts — First spermaceti whale killed —
Vessels began to whale " oat in the deep " — First wharf—
Encouraging prospects — Whaling to the ** southward " and
near the Grand Bank ; ... 13

CHAPTER' III.

Religion of the early inhabitants— Their social intercourse —
Zaccheus Macy — King Philip's visit to the Island — Habits of
the Indians — Their religious societies — Indian sickness —
Their final extinction — Threatened insurrection — Court of
inquiry into the legality of the purchases of land 39

CHAPTER IV.

Increase of the whale fishery — Exportation of oil to London —
Loss of several vessels — Vessels sent to Davis' Straits — En-
couragement to carry on the whale fishery in England — Places
visited by whalers before the Revolutionary War — Importa-
tions of oil between the years 1762 and 1772 — Prices of oil in
England between 1742 and 1753 — Removals from the Island —
Social intercourse — Method of adjusting difficulties — Origin
of the Society of Friends on Nantucket — Visits of Friends
to the Island — Thomas Chalkley — Thomas Story — John
Griffith — Longevity of tlie Inhabitants — Diseases — Small Poac
— Inoculation — Executions of criminals — Author's views of
capital punishments 50

CHAPTER V.

Progress of the whale fishery — First manufactory of sperm can-
dles in America in Nantucket — Cod Fishery — Jefferson's
statement of the whale fishery in Massachusetts from 1771 to
1775— Anticipations of war — Petition of the Friends in Eng-
land, in behalf of Nantucket — Qensus between 1719 and 1830
— ^Views on war — Value of certain articles in 1712, arid sev-
eral succeeding years — Value of certain articles in 1774 —
Precautions for the security of property in case of war —
Sensations produced by accounts of the battle of Lexington — »
Cessation of the whaling business — Employment of the inhab-
itants — Saltworks — West India trade commenced — Commu-
nication with the continent by boats — Prison-ships — Distress
for bread and fuel — Valuation for 1778 — Plunder by the Refu-

CONTENTS. IX

gees — Committee sent to the British to ask relief— Sir John
Collier's answer — ^Threatened attack on the town; hy what
means averted — Policy of the people in relation to self-de-
fence-^Tazes 68

CHAPTER VI.

Sufferings during the hard winter of 1780 — Expedients to pro-
cure fuel — Scarcity of food — Clothing — Swamps laid out for
digging peat — Petition to the British commander-in-chief for
certain indulgences — Another petition — Permits granted hy
the British commander, to carry on the whale fishery — Vessels
under permits taken and released — Continental money —
Peace — Tonnage captured during the war 107

CHAPTER VII.

Preparations for recommencing the whaling business — Valuation
of 1784 — Prices of oil, provisions, and real estate— Light- houses
on Great Point, and Brant Point — Cod fishing commenced and
abandoned — Discouragements to the whale fishery — Petition
to the Legislature for relief — Bounty granted on oil — Its ill
effects — Removals to Halifax — Voyages extended — Act of the
Legislature requiring the oath of allegiance to be taken by
certain town officers — Petition for relief from that act — In-
creased consumption of oil — Colored persons engaged in the

• service — Effects of the war on the habits of the people — Pros-
pect of a market for oil in France — Sealing voyages — First
whaling voyage from Nantucket to the Pacific — Difficulties
arising from the European war — Nantucket Bank incorporated
— Bank robbery — Name of the town changed — Consequences
of war to Nantucket — Voyage to the East Indies — Burning of
two barns — ^French spoliations — Ships detained at St. Mary's
— Whales killed near the island and brought into the harbor-
Academy incorporated 119

CHAPTER VIII.

Na!tatucket Bar — Increased consumption of oil and candles —
Pacific Bank and two insurance offices incorporated — Ships
detained by the Spaniards— Embarrassments— Encouragements
— Embargo-^Anticipations of war — Removals — Embargo of
1812 — ^Memorial to Congress — War — Plans to secure a contin-

% CORTEHTf*

nanee of the whale fishery — ^Remoyali^^Namber of Feneli
belon^ng to the kUnd — ^British cruisers — Scarcity of provts-
ions^Distiees^Distrast of the banks—Petition to the Presi-
dent of the United States — Farming 153

CHAPTER IX.

Inocnlation — Mail Packet taken by the enemy — ^Whaling sloop
taken on the shoals, and afterwards lost— Direct tax — Petitioa
of the town to Congress— Anxiety for the arriral of whale
ships— Effects of the Embargo of 1813— The Island invested
wRh British cririsers — Remarks on privateering-^Selectmen
authorized to import provisions — Gale — Depredations commit-
ted by a small privateer, and a tender of a British frigate-<-
Lights discontinued and buoys removed — Deputation to the
British naval commander-in-chief— Their instructions — Pri-
vate deputation — Visit of the Brig Nimrod to Nantucket —
Negotiations for Neutrality — Town Meeting and its resolu-
tions on the occasion — Stipulation of Neutrality — Passports to
vessels to bring provisions, &c. — Return of the town's deputa-
tion and their report — Town Meeting — Petition to Cogress for
exemption from direct taxes and internal duties — Letter to
Commodore Hotham — His reply — Resolutions of the town —
Battle between the Privateer Neufchatel and the barges of the
Endymion Frigate 172

CHAPTER X.

Peace — Preparations for business — Taxes— Ships leave on whale
voyages — Newspaper established — Distress in 1817 and mea-
sures for relief— Prospects more cheering — Other places em-
bark in the whale fishery — Census of ]810 — Vessels and ton-
nage in 1821 — Concluding remarks 208

PART SECOND.

Captain Benjamin Worth and Washington Gardner's whaling
service ' 220

Description of the outfits of a whale ship and the manner of
killing whales, &c 221

Description of the right- whale 229

CONTENTS. XI

Progreis of the whale fishery at Nantacket 232

Prodace of the whale fishery from 1804 to 1884 285

Loii of a sloop and schooner 236

Loss of the ship Union - 237

Loss of the ship Essex ■ 242

Loss of the ship Henry 246

Loss of the ship Commerce 247

Loss of a boat's crew on Nantucket Bar 247

Loss of the ship General Lincoln 248

Loss of the ship Two Brothers 249

Loss of the ship Lady Adams 250

Loss of the ship Lydia 251

Loss of the ship Franklin 251

Vessels lost since the settlement of the island 258

Proposals from the French government to the people of Nan-
tucket to remove to Dunkirk 258

Fishing stages 259

Siasconset 260

Zaccheus Macy, account of Nantucket in a letter to the Hist.

Society 262

Education 271

Coflin School 272

Nantucket Atheneum 276

Slavery 277

Religious Societies >. 28i

Fires 288

Poetry 286

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

PART I.

CHAPTER I.

The Island of Nantucket was first discovered, in 16Q3,
by Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, an Englishman, He
sailed from England in a small bark, with thirty-two per-
sons bound to Virginia, in search of a proper seat for a
plantation. Having fallen in with the Cape shore, he
pursued his course south till he came up with Sandy
Point, the southern extremity of the county of Barnsta-
ble, in the state of Massachusetts. It being late in the
day, to avoid danger, he stood off to sea, and in the night
came in sight (^ the white cliffi^ at the east end of Nan-
tucket, now called Sankota Head^ the highest land on that
part of the island.

Whence arose the name of the iisland, we are not cer-
tain, but it is generally supposed that Nauticon^ known
by ancient voyagers, and Nantucket, are the same.

We find no other record concerning Nantucket until the
year 1641, at which time the whole island was deeded to
Thomas Mayhew and his son Thomas by James Forrett,
agent to William, Earl of Sterling, or Lord Sterling.

2 HISTORY Of" NANTUCKCT.

This being the first deed, of which we have any know-
ledge, respecting the purchase of the island, we think it
is reasonable to gratify our readers with a copy of it.
Though not remarkable in itself, it may be interesting
to some, since, among other circumstances, it shows the
origin of the ownership of the island, and the consider-
ation for which it was bought. It is as follows :

These presents do witnbss. That I, James Forrett,
Gent!! who was Sent over into These parts of America
by the Honourable the Lord Sterling, with a Commission
for the ordering and Disposal of all y® lands that Ly
between Cape Codd and Hudson's River, (and have
hitherto Continued my Agency without any contradiction)
Do hereby Grant unto Thomas Mayhew of Water Town
Merchant & to Thomas Mayhew his Son, free Liberty,
and full power to Them and Their Associates, to plant
and inhabit upon Nantucket and Two other Small Islands
adjacent and To Enjoy the Said Islands, To Them, their
heirs and assigns for ever, provided that They the Said
Thomas Mayhew and Thomas Mayhew hb son, or Either
of Them, or their associates. Do Render and give yearly
unto the Hon^ the Lord Sterling, his heirs or assigns,
Such an acknowledgment as shall be Thought fit by John
Wintrop the Eldl. Esq!L or any Two Magistrates in the
Massachusetts Bay, being chosen for that End and pur-
pose, by the Hon5!f the Lord Sterling, or his deputy, and
by the said Thomas Mayhew fa Thomas Mayhew his
son, or Their Associates. It is agreed That the Govern-
ment that the Said Thomas Mayhew, and Thomas May-
hew his Son, and Their Associates, Shall Set up There,
shall be such as is now Establisht, in the Massachusetts

.H19T0RT OF NANTUCKE«r. 3

aforesaid; and That the Said Thomas Mayhew and
Thomas Mayhew his Son, and Their Associates, shall
have as much Privilig, Touching Their Planting, Inhabit-
ants and Enjoying of all and every part of the premises,
as by Patent is granted to the Patentees of the Massa-
chusetts aforesaid, and Their Associates.

In witness hereof, I, the said James Forrett, have here-
unto set my hand and Seal, this I3th day of October,
1641.

James Forrett. [l. s.]
Signed, sealed, and delivered, in the presence of us,
Robert Corner,
Nicolas Davison, and
Richard Stileman.
This is a true copy of the record, as is attested this 14th
day of April, 1674, per me,

i^ Matthias Nicolls, Sec^y.

Although we find, in the body of the deed, that it was
made to the Mayhews and their associates^ yet it was not
conveyed to the associates until the 2d of the fifth month,
1659 ; the reason of which was, that the Mayhews could
not purchase of the natives the Sachem right, until the
befoiementioned date, and those who intended to join the
association were not disposed to engage until that was
effected. It may be observed, that the place of record of
the foregoing instrumefit is not mentioned ; but, on refer-
ence to other documents, it is placed beyond doubt that
it was done in New York. At that early period the
island was under the jurisdiction of New York ; which
will be shown more particularly in its proper place.

The following instrument being the principal convey-

4 BISTORT or NANTUCKET.

ance bj which the owners of the island became legallj
possessed of it, it is thought expedient to insert it at
large.

MR. MATHEW'S BILL OF SALE.

Be it known, unto all men, by these presents, that I,
Thomas Mayhew, of Marther's Vineyard, merchant, do
hereby acknowledge, that I have sold unto Tristram Coffin^
Thomas Macy, Christopher Hussey, Richard Swain,
Thomas Barnard, Peter Coffin, Stephen Greenleaf, John
Swain, and William Pile, all that right and interest that
I have in the island of Nantucket by Patent, the right
I bought of James Forrett, steward to the Lord Sterling,
and Richard Vines, sometimes of Saco, gentleman, steward
general to Sir Fardinando George, knight, as by convey-
ance, under their hands and seals, appeareth, for them, the
aforesaid, to enjoy, and their heirs and assigns for ever,
with all the privileges thereunto belonging, for and in
consideration of the sum of Thirty pounds of current pay,
unto whomsoever I, the said Thomas Mayhew, my heirs
or assigns, shall appoint, and also, two Beaver hats, one for
myself and one for my Wife ; and further, this is to de-
clare, that I, the said Thomas Mayhew, have reserved to
myself that neck upon Nantucket, called Masquetuck,
or that neck of Land called Nashayte, the neck but
one northerly of Masquetuck, the aforesaid sale in any
wise notwithstanding; and further I, the said Thomas
Mayhew, am to . bear my part of the charges of the said
purchases above named, and to hold one twentieth part
of all lands purchased already, or shall be hereafter pur-
chased, upon the Island, by the Purchasers aforesaid, to
their heirs and assigns forever ; because it is that I really

HISTOBT OF NAKTUCKET. 5

sold all my Patent right to the aforesaid nine men, and
they are to pay me, or whomsoever I shall appoint them,
the sum of Thirty pounds in merchantable pay, in the
Massachusetts, under which Government they now Inhabit,
and two Beaver Hats ; and I am to bear one twentieth
part of the charges of the purchase; and to have a
twentieth part of all lands and privileges, and to have
which of the necks abovesaid that I will, myself paying
ior it only, the Purchasers are to pay what the Sachem is
to have for Masquetuck, though I take the other neck.
And, in witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this second day of July, [which was then the
fifth month according to the style,] 1659.

Per me, Thomas Mathew. [l. s.]

Witness 5J^"^^^''^^*

' I Edward Scale.

Although there was a verbal agreement made by the
Sachems, to sell Thomas Mayhew a large part of the
island, yet it was not formally concluded until a number
of families had moved and settled there, at which time it
was conveyed by the Sachems to the associates, by the
following instrument, which is the first to be found on the
records of the island :

These presents witness, May the tenth, sixteen hundred
and sixty, that we, Wanackmamack and Nickanoose,
bead Sachems of Nantucket island, do give, grant, bar-
gain, and sell, unto Mr. Thomas Mayhew of Martin's
Vineyard, Tristram Coflin, seniors, Thomas Macy, Chris-
topher Hussey, Richard Swain, Peter Coffin, Stephen
Crreanleaf, Thomas Barnard, John Swain, and William
Pile, all the Land, Meadow, Marshes, Timber and Wood,

6 HISTORY or NANTUCKET.

and all appurtenances thereunto belonging, and being and

lying from the west end of the island of Nantucket, unto

the Pond, called by the Indians, Waqutuquab, and from

the head of that Pond, upon a straight line, unto the Pond

situated by Monomoy Harbour or Creek, now called

Wheeler's Creek, and so from the northeast comer of the

said Pond to the Sea, that is to say, all the right that we,

the aforesaid Sachems, have in the said tract of Land,

provided that none of the Indian Inhabitants, in or about

the wood land, or whatsoever Indians, within the last

purchase of land, from the head of the Pond to Monomoy

Harbour, shall be removed without full satisfaction. And

we, the aforesaid Sachems, do give, grant, bargain, and

sell, the one half of the remainder of the Meadows and

Marshes upon all other parts of the Islands. And also,

that the English people shall have what grass they shall

need for to mow, out of the remainder of the Meadows

and Marshes on the island, so long as the English remain

upon the Island, and also free liberty for Timber and Wood,

upon any part of the island within the jurisdiction. And

also, we, the aforesaid Sachems, do fully grant free liberty

to the English for the feeding all sorts of Cattle on any

part of the island, after Indian harvest is ended until

planting time, or until the first day of May, from year to

year for ever, for and in consideration of twelve pounds

already paid, and fourteen pounds to be paid within three

months after the date hereof.

To have and to hold the aforesaid purchase of land,
and other appurtenances, as aforementioned, to them,
Mr. Thomas Macy, Tristram Coffin, Thomas Mayhew,
and the rest, aforementioned, and their heirs and assigns,
for ever.

HISTOBY OF NANTUCKET. 7

In witness whereof^ we, the said Sachems, have here-
unto set our hands and seals, the day and year above
written.

The sign of Wanackmamack, [ S. ]
The sign of Nickanoose. [ S. ]
Signed, sealed and delivered, in the presence of us,
Petek Folger,
Felix Kuttashamaq,uat,
Edward Starbuck.

I do witness this deed to be a true deed, according to
the interpretation of Felix the interpreter ; also, I heard
Wanackraamack, but two weeks ago, say that the sale,
made by Nickanoose and he, should be good, and that
they would do so, whatever comes of it.

Witness ray hand,- this 17th of first month, 1664.

Peter Folger.

Witness,

Mary Starbuck,

The mark of John (J. C.) Coffin.

Wanackmaraack and Nickanoose acknowledged the
above written to be their act and deed, in the presence of
the General Court, this 12th of June, 1677, as attest.

Matthew Mayhew,
Secretary to the Gen. Court,

The island was now fairly purchased of the original
patentee, and a greater part of it of the natives. It was
owned by an association, most of whom resided at Salis-
bury, in the county of Essex, in Massachusetts. The
piUrehasers immediately began to make their arraogemeDts

8 HISTO&T OF NANTUCKET.

to move thither with their families, and to improve the
land. Accordingly, in the year 1659, the first family
settled in the place, of which fiunily a more particular
account will hereafter be given*

The Island of Nantucket is situated about 30 miles
south of the main or continent; 60 miles S. E. fiom
New Bedford ; 100 miles S. S. E. from Boston ; and
382 miles E. N. E. from Philadelphia. It lies in north
latitude 41© 15' 22"; in west longitude 70« r56". It
contains nearly 30,000 acres of land, and is about 14
miles long, east and west, and 3i broad, on an average,
north and south. The principal harbor is on the north
side, in the bottom or bend of an extensive bay, which is
formed by two projecting points, one at the N. E. and
the other at the N. W. part of the bland; both of which
extend in a northwesterly direction.' The most western
of these points is called Smith's Point, the other Sandy
or Great Point ; on the latter stands a light-house. The
harbor is nearly landlocked by two points of beach, about
three quarters of a mile apart, one on the east called
Coetue, the other on the west, called Brant Point.
Within these points, and on the west side, are the wharves
and town. Nearly two miles from the shore, to the
northward of the harbor, is a bar, which all vessels, com-
ing b or out, are under the necessity of passing. Vessels
drawing nine feet of water may, with good pilots, pass
over this bar and into the harbor. When a vessel comes
to the bar drawing too great a draft of water to admit of
her passing it with safety, lighters are sent, into which her
cargo is discharged till she is sufficiently lightened.

The many shoals to the eastward of the island, and the
great South Shoal to the southward, render the navigation

BISTORT or NANTUCKET. 9

difficult and compel those not acquainted to keep a safe
distance at sea. Although there are no ledges of rocks,
nor rocky shores, around the island, yet it is not uniire-
quent, especially in the winter, that vessels lose their way
and are wrecked on some part. Such misfortunes, though
causing much destruction of property, are not frequently
attended with loss of lives.

The channel or sound, between the island and conti-
nent, is safe for vessels drawing sixteen feet of water ; a
greater depth would subject them to danger.

On the north of Smith's Point, before mentioned, which
projects several miles in a northwesterly direction, is
Tuckemuck, an island containing about 1,000 acres of
land, and inhabited by a few families. This island was
once covered with wood, but is now bare except about
a hundred acres, from which sheep and cattle have, for a
few years, been excluded, and which are now occupied
by thriving forest trees. There are two other islands a
little to the north and west of Tuckemuck, one called
M uskeeket, the other Gravelly Island ; both are small and
sandy, and without inhabitants.

The Island of Nantucket is generally of a sandy soil,
and would not rate above a middling quality, compared
with the adjacent continent, although, when first settled
by the English, the soil was good and produced equal to
any part of the country. In proof of this, the following
account of the luxuriancy of the soil, though many years
after the island was settled, will show, in some degree,
the great contrast between that time and the present.
Ebenezer Barnard, a man of strict veracity, in the year
1729,. tilled five acres in the general cornfield, at that time
on the north side of the island, between the Liong Pond, so

10 BISTORT OF NANTUCKET.

called, and the west end of the town, a tract of land below
the medium quality. -From these five acres he gathered
250 bushels of good corn, and this quantity was con-
sidered rather less than an average for that year's growth.
This may be accounted an uncommon growth for any
country, still we are inclined to believe in the correctness
of the account. The following will show the diminished
fertility of the land from that time. In the year 1773,
the cornfield was at Madaket and Smith's Point, at the
northwesterly part of the island. The land then pro-
duced 20 bushels, on an average, to the acre, which was
considered a remarkably good crop. Since that time the
crops have gradually lessened, and within a few years
they would not average more than 10 or 15 bushels to
the acre. There are many reasons which might be
assigned for this declension : amongst these, the following
may be worthy of consideration. At the time of the
settlement of the island it was covered with wood, which
protected the crops from the raw easterly winds, and by
a continued supply of falling leaves and other decaying
vegetation preserved the richness of the soil. The fire-
quent ploughing of the land, since it was cleared of trees,
has exposed the soil to the action of bleak winds, to
which the island is very subject, and by which it is blown
into the sea. Besides the plentiful production of com,
much wheat was raised. These and other productions
sometimes exceeded the wants of the inhabitants, and
were carried to Boston and other places to be exchanged
for other articles of merchandise.

The land, weakened by the causes above-mentioned,
has in many places been overrun by beach grass, which
has advanced from the margin of the sea towards the

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 11

interior, and covered large tracts. This kind of grass
grows best in a sandy soil ; it rises to the Jieight of about
two feet, and is better calculated for brooms than for fod-
der : early in the spring, however, when it begins to
grow, it is tender and wholesome food for all kinds of
stock. Notwithstanding the many causes which have
operated to diminish the natural fertility of the soil, there
are many hundreds of acres under good improvement,
which produce heavy growths of hay, com, and the com-
mon culinary vegetables. There are some excellent
farms and fine gardens, in which some of the luxuries, as
well as many of the necessaries, of life are annually raised,
The cultivation of the grape has, within a few years,
attracted the attention of several agriculturists, and it has
been proved that both the soil and climate are admirably
adapted to the cultivation of this delicious fruit. Hun-
dreds of bushels of the Isabella, and considerable quan-
tities of other kinds, are annually produced.

The wood, that grew here, was of the same kind as that
found on the adjacent parts of the continent.* A great
proportion of it was oak, of an uncommonly hard and
firm, texture. It was used for the frames of houses and
other mechanical purposes : some buildings, now standing,
framed of this wood, appear to be as sound as ever.

♦The face of the island is generally level; there are
some elevations but no remarkably high hills. There is
a considerable number of ponds, some pretty extensive,
and well supplied with fish, others small, and serving only
as watering places for cattle, or resorts of small shore
birds, which are numerous. There are also many swamps,
some containing from 100 to 300 acres ; those situated
near the town have been cleared, and made into valuable

13 HISTORY or NAMTUCKST.

meadow land. A considerable quantity of good salt
meadow is fouQd bordering on the numerous creeks. But
few rocks and not many stony places are to be met with.
Among the minerals, found on the island, may be named
large beds of blue clay, and also of peat, as abounding.
Boulders of granite are common on the hills ; specimens
of bog iron are found in one location. Fragments of feld-
spar and porphyry are common. Pebbles of jasper are
found on the seashore, and handsome specimens of am-
ber are occasionally picked up there. Fossil shells are
often found at considerable depths, when smking wells.

The inquiry is frequently made by strangers, whether
the island increases or decreases in size. On the author-
ity of long and accurate observation it may be stated, that
there has been a decrease, and in some places to a con-
siderable extent. On the east and south some hundreds
of acres have been washed away, and, if We may credit
the accounts of our ancestors, a greater quantity from the
north.

If the decrease tvere in regular proportions from year
to year, it might be ascertained, by a simple calculation, at
what time the whole island would become extinct. But
this cannot be done ; for in some years there b even an
increase, in others but little loss, in others again, in con-
sequence of hard and repeated storms, such has been the
waste, that the final destruction would seem to be the
easy work of a very few centuries.

(13)

CHAPTER II.

The first emigration of the whites, or English, to the
island being one of the most interesting parts of this ac-*
count, we shall endeavor to be as explicit on the subject
as the nature of the work, and the means possessed, will
admit. Our information, however, falls far short of what
is necessary to form a complete history.

Thomas Macy being the first settler, it will . not be
deemed a needless digression, to state what we know of
his early biography. In the year 1640, being then a
young man, he moved with his family from the town of
Chilmark, in Wiltshire, England, and settled in Salisbury,
county of Essex, in Massachusetts. He lived here in good
repute twenty years, where he acquired a good interest,
consisting of a tract of land of 1,000 acres, a good house,
and considerable stock. But when this part of the country
became more thickly setded by the English, dissensions
arose among the people in regard to religion and religious
denominations. Notwithstanding the purpose of their
emigration from the mother country was that they might
enjoy liberty of conscience in religious matters, they
themselves commenced the work of persecution, and
enacted laws to restrain people from worshipping God
according to the dictates of their consciences. Among
other restraints, a law was made, that any person, who
should entertain one of the people called Quakers, should
pay a fine of five pounds for every hour during which he

14 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

SO entertained them. Thomas Macy subjected himself to
the rigor of this law by giving shelter to four Quakers, who
stopped at his house in a rain storm. This act was soon
sounded abroad, for, being influenced by a sense of duty,
he had used no means to conceal it. Being cited to
answer for the offence, he addressed the following letter
to the court, the original of which is preserved in the
cabinet of the Nantucket Athenaeum : —

" This is to entreat the honoured Court not to be
offended because of my non-appearance. It is not from
my slighting the authority of the honoured Court, nor fear
to answer the case ; b^it have been for some weeks past
very ill, and am so at present ; and notwithstanding my
illness, yet I, desirous to appear, have done my utmost
endeavor to hire a horse, but cannot procure one at
present. I, being at present destitute, have endeavored
to purchase one, but at present cannot attain it — ^but I
shall relate the truth of the case, as my answer would be
to the honoured Court — and more cannot be proved, nor
so much. On a rainy morning, there came to my house,
Edward Wharton and three men more ; * the said Whar-
ton spoke to me, saying that they were travelling eastward,
and desired me to direct them in the way to Hampton ;
and never saw any of the men afore except Wharton,
neither did I enquire their names or what they were ; but
by their carriage I thought they might be Quakers, and
said I so : and therefore desired them to pass on, in their

' Two of these men were William Robinson, merchant, of London,
and Marmaduke Stephenson, of Yorkshire, England. They were
hanged in Boston, on the 27th of the 10th month, 1659, for supporting
the Christian principle, as believed bj the people called Quakers.

HISTORY OF NAKTtrCKET. 15

^y_«aying to them, I might possibly give offence in en-
tertaining them, and soon as the violence of the rain ceased^
(for it rained hard,) they went away, and I never saw them
since. The time that they staid in the house was about
three quarters of an hour ; they spoke not many words,
in the time, neither was I at leisure to talk with them ;
for I came home wet to the skin, immediately afore they
came to the house ; and I found my wife sick in l)ed. If
this satisfy not the honoured Court, I shall submit to their
sentence. I have not willingly offended — I am ready to
serve and obey you in the Lord.

27 of 8th mo. '59, [1659.] Thomas Mact."

He could now live no longer in peace, and in the en-
joyment of religious fr-eedora, among his own nation ; he
chose therefore to remove his family to a place unsettled
by the whites, to take up his abode among savages, where
he could safely imitate the example and obey the precepts
of our Saviour, and where religious zeal had not yet dis-
covered a crime in hospitality, nor the refinements of civil
law, a punishment for its practice. In the fall of 1659,
he embarked in an open boat, with his family and such
effects as he could conveniently take with him, and, with
the assistance of Edward Starbuck, proceeded along the
shore to the westward. When they came to Boston bay,
they crossed it, passed round Cape Cod, and extended
their course by the shore until they were abreast of the
island to the northward, thence they crossed the sound,
and landed on Nantucket without accident. Thus we
see, that the same persecuting spirit, that drove our fore-
fathers from England, drove Thomas Macy from our
"orefathers ; that the same undaunted courage, which

16 HISTORY or NANTUCKET.

enabled them to breast the stoim, and dare the wave, in
search of a free altar and a safe home, prompted him, in
search of the same blessings, to meet the same dangers.
He sacrificed his property and his home to his religion ;
be found both in a remote region hitherto hardly known.
His religion, we mean not its name, but its spirit, has been
transmitted to the present generation, unsullied by the
crime of persecution or by the disgrace of inhospitality.

The first care of these strangers was to cultivate a good
understanding with the natives, whom they found very
numerous, and who flocked around them with seeming
amazement, havbg never before had an opportunity to
see English people on the island. The natives were kbd
and hospitable, and readily lent their aid and assistance
whenever they could make themselves useful ; bemg
fully satisfied that these new comers had not landed
among them with hostile intentions, but in search of a
comfortable subsistence. Macy now examined the island
adjacent to the place of landing, and finally chose a spot
for settlement on the south east side of Madaket harbor,
where he found a rich soil and an excellent spring of
water. The harbor above-mentioned was undoubtedly
thought to be more convenient for navigation, than the
one on which the town is now built : but when the island
became more peopled, the present situation of the town
was preferred to Madaket, and the latter was accordingly
abandoned.

It being now late in the fall, the first care was to build
a shelter for the family against the inclemency of the
approaching season. After this was accomplished, they
commenced a particular examination of the character of the
place and of the people. They found thei island covered

HISTORT O* KANTUCKET. 17

vhb wood, and inhabited by about fideen hundred Indians,
who depended for subsistence on fishing, fowling, and
hunting. Game was remarkably plenty, and continued so
many years afterward ; and the adjacent shores and waters
abounded with many kinds of fish. Here they spent the
winter, a single family, confined on an island among native
Indians, of whose character and language they were almost
entirely ignorant. In the spring following, Edward Star-
buck found means to return to Salisbury, where he was
met with rejoicings by his friends, who, sensiWe of his
hazardous undertaking, had felt doubtful of his safe re^
turn. He was now able to give satisfacloiy information
concerning many important things, of which before they
were entirely ignorant. This information was the more
interesting, because, as appears by the earliest records, a
considerable number of the people of Salisbury had it in
contemplation to remove with their families to the island,
about the lime when Thomas Macy went there. In
1660, Edward Starbuck returned to the island, accom-
panied by eight or ten families.

It appears on record, that a number of persons at Salis-
bury associated and purchased the patent-right of the
island. A short transcript of this record will explain, in
a clearer method than it can otherwise be done, the pre-
liminary means by which the island became settled by
white inhabitants.

Salisbury. " Town order 2d of July, 1659 ; These

persons after mentioned did buy all right and interest of

the Island of Nantucket, that did belong to Sir Ferdinando

George, and the Lord Sterling ; Mr. Richard Vines

Steward, Gentleman to Sir Ferdinando Georges ; and

18 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

Mr. James Forret, Stewturd to the Liord Sterling ; whidfa
was by them sold unto Mr. Thomas Mayhew of Martha's
Vineyard, these after mentioned did purchase of Mr*
Thomas Mayhew these rights, namely, the Patent-rights
belonging to the Gentlemen aforesaid, and also the parcel
of land, which Mr. Mayhew did purchase of the Indians
at the west end of the Island of Nantucket, as by then:
grant or bill of sale will largely appear, with all the
privileges and appurtenances thereof."

^^ The aforesaid purchasers are, Tristram Coffin, senior,
Thomas Macy, Richard Swain, Thomas Barnard, Peter
6offin, Christopher Hussey, Stephen Greenlief, John
Swain and William Pile ; and Thomas Mayhew retained
one tenth in his own right ; they had the whole and
sole interest, disposal, power and privileges of the said
Island, and appurtenances thereof. (Thomas Mayhew
Jurthermore retained in his own right, separate from the
association, that part of the Island called Masquetuck, or
Quaise.")

" The aforesaid ten persons were called the first ten
purchasers of the Patent-right of the Island. — For a more
particular description the reader is referred to the county
records of Nantucket; where may be found many other
extracts from the original records at Salisbury, concern'-
ing the establishment of the first proprietorship of the
Island."

" The aforesaid ten purchasers, finding it necessary to
encourage emigration to the Island, agreed at a meeting
held at Salisbury in the year 1659, which is the same
year the first purchase was made, for each owner to take
in a partner or associate, which should be left to the choice
of each individual to elect one. The persons so chosen

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 19

were John Smith, Nathaniel Starbuck, Robert Pike,
Thomas Look, Robert Barnard, James Coffin, Tristram
Coffin, junior, Thomas Coleman, Edward Starbuck, and
Thomas Maybe w. They agreed, at the same meeting,
that all purchases made of the Indians by any of the
associates at any time hereafter, should be for and on
account of the whole Proprietorship. This was done to
prevent any contrivance in one's taking the advantage
over another, which was. generally adhered to, until all
the Island was purchased of the Indians.'^

After this they removed with their families, and took
possession by agreement of such parts as were best suited
to their interest or convenience. Still they found it ne-
cessary to add to the number of inhabitants ; and particu-
larly to encourage the emigration of mechanics and other
artists. To effect this they offered to such, if they would
come and settle among them, certain parts of shares in all
the privileges they themselves enjoyed. By this means
the number of shares was increased to twenty-seven,
which still continues to be the number of shares, under
the denomination of the common and undivided land on
the island of Nantucket.

These twenty-seven shares include the whole island,
except the place called Quaise or Masquetuck, which
Thomas Mayhew reserved to himself, when he conveyed
the island to the first ten purchasers, as stated in his
deed. It is to be understood that the Sachem right was
not bought at the time of the aforesaid conveyance, but
that it was purchased afterwards, by the English, and at
different times until the natives had sold all their right
throughout the island. These purchases from the natives
were numerous. It was found that they owned the land

20 HISTORY OF NANTUCKKT.

io small tracts, each one having his own bounds to an
exactness that was surprising, considering that the culture
of the land was not then an object of importance to them.
Although the natives sold their rights b the land, it was
always considered good policy to allow them the privilege
of tilling as much as they pleased, for through this indul-
gence they were encouraged to contribute to their own
wants by their own industry. It was the usual practice
of the Indians in the spring, previous to undertaking
voyages in the whaling service, to plough as much land
as would be sufficient for their families during the suc-
ceeding summer, except some unavoidable occurrence
should prevent, in which case they were assisted by
the English. But notwithstanding thb encouragement it
frequently occurred, either through indolence or mebri-
ety, that little or no care was taken to provide for their
families. This neglect finally became so troublesome to
the English, that in process of time it became necessary
to resort to some remedy. The expedient adopted was
this ; one of the most firm and intelligent of the natives,
by the name of Kadooda, was selected and deputized as
an auxiliary justice of the peace. It was made his duty
to decide on such complaints for trivial offences as might
come before him. Neglect of tilling the ground was not
one of the least crimes that came under his jurisdiction.
In some instances he was authorized, or rather indulged,
to inflict corporal punishment. His mode of administering
justice was in many cases found of real benefit ; yet in
some others, the legal justices found their interference
necessary, since Esquire Kadooda was liable to extend his
authority beyond the bounds of prudence. It is related,
we cannot say with what correctness, that, in some cases
brought before him, his first proceeding was to order both

fitlSTORir OP NANTUCKET. 21

parties to be severely whipped. It is fuj^ber said, that
this process bad the effect of lessening the nunnber of
complaints, and of rendering his duties light ; and that
otherwise his whole tfme would have been taken up in
his official calling. Whatever may be the truth of this
matter, one thing is certain, that ^' Kadooda's laws," have
become proverbial ; and it is not going too far, we think,
to say that their adoption, even in our times, if not strictly
legal, would, in some instances, be morally just.

The next consideration of moment, was the best method
of improvement. It must be borne in mind, that, at this
period, there was but a small portion of land cleared, and
capable of being stocked or tilled to advantage. On this
account it was agreed by the proprietors, as we may now
style them, that the privilege of stocking to each share,
should be limited by the extent of the land cleared ; and
that each proprietor should stock his own, at his own
election, allowing eight sheep to be equal to one neat
beast, and two neat beasts to one horse. As the land
became more cleared, the privilege of stocking was ex-
tended to each share until it amounted to seven hundred
and twenty sheep, or other stock in the proportion above
stated. Thus the stocking privilege of the proprietors
collectively, amounts to twenty-seven times seven hun-
dred and twenty, or nineteen thousand four hundred and
forty sheep, — or two thousand four hundred and thirty
neat beasts,— -or one thousand two hundred and fifteen
horses,—- or to a part of each according to the interest or
convenience of each proprietor.

At the same time, and fi*om year to year, a certain
tract was fenced off from the stock and appropriated to a
general com field, which was laid out into twenty-sevan

32 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

shares ; and the proprietors of each share improved
their own privileges according to a subdivision among
themselves. The proprietors of these com fields rarely
manured them ; hence they gathered small crops, aver-
aging about fifteen, but sometimes not exceeding ten
bushels to the acre. This practice continued more than
an hundred years in succession ; but within a few years,
it is said that the land is so worn out, and the soil blown
into the sea, that the produce will not pay the expense
of cultivation. On this account the field is for the present
not laid out.

The island being owned and improved in common, the
sheep have not had that attention m the winter, which it
is the general practice of farmers in the country to give
to them. They are suffered to run at large throughout
the year, exposed in winter to the bleak winds and cold
storms, with no place of shelter provided for them. The
forest has disappeared, and the greatest part of the island
is left a naked plain, where the gale meets with no
obstruction and animals find no refuge. It sometimes
happens that many sheep are covered in heavy falls of
snow, and perish before relief can be afforded, though a
large number of men are employed to release them. This
mode of keeping sheep may'to some appear wrong and
even cruel ; but it may be observed that ihe proprietors
have always been in that practice, and, by long custom,
have become so reconciled to the measure, that the
thought of doing wrong has almost become extinct.
There are generally from eight to ten thousand sheep
owned on the island.

The proprietors, in the early period of the settlement,
feund it most conducive to their interest and convenience

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 23

to lay out in severalty certain tracts or parcels of land
into twenty-seven shares, in order that each proprietor
might enjoy and improve his own share, as suited him
best. The following schedule will present at one view
all the different tracts laid out, when they were laid out,
and the quantity of each.

Date. Acres. Rods.

1659. Quaisaor Masquetuck, which Thomas -v

Mayhew reserved to himself when / ^^^ i a
the island was conveyed by him to C
the associates. ^

" Special grants at different times.

" Held by possession by sundry people.
1678. Shimmo and Showkemmo Meadow.

" Pod pis Meadow.

" South Monomoy.

" Wesco Acre lots, within the town.
1717. Fish Lots, " « "

" Shimmo,
1723. House Lots,

" Ware House Lot, within the town,
1723 and 1777. Swamps,
1744. Bochocheco, within the town,
1732. Brant Point Meadow,
1678. Pookoomo Meadow, salt, and fresh,
1726 — 1. West Monomoy, within the town,

" South Monomoy,
1765. North Beach, 1st division,
1805. North Beach, 2d "
1765. and 1805. South Beach, 1st and 2nd

division,
1775. Southeast quarter of the island,

1778. Croskatu, 349 146

1779. Squam and Pookoomo, 2109 29

130

108

150

.._

158

121

1242

534

119

110

2456

158

24 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

1776. Maddekeet Swamp, 68 —

** Maddekeet JVI#adow, 27 17

1813. Plainfield, 2173 154

1810. Gibb's Swamp, 380 —

1820. A tract of land called the Woods, not

a tree upon it, 513 —

" Foot of the Plains, 506 —
'^ Salt Meadow, at the west end of the

island, 70 —

1821. Middle Pasture, 2106 —
" North Pasture, 1587 —
« Trot's Hills, 513 —
« Great Neck, 304 —
« Head of the Plains, 567 —
" Smooth Hummocks, 1566 —
" Maddekeet, 274 —

18,387 22
According to a survey of the whole ^
island, made in 1813, it was found > 29,380 67
that it contained, )

1822. Which leaves of the common land ) , ^ ^^0 an

undivided, J ^^>^^^ ^^

It is believed, by many, that nearly all the divisions of
common fend, made since 1775, have proved detrimental
to the interests of the proprietors generally ; and it is
urged that every instance of division has had a tendency
to destroy the system by which the proprietors were
governed in their corporate capacity, and so to change
the mode of improvement as to render the land less pro-
ductive. This has had a very material effect to lessen
the price of land of that description.

The records of the first proprietors were kept at Salis-
bury, where, together with the house in which they wero

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 25

kept, they were burnt by accident. This circumstance
Occasioned some embarrassment, as no part was preserved
except a few extracts which had occasionally been made.

It is not our purpose to enter particularly into the pro-
ceedings of the proprietors, or to record the rules, orders
and regulations, by which they have governed themselves.
A volume would be required for this purpose, and it would
then be understood by few, and fewer stiU, perhaps, would
be interested in it.

The settlers found themselves among a race of beings
who were peaceable, when well used ; they were careful,
therefore, to keep up a good understanding with them.
The natives were willing to labor for them, provided they
were in some way compensated ; they were also willing
to sell their land, which was from time to time purchased
of them ; the whites never presuming to claim privileges
which they had not fairly paid for. Deeds of conveyance
were made and recorded whenever there were any pur-
chases, and a right was always granted to the natives,
notwithstanding the sale of their lands, to use as much as
was necessary for the support of their families.

The first mill, of which we have any record, was one built
in 1666, for grinding com. During the previous year,
the town voted to have a mill to grind their grain, which
was to go by horse power. This vote, we know not for
what reason, was not carried into effect. The one which
they erected was carried by water, and was located on
Wesco Pond. Peter Folger was agreed with to keep
this mill,^and his toll was fixed at two quarts for each
bushel. This Peter Folger was an inhabitant of Martha's
Vineyard. He was invited to remove with his family to
Nantucket, to officiate as miller, weaver, and interpreter

96 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

of the Indian language ; his son Eleazer was to act as
shoemaker ; and^ as a proper encouragement to these
several occupations, a grant of one half of a share of land,
with all the accommodations thereunto belonging, was
made to the father. He accepted the invitation, and, in
1663, removed thither. In 1667 he took charge of the
mill. Besides laboring in the callings above-mentioned,
be acted as surveyor of land.

The inhabitants did not immediately conclude, upon
what part of the island to establish the town. Each one,
according to his occupation, whether farming or fishing,
took up his residence and homestead on the part most
suited to his calling, having regard to his ownership. But
they generally chose to settle on the north side of the
island, finding there the best land and the best springs of
water.

The number of inhabitants was now fast increasing*
They had amongst them a sufficient number of mechanics
and other artisans to perform all the dififerent branches
of business necessary for their comfortable subsistence.
Rules and regulations were established for their own
government; but the records of those times are nearly
silent on this subject. Two reasons may be assigned for
this ; first, the number of inhabitants was yet small, and
as each attended to his own business, they did not require
much formality in their government ; second, they were
so illiterate that the little of their writings that have come
down to us, is hardly legible or intelligible. The occu-
pation of the people was such as to require little school
education. The farmers, the fishermen and mechanics,
exchanged their commodities with each other without
keeping regular accounts. Their natural dependence and

BISTORT OF KANTUCKET. 27

common wants led them to be obliging and accommodat-
ing. A piece of chalk and the inside of a door frequently
supplied the place of pen and day-book ; indeed, many of
their business transactions were trusted wholly to mem-
ory. If the farmer happened to be out of certain articles,
which he expected to reap from his land in proper season
of gathering, he would borrow of his neighbor, who
would lend without reluctance. These were debts of the
highest responsibility, and were always carefully paid.

Although the natives were kind and obliging to the
English, yet it was discovered that they had not always
lived in harmony among themselves. A little previous
to the settlement by the whites, there had been a war
between the tribes of the east and those of the west end
of the island. The mode in which this controversy was
settled is somewhat singular. The king of the west end
married the daughter of the king of the east ; after this pre-
liminary, they agreed on a divison line across the island,
running north and south, and covenanted that if the sub-
jects of either party crossed it with hostile intentions, they
should be immediately put to death. After this treaty of
peace the parties were never again at' war with each
other.

The whaling business was not commenced, till several
years after the settlement of the island. In the interval
the people were occupied in farming, or in 6shing near
the shores. Fish were plenty and easily caught. The
Indians were instructed in the mode of fishing practised
by the whites, and in return the whites were assisted by
the Indians in pursuing the business. Previous to their
acqua'mtance with the English, the natives fished with a
rude lipe of twisted grass^ to which they attached a largf

S8 HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET.

Stone for a sinker, and a clumsy hook of bone. Some of
the sinkers, just mentioned, remain to this daj. They
resemble a ship's block in form, and weigh two or three
pounds. With this inconvenient apparatus they caught
but few fish, compared with the number attained by the
better adapted hook and line of the Europeans.

The fiist whaling expedition was undertaken by some
of the original purchasers of the island ; the circumstances
of which are handed down by tradition, and are as fol-
lows : — A whale, of the kind called " scragg," came into
the harbor and continued there three days. This ex-
cited the curiosity of the people, and led them to devise
measures to prevent his return out of the harbor. They
accordingly invented, and caused to be wrought for thdm^
a harpoon with which they attacked and killed the whale.
This first success encouraged them to undertake whaling
as a permanent business ; whales being at that time numer-
ous in the vicinity of the shores. In furtherance of their
design, they made a contract with James Lopar, to settle
on the island and engage in the business. The agreement
was as follows, copied verbatim from the original record :

"5th 4th mo. 1672 James Lopar doth Ingage to carry
on a design of Whale Citching on the Island of Nantuck-
ket, that is the said James Ingage to be a third in all re-
speekes, and som of the Town Ingage Also to Carrey on
the other two thirds with him in like manner, the Town
doth also Consent, that first one Company shal begin and
afterward the rest of the freeholders or any of them, have
liberty to set up an other Company Provided that they
make a tender to those freeholders that have no share in
the first Company and if any refuse, the Rest may go on

HTSTORT OF NANTUCKlST. S9

themselves, and the Town do also logage that no other
Company shal be allowed hereafter, Also whosoever Kil
any whale of the Company or Coropanys aforesaid ihey
ar to pay to the Town for every such Whale five Shil-
lings — and for the Incorragement of the said James Lo-
par the Town doth grant him Ten Acres of Land in som
convenant place, that he may Chuse in, (Wood Land
exceped) and also Liberty for the Commonge. of thre
Cows and twenty Sheep and one horse with necessary
Wood and water for his use on Conditions that he follow
the Trade of Whaleing on the Island two years in all the
season thereof, beginning the first of March next insuing.
Also is to build upon his land, and when he leaves Inhabit-
ing upon the Island then he is first to ofer his Land to
the Town at a Valluable price, and if the Town do not
buy it — ^then he may Sel it to whome he please — ^the
commonage is granted only for the time he stays here."

As it now appeared, that there was a prospect of car-
rying the business of whaling into effect, the town, willing
to give it every encouragement that it required, according
to their knowledge and ability, agreed with John Savage
to remove thither with his family and to serve them in
the occupation of cooper ; and to induce his compliance,
to give him ten acres of land, and commonage for three
cows and one horse ; nearly on the same conditions as
above-mentioned, in relation to Lopar.

How far this plan succeeded, we are in a great measure
unacquainted ; the profits of the business were sufiicient,
however, to encourage its pursuit. Finding that the peo-
ple of Cape Cod had made greater proficiency in the art
of whale catching than themselves, the inhabitants, in

30 HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET.

1690, sent thither and employed a man by the name of
Ichabod Padduck, to instruct them in the best manner of
killing whales and extracting their oil. The pursuit of
whales commenced in boats from the shore, and increased
from year to year, till it became the principal branch of
business with the islanders. The Indians, ever manifest-
ing a disposition for fishing of every kind, readily joined
with the whites in this new pursuit, and willingly submit-
ted to any station assigned them. By their assistance,
the whites were enabled to fit out and man a far greater
number of boats th^n they could have done of them-
selves. Nearly every boat was manned in part, many
almost entirely, by natives : some of the most active of
them were made steersmen, and some were allowed even
to head the boats : thus encouraged, they soon became
experienced whalemen, and capable of conducting any
part of the business.

The whaling business did not put a stop to the cod
fishery, which was at the same time carried on from the
south and east sides of the island. The habitations of
the people were scattered, and mostly remote from the
shore ; small huts were accordingly erected near the sea-
side, for shelter in cold and , boisterous weather. In pro-
cess of time these buildings amounted to a considerable
number, and two considerable villages sprung up on the
east side, one called Sesacacha, the other Siasconset.
The former of these a few years since contained about
thirty houses, of which but one is now remaining ; the
latter consists of about sixty, but they are at present used
as places of resort during the heat of summer.

They sometimes, in pleasant days, during the winter
season, ventured oS in their boats nearly out of sight of

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 31

hnd. It has often been remarked by the aged, that the
winters were not so windy and boisterous at that time as
at present, though quite as cold ; and that it would some-
times continue calm a week or even a fortnight.

The process called saving the whales after they had
been killed and towed ashore, was to use a crabj an in-
strument similar to a capstain, to heave and turn the
blubber off as fast as it was cut. The blubber was then
put into their carts and carried to their try-houses, which,
at that early period, were placed near to their dwelling-
houses where the oil was boiled out and fitted for market.

To enable them to discover whales at a considerable
distance from the land, a large spar was erected, and cleats
fixed to them, by which the whalemen could climb to the
top, and there keep a good look out for their game. There
was no perceptible decrease of the number of whales during
the period of the first thirty or forty years from the com-
mencement of the fishery. It appears that in 1726 they
were very numerous, for eighty-six were taken in that
year, a greater number than were obtained in any one
year, either before or since that date. The greatest num^
ber ever killed and brought to the shore in one day was
eleven. This mode of whaling continued until about the
year 1760, when the whales became scarce, and it was
by degrees discontinued. Since that date, whales have
only occasionally been obtained by boats from the shore.

It is remarkable, that, notwithstanding the people had
to learn the business of whaling, and to carry it on under
many hazardous circumstances, yet not a single white
person was killed or drowned in the pursuit, in the course
of seventy years preceding 1760. The whales hitherto
caught near the shores were of the Right species.

32 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

The first Spermaceti whale, known to the inhabitants,
was found dead, and ashore, on the southwest part of the
island. It caused considerable excitement, some demand-
ing a part of the prize under one pretence, some under
another, and all were anxious to behold so strange an
animal. There were so many claimants of the prize, that
it was difficult to determine to whom it should belong.
The natives claimed the whale because they found it;
the whites, to whom the natives made known their dis-
covery, claimed it by a right comprehended, as they
affirmed, in the purchase of the island by the original
patent. An officer of the crown made his claim, and
pretended to seize the fish in the name of his majesty, as
being property without any particular owner. After con-
siderable discussion between these contending parties, it
was finally settled chat the white inhabitants, who first
found the whale, should share the prize equally amongst
themselves. The teeth, which were considered very valu-
able, had been extracted by a white man and an Indian,
before any others had any knowledge of the whale. All
difficulty being now settled, a company was formed who
commenced cutting the whale in pieces convenient for
transportation to their try-works. The sperm procured
fit)m the head was thought to be of great value for medi-
cal purposes. It was used both as an internal and an ex-
ternal application ; and such was the credulity of the
people, that they considered it a certain cure for all dis-
eases ; it was sought with avidity, and, for a while, was
esteemed to be worth its weight in silver. The whole
quantity of oil obtained from this whale is not known.

Whales being plenty near the shores, people were led
to conclude that they should find them still more numerous

HISTORT OF NANTUCKET. 33

were they to pursue them with vessels into the " deep."
That the pursuit of whales into the ocean was early anti*
cipated, we know by an anecdote related by one of our
ancestors. In the year 1690, the same in which Ichabod
Paddock was sent for from Cape Cod, as before related,
some persons were on a high hill, afterwards called Folly
House Hill, observing the whales spouting and sporting
with each other, when one observed " there,^^ pointing to
the sea, " is a green pasture where our children's grand-
children will go for bread.'' It was many years, bow-
ever, before they began to whale with vessels, but at what
precise time it happened we have no means of knowing.
Previous to whaling in vessels, it was necessary to
determine where the harbor should be. It has already
been mentioned that the one at Madaket was at first pre-
ferred, but this was afterwards relinquished for the present
harbor, which is larger, more land-locked, and in many
other respects better adapted to the purposes of navigation
than the first mentioned. The south side of this harbor
was first selected for the site of the town ; the proprietors,
therefore, laid out house lots, or homesteads, of one hun-
dred rods in length, and three or four rods in width.
But many inconveniences were afterwards found to attend
this location, and the present situation of the town was
soon after selected. It being now determined where the
town should be, it became necessary to give it a name,
and it was accordingly called Sherburne, by order of
Francis Lovelace, Esqr., Governor of the Province of
New York, in his written directions, bearing date, April
18th, 1673.

When the island was first settled by the English, it was,
as already mentioned, under the government of the pro-

34 HI8T0ET OF NANTUCKET.

Vbce of New York, which ratified and coDfirmed the first
purchase of the island from Lord SteriiDg, and also
allowed the several purchases made of the Maybews and
the Indians to be valid ; and grants and patents were made
by Governor Lovelace to the people of Nantucket in the
year 1671, and afterwards confirmed by successive gov-
ernors of the said province of New York, whereby the
proprietors were allowed many privileges which they
afterwards enjoyed and considered as their standing rules.
Some valuable and exclusive privileges respecting the
fisheries around the island, and in the bays, coves, bar*
bors, &c., were granted by the same authority, to the
inhabitants, they payinjg certain yearly quitrents, which
was carefully attended to by them. This subordination '
of Nantucket to the government of New York continued
until William and Mary came to the throne of England.
They directed, that the lines of the "Province of Massa-
chusetts Bay," in New England, should be ascertained,
and, by the request of the inhabitants and proprietors of
the Island of Nantucket, the island was included within
these lines, and considered to be a part of Massachusetts.
This change was confirmed, in May 1693, by the follow-
ing statute of the province of Massactmsetts, and the
people of Nantucket were allowed all the privileges, of.
every kind and nature, which were allowed them by the
province of New York.

•^nno Regni ChiUelmi, et Maria, Regis et Regina^ Quinto,

Act passed by the Great and General Court or Assem-
bly of the Province of Massachusetts-Bay, in New-Eng-
land^ begun and held at Boston, the thirty-first day of
May, 1693.

||I970aY OF NANTUCKKT, 35

Chap. 2. — An act for Confirmation of Titles vnthin the
Islands of CapawoJc, alias Martha^s Vineyard^ and
NantucJcett,

Whereas their most gracious Majesties, our sovereign
Lord and Lady, King William and Queen Mart, in
and by their royal Charter or letters Patent, bearing
date at Westminster, the seventh day of October in the
third Year of their said Majesties Reign ; for the uniting,
erecting and incorporating of the Colony of the Massa-
chusetts-Bay, and Colony of New-Plymouth, the
Province of Main, the Territory called Accada, or Nova-
Scotia, and all that Tract of Land lying between the
said Territories of Nova Scotia, and the said Province of
Main, into one real Province, by the Name of the Province
of the Massachusetts-Bay, in New-England; Have
therein particularly named, comprehended and included
the Islands of Capawok and Nantuckett as part of
the said Province of the Massachusetts-Bay, and an-
nexed the same thereto: And also all Islands and Islets,
lying within ten Leagues, directly opposite to the main
Land within the said Bounds.

But for as much as the said Island of Capawok, alias
Martha's Vineyard, and the Island of Nantuckett,
were for some time under the Rule and Government of the
Province of New-York, and the Properties and Titles of
the Lands upon the said Islands respeclively, &c., fitc.

And the Inhabitants and Proprietors of Lands within
the Island of Capawok, alias Martha's Vineyard and
the Island of Nantuckett, for their better Quiet and
Satisfection, desiring this Court's Confirmation of the
same: —

36 BISTORT OF NAKTUCKET.

It is therefore declared and enacted by the GovemouTj
Council^ and Representatives^ convened in General As^
sembly, and by the Authority of the Same, That all
Lands, TenemeDts, HereditameDts and other Estates held
and enjoyed by any Person or Persons, Towns or Vil-
lages within the Islands of Capawok, alias Martha's
Vineyard and Nantuckett, and each of them respectively,
by or under any Grant or Estate duly' made or granted
by any former Government, or by the successive Gov-
emours of New York or any other lawful Right or Title
whatsoever ; shall be by such Person or Persons, Towns
or Villages, their respective Heirs, Successors and As-
signs for ever hereafter held and enjoyed, according to
the true Purport and Intent of such respective Grant,
under and subject nevertheless to the Rents and Services
thereby reserved or made payable. And are hereby rati-
fied and confirmed as fully and amply to all Intents, Con-
structions and Purposes, as the Lands in any other Parts
or Places within this Province by Virtue of their Majes-
ties' Royal Charter.

The first Spermaceti whale taken by the Nantucket
whalers, was killed by Christopher Hussey. He was
cruising near the shore for Right whales, and was blown
off some distance from the land by a strong northerly
wind, where he fell in with a school of that species of
whales, and lulled one and broughf it home. At what
date this adventure took place is cot fully ascertained, but
it is supposed to be not far from 1712. This event gave
new life to the business, for they immediately began with
vessels of about thirty tons to whale out in the " deep,"
as it was then called, <o distinguish it from shore whaling.

HISTORY OP NANTUCKET. 37

They fitted out for cruises of about six weeks, carried a
few hogsheads, enough probably to coutain the blubbers
of one whale, with which, after obtaining it, they returned
home. The owners then took charge of the blubber, and
tried out the oil, and immediately sent the vessel out
again. At the commencement of this mode of whaling,
it was found necessary to erect try-houses near the land-
ing, and a number were built on the beach a little south of
the wharves. North from these they erected small build*
ings, called ware-houses, in which they put their whaling
apparatus, and other outfits.

In 1715 the number of vessels engaged in the whaling
business was six, all sloops of firom thirty to forty tons
burthen each, which produced £1100 sterling or $4,888
88 cents.

As the shipping increased, it was found indispensably
necessary to have wharves. The first built is that now
called Straight Wharf, constructed in 1723. Previous to
this there had been places built off, called landing places,
which were but temporary, and were often broken up by
winter storms.

The island was now in a flourishing condition. The
mhabitants were fast increasing in number and wealth ;
the land was principally purchased of the natives ; it was
very productive, when improved ; the natives very cordi-
ally enlisted in the service of the whites ; fish and fowls
were plenty ; the whaling had become a itiost profitable
employment, and promised busmess for all. What a
prospect must this have been to a people like them, re-
markable for their industry and prudence, never so well
pleased as when they had as much business as they could
perform. This being the general character of the inhab-

38 HI8T0BT or KANTUCKET.

itants, they increased in wealth as fest as could be ex^
pected. This business, it is true, did not afford great
profits, less, perhaps, than almost any other ; but the pe<H
pie, being of a frugal disposition, required but little to
keep them comfortable, and there were but few among
them who aspired after great things.

As the whaling business was found to answer their ex<*
pectations, they were encouraged to increase the number
and size of their vessels. Sloops and schooners, of from
forty to fifty tons, were put into the business. Vessels
of this size being supposed to be best adapted to whaKng
near the coast, no larger ones were employed for many
years. At length whales began to be scarce near the
shore, and some enterprising persons procured larger ves-
sels and sent them out to the southward, as it was called,
where they cruised until about the first of the seventh
month, when they came in and refitted, and went to the
eastward of the Grand Bank, where they continued
through the whaling season, unless they completed their
lading sooner, which frequently happened. The vessels
that went on these voyages were generally sloops, of sixty
or seventy tons ; their crews were made up in part of In-
dians, there being usually from four to eight in each ves-
sel. They were pleased with the business, and always
ready to engage in it when called upon.

At the close of the whaling season, the vessels were
mostly drawn ' on shore for the winter, being considered
safer and less expeiisive in that situation, than at the
wharves. The boats were placed on the beach, bottom
upward and tied together, to prevent disasters in gales of
wind ; and all the whaling gear was put into the ware-
houses.

(39)

CHAPTER III.

In order to preserve some connexion in our account of the
whale fishery, we have traced it forward beyond the date
of the general history of the island. We will now return.

It has already been shown, that the purpose of the first
emigrants to the island was, to secure a free exercise of
religious faith and worship. Many were at that time de-
prived df these privileges by law. Nantucket seemed to
offer a safe retreat from the spirit of persecution then pre-
vailing, and persons of various denominations removed
thither with their families. Differing as they did in reli-
gious opinions, they exercised no intolerance towards one
another; feeling their own accountability to God, they
presumed not to assume His prerogative and arraign their
fellow-beings before a human tribunal, to answer for that
which concerned only themselves, and pertained only to
a future world.

During the first fifty years after the settlement, the
people were mostly Baptists ; there were some Presbyte-
rians, and a few of the Society of Friends. The little
community was kind and courteous to each other, and
hospitable to strangers. The prevalence of good feeling
was remarked ^nd felt by all who came among them.
The nature of their business was such as to expose them
but little to the alluring customs and habits of the vicious
part of mankind. They were industrious, and therefore
virtuous, and, consequently, happy.

40 HISTORY or NANTUCKET.

In the moderate part of the year, tbey were employed
in farming, fishing and whaling, and in the winter they
prepared materials against the coming season, such as
vessels, boats, casks, and whaling gear ; at this time they
also schooled their children. But little learning was not,
in those times, considered a very " dangerous thing." It
did not require an extensive education either to prosecute
business, or to secure a respectable standing in society.
What was necessary was attended to, all beyond was un-
known or neglected. Their employment had a tendency
to form their customs and manners in many respects.
Their dress was moderate and plain, their deportmpnt
kind and unassuming. They were satisfied wkh such
habiliments as were comfortable and fitted to the season,
disregarding the vain and foppish fashions then prevailing
among mankind in general. They were not the less
respected for th^ir singularities, as some were pleased to
call them, for they had the reputation of being an honest
people, and punctual to their promises. They easily
obtained credit for such articles as they needed, with no
other security than their owi^ promise. It was a remark-
able event that one should fail of discharging his debts,
or that an estate should be found incompetent to meet all
demands against it.

The female part of the community cordially joined and
united in these economical principles, always helpful and
careful to make all practicable savings in their depart-
ment. They were industrious, neat. and cleanly. On
the mother devolved almost every family care, both those
of the immediate household and those of a more general
nature. The husband was a great part of his time at sea,

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 41

and when on shore his calling was such as to allow him
little time for his fire-side. The education or training up
of the young was almost exclusively the business of the
matron. Great care was used to guard their children
against unnecessary expenses arising from costly fashions :
and to teach them to be moderate and prudent^ it was
constantly kept in view, that it was by hard labor that a
subsistence could be procured, and that their fathers re-
linquished home and all its comforts and encountered the
danger of the ocean, and its monsters, to procure them
bread, and clothing, and home. The natiure of their
cares, and their common interests gave rise to the most
friendly intercourse amongst them ; and were the origin
of that sociability, that absence of unmeaning ceremony,
that cordial good will, and readiness at accommodation,
which have ever characterized their descendants. They
were a motherhood, ever alive to the calls of duty and of
charity. They were always ready, with soothing appli«-
ances, to leave their homes to visit the sick, to whom
ihey administered both in the capacity of nurses and phy-
sicians. Many were skilled in the use of roots and herbs,
the medical properties of which they had learned from
the natives. For many years the healing art was prac-
tised almost exclusively by females, and more confidence
was placed in their skill than in the knowledge of men
professionally educated.

The art of surgery, especially that part relating to bone-
setting, was little understood by those who practbed it
professionally, in the early part of our history. Much
suffering consequently followed accidents requiring skilful
management. In process of time this difficulty was in
a great measure removed by Zaccheus Macy, who, though

4S H19T0RT OF NANTUCKET.

he never studied the science, became, by long experience,
assisted by good talents and accurate observation, of very
singular service to the public in bone-setting and in
various other branches of surgery. He subjected himself
to the calls of all who needed his assistance, and, what is
most remarkable in his character, as well as commend-*
able, he never received any pecuniary reward for his ser-
vices. Hfe believed it to be his duty to serve the public
without any emolument. During the time of bis prac-
tice, about fifty years, he set over two thousand dislo-
cated or broken bones, and visited his patients until they
were nearly recovered. Notwithstan4ing his great know-
ledge, there were some difficult cases^ which baffled his
skill.

The Indians lived scattered over the island in such
parts as best suited themselves. Although the emigrants
early purchased their land, they were still allowed to till
and improve as much as was necessary for their subsist-
ence. When any were about to go to sea, the whites
ploughed as much for them as their squaws and children
could cultivate.

The Indians being with the whites much of their time,
they became conversant together, and learned each other's
language, which rendered the former very useful in the
whaling business, as well as in many other respects ; as
they were often employed by the whites in various kinds
of labor.

King Philip, sachem of Mount Hope, in the year
1665, very soon after the settlement of the island by the
whites, came there with a number of canoes in pursuit of
an Indian, to punish him for some heinous crime. There
being but a small number of English at that time, they

BISTORT 09 KANTCrCKET. 43

bad every thing to fear. Philip's hostile appearance and
preparations made them apprehensive, that he would de-
stroy them, if any measures were taken to arrest his pro-
gress in pursuit of the delinquent. On the other hand, if
they assisted to search after him, they dreaded the revenge
of the island natives. They » therefore declined lending
their aid in any respect. Philip then went with his party
in pursuit of the criminal, and at length found him on the
south-east part of the island. His name was John Gibbs ;
his crime was the mentioning of the name of Philip's
father. Rehearsing the name of the dead, if it should
be that of a distinguished person, was decreed by the
natives a very high crime, for which nothing but the fife
of the culprit could atone. Philip, having now the poor
criminal in possession, made preparations to execute ven-
geance upon him, when the English spectators, commis-
erated his condition, and made offers of money to ran-
som his life. Philip listened to these offers and men-
tioned a sum which would satisfy him ; but so much could
not be collected. He was informed of this, but refused
to lessen his demand. The whites, however, collected all
they could in the short time allowed them, in hopes that
he would be satisfied, when assured that more could not
be fotjnd ; but, instead of this, he persisted in his demand
with threatening language, pronounced with an emphasis
which foreboded no good. ' This very much provoked
the English, so that they concluded among themselves
to make no farther offers, but try to frighten him away
withf^ut giving him any more money. The sum raised,
which was all that the inhabitants possessed, was eleven
pounds; this had already been paid to him, and could
not be required back again. Philip had surrounded and

44 HISTOKT or NANTUCKET.

taken possession of one or two houses, to the great terror
of the inmates ; in this dilemma they concluded to put
all to risk ; — they told him, that, if he did not immediately
leave the island, they would rally the inhabitants, and fall
upon him and cut him off to a man. Not knowing their
defenceless condition, he happily took the alarm, and left
the island as soon as possible. The prisoner was then
set at liberty.

The natives early acquired a propensity to strong drink.
Some of the whites were wicked enough to furnish them
with rum, so long as they could pay for it, although it was
done in direct violation of the law, and against the wishes
and endeavors of the sober part of the inhabitants. In-^
temperance prevailed amongst them, and soon reduced
them to a station far below what they would otherwise
have held, if they had abstained from ardent spirits. By
the practice of excessive drinking many were soon reduced
to beggary and distress ; they were regardless of the cares
of their families ; and owners of vessels, at the same time
that they took the men into their employment, were com-
pelled to furnish their families with the necessaries of life.

Although this was the character of many, it was not of
all. Some were sober, steady people, and endeavored
to cultivate religious principles among their brethren;
when this disposition was manifest, it was encouraged^ by
the whites. They were assisted by a translation of the
New Testament into their language, and encouraged to
meet together for divine worship. They at one time had
four meeting-houses, one towards the east end of the
island, at a place called Okorwaw, near the east end of
Gibb's swamp, one at Myercommet, a little south from

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 45

the towa, one other near Podpis, and the fourth in Plain-
field, situation not exactly known.*

In these they held their religious meetings, under min-
isters of their own nation. Some of them patterned after
the English in many respects; they built neat framed
houses, kept cows, horses, and other domestic animals,
and lived comfortably. But they did not long enjoy these
privileges, for it was the will of Heaven to visit them
with an epidemic which cut them off, except a few, and
destroyed them as a nation for ever. The disease was
called by some the yellow fever, and by some the plague.
It made its appearance among them on the 16th of the
8th month, 1763. Whether it originated with the na-
tives, has not been ascertained. Some circumstances ren-
der it probable, that the infection came out of a brig, from
Ireland, which was cast ashore on the north side of the
islands One of the crew appeared to have the same fever ;
he was brought on shore, and died at a house whither the
Indians frequently resorted. Soon afterwards the disorder
broke out among them, and spread to an alarming degree
in a short time. The sickness was so general and severe,
and the deaths so numerous, that they could not contribute
to their own necessities. The whites, apprehensive that
the disorder would spread amongst themselves, were at
first cautious in approaching the sick, but they at length
found that the natives only were affected by it, for how
much soever they exposed themselves, not one was taken

* For some particulars respecting the Indian divisions of the island,
&c., w^ refer our readers to a yery interesting article in our second
part, written by 21accheus Macy, the original of which is in our poB>

46 H18T0BT OF NANTUCKET.

sick. This discovery emboldened the Eoglish to go
among the Indians, and render such assistance as thrir dis-
tressing situation demanded. They visited them daily,
furnished them with provisions and clothing, and assisted
in burying their dead. This care was taken by the au*^
thority of the town. The kindness of individuals was at
the same time liberally extended towards them.

The sickness continued until the 16th of the second
month, 1764, at which time it ceased as suddenly as it
commenced ; for on the evening preceding the date just
mentioned there was no apparent abatement of the dis-
ease, but on the following morning all the sick were con-
valescent throughout their different places of abode. The
following will show the extent of the ravages of this dis-
order :

34 were sick and recovered.

36 living among the natives did not take the disease.
8 living by themselves at the west end of the island,

escaped.
40 lived among the whites, not one of whom bad the

sickness.
1 8 were at sea at the time, and escaped.
222 died with the disorder.

358 the whole number belonging to the island before
the sickness.

The number of Indians having become so reduced, it
is not worth our while to trace them in a very particular
manner to their final extinction. It will be sufficient to
add, that the few who survived the sickness continued in
their wonted occupation, that of whaling ; that, with few

HISTORY or NANTUCKET. 47

exceptions, they would drbk to excess whenever they
could have access to spirituous liquors; that many of
them perished miserably, as is the lot of the intemperate,
by sickness, or exposure, or accident ; and that the last of
the race died in the year 1322.

Thus the existence of a tribe of natives terminated^
and thus their land went to strangers. In the simple
charity of nature, they received our fathers. When fugi-
tived from Christian persecution, they opened to them
their stores, bestowed on them their lands, treated them
with unfailing kindness, acknowledged their superiority,
tasted their poison, and died. Their only misfortune was
their connexion with Christians, and their only crime, the
imitation of their manners.

One occurrence respecting the natives ought not to ba
omitted. It was frequent for some of them to murmur
and find fault with the English, charging them with hav-
ing unfairly purchased their lands. The English endeav-
ored to satisfy them by appealing to the records, and stat-
ing to them of whom the purchases were made ; that the
sachems had good right to sell, and that their descendants
ought to be satisfied therewith. These reasonings quieted
them for a series of years, and always would have suiSiced,
bad they kept clear of rum ; for they seldom called this
subject into view, unless they were in some degree intoxi-
cated. At length they became so bold as to threaten
the English with total extermination, if they refused any
longer to listen to their complaints. Whether they in-
tended to carry their threats into execution, and whether
they had any settled plan of action to this intent, is un-
certain. Intimation was however given to the whites,
that the Indians had entered into a conspiracy to rise

48 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

upon tbem, on a certain night, and to massacre men,
women, and children. At the appointed time, agreeably
with the information, the high sheriff, with fifty well arm-
ed men, issued out of the town to reconnoitre the settle-
ments of the natives, and ascertain whether they were
making any hostile movements. They found all quiet ;
it was harvest time, and the Indians were merrily husking
their com. Although their feais, for present security,
were allayed, prudence dictated that the English should
take some measure against future danger. They knew
the natives to be quite incapable of acting for themselves
in any legal process, and, therefore, lent them their aid to
bring the subject before the supreme court, in Boston.
This was done by a petition, of which the following is a
copy:

To his Excellency, Joseph Dudley, Esqr., Captain-gen-
eral and Governor-in-chief, in and over her Majesty's
Province of Massachusetts Bay, and to the honourable
her Majesty's Council for the said Province.

The humble Petition of Daniel Spotso, Abel Cain, and
Peter Massaquet, all Sachems belonging to the Island of
Nantucket, sheweth —

That whereas your petitioners are very much wronged
and oppressed by several of the English inhabitants of
the island aforesaid, who did very much overreach your
petitioners' forefathers, in the purchase of lands and
hedges. — And also, in carrying away all their wood that
grew both upon and under ground, to the great grief and
damage of your Petitioners, and who will be forced in a
short time to leave their habitations, and be utterly ruined,
unless some remedy be applied for their relief. And

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 49

whereas your petitioners are utterly without remedy, and
cannot possiMy recover their right by law at home, both
Judges and Jurors being all parties in the cause, for which
reason your petitioners have been feign several times to
address the authority of this Province, but as yet without
redress.

Your Petitioners therefore hunjbly pray, that a special
Court of Oyer and Terminer may be constituted and
commissioned to set, at the charge of your petitioners, in
Boston, with full power to hear and determine all causes
that shall be brought before them in behalf of your Peti-
tioners according to Law.

And your Petitioners shall pray, fcc. Signum.

Daniel Spoospotswa,
Peter R. Massaquit,
Abel 1. 2 Cain.

Copy examined.

Jos. Addington, Sec'y.

Read in Council and directed that a copy be sent to
James Coffin, Esqr., of Nantucket.

Jos. Addington, Sec'y-

It was not till several years after this, that the petition
was attended to. The court at length authorized one of
their body to go to Nantucket and make judicial inquiry in
the premises, and act thereon, as the necessity of the case
required. Accordingly, in the year 1753, the deputed
Judge arrived and convened the parties in the meeting-
house, the "court-house not being sufficiently large for the
accommodation of the people. It was a subject of great
ma^itude, and drew together a large concourse of spec-
tators.

50 BISTORT OF KANTUCKET.

The parties, by their deputies, were heard, the records,
and other evidence adduced, and the cause ably argued
on both sides. The trial continued three or four days,
and when the parties had concluded, the Judge addressed
them in a long and ingenious speech, wherein he explain-
ed to the Indians, clearly and explicitly, that the English
had clearly and legally purchased their lands ; that they
had produced good and lawful records to prove the same ;
that these records appeared without fraud, or intention to
wrong them ; that they were the best records of pur-
chases of lands of natives he had ever met with ; and
that it was his judgment that they should be satisfied
therewith, and quietly repair to their homes. On this
conclusion the court rose, the Indians withdrew, and,
though not satisfied with the decision, were never very
troublesome about it afterwards.

CHAPTER IV.

As the number of inhabitants increased, the whaling
business was carried on more extensively. Larger vessels
and a greater number were employed, requiring, conse-
quently, a greater number of men. The island did not
furnish seamen enough to man the fleet, and recourse
was had to various parts of Cape Cod, and thence west-
ward as far as Liong Island. From these sources there

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 51

\vas at that time a sufficient supply of men, to render that
part of the business not difficult.

Notwithstanding the consumption of oil increased in
this country, the increase was not in proportion to the
quantity obtained. At times the sale was dull, and the
price so low, that the prospect appeared discouraging :
these circumstances caused the people to think of a
foreign market for their produce. They had, for a series
of years, made Boston their chief market, and, probably,
would have continued to do so, had the price been ade-
quate to their expectations ; but that not being the case,
it led to inquiry what might be done to make the sale
better. It was found that Nantucket had in many places
become famed for whaling, and particularly so in England,
where partial supplies of oil had been received through
the medium of the Boston trade. The people, finding
that merchants in Boston were making a good profit by
first purchasing oil at Nantucket, then ordering it to
Boston, and thence shipping it in their own vessels to
London, determined to secure the advantages of the
trade to themselves, by exporting their oil in their own
vessels. They had good prospects of success in this un-
dertaking, yet, it being a new one, they moved with great
caution, for they knew that a small disappointment would
lead to embarrassments that would, in the end, prove
distressing. They, therefore, loaded and sent out one
vessel, about the year 1745. The result of this small
beginning proved profitable, and encouraged them to
increase their shipments by sending out other vessels.
They found> in addition to the profits on the sales, that
the articles in return were such as their business required,
viz. iron, hardware, hemp, sailcloth, and many other

52 HI8T0KT or NANTUCKET.

goods, and nt a much cheaper rate than they had hereto-
fore been subjected to. This new market for the sale of
their oil, and procuring necessaries for the outfits of their
vessels, gave new life to the business in general, so that
an increase soon manifested itself, in an additional number
of vessels, and new adventurers. They continued in this
line many years ; some were successful and acquired
considerable estates. But, notwithstanding this general
prosperity, they frequently experienced a portion of ad-
versity ; which was verified in various ways, according to
the dispensations of divine providence.

In the year 1755, three whaling sloops and their crews,
consisting of thirteen men each, were lost near the Grand
Bank. In the year following, three more with their crews,
were lost near the same place ; and six were taken and car-
ried to France, where their crews were imprisoned, many
of whom never returned. This was, perhaps, the most
afflicting stroke the island had ever met with, and was a
great discouragement to the business in general. The
loss of twelve of their finest vessels in the short space of
two years, and, what was far more distressing, the loss of
nearly all their crews, either at sea or by imprisonment
in France, caused a long season of gloom and mourning.
Previous to this, from the beginning of the whaling up to
the above date, there had been but four vessels lost with
* their crews, which events took place at diflferent periods,
and were not so severely felt. Notwithstanding these
reverses, it was found expedient to continue the business,
but in some respects with increased caution. They began
now to employ vessels of larger size, some of one hundred
tons burthen or more, and a few were square rigged. The
whales began to be scarce at the places where they had

HISTOBY OF NANTUCKET. 53

usually been taken, which rendered it necessary to explore
new coasts in search of them. A number of the larger,
vessels were consequently sent to Davis' Straits, to the
Western Islands, and some other places, being furnished
with provisions and other necessaries according to the
length of the voyages. They were not always successful
in these new enterprises ; for every new place required
experience to teach them how to take advantage of the
seasons, the course of the winds and currents, as well as
the habits of the whales ; so that it was frequent for
many vessels to return unsuccessful, though others en-
riched their owners by making great voyages.

Very little business besides that of whaling was carried
on for many years. The attention of the people and their
descendants being thus centred in one engrossing subject,
they were led to project new improvements, to diminish
the expense and to secure conveniences in its prosecution.
Time and experience gave them advantages which made
' it difficult to rival them. Attempts at the business were
frequently made in other parts of the country, but gen-
erally without success.

The English government finding, that the use of oil
increased in England, and that it was less expensive than
other light, and better adapted to light streets, gave en-
couragement to carry on the whaling business from their
own ports. They gave so high a bounty as to induce
many to engage in it, in that country, and in a few years
it became a considerable business at the port of London.
Although this measure was sensibly felt at Nantucket, it
did not wholly stagnate the business ; for the consumption
of oil increased in many parts of the world, where it was

54 BISTORT OF NANTUCKET.

carried for a market ; the exportation to England was also
continued with some advantage.

The whale fishery gradually increased, and, as new
countries and coasts were explored, the voyages necessa-*
rily became longer. The following schedule will show,
as nearly as can be ascertained, the times when the fishery
commenced at some places, previous to the revolutionary
war, viz : —

Davis' Straits, in the year 1746.

The Island of Disco, in the mouth of Baflin's Bay,

in the year 1751.
Gulf of St. Lawrence, in the year 1761.
Coast of Guinea, in the year 1763.
Western Islands, in the year 1765.
Eastward of the Banks of Newfoundland, in the

year 1765.
Coast of Brazils, in the year 1774.

The business was also carried on in shorter voyages at
the Grand Banks, Cape Verd Islands, various parts of
the West Indies, in the Bay of Mexico, the Carribean
Sea, and on the coast of the Spanish Main, he. The
following table shows the number of vessels, and the
quantity of oil obtained within the period of ten years.

Date.

No. of Vessels.

No. of Barrels.

1762

9,440

1763

9,233

1764

11,983

1765

101

11,512

1766

118

11,969

1767

108

16,561

1768

125

15,439

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 55

Date.

No. of Vessels.

. of Barrels.

1769

119

19,140

1770

125

14,331

1771

115

12,754

1772

7,825

The price of whale oil in England, was in

1742 £18 13*. per ton.

1743 £14 8s. « «

1744 £10 — " "
1753 £21 — " «

It would seetn, by the preceding account, that the peo-
ple were industrious, and doing well, and that the business
was in a flourishing state. No one would suppose that,
under these circumstances, any of the inhabitants would -
feel an inclination to migrate with their families to other
places : yet some, believing that they could improve their
condition, removed to Nova Scotia, some to Kennebeck,
some to New Garden, in the state of North Carolina, and
some to other places, very few of whom benefited them-
selves, and some, after a few years' stay, returned.

The inhabitants, generally, were attached to their place
of nativity and were seldom desirous of leaving it. They
were so closely connected by birth, similarity of pursuits,
and habits of intimacy, that in some respects they appear-
ed and conducted as one family. Perhaps, there is not
another place in the world, of equal magnitude, where the
inhabitants were so connected by consanguinity as in this,
which added much to the harmony of the people and
to their attachment to the place. When strangers came
to the island, the longer they stayed, the more they were
pleased with the people, their manners and customs :

56 HISTORT OF NANTUCKET.

coming with no intention of the kind, they often fonned
matrimonial engagements, and became inhabitants with
their families.

When difficulties arose among the inhabitants, they
seldom had recourse to the law for settlement, but chose
the short and easy mode of arbitration, the advantages of
which are numerous. Instead of one neighbor's subject-
ing another to many difficulties, such as are generally ex-
perienced by those who settle their dispute by the course
of law, the parlies would come together by appointment
in the evening, having invited a sufficient number of
their friends to assist, either by counsel or judgment, and
without expense or animosity, but in an amicable manner
would settle their differences. On the following day, the
parties quietly returned to their business. This was the
general manner of deciding controverted points ; there
were, however, some who preferred legal decisions, and
who hazarded and suffered the consequences.

The society of Friends, on Nantucket, ori^ated about
or after the year 1704, when Thomas Story went there
on a religious visit. He remarks, that the people were
kind and hospitable, and that many of them appeared to
be seeking the right way in religious matters ; that he
fouud but two of the denomination of Friends or Quakers
at that time, but that the people consisted of various per-
suasions, and appeared glad of his company and satisfied
with his visit ; that he had various opportunities with
many of them, and advised them to establish a meeting
under the auspices and direction of the Society of Friends,
since there appeared to him to be a great number who
believed in their principles. His advice was attended to,
and a meeting established. From this be^omffg the

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 57

society increased from time to time. The number of
members at one period was about twelve hundred, and
neariy as many more attended their meetings, who were
not members but fully believed in their principles.

There is much obscurity resting on the early history of
the Friends' Society, at Nantucket. In the year 1708,
ten persons came to the island to set up a yearly meeting.
By some authority the number is slated to have been 6ve,
two of them public Friends, and the others acting only in
their individual capacity. The first ministers belonging
to the island were Mary Starbuck, and her son Nathaniel,
Nathaniel Gardner, John Swain, and Priscilla Coleman.

In 1698, Thomas Chalkley, a distinguished minister of
the Society, visited the island. The following extract
from his journal will, doubtless, interest many of our
readers. "The people," he remarks, "did generally
acknowledge to the truth, and many of them were tender-
hearted. Some of the ancient people said. That it was
never known, that so many people were together on the
island at once. After the first meeting was over, one
asked the minister, (so called) whether we might have a
meeting at his house ? He said, with a good will, we
might. This minister had some discourse with me, and
asked. What induced me to come hither, being such a
young man ? I told him, that I had no other view in
coming there, than the good of souls, and that I could say
with the apostle, that a necessity was laid upon me, and
woe would be to me, if I did not preach the gospel. Then,
said he, I wish you would preach at my house in GOD's
name. So next day we had a meeting at his house ; and,
on the first-day, we had the largest meeting that we ever
bad on the island. It was thought there were above two

58 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

hundred people. The Lord in his power did make his
tnith known to the praise of his name. Oh ! how was
my soul concerned for that people ! The Lord Jesus did
open my heart to them, and theirs to him. They were
also loving and kind to us. The chief magistrate of the
island, desired that I would have a meeting at his house,
there being no settled meeting of Friends before I came ;
and after meeting he disputed about religion with me. I
thought we were both but poor disputants ; and I cannot
remember all that passed between us, but that in the close
of our dispute, he said, I disputed with your friends in
Barbadoes, and they told me, that we must eat the spir-
itual flesh, and drink the spiritual blood of Christ : And,
said the Governor, did ever any one hear of such flesh
and blood ; for it is a contradiction in nature, that flesh
and blood should be spiritual ? O surely, said I, the
governor has forgot himself; for what flesh and blood was
that which Christ said, except ye eat my flesh and drink
my blood, ye have no life in you. Why, said he, I do not
think they were to gnaw it from his arms and shoulders.
I then told him, he had answered himself. Thus our
dispute ended. And from that time forward they have
continued a meeting, and there is now a meeting-house,
and a yearly meeting for worship ; it is a growing meet-
ing to this day, and several public friends are raised up
amongst them, who preach the gospel of Christ freely."

^^ At this time a friend was convinced whose name was
Starbuck, who became very serviceable, and lived and
died an eminent minister of Christ, on that island. Sev-
eral scores of them came and accompanied us to the
water-side ; and when we embarked on board our sloop,
they desired that I would come and visit them again.

BISTORT OF NANTUCKET. 59

So I recommended them to the grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and we parted in great love and tenderness."

Chalkley visited the island again in 1704, on which
occasion, he remarks, " There were large meetings, people
there being mostly Friends, and a sober growing people
in the best things ; though not of our society, when they
first received the truth, yet they received it with gladness ;
and although divers of the people, called Presbyterians,
were very cruel in their expressions, and bitter in their
spirits against us, yet there were some who went under
that name, who were more open and charitable towards
us, and received us gladly with tenderness ; and at some
places we had meetings at their houses to our mutual
satisfaction."

In 1704, 5th month, Thomas Story visited the island.
In his journal, he says, "I now think proper to give a
general relation of the state of the people in the island of
Nantucket, with respect to religion, at this time. This
small island," is " inhabited by a mixed people of various
nations, and some among them called Christian Indians,
but no settled teachers of any kind. There was in this
island one Nathaniel Starbuck, whose wife was a wise,
discreet woman, well read in Scripture, and not attached
unto any sect, but in great reputation throughout the
island for her knowledge in matters of religion, and an
oracle among them on that account, in so much that they
would not do any thing without her advice and consent
therein."

'^ 14th. At our landing, we went up to the house of the
widow Mary Gardner; where, after some refreshment,
came to us Nathaniel Starbuck, (husband of Mary Star-
buck, before mentioned) and his ison of the same name ;

60 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

and we proposed to them to have a meeting that day ; but
there being a court to sit there, by special commission,
upon an Indian accused for murdering his wife, we found
it improper at that time ; and some of our company went
home with Nathaniel Starbuck the elder, and others with
his son ; where we were kindly entertained, though we
were strangers, and they at that time not in the profession
of truth with us."

" 15th. We had a meeting at the house of Nathaniel
Starbuck the elder ; which was pretty large and open,
several of the people being tendered, and generally satis-
fied with what they heard, and felt of the goodness and
mercy of God."

" 16ih. Being first of the week, we had another meet-
ing there, which was not so large as was expected. Many
of the inhabitants of this island are convinced of the truth
of some points of the doctrine of truth, and some of them
have been reached by the Divine virtue and power of it ;
but some other things they do not yet see ; and, if there
were no cross, would, in aH appearance, come generally
under our profession."

" 17th. This evening we ascended toward the upper
part of the island, to John Swain's (one who came to our
meetings, and there was only one more, that is, Stephen
Hussey, in all that island tinder our name,) and there we
met with a great company of Indians and other people
together, having been raising a timber house for him."

" 18th. We had a large, good meeting there among
the people ; and, that evening returned to Nathaniel
Starbuck's the younger, and there lodged."

" 19tb. We had another large, good meeting, at
Nathaniel Starbuck's the elder, his wife^ Mary, as before

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 61

hinted, beiag the first in that island, who had any regard
to the way of truth as among us ; but now her three sons
and daughters, and sons' wives, are all in a hopeful way
to the knowledge of truth, and liberty of the sons of
God, with several other tender people at this time, in that
small island."

"23rd. 5th month. Being first of the week, we had
another large, open meeting at Nathaniel Starbuck's senior ;
where several were tendered and comforted ; but it was
a little bodily exercising and painful to me, for, having a
sore throat, and not willing to spare myself, I spit much
blood in the time of my ministry."

" One night, before we returned from this island, my
sleep was taken from me, under a concern of mind for
the settlement of a meeting there, and the chief instru-
ment pointed to in my thoughts, by the truth, for this
service, when we should be gone, w^as Mary Starbuck,
before mentioned, to whom I made it known ; and in the
opening and mind of truth, laid a charge upon her, to
endeavor to have a meeting established in their family,
once a week, at least, to wait upon the Lord, with all
who were convinced of truth in the neighborhood, and in
the island, as they had conveniency. This she received
with christian gravity, and it affected her much, and
became her concern. Having first mentioned it to the
friends who were with me, I proposed it hkewise to her
children; who were all discreet young men and women,
most of them married, and hopeful ; being all convinced
of truth, they W€re ready to embrace the proposal. Then
I advised them to wait sincerely upon the Lord in such
meetings, (for they had no instrumental teachers,) and
assured them, that I had a firm confidence in the Lord,

6S HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

that he would visit them by his Holy Spirit in then), in
his own time, if they were faithful, held on, and did not
iaint, or look back. And accordingly, some time after
we departed the island, they did meet, and the Lord did
visit them, and gathered many there unto himself ; and
they became a large and living meeting in him, and sev-
eral living and able ministers raised by the Lord in that
family, and of others ; to the Honor of his own Arm,
who is worthy forever."

In the 7th month, 1746, John Griffith, another minister
of distinction of the same society, visited the island, and
staid about six days. He was at their yearly and quar-
terly meetings ; " having good satisfaction therein." He
also visited the island, in the 6th month, 1766, but did not
find the religious condition of the people so satisfactory
as before. " On sixth day," he says, •* the yearly meet-
ing began, and was very large ; a becoming plainness
Appeared in the general ; but, alas ! the life of religion
Was very much departed from by numbers in that once
truly amiable place, so much noted for a family of love.
I went on the island as a stranger to their present state,
though I had been there twice before, a witness of better
times : much distressing anguish was felt in this meeting,
and for some time I expected the current of life would
have been wholly obstructed ; but at length, through
divine mercy, truth arose with gospel authority, setting
forth what a great and wonderful manifestation of evan-
gelical light and truth sprung up in the last century, after a
dark night of apostacy and error ; when the heavenly power
being embraced, brought forth the nature and spirit of
religion ; but endeavors now are too often used to support
the same principles in a formal way, by strength and wis-

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 63^

dom of man, the Lord, therefore, will not own a people
in that state. Many things were delivered on this subject
with great dread, and I felt the Lord's power go forth as
a fire amongst the briars and thorns ; many were struck
with sadness and fear, and the everlasting name was ex-
alted : Thomas Gawthorp, was there al^o, and had good
service. The meeting ended on second-day, much gospel
labor having been bestowed in the several sittings there-
of. Notwithstanding the general state of Friends on that
island, appeared truly deplorable, yet, I believe, a remnant
are, and will be preserved, fresh and lively in religion.
May their number increase."

The people who first settled the Island, and their ini-
mediate successors, lived to a great age, many to eighty
and some over ninety years. But, about the year 1739,
the number of old people was greatly lessened ; from
what cause we shall not presume to surmise. The oldest
male inhabitant died that year, aged 73 years ; there were
probably some females living who exceeded that age, for
it has been remarked that they live generally longer than
males. Since that time the number of aged people has
increased very much. In the year 1810, there were 210
over 70 years of age, more than 60 of whom were over
80, but none exceeded 90. Of the 210, just mentioned,
122 were* females, and the proportion of aged women,
compared with the aged men, has considerably increased
since that lime. We have never known any inhabitant of
the island to live 100 years, though several have nearly
attained that age, and many have exceeded 90 years.

Of the diseases of the island, lung affections may be
named as the most fatal, yet it is doubtful whether they

64 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

are more prevalent here than on the seacoasts generally,
in this latitude. Bilious intennittents occasionally occur,
in autumn, and scarlet fever has been twice epidemic
within forty years.

The small pox has frequently made its appearance on
the island, but, through the . vigilance of the people, it
has never prevailed to a great extent. Whenever any
have been attacked with it, they have been immediately
removed from the town, and conveyed to some secluded
situation. This disease, always alarming, has been ren-
dered peculiarly so to the people of Nantucket, in con-
sequence of their local situation. Whenever it has made
its appearance among them, they have justly apprehended,
that, if it should spread to a considerable extent, its rav-
ages would be the more distressing, by preventing neces-
sary supplies being brought to them from the continent,
except at exorbitant prices.

This, and other considerations, caused the people to
take more than common precautions against the disease,
whenever it was brought to the island. Many of the in-
habitants were of the opinion, that, could the inoculation
for the disease be established at some place remote from
the town, and conducted with care, it would relieve many
who were fearful of its contagion, and prove very bene-
ficial to the community at large. An establishment for
this purpose was therefore encouraged, and in the year
1771, Dr. Samuel Gelston selected Gravelly Island,
which seemed the most suitable situation, for the location
of an hospital. Houses were accordingly built, and the
business commenced. But it was not long before the
people began to murmur, and express their dissatisfaction
with the measure ; for some who had been there to be

HISTOBT OF NANTUCKST* 66

inoculated, were so careless as to put the inhabitants in
danger of taking the disease on their return. The unea-
siness increased so much, that the town> having convened
several times on the occasion, at length caused a lemon-
strance against the inoculation to be sent to the Gov-
ernor, requesting his aid to suppress it. This put a stop
to the business for a time, but it was resumed in 177^^
when the town again took measures to put a stop to it,
and at length agreed with the doctor, he relinquishing the
business, to buy bis buildings at cost, which they accord-*
ingly did, and paid him the amount of his bills, viz.':
£1072 17s. 6d. old tenor.

From the best information that can be obtained, ten
persons have been banged on the island, since it was set-
tled by the English. They were all native Indians, and
the crime of each was murder. The first execution, of
which we have any particular account, took place in 1704^
the last in 1769. '

The putting to death of these persons was, of course,
in accordance with the requirement of the law of the
land, and cannot be considered as expressing the opinion
of the inhabitants on that mode of punishment. We be-
lieve the sentiments of this community are, and always
have been, strongly against capital punishments.

Taking the lives of human beings, as an expiation for
the most heinous crimes, has so long been practised
throughout the world, that the greater part of mankind
have become reconciled to the measure : they seem to

* Their names were as follows: Finch, 1704; Sabo, Jo Nobby,
1736; Heppy Comfort, 1789; John Comfort, 1746; Henry Jade,
1760, Tom Ichabod, Joel Elisa, Simon Hews, Nathan Quibby, 1769.

66 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

have become fully convinced that this punishment is ab-
solutely necessary for the safety of society, and justifiable
in the sight of God. Notwithstanding this practice has
been long established, and has often been supported by
the authority of the Old Testament, we think it not amiss
to state our conviction that it is altogether wrong. The
subject is one of great importance, and we trust, that a
few remarks upon it \vill not be deemed improper in this
place. We are fully sensible, that it is not an easy matter
to convince mankind of their error, if it be such, neither
is it our expectation to bring about so desirable an ob-
ject : but we think it is quite time for the rulers of the
land, particularly those of the denomination of ChristianSy
to make a pause, for we are persuaded that much de-
pends on them to govern and lead the people aright. It
appears, by the laws of England, that there were one
hundred and sixty ofiences, not long ago, punishable with
death, while in the United States the number does not
exceed ten ; how fe this difference reconciled, when both
nations profess to be led by the same unerring example
and precepts of our Saviour.

When a criminal is deprived of life, by the laws of his
country, he is either in a good or bad state, as to his never-
dying soul. If he has become truly penitent, and received
full assurance of forgiveness for his past sins, of which, ia
some instances there can hardly be a doubt, how awful is
it, that his life should be taken from him, by the power of
man, in that state of innocency. Perhaps, if permitted
to live, he would become a useful member of society, and
contribute to the wants of his family and friends, who,
besides being benefited by his services, would be rescued
from that reproach, which an ignominious death, however

HISTORY OF WANTUCKET. 67

unguilty, entails upon the descendants of the culprit, even
unto the fourth generation. On the other hand, if he is
deprived of life in a state of wickedness, how much more
awful is the case, taking the truth of the subject into
view, that a soul will thus be hurried to* perdition to satisfy
a law, which is not warranted by any part of the New
Testament. Shall we act counter to that guide, by which
we profess to be governed, and yet say, that we do so un-
der a sense of religious duty. Let us, for a moment, re-
flect, how much more commendable it would be, in the
sight of Him who rewards us for every good deed, to
restrain the criminal of his. liberty, and use our utmost
endeavors to reconcile him to bis fellow man, and restore
him to peace with his Maker. " There is joy in the pre-
sence of the angels of God over one sinner that repent-
eth.^'

Much might be said on this very interesting subject,
but it is not our intention to enlarge this work by discus-
sing matters that may be considered irrelevant to it. We
leave the subject for more^ able writers, with strong desire
that a reform may take place, not doubting that it would
prove a blessing to society, and be productive of increased
harmony, to wholly annul the laws by which criminals
are deprived of life.

(68)

CHAPTER V.

Between the years 1770 and 1775, the whaling busi-*
ness increased to an extent hitherto unparalleled. In
1770, there were a little more than one hundred vessels
engaged ; and in 1775, the number exceeded one hundred
and fifty, some of them large brigs. The employment of
so great and such an increasing capital may lead our
readers to suppose, that a corresponding profit was realiz-
ed ; but a careful examination of the circumstances, under
which the business was carried on, will show the iallacy
of such a conclusion. Many branches of labor were con-
ducted by those who were immediately interested in the
voyages. The young men, with few exceptions, were
brought up to some trade necessary to the business. The
rope-maker, the cooper, the blacksmith, the carpenter, in
fine, the workmen, were either the ship owners or of their
household ; so were often the officers and men who navi-
gated the vessels and killed the whales. Whilst a ship
was at sea, the owners at home were busily employed in
the manufactory of casks, iron work, cordage, blocks, and
other articles for the succeeding voyage. Thus the pro-
fits of the labor were enjoyed by those interested in the
fishery, and voyages were rendered advantageous even
when the oil obtained was barely sufficient to pay the
outfits, estimating the labor as a part thereof. This mode
of conducting the business was universal, and has con-
tinued to a very considerable extent to the present day.

HI8T0BT OT MANTUCUBT. 69

Experience taught the people how to take advantage of
the different markets for their oil. Their spermaceti oil
was mostly sent to England in its unseparated state, the
head matter being generally mixed with the body oil ;
for, in the early part of whaling, it would bring no more
when separated than when mixed* The whale oil,
which is the kind procured from the species called " right
whales," was shipped to Boston or elsewhere in the
colonies, and there sold for country consumption, or sent
to the West Indies.

The first manufactory of sperm candles in this country
was established in Rhode Island, a little previous to 1750^
by Benjamin Crab, an Englishman. His candle-house
was burnt in 1750 or 1751. In 1753, Obadiah Brown,
(the father of Moses Brown, a distinguished member of
the Society of Friends, now living,) erected candle-works
at Tockwotten, now India Point, in Providence, and en-
gaged the above-mentioned Benjamin Crab, to conduct
the business. After this, in 1754 or 1755, Moses Lopes
engaged in the same business, but not extensively, at
Newport. Collins & Reveria, Aaron Lopez, John Maus*
ley &; Co., Thomas Robinson, and others soon followed.
Obadiah Brown, in 1753, manufactured about three hun-
dred barrels, which was nearly all that was in that year
saved separate from body oil, and not sent to England.
He was disappointed of the information which he expected
to receive from Crab, and was obliged to learn the secret
of refining by his own experiments. In 1761, there,
were eight manufactories in New England, and one in
Philadelphia.

The candle manufactories gave just enough for head
matter to encourage its being separated. Their art was

70 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

kept secret a considerable time ; they suffered no person
to enter their works, but such as were immediately con-
cerned therein. At length, in 1772, one of the most
enterprising men belonging to Nantucket found means to
obtain the desired knowledge, and established himself in
the business. He continued in this line several years, and
acquired a large property. Stimulated by his success,
others were led to make various experiments, till at length
they acquired a knowledge of the art, and gained great
profits from it. Thus, by degrees, the manufacture of
sperm candles became more and more general, till at
length all, who possessed the means of carrying it on, were
enabled to share in its advantages.

As the whaling business increased from year to year, and
finally gained the pre-eminence over all other branches,
the cod fishery in the same ratio dwindled, till it was pur-
sued by a very small number as a permanent business.

The farmers, however, and some of the mechanics, hi
the spring and autumn, made it their practice to fish at
Siasconset, and Sesacacha, on the east side of the island,
in boats from the shore. Here they frequently removed
their families and resided during the fishing seasons.

The following table, copied- from a report to Congress,
by Thomas Jefiferson, shows the state of the whale fishery
in Massachusetts, between the years 1771, and 1775.

('1 )

§■

fmmif

|i-=il°ifl

^B ^f -^"-"

1 ^

s-f

g- =-

Il!i

h- w 0>>00

j..g-

J^rffcWWKJ^OOW

nil

-sr=-5-^

3S5S

ttS-=-s

1 1 o,l 1 -goSS

■i

»_^p

g»

1 1 SI i iiii

-o

ssisasiis

«0

i=l?

,- -1 to 05

,000
,250
,200
200
900
240
,800
400
400

° Fa n

^->

s^g-s

.?3 s-s

1 1 SI 8SSSS

72 BISTORT OF NANTUCKET.

" The average price in the market^ for a few years
previous to the war, was about forty pounds sterling, per
ton, for spermaceti oil ; and fifty pounds sterling, for head
matter. * The average price of whale oil was about sev-
enty dollars, per ton. A whale producing about one
hundred and twenty barrels of oil will generally produce
about two thousand pounds of bone. A whale producing
fifty or sixty barrels of oil, will generally produce nearly
ten pounds of bone to the barrel. The bone was chiefly
exported to Great Britain, the price about half a dollar
per pound."

Tn 1774, the inhabitants of the island were much
troubled by the anticipated war between the colonies
and Great Britain. The Americans, believing they had
just cause of resentment on account of the usage of the
British government from time to time, often manifested a
spirit of resistance. This being early discovered by the
government, coercive measures were pursued to check
the discontent, which, instead of soothing, served rather
to irritate the colonists. Massachusetts was considered
the leader of the rebellion, as it was then called, and the
measures of the government were particularly directed
against that province. It appeared to many, that, if the
English government had used mild measures to convince
the colonies of their error, if it had heard their petitions and
carefully investigated the grounds of their complaints, the
difficulties then existing might have been removed so far

^ The average prices at Nantucket, in the settlement of voyages,
from 1769 to 1775, were for spermaceti oil, £35, and for head matter
£44.

UI8T0KT or NANTUCKET. 73

as to prevent a war. Instead of this, force was used to bring
about a reconciliation, and acts were passed to restrain the
liberties of the people. ^' The Massachusetts Bay Restrain-
ing Bill" was passed, intended to restrain the trade and com-
merce of the provinces of ^^ New England, to Great Britain,
Ireland, and the British islands in the West Indies," and
to prohibit their carrying on any fishery on the Banks of
Newfoundland and other places mentioned in the bill.
The extreme severity of this act caused long and violent
debates in Parliament. If carried into effect, it would
have been a heavy blow to merchants in London, in the
West Indies, and in other parts, who traded with New
England ; petitions were, therefore, forwarded by them
to Parliament, praying that the bill might not be carried
into operation. Among other petitions was one present-
ed by the Society of Friends, in England, setting forth,
" That a great number of innocent persons, particularly
in the island of Nantucket, would, by the prohibitory bill,
be reduced to extreme distress. The inhabitants of this
island amounted to between five and six thousand in num-
ber : the soil of it was so barren, that, though fifteen miles
in length, and three in breadth, its produce was scarce
sufficient for the maintenance of twenty families. From
the only harbor this island contains, without natural pro-
ducts of any sort, the inhabitants by an astonishing in-
dustry, kept an hundred and forty vessels constantly
employed. Of these, eight were occupied in the impor-
tation of the necessary provisions, and the rest in the
whale fishery ; which, with invincible courage and perse-
yerance, they had extended from the frozen regions of
the North, to the coast of Africa, the Brazils, and even
far South as the Falkland Islands, and some of their

74 HISTORY or NANTUCKET.

fishing voyages continued twelve months." The petition^
after expatiating on the innocence, industry, aad utility of
this colony, the great hazards attending their occupation,
and the uncertainty of their gain, showed, that, if the bill
passed into a law, they must in a short time be exposed
to all the miseries of a famine. The singular situation
and circumstances of these people, caused some attention
to be paid to them ; and the administration, in all its
obstinacy, was obliged to relax a little and afford the
relief, which with so much reason had been asked and
expected.

The tenor of the above-mentioned petition, and its effects
in favor of Nantucket, by causing the obnoxious part of
the bill to be struck out, is another proof, among many^
that good policy would dictate to the inhabitants of Nan-
tucket, in all cases of national differences, to remain neu-
tral, and manifest that quiet and peaceable disposition,
which has ever marked their character among all chds-
tian nations.

It appears, that the bill, with some modifications, became
a law, but its effect was very different from what was ex-
pected by the promoters of it ; for, as a consequence of
it, the British fisheries, in Newfoundland, suffered a dimi-
nution of near 500,000 pounds sterling.

As many may be interested to know the number of in-
habitants on the island, at different periods after its settle-
ment, we shall here exhibit such information on the sub-
ject as we have been able to collect, but we cannot vouch
for its authenticity in every particular. The records of the
town are deficient in information concerning early transac-
tions, and almost silent as respects the census of the
island. We introduce the following table now, because

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 75

it will here be convenient to refer to it to see the effect of
the revolutionary war on the numbers of the inhabitants.

In the year 1719 there were 721 white inhabitants.

English families, between 1722 and 1724, 170.

In the year 1726 there were 917 inhabitants.
" 1764 " 3220 «

« 1774 « 4545 «

" 1784 " 4269 «

« 1790 " 4620 «

« 1800 " 5617 . «

« 1810 « 6807 "

« 1820 " 7266 "

« 1830 " 7202 «

On examining the foregoing schedule, it will be seen^
that, during the Revolutionary war, instead of a gradual
increase of inhabitants, the number lessened 276. If
there had been no war, it is to be presumed that, the in-
crease between 1774 and 1784 would have been a little
greater than during the ten preceding years. Between
1764 and 1774 the increase was 1325, this number addejd
to 276, the decrease during the war, making 1601, may
fairly be taken as the least number that lost their lives
during the conflict between the nations, with the excep-
tion of about twenty families which removed to other
places.

If we could justify any war, it would be that of the
Revolution. Repeated injuries were heaped upon the
colonists, which, we allow, it was their duty to notice, in
a firm and decided manner. Respecting, as we do, and
that most sincerely, the rights of man, we have little
sympathy with those who supinely submit to unprovoked

«*i

76 BISTORT or NAKTUCKET.

Injuries. Id the dignity of Ckristian charity we bear and
forbear, but our endurance then is a defence which even
tyranny will eventually respect. To feel an injury, and
to revenge it, are very different things : the highest merit
of forbearance consists in the keenest sense of wrong.
While then we would bear testimony against all wars,
and every species of violence between man and man, we
would encourage all to defend their social and mdividual
rights, to cherish self-respect, and maintain their indepen-
dence ; and we believe that there are ample means for
this purpose, without resort to blood, and that wars and
jQghtings are the causes, rather than the remedies of op-
pression. A course of proceeding which throws two na-
tions into mourning over the harm which they have re-
ciprocally done to each other, seems a strange way of
deciding between right and wrong. Let the consequences
of war be considered apart from the vain glory, and martial
equipments, and mighty enterprises, and great talents,
and enthusiastic excitement, which are associated with it ;
let plunder, and rapine, and death ; let ghastly wounds,
mutilated limbs, loathsome disease, and famine and pov-
erty ; let the widow, the childless, the orphan ; let the
crimes of lawless passion, and the permanent injury to
moral and christian virtues, be considered, and who wiD
say that wars are the best means, nay, who will say that
they should ever be resorted to, for the purpose of decid-
ing a national dispute ? Who is there, that, clothed with
the spirit of true Christianity, can justify war ; when, be-
fore it commences, we are sensible of the destruction and
misery that must ensue ? Alas for man that he is blinded
to his best interest !
Previous to entering upon the various scenes occasioned

BISTORT OF NANTUCKXT.

by the approaching war, it loay not be amiss to give a
statement of the prices of various articles of common con-
sumption, at different dates. Our information on this suV
ject is not extensive, but it is collected from sources which
may be depended on as correct ; it will serve to show the
difference between the value of merchandise or of money,
at given dates, and the present time. The prices are
^ven in old tenor, or forty-five shillings to a dollar.

1712 Molasses per gallon

" Tobacco per pound

1713 1 day's mowing

" 1 " carting rocks

• •

" 1 " threshing

" 1 ewe sheep, %•

^' 1 pound butter

" 1 " fresh pork

" 1 " hay-seed

1714 1 " . beef .

" 1 " veal

" Weaving cotton and linen, pej

r yard

1715 " kersey, ell wide

" " plain linen

•

" " kersey

•

" " worsted for shirts

" 1 bushel wheat

•

•< 1 « barley

•

" 1 " corn, till 1730

" 1 cord wood

•

1718 1 quintal fish

•

1719 Board for a man, in a

private

famih

T»

per week,

• 4

• 'I

BISTORT OF NANTUCKET.

1720 Ploughing, per acre

1722 Fine wool, per pound

1723 Yoke of oxen .

£> B. d.

1 6

The following short schedule will show the prices of a
few articles, the year preceding the war. The great ad-
vance in the value of some articles, found in both state-
ments, may fairly be taken as a criterion for the whole;
and will show, with some allowance for the time between
1723 and 1774, the effect of the political aspect of affairs
on the value of merchandise generally.

The prices are here, also, given in old

In 1774.

Russia Duck, per piece
Ravens " "

Sugar, per cwt. .
Coffee, per lb.
Molasses, per gallon
Salt, per bushel
Wood, per cord
Flour, per cwt. .
Com, per bushel
Beef, per barrel
Wool, per Ib.^
Men's shoes, per pair
Women's "
Cheese, per lb.
Butter,
Bohea tea

tenor currency.

B. d.

. 30

. 21

. 17

2 6

12 6

2 6

. 19

3 6

5 7i

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 79

The apprehension of war, between this country and
England, increased daily. In view of the infant state of
the country, this event was dreaded by many, and more
particularly by the inhabitants of this island, who had
more reasons to deplore a war than the country generally.
Their situation was such as to render them exposed to
the ravages of an enemy, without the means of making
any defence. Being surrounded by the sea, they could
be assailed from any quarter, and were liable to be plun-
dered by any petty cruisers which might visit them for
that purpose. It was clearly foreseen that the inhabitants
could derive no protection from our own country. These
considerations filled the mind;s of the people generally
with very serious apprehensions ; while others endeavor-
ed to be patient, under whatever sufferings might befall
them, placing their confidence in that power which it is
beyond the reach of man to control. But knowing that
nothing could be done to prevent a war, each one hoped
for the best, and waited the awful moment with the keen-
est anxiety that the human mind can conceive. In the
mean time pfudence dictated that those who had prop-
erty exposed, which could be secured from the grasp of an
enemy, should take care of it in season. Many, by taking
.this precaution, happily saved what afterwards proved the
means of their subsistence.

Towards the close of the year 1774, there were one
hundred and fifty sail of vessels, in the whaling service,
belonging to the island, and the greater part of them at
sea. The owners at this time concluded to strip and
haul them up as fast as they ariived, in hopes that the
impending storm might blow over without any serious

80 HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET.

♦

consequences. But, ^las ! bow frail is man^ and bow
blind to future events.

In the early part of 1775, there appeared no doubt
that hostilities would soon break out. The country, in
the mean time, was making every preparation for war, of
which its defenceless situation would admit. The long
expected * period at length arrived : even before spring
closed, the first blood was^ spilt in the battle at Lexing-
ton. The news of this action spread rapidly to every
part of the colonies ; in a few days it arrived at Nan-
tucket. The countenances of the people, here, bespoke
the anguish of their hearts. All business was imme*
diately at a stand. Discouraged and powerless, they
could do little else than meet together and bemoan their
fate. Sorrow was depicted on every countenance ; every
mind was overwhelmed with fearful anticipations, all
springing from one general cause — ^the war. Many were
deeply concerned for the welfare of their husbands, child-
ren, or brothers, then at sea, on whom they depended for
their subsistence and the comforts of life ; many were
anxious on account of their property, both at h6me and
at sea, on which their dependence was placed. A com-
mon distress pervaded all hearts, which was in no way
relieved by anticipations of the future. No system o£
future business could be fixed on ; many believing, thatj
notwithstanding some blood had been shed, the difficulty
would yet be settled, and business be again safely resum-
ed ; but others, and the greater part, were of the opinion
that the contest would be long and terrible. Time proved
the latter ro be correct.

The vessels belonging to the island mostly arrived
home in safety, for the English government cherished a

HISTORY OP NANTUCKET, 81

belief, that, by quelliDg the difEcuIties in the province of
Massachusetts Bay, the whole country besides would
comply with the requisitions demanded of them; they,
therefore, did not send out their cruisers in great numbers,
until they found their mistake ; which gave an opportunity
for the whalemen to get home, though many of them were
on the coast of Guinea and Brazil, at the commencement
of hostilities.

The inhabitants were now driven from their wonted
line of business into a state of inactivity, in which many
of the laboring poor could not long subsist without a
change. Some of these entered into the service of the
country by joining the army, others engaged on board of
privateers, few of whom ever returned to the island. A
few families removed to various parts of the country,
chiefly to the provinces of New York and North Caro-
lina. But the bulk of the people concluded to remain
in the place of their nativity, and do the best they could,
although the prospect was gloomy, let them look which
way they would. The property of some was so situated
that they could not leave it ; others could not remove their
families, through want of means.

Whaling having now ceased, the wharves and shores
were, for a while, lined with vessels, stripped to their naked
masts. The people, however, soon began to turn their
attention to fishing on the shoals, and round the shores of
the island ; and many, to save what property they had
acquired, went into the farming business. In one or an-
other of these pursuits all, for a time, found employment.
This entire change of business created new thoughts,
new ideas, and new conversation, such as would hardly
have been understood previous to the commencement of

82 BISTORT OF NANTUCKET.

difGculties. Fishing boats, and small fishing vessels, and
farming tools, were chiefly called for in the mechanical
line, and with these the people went earnestly to work,
but with heavy hearts, not knowing how soon they might
be deprived of even these means of subsistence by the
sacking or burning of the town.

All this was but a specimen of what they were destined
to endure. They soon found themselves wholly cut off
from all kinds of imported goods. Necessity, however,
invented substitutes for many of these, and the same ne-
cessity taught that others were not absolutely indispens-
able. The price of salt was much enhanced, and with-
out it they could derive little advantage from fishing.
This encouraged a number of persons to establish salt-
works. One company set them up on Brant Point, at the
entrance of the harbor ; but various causes combined to
check their progress, so that very little salt was made.
Another company established their works at Podpis, or
Polpis, which is up harbor, according to common ex-
pression, about five miles east from the town. They
made considerable salt, but not enough to compensate
for their expenses : so that both companies relinquished
their business. Probably the principal reason for their
not succeeding was the fog, which prevails around the
shores in the summer season, and, keeping the air moist,
prevents the water from evaporating as rapidly as the bu-
siness requires.

West India produce of all kinds, as well as salt, soon
became excessively high ; and a prospect of profitable
business for all was thus presented, too flattering to be
disregarded. The harbor was full of vessels of just the
right size for the West India trade, many of the owners

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 83

had oil, candles, fish, lumber, and other articles, in de-
mand, in the West Indies, while an equally good market
was promised for such of their return cargoes as should be
fortunate enough to escape the enemy. It was a dangerous
business, and very few were singly able to fit out a whole
vessel, and bear up under a loss, if that should be their
fate. A considerable number would, therefore, join and
load a vessel in small proportions, which, by experience,
was found to be the best way. On this plan a few ves-
sels were soon got away, and, such as returned in safety,
made very profitable voyages : for all kinds of American
produce sold at great prices, and, in return, West India
produce was in great demand. Salt sold from two to
four dollars a bushel, and molasses for a dollar a gallon.

This line of business succeeded well, till the British took
possession of a number of American seaports, and were
thus enabled to send out numerous small privateers. The
coast of America was soon so thronged with these, that
it was difficult for vessels to arrive in safety. Built, as
the latter were, for great burdens, and to be easy and safe
at sea, they stood little chance ^f escape, when pursued
by English cruisers. The business, therefore, which com-
menced so prosperously, soon became exceedingly hazard-
ous. The loss of property by capture was a small evil,
compared with the sufferings of those who w^re made
prisoners. As soon as the British took possession of
Rhode Island and New York, they established prison-
ships, in which thousands of American seamen were pent
up, and thousands perished, either through want of the
necessaries of life, or by loathsome diseases, engendered
by their wretched situation and inhuman treatment.

The Nantucket people now began to feel the misery

84 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

and distress, which they early anticipated and dreaded.
They had had no conception, indeed, of the destructive
prison-ship ; it was for the refinements of war to invent
that capacious instrument of prolonged torture ; but they
had always been sensible that their situation was such, as
to expose them to an uncommon share of suffering, even
under the milder aspect of a national conflict.

Alihough the West India business proved so disastrous
on account of the loss of lives, as well as of property, it
was still prosecuted, as there appeared no other way of
employment. The safe arrival of two or three vessels
animated the people greatly, and encouraged them to fit
out still more largely.

As the sound was continually infested with cruisers, it
was difficult to procure that supply of provisions and fuel,
which they otherwise would have received from different
places on the continent. This was soon severely felt by
the inhabitants, and led them to use every means that in-
vention could devise, or necessity execute, to obtain their
necessary supplies. Sometimes strangers, with the pros-
pect of high prices, would venture to the island with such
articles as were most needed, and take in exchange fish,
salt, oil, &;c. A number of the inhabitants run open sail
boats to Connecticut, and elsewhere, with salt and other
articles, and brought back provisions and other supplies.
They chose these boats, because they could pass Rhode
Island in them with greater safety, during the night, than
in vessels. And, notwithstanding the danger of naviga-
ting such frail barks, they selected the most stormy nights,
even in winter, to pass ports in possession of the enemy ;
for tliey Lad rather encounter the hazard of foundering at
sea, than of falling into the hands of the British. Bj

BISTORT OF NANTUCKET. 85

these means, and with what bread stuff was raised on the
island, the people were prevented, and in many instances
barely prevented, from sufiering to death.

As long as the vessels lasted, they afforded employment
for the poorer class ; but their number lessened very fast.
The loss of these, however, was not the greatest evil
which the people had to sustain. The prison-ship was
much more dreaded. Whenever a vessel or boat was seen
coming from any quarter, anxiety of mind was depicted on
every countenance. All were dependent in some degree on
casualties abroad ; those, who had property at stake, were
desirous of hearing from it ; but, above all, those, who had
fathers, husbands, brothers, or other connexions, absent
from home, were watching, with anxious eyes, every sail
that made its appearance, or listening, with intense inter-
est, to catch some tidings from their friends ; apprehensive,
the while, that the next news would blast for ever all their
hopes of earthly comfort and happiness. In the middle
and latter part of the war, accounts from abroad were
rarely received, which did not tell of the death of one or
more of the people belonging to the place.

The few, that returned from the prison-ships, gave the
most melancholy account of the sufferings of the prisoners.
The provisions, which they had to eat, were the most
filthy that could be procured, infested with bugs, weavels,
and maggots ; and of even these they were furnished
with not half enough to satisfy the cravings of nature.
Their scanty pittance of water was offensive to the smell,
filthy, and poisonous. A great number of persons were
confined within the narrow limits of the sides of the ship ;
they were overrun with tormenting vermin ; on every
side the eye rested on the dead, and the ear was assailed

86 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

with the groans of the dying. These startling and horrid
truths wrought so forcibly on the minds of those, whose
necessities impelled them to follow the sea for a subsist-
ence, and so disquieted the hearts of their wives and
children, who must be left in anxious uncertainty both in
regard to their future means of subsistence, and the fate
of their near relatives, as to bring a gloom over the face
of society, too deep and too heartfelt to be described.
But untimely death and severe sufferings were not con-
fined to prisoners alone ; many perished at sea, in conse-
quence of venturing in vessels constructed with a principal
view to fast sailing. These vessels were long and sharp,
they were built of frail materials, and purposely made
weak in order that, by a degree of pliability, they might
pass more easily through the water. When pursued
by an enemy, they were sometimes subjected to so heavy
a press of sail, as to run under and never rise again. The
ways were numerous, and the places various, in which the
people of Nantucket lost their lives during the war ; their
sufferings were long felt, deeply deplored, and they will
never be forgotten.

Provision, notwithstanding what was raised on the
island, or brought from the continent, was at times very
scarce and deir ; and many suffered by want, having no
means to buy and no employment by which to earn any-
thing. After a few years of the war had expired, those
who had property left did not care to risk it abroad, find-
ing that the danger of capture had materially increased ;
thus a large number were left in a state of inactivity.
Many of the middle class, at the comihencement of the
war, had some hundreds of dollars by them, which they
had saved out of their earnings ; but they were now

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 87

under the necessity of disposing of tbeir past savings for
the support of tbeir families. Some of this class became
exhausted by the middle^ others by the latter part of
the war.

Corn was frequently three dollars a bushel, and some
times more ; flour was thirty dollars a barrel, and other
bread stuff proportionably dear. This would not have
been so severely felt, had there been business adequate
thereto ; but a total want of employment with the major
part of the people rendered it very distressing.

As wood was one of the articles for which the inhabi-
tants were dependent on the continent, it was soon dis-
covered that a new source or substitute must be found ;
for the coasters, who had usually brought it, turned their
attention another way, on account of the risk of capture.
Even if a plentiful supply had been brought to the island,
few, for the reasons before mentioned, would have been
able to buy. The distress, however, was not so great
for iuel, as it was for bre^d. Various substitutes for the
former presented themselves, which were readily and
thankfully adopted. One was peat, of which an abund-
ance was yearly procured, and which was found to be
excellent firing. Some dug up the shrub oaks with their
roots, which answered a very good purpose ; some, in the
winter season, cut brush in the swamps, which burned
well, but did not make a durable fire. Others, who had
no horses, went "up the harbor" in boats to Coetue, and
Coskata, in an easterly direction from the town, from six
to ten miles, where, with hard labor, they procured large
quantities of pretty good firing, mostly oak, cedar, and
juniper, sometimes called savin.

It seems proper to introduce, in this place, a valuation

88 HISTORY OP NANTUCKET.

of the ratable property of the island, made in the year

1778, under the authority of the " State of Massachusetts

Bay." It is as follows, viz : —

Polls ratable, 97Q

" not ratable, 31

Dwelling-houses, barns, and other
buildings, not hereafter specially
mentioned, with all yards, gar-
dens, and passage-ways to the
same belonging, 604

The just value of the same, £35,633 5s

Acres or parts of an acre of upland,
mowing, orcharding, and tillage
land, 1,566

The just value of the same, £14,688

Acres of salt and fresh meadow, 270

The just value of the same, £4,050

Acres of pasture land, 14,260

The just value of the same, £55,840

Acres of wood land, and unim-
proved land, 7,380

The just value of the same, £4,338

Wharves of all sorts, and the just

value of the same, £1,708 2* 4d

Still-houses, furnaces, mills of all

sorts, and iron works, 4

The just value of the same, £295

Money at interest and on hand,

more than they are indebted, £11,222 16s 8d

Debts due not on interest, more

than they are indebted, £3,732 10«

HISTORY OP NANTtrCKET. 89

The amount of all goods, wares,

merchandises, and stock in

trade, £8,257 85 '

Vessels of all sorts with their

stores, and the true value

thereof, whether at home or

abroad, £12,860 8*

Ounces of plate, 1,780

Horses of all ages, 270

The just value, £4,860

Oxen, 4 years old and upwards, 54
The just value, £486

Cows, three years old and up-
wards, 540
The just value, £3,888
Steers, three years old, and all

other horned cattle, under

that age, 155

Their value, £620

Sheep and goats of all ages, 9938

Their value, £3,975 4s

Swine of ail ages, 299

Their value, £430 11*

Grain of all sorts and kinds, and

all other produce of the land

whatsoever on hand, the just

value of the same, £501

Coaches, chaises, and all car-
riages of that kind, and all

other property whatsoever not

before enumerated, except

household furniture, wearing

90 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

apparel, farming utensils, and
the tools of mechanics, tbe
just value of the same, £482

The amount of all the estate,
both real and personal, of
those persons that shall be
doomed by the assessors, £

Tons of English hay, one year

with another, 243

Tons of salt and fresh meadow I

hay, one year with another, 162 I

Bushels of com, and grain of all

sorts, one year with another, 10,800

Number of cows the pasture
will keep, one year with an-
other, 2,587 -

Barrels of cider, one year with

another,

Amount of all other annual pro-
duce, £324

The annual income arising from
any profession, faculty, handi-
craft, trade or employment,
and by trading by sea and on
shore, and by means of ad-
vantages arising from the war,
and the necessities of the
community, £5,134 Is 8d

Although the town was not sacked or burnt during
the war, it was often threatened, and the minds of the
people thus kept in constant agitation, between hope and

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 91

fear. It was often visited by English cruisers, who would
sometimes attempt to put their threats into execution by
beginning to plunder and rob, but they never carried thejr
depredations to any considerable length, except in one
instance. In 1779, on the 6th of the 4th month, eight
sail of small vessels came to th^ bar, where they all an-
chored, except two, which came into the harbor and were
made fast to the wharf. About a hundred armed men
then landed, and immediately proceeded to plunder and
rob several stores, and to commit some other depreda-
tions. ^ The inhabitants, in the mean time, although their
feelings were much wounded, remained quiet spectators,
and used no means of defence, believing that the plun-
derers would leave the island, without carrying their
ravages to extremes, which they did the next day. It
was the opinion of all, that these refugees had no authority
from the British government to disturb Nantucket. Being
confident of this, some of the leading men of the town
remonstrated against their conduct in such language, as
caused them to depart from the island in haste. Many
of the inhabitants for a long time had entertained the
opinion, that the English government had no disposition
to distress Nantucket, in any respect ; this emboldened
the inhabitants, whenever refugees came to the island, to
treat them with plain language, and dispute their au-
thority to commit any hostile act ; which often had a very
good effect.

We might fill a volume in enumerating the various vi-
cissitudes and embarrassments, to which the people of this

' The value of property taken, according to an account of sales
bj the refagees themselves, was £10,666 Ids 44 lawful.

92 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

devoted island were subjected during the war. Some cases
occurred, which called forth the united energy of the com-
munity at large in the adoption and execution of meas-
ures to ward off impending ruin. The year 1779 was
replete with difficulties, one succeeding another, so as to
keep the people in contimied anxiety.' About the sixth
month of that year, a committee was appointed by the
town to proceed to Newport, and thence to New York,
and there represent to the British commanders the diffi-
culties under which the people labored, on account of the
war, and particularly on account of the British armed
vessels, which had recently come into the harbor and com-
mitted depredations on the property of the inhabitants.
The committee were furnished with a memorial expres-
sive of the difficulties, and asking to be relieved there-
from. On their return, they presented the following re-
port to a meeting of the inhabitants, who assembled on
the occasion. As the business was of the greatest impor-
tance, the people generally collected. The committee,
at the same time, presented a communication from the
commander-in-chief of the British forces in America,
giving assurance of his good disposition towards the town
of Nantucket. These documents are both here inserted.
The reader will find, that, if the people of this island
had observed a strict neutrality during the war, they could
have received at all times, from the British commander-
in-chief, that attention which their defenceless situatioa
would seem to demand.

Nantucket, 7th mo. 5th, 1779.

To the inhabitants of the town of Sherburne Agree-
ably to your appointment, we proceeded to Newport

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 93

and New York, and presented the memorial to the com-
mander-in-chief of the British army and navy, and, after
repeated applications, we received their answers, (Sir
Henry Clinton's was only verbal) assuring us, that he had
given orders, that no further depredation should be made
upon the island, on property belonging to the inhabitants,
by persons under the authority of Great Britain ; Sir
George Collier gave us the same assurance in writing;
and, for a full knowledge of his disposition, we refer you
to the enclosed declaration.

Benj. Tupper,
Tim'y. Folger,
Samuel Starbuck,
Wm. Rotch.

By Sir George Collier, Commod6re and Commander-in-
Chief of his Majesty's ships and vessels employed in
North America, from the North Cape on the island
of Cape Breton, to the Bahama Islands and Florida,
inclusive.

As great numbers of the inhabitants of the island of
Nantucket are represented to me to be of the sect called
Quakers, and consequently not accustomed to bear arms,
and believing the remainder of the inhabitants to be quiet,
inoffensive people, who have already suffered severely
the calamities of war, I therefore think proper to for-
bid all privateers; letters of marque, armed vessels, or
bodies of armed men, from molesting, ravaging, or plun-
dering, the estates, houses, or persons, of the inhabit-
ants of the said island ; and if any shall be found to act
inconsistently with these directions, their commissions as

94 HISTORY OP NANTUCKET.

privateers, or letters of marque, shall be vacated, and
themselves punished for the offence. .

Given on board his Majesty's Ship, the Raisonable, off
New York, 23d June, 1779.

George Collier.

By command of the Commodore.
John Marr, *Sec'y.

Sir Henry Clinton fully united with the foregoing dec-
larations, and gave verbal assurance to the committee
that they should be complied with.

The report of the committee, and the communication
accompanying it, were cordially accepted ; by which it
appeared, that all was done, that could be expected, to pre-
serve the people and property of the island from the de-
predations of British armed vessels or armed men.

But, notwithstanding these assurances, it was but a few
months, before another difficulty arose, which threatened
to be the greatest with which the people had ever met.
This evil was averted by the protecting hand of Divine
Providence, more conspicuous to the view of the com-
munity at large, than common. The event had a ten-
dency to humble the minds of many, and to bring them
into a state of dependence, on that Power which preserves
from danger without the help of man.

Information was received, from undoubted authority,
that a squadron of English armed vessels was preparing
to leave New York for Nantucket,' for the purpose of
sacking and plundering the town, and of burning it, should
any resistance be made by the inhabitants. Hitherto
there had never been any order, under the authority of
the British government, to visit the island in a hostile

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 95

manner. Those enemies, who had sometimes made their
appearance in the harbor, were of that class called refu-
gees, who, not having the authority of the government,
did not dare to extend their ravages to a great length,
though their menaces were sometimes carried into effect
in such a degree as to fill the minds of the people with
fear and resentment. But the case now before us was
quite otherwise, and caused very different emotions.

These were believed to be government vessels, and
authorized by the government, which was a cause of the
greater alarm. Their peculiar situation, with no back
country whither to flee for shelter, nor any opportunity of
leaving the island with safety on account of English cruis-
ers in the Sound, nor even the means of doing so imme-
diately, if this hindrance had not existed; these circum-
stances filled the minds of the people with consternation
and dismay. They knew not what measure to take, to
avoid the impending danger. It was soon known, that
the fleet had arrived at the Vineyard, and was waiting a
change of wind, which was then to the eastward, to pur-
sue the object of their expedition. As the danger ap-
proached, the people became more and more alarmed.
The scene now discovered the various dispositions and
thoughts of the community. Every person, capable of
due reflection, displayed in his countenance a stronger and
more powerful language than words could convey. As
nothing now appeared to prevent the coming of the ene-
my, but the continuance of the prevailing east wind,
many of the people took this opportunity to secure that
part of their valuable property, which was capable of be-
ing removed and secreted. Carts, boats, and footmen,
were constantly employed, by night and by day, in carry-

96 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

ing goods out of the town, or depositing them in scattering
houses in the vicinity, where it was supposed they would
escape the conflagration. Some buried their goods under
the earth, supposing that to be the best means of security.
There were yet others, who were not inclined to tako
any of these precautions for the preservation of their
property, but who quietly awaited the event, trusting in
that Power which is over all, and to whose will the de-
signs of men are at all times subjected.

A constant look-out was kept every day with the
greatest anxiety, and b dread of the moment when the
fleet should appear. At length the two cdmmanding
officers of the fleet, " Edward Winslow, Esq., captain
of a party of troops, and George Leonard, Esq., naval
commander of the squadron, and captain of the Res-
toration twenty-gun-ship,^' then lying at the Vineyard,
wrote to the people of Nantucket, bearing date " 16th
September, 1779," wherein they made various charges
against them. These charges were founded, as was stat-
ed, on information received from John Boswell, an officer
of marines belonging to a British armed vessel, who had
lately been at Nantucket ; and were in substance, that
the people "wafted a sloop from the harbor, which
prevented her capture by the aforesaid British armed ves-
sel; and also that the inhabitants, in violation of their
asseverations heretofore made from time to time, had
assisted his majesty's enemies ; and that, except these
charges could be removed, they should consider Nan-
tucket a common enemy, and treat the people accord-
ingly."

As this was one of the most alarming occurrences that
took place during the war, it seems proper to insert the
communication at large. The reader will perceive, that,

HISTOBT OP NANTUCKET. 97

in this instance, as in many others, the people of the
island were subjected to suffering by false representations.

By Edward Winslow, Esq., lieutenant-colonel, command-
ant of a party of troops, and George Leonard, Esq.,
commander of a fleet of armed vessels in the service
of his majesty, Gewge the Third, king of Great Brit-
ain, &c.

To the inhabitants of the island of Nantucket. —
Whereas we have this day received information, by John
Boswell, officer of marines on board the letter of marque
armed schooner Royal Charlotte, that on the 12th instant
a certain sloop, in the service of his majesty's enemies, was
standing into the harbor of Nantucket, and that a num-
ber of inhabitants of that place assembled, and by wafts
and signals prevented the said sloop from becoming a
prize to the said schooner Charlotte, and the sloop Gen-
eral Carlton, then at anchor there.

And whereas the inhabitants of said island have (Not-
withstanding the generous indulgences to them granted
by their excellencies, the commanders-in-chief of his
majesty's army and navy) discovered in various instances
a disposition to aid and assist his majesty's enemies, and
to molest and disturb such of his majesty's servants as
have in pursuance of their duty put into that place, and
by such neglectful and perfidious conduct have justly for-
feited all pretensions to that protection, which a continu-
ance in peace would have secured them the enjoyment
of; —

We hereby proclaim and declare to you, the inhabi-
tants of Nantucket, that, unless an immediate and sufficient
explanation of your conduct is made to us, relative to

98 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

these transactions, we shall consider you as the professed
enemies of our most gracious sovereign, and shall comr
mence our operations against you as such.

And having been this day furnished with a true list
and description of all the vessels now in your harbor,
we do by these presents expressly forbid you from suffer-
ing any of these vessels to remove from thence, without
special license first obtained from the commanding officer
of the fleet for the time being, m the Vineyard Sound,
on penalty of their being forfeited.

Dated on board the ship Restoration, the 16th day of
September, in the nineteenth year of his majesty's reign.
Anno Domini 1779.

Edward Winslow,
George Leonard.

This communication, coming directly from the com-
manding officers of the fleet, added to the alarm which
had already taken place in the minds of the people.
The inhabitants immediately convened on the occasion,
and made the following reply to the charges of the British
commanders.

To Edward Winslow, Esq., lieutenant-colonel, command-
ant of a party of troops, and George Leonard, Esq.,
commander of a fleet of armed vessels in the service
of his majesty, George the Third, king of Great Brit-
ain, &;c.

The town of Sherburne, on the island of Nantucket,
have this day received a writing or manifesto signed by
you, in which you have made sundry charges against the
inhabitants of this place ; by information, you say, from
an officer of marines by the name of John Boswell.

HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET. 99

The first of which charges is, that a number of inhabi-
tants assembled, and by wafts and signals prevented a
certain sloop from falling into the hands of the armed
vessels lying in thb port, as a prize. Also that said in-
habitants have discovered, in various instances, a disposi-
tion to aid and assist his majesty's enemies, and to molest
and disturb such of his majesty's servants as have put
into this place : and for such perfidious conduct we have
forfeited all the indulgences heretofore granted us, &;c.

In answer to the first charge, we say, the sloop referred
to came over the bar and anchored within one quarter of
a mile of the shore, and there lay twelve hours, which we
apprehend would not have been the case if they had seen
the wafts. But on the town's being informed by the
commanders of the armed vessels, that there had been
wafts, the principal inhabitants endeavored to find who
the persons were that were guilty ; after much inquiry, it
was found, that a number of lads at the sea side were the
persons, and upon examination we could not discover that
they were sent for that purpose by any person, and the
town highly disapproved of any such conduct, and we
dare say that nothing of the kind v^'ill take place in future ;
and we must likewise add, that the pilot then on board
declares, that neither he nor any other person on board
the said sloop (that he knows of) discovered any such
wafts, and that they did not omit coming into the harbor
on that account, but were informed by a small sloop that
British colors were displayed in the harbor, and that
the fishing vessels that went in were taken possession of
by armed vessels.

In answer to the second charge, of aiding the king's
enemies, we say, that the town of Sherburne, on the re-

100 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

turn of their committee from Netv York, immediately
assembled themselves in town meeting, and received their
report, with the indulgences from the commander-in-chief
at New York, which report was accepted by the inhabi-
tants, and a vote passed, in a very foil meeting, that they
would continue altogether peaceable, which the town
hath observed, and they know of no instance wherein
they have assisted the king's enemies, neither have they
molested or disturbed the king's servants that have put
into the place, but on the contrary have paid them every
respect due to their rank, with as much politeness as we
were capable of, and we should have been glad to have
had it in our power to say, that all the officers had be-
haved with that cordiality towards the inhabitants that
they had a right to expect from them. After the afore-
said charges you proceed and say, that without our imme-
diate and full explanation of our conduct you shall consider
us the professed enemies of your most gracious sovereign,
and commence your operations against us as such.

We think we have given a full explanation of every
charge exhibited against us, and we hope to your satis-
faction, and we further say that this town has done no act
inconsistent with the indulgences, and that we have a right
to the continuation of them, until the commander-in-chief
in New York sees fit to withdraw them.

We now beg leave to mention to you the conduct of
your armed vessels while in this port. The same day
they were piloted into the harbor by the inhabitants, our
small fishery fleet arrived, they immediately took posses-
sion of them, and kept the fishermen from their families
twenty-four hours, and held up every appearance of treat-
ing them as enemies, after which, contrary to the rules of

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET, 101

the iiary^ Captain Duggan let his sailors be on shore in
the evening among the peaceable inhabitants with cut-
lasses^ breaking open shops and plundering the inhabitants
of their property, in the most audacious and menacing
manner, and himself gave orders to his people (without
ever consulting the inhabitants) to take their cables, an-
chors, boats, sails, &e«, notwithstanding he had the com-
mander-in-chiefs declaration produced to him, forbidding
every such act. — We have now taken notice of every
matter we think necessary to commit to writing ; for a fur-
ther explanation of matters we beg leave to refer you to
the three gentlemen, who are chosen a committee by the
town to be the bearers of this answer.

Signed in behalf of the town,

Frederick Folger, Town Clerk.
Nantucket, September 18th, 1779.

A committee was then appointed to bear the memorial,
and to use their endeavors to give satisfaction ; they ac-
cordingly proceeded on their mission, and on the " 23rd
of September," made the following report :

The committee, appointed by the town of Sherburne,
to wait, on Colonel Edward Winslow, Esq. and George
Leonard, Esq. at Martha^'s Vineyard, beg leave to report :

That they immediately proceeded there, and repaired
on board the ship Restoration, and had a conference with
them on the subject of giving signals to a certain sloop,
that came over Nantucket Bar.

Your committee found the gentlemen much dissatisfied,
but on a thorough inspection into the matter, and our
producipg to them the votes of the town of Sherburne,

102 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

disavowing every such proceeding, they were satisfied, so
far as to commence no operations against the town on
that account, without the future conduct of the inhabi-
tants should make it necessary.

The committee further say, that the above gentlemen
gave them the fullest assurances, that they had no incli-
nation to distress the inhabitants of Nantucket ; but on
the contrary would give them every assistance in their
power, so long as they adhered to their own votes, and
acted consistently with them.

Stephen Paddock, ')

Timothy Folger, > Committee,

Samuel Gelston, )

Nantucket, yf. 23rd Septmf. 1779.

During all these transactions the wind continued to the
eastward, which prevented them from pursuing the object
of their intention ; for the foregoing complaints were con-
sidered nothing more than a pretext formed by them to
guarantee their conduct in plundering the town, and to
screen them from punishment from their own government.

It was pretended, that a schooner, which arrived from
Rhode Island, brought orders to the commanders of the
armament to abandon the enterprise and return to New
York, which was promptly obeyed, and they left the
Vineyard the next morning.

It finally appeared, however, that their conduct was
without the authority of the British commander-in-chief,
at New York, and that the plan was instituted and pro-
moted principally by the loyalists.

It is highly probable, that the east wind, which so
providentially prevailed during these transactions, alone

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 103

prevented the immediate execution of the enemy's in-
tentions ; and that, during the delay, reflections on the
enormity of their meditated act, and the difficuhy of ren-
dering an excuse for it to their government, checked any
further proceedings. In the view of the people of the
island, their deliverance seemed to have been wrought
by Him who sets bounds to the wicked. The British
government would sooner have contributed to the relief
of the inhabitants, than permit one step to be taken to
distress them. Past experience of their lenity warrants
this declaration ; for in every instance of application being
made to them for assistance, it was granted, so far as
circumstances would allow.

It was always evident to the people, that the town
oould not be defended against the enemy ; it was, there-
fore, considered wise and prudent to say and do nothing
to irritate them, since they at all times had the power of
destroying the place, without a risk of being repelled.
The American government could not protect the island,
and there was a large clas? of the people, composed of
Friends and others of similar tenets respecting war, who
did not crave its protection, relying rather on that Power
which can never fail, and which is most conspicuous in
times of the greatest peril. There were some, however,
who always manifested a disposition to make all the
defence they could, to secure themselves, and save their
property from the possession of the enemy. And they
urged this as a duty incumbent upon them. These differ-
ences of opinion caused some dissension, which, although
never carried to great lengths, added to the trials and
fflixieties occasioned by the war.

The situation and circumstances of the place, during

104 BISTORT OV NANTUCKET.

the existence^ and at the close of the war^ was known to
the general and state government ; a heavy tax was, not-
withstanding, imposed on the inhabitants. The impro-
priety of this measure was very evident to the greater
part of the people of the island, and to many members of
the legislature ; but it could not be well avoided. But a
small proportion, however, of these taxes was collected,
for, after the war closed, the legislature was informed, in
' a particular manner, of the embarrassed state of the town,
by their representative, whose attention to the interests
of his constituents, and indefatigable industry, obtained a
remission of the greater part of the back taxes, with which
the town stood charged. It appeared evident to every
rational mbd, acquainted with the circumstances, that
the inhabitants of Nantucket should be exempted from
paying taxes to the government in time of war. There
is no place within the limits of the nation ipore exposed
to the ravages of an enemy, and no one more out of the
reach of the protection of government than this. With
what propriety can a community be taxed for the support
of a war, whose only share in it is the entire ruin of their
wonted business, and utter exposure of lives and homes
to the rapacity of the enemy, or unqualified dependence
on their mercy ? The inhabitants are fishermen, and by
steady industry and enterprising genius they are enabled
in times of peace to sustain a respectable standing in the
community at large ; but whenever their business is ob-
structed, their every dependence for a livelihood is gone,
until the cause is removed : for there is no alternative, no
retreat for them. The wide ocean is the source of their
livelihood, and they breast its waves and grapple with its
monsters in every latitude between the polar ices. The

BISTORT OT NANTUCKET. 105

sun never sets on their industry ; they labor and worship
under the whole dome of the firmament. The objects of
their affections are abroad on the deep, or buried for ever
beneath its billows ; their prayers are wafted on every
wind, their tears are mingled with every surge. Insulated
in business, as well as in their location, their habits and
customs, and in many respects their opinions, partake of
the general character of their circumstances. Peaceable
in their occupations, they are^ with few exceptions, radi-
cally opposed to war.

The legislative body, after a full investigation of the
situation i^d circumstances of the place, became fully
convinced of the truth of the foregoing facts, in conformity
to which the following resolution was passed.

COBIMdNWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.

In the House of Representatives, June 30rA, 1781.

On the Petition of the Agents appointed by the Town of
Sherburne, on the Island and County of Nantucket : —

Resolved, That the Treasurer of the Commonwealth
be and he is hereby directed to suspend issuing his exe-
cution against the deficient constables or collectors of the
county of Nantucket, until the further order of this court.

Sent up for concurrence.

Natuanael Gorham, Speaker.

In Senate, July 2d, 178|. Read and concurred.

Samuel Adams, President.
Approved.

John Hancock.
True copy. Attest.

John Avgri, Secretary.

106 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

Previous to the war, the place was in a flourishing
state, and fully able to contribute its proportion for de-
fraying the public expense in the maintenance of civil
government, and it always did so with cheerfulness. But,
through the effects of the war, the people were deprived
of their property and every means of comfortable sub-
sistence. In this situation they were more nearly in a
state of beggary, than in a condition to pay a heavy tax.
Notwithstanding these facts, there was a small number of
different sentiments, who uniformly urged, that the people
of this place were as well able to pay taxes as those of
any town within the state.

The fisheries in general, and particularly the whaling
business, were of incalculable advantage to the country.
The latter not only furnishes the best of light for public
and private uses, but also supports a valuable branch of
trade to foreign markets. Those who are employed in
the whale fishery are a stout, hardy set of men, and are
acknowledged to be the best seamen in the world. It has
often been remarked, that the small town of Nantucket
furnishes a greater number of officers capable of taking
charge of ships, than any other seaport in the United
States. If this is correct, and we have no reason to doubt
it, what a nursery for seamen ! From these considera-
tions ought not the whale fishery to enjoy the fostering
care of government, especially in time of war ?

( 107)

CHAPTER VI.

Grkater suffering was experienced by the inhabitants of
Nantucket, in the year 1780, than at any other period
during the revolutionary war. During the winter of that
year, denominated the hard winter, the distress of the
people was, on many accounts, very great. The greater
part of the people had previously been reduced to a state
of penury. The cold weather set in eariy, and prevented
the little supply of wood and provisions which was ex-
pected. The autunan bad been so unconanaonly wet, that
but a small quantity of peat could be procured. These
circumstances, added to the common calamity of war,
produced a state of the most fearful anxiety.

The harbor was closed with ice about the twentieth of
the twelfth month, 1779, and continued frozen, without
intermission, during the winter. The inhabitants soon
began to feel the effects of this severity: for the cold
increased and the ice was formed on all sides, so that
there was no water to be seen from the highest eminences,
for the space of several weeks. There were also so much
ice and snow on the ground and in the swamps as to
almost entirely prevent the obtaining any fuel thence.
The shores and creeks were so covered with thick ice,
that it was with great difficulty that fish of any kind could
be procured.

The cold was so intense, and continued so long, that
the ice io the harbor became sufficiently strong to allow

108 BISTORT OF NANTUCKET.

loaded calashes to pass over it. An opportunity was thus
afforded to those, who were destitute of firing, to procure
it at Coskata, far more conveniently and expeditiously
than they could have done by the circuitous and very
bad road to that spot. By this means the laboring poor,
for several weeks, procured all their fuel : it was a hard
and laborious task, but, as it was their only resort, even
this was thankfully embraced. The distance from town
to the place of getting the wood was nine or ten miles,
the days were short, and the weather frequently so bois-
terous, as to make it hardly safe to expose the human
body to its severity. In addition to this, they incurred
the danger of breaking through the ice, particularly in
places where there was a strong current. Accidents of
this kind sometimes happened, to the great detriment of
the business; but happily no lives were lost. As the
demand for wood increased, the number of persons which
had recourse to this mode of procuring it, increased daily,
until there might be seen fifty or sixty horses and calashes
in a tram, pursuing their course homeward with their
hard-earned burdens. The wood obtained was princi*
pally of two kinds, the oak and juniper. It was hard, and
made a durable fire, but very crooked, and none of it large
or tall. It had been reserved by the proprietors of the
land, as a shelter for their sheep and horses in the winter*
But the difficulty of procuring firing was at this time so
great, that the owners of the wood were willing to relin^
quisb their privilege for a very reasonable compensation.
Thus by hard toil many of the inhabitants were preserved
fipm freezing.

Still more distress was felt from want of provisions ; tho
poorer class, in particular, suffered exceedingly. The

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 109

war had made many widows and orphans, who had now
to endure the miseries of famine, in addition to the poig-
nant grief occasioned by the loss of their dearest relatives.
Of this class many experienced the greatest sufferings,
and, although none are known to have frozen or starved,
without doubt some were hurried to their graves, through '
want of the necessaries and comforts of life.

The previous season was uncommonly fruitful, and the
farmers generally had raised more grain and vegetables
than were needed by their own families ; whereby they
were enabled to supply, in some measure, the wants of
the needy.

Some that were opulent, with a provident benevolence,
furnished themselves with considerable quantities of bread
stuff before winter set in, and, in this pinching time, sold
it out in small quantities to such as had wherewithal to
pay ; but such as had not were not turned empty away.
In addition to these measures, the authorities of the town
strove, with the means of which they were possessed,
to relieve the distresses of the people. Every thing
which toil could procure — ^liberal charity, mutual accom-
modations and public assistance, rigid economy and patient
endurance — ^all these, though they could not avert, did
much to alleviate the asperities of the times.

The sufferins: for clothing was inconsiderable, both at
this period, and throughout the war. For, immediately,
on being cut off from the use of English manufactures,
the women engaged within their own families in manu-
facturing cloth of various kinds for domestic use. They
thus kept their household decently clad, and the surplus
of their labors they sold to such as chose to buy rather
than make for themselves. In this way the female part

110 HISTOHT OF NANTUCKET.

of families, by their industry and strict economy, fre-
quently supported the whole domestic circle; evincing
the strength of their attachment and the value of their
services to those, on whom they themselves were wont to
depend for protection and support. There being from
twelve to sixteen thousand sheep owned on the island, it
was easy to procure as much wool as was needed. A
considerable quantity of flax was raised yearly, and some
was imported from the continent ; so that means were
furnished, for all that were inclined to labor, to clothe
their families.

In order to relieve, in some measure, the increasing suf-
ferings of the people, the proprietors of the island caused
to be laid out and assigned to each owner, a number of
large tracts of land of various descriptions, for themselves
and their families to improve. In 1775 a tract of 2456
acres was laid out at the S. K. part of the island. In
1778 a tract called Croskata was laid out, containing 349
acres ; and the following year a large tract called Squam,
and Pookoomo, containing 2109 acres. Croskata was
nearly covered with wood of a small growth, which was
of great benefit to the people.

For the accommodation of the owners and the people
at large, all the swamps to the westward of the town were
laid out for the purpose of digging peat. Also a large
swamp, about two miles east from the town, called Taw-
pawshas swamp; and full liberty was granted by. the
proprietors to the inhabitants at large, to dig peat from it
without allowing the owners any perquisite. These
measures proved of great benefit, for many were thereby
furnished with a living, though scanty, which they could
not have obtained by any other means at that time.

HISTORY or NANTUCKET, 111

Whaling being the only business which suited the
genius of Nantucket, they constantly kept it in view, in
order to prosecute it, as soon as a proper opening should
present. But they had become so reduced at this period
of the war, and such was the risk of capture, that they
could not fit out their vessels in that service.

Repeated intimations from the British commanders in
this country led the inhabitants of the island to believe,
that, if some regular course could be pursued, some indul-
gence would be granted to them. The situation of affairs
was, however, very critical. The inhabitants were
watched as with the eyes of Argus, and threatened, that,
if any correspondence was carried on with the British,
all communication with the continent should be stopped:
again, if they risked their property at sea, it was almost
sure to become a sacrifice to British cruisers ; and if
nothing was done, the only alternative was distress and
famine. It was now, however, pretty well ascertained,
that some of the leading men in the nation were looking
with an eye of commiseration on the depressed circum-
stances of the place.

Under these considerations, Timothy Folger, Esq. was
sent to New York, to represent the situation of the people
of Nantucket, and to ask permission of the British com-
mander-in-chief to carry on the whaling business, without
being subject to capture by the v.essels of his government.
The following is a copy of the petition, which was pre-
sented :

112 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

To their Excellencies, Sir Henry Clmton, Knight of the
Bath, and commander-in-chief of his majesty's forces
employed in North America, and Marriot Arbuthnot,
Esquire, Vice Admiral of the Blue, and commander-
in-chief of his majesty's ships and vessels employed
and to be employed in North America, and his ma-
jesty's commissioners for restoring peace to the revolting
colonies, &:c.

The petition of the island of Nantucket humbly shews ;
that at this time there is five thousand inhabitants on said
island, who, through the unhappy dispute that hath taken
place between Great Britain and the colonies, are reduced
to the most miserable situation imaginable.

The soil will not produce a subsistence for one third
part of the people.' Wholly destitute of fire wood, and
but a little clothing ; such being their situation and cir-
cumstances, your petitioners really apprehend, that, with-
out some indulgences from your excellencies, there will
maiiy people perish for want, before the end of another
winter. Your petitioners hope and flatter themselves,
that, as they have taken no part whatever in the unhappy
war that has brought on these calamities, but have remain-
ed these five years in a state of peace, without civil or
military officers on the island, or any court of justice, on
which account they have been denied more than once of
all supplies from the continent, and likewise that more
than two third parts of the inhabitants are of the people
called Quakers, and principled against bearing arms on
any occasion, — that your excellencies will take their pecu-
liar situation into your wise consideration, and grant them
such relief as will furnish them with a subsistence only.

HISTORY OP NANTUCKET, 113

Your petitiooers do not wish, neither will they presume
to ask, an)b indulgences that will counteract the plans of
goyemment. As the inhabitants of said island were here-
tofore wholly employed in the whale and cod fishery, and
at present every other means of subsistence being cut off,
they hope your excellencies will permit twenty fishmg
boats to fish round the island of Nantucket, and four ves-
sels to be employed in the whale fishery, and ten small
vessels to supply the inhabitants with wood, and one to
go to New York for some little supplies ; said vessels be-
ing put under such regulations as your excellencies shall
see meet. Your petitioners likewise beg of your excel-
lencies, that you will prohibit all armed vessels and arm-
ed men from going to Nantucket to take the property of
the island from thence.

And your petitioners as in duty bound shall pray.

Timothy Folger,
Agent for the inhabitants of Nantucket.
New York, 9th July, 1780.

This petition, although it had not that immediate effect
which was asked for, proved of much advantage in pro-
moting the much desired object, that of whaling without
the risk of capture. The subject was constantly kept in
view by the inhabitants, and, as often as opportunity pre-
sented, permission was asked of the British for that pur-
pose. In the year 1781 depredations were frequently
made by the enemy's cruisers that occasionally came into
the harbor. The people were thus kept in constant
agitation, not knowing what measures to pursue, except
to repeat their petitions and remonstrances to the British
commanders. They had frequent occasion to resort to

tl4 HISTOBt OF NAKTUCKBT*

this mode of proceeding, which always appeared to have
some good e^ct, but promised no permanent advantage.
In 1781 y notwithstanding the many discouragements
presented in renewing petitions to the British command-
ers-in-chief, yet, D0« other means appearing likely to pre-
vent the frequent depredations of the enemy on the prop-
erty of the inhabitants, a memorial was again resorted to,
and a committee to bear it was appointed by the town.
The committee were instructed to proceed to New Yotk)
to Admiral Digby, and to give him a correct statement of
the difficulties and embarrassments of the people in many
respects, particularly from the conduct of British cruisers
as above stated. They were further directed to ask such
indulgences as could be consistently granted. On their
return, they made the following report to the town.

To the inhabitants of the town of Sherburne, in town

meeting assembled.
Respected Friends,
Agreeably to the appointment by the town, on the 3d
of the 10th month last, we proceeded to New York, and
presented your memorial to Admiral Digby, commander-
in-chief there. We also represented the peaceable conduct
maintained by the inhabitants in general, in the course of
the present contest, with the exposed situation of « the
island, and that recent depredations had been made upon
us ; upon which an inquiry into the general state and
circumstances of the island took place, which determined
the Admiral to exercise his authority in our favor, and
accordingly gave us his positive order to prevent any fur-
ther molestation of our persons and property within the

BISTORT OF KANTUCK£T. 115

bar of the harbor, which we herewith deliver. We are

your friends.

Samuel Starbuck,
William Rotch,
Benjamin Husset.

* Sherburne, 12 mo. I9th, 1781.

We regret that a copy of the memorial and also the
order alluded to in the committee's report, cannot be found.
The town's committee being npw in New York, and fully
authorized, renewed the petition to whale, and finally
succeeded. Towards the latter part of the year a con-
siderable number of permits for that purpose were obtained.
The following is a copy of one of them.

[l. s,] By Robert Digby, Esquire, Rear Admiral of the
Red, and Commander-in-chief, '&c.&:c.

Permission is hereby given to the
Dolphin brig, burthen sixty tons,
Walter Folger owner, navigated by
Gilbert Folger as master and the
twelve seamen named in the mar-
gin, to leave the island of Nantucket
James Chase, ^ and to proceed on a whaling voy-

age. — ^To commence the first of
January, 1732, and end the last

day of following, provid-

>>ed that they have on board the
necessary whaling craft and provis-
ions only, and that the master of
said brig is possessed of a certificate
from the selectmen of the said island,
setting forth that she is bone fide
the property of the inhabitants of

Obadiah Folger,
George Coleman,
Silvanus Swain,
Charles Russell,
Peter Pollard,
Andrew Coleman,
Obed Barnard,
Jonathan Briggs.

116 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

the island, with the names of the
master and seamen of her ; and that
she shall not be found proceeding
with her cargo to any other port
than Nantucket or New York.

Dated at New York, the first day of December^ 1781.

Robert Digby.
To the commissioners of his majesty's ships and vessels
of war, as well as of all privateers and letters of marque.

By command of the Admiral.

Thomas M. Palmer.

•

This privilege seemed to give new life to the people.
It produced a considerable movement in business, but the
resources of the island had so diminished, that but a small
number of vessels could take the benefit of these permits.
Those who had vessels, and were possessed of the means,
fitted them out on short voyages, and, had there been tio
hindrance, it is probable that they would have done well ;
for the whales, having been unmolested for several years,
had become numerous, and were pretty easily caught.

To carry on the whale fishery under permission of the
government of Great Britain, was a proceeding somewhat
novel, and could not pass unnoticed. Although it was
not publicly known, yet it was generally believed, that
some kind of indulgence had been shown by the enemy
to the people of Nantucket. This caused some clamor
on the continent ; but our government well knew the sit-
uation of the place, and its large participation in the
calamities of war, and was, consequently, rather inclined
to favor than to condemn the acceptance of favors from
the English. Although the government could not grant
an exclusive privilege to any particular part of the union.

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 117

yet such encouragement was given by the leading men of
the nation, in their individual capacity, as to warrant the
proceeding. Several vessels, whaling under these per-
mits, were taken by Ameripan privateers, and carried into
port, but in every instance they were soon liberated.
Whenever it was found that the permits were used for no
other purpose than that for which they were granted, and
that the vessels using them had not been engaged in illicit
trade, there was no hesitation in releasing them.

In the early part of the war, notes or bills were issued
by the state legislature, and also by congress, called money.
This paper medium was freely taken by the people of
Pfantucket, and served in lieu of specie in the line of
trade ; but it was not long before it began to depreciate
in its nominal value. Still as there was little real money
in circulation, this paper having been made a lawful ten-
der, the people continued to take it ; indeed it was difB-
<jult to avoid doing so, and yet carry on business. This
paper currency continued to be the circulating medii^m
during the war, but it gradually depreciated from year to
year, until it became valueless. Many people suffered
from this cause ; some, who sold their oil in the early part
of the war, took the money in payment, and laid it by
until the war closed, at which time it was worth nothing.
Those who held it were flattered for years afterwards,
that government would redeem it, but this was never done.

In 1782 there began to be joyful anticipations of peace.
The English government this year acknowledged the
independence of America. Favorable omens animated
the minds of the people. The prospect continued to
brighten, though each one was cautious not to place too
great confidence in appearances, through fear of disap-

118 HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET.

pointment. Tbe year 1783 commenced v^ith renewed
encouragements that peace would soon be established,
which was yerified by General Washington's resignation
of bis commission to congress in the twelfth month. Joy
pervaded all parts of the country, and was no where more
heartfelt than at Nantucket ; for, perhaps, no place had
suffered more. In the early part of the year 1784 peace
was ratiBed between the United States and Great Britain.
In 1775 the tonnage owned at Nantucket, as nearly as
we can ascertain, was 14,867 tons. During the war 15
vessels were lost at sea, and 134 were captured ; total loss
in tonnage, 12,467 tons, of which more than 10,000 tons
fell into the hands of the enemy. It would be difficult, at
this period, to make an estimate of the value of these ves-
sels ; many of them had on board valuable cargoes. They
were navigated by the youth and manhood of the island.
Of the crews, some perished miserably in prison-ships,
others lingered years in confinement ; some entered the
service of the country, others returned home destitute to
destitute families. To these considerations, if we add
losses by plunderers, the almost total stoppage of all busi-
ness during the war, the insufficiency of the soil to pro-
duce food for tbe inhabitants, tbe almost constant block-
ading of the harbor by the English or the Refiigees, it will
not be doubted that Nantucket paid as dearly for the
independence of our country as any place in the union.

( 119 )

CHAPTER VII.

The joyful sound of peace now echoed through the
land, in which the people of Nantucket thankfully par-
ticipated. Although the greater part were miserably poor,
yet they were not insensible of the manifold favors shown
them during the continuance of the war. They were at
all times more exposed to the enemy than the people of
many places which bad been plundered and burnt. Tliey
had been favored beyond their expectation, at times when
nothing appeared but imminent danger. English armed
vessels often visited their harbor, but, except in a few in-
stances, already mentioned, there had been little loss of
property on that account. It was evident, at many times,
that an overruling Power had watched over them, and
assisted them through many difficulties which would
otherwise have proved distressing. The seafaring peo-
ple, whose necessities exposed them to the casualties
of war, suffered very much. Many were cut off, in the
prime of life, by the prison-ship, by disasters at ^a, in
battle, or by other causes produced by war. Many
mourning families were thus driven to beg their bread.
Many bereaved and aged parents were left to mourn over
their offspring, snatched from them by violence or disease
in distant parts and under distressing circumstances. But
peace was now restored, and all were glad to exchange
severe sufferings and sad forebodings for active busuMss

120

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

and pleasing anticipations. It was, however, with feeble
efforts, that they at first attempted to resume their wonted
occupations. At the commencement of the war, there
'were more than an hundred and fifty vessels belonging to
the place ; at its close there remained only two or three
old hulks. The town exhibited ijie appearance of a
deserted village rather than of a flourishing seaport
containing upwards of four thousand inhabitants. The
buildings had received no paint and scarce any repairs
during the war, and a considerable number of the oldest
bouses were in a rapid course of dilapidation.

^ The following extract from the valuation taken in
1784, will show, in some measure, the situation of the
place at that time.
Families
Inhabitants

Houses

Widows

Orphan children

Indians . . .

Horses

Cows and oxen

Sheep

Tons of shipping, the greater part of which >
was purchased since the close of the war j

Tons.of shipping lost and taken since 1775

767

4,268

551

202

342

267

,693*

3,000

2,400

11,131

Such is a picture of the situation and circumstances
of the place at that period. Although it wore a gloomy
aspect, the minds of the people were animated, and they
manifested a lively disposition for business.

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

121

About this time many young men came home from
different parts, where they had been confined as prisoners.
Some of them bad been absent so long, without being
heard from, that their connexions had relinquished all
hope of ever seeing them again.

Those persons, who had capital left, resumed the whal-
ing with a small number of vessels. The whales, having
been but little disturbed during the war, were very numer-
ous on the coasts where they were sought, so that the
few vessels engaged in the business generally made pros-
perous voyages. The oil sold immediately for a good
price, which encouraged new adventurers to embark in
the business, whose limited means compelled thein to
take small risks at the commencement.

The peace produced as great a revolution in business
as the war had done. The currency of paper, as a sub-
stitute for money, which had caused such confusion in the
prices of articles, having now ceased, and the paper itself
having become valueless except as a representative of
loss and ruin^ trade began to assume a regular course.
The following table will show the prices of a few articles,
the first year or two after peace took place.

dolls, eta.

Spermaceti oil .... 141 67

Head matter

213 33

Molasses, per gallon

— 67

Sperm candles, per pound .

— 41

Corn, per bushel

— 67

Fish, per quintal

3 00

Wood, per cord

2 61

Sugar, per cwt.

8 00

Flour, per barrel

5 50

Common labor^ per day

— 67

123 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET,

The foregoLog prices contkiued without much variation
for several years, and they may be taken as a criterion
for the value of other property, except oil, which lessened
in price very much, causing thereby considerable discour-
agement to the whaling business.

The price of most kinds of real estate was very low
for many years after the peace, which was occasioned by
the great want of money, to enter into business with.
The price of cows' commons varied irom ten to twelve
pounds. Other real estate, such as houses and settle-
ments in various parts of the town, that sold for five hun-
dred dollars, would, ten years before, have sold for three
or four times that amount. One cause for the deprecia-
tion of real estate, was, that those who carried on farm-
ing, during the war, now abandoned that employment and
turned their attention to whaling or fishing, or some
branches of business connected therewith. The farming
was thus left in a declining condition, there being but few
other than aged men, and young lads to conduct it.

The long projecting point at the north-east part of the
island, called Great Point, had long been considered a
suitable situation for a light-house, but the late war pre-
vented the building of one. In 1784 a light-house was
erected there by the state, which stood until 11th month,
1816, at which time it was destroyed by fire. Soon after
another was built of stone. The first was considered one
of the best in the United States. The light, when kept
in good order, shone more brilliantly, it was said, than any
other on the coast. The point, on which it stood, projected
far into the sea, which renders the light very beneficial to
vessels passing through the sound. The site was ceded
to the United States in 1790.

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 123

The 6rst light-bouse on Brant Point, at the entrance of
the harbor, burnt down in 1759 : the fire was supposed
to have been communicated from the lamps. The se-s
cond was blown down in 1774. A third was burnt in
the fall of 1783 ; in this instance, also, the fire was thought
to have communicated from the lamps. The next was a
wooden lantern, with glass windows, which was hoisted
between two spars with grooves to steady the lantern.

This was a dim light, hence it received the name of
^^ bug light.'' The fifth was a firame, with the top fitted
for the lights; this blew down. The light-houses on
Brant Point, above-mentioned, and the expense of keep*
ing them, were al the charge of the town. When the
general government was about to furnish the sea coast
with light-houses, it was thought expedient, by the inhab*
itants, that a new one should be erected, which was done
on application to that efiect ; and the land on which it
stood was accordingly ceded to the United States. This
last, being old, was a few years since taken down and an-
other erected m its stead, with a dwelling-house for the
keeper attached. The government has placed buoys on
the shoals and bar, near the entrance of the harbor, to
guide vessels passing in and out. They are taken away
in the winter to prevent their being carried ofi* by the
ice.

At the close of the revolutionary war, there was a
considerable number of men too far advanced in life to
resume the whaling business, in which they had pre-
viously been engaged. '< Havmg lost nine years of their
life to no profit," to use their own expression, it became
necessary to resort to other business for a subsistence.
The cod fishery at that time appeared likely to become

124 HISTORY or NANTUCKET.

a permanent business of the place. It was therefore
adopted by this class. The encouragement to prosecute
this branch appeared very promising to a number of com-
mercial men, who embarked therein with their property.
The fish, on the great fishing banks, were found exceed-
ingly plenty, by the people of Marblehead, and Cape
Cod, &c.,and the price was such as yielded a good profit.
With these prospects, a number of vessels were put into
the service, some of which went to the Grand Bank,
Newfoundland, Cape Sable, and other places eastward,
and others of small burthen went out upon the shoals to
the eastward of the island. They generally obtained
good voyages, and the fish sold well for the first two or three
years. The business, however, dwindled by degrees ; at
length it was clearly proved, that it was not suited to the
genius and inclinations of the people. The vessels, ex-
cept a few that contkiued to fish in the vicinity of the
island, were put into other employment.

It may be asked, why could not the people of Nan-
tucket carry on the cod fishing to as much advantage and
profit as the people of Marblehead and Cape Cod ? The
reasons are obvious. First ; the middle-aged, as before
mentioned, who were too far advanced in life to return to
their former business, were the only class to be met with
that would engage in the fishing : and of these there was
not a sufficient number to prosecute the business, with the
energy and to the extent which the nature of it required,
in order to render it profitable. In the second place, the
people were unaccustomed to the business, and unwilling
to engage in it, for their attention and study were con-
stantly fixed on that of whaling. They could not be
brought to believe, that the cod fishing would answer on

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 125

aoy principle upon which it was conducted. It was,
therefore, impossible to obtain men of the first abilities to
go in the vessels^ The owners had recourse to the^Cape
to man their vessels, where they had to encounter similar
difficulties ; for the most capable and active part of the
population there, engaged in this employment, could al-
ways have all the encouragement which the business af-
forded, without leaving their homes.

Under these considerations, the cod fishing was aban-
doned, as before stated.

In 1785, the whale fishery gave promise of much pro-
fit : provisions and other articles used in outfits were soon
reduced to moderate prices, while that of oil was high.
This continued, however, for but a short duration, for in
the latter part of the following year, sperm oil, in its
crude state, sold for £24 and head matter for £45 per
ton ; which caused much discouragement in the minds of
the people, and led them to think of other and more
profitable business. The people in general had flattered
themselves that all difficulties and embarrassments in their
line of business, would cease with the war; and that they
might, with every prospect of advantage, pursue the whale
fishery with quietness. Many embarked all their prop-
erty ; but what was their disappointment, after obtaining
a good fare of oil, to find that it would not defray the ex-
pense of the voyage ! This was not only discouraging,
but alarming, to the principal commercial men. Many
ways were devised to remedy these difficulties. It was
urged that, if the island could be placed in a state of neu-
trality it would be beneficial to the whole community ;
that it would increase the trade to various parts of the
world, which, together with the little whaling that would

1S6 HI8T0BT OV NANTUCKET.

be carried od, would be likely to remove every complaint :
and that the country at large would derive many benefits
from the measure. As nothing could be done without
legislative assistance, several town meetings were held to
deliberate on the subject, and at length a large committee
was appointed to draft a memorial to the general court,
representing the situation of the town, and asking such
relief as might appear adequate to the emergency. The
committee was also instructed to take the subject of the
neutrality of the place under consideration, on which they
made the following report : —

" The committee appointed by the town to draft a me-
morial to present to the general court, in behalf of the
inhabitants of the island, have attended to that business,
and have reported the same to the satisfaction of the
town, and as the same committee were directed to form
a plan for the town to proceed upon, such as they ap-
prehended would answer the best purposes, and be most
for the interest of the whole, crave leave to report, that,
it is the unanimous opinion of the committee, that the
whale fishery cannot be preserved to this place, nor any
part of that business be carried on by the inhabitants of
the island, without great loss attending it, which will of
course reduce the inhabitants to a state of poverty and
distress; and it is their opinion, that the only possible
remedy is, in placing the island and its inhabitants in a
state of neutrality, which if obtained may perhaps put it
in the power of the inhabitants, to preserve so much of
the whale fishery as may procure them a subsistence."

^* But as the memorial says nothing respecting a state of
neutrality, but only requests the government to point out

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 127

some method for us to secure some part of the whale
fishery, which, if they should do, and it should appear to
the agents of the town on this business, that it will elSect-
ually answer the meaning and intention of the memorial,
in that case a state of neutrality may not be moved for,
but the committee are fully of the opinion, that a matter
of so much consequence must, in a great measure, be
left to the wisdom, prudence, and integrity of your agent,
or agents, that may have the conducting of this business
with the government.

The above report was signed by the committee, consist-
ing of nine persons.

Nantucket, 5th mo. 2d, 1785.

The memorial, mentioned in the above report, was for-
warded to the general court by a committee who were
instructed to use their endeavors to have the whole car*
ried into effect, the subject of neutrality, as well as that
pertaining to the whale fishery.

But the subject of neutrality did not meet with that
cordial reception, which was anticipated. It was deemed
inconsistent by the legislature, to grant an indulgence to
one section of the commonwealth, by which all could
not be benefited, and by which the general interests of
commerce might be injured.

The 'depression in the whaling business was, however,
too evident to need proof; and the legislature seemed
disposed to render their aid and assistance as far as would
be consistent with the interests of the commonwealth.
In conformity with this purpose it was thought necessary
to encourage the whale fishery throughout the state, by
putting a bounty on the different kinds of whale oil. A

128 HISTOET OP NANTUCKET.

resolve passed the legislature, in 1785, of which the fol-
lowing is a copy : —

" Whereas this court, having a due sense of the high
worth and importance of the whale fishery, are desirous
of its preservation, not only to this state, but to the United
States in general ; therefore, resolved, that there be paid,
out of the treasury of this commonwealth, the following
bounties upon whale oil, of the dilSerent qualities hereafter
mentioned, viz. :

For every .ton of white spermaceti oil, five pounds.

For every ton of brown or yellow spermaceti oil, sixty
shillings.

For every ton of whale oil, (so called,) forty shillings,
that may be taken or caught by any vessel or vessels, that
are or may be owned and manned wholly by the inhabit-
ants of this commonwealth, and landed within the same,
from and after the first day of January next, until the
further order of the general court.

And be it further resolved, that the selectmen of each
town, within this commonwealth, where said fishery is
carried on, be, and they hereby are empowered and di-
rected to appoint an inspector or inspectors, who, (first
making oath for the due performance of his or their duty,)
shall inspect all such oil, so landed, with an iron oil-search-
er, and with a marking-iron, mark on the head of each
cask so inspected, the initial letters of his name, describ-
ing the quality of the oil by the letters W. B. Y. W. O.
annexed, and make certificate thereof to the selectmen
of such town, as aforesaid, under oath; such inspector or
inspectors to be paid by the owner or owners of such oil,
so inspected, on certificate being produced as aforesaid.

HISTORY OV NANTUCKET. 129

And it is further resolved that, in order to entitle the
owner or owners of the oil, so taken, landed, inspected,
and marked, as aforesaid, to the bounty or bounties afore-
said, the owner or owners of the vessel or vessels, that
took and landed the sarae, shall produce, to the governor
and council, a certificate, from under the hands of the
selectmen of the town, where the said oil was landed and
inspected, as aforesaid ; which certificate shall be in the
following words, mutatis mutandis :

N , ss. 178-. This certifies that the A. B.

master, owned by E. F. of , in the county afore-
said, arrived at this port from a whaling voyage, on the

instant, (or as the case may be,) and had on board

the following quantities of oil, hereafter named, viz. : —

Tons of white spermaceti oil.

Tons of brown or yellow spermaceti oil.

Tons of whale oil.

The whole of which was landed at said port of ,

and there inspected according to law, and a certificate
thereof, under the hand of A. B., sworn inspector of the
port aforesaid, to us produced.

Selectmen of .

And it is further resolved, that the said owner, or own-
ers, together with the master, mentioned in the said certi-
ficate, shall each of them subscribe the same ; and the
said owner or owners, together with the said master, shall
make oath before some justice of the peace, for the sarae
county, in the form following, to wit. : —

130 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

You, A.'B. and C. D., do solemnly swear, (or affirm,)
that you were the sole owners of the , A. B. mas-
ter, mentioned in the certificate, during the whole time
she was employed in the whale voyage, herein mentioned,
and that the quantity of oil, aforesaid, was taken or caught
by the persons employed on board said vessel, during said
voyage, which vessel was navigated and manned wholly
by the inhabitants of this state, and that no foreigner, di-
rectly or indirectly, hath, or had, any share, part or inter-
est therein, and that the whole of said oil was taken or
caught after the first day of December, A. D. 1785»
So help you God*

And it IS further resolved, that upon such certificate
being produced to the governor and council, the gov-
ernor, by and with the consent of the council, be and
he is hereby empowered to grant a warrant on the treas-
ury of this commonwealth, for the payment of the boun-
ties in manner aforesaid.

And it is further resolved, that the secretary be and
he is hereby directed to publish the foregoing resolve in
Adams and Nourse's, the Essex, Falmouth, and Plymouth
newspapers."

This resolve was carried into operation, and in some
measure afforded relief, but it was attended, at the same
time, with embarrassments which were not anticipated,
and could not be obviated. The duration of the bounty
was not limited by the resolve, and it did not continue
long in operation ; ways and means opened beyond rea-
sonable expectation, which gave encouragement to the
whale fishery, and the bounty was withdrawn.

HISTOBY OF NANTUCKET. 131

The bounty was at first a pleasing thing and what many
had been laboring for a long time. It extended to all
who had any share in the oil. The desired relief, thus
afforded, animated the people to renewed activity, but
the effect was directly opposite to what was anticipated.
The bounty, being granted to the inhabitants of the state
generally, held out such Battering prospects, as to induce
people in many places to enter into the whaling business.
Thus the result was injurious rather than advantageous to
the interests of Nantucket.

The principal cause to be assigned for this was, that
the consumption was not sufficiently extensive in this
country to command a sale, except at reduced prices;
for there had been a suspension of the use of oil for many
preceding years, and the people generally, throughout the
country, used tallow candles. Little oil was used at that
time either for lighthouses or towns. In England the
whaling business was already so established, and carried
on so extensively, that it would not produce much profit
to ship oil there, subjected as it was to duty after the
revolutionary war. Some oil was, however, sent thither,
whilst the price was very low here, which, together with
the rapid increase of its use in this country, created a
good demand for it, at a good price. It was found, on
trial, to be better than tallow and to give a much more
brilliant light.

The prospect was now changed, and the inhabitants
began to make new advances, with the pleasing hope that
the principal obstacles to their business were removed.
But another difficulty soon arose, which lessened the
demand for oil, as it reduced the price in England so that
it would not bear shipping there from this country, and

132 HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET.

eoDsiderably clogged the whaling busioess for a time. The
English government had ever found it for their interest to
encourage the whale fishery within their own dominions.
Besides the many advantages derived from procuring their
own oil, they valued it as one of the best nurseries for
seamen. No opportunity was, therefore, neglected to
promote its interests. In order to encourage the business
in America, they fixed upon Halifax as the most eligible
place for that purpose. Here was an excellent harbor^
in or out of which vessels of any burthen could pass
either in winter or summer. It was probable that a good
market would be found for oil imported there, as soon as
it was landed. The government held out such alluring
prospects to such of the people of Nantucket as should
remove thither and pursue the whaling business, that a
considerable number were induced to try the experiment.
In 1786 and 1787 they settled on the shore opposite to
(be town of Halifax, and there built dwelling-bouses,
wharves, spermaceti candle-works, stores, &c., calling
the name of the place Dartmouth. There they carried
on the business several years, and reaped the benefit of
every advantage which the government was willing to
allow them. They appeared likely to succeed in their
undertaking, and the place seemed destined to become of
great importance. But their prosperity was not of long
duration : for, in a few years, some of the principal pro-
moters of the removal grew uneasy, having a prospect of
greater advantage held out to them by the government,
to remove to Milford Haven, in the west of England,
there to establish and prosecute the whale fishery. Thb
being greatly to the detriment of many of the settlers at
Dartmouth, it was opposed by them, but to no purpoi^e.

SriSTOBT or KANTCFCKBT. 133

In a short time, therefore, the flourisbmg little settlemoBt
was nearly broken up. A number of families removed
to England, carrying their property with them ; which
proved so injurious to the interests of the remainder, that
they began immediately to abandon the enterprise and
the place, disappointed in the hope which they had a
few years before entertained, that they bad gained a set-
tlement which would prove to their lasting comfort and
advantage. They could not leave the place without
making great sacrifices in the sale of such property as
could not be carried away with them. The place be-
came nearly depopulated in a short time, for it was not a
situation inviting to other business than that of whaling.

Those who removed to Milford Haven carried on the
business extensively during many years. The privileges
allowed them by government were such, as to give every
encouragement that could reasonably be desired.

By the removal to Halifax, Nantucket was deprived
of much capital and of many of the most active whale-
men. The loss was severely felt, and operated as a dis-
couragement to the whaling business. But the market
for oil grew better, and it was not long before this seem-
ing difficulty was removed. The business became pros-
perous, many new adventurers engaged in it, and the
number of vessels considerably increased. Sloops and
schooners, and a few brigs had heretofore been employed,
which were mostly sent to the West Indies, the coast of
Guinea, and to different ports on the coast of North
America. The whales having become scarce at these
places, it was necessary to explore new coasts in search
of them. Larger vessels were accordingly introduced
into the business, some of them ships, which were sent

134 HISTORY OP NANTUCKET.

to the coast of Brazil, where the right whales were very
numerous. They frequently obtained considerable quan-
tities of sperm oil on these voyages, which brought a
much greater price than whale oil. The ships generally
returned with full cargoes.

In 1787 some difficulties arose in the state of Massa-
chusetts, which claimed the attention of the legislature ;
and in their deliberations the necessity was urged of
causing all persons holding any or either of the principal
municipal offices in the commonwealth, to take and sub-
scribe the oath of allegiance prescribed by the consti-
tution. This was carried into effect by the following
resolve :

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.

In the House of Representativesy March lO^A, 1787*

Resolved, That the several persons that have been or
may hereafter be chosen for the present year as select*
men, assessors, town clerk, town treasurer, constables,
and collectors in the several towns, districts, and planta-
tions of this commonwealth, be and they hereby are
required, before the town clerk, or before some justice of
the peace, to take and subscribe the oath of allegiance as
prescribed in the constitution of this commonwealth, and
the same certificate shall be made, if taken before a justice
of the peace, as is already provided by law for the oaths
of town, district, or plantation officers ; and the town clerk
is directed to record the same in the book in which he is
directed by law to record the several oaths to be taken
by the said officers respectively, to qualify them to per-
form the duties thereof; and no act of either of the

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 135

officers aforesaid shall, after one month from the passmg
of this resolve, be esteemed valid in law, until they have
taken and subscribed the oath aforesaid ; any law, usage,
or custom to the contrary notwithstanding.

And he it farther resolved^ That in case any person,
chosen to either of the offices aforesaid, shall neglect or
refuse, within one month from the passing this resolve,
and hereafter annually, within seven days from the .time
of his election, the town to which such person or persons
belong, at a legal meeting appointed for that purpose,
shall proceed to make choice of some other person or
persons, to serve in the office or offices to which the
person or persons so neglecting or refusing had been
elected ; and the person or persons so refusing or neglect-
ing to take the oath as aforesaid, shall be liable to the
same penalties as is by law provided in case of refusal to
serve in the office to which he or they have been elected.

And that the secretary be and he is hereby directed to
publish these resolves in the several newspapers, three
weeks at least, successively, and to transmit a copy of
the same to the clerk of each town, district, or plantation
in this commonwealth.

The above resolve was very obnoxious to the people
of Nantucket, there being in the town a large number of
the society of Friends, and many others who could not
conscientiously take the formal oath on any occasion.
When it was found that so large a portion of the inhabit-
ants were deprived of the common privileges of citizen-
iship, and the town of their services as annual officers, it
became necessary to take some measures to obviate the
evil. The town convened on the occasion, and preferred

136 niSTOBT OF NANTUCKET.

a petition to the legislature, asking relief, which was not
at that time granted to the satisfaction of the town. The
petition was renewed at the next session of the general
court, and a committee appointed to present the same.
By this means the case was more fully understood, and
satisfactory relief was consequently aJfforded. The fol-
lowing is a copy of the petition :

To the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massa-
chusetts.

The petition of William Rotch, in behalf of the inhab-
itants of the town of Sherburne, on the island of Nan-
tucket, respectfully showeth,

That the inhabitants of Nantucket are much embar-
rassed in the prosecution of the internal affairs of that
island, on account of a resolve passed in the general court,
dated March 10th, 1787, requiring a test of certain town
officers therein expressed, by which, from the very small
number that can submit to such a declaration, a great part
of the inhabitants are deprived of the privilege of that free
choice of such persons as they apprehend the most suita-
ble to conduct the affairs of the town ; the inhabitants
addressed the general court last year by petition on the
subject, and stated their grievance, which was taken into
Consideration ; and the senate and house of representa-
tives respectively made an essay for their relief, adequate
to the object desired, but they not uniting in the mode,
the matter was dropped, and the inhabitants left without
that redress they had reason to expect, and that the court
had endeavored to extend.

Your petitioner, therefore, prays your consideration on
the subject, and that you would be pleased to grant us

HISTORY OP NANTUCKET. 137

such relief, from the operation of said resolve, as you in
wisdom may think fit.

William Rotch.
In behalf of the inhabitants of Nantucket.
Boston, 11th mo. 4th, 1788.

Previous to the late war, it was found that the manu-
facturing of sperm candles was a lucrative branch of
business. Several new factories were now established for
that purpose. The proprietors purchased the crude oil as
it came from sea, from which they separated the sperm.
The candles were mostly sent to the different seaports on
the continent, and thence large quantities of them were
shipped to the West Indies, and other parts of the world.
The oil, separated from the sperm, was almost wholly
consumed in the United States. Oil, in its unmanu-
fectnred state, was sometimes sent to England, but the
duties there were so high as to allow biit little profit to
the exporters.

The light-houses within the states began to augment
in number, about this time, which increased the consump-
tion of sperm oil, and added to its price. Whale oil was
obtained in greater quantities than sperm oil, and being
afforded at about one half the price of the latter, it gave
an opportunity for a more general use to be made of it.
Although it does not give so brilliant a light as sperm oil,
it will last nearly twice as long, so that on the whole it
is very much cheaper, and will answer tolerably well for
common lights. It is also serviceable in machinery and
for sundry other uses, which renders it a valuable com-
modity. At the time we speak of, it commanded a ready
sale in most of the larger seaports on the continent, from

138 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

which it was shipped to various parts of the world, par-
ticularly to the West Indies. It generally constituted a
part of the cargoes of raost of the West India traders.
Sometimes one barrel of it would bring two of flour from
Baltimore or Philadelphia, clear of expense.

The obtaining of so great a number of right-whales
produced more bone than could find a ready market, so
that the price was reduced very low. Previous to the
war, it frequently sold for one dollar a pound, it was' now
sold at ten cents, and sometimes even lower. The num-
ber of vessels increasing very fast, rendered it sometimes
difficult to procure, on the island, enough men to navigate
them. None of the natives were left, capable of going
to sea. It therefore became necessary to resort to the
continent for a considerable portion of each crew, whence
there were brought some Indians and a great number of
negroes. Many of the latter took up their residence here,
and became the heads of families. They built a cluster
of houses near the south part of the town, which is called
New Guinea. ' Their inebriety, and want of economy,
generally kept them poor, although they made great
voyages.

Blest with the enjoyment of peace, all were glad to
turn their attention from the distressing scenes of the late
conflict to the pursuits of peaceful life. But the eflfects
of the war on the manners and customs of the inhabitants
yet remained. Coming from various parts of the world,
where they had been detained as prisoners, or whither
they had wandered as exiles from their native home,
many had brought with them the fashions and the morals
of other nations. The change was observable in theif
dress and mode of Uving : it added materially to their

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 139

expenses^ and sometimes led to permanent injury. The
great success in whaling, though it pretty generally over-
balanced the increased expenses in living, had no ten-
dency to lessen the immoralities which were unhappily
introduced into society.

The whaling business gradually increased from year to
year, though it occasionally met with depressions which
checked its progress and created considerable uneasiness.
In 1792 the people of New Bedford turned their atten-
tion to it more particularly than heretofore. A number
of vessels were put into the service there, and some from
Boston and Long Island. The quantity of oU thus im-
ported exceeded the consumption, and kept the price
below the cost to importers.

A few years previous to the revolution in France, in
1792, a new market opened for whale oil in that country,
which gave encouragement that it would eventually be
the best place for the sale of the article that could be
found. Its use received every encouragement from some
of the first characters of that nation, under a conviction
that it was better adapted to common purposes than oil
from seeds. ' Some shipments were made, which met
with a profitable sale. Sperm oil was also introduced
into France by way of trial, and lamps were sent there
fin>m England by private individuals to encourage its use.
There appeared every prospect of success, and it is pro-
bable, that France would soon have become a great mart
for oil, if the revolution had not taken place. The con-
fusion which followed that event put an end to all favor-
able prospects from that quarter. The shipments which
were made there afterwards did not meet with prices
sufficient to pay costs*

140 HI8T0BT OF NANTUCKET.

It is probable, that the business of killing whales may
appear, to those entirely unacquainted with it, to be a
very dangerous employment ; as the people engaged
therein are under the necessity of approaching the le-
viathan within the reach of a harpoon. Experience has
taught them the best method to execute their business
with the least danger. It is not common for any person
to lose his life while thus engaged. The business is
found to be as healthy as any on land or at sea. It has
been remarked, that every roan, belonging to a fleet of
about thirty sail of whaling vessels, returned in good
health, from a voyage of nearly a year's duration, from
the coast of Brazil. Experience indeed has shown, what
might at first view seem incredible, that fewer men die in
the whaling service than in any other branch of naviga-
tion.*

During several years previous to 1790 many profitable
sealing voyages were made from England and other
places. This induced the people of Nantucket to turn
their attention to that business, with a view to prosecute
it, if it presented a good prospect of advantage. Sealing
was, in many respects, nearly allied with whaling. Seals
and whales were generally met with on the same coast ;
it required as large vessels and as many men to engage
in taking the former as the latter ; the outfits were nearly
the same, and the voyages were of like duration. In
1790 one vessel was fitted out for the coast of Africa, on
a sealing expedition, but the original plan of the voyage
was not adhered to, and the cruise was unsuccessiuL

^ For some further particulars as to the mode of conducting whal-
ing voyages, &c., we refer our readers to Second Part.

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 141

But it bad some good effect ; for some useful knowledge
was acquired respecting the different parts of the busi-
ness, which was afterwards prosecuted to a considerable
profit.

In 1791 vessels first went from Nantucket into the
Pacific Ocean, in pursuit of whales. Some successful
cruises had been made on the western coast of South
America by vessels from England, previous to this time,
which encouraged the people of Nantucket to engage in
similar voyages. Although the prospect of success was
very promising, it was with diffidence that they engaged
therein, knowing that these voyages must necessarily be
longer than ihey had been used to, and that they must
suflfer much inconvenience, if not embarrassment, from
laying out of their property so long a time. The ships
first sent out returned loaded with oil, and reported that
whales were plenty, the coast agreeable to cruise on, and
the climate healthy. This was sufficient encouragenwnt,
notwithstanding the length of the voyages, for a consider-
able part of the whaling interest to be directed that way.
An additional number of vessels was then fitted out,
which together made a considerable fleet.

The space which we have allotted to ourselves will
not allow us to enter frequently into minute details. But
the following brief description of the outfits, &c. of the
first ship that doubled Cape Horn, from Nantucket, is
too interesting to be omitted. We are indebted for it
to Capt. Worth, who commanded the ship. A compari*
son of the tonnage, cost, outfits, and duration of the
voyage of the Ship Beaver with those of ships now en-
gaged in the service, will, we think, show an onward
progress in the whale fishery, to which we shall hardly
find a parallel in any other business.

142 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

" Captain Paul Worth, in a new ship of 240 tons bur-
then, called the Beaver, sailed from Nantucket, on a
whaling voyage, b the Pacific ocean, in the year 1791.

" The whole cost of said ship, fitted for the voyage,
together with the cargo, amounted to $10,212.

'^ She carried 17 men, and manned 3 boats of 5 men
each, which left 2 men, called ship-keepers, on board the
ship, when the boats were out in pursuit of whales.

" The principal part of her cargo, when fitted for sea,
consisted 9f 400 bbls. iron hooped casks, (the remainder,
about 1,400 bbls. were wooden hooped,) 40 bbls. salt
provison, 3^ tons of bread, 30 bushels of beans and peas,
1,000 lbs. rice, 40 gallons molasses, 24 bbls. flour.

" All the additional provisions during the voyage were
200 lbs. bread.

" The ship was out 17 months, and was the first belongs
ing to the island, that returned from the Pacific Ocean.

" Her returned cargo was 650 bbls. sperm oil, worth
£30 per ton, 370 bbls. head matter, worth £60 per ton,
and 250 bbls. whale oil, worth £15 per ton.

" The ship was not coppered. There were four other
ships, belonging to Nantucket, whaling on the same coast,
that season."

The different branches of business appertaining to whal-
ing were now carried on briskly ; there was employment
for all who were disposed to labor, the vessels generally
arrived with good voyages, the markets were tolerably
good for the sale of oil and candles, a cheerful smile was
seen on every countenance. This might justly be termed
the golden age of Naptucket. It was a season of pros-
perity which ought to be remembered with gratitude to
the Giver of all good.

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 143

About this time a number of new ships, and other ves-
sels, were added to the fleet, and many houses, candle-
factories, and other buildings, were erected. Considering
the shortness of the time since the close of the war, and
comparing the appearance which the town, and every
thing pertaining thereto, and the people themselves made,
at that time, with the present circumstances of the place,
the contrast was, beyond description, pleasing and encour-
aging. The people, at times, almost forgot the state
of humility, which they had once experienced.

It has often been remarked that seasons of adversity
follow close upon the heels of prosperity, and frequently
at limes when least expected. It has already been men-
tioned, that the French revolution in 1792 disappointed
the expectations, entertained by oil-dealers, that France
would become a good market for oil. The .effect of this
stoppage in the sale of oil was not anticipated in season
to prevent serious losses. AH the foreign markets were
glutted with oil, when the price suddenly fell below what
it could be obtained for at Nantucket ; which was very
discouraging, and caused the business to go on heavily,
although the vessels generally obtained full cargoes of oil.

The people had been so long engaged in whaling, that
they could not put their shipping into other business
without loss. Another circumstance, and not the least,
operated feiuch against the interests of Nantucket. This
was the increased price of provisions and every other arti-
cle necessary for the outfits of vessels engaged in the ser-
vice. The owners of the shipping found that they should
suffer a great loss by keeping their vessels at home ; they
therefore concluded to send them out, with these gloomy
prospects, hoping that time would bring about a change

144 BISTORT or NANTUCKET.

to their advantage: but they were disappointed, for the
business continued to grow worse, and new difficulties
presented themselves.

It was bard for this country to keep within the limits
of strict neutrality, in the war between France and Eng^
lan4* Many, for the sake of good profit, violated the
law, which created a suspicion with the belligerents of
Europe, that the Americans were furnishing each otber^s
enemies unwarrantably. These circumstances caused
the rate of insurance to be increased, which, combined
with what has before been mentioned, produced a stagna-
tion in the whaling business. Many sold their vessels for
what they would bring, while others, hoping better things,
laid their's up and unrigged them. Some who had pros-
pered better than their neighbors, and made a little profit
in the business, were confident of final success, notwith-
standing these accumulated embarrassments; they con-
tinued, therefore, to fit out their vessels. Of these some
did well, but otliers suffered losses, and were under the
necessity of relinquishing the business.

Notwithstanding the various vicissitudes ^f fortune, and
the discouraging prospects which often presented to view,
yet the weahh of the inhabitants was rather increasing,
which led the enterprising genius to contemplate projects
to acquire an increase of property ; one of which, and not
the least, was to establish a bank. This subject had long
been in contemplation with a small number of commercial
characters, but, being a novel undertaking for the people
of Nantucket, many revolted at the idea, from an appre-f
hension that there would not be business to warrant the
undertaking. Others, who were advocates for the scheme,
urged the public utility which would probably result from

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 145

its establishment ; that it would increase the business of
the place, and enable those of small capitals to execute
their business with more despatch and a greater profit.
It was many months that the subject was in contemplation,
before an attempt was made to carry it into effect. How-
ever, in the year 1795, the people having become pretty
well reconciled, a charter was obtained, and the business of
the bank commenced, with perhaps as great a degree of
cheerfulness as is common in similar cases. But how was
the scene changed, in a very short time after its commence-
ment in business, when it was announced to the public
that the bank had been robbed of twenty thousand dollars.
What could be more sudden, or what event could happen
that would give a greater shock to the community in so
trifling a loss. The people were not in the least suspi-
cious of the act, consequently they were not prepared to
receive the information. The event could not but excite
the greatest anxiety on the public mind that could be im-
agined ; it caused them to leave their business, and throng
the streets for many days.

The loss of the money was not a consideration, com-
pared with the vindictive spirit which the robbery after-
wards occasioned. The effects on the community at
large were solemn. Many, who were not immediately
concerned, had to deplore the unhappy state in which
their friends and neighbors were involved, and out of the
reach of a mediator.

To give a minute account of the transactions growing
out of this affair, is not our intention or wish. The in-
habitants of Nantucket, and all others acquainted with
the circumstances, will appreciate our reasons for passing
it over thus briefly.

146 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

This year, 1795, the name of the town was changed.
It had hitherto been called Sherburne^ agreeably with the
patent of Francis Lovelace, governor of New York, in
1673. This name, being attended with some inconven-
ience, was now changed hr that of Nantucket*

It is generally conceded, that the people of Nantucket
possess as great a share of enterprising genius as those of
any other place in the union ; but the business they follow,
and principally depend upon for a subsistence, requires
their steady and persevering application. They have often
experienced, that a small deviation therefrom has resulted
in loss, and sometimes in serious embarrassments. Al-
though it may: appear to strangers who visit them, that
the business they follow is very lucrative, from a consid-
eration of the number of ships in port and the bustle of
fitting them out,.sli]l the voyages yield but small profits;
for very few persons, even of the most fortunate, have
obtained any considerable fortunes by the whale fishery.
Industry, and steady habits, and frugality, rather than
great gains, have made the place what it is. All are
remotely or immediately interested in the success of the
business ; and there are few, whose income is not increased
or diminished just in propoi tion to the high or low price of
oil. In times of peace the property of the island has on
the whole gradually increased. But in war all business
is at a stand ; the circle of dependencies is broken, the
merchant, the sailor, the mechanic, are each thrown on
his own resources, and driven often to seek his living in
occupations, for which he is qualified neither by education
nor inclination. We have but faintly delineated the em-
barrassments and sufferings of the inhabitants during the
revolutionary struggle ; but the picture, though imperfectly

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 147

drawn, exhibits their situation clearly enough to convince
the reader, that, under the most favorable aspects, war is
to them the most terrible event that can occur. If im-
prisonment and its attendant pestilences, to which in war
many of her sailors must be exposed ; if want, in all its
forms, in which most of her residents must be Involved ; if
dependence on the mercies of an assailing enemy, from
which none can be exempt, — if these do not give force to
her voice when she solicits peace, then may Nantucket
indeed despair of success, and her sons hold in light
esteem a government, which they have done so much
to enrich ; and its independence purchased at a price,
which millions cannot repay. Others may discover ad-
vantages in war, and necessity for it ; but we can see
nothing but madness in an act, which, to avoid one evil,
deliberately and knowingly incurs another a thousand
fold greater.

In 1796, the business of the place was at a low ebb.
Many expedients were resorted to, aside from whaling,
some of which wei-e advantageous to those who engaged
in them. But, in general, those who departed from the
beaten track of their ancestors encountered great difficul-
ties. Many of the most able seamen sailed from other
places in the merchant service, some of whom did well,
and acquired handsome estates ; while others met with
bard fortune, and got along but indifferently.

One ship was sent out on a voyage to the East Indies,
the owners of which, not being acquainted with the
advantages to be taken in that trade, did not succeed to
their wishes. The cargo consisted of whale oil, sperm
candles, Madeira wine, hard soap, and Spanish dollars.
If that part of the cargo, which was the produce of the

148 HISTORY OF NANTUCKCT.

business of Nantucket, had been exchanged for com*
modities more suited for that market, or converted into
specie, it is probable, that the voyage would have resulted
in a good profit. This voyage, however, was not without
its advantages, for it was a means of obtaining knowledge
highly necessary for that trade, which was afterwards
acted on by some of the same owners with considerable
advantage.

The year 1797 was ushered in by a natural phenom-
enon rendered very terrific by some circumstances with
which it was attended. The evening preceding the 1st
of the 1st month was uncommonly pleasant. There was
not a cloud to be seen. Not long after midnight, the
inhabitants were instantly aroused from sleep by one of the
heaviest peals of thunder ever heard, attended with vivid
lightning and an uncommon shower of hail. The whole
town was immediately lighted up, as if by a general con-
flagration. Some thought, that the town was in flames,
even the very houses they were in ;• others thought, that
the dissolution of all things had commenced. But the
consternation subsided, when it was discovered, that the
fire proceeded from two bams in the outskirts of the town.
The people immediately repaired to the fire, but too
late to save the cattle or any other contents of the build-
ings ; they could only remain spectators of the devouring
element.

In 1798, in addition to the discouragements in business
heretofore stated, there was great apprehension of war
between the United States and France. War was, at
this time, particularly dreaded, for the shipping was mostly
out on long voyages, some of which were not expected
to terminate in less time than twelve or eighteen months.

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 149

Many of the adventurers had their whole property afloat.
Accounts were received almost daily of spoliations on
American vessels, and the government was on the point
of commencing hostilities. But it is not our purpose to
enter into the merits of the controversy between the two
nations. The commotions naturally attending the inci-
dents above recited brought their evils to the people of
Nantucket. The price of provisions was raised, and the
rates jof insurance increased in a short time to twenty per
cent. ; which must have subjected ship-owners to loss,
according to the price of oil at that time, even if their
ships had arrived with full cargoes. Four Nantucket
ships were captured during the existence of those difScul-
ties. This was sufficient to fill the mmds of the people
with dismay, for they were almost ready to conclude, that
a war had already taken place, without a declaration to
that effect. There were, however, no other ships cap-
tured belonging to the place', and the people again resum*-
ed their business of fitting out, although it was with very-
dull prospects. Some of the ship-owners being quite
discouraged, sold their shipping, and turned their attention
to other objects for a subsistence, which, though perhaps
less hicrative, yielded a greater share of satisfaction. The
discou^gements continued in a greater or less degree for
a number of years, which necessarily caused many of our
best seamen to leave the island in pursuit of business
from other seaports. Many talked of removing into the
country, and some did so«

In 1799, the people were somewhat alarmed for the
safety of their ships round Cape Horn. They had long
been apprehensive, that the Spaniard did not feel friendly
to the whale ships in the south seas, and were now con-

150 HI8T0BT OF NANTUCKET.

firmed in their fears by the detention of several ships at
St. Marys. Later accounts^ however, gave information
of their liberation in a few days without damage.

In 1800, on the tenth of the fourth month, a number
of whales were seen on the north side of the island, from
one to three leagues distant from the land. Several boats
were immediately sent in pursuit of them, and, on coming
up with them, commenced an attack with that spirit and '
activity which is ever drawn out on such occasions. A
great number of spectators on shore were pointing their
glasses towards the scene of action, to view the operations
of their townsmen, who were now engaged in the con-
flict. At length they had the gratification of seeing two
of the monsters of the deep yield to the dexterity of their
pursuers. In the course of the day, the whales . which
had been killed were towed into the harbor and brought
to the wharf. The people were familiar with every cir-
cumstance relative to whaling, but many had never beheld
the animal of whose prodigious size they had heard so
much. To exhibit one of the whales to the best advan-
tage, it was drawn upon the wharf, where thousands of
people during the day had an opportunity of beholding
what had hitherto been to them only the theme of tbeir
songs or of their fireside, and which is so beautifully
though simply described by one of their own poets, who
had himself wielded the harpoon and lance.

" Thou didst, O Lord, create the mighty whale,
That wondroas monster of a mighty length ;
Vast is bis head and body, vast his tall.

Beyond conception his unmeasured strength.

When he the surface of the sea hath broke,
Arising from the dark abyss below,

HISTORY 6P NANTUCKET. 151

His breath appears a lofly stream of smoke,

The circling waves, like glittering banks of snow."

The larger of the above-mentioned whales produced
thirty-one, and the other, sixteen barrels. Only nine
days afterwards, another whale was brought into the
harbor, which produced thirty barrels of oil. We find
no instances of the kind in any former period of our
history.

An academy was incorporated in 1800, and a building
erected for the school, on what is called Academy Hill.
The same year a bell, weighing one thousand pounds, was
placed in the steeple of the north congregational meeting-
house.

The number of inhabitants on the island, at this time,
was 5617.

Some of the difficulties, heretofore stated, as attending
the whaling business, had now, in some degree, been re*
moved, still it was attended with some embarrassments.
The high price of provisions, which is one of the princi-
pal articles in the outfits of the ships, and the advanced
prices of most things necessary to their equipments, pre-
vented any increase of the shipping at present.

(152)

CHAPTER VIII.

We have already stated, that a bar extends across the
mouth of Nantucket harbor. This bar has ever been a
great hindrance to the passing of large vessels in and
out. Much expense yearly accrues from the necessity
of employing lighters for all vessels drawing a consider-
able draft of water, and in some instances losses and even
shipwrecks have occurred in attempts to pass the bar with
vessels, after all precautions have been used to make them
as light as possible. It has been the opinion of some,
that the employment given to the large number of men,
necessarily engaged in getting large vessels in and out of
the harbor, more than counterbalances the disadvantages
above stated. This consideration, however, has not de-
terred the most enterprising citizens from devising various
methods, from time to time, of deepening the channel
across this bar. But no plan had ever been devised,
which seemed sufficiently practicable to warrant public
action upon it, till the year 1803. A proposition was
then made, at a town meeting, to petition congress to
assist Nantucket, in any way which might be deemed
expedient, in digging a channel from Brant Point to the
outer part of the outer bar. The subject underwent a
long discussion : many were opposed to it, from an appre-
hension that government would not grant the request;
but a committee was at length appointed to bear a peti-
tion to congress, and to use their endeavors to carry it

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 153

into effect. The committee, on their return, reported,
that congress had so far attended to the request, as to
authorize the appointment of suitable persons to survey
the harbor and bar, at the expense of the government,
and to estimate the probable expense of the undertaking.
This report was very flattering and satisfactory to the
people in general, and a committee of five was chosen to
wait on the surveyors, when they should arrive at the
island, and to act as necessity should require in cairying
tlie whole subject into effect. A larger committee was
also chosen to assist by advice or otherwise in forwarding
the important work.

Many were now so elated with the prospect of effect-
ing the desirable object, that their views extended from
digging a channel to building stone piers from the points
of Coetue and Brant Point in a northerly direction to the
outer bar, or as far as should be found expedient to
accomplish the end in view. This plan, differing so
much from the one first proposed, met with great opposi-
tion. The subject became the common topic of con-
versation. The people, generally, opposed every plan
but the original one, that of digging a channel, from the
conviction that piers would be the means of obstructing
the navigation, by causing new shoals, and that, being
built of stone, they would endanger passing vessels, espe-
cially in the night.

In the summer of the same year, the surveyors arrived
and very diligently attended to the business of their
appointment. The committee of the town faithfully
waited on them till the survey was completed. They
had been led, by observation, to believe that stone piers
would be injurious to the harbor, but they proposed that

154 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

piles should be driven down, eight or ten feet apart, and
tlie spaces filled with plank, by which means they sup-
posed, that the velocity of the tides would be increased,
and the channel by that means deepened without much
digging.

The town was again convened for the purpose of
hearing the report of the committee, who stated that the
surveyors were of the opinion, that it would be expedient
to build wooden piers ; one extending from the north-
west point of Coetue to the south west corner of the
black flats ; the other to begin about one third of the
distance from the end of Brant Poipt to the cliff, and
to extend to the north-east corner of Cliff Shoal ; both
upon straight lines. A long debate then ensued, when
it appeared that the general voice was against having
piers of any kind, from the apprehension that they would
cause new shoals, and thus obstruct the entrance of large
vessels into the harbor. No objection, however, was
urged against digging a channel, and a committee was
appointed with instructions to use their best endeavors to
have the original plan of deepening the water by digging
carried into effect. But when congress next met, the
proposition was rejected, and thus the whole njatter ended.

The price of oil of late had considerably increased,
which animated the people and gave new life to the
whaling business. This rise was principally occasioned
by the ^following causes. First ; many ships had been
sold out of the service, or hauled up by reaison of the
depression of the times, as heretofore stated ; which
reduced the importations of oil below the demands of
the market. Secondly ; the consumption of oil and
sperm candles was fast increasing in this country, for

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 155

experience had plainly shown that they were, on many
accounts, far preferable to tallow. People needed only
to use sperm candles, and sperm oil, to be convinced that
they are less expensive than tallow, and that they give a
better light. The first cost of sperm candles is indeed
greater than that of tallow, but the difference in the price
of the two kinds is more than counterbalanced by the
quantity of light produced from the former. Sperm
candles are clean, they emit no disagreeable smell, and,
very little smoke. As these circumstances became more
and more known, the demand for oil and sperm candles
increased at every seaport on the continent. Fresh
encouragement was consequently given to the whaling
business, and new adventurers engaged in it. Notwith-
standing the high price of provisions, the number of ships
increased, and the voyages were generally advantageous
to the owners.

The reader will probably have noticed, in the course
of this history, that small depressions in the times have
had a material effect on the minds of the people of Nan-
tucket : that from causes apparently temporary and un-
important, they have been discouraged and almost ready
to leave the island, supposing that the whaling business
" is done," an expression sometimes used on these occa-
sions. This may be accounted for by the consideration,
that the business in general affords small profits, and that
a small change to its disadvantage is in consequence
immediately and keenly felt. On the other hand, a few
years of good fortune animates the people, and encourages
them to take increased risks. This was the case at the tim«
of which we were last speaking. The ships have generally,
for the last few years, brought in good voyages. Oil met

156 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

with a ready sale at prices, which kept every branch of
the business in active operation.

In the year 1804, the Pacific Bank and two insurance
offices were established.

In 1805, a new jail was built.

Forty-eight ships at this time belonged to Nantucket,
not one of which was in port ; a similar instance never
before occurred.

Some fears had long been entertained, that the Span-
iards of South America would commit depredations on the
whale ships. Threats to this effect had frequently been
made, and some ships had actually been detained in
Spanish ports to the great detriment of their voyages.
A war was much talked of, and expected by many be-
tween our government and that of Spain. The detention
of the ships, added to the difficulties apprehended be-
tween the two nations, enhanced the rates of insurance,
by which the profits of the business were proportionably
lessened. Soon after this, however, some arrival^ dissi-
-pated the fears of the inhabitants in some degree, since
no very serious difficulty with the Spaniards had occurred.

Although the independence of the United States had
long been acknowledged by Great Britain, still, a restless,
overbearing disposition had almost uniformly been mani-
fested towards this country by the British government,
ever since the revolutionary war. The depredations on
our commerce, the impressment of our seamen, and their
forcible detention in the British service, form a part of
our national history too familiar to our readers to need a
repetition by us. It is sufficient to say, that the embar-
rassed affairs of the nation, and uncertain duration of
peace, had a serious effect on the people of Nantucket.

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 157

The price of provisions, and, indeed, of every article of
necessity, was kept very high ; the rate of insurance was
also considerably enhanced. Fortunately, not a single
whaling ship, belonging to Nantucket, was taken and
carried into port.

The quantity of oil imported into the country in 1806^
and during the previous year, was considerably greater
than the consumption. The price was at times merely
nominal, and large quantities remained on hand for a long
time. This period of our history may be considered a
time of plenty. Many buildings were erected within a
few past years, among which was a banking-house for
the Nantucket Bank. Every branch of business was
conducted with propriety, and produced a good profit :
every class of people appeared satisfied with their lot,
from the common laborer who could earn one dollar and
twenty-five cents a day, to the most wealthy merchant.

Although during a number of past years the business
at Nantucket frequently assumed a gloomy aspect, in
consequence of the commotions of the belligerents in Eu-
rope, yet, at this time, a tide of success had lulled the
people into a state of security.; so that arrangements
were now made to engage more extensively in the whale
fishery. But, alas ! how short-sighted is man ! How
liable to disappointment, even amid the best prospects of
success. On the 22d of the 6th month 1807, the
British ship of war Leopard fired into the United States
ship Chesapeake. The annunciation of this event,
which seemed but a precursor of approaching war, cast
a gloom over the prospects of Nantucket deeper and more
heartfelt than had been caused by any occurrence since
the revolutionary war. The embargo, which soon fol-

158 HISTORY OP NANTUCKET.

lowed, had the effect of keeping down the price of oil
and candles, by preventing the exportation of these arti-
cles from the country. But as the act did not embrace
whaling and fishing vessels, a considerable number of
owners concluded to send out their ships, although the
probability of success was not equal to the risk incurred.
The vessels were lying at the wharves, fitted or fitting for
sea ; and many articles of outfits, some of them perishable,
were on hand. There was good reason to suppose, that
but a small fleet would be put to sea under existing
political aflfairs, and that the few vessels which might
venture out would make profitable returns, if they should
be so fortunate as to escape capture. It was, how-
ever, found that no insurance could be made either on the
island or abroad ; and the owners, unwilling to incur the
hazard of total loss, abandoned their enterprise, stripped
their ships, and hauled them up. Employment for labor-
ing men nearly ceased, and mariners belonging to Nan-
tucket, who had been sailing from other ports, were
returning home destitute of business. In the year 1809
the prospect seemed more flattering than heretofore, that
the storm which had so long raged in Europe would
subside ; and owners were prompted to send out their
ships, trusting to their return before the jarring elements
of war should disturb our own country. This year many
families, wearied with the vicissitudes almost daily experi-
enced, removed to different parts of the country. The
streets of the town were thronged with laboring poor,
already so reduced as to be quite at a loss to know whence
articles of the first necessity were to be obtained ; some
were quite destitute of the means of subsistence.

The anxiety, constantly manifested by the people for

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 159

the welfare of the absent ships, increased towards the
close of the year. Our government was preparing for
either event, of war or peace. In this state of suspense,
although a large part of the business capital of the island
was at sea, six or eight ships were, in 1810, fitted out for
the Pacific Ocean. None ever sailed under more dis-
couraging circumstances. In the tenth month of this
year, every ship belonging to the port wa^ at sea, some
in pursuit of right-whales, but the greater part in the
Pacific Ocean.

In the year 1810, when the enumeration of the inhab-
itants was taken, the whole number was 6807, among
whom were 210 over 70 years of age. The number of
widows was 379, of fatherless children 474. There
were found about 4000 who had not received either the
small or kinepock, it was also at the same time found
that there were about 1322 families and 2055 ratable
polls ; dwelling-houses 937, all other buildings 872 ;
horses 332, oxen 15, cows 505, swine 355, sheep about
10,000.

In 1811, the probability of war increased. The events
of the revolution were familiar to the recollections of many
of the inhabitants. The loss of a large number of the
young men of the island during that struggle, either in
the service of the country, by accidents at sea, or by
suflfering on board prison-ships, and in other places of
confinement, was yet deeply felt. Every new omen of
war seemed to threaten a renewal of similar sufferings
and distress. Owners, however, continued to fit out their
ships, and men were willing to go in them, for no other
business presented. Commerce, generally, was so em-
barrassed, that the young men could find no employment

160 HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET.

in other places ; they therefore preferred meeting the
chances of war in the whaling service to remaining idle
at home. The ships were sent out with nearly the same
freedom as if no war was anticipated, but with very dif-
ferent prospects. Insurance offices, in the early part of
the year, refused to take any risks ; but before its close,
owing to some httle change in the aspect of affairs, they
offered to insure at twenty per cent. Even at this rate
they declined taking large amounts. So great a premium
was considered by owners disproportions^te to the risk,
and but little was insured. The rate of insurance soon
after fell to fifteen per cent., and insurance was effected
on large amounts.

Many of the inhabitants now began to turn their
thoughts towards the country. Some families had already
removed, and many others were making preparation to
follow them. It was anticipate^, that, if war should take
place, the value of real estate would be immediately re-
duced, particularly houses. Before the year closed, sixty-
dwelling-houses were offered for sale, the owners of which
intended to go into the country. The thoughts of those
who proposed to remove were, in general, turned towards
Ohio, attracted by the flattering accounts received fron^
that state of the salubrity of its climate and the luxuriance
of its soil.

In 1812, the infringements of the English on our
rights still continued, and our government appeared to be
making preparation for war. Although it was generally
believed, that, without an alteration on the part of Great
Britain, war would ensue, yet the people of Nantucket
cherished the belief, that the Orders in Council, which
had so long constituted the greater part of the contention

BISTORT OP NANTUCKET. 161

between the two governments, would be revoked. Under
this impression, many fitted out their ships. About the
4th month, our government laid an embargo, to be of three
months continuance. This measure was an almost sure
presage of war, being designed to give an opportunity for
the shipping to arrive before that event, and to prevent
vessels in port from venturing out, and thereby falling
into the hands of the enemy. Had the first embargo
act extended to whaling vessels, much of the property of
the island would have been saved. But now few of the
owners of the ships belonging to Nantucket could avail
themselves of any advantage of the warning of our
government, for their property was mostly on the ocean,
with prospects that little would return in less time than
two years.

As the political affairs of the nation drew nearer to a
crisis, the scenes of the revolution became more vivid
in the recollections of the people ; and caused them to
deplore the situation of the inhabitants and their property.
A town meeting was held for the purpose of taking into
consideration the expediency of sending a memorial to
Congress, giving a true statement of their situation and
circumstances. Tiiat the reader may fully conceive the
feelings which then prevailed, we insert the memorial
at large. «

To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America, in Congress assem-
bled, the memorial of the inhabitants of Nantucket
respectfully showeth :

That from a conviction of their rights to assemble and
deliberate b a peaceful manner, they have this day con-

162 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

vened in legal town meeting, to consider the serious and
alarming situation, in which the politics of the nation
seem to be placed. They are aware of the legal and
exalted situation in which you are placed by the people,
and believe you are constantly disposed to alleviate every
section of the Union. It is under that impression, that
they now address you ; as they are persuaded theu* situa-
tion is not fully known to many of you, they take the
liberty of a retrospective view.

In the year 1775, they were in possession of 150 sail
of vessels, which were employed in the whale fishery,
they had also several more employed as coasters, and in
the merchant service ; when the revolutionary war com-
menced, the greater part of the seamen were compelled
to leave their heretofore peaceful occupations, and engage
in a kind of employ not suited to their former habits, in
consequence of which a great number of valuable and
enterprising men were brought to an untimely end, and
hundreds of widows, with many fatherless children,
were left with only a precarious dependence on surviving
friends.

Your memorialists would also further observe, that, in
addition to the common calamities of maritime war, their
harbor was frequently visited by ravaging enemies, whose
insatiable thirst for plunder and devastation left, but little
for the subsistence of the inhabitants, and eventually the
once flourishing town of Nantucket was left resembling
an abandoned village.

After the blessings of peace were restored, the spirit
of enterprise again displayed its feeble but pleasing coun-
tenance, and the progressing industry and perseverance
of the citizens has in a degree surmounted the evils of

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 163

war, as a general state of comfort is prevailing, while
some are above necessity and others are opulent. There-
fore after viewing things as they actually are, and consid-
ering that Nantucket is an island that may be invaded at
any point, and its situation without, or beyond, a pro-
tecting distance from the continent, your memorialists
cannot, under these gloomy circumstances, fail to deplore
the necessity of commencing a foreign war ; and are
probably influenced in their feelings from knowing the
miseries of those, that are so unfortunate as to fall
within the vortex occasioned by the conflicting powers
of Europe.

It is further observable, that seven eighths of the mer-
cantile capital is now at sea, three fourths of which is
not expected to return within twelve months from the
present date.

To conclude : while your memorialists feel that confi-
dent assurance, which ought to possess the minds of the
people towards their rulers, they have no desire to control,
yet they have no hesitation respectfully to declare their
belief, that the declaration of a foreign war would be
desolating to the inhabitants of this island. And it will
be the constant prayer of your memorialists, that the
necessity of such a declaration may be averted.

Isaac Coffin, Moderator,
James Coffin, Town Clerk.

Nantucket, 9th, 6th mo. 1812.

This memorial was read three times, and claimed the
serious attention of the people ; solemnity pervaded the
whole meeting in a striking manner. After some perti-
nent remarks, it was unanimously voted to accept it, and

164 HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET.

the selectmen were made a committee to forward it to
congress.

The apprehension of a war had now become so general,
that it began to have a material effect on the business of
the place. Many of the inhabitants still continued to talk
of removing into the country ; but their property could
not be sold without a sacrifice, which caused some to
relinquish their iutention, while others carried it into
effect, and settled in various places. Most kinds of busi*
ness had become so unsettled, that very little was done*
All were daily expecting to hear of something decisive
from the government, that would fix the fate of Nantucket
as to peace or war. The rumors, which were continually
circulated, helped to increase the general anxiety. This
state of suspense continued until the 24th of the 6tb
month, when official accounts were received of a declara-
tion of war by our government against Great Britain^ on
the 18th of the same month.

This information, though it had been for some time ex-
pected, produced inexpressible inquietude of mind. It
proved the fallacy of the opinion, or rather hope, which
many of the inhabitants had fondly cherished, that the
English government would rescind the Orders in Council,
and thus remove what was considered the principal cause
of the difference between the two nations.

There seemed no alternative left for the people, but to
submit to the calamities which this event would probably
bring upon them. The reflection on the situation and
circumstances of the place was appalling. Nearly the
whole amount of the trading capital was in the Pacific
Ocean, the greater part of which was not likely to return
in less than one year, and some perhaps not in two. This

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.. 165

consideration, added to that of the exposed situation of
the place, led many to devise measures to ward off im-
pending ruin.

The fleet of ships at sea more immediately claimed the
attention of the public, for the welfare of the community
depended on the whaling interest. Some of the principal
ship-owners convened for the purpose of taking into con-
sideration the gloomy aspect that pervaded the commer-
cial concerns of the place, and to devise, if possible, some
plan whereby the property at sea might be saved from
capture. After a general discussion of the subject, it was
concluded to consult with the other ship-owners and
commercial men on the expediency of adopting some
measure, through the influence of the British minister,
Foster, then at Washington, to save the place from the
calamities of war, and more especially, the ships at sea
from capture ; by representing, that the people of this
place were determined to take no active part in the war,
but to observe a strict neutrality, so far as would be con-
sistent with the circumstances of the place. The plan
proposed was, to request the British minister to use his
influence with his government to rescue from capture the ,
whale ships belonging to Nantucket, then in the Pacific,
and to secure to the inhabitants the privilege of whaling,
under certain stipulations, during the continuance of the
war. After some deliberation, the opinion prevailed,
chat the prospect of success was too faint to warrant
the attempt, and the plan was abandoned. It was the
opinion of many at that time, and subsequent events have
strengthened the opinion, that, had the town united in
the attempt, and done all in its power for the promotion
ef the object, very great advantages would have resulted.

166 HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET.

The fleet at sea might, perhaps, have been saved, and
the liberty secured to carrj on the whale fishing without
molestation. In support of this opinion we refer to the
report of the town's committee in a succeeding page.
That committee was sent to Admiral Cochrane on the
subject of importing provisions and fuel from the conti-
nent. They found the Admiral very friendly toward the
people of Nantucket, and when the subject of whaling
was mentioned to him, he told the committee, that if they
would state in writing the wishes of their constituents,
the document should be forwarded to his government the
next day by a despatch vessel, where, he had no doubt, it
would meet with a favorable reception. The kind treat-
ment of this committee by Admiral Cochrane, and his
granting their request to bring provisions, &c., from the
continent, particularly the liberality of his views in rela-
tion to whaling, lead us to believe that every reasonable
indulgence would have been granted, had it been asked,
in a proper manner, at the commencement of the war.

Many were apprehensive that the island would soon be
visited by the British in a hostile manner. Those who
had property exposed, which admitted of being removed?
immediately took measures to secure it, by shipping it
with all possible despatch to some seaport on the conti-
nent. Many families, whose removal into the country
had heretofore been prevented by the difficulty of dispos-
ing of their property, now concluded to leave it unsold ;
some went to the state of Ohio, others to other places.

The apprehension of an invasion by the enemy was
strengthened by a groundless report, that an armament
was preparing in Halifax for that purpose, which added
to the confusion and terror already too prevalent. A

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 167

considerable Dumber of the poorer class were obliged to
leave the island to seek employment. From the time of
the first embargo to the present, the business of the place
had been in so depressed a state, that those, who depended
for subsistence on their daily labor, were reduced, through
want of employment, to great distress. Some could not
subsist without the assistance of their friends. This class
first felt the pressure of the times. Many of them removed
to places, where there appeared a prospect of obtaining
bread, a large part of whom returned, at the close of the
war, to the place of their fondest associations and strongest
attachments, from which nothing but the most pressing
necessity could have compelled them to remove.

The immediate eflfects of the war were experienced,
in the 7th month of this year, 1812, in the capture and
burning of a whaling schooner, to the northward of the
Gulf Stream, together with the oil which she had
obtained. The crew were made prisoners of war. This
was the first capture of a Nantucket vessel after the
commencement of hostilities. There were, at this time,
belonging to the island, 43 ships, 47 sloops, 7 brigs, 19
schooners ; total, 116 vessels, whose tonnage amounted to
nearly 11,000 tons.

It is not our purpose to enter into a detail of all the
embarrassments and sufferings occasioned by the war;
but to endeavor to state such particulars as may be useful,
or interesting to the reader. In a few months after the
war commenced, many of the inhabitants were reduced to
great distress. Want of employment, as has already been
stated, had before reduced large numbers of the laboring
class to want ; loss of property, and other circumstances
was now daily bringing others to poverty. It was difficult

168 HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET.

to procure flour and com. British cruisers were so
numerous on the coast, as to render it very hazardous for
those coasters to pass, which had usually supplied the
market with bread stuffs. Late in the fall no bread stuff
could be bought, and little was expected to be brought
to the island ; and there was less wood than had been
known for many years. Hundreds of the laboring poor
might daily be seen in the streets, destitute of the means
of subsistence, because destitute of employment.

The scarcity of provisions, the approaching inclement
season, and the danger of venturing out with vessels,
claimed the serious attention of every class of the com-
munity. At length a number of vessels were sent to
different places westward to bring flour, corn, and other
necessaries. Some of the freighters were not induced to
this measure by pecuniary considerations. Their object
was to secure the inhabitants from suffering during the
winter, when it would be impossible to have any commu-
nication with the continent.

In the 1 1 ih month a load of com arrived, which was
much needed. The com sold for one dollar and twenty-
five cents a bushel, and the flour for thirteen dollars and
fifty cents a barrel. Although the price was high, the
whole cargo was sold very fast : higher prices would have
been obtained, if demanded. It was truly melancholy
to see the people thronging and pressing to take their
turns to be served with articles of food, while many came
on board the vessel, equally in want, but destitute of the
means to buy. Such a picture of distress had not beea
displayed since the revolutionary war. Previous to the
war, not a beggar was to be seen in the streets ; at this
time many received their daily pittance from the band of
charity.

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 169

In this season of distress the banks did not feel them-
selves safe. The apprehension of a fleet from Halifax
induced the directors to secure what specie could be
spared from immediate use, by placing it in some safe
keeping on the continent. The public, discovering their
fears, immediately called out their deposits in specie, and
also thronged the doors of the banks with their paper.
The pressure however was sustained, and all demands
promptly and satisfactorily answered.

In addition to the numerous difficulties already experi-
enced, the easterly part of the town was, in the 12th
month, attacked by fire. The fire was first discovered in
one of the lower buildings on the old south wharf. It
was a favorable circumstance that the wind blew briskly
from the northward, for there were no buildings to
leeward. But notwithstanding this, and the most active
exertions of the inhabitants, eight buildings were con-
sumed. The loss was estimated at $6000.

The winter did not commence with that gloom which
had been anticipated. The means of procuring provisions
had so far succeeded, as to remove the danger of famine.
The poverty, and the number of the poorer class,
however, rapidly increased.

Some of the homeward-bound whale ships were cap-
tured by the enemy, yet a few arrived safely, which
materially benefited a large number of every class of
citizens. For the nature of the business is such, that the
loss of a single ship injures many, and many are benefited
by the safe arrival of one.

A number of the citizens, feeling the distress of war
increasing upon them, and considering that they had a
right to address the chief magistrate of the nation in a

170 HI8T0BY OF NANTUCKET.

respectful manner, in their individual capacity, addressed
the following petition to the president, representing some
of the embarrassments with which they were surrounded.

Nantucket, November 21st, 1812.

James Madison, Esq. President of the United States.

Sir, — The republican citizens of Nantucket are con-
scious, that, when the government find it expedient for
the support of our national sovereignty and independence
to declare war, the people must expect to submit to
burdens and privations they are not accustomed to in time
of peace; but the pecuhar situation of Nantucket has
induced us to address you.

The island in its detached situation, being beyond the
reach ^of protection from the continent,, is exposed to the
ravages of an enemy.

The island, contains a population of nearly seven
thousand inhabitants, many of whom were employed in
the various mechanic arts, and other employments, pe-
culiarly applicable to the whale fishery, who, since the
declaration of war, have been without employ, and
thereby reduced to indigent circumstances.

Experience has taught, that the whale fishery, for
which this place has ever been famed, cannot be prose-
cuted, while it is exposed to the ravages of war ; and
should it continue, we fear it will, in a great degree, be
lost ; it has been considered of such national consequence,
as to induce both England and France to offer great
encouragements to the citizens of this place, to remove
and establish it within their dominions.

We ?re aware that the constitution of the United

BISTORT OP NANTUCKET. 171

States expressly provides, that no preference shall be
given to one state over the others ; at the same time we
are fully sensible, that, when a resort to arms is considered
unavoidable, our government will afford that consistent
relief to such parts of the community, as are deprived of
the means of subsistence by a continuation of the war.
Such appears to be the situation we are approaching, as
most of the trading capital of the island is now in the
Southern Ocean, some of which will not be on its return,
within one year from the present date ; and if the war
contmues, we fully believe the greater part, if not the
whole, will fall an easy prey to the enemy.

As we are thus situated, and deprived by nature from
obtaining a subsistence on the island, it seems we have
no choice, but that of respectfully soliciting your attention
and that of our government, to our alarming condition ;
requesting also liberty to ask, if in your wisdom any
means can be devised to save our fleet of whale ships
now in the Southern Ocean, and if any method can be
adopted, whereby we may prosecute the cod and whale
fisheries without the risk of capture by the enemy.

We also beg leave to ask, if any stipulation can con-,
sistently be effected with Great Britain, whereby the cod
and whale fisheries of both nations may be exempted
from the ravages of war.

In behalf of the republican citizens of Nantucket, we
have the honor to be with the greatest respect, sir, your
obedient servants.

Signed by. a committee and forwarded.

In 1813 the American coast became so infested with
British ships of war and privateerS| that it was dangerous

172 diSTORT OF NANTUCKET.

to go to any port on the continent. The supply of
provisions and fuel was thus rendered very precarious.
The distress of the people still increased : driven from
their usual avocations, they were compelled to seek
employment of any kind that would administer to their
daily wants. Some engaged in fishing round the island ;
a greater number turned their attention to farming. The
prospects of this latter class were not very encouraging :
many of them owned neither land nor implements. They
were obliged to take leases of land for two years, and
give the owner a certain proportion of the produce.
There was little left to them, after paying the rent and
other expenses incident to the business. They labored
haid for a poor living, with no encouraging prospect, but
that of a speedy peace. Others of a younger class
followed the sea from other ports. Removals from the
island still continued, some to avoid present distress,
others with a view to permanency.

CHAPTER IX.

The subject of inoculating for the kine-pock early en-
gaged the attention of the people of Nantucket. In the
year 1810, it was ascertained, by request of the health
committee, that about four thousand had not been inocu-
lated for either the small or kine-pock. At that time it was

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 173

contemplated to have a general vaccination, but the
measure was not very spiritedly taken up, and finally
failed of being carried into effect. In 1813 Benjamin
Hussey, a native of Nantucket, arrived from Europe.
He had been absent from the island about twenty-six
years, the last ten of which he resided principally in
France, where he introduced vaccine inoculation. He
inoculated, in the city of Dunkirk and parts adjacent,
upwards of seven thousand, for which services he received
no pecuniary remuneration. His benevolence, however,
gained for him high encomiums from the French govern-
ment. The experience which he had acquired in the
art, and the success which had attended his practice,
encouraged a few individuals to request him to undertake
a general inoculation at Nantucket, on the condition of
receiving a reasonable compensation from the town for
his services. After some deliberation he assented to the
proposition, and named the sum of three hundred dollars
as the amount which would satisfy him for his labor. A
town-meeting was immediately held for the purpose of
taking the subject into consideration, at which the advan-
tages of the proposition were set forth, and some docu-
ments read, to show the propriety of accepting the
services offered, on the terms proposed. A large number,
however, opposed the measure ; and a majority finally
decided not to improve this opportunity, to introduce a
general inoculation. Notwithstanding this unexpected
result, he proceeded to the vaccination of all who called
on him for that purpose ; and, before he left the island,
nearly a thousand had availed themselves of his services,
for which he received no compensation, except in small
presents from a few individuals.

174 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

The disastrous effects of the war now daily increased.
By almost every arrival, accounts were brought of the
capture of some vessels belonging to Nantucket. Many
of the whale ships were already taken, and it appeared
very probable that a greater part of the remainder would
fall into the hands of the enemy. Tha coast was so
infested with British cruisers, that it had become hazard-
ous to go out of the harbor. Some of the small craft
which were bringing provisions, fuel, and other supplies,
were captured. Among the vessels taken in the Sound
was the beautiful packet sloop which transported the
mail between Nantucket and Falmouth. The captors
plundered and pillaged as many of the letters, he. as
they chose ; the rest, with the passengers, were landed at
Falmouth, and the vessel sent to New Loudon, where a
squadron of the British lay.

The fishing and whaling vessels on the shoals, to
the eastward of the island, had hitherto been preserved.
Humpbacks, (a species of the right-whale,) and cod fish
were plenty, which gave encouragement to many, who
would otherwise have been idle, to engage in the pursuit of
them. But unfortunately a privateer came among the
fleet, and took several vessels, one of which belonged to
Nantucket. Others were fired on, but made their escape.
The vessel taken belonging to Nantucket, was sent to St.
Johns, but it was supposed that she foundered at sea, for
she was never heard of afterwards.

A great proportion of the people had now become so
reduced, that small disappointments caused dismay. The
seamen, who had been taken, were coming home destitute
of property. Many of them had families looking to them

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 175

for support. On the approach of winter, many were
destitute of the necessaries of life, and of the means of
earning any thing. Although some had removed with
their families to seek business elsewhere, there were still a
great number remaining, in indigent circumstances. The
greater part of those, who had heretofore hired their labor
done, were obliged to retrench their expenses, and to do
their own work. In these discouraging circumstances,
the town was noticed by government that a direct tax
of ^5000 would be levied upon them, Although the
sum was not large, and would not have been injuriously
felt, if the island had been in a flourishing condition, yet
at this time, when the people were suffering under
accumulating evils, the call brought a gloom over the
whole community. Taxes are generally proportioned to
the means of paying them. But in this case those,
whose only property consisted in a poor tenement, were
subjected to pay, while those, who were opulent and yet
possessed no real estate, were exempted. It was, besides,
a source of much, and perhaps just complaint, that
Nantucket, situated beyond the protecting power of
government, should still be subjected to contribute to-
wards the general expense. These considerations claimed
the serious attention of the inhabitants, and various
expedients were suggested to obviate the pending em-
barrassments. At length the expediency was suggested
of petitioning congress to mitigate the tax, suspend its
collection, or otherwise to grant some relief to the present
distress. A town-meeting was accordingly held on the
26th of the 11th month, at which it was iHianimously
voted to send a petition, and a person was appointed to
bear it. The following is a copy of the petition.

176 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

To the Honorable the Senate and House of Represen-
tatives of the United States in Congress assembled,
the Petition of the Town and County of Nantucket
respectfully showeih : —

That the unavoidable fate of the war, in which the
nation is involved, has so reduced them in circumstances,
as seemingly to leave no choice whereby relief can be
obtained, other than by the interference of congress, not
only as respects their present condition, but from distress-
ing appearances, the reality of which, they have reason
to believe, will eventually meet them.

They have already realized losses by war in a very
extensive degree ; a number of valuable ships with full
cargoes of oil have been captured and totally lost, and,
what is truly lamentable, several of the owners, that
were heretofore in opulent circumstances, are now re-
duced to indigence.

And they have further to anticipate a very considerable,
if not a total loss of fifteen valuable ships, now absent in
the whale fishery.

Many vessels employed as coasters, and some in the
merchant service, have also been captured and lost, to a
great amount in value.

The whale fishery, which has constantly been con-
siderd the staple of Nantucket, must inevitably decline
under the present state of things. In truth the partial
failure, already realized, appears to threaten a total extinc-
tion of the means by which that valuable branch has
been so successfully prosecuted.

The present stagnation of the mercantile, and also of

HISTOKY OF NANTUCKET. - 177

most Other concerns, has induced, or, rather, compelled
hundreds of people to rennove to the continent, in search
of the conamon necessaries of life, which could neither be
afforded nor procured here, as the small remaining capital
of our island is fast exhausting, without a present prospect
of replenishing.

It is neither the intention nor wish of your petitioners
to present an exaggerated account, but merely a statement
of facts, while they feel impelled seriously to request,
that (if consistent)'some provision may be made, whereby
the fisheries may be prosecuted, without being subject to
losses by war.

Your petitioners are aware, that the time for collecting
the direct tax' and internal duties is fast approaching, re-
specting which they beg leave to observe, that it appears
to have been contemplated for the defence of the country.
Their detached situation from the continent prevents al-
most every benefit that can arise from its appropriation,
their exposed and defenceless condition, considered with
the natural situation of the island, which renders it impossi-
ble for adequate defence to be afforded, are circumstances
which they believe are but partially known to congress.

The ruinous losses already realized, and those that are
anticipated, and seemingly inevitable, added to a general
suspension of the means of subsistence, are circumstances
which, when duly considered, your petitioners are per-
suaded, will entitle them not only to countenance and
commiseration, but to such consistent relief as seems in-
dispensable for their continued existence.

Isaac Coffin, Moderator.
James Coffin, Town Cleric.

Nantucket, 26th, 11th mo. 1813.

178 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

By accounts from the Pacific Ocean, it appeared that
a number of whale ships had been detained by the
Spaniards, and materially obstructed in the pursuit of
their voyages,, and that Commodore Porter had captured
the greater part of the English whalers and caused the
American ships to be released. The latter, being at
liberty, mostly put away to come home. Much anxiety
was felt for their safe arrival. There was a constant look-
out for them both at Nantucket and at the Vineyard, and
large pecuniary rewards were offered to those who should
pilot them in, or give information to the owners which
should be the means of securing their safe arrival. The
arrival of several was hailed with great joy, and enabled
those, whose property was still at risk, to effect insurance,
though at the high rate of fifty per cent. Indeed the
coast was so thronged with cruisers, that owners were
willing to give almost any premium : and their apprehen-
sions in the end proved to be well founded, for few ships
arrived afterwards.

In the 12th month an embargo was laid on the vessels
of the United States, with the design of preventing the
enemy's being supplied by the people of this country.
" This act was an effectual seal upon the commerce of the
United States both foreign and domestic. No vessel was
allowed to depart from any port in the Union, to any
other even in the same state, except in certain specified
cases. The effects of this measure were felt very severely
in many sections of the Union, particularly in the eastern
states." The conditions of the act were such as nearly to
cut off all communication between Nantucket and the
continent. Without some modification, a great number
of the inhabitants must have moved off; for it was evident

BISTORT OF NANTUCKET, 179

that they could not subsist without supplies of provision
and fuel from abroad.

On the return of the person appointed by the town
to bear the petition mentioned in a preceding page, he
reported, that the President and Heads of Departments
commiserated the condition of the inhabitants, and ex-
pressed their readiness to render all the assistance in their
power, consistent with the interests of the nation ; and
that they had promoted the passing of an act, mitigating
the restrictions of the embargo ; and vesting full power
in the Executive to grant such relief to the island, in
allowing provisions and other necessaries to be brought
from the continent, as its situation required.

The embargo act did not have the desired effect, and
it was repealed in the 4th month of 1814. An oppor-
tunity was thus given to all to resume their commercial
business. But the people of Nantucket, having lost the
greater part of their trading capital, could not derive any
material benefit from the measure.

The difficulty of procuring bread stuff, and other neces-
saries from the continent, now increased and produced
great alarm. Some of the British vessels were constantly
at Tarpauline Cove. Whilst engaged there in procuring
water and other supplies, they sent their boats, from time
to time, up and down the Sound, which captured all the
coasters they met with ; they plundered some, and others
they destroyed or exacted a ransom for them in money,
pretty much on their own terms. These circumstances
reduced the town to such a condition that famine seem-
ed inevitable, unless a change should soon be brought
about. There was not a bushel of com. to be bought.

The whaling business, as we have already shown, is

180 BISTORT or NANTUCKET.

the source of almost all the employment of every class of
citizens on the island. There is hardly an individual,
who does not, directly or indirectly, receive a share of
the profits or participate in the losses of each voyage.
No chain of dependencies can be more perfect than that
which exists between what are called the lower and the
higher orders of society. This chain was now brokea.
A great proportion of the property at sea had fallen into
tbe hands of, the enemy. The mechanics, hitherto con-
stantly employed in preparing the materials for voyages,
were without business. The sound of the axe and
hammer was no longer heard. The seamen were daily
coming home from places of confinement among the
English, many of whom found a cheerless welcome, for
poverty and distress met them at the doors of their friends
and connexions. Amidst the gloom which pervaded aU
classes of the community, there was no object, on which
the eye could rest, that gave promise of better things ;
nothing to revive the drooping spirits, but the whimperings
of that kind angel, Hope, which

" liDgers still, nor quits us when we die."

In the 6th month, 1814, some boats arrived with com,
which, although dear, afiforded a timely relief to the in^
habitants.

A Chebacco boat, said to be a tender, belonging to the
British frinjate Nymph, had been for some time cruising
between Tuckernuck Shoal and Great Point, stopping
every passing vessel, and either plundering their prizes
of all the articles of value on board, or exacting ransom-
money from the unfortunate sufferers. This practice was
carried to so great a length, and became so distressing to

HlStORT OT NANTUCKET. 181

the citizens, that they grew impatient. On one occasion
an officer was sent on shore to receive ransom -money,
which added to the agitation already heightened by re-
peated losses. The streets were immediately thronged
with a large concourse of people, who, feeling themselves
so injured by so insignificant a force as a small Chebacco
boat with only ten men, could no longer restrain their
feelings, and publicly uttered threats of hostility. The
persons foremost in this proceeding were principally
strangers, who had been plundered of provisions and fuel,
which they were bringing to the island. It was deemed
advisable to persuade them to be quiet, and consider that
the use of force by the people of the island would only
invite a greater force in return, and one which nothing
but madness could prompt them to resist. Under these
considerations the selectmen and others interfered and
were successful in their attempts to quiet the crowd.
The officer was permitted to depart with his booty. The
affair, however, occasioned increased distress to the in-
habitants, for many of the coasters determined not to
come again to the island, until there should appear a
fairer prospect of avoiding the grasp of the enemy.

It v/ould be impossible, and, perhaps, not very inter-
esting, to detail all the difficulties and lembarrassments
occasioned by the war. A people, situated as those on
the island of Nantucket, must necessarily have felt the
pressure to an unlimited degree beyond those of many
other places. It is their very pursuits in times of peace,
that render them most exposed in times of war. With
always a vast amount of property invested in ships, abroad
on the ocean, navigated by hundreds of their own friends
and relatives, engaged in voyages of three years duration,

182 BISTORT OF NANTUCKET.

war must necessarily involve great numbers in misery and
ruin. Their location and their religious character forbid
their participating in national quarrels.

If nations must, or rather if they will, persist in war,
why should they countenance indiscriminate depredations
on the property of individuals ? In other words, why
legalize plunder, and encourage the worst passions of the
worst men, by giving them commissions to commit acts,
which, but for those commissions, would render them
odious to the whole world and criminals by the letter and
spirit of every code of laws ? Why train up a band of
pirates, by making them first privateersmen ; and thus
prepare subjects for the halter, by putting a premium
upon crime ? We believe that nothing would be more
effectual towards putting an end to all wars, than to allow
trade and commerce to continue under certain restrictions,
during national conflicts. It would prevent, in a great
degree, that personal rancor, which individuals of belliger-
ent nations are constantly imbibing against each other, by
witnessing or feeling the effects of individual rapacity.

The distress and difficulties occasioned by the war to
the people of this devoted island were now daily increas-
ing. British cruisers thronged the Sound, $md blocked
up the harbor, which wholly prevented a supply of pro-
visions and fuel. Necessity required, that some uncom-
mon exertion should be made to obtain relief. Not the
poorer class only was interested, but those more particu-
larly on whom the poor and indigent were making their
daily dependence. It was therefore deemed expedient,
that the inhabitants should convene together for the pur-
pose of adopting such measures as might appear necessary
to remove the present calamity. A meeting was accord-

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 183

ingly held, and the subject was introduced by statements
concerning the affairs of the town, made by the selectmen,
overseers of the poor, and others. After much debate, it
was voted, that the selectmen, and overseers of the poor,
should be authorized to import provisions from the conti-
nent for the support of the poor under their immediate
charge, in any way or manner they might deem expe-
dient, not exceeding the value of five hundred bushels of
corn at one risk. Tljis gave an opportunity to send for a
small supply by every vessel that ventured out.

On the 23d of 6th month there was a violent gale of
wind from the N. W. and the weather, at the same time,
so cold that aged people, in passing about, wore mittens.
The inhabitants in general made fires in their houses.
The season had before been dry, which caused the wind
to have such an effect on the fields of corn as to injure
much of it in some places where it was most exposed ;
but afterwards it pretty generally recovered its growth
and yielded a tolerably good crop.

The Cbebacco boat, before mentioned, still continued
on her station between Nantucket and the Vineyard,
chasing all passing vessels, and plundering all that could
be caught. None, who fell into the hands of this cruiser,
escaped without loss ; for, however small their craft and
poor their lading, there was still something to lose. There
was great apprehension that the crew of this cruiser would
land in the night, and commence their plunder and rob-
bery, while the inhabitants were asleep. To guard against
this, a night-watch was established, to patrol the streets,
with direction to sound an alarm in case they landed.
This measure had the desired effect so far, that the people
could take their rest quietly.

184 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

The continuance of this craft at and near the bar of the
harbor was attended with so much embarrassment in ob-
taining supplies from the continent, as to cause much
alarm. At length the selectmen, by the advice of manjr
of the inhabitants, deputed two of their number to repair
on board and remonstrate with the captain against staying
any longer. They attended to their appointment, and
endeavored to persuade him to leave, by stating the difB-
culties under which the town already labored by want of
a free communication with the continent. They urged,
that common humanity was sufficient to prevent his ad-
ding to the distress of a people feeling already the want of
the necessaries of life. At first, instead of listening to
their arguments, he made high demands of vessels and
other things, but he at length said he would go away.
After several days he departed. He carried away some
thousands of dollars in specie, and sundry articles of goods.

A number of boats and small vessels now arrived with
provisions and wood, which supplied the market, to the
great relief of the people, although the prices were high :
flour fourteen dollars per barrel, corn one dollar and forty
cents per bushel, and wood seven dollars per cord.

A tender from the Nymph frigate soon afterwards made
its appearance between the point and bar, watching
every passing vessel and boat, in order to make a prey of
the defenceless. Several vessels coming from the main
with supplies were taken, from all of which they exacted
something in ransom ; they permitted some light vessels
to pass out of the harbor unmolested. This cruiser was
a sloop commanded by Charles Goulett, the person that
commanded the Chebacco boat before mentioned. Some
indiscreet persons had furnished him with a New York

HISTORT OP NANTUCKET, 185

paper, wherein was an article, purporting to have been
written at Nantucket, and tending, as he said, to vilify his
character. He took umbrage at this, and addressed a
letter to the chairman of the selectmen, threatening, in
strong language, to pursue measures injurious to the island.
The people were not in any degiee intimidated; some
would have chosen to have him attempt the execution of
his threats. The major part of the inhabitants, however,
wisely considered that it was more advisable to appease,
if possible, than irritate him. A paper was drawn up,
and signed by a large number, selling forth, that the
publication was not authorized by the town, and that they
did not know who was its author. This was sent off to
him, and, after some ahercation and explanation, he seemed
satisfied with it. The committee, which carried the com-
munication, then pressed him to leave his present station.
He promised to do so, but said that he should probably
be back in a short time. He did leave, and in a few days
returned again. The people, having become familiar
with his mode of depredation, were careful to keep out of
his reach. He, however, frequently found opportunity
to convey his threats to the inhabitants, that he should
enter the harbor, and set fire to some of the houses. This
was neither expected nor dreaded.

British cruisers were so numerous along our seacoast,
that our government considered it expedient to discon-
tinue the public lights, wherever it was probable that the
enemy would be benefited by them. The collector at
Nantucket, who had the care of the lights there, discon-
tinued them from time to time, as circumstances required.
The buoys on the corners of the shoals and at the bars
were taken up for the same reason.

186 HISTORT OF NANTUCKET.

The harbor had now been a long time blocked up by
the British. There was no wood provided for winter,
and the stock of provisions was considerably reduced. All
agreed that it was necessary to take some measures to
avoid distress; but it was difficult to agree as to what
those measures should be. The selectmen were at length
requested to call a town-meeting to deliberate on the
subject. The meeting was held on the 23d of the 7th
month, 1814, at which, after some discussion, the follow-
ing vote was passed: "That we appoint the present
selectmen of this town a committee, with full powers to
make use of such means as may appear to them most
eligible for this town to pursue, which the constitution
and laws of this country do not forbid, for the inhabitants
to bring wood, provisions and other necessaries, from the
continent of the United States, .for the consumption of
the inhabitants of Nantucket."

The selectmen, feeling themselves authorized by the
additional powers now vested in them by the town, and
being fully sensible of the necessity of taking some
measures to obtain relief, fitted the sloop Hawk, David
Starbuck, master, and qualified her as a flag of truce ;
and appointed Silvanus Macy and Isaac CoflSn, Esquires,
as commissioners, and qualified them accordingly ; giving
them written instructions to proceed to the British naval
commanding oflScer on the North American station, and
to represent to him, in an impartial manner, the situation
of the people of Nantucket. The commissioners were
directed to ask permission to import wood, provisions, &tc.,
and liberty to whale and fish about the coast. The follow-
ing are copies of instructions to the commissioners and to
Captain Starbuck.

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 187

" By this present instrument you are hereby appointed
and legally qualified, by the selectmen of Nantucket, as
commissioners, to embark in the sloop Hawk, Captain
David Starbuck, who has received directions to carry you
without delay to the British naval commander-in-chief on
the North American station.

"When you may meet the commander-in-chief, you
will carefully and faithfully represent to him the present
state and condition of the inhabitants of this town, adding,
also, that they are seriously apprehensive of the over-
whelming effects of famine, which it seems can neither
be evaded or eluded, except permission can be obtained
of the commander-in-chief to hnport the necessary pro- ,
visions and fuel from the continent to the island ; but as
you are acquainted with every particular, it is considered
needless to add any thing more on this subject, than to
mention our confidence that you will give it all the atten-
tion which its importance may seem to demand.

" You are also so well acquainted with the exhausted
state of our finances, and the necessity of ways and means
to replenish them, and that the fishery has heretofore
been our constant dependence for that purpose, but little
need be said on the occasion ; we would, however, recom-
mend, that you mention the facts of things to the com-
mander-in-chief, and, if possible, to obtain permission to
prosecute it as heretofore.

" It is presumed we need not add any thing more, than

to call your pointed attention to the several particulars

herein contained.

[Signed by the selectmen.]

" Nantucket, July 27, 1814."

189 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET,

To Capt. David Starbuck.

It having been determined by the selectmen of the
town of Nantucket to despatch the sloop Hawk, now
under your command, to Chesapeakie Bay, or elsewhere,
as ^flag of truce, — you will, with all possible convenience,
prepare your vessel for that undertaking, and, after being
equipped for the voyage, you will embrace the first favor-
able opportunity, and proceed to the place of your desti-
nation, subject, however, to the following instructions,
viz. :

You are to display the white flag at your topmast head,
and continue it abroad (as occasion may require) during
the time you are considered as a cartel.

As Silvanus Macy and Isaac Coffin, Esquires, will em-
bark with you, as commissioners, to negotiate or transact
the business of the town, under direction of the selectmen,
you will, in every case, be subject to their control, and
attentive to their orders, keeping constantly in view, that
one important point of your duly will be to convey them
to the British naval commander on the North American
station, with the least possible delay.

You will not admit any passenger or article of merchan-
dise whatever, at any lime during your voyage, to be
taken on board your vessel, except it be by the express
direction of the above-mentioned commissioners.

Nantucket, July 27, 1814.

[Signed by the selectmen.]

The commissioners sailed on their mission the day
following the date of their instructions.

A private vessel was also sent at the same time, with
a comn)ittee, and, as was said, for similar purposes, but^

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 189

as this was a measure taken by individuals, and not by
authority of the town, we shall say but little about it ;
not being in full knowledge of their cocnniission, or of the
effects thereof.

A great number of the inhabitants were now busily
employed in procuring peat from the swamps. They
gladly took the benefit of this substitute for wood. It
was indeed considered a great blessing, and it saved, at
that time, several thousands of dollars. " ~

About the 22d of this month, ihe British armed brig
Nimrod came to the bar and anchored, and sent a boat
ashore, bearing a flag of truce. The selectmen immedi-
ately convened, and sent a message to the officer, inform-
ing him that they were in session, and ready to receive
any communication he mi^ht he pleased to make to them.
He informed them, that the captain of the brig had a com-
munication from commodore Hotham, which would be
delivered to a committee who should be authorized by
the town to receive it on board the brig. The selectmen
appointed a committee out of their number, and author-
ized them to go on board, which they attended to the fol-
lowing morning, and were politely received by captain
Newton and his officers. After the usual ceremonies, the
captain informed them, that his business was to propose a
stipulation of neutrality, to be observed by the ptople of
Nantucket. He then read to them a communication
signed by commodore Hotham, the purport of which was,
that, if Nantucket would observe strict neutrality during
the war, he would permit a certain number of vessels to
import wood, provisions, and other supplies. The time
and place was not suited to a full consultation on the sub-
ject, and its importance was such that the committee did

190 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

not feel authorized to act upon it. They therefore left
the brig and came on shore, with an expectation of being
furnished with the original communication, or a copy of
it. The brig's barge ajso. came on shore at the same
time. The selectmen immediately met in order to receive
a copy of the communication, as had been promised.
Notwithstanding the officer of the boat was now ashore,
no communication was received by the selectmen in less
time than two hours. A delay of this nature, at so criti-
cal a time, was attended with disagreeable sensations.
When the communication was at length received, it was
found necessary to call the town together, which was done
the same afternoon at 6 o'clock. During the time of
these transactions, the people of the town were in great
commotion, for the subject had not been so fully opened
to the public, as to allow of their comprehending its nature
and importance. There was a very general apprehension^
that the British had secret intentions of a hostile charac-
ter; that the present fair appearance was only designed
to lull the people into a state of security; and that the
design was then to add to the distress already fell. The
streets were crowded with the inhabitants, who appeared
in much anxiety for the event.

A town-meeting was held at the time appointed.
There was a general attendance, for the subject was
novel as well as interesting, and drew the attention of
nearly every male inhabitant. The meeting was held in
the street near the Friend's south meeting-house. The
communicaiion from the British commander was then
read, the substance of which was, " that the people of
Nantucket shall observe a strict neutrality between the
two contending powers during the existence of the present

BISTORT OF NANTUCKET. 191

war ; shall refrain from taking up arms against the sub-
jects of Great Britain ; shall surrender up all public arms,
guns, ammunition, and all other public property of every
kind and nature.

" That, in case of a compliance, they would permit a
limited but small number of vessels to import wood, pro-
visions, and other necessaries, to the island, and if a sur-
plusage should appear, all British vessels coming to Nan-
tucket, should have liberty to purchase refreshments,
provided it did not distress the inhabitants ; and that a
deputation from the town should meet the commodore at
Gardner's Bay to conclude the treaty."

Some short remarks were made at the meeting, chiefly
purporting, that nothing unreasonable was required in the
communication, and that if the conditions were complied
with so far as was consistent, the much-needed relief
would be obtained. It was generally believed, that
neither our government, nor any reasonable man, would
criminate the town for embracing this opportunity to ob-
tain the privilege of importing the necessaries of life
from the continent. In accordance with these views the
following votes were taken.

"That this town will not take up arms against Great
Britain during the present war between Great Britain and
the United States of America, collectively or severally.

"That this town will surrender up all such public arms,
ammunition, and other public property, that shall be found
in said town.

*'That this town will not take up arms to defend any
public property.

" That this town will make no opposition against any
British vessel coming into this haibor to refresh.

192 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

" That this town will choose a committee to wait on
Commodore Hoiham, at Gardner's Bay, or elsewhere,
agreeably to his request."

A committee was then chosen, after which it was voted,

"That the committee inform Captain Newton, com-
mander of the brig Nimrod, of the proceedings of this
meeting, and that they are appointed to wait on Commo-
dore Hoiham in Gardner's Bay, or elsewhere.

" Nantucket, August 24th, 1814."

The forementloned communication from Commodore
Hotham appeared, from its tenor, and other circumstances,
to have originated from certificates given by the select-
men and magistrates of Nantucket, to qualify a vessel to
go and meet the British commander-in-chief, and from
bim to endeavor to obtain permission to bring a load of
bread stuff from Virginia for the sole consumption of the
inhabitants, stating the distressed situation of the island at
that time* Admiral Cochrane, on receiving this informa-
tion, directed Commodore Hoiham to send a vessel to
Nantucket, and make the foregoing provisions of neu-
trality.

The day following the meeting, the Nimrod left the
bar, accompanied by the sloop Experiment, both intend-
ed for Gardner's Bay, to meet Commodore Hotham.
The Experiment carried the town's committee.

On the 30ih, the committee returned, having perform-
ed the business of their appointment agreeably with the
foregoing plan. They reported, that they were received
on board the ship Superb, then lying in Gardner's Bay,
and treated in a polite manner. That they there made
a general statement of the situation and circumstances of

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 193

the iobabitants of Nantucket; and that there were no
arms, artillery, ammunition, warlike stores, or government
property of any kind on the island, except the two light-
houses and a scanty supply of oil for the season, which
they requested might remain unmolested. General sat-
isfaction being given, the commodore signed a stipulation
of neutrality, a copy of which follows.

By the Honorable Henry Hotham, Commodore, com-
manding his majesty's ships and vessels employed on
the coast of North America, between Nantucket and
the Delaware.
The island of Nantucket having been this day de-
clared neutral by a deputation appointed at a legal town-
meeting, held on the 23d instant, to wait on me to stipu-
late for the relief of the inhabitants, who engage they
shall take no part whatever in the war between Great
Britain and the United States of America, and that such
refreshments as it can afford, without distressing themselves,
shall be as free for the use of his majesty's ships as at
other friendly places; and having, by the direction of
Vice Admiral, the Honorable Alexander Cochrane, K. B.
commander-in*chief, &c. &c. fac.,in consideration there-
of, granted them permission to import provisions, live
stock, fuel, and other necessaries of life, from the conti-
nent of the United Slates, and furnished certain vessels
with passports to perform such voyages, unmolested by
the ships and vessels of his majesty, and by the private
armed vessels of his subjects ; —

These are to request and direct, that no hostilities nor
depredations be committed by those which may arrive at
or communicate with that island.

194 HisToar or nantugket.

GiveD under ray band and seal on board bis majesty's
ship Superb, off New London, the 28th of August, 1814,

Henrt Hotham.
To the commanders of his n>ajesty's ships and vessels, and
of the private armed vessels of his subjects.
By command of the commodore,

John Irving*

In accordance with the foregoing agreement, the com-
modore granted three passports to go to the Delaware,
and three to go to New York, to bring provisions, and
other necessaries ; and fifteen vessels, to bring wood,

Tlie following is ,a copy of one of the passports to
bring provisions.

[Seal.] By the Honorable Henry Hotham, Com-
modore, commanding his majesty's ships and vessels
employed between Naniucket and the Delaware.

Having, by the direction of the vice-admiral, the
Honorable Sir Alexander Cochrane, K. B. commander-
in-chief, &c. &c. &;c., stipulated with the magistrates
and select-men of the island of Nantucket for the neu-
trality of that island, and, in consideration thereof,
granted permission to the inhabitants to import provision,
live stock, fuel, and other necessaries of life for their
use, from the United States of America ; —

These are to require and direct the commanders of
his majesty's ships and vessels, and of the private armed
vessels, not to molest or interrupt the sloop ********
of about fifty-five tons burthen, navigated by inhabitants
of Nantucket, carrying no guns or other arms of any
kind, in the employment of conveying the above described

HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET. 195

articles from the Delaware to Nantucket ; or sperm can*
dies or oil from that island, provided she be not fouiid
carrying on any other trade, or commerce, with hb
majesty's enemies, nor fishing in the open sea ; in either
of which cases, she will be committing an infraction of
the agreement made this day by the aforementioned
parties respectively, and will be liable to capture.

Given under my band and seal on board his majesty's
ship Superb, off New London, 2dth August, 1814.

Henry Hotham.
To the commanders of his majesty's ships and vessels,
and of the private armed vessels of his subjects.
By command of the commodore.

John Irving.

•

The dates and tenor of the other passports were similar,
except such variations as the circumstances required.

Notwithstanding the trouble and expense to which the
town bad been subjected, in obtaining permission to
import provisions and fuel, the people were not satisfied.
The privileges were so limited that they could not fish
nor whale without the risk of capture, nor carry fish to
market; and no passengers were allowed to go in the
privileged vessels. The passports being specially granted
to certain vessels therein named, no others could be
benefited by such limited restrictions. This created a
considerable degree of dissatisfaction among them, who
had vessels -lying at the wharves, and others, who had
large boats fitted for the New Ynrk trade. Besides, the
number of licensed vessels was so small, that they were
not sufficient to furnish all the required supplies.

One other circumstance had considerable weight with

196 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

many ; notwithstanding the necessity of the case, which
might reasonably be pleaded in extenuation of the measures
of the town, if some person, with malicious intent, should
have made complaint to the government, it would at least
embarrass, and might bring the town into additional
difficulties, and, instead of proving a benefit to the com-
munity, end in distress.

These reflections became so forcible on the minds of
many, that in the 9th month a committee was deputed
to wait on Elbridge Gerry, the vice-president, previous
to his leaving his home to attend to the duties of his
office at Washington. Tliey reported, on their return,
that, after giving him a full statement of the transactions
of the town with the British, he had said, that he could
not condemn the proceedings, and that he knew of no
other way in which they could have done so well. He
further promised to represent the subject to the govern-
ment, and to use his endeavors to secure its approbation
of their conduct. He also recommended their giving a
statement of the case to congress.

The commissioners, who were appointed by the au-
thority of the town, on the 27th of the 7th month, to go
to Admiral Cochrane, now returned and reported in sub-
stance as follows : — Believing that the admiral was at
Bermudas, they had pursued their course thither, but to
their mortification they found, that he had sailed thence,
two or three days previous to their arrival, for the
Chesapeake. Their vessel needing some repairs, and
they were necessarily detained a few days, in which time
they visited the governor of Bermudas, who received
them courteously, and seemed to lament with them the
lost opportunity of meeting with the admiral there.

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 197

They roade him acquainted with the nature of their
mission. He was a man of high respectability, and ever
ready to manifest his benevolence, when it could be
consistently exercised. In this case be could do little
more than to advise them to 'pursue their mission to the
admiral, in whom, he stated, they would find a man of
feeling, who, he believed, would do every thing in his
power for the relief of Nantucket. He asked them,
whether they did not believe, tliat the people of that
island would be benefited by being placed under the
jurisdiction of Great Britain. And he stated, that if
direct application should be made to Admiral Cochrane
for that purpose, and if the admiral could be well assured,
that it would benefit the inhabitants, he did not doubt
that a small force would be sent to accomplish the
business, and protect the place.

The committee informed him, that they did not believe,
that such a chanc:e in the (government of the island would
be beneficial; but that it would, on the contrary, add to
the troubles already experienced.

He said, that it appeared, that the application had been
made by the authority of the town, and he supposed that
they had come to act in the premises. They replied,
that it did not come from the authority of the town, and
that the town did not want it done. He then informed
them, that a letter, signed by the chairman of the select-
men had been received by the admiral, making the
request. They stated, that it was a forgery, * committed
by some malicious persons, to answer some sinister ends ;

^ One of the commissionerB was the chairman of the selectmen
alluded to in the forged letter.

198 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

for there had never been any movements made by the
town, by any ways or means whatever, to come under
the British government, and that most of the inhabitants
would abhor the idea of changing their government for
any other on earth. *-

After completing their business at Bermudas, they left,
in company with the Madagascar frigate, and arrived at
the Patuxent river, in the Chesapeake, where they found
Admiral Cochrane. He received them on board his ship
in a very friendly manner, and after finding who they
were, the business they came upon, and that they were
properly authorized by the town as a flag of truce, he
treated them cordially, and said that he believed the
statement, which they made, to be correct ; and that he
would do all he could, consistently with bis duties, for the
relief of Nantucket. He made many inquiries, respecting
the situation of the island, and seemed to take a deep
interest in its condition. He told them, that he had been
informed, in some degree, of the sufferings of the people,
and that he had made arrangements with Commodore
Hotham, at Gardner's Bay, for their relief.

Finding so much freedom in bis carriage, the committee
proposed to him an extension of the privileges already
gratited, so as to allow whaling to be carried on without
the risk of capture. The admiral stated, that this could ^
not be granted without the consent of his government ;
but he said, that, if they would put their ideas on paper,
agreeably to the wishes of the town, he would send the
communication by a despatch vessel, which was to sail
the following day, adding, 'that he believed an arrange-
ment could be made to meet their views. Notwithstand-
ing this favorable opportunity to pursue a very desirable

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 199

object, prudence prevented the acceptance of his generous
offer; and the committee replied, that, however desirous
they were to avail themselves of it, yet they had no
authority to request any privilege, which it was beyond
his power to grant.

Tho comniiltee then treated with him on the subject of
Nantucket prisoners, and set forth the difference between
such as belonged to the island and sailed in the fisheries,
and those of the United States in general. He readily
acceded to their views; and, as a plan for exchange could
not be adopted in case of the island's becoming neutral,
he gave them authority to call for such prisoners, belong-
ing to Nantucket, as they should find on board of his
majesty's vessels, which they might fall in with on their
passage home. And he promised to write to his govern-
ment concerning Nantucket prisoners in general. They
had a full opportunity with him, and opened to him every
circumstance relating to their mission ; to all which he
appeared very attentive, and finally said, that he would
do every thing for the relief of the people of Nantucket,
consistent with his duty to his government ; and stated
that his secretary was then about finishing a despatch to
Commodore Hot ham, which would be a confirmation of
what he had heretofore granted. The despatch being
finished, they were about to proceed with it to Commo-
dore Holham, when they were astonished with the in-
formation, that a postscript had been added to it, of the
following import : " that if Nantucket paid the direct tax,
or internal duties, the stipulations entered into for their
relief, Si,c. should become void." There had never been
any conversation between Admiral Cochrane and the
commissioners on this subject ; but however much the

■paii^MWi

200 HISTOHT OF NANTUCKET.

latter were astonished at this new condition, they bad no
opportunity for further negotiation, as the admiral appeared
to have done with them, and to have turned his attention
to other business.

The postscript, above-mentioned, seemed to threaten a
total defeat to all the plans of the town, to save them-
selves from famine. There appeared to be no probability
of being able to evade or elude it. The committee, there-
ore, left the Chesapeake in dismay, though conscious of
having discharged their duties faithfully, and as far as in
their power, consistently with the best interests of the
town.

A copy of the despatch, which the commissioners took
with them, is here inserted.

Surprize, in the Patuxent River, 30tb of August, 1814.

Sir, — A deputation from the island of Nantucket having
waited on me in this river, under a flag of truce, to solicit
permission to obtain supplies of food and fuel from the
continent of the United States, I have referred them to
you, and you will be pleased to grant them such indul-
gences as you may deem proper, consistently with what
is prescribed in my letter. No. 6, of 26th July, 1814,
respecting the inhabitants of that island.
I have the honor to be, sir,

your most obedient humble servant,

Alexander Cochrane,
Vice Admiral and Commander-in-Chief, &c. Sec.

Rear Admiral the Hon. Henry Hotham, Sz^c. &c. &c.

P. S. You will be pleased to signify to the inhabit-
ants of the island of Nantucket, that, if it be found thej

HISTORY OF N'ANTUCKET. 201

pay any direct taxes, or internal duties, for the support of
the government of the United States,! will withdraw this
indulgence forthwith, and will call upon them to pay
double the amount to bis majesty's government.

Alexander Cochrane.

The commissioners, having arrived at Gardner's Bay,
dehvered the despatch to Commodore Hotham, who
ordered his secretary to write to the committee which
heretofore waited on him from Nantucket, informin:^ them
of this new arrangement. The letter was sent by the
commissioners, and was as follows :

His Majesty's Ship Superb, >

off New London, 8th September, 1814. )

Gentlemen, — I have received instructions from Vice
Admiral the Honorable Alexander Cochrane, K. B. Com-
mander-in-Chief, &c. fac. Sic, — which will require that
the inhabitants of the island of Nantucket should distinctly
understand that the terms, on which they havie stipulated
for the neutrality of that island, will not permit them to
pay any direct taxes, or internal duties, for the support
of the government of the United States of America; and
that I should receive an assurance from you, that they
conceive a strict neutrality will preclude them from ren-
dering any support of that nature to that government; in
failure of the execution of which, I am instructed forth-
with to withdraw the passports I have granied to their
vessels, and to call upon them to pay double the amount
of the taxes to his British majesty's government, they pay
to that of the United States of America.
I have the honor to be, be.

Henry Hotham, Commodore.

Directed to the town's committee.

iOi HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

P. S. A Nantucket vessel having been found whaling
\vilh a counterfeit protection, orders will be given to his
majesty's ships to capture or destroy all vessels belonging
to that island, which shall be found with any other than
the original protections granted to them.

The inhabitants of the town immediately convened on
the subject of the foregoing communication. The busi-
ness claimed the serious attention of the people; and,
after some debate, it was voted to send the following
petition to congress, requesting a suspension of the col-
lection of the direct tax and internal duties, during the
existence of the present war.

To the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress

assembled.
The inhabitants of the town of Nantucket are com-
pelled, by calamities beyond their control, once more to
petition the constituted authorities of the nation to con-
tribute at least so far to the relief of their sufferings, as to
suspend the collection of the direct taxes and internal
duties which, by law, are, or may be, liable to be exacted
of them. They are convinced that a reiteration of the
peculiar, multiplied, and overwhelming evils which assail
them, is not essential to procuring the relief for which
they are now constrained to petition. Exposed to the
free and undisturbed access of the declared enemies of the
government of the United States, it is indispensable to
their existence, as a component part of that government,
that they should not, during the existence of the war,
contribute to the means by which it is carried on. In-
disposed as your petitioners sincerely are to injure their
own country, or to contravene its wholesome laws, they

BISTORT OF NANTUCKET. 203

cannot be less anxious to avoid affixing their own seal to
their own immediate misery and destruction. It is evi-
dently certain, that while they continue without the pro-
tection of the government of the United Stales, and
exposed to all the depredations that may be committed
upon them, they cannot justly be reduced to misery 'and
starvation, for pecuniary contribution, so inconsiderable to
the government, as that which is required of them. This
consideration alone is not only sufficient to justify the re-
spectful application, but it ought, they believe, to claim
for it that attention, which will lead to a complete attain-
ment of its object.

Signed in behalf, and by direction of the town of Nan-
tucket, in a legal town meeting assembled on the 15th
day of September, 1814.

Attest : James Coffin, Town Clerks

The same meetino; agreed on sendino: the following
letter to Commodore Hot ham :

Nantucket, 15th September, 1814.
The Honorable Henry Hotham, Esquire, commanding
his majesty's ships and vessels employed on the coast
of North America from Nantucket to the Delaware.

Sir, — We have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of
your communication, dated on the 8th instant, and we now
beg leave to reply to the subject of it. The inhabitants of
the island are under a full conviction of the heavy pressure,
the payment of the direct and other taxes would have upon
them at this time of increased and increasing distress, but
they have had to act on this subject with much obvious
embarrassment, reflecting on the effect that a refusal of the

204 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

payment would have on the one hand, while they con-
templated on the other, with no less anxiety, the intima-
tions that the payment should cause the generous privileges
granted them to be withdrawn. In this extreme, critical,
and perplexing condition, they assembled in town-meeting,
and resolved to petition the congress of the United States,
if not to remit, at least to suspend the collection of the
taxes during the existence of the present unhappy con-
flict. But to remove all doubt of the intention of the
inhabitants fully to comply, as far as practicable, with the
requisitions of the Honorable Sir Alexander Cochrane,
the oi&cer, deputed to collect the taxes upon the island,
was prevailed upon immediately to resign his commission.

We feel confident, that no inhabitant of the island will
accept the appointment as collector, and that no stranger
will expose himself so much, as he necessarily must, to
hold this undesirable office. Under these circumstances,
we are persuaded no taxes will be paid ; but we think
ourselves justified in believing, that a public and direct
refusal will not be required of us ; for the peculiar favors
already granted to this place e.vince, in his Britannic
majesty's government and in his naval commanders, a
determination not to embarrass and distress, but to aid
and relieve the unoffending inhabitants.

Respecting the counterfeit protection referred to in
your honor's communication, we have made strict inquiry,
which has produced in our minds a conviction, that the
supposed counterfeit papers were merely an attested copy
of the votes of the town, and a copy of the protection
granted the town, attested by a notary public. These
copies were procured to show the neutrality of the island,
in the event of the vessel's capture and destruction! to

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 205

induce the discharge of the men, if such discharge should
be consistent with the instructions given to his British
majesty's commanders. We do not discover that any
injury can result from these copies ; but, if this use of
them, thus explained, does not comport with your honor's
views, no pains shall be spared on our pan to suppress
the use of them.

In order that you may be better able to judge of the
lenor of these instruments granted, we here inclose you
a true copy of all the papers which have been given to
those vessels who have no protection.
We have the honor to be, fac.

[Signed by the committee.]

A letter was soon after received by the committee from
Commodore Hotham in reply to the preceding, the sub-
stance of which was, to require a direct answer " whether
the town is determined to refuse the payment of the direct
taxes and internal duties, which are, or shall he required
by the government of the United States ? "

The committee having no authority to answer this
demand, laid the subject before a meeting of the town,
warned for the purpose. Many of the inhabitants believ-
ing that the business was about to be conducted in a way
that might bring the censure of their governnjent, if no-
thing more, upon them, concluded that it would be safest
for them not to attend the meeting. The meeting was,
therefore, but thinly attended.

The following votes were taken on the occasion, with
little or no opposition, viz :

"That this town will not pay any direct tax, or inter-
nal duties, during the present war between the United
States of America and the government of Great Biitain."

906 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

" That there be a committee appointed to cany into
effect the neutrality, which is agreed on with. Admiral
Henry Hotham."

'^ That the committee so chosen be a committee to
treat with the commanders of all public and private
British armed vessels, that are or shall be visiting our
shores."

" That this town do now discontinue all other com-
mittees, that have been heretofore appointed by said town
to treat with any of liis Britannic majesty's ships or vessels,
in behalf of the town."

" That this town will prevent the carrying off any
provisions from this island more than shall be permitted
by Admiral Henry Hotham."
Nantucket, Sept. 28, 1814.

A deputation from the committee was sent with the
aforesaid reply, who reported, on their return, that no
additional extension of the privileo;es, heretofore granted,
could be obtained from Admiral Hotham.

The protections, granted by the Biitish, to bring pro-
visions, fuel, fee, from the continent, were at first of
material benefit, and were duly appreciated by the people
generally. But the limited conditions specified in them,
and the jealousies they created, both amongst the Amer-
icans and the English, soon lessened their value ; so that
some who possessed them, hardly dared to leave port and
trust to them.

On the 10th of the lOth month, a remarkable occur-
rence took place, a description of which, although it does
not come within the limits of this work, according to the
intention of the writer, seems to be demanded, since the

%1L

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 207

affair happened very near to the island. The American
privateer schooner Neufchatel, of New York, and a ship
from Jamaica, her prize, loaded with sugar, coffee, &lc.,
were at anchor at the south side of the island, with a
small breeze at the northward. There was a ship wide
in the offing at the same time, supposed to be a British
man-of-war. At two o'clock P. M. the captain of the
privateer discovered boats from the ship headed in toward
the shore. Being fully convinced that ihey were British,
he made every preparation to give them a warm recep-
tion. At sunset five barges were plainly discovered,
which appeared to be full of men. Ai nine in the even-
ing they came within musket shot of the privateer, when
the action commenced, and continued about thirty-five
minutes. After the firing ceased, it was found that two
of the barges had surrendered ; one was missing, supposed
to have sunk. The other two returned with sixteen men,
out of one hundred and forty -six that left. the ship, which
proved to be the Endymion frigate. From the best in-
formation that could be obtained, it was found that about
one hundred of the ship's crew were killed, among whom
was the first lieutenant, who headed the expedition. Of
the privateer's crew five were killed, including the pilot,
who belonged to Nantucket. We forbear to state the
particulars of this sanguinary engagement, believing that
it would neither please nor edify a large part of our
readers. What we have related is sufficient both as a

record of the fact, and as an example of the horrors of
war. The action took place within about five miles of
the town, and whilst the work of death was going on, the
reports of the cannon and muskets were distinctly heard
by the inhabitants. Such a scene, almost under the eyo

SOS HISTORY OF NANTUCKET*

of a large community, one of whose most distinguishing,
and, as we think, noblest traits, is a strong aversion to
war, could not fail to bring a solemn gloom over their
minds.

CHAPTER X.

During, and a little previous to the 10th month, 1814,
there had been some talk of peace. Ministers of the
United States and Great Britain were negotiating a treaty,
but there were so many interests involved, that the pros-
pect of an immediate, amicable settlement, was by no
means flattering. The winter therefore commenced,
attended with much of the gloom and despondency which
had before prevailed. The market was, however, well
supplied with flour and corn. On the IGih of the second
month, the glad tidings of a treaty of peace were proclaim-
ed. The joy of the inhabitants, on this occasion, we shall
not attempt to describe. It was felt, and is still remem-
bered by hundreds, whose connexions were then immured
in prisons abroad, or whose means of subsistence had been
snatched from them by the ruthless hand of war ; by
parents whose children, and by children whose parents,
were asking breads

The terms of the treaty were represented to be so

•

HtsrroRT or nantucket. 209

honorable to this oation, that no doubts of its ratification
were entertained. The attention of merchants was imme-
diately turned to their wonted business. The season was
yet inclement, and the harbor blocked up with ice; so
that vessels could not go to any port on the continent to
procure materials for the outfits of the few ships remain-
ing in port. Mechanics immediately commenced work
with what little coopers' stuff, iron, hemp, &;c., was on
hand. In the mean time all anxiously looked for news
from government.

At length, on the 28th of the same month, the condi-
tions of the treaty arrived, ratified by the president.
This confirmation of their expectations was hailed with
inexpressible joy. The streets were thronged with peo-
ple congratulating each other on the occasion. Gratitude
and thanksgiving to the Author of all good seemed to
pervade the community.

The war being closed, all began to turn their attention
to business. Some left the island to seek employment in
other ports, but the greater part commenced making
arrangements for the prosecution of the whaling business.
At the close of the war, it was found that about one half
of the ships was left, several of which were not at sea
during the war, some had been sent off to neighboring
ports on the continent for safety, others were hauled up.
In all, including those which arrived in time of war, there
remained twenty -three. Twenty *two had been taken
and condemned, one was lost at sea. Fifteen returned
home in safety, five were not at sea during the war, three
were broui^ht to the island after the close of the war.
Thus of ihe whole number belonging to the port at the
commencement of hostilities, there remained exactly ons

■l-.v

SIO HiBToar OF nantuokst.

half. Of those remaioing, many needed extensive re-
pairs.

Business was commenced with alacrity. In a very
short time several ships were sent to sea. Small compa-
nies were formed by new adventurers, who made consid-
erable additions to the fleet. Believing that the Grst oil
imported would command a high price, many were stim-
ulated to embark in the business, beyond the extent of
their funds. Thus a system, if it may be so called, of
long credits was introduced, which, though it promised
sotfie advantage to the community by bringing more ships
into the service, and employing a greater number of men,
was nevertheless pregnant with evils. Mechanics were
under the necessity of trusting out their wares, for an un-
usual length of time, and were subjected to the necessity
of hiring money to purchase their stock, a practice which
proved very injurious to them. And some owners, who
did not meet with success, found themselves much em-
barrassed by thus transacting business.

From the lime of which we have just spoken, to the
present date, 6th month, 1835, our history must necessa-
rily assume the form of a diary. No events have occur-
jred which admit of a connected narrative. During the
long continuance of peace, the whale fishery, like all
other business, has had its fluctuations; at times prosper-
ous and encouraging, at other times dull and unprofitable.

Hitherto we have purposely avoided touching on some
subjects of general interest, deeming it more expedient to
devote a portion of our limits purposely to them, than to
interweave them among the other incidents of our narra-
tion. Among these are some notices of religious socie-
ties, education, shipwrecks, &;c., which will be found in
our Second Part.

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 211

Oo the first of the second month, 1815, the weather
was remarkably cold. The thermometer was eleven
degrees below zero ; lower by several degrees than had
ever before been known.-

Althougb peace was now concluded between the two
governments, the evils occasioned by the war were ' not
entirely done away. The taxes for the support of the
poor department, on account of the great increase of the
poor, had increased nearly one hundred per cent. The
town was called upon to pay large amounts to the gov-
ernment, as a direct tax, which was a heavy burden on a
great number of the inhabitants, many of whom were
possessed of nothing more than a small estate in land, or,
perhaps, an old house. Some of these were aged peo-
ple, or widows, whose iscanty means should have ren-
dered them rather objects of charity, than contributors to
the expenses of government; while seafaring men and
merchants were very generally exempted. These con-
siderations caused many to pay with reluctance. Some
were even obliged to sell a part of their interest, to meet
the demand, their taxes amounting to more than their
whole cash receipts for the year.

In the 7th month many of the ships, left at the close of
the war, had proceeded to sea ; some to the coast of
Brazil, but the greater part to the Pacific Ocean. Ten
ships were, this month, at one time lying at the bar, all
waiting to complete their outfits in order to commence their
voyages.

In the 5th month, 1816, a newspaper was issued by
Tannatt and Tupper, entitled the Nantucket Gazette.
This was the first paper published on the island. It did
not receive the expected patronage, and after a short time
it was discontinued.

212 HI8T0RT OF NANTUCKET.

In the 11th month, the lighthouse on Great Pobt
was destroyed by fire. The year ibllowing, a new one
of stone was erected by the government.

In 1817, two years after the war, its effects in some
respects were more severely felt than during its existence.
The people generally, and particularly the poorer classes,
were more distressed for want of the necessaries and com-
forts of life, than when we were surrounded by the enemy.
This may, at first view, seem paradoxical, but it can be ex-
plained as follows : At the close of the war, merchants and
mechanics, in their avidity to extend their business to the
farthest limits of their means, dispossessed themselves of
nearly all their trading capital. Long voyages, and long
credits put their property far beyond their immediate con-
trol. The excitement, produced by the return of peace,
was succeeded by a season of languor. Want of employ-
ment compelled great numbers of the laboring poor to
call for assistance. In the early part of the winter the
weather was extremely cold, which obstructed a great
part of the supplies intended for the consumption of the
inhabitants. The price of flour presently rose to seven-
teen dollars per barrel, that of Com to two dollars per
bushel, and there was very little of either article to be
bought even at those prices. Beggars were now as nu-
merous in the streets, as at any time during the revolu-
tion. Here was a scene which called forth the spirit of
true benevolence ; a field for all to labor in, whose hearts
were not like adamant. With many, doubtless, the pre-
cept of Jesus was carefully observed, '^ when thou doest
thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee." The
charitable bands of females, never closed and never idle^
when the sick and the naked call for help, were now

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 218

busily employed in administering to the necessitous. The
refuse of the rich was by their ingenious needles convert-
ed into comforts for the poor. The first ray of the lamp
of life, and its last expiring glimmer, shone upon their
ministrations. Infancy, and disease, and age, wete their
peculiar care. Still neither private beneficence nor female
associations were sufficient to satisfy the cravings of hun-
ger, and additional means were resorted to for afifording
sustenance to the poor. Soup being considered a cheap
and nutritious food, an establishment was fixed upon
where it was daily made, and where the necessitous were
supplied free of expense, and others, if they chose, might
buy. This establishment was kept open till spring, at
which time business of various kinds presented, and the
poor were enabled to contribute to their own wants.

The whale ships now began to arrive with good voy-
ages, and new life was given to every branch of business.
The merchant, the mechanic, and the day-laborer, all felt
the change. Ship-owners began to make further advanr
ces, by which the fleet was likely to be considerably
increased. Candle-factories and many dwelling-houses
were erected. How diflTerent was the situation of the
people, now, from what it was only a few months before !
Then the greater part of the people were without em-
ployment, and hundreds were dependent on charity for
their daily bread; now all were busy, and friends and
connexions were daily returning home, laden with '^ rich
experience " of the blessings of peace.

Although the principal articles required in the outfits of
ships were held at exorbitant prices, yet the price of oil
and candles was proportionately high, so that the whaling
business was on the whole profitable.

214 HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET.

A good market for considerable quantities of oil opened
in London^ and some other ports in Europe, which bad
an immediate effect on the prices in this country. The
reason of this unexpected demand in England was the
failure of their northern whale fishery during two succes-
sive years.

The value of houses and settlements, which had depre-
ciated during the war by removals and other causes, now
began to rise. Another species of real estate, called cows'
commons or cow rights, which in the first year of the war
were sold for sixty or seventy dollars each, was now
reduced to about one third of that value.

In the year 1819 the number of ships and vessels
belonging to the island had increased to

4 h as* \ ^° ^^® whale fishery;

4 brigs,

15 schooners, ^ principally in the coasting business.
62 sloops.

The amount of tonnage of the whole was 23,565 tons.

The success of the whale fishery at Nantucket did not
pass unnoticed at the dififerent seaports throughout the
United States. The depression of commerce generally
induced many to embark in this business. Whale ships
were sent from New York, Long Island, New London,
New Bedford, Cape Cod and Boston, the effect of which
was, in a short time, to introduce into the country a
greater quantity of oil than was demanded by the com-
mon consumption. The same depression of commerce
was felt in France and England, and led new adventurers
to engage in the whale fishery in those countries. In
England, particularly^ the business increased to a great

^•■www^ — ^^*«^i^

HISTORY OF KANTUCKET. Sl5

extent. In consequence of this, shipments abroad could
no longer be made profitable.

By the enumeration of the inhabitants, taken in the year
1820, it will appear by the following table that there were

Under 10 years of age,
Over 10 and under 16,
Over 16 and under 26,
Over 26 and under 4&,
Over 45,

Males.

Females.

Total.

875

861 ,

1736

515

490

1005

709

710

1419

763

828

1591

484

757

1241

3346 3646 6992
Persons of color, 274

7266

Number of inhabitants in 1810, 6807

Increase in 10 years^ 459

We need not attempt to account for so small an increase
in ten years, in any other way than by reminding our
readers of the many removals which took place during
the war.

The following is a statement of the number of vessels
and tonnage belonging to Nantucket on the first of the
9th month, 1821.

(216)

•

&
1

&>
CO

•

•
CD

1/5 Oi ;o r-

22648

690

918

3237

Employed
in cod fish-
ery.

Employed
in coasting
trade.

e
o

•
7)

«J

•

871
3012

Employed
in whale
fishery.

22648
339

225

'aoi)diJ08»^

(0 CO l; 2_

No. of
vessels.

00<O<O Oi

BISTORT OF NANTUCKET. 217

We have now completed, according to our design, that
part of our work which may properly be denominated
historical. Some subjects have been slightly touched
upon, some wholly omitted, which might, with propriety,
have been introduced. These, together with others of
merely local interest, we have reserved for our Second
Part. Our reasons for this arrangement are as follows :
Whilst preparing our book for the press, facts have been
presented to us, that could not be noticed at the time
without much interruption to our labor ; and subjects of
merely local interest seemed to demand, for convenience
of reference, a separate place.

It is said with some truth, that the history of our island
presents little that is novel or interesting. The ground is
not consecrated by deeds of chivalry : no ruined towers,
no warlike mounds, no mouldering abbeys, nor any other
objects meet the eye, over which the genius of romance
will deign to preside, or to which popular superstition can
appeal for confirmation of the strange and wonderful. No
spot is memorable for martial acts. The soil is unstained
with blood ; its history is that of peace. Notwithstanding
this total want of every thing grand or terrible in the
annals of the past, we trust that many events herein re-
corded will be found worthy of remembrance, and we
believe that many equally interesting are now lost forever,
merely because they were not recorded. Tradition, it is
true, has not been idle. Indeed we are indebted to her
for much that we know of the settlement of our beloved ,
island, and of the character, manners and occupations of
our fathers. But our tradition, for the most part, deals
in generals. It contains little to diversify the dull mono-
tony of the peaceable settlement of a few enterprising

818 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

families, and their slow protrress in wealth and numbers,
from the commencement down to the present moment*
We look, almost in vain, for those apostrophes wiiich en-
liven history, those little events which have their begin-
ning, their middle, and end, within the narrow compass of
it few years or months, without being attended with any
consequences that can influence succeeding time. Yet
we know that such events must have taken place. The
nature of man- has ever been the same in all ages and
countries. Hopes deferred, disappointed loves, and ambi-
tious schemes defeated, expectations lively and cheering
met by some melancholy or fatal reality, — these make the
scene and drapery of the stage of life. They are min-
gled with our blessings, they are the dates from which we
mark the lapse of our individual hves.

PART SECOND.

CHAPTER I.

To give our readers, who may not be familiar with a sea-
man's life, some ideas of its vicissitudes, we insert the
following sketches of the adventures of two of our whale-
men. The whaling business is peculiarly an ocean life.
The sea, to mariners generally, is but a highway over
which they travel to foreign markets ; but to the whaler
it is his field of labor, it is the home of his business. The
Nantucket whaleman, when with his family, is but a visiter
there. He touches at foreign ports merely to procure
recruits to enable him to prosecute his voyage ; he touches
at home merely long enough to prepare for a new voyage.
He is in the bosom of his family weeks, on the bosom of
the ocean years. His youth, and strength, and best man-
hood, are all devoted to a life of tedious labor and great
peril. His boyhood anticipates such a life, and aspires
after its highest responsibilities ; his age delights in recount-
ing its incidents. We read, and sometimes, perhaps,
dwell with delight on the daring exploits of those whom
the world calls heroes; and in proportion to the victims

220 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

sacrificed on the altar of ambition, we attribute glory and
honor to the victor. Alas ! what is bloodshed but mur-
der ; what are the pretences of war but words ; what its
dire effects but cold-blooded, purchased butchery. For
deeds of true valor, done without brutal excitement, but
in the honest and lawful pursuit of the means of livelihood,
we may safely point to the life of a whaleman, and dare
the whole world to produce a parallel. The widow and
orphan mourn not over his success, oppression and tyranny
follow not in his paths. No ; his wife and his childr^en
reap the reward of his toils and dangers, society is enriched
by them, and his prosperity is his country's honor.

Captain Benjamin Worth has given us, by our request,
the following statement of his adventures.

^'I began to follow the sea in 1783, being then 15
years of age, and continued till 1824. During this period
of 41 years, I was a shipmaster 29 years. From the
time when I commenced going to sea till I quitted the
business, I was at home only seven years. At the rate
of 4 miles an hour whilst at sea, I have sailed more than
1,191,000 miles ; I have visited more than 40 islands in
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, some of them many
times; and traversed the west coasts of North and South
America from Baldivia, lat. 40^ S. to 59® N. on the N.
W. coast, and up Christian Sound to Lynn Canal. I
have assisted in obtaining 20,000 barrels of oil. During
the last war I was taken by the English, in the ship
George, and lost all I had on board. Whilst I command-
ed a vessel, not one of my crew was killed, or even had a
limb broken by a whale, nor have any died of the scurvy/'

HISTOAT OF NANTUCKET. 221

Statement by Capt. George W. Gardner. ^^ I began
to follow the sea at 13 years of age, and continued in
that service 37 years. I was a shipmaster 21 years. I
performed 3 voyages to the coast of Brazil, 12 to the
Pacific Ocean, 3 to Europe, and 3 to the West Indies.
During 37 years I was at home but 4 years and 8 months.
There were 23,000 barrels of oil obtained by vessels
which I sailed in. During my following the sea, from
the best estimate I can make, I have travelled more than
1,000,000 miles.

^' I was taken by the English in the late war, and lost
all the properly I had with me.''

DESCRIPTION OF THE OUTFITS AND CRUISE OF A SPERM

WHALE SHIP.

We are indebted to an experienced and Very intelligent
whaleman for the following description of the outfits and
cruise of a sperm whale ship.

The class of ships built immediately after the last war
were about 300 tons burthen ; there has, however, been
a steady advance, our ships are now larger, better con-
structed, and built of the best materials. The live oak
and yellow pine, being found most durable for marine
architecture, is brought from the southern states, and no
expense is spared to make the ships what they ought to
be, fit for the arduous and protracted voyages they are
destined to perform. A fair average price of a ship,
ready for the reception of her appropriate stores for a
three years' voyage, is about $22,000, and the outfits
about $ 18,000 more. Some have sailed at a much higher
price, near $60,000. Many are got to sea, fitted in the

222 BISTORT OF NANTUCKET.

same efficient manner for the same period of time, for
about ^34,000, but they are of a smaller size. The
necessary articles put on board a ship for a sperm whale
voyage are too numerous to mention ; it will suffice to
name a few of the principal ones. Beef and pork, 100
bbls. each ; 11 tons of bread, baked from superBne flour;
80 bbls. of flour packed, for puddings, &c. ; 1400 gallons
of molasses; peas, beans, corn, dried apples, coffee, tea,
chocolate, butter, in ample quantities, and of good qual-
ity. About 4000 barrels of new casks are made for
each ship, from the best white oak stuff, each cask con-
taining from three to six barrels, at the cost of about $ 1,50
per barrel. These articles, together with spare duck,
cordage, Slc, make the ship quite full when she sails on
her vo)'a;;e. A ship which mans four boats, six persons
to a boat, requires, including the number necessary to
take care of the ship, when the boats are in pursuit of
whales, 30 or 32 men. It may be interesting, to those
who are not acquainted with this business, to give a brief
account of a whale voyage, and the several duties, to-
gether with the pay, of the persons composing a ship's
crew.

The substance of the contract between the owners on
the one part, and the captain, officers, and crew, on the
other, is, for the former to furnish a ship and all the
necessary outlay fur the voyage, and the latter to perform
the several duties assigned them, and to have, as a com-«
pensation, such part of oil or whatever else may be obtain-
ed as may he agreed upon. And in case of death or
accident, by which any of the crew shall not be able to
perform the whole voyai^e, they or their representatives
shall draw of the proceeds in the proportion which the

BISTORT OF NANTUCKET. 223

time served bears to the whole time of the voyage; thus,
a voyage is performed in 30 months, a man died five
months after the ship sailed, and before one drop of oil
was obtained, he is entitled to one sixth part of the whole
be would have drawn, had he continued in the ship to
the termination of her cruise. The captain's and officers'
lays or shares differ on account of more or less experi-
ence, those of the men depend somewhat on the wages
given in the merchant service. When wages are high in
New York and Boston, it is more difficult (o procure men
for our business. The captain's^lay is generally one sev-
enteenth part of all obtained ; the first officer's, one
twenty-eighth part; the second officer's, one forty-fifth;
the third officer's, one sixtieth ; a boaisteerer's, from an
eightieth to a hundred (ind twentieth ; and a foremast
band's from a hundred and twentieth to a hundred and
eighty-fifth each.

The ship being at sea, the company is divided into two
watches, as in 'the merchant service. On the outward
passage, all hands are, in good weather, actively engaged
in making the necessary preparations for taking whales.
Two men, generally accompanied by an officer, are sta-
tioned at the mast heads to look out for vvhale."^. They
are relieved every two houis from sunrise to sunset.
This is when the weather is suitable for taking whales;
for it is to be understood, that, even on whaling ground,
there are many days in succession, when the weather
prevents the pursuit of whales, if they are seen near by.

The first sliips mat went into the Pacific Ocean after
sperm whales, found them in sufficient numbers on the
coast of Ciiili ; but subsequent voyagers kept advancing
northward until they got quite to the equator. There,

824 BISTORT OF NANTUCKET.

from the time of our ships first going to the Pacific, till
tlie war of 1812 put a temporary stop to the business,
they continued taking cargoes ; and the cruising ground
was confined to the coasts, of Chili and Peru, at unequal
distances fi-om the land, from four leagues to a hundred.
When the business recommenced after the late war, the
fleet constantly increasing, and the whales becoming more
scarce, it was necessary to explore new regions. Captain
George W. Gardner, in the ship Globe, was the first that
steered ofifto the west. When he arrived in long. 105^
to 115^ west, and lat. 5^ south, he found sperm whales
plenty, and obtained considerable oil. He had what has
since been termed the ofif-shore ground quite to himself;
in two years after that time, more than fifty ships were
cruising in the same regions ; and immense quantities of
oil have been taken in that neighborhood. But even that
extensive ground failed in a measure, and other places
were sought. In 1820, Captain Joseph Allen, in the
ship Maro, of Nantucket, sailed for the Japan coast, where
be found sperm whales plenty. In 1821 six or seven
ships, and in 1822 more than thirty were cruising there.
Some seasons since that period, there have been cruising
in the North Pacific, between the coasts of New Albion
on the east and the Japan Islands on the west, near a
hundred ships, one third English, and tlie others Ameri-
can ; and now no part of the navigable ocean has been
left unexplored ; every sea has been visited and revisited,
and the most remote parts have become familiar to our
navigators.

Most of our whale ships go into the Pacific by the way
of Cape l-l.jrn ; some by the eastern route south of New
Holland and Van Dieman's Land ; otheis, after cruising

HISTOirr OF NANTUCKET. 225

awhile in the Indian Ocean, in the neighborhood of Mada-
gascar and the mouth of the Red Sea, pursue their way
into the PaciBc through the Straits of Timor, between
New Guinea on the south, and the Pelew Islands on the
north, touching at the Ladrone Islands, and then onward
to the Japan coast. They there meet ships, which sailed
froih home about the same time with themselves, and
came by the way of Cape Horn. Others too meet at
the same place, that came by the route south of New
Holland. It must appear obvious, that our whale ships
are exploring, in a more effectual manner than twenty
national ships could, every part of the vast Pacific. They
have discovered many islands, reefs, and shoals, which
navigators, sent out expressly for exploring purposes, had
passed unseen. The captains and officers are lunarians,
and the ships are generally furnished with chronometers.
It is rather difficult to give a very correct idea of the
method of taking a whale, to persons entirely unacquainted
with the business. As soon as a whale is discovered by
the men at mast head, the first inquiry from deck is, ^'in
what direction ? " That answered, the ails are trimmed
according to distance, and the ship made to head as di-
rectly for the object as possible. It is not desirable to
approach the whale nearer than within about one mile.
When at about that distance, the ship is stopped, and the
boats are lowered into the water. If the whale is down,
each boat takes the station where the officer commanding
her believes the whale will come up. A large sperm whale
remains under water from forty-five minutes to an hour
and fifteen minutes. Their usual rate of going, when
undisturbed, is about two and a half miles an hour.
Being satisfied which way the whale was headed, when

226 BISTORT OF NANTUCKET.

it went down, each one exercises his judgment as to where
he thinks it will come up. There they anxiously wait ;
when it does appear, the nearest boat pulls on (the other
boats take a position near by) and strikes as soon as possi-
ble, which is done^ by the officer in the head of the boat, who
darts two harpoons into the whale. These harpoons, or,
as we term them, whale irons, are attached to a line of
280 or 300 fathoms, coiled in a tub. The effect pro-
duced by the harpoons is various. Sometimes it pene-
trates a vital part and kills the whale in a few minutes.
This, however, is not often the case. The irons are not
so much intended to kill the whale as to fasten to her. A
more proper instrument, called a lance, is used to despatch
the whale ; its head is much like the centre-piece in an
eel spear, the shank is about three feet long with a socket,
in which is fixed a pole of about eight keU It is easily
darted six or eight fathoms. It has a line or warp at-
tached to it, by which it can be drawn back after being
thrown. But it is better not to use the warp, but to go
to the whale's side, and with your hand set the lance to
the whale's life, and the work is done. Sometimes, im-
mediately after the whale is struck, it stops, being severely
hurt, and rolls, threshes, and tumbles about at a great
rate, making the water fly in all directions. It is best to
keep close to the suds, but not quite in it, and when she
straightens out on the water after her paroxysm, it is a
good time to pull up and throw in a lance. Sometimes,
on being struck, they descend vpith great rapidity, taking
three, or four, or even five hundred fathoms of line. , If
another boat is near by, and the line is likely to be run
from the first boat, it is knotted to a second, and some*
times to a third, making in all eight hundred fathoms ia

HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET. 227

one continued string. We do not think that whales de-
scend to that depth ; considerable line is taken out when
they are coming up. When the whale is dead, it is taken
to the ship, which keeps at a proper distance during the
action. The work of taking off the blubber, that part
from which the oil is extracted,, then commences. This
is done by putting heavy tackles at the mainmast head.
An aperture near the 6n is made in the blubber, suffi-
ciently large to admit a stiong hook, which is attached to the
winding tackles before mentioned, and the purchase is
brought to a windlass. This is what is called raising a
piece. After cutting what is necessary upon the head,
as the men heave, the blubber is peeled or separated
from the body or carcass by a sharp instrument made for
the purpose, called a spade. When the blanket-piece,
as it is called, is hove up to the mast head, another hole
is made, and the strap of the other tackle is put through,
toggilled and hove tight, and the piece above cut off and
lowered into the ship's hold between decks. The second
tackle, now having its piece, is hove till that is at mast
head and is relieved. Thus the whale is kept rolling
until it is rolled out of its jacket, just as a person would
haul a piece of tape from a cane, if it were wound around
it spirally from end to end. After the whale is once
turned round, the head is separated from the body and
taken on board according to convenience : it generally
produces about one third of the oil taken from the whale,
which is much more valuable than that taken from the
blubber of the body, as most of the spermaceti used in
making candles comes from it.

Sperm whales vary much in size. The C07vs and
ealves are generally found in shoals. Ten, twenty, and

228 HISTORY 0¥ NANTUCKET.

sometimes hundreds, constitute a school; and, when
discovered, some of them are constantl3r on the surface
of the water, spouting, jumping, playing, &c. The
cows make from eight to forty barrels of oil. The male
grows much larger ; and what is termed a large whale will
yield from sixty to a hundred barrels. It is thought by
some, that the males, or at least the most of them, about
the third year of their age leave the cows and calves and
gang together : and it is not uncommon to see a school
of forty barrel whales, and so on to sixties. Sometimes
single whales are seen of a large size. To what depth a
sperm whale descends in search of food, (which is always
squid,) no person, whatever his experience may have
been, can tell. One thing is certain, that the larger the
whale, the longer it stops under water.

After the blubber is hoisted on board, the ship's
company immediately proceed to boil it out, while it
18 sweet. Before sailing, there is built on deck a solid,
substantial brick work, called a camboose, with a water-
course beneath it, in which are set two, and sometimes
three pots, holding from 140 to 200 gallons each, for the
purpose of trying out the oil. The blubber, now in the
ship's hold, called blanket-pieces, is cut into smaller parts,
about five inches wide, and from twelve to eighteen long,
called horse-piecesy from a piece of plank bearing that
name. It is then minced by a tool, shaped something like
a scythe, with a handle on each end, and is now prepared
for the pot. After the oil is tried from the blubber, it is
put into a large copper cooler, and thence into casks.
When the oil is as cool as the climate will make it, the
casks, having shrunk considerably, are coopered again,
and put away in the hold, not to be moved again, unless
they should leak, until the termination of the voyage.

HISTORY *OF NANTUCKET. 229

THE RfGHT-WHALE.

This species of whale differs materially from the
spermaceti. The whales obtained in the Gulf of St.
Lawrence, about the year 1761, produced from 100 to
230 barrels of oil each. The vessels engaged in the
right-whale fishery, at that time, were from 45 to ^ tons
burthen, so that one, which took a whale of the largest
size, would make a profitable voyage. The bone from
one of these whales weighed from 2500 to 8200 pounds,
and sold at $1 or $1,25 per pound ; the slabs were 10
feet in length. A stranger to the business may ask, what
these monsters of the deep live upon, to grow to such an
enormous size ? Their principal food is an animal of the
fish kind, not bigger than a spider^ which it resembles
somewhat in shape : the color is of a reddish cast. It is
called bret, and is frequently seen on the surface of the
water in such quantities as to make a reddish appearance
of several acres. These the whales take into their,
mouths in large quantities, and the slabs of bone serve as
strainers to discharge the water and retain the food.

DESCRIPTION OF A SIXTY BARREL SPERM WHALE.

Length, 60 feet. Circumference of the largest part of
the body, 34 feet. Distance from one point of the fluke,
or tail, to the other, 7 feet. Length of each fin, 3i feet.
Length of the jaw bones, 14 feet. Number of teeth 46.
From the spout holes or nostrils from the end of the
nose, 10 inches. From the end of the nose to the eyes,
14 feet. The color of the skin, similar to that of a
common felt hat. Thickness of the skin, 1 inch.
Thickness of tb^ blubber, or fat on the ribs, 5 inches ;

230 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

on the breast, 9 inches. The proportion of blubber
b about -} of the whole animal.

The accompanying figure of a sperm whale is copied
from Captain James Colnett's Voyage to the South
Atlantic and Pacific Ocean.

A. Part of the head containing liquid oil, or bead
matter. B. The spout-hole. A. B. The part of the
head of a large whale which is too bulky and ponderous
to be hoisted on board, it is suspended on tackles, and the
front part being cut off, the oil is bailed out with buckets :
but the head of a small whale is divided at the double
line below C. C. and hoisted on deck. ■■ Where the
tackles are fastened. D. Where the tackles are first
hooked, which is called raising a piece ; being thus
steadied in the tackles, the head is divided at the lowest
double line. E. A large bump of fat. F. A smaller
hump of fat. When the whale is flinched, or peeled to
E, it will no longer cant or turn in the tackles, it is
therefore cut through at the first double line and also at
G, the tail being of no value. H. The ear, which is
remarkably small, as is also the eye from which a hollow
or concave line runs to the fore part of the head. The
eyes being prominent, the whale is enabled. to pursue his
prey in a direct line, and by inclming his head a little to
the right or left, he can see his enemy astern. There is
one row of teeth, in the lower jaw, and sockets in the
upper, to receive them. The number of teeth depends
on the age of the animal. When the sperm whale spouts,
be throws the water forward and not upward, like other
whales, except when he is enraged.

The tail is horizontal ; with it he does much mischief
in defending himself. The ambergris is generally discov*

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 231

ered by probing the intestines with a long pole, when the
fish is cut in two at E.

The different species of whales nurse their young as
cows do their calves. The age, at which the young are
weaned, is probably 12 months. Whales have no means
of carrying their young, to preserve them from danger.
When attacked by a school of killers, a species of whale
not larger than a sperm whale 2 months old, they (stop
entirely, and lay like logs on the water; then the calves
collect between the cows and run their heads as far out
of water as they can. When whales are frightened, they
go as fast as their calves can swim, and no faster. Cows
and calves associate very freely together. There is a
marked difference in the spoutings of different species of
whales. A sperm whale has but one spout hole, and
throws the spout forward at an elevation of about 45 de-
grees. It is much thk;ker, and does not go as high as that
of most other whales. A right-whale has 2 spout holes
about 18 feet from the nose, and consequently much nearer
the lungs: the spout is thrown nearly perpendicularly,
widening as it rises. The fin-back has 2 spout holes ; yet
the spout often rises in one jet, so as to cause it to be some-
times mistaken for the spout of a spermaceti : and the
same may be observed of the humpbacks. Some whales
appear more vicious than others. It rarely occurs, that
they show a disposition to act on the defensive. No
rules can be given for the management of a whale which
shows a disposition to attack a boat. All must be left to
the judgment and courage of the officer.

S3S HISTORT or NANTUCKET.

The sagacity of sperm whales is in do way so remark-
ably roaDifested, as in the instantaneous knowledge they
possess when one of their number is stnick and wounded,
at a distance /)f two, three and even four miles apart.
Whether they receive this knowledge by sight or sound,
we shall not pretend to say. When a whale is struck,
those around, and feeding undisturbed, sometimes in-
stantly, as with one accord, make the best of their way
towards the wounded whade, which gives the boats that
are disengaged a fine opportunity to fasten. At other
times, they will collect in a body, and go in a contrary
direction, as fast as possible, to all appearance much
frightened. Sperm whales migrate far and wide. Ships
cruise on the coasts of Peru and Chili from ten to one
hundred leagues from land. It has often been observed,
that both the in and off-shore vessels are sometimes doing
nothing, and at other times are all engaged. Where the
whales are in the interim, none can tell.

Instances can be cited of whales having been struck,
and making their escape in the Atlantic Ocean, being
afterwards taken in the Pacific, with the heads of har-
poons in them bearing the marks of ships known to have
been cruising to the east of Cape Horn. Whales are
not easily driven away from their feeding-ground by ships.
Ships passing the Cape of Good Hope, Vandieman's
Land, and Cape Horn, frequently see whales making
their passages.

PROGRESS or THE WHALE FJSHERT AT NANTUCKET.

[From the Historical Society's Collection.]

Whale fishery originated at Nantucket in the year
1690, in boats from the shore.

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 233

1715. 6 sloops, 38 tons burthen, obtained
about 600 barrels of oil, and 11,000
pounds of bone. Value £1,100

1730. 25 sail, from 38 to 50 tons, obtained
annually about 3,700 barrels, at £7
per ton. 3,200

1748. 60 sail, from 50 to 75 tons, obtained

11,250 barrels, at £14. 19,648

1756. 80 sail, 75 tons, obtained 12,000 bar-
rels at £18. 27,600

1768. 70 sail, 75 tons, obtained 10,500 bar-
rels, at £18. 23,600
N. B. Lost ten sail, taken by the
French, and foundered.-

1770. 120 sail, from 75 to 110 tons, obtained

18,000 barrels, at £40. 100,000

150 sail, from 90 to 180 tons, upon the
coast of Guinea, Brazil, and the
West Indies, obtained annually 30,-
000 barrels, which sold in the Lon-
don market, at £44 to £45 sterling. 167,000
N. B. 2,200 seamen employed in the
6shery, and 220 in the London trade.

1783. 7 sail to Brazil, from 100 to 150

tons, obtained 2,100

5 to the coast of Guinea 600

7 to the West Indies 560

From
1772.

to
1775.

At £40 per ton 2,260 16,280 (

N. B. No duty exacted in London.
1784. 12 to Brazil, obtained 4,000

5 to the coast of Guinea 400

834 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

11 to the West Indies 1,000

At £23 to £24 5,400 14,500
N. B. The price fell by the exaction
of a duty in London of £18 3s
sterling per ton.
1785. Now at sea,
8 to Brazil.

2 to the coast of Guinea.
5 to the West Indies.
Before the war, there were annually manufactured in
Nantucket, 380 tons spermaceti candles.'

^ This Btate of the wbale fisberv in Nantucket was written in th«
year 1785.

( 235 )

PRODUCE OP THE WHALE FISHERY

Ccarried on at Mmlvcket, between the years 1804 and 1834

inclusive.

1804
1805
1806
1807
1808
1809
1810
1811
1812
1813
1814
1815
1816
1817
1818
1819
1820
1821
1822
1823
1824
1825
1826
1827
1828
1829
1830
1831
1832
1833
1834

Oil.

Whalebone.

Spermaceti.

Whale.

Body.

Head.

TV A4%wA^*

BarrelB.

Barrels.

Pounds.

4730

2665

6718

46690

5459

2034

4507

13131

7701

3084

15954

86544

7914

3235

13959

72784

5602

2105

10503

49970

6641

2695

7256

17092

5117

2130

7929

41437

15355

6745

6377

43200

5116

2475

2230

6266

774

359

2567

9901

1146

498

636

284

138

1550

682

2700

796

15401

6813

5771

19444

10496

4378

13426

65446

12901

5621

115J1

62403

11884

5027

11736

59794

16196

6719

8632

38092

19392

8009

5407

3197

25260

10803

3808

20243

29355

11875

4322

22063

22795

8985

7194

39596

11373

4951

2402

16002

19529

8441

583

5152

30130

13044

1033

8662

23334

10159

8576

76808

24509

11504

7758

67508

27954

133.35

8568

83206

21193

9695

16364

155379

19965

9546

5422

49429

14170

6347

4747

37137

5236 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

LOSS OF A SCHOONER AND SLOOP, THE FORMER COM-
MANDED BT PELEG SWAIN, THE LATTER BY

DAVID SQ.UIRES.

These two vessels left Nantucket in company, in 1774,
bound on a whaling voyage to the coast of Africa.
Having taken their depaiture from Sancota Head, the
weather being pleasant, the men were mostly below,
when the cry of breakers alarmed both crews. A boat's
crew from the sloop attempted to carry out an anchor,
with a faint hope that they might get the vessel off the
shoal, but the sea ran so high as to compel them to drop >
the anchor under the bows. The boat was carried over
the shoal, and, not being able to regain the sloop, the
crew made the best of their way for the shore, but, as
the weather was pleasant, they came round the point and
landed in the harbor. A vessel was immediately sent to
the relief of those in peril, which returned the next day,
without making any discoveries. The shoal, called the
Great Rip, where the vessels were stranded, is about 15
miles from the east end of the island. There was some
hope that the remaining crews might be saved ; and
accordingly a large number of the inhabitants traversed
the shore, and kept a constant look out.

The quarter-deck of the sloop departed from the body
of the vessel nearly whole. The crew, 13 in number,
got upon it, and exerted themselves to gain the shore.
Their only provisions consisted of a jug of rum and
about three quarters of a barrel of flour. At dawn of
day they reached the S. E. part of the island, whence
they travelled to Siasconset. The crew of the schooner
did not fare so well. Their boats being dashed to pieces,

HISTORY OP NANTUCKET, 337

they made a raft of spars, and, without provisions of any
kind, with paddles and pieces of board, attempted to gain
the shore. With unremitted labor, they got within a short
distance of Siasconset in the evening of the same day, on
which the other crew landed. The tide was sweeping
them by, undiscovered by the people of the village. They
then hallooed with their united voices many times, at
length they were heard and responded to. A boat was
immediately sent off, which took them from their perilous
situation and brought them on shore, exhausted with
fatigue and hunger. But for the fine weather they must
have inevitably perished. This occurrence is remembered
by many aged people of the island, and it has been the
theme of more than one poet, yet the name of neither of
the vessels is recorded in memory or verse.

NARRATIVE OP THE LOSS OF THE SHIP UNION.

The ship Union, of Nantucket, Edmund Gardner,
master, took her departure from Nantucket Point on the
19th of the 9th month, 1807, bound, on a whaling voyage,
to the coast of Brazil. Nothing material occurred until
the 1st of the 10th month. At 10 o'clock, P. M ., of that
day, they had a brisk breeze from the N. W. with a high
swell, and were sailing at the rate of seven miles an hour,
when the ship struck on a whale. The shock was tre-
mendous. The blow was on the starboard bow, ten or
twelve feet from the stem, and seven below the wale.
Their astonishment, at this sudden accident, cannot be
described. But a moment before, they were pursuing
their course with cheerful hearts and a prospect of a fine
run. Now they found themselves in a sinking condition,
with a long and darksome night before them.

238 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

From the tafferel the captain saw the whale spout,
whereby he ascertained that it was a spermaceti. The
whole crew were immediately summoned on deck. Some
were directed to take in sails, others to work at the
pumps ; but it was soon discovered that the ship was in
danger of sinking. She was then hove to, in a situation
that she would lay in with the least motion, and the
pumps continually kept going. In order to examine the
ship, and, if possible, to find the extent of the injury, they
hoisted their casks out of the hold, and cast them over-
board.

The captain then went into the hold, with a lantern and
axe, and, with such assistance as was needed, succeeded,
after much difficulty, in finding a part of the wound ;
which appeared to be one streak of the ceiling and two
timbers broken. It was evident that nothing could be
done to save the ship ; for it was reasonable to conclude
that the worst part of the injury was not in sight. Al-
though both pumps were kept going, the water increased
in the hold, and very soon got above the wound.

Being now convinced that his whole attention should
be directed to the safety of the crew, the captain gave
orders to prepare to leave the ship ; and with this view
the boats were got in readiness. The people willingly
subjected themselves to the directions of the captain and
officers, and with alacrity obeyed their commands as
before the disaster. The boats were lowered into the
water, and every article likely to be needed, such as
bread, water, fireworks, books and nautical instruments,
was put on board. At midnight the water had got up
between decks, and it was necessary to leave the ship
immediately. This was effected with great difficulty and

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 239

hazard. In an hour after leaving the ship they saw her
upset. They left the ship in three boats, but finding it
difficult to keep together, which was considered most
advisable, they thought it best, for the safety of the whole,
to discharge one boat, and for the crew, sixteen in nuin-
ber, to divide themselves, and man but two boats. This
was done, and eventually proved advantageous. The
captain was a young man, and this was the first voyage
under his command : yet bis prudence, courage, and for-
titude, and the cooperation of his officers, were effectual
in preserving good order, and in encouraging the crew to
use their best exertions for the common safety.

The weather being very rough, they kept before the
wind until morning, when it became more moderate.
They concluded to keep an easterly course, and endeavor
to reach one of the Azores, or western islands. The
prevailing N. W. winds were favorable to this determina-
tion. The island of Newfoundland was probably the
nearest land, at the time of leaving the wreck, but the
season of the year and the prevailing winds, as before
stated, rendered it plainly imprudent to attempt to reach
that island. The following morning they made a sail for
each boat, with which they were enabled to pursue their
course with greater speed and less fatigue than by rowing.
The same day at 10 A. M. they discovered a schooner
to the northward of them, which for a moment cheered
their despondency, but they soon found that they could
not reach her, as the wind blew strong from the N. W.
They were now in lat. 38^ 40' N. long. 41o 52' W.

On the day following they had a brisk breeze, with the
help of which they pursued their course with cheerful-
ness ; but at 8 P. M. the wind increased, so that thej

240 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

could not run. The weather became squally, with fre-
quent and heavy peals of thunder. The wind soon
increased to a gale. They could do nothing but lay to.
Their only hope for safety rested on that Power who
commands the waves and holds the winds in his hands.
Their situation was critical, and they were not without
strong apprehensions that they should not survive the
night. In this condition they were dismayed by the
breaking of a sea into the captain's boat. With some
difficulty the boat was cleared. To prevent, if possible,
the like recurrence, they were driven to the necessity of
discharging a great part of their fresh water, and all their
clothing, except what they wore, to lighten the boat. In
order to keep the boats as near together as was prudent,
a line thirty fathoms in length was attached to the head
of one and the stern of the other. In this situation they
lay till morning, which was more than they expected,
viewing their situation, in the open sea, during a heavy
gale, depending on boats made of cedar boards not ex-
ceeding half an inch in thickness. But through the favor
of God they were rescued from a watery grave. In the
morning the wind abated and the sea became smooth.
The wind shifted from S. W. to N. N. W. the weather
became pleasant, and they had an opportunity to dry
their clothes. They had been drenched with rain almost
the whole time since they left the wreck, which kept
them very uncomfortable and cold. At meridian lat.
89® 4' N. long. 40° W. Their enjoyment of pleasant
weather was of short duration. The following night the
wind increased until it became a dangerous gale, which
prevented their pursuing their course, and rendered it
necessary to lash their boats together and let them drift.

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 241

Their water was now so nearly exhausted, that they were
obliged to submit to the close allowance of three quarts
to be divided between sixteen men for twenty-four hours.
Their bread was also nearly spent, so that one cake was
the portion of each man for the same length of time. Lat.
390 19^ N. long. 390 5' W.

The succeeding twenty-four hours they had a strong
breeze from N. N. W. and squally weather. At 3
o'clock A. M. they lay to until 6 A. M., then set their
sails and steered east. Lat. at noon, 39^ 40' N. long.
36^ 35' W. During three succeeding days they had
moderate breezes from the north, and continued their
course east without meeting any thing remarkable. At
the end of that time they found their lat. 39^40' N. long.
310 35' W.

On the 8th, at 4 P. M., to their unspeakable joy they
saw the island of Flores, one of the Azores, bearing from
E. by S. to S. E. At 8 P. M. they got under the lee
of the land. The wind was now N. E. and the weather
very squally. At 9 A. M. they landed at St. Cruz, the
principal town on the island of Flores. Their water was
now wholly exhausted. They had been at sea seven
days and eight nights, and had rowed or sailed nearly six
hundred miles.

The people of the island received the sufferers with
hospitality and kindness. The governor of the island and
the vice consul of the United States provided houses for
them, and every thing necessary for their comfort, fred of
expense. As the captain had several times before been
there, the governor immediately knew him on seeing him,
and took him by the hand with that cordiality which
characterizes the gentleman. They left the island for

S42 HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET.

the United States on the 27th of 1st month 1808. The
crew were Edmund Gardner, Captam, Barnabas RusseU,
Darid Bunker, Roland Hussey, Charles Folger, Linzee
Coffin, Daidd Cleveland, William Morris, Samuel Peters,
and seven others, strangers to Nantucket.

LOSS OF THE SHIP ESSEX.

A very interesting narrative of the loss of this ship, and
the consequent sufferings of the crew, was published a
few years since, which we recommend to the perusal of
our readers. In the following account we shall confine
ourselves to only a few of the events consequent to the
sbgular accident, which occasioned the loss of the Essex.

The ship Essex, Captain George Pollard, saQed from
Nantucket, 12th of 8th month, 1819, on a whaling voyage
to the Pacific Ocean. Her crew consisted of 21 men, 14
of whom were whites, mostly belonging to Nantucket, the
remainder were blacks. On the 20th of the 11th month,
1820, in lat. 0® 40' S. Ion. 119^ W. a school of whales
was discovered, and in pursuing them the mate's boat
was stove, which obliged him to return to the ship, when
they commenced repairing the damage. The captain
and 2d mate were left with their boats pursuing the
whales. During this interval the mate discovered a large
spermaceti whale hear the ship, but, not suspecting the
approach of any danger, it gave them no alarm, until
they saw the whale coming with full speed towards them.
In a moment they were astonbhed by a tremendous
crash. The whale had struck the ship a little forward of
the fore chains. It was some minutes before the crew
could recover from their astonishment, so far as to ex*
amine, whether any damage had been sustained. They

HISTOAT OF NANTUCIBIET. 243

then tried their pumps, and found that the ship was siuk-
iDg. A s^al was immediatelj set for the boats. The
whale now appeared again making for the ship, and,
coming with great velocity, with the water foaming
around him, he struck the ship a second blow, which
nearly stove in her bows. There was now no hope of
saving the ship, and the only course to be pursued was,
to prepare to leave her with all possible haste. They
collected a few things, hove them mto the boat and
shoved off. The ship immediately fell upon one side
and sunk to the water's edge. When the captain's and
2d mate's boats arrived, such was the consternation, that
for some time not a word was spoken. The danger of
their situation at length aroused them, as from a terri&c
dream, to a no less terrific reality. They remained by
the wreck two or three days, in which time they cut
away the masts, which caused her to right a little. Holes
were then cut in the deck, by which means they obtained
about 600 pounds of bread, and as much water as they
could take, besides other articles likely to be of use to
them. On the 22d of 11th ^ month, they left the ship,
with as gloomy a prospect before them as can well be
imagined. The nearest land was about 1,000 miles to
the windward of them ; they were in open boats, weak
and leaky, with a very small pittance of bread and water
for the support of so many men, during the time they
must necessarily be at sea. Sails had been prepared for
the boats, before leaving the ship, which proved of mate-
rial benefit. They steered southeriy by the wind, hoping
to fall in with some ship, but in this they were disap-
pomted. After being in their boats 28 days, experiencing
many sufierings by gales of wind, want of water, and

J. I V^'^^U, ^ ^

244 HISTORT OF NANTUCKET.

scanty provisioDS, they arrived at Ducie's Island, in lat.
240 40' S. Ion. 1240 40' W. where they were disappomted
in not finding a sufficiency of any kind of food for so
large a company to subsist on. Their boats being very
weak and leaky, they were hauled on shore and repaired.
They found a gentle spring of fresh water, flowing out of
a rock at about half ebb of the tide, from which they
filled their kegs. Three of the men chose to stay on
the island, and take their chance for some vessel to take
them off.

On the 27th of the 12th month, they left this island,
and steered for Easter Island ; but passed it far to the lee-
ward. They then directed their course for Juan Fernan-
dez, which was about twenty-five hundred miles E. S. E.
from them. On the 10th of 1st month, 1821, Matthew
P. Joy, the 2d mate, died, and his body was launched
into the deep. His constitution was slender, and it was
supposed that his sufferings, though great, were not the
immediate cause of his death. On the 12th, the mate's
boat separated from the other two, and did not fall in
with them afterwards. The situation of the mate and
his crew, became daily more and more distressing. The
weather was mostly calm, the sun hot and scorching.
They were growing weaker and weaker by want of food,
and yet, such was their distance fi-om land, they were
obliged to lessen their allowance nearly one half. On
the 20th, a black man died. On the 28th, they found,
on calculation, that their allowance, only one and a half
ounce of bread per day to a man, would be exhausted in
fourteen days ; and that this allowance was not sufficient
to sustain life. They therefore determined to extend the
indulgence, and take the consequence, whether to live or

BISTORT OF NANTUCKET. 245

die. On the 8th of the 2d month, another of the crew
died. From this time to the 17th, their sufferings were
extreme. At 7 o'clock A. M. of that day, they were
aroused from a lethargy by the cheering cry of the steersh
man, " there's a sail." The boat was soon descried by
the vessel, the brig Indian, Captain Grozier, of London,
which shortened sail and took them on board, lat. 33^
45 S. Ion. 81° 3' W. They were treated by Captain
Grozier with all the care and tenderness, which their
weak condition required. On the same day they made
Massafuero, and on the 25th arrived at Valparaiso.

Captain Pollard and Charles Ramsdell, the only sur-
vivors in the captain's boat, were taken up on the 23d of
the 2d month, 1821, by the ship Dauphin, of Nantucket,
Captain Zimri Coffin, in lat. 37^ S. off St. Mary's. The
captain relates, that, after the mate's boat was separated
from the others, they made what progress their weak
condition would permit, towards the island of Juan Fer-
nandez ; but contrary winds and calm weather, together
with the extreme debility of the crew, prevented their
making much progress. On the 29th of the 1st month,
the 2d mate's boat separated from the captain's in the
night, at which time their provisions were wholly ex-
hausted, smce which they have not been heard from.

We shall not attempt a sketch of the sufferings of the
crews of these boats. Imagination may picture the hor-
rors of their situation, and the extremes to which they
were driven to sustain life, but no power of the imagina-
tion can heighten the dreadful reality. '

The following is an account of the whole crew.

In the captain's boat two survived, viz : Captain Pol-
lard and Charles Ramsdell. In the mate's boat three

S46 HISTORY or NANTUCKET*

survived^ viz : Owen Chase, the matey Benjamin Law-
rence, and Thomas Nickerson, Left on Ducie's Island
find afterwards taken off, Setb Weeks, William Wnghl,
and Thomas Chappie. One left the ship faefixre the ac-
cident. In the second mate's boat, when separated fnom
the captain's, three. Dead nine, which added to the
seccxid mate's crew, doubtless lost, makes total deaths
twelve.

LOSS OF THE SHIP HENRT.

The ship Henry, Isaac Gardner, master, on the 27th
7th month, 1813, being on her return from the Pacific
Ocean with a cargo of oil, when within a few days sail of
the island of Nantucket, in lat. 38^ N. Ion. 69® W. ex-
perienced a terrible gale of wind. While lying to, the
wind struck her so forcibly, that all three of her masts
were carried away together. The upper deck was torn
up, and every man swept overboard except the two
mates, who were at the time in the run of the ship, where
they were both drowned. Of those who were swept
overboard all succeeded in getting back to the ship, Ex-
cept one black man.

The ship immediately sunk to the water's edge, having
no part clear of the water except the bowsprit, on which
the crew were obliged to take refuge. The 'next day
the captain was swept off and lost. Nine were now left,
with very little prospect of continuing long. The sea
frequently washed over them, rendering their situation
uncomfortable as well as dangerous. They could get but
little provision or water out of the ship. Their sufferings
were extreme, they were exposed at times to the scorch-
ing rays of the sun, and at times to cold. They died one

HXSTOBY or NANTUCKST. 247

after another till only five remained, who, after the expi-
ration of forty days, were taken off the wreck by a cartel
ship irom England.

LOSS OF THE SHIP COMMERCE.

Very little can be said of the loss of this ship, as the
crew all perished with her.

In the 6th month of 1806, the ship Commerce, Jesse
Bunker, master, was spoken on her homeward bound pas-
sage, near the line, with a cargo of oil. Soon afterwards
there was a heavy gale of wind, in which it is supposed
the ship was lost. About the same time a number of
casks of oil and some other articles were seen floating on
the water, which were thought to have come out of her.

LOSS OF ▲ boat's crew ON NANTUCKET BAR.

This melancholy event happened on the 1st of 1st
month, 1782. Captain Robert Barker, commander of a
brig lying without the bar of the harbor, bound to Vir-
ginia, on the morning of the above-mentioned day, invited
a number of his intimate friends to spend a day on board
with him. Seven in number, accepting his invitation, left
the wharf with him b a whale boat. The weather was
cold, and the wind, blowing strong from the N. W. caused
a heavy sea on the bar. These circumstances occasioned
some anxiety for their safety. Every movement of the
boat was carefully watched by the friends of those on
board of her. The company pursued their course with
safety, until they attempted to cross the bar ; then the
boat was seen to upset. The distance from the shore
being about two miles, every motion was observed.
Some of the company were not seen after the accident.

248 HISTORY OP NANTUCKET.

Others clung to the boat awhile, but were soon, one by
one, washed off into a watery grave. As soon as it was
discovered that the boat had upset, two boats went to
their relief. It was hoped that those m peril would be
able to cling to their boat, until they had drifted across
the bar. But this hope was fallacious.

The bodies of most of those who perished were found
in the following spring. We shall introduce, hereafter,
among some specimens of our island poetry, an elegy
written on this mournful occasion.

LOSS OF THE SHIP GENERAL LINCOLN.

The ship General Lincoln, Shubael Chase, roaster,
sailed from Nantucket on the 21st 9th month, 1818, on
a whaling voyage to the coast of Brazil. Six days after
sailing, being in lat. 39° 30' N. Ion. 45° W. a heavy
gale was experienced from S. S. E. to t^. S. E., and
continued through the night. At 8 o'clock in the'
morning the gale abated, and a calm very soon ensued,
but a heavy and dangerous swell continued. The calm
continued but about 15 minutes, when the wind sprung
up from the westward, and very soon became a perfect
hurricane. The swell was of mountain height. The
ship was soon thrown on her beam ends. Her total loss
seemed inevitable. Although it was -day, the vapor and
spray made it almost as dark as night. The roaring of
the wind, not unlike that of heavy thunder, rendered it
almost impossible to understand language. In this des-
perate situation, attempt? w^ere made to clear the ship of
some of her spars, which were finally successful, and she
righted. They soon afterwards shipped a sea, by which
six men were washed overboard, three of whom were

HISTOKT OF NANTUCKET. 249

saved, the others lost. The decks were swept of nearly
every valuable article. After the gale had abated, they
set the pumps to work and cleared the ship of water.
Although a mere wreck, they concluded to stay by her,
and attempt to get her into some port. But they could
make but little sail, and the weather proved very unfavor-
able. Falling in with the brig Telegraph, Captain Hill,
of Providence, they took a few things from the ship and
put them on board that vessel, and themselves took
passage with him.

LOSS OF THE SHIP TWO BROTHERS.

The ship Two Brothers, George Pollard, Jr.,* master,
sailed from Nantucket 26th 11th month, 1821, on a
whaling voyage to the Pacific Ocean. Nothing took
place worthy of remark on the passage round Cape Horn,
nor in the subsequent part of their voyage, till the night
of 11th of 2d month, 1823, when cruising near lat. 249
9" N. Ion. 167° 3(f W., the ship struck on a reef of
rocks. It was presently found, that the ship leaked
badly, and was beating to pieces. The water flowed in
so fast, as to render the pumps entirely useless. ^ Not-
withstanding the darkness of the night, it was necessary
to leave the ship immediately, which they did in two
boats, only fifteen minutes after she struck. Half an
hour after the ship was left, not a vestige of her was

* Captain Pollard, on his voyage immediately preceding this, was
master of the ship Essex, of the loss of which we have already given
an accouht. Though singularly unfortunate as a sailor, he enjoys
that which is more valuable than any other worldly- consideration^
a good name, and the esteem of his fellow-citisens.

350 HISTORY OF NANTUCKCT.

viable. The crew, twenty-one in number, now found
themselves confined in two boats, with very little to
subsist on. In this forlorn situation, surrounded by rocks
and shoals, they passed the night, during which the boats
unintentionally se[)arated. At day-light the next mom-
mg, their eyes were met with breakers as far as any
thing could be discerned. At sunrise they were cheered
by the sight of a ship to the southward of them^
towards which they steered their course. At 11 o'clock,
A. M., to their great joy, they got on board the ship,
which proved to be the Martha, Captain John H. Pease,
of Nantucket. About noon the other boat was in sight,
and soon came along side. The crew of this boat stated,
that they had landed on one of the blands in the vicinity
of the reefs, where they found sea elephants and one
green turtle. They were treated with great kindness by
Captain Pease. The Martha, after this, made the best
of her way to the Sandwich Islands, and anchored at
Woahee on the 29th, and on the 21st of the month
following, left that port for America.

LOSS OF THE SHIP LADY ADAMS.

This ship sailed from Nantucket, 3d month, 1822, on
a whaling voyage to the Pacific Ocean. By the last
accounts from her, dated 7th month, 1823, she was on the
coast of Japan with 800 barrels of oil. She is supposed
to have taken fire and burnt. A great light was seen by
an English ship, soon after the date above-mentioned, in
the latitude and lon^tude where the L^dy Adams proba-
bly was at the time. The following are the names of
the Nantucket persons on board. Charles B. Toby,
master, Fordom Pease, mate, BJobert 6. Coleman, 2d
mate, Frederick A. Riddell, cooper, Peter Morse, boy.

HISTOKT OF NANTUCKET. 251

LOSS OF SHIP LYDIA.

The ship Lydia, Edward Joy, master, sailed on the
18th 11th month, 1833, on a whaling voyage in the
Pacific Ocean. Nothing remarkable occurred before the
31st d* 1st month, 1835, when in lat. 1 1^ 15' S. Ion. 84^
60^ W., the ship was discovered to be on fire. The fire
increased so rapidly, that all attempts to extinguish it
were unavailing. The crew left the ship in three boats
abdlit one and a half hour after the alarm, having saved
but very few things ; and in about one and a half hour
got on board the bark Washington, of Hudson, William
Clark, master, and went into Payta.

The fire was first discovered issuing out of the steerage
hatchway, about six feet from the main hatchway, be-
tween decks. The ship had on board 400 barrels of oil.

LOSS OF THE SHIP FRANKLIN.

This ship, George Prince, master, sailed from Nan*
tucket on a whaling voyage in the Pacific Ocean, 6th
month, 27th, 1831. Her cruise, up to the time of her final
loss, was an almost unbroken series of misfortunes. Soon
after leaving, one of the crew, William L. Bunker, fell
from the loft and was laid up two months. 11th month,
]5th, 1831, another hand, Frederick C. Whippy, fell firom
mizzen-top-gallant-head and broke both legs. He was
left on board the sloop of war Falmouth at Callao. At the
game time a black man was landed, sick with consump*
tion ; he died soon afterwards. About the middle of 2d
month succeeding, a boat, fast to a whale, was carried
down, and two men, probably entangled with the line, were
drowned. In 2d months 1833, a native of the Sandwich

252 BISTORT OF NANTUCKET.

Islands fell from the loft and was killed. In 5th month
of the same year, the ship went into Callao, where a man,
John Rohson, a native of Massachusetts, was shipped :
he had the fever-and-ague at the time. He died of the
scurvy about four months afterwards. While the Franklin
was at Callao, a man was shipped as boatsteerer ; on the
I2th of 8th month he was carried out of the boat by a line
and lost. At Hood's Island the mate strained himself
while getting terrapins. He never was well afterwards,
and finally died 3d of .6th month, 1834, off Cape Horn,
on the homeward bound passage. About five days after-
wards, the captain and steward died both on the same day.
The steward's name was Eben Kelton. About four days
after this William L. Bunker died, and in a few days
from that time, Michael Norman, an Irishman ; and on
the 30th of 6th month, Charles Thompson, a colored
man, also died, all of the scurvy. On the 3d of 7th
month the ship came to anchor in Maldonado harbor,
mouth of the river La Plata. On the same day another
of the crew. Christian Wing, died of the scurvy. On
coming to anchor the crew that remained were so worn
with sickness and fatigue, that they were not able to furl
their sails, which was done by the assistance of the
crew of a French ship, who also generously assisted to
get the ship up to Monte Video. A new mate and some
hands were shipped there, and the Franklin sailed thence
on the 12th of 8th month. After much bad weather, on
the night of thg 5th of 10th month, she ran ashore on
the reef Diego Roderiquez, on the coast of Brazil, about
45 miles from the harbor of Macceio. All hands and
about one third of her cargo were saved. The ship
immediately bilged and went to pieces in about ten days.

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 253

VESSELS LOST SINCE THE SETTLEMENT OP THE ISLAND.

The whole number of vessels lost, exclusive of cap-
tures, since the setljement of the island, is 168. Of
these 78 were sloops, 31 schooners, 18 brigs, and 41
ships. Loss of lives four hundred and fourteen. Among
this great number of shipwrecks, there are some cases ks
remarkable, perhaps, as any above narrated. Our limits
will not allow us to dwell longer on this interesting,
though melancholy subject.

The following proposal to transfer the whaling business
of Nantucket to France will, we think, be read with in-
terest. The time has long gone by, when the publication
would excite any political feelings hostile to the French
government; and we insert it without comment, as it
contains witliin itself almost all that is known respecting
the transaction.

DuNKERquE, 10th March, 1786.
Captain Shubael Gardner.

The present distressed situation of your worthy bretlv-

ren, the inhabitants of the Island of Nantucket, occa^

sioned not only by their unmerited suffering during the

late war, and by the late act of the British government,

which imposes a duty on all foreign oil equivalent to a

prohibition, obliging a great many of the sufferers to

quit their natif-spot and remove to some other country,

where their industry may meet its due reward, has

created in me the idea to procure them an azilum in

my own country, where they may not only find an

alleviation of their misfortunes and recuperate their

losses, but also where they may expect that comfort

254 HiSTOBY or nantugket.

and protection due to their honest principles. Anxious
to accomplish an object, in which I am moved by no
other motif than that of humanity, and a desire of
offering a friendly hand to a set of people who in my
opinion greatly deserve the assistance of all men who
can be instrumental in contributing to the welfare of their
fellow-creatures, has induced me, after a mature conversa-
tion with you on so laudable an object, to make an appli-
cation to this government in their behalf, and to make
use of all the interest with the king's ministers I was
capable off, to make such proposals as were penned by
our friend William Rotch, and which you delivered me in
bis name on your arrival from London in November last.
I think it needless to repeat here the exertions I have
made, as well by my correspondence as by word of mouth,
during the time we were together at Paris, as you was
personally present, and of which you shall be able to give
an exact account. Through the assistance of Providence,
my exertions have met with a success far exceeding my
sanguine expectations. Every article which I thought
capable of contributing to the welfare and happiness of
those inhabitants, who would choose to remove to the
town of Dunkerque, has been granted. I here join a
faithful translation x)f the articles, which I request, on
your arrival at Nantucket, you will communicate, with
all the prudence you are capable of, to the selectmen of
the island, and acquaint them with all the real advantages
the town, port and country offers for their establishment.
The unlimited freedom it enjoys, the abundance and
cheapness of all sorts of provisions, no custom-house nor
custom officers to embarrass a free trade, the small
taxes, the regularity of the town, the manners and indus-

HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET. 355

try of the inhabitants, and its situation, render it the most
eligible place in the universe for the people of Nantucket
to remove to. To particularize all the advantages Dun-
kerque offers, would be too long a task for a letter ; but
as you are well acquainted with them, you may verbally
add. those which are not here related. You may also
communicate to the selectmen the negotiation commenced
with our friend William Rotch, and inform them of the
predicament he finds himself under at present by the
inattention of the British government to the business be
is intrusted with. The knowledge of all these circum-
stances appears to me necessary, in order to enable the
people to judge what plan will be most advantageous to
follow. Unless they should be blmded to then* own
interest, there is no doubt but they will prefer that which
is here proposed. Therefore, as I have reason to hope
that they will be sensible of the advantages offered them,
your first care must be to engage them to name and im-
power a committee to correspond with me on this subject,
and you may assure them of my friendship and ready
interference and exertions in the obtention of any other
matter, which has not been foreseen by the annexed arti-
cles. You may assure the proprietora of the ships, that
are now on their fishery, that, if they choose to send them
with their cargoes and family on board with an intention
to settle, their oil shall be admitted in the country duty
free, and that they will enjoy all the advantages and
privileges of the natif subjects. On their arrival, they
shall be put in possession of the ground allotted to them,
and in every respect experience the reality of what I
advance. As your stay at Nantucket will be short, on
account of the advancement of the season, which will

256 BISTORT OF NANTUCKET.

barely leave you time to proceed on the fishery, it is
absolutely necessary that the committee of such trust-
worthy men be appointed to correspond with me by
every conveyance to Europe, and if you find the people
. disposed to remove, you may transfer to such committee
the power, that is herewith intrusted to you, of charter-
ing one or two ships, at the most reasonable freight that
can be obtained, to transfer a number of tradesmen that
are not able to transport themselves at their own expense,
proportionable to the number of ships that will stand in
need of their assistance when arrived, provided that the
expense of freight and provisions for the passage does not
exceed at first fifteen or eighteen hundred pounds sterling.
The committee, after a knowledge of the disposition of the
people, may appreciate and inform me, as near as possi-
ble, what the whole expense of transporting may amount
to, in order to obtain authorization to pay it. The com-
mittee may likewise send one of the members, by the
first ship that will come here, with full powers and in-
structions to conclude in due form all articles and condi-
tions which may appear necessary to the accomplishment
of such a desirable object. But it is absolutely necessary
that the greatest secrecy and prudence be observed by
all parties in the whole course of the negotiation, in order
to avoid creating jealousy between two nations, on whom
the tranquillity of the world depends, and save mankind
from a repetition of the horrors of war, which have
brought on the people of Nantucket their present dis-
tresses. I am sensible that leaving one's natif spot and
separating from sonje of the nearest connexions is an un-
pleasing step, but of two evils the least must be preferred;
and the people, in their present situation, must, in my

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 257

opinion, offer their thanks to Divine Providence, that a
mild, humane and generous government offers them a safe
azilum, and a friendly hand to alleviate their distress and
make them and their posterity happy. I rely on your
best exertions to carry on this business to a favorable
issue. It will not only tend towards many personal
advantages towards yourself, but it will reconcile you the
gratitude of the people on both sides. You may assure
the inhabitants of my constant protection and friendship,
and that in all occasions I shall be their zealous advocate,
and as I am no ways induced by view of personal interest,
I shall recommend them to such trustworthy merchants
here, to whom they may at first consign their ships and
cargoes till they will be able to manage their own busi-
ness themselves, and in every other respect give them
the best advice in my power. I shall be anxious to hear
from you, therefore I request you will neglect no oppor-
tunity to write to me, interim I wish you a safe and
Speedy voyage, and remain with lasting regard, *

Dear friend, your truly affectionate friend,

L. Coffin,

Copy of the advantages^ granted to the people of the
Hand of Nantucket^ who may wish to settle at Dunr
JcirJc, and establish the whale fishery.

1st. An entire free exercise of their religion or worship
within themselves.

2d. The concession of a tract of ground to build their
houses and stores.

3d. All the privileges, exemptions and advantages
promised by the king's declaration in 1662, confirmed
by letters patent of 1784, to all strangers who come to

358 HISTORY OF NANTUCKBT*

establish there, which are the same as those enjoyed by
the natif subjects of his majesty.

4th. The importation into the kingdom, free from all
duties whatever, of the oil proceeding from their, fishery^
and the same premiums and encouragement granted for
the cod and other fisheries to natif subjects.

5th. A premium per ton on the burthen of the vessels
that will carry on the whale fishery, which shall be de-
termined in the course of the negotiation either with Mr.
Rotch or with the selectmen of the island.

6tb. All objects of provisions and victuals for their
ships shall be exempted from all duties whatever.

7th. An additional and heavier duty shall be laid on
all foreign oil, as a further encouragement to them, id
order to facilitate the sale of their own.

8th. The expenses of removing those of the inhabit-
ants, who are not capable of defraying themselves, shall
be paid by the government.

9th. A convenient dock shall be built to repair their
ships.

10th. All trades-people, such as smiths, boat-builders,
coopers, and others, shall be admitted to the free exer-
cise of their trade without being liable to the forms and
expense usually practised and paid by the natif subjects
for their admittance to mastership.

lltb. They shall have liberty to command their own
vessels, and have the choice of their own people to navi-
gate them.

12th. They shall be free from all military and naval
service, as well in war as in peace, in the same manner
and extent as expressed by the king's ordinance of the
16th of February, 1759.

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 259

Nantucket, June the fifteenth, >

one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six. 5
I Abner Coffin, notary and tabellion public, by legal
authority duly constituted, dwelling in Sherborn, in the
county of Nantucket, in the commonwealth of Massachu-
setts, do hereby certify and attest, that the letter of in-
structions and twelve articles preceding this certificate
are genuine copies of the original, to me the said notary
from Shubael Gardner produced.

In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my notarial
seal and signature.

In testimonium veritatis,
[Seal.] Abner Coffin, Not. Pub.

FISHING STAGES.

During many years after the settlement of the island,
fishing near the shores was one of the principal occupa-
tions of the people. Cod fishing was found very produc-
tive, and received particular attention. For the accom-
modation of the fishermen, small houses, adapted to the
accommodation of five men each, that being the number
of a boat's crew, were erected on the margin of the shore
on the south and east sides of the island. Those on the
south were at a place called Weweedeis. At the east was
the village of Siasconset. One mile and a half northward
from Siasconset were a few houses at Peedee. A conside-
rable number were built still further northward at Sesaca-
cha ; and in the same direction onward, near the head of
the harbor, at a place called Quidnet, there was a small
number. These clusters of houses were called fishing
stages. No unnecessary expense was bestowed on the

260 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

buildings ; they were of wood, the roofe only were
shingled. The place for fire was at one end of the
house, a fireplace of brick or stone was raised at some
distance above the hearth, thence the chimney of one or
the other of those materials was continued to the ridge
and finished above the house, with wood. At the
opposite end of the house were two convenient bed-
rooms, containing two berths each, and above them was
a cockloft where the boys usually lodged. The principal
article of furniture was an ample table of common boards,
fastened to the partition by hinges, so as to allow of its
being turned up against the side of the room, when not
in use, and then fastened with a button. There are still
a few of these houses remaining at the village of Sias-
conset, but none at the other fishing stages.

SIASCONSET.

This village is situated at the south-east extremity of
the island, and contains about 70 houses. The cod
fishery, which was carried on there a few years since
pretty extensively, has recently dwindled, so that it can
hardly be said to be the business of the place. The
houses, with few exceptions, are occupied only in the
warm season. As a summer resort, no place in the
United States presents greater attractions for the invalid
than Siasconset. It is not, indeed, the focus of fashionable
life. But the fine bracing air, the excellent water, and
the unique customs and "laws" of the place, are admi-
rably adapted to refresh and invigorate both mind and
body. At Siasconset, all are on a level, or rather on an
equal elevation. Useless forms and ceremonies are laid
aside, and the little community, for the time being,

HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET. 261

indulge in a reciprocity of good feeling and interchange
of civilities, which can be found in no place but one
situated precisely like Siasconset, and no other such place
exists in the known world.

The village is compactly built on a level grass plat,
near the edge of a steep cliff; the land rises in the rear,
so as to cut off a view of the town of Nantucket, and
serve as a barrier to the cares and bustle of a turbulent
world. In front, the eye rests on a broad expanse of the
Atlantic, and below, the surf rolling and breaking, gives
animation to the scenes by day, and lulls to repose by
night. Fleets of fishing smacks are frequently anchored
or sailing near the shore, catering for distant markets ;
and larger vessels on longer voyages are continually
passing. The sea-bird is ever skimming over the ocean,
now eyeing the waters beneath, and now darting headlong
at his prey. Shoals of small fishes may be seen black-
ening the surface, sometimes floating leisurely with the
tide, at others fleeing from the pursuit of the shark : and
occasionally the majestic whale comes so near that one
may see his breath, and hear him breathe.

In the vicinity, on the margins of some small swamps,
there are berries in sufficient abundance to tempt the
resident to a healthful walk ; and within the distance of
two miles is a sheet of fresh water, spreading over several
hundred acres, a visit to which will be repaid by a
pleasant ride and a good fare of perch.

From a neighboring eminence, called Sancoty Head,
the eye commands almost the entire horizon. In the
distant west is seen the town and shipping, and beyond,
the sound, often decked with numerous sails ; nearer, and
on the right, are rich pastures and neat farm-houses, and,

862 HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET.

further on, stretches out the loog Sandy Point, the
extremity of which is marked by a light-house* On the
left is a broad valley, diversified by swamp and plain, and
bounded by an elevation which extends to the ocean, and
terminates in a high cliff, called Tom Never's Head,
between which and the position we are supposed to
occupy, is the village of Siasconset with its diminutive
houses huddled together, resembling a patch of salt*
works. A view from Sancoty Head, at a clear sunset,
can hardly be surpassed in beauty and grandeur. The
rich coloring of the sky reflected by the distant waters,
the distinct outlines of the town, with its steeples and
busy wbdmills, the repose of the surrounding plains,
contrasted with the gloom which broods over* the rolling
and roaring ocean in the rear, give rise to sensations
which can be felt, indeed, but not described.

A Utter from Zacchem Macy^ forwarding to the His-
torical Society an account of the former Indian divis'
ions of the island^ fyc.

Nantucxet, y« 2^ y« 10^ 1792.

My Friend and Kinsman : — Agreeable to the request
of the Massachusetts Historical Society, I have wrote
and explained many words aqd names of certain parts
and places of or on the island of Nantucket, both in
English and Indian, as well as I could : but there is not
one person now left that I can get any help frongi in these
matters. So I have wrote as well as I can on the affiiirs
or matters, but I sometimes almost fear, whether it may
not seem flat and old to them, but I have not wrote any
thing but what I am very sure is true, according to the
best account I could get.

HISTORY OP NANTUCKET, 963

Further please to inform our said society, that I
received a small letter from them, expressing their thanks
for my little book I sent them before, which I kindly
received and here return the same to them for their
notice on such an old fiat piece, and I have sent them an
old stone pipe, such as our old native Indians made and
smoked in, before the English came amongst them.
They had a sort of weed or herb they called poTce^
which they used instead of tobacco, which weed re-
sembled tobacco, but I do not know of any now growing
on said island. The said pipe is something marred and
broke, but still shows some considerable curiosity, — ^but I
only suppose it was made out of blue clay and muscle
shells, pounded, and mixed, and then burnt, but it is com-
monly called a stone pipe. I once had a complete one, but
it is lost. And I have sent them a shell taken out of ray
well thirty-nine feet below the face of the earth ; and I
have taken many sorts of shells out of wells near forty
feet down. And one time when the old men were
^%&^Z ^ ^^^ ^^ ^^ stage called Siasconset, it is said,
they found a whale's bone near thirty feet below the
face of the earth, which things are past our accounting for.

So I must break short, and only have to send you all
rtiy love and respect, which comes from your old and
ready friend to serve. Zaccheus Macy*

To Peleg Coffin, Esquire, of Nantucket,
now resident in Boston.

P. S. Please to take a copy of my last work or
Journal by reason I have not got it on my book all, for I
have enlarged on many things and names, which we may
want for our own curiosity.

264 BISTORT OF NANTUCKET.

Account of the names of the old Sachems and some of
the most respectable Indiam, and their habitations,
taken from the best authors that could be had y* 15
y« 3«o 1753. ^ ifiat iiffi^ there were living near

about 370 of the natives on the island of Nantucket —
pr me the subscriber,

Wannochmaniock was the first sachem at the south-
east part of the island, when the English first came to
Nantucket. - Next to him was his son, called Sousoauco,
and next to him were his two sons called Cain and Abel.
These two agreed to divide the sachem-right, two third
parts to Cain and one third part to Abel. The said Cain
had one daughter, whose name was Jemima, married to
James Shaa. From Abel sprang Eben Abel, and from
him sprang Benjamin Abel, the last sachem, from whom
I bought all his right, title and property that he had on
said island, for and in behalf of the whole English
proprietors. All the said Jemima's right was bought by
our old proprietors many years before, as may fully
appear on our records. Their lands or bounds began at
a place on the south side of the island, called Touphchue
Pond, and ran across to the northward to a brown rock
marked on the west side, that lies to the northward of
our washing pond, called Gibbs' Pond, on the west side
of SauFs hills and so over towards Podpis swamp, and
then to the eastward to a place, Sesacacha Pond by
the east sea. At the south-east part of said tract is a
high bluff head of land, called Tom Never's Head ; and
about two miles to the northward stands our famous
fishing stage houses, where our sick people go for their
health,, called Siasconset^ and about a mile still to the

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 265

northward is a very high cliff of land called Sancota
Head, then about a mile still to the northward stands'
another fishing stage called Sesacacha.

Next begins the old sachem called Wauwinet; bis
bounds begin adjoining to the northward of the said Wan-
nochroamock's land and run still along to the northward
and take in all Squam, and run on to our long sandy
point, called Coetue or Nauma, which in the English is
Long Point, where our Massachusetts light house now
stands, and then to the westward to New Town, then to
the southward to a place called Weweder Ponds, which in
English signifies a pair of horns, by reason there are two
ponds that run to a point next to the sea, and spread
apart so as to leave a neck of land, called Long Joseph's
Point ; which two ponds spread apart so as to resemble
a pair of horns. And the said Wauwinet had 'two
sons the oldest son was named Isaac, but was mostly
called Nicornoose, which signifies, in English, to suck
the fore teat; and bis second son was named Waw*
pordonggo, which in English is white face, for his
face was one side white, and the other side brown or
Indian color. And the said Nicornoose married, and had
one son jiamed Isaac, and one daughter; and then he
turned away his proper wife, and took another woman,
and had two sons, named Wat and Paul Noose; and
when his true son Isaac grew up to be a man, he resented
his father's behavior so much, that he went off and left
them for the space of near fifty years, it was not known
where. And in that time his true sister married to one
Daniel Spotsor, and he reigned sachem, by his wife, near
about forty years : and we made large purchases of the
said Spotsors. And then about sixty years past or more,

206 HISTORT OF NANTUCKET.

there came an Indian man from Nauset, called Great
Jetbro, and he brought Judab Paddack and one Hause
with him, and be challenged the sachem-right by being
son to the said true son of Nicornoose ; and when they
first opened the matter to our old proprietors, tbey
contrived to keep the said Jetbro close, until tbey could
send some good committee to find out by our old Indians^
whether tbey ever knew or beard of the said Nicornoose
having such a son gone, and tbey soon found out by the
old Indians, that be had, but tbey bad not heard what
was become of him. So tbey soon found, they should
lose all tbey bad bought of the said Spotsors, then they
held a parley with him said Jetbro, and agreed to buy all
his right, title and property that he owned on said island^
as appears on our records. And the said Nicornoose
gave deeds to bis two bastard sons, Paul and Wat Noose,
forty acres each, a little to the eastward of Podpis village.
The first sachem at the south-west part of said island.
His bounds were at the said Weweder Ponds, and firom
thence to the northward to a place called Gunsue meadow
at Monemoy, where we now call New Town, and from
thence westward along to the southward of the hills called
Popsquatcbet Hills, where our three mills now stand, and
so to the west sea, called Tawtemeo, which we call the
Hummock pond. And his name was Autapeeot. Next
to him was bis son called Harry Poritain. Next to him
was Peter Mausauquit. Next to him was Isaac Peter.
Next to him was lame Isaac, of whom we bought the
last and all that sachem-right : and their habitation was
Moyaucomet, which signifies a meeting-place, and their
meeting-house they call Moyaucomor. And the said
Autapeeot was called a great warrior, and got his land by
his bow.

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET, 867

The fourth sachem was at the north-west part, called
Potconet, and owned all the little island called Tucker-
nuck, which signifies, in English, a loaf of bread, and his
bounds extended from Madaket down eastward to Wesko,
which in English is the white stone, and so on the north
side of Autapscot land, all bought of him at the coming
of the English, saving some particular tracts that belonged
to the Jafets and the Hoights and some others.

Now I shall give some of the most respectable Indians
in Wannochmamock's bounds. There was James Ma-
mack, a minister of the gospel, and justice of the peace,
and behaved well in his station. Old Aesop, the weaver,
was a schoolmaster ; old Saul, a very stern looking old
man. Joshua Mamack succeeded in his father Jame$
Mamack's place. Richard Nominash and his brother
Sampsofi and little Jethro were all very substantial, and
a number more very trusty men.

The most noted Indians in Autapscot's bounds were
Benjamin Tashama, a minister of the gospel, and a school-
master to teach the children to read and write. He was
grandson to the old sachem. But there was an old Indian,
named Zacchary Hoite, a minister before the said Tash-
ama, but he did not behave so well. He told his bearers
they must do as he said, but not as he did.

And there was one Indian man, his name was James
Skouel, but was mostly called Corduda. He was justice
of the peace, and very sharp with them if they did not
behave well. He would fetch them up, when, they did
not tend their corn well, ^nd order them to have ten
stripes on their backs, and for any rogue tricks and getting
drunk. And if his own children played any rogue tricks,
be would serve them the same sauce. There happened

268 HISTORY or nantucket.

some Englishmen at bis court, when a man was brought
up for some rogue tricks, and one of these men was
named Nathan Coleman, a pretty crank sort of a man^
and the Indian man pleaded for an appeal to Esquire
Bunker, and the old judge turned round to said Nathan
and fipoke in the Indian language thus, ^^chaquor kea-
dor taddator witche conichau mussoy chaquor," then
said Nathan answQred thus, '^ mariau couetchawidde
neconne sassamyste nehotie moche Squire Bunker;"
which in the English tongue is thus, ^' what do you think
about this great business ? " then Nathan answered ^' may
be you had better whip him first, then let him go to
Squire Bunker ; " and the old judge took Nathan's
advice. And so Nathan answered two purposes, the one
was to see the Indian wliipped, the other was, he was
sure the Indian would not want to go to Es(|uire Bunker
for fear of anoiher whipping.

I will say something more in recommendation of some of
our old Indian natives. They were very solid and sober
at their meetings of worship, and carried on in the form
of Presbyterians, but in one thing imitated the Friends
or Quakers, so called : which was (o hold meetings on
the first day of the week and on the fifth day of the
week, and attended their meetings very precisely. I
have been at their meetings many times and seen their
devotion ; and it was remarkably solid ; and I could
understand the most of what was^aid; and they always
placed us in a suitable seat to sit ; and they were not put
by, by our coming in, but rather appeared glad to see us
come in. And a minister is called cooutaumuchary.
And when the meeting was done, they would take their
tinder-box and strike fire and light their pipes, and, may

HISTORY or NANTUCKET. 269

be, would draw three or four whifs and swallow the
smoke, and then blow it out of their noses, and so hSind
their pipes to their next neighbor. And one pipe of
tobacco would serve ten or a dozen of them. And they
would say "tawpoot," which is, "I thank ye." It
seemed to be done in a way of kindness to each other.

And as I said before, they had justices, constables,
grand-jurymen, and carried on for a great many years,
many of them very well and pwecisely, and lived in very
good fashion. Some of them were weavers, some good
carpenters.

Now I will b6gin at the west end of the island, which
we call Smith's Point, but the Indians call Nopque,
which was called a landing place, when they came from
the Vineyard, but they call it Noapx ; then eastward
about three miles comes the Hummock Pond, where we
once had a great number of whale houses with a mast
raised for a look-out, with holes bored through and sticks
put in like a ladder, to go up ; then about three miles
eastward to the said Weweder ponds, stood another
parcel of whale houses ; then about three miles eastward
to Nobedeer Pond was where Benjamin Gardner lived
formerly ; then about three and one half miles eastward
is. the aforesaid Tom Never's Head ; then two miles
to the northward is the famous town or fishing stage
called Siasconset ; then about one mile northward is the
high head of land called Sancoty Head, and the Indians
called Naphchecoy, which signifies round the head ; then
about one mile northward is the aforesaid Sesacacha
pond, where our other fishing stage stands. Then begins
the said Squam, and runs northward two miles to the

5J10 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

beginning of our said long sandy point called Naauma ;
ana the first is one mile to a place called Causkata pond,
where are some woods and meadow; and four miles
northward is where the said Massachusetts lighthouse is,
on the north end of said point. Then about one mile to
the northward of the entering on of the above said long
point, begins another neck or beach, called little Coetue
and runs about five miles on about a west by south course
till it comes within about one mile of our town called
Wesko, which makes the east side of the entering-in of
our harbor. Then next to the said Squam, westward,
is the village called Podpis Neck, where our fulling-mill
stands ; then next westward is the famous neck of land
called Quaise or Maisquatuck Neck, which in the English
signifies the reed land, which was a tract of land given to
Thomas Mayhew from one of the old sachems, and was
reserved by the said Mayhew to himself when he sold
his patent-right to the proprietors; which neck makes the
west side of the said Podpis Harbor, now owned by
Josiah Barker, Esquire, and Captain Shubael Coffin and
Captain Thomas Delano. Then next westward is the
Josiah Barker's lot or field, called Show Aucamor, which
in English signifies the middle field of land. Then about
four miles westward is the town called Wesco ; then next
westward is a place called Watercomet, which signifies a
pond field, which formerly was owned by the old natives
called the Hoites. Then next westward is the great pond
called Cuppame, where old Tristram Coffin lived, the
old grandfather to almost all of us, which was owned by
the old families of the natives called the Jafets ; then
next westward about four miles is called Eel Point and
Madaket Harbor, which is the north-west part of the said

HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET. 271

island ; and then about two miles westward is the said
little island, called Tuckernuck, which signifies, in English,
a loaf of bread; for it appears round, and in the middle
pretty high : which was bought by the said old Tristram
CoflSin from the old sachem Potconet, in the year 1659,
by virtue of a patent he had from New York.

Excuse me for errors and poor writing and spelling,
and consider me in station of life worn out.
Nantucket, ye 2^ IQih month, 1792.

By Zaccheus Mact.
To Peleg Coffin, Esquire, now resident in Boston. For
the perusal of our Historical Society for the Massachu-
setts, in Boston.

EDUCATION.

Previous to the year 1827 very little was done, for the
support of schools, by the town in its corporatef capacity.
The youth, indeed, had ever had an opportunity of ac-
quiring the rudiments of an English education in private
schools, and some appropriations had been made to in-
struct the poor. In 1827 the town appropriated a suffi-
cient sum to maintain two large schools on the monitorial
plan, which went into operation immediately. Since
that period some changes have taken place, both in the
number of public schools and in the system of teaching.
There are at present two large grammar and four primary
schools, at which there are, taught about 800 scholars.
There are also, besides the Coffin school, which will be
subsequently noticed, some excellent private schools.
The young possess advantages for common education
not exceeded by those of any other place in the Union :
whether these advantages are duly appreciated by the

272 HISTORY OP NANTUCKET.

community, we shall not pretend to decide ; but if the
risinc; generation do not carry into the world a sufficient
stock of knowledge for all the best purposes of life, the
fault must rest elsewhere than on the town or on the
teachers of schools.

THE COFFIN SCHOOL.

In the year 1826, Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin, of the
British navy, visited the island. He found, that a large
part of the inhabitants were more or less remotely akin to
him. Possessing a mind trained to active benevolence,
be expressed a disposition to confer on his kindred some
mark of his attachment to them, and of his regard for his
ancestry. The establishment of a school was suggested
to him, as a means of permanent good to his relatives,
and immediately met his approbation. He accordingly
authorized the late William Coffin, Esq. to purchase
a building then vacant, which had been used for a Lao-
casterian school, and shortly afterwards funded, for the
support of the proposed institution, two thousand Jive
hundred pounds sterling. An act of incorporation was
passed at the succeeding session of the legislature, and
the school was opened in the spring of 1827. The
selection of the first board of trustees was confided to
William Coffin, Esq.

The school was first taught on the monitorial plan,
which was laid aside about four years since. The pupils
are now arranged in four classes, denominated first, second,
third and fourth. The fourth or primary -class is prepar-
atory to the third, and studies are laid out for the three
higher classes, calculated to occupy each class one year.
Class succeeds class precisely on the college plan. Those

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 973

who have attended the school three whole years, and
completed the studies of the first class, are entitled to
one year's tuition gratis, with liberty to review past
studies or commence such new ones as can be conven-
iently attended to.

The income from the fund is not sufficient for the sup-
port of the school, as it is at present arranged, so that there
is a necessity of charging each pupil $2 50 per quarter.
The two departments, male and female, occupy separate
rooms, but corresponding classes in each pursue the same
studies and recite together. There is a principal and
assistant in each department. The examinations of the
school are quarterly, on the last fifth day or Thursday of
each season ; and the succeeding quarter commences on
the following second day, or Monday, unless a vacation
intervenes. The vacations are not at present fixed to any
times, but are adapted to the convenience of the teachers ;
except one of a week at the season of sheep-shearing.

Copy of the Act of Incorporation of the Coffin School,

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.

In the year of our Lord one thousand >
eight hundred and twenty-seven. j

An Act to incorporate a school at Nantucket by the name
of Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin's Lancasterian School.

Sec. Isi, Be it enacted by the senate and house of
representatives in general court assembled, and by the
authority of the same, That there be and hereby is estab-
lished in the town of Nantucket, in the county of Nan-
tucket, a school by the name of Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin^ s
Lancasterian School, for the purpose of promoting de-

274 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

cency, good order and morality, and for giving a good
English education to youth who are descendants of the
late Tristjrarn Coffin (who emigrated from England about
the year 1641, first settled at Salisbury, in Massachusetts
Bay, now state of Massachusetts, and from thence re-
moved to the town of Sherburne, now Nantucket,) as the
trustees for the time being shall direct, and that William
Coffin, Ariel Coffin, Gorham Coffin, Jared Coffin, Thad-
deus Coffin, and Charles G. Coffin, with such others as
they may add to their numbers, be nominated and ap-
pointed trustees, and they are hereby incorporated into
a body politic by the name of the Trustees of Admiral
Sir Isaac Coffin's Lancasterian School, and that they
and their successors shall be and continue a body politic
for ever.

Sec, 2d, Be it further enacted, that all lands, build-
ings, moneys, or other property heretofore given or sub-
scribed for the purpose of establishing the aforesaid school^
or which shall be hereafter given, granted, or assigned to
the said trustees, shall be confirmed to the said trustees
and their successors in that trust for ever, for the uses
for which said school is established, and the said trustees
shall be capable of having, holding and taking in fee
simple, by gift, grant, devise or otherwise, any lands,
tenements, or other estate real or personal, provided that
the annual income of the same shall not exceed the sum
of three thousand dollars, and shall apply the interest^
rents and profits thereof so as most to promote the design
of the institution.

Sec, 3d, Be it further enacted, that the said trustees^
for the time being, shall be the visiters and governors of
said institution, and shall have full power, from time to

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 275

lime, to elect such officers thereof as they shall judge
necessary and convenient, and fix the tenor of their
respective offices, and to fill up all vacancies that may
happen in the board of trustees, by death, resignation or
removal from the town of Nantucket. Provided always^
that the trustees shall all be the descendants of the above-
mentioned Tristram Coffin in the male or female line,—'
to determine the times and places for holding their meet-
ings—the manner of notifying the tmstees — ^to ascertain
the powers and duties of their several officers — ^to elect
instructers and prescribe their duties — to make and ordain
reasonable rules, orders and by-laws for the government
of the institution, provided the same be not repugnant to
the laws of the commonwealth.

Sec. 4ih. Be it further enacted, that the trustees of
said school may have a common seal, which they may
change at pleasure, and all deeds sealed with the said
seal, and delivered and acknowledged by the secretary of
said trustees by their order, shall be valid and binding
in law — and said trustees may sue and be sued in all
actions, and prosecute and defend the same to final judg-
ment and execution by the natne of the trustees of Admi-
ral Sir Isaac Coffin's Lancasterian School.

Sec. bih. Be it further enacted, that the number of
trustees shall never exceed nine nor be less than six, one
of whom shall be appointed as president, three of whom
with the president, or five without the president, shall be
necessary to constitute a quorum for doing business, but
a less number may adjouiii from time to time, — ^and a
majority of those present shall decide all questions that
may properly come before said trustees.

Sec. 6th. Be it further enacted, that William Coffin,

276 HISTORY oy nantucket.

Esq., be and be is bereby autborized and empowered ta
fix tbe time and place of holding the first meeting of tbe
trustees and to notify them thereof.

Sec. 1th. Be it further enacted, that this act may at
any time be modified or repealed by tbe legislature of
this commonwealth.

Sec. 8th. Be it further enacted, that an act passed in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
twenty-seven, entitled ^^ An Act to Incorporate a School
at Nantucket, by the name of Admiral Isaac Coffin's
Lancasierian School^'^ be and tbe same bereby is re-
pealed.

Passed June 8, 1827.

NANTUCKET ATHENAUM.

This institution was incorpoiated in 1834, It took its
origin from two societies, one tbe Mechanics' Association,
formed in 1820, the other the Columbian Library Asso-
ciation, formed in 1823. These were united in 1827,
under the name of the United L^ibrary Association. In
1833, two of the members, Charles G. CoflSin and David
Joy, offered the society a valuable tract of land, in the
central part of the town, on the condition of there being
erected on it a substantial building for the uses of the
Association. A subscription was immediately opened and
in a short time a greater amount was obtained than that
required by the conditions of the donation. Thus en-
couraged, the Association, with the consent of the donors
of the land, purchased the house and land then recently
occupied by the Universalist Society, and made such
alterations in the building as were required for their ac*
commodation. The addition of a portico, which is abqut

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 277

to be annexed to the building, will make it one of the
handsomest edifices in the town. The apartments of the
building are a convenient lecture room sufficiently large
to accommodate an audience of about four hundred and
fifty persons, a library room, a spacious room for curiosi-
ties, and a committee room. The library consists of more
than two thousand volumes, and is rapidly increasing.
The museum contains a large number of curiosities, con-
sisting chiefly of weapons, dresses and utensils of the
natives of the Pacific Ocean Islanders. It is a valuable
collection, becoming daily more valuable ; for the charac-
ter of those people is constantly changing, and, even if
they should survive a contact with civilized nations, theit
habits, customs and mode of warfare will be learned, a
few generations hence, only from these relics of their
former simplicity.

SLAVERY.

The Society of Friends, in New England, were proba-
bly the Jirst associated body that bore testimony against
slavery. About the year 1717, as we have been informed
by William Rotch, Jun. of New Bedford, a friend of the
highest respectability, clerk a number of years of the
Nantucket monthly meeting of the Society of Friends,
they expressed their views on the subject on their records
in the following language, according to his best recollec-
tion : — " That they considered it inconsistent with truth
to purchase mankind as slaves, and hold them term of
life."

We regret that we have not been able to obtain more
information respecting the early proceedings of the
Friends, in relation to slavery. The inhabitants of the

278 BISTORT OF NANTUCKCT.

island may well be proud of the decided stand, wbieb
their ancestors took against the odious traffic m human
flesh. We felt it due to our native place, and it would
have been peculiarly grateful to our personal feelings, to
present the public with authentic documents connected
with this subject ; but the ancient records in possesMOo
of that part of the society, called orthodox, have not been
made accessible to us, though we hare sought, through
the recorder, either to examine them ourselves, or be
furnished with a copy of the minute, on record, at that
early period.

It is enough to say, that we have not been able to
obtain them, and that we feel a reluctance, from the
very liigh respect we entertain toward the greater part of
the members constituting that body, for their candor and
courtesy, to enter at all into an explanation of the irrecon«*
cilable procedure connected with this application.

We are willing thus, to suffer, in silence, the seeming
reproach, which such a refusal casts upon us ; for we
cannot be insensible to the surprise, which it must pro-
duce in the minds of those, unacquainted with the causes,
which have probably operated to produce it. It would
be more gratifying to us to apply, without any reserve
whatever, the acknowledgment which Clarkson, the au-
thor of the <^ Portraiture of Quakerism,'^ did to the society
of Friends in England, while in the prosecution of bis
writings ; but the pleasure is denied to us.

We have been obliged to give the above explanation ;
for we had no other means to account for the non-appear-
ance of the record, and self-respect alone demands of us
to say, that in the compilation of this history, we have
received the most prompt and kind attention from every

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 279

Other source, to which we have applied, for records or
information, in the prosecution of our labors.

" One of the first public advocates for the cause of the
oppressed Africans in New England," was Elihu Cole-
man, of Nantucket. " He was a minister of the society
of Friends. We have before us, a work written in 1729
-30, and published in 1733, entitled * A Testimony
against that Anti- Christian Practice o/* making slaves
OF MEN.' " In a preliminary address to his readers, he
uses these words, " And now, though some may think it
hard to have this practice spoken against, that has been
carried on so long pretty much in silence, I may let such
know, that I have found it hard to write against it ; yet
nevertheless believing it my duty so to do, I have written
according to my understanding thereof. And although I
have written but little, and in a very plain way, yet I
hope that those remarks I have made thereon, may serve
as a text for some to preach to themselves upon. I am
not unthoughtful of the ferment or stir that such discourse
as this may make among some, who (like Demetrius of
old) may say, by this craft we have our wealth, which
caused the people to cry out with one voice, great is
Diana of the Ephesians, whom all Asia and the world
worship." In the course of his work the author says :
" rhave often considered how earnestly some men will
search into the etymology or original of some things that
may be but small, and in the mean time omit the greater.
Now in my judgment every thing ought to be looked
upon according to the importance, weight, or value of the
thing ; for to be very zealous in a small thing, and to pass
lightly over a greater, that zeal may be more properly
called superstition, than good zeal, which should be

280 HISTORT OF NANTUCKET.

grounded on knowledge. Now I would have all to
consider of this practice of making slaves of negroes, or
others that we can get the mastery over, to see upon
what foundation it stands, or to see what the original of it
was, whether or no pride and idleness was not the first
rise of it, that they might go with white hands, and that
their wives might (Jezebel like) paint and adorn them-
selves, and their sons and daughters be brought up in
idleness, which may be very well termed the mother of
all vice ; for it is generally the richest sort of people that
have them, for the poor are not so able to get them." —
" But some may object, as I myself have heard them,
that there was a mark set upon •Cain, and they do be-
lieve, that these negroes are the posterity of Cain ;" "but
if we do but observe, and read in the genealogy of Cain,
we may find that they were all drowned in the old world,
and that Canaan was of the line of Seth." " Christ for-
bids his followers to meddle with the tares, lest they hurt
the wheat, therefore none can have any plea for making
them slaves, for their being ignorant or wicked ; for if
that plea would do, I do believe they need not go so far
for slaves as now they do."

" Now although the Turks make slaves of those they
catch, that are not of their religion, yet (as history relates)
as soon as any embraces the Mahometan rehgion, they
are no longer kept slaves, but are quickly set free, and
for the most part put to some place of preferment ; so
zealous are they for proselytes and their own religion.
Now if many among those called Christians would but
consider, how far they fall short of the Turks in this par-
ticular, it would be well ; for they tell the negroes, that
they must believe in Christ, and receive the Christian

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 281

faith, and that they must receive the sacrament, and be
baptized, and so they do ; but still they keep them slaves
for all this."

N. B. Since noticing the proceedings of Friends in
regard to slavery, a very obliging friend, Thomas A.
Greene, of New Bedford, has furnished us with extracts,
made by him in 1820, from the records of the Nantucket
monthly meeting. We feel too proud of this testimony
of our fathers against slavery, to withhold the record in
its original form, from the world, though we have already
given it in substance.

26th day of y« 9th mo. 1716.

" An epistle from the last Quarterly Meeting was read
in this, and ye matter referred to this meeting, viz:
whether it is agreeable to truth for friends to purchase
slaves and keep them term of liffe, was considered, and
ye sense and judgment of this meeting is, that it is not
agreeable to truth for friends to purchase slaves and hold
them term of liffe.

" Nathaniel Starbuck, jun j, is to draw out this meeting's
judgment concerning friends not buying slaves and keep-
them term of liffe, and send it to the next Quarterly
Meeting, and to sign it in ye meeting's behalf."

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.

In the town of Nantucket there are eight religious
societies or congregations, viz : one Unitarian Congrega-
tionahst, one Orthodox Society, two meetings of Friends,
one attached to the New York yearly meeting, the other
to that of New England ; one Methodist Episcopal^ one

S8S

BI8TOKT OF NANTUCKET.

Reformed Methodist ; and two for colored persons, one
of them Baptist, the other denommated Zioo's Church.

Summary of the number of deaths of persons be-
longing to Nantucket, in each year from 1820 to 1834
inclusive.

1820 65

1821

1822
1823
1824

1825 under 10 years
" over 10, under 70
over 70

1826 under 10 years

" over 10, under 70
" over 70

1827 under 10 years

" over 10, under 70
" over 70

1828 under 10 years

" over 10, under 70
*^ over 70

1829 under 10 years

" over 10, under 70
" over 70

114
92
35

73
67
19

34
63
20

56
70
31

59
63
19

160
167
133

241

159

117

157

141

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 383

1830 under 10 years

" over 10, under 70

" over 70

1831 under 10 years

" over 10, under 70

" over 70

1832 under 10 years

" over 10, under 70

" over 70

1833 under 10 years

145

" over 10, under 45

" over 45, under 70

" over 70

1834 under 10 years

" over 10, under 45

" over 45, under 70

" over 70

FIRES.

118

153

138

236

177

We subjoin an account of fires, which have occurred
within the town of Nantucket. There may be some
omissions, and the estimate of losses may in some in-
stances be incorrect, but we believe that the error, if there
be any, will consist in overating the property destroyed.
That there should be so few losses in a town compactly
built of wood, is to be attributed, perhaps equally, to the

284 HISTOKT OF NANTUCKET.

Steady habits of the inhabitants^ and the promptness^
energy, and activity of the young men of the island.
The means for extinguishing fires consist of a sufficient
number of engines, good apparatus, a bountiful supply of
water from the harbor, public cisterns, and private wells.

Buildings destroyed by Fire.

In 1736 Friends meeting house, estimated loss $400

1762 Peter Barnard's house, 400

1765 Mill, 500

1769 Several buildbgs on South Wharf, 11,000.

" " « at Brant Point, 1,000

1774 Enoch Gardner's barn, 100

1782 Light-house at Brant Point, 1,000

1786 « " Great Point, 1,000

^' Nicholas Header's house at Sesacacha, 100

1779 Two bams, 300

1799 Isaac Folger's shop, 1,500

1802 Nathan Bebe's bake-house, 2,000

1810 George Russell's shop, 350

1811 Matthew Myrick's rope-walk, 3,000

1812 Samuel Swain's house at Phillips' Run, ' 200
" Several buildings at South Wharf, 6,000

1814 George Myrick's farm house, 300

1816 Light-house at Great Point, 500

1820 Jethro Dunham's house at Tuckernuck, 400

1823 T. k H. Starbuck's shop, 100

1832 Isaac Coffin's barn, 900

Buildings injured,

Thomas Smith's shop, 1,000

John R. Macy's shop, 600

Elizabeth Chase's shop, 1,000

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 385

Adding to these losses $3,000, for slight injuries

sustained at different times, 3,000

It is believed that the total value of property
destroyed by fires, since the settlement of
the island, has not exceeded $36,000

POETRY.

We insert the foUowiDg specimens of our island poesy,
not because we consider them the best collection that can
be made, nor because we suppose them, taken collect-
ively, to possess very extraordinary merit. Some of the
pieces have been deemed worthy of being handed down
from a considerably remote period. Our fathers wielded
the harpoon, and our mothers the distaff, with better
effect, and certainly with more pro6t, than they did the
pen ; yet they were not all insensible to the smiles of the
muses, nor were the muses always averse to their devo-
tions. It seems necessary to possess some familiarity
with an art in order to judge of others' skill therein ; we
deem it prudent, therefore, to withhold our opinion in the
premises, and leave it for others to decide, whether we
have added to the value of our work by our selections.
And yet we are willing to take our part in the censures
which may befall these productions, so far as taste and
poetic feeling are at stake ; and, if these qualities are not
found to have been possessed by some of the writers, we
shall plead guilty of the like deficiency ourselves. It is
said that, when one chord of the stringed instrument is
touched, all the kindred chords are made to vibrate ; so,
whether from local partialities or not we cannot determine,
the sentiments of our own poets have awakened sympa-
thetic emotions in our breasts.

HISTORY OP NANTUCKET. 287

The following is extracted from a work written by
Peter Folger, of whom some mention is made in the
second chapter of this history. The title is as follows :

A LOOKING-GLASS FOR THE TIMXS, OR THE FORH£*R SPIRIT OF KSW
ENGLAND RETITED IN THIS GENERATION.

By Peter Folger,

Let all that read these verses know,
That I intend something to show
About our war, how it hath been
And also what is the chief sin,
That God doth so with us contend
And when these wars are like to end.
Read then in love ; do not despise
What here is set before thine ejei.

New England for these many yean

hnth had both rest and peace.
But now the case is otherwise ;

our troubles doth increase.
The plague of war is now begun

in some great colonies,
And many towns are desolate

we may see with our eyes.
The loss of many goodly men

we may lament also,
Who in the war have lost their lives,

and fallen by our foe.
Our women also they have took

and children very small,
Great cruelty they have used

to some, though not to all.

Let us then search, what is the sin

that God doth punish for ;
And, when found out, cast it away

and ever it abhor.

Sure *tis not chiefly for those aim
that magistrates do name,

288 BISTORT OF NANTUCKET.

And make good laws for to Buppress,
and execute the same.

But 'tis for that same crying sin,

that rulers will not own,
And that whereby much cruelty

to brethren hath been shown ;

The sin of persecution

such laws established.
By which laws they have goiie so hi,

as blood hath touched blood.

It is now forty years ago,
since some of them were made,

Which was the ground and rise of all
the persecuting trade.

Then many worthy persons were

banished to the woods,
Where they among the natives did

lose their most precious bloods.

And since that, many godly men

have been to prison sent ;
They have been fined, and whipped alio,

and suffered banishment*

The cause of this their suffering

was not for any sin,
But for the witness that {hey bare

against babes sprinkling.

And though that these were harmless men,

and did no hurt to any,
But lived well like honest men,

as testified by many ;

Tet did these laws entrap them so,
that they were put to death,

And could not hare the liberty
to speak near their last breath.

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 289

But these men were, as I have heard,

against our colle^ men ; ■
And this was, out of doubt to me,

that which was most their sin.

Now to the sufferings of these men

I have but gave a hint ;
Because that in George Bishop*$ book

you may see all in print.

Now, loving friends and countrymen,

I wish we may be wise,
^Tis now a time for every man

to see with his own ejea,

Tia easy to provoke the Lord

to send among us war,
'Tis easy to do violence,

to envy and to jar ;

To show a spirit that is high,

to scorn and domineer ;
To pride it out, as if there were

no God to make us fear ;

To covet what is not our own,

to cheat and to oppress.
To live a life that might free us

from acts of Righteousness ;

To swear and lie, and to be drunk,

to backbite one another ;
To carry tales that may do hurt

and mischief to our brother !

To live in such hypocrisy,

as men may think us good.
Although our hearts within aie full

of evil and of blood.

All these and many evils more

are easy for to do ;
But to repent, and to reform,

we have no strength onto.

"290 HISTORY OP NANTUCKET.

Let us then seek for help from God,

and turn to him that smite ;
Let us take heed, that at no time

we sin against our light.

• ••••»
I would not have you for to think,

tho' I have wrote so much,
That I hereby do throw a stone

at magistrates as stick.

The rulers in the country I
do own them in the Lord :

And such as are for government,
with them I do accord.

But that which I intend hereby,
is that they would keep bounds.

And meddle not with God's worship,
for which they have no ground.

And I am not alone herein,
there's many hundreds more.

That have for many years ago
spake much upon that score.

Indeed I really believe,

it's not your business
To meddle with the Church of Christ

in matters more or less.

Th^e's work enough to do besides,
to judge in mine and thine ,

To succor poor and fatherless,
that is the work in fine.

The Church may now go stay at home,
there's nothing for to do ;

Their work is all cut (Ait by law,
and almost made up too.

If we do love our brethren,
and do to them, I say,

HISTORY OP NANTUCKET. 291

As we would they should do to us,
we should be quiet straightway.

But if that we a smiting go

of fellow-servants so,
No marvel if our wars increase

and things so heavy go.

*Tis like that some may think and say,

our war would not remain,
If so be that a thousand more

of natives were but slain.

Alas ! these are but foolish thoughts ;

God can' make more arise.
And if that there were none at all.

He can make war with flies.

Let's have our faith and hope in God,

and trust in Him alone,
And then no doubt this storm of war

it quickly will be gone.

Thus, reader, I, in love to all,

leave these few lines with thee,
Hoping that in the substance we

shall very well agree.

If that you do mistake the verse

for its uncomely dress,
I tell thee true, 1 never thought

that it would pass the press.

If any at the matter kick, v

it's like he's galled at heart.
And that's the reason why he kicks,

because he finds it smart.

I am for peace, and not for war,

and that's the reason why i

I write more plain than some men do, ■

that use to daub and lie.

B92 HIST.OBT or nantuckht.

But I shall ceajse, and set my name

to what 1 here insert,
Because to be a libeller,

I hate it with my heart.

From Skerbon ^ town, where now I dwell,

my name I do put here,
Without offence your real friend,

it is PsTER FoLGEB. * ' J^fril 28, 1676.

We insert the following, not for its intrinsic merit, but
as a specimen of much of a similar character, which has
fallen into our hands, and also as an apology for not pub-
lishing more.

AN ELEOr ON THE SUDDEN AND AWFUL DEATH OF SEVEN HEN, WHO
WERE DROWNED ON NANTUCKET BAR, IST OF IST MONTH, 1782.

Kind heaven assist my feeble muse,

And help me to relate
Unto my friends the dismal news

Of my poor townsmen's fate.

O, what a sad and awful time.

Which caused our eyes to weep,
For seven men, all in their prime,

All drowned in the deep.

In seventeen hundred eighty-two,

The first of new year's day.
This poor unhappy crew of men

Were sadly swept away.

They from Nantucket shore put off,
And for the bar did try,

1 Nantucket.

aiSTORT OF NANTnC&Ef. 293

In hopes to get on board a brig ;
Bat oould not her come nigh.

The wind did blow, the sea run high,

They Btrove the brig to gain,
But all endeavors fruitless were.

Their striving proved in vain.

Their boat upon the ocean fiird,

And two were then swept out,
And five, remaining in her still,

Some time were toss'd about.

Their friends on shore saw their distress,

And for their help did try.
But nothing could in time be done ;

It was their lot to die.

Four mournful widows, left that day.

And eleven children small.
And two'besides that were unborn,

Which makes thirteen in all.

Their sorrows surely must be great,

Which I full well do know,
Having once shared the same fate,

And tasted the same woe.

Now in the scriptures we may find

These words recorded be :
The fatherless leave to my care.

Their widows trust in me.

394 HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET.

The followmg piece is from the pen of Peleg Folger,
a member and an elder of the Society of Friends. He
died in the year 1789, aged 55 years. In early life he
exhibited traits of character, which gave him a great supe-
riority over others of his age. His literary acquirements
were the result of his own unaided industry, for his school
education was very limited, his youth being principally
employed in the farming business. At about the age of
21 he began the business of a seaman, which he followed
many years, both in whaling and cod fishing. On exam-
inmg the journal which he kept during this period, we
find it couched in the language rather of a scholar than
of a farmer or sailor. In addition to keeping the run of
the vessel, like an experienced navigator, he frequently
introduced, in his journals, pieces of poetr}'^, and composi-
tions in prose, and occasionally sentences in Latin, be-
sides arithmetical and algebraical problems. His general
deportment was serious and contemplative. It was rare
that he indulged in levity, but be was free and sociable
in conversation on useful subjects, whether moral or reli-
gious. He was considered as a monitor in all his conduct
through life ; beloved by all good people, he commanded
the respect and obedience of those who looked to him for
support and protection, among whom were several father-
less children.

His knowledge of mathematics, and of the natural sci-
ences generally, was considered by judges to be far supe-
rior to that of many who had had the advantages of a
classical education. His character as a Christian, from
his youth to the time of his decease, was almost without
blemish. For several days previous to his departure, he
appeared to have a satisfactory presentiment of his ap-

BISTORT OF NANTUCKET. 295

proacbing end, and that the stmg of death was entirely
removed. He had much to say by way of advice to his
friends and neighbors^ who visited him in his last moments.

DOMINTTM COLLAUDAMUS. [L£T US PRAISE THE LORD.]

Praise ye the Lord, O celebrate his fame,
Praise the eternal God, that dwells above ;

His power will for ever be the same,
The same for ever his eternal love.

Longr as that glitt'ring lamp of heaven, the sun.
Long as the moon or twinkling stars appear,
Long as they all their annual courses run,
And make the circle of the sliding year ;

So long our gracious God will have the care
To save his tender children from all harms ;

Wherever danger is, he will be near.
And, underneath, his everlasting arms.

Lord, I pray, my feeble muse inspire,
That, while I touch upon a tender string,

1 may be filled, as with celestial fire,
And of thy great deliverances sing.

My soul is lost, as in a wond'rous maze.

When I contemplate thine omnipotence,
That did the hills create, and mountains raise.

And spread the stars over the wide expanse.

Almighty God, thou didst create the light,

That swiftly through th' ethereal regions flies }

The sun to rule the day, the moon the night.
With stars adorning all the spangled skies.

Thou mad'st the world and all that is therein.
Men, beasts, and birds, and fishes of the sea :

Men still against thy holy law do sin.
Whilst all the rest thy holy voice obey.

296 HISTOBT OF NANTUCKET.

Mooften that in tbe briny ooeiin dwell,
And winged troops that every way disperse.

They all thy wonders speak, thy praises tell,
O thon great ruler of the universe.

Te sailors, speak, that plough the wat'ry main.
Where raging seas and foaming billows roar,

Praise ye the Lord, and in a lofty strain.
Sing of his wonder-working love and power.

Thou didst, O Lord, create the mighty whale.
That wondrous monster of a mighty length ;

Vast is his head and body, vast his tail.
Beyond conception his unmeasured strength.

When he the surface of the sea hath broke.

Arising from the dark abyss below,
His breath appears a lofly stream of smoke.

The circling waves like glitt'ring banks of snow.

But, everlasting God, thou dost ordain.
That we poor feeble mortals should engage

(Ourselves, our wives and children to maintain,)
This dreadful monster with a martial rage.

And, though he furiously doth us assail.
Thou dost preserve us from all dangers free ;

He cuts our boat in pieces with his tail,
And spills us all at once into the sea.

» « M « «

I twice into the dark abyss was cast,
Straining and struggling to retain my breath.

Thy waves and billows over me were past,
Thou didst, O Lord, deliver me from death.

Expecting every moment still to die,
Methought I never more should see the light :

Well nigh the gates of vast eternity
Environed me with everlasting night.

Great was my anguish, earnest were my cries.
Above the power of human tongue to tell,

Thou hearMst, O Lord, my groans and bitter sighs^
Whilst I was lab'ring in the womb of hell.

HISTO&T OF NANTUCKET. 897

»
Thou saved'st me from the dangers of the sea,

That I might bless thy name for ever more.
Thy love and power the same will ever be,

Thy mercy is an inezhausted store.

Oh, may I in thy boundless power confide,

And in thy glorious love for ever trust,
Whilst I in thy inferior world reside,

Till earth return to earth and dust to dust.

And when I am unbound from earthly clay,
Oh, may my soul then take her joyful flight

Into the realms of everlasting day.

To dwell in endless pleasure and delight.

At God's right hand, in undiminished joy,

In the blest tabernacles made above.
Glory and peace without the least alloy.

Uninterrupted, never dying love.

There angels and archangels still remain.

The saints in their superior regions dwell.
They praise their God, and in a heavenly strain.

The wond'rous works of great Jehovah tell.

And when I shall this earthly ball forsake.

And leave behind me frail mortality.
Then may my soul her nimble journey take

Into the regions of eternity.

Then may my blessed soul ascend above.

To dwell with that angelic, heavenly choir.
And in eternal songs of praise and love,

filess thee, my God, my King, for evermore.

298 HISTORY OF NANTUCKET.

FAREWELL TO RACHAEL WILSON,' OF SITGLAKD, — ^1769.

[Author anknown.]

Happy tlie b ambled soul that lives to God,
Refined from sensual dross, pursues the way.

The only blessed way, true pleasure's road,
Leading through time's thick night to endless day.

In humble hope let honest hearts unite,
That the great harvest's Lord may yet endow

More faithful laborers with immortal might,
And willing minds the Master's work to do.

Wilson, the field is wide, the harvest great,

Noble the purpose of thine embassy.
Stupid the mind, unfeeling of the weight

Of potent love that operates in thee.

Weaned from the love of life and earthly things,

Obedient to the soul-redeeming power,
Borne o'er the deep on evangelic wings,

A welcome -envoy to this western shore :

The straying mind descends from barren heights,

Sofl melody vibrating in her ear.
And in the lowly, verdant vale delights

The gospel music of thy song to hear.

Thus the good shepherd tunes his rural reed.
The stragglers of his flock are gathered near.

Charmed by his voice, they in his presence feed,
Safe from the beasts of prey, and void of fear.

Clothed with His love who made the lily white.
Thy fervent labor, Wilson, has been blest;

Or this my verse had never seen the light.
Nor thus a fellow worm had been addressed.

And is thy task fulfill'd ? must thou depart ?

Go, then, and may angelic peace be thine ;
Absence cannot erase thee from my heart.

In years to come, if years to come be mine.

I A minister of the Society of Friends then on a visit to Nantucket.

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET. 299

Diyinely fitted for a sacred ase.

As such, 'tis sure no flattery to commend ;
A vessel honored in thy master's house,

As such, I but salute thee as a friend.

Favored of God, farewell, and to thy shore,

Bless'd with celestial calm, though billows foam.

May gales propitious wafl thee safely o'er,
£ndeared Rachael, to thy native home.

MT NATIVE ISLE.

Is there within wide nature's bound,
In realms above, or depths profound,

Or on this terrene globe,
A goddess shrewd, as Pallas wise,
Or spirit of infernal guise.

Or aught of mortal made ;

Is there no sylph of wood or mead.
No sea-nymph in her watery bed,

No genius of the Nile,
No one in mountain, grot, or dell.
Invested with the power to tell.

Whence sprung my Native Isle ?

Was it from ocean's coral caves,
Toss'd by old Neptune to the waves,

A giil in merry glee ?
And will he not some future day,
In wonder at its lengthen'd stay,

Back hurl it to the sea ?

Or was it severed from the shore.
Of neighboring lands, in days of yore.

By strong volcanic shock.
Hurled into the Atlantic main
A barren, sandy, dreary plain,

A bit without a rock !

300 HISTOBT OF NANTUCKCT.

Perchance it floated from the north,
Issued from Zembla's regions forth.

To find a kinder 'sky ',
Perchance it may again set sail,
Propell'd by Boreas* fav*ring gale,

The torrid zone to try.

Undecked, unlovely as thou art,

A speck upon the world's great chart,

Thou art our native spot,
And, true to nature, still we love,
And, by affection still we prove

Thy faults can be forgot.

We know the grandest, lofliest pines.
Have left to grace more genial climes,

Tet lovely plants here thrive ;
The violet bland, and violet blue,
And violet of cerulean hue.

Betoken spring's alive.

Thy fatal shores, and sandy shoals,
Round which the foaming white cap rolls,

All hopes of safety blast ;
The pale affrighted sailor eyes
The dangers that around him rise,

And turns away aghast !

Hence ! all ye light, fantastic schemes.
Teeming with fancy's flimsy dreams.

No more my thoughts beguile,
It is not in your power to tell
Who toss'd it up on ocean's swell.
From what empyrean realms it fell.

Or whence my Native Isle.

END.

HILLIARD, GRAY & COMPANY'S

HILLIARD, GRAY & CO. have been for many years engraged
in the publication of School Books, prepared by the most eminent
and successful instructers. They respectfully ask the attention of
teachers, school committees, and all others interested in the instmc-
tion of the young, to the list given below.

QJ'Orders addressed to Mr. Edward Mitchill, Bookseller, Nan-
tucket, will meet with immediate attention.

COLBURN'S FIRST LESSONS— SEQUEL TO FIRST LES-
SONS— ALGEBRA— KEY TO SEQUEL— KEY TO ALGEBRA.

The First Lessons in Arithmetic was first published in 1826,
and notwithstanding the numerous imitations that have been made
of it, its sale has steadily increased to the present time. It has been
introduced into most of the public and private schools throughout the
country.

It cannot be necessary to give recommendations to works so long
and favorably known to the public as Mr. Colburn's. We have,
however, ventured to add the testimony to their merits, of T. Sheb-
WIN, Elsq., Instructer of the High School in this city. It is an ex-
tract from his address delivered before the American Institute, at their
last meeting in this citj, in August, 1834.

" Of the works which have served to introduce a better method of
studying mathematics, are the Cambridge course, principally tran**
lated from the French, and Colburn's works. There are many
other works of no inconsiderable merit, but I have selected these,
beqaase, in addition to their intrinsic worth, they have taken thd
lead in raising the standard of scientific studies.

<' No man among us has contributed so much to a correct method
of studying mathematics as the lamented Colburn. True, his method
was not wholly original, as he has followed the general principles of
Pestalozzi ; but I have no hesitation in saying, that his books are not
only the best in this country, but, so far as my information extends,
the best in the world. The First Lessons are above all praise.
The Sequel admits of some improvements, and such the author has
lefl in manuscript, which will probably be published. Some object
to this work, that it is overloaded with examples for practice ; not
reflecting that facility and rapidity are highly important in arith-

Hilliard^ Gray fy Company's

metical operations ; and that it in much easier to omit superfluous
examples than to supply new ones. In the Algebra, I can object to
no part except the binomial theorem, of which the author gave an
original demonstration, and from this circumstance, his own would
appear to him more simple and intelligible than any other mode.
But for myself, I prefer the more concise method of Bourdon, which,
I think, may be perfectly comprehended, even by boys. All of these
works are, howey'er, excellent in their kind, and objections to them,
whereyer they exist, have arisen, I believe, from the igno&ancs,

INDOLZMCE, or PREJUDICK OF TEACHERS."

COLBURN'S FIRST LESSONS IN READING AND
GRAMMAR.

'^ This little book is intended for children, as soon as they are able
to read and spell easy words. It will be well to use some primer
before it. But this is suitable for the first lessons in reading.

'^ Children may begin easy lessons in reading, as soon as they can
read and spell words of one syllable. It is not well to drill them too
long in spelling, previous to beginning to read in reading."

ELEMENTARY LESSONS IN INTELLECTUAL ARITH-
METIC. By James Robiicson, Instructer of Writing and Arith-
metic, Bowdoin High School, Boston.

<' These Elementary Lessons are designed as an introduction to
' Colburn's First Lessons,' and other Arithmetics now in use.

'^ Each combination begins with a practical question, illustrated by
small squares, which are designed to be used as counters, in perform-
ing the practical questions.

<< Every practical question is followed by an abstract question,
illustrated by the figure 1 placed in each of the squares. These
figures are designed to be used as counters in performing the abstract
questions."

A COMPEND OF BOOK-KEEPING BY SINGLE ENTRY,
designed for the use of schools, merchants, mechanics, farmers, &c.
By James Robinson, Instructer in the Bowdoin School, Boston.

'^ The design of this compend is to furnish the youth of our schools
with those methodical, simple, and concise methods of keeping ac-
counts, which have been found best adapted to the business of the
merchant, the mechanic, and the farmer."

This book is used in the Boston public schools, by order of the
committee.

STORY'S CONSTITUTIONAL CLASS BOOK. This book is
intended for the use of Schools. It cannot be considered other than
a happy attempt to simplify what has hitherto been thought of so
severe and complex a character as only to yield to the studies of
Statesmen and Lawyers. The Roman boys learned the twelve
tables by heart, as a school exercise. The boys of our country may
now acquire a knowledge of the Constitution, while yet at school,
which will be of material assistance in strengthening their attach-
ments to correct principles of government, and in preparing them for
the responsible duties of life. — Am. Jurist,

School Books.

EASY LESSONS IN GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY, de-
signed for the ase of the yoanger classes in schools, to which ase
prefixed the elements of Linear Drawing. By Joseph Alleit, Min-
ister of Northborough, Mass. Stereotype ed.

« The First Part of the Easy Lessons is designed to lead the pupil,
by gentle and easy gradations, from a knowledge of places with
which he is familiar, to clear and definite views of the form and
general divisions of the earth, and of a few of the simplest elements
of astronomy, such as may be intelligible and interesting to young
children.

"The Second Part contains sketches of the history of New Eng-
land, relating particularly to its first settlement by the English, and
their wars with the Indians, with which every American youth should
be familiar from his earliest years."

THE PRONOUNCING SPELLING BOOK, adapted to Walk-
er's Critical Pronouncing Dictionary, in which the precise sound of
every syllable is accurately conveyed, in a manner perfectly intelli-
gible to every capacity, by placing over such letters as lose their
sounds, those letters, whose sounds they receive. By J. A. Cdm-
viNGS, author of Ancient and Modern Geography. Questions on the
New Testament, &,c. Revised and improved from the fourth edition.

BOOK FOR MASSACHUSETTS CHILDREN, by Hosea
HiLDRETH ; containing a particular account of the State of Massa-
chusetts, — in familiar Letters from a Father to his Child. — Designed
for the use of schools and families.

THE TEMPERANCE READER, designed for the use of
Schools, by Charles Yale, author of << Outlines of General History,"

Boston, November 16, 1834.
Messrs. Hilliardy Gray ^ Co. — Sirs : Having examined the sheets
of the *' Temperance Reader ,* now in the press, about to be published
by you, and nighly approving of the plan and execution of the work,
it is with great pleasure I recommend it as deserving of the patron-
age of all tlie friends of Temperance in the United States. If intro-
duced generally into our schools, and its facts impressed upon the
minds of the youth of our land, it will do much to preserve them
from the most destructive of all the vices to which they are ex-
posed. Sincerely desiring that your efforts in the cause of tem-
perance may be crowned with abundant success, I am, with true re-
gard, Your friend and servant,

John Tapjpan,
Chairman of the Executive Committee of the

American Temperance Society.

The members of the Council of the Massachusetts Temperance
Society have, at the request of Messrs. Hilliard, Gray, & Co., ex-
amined a compilation called the " Temperance Reader.'* Believing
that a collection of pieces on Temperance for the instruction of
young persons will be very useful, they are much gratified to see

Hilliardy Gray Sf Company* s

this work, and cordially recommend it to the attention of instmctAn
and parents. John C. Warren^

President of the Masaachasetts Temp. Society.

J. Oredy Stevenson,
B^stofif Nov. 21, 1834. Secretary.

Temp. Office, Albany, Oct. 6, 1834.
We have examined a work to be published by Messrs. HilUard,
Gray, <& Co., entitled " Temperance Reader ; ^' and, thinking it well
adapted to promote the great interests of the cause of Temperance,
we neartily recommend it to the favor and patronage of the public.

£. C. Delevan, ^

John F. Bacon,
John T, Norton,

Executive
Committee
Henry Trowbridge, S-N. Y. State

Archwald Campbell,

Ira Harris,

P. 8. Van Rensselaer,

Temp.
Society.

WORCESTER'S ELEMENTS OF GEOGRAPHY, Ancient
and Modern ; with an Atlas, Ancient and Modern.

Maps in the Ancient Atla^,

1. Roman Empire. 4. Asia Minor.

2. Italy. 5. Palestine.

3. Greece.

Maps in the Modem Adas.

1. The World. 8. England, Scotland, and Ire-

2. North America. land.

3. United States. 9. Asia.

4. Eastern and Middle States. 10. Turkey, Arabia, Persia, Hin-

5. South America. doatan, Egypt, &c.

6. Europe. 11. Africa.

7. France, Germany, Nether- 12. Heights of Mountains.

lands, Switzerland, &c. 13. Lengths of Rivers.

This edition of this work is much improved, and there is added to
it a Pronour^cing Vocabulary of Geographical Names, containing
about 3000 words.

In this Geography scholars are examined for admission into Har-
vard and other colleges ; and it is also extensively used in academies
and schools in dil^Terent parts of the country.

"Mr. Worcester's Geography appears to us a most excellent
Manual. It is concise, well arranged, free from redundancies and
repetitions, and contains exactly what it should, a brief outline of
the natural and political characteristics of each country. The tabo-
lar views are of great value." — North American Review.

WORCESTER'S EPITOME OF GEOGRAPHY, with an Atlas.

This Geography is intended expressly for common schools. It
contains more matter than is usually studied in them, and is afforded
at a price more than one third lower than any other work now in
use. It is extensively introduced in New England and New York,
and the publishers confidently believe is one oi the most acceptable
manuals in use. Price $6 00 per dozen.

School BooTcs.

WORCESTER'S ELEMENTARY DICTIONARY OF THE
ENGLISH LANGUAGE, desigoed especially for the use of Com-
mon Schools.

WORCESTER'S ELEMENTS OF HISTORY, JineierU and '
Modern, with a Chart and Tailes qf History incladed within the
volume. — A new edition,

Thia work, comprising both the Elements of History and the Atlas,
is extensively used in schools, academies, and colleges ; and it has
been highly recommended by various literary gentlemen. — President
Kirkland and Professors Hedge and Willardj of Harvard University,
and the Rev. Dr. Beasley, Provost of Pennsylvania University, say
in their recommendations : — We can cheerfully recommend it as the
best elementary work of the kind with which we are acc^uainted." —
President Ldndsleyf of Nashville University, says, — «< I give it the
decided preference over every other work of the kind with which I
am acquainted."

ELEMENTS OF ASTRONOMY, illustrated with plates, for the
use of Schools and Academies. By John H. Wilkins, A. M.
Stereotype Edition.

COURSE OF LATIN STUDIES.

GOULD'S GRAMMAR:— Adam's Latin Grammar, with seme
improvements, and the following Additions : Rule for the Right Pro-
nunciation of the Latin Language , a Metrical Key to the Odes of
Horace ) a list of Latin Authors arranged according to the different
ages of Roman Literature ; Tables showing the value of the various
(>>ins. Weights and Measures, used among the Romans. By Ben-
jamin A. Gould, Master of the Public Latin School, Boston.

From the Journal of Education.
" Mr. GoDLD has in this edition of the Grammar rendered to clas-
sical instruction one of the most valuable services it has hitherto
received in this country."

THE NEW LATIN TUTOR; or Exercises in Etymology, Syn-

tax and Prosody; compiled chiefly from the best English works.
By Frederic P. Lbyerett, Principal of the Public Latin School,
Boston.

The object of this work is to furnish the Latin student with a series
of exercises adapted to familiarize to his mind the inflexions of words,
and the application of the rules to syntax, and to lead him to such a
knowledge of the structure of the language as may enable him to
read and write it with ease and propriety.

JACOB'S LATIN READER, with a vocabulary and English
notes, for the use of schools, academies, &c. Br George Ban-
croft. Stereotype Edition, with improvements.

VIRI ROM^; with introductory exercises, intended as a first
book in the study of Latin, with English Dote«. Bt Frxoxrio P.
Lxverett, and Thomas G. Bradford.

CORNELIUS NEPOS, de vita Excellentium Imperatomm. Ac^
eedunt Note Anglicie, atque Index Historicus et Geographic us.

Hilliardf Gray fy Company's

PHiBDRl TABVLM EXPURGATE. Accedunt Tractatos de
versa lambico notuls anglica et qaisstiones, in usam schole Bos-
toniensis.

ANTHON'S SALLUST. C. Crispi Sallustii de CatUin© Conju-
ratione fielloque Jugurthino Historis. Animadversionibiis illustra-
vit Carolas Anthon. Editio quarta, prioribus longe emendatior.

Tbe Notes to this edition are in English, and are very f^opious,
constituting an excellent apparatus for the study of this beautifal
classic.

GOULD'S VIRGIL, with English Notes, and a Key for Scan-
ning. Publius Virgilius Maro, Bucolica Georgica, et JCneis. Ac-
cedunt Clavis Metrica, Notuls Anglice et Quesstiones. CuraB. A.
Gould. In usum Schole Bostoniensis. I2mo.

CAII JULII CiESARlS COMENTARII DE BELLO GALLICO.

Accedunt notulee, anglice, atque Index Historicns et Geographicus.
In usum ScholeB Bostoniensis. Curavit Fred. P. Leterett.

The Notes of this edition are copious, and arranged at the end.
The Index embraces a great body of the most important geoOTaphi-
cal find historical information, alphabetically arranged. There is
also a lithographic engraving of the Bridge constructed over the
Rhine, prefixed to the volumes.

M. T. CICERONIS ORATIONES SELECTiE, Notis AngUcis
UlustrateB. Kditio Stereotypa. 12mo.

TITI LIVII PATAVINI Historiarum Liber Primus et Selecta
Qusdam Capita. Curavit Notulisque instruxit Carolus Folsom,
A. M., AcademitD Harvardianee olira Bibliothecarius.

'< This selection is designed for the use of those students who
have surmounted the difficulties of grammatical construction in the
Latin language, and who are prepared to enter on a course of read-
ing, where the higher qualities of style, as well as the structure,
sentiments, and general execution oi a work, become objects of
attention. For this purpose, we know not how a book could be bet-
ter adapted, than that which we have now named." — JV. Amtrican
Review,

This selection is used wherever Livy is read as a class-book in
the United States. A new edition has just been published from
stereotj'pe plates, and on fine paper.

GOULD'S OVID, with English Notes. Excerpta ex scriptis
Publii Ovidii Nasonis. Accedunt Notulas AnglicoB et Qusestiones.
In usum Scholee Bostoniensis. This selection embraces portions of
the Metamorphoses, Epistles, and Fasti. 12mo.

GOULD'S HORACE, with English Notes. Quinti HoraUi
Flacci Opera; accedunt clavis metrica et Notule Anglicee, Juven-
tuti accommodatflB. Cura B. A. Gould. 12mo.

THE SATIRES OF JUVENAL, Expurgated with English Notes.
Edited by Frederic P. Lxverett, Principal of the Boston Public
Latin School,

Although this work was prepared for the introductory course of
study pursued at the Latin School over which the Editor presides,

School Books.

it was immediately; on its appearance, introduced as a classic in Har-
vard College : a circumstance which highly bespeaks its excellence.

COURSE OF GREEK STUDY.

A GRAMMAR OF THE GREEK LANGUAGE, By Benjamin
Frankliiii- FiSK. Stereotype Edition.

Extract from the Preface,
Perhaps no elementary work has bo long and so justly been the
subject of complaint, as the Grammars employed for the purpose of
introducing beginners into a knowledge of the Greek Language.
Those most esteemed for copiousness and methodical arrangement,
fail either by the. omission of much important matter, or by the in-
commodious disposition and defective exemplification of what they
contain.

GREEK EXERCISES ; containing the substance of the Greek
Syntax, illustrated by Passages from the best Greek Authors, to be
written out from the words given in their simplest form. By Ben-
jamin Franklin Fisk.

To furnish the learner with the means of writing Greek with the
greatest ease and profit, is the design of the following pages, which
consist of examples carefully chosen from a large number, collected
at a great expense of time and labor from the best Greek writers.

(D^ Fisk*s Grammar is used at Harvard University, and at the
best Colleges and Schools generally in the United States.

A NEW GREEK AND ENGLISH LEXICON ; principally on
the Plan of the Greek and German Lexicon of Schneider; the
Words Alphabetically Arranged ; distinguishing such as are Poeti-
cal, of Dialectic Variety, or peculiar to certain Writers and Classes
of Writers ; with Examples, literally translated, selected from the
Classical Writers. By James Donneoan, M. D. Stereotyped
from the Second London Edition, Revised and Enlarged, by K. B.
Patton.

GROVES* GREEK LEXICON. A Greek and English and
English and Greek Dictionary. By the Rev. John Groves. With
additions by the American editor.

DELECTUS SENTENTIARUM GRiECARUM, ad usum tiro-
num accommodatus ; cum Notulis et Lexico. Editio Americana
tertia prioribus emendatior.

THE GREEK READER, by Frederic Jacobs, Professor of the
Gymnasium at Gotha, and Editor of the Anthologia. From the last
German Edition, adapted to Buttman's Greek Grammar.
At a meeting of the Corporation of Harvard College,
Voted f " That this work be made use of in examining candidates
for admission into the University afler the year 1826, instead of
Greca Minora."

COLLECTANEA GR^CA MAJORA. Ad usum Academical
Juventutis accommodata ; cum Notis philolodcis, quas partim col-
legit partim scripsit Ai^dreas Dalzel, A. M. &c. Editio quarta

8 Hilliard, Gray fy Campany^s School Books.

Americana, ez Auctoribus correcta, prioribus emendatior, cam Notis
aliqaot interjectis. 2 vols. 8yo.

THE ILIAD OF HOMER, FROM THE TEXT OF WOLF.
With English Notes and Flazman's Illastrative Designs. Edited by
C. C. FfLToir, A. M.y Eliot Professor of Greek in Harvard Uni-
versity. 8vo. 2d Edition.

The same Work without the Illuftrations. 1 vol. 12mo., for the
use of Students in Colleges and Schools.

In this new edition of the Iliad the notes have been carefully re-
vised and somewhat enlarged by the Editor. The sale of a whole
edition in a little less than a year is the best evidence the publishers
could desire of its acceptableness with the public.

SURAULT'S FRENCH GRAMMAR. This is the French
Grammar used in Harvard College and in th6 High Schools in
Boston.

BOYER*S FRENCH DICTIONARY ; comprising all the addi-
tions and improvements of the latest Paris and London editions,
with a very large number of useful words and phrases, now first
■elected from the modern Dictionaries of Boiste, Wailly, Catineau,
and others ; with the pronunciation of each word according to the
Dictionary of tlie Abb^ Tardy ; to which are prefixed, rules for (he
pronunciation of French vowels, dipthonffs, and final consonants^
chiefly collected from the prosody of the Abbe d'Olivet, with a table
of French verbs, &c.

A NATURAL HISTORY of the most remarkable Quadrupeds,
Birds, Fishes, Serpents, Reptiles, and Insects. By Mrs. Mart
Trimmer. With 200 Engravings. Abridged and improved. Par-
ticularly designed for Youth in the United States, and suited to the
use of Schools.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF NATURAL HISTORY, By William
Smellie, Member of the Antiquarian and Royal Societies of Edin-
burgh. With an Introduction, and various Additions and Alterations,
intended to adapt it to the Present State of Knowledge ; by Jouif
Ware, M. D., Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and of
the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Fiflh Edition.

OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE BIBLES. H. G. <fe Co. are

constantly supplied with an assortment of the Oxford and Cambridge
editions of the Bible, in its various sizes, and in elegant bindings.
Also, American Bibles at wholesale and retail.

BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. H. G. & Co. have made it an
object to supply themselves with the best editions of the Book of
Common Prayer, in elegant and common bindings. They have also &
few copies of the Oxford edition, small 8vo. in morocco extra binding.

WRITING PAPER, of the various sizes and qtuUities, constantly
for sale firom the best manufactories in the country. Cap, Post,
and Letter Paper of all qualities and prices, at wholesale or by the
single ream. Also, English papers, Quills, Wax, &jc. &c.

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