Historic Nantucket, October 1970, Vol. 18 No. 2

Historic Nantucket

Straight Wharf in 1860, from an old photograph, showing two whaleships at the wharf side and two of the sloops which played their own part in Island history.

October, 1970

Published Quarterly by NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OFFICERS

President, Edouard A. Stackpole.

Vice Presidents, Miss Grace Brown Gardner, W. Ripley Nelson, Albert F. Egan, Jr., Alcon Chadwick, Henry B. Coleman, George W. Jones.

Honorary Vice President, Mrs. William L. MatbeTreasurer, Mrs. Evelyn S. Cisco Secretary, Mrs. Austin Tyrer.

Councillors, Edouard A. Stackpole, Chairman; Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews, Richard F. Swain, terms expire 1970; Mrs. Albert F. Egan, Jr., H. Errol Coffin*, terms expire 1971; Albert G. Brock, John N. Welch, terms expire 1972; Henry Mitchell Havemeyer, David Worth, terms expire 1973.

Executive Committee, W. Ripley Nelson, Chairman; Alcon Chadwick, Henry B. Coleman, Albert F. Egan, Jr., George W. Jones, Edouard A. Stackpole, ex officio.

Advertising and Publications, W. Ripley Nelson, E. A. Stackpole Honorary Curator, Mrs. William L. Mather.

Curator, Miss Dorothy Gardner.

Editor, Historic Nantucket", Edouard A. Stackpole; Assistant Editors, Mrs. R. A. Orleans; Mrs. Margaret Fawcett Barnes.

Chairmen of Exhibits, Historical Museum, Mrs. Elizabeth Worth; Whaling Museum, W. Ripley Nelson; Hadwen House-Satler Memorial, Albert F. Egan, Jr.; Old Mill, Richard F. Swain; Old Jail, Albert G. Brock; 1800 House, Mrs. Roy H. Gilpatrick; Fire Hose Cart House, Irving T. Bartlett; Oldest House, Mrs. J. Crinton Andrews; Franklin-Folger Seat and Memorial Boulder, Herbert I. Terry. * Deceased. _ •

STAFF

Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House Chairman and Receptionist Mrs. Elizabeth Worth Librarian Mrs. Clara Block Assistant Mrs. Charles Barr Oldest House Chairman Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews Receptionist Mrs. Lawrence F. Mooney Hachven House - Satler Memorial Chairman Albert F. Egan, Jr. Chairman, Reception Committee Mrs. Irving Soverino Receptionists Miss Rosamond Duffy Miss Marjorie Burgess Miss Maude Jackson The 1800 House Chairman Mrs. Roy H. Gilpatrick Receptionist Mrs. John Kittila The Old Jail Chairman Albert G. Brock Receptionist Mrs. Harriett Caddell The Old Mill Chairman Richard F. Swain Receptionist Charles Walters The Whaling Museum Chairman W. Ripley Nelson Administrator Walter W. Lindquist Receptionist Mrs. Elizabeth Lindquist Receptionist, Craft Shops Charles A. West Clarence H. Swift Relief Jesse Dunham Mrs. Elizabeth Yerxa Librarian Mrs. Reginald F. Hussey Research Miss Helen E. Winslow

HISTORIC NANTUCKET Published quarterly and devoted to the preservation of Nantucket's antiquity, its famed heritage and its illustrious past as a whaling port.

VOLUME 18

October, 1970

No. 2

CONTENTS Nantucket Historical Association Officers and Staff

2

Annual Report of the President

5

John Gybbes' Will

9

Mills on Nantucket, by Miss Sally Lamb

11

"Foulger Memorial" Building, by Edouard A. Stackpole

17

Green Hand on the "Susan"

22

American Whaling on the Chathams Grounds

26

Recent Events — Old Mill and Old Jail Havemeyer Contribution Leroy H. True, Administrator

37 41 42

Legacies and Bequests

43

Historic Nantucket is published quarterly at Nantucket, Massachusetts, by the Nantucket Historical Association. It is sent to Association Members. Extra copies $.50 each.

Membership dues are — Annual-Active $3.00 ; Sustaining: $10.00 ; Life—one payment $50.00.

Second-class postage paid at Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Copyright, 1970, Nantucket Historical Association.

Communications pertaining to the Publication should be addressed to the Editor, Historic Nantucket, Nantucket Hstorical Association. Nantucket, Massachusetts, 02554.

The beautifully curved front stairway of the Hadwen-Satler House on Main Street, one of the Association's prized exhibits.

5

Annual Report of the President 1970 The past year has recorded some important milestones in the forward progress of our Association. First among these was the start on the "Peter Foulger Memorial" building on Broad Street, a structure now nearing completion; then came the erec­ tion during the winter of the west wing of the Whaling Museum which now houses the skeleton of the finback whale — both the salvaging of the skeleton and the erection of the wing which now displays him being made possible through the continued interest and financial support of the Nantucket Historical Trust.

In 1969, also, there was launched the first organized cam­ paign for funds in the 75-year-old history of this association — a campaign which has been continued through into this year.

The money raised is to be placed in the Capital Funds account, and the income will be used for maintenance and administrative functions of the Association. The report of the Campaign Com­ mittee will be awaited with much interest.

In my address last year a resume of the past history of your Association was presented. In covering the seventy-five year span only the highlights could be mentioned, as it would require a large volume to contain the details. Nonetheless, the effort was made as both a tribute to the men and women who contributed so much toward the continued growth of the Asso­ ciation and as a chronological record of the accomplishments.

Now, having gone through three-quarters of a century of gradual development, the Association has reached a crossroads.

It now represents a considerable physical plant, with its var­ ious buildings situated in many different parts of the Town.

The several buildings opened to the public as historical exhibits are of different ages and types, and they require custodianship, maintenance and, what is of equal importance, interpretation.

This situation has reached its critical point with the advent of the Peter Foulger Memorial. This structure is not only planned as an exhibit museum but a headquarters for our manuscript collections, rare books, and other similar historically valuable materials. How shall we administer its use? How will we utilize this unique opportunity to create one of the major assets of our Association?

In thinking along the lines of contributions toward such a goal your President has reached certain conclusions. In ap­ proaching these he has drawn upon both experiences " on island"

6

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

as well as "off," and this fact is mentioned that you may better understand the train of thought which has prompted them.

It was back in the year 1928 that your President first be­ came intimately associated with William F. Macy, who served as President of the Association from 1924 to 1935. As a news­ paper reporter I had interviewed him concerning the planning of the Whaling Museum — then still two years away. We spent an evening together — the first of many profitable meetings.

His dream of a Nantucket Whaling Museum was coming to a practical accomplishment at this time and I was fortunate in sharing with him some of his ideas. Several years later, with Mrs. Nancy Grant Adams, whose devotion to our Association as both Curator and President can never be forgotten, and with Whaling Museum Chairman Charles P. Kimball, the present li­ brary of the Museum was created.

Upon succeeding Dr. Charles E. Congdon to the Presidency of the Association, it was my privilege to work with Miss Anna Gardner Fish, Everett U. Crosby, Mrs. Oscar B. Eger, Dr. Wil­ liam E. Gardner, Lawrence Cummings, Bassett Jones, Harry B. Turner, Charles A. Selden, Miss Grace Brown Gardner and others over the years from 1938 through 1952. These were years which saw the growth of our exhibits, the acquisition of the "1800 House" and Old Gaol, the restoration of the Old Mill, and other notable events. I remember vividly the occasion when Sankaty Head light assembly was "rescued" from mainland acquisition, and when the records of the Nantucket Monthly Meetings of the Society of Friends — those irreplaceable docu­ ments of Island history — were brought back and placed in our custody.

But it is not on the past that I would dwell at this time.

As I have stated: How will we utilize the assets of our Associa­ tion in the immediate future?

Our first responsibility is with the preservation of the man­ uscripts and individual items which represent our collections.

The relics of our historical past which are maintained in theWhaling Museum, at our Fair Street rooms, Oldest House, 1800 House, Old Mill and other exhibits, are deserving of careful protection. Obviously, the structures which contain these items are an inseparable part of the entire Association.

With the advent of the "Peter Foulger Memorial" we have a remarkable opportunity to place our manuscript collections in a protected place for the first time in our history. We also have the finest opportunity to arrange for the proper display of a series of exhibits reflecting our unusual Island history.

While our first and foremost responsibility is towards the preservation of our collections and our buildings we must also be aware that their value must be interpreted as well. Our

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT

7

visitors are for the most part tourists, most of whom have no basic knowledge of Nantucket. Our task is to convey to them the true quality of Nantucket's history — and this must be founded on the role this island played in world history. It is this inter­ pretation of the international character of our history that should be our foremost consideration — as the more local as­ pects will then follow naturally as details of our unique com­ munity life. We must never fall into the trap of fancy exhibition devices, or resort to pageantry. Our own history is dramatic •enough and needs no theatricals.

Any appraisal of the past must bring out the value of what it conveys in shaping the future. The responsibilities which the Nantucket Historical Association has assumed are such as in­ volve not only its own future but that of Nantucket as well.

Preservation of the physical aspects of our history has accom­ plished much in establishing our Island Town as a place unique in America; interpretation of the maritime history of Nantucket is of equal importance, and the implementation of this phase holds the key to the future.

Edouard A. Stackpole

9

John Gybbes' Will In order to "set the record of Peter Folger's maternal lineage straight," as compared with an article in the October 1959 (Volume 7, No. 2, pages 12 and 13) issue. The following abstract of the will of John Gybbes, dated 1603, is contrib­ uted by Walter Weston Folger, of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

John Gybbes.

In the name etc. 25 Jany 160 03.

James 1st 42nd of Scotland.

I, John Gybbes of Frenze, Norfolk, yeoman etc.

My body to be buried when it shall please God. To Samuel, Hassett, esquire, my landlord, I leave my silver cup of parcel gilt.

To Alice my wife all those goods which were hers on her widowhood, the inventory of which are all contained in the In­ dentures.

And £10 for those undelivered by my supervisor.

She to have 4 neat, & some of the chamber furniture in the Gate House, & the featherbed in which I lie.

At her decease to Thomas Gybbes my son.

All the lands, tenements, buildings etc. to her which were Henry Hemes, her late * husbands, in Norfolk, etc. etc. * Died between 1599 and 1601.

My executor to have right in all my lands in Palgrave Suf­ folk.

He to pay all my legacies etc. etc.

Alice my wife to have £10 yearly for 5 years and To bring up my son Thomas Gybbes in good education etc.

If he die etc. etc.

I will £100 to remain in my executors hands till Thomas my son etc. till he is 14 & then put to an honest trade.

Then at 21 etc.: if he die etc. £70 to be given to Henry Gybbes, Roger Gybbes, Edmund Gybbes my 3 other sons, & to my 3 daughters Mirable Folser, Frances Buxton, & Mary Gybbes, to be equally divided.

The £30 to my wife's 5 youngest children, which she had by her former husband, to be equally divided in 1 year after the death of my son Thomas Gybbes.

To Henry Gybbes my son all my messuages, lands & tene­ ments in Scole & Frenze for ever.

To Roger Gybbes my son £40.

10

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

To Edmund Gybbes my son my tenement in Diss which I purchased of William Gratye & my lands & pastures in Disswhich were sometime Nicholas Sherman's — for ever & £40.

To Mary Gybbes my daughter £100 at 21 etc. & furniture.

To Frances Buxton my daughter wife of Thomas Buxton furniture etc.

To Edmund Gybbes, my son, furniture etc.

My implements to be sold, & the money to be given to Henry, Roger & Edmund, my 3 sons, Mirable Folser, Frances Buxton & Mary Gybbes, my three daughters, in equal parts.

To Nicholas Heme, my godchild, £5.

To each of my grandchildren 20/.

To each of my servants at my decease 3/4.

To my brother Henry Gybbes 40/ and my apparel.

To my sister 20/.

To Frances Padge my wife's goddaughter 20/.

My executor to sell all my stock & pay these legacies.

To my 3 sons Henry, Roger, Edmund, and 2 daughters Fran­ ces and Mary the residue.

My son Henry Gybbes & my son in law Thomas Buxton to be my executors.

William Crowe of Hurston Suffolk gent, to be my supervisor.

He to have 10 Angels of gold.

This my will written on 11 sheets of paper, my hand & name as abovesaid.

Witnesses Edward Fenn, John Iornore.

Proved at Norwich 19th April 1609.

11

Mills on Nantucket

BY SALLY LAMB

THE RECORDS tell us that in 1666 the first settlers built a water-mill on Wesquo Pond (the remnant of which is the present Lily Pond).

On June 10th, 1667, Peter Foulger was appointed to keep this mill for "two quarts in a bushel for his labor in grinding and to keep the running gear in order to beat the stones."

"In 1668 William Bunker engaged to maintain the running gears and the hollow trees at the pond and the flume at the head of the mills."

"In 1672 William Bunker agreed to build a corn mill. This was objected to by Tristram Coffin and the town gave him the job of building the mill." It was probably on Wesquo Pond.

Subsequently the old mill was converted into a fulling mill by Captain John Gardner. All later mills were built by private enterprise.

There were three mills in operation at the time of the Revolutionary War. These mills proved to be of great service to the Continental forces as a means of signalling the presence and position of the British cruisers which were constantly in the vicinity of the Island. The vanes were set to indicate the direction of the foe and thus assisted many a full freighted ship to dodge the bulldogs of John Bull.

THE EAST MILL The East Mill, situated at the head of South Mill Street, was built in 1746. A company of men contracted with a man by the name of Wilbur and built it. Mr. Wilbur, on leaving the Island with the money obtained for the contract, was waylaid, robbed and murdered, after reaching the mainland.

Eliakim Swain owned one half and John Hay one half.

After the death of Eliakim Swain in 1750, it was purchased by his son Timothy Swain. After the latter's death, it was bought

by Charles Swain and was known as Charles Swain's Mill in 1766 and as late as 1776. It was run next by Charles Swain's grandson, Nathan, son of Elisha and Margaret Swain. It was used until 182,8, when a meeting of the owners was called at the house of Obed Macy on Pleasant Street. Captain Jared Gardner reported that the condition of the mill was deplorable; every­ thing movable had been removed, even to one vane and the lower shingles.

12

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

... Sylvanus Macy said to Jared, "What will thee give for themill, without the stones?" Mr. Gardner replied, "Not one cent."

Mr. Gardner later offered twenty dollars which was accepted.

When Captain Gardner came to examine the building, he found the frame to be of solid oak, in good order, and concluded to repair it. His son Jared carved the date, 1746, on the step.

In an old "Inquirer" has been found this notice: "East Mill foi sale m good repair. Will be sold if applied for, on accommo­ dation plan by subscriber, Jared Gardner. June 23, 1840."

In 1843 this mill was run by Captain Obadiah Coffin. After­ wards it was bought by George Enas. The latter sold it to Captain John Murray in 1864, and after running it for two years, he sold it to John Francis Sylvia, who ran it for thirty years. After the death of Mr. Sylvia, it was sold at public auction on the Square, and purchased by the Nantucket Historical Association.

The East Mill, built in 1746, still stands on the hill above the town.

Many accidents have been reported to have occurred at this mill. At one time, while strolling about the mill, Miss Margaret Fuller fell into the hopper and was seriously injured.

Mr. John W. Cook and wife were sitting oh the vane, in company with Miss Caroline Dewsburg, when the vane sud­ denly started to revolve. Mr. and Mrs. Cook jumped off quickly, but Miss Dewsburg made one revolution with the vane, then fell off and broke her leg!

MILLS ON NANTUCKET

13

This old mill, the last of its kind, is the most distinctive and interesting of Nantucket landmarks, and is visited by thousands every summer season.

THE ROUND-TOP MILL The Round-Top (North) Mill was situated on the high ground near the North Cemetery, to the north of what the people call the "mill pond," and only a few feet from the road which now connects Grove Lane with North Liberty Street.

The "round-top mill" was distinguished from the other mills on Nantucket by the peculiar shape of its roof and by the absence of the long "tail" that was used for turning the top of the other mills up "into the wind." It was actually the last mill built on Nantucket for grinding corn, having been erected in 1802 by Joseph Chase.

"Joe Chase's Mill," as it was commonly known, had a wheel attached to one side of the top, over which an endless rope ran, hanging nearly to the ground. This wheel was about twelve feet in diameter, and the contrivance served the same purpose as the long tail on the "Old Mill," it being set in motion very easily.

It is said that at one time the miller's assistant, being alone when a lot of corn was to be ground, happened to pull down on the wrong side of the hanging rope, which caused the vanes to revolve so swiftly that the stones in the hopper became heated and came near setting the building on fire. A passerby, having more presence of mind than the assistant miller, ran up to the mill and gave a pull on the rope which immediately stopped the vanes.

Captain Joseph Chase operated the mill up to a short time before his death in 1832, when it went into the possession of his brother, and from that time on passed through numerous ownerships. It was finally taken down in 1873, and one of its millstones was used in the base of the Soldier's Monument on Main Street, which was erected in 1874. The other stone was in use in Cormie's blacksmith shop on South Water Street.

The father of the late Charles E. Snow was keeper of the Round-Top Mill.

THE RED MILL The Red Mill was situated at the head of New Mill Street, on Election Hill, or Brimstone Hill, now Prospect Hill.

The mill was built in 1779, it is not known by whom. It was owned and run by Matthew Worth at an early date, but in 1799, was known as the Charles Bunker Mill.

After 1830, this mill seemed to be owned by Abisha Pad­ dock, and Captain Zimri Coffin ran it for him. He was married

14

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

to Mr. Paddock's daughter. It was later run by Joseph Whippey in 1836.

In 1837 it was owned by Prince Gardner and his son Charles.

Captain Israel Mowry owned and operated it for a short time. (No date known.)

The last owner was George Enas, who took down this mill about 1859,_ as he also owned the East Mill and there was not enough business for two mills.

THE SPIDER MILL The Spider Mill was situated at Prospect Hill Cemetery, on the right hand side of the head of Joy Street. This mill was built in 1759. It was known as the Samuel Bunker Mill up until 1796.

This mill, previous to 1.821, looked the same as the other three mills situated along side. It had vanes and a long tail. It was later equipped with eight horizontal bars radiating from the top, to each of which, when running, a jib-shaped sail was. attached.

The Round Top Mill, also known as the Joseph Chase Mill, was located just south of the New North Cemetery on New Lane.

This mill was taken down about 1840 and some of the stones were used in the entrance of the Prospect Hill Cemetery.

MILLS ON NANTUCKET

15

The names of the different keepers of this mill are not known to us today.

BARNA BUNKER MILL The Barna Bunker Mill was the first to be situated on the Mill Hills, not far from the site of the present Old Mill. It was built in 1723 by a Mr. Macy.

This mill was operated at late as 1820.

It was blown up in 1836 as an experiment for controlling fires in the town. Subsequently four other mills were built on the Popsquachett Hills, three of which stood in a line running westerly from the existing mill.

1) *2) 3) 4) 5) •6)

BIBLIOGRAPHY Hand-book of the Island of Nantucket. Folger and Rich, Publishers 1878.

The Old Mill At Nantucket. F. W. Copley.

The Inquirer and Mirror. Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, June 11, 1949.

Nantucket's Old Mill. The Inquirer and Mirror Press, 1913.

Sea-Girt Nantucket. Henry S. Wyer, Nantucket 1906.

One Hundred Years on Nantucket. The Inquirer and Mirror Press, 1921.

17

"Foulger Memorial" Building Will Be Community Asset

D

BY EDOUARD A. STACKPOLE

URING the early months of this year the imposing brick structure known as the "Folger Museum" has gradually taken form, and is now nearing the completion of its construc­ tion phases. As the memorial erected to the memory of Peter Foul­ ger, one of the early settlers of Nantucket, it constitutes an im­ portant addition to the holdings of the Association, and by the same token, it assumes the role of a community asset.

In its location it becomes an impressive part of the area already containing the famous Whaling Museum and its new "Whale House" wing. Occupying a corner lot, directly opposite the new Town Building it fits naturally into a pattern of struc­ tures that provide architectural attractions in themselves.

Work on the foundation of the "Foulger Memorial" was commenced by contractor Howard Jelleme last fall. Although the winter weather held up cement pourings and related work the advent of early spring found the workmen busily engaged, Contractor Jelleme having done considerable framing and board­ ing in his shop over the winter. As a result, progress became •quite surprising as the framing went up rapidly.

The "Foulger Memorial" was made possible through a sub­ stantial gift from the estate of Admiral William Mayhew Folger.

Although his death occurred in 1928, Admiral Folger stipulated in his will that his heirs would hold the estate in trust and upon their decease, the inheritor would be the Nantucket Historical Association. The last legatee under the will, Miss Margaret Folger, his daughter, passed away in 1967, and, following the usual procedure through the Probate Court of New Hampshire, in which State the Admiral was a resident, the estate came into the possession of the Association.

Under the terms of the will the money from the estate was to be used only for the erection of a building similar in architec­ tural style to the Coffin School that was to be called the "Foulger Memorial."

At the time of the death of Admiral Folger, the President of the Nantucket Historical Association was William F. Macy.

Upon learning of the terms of the will he engaged the services of the late Charles Neal Barney, well known lawyer and descend­ ant of Nantucket families, who proceeded to handle the legal matters involved.

"FOULGER MEMORIAL" BUILDING

19

Information as to the terms of the will of Admiral Folger first came to the Secretary of the Association, Josiah Coleman Kent, in August, 1928. In reporting the reaction of everyone to this startling news, Mr. Kent wrote: Naturally, your secretary wondered why the will was sent to him. But he did not remain in ignorance very long; under sections nine and ten of the will he found that certain rare pictures and other articles were bequeathed to the Nantucket Historical Association. Later sections decreed that all his property should be converted into money, a trust fund established, and the income given to a daughter and a sister.

This was all very interesting. But section 18 caused your Secretary's spine to stiffen and his eyes to open wide as saucers. It read: "Upon the death of the two beneficiaries of the above created trust, Margaret H. Folger and Elizabeth L. Folger, the participation of the Windsor County Trust Co. shall cease, and the entire Trust Fund, capital and interest, I give to the Nantucket Historical Association of Nantucket, Mass., provided however, that the following conditions are accepted by the Nantucket Historical Association, viz: The Bequest to be administered as a 'fund' to be known as the 'Peter Foulger Fund' in order to perpetuate the name of Peter Foulger. Said fund is to be under the control of the President, Vice-Presidents and Board of Councillors of the Association. The property to be invested, the interest re-in­ vested as capital until such time as a building similar to that known in Nantucket as the Coffin School, may be built in the town of Nantucket and adequately endowed as an Historical Association."

This bequest came out of a clear sky. Although the admiral was known to have been on the island two or three times, no one had an inkling that he had any special interest in it, and least of all, in the Nantucket Historical Association. It is needless to say that the good news was received with unfeigned enthusiasm.

At the annual meting of the Association on July 24, 1929, the following Resolution was offered by Moses Joy and unani­ mously adopted: Whereas, under the will of Admiral William Mayhew Folger, late of Cornish, New Hampshire, the Nantucket Historical Association was made the residuary legatee, with the proviso that certain conditions therein named be ac­ cepted by said Association; and

20

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Whereas, said conditions are substantially as follows: The Bequest to be administered as a "fund" to be known as the "Peter Foulger Fund" in order to perpetuate the name of Peter Foulger. Said fund to be under the control of the President, Vice-Presidents and Board of Councillors of the Association (Nantucket Historical Association). The prop­ erty to be invested, the interest re-invested as capital until such time as a building similar to that known in Nantucket as the Coffin School (the institution endowed by Sir Isaac Coffin, Vice-Admiral, Royal Navy) may be built in the town of Nantucket and adequately endowed as a Historical Asso­ ciation.

I desire that no additions to this fund be accepted from any other descendant of Peter Foulger. It is to be understood that this fund is to be administered as herein described or it is to be applied as hereinafter provided. Exception — The Board of Control of this fund is hereby given the privilege of using, at its discretion, the sum of one hundred dollars per annum for the purposes of the Association."

Now, therefore, resolved That the foregoing conditions and any other conditions in said will relating to said bequest be and hereby are accepted by the Nantucket Historical As­ sociation.

A Committee was appointed to proceed to Cornish, N. H., and to select certain items in Admiral Folger's home to bring back to Nantucket. President William F. Macy, Curator Nancy S. Adams, and Secretary Josiah C. Kent were appointed and the items which they carried back and had shipped to Nantucket arrived in due course. Paintings and prints, and personal papers were placed on exhibit at the library of the Whaling Museum.

Included in this group were the portrait of the Admiral and his last commission. Of special note was the logbook of the ship Topaz, of Boston, commanded by the grandfather of Admiral Folger, Captain Mayhew Folger. It was while on a voyage to the South Seas in this sealing vessel that Captain Folger solved the mystery of the disappearance of the famous mutiny ship, H. M. S. Bounty, when he landed a boat's crew on Pitcairn Island and interviewed the last surviving mutineer, Alexander Smith.

During the renovation and extension of the Whaling Museum Library a committee composed of Curator Nancy Adams, Museum Chairman Charles P. Kimball, and President E. A. Stackpole rearranged the books, had special cases built for the logbooks, and purchased some exhibit cases. Several items from the Ad­ miral Folger memorabilia collection were taken from storage and displayed throughout the Library at this time.

With the advent of the "Foulger Memorial" a great oppor­ tunity is provided the Association for the display and exhibit of

"FOULGER MEMORIAL" BUILDING

21

materials directly relating to the unique history of Nantucket.

A committee has been appointed to select and arrange this series of exhibits, consisting of Richard Swain, Chairman, Mrs. C. Clark Coffin, Mrs. Robert Congdon, Mrs. Albert Egan, George W. Jones, Tell Berna, David Worth, W. Ripley Nelson, and Edouard A. Stackpole.

The location of the "FoUlger Memorial" brings to the area another structure which gives this section of the town an appear­ ance of formal municipal dignity. In the plans of the Historical Association the development of the new exhibit building includes the key central area where the vault for the safe-keeping of the invaluable manuscript materials, the library for collections of books and papers, and research rooms, will be located. Thus, for the first time in the Association's history adequate quarters for the very heart of the seventy-five year old Nantucket institu­ tion will at last be provided.

The architect for the building was the late H. Errol Coffin, who was to also serve as the coordinator between the Association and the contractor, but who passed away as the preliminary work got under way. Fortunately, George W. Jones, former President of the Association, now serving as Vice-President and Councillor, has agreed to serve in the capacity of coordinator and is working closely with Mr. Jelleme.

In arranging for the handling of the stocks and bonds involved in the estate, W. Ripley Nelson, Chairman of the Execu­ tive-Finance Committee, has been of considerable aid, and the Committee has met regularly for discussions of the necessary procedures to be taken in the handling of the "Peter Foulger Fund."

J Thus, our Association assumes a new role in its activities.

Not only does the Foulger Museum offer an unusual opportunity for creating a new series of exhibits, for properly displaying paintings and prints long handicapped by being shown in re­ stricted quarters, but, for the first time, providing adequate facilities for the manuscript and rare book collections and for the research center that has never before been available.

22

Green Hand on the "Susan"

BY EDGAR L. MCCORMICK

IX To the Northwest and Bad Weather JULY 16, 1844 WAS A "tolerable good day, especially since the Susan spoke the bark Russell of New Bedford at 10 a.m.

Captain Russell went on board for a gam with Captain Stall.

The Russell had got one whale since leaving port and that was one already killed. The crews of both vessels chased without success that afternoon. On Saturday, the 20th, Mr. Starbuck raised a dead whale two miles astern which yielded 25 bbls in spite of the stench and "great performances in the vomiting line." The weather continued brittle with fog and rain.

On Monday, July 22, the Charles and Henry of Nantucket, John Coleman, Master, was in sight all day. Forty-three months out, with only 600 bbls sperm and 200 whale, her cruise on the Northwest Coast was another chapter in a luckless voyage.

They gam'd on the Susan that night and Captain Russell re­ plenished the Charles and Henry's supplies of wood, potatoes, yams and tobacco. On Wednesday evening Captain Russell returned the visit. Both ships had lowered for the same whales that day without success.

The Susan turned up a good-sized whale on Thursday, low­ ering at half past three in the morning, just after daybreak.

Cutting began right after breakfast. Nearby a large Dutch whaler was boiling and a Bark, presumably the Russell, passed on the opposite tack. "It rained and blowed till midnight," Meader wrote. "We had a rugged, dirty time of it. . . . we had to secure the deck, furl the Foresail & Main topsail, and get the blubber below. . . . The next day, after a gale from S. S. W,, they cleared the head of the bone and prepared the jaw for the galley, for the Susan herself was about out of wood and obliged to use scraps. From the weight of the bone, 2015 lbs., Meader expected 200 bbls. of oil. But the whale was a "dry skin," and Captain Russell postponed boiling until after the water drained from the blubber. The yield, finally, was only 60 bbls. after 78 hours of boiling.

July ended with thick fog. Even when it cleared a little, mist hid a boat half a mile from the ship. On Wednesday, the 31st, the Phocion, Butler, New Bedford, loomed briefly out of the rain, and after speaking disappeared as suddenly as she had come.

GREEN HAND ON THE "SUSAN"

23

On August 2, in good weather, the Susan raised a dead whale, worthless except for its bone. It was scarcely alongside before a chase began. The waist boat struck at 5 p.m. and by 9:30 the dead whale, cut adrift, was replaced in the fluke chains by one that would yield 125 bbls. The next day, as the cutting-in proceeded, Mr. Pitman lowered, and what seemed a wounded whale proved to be one only a few hours dead and "larger than any we've seen yet." On Sunday, the 4th, they cut in the second whale, and lost a thousand pounds of bone as the jaws worked loose and sank. One hundred and six hours of boiling produced 270 bbls. On Sunday, August 11, the Susan was 32 months out, with 500 Sperm and 450 Whale. She steered northward at 53 degrees, 18 minutes North, and 148 degrees, 46 minutes West.

There she spoke the Neiv England, Pendleton, New London with 2500 bbls. Four days later after chasing whales all day, the boats on coming aboard spoke the boats of the Benjamin, Tucker, New Bedford out 8 months with 2200 bbls.

On August 19 the Susan was leaking about 1000 strokes a day. A search in the Fore Peak revealed nothing wrong. Thick fog persisted all day on the 21st. The ship ran against a dead whale that lay along side a few minutes and then slipped clear.

Dead for some days, it was not worth taking.

Meader's patience was again wearing thin: "At night Pump out and wear ship to the Northwestward. Had better head for port than remain in this detested quarter where the weather is always uncomfortable, besides being always foggy, rainy, rugged or blowy so that but little chance is had of decently getting a whale, trying him out and stowing it down, for during one of these maneuvers you are sure to have bad weather enough to quit the work for a while. How the ships that we have seen have got 22-25-33 hundred in such weather is to me unaccount­ able!"

The obstacles Meader lamented turned August 23 into a perilous and frustrating day. Three boats lowered at 7 a.m. for a whale bound to windward. "At 8 the Larboard boat fastens, the whale runs, sounds, and is altogether a hard case. It being very rugged, he gives poor chance to lance. After being fast two hours, with his spoutings clear, a heavy fog rises and we lose sight of the boats, got their bearing, tacked ship, thinking we should bring them a little on the weather bow.

"We had run along for half an hour, or about two miles, when it lighted up a little and showed us the boats on the weather quarter, a mile off with their sails set and fast to the whale, he having taken a start during the fog on the opposite tack. The boats saw the ship all the time and calculated if it didn't light, to soon cut away and come aboard. But the good luck was altogether on the ship's side, for if we had not seen them just as we did, we should have stood along, and in ten or perhaps five

24

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

minutes we would have been out of their sight where all their sails and oars wouldn't have overtaken us going at the rate we did.

"However, we tacked ship and neared them . . . although the fog gathered thicker and thicker. At half past 11 the iron broke in two. The whale went off spouting as clear as he ever did & the boats were lucky to get aboard, for at 12 o'clock which was just as they finished breakfast, 'twas thick as tar & blowing strong. So ended a Northwest adventure, which are all attended with ten times the danger of any other grounds cruised upon, seldom seeing two good days in succession. How can we be ex­ pected to do any great stroke at whaling? Other ships that we have seen have done well, but of a certainty they have had more favourable weather than us."

The last week in August, though less perilous, followed the same pattern of bad weather and whaleless lowerings. The Susan worked southward, bound to the Sandwich Islands. Sep­ tember came in with fine weather. Finbacks reappeared, very large and tame, and porpoises and sunfish. On the 7th one of the Kanakas jumped out on the jibboom and hooked an albacore which was soon devoured raw. Repairs to the boats occupied the crew. With "everything set that will draw wind," the Susan made seven or eight knots. On Saturday, September 14, the crew caught dolphins and feasted on "a rich dish of chowder." On Sunday there was a "great airing of port clothes." *

*

*

*

On September 21, Hawaii was in sight at dawn; towards evening a pilot came aboard. By six o'clock the Susan lay at anchor m Hilo harbor near the U.S. Frigate, Savannah, and H.M.S. Carysfort. Nearby also was "an English Brig from Ben­ gal with a yankee Captain and a Chinese cargo and Lascar crew," that fascinated Andrew, as did "two native Schooners owned by the government with a Native Captain and crew used to convey passengers free from expense from one Island to another." . . .

"Soon after anchoring," he continued, "the Man-of-War sent a boat under charge of a P. Midshipman to board us. He ascertained the vessel's name, Master's name and all the par­ ticulars of our success, where bound, etc., and after spending some time in the Cabin telling what news from the States, he left us. Before we came to anchor and while passing the bows of this American Man-of-War, they struck up 'The Star Spangled Banner' with the whole band. 'Twas sweet music, and being so uncommon for us, we thought there was nothing like it."

"At daylight [on September 22] the English Man-of-War, Carysfort, Capt. Paulett (that detested scoundril who for a while robbed the Hawaiian King of his government and caused so

GREEN HAND ON THE "SUSAN"

25

much trouble at these Islands), was under all sail and standing out to sea. The Pilot's two sons, Daniel & John Ely, aged 16 and 14 are fine accomplished boys. They have a native Mother, but for the last 5 years have been at the English school at Oahu and can now talk more proper English than is used with com­ mon people. They remain with us while we lay here.

"After dinner and while our Captain's ashore. Captain Armstrong of the Savannah comes aboard and has quite a gam with our mate. Capt. A is a good old-fashioned fellow and took some pleasure in examining the old ship. At 4 o'clock he went aboard, leaving an urgent invitation for our Captain to spend the evening with him, which he did not get until it was past visiting hours." The Savannah sailed the next morning. The Young Hero, Brock, arrived in the afternoon.

The Susan's crew broke out the Fore Peak and found a leak below the bends in the starboard waist, which Captain Russell attributed to the lightning on Japan. In the midst of repairs, further investigation revealed another leak on the larboard side.

The Captain ordered the sheathing removed, exposing open seams and two holes by the spike heads. Such work and the bringing aboard of "recruits" were the first concern of Master and crew.

This fifth cruise had been a disappointing and wearing 5% months. The Susan saw 69 whales and lowered 52 times. Her boats fastened eight times, took three whales and found two usable ones already dead. She spoke five ships and one Bark.

She had "95 bad days out of 123" on the Northwest Coast. All hands were ready for a change of scene in Hawaii.

(To Be Continued)

26

American Whaling on the Chathams Grounds [Viewed from an Antipodean Perspective]

BY RHYS RICHARDS CHAPTER ONE Introduction American whaling activities covered all the oceans — the names of Nantucket and other New England home ports were known in all ports of the world. Most small scale studies of the New England whalemen and their ships begin with the departure of one or more whaleships from their home ports and conclude with the termination of one or more voyages. This is, perhaps, the most logical approach but in the perspective of the inhabitants of the islands and ports visited en route the whaling industry was an erratic series of brief unrelated visits which in some cases combined to be a substantial element in the local economy, but in others had no more than a momentary, curiosity value.

The following is an account of American whaling and whalers at and off a small group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean viewed with this "reversed perspective" of the islands' inhabi­ tants.

These islands, the Chathams, are a few small specks of land isolated near the centre of the water hemisphere, that seldom appreciated half of the world where the southern oceans are interrupted by only the two island continents of Antarctica and Australia. At 176 degrees West and 44 degrees South, the Chat­ ham Islands lie five hundred miles east of New Zealand and almost five thousand empty miles west of southern South America.

The attraction which brought these ships half way around the globe was not the land, which they generally avoided when­ ever possible, but the off shore waters where warm saline sub­ tropical ocean currents from the north and northeast meet in direct opposition with colder, less saline, antarctic waters from the south. The turbulence provided by this strongly-defined sub­ tropical convergence, envigorates all marine activity. Sea mam­ mals were particularly prolific with several seal species as well as innumerable right, humpback, sperm and sulphur bottom whales.

The Chathams are so isolated that they did not receive their first human inhabitants, some seafaring Polynesian explorers,

AMERICAN WHALING ON THE CHATHAMS GROUNDS

27

until about a thousand years ago. They were also discovered in 1791 by Captain William R. Broughton who named the main island after his ship, the Chatham, and William Pitt, Earl of Chatham. Sealers followed quickly and the second known visitor was Captain Mayhew Folger, of Nantucket, in the Topaz of Boston, who took "only 600" sealskins in three days in late No­ vember, 1807, before departing to search for new sealing grounds.

[His logbook of this voyage is now in the Nantucket Whaling Museum where it is more often read for his rediscovery of Pitcairn Island and the last of the "Bounty" mutineers.]

Whaling did not begin at the Chathams until comparatively late. The American whalemen's westward expansion into the Pacific from Cape Horn appears to have found adequate success off South America in the early years of the nineteenth century, and in the Central Pacific in the 1820's. When these areas were no longer new, many American whalers came south first to the Kermadec area and the Bay of Islands and, from about 1835, also to the southeastern coasts of new Zealand, especially to exploit the right whale breeding grounds there.

The Sydney-based Colonial whalers were also slow to ex­ ploit the New Zealand waters since until nearly 1830 whale oil taken there was subjected to grossly discriminatory Customs tariffs. However, while the earliest whaling visitors to the Chathams are reputed to be four Sydney-based Colonial whalers who called early in 1835, a slightly earlier beginning is suggested by the presence of sealing gangs [which may also have whaled from the shore] more or less continuously from 1.808 to 1842, by the extensive whaling which flourished on and along the neigh­ bouring east coast of New Zealand's South Island, and by the presence of a few known stray American whaleships cruising neighbouring grounds [e.g. the Harvest of Nantucket caught five whales well to the northeast of the Chathams as early as July 1831].

It is not the contention of this study that the Chathams were one of the world's most important whaling grounds, or that her ports were ever as busy as those of Hawaii or the Bay of Islands. However, there were times when a substantial pro­ portion of the total American whale fleet cruised the Chathams grounds and these visitors did take substantial quantities of the islands' produce. From this late start with the first American arrival in 1836, whaling activities increased very rapidly until in 1840 more than one in every twenty of the total American whale fleet is known to have visited the Chathams grounds and there is reason to believe that the total that year was probably nearer 7.5 per cent of the fleet.

The term "Chathams grounds" is one which demands a definition. Many American whalers fished what they called the Chathams grounds while up to 200 miles south and southeast of the islands, and several did so without sighting the islands

AMERICAN WHALING ON THE CHATHAMS GROUNDS

29

[e.g. Panama of Sag Harbour, in February, March and April 1842]. Others strayed on to the western boundaries from the much frequented grounds off the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand, and some visited while en route from there to Cook Strait or to the Bay of Islands. Therefore it has seemed necessary to define the "Chathams grounds" as up to 150 miles from the island in all directions except to the south and south­ east where the most favoured grounds extend about 200 miles southwards from within sight of the southernmost island, Pyra­ mid Rock.

The relevent migratory routes of the main whale species are still inadequately known and the following are but tentative suggestions. Right whales spent several months of each southern summer [December, January and February] in the higher lati­ tudes to the south and came north to the New Zealand coast for the southern winters [June to October]. This route brought some past the Chathams in June and July and again in September and October. The routes of the sperm whales seem to have included at least three streams — some from the far north passing to the east of the islands; others, mainly lone adults [male?], arriving from the west southwest; and the major group passing the islands from the north to the southeast. All three streams bring sperm whales to the southeast of the Chathams in the southern summer and occasionally during other months.

Throughout this survey, sperm and right whale captures were noted outside their respective "seasons" and that term has been retained primarily because it was used by the whaling captains themselves. Such inconsistancies emphasize the tentative nature of the migratory routes postulated above.

Of a random sample of 115 whales captured on the Chathams grounds, 55 per cent were in the quadrant south and east of the islands, 25 per cent in the quadrant south and west of the islands, and 20 per cent were in the quadrant to the north and east [which, incidentally, concluded all the humpback strikes].

Not one whale was taken in the quadrant north and west of the islands, and very few sightings occurred in that area even out­ side the sample mentioned above. The fact that this empty area is the closest to New Zealand, illustrates again how inadequately the complex migratory routes are understood even today. Dieffenbach, a contemporary German sccientist, quotes even less accurate information obtained from whaling captains at the height of the industry in 1840.

Before beginning a decade by decade survey of the whaling industry, some mention of the sources used seems desirable.

The published records are extremely fragmentary and incom­ plete. Customs records have been kept at Chatham Island with varying accuracy since 1860 but this period begins well after the height of the industry. The richest sources are the logbooks and journals of American whalemen which are now held in the

30

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

invaluable whaling collections of the east coast of America from Washington to Boston.

In the following chapters, the arrival and departure of individual whalers, their cruises, their catches, and their trans­ actions ashore are given in considerable detail for several reasons.

First the average reader will thus gain some acquaintance with, and feel for, the raw material on which this report is based, may appreciate its conciseness, monotony and repetition, and may identify the narrow range of topics which the whalers considered worthy of mention among their daily weather and navigational observations. Second, descendants of the captains named, and there are many, will also appreciate reading rather more than the barest outlines of the activities of their whaling forebears. Third, more scholarly readers, if they wish, will thus be able to extract more particulars such as average cruises and average catches for use elsewhere in broader, comparative, stud­ ies. Fourth, the volume of detail in the sixth and seventh chapters will illustrate and emphasise the incompleteness of the records of the earlier periods, which, it should be remembered, are of far greater relative importance than this later period of decline.

CHAPTER TWO Early Development and Expansion, 1836 to 1839 Although the Harvest of Nantucket filled every available cask when she took five good whales in five days to the north of the Chathams in July 1831, the next known American whaling visitors were the Roger Williams of Bristol early in January 1836, and the Friendship and the Jasper, both of Fairhaven, late that year. The latter ship, a right whaler, made several cruises through Chathams waters in 1836 and early in 1837 after de­ positing bay whaling crews at Cloudy Bay near Cook Strait in New Zealand. However, none of these ships stopped and none landed its crew, so it is apparent that these cruises were of an exploratory and speculative nature.

Much the same could be said of the Richard Mitchell, of Nantucket which in January and February 1838 cruised or "explored" on to the Chathams grounds from the popular areas to the west of the 180 degree longitude and took four right whales in a week in company with the Baltic of Nantucket and the Corinthian of Bristol [which took a fifth right whale].

Another early visitor, which probably also whaled on the Chathams grounds, was the Halcyon of New London (Captain Thompson) which was reported in February 1836 to be volun­ tarily carrying Maoris from Port Nicholson (Wellington) to Chatham Island to join other members of their tribe who, the previous November, had captured a Sydney trading brig in order to invade and conquer the islands and enslave the original Moriori inhabitants. Little else is known of this whaler's voyage.

AMERICAN WHALING ON THE CHATHAMS GROUNDS

31

From 11 to 28 June 1838 the New Bedford sperm whaler, Rebecca Sims, in company with the "American" whaler Rose, made its third visit to the Chatham Islands where Captain Ed­ ward S. Ray had always previously been welcomed most cordially by the Maoris. To his horror, he now found them wearing cut and blood stained sailors' clothes and in Ocean Bay he found the burnt hulk of the French whaler Jean Bart of Dunkirk. After reporting the total massacre of her crew (40 men) at the Bay of Islands, Captain Ray returned to the Chathams with the French man of war Heroine, and the French whaler Adele. On 17 October several Maoris were lured aboard the Rebecca Sims and impris­ oned (although not members of the guilty tribe) and thereafter the foreign visitors pillaged and burned the local villages. The New Bedford Mercury of 28 March 1839 concluded a report of this action by advising that "American vessels, therefore, had better take warning in going to Chatham Island."

This disaster seems to have publicized the potential of the Chathams, and so to have encouraged rather than discouraged whaling visitors, for at least five American ships, including the Rebecca Sims, were present at the end of November 1838, and ten were present in December. Of these, most were also tempo­ rary visitors cruising to or from the southern and western waters where there were then cruising a very substantial number of American, French, British and Colonial whalers. [For example, such transient visitors to the Chathams grounds include the Emily Morgan and the Frances Henrietta of New Bedford, Montano of Nantucket, and Henry Astor of Hudson], Some others made brief cruises during or after the southern New Zealand shore whaling season [e.g. Izette of Salem, Lucy Ann of Wilming­ ton, Alexander Barclay and Samuel Robertson both of New Bedford].

All had mixed catches of both right and sperm oil, as had a, third group — the Rebecca Sims, the George Howland and the William Hamilton which were the first Americans to spend any length of time specifically cruising off these islands.

The George Howland of New Bedford (Captain Weeks) dallied off the islands from 14 December 1838 to 28 January 1839 for their summer season, and, as mentioned, the Rebecca Sims was present from October 1838, apparently continuously, until late December 1839. Unfortunately, little is known of her catch or of her shore visits which probably continued, though at new locations, despite the French reprisals. Although the William Hamilton of New Bedford did not visit the Chathams during its 1834-37 voyage, on her 1838-42 voyage Captain Wil­ liam Swain took her to the Chathams for three southern sum­ mers : November 1838-late January 1,839, December 1840-January 1841, and November, 1841. A brief comment on her first, pioneer­ ing, visit is available from two extant journals.

32

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t\

..1W Sk f-Sr*

Vtt

r^~

CHATH A/v\ ISLAND

_ '<V

"Tit

,TT ^ #\^"i IS L f \ N b J ) ^ J

SV ' <S*

Tlary 6«y ^ 5o hI^ £«cf <ii^j

M.U The Chatham Islands have played a part in whaling history.

Sketch from an original chart drafted in 1962

AMERICAN WHALING ON THE CHATHAMS GROUNDS

33

In company with the Rebecca Sims from 20 November, the William Hamilton reached Chatham Island on 23 November 1838. One hundred eggs, probably of wild sea birds, were taken and three hundred fish, probably cod, were caught on Pitt Island on 24 November. Many whales were seen nearby and two were taken on 25 and 30 November, while the Rebecca Sims took an­ other [right?] whale on the latter day. Cruising within the sight of land a "whale" was taken on 4 December, a "sperm" on 16 December, and an iron broke in a sperm on 24 December ["Hard luck for us on account of blacksmith James Durphy"]. Several ships were seen boiling including a Frenchman, but by New Year both journals include complaints of scarce whales and bad weather. A dead whale with an iron from the George Howland was found on 7 January, and on 9 January at 44°17 south 173°10 west, three large "whales" were taken. Through bad weather on the following day, all were lost except for one body.

This loss was ruefully estimated at $5,000, in addition to which were various chains and other equipment lost overboard. Though one whale was recovered on 13 January, the following day three "sperm whales" were taken and lost in very rough weather, and a dead "whale" found on 18 January was not fit to be cut in.

With such bad luck and despite the number of whales seen and struck, one journalist welcomed their departure northward on 31 January by abusing the weather and wishing never to see the Chathams again. The William Hamilton did not return during the December 1839-January 1840 season, but met with success on subsequent visits [including the capture of five sperm whales at 44°29 south 174°50 west on 30 December 1840].

CHAPTER THREE The Height of Chathams Whaling, 1839 - 181+0 It is not clear whether these early visitors recommended the area to other captains met elsewhere during the southern winter, but unquestionably the height of Chathams whaling was reached abruptly with the extended summer season from Novem­ ber 1839 to May 1840 when 34 American visitors can be named, when there may have been half as many again and the whaleship visitors of all nations must have numbered at least 50 ships.

Dieffenbach reported that thirty pelagic whalers called to pro­ cure provisions, fuel and water at Waitangi alone. Other pro­ visioning stations included Waikeri, Matarakau, Whangaroa, Okawa and Owenga.

At the same time bay or shore whaling began with land based whaleboats preying upon whales which sought shallow water, mainly right whale females and their calves. Two shore stations began at Owenga and Okawa early in 1840, while later sites included Te Whakaru, Waikeri, Awapataki, Te Roto and Whangaroa. From our sparse records it seems they were owned by and supplied from Australian merchants, but it is not unlikely

34

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

that American captains may have provided whaling supplies and even skilled crews for some, or operated from the shore in competition with the locals as was the case on the New Zealand coast and especially at Cloudy Bay [See later notes upon the Erie of Newport, the Chariot of Warren and the Royal William of St John.]

A variety of reasons account for this extraordinary increase of whaling at the Chathams. Firstly, the right whaling grounds along the southeastern coasts of New Zealand had attracted so many whalers that individually their proportional share of the season s catch had diminished while their very success devastated and disrupted the species' reproductive cycle there.

Secondly,_ new grounds along the New Zealand coast had been sought m 1837, and again in and after 1838. After less successful winters there, there was an added impetus for further exploration to try fc> trace the migratory routes and to find new grounds, especially any which might have complementary seasons yielding right whales in the winters and sperm whales throughout the remainder of the year. It is apparent from Dieffenbachs contemporary survey that in 1840 it was erron­ eously believed that the best right whaling month at the Chathams was October, while the best sperm whaling months were known to be from November to February.

Thirdly, the demands for provisions had far outstripped the supply in New Zealand so that at ports such as the Bay of islands and Cloudy Bay, such local provisions as were available often commanded exhorbitant prices. Those few whalers who had procured supplies at the Chathams before 1840 had no doubt done so inexpensively and without competition.

Fourthly, though the rush to the Chatham Islands began in November and December 1839, it is not unreasonable to credit astute captains with some premonitions that New Zealand was soon to become a British Colony, which, in practical terms, would soon establish inequitable Customs duties and port charges The Treaty of Waitangi, a unique legal guarantee of equality be­ tween the two races, was signed by the northern Maoris on 6 February 1840 and by the southern Maoris during the next few months.

• As^thKeT Cha^ham Islands were not included within the bound­ aries of New Zealand territory until 1842, they appeared an iSm virgin ground where whaling might be conducted piofitably throughout the year, where provisions were plentiful and cheap and where restraining laws and interferences were nonexistent.

• ".remains to consider brie% American whaling activities in this boom summer season of 1839-1840. Despite the incomplete­ ness of the available records, the increased number of visitors and the increased duration of their visits, is immediately appar-

AMERICAN WHALING ON THE CHATHAMS GROUNDS

35

ent: e.g. of the four known visitors in November 1839 and the eight additional arrivals in December, seven were also reported as present at some time in the early months of 1840. From three gams recorded in other logbooks, it is possible to note that the Franklin of New Bedford (Captain Howland) added to her cargo 200 barrels between 24 November 1839 and 9 January 1840, and an additional 800 barrels by May, but unfortunately very few such generalizations can be made. Some few examples from the logbooks that have been located will have to suffice.

The Hannibal of Sag Harbour (Captain Lewis L. Bennett), cruised well to the northeast of Chatham in September and No­ vember 1839 and moved slowly south and east in December where she sighted several American and one French ship and plenty of whales. Despite missing several, whales were taken on 3, 7, 10 and 18 December, and later, three sperms were taken on 26 December near 172° west, 44° south. On 30 December, in com­ pany with the Superior of New London, the Hannibal bore for Chatham Island "to recruit." A pilot was obtained and next day she anchored "in the Bay of Chatham Island" [Waitangi Bay].

At this vital point, the logbook entries rapidly deteriorate in frequency and content but wood and a boatload of potatoes were procured on 5 January [at Whangaroa apparently] and crew was employed killing hogs at sea on 7 January 1840. Subse­ quently the Hannibal cruised towards New Zealand, though brief logbook entries indicate that she was again in Chathams waters on 17, 18, and 19 January and was at anchor at Chatham from about 15 to 21 March when she sailed for home.

The Chariot of Warren, [Captain George Littlefield], which had been bay whaling at Cloudy Bay in New Zealand in October 1837 and subsequently visited Chathams waters on her next voy­ age from 1838-1840. On 17 November 1839 she took six blackfish northeast of Chatham Island, and moving southwards she took whales on 21 (a sperm), 22 (three this day), 24, 28 and 30 November by which time she was about 70 miles southeast of Pitt Island. The entry on 6 December includes "One year out from America, and 500 barrels of whale oil and 80 barrels of spurm. This is hard luck." In the same area, she took three blackfish on 9 December, a right whale on 10 December, a "whale" (while sinking a humpback and losing a right whale) on 13 December and a sperm whale on 15 December.

Five sails were noted while within sight of the land on 17 December 1839 and on 18 December Captain Littlefield went ashore on the southeast side of Pitt Island. "Fetched off potatoes and natives, and one white man on it." A right whale was taken the same day, and on 21 December 76 barrels of whale oil and 26 barrels of sperm oil were stored below. A boat sent ashore at the "Star Keys" on 24 December discovered a gang of twelve sealers working there.

(To Be Continued)

36

rpi

u

,

,

- ,,

rhoto by Charles Folger

The charred shingles of the Old Mill presented mute evidence of the narrow escape from destruction by arsonists.

37

Recent Events Vandals Attempt to Destroy Historic Island Landmarks Aroused Whole Community In the pre-dawn darkness on Friday, August 21, attempts by persons as yet unknown to destroy two of Nantucket's his­ toric landmarks by fire came frighteningly close to accomplishing this grim purpose. The two structures selected by the criminals were the Old Mill and the Old Jail, both in different sections of the town, and the efforts of the arsonists were timed apparently to take place simultaneously. Only prompt efforts by the Nan­ tucket Fire Department saved the two landmarks.

These unprecedented incidents sent a chilling wave of horror and repulsion throughout the community, bringing into play on behalf of the authorities prompt action to protect other historic properties of the Nantucket Historical Association.

The saving of the Old Mill was a near miracle. Two young policemen — Officers Hunt and Holloway — were driving past the structure on regular patrol when the latter spotted the flames and called headquarters from the cruiser. The time was 2:06 in the morning. A few minutes before this report reached the Central Fire Station a telephone call was received from an unidentified person, also reporting the Old Mill on fire. Box 65 was then sounded and the apparatus promptly responded.

It was at this time that the report of the fire at the Old Jail was telephoned into Fire Department headquarters, the neighbors next to the Jail to the north — the Johnstons — smelled smoke, and when Bruce Johnston investigated the fire was quickly located and the Central Fire Station alerted. Other neighbors soon discovered the danger, John McCalley sighting the flames from his second floor room, and John Gilbert was soon on the scene. Edgar Bowen, responding to the alarm sounding for the Mill, also became aware of the Jail fire and promptly called by radio to the pumper responding to come in through the private driveway leading from Main Street to the Jail's north fence.

The blaze had been set at the steps of the Jail leading to the second story, and kerosene had been used to create a hot flame.

When the Fire Department men and apparatus arrived the fire had gained such a considerable headway that the flames had engulfed the steps and had penetrated the doorway of the second floor of the Jail. The Department approached the scene from Main Street, entering the private driveway. The high board fences sur­ rounding the north and west sides of the Jail yard were leveled.

38

Photo by Charles Folger

The flames burned completely the outside stairway of the Old Jail, penetrated the hall and spread to the second floor.

The damage to the old structure was extensive.

RECENT EVENTS

39

The fire had now gotten into the second floor of the old structure at an incredible speed, leading many to believe that the kerosene used had been spread the entire flight of outside stairs. The dryness of the wood, and the action of the wind, sped the progress of the flames, so that the fire, upon entering the second floor of the Jail, went up into the west cell and up through the roof. Only after several hose lines were utilized was the stubborn blaze knocked down.

At the Old Mill's north side a dangerously large area of the shingles had caught fire, apparently spread by the use of kerosene, and had not the apparatus arrived so promptly it was evident that the flames would have soon entered the structure.

Once through the wooden siding the fire would have swiftly leaped up through the stairwells, and the historic Mill would have been destroyed.

Historical Monuments Given Protection Fire Chief Irving Bartlett immediately ordered a pumper and its crew to race to the Oldest House, realizing this structure was especially vulnerable because of its isolated position on Sunset Hill. Chief Wendell Howes, of the Police Department, set up guards at the 1800 House, the Quaker Meeting House, Whaling Museum and Gardner Street Hose Cart House — other properties of the Nantucket Historical Association.

Word of the arson attempts on the historic structures quickly spread and the initial shock and consternation was followed by a wave of reaction calling for prompt measures to apprehend the criminals. An emergency meeting of the Nantucket Historical Association's Council was attended by all the officers as well as Councillors. It was voted to accept a generous financial support by the Nantucket Historical Trust and to post a reward in the amount of $2,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonists. A similar reward of $2,000 was offered by the Pacific National Bank. Mitchell's Book Store added $100 to the reward sum posted by the Historical Association.

The Council expressed appreciation to the Fire Department for its prompt action in speeding to the Oldest House and to the Police Department for calling out the Auxiliary detail to guard its other properties. Offers of help came from many people. At the Old Jail, visitors contributed to its restoration by dropping money into an improvised keg. A similar contribution box was set up at the Old Mill. Young people from "The Establishment" solicited funds for restoration work, and collected $138 at tables on Main Street and Steamboat Wharf. Little Wendy Herrick went about her neighborhood and collected $53 for the Old Jail's restoration. Silimar acion was taken by other young people in the town. Individual contributions for restoration work totalled •$500 during the first weekend.

41

Unique Contribution Plan Has Raised $1700 for Campaign Fund During the summer, Henry Mitchell Havemeyer, of "Mitch­ ell's Book Corner," and a member of the Council of the Associa­ tion, decided to launch an idea for obtaining contributions to the current Capital Funds Campaign Fund. Obtaining copies and reprints of the article on Nantucket which appeared in the June issue of the National Geographic, written by Peter Benchley, he made them available free to his customers and friends — but with each presentation he asked for a contribution to the Association's Campaign. It was a unique idea, and worked so successfully that on the afternoon of the Annual Meeting he was pleased to turn over to the Treasurer the sum of $526.00.

But the singular campaign was not over. Mr. Havemeyer was able to obtain additional copies and reprints of the Nantucket article, which he offered free under the same stipulation. To dramatize the idea all donations were placed in large glass jars on the counter of the store — visible evidence of the success of the enterprise.

Then came an unexpected set-back. Sometime during the sup­ per hour on Tuesday, August 11, someone entered the store and stole two of the five glass jars, which had been temporarily placed in the basement for safe-keeping. The amount lost totaled $266.

This was a disaster to both the idea and the campaign. But a friend came forward with a check for $200 to help recoup the loss, while the proprietors of Mitchell's Book Corner donated the $66 to complete the recovery of the fund. Contributions soon added to the amount and at the meeting of the Council of the Association on August 18, Mr. Havemeyer turned over to the Treasurer, Mrs. Cisco, the sum of $618.74 — bringing the grand total of his unique campaign to $1139.74 at that date.

Since then, during September, Mr. Havemeyer has collected $500 more so that the total is approximately $1700 as we go to press.

Leroy H. True Appointed Administrator of the Nantucket Historical Association On August 20, the Nantucket Historical Association an­ nounced that Leroy H. True had been appointed Administrator, the office having been newly created. After study, the Council voted to establish such a position, made necessary by the growth of the Association and its increased holdings. In anticipation of the problems and continued growth, it was felt that the services of a full-time Administrator was required to carry out the busi­ ness functions in the management of such an important part of its affairs.

Mr. True, as Administrator, is responsible, under the direc­ tion of the Council and the Executive-Finance Committee, for the business management, for personnel, for land and buildings, and in cooperation with the Chairmen of the various exhibits, for the carrying out of exhibit policies as planned, and for the preservation and proper protection of all property of the Associa­ tion.

Mr. True's success as Administrator of the Nantucket Cot­ tage Hospital for many years, from which he has now retired, is well known. The Association feels fortunate to be able to secure his services to fill this new position.

The Association also announced that the Executive and Busi­ ness offices of the Association have been moved to the second floor of the Old Town Building. This includes the offices of the Presi­ dent, the Administrator, the Secretary of the Association, the Treasurer, and the Editor of Historic Nantucket.

Headquarters for the following Committees also are located now in the Old Town Building, namely Advertising, Publicity and Publications; Capital Funds Campaign, and the Foulger Memorial Building. Headquarters for the Council and the Execu­ tive-Finance Committee are now located in this building, where, hereafter, their meetings will be held.

The public entrance to the Headquarters Building is on Union Street, the former main entrance of the town offices in the Old Town Building.

Legacies and Bequests Membership in our Association proves that you are interested in its program for the preservation of Nantucket's famed heritage and its illustrious past, which so profoundly affected the develop­ ment of our country. You can perpetuate that interest by giving to the Association a legacy under your will, which will help to insure the Association's carrying on. Counsel advises that legacies to the Nantucket Historical Association are allowable deductions under the Federal Estate Tax Law. Legacies will be used for general or specific purposes as directed by the donor. A sample form may read as follows: "I give, devise, and bequeath to the Nantucket Historical Association, a corporation duly or­ ganized under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and located in the Town of Nantucket, in said Commonwealth, the sum of dollars."

Legacies may be made also in real estate, bonds, stocks, books, paintings, or any objects having historical value, in which event a brief description of the same should be inserted instead of a sum of money.

Please send all communications to the Secretary, Box 1016, Nantucket, Massachusetts 02554. Office, Union Street.

Steamboat Wharf a half century ago (1921) when the old schooner Allen Gurneij was floated into position on the south side to become "The Skipper" restaurant, with Miss Margaret Prentice and Miss Gladys Wood as proprietors.