Historic Nantucket
Photo by
Dick
Williams
The Starbuck Middle Brick, Main Street. One of the three Bricks built by Joseph Starbuck (1838), members of the family costumed for the MAIN STREET FETE, 1959. (see page 122)
OCTOBER, 1961 Published Quarterly by
NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS
"All Hatches Battened Down"
NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President, George W. Jones. Vice-Presidents, Miss Grace Brown Gardner, Burnham N. Dell, Stokeley W. Morgan, W. Ripley Nelson, Albert Egan, Jr., Mrs. William Mather. Secretary-Treasurer, Miss Ethel Anderson. Auditor, Ormonde F. Ingall. Councillors, George W. Jones, Chairman; Robert C. Caldwell, Alma P. Robbins, term expires 1962; Mrs. Joseph King, Mr. Herbert I. Terry, term ex pires 1963; Mrs. Francis W. Pease, Mr. H. Errol Coffin, term expires 1964; Alcon Chadwick, Norman P. Giffin, term expires 1965. Publicity Committee, W. Ripley Nelson, Chairman. Honorary Curator, Mrs. Nancy S. Adams. Curator, Mrs. William Mather. Finance Committee, Albert Egan, Jr., and Alcon Chadwick. Editor, Historic Nantucket, Miss Alma Robbins; Mrs. Margaret Fawcett Barnes, Mrs. R. A. Orleans, Assistant Editors. Exhibits' Publications Committee. Burnham N. Dell, Chairman; Mrs. John Bartlett. Chairmen of Exhibits, Fair Street Museum, Mrs. William Mather; Whaling Museum, W. Ripley Nelson; Oldest House, Mrs. Francis W. Pease; Old Mill, Robert Caldwell; Old Jail, Oswell Small; 1800 House, Mrs. Joseph King.
Members of the Starbuck family on the cover: George H. Mackay, Mrs. H. Crowell Freeman,, -Joseph Starbuck Freeman
The quoted lines at top of each page are Nantucket Expressions and Idioms from "The Nantucket Scrap Basket," by William F. Macy.
"The Sticking Tommy was hard by the table"
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 9
^41
October 1961
No. 2
CONTENTS
^Ssjjpc The Report of the President of the Nantucket Historical Association . 125 The Report of the Secretary of the Nantucket Historical Association 130 Letter from the Mayor of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
, 132
Letters of Annie Maria Mitchell Edited by Mrs. Alice Payne Amey
133
Civil War Memoranda
146
Recent Events Briefly Noted
148
Diary of William C. Folger Edited by Nancy S. Adams
152
Legacies and Bequests
159
The Cent School, Main Street Fete
160
Historic Nantucket is published quarterly at Nantucket, Massachusetts, by the Nantucket Historical Association. It is sent to Association Members. Extra copeis $.50 each. Membership dues are — Annual-Active $2.00 ; Sustaining $10.00 ; Life—one payment $50.00. Entered as Second Class Matter, July, 1953, at the Post Office, Nantucket, Massachusetts. Copyright, 1961, Nantucket Historical Association. Communications pertaining to the Publication should be addressed to the Editor, Historic Nantucket, Nantucket Historical Association, Nantucket, Massachusetts.
124 "We saw him coming bow on."
The Story of Whaling
Photo
by
Universal Photo
Shop
President of the Nantucket Historical Association, Mr. George Jones, and Custodian of the Whaling Museum, Mr. Archibald Cartwright, viewing the Special Exhibit of Whaling paintings and prints sponsored by the Association and loaned by the Nautical Museum of Mass. Institute of Technology. This Exhibit closed Sept. 1, 1961.
125 "We had a simper aboard"
The President's Annual Report to the Members of the Nantucket Historical Association NINETEEN HUNDRED AND SIXTY ONE! How fast time moves. For sixty-seven years this organization has existed and flourished. From a small start in the Friends Meeting House in which we are now gathered we have expanded to our present number of six attended exhibits, one unattended exhibit, and one very popular memorial site at the Peter Folger homestead, from a membership of 179 to one of over eleven hundred. From one or two volunteer custodians to fifteen paid officers, custodians, and librarians. Our budget has risen proportionally and maintenance costs become larger as the number of exhibits increase. The finance officer and all the other members of the Council responsible for the welfare of this organization endeavor to keep us living within our means but due to several unforeseen ex penses last year we expended something over two thousand dol lars in excess of our receipts. Although in some other quarters it seems fashionable to operate at a deficit we trust that this year will see us in better financial position and again operating in the black. Fair Street New painted ply wood display partitions were installed along the outer walls on the second floor to eliminate the dampness from the concrete walls which was detrimental to all articles hung on them. Besides eliminating the damp condition this work much improved the appearance of the whole second floor. Needed painting was done on the first floor. The whole museum now looks shipshape. Oldest House For some years the small building in the rear of this ex hibit has been deteriorating and last year had settled so much that repairs became mandatory. The building was jacked up and new sills installed this spring which we expect to last for a num ber of years into the future. Miss Ethel Clark who has served as custodian of this house for thirteen years felt that she could no longer continue in that capacity and we have accepted her resignation with many regrets. She has served the association faithfully and has earned the
126
HISTORIC NANTUCKET "They're off on a rantum, scoot."
appreciation of the Council. We were fortunate in obtaining the services of Miss Ida Parker, a person who has lived in Nantucket all her life, and who, we believe, will carry on the good work here. Old Mill Much has happened at this exhibit since last year. On re moving the vanes after the season was over rot was discovered in the main drive shaft. Examination disclosed the rot to be so great that it would have been dangerous to reinstall the vanes this year. After considerable correspondence a suitable piece of white oak was obtained from a dealer in hard woods near Phila delphia. This was trucked to the Island and then turned and mortised by Mr. Joseph Senecal. In addition to the shaft require ments, severe rot was found in the main gear spokes. These are a 3 in. x* 10 in. white oak and material for them was obtained through Marine Lumber Company. The shaft was put in place by the use of a power crane and work finished about June 15th. The mill is now again in operative condition. It is anticipated that the total cost of this work will ap proximate $2,500 — of which we have received as contribution $1,000.00. Whaling Museum This exhibit continues to be our most heavily attended being both romantically appealing and having the most satis factory location of any. The same personnel as in recent years is doing the job of exhibiting the many things contained here in their usual man ner which has been highly successful in the past. 1800 House This house while furnishing a fine example of the average living conditions in the early 1800's has a lighter attendance than some of the other exhibits as it appeals to fewer people and is not easily located by those who might otherwise pay it a visit. For some years little maintenance work has been done and such work finally became mandatory. A new sill under the back ell, new window frames, sashes, paint work, and masonry work have either been completed or will be this year. It is this type of necessary repairs that has caused our budget to expand greatly in the last two years.
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT
127
"He took a Lunar before turning in.'
Old Jail The Old Jail, hidden away as it is, is another of our exhibits which does not get a heavy attendance. It does carry along a piece of our local history and for many who visit it a realization of some of the conditions that existed in our past. There is work to be done on this structure also to prevent damaging rot to progress in its heavy timbers. I hope we will be able to get this preventative work done this year. Fire Engine House
The Gardner Street engine house which we acquired last year has been rescued from complete destruction by the good work of interested subscribers. It was jacked up, new sills and floor joist installed, roof shingled with fire-resistant shingles, the plaster patched and a floor laid. We now have one of our hand-pumpers and two hose carts placed there. As this will be an unattended exhibit our problem now is to arrange it so visitors can look in but not go in. Folger Memorial The Peter Folger memorial continues to attract greater number of people than is commonly realized, and often people are seen visiting there by bicycle or car, and, believe it or not in this modern age, on foot. Shrubs are planted about the edges of the concrete slab and the planting of a line of trees to the northwest to act as a wind brake has been completed. Whaling Prints and Painting
As you probably all know we are for the months of July and August of this year sponsoring a public showing of a number of famous whaling prints and pictures in the Coffin School Build ing on Winter Street, This exhibit is on temorary loan from the Allan Forbes, Sr., collection which was presented to the Francis Russell Hart Nautical Museum of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology by the late Mr. Forbes and which we obtained through the efforts of Mr. Allan Forbes, Jr., and the cooperation of Prof. Evers Burtner, Curator of the Hart Museum. The exhibit is composed of approximately 180 subjects selected from the
128
HISTORIC NANTUCKET "He was wick-wacking back and forth."
complete collection which numbers 1,200 and 1,500 pieces. Your association has been to considerable expense in obtaining and displaying this exhibit and from our experience to date the in come from attendance will not meet the financial outlay. Any assistance from friends who are in agreement with what we have endeavored to do here would be appreciated. The Coffin School Trustees have been most generous in al lowing us the use of the main hall in this historic building for our display without charge and I herein extend the thanks of the Council for this friendly cooperation which has furnished us with a well lighted gallery in a very desirable and central location. Historic Nantucket Our quarterly publication has again completed a year with flying colors and increasingly we hear complimentary remarks about it especially from those who are away from the Island a large part of the year and enjoy the interesting items con nected with its history. Gam Our twelveth annual "Gam" held as usual, by courtesy of the Maria Mitchell Association, in their library on Vestal Street, on the evening of February 24th was a complete success. The topic for discussion was "Your Neighborhood as It Was and Is." The attendance filled the available space and in number was approximately 70. Discussion was general and many amus ing anecdotes and recollections were presented. History Awards The annual awards of framed certificates for the best his toric essay from the High School and the Manual Training School were presented to Suzie Holdgate and Elliot Sylvia respectively. As required by our by-laws two of the Council members will terminate their work on that body and will not be eligible for re-election. I extend to them my appreciation for the work which they have performed and hope that their time with the council will have stimulated an interest, in the Association's work, which will continue. It would not be fitting to present this report and fail to men tion the fact that during the year we have received many gifts both financial and exhibit material. Among other items are two which were very welcome, a projector which will fit the Harry
REPORT OF THE PRSEIDENT
129
"There goes a shooter across the moors.''
B. Turner slides and any others of various sizes and a large screen accompanying it which will enable the showing of those interesting historic pictures at any time we may desire to do so. This was an anonymous gift from one of our Council members. The Nantucket Historical Trust has supported several of our projects with a substantial financial contribution and has eased the burden of some of our most necessary work. Without this aid much work would either have remained undone or our red figures would have been greater. A friend of the Whaling Museum and a member of that committee has been a great aid in financing the whaling chart racks. Each year as President I have extended my thanks to all the hard working personnel who keep this organization ship shape and accomplishing successful annual voyages. I will not list them all by name but each and every one has had the welfare of the Association in mind and has done his and her share to hold the public interest and help the association perform those functions for which it was incorporated. Again I thank the Council Members, Officers, Chairmen of Exhibits, Receptionists, Curators, and members of special com mittees for the efforts they have so generously made. I doubt not that next July will see us again holding an an nual meeting after a successful year. George W. Jones, President
The Oldest House or Horse Shoe House—about 1915.
130 "It's a lee day."
The Sixty-seventh Annual Meeting of the Nantucket Historical Association The sixty-seventh Annual Meeting was held Tuesday, July 18th, in the Friends Meeting House at 3 p.m. About sixty mem bers attended. The President, Mr. George W. Jones, greeted the members and gave a brief resume of the work accomplished during the past year. Among the accomplishments were: decorating and improve ments in the Fair Street Museum; needed repairs on the Oldest House; the installation of new shaft in the Old Mill; and man datory repairs on the 1800 House; the work accomplished on the Fire Engine House; the Folger-Franklin memorial planting; new acquisition of Multiplex leaves for the Whaling Museum; the Forbes exhibit of Whaling Prints and Paintings at the Coffin School; the School History Awards; Historic Nantucket and the "Gam." He also thanked the members of various committees, and all connected with the various exhibits for their cooperation dur ing the year. The Annual Report of the Secretary was read and accepted. The reports of other committees having been printed in the July issue of Historic Nantucket and sent to all members of the Association the motion was made and seconded that these reports be accepted. It was so voted. The report of the Nominating Committee was read as fol lows: "The Nominating Committee, consisting of Richard J. Porter, Charles Clark Coffin, and Leroy H. True, present the fol lowing nominations: President, George W. Jones; Vice-Presidents, Miss Grace Brown Gardner, Burnham N. Dell, Stokeley W. Mor gan, W. Ripley Nelson, Albert F. Egan, Jr., Mrs. William L. Mather; Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Ethel Anderson; Auditor, Or monde F. Ingall; Council, Alcon Chadwick, Norman P. Giffin. Signed, Leroy H. True." Past President, Mrs. Nancy Adams, took the chair and the election of President was voted by the members of the Asso ciation. Mr. George W. Jones was unanimously elected. Mr. Jones resumed the chair and the election of officers proceeded in the usual manner.
SECRETARY'S REPORT OF ANNUAL MEETING
131
"Everything is drawing."
Mr. Jones announced that there would have to be a special meeting called at a later date of members of the Association to vote upon the sale of a strip of land, part of the York Street property owned by the Association to Mr. Kenneth Pease. The president then introduced the speaker Dr. John P. Martin of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Dr. Martin read a letter of Greeting to the people of Nan tucket from the mayor of Dartmouth, Mr. I. W. Akerly. (See next page.) Dr. Martin gave an interesting talk on the migration of Nantucketers to Dartmouth in 1785 to avoid paying taxes to England for oil shipments which they had to pay in Massachu setts. They left Dartmouth in 1792 when Sir Charles Neville induced them to go to Milford Haven; Wales, England, to estab lish a whaling port there. The short time they were in Dartmouth they taught the na tives the various industries connected with whaling, and laid out "common and undivided lands which today is benefiting the city of Dartmouth. Schools, shopping centers, and other business es tablishments are now being built on this property. His book "Story of Dartmouth" will be in the Nantucket Atheneum for those who will enjoy reading it. A short session of questions and answers followed. Mr. Jones then thanked Dr. Martin for his interesting lec ture. The meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m. Ethel Anderson, Secretary
132 "He's running before the wind now all right."
Letter from the Mayor of Dartmouth *Office of the Mayor L. W. Akerley Mayor
P. O. Box 190 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Mr. George W. Jones, President Nantucket Historical Association Nantucket, Massachusetts
July 4, 1961
Dear Sir: Through the medium of our local historian, Dr. John P. Martin, I am delighted to take this opportunity of conveying to the people of Nantucket Island our warmest felicitations and kindest greetings, perhaps for the first time in history. Dart mouth is indebted to Nantucket for its first major industry, for it was the prosperous whaling company from your Island that brought their numerous ships to Dartmouth where they set up their whale oil manufactory and built houses for their families. The result was that our struggling 18th Century settlement re ceived a tremendous economic stimulus, both during and after the years that the whaling company remained in our midst. There is a commemorative plaque in Dartmouth on the site of the Nantucket Whaling Plant of 1785, and during the present summer we are arranging to set up a second plaque marking the spot of the Quaker Meeting House of those years. Our other associations with early Nantucketers such as the acquisition of some 150 acres of common land, through the efforts of the whaling people, and the recent naming of a thoroughfare called "Nantucket Avenue" cut through the common, will, no doubt, with other stories be fully related to you by Dr. Martin. A hearty and a homey welcome will always await any person connected with Nantucket to our new city of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Yours very truly, (Signed) I. W. Akerley, Mayor Dartmouth, Nova Scotia * The Seal which heads this letter states: "The City of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Incorporated 1961"
133 "He'll back and fill every time.''
Letters of Annie Maria Mitchell 80KXIIII93.
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Edited by her daughter Mrs. Alice Payne Amey
| Continued from the July 1961 issue
(Annie Maria Mitchell was the daughter of William Foster Mitchell (brother of Maria Mitchell, the famed astronomer), her mother was Charlotte Dow. William Mitchell Barney, to whom these letters were written, was a cousin to Annie as his father was Matthew Barney and his mother was Sally Mitchell, sister to William Foster Mitchell.)
Dear Mitchell,
Nashville, June 1st., 1866
To begin with I expect when you get this paper you will think you are taken by storm, but the truth is, I was rather too lazy in getting other kind, and I thought it would be pleasant to write on this. So you could not condescend to write with a steel pen! You must have got above common folks who are glad to get a nice steel one. The schools closed today, and our mess has left for the North. It seems very curious to be in the cottage alone. Mr. Chute and Mr. Miller remain. The teachers will come up from Stevenson tomorrow, and Miss Miller goes on with them on Monday. Mr. Chute and Miss Miller have rooms over in the brick house near this, so this leaves our cottage tonight with only my father and mother and self. Mr. Miller will stay all summer to take charge of our colony. We hope to leave by Thursday or Friday of next week. Our mess have been hoping for a boat to start today, but had not heard of one; but about IV2 o'clock today a friend of ours from the Leevee came up and announced a boat to start at five o'clock, so the ladies have to hurry off. Miss Ault took a little contrabrand North with her, just as we are going to. By the way, did I tell you that ? Our Orderly, a boy perhaps eleven years old, is the one. He is very bright, although very timid, and
184 "It's Breezenmg on."
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This is the permit which allowed Annie Maria Mitchell to go from one place to another in the South during the War of Rebellion.
LETTERS OF ANNIE MARIA MITCHELL
135
"Beat to the windward."
does not like to speak loud. I heard papa making him repeat his own name in a loud tone this morning before I was up. Aunt Maria's (this refers to great aunt, Miss Maria Cole man) death was very sudden and unexpected to us, but she was quite old, and it was hardly more than we might expect. We shall miss her very much. I am wishing very much to get home, for I am tired and want to rest and read. It was very agreeable to have school close today. The children of the schools brought us various presents, cake and candy mostly: and twenty or thirty of them hung round the house for an hour or two, until we had to drive them away. But for three months I don't want to hear of any of the things out here that have troubled me. That "there is no meat for break fast, or that two men have been fighting, or that a patient at the hospital is dead, or that the orphans are being neglected, or that 'there is a colored girl at the door who wants Miss Annie'." What a Nantucketer you are! I read your letter through and it all read straight enough, with not a bit of Nantucketism, until you got to the last and then there it was; "The ship 'Amy' went out tonight." Ah! Mitchell! We had what we thought quite a piece of condescension on the part of one of our rich rebel neighbors a few days ago. An old lady, Mrs. Hayes, "one of the worst kind of rebels" we were told, sent mamma a bouquet, with her compliments. And I have a story to tell you of the politeness of a Guerilla chief. I must stop now. Gooodnight. Yurs affectionately
A. M. Mitchell Stevenson, Ala. Oct. 4th, 1866 Dear Mitchell,
This is the "return" address on one of the envelopes Annie directed to William Barney, another on page 133.
We have got back as far as this on our way towards Nashville and Miss Ault and I are teaching here for a few days. I have
136
HISTORIC NANTUCKET "A Fair Wind to You."
taught now in all the stations of the Perm. Asso. I think I like this about the least. Papa has gone up to Nashville, and he has telegraphed to us that there is no Cholera at the Camp, so we shall probably return there soon. Poor Nashville! It has had a terrible seige. There has been more Cholera — compared with its size — in Nashville than in any other city in the United States. The reason for it all is supposed to be the miserable condition of the city. And when I remember how dirty and muddy it was, I do not wonder at the Cholera. I think we have been wonderfully preserved for Cholera was at the Camp the day we left. The flies came in unusually great numbers, and then died, which was one of the signs of Cholera. I think we shall all be very thankful that we had a place to flee to and were thus saved from it. You may laugh but if you were down here you would not. (Saturday 6th) I had a rather pleasant visit in Reuntsville. The mess was not a very pleasant one but the town was a pretty one, and different from any I had seen; so for a week it did very well. I saw one thing there which I never saw before. We were on our way up from the depot, very tired and sleepy and papa said, "Annie do you see that building across there?" I looked across to a stone wall about ten feet high, enclosing sundry buildings and said, "Yes," very languidly, supposing it to be a prison. "That is the slave-pen," said papa. You may be sure I looked twice after that for it was something new. A glimpse of what this Southern Country was and might still have been but for a Power over which even they had no control. This town of Stevenson is one of the mostly purely Southern towns I have ever seen. There is no mistaking it. Even leaving the block-houses and forts out, you see log cabins on the side of the mountain, and men with "butternut" suits, long lank men saying, "I reckon" etc. The hotel is kept by one of the Forest raiders a Colonel in the Confederate army, and still addressed as such. But they are all without a single exception, kind and polite to us, knowing all the time who and what we are. Mr. Nichols — the teacher here — went to one of them, to borrow a checker board for Miss Ault and I, and told him that we had said we doubted whether he would lend it to us. "I do not see," he replied, "where they all get such notions. I wish you had in troduced me to the young ladies."
LETTERS OF ANNIE MARIE MITCHELL
137
"Set in the Window and Watch the Pass."
By the way, this Mr. Nichols, whom papa has got teaching here, is one of the queerest men I ever saw. He belongs int New Hampshire, and lost his right arm under McClellen. He is very conceited, and admires himself about as much as he does anyone. A great talker, with the universal fault of great talkers, telling family matters that he had better have kept to himself. But with a school under the most perfect control. It is a perfect luxury to teach such a school. Mr. N. has done everything he could for our entertainment and the time has passed very pleasantly. There is a railroad track both sides of the house and it is a never tiring amusement to watch the trains. From eleven o'clock at night till two, they make noise enough to wake the "seven sleep ers." I have seen but two ladies since I have been here. I received a short note from Aunt Maria yesterday. (This reference is to Prof. Maria Mitchell the famed astronomer) when papa returned from Nashville, saying that they were very anx ious about us having heard of Cholera in Nashville. I shall write to her today. Papa had a letter from Uncle Frank, saying that papa must send mama and me immediately to Chicago to stay with them, until Cholera abated, but as we were in a place of safety we did not think it worth while; but we thought it very kind and thoughtful in them. Aunt Em has been to North Bridgewater, on a visit. I had a letter from her dated at that place. She appeared to be having a pleasant time. By this time she must be back in Nantucket. What shall I do with you to make you answer the questions that I anxiously ask in my letters? Here were two or three sub jects on which I was anxious to be informed; and you were per fectly silent although the questions were not lacking. How is uncle Alfred? I asked. No answer. (Uncle Alfred Macy, husband of Anne Mitchell, sister of Annie Maria's father.) Where is Lizzie Rule? No answer. Did Fanny get a bundle mama sent to her? No answer. Grandfather informed me much to our joy that Uncle Alfred was gaining. To Lizzie I have written, directing it to Lynn, and on the outside requesting Mrs. Lord to send it to her if she is not there. On the other question I still remain in ignorance. May I beg very humbly to be enlightened. Grandfather very kindly sent me a picture of Mrs. Avery, M. D., of Vassar, in whom I was much interested.
138
HISTORIC NANTUCKET "I'll be over snivver dinner."
I had a letter from Winnie, dated at her new home, and tell ing me about it. She wrote that Lucy Field had got a place as teacher at Nantucket. I am very glad for her, although I am sorry for the poor pay she must get. You are getting a vein of what A. Ward calls, "sarkasum" when you talk of the South Shore. As regards the Small Pox. I am obliged to you, but I have more confidence in my relations than to suppose they would write to me when it was dangerous to do so! On the subject of "Tumbling Blocks," I agree with you heartily. It is sound and sensible. The article entitled "A Proof of Your Love" is the best, I think. The one of "Amusements" I do not particularly admire. The October Atlantic is unusually good. We leave here for Nashville on Monday morning. The Cholera is no longer epidemic in that place. Papa says it looks like, "some banquet hall, deserted." He thinks twenty thousand people must have left the city. There have been several died from the Camp. One man in whom my father put a great deal of dependence. The decease is coming South and the doctors say it will be here in a few days. You are tired of hearing about it? Well, I don't wonder, only as it is the chief subject just now, of course one must talk. "Why can't Annie be decent, and write to me in a respectable way with pen and ink, when I write her such long letters. That's the least return she could make, I am sure." When she gets back to Nashville, she will write you a letter on French paper, in the most approved style. But until then you must accept this, and overlook the faults thereof, if you would oblige, Cousin Annie
LETTERS OF ANNIE MARIA MITCHELL
139
"They're late on the Tide."
Dear Mitchell,
Nashville, November 4, 1866
I received your letter three or four days ago, just having answered a preceding one of yours, and it was such a long one that I exhausted the stock of subjects, so that as there is nothing, — or very little news since, I am at a loss what to write. Also, my ink is miserable. It does seem as though in a house full of teachers, as this one is, we might have some good ink. There! I am very much obliged to you for delivering my note. Miss Coleman said in answer, that the money had gone, and as it proved, — although she did not know it — it was sent to our Association. But that did not help my object any. She added that she would mention the subject at the meeting during the winter, and perhaps they might be able to do something for me. We had a "cold snap" about a week ago, & as we had no applications from suffering people, we are in hopes that the suffering will not be as great. I hope so, I am sure, for it is dreadful. There are a great many who have left the city to pick cotton on the planta tions around here. I only hope that after the cotton is all gath ered, they will flock back. Tuesday night. This letter has been neglected these past two days, for two or three reasons, one of which is that I have not much to say. If I don't find some means of improving the light, or my eyes, or something, I shall soon stop now. There, — I have put my paper on the table near the light and it is better. I had seventy scholars today, so had to scold and scold. I took occasion for some misdemeanor to make a girl lie down flat on the floor, which she resented at the time and afterwards de clared to a school mate that she " 'did 'dest (detest) Miss Annie." Allow me to remark, just here, that I am suffering on account of this ink. Father received very nice letters from your father yesterday which, I perused. I received a letter from Aunt Em, who has just returned to Nantucket, after an absence of five weeks. From ether correspondents I hear nothing very late. Would I had! So nothing can tempt you to come down here when papa is wanting somebody so much! Just think of the glimpse of Life you would have! A life full of variety too (to a new hand).
140
HISTORIC NANTUCKET "We didn't set sail 'till the middle of the forenoon."
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LETTERS OF ANNIE MARIE MITCHELL
141
"He's pulling the laboring oar."
Such a place as this Nashville is for fires, I never did see. There have been some terrible ones since I came down. Night before last there was one, a large one. Someone came to our door, — we are on the ground floor, you know, — and knocking, said that Nashville was burning down. Father jumped, but by the time he got to the door, the person was gone and we have not found who it was yet. I was in a sound sleep when they came and for a few minutes after. I wakened — I was frightened, Oh! so frightened. We have had sent to us from England seventeen thousand copies of the "British Workman" to distribute. They were very pretty. There is one picture which I so much admire, of a boy who has been washing his face & the drops of water are dropping oft' his face in every direction. I have no sort of objection to having letter on bank paper; it is so large and brings such long letters. I am afraid if I reduce you to note paper I should have to suffer for it. You see my paper is so very small and Frenchy that I cannot with decency write you less than six pages. Papa has got a little black pony, a very nice little thing, which he rides. I have been thinking of trying him, but don't believe I shall raise either courage, spunk, or a riding dress. What does Sarah Joy contemplate doing with herself in Nantucket? Visiting or working? Do inform me, if at the burning of Mr. Olen's store, your fire company performed any deeds of heroism which will write their names in "letters of gold in pictures of silver" in the annals of Nantucket! If you see Tinna, please tell him that his friend, Wash Bur ton, is well, and attending school & if he were here would send "howdy." If you see anyone in your rambles who you think cares for my love, please deliver it, and oblige, Annie M. Mitchell Just now we are realizing what the sunny South is, in beau tiful Autumnal days. You are a funny boy not to mention the illness of the Dame children! Is that the way you forget your cousins! (Referring to her Aunt Kate's children.)
142
HISTORIC NANTUCKET "She a wadgetty one."
Nashville, November 18, 1866 Dear Mitchell, I received your nice long letter yesterday and although I do not feel much like writing I will write a little at any rate. I just heard from grandfather that you had been in Lynn, but I was wondering, as you said, that I had not had a letter before. I do not believe you were very sorry after all that you were detained at Boston. I should have thought that you would have been fright ened while you were journeying on the Cape. Lizzie Rule wrote me that she saw you and was very sorry that she could not have seen you to have spoken to you. She also wrote — which you may per haps know — that Miss Neal is going to the West to spend the Winter. Lizzie was not sure but thought so. Do you know of it? I am rather amused at your The Matthew Barney house as it account of the Smallpox at Nan looks from Easton Street today. tucket and the general fright of people. But as you are all frightened, I have a disinfectant I will tell you of. A small piece of Assafoetida (oh!) kept about you, will prevent you taking the Smallpox. The colored people wear it in a little bit of a bag, tied by a string around their necks. I believe we are going to escape it this Winter (not the Assafoetida but the Smallpox!) as there is very little about here. Miss Ault and I are studying Bookkeeping under my father's tuition. We have a lesson every night, and are getting along very nicely and like it very much. We would like to have had quite a class but the other ladies did not seem inclined. Miss Ault makes a very nice roommate. She and I are alike, in that we are both of us quick and abrupt! (I need not tell you that as far as I am concerned.) When we get a little aroused we speak our minds, so it all passes off good naturedly. She is very nice indeed. I do not know that you are interested but we have got a fine new schoolhouse. I don't suppose that you with your eyes fixed on the Coffin School would call it fine. But after an ugly old frame, it is something. I have no share, as I have my own school-house right here: but I am glad for the rest.
LETTERS OF ANNIE MARIA MITCHELL
143
His get is fair lay."
So you make fun of my writing. Well, I think you are a funny boy. We were informed today that Gail Hamilton passed through this city a little while ago on a journey to make observations among the Freedmen. We were sorry that we did not know it as we should have had her come and inspect our "colony" and with the hope that she would afterwards bring our little place into print. I see that they are about to form a Gymnastic Class in Nan tucket, Now if you want some fun join it. It will serve to pass the time, and will do you good at the same time. We have had an Episcopal clergyman from town to preach to the colored people two or three Sundays. The people like it very much. The Minister, — Mr. Ellis, — was formerly and not very long ago a fierce Rebel but suddenly turned in favor of the edu cation of the Freedmen. When his church — which is aristocratic & Southern — found out that he had been preaching to Freedmen, they were very angry and one even threatened to shoot him. To which he replied, that he considered it his duty and should do it no matter what happened. This, for a man who has a wife and six children to support (a minister's portion) and that in Nash ville, (which makes considerable difference). I think he is a good man, or as somebody said a "dear, old, magnificent Christian." General Lewis of the Freedman Bureau comes to church and surgeon Swatzwalder so we have some military supporters.
This is the view of the Barney house as it ap pears today from the water of the inner Harbor near Children's Beach.
I had a very nice letter from grand father Mitchell last week. He wrote me of two things which I wanted to know. Of the "M e t e o r s Shower" for one. By the way was it visible at Nantucket? It was very cloudy here. Doubtless you saw the accounts of the display at Greenwich, England. He also told
144
HISTORIC NANTUCKET "The givgerbread's cut the right way for Peleg."
me the difference of time between here & Nantucket which proved to be an hour and six minutes. So while I am writing at eight o'clock in the evening, you are — what? — reading at nine. Of how many — or how few — members does the Centre Street Meeting consist these days. Do you attend? I have written a plenty for tonight so I will leave the rest till another time. Sunday, 25th. This letter seems to have been left quite a long time waiting to be finished, and not only this, but several unanswered letters await me, and a new book to read ; so you see I have enough for today without going to church. What fierce preparations are on foot this week in New Eng land in anticipating of Thanksgiving Day! There is nothing here, except indeed a holiday, in the schools. We are expecting some new teachers out either this week or next, as my father is short of them, and one is sick, he telegraphed to Philadelphia for them. One of the teachers has also resigned her place, which makes the number still smaller. I had a delightful letter from Winnie a few days ago, ami she says that she always gets her letters in the morning, and when yours come they make her laugh so they spoil her dignity in school for the morning! Now reflect upon that! I generally get my letters on my father's return from the city at noon, so when I have been troubled and made cross all the morning, and then come home to a niioe letter from some home friend — Oh! my crossness vanishes like (as papa would, (say) the "Mirage in the desert, before the weary traveler!" Oh! I want to tell you something funny. I was hearing a class, a few days ago, read about "Lazy Slotkins the Drunkard." The lesson ran thus: "Here he is again: This is the same man only a little older." The scholar reciting, read it this way: "Here he is again. This is the same man only a little drunker!" I cor rected her with commendable gravity, but it afforded me some fun afterwards. I begin to think that my affection for pets is somewhat troublesome. The colored children finding how fond I am of pets, bring me all sorts. I have in the first place a squirrel, which is as much as I want. Then someone sends me a little white dog, which I do not want at all as we are overrun with that article
LETTERS OF ANNIE MARIA MITCHELL
145
"Seeing the Look"
already; and yesterday some one brought me a very pretty pigeon. I did not want to take it, but what could I do! I had such a nice ride yesterday. Mrs. General Lewis took mother and me calling on some of the teachers at the Freedmen school in the city, and then away out-side the city to the battle ground. Mrs. Lewis has a very nice carriage, with a span of black horses, and is such a very pleasant lady herself, that it comes very agreeable and pleasant. How pleasant it would be to spend the day North today; either at Lynn or Nantucket. I am hoping my small cousins at L. are getting better. By the way I have a rather large cousin at Nantucket, who has a 20th birthday shortly. Is not that so? I wonder if he feels as old as I do with five months anticipation! My love to your father and mother. Affectionately, Annie M. Mitchell When I burn your letters I will let you know, but I fancy it will be some time first! Where is what Fanny calls a "Beauty"? Cousin George Cole man, I mean! Do you still correspond with our California cousins ? When is Sara Joy coming to Nantucket? Remember me to her when you write. Look in the Atlantic for December — page 692 — bottom of first column of Hawthorne's Notes and you will see what I think must be in reference to Julian. (This refers to Julian Hawthorne a childhood friend of Annie Maria Mitchell.) (To Be Continued)
146 "Oh, she always wants to be head boat."
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147 •'As tough as Witchet."
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The Enrollment of the Reserve Militia in District No. 44, Made by Captain Oliver Cushman, Dated Nantucket, March 15, 1865, has the name of this same Hiram Reed listed as a Nantucket member of the Reserve. (The Original of both the letter and Deed of Manumission are on file in the Historical Museum.)
148 "Such a cadoo as they made over it."
Recent Events Briefly Noted The Nantucket Historical Quilt Made During 1959-60 by Miss Frances Fenton
Photo by Universal Photo Shop This large quilt is beautifully hand sewn. The Calico Sketches of Nantucket and the Island Floral Growth are so realistic they can be quickly identified. This unique conversation piece has been presented to the Association by a group of interested citizens.
RECENT EVENTS
149
"They're off on a Nantucket sleigh ride."
In 1907, the Grafton Historical Series, published by the Graf ton Press, New York, issued a book entitled, "In Olde Massachu setts." In this book there are several chapters which are stories told to the author, Charles Burr Todd, by F. C. Sanford and other Nantucket notables. One story reads: "Benjamin Hussey was an other of our great Captains, the first to enter the Falkland Isles in a whaler, my journals say in January 1785. (Mr. Sanford's journals.) Before that he was in Greenland, again off the African Coast Whaling. When in France Napoleon confiscated his entire property. Then he came to Nantucket, and the people engaged him to inoculate us boys — that was in 1815. I shall never forget his huge head; when he took off his broad beaver I could think of nothing but a half bushel of brains. . . ." You will recall that the January, 1961, issue of Historic Nan tucket has a picture of the Medal which Napoleon presented to Dr. Benjamin Hussey in 1807. Col. Laurence E. Bunker, Wellesley Hills, a descendant of Dr. Hussey brought this book to us as there is no cony in the Historical Museum Library. Should any member or friend of the Association have a copy of this book, which they care to part with, it would be a valuable addition to the Museum Collection. In response to the recent request for information regarding privately owned Log Books in Historic Nantucket, Mrs. Chace, Librarian, the Whaling Museum, has, since opening in June, re ceived information concerning several Logs. One letter came from Mr. Paul R. Maloney, Atlantic City, N. J., stating that he read the request. He told of the Log of the "Spartan" which he owns, and also one page from the Log of the "Ploughboy," which left Nantucket in 1830 and returned in 1834. We wish most earnestly that if any of our readers owns or knows of the remainder of this Log they would advise us. *
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A copy of the portrait of Captain Charles B. Swain, by William Swain (17937-1847) one of Nantucket's finest artists, rfiay be found on page 147 of the August, 1961, issue of Antiques magazine. This painting hangs in our Whaling Museum. "A Rainy Day: Nantucket," painted by Childe Hassam in 1886, is advertised for sale by a New York Gallery with a charm ing small copy, in the February, 1961, Antiques magazine, page
150
HISTORIC NANTUCKET "Flax around and set tea on the table."
133. This painting- is actually 14 by 20, has a cobbled street, three figures, one in the foreground, all with umbrellas, a covered "buggy" departing, a doorway and wall; altogether a lovely painting. j HE
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The Ocean House, the hotel on the corner of Centre and Broad Streets, has been purchased by the Nantucket Historic Trust and will be restored to the beautiful brick mansion it was when Jared Cofin (1784-1860) built it for his town house in 1848. The plan to restore includes the removal of the annex building which has long crowded the corner of Cay and Centre. This will indeed improve the appearance of this "center of town" area and we can all be grateful to the Trust for their timely and constructive interest. For many residents this particular project needed attention more than any other. Soon we hope to see this old brick home take its place with the Counting House and the Pacific Bank Building which shed their special attractions on Main Street, as another high-spot of interest as it was in the early days when many a celebrity, including Presidents of the United States, were entertained in the best of accepted fashion.
RECENT EVENTS
151
"He's gone to Hyorky."
THE INQUIRER AND MIRROR Nantucket Saturday, July 19, 1873 This copy of The Inquirer and Mirror was recently brought to our office by Mr. Henry Coffin Carlisle as1 it contains many items of interest. On the front page is a report of the "Doih'gs of the Nantucket Historico-Genealogical Society." The MaCy, Crosby, and Folger Family genealogies are reported in some de tail and the following report from the Ohio settlement at Ra venna is especially pertinent as there is at the present time much active interest in the Ohio Settlements. NANTUCKET IN OHIO.—Some kind friend has remembered us with a copy of the Ravenna Democrat of 9th inst., which gives an account of the annual "Nantucket Pie-Nic," which was held on the glorious Fourth at the house of Capt. Albert Ray, in Rootstown, Ohio. Each year, this reunion of old whalers and their descendants is. "said to be larger and more enthusiastic than its predecessor; and on the pres ent occasion, there were some eighty persons in the company assembled. There was, of course, a feast of good things for the inner man; and the speech of the occasion was made by Oapt. Isaac Brayton, who is called the pioneer and founder of the Nan tucket colony. Oapt. Brayton removed from our island to Ohio in January, 1839, more than thirty-four years ago. He was soon after followed by Capt. William C. Wyer, Capt. George Russell, and others, and so a sort of Nantucket settlement grew up at Ravenna and vicinity, or what was then called "out West." But these old whalemen never forgot their former home, and they
still keep remembrance green by hold ing an annual festival on the Fourth of July. The following sentiment was read at the meeting: Nantucket. While we lament her waning light, we cherish with pride her past history as the birth-place of so many hardy sons of old Neptune, and for having given so much light to the world; may her future be brighter. A very appropriate and touching let ter was read from another old mem ber whose name is -not given in the report. It embodied some allusion to old whaling days, "Nantucket- shear ing," and other old memories which are still affectionately cherished. The day was passed with great satisfac tion to all present, and it is no less satisfaction to us, their old acquaint ances and townsmen, to read the account of their proceedings, to hear of their prosperity, and to note the kindly affection still displayed for their home in the ocean, after so many years sojourning in their newly made home, so far "up country."
152 "Oh, he's always astern the Lighter!"
Diary of William C. Folger EDITED BY NANCY S. ADAMS (Continued in each issue of "Historic Nantucket," starting October, 1960)
William C. Folger was a direct descendant from Peter the 1st. He was born in Nantucket June 8, 1806. After gaining his educa tion, he taught school here and later, on the Cape and in Ohio. He was also a land surveyor for 50 years. He commenced the work of Genealogical research about 1842 and pursued it until his death in November 10, 1891. He gathered his material first from his relative Benjamin Franklin Folger and from the public records, from family history and old family bibles, and by correspondents everywhere. He was quite an aid to Mr. Savage in compiling his Genealogical Dic tionary. It was entirely a labor of love and he left a worthy monument which has been carefully preserved. His diary starts in the year 1835. Sept. 1836 19th—Bot 2c worth of groceries. 20th—got of Ansel Snow my shoes that he had made for me and paid him one dollar cash. I had let him have Buck Theological Diet, on that account last week. 21st—I received by mail — letter from A. H. S. Jordan concern ing Tanner's Universal Atlas — from Boston (postage 12l/2c) I sold William Watson 12 views of American Scenery at 10c and gave him a small French geography and Dictioneiire de la Fable. 22nd—I assisted Thomas Coffin some this forenoon in counting money etc. as Clerk. 25th—I watched at the silk factory this forenoon to relieve J. G. Coffin. 26th—Wm. C. Starbuck paid me 1 dollar for my Spanish Diet. I began this afternoon to go round to ascertain for the School Committee the number of children in town over 4 years and under 16 years.
DIARY OF WILLIAM C. FOLGER
153
"I'm going down along."
27th—I went round again to-day in the north part of the town. 28th—Lydia G. Bunker, Dr to money lent her this day. Credit hy ten dollars returned. I went round again to-day. 30th—I took Orange St. from T. Smith's to the Cash house. October 1st—In the forenoon I finished the white part of town and in the afternoon I got Wm. R. Easton to accompany me in ascertain ing the number of children in Guinea. Oct. 2nd—I watched for John in silk factory this afternoon. 3rd—I hired Joseph G. Coleman's horse & waggon & invited Uncle Walter to accompany me. We went out of town about 1 p.m. Stop ping at Shoukooma, Kuayes & Polpis school and then went to Sconset to obtain the number of persons betwixt 4 & 16 — and re turned just after dark. Paid 1 dollar for horse. 4th—I borrowed Uncle Aarons and went out westward to ascertain the number of persons between 4 & 16 that way, got wet. The whole number in town north of the center 669 — south of the center, whites 909, out of town whites 95 — Tuckernuck about 10, Coloured in all 48, total whites and blacks in County 1731. Gave in the School Committee the results of my labors and made out my bill, viz: for labor 15.00, horse hire 1 dollar and was paid by a check. 5th—I took from Pacific Bank my note against I. & P. Macy for three hundred & seventy-one dollars & 45/100 ( dated 5th Mo. 1st. 1835 the time elapsed being one year, five months and four days, the interest for which time is 31 dollars & 77 cents added to 371.45 makes 403.22. They paid me 270 dollars in bills and a check on Pacific B'ank for 133.22 which I cashed. I paid David Mitchell against ship Aurora being 63.64 cts. on the credit of the voyage he discounting six months interest. 6th—I delivered Francis Mitchell, Webster's Dictionary at 5 dol lars and other books totaling $14.25. I received by mail postage 10 cts. letter from Father stating they were all well and mention ing that he had about three dollars on hand for oil he had sold
154
HISTORIC NANTUCKET "That went to the Bottom."
7th—I wrote to Father and told him to keep the money received for the oil. I settled my part of Charles B. Macy's bill against ship Aurora, the ship had not yet arrived. 7th—I exchanged my Parry Northern Voyages in 5 vols. 18 mo. with Henry Clapp for Johnson & Walkers Dictionary combined in 1 vol Octavo price 3 dols. and a quire of good letter paper at 2/'. John G. Coffin paid me one dollar for watching two first day forenoons for him at the Silk Factory & I gave him Guroey on the Sabbath a small book as I thought a dollar most too much for the time. I wrote by mail to William Hamblin in Hyannis, paid postage 10c Capt. John H. Pease paid me $15.30 being for four casks sold. 10th—I let Edward P. Coffin have a hammer & some other tools at 2/. Sold Edward R. Folger my Johnson & Walker Dictionary at three dollars, and chisel & other tools at 14/. He paid me later. 11th—I settled with Abram Macy my bill against him for 6 gals of good sperm oil. I let Samuel H. Jenks have the wooden screw that I bot some years ago of George F. Bemis for 50 cents, let Jenks have it for my use of his reading room. It was the screw that Grandfather used in his first experiments in manufactoring oil. Began to prepare my books etc. for removing to the West. 12th—Making some preparations. 13th—1 exchanged with Edward Mitchell Gutzlaffs China for a History of Nantucket by Obed Macy. I got of Benjamin Ellis 17/8 yd. of ticking at 28c a yd. also 3 yards caloco for pillow cases at 50c. I paid 3c cash and had 1.00 charged to Asa G. Bunker. I exchanged with Henry Clapp for Johnson & Walkers' Octave Dictionary edi tion of 1835 the following books: Croleys Select British Poets — Sketches of Venetian History — Pilgrims Progress — Kippis Life of Capt. Cook — Popes Essay on Man. 14th—I paid carpenter 50c for a piece of wide board fitted large box of mine and paid for some repairs on said box.
to a
14th—Presented Aunt Rebecca Bunker with a bottle of the cur rant wine I made in 1831. Making some preparations for intended visit to the West.
DIARY OF WILLIAM C. FOLGER
155
' H e 'd, navigate down Main."
15th—Hepzibah Smith has made me two pillow cases for 17c. I got at B. R. Ellis's one yard of cotton cloth at 23c and another yard at 17c — total 40c & charged to the account of Asa G. Bunker. 17th—I got of Edward P. Coffin a trunk at four dollars and charged to my account. He has taken my harness consisting of one collar — 2 pair hames — one saddle & briching — one short bridle and an old head stall to be credited to me. He is to sell them for me & pay me the difference. Lent Uncle Aaron my powder horn and gave him some powder. 18th—Packing things etc. 19th—I sold David Joy yesterday my Nugents French Dictionary for one dollar. Francis Mitchell paid me $11.75 for the books I let him have on the 5th inst. with the exception of Reynolds voyage which he returned to me. Sold Reynolds to Edward Fol ger for two dollars. David Joy bought of me Journal of a Natur alist for 75c cash. I testified yesterday before C. K. Whitman Esq. to the amount that I saw T. Coffin take from the bank in specie as I did not expect to be here at Court time. Thomas gave me for my services for him one dol. Paid Caroline Smith for making 4 towels at 4c — 16c, thread 2c, ball of cotton 6c, making under bed 25c, tape & other things 5c, in all 54c. I settled with Humphrey Cannon his bill was S114.63 from which he deducted 8.93, leaving 105.70, my bill against him for cash & sundries from 1832 to the present time was 49.70 deducted leave 56 dollars. I paid him by giving him an order on Asa G. Bunker for fourteen dollars and the balance of forty-two dollars I paid in cash. I also gave him an order on William C. Swain for 6.25 for having the use of my money too long. I paid Mary R. Bunker 32c for washing my two English blankets. 19th—I deposited in Pacific Bank for safety a box containing my deeds and my silverware. Also in separate paper Tristram Spen cers note dated in 1832 for fifty dollars. James Athearn, Cashier gave me a recommend to take to the West with me. William C. Starbuck of the Citizens Bank also signed it. I gave Uncle Barney some second hand boots, pieces of candle, etc. Lent Uncle Barney 1 vol. of the Casket for 1827 also Flowers on Modern Travel, 3 vols, and gave him History of the United States. 1 vol.
156
HISTORIC NANTUCKET "Two lamps burning and no ship at sea.'
20th—I settled with William C. Swain, there was a balance of 6.25 due me and I had given Humphrey Cannon an order on them for 6.25 last evening which they accepted, that makes us square. They presented me with a 2 bladed knife worth 50c. Uncle Bar ney assisted me in packing up my bedding etc. heading up bar rels etc. I settled with Asa G. Bunker Esq. I had a note against him dated 6th, Mo. 29th, 1836 for thirty dollars & on the same day 1 had on his acc't, from B. R. Ellis's store goods to the amt. of 13.84 leav ing 16.40 from thirty dollars, the interest on which for S% mos. was 28c added to 16.16 makes 16.44 from which to deducting 1.40 for goods got of B. R. Ellis on the 13th. leaves 15.04 from which deducting my order on Asa in favor of Cannon leaves 1.04 due me which he paid me & I gave him his note, we are square. I borrowed Uncle Aaron Folger's horse and carted these to his shop. A large blue chest containing papers etc, a small seal skin trunk of books: — a small box of three parcels of surveying field instruments and a barrel of newspapers etc. to deposit with him for safe keeping. I took to Uncle Gideons a small leather trunk with choice books, papers, pictures etc. and a mahogany turn-up table for safe keeping. Uncle Barney assisted me in packing things. I hired two carmen for 31c who took down to the Sloop Nancy Finley, (Capt. Adams), my large green trunk also two other trunks of clothes, a large box of books & papers and two barrels of bedding & bed. Asa G. Bunker paid me for Franklin Macy 6 dollars & T gave him my bill against Franklin for books. I let Samuel Jenks have my map of the town of Nantucket at five dollars. I owed him 1 dollar for subscription for the In quirer from July 1st to Oct. 1st 1836 & he let me have the Inquirer to Oct. 19th. and is to send it to me when I shall write for it. 21st—We left Nantucket this morning and went several miles beyond the Bar and returned in consequence of a head wind — got back about 12 o'clock. I saw George Washington Lewis of Nantucket & Hyannis a friend of mine who had been to Michigan & Ohio and has purchased a farm of 60 acres at Chatham, Ohio, 40 miles from Cleveland at 8 dollars per acre. I hot of Harvey Crocker a pair of calf skin boots for $5.00. Gave Aunt Rebecca Bunker all the currant wine I had left.
DIARY OF WILLIAM C. FOLGER
157
"He's off Trottleoxing."
22nd—I wrote a will and signed it in presence of four witnesses, left it with Walter Folger, Jr., my Executor. I wrote a latter to Henry S. Tanner of Philadelphia wishing him to send me the 13th, 14th & 15th. numbers of his Universal Atlas. I gave it to cousin Charles M. Folger and gave him three dollars to pay for it with. He is to leave them at Uncle Aaron's for me. 23rd—I paid Lydia G. Bunker 3714 cts. for board for one day. We are square. Left Nantucket about 8 a.m. in the Sloop Nancy Finlay, Capt. Adams; passengers, Lydia G. Chase, Sarah J. Macy, Re becca Ann Folger of Nantucket, Margaret Swain & Phoebe Ann Pinkham of Hudson, N. Y. Thomas Nickerson & George A. Law rence of Nantucket and a cooper of New York. Arrived at 1 p.m. at Woods Hole, landed with the gentlemen. I walked up to Cousin Joseph Hatch's where I had an invitation to tea, I re turned aboard in the evening. 24th—Landed again took a walk with the gentlemen. We left the Hole about 1 p.m. and got to Tarpaulin Cove about 3 p.m. where we anchored I went ashore & took a walk up country with the gentlemen. I saw cousins Isaih Folger & George W. Folger. In the evening I went aboard of Sloop George, Capt. Russell. We left the Cove about 1 a.m. and about 11 p.m. that night anchored near Wreckers Island near New York. 26th—Arrived in New York about 11 a.m. this forenoon. Here stopped Alfred Hussey son of Charles, also Rebecca Ann Folger and the cooper. Took a walk up into the city, visited the burnt region, took a letter I had from Uncle Walter to Joseph C. Hart's office in Nassau Street. 27th—We left N. Y. about 6 a.m. and at night anchored in Haverstraw Bay. 28th—We landed this morning a few minutes to get milk. Left Caldwell's Landing Haverstraw Bay after breakfast and at 10 o'clock at night we were moored to Hudson Wharf — went up with our lady passengers.
158
HISTORIC NANTUCKET "It takes a voyage to learn."
29th—I called on William H. Coleman family and on Cyrus Cur tis and took dinner with Thomas Marshall. In the afternoon I got a ride out to Ghent village with Harry Sharpe, I paid carriage —• 1614c. Walked from Ghent Village to aunt Phebe Coleman's. Found the family as well as usual with the exception of Laura Nye who was unwell with a cough. 30th—I dined with William M. Bunker & family & took tea with them. 31st—Went with Aunt Phebe and Laura to Devolls store. November 1836 1st—I took a ride this morn to Chatham four corners with Wm. M. Bunker visited Joseph R. Coleman & store and also his cotton wadding factory. Saw the laborers at work on the Hudson & Berkshire Rail Road. 2nd—Went with Wm. Bunker to Ghent village & in the after noon with Aunt Phebe, Lydia & Laura to visit the Collins Family. 3rd—I spent the day at Aunt Phebes residence. 4th—Aunt Phebe gave me one dollar for a History of Nantucket by Obed Macy, she also let me have 50c to pay for her in Albany for the Cultivator for one year. I left Ghent about 9 a.m. taking leave of my kind friends. Arrived at Greenbush after dark. I got a passage across to Albany free in the Steamboat Niagara. I found my friends George Lawrence & Thomes Nickerson aboard Capt. Adams' vessell where I lodged for the night. 5th—I bot a fur seal cap for 12.00,1 gave my new white hat at four dollars and eight dollars cash for it. Bot a map of New York for 50c. Paid 60c for washing & ironing, paid for Aunt Phebe's sub. for Cultivator, Capt. Adams 6 dollars for my passage and freight of my things to Albany & paid carman 25c for taking my goods to Washington Line canal boat, R. Fulton, Capt. Jacob Myers. The box of books weighed 220 lbs. The Capt. told me he should charge me 9.10c for passage and board. (To Be Continued)
159 "The Young One has to tend the Kettle Halyards"
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 naming the Association to receive a legacy or bequest under your will which will help to insure the Association carrying on in the future. Counsel advises that legacies or bequests to the Nan tucket Historical Association are allowable deductions under the Federal Estate Tax law. Legacies will be used for general or specific purposes as di rected by the donor. A sample form of bequest may read as follows: FORM OF BEQUEST "I give, devise, and bequeath to the Nantucket Historical Association, a corporation duly in corporated by the Commonwealth of Massachu setts, and located in the Town of Nantucket, in said Commonwealth, the sum of dollars." Bequests 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 Miss Ethel Anderson, Secretary, P. 0. Box 1016, Nantucket, Massachusetts. Office, Fair Street Museum.
Photo
by
Dick
Williams