Historic Nantucket
The Paddack-Chase-Yerkes House on India Street. Built in the 1760s
OCTOBER, 1973
Published Quarterly by NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS
NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President, Henry B. Coleman Vice-President, Albert G. Brock, George W. Jones, Alcon Chadwick, Albert F. Egan, Jr., Walter Beinecke, Jr., Mrs. Charles Clark Coffin. Honorary Vice-Presidents, Miss Grace Brown Gardner, Mrs. William L. Mather, W. Ripley Nelson Secretary, Richard C. Austin Treasurer, John N. Welch Councillors, Henry B. Coleman, Chairman, Mrs. Richard Swain, Bernard Grossman, terms expire 1974; Robert Metters, George A. Snell, terms ex pire 1975; Mrs. H. Crowell Freeman, Francis W. Pease, terms expire 1976; Mrs. Thomas F. Gibson, Miss Mary Gardner, terms expire 1977. Administrator, Leroy H. True Curator, Miss Dorothy Gardner Historian, Edouard A. Stackpole Honorary Curator, Mrs. William L. Mather Editor, "Historic Nantucket", Edouard A. Stackpole; Assistant Editor, Mrs. Merle Turner Orleans.
STAFF Oldest House: Chairman, Mrs. Kenneth S. Baird Receptionists, Mrs. Charles Barr, Miss Adeline Cravott Hadwen House-Satler Memorial: Chairman, Mrs. Charles Clark Coffin Receptionists: Mrs. Irving T. Soverino; Miss Rosamond Duffy, Miss Marjorie Burgess, Miss Maud Jackson, Miss Helen Hull. 7800 House: Chairman. Mrs. H. Crowell Freeman, Receptionist; Mrs. John Kittila, Sr. Old Gaol: Chairman, Albert G. Brock; Receptionist, Laurence Ayers. Whaling Museum: Chairman, Hugh R. Chace, Manager, David Allan, Re ceptionists, Clarence H. Swift, Mrs. Reginald Hussey, Mrs. Harold Killen, Jesse Dunham, Mrs. Herbert Sandsbury, Abram Niles, James A. Watts Peter Foulger Museum: Chairman and Director, Edouard A. Stackpole Receptionists: Mrs. Elizabeth B. Worth, Mrs. Clara Block, Mrs. Sterling B. Yerxa Christian House: Chairman, Mrs. John A. Baldwin Receptionists: Mrs. Noreen Shea, Mrs. Sarah Morris, Mrs. Joan Gallagher. Archaeology Dept.: Chairman, Paul C. Morris, Jr. Old Town Office: Chairman, Hugh R. Chace Old Mill: Chairman, Richard F. Swain Receptionist: Hugh MacVicar. Folger-Franklin Seat & Memorial Boulder: Chairman, Francis Sylvia Friends Meeting House-Fair Street Museum: Chairman, Mrs. Harding U. Greene
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 21
No. 2
CONTENTS Nantucket Historical Association Staff and Officers
2
Editorial
5
1,000 Acre Cornfield on Nantucket?
6
"The Walk," by Mary Starbuck
6
Saving Ship "Liverpool Packet" in 1881
8
Famous Walter Folger Clock Restored
11
"Blue and Gold," by George P. Christian —
14
A Whaling Master's Adventuresome Life
15
Administrator's Report
22
Admiral William Folger's Interest in the World of the Supernatural
24
Island Descendant Writes of Visit
27
Davidson Photographs at Peter Foulger Museum
29
To Capt. William Baxter
30
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 $5.00; Sustaining $25.00; Life — one payment $100.00. Second-class postage paid at Nantucket, Massachusetts. Copyright 1973, Nantucket Historical Association. Communications pertaining to the Publication should be addressed to the Editor, Historic Nantucket, Nantucket Hstorical Association, Nantucket, Massachusetts 02554.
Captain Charles Myrick by Eastman Johnson. A favorite model for the famous American genre artist. This portrait was presented to the Nantucket Historical Associa tion by Mr. Johnson upon closing his studio on the Cliff and now hangs in a prominent place in the Peter Foulger Museum.
5
Whose Tea Party? An Editorial According to several newspaper reports, the opening salvo in the battery of events which Massachusetts plans as historic observances to mark the nation's bicentennial celebration will be a celebration in December to commemorate the Boston Tea Party. The significance of this history-making event cannot be too strongly emphasized. The determined stand taken by the Boston patriots, the weeks of tension that caught Boston and Massachu setts during the period when the tea ships arrived, and the climax erupting with the dumping of the tea in Boston harbor are all an exciting part of our history. Ceremonies dramatizing the occasion are important as reminders that preliminary events taking place over a year before Lexington and Concord were important inspirational factors in the story of the American Revolution. But one vital part of the Boston Tea Party should not be forgotten by the promoters. If there had been no tea there would have been no "party"! Two of the vessels bringing the tea into Boston had an intimate connection with Nantucket — the Beaver and the Dartmouth. The third ship, the Eleanor, was a Boston craft, owned by John Rowe, a well-known merchant of that town. It was early summer, 1773, when the Beaver, built in the North River of Massachusetts for William Rotch, Sr., and the Dartmouth, built in Bedford for Francis Rotch, his younger brother, took aboard at Nantucket cargoes of whale oil which they delivered to the English consignees at London. Captain Hezekiah Coffin, of Nantucket, was in command of the Beaver, and Captain James Hall, of Rhode Island, was the master of the Dartmouth. Pursuant to orders from their respective owners, the two shipmasters accepted charters from the British East India Company to bring cargoes of tea to Boston. There were four vessels in the Boston fleet, the fourth being the ship William. Other tea-bearing fleets were dispatched to New York and Charleston. Of the Boston-bound fleet the William was wrecked on the back side of Cape Cod, and some of her cargo subsequently did reach the town by wagon. The other three arrived safely in Boston, but the fiery attitude of the patriots kept the custom's officials from entering the tea. When Governor Hutchinson fled to his country residence in Milton he left the problem in a legal tangle. What happened is history. But one man, acting as agent for the Dartmouth and Beaver, played a leading role in the series of events — Francis Rotch, of
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Nantucket. His shrewd and sincere handling of the situation at least saved the tea ships from damage despite the fact their cargoes were dumped into the harbor. His ordeal during those troublous weeks deserves to be better known and appreciated. Although he was in his 23rd year he displayed a courage and cool ness that was characteristic of that remarkable Nantucket family — the Rotches. And so, while the "Mohawks" in their feathers, buckskins, and war-paint descended on Griffin's Wharf, boarded the vessels and proceeded to throw the tea over the side, the young Quaker merchant from Nantucket had a prominent part in the drama, although he took no active role in this climax. Thus, Nantucket had a very significant part in the Boston Tea Party.
1,000 Acre Cornfield on Nantucket? From, the journals of Peter Chardon Brooks of West Medford and Boston:
Sept. 17, 1835, left Woods Hole for Nantucket in a steamboat, dined at Siasconset. On the same route 22 years ago. Our party was President John Quincy Adams, & Charles (Francis Adams) & Isaac P. Davis. Nantucket greatly altered. In 1813 it was a drab coloured place as to its buildings which were mostly small. It was war time. Shipmasters and seamen much at home and employed in digging turf and raising corn. They had a field of 1,000 (?) acres, 4 miles from the village owned by the whole town, & divided off by lanes to each owner. Such a sight I never saw before. Now all was animation. The houses were painted & many of them large & new, new meeting houses, schools, lecture rooms, etc. Professor Silliman was there delivering lectures. They have more than 70 whaling ships.
"The Walk" BY MARY STARBUCK
1905 Never a Captain grizzled and gray Now climbs to the house-top walk, Pipe and spyglass are put away: But the wise ones sometimes talk Of the pleasant ghosts that are peering still Through the glasses out to sea, Thinking back to the lure of the ships And the life that used to be.
8
Saving Ship "Liverpool Packet" in 1881 Captain Patterson's Account The English ship Liverpool Packet, bound from Liverpool to Boston, with 200 immigrants aboard, was caught in a March blizzard in 1861, and narrowly es caped disaster on Nantucket's south shore. The story of how the ship was saved by daring mariners from this island is best described by the leading figure in that rescue — the famous Nantucket pilot, Captain David Patterson. This account, written in his own hand, is as follows: ON THE 19th DAY of March, 1861, there was a fearful snow storm and gale of wind during the night. As I owned a small fishing vessel that was out during the storm I went up into the South Tower early the next morning to see if I could see anything" of her. The snow had stopped and with my spyglass I at last saw my vessel laying all right at anchor off the south shore of the island — the schooner Key West. At the same time I saw a large vessel about twelve miles to the south, wholly dismasted, and lying at anchor, with a signal of distress flying on the stump of her mainmast. The snow was very deep, so that no team could get through it, and it was about four miles from town to where any boats used for fishing along the shore were hauled up on the beach. It was fixed in my mind to go to the south shore, haul my dory off and board my little fishing schooner, the Key West, then go to the dismasted ship. I left the town, picked up two boys on my way, and started for the shore. It was a difficult walk, the snow being deeper than I ever saw before, and when we reached the shore we were pretty well tuckered out. We rested awhile and picked out a dory fitted with a sail and hauled her down to the surf. When we got to the surf we found it very rough. I asked the boys if they were afraid to try it. "No," says both, "we are ready to go with you anywhere." "Well," says I, "if you are ready and willing to go we will try it, but it is pretty rough for a dory and no one here to help us if we get filled. Remember, you are volunteers, and each must look out for himself in case of accident." The dory was got down where we wanted her and the boys took their places. I then told them to keep their eyes on me, and when I told them to pull they must pull all they knew — but to keep their places. After some fifteen minutes following the dory along the beach and keeping her straight (as every sea slewed
SAVING SHIP "LIVERPOOL PACKET"
9
her half around) I thought I saw a chance coming. When a third heavy sea ran up I gave the word "pull!" The boys did their work well and in less than a minute we were in back of the breakers all right, and with not a drop of water in the dory. We set our sail and were soon on board the K e y W e s t — dry but awfully used up with wallowing through the snow. The wreck could not be seen from the schooner's masthead. There was another fishing schooner laying a t anchor near the K e y W e s t — a western fisherman. I, of course, knew that the steamer in Nantucket harbor must be under way, coming out by this time, which, of course, was hurrying me up. The other schooner had seen our dory coming out from the shore and, of course, smelled a mouse (if not a rat). We held on a short time, but the other schooner got under way and stood to the eastward. The wreck bore about south of where we lay. When the other schooner had sailed about a mile or so south east, we got under way and steered to the southeast, too, but it was no use — they kept men at masthead — and very soon it was "hard up" and they kept her off south. They had seen the wreck's jib-boom sticking up above the horizon, and of course there was nothing for us to do but keep our schooner off too. We soon raised the hull of the wreck, but the other schooner had reached her about 15 minutes before us. They got a line to the ship and held onto her. We came to anchor near the ship. I took a boat and with half a dozen men boarded the wreck. When I came alongside the captain of the other schooner looked over the rail and said: "You can't come aboard — we've got all the help we need." We paid no attention to him. I told my men to follow me, leaving one man in the boat. When we climbed aboard I called for the ship's captain. The mate came forward and told me we couldn't see him as he was sick. I told him I must see the captain as I had a letter from the agent of the Board of Underwriters at Nantucket, with orders to deliver it to the captain and no one else. The mate then took me below to the captain in his cabin, and I handed him the letter. The captain of the other fishing schooner went with us. The ship's captain gave the letter to his wife, who was seated by him, and she read it to him. He then said to me, "the letter states you have been sent out to render any aid that I may require, but the captain of this other schooner tells me he has the capacity to save the passengers and crew." I said: "I have the ability to save your passengers and crew as well as your ship and cargo. Besides, I am a branch pilot and you are on my pilot ground." I showed him my commission. "How do you propose saving my vessel and cargo?" he asked. "The people ashore know that I planned to reach you," I
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HISTORIC NANTUCKET
replied. "I left a man in the tower to watch for my signal, and the minute I display it the word will be passed to the steamboat and she will leave immediately and come out to us." "And you claim to be a branch pilot?" he asked. "Yes, and you may call any of my men from the Key West to vouch for me." "No—no," he replied. "Few men would make such a claim if it was not true. Take charge of my ship as its pilot and set your signals for the steamer to take us in tow." I turned to the captain of the other schooner and said: "You now understand that I have charge of this ship. I am not going to rob you of your rights in being first to get aboard, or of the rights of your men. But I am now in charge of the ship and you and your crew are subject to my orders." The man realized that I was in a leading position and finally agreed to these terms. My first order to him was to regain his own schooner and set two large flags from his mainmast on the same halyard — the signal I had arranged for the man in the South Tower. As the weather had remained clear I knew the watcher would see the signal and report to the steamboat people. All hands aboard the disabled ship were heartened to learn of my plan. The hours passed slowly, but I knew the steamer was on her way out to us, and assured them of the fact. When the sidewheeler Massachusetts hove into sight I had taken down the ship's signal of distress. In answer to her hail I requested that they get a hawser on board and start towing us to the eastward. ' In piloting the steamer and her tow I set a course as follows: East until we made the Old Man Shoal, then around to the south of it, to head up between Pochick and Bass Rip; thence north to Great Point Rip. Once around Great Point the steamer followed her regular course and finally arrived at Edgartown, where we anchored with a heavy kedge anchor, the ship having lost her other anchors during her hazardous hours in Nantucket shoals. In Edgartown I sent word ashore to the Marine Underwrit ers' agent that I wanted a big anchor sent out as the weather did not look good and night had already begun to fall. About two o'clock in the morning a lighter came up alongside with the anchor, which we soon bent on with a chain cable. It was well we did as an easterly gale developed and that anchor kept us from going ashore. The Liverpool Packet was libeled by the Nantucket Steamboat Company claiming salvage, but after a few days she was bonded. A few days later orders arrived to have the ship towed to Boston, and I served as pilot until we arrived safely at that port. In adjusting the claims before a referee the following settlement was agreed upon: Steamboat Company $3,000 Schr. Key West 2,750 Schr. Connecticut 2,500 Total
$7,000
11
Famous Walter Folger Clock Restored; On Exhibit at Peter Foulger Museum THE INTERNATIONALLY famous "tall clock" made by Walter Folger, Jr., of Nantucket, has been fully restored and is once more on exhibit at the Peter Foulger Museum. After being absent for six months, during which time it was in the shop of John C. Losch, in Holliston, Mass., where it was carefully cleaned and put in running order by that excellent craftsman, the handsome timepiece was brought to the Island on July 6, and promptly re-installed in the case, which also had been repaired, the work being done at the Mill Shop. Its dial cleaned and hands refurbished, the Folger Clock not only provides a handsome exhibit but serves as a dramatic ex ample of the skill of its maker. Walter Folger, Jr., was a Nantucket genius, and he constructed the clock works over a three-year period, completing it in 1790 at the age of 22. It is considered by experts as the most remarkable astronomical clock in America. The dial bears the name of the maker, and shows a gilt disk and a silver sphere which respectively represent the sun and the moon in their orbits across the sky, rising and setting at the exact time of their real counterparts, and moving in slots in the shape of the segment of a circle. The time of the rise and set of any heavenly body depends, among other things, on its declination — that is the angular position of the body north or south of the earth's equator. The sun disk in the Folger Clock shows the declination of the sun going through its annual cycle from 231/2 degrees north in sum mer to 231/2 degrees south in winter, and since the length of day light varies with the seasons, the upper slot is provided with shutters that adjust themselves in such a way as to make the hours of daylight correspond exactly with the real sunrise and sunset. The moon's declination follows a more complicated program, however, and the noted horologist, Dr. Arthur L. Rawlings, has stated: "It is doubtful whether anyone else, either before or since Walter Folger's time, ever designed a mechanism to predict it," Not only is the moon's declination taken care of by the mech anism of this remarkable clock but the complicated arrangement includes one wheel turning in 27 days 8 hours and another turn ing in 24 hours 50.527 minutes, but one turning in 18.6 years. Dr. Rawlings believed the ingenious Folger's mechanism employed the first application of variable ratio levers.
WALTER FOLGER CLOCK RESTORED
13
The conventional clock-works movement is so arranged and mounted that it provides space for the accommodation of the 15 wheels and 12 pinions of the astronomical section. The methods Folger used for his complicated moon orbit and determination of declination were entirely his own and apparently were the first ever so designed. Upon his death in 1849 the astronomical functions of the clock failed to operate, and although the time-piece continued, no one was able to reactivate the sun and moon features — or, at least, no one was successful in any attempt at it. In 194,8 the great-granddaughter of Walter Folger, Jr., presented the famous clock to the Historical Association. In 1952, through the active work of Dr. William E. Gardner, the clock was placed in the hands of Dr. Arthur L. Rawlings, then a consulting engineer at Bulova Research Laboratories, and a noted horologist, whose serv ices were obtained through the interest of Brooks Palmer, then president of the National Association of Clock and Watch Col lectors. In 1953 the clock was returned to the island in working order. However, during the past few years, and particularly since it was transferred to the new museum, the famous clock showed signs of needing expert attention, and performed erratically. Fortunately, Mr. John Losch was recommended by several ex perts as the craftsman to whom could be entrusted the delicate restoration needed. The works were carefully packed and taken to his shop in Holliston in December, 1972. Over the intervening months the entire assembly of wheels, pinions, and gears was carefully taken apart and cleaned, with several intricate repairs completed. These parts were photographed, and the work of reassembling accomplished. The result is that the remarkable old clock is once more functioning as Walter Folger originally designed it. Visitors are cordially invited to come to the Peter Foulger Museum for the opportunity to study this extraordinary "Grand father's Clock."
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HISTORIC NANTUCKET
Blue and Gold Blue distances with silence filled at end of day Whence homing sheep with fleeces gold now take their way. Blue boughs which weary seem to brood at twilight's call And offerings of golden leaves beside the wall. Blue pigeons flying up the sky serenely bright With wings aglimmer in the sun ere it is night. Blue daisies of Saint Michael's Mass in dusky sleep With shining hearts that ever wake their troth to keep. Grim sorrow which enshadows with depths of pain, Then out of it the joy of life, and peace again. George P. Christian 'J;:
s|e sj:
%
The Rev. George P. Christian, author of the above poem, lived for a quarter of a century in the house on the corner of Liberty Street and Walnut Lane, which he purchased in 1934 and completely restored. Upon his death, it continued to be the home of his widow, Mrs. Ruth Christian who, in her will, bequeathed it to the Nantucket Historical Association. Now known as the Nathaniel Macy House (the original owner) it is open to the public during the regular season and has already established itself as one of the finest period homes on Nantucket.
15
A Whaling Master's Adventuresome Life The Autobiography of Captain Alexander Macy
(Continued from the July issue) "IN THE MORNING it was quite calm and the captain of the brig, with two passengers, came on board. Gapt. Chase took them over the ship to examine our crippled state and proposed to the captain of the brig to take us in tow and endeavor to get us into port. After viewing the situation, he declined, but said if we wished to leave the ship he would take us on board. Capt. Chase thought it best to abandon her. "The captain of the brig then requested us to transfer water and provisions sufficient for the additional crew. Capt. Chase went on board the brig; their long boat was sent to us and I received orders to send water and provisions. I complied with these and the orders for things most valuable, clothing, nautical instruments, etc., which used up the day. About sundown, a slight breeze sprung up. All were now on board except one boat's crew and myself. I sent my men into the boat, and finally, with much regret, went over the ship's side myself, for I still held the hope to the last of working the wreck into port. Such was the end of the General Lincoln, as fine a ship as ever floated. She was after wards seen nearly under water. "After four days of pleasant weather, the brig Telegraph arrived in New York about the 15th of November. Thence we took passage in a sloop to Nantucket. After I arrived I was called on by a merchant of this place who told me that he had been awaiting my arrival from New York and wished me to go to Boston and see Israel Thorndike and confer with him about taking one of his ships to Havre in France. I was to procure a French flag and sail as a French ship on a whaling voyage, under a decree of Louis Philippe, King of the French, the gov ernment at that time offering a large bounty to the owners of the ship. "I agreed to the proposal and took command of the ship Columbus, bringing my officers from Nantucket. We sailed on Jan. 4, 1819, and reached Havre; thence sailing for the coast of Africa; thence to the Brazil Banks. After a voyage of 17 months, I returned with a full ship in August, 1820. "When I arrived in Havre, I found letters from Mr. Thornaike, my owner, to consign my cargo to 'Wells, Williams and Green' for sale, and, if I thought it best, to fit the ship for another voyage; but, if the prospect was not good for another whaling voyage, he wished me to advertise for freight for New York or Boston. If I could not obtain freight, to sell the ship.
A WHALING MASTER'S ADVENTURESOME LIFE
17
"I did not think the prospect was good for another voyage, as the price of oil was much reduced and I could not get suitable officers. I advertised for freight, but could not find any and I could not find an offer for the sale of the ship that would do; so I finally concluded to lay the ship up in Havre and return to Boston. "I took passage in the brig Mary; arrived in Boston in No vember and reported to my owner, Mr. Thorndike, and he was fully satisfied with what I had done and engaged me to take charge of the ship Palladium in the spring and go on a spermwhale voyage in the Pacific Ocean. "In May, 1821, I went to Boston and commenced fitting the
Palladium, one of the best ships in the port of Boston. July 3d,
the ship was ready for sea and we sailed on that day; made a good passage round Cape Horn and arrived at Coquimbo on the coast of Chili in October. After being fully recruited we cleared from Coquimbo, ran down the coast of Peru and about the first of March arrived at Owyher and anchored in Kalakuhua Bay; found the natives very friendly, but great thieves. "While there, I many times stood on the rock where Capt. Cook, the great English navigator and explorer, was killed by the natives. One of the party that killed him was pointed out to me, and he looked like the man that would be unlikely to do anything of the kind. "Not being able to get recruits in that place, we cleared for Mowee and anchored at Lahaina. From that place we ran down to Oahu. I had freight that I had taken in Boston to land at Hono lulu, for the American Missionaries. I landed my freight for the Mission amongst which was the first printing press ever worked at the Sandwich Islands. This was about April 10th, 1822. "The natives at this time were not far advanced in civilization and certainly not in Christianity; they were very intemperate, licentious and great thieves, so much so that the cook on board my ship could not leave his utensils exposed, if he did, they were sure to be missing. "About the 12th of April, we left for the coast of Japan and after a short passage arrived and cruised there till September. Being unsuccessful, not being acquainted with the best place for whaling, (though having one of the finest ships that arrived on that coast), I left Japan in September for California and arrived at Santa Barbara the 1st of December, 1822. We took on board water and vegetables, left Santa Barbara, ran down the coast of Mexico and returned to the Sandwich Islands; we arrived at Lahaina, Mowee (Maui) in April 1823.
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HISTORIC NANTUCKET
"After being well recruited, we went to sea, made quite a successful cruise near the coast of Japan and returned to Santa Barbara in November; took in water, vegetables, etc., and being well recruited cleared for the Maria Islands in the Gulf of Cali fornia, took in wood and sailed on a cruise; filled our ship with oil and arrived in Valpariso on the coast of Chili in May, 1824. We soon left for Coquimbo and arrived there after a short passage; fitted our ship for home and cleared the 8th of July, arriving in Boston the 15th of November, 1824, after a voyage of three years and five months. We obtained 2400 bbls. of sperm oil, but when we arrived home found a very poor market, sperm oil being 50 cts. per gallon. "We settled our voyage and I returned home with my wife who had come to Boston after our arrival. "I stopped at home through the winter and in the spring of 1825 I took charge of the ship Peruvian of this place, bound on a whaling voyage to the Pacific Ocean. We sailed the 10th of June and after a rough passage arrived in Coquimbo in October, 1826. After being well recruited we cleared for the coast of Peru, visited the Galapagos Islands and arrived at the Sandwich Islands, anchored at Lahaina, Maui, in April, 1826. We then took in water and provisions and sailed on a cruise; we were successful and arrived in San Francisco with 1800 bbls. of sperm oil. "In December, 1826, I visited many places that are now well known, but at that time we had but little knowledge of the country far back as they were constantly at war with the native Indians. We sailed on a cruise the last of December, completed our voyage, 2300 bbls. of sperm oil, and returned home in De cember, 1827. "Market for oil, 65 cts. per gallon. "The owners of the Peruvian being desirous for me to go in the ship again on a voyage to the Pacific Ocean, I consented to take the ship again and sailed June the 8th, and visited the Azores and Cape Verde Islands. Nothing happened until we ar rived off Cape Horn in September, where we met with bad winds; we were sixty days south of Cape Horn, with heavy gales, en tangled with icebergs, came near losing our ship on islands of ice. When we goc round the 'Horn' we had scarcely a well man on board and were barely able to sail the ship, our men having been so much exposed to the severe weather. "We arrived at Callao after a long passage and much suf fering ; we visited Lima, got well recruited and sailed on a cruise. We stopped at the Galapagos Islands, got terrapin, etc., went to sea and arrived at the Sandwich Islands in May 1829. Soon after we sailed for our cruising ground and were quite successful. The last of October we anchored in Lahaina, took on board wood, water
A WHALING MASTER'S ADVENTURESOME LIFE
19
and vegetables, and sailed for the coast of Mexico, returning to the Sandwich Islands in April, 1830. "From thence we cleared for a cruise near the North Sand wich Islands and returned again to the Sandwich Islands in November, 1830, our ship having been badly strained in a typhoon. After making the necessary repairs, we sailed, completed our voyage, (a full ship), and arrived at Coquimbo on the coast of Chili in May, 1831. Then fitted our ship for the passage home, cleared in June and arrived home in November, 1831. "Being now quite tired of a life on the seas, I had intended stopping at home but after being at home sometime my former owners of the Peruvian solicited me to take charge of one of their ships and I finally took command of the ship Maria. "I sailed in the Marixt in November, 1832 for the Pacific Ocean. We had a good passage round Cape Horn, visited Chili, Peru, Sandwich Islands, the coast of Japan and California, and returned March 12th, 1836, with a very leaky ship that we were just able to keep afloat. But we got her home with 1700 bbls. of sperm oil, our voyage having been much interfered with on account of the bad state of our ship. When we arrived our oil was worth ,80 cts. per gallon. But I always regretted that I ever consented to make that voyage as I was aware that the ship was not fit for the voyage, and the owners were fortunate that she was not condemned in a foreign port. At any rate, I suffered much in mind. "In consequence of the low price of oil during the time I was engaged in the whaling business I did not make much by my voyages. But by the strict economy of your mother at home, by the savings from my voyages, I was in hopes to stop on shore. With what little I had I now concluded to coil up my ropes and anchor on shore, although I had three ships offered me for an other voyage, and one in the same employ. "And now at the age of forty-four, having been absent most of the time from my family and friends, and suffered much from exposure in my business, I was truly tired of a seafaring life. Knowing that I had something to do, and your mother being willing to take the indoors duties of a farm, and very desirous that I should go to sea no more and leave her and our family at home and as I had had some experience in farming in my young days, I concluded the best thing I could do was to purchase a farm. "About one month after my return from my last voyage, I bought a farm in the village of Polpis, five miles from town and moved on to it in May, 1836. I found the buildings on my farm much out of repair, and to put them in good order and to stock it cost me 800 dollars, making my farm, (the first cost was $2 200), cost me $3,000. Notwithstanding the cost, I thought I was well situated; had plenty of work, my family around me. and my friends in town five miles from me.
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HISTORIC NANTUCKET
"I stopped on my farm sixteen years. About that time I strained myself badly and was not able to do the duties of a farm, and, in consequence, I removed to town and let my farm. "After purchasing my farm, and living on it with the ex ception of two years that I was overseer of the Poor Department and lived in the Town's farm near my own, as I said before, in 1852, I moved to town. During this time the whaling business had declined and finally died out, and with the downfall of com merce, real estate went down, so that farms and real estate were not worth one half their original cost. "My intention was, if I regained my strength, to move back to my farm, but not being able to return, and farms with other real estate depreciating every year, I concluded to sell my farm, which had cost me with all the additions $3,200. The first offer I had was $1,500 and I was glad to sell at that, as it proved that other farms near me sold for $700 that cost about the same as mine. I had other real estate in lots and sheep stock, that cost me $800, that I sold for $500. As I was living in town, I could do no other than sell, and that, with my losses by failures, brought me into quite close quarters. But after all that, with strict economy and what I have been able to do, I have lived comfortable. "After moving to town I kept my house and did some gar dening. I also filled many town offices; was one of the overseers of the Poor Department and of the Selectmen of the town, also one of the Town and County Assessors. "In 1852, I was voted one of the directors of the Nantucket Institution for Savings, and afterwards one of the Committee on Investment of Deposits in the Institution. I was President of the Institution for four years and am still one of the directors and committee. All the above offices paid me nothing with the excep tion of the assessors; there was small pay attached to that. "And now, here I am, about worn out in the service, and 81 years old and you ask me to write something of my life and I have complied. I have omitted many incidents still fresh in my memory and have written a condensed history of my acts and doings, entirely from memory as I had no records to assist me. "I will add that during the time I commanded a ship, which was from 1818 to 1836, my officers and crew numbered from 25 to 30 men and never lost but four men in all that time, My first officer, Paul Bunker, was killed by a whale on board the Peruvian. One boy, Stephen, son of Gorham Coffin, one of my owners, fell from aloft and was killed. One colored man fell overboard in the night and was drowned, and one colored man died from dropsy. "I mention the above for the reason that many think a sea life, particularly whaling, very dangerous. "I will also add that this is copied from what I wrote."
Captain Alexander Macy
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Administrator's Report BY LEROY H. TRUE
AS WE DRAW close to the end of another season it is obvious that attendance at our buildings reached an all-time high. We do not know if this is because more people came to Nantucket, improved publicity, or that people have become more interested in history and tradition. We hope it is because of the latter but probably it is partly because of all three. Also we have a sizable increase in membership. This is most encouraging because membership is the life blood of our organiza tion and through these, we have a greater opportunity to fulfill our mission. A major part of our success is due to the excellent personnel, all performing their individual tasks with devotion and effort. We have received so many compliments from our visitors on the knowledge and charm of those who interpret each exhibit. It was a real delight to see the sails back on the mill and hear the muffled sound of wooden machinery grinding corn. During the winter we hope to get the overhead wires buried and other corrections made so that we can operate no matter which quarter the wind is from. We had several excellent programs this summer, free to members and guests. The talks by Mr. Stackpole and Mrs. Bar bara Johnson were outstanding. We are planning to accelerate these programs this winter and next summer under the direction of Mr. Stackpole, our Historian, and to include other speakers. A few people in sections of the room had difficulty hearing and all were uncomfortably warm but we promise to improve both situations. The Nantucket Cable TV generously offered to put some of our programs on Channel 3 and Mr. Stackpole has already done a fine job describing the museums and telling interesting facts and stories pertaining to Nantucket's past. We are most en thusiastic about this means of teaching early Nantucket history. The Council relaxed the rule against taking pictures inside the buildings and now permits this when for private use and when it can be done without interrupting normal flow of visitors. Many have expressed appreciation for this privilege. The "dig" at Sachacha Pond has been closed but the one at Ram Pasture is still in progress. It is doubtful if either will pro duce a large collection of "treasures" because each is done slowly and carefully in the search for information rather than the accumulation of artifacts. There is room for a few more people to participate.
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
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Following the recommendation of a competent consultant some of our portraits will be taken to the Museum of Fine Arts next week for restoring and reconditioning. More will follow as the money can be spared. We also have an expert coming to the island this fall to correct some very bad conditions found in many of our valuable prints. The work is expensive but essential maintenance. Did you notice the picture of the Friends Meeting House in the last issue of Historic Nantucket? The entrance platform looked so sound and substantial but now, a few years later, is rotted beyond repair and must be replaced. Upkeep is the curse of maintaining old buildings. Displays at the Whaling Museum have been rearranged in an attempt to make them more interesting and a number of new acquisitions have been added in the Peter Foulger Museum. Es pecially attractive is the beautiful carved ivory collection. If you have not been in recently, and are on the island this winter, we urge you to visit us. Both museums will be open every Saturday afternoon all winter. Plans are progressing for an attractive exhibit at the Fair Street Museum next summer and this will make it possible for people to again see the interior of the Friends Meeting House and next year we also expect to have the Christian House and Hadwen House-Satler Memorial open occasionally in the evening. The legal problems have been resolved and we expect that Miss Monaghan's gift of "Greater Light" will be turned over to us soon. We are studying plans on how best to open this to the public in compliance with Miss Monaghan's wishes and, at the same time, not have it a financial burden to the Association. It will probably be early summer before any definite program will be announced.
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Admiral William Folgers Interest in the World of the Supernatural ADD TO LITTLE KNOWN facts about Nantucket that, for public libraries in towns of Nantucket's size, the Atheneum houses perhaps the best collection in the United States of books on theosophy, spiritualism and psychical research. Add the further and still more astonishing- fact, that the Atheneum and Nantucket owe this collection mainly to that notable benefactor of the Nan tucket Historical Association, the rugged, outspoken, uncompro mising Admiral William M. Folger. From inspection of the Admiral's portrait (hanging in the Peter Foulger Museum) none would dream that he had been an eager student of the occult. Few dreamed this who knew him in life, whether during or after his service in the United States Navy. In the Navy he is remembered as a rigid disciplinarian of uncommon common sense. By most of the associates of his re tirement, particularly those in his winter home, the Algonquin Club of Boston, Admiral Folger is recalled for his political con servatism, his zeal for the Navy, and his interest in business and financial developments. But if, in the reading room of his club, the Admiral was wont to discourse fluently and forcefully on current themes of worldly appeal, in the seclusion of his club bedroom and of the library in his Cornish summer home, the other-worldly rather than the worldly claimed his thoughts. He was not of the dull brotherhood intent only on the material and transitory. Wise enough to sense the illogicality of limiting human life to its earthly span, Admiral Folger was aflame with curiosity to learn what lay beyond that span. Hence, many years before his death, he began to collect and read and ponder all manner of books relating to the soul and its persistence after the crumbling of the body. The range of his reading was wide indeed, from books of little or no scientific value to the most scholarly of works. Today the Atheneum has them all, and they form a goodly part of the twenty-six hundred volumes that came to Nantucket under the terms of Admiral Folger's will. That magnum opus of really scientific psychical research, F. W. H. Myers' wondrous Human Personality and Its Survival of Bodily Death, is among them. So is that learned work by my friend Henry Holt, On the Cosmic, Relations, a work which my other friend, the philosopher Josiah Royce, praised to me as The most judicious book on the subject since Myers' Human Personal ity. Along with these one finds such glaring contrasts as Evelyn. Underbill's compact Man and the Supernatural and Madame Bla-
ADMIRAL FOLGER AND THE SUPERNATURAL
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vatsky's bulky The Secret Doctrine, Thomas William Hanna's con vincing Brain and Personality and Elliott O'Donnell's credulous Ghosts Helpful and Harmful. Sir Oliver Lodge, Sir William Barrett, Camille Flammarion, Walter F. Prince, Professor Hyslop, Dr. Elwood Worcester, Conan Doyle; these, and many another psychical researcher of varying ability, find place in the Folger collection. It runs back, also, to pre-psychical research days with such books as the Earl of Dunraven's Experiences in Spiritualism with D. D. Home, Stainton Moses' Spirit Teachings and A. W. Trethewy's The Con trols of Stainton Moses (M. A. Oxon.) Whereabouts in the Atheneum are these unusual books to be found? Alas, in an obscure corner, a corner so obscure as to em phasize the slight demand there is today for books bearing on the soul and its possibilities. I wonder if the old Admiral himself knows this? I wonder if he is haunting the Atheneum hopefully awaiting the discovery of his collection by some Nantucket youth temperamentally qualified so to profit from this part of the Folger bequest as to follow in the steps of the great psychical researchers of other days and add to our knowledge of ourselves as they have done? When, as, and if that youth does make an appearance, I can fancy the Admiral, if he is still around, giving the chuckle of satisfaction characteristic of him when he scored a point in read ing room debate or bettered some furry marauder of his Cornish garden. — H. Addington Bruce (This article appeared originally in The Harpoon, June, 1937.)
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Island Descendant Writes of Visit to the "Old Home" EARLA IN AUGUST, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Worron, and Mr. Worron's sister, Mrs. Helen (Worron) Achberger, all of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, came to Nantucket to visit. Mr. Worron and Mrs. Achberger are the grandchildren of Harriett Turner Worron, and were anxious to learn as much as possible about their ancestral home — especially because of their understandably great interest in the book Trustum and His Grandchildren, a Nantucket classic written by Harriet Worron, who was born in the Oldest House on Sunset Hill. Upon her return to Ohio Mrs. Achberger wrote' a letter which so well conveyed her thoughts and reflections of her visit that she was asked permission to share it with the members of our Association. To this request she graciously consented, and her letter is as follows: Dear Historian: After our very recent Nantucket trip, I now can realize that our two days on the Island gave not near enough time to do the things I really wished to do. I am sorry that my time in talking with you was so necessarily limited by our departure time, but I am sure you could appreciate the fact that this visit was the greatest emo tional experience of my life-time. While coming into the harbor I felt a cross section of gladness and sadness, with all the Nantucket stories I had grown up with rushing at me full force. I could almost see my dear father running along the beach as a boy, while all the rest of my ancestors increasing this feeling of actual belonging. My desire at this time was just to be alone and undisturbed with my thoughts. As I had never been to the island before I am more than ever convinced that this feeling of belonging is in-horn. Heading up through the streets of the town my observations left me temporarily dismayed at the con trast of what had been described and what I saw — the modern scene with so much that is in contrast to the real Nantucket. Our second day was far better as we had the opportunity to walk through the streets of the old town, and explore the out-of-town roads and landscape, and my initial disappointment was replaced by a great satisfaction. I was once more seeking my roots.
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
We did as much as we could in that short time, but I realize we had only scratched the surface. On our third morning we had to hurry so in getting ready for de parture, so that our stop at the Peter Foulger Museum was all too short. Your identification and direction to Grandmother Worron's home brought a fitting climax to this first visit back to where it all began. Upon returning home, I re-read "Trustum" with greatly increased interest, and I am now embarked on research in order that my own children and grand children may know from what of the island stock they descend. They are a proud lot these Nantucketers — and I want my children to feel this pride. Again, my thanks for your time and information. I think you understand how deeply I feel about my ancestral home. I came away a richer person having found where my roots all began.
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Davidson Photographs on Display at Peter Foulger Museum A COLLECTION of the photographs of Louis S. Davidson, well known summer resident of Nantucket, has been placed on exhibit on the second floor of the Peter Foulger Museum. They embrace a wide variety of Nantucket personalities, including the late Herbert Coffin, for so many years Commodore of the Wharf Rat Club on Old North Wharf; George "Bunt" Mackay, so familiar to the Pacific Club and Wharf Rat members; Austin Strong, the playwright; Emerson Tuttle, artist and Yale professor; Bassett Jones, electrical engineer and Polpis devotee; James H. Wood, last of the Grand Army veterans of Nantucket; Frank Swift Chase, the artist, and Everett U. Crosby, who worked so diligently to preserve this island town. These were distinct personalities and Louis Davidson, with his skill as a photographer, has captured them in characteristic poses, so that they represent an historical record. Although most of these outstanding figures have been nearly two decades re moved from the Island scene their memories are still green in a wide circle of relatives and friends. Other photographs on display are of islanders still active on the local scene — all in informal poses, looking their natural selves, as Mr. Davidson has so carefully caught them. A group picture of the Wharf Rat Club, taken in 1968, has such a remark able clarity that all the individual members may be easily iden tified. Among the older views is the Burridge-Mazerole Boat Yard, at Francis and Washington Streets, and one of the first buses to run to the Bathing Beach, owned by Elmer Pease — "Bus No. 4, Seats 20, Fare 10c" — with one of the old surreys in front of the Pacific Club as a contrast. Louis Davidson also presented fifty other views of Nantucket, with houses, landscapes and seascapes represented. The entire collection is a record of scenes of Nantucket's recent past, and will increase in value in the passage of time. The Nantucket Historical Association is indeed fortunate to receive such a splen did gift.
To Capt. William Baxter Of the "Side-Wheeler Swiftsure" Port of Nantucket Ahoy there, Ancient Mariner, Come o'er the bar and drop your anchor. Reel off your joke, my heart of oak, To see your cargo how I hanker! For in your hold 'neath locks of gold Are gems that brighten all existence; The fair sea-maiden on your bow Hath charms for me beyond resistance! Full many a voyage to foreign ports I've taken on your old "side-wheeler." Ship ne'er did launch more stiff and staunch, And for close sailing she's a "peeler." For long or shorter "pilgrimage" Your four-legged mate stands ever ready; And when stormy winds do rage You take the helm and hold her steady. O'erhaul your log, my brave sea-dog, For wond'rous yarns of foreign travel; The mysteries of your younger days No human brain can e'er unravel! Oh, is it true that's told of you That once you were a ruthless pirate, E'er burning ships, whose luckless skips You held for ransom at a high-rate? It cannot be — some one has lied — (What honest soul escapes such malice.) From early youth you've loved the truth, And told it, too, in hut and palace! Of queerest doings on sea and land You ever gave a careful version; Though setting science at flat defiance, You made new facts for each excursion. Full well I know, (with book to show) How in the Ark you took the census; The thrilling tale of Jonah's whale In later version you dispense us. O'er Madaquecham you say he swam When you were but a barefoot urchin, And for some trace to mark the place You've set a horde of tourists searchin'!
To CAPTAIN WILLIAM BAXTER How you've discovered fishes queer Ne'er seen before by bold sea-ranger; The "corn-pond," too, whose virtues new You vaunted to the footsore stranger. When wedded pair were in your care, You pointed out where berries were thickest, And sudden deafness seized on you Just when your hearing was the quickest! You point out ancient land-marks, too, "Last Indian" graves, all marked with numbers, Quaint relics rare, and wild beast's lair, Creations of your last night's slumbers. 'Twixt you and "Frank" you've ciphered out Queer wrinkles new in navigation; Sly nods and winks and secret kinks, Impossible of imitation. How you display your treasures, too, Flotsam and jetsam of the Ocean — Your wooden maid, who throws in shade All other maidens, to your notion! Your presents, too, a ship-load sure — Gloves, ribbons, ties, all sorts and sizes, Fair portraits true and billet-doux, And countless sweet and dainty prizes. In good old 'Sconset days you served Fidus Achates to all comers, Ne'er known to fail, your "lightning mail" Made steady trips a score of Summers; To those who on you pinned their faith, Your sage advice was ne'er misleading, E'en though you brought them home-made news And last year's papers for their reading. In Winter time with crew discharged And ship safe moored in sheltered quarters, You live in quiet on thinnest diet And dote on pills and colored waters; And when the doctors give you up, And give your friends a last sad warning, You signal to your trusty mate, And board your ship o'Monday mirning. Long may she float, your gallant boat, And "in her wake sound happy laughter, And when your voyage of life is o'er We'll hail you in the great hereafter. Ere yet "the flood shall bear you far," 0, list to hear the "Pilot" calling. Take Him for guide when tempests ride, And deeper shades of night are falling!
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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.
