Editorial — "The Bicentennial and Nantucket"

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The Bicentennial and Nantucket

An Editorial THE ROLE PLAYED by Nantucket during the Revolution might very easily be construed as one adopted by a non-belligerent seeking to save his life by dodging the fighting. But it was far more complex than such an assumption might suggest. The true facts support a far different picture, one involving the sheer necessity of maintaining a neutral position at the outset and desperate measures for survival at the conclusion of the struggle.

When the guns of the Revolution hemmed the British army in Boston the Royal Navy was still in command of the sea and the coast, capable of capturing and burning any New England seaport town that took an active part in the spread of the Revolution. It is evident from the developments of 1775 that the British government hoped the outbreak around Boston would not spread. When it finally became evident that the Revolutionists were gaining support the maritime picture changed, and the Royal Navy became a decisive factor.

Nantucket was at this time at the crest of its great 18th century whaling prosperity. A fleet of one hundred whaleships gave the Island the position as the leading whaling port in the western world. Merchant vessels from this port carried oil and candles to Europe and the West Indies; and London was the chief market place for Nantucket whale oil, sperm candles and whale bone. Sherborn-Town was a thriving community, and the Society of Friends was the dominant force, controlling not only the religious life but the social and economic as well.

From the time the British were driven out of Boston (and many Loyalists from that city came to Nantucket for refuge), it was painfully evident that both the Continentals and the Royal Navy considered this Island as a supporter of one side or the other. Caught thus between two fires, unable to protect itself in case of attack by either of these two parties, the Island adopted the only role that could keep it from being destroyed by military action — it became neutral.

Led by the astute Quaker merchants, fully aware of the potential danger on either hand, the Nantucketers were determined to maintain this role — self-preservation through neutrality. It is true that the majority of the people were Loyalists, but the roster of young men who joined the Continental forces is impressive — well worth a study in itself. But the citizens as a whole knew that to keep Nantucket from destruction it was necessary to play the part of passive resistance. Even after the Treaty of Paris ended the Revolution the Town authorities petitioned the official government representatives in Boston for the designation as a "neutral port," so that they could resume sending oil and candles to London on a duty-free basis. When this was understandably denied one of the most astounding chapters in international maritime history began as the PostRevolution aftermath. But that is a complete story in itself.