Historic Nantucket
Brant Point — 1881
October, 1978 Published Quarterly by Nantucket Historical Association Nantucket, Massachusetts
NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President, Leroy H. True Vice-Presidents, Albert G. Brock, George W. Jones, Alcon Chadwick, Albert F. Egan, Jr., Walter Beinecke, Jr., Mrs. Merle T. Orleans Honorary Vice-President, Henry B. Coleman Secretary, Richard C. Austin Treasurer, John N. Welch Councillors, Leroy H. True, Chairman Robert D. Congdon, Harold W. Lindley, terms expire 1979; Mrs. James F. Merriman, Miss Barbara Melendy, terms expire 1980; Donald Terry, Mrs. H. Crowell Freeman, terms expire 1981; Miss Dorothy Gardner, David D. Worth, terms expire 1982. Historian, Edouard A. Stackpole Editor: "Historic Nantucket", Edouard A. Stackpole; Assistant Editor, Mrs. Merle Turner Orleans.
STAFF Oldest House: Curator, Mrs. Kenneth S. Baird Receptionists: Mrs. Margaret Crowell, Miss Adeline Cravott Hadwen House-Satler Memorial: Curator, Mrs. Phoebe P. Swain Receptionists: Mrs. Irving A. Soverino, Mrs. Richard Strong, Mrs. Donald MacGlashan, Miss Helen Levins 1800 House: Curator, Mrs. Clare Macgregor Receptionist: Miss Barbara Nathan Old Gaol: Curator, Albert G. Brock Whaling Museum: Curator, Renny Stackpole Receptionists: Frank Pattison, James A. Watts, Patricia Searle, Rose Stanshigh, Alice Collins, Clarence H. Swift, Mary Lou Campbell, Donald S. MacGlashan Peter Foulger Museum: Curator and Director, Edouard A. Stackpole Receptionists: Mrs. Clara Block, Everett Finlay, Mary J. Barrett, Richard Strong, Suzanne Zobel Librarian: Mrs. Louise Hussey Nathaniel Macy House: Curator, Mrs. John A. Baldwin Receptionists: Miss Dorothy Hiller, Mrs. Alfred Hall Archaeology Department, Curator, Mrs. Roger Young Old Town Office: Curator, Renny A. Stackpole Old Mill: Curator, John Gilbert Millers: John Stackpole, Edward G. Dougan Folger-Franklin Seat & Memorial Boulder: Curator, Francis Sylvia Friends Meeting House-Fair Street Museum: Curator, Albert F. Egan, Jr. Lightship "Nantucket": Curator, Benjamin S. Richmond Shipkeepers: Richard Swain, Buel Wrenne Greater Light - Receptionists: Dr. Selina T. Johnson, Florence Farrell Building Survey Committee: Chairman, Robert G. Metters
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 26
October, 1978
No. 2
Officers and Staff of Nantucket Historical Association
2
Editorial-A Quarter Century of Nantucket
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President - Administrator's Report at Annual Meeting by Leroy H. True
7
Treasurer's Report
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The Diaries of Obed Macy, Nantucket Merchant and Historian by Edouard A. Stackpole
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Oliver S. Chase, a Young Nantucketer "In Search of Wealth and Adventure" by Andre Aubuchon
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The Brigantine "Yankee" - Photo
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Gifts and Books for Sale by the Nantucket Historical Association
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Gifts Presented the Nantucket Historical Association, July, 1977 - June, 1978
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Legacies and Bequests
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Historic Nantucket Is published quarterly at Nantucket, Massachusetts, by the Nantucket Historical Association. It Is sent to Association Members. Extra copies S.SO each. Membership dues are—Annual-Active $7.50; Sustaining $25.00; Life—one payment $100.00 Second-class postage paid at Nantucket, Massachusetts Communications pertaining to the Publication should be addressed to the Editor, Historic Nantucket. Nantucket Historical Association, Nantucket, Massachusetts 02554.
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A Quarter Century of Nantucket IN JULY, 1953, the first issue of Historic Nantucket was launched and distributed to members of the Nantucket Historical Association. As a quarterly it succeeded the annual Proceedings, which had served as the official voice of the Association since 1894, when the organization was first formed, and it was decided that a quarterly would provide a more frequent opportunity to bring to members and friends both important information of activities and a wider range of articles on Nantucket history. Mailed free to members it was also made available to the public for 50 cents per copy. The first editor of the Association's quarterly was W. Ripley Nelson, who served also as Chairman of the Whaling Museum and as a Vice President of the N. H. A., as well as Chairman of the Finance Com mittee. A man who devoted his energy and judgement to the work of the Association, Mr. Nelson will long be remembered. As President, Mrs. Walton H. Adams served a number of years, having previously been Curator of the collections — one of the most popular officers in our history. The first issue of Historic Nantucket established a record size, with 112 pages is the largest ever printed. Succeeding Mr. Nelson as editor was Miss Alma Robbins, with Margaret Fawcett Barnes assisting, and A. Morris Crosby accepted the post upon Miss Robbins' retirement, in 1962, and his tenure as editor continued the excellent standards established by Mr. Nelson and Miss Robbins. Upon Mr. Crosby's relinquishment of the post he invited Edouard A. Stackpole to assume the editorial chair, in 1968, with Mrs. Merle Turner Orleans as Assistant Editor — a position in which she has been an important part of the quarterly's success under two editors. The most significant change in the affairs of the Association was a result of much thought on the part of the Council. During the early months of 1970, it was decided that an Administrator should be appointed to carry on the business of the corporation. We were fortunate in ob taining the services of Leroy H. True, recently retired after many years as Administrator at the Nantucket Cottage Hospital. Assuming the office in August, 1970, Mr. True has demonstrated the value of his appointment through his conduct of the affairs of the Association, and in 1974 he was elected President, as well as Administrator, succeeding in the first office Henry B. Coleman. Both Mr. Coleman and George W. Jones, former Presidents, have become Vice Presidents.
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HISTORIC NANTUCKET
Among the important developments which have occurred during the years since 1953 have been the acquisition of the 1800 House on Mill Street through the Melhado Family; the gift of the Nathaniel Macy House on Liberty Street, from Mrs. George Christian; the exhibit structure known as The Greater Light, a unique home created by Hanna D. Monaghan, who presented it to the Association; and the splendid Peter Foulger Museum, opened in 1971, after many years of waiting for the culmination of the processing of the estate of Admiral William H. Foulger, whose long-range plans made the building possible; and the centralization of the offices of the Nantucket Historical Association in the Old Town Building on Union Street, a gift from the Town of Nantucket but restored by the Nantucket Historical Trust and thus made available. It was through the generosity of the Historical Trust that the Whale House was built as an adjunct to the Whaling Museum, and the recon struction of the Finback whale was accomplished and placed on exhibit in 1970. In the first editorial of Historic Nantucket appears the following statement by Editor Nelson: "Our Nantucket Historical Association is the organization devoted and pledged for more than fifty years to the preser vation of the Island's famed heritage and its illustrious past as a whaling port. Through these pages it will strive to keep alive the 'urge' in residents and visitors to preserve Nantucket town, its buildings, its streets and lanes, its customs and its spirit, so that generations to come may still enjoy them and understand the great part Nantucket has played in the foundation of our nation and our freedom." In reflecting the progress of our Nantucket Historical Association the pages of Historic Nantucket have become an invaluable record. It is to be hoped that the next twenty-five years will see the continued advancement of the important work so carefully carried on by the officers and staff.
Edouard A. Stackpole
President—Administrator's Report to the Annual Meeting July 18, 1978 AS AN ASSOCIATION, our mission is to collect, preserve, and exhibit memorabilia of Nantucket. To do this effectively, we must also sponsor a research and educational program. During the past year we have made substantial additions to our collections. A few items were purchased; others, some of very great value, were given to us. I have a tremendous urge to boast about the worth of these but security people insist that we must never mention a price. These accessions were listed in the July issue of Historic Nantucket. I think we have also done a fair job in preservation. We have held the line against our great enemy — deterioration — in all the buildings, and spent nearly $10,000 in restoration at the Mill. Ten paintings have been restored by Morton Bradley,an expert in this field,and our Curators havel been very diligent in having items cleaned and repaired. Temperature and humidity in the vault is constantly monitored. Perhaps the most important preservation of all is the work being done in the Peter Foulger Library in conjunction with the research there. Protective jackets and acid free folders have been provided. We have not been completely successful in eliminating wood borers in some of the furniture. This will have top priority this year. All of our Curators are very conscious of the need to do a good job presenting their exhibits to the public. Mr. Chace at the Whaling Museum and Mrs. Macgregor at the 1800 House have been exceptional, and Mrs. Swain, Mrs. Baldwin, Mr. Egan, Mrs. Baird, Mr. Stackpole, Mr. Gilbert, and Mr. Richmond have donated no end of time and talent to improving their exhibits. I hope you all have inspected the results. If not please do so soon. We deeply regret the resignation of Miss Gardner as Registrar. She has been one of our most conscientious workers over a number of years. The Garden Club have rebuilt and are caring for the attractive garden behind the Hadwen House-Satler Memorial. They are working on plans to make this even more beautiful. Other friends have arranged and cared for the lovely garden behind the Macy House and Mrs. Macgregor has set out a most interesting herb garden at the 1800 House. We have accepted the responsibility of furnishing the International Marine Archives with quarters at the Old Town Building that they may continue to accumulate and make available their large microfilm library of marine logs, manuscripts and journals. We have sponsored 3 out-
8 HISTORIC NANTUCKET standing art exhibits at the Fair Street Museum. We have had a professional Archivist working with our material at the Peter Foulger Library through a matching grant from the National Endowment for Humanities and an Archaeologist through another such grant through the Massachusetts Historical Commission correlating information about past "digs" and archaeological discoveries. Some items date back several thousand years. Other research and education projects are being worked on by CETA employees. The Preservation Institute and several individuals have turned over results of their research to be added to our collection. Mr. Stackpole again conducted classes in Nantucket history. He has written articles, done a TV series and made speeches to civic groups here and off island. Nantucket school classes are admitted free to our museums and these "field trips" seem to have educational importance, depending greatly upon the interest of the teacher. Renny Stackpole is working on a program for teaching Nantucket history in the schools. If he is able to implement this, well and good, but if not we must again make an effort to have it done. As you can see I have only touched lightly on a year of hard work by many devoted people. The officer, curators, hosts and others are what makes the Historical Association. Almost without exception their ac complishments are great and we arc most appreciative of what they have done and are doing. Leroy H. True
Treasurer's Report Balance Sheet as of May 31, 1978 ASSETS Cash on hand & demand deposits Savings Accounts Pledge Receivable Investments Physical Plant
$12,016 44,422 1,500 273,355 1,202,969
$1,534,262
LIABILITIES Taxes Payable Unrestricted fund balance Restricted fund balance
421 1,505,003 28,838
1,534,262
INCOME Admissions Dues Donations Plaques Merchandise sales Interest & dividends Received from grants EXPENSES Salaries & wages Utilities Construction-repairs-maintenance Archaeology Insurance Advertising-printing Office supplies & expenses Professional fees Plaques Miscellaneous Purchases for resale Archives expense Excess fund revenue
93,470 29,300 18,692 425 47,225 41,888 7,504
97,468 16,918 44,807 120 9,018 4,794 5,216 900 201 38,060 1,513 19,489
238,504
Report of Rodriques, Guckin and Tobojka, Auditors, available to members at the Association office John N. Welch Treasurer
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The Diaries of Obed Macy Nantucket Merchant and Historian by Edouard A. Stackpole
AS A CITIZEN of Nantucket it would be difficult to find a man more fully aware of the significance of the times in which he lived than Obed Macy. A birthright Quaker, who served for many years as Clerk of the Meeting, a young whaleman, a blacksmith and farmer, a ship owner and merchant, and an historian, this versatile islander became not only well known and highly respected in his day but gave Nantucket its first formal History, a volume completed in 1835 and published that year. It was this volume which Melville enjoyed reading, and his reference to "the good Obed" was a deserved tribute. Obed Macy was born on January 15, 1762, the son of Caleb and Judith (Folger) Macy, and was in the fifth generation from Thomas Macy, among the original purchasers and settlers of Nantucket. One of a family of ten children he learned the shoemaker's trade, and then made three short whaling voyages before abandoning the sea and resuming the cobbler's business. He was close to his older brother Silvanus, and the two entered into a partnership which endured throughout their lifetime, serving as agents for whaleships, as well as merchant vessels and fishing craft. Outfitting ships, arranging for the gauging of the returned cargo, investing in ships and voyages, occupied most of the business life of the Macy firm, which continued^for forty-seven years — terminating with the death of Silvanus in 1833. In February, 1786, Obed married Abigail Pinkham, and the couple were the parents of ten children. They went to reside in a house on Pleasant Street which still stands, and is flanked by the home built by his son Peter Macy. The oldest son, Thomas, became a prominent merchant and also served as Postmaster. His warehouse on Straight Wharf still stands. Two of Thomas' sons, Isaac and Philip, continued to carry on the business launched by the Grandfather, Obed, and displayed many of the characteristics of the close family ties. After a long and busy life, Obed Macy died on December 24, 1844, being within a few weeks of attaining his 83rd birthday. His History of Nantucket was a rare accomplishment as he was a contemporary of the scenes depicted in its pages. A discerning writer, with a sense of the drama of his times, he commenced a Diary in January, 1799, which he continued until the close of his life—not in the nature of a daily journal but recording the important events of Nantucket life. It is with this accounting that we may follow many important events in and around the Island. Following are some of the entries in Obed Macy's Journal No 1. of the series. Many of these were to be incorporated in his forthcoming History, but most of the recordings are published for the first time.
Obed Macy — Historian
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HISTORIC NANTUCKET January 1, 1799: As there is nothing remarkable taken place today I shall only make observations on the time past. Cold blustering weather set in early accompanied with a number of storms in which many have suffered shipwreck, one belonging here, a schooner owned by Richard Chadwick and Lot Clasby, People and part of the cargo saved, on Fisher's Island Ledge; two others, strangers, cast ashore at back of the Great Point. January 2: Yesterday night a snow storm. Nathan Long has arrived at the Vineyard from Woolwich Bay (Africa) — full ship. Cold snow storm nearly the whole day. January 5: Susanna Pinkham, wife of John, died suddenly this morning about 10 o'clock. The weather is very cold by the the urometer the mercury is down to 2 degrees — the ice makes very fast; the ground covered with snow. Jan. 8: The ice has made out a little beyond the Bar, so that we are blockaded as to news and any article that usually comes from far, and as to domestic affairs have nothing uncommon. Jan. 10: The weather is very moderate, wind at SW, ice and snow melt very fast. Jan. 11: The weather still moderate; the ice has gone as far as Brant Point, the snow nearly gone. Jedidah Gardner, widow of Robert, died this evening at Robert Gardner's, aged 83. Jan. 15: Albert Gardner, Alexander Gardner and Barnabas Macy are drove ashore by the Ice at Holms Hole. Jan. 16: The Packet came, which is the first time since the cold weather set in—brot. a great number of letters. Stephen Waterman writes from Savannah that his people are all dead & himself sick. Peter Bunker, son of Peleg, is one that died. Jan. 17: Yesterday and today brot. from Polpis 52 bushels potatoes.
The value of Obed Macy's Diaries is two-fold. As a record of Nantucket life at the turn of the 19th century its worth is self evident, but also as an accounting of Island activity in the revival of American whaling it occupies a unique position, offering one of the few documentations of this important chapter in our maritime history. Several of these entries follow: March 5, 1799: This day Benjamin Barnard was shipt with Zenas Coffin to proceed on a Voyage in the ship Brothers. First to New York, from thence to Ireland, from thence to London, from thence home, lay 17 Dolls, per month & Vi ton privilege.
THE DIARY OF OBED MACY March 6: This day departed this life Daniel Folger Macy, son of Silvs. Macy, Jr., sick about 10 days, of a fever. Aged 15 years. March 8: Jonathan Paddack arrived, full ship, all well. Same day John Clasby arrived, full ship, all well. (The two ships were the Fortitude and Eagle, which had sailed in 1797 for Delagoa Bay on the east coast of Africa.) March 21: The weather now appears a little like Spring, but we have had uncommon hard weather since this month came in; twice the harbor has froze up and the weather colder than most ever has known in this month. One hard N. E. snow storm, the snow up to the top of the fences in many places, many of the inhabitants no wood, and many have nothing to get wood with, very little business going on. Many are selling their Ships, the cause of which appears to be the French depradations on our Property at Sea. Our young men in general are leaving their homes to go to sea in the Merchant Service. Taking the whole into consideration it appears very dark and Gloomy as to Business, which causes many of the Families to think of moving from this into the Country. March 25: The ship Brothers sail'd this afternoon & ketched aground on the Bar. March 26: The ship Brothers got off the Bar about 2 o'clock in the morning and sailed as far as Woods Hole. March 27: This morning went up Sound for New York. Wind East N. East. Nine o'clock blew heavy & increased to a heavy Gale of Wind and Rain. March 31: The weather today is moderate, but it has been cold and Windy for some days with some snow. The Boats have been off but once afishing, the Weather has been so much like Winter. April 3: Violent Gale of Wind at W N W with Squalls of Snow. The Packet arrived with shattered Sails, came passenger Capt. Andrew Pinkham, who arrived at Bedford from the Pacific Ocean with 1200 BBls. (Ship President.) He informed, when in the Gulf Steam about a week before his arrival, his brother Moses, son of Jethro Pinkham, was washed overboard & was lost and also a black man was drowned on Coast of Peru in attempting to get off with boat which upset & the rest of the crew narrowly escaped with their lives. Also, two other black men died of the Scurvy. April 4: Lydia Cleveland's son died with Peter Gardner at Savannah. Latham Bunker from New York brings the account of the loss of Abel Bunker of Hudson, foundered at
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HISTORIC NANTUCKET .Sea in a gale and all the Crew perished. Jonathan Pollard, Jr., was his mate. Peter Ross died in the West Indies. Wm. Long, son of Sam'l died at Savannah, mate with Benjamin Coffin in the ship Canlon. April 6: Franklin Brown, son of Francis, died of Plurarysy. He published his intention of marriage about a week since. This day finished moving Batchelder Swain's house. April 12: Peter Coffin of Tuckoonook Died suddenly, aged 75 - Sowed Barley & Hayseed on the Neck (Polpis). April 13: This day made a verbal agreement with Shubael Barnard to have all his land on the Neck by Exchange. Prince Gardner & Elisha present.
The weather pattern in July, 1799, found the season much colder than normal, and the Diary cites a "small flight of snow" on July 12, as well as reports from the Kennebec region of Maine were of snow in drifts two feet deep. Among the interesting happenings in the diarist's life was the building of a raft to carry wood and supplies for building the Macy farm house in Polpis, and reference was made to Jonathan Swain, Jr., and Job Chase and company as builders of the dwelling. It was finished in 16 days. A visitor from New York named Reuben Bourne was found to have the small pox and he was immediately carried to "Benj'm Mitchell's house at Phillips Run. He got well of the disease; he had it favourable." Thunder storms and heavy rain characterized June, one storm bringing "as great a flood of rain as ever known to fall at this season." The cold winter and spring took its toll, and Obed Macy reported that "one-half ithe sheep is missing, not including the last year's lambs." On June 21st, 1799, the ship Minerva, commanded by Shubael Folger, arrived from the Brazil coast with 900 bbls. of oil. Captain Folger then reported having "spoken" the ship Barclay, of New Bedford, commanded by Captain Griffin Barney, with some important news, recorded as follows:
Barney, from the Pacific Ocean, informed him that Captain Jonathan Barney (ship Bedford) from New Bedford, and Captain Amariza Gardner (ship Commerce) from Nantucket, and a vessel from New York, were at the Island of St. Mary's (off the coast of Chile); that they went ashore with their boats, and the Spanish soldiers took them and carried them back into the country; that he and another ship lay waiting for their return with great concern and anxiety for their welfare, till 4 days was expired, he then left them without hearing any tidings.
THE DIARY OF OBED MACY
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In the margin of the Diary, near this entry, was noted: These ships were discharged after a few days without much damage. Two days later one of the incidents which brought much damage to the whaling fortunes of Nantucket was reported — the capture of the Nantucket whaleship Active, Captain Micajah Gardner, by the French. This wgs a part of the so-called Quasi-War between the United States and France, from which resulted the French Spoliation Claims. A later entry in the Diary gave further details: The above report respecting the ship Active proved to be true. They were carried to St. Bartholomew (island) and there condemned. Jethro Mitchell & Sons were the owners of said ship & cargo. She has on board a great cargo of Sperm and Whale oil. The ship Lydia, Captain Thomas Hiller, arrived from London on June 28th with a cargo of salt put aboard at the Cape Verde Islands, and soon after sailed for New York. William Toby came to work for the Macys and was paid $10 per month for the first two months and $7 per month thereafter. He was apparently a farm hand. Some of the entries were delayed recordings as the fact that Levi Joy and his wife moved to Hudson, N. Y., was not noted until four days after they had left the Island. A week later it was entered that Richard Worth and his family had also moved to Hudson, which was actually settled by Nantucketers fifteen years before and became a busy whaling port some one hundred miles up the river from salt water. Some of the entries are loconic statements which hold a tragic story. For example: "July 16 — Nathaniel Bunker's son, with Capt. Sol'm Smith, down eastward Humpbacking, was lost by a whale running over the boat." "July 31 — Francis Folger died on his passage from Curraco to Baltimore. The deaths of Moses Pollard and Matthew Pease were reported, both young men being victims of yellow fever in voyages to the Caribbean islands. It is noteworthy that the deaths of citizens on the Island were carefully noted, and that the cause for many fatal illnesses was attributed to "consumption". The whaleship Commerce, under Captain Amarizah Gardner, arrived from the Pacific Ocean on August 5, 1799, with a full ship — 1250 bbls. sperm and 150 bbls. whale oil. Obed Macy noted the prices carefully — 60 Pounds for "Head Matter," 31 Pounds for sperm oil and 20 Pounds for whale oil. On September 25 the whaleship Caesar, Captain Solomon Swain, arrived from the Coast of Peru with a ship "nearly full." a few days later, October 2, Obed Paddack, commanding the ship Fortitude, and Obed Aldridge, master of the ship Hero, came in with full cargoes from Delagoa Bay on the east coast of Africa. The whaleship Alliance, returned from a voyage to the Pacific Ocean on October 18, under Captain Hezekiah Barnard, with a ship nearly full of sperm oil.
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HISTORIC NANTUCKET
September seemed to be a month when several Island families had determined to move to other mainland places to make a new home. Christopher Gardner and Richard Russell sailed for Maine, to settle in the "Kennebeck" country, with their families, accompanied by Benjamin Worth and his two daughters and Jethro Gardner and wife and their daughter. The Macy Diary reported twenty-three passengers in all sailed, 'Went with Charles Swift." One of the important local incidents, which is historically interesting, took place on October 22, 1799, and Obed Macy's description is the only contemporary account: "At V2 past 11 o'clock at night, we were aroused out of sleep with the dismal Cry of Fire — Fire. In a very few minutes the whole Town was all in alarm. The fire was found to be Isaac Folger's Boat-builders Shop, which in a very short time was covered in flames and notwithstanding the masterly Exertions of the people, with the help of the Engines, it consumed to Ashes. The fire communicated from the Shop to Silv's Coffin's dwelling house, which very soon was all on fire. Fortunately there was 50 lbs. of Powder in the Garret, that when the fire took blew the roof completely off, and with it about V2 the fire, so that it enabled the people to put out the remainder of the fire in the house, but about one third of the house was destroy'd. The fire also communicated to Barn or Warehouse & burnt it down. In the Shop was Isaac's tools with con siderable Stock, & in the Cellar some Provisions of different kinds, together with a Ton & V2 of Sperm Oil belonging to Jethro Pinkham, worth about 50 Pounds. At the com mencement of the Fire the wind was about NNW & blew fresh, so that Peter Pollard's house & Isaac's Barn, with other buildings appeared in imminent danger, but the Wind soon veered a little Eastward to North and died considerably, but notwithstanding Isaac's Barn and Peter's house took fire, but was presently extinguished without much damage to either. If the Wind had continued it appeared likely that the fire would have spread to a much greater distance than it did. Silv's Coffin's loss was very considerable as there was in his warehouse Tea, Coffee, Spirits, Provisions, Hay & many other Articles. A summary of the losses are as follows: The whole loss amounted to $1,750, which was estimated by a Committee chosen by the Selectmen for that purpose. A Collection took place by Subscription, by which about V2 the loss will be collected & made paid in to the Sufferers Exclusive of private donations." The danger of a fire spreading through this closely built wooden town was always recognized, and there were other instances where a conflagration was narrowly averted by the exertions of the volunteer fire companies. The inevitable that was to take place was still half a century
THE DIARY OF OBED MACY
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away, but it was apparent that the Great Fire had several frightening preliminaries before it finally occurred. Early in November two Nantucket whaleships returned after voyages to the Pacific Ocean—the ship Hector, Captain Benjamin Worth, and the Trial, Captain Simeon Starbuck. Both had full cargoes of oil. But the menace of the French naval forces, and their harrassment of American shipping had taken its toll and Obed Macy summed it up in this manner:
Some few vessels are fixing (for) a Whaling & Skinning but the dangers of being captured by the French, and other casualties, causes the Insurance to run high, which is from 17 to 20 per cent, on Vessels that goes around Cape Horn and in that proportion for other Voyages. So that the high price of Provisions and the low price of Oil together with high In surance, nearly puts our business to a stand, and causes ships to be sold rather than risk a-Whaling, and nearly three fourths of the Ships that have arrived are Sold from the Island.
(To be continued)
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"Oliver S. Chase, a Young Nantucketer in Search of Wealth and Adventure" by Andre Aubuchon (Conclusion of an article begun in our April issue.)
THERE CAN BE few more touching spectacles than that of a young man, almost alone in a distant country and bound by honor and duty to remain for a long time. So overwhelmed was Oliver by homesickness and by his environment that he wrote openly to his brother-in-law, Josiah Barrett, of his hope that a revolution or a Spanish invasion would so disorganize Peruvian commerce that it would be possible for him to break his agreement with Sylvanus Crosby without dishonor.
"How I should like to be with you," he wrote to Lizzie, "But, as Balm (Josiah) says, 'If wishes were horses beggars could ride.' — In which case I should turn my horses to the North Pole." In December, 1866, Oliver wrote: "While I do not yet see any prospect of so early a return, still as time is continually working changes...we may hope, though cir cumstances do not warrant a definite expectation."
Contributing to Oliver's homesickness was the bitter realization that he had been unable to save enough from his salary to start a business when he would return to New England. Oliver's faithfulness to the word he gave to his employers and his sense of utter desolation showed in one of his letters:
I can assure you that I do not like it at all to be so far away from home. Was I gaining any material advantage through my being here, the fact of my being so far away might be somewhat reconcilable, that might be - Aye!, undoubtedly would be of far more advantage to me every day if in the States among my own people...Obliged to stop here...I may yet build up an antidote to this noxious poison.
Oliver consoled himself by reflecting upon his good fortune in en joying almost perfect health. In almost every letter, he alluded to this
OLIVER S.CHASE
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blessing. Even if separated from loved ones and unable to save from his salary, he knew that he would be only twenty-six when he returned to the United States. A bright future awaited him with his ability, experience, and health. In July, 1867, Oliver had written: "Yes, I have been favored as regards health...for which great blessing I feel most thankful." With such good health and a long life ahead of him, Oliver was consoled by that most powerful drug, hope: "However, I may yet have my day," he wrote to his sister, and these words might well stand as his motto.
Oliver wrote to his parents that he had come down with a severe, though temporary, case of rheumatism (most probably rheumatoid ar thritis), but he reported by his letter of a week later, March 18, 1868, that he had fully recovered. Having read earlier the details of Oliver's tem porary paralysis, fever, and debilitated condition, Judith and Captain Nathan Chase must have smiled as they read some of Oliver's remarks: "I would not mind having an excursion myself," he wrote, "—say a trip down to Nantucket," A week later, Oliver reported a complete recovery.
It is next to impossible to conceive of the shock that Captain Chase must have experienced when sometime in mid-April he received an en velope with a thick black ink border and stamped with seal of "S. Crosby & Co., Ship Chandlers and Ship Agents." On the front were the ominous words: "Sad News". In the letter, Frank Crosby wrote:
I am very sorry to have such sad duty to perform as the writing of this letter, but there is no help for it, may God strengthen your heart in this your hour of trial and sorrow. Your son, Oliver S. Chase, died in the city on Monday the thirtieth of March at seven o'clock in the morning.
In the letter, Crosby reported the details. Oliver was stricken with yellow fever on Friday, March 27, though he was not seriously ill until the next morning. The disease was diagnosed on Saturday, and he was given up by the physicians Sunday afternoon. Attended by four physicians, he was not uncomfortable and he had moments of lucidity. Oliver knew that the end was near and asked that Frank write to his parents. There being no Protestant clergyman in Callao at the time, Frank read the service at Oliver's interment at the Protestant cemetery. Captain and Mrs. Chase were sent Oliver's diary, account books, and letters together with the key to his coffin.
Captain Nathan Chase
OLIVER S.CHASE
21
Frank Crosby attempted to write some comforting words: "It may be some consolation to you to know that your son led a very quiet, respec table life here and left a large number of friends to mourn his loss." To recount the kind words of Josiah Barrett, the Dodge sisters, Mrs. Dodge, and Oliver's kin would be superfluous. Oliver's letters themselves stand as a fitting memorial, for he had the gift of making others sympathize with him. Those who read his letters could not but relive the happiest moments of youth's fleeting hours and again life's transient sorrows.
Young Chase's letters showed both sides of his personality. His exuberance was evident in his sorrows as well as his joys. Had Oliver survived, he would have undoubtedly benefited from the balance and perspective which comes with maturity. It is especially regrettable that given his keen enjoyment of life and his unyielding devotion to duty, Oliver did not live to see happier days and to cheer those who might have come to know him.
Mr. Aubuchon has been the Archivist at the Peter Foulger Museum since June of 1977, having been engaged by the Association through the grant for this work obtained from the National Endowment For The Humanities, Division of Research Grants.
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24
Gift Items
Our museum shop at the Whaling Museum will be open weekends from now until Christmas and has a variety of interesting items, any of which can also be purchased by mail to Box 1016, Nantucket, Ma. 02554. Polymer Ivory. New this year, polymer ivory has the look and feel of actual whale bone, but is organic and did not come from either whale or elephant. The scrimshaw is of the highest quality, much of it copies of treasured originals from our and other maritime museums. Pieces are priced from $12.00 to $50.00. We have stickpins and pendants in ivory and bone, scrimshawed with flowers, birds, and ships from $5.00 to $20.00. Also, we have boxes of note paper with the Old Mill, Oldest House, and the Lightship for $1.25, and a number of excellent prints. Books on Nantucket make a welcome gift and are easily mailed. The following are among the most popular: THE CLOCK THAT TALKS AND WHAT IT TELLSWill Gardner hard cover; the story of an Island genius, Walter Folger, Congressman, astronomer, mathematician, lawyer, judge, philosopher, and clockmaker,, and the famous clock he built. The man who was as "odd as huckleberry chowder".
$2.75
THREE BRICKS AND THREE BROTHERS—Will Gardner, paperback. Authentic Nantucket story of 3 brick mansions built by daring adventurers in whaling; foreword by Austin Strong, plus a collection of beautiful gravure pictures.
$3.50
TRIUMPHANT CAPTAIN JOHN-Will Gardner, hard cover. An interesting account of John Gardner who contributed so much to the establishment of Nantucket and John's family history. Also special chapter about 12 early colonial founders named Gardner or Gardiner.
$3.00
NANTUCKET IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION— Stackpole, soft cover. The story of how the Island sur vived the grim years from 1775 through 1783 is unlike that
$3.95
GIFT ITEMS ON SALE
25
of any other part of Colonial America. Contains all the elements of fiction but of great interest because it is true. THE COFFIN FAMILY—Louis Coffin, hard cover. A 575 page light gray with blue coat of arms, genealogy of this famous family with introduction by Will Gardner and pictures of the Coffin Homes in Nantucket, Newbury and Devonshire and of the 1881-1840 reunions.
$10.00
THE HISTORY OF NANTUCKET ISLAND-compiled by Marie M. Coffin hard cover; a bibliography of source material, this catalogs all known sources of information about Nantucket and is a most attractive book which students or casual readers will find invaluable. From Account Books to Zoning is indexed in this book.
$10.00
THE MYSTERY OF JOHN JACKSON-Jean R. Merriman, soft cover. The title of this prodigious work continues: "18th Century Silversmith One Man or Two?" Association member, Mrs. Merriman, has written a definitive work on this Nantucket craftsman. Collectors of antique silver will find this a most worthy addition to their libraries.
$7.50
AMERICAN WHALING ON CHATHAMS GROUNDS—Richards, soft cover. A very informative booklet with pictures and drawings covering a most important section of whaling.
$1.00
WHALES—Adam W. Craig, soft cover. Excellent little pamphlet presented in a clear, concise manner. Many useful diagrams, illustrations and charts.
$2.00
MOBY DICK—Melville, adapted by Felix Sutton, hard cover. For ages 6-10; by far the most popular book we sell. Easy enough to be understood by a young reader; short and brisk enough to be read aloud. Excellently illustrated. Companion to the adult version.
$2.95
WINDMILLS ON CAPE COD & ISLANDS-Fredrika A. Burrows, soft cover A very informative book on the subject of windmills, complete with pictures and illustrations. Our own lovely mill is featured on pages 9297.
$2.75
26
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
THE HISTORY OF NANTUCKET—Alexander Starbuck, hard cover. Originally published in 1924, this reprint adounds with facts, maps, pictures, genealogical charts, and stories surrounding the Island. Obviously no Nantucket library is complete without this book.
$22.50
HALF SHARE MAN—Clarence King, hard cover. Peter Folger of Nantucket, Grandfather of Benjamin Franklin. A delightful story of a remarkable man and early Nan tucket history. An ideal gift to anyone who has visited Nantucket.
$3.50
NANTUCKET, THE FAR-AWAY ISLAND—Wm. O. Stevens, soft cover. Back in print; one of the most popular books ever written about Nantucket. In 2 parts, the first being a history of the Island and the second, a description of the various natural and architectural treasures; illustrated by the author.
$3.95
Gifts Presented the Nantucket Historical Association July 1977 August 1978 GIFTS
27
DONORS
First Medical Records of Nantucket Cottage Hospital 1915-1916
Mrs. Rita Hamblin
Original manuscript material relating to families of Capt. Reuben Jones and Edward C. Jones.
Mrs.
Four old Medical Books.
Dr. Ernest H. Menges
Book: Whales, Whaling and Whale Research.
Whaling Museum of Cold Springs Harbor, N.Y.
Heads of families and the first census of the U. S. (1790)
Mrs. Inez Pickett
Awl
Mrs.
Two Chinese silk garments
Mrs. George Buckingham
Stereoscopic views of Nantucket
Horace N. Stevens, Jr.
Photograph of the portrait of Capt. Samuel Bunker
Mrs. Catherine Jarvi
Watercolors of Nantucket scenes done by Mr. Cooper's mother - artist Jo Barker White.
Lewis C. Cooper
Journal of Captain Henry Defriez
Mrs. Leeds Mitchell
Miscellaneous collection baskets, china, etc.
Miss Edith Mason
of
boxes,
Raymond
Herbert
Emerson
Sandsbury
The Aitken Bible
Anonymous
Civil War Chronology 1861-1865
U.S. Naval History
Naval Documents of the American Revolution - Vol. 7
U.S. Naval History
Framed Deed from Peter Coleman
Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Eldridge
HISTORIC NANTUCKET 28 The Paddock Genealogy Robert Joseph Curfman Collection of doll's clothes
Mrs. Frances Elder
Oil portrait of Mrs. Nathaniel Allen
Estate of Lucy Allen
Book: The Distribution of Certain Whales as Shown by Logbook Records of America Whale ships and three charts.
Herman Cohen, Ph. D.
Appointment of John Morrissey as Lt. in U.S. Revenue Cutter Service.
Mrs. Frances Elder
Model of South Sea Island outrigger canoe.
Mrs. Betty Broughton
Swordfish sword.
Mrs. Eugenie Glasser
Manual for Nathanson.
Museums
by
David
National Park Service
Hand woven flax sheet and kitchen towel.
Mrs. Levin Foster
Collection of Whaleship Documents relating to Nantucket Whaleships.
Mr. Edouard Stackpole
Book: Old Ironsides.
Mr. Edouard Stackpole
Shipwrecks of Cape Cod
Mr. Albert Lewis
First Resident and Business Directory of Nantucket.
Mr. Robert Waggaman
Meader Family Genealogy
Meader Family Assoc., Inc.
Class History Nantucket High School in 1881
Miss Barbara Beebe
Petition to President James Monroe requesting additional naval force in the Pacific for Nantucket whalers and ships.
Mr. Mark H. Dall
Collection Coffin memories
Mrs. Forrest Vincent Coffin
Volume containing Probate Court records of prominent Nantucket citizens between 1814-1821
Mr. Robert D. Congdon
Patchwork quilt.
Mrs. Samuel Lunden
GIFTS PRESENTED THE N.H.A. U. S. two cent copper coin.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Johnson
Scrapbook on Whaling.
Mr. Robert Waggaman
Silver punch bowl, ladle and goblets.
Dr. Carl Bausch
Bookcase
Mr. David Webster
Small silver memorial spoons, child's shoes, & books.
Mr. Arthur Stetson
Collected Papers on Nantucket Ar cheology
Mrs. Elizabeth Little
Another World, a Musical Play by
Herbert Robert Sweet
Herb Sweet
29
White Japanese Porcelain Bowl
Mrs. Levin Foster
Carriage Umbrella; Silver Head of Cane Presented Moses Joy, Jr., by Moses Joy; Pair of Whale Oil Mantle Lamps, with glass globes which came from the Charles G. Coffin House, Main Street.
Mr. Norman Joy Greene
Collected Letters of the Russell Family
Carol A. Perkins
Portrait of Capt. and Mrs. Wallace Adams by Katharine Pagon
Katharine Pagon
U. S. Flag with 44 stars
Mrs. Jean Brown
Centennial Banner — Philadelphia 1776-1876
Mrs. Clare Macgregor
Collection From Estate of Harry B. Turner, including some glass negatives
Mrs. Merle Turner Orleans
Sailmaker's Bench
Mr. Horace Gordon
English Penny, 1738, picked up on Great Point.
Mr. John Wicksoe
Reminiscences of Old 'Sconset.
Mrs. Josephine H. Torrey
One Share of Siasconset Casino Stock
Mr. Philip Williams
Surfside Life Saving Station Professional Study Hadwen House Study with Measured Drawings.
The Nantucket Historic Preservation Institute
30
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
Genealogy of the Paddack Family of Nantucket
Dr. Charles Paddack
Collection of 9 Whale Oil Lamps
Dr. and Mr. J. Kennedy
Whalebone Measuring Stick
Mrs. Eliot W. Coleman
Album of Old Photographs of the Wyer-Swain Family — Henry Wyer, Freeman, etc.
Mr. Harold Lindley
i1 j
Bequests or gifts to the Nantucket Historical Association are tax deductible. They are greatly needed and appreciated.
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