induce the discharge of the men, if such discharge should be consistent with the instructions given to his British majesty's commanders. We do not discover that any injury can result from these copies; but, if this use of them, thus explained, does not comport with your honor's views, no pains shall be spared on our part to suppress the use of them.

In order that you may be better able to judge of the tenor of these instruments granted, we here inclose you a true copy of all the papers which have been given to those vessels who have no protection.

We have the honor to be, &c.

[Signed by the committee.]

A letter was soon after received by the committee from Commodore Hotham in reply to the preceding, the substance of which was, to require a direct answer "whether the town is determined to refuse the payment of the direct taxes and internal duties, which are, or shall be required by the government of the United States?"

The committee having no authority to answer this demand, laid the subject before a meeting of the town, warned for the purpose. Many of the inhabitants believing that the business was about to be conducted in a way that might bring the censure of their government, if nothing more, upon them, concluded that it would be safest for them not to attend the meeting. The meeting was, therefore, but thinly attended.

The following votes were taken on the occasion, with little or no opposition, viz:

"That this town will not pay any direct tax, or internal duties, during the present war between the United States of America and the government of Great Britain.”

"That there be a committee appointed to carry into effect the neutrality, which is agreed on with Admiral Henry Hotham."

"That the committee so chosen be a committee to treat with the commanders of all public and private British armed vessels, that are or shall be visiting our shores."

"That this town do now discontinue all other committees, that have been heretofore appointed by said town to treat with any of his Britannic majesty's ships or vessels, in behalf of the town."

"That this town will prevent the carrying off any provisions from this island more than shall be permitted by Admiral Henry Hotham."

Nantucket, Sept. 28, 1814.

A deputation from the committee was sent with the aforesaid reply, who reported, on their return, that no additional extension of the privileges, heretofore granted, could be obtained from Admiral Hotham.

The protections, granted by the British, to bring provisions, fuel, &c., from the continent, were at first of material benefit, and were duly appreciated by the people generally. But the limited conditions specified in them, and the jealousies they created, both amongst the Americans and the English, soon lessened their value; so that some who possessed them, hardly dared to leave port and trust to them.

On the 10th of the 10th month, a remarkable occurrence took place, a description of which, although it does not come within the limits of this work, according to the intention of the wiiter, seems to be demanded, since the

affair happened very near to the island. The American privateer schooner Neufchatel, of New York, and a ship from Jamaica, her prize, loaded with sugar, coffee, &c., were at anchor at the south side of the island, with a small breeze at the northward. There was a ship wide in the offing at the same time, supposed to be a British man-of-war. At two o'clock P. M. the captain of the privateer discovered boats from the ship headed in toward the shore. Being fully convinced that they were British, he made every preparation to give them a warm reception. At sunset five barges were plainly discovered, which appeared to be full of men. At nine in the evening they came within musket shot of the privateer, when the action commenced, and continued about thirty-five minutes. After the firing ceased, it was found that two of the barges had surrendered; one was missing, supposed to have sunk. The other two returned with sixteen men, out of one hundred and forty-six that left the ship, which proved to be the Endymion frigate. From the best information that could be obtained, it was found that about one hundred of the ship's crew were killed, among whom was the first lieutenant, who headed the expedition. Of the privateer's crew five were killed, including the pilot, who belonged to Nantucket. We forbear to state the particulars of this sanguinary engagement, believing that it would neither please nor edify a large part of our readers. What we have related is sufficient both as a record of the fact, and as an example of the horrors of war. The action took place within about five miles of the town, and whilst the work of death was going on, the reports of the cannon and muskets were distinctly heard by the inhabitants. Such a scene, almost under the eye

of a large community, one of whose most distinguishing, and, as we think, noblest traits, is a strong aversion to war, could not fail to bring a solemn gloom over their minds.

CHAPTER X.

DURING, and a little previous to the 10th month, 1814, there had been some talk of peace. Ministers of the United States and Great Britain were negotiating a treaty, but there were so many interests involved, that the prospect of an immediate, amicable settlement, was by no means flattering. The winter therefore commenced, attended with much of the gloom and despondency which had before prevailed. The market was, however, well supplied with flour and corn. On the 16th of the second month, the glad tidings of a treaty of PEACE were proclaimed. The joy of the inhabitants, on this occasion, we shall not attempt to describe. It was felt, and is still remembered by hundreds, whose connexions were then immured in prisons abroad, or whose means of subsistence had been snatched from them by the ruthless hand of war; by parents whose children, and by children whose parents, were asking bread.

The terms of the treaty were represented to be so

honorable to this nation, that no doubts of its ratification were entertained. The attention of merchants was immediately turned to their wonted business. The season was yet inclement, and the harbor blocked up with ice; so that vessels could not go to any port on the continent to procure materials for the outfits of the few ships remaining in port. Mechanics immediately commenced work with what little coopers' stuff, iron, hemp, &c., was on band. In the mean time all anxiously looked for news from government.

At length, on the 28th of the same month, the conditions of the treaty arrived, ratified by the president. This confirmation of their expectations was hailed with inexpressible joy. The streets were thronged with people congratulating each other on the occasion. Gratitude and thanksgiving to the Author of all good seemed to pervade the community.

The war being closed, all began to turn their attention to business. Some left the island to seek employment in other ports, but the greater part commenced making arrangements for the prosecution of the whaling business. At the close of the war, it was found that about one half of the ships was left, several of which were not at sea during the war, some had been sent off to neighboring ports on the continent for safety, others were hauled up. In all, including those which arrived in time of war, there remained twenty-three. Twenty-two had been taken and condemned, one was lost at sea. Fifteen returned home in safety, five were not at sea during the war, three were brought to the island after the close of the war. Thus of the whole number belonging to the port at the commencement of hostilities, there remained exactly one