"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, beretofore 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 writer, 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 hand. 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

half. Of those remaining, many needed extensive re

pairs.

Business was commenced with alacrity. In a very short time several ships were sent to sea. Small compa

nies were formed by new adventurers, who made considerable additions to the fleet. Believing that the first oil imported would command a high price, many were stimulated to embark in the business, beyond the extent of their funds. Thus a system, if it may be so called, of long credits was introduced, which, though it promised some advantage to the community by bringing more ships into the service, and employing a greater number of men, was nevertheless pregnant with evils. Mechanics were under the necessity of trusting out their wares, for an unusual length of time, and were subjected to the necessity of hiring money to purchase their stock, a practice which proved very injurious to them. And some owners, who did not meet with success, found themselves much embarrassed by thus transacting business.

From the time of which we have just spoken, to the present date, 6th month, 1835, our history must necessarily assume the form of a diary. No events have occurred which admit of a connected narrative. During the long continuance of peace, the whale fishery, like all other business, has had its fluctuations; at times prosperous and encouraging, at other times dull and unprofitable.

Hitherto we have purposely avoided touching on some subjects of general interest, deeming it more expedient to devote a portion of our limits purposely to them, than to interweave them among the other incidents of our narration. Among these are some notices of religious societies, education, shipwrecks, &c., which will be found in our Second Part.