History of New London county, Connecticut : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 174

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1317

USA > Connecticut > New London County > History of New London county, Connecticut : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 174

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The commander of the "Herselia," Capt. J. P. Sheffield, touched at one of the Falkland Islands, and then, like all the commanders of the period, sailed in search of the fabulous Auroras. At the former place he left " Young Nat," as he was univer- sally known, and a sailor, to kill bullocks for provis- ions. A short time after the departure of the brig a ship hove in sight, and young Nat piloted her into the harbor and supplied her with fresh meat. She proved to be the "Esprito Santo," from Buenos Ayres, and before she sailed her captain informed the young American that he was on his way to a place where there were thousands of seals, and where a cargo could be secured almost without effort, but re- fused to divulge its situation or direction. Three days after the stranger sailed the " Herselia" returned from a fruitless search for the Auroras, as hundreds had returned before her. Young Nat related to his commander what he had learned, and boldly said that he believed that he could follow and find the "Esprito Santo." Capt. Sheffield had great confi- dence in his young mate, and following his advice, in a few days discovered the South Shetlands, at that time unknown on the Northern Continent of Amer- ica, and ever since famous sealing islands. The crew of the Buenos Ayres vessel, which was an- chored there, were much surprised to see the brig, but their admiration for young Nat's skill was so great that they even assisted in loading her, and she returned with 10,000 of the finest skins.

The story of young Nat's exploit spread through all the sealing ports, and the next year, at the age of twenty, secured for him his first command and the title of "Capt. Nat," by which he was subsequently everywhere known, and which clung to him for life, his family name being as completely eliminated as if it were recognized as impossible that nature could produce another. The vessel was the sloop "Hero,"

and in this little craft, of only forty-five tons burden, he sailed again for the South Seas, as tender to the " Herselia" and three other vessels. A mere boy at the time, an incident may be given here of the daring spirit, the keen appreciation of circumstances, and the determination which characterized his entire life. The Southern waters being at that time but poorly charted, the larger vessels remained in snug harbors, and the tenders were sent to cruise for seal, killing them on distant grounds, and bringing the skins back to the ships. At one time Capt. Palmer and the ship to which he was tender were so situated that unless a narrow passage between two islands was navigable a long and tedious sail was before him. He tried the passage, but his vessel touched and he abandoned the attempt as useless. But while he was repairing the damages he noticed a whale pass through an opening where he had believed a reef to lie, and reasoning that where a whale could go his little vessel would float, without a moment's hesitation he got under way and followed its course, passing through in safety.

The seals at the newly-found South Shetlands were soon exterminated, and after circumnavigating the islands, Capt. Nat sailed again for the South on a voyage of exploration, which resulted in the discov - ery of the land which bears his name on every map and chart of the world.

Through the kindness of the Hon. Frederic Bush, for many years United States consul at Hong Kong, who furnishes it to the Hon. Alexander S. Palmer, we are enabled to give Capt. Nat's own account of this famous event.

" It was," says Mr. Bush, " at the time of his second voyage to China. He was in a clipper-ship, the ' Honqua,' a vessel of his own designing, and owned by A. A. Low & Brothers and himself. He was my guest at din- ner in Hong Kong, and after nich persuasion I heard him repeat the following to Admiral Sir John Francis Austin, to whom he was presented by myself as the discoverer of Palmer's Land, the southern point of the globe. I pass over his account of the voyage in the ' Hero' to the South Shetlands, the scarcity of seal there, and his determination to seek better hunting-grounds; but I can never forget the enthusiasm he manifested when he said, 'I pointed the bow of the little craft to the sonthward, and with her wings spread, mainsail abeam, and jib abreast the opposite bow, she speeded on her way to new sealing-grounds like a thing of life and light, and she was light; with her flowing sheet she seemed to enter into the spirit which possessed my ambition, flew along the wave and over billow, until she brought us in sight of land not laid down on my chart. I cruised for several days in order to satisfy myself it was not an island. I ran into several bays without meeting with seal, and headed northward, drifting along under easy canvas, " laying to" at night, which consumed the majority of the day, most of the time the mist so dense I could not see the lookout on the forecastle. One night I came on deck at midnight, relieved my mate, and took the watch. I struck one bell, which brought a response that startled me ; but I soon resumed my pace, turned my thoughts homeward, and applied myself to the occupation of building castles in the air till the binnacle time-keeper told the first hour of the day. I struck two bells, that were answered by a human hand, though I could not credit my ears, and thought I was dreaming, except for the screeching of the penguins, albatross, pigeons, and Mother Cary's, I was sure no living object was within leagues of the sloop. But the sound of bells continued until the sun litted the fog. My chief officer, who laughed at the idea of a human soul being close on board, insisting that sound was " tricky," called me at seven bells, during his watch, say- ing that voices were heard, and before the trencher board was laid the fog lifted, presenting to our view a frigate on the starboard bow and a

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HISTORY OF NEW LONDON COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

sloop-of-war on the lee quarter with Russian colors flying. Close along- side was a boat with an officer in full uniform, who stepped into the waist of the sloop and gave me a message from Admiral Krustenstien, of his Russian Majesty's frigate " Rostok," requesting that I would repair on board of his ship. I assented, at once entered the boat, was laid along- side, mounted on deck, and with sou'wester on my head, and a sealskin coat and boots, I was ushered into the presence of the venerable com- mander, who was sitting at the table in his cabin, himself and a group of otlicers in full dress. The gray-headed mariner rose, took me by the hand, saying, through the medium of his interpreter, ' You are welcome, young man: be seated.' Ile placed a chair by his side, and put the follow- ing questions to me :

"' What is your name ?'

"' Nathaniel B. Palmer.'

"' Where are you from ?'

"' Stonington, Conn , U.S.A.'

"' The name of your boat?'

"" " Ilero," sir.'

"' What are you doing here ?'

"' On a sealing expedition.'

"' What success ?'

"' I gave him an account of my voyage, tonnage of sloop, number of men, and general details, when he said, " How far south have you been ?" I gave him the latitude and longitude of my lowest point, and told what I had discovered. Hle rose, much agitated, begging I would produce my log-book and chart, with which request I complied, and a boat was sent for it. In the mean time luncheon was served, many questions put con- cerning the seal-fishery, population of my hailing-port, etc. When the log-book and chart were laid npon the table he examined them carefully without comment, then rose from his seat, saying, " What do I see and what do I hear from a boy in his teens-that he is commander of a tiny boat of the size of a launch of my frigate, has pushed his way to the pole through storm and ice and sought the point I, in command of one of the best-appointed fleets at the disposal of my august master, have for three long, weary, anxious, years searched day and night for." With his hand on my head he added, " What shall I say to my master? what will he think of me? But be that as it may, my grief is your joy. Wear your laurels, with my sincere prayers for your welfare. I name the land you have discovered, in honor of yourself, noble boy, Palmer's Land.'

" And to my old and loved friend," adds Mr. Bush, " is due the honor of this uiscovery, though England, I am sorry to say, through one of her naval officers, attempted to steal the thunder, which Admiral Austin assured Capt Palmer that he would endeavor to correct and give to him the proper credit."

Such were the opening incidents in a life marked to its close by exceptional ability and invincible determination. Filled with daring and adventure, its story reads like a romance, and it is to be deeply regretted that the narrow limits of this brief sketch preclude more than an outline of a remarkable and successful career.

Capt. Palmer's discovery had made him famous, and the following year he sailed again for the South Shetlands with a fleet of six vessels, among them the brig " Alabama Packet," commanded by Capt. Wil- liam A. Fanning, a celebrated navigator, with whom Capt. Alexander S. Palmer, of Stonington, scarcely less well known in later years than his famous brother, made his first voyage. Capt. Nat, returning from this cruise, sailed from New Haven to Santa Cruz, making the round trip in thirty-one days. He then took command of the schooner "Cadet," owned by Messrs. Silas E. Burrows and Baldwin & Spooner, of New York, and sailed for the Spanish Main, Capt. Alexander Palmer accompanying him on the second voyage of the "Cadet" as mate. It was at the period of the rebellion of Venezuela and Colombia against

Spanish rule, and the " Cadet" was employed by the Colombian government to transport a part of Bolivar's army from Carthagena to the river Chagres, carrying on her return trip a number of Spanish prisoners to Santiago de Cuba. On her second voyage the " Cadet" was cast away off Long Branch. Capt. Alexander Palmer and a sailor started for the beach in the long-boat with a rope; but the boat capsized, and they swam ashore with the rope, saving the lives of the passengers and crew.

In 1826, Capt. Nat took the brig "Tampico" to Carthagena, and on his return, on December 7th, married Eliza T., daughter of Maj. Paul Babcock, and quit the sea for a time; but his early inclinations were overpowering, and he took the brig " Francis" several trips to Europe. In 1829 he was in command of the brig " Anawan," after seals and new sealing- ground, reaching Staten Land. On his second voyage in the "Anawan," he stopped at the island of Juan Fernandez (immortalized as the scene of De Foe's "Robinson Crusoe") for provisions and water. It was at the time a Chilian penal colony, and the convicts had risen in revolt and obtained control of the island. Unsuspicious of danger, Capt. Nat landed, and was immediately captured with his boat's crew. The con- victs demanded that he should land them on the main coast of South America, and making a virtue of necessity he consented to do so. That his life was spared was due, he always maintained, to the circum- stance that he was a Freemason, and indeed he was told that his death had been settled upon when it was accidentally discovered that he belonged to the great brotherhood. His wife had accompanied him on the voyage, and he was overwhelmed with anxiety for her safety, but he managed to send word to her of her danger and she secreted herself in the hold. There she remained for ten days while the convicts were in possession of the ship, till, failing in his purpose to hand them over to the authorities, he landed them at an obscure point on the Chilian coast, and she emerged from her hiding-place, both husband and wife nearly crazed with the ordeal they had undergone.

By this time Capt. Nat was famous, not only locally, but in seafaring circles throughout the country, and many advantageous offers were made him. In 1833 he withdrew from the seal-fisheries and took com- mand of E. K. Collins' packet-ship " Huntsville," in the New York and New Orleans trade. After two or more years he made one voyage to Liverpool, and then took the " Hibernia" to Rio Janeiro. He was in this ship for one or two voyages, when he was made captain of the well-known ship "Garrick," of the Col- lins Line, and sailed for Liverpool. He subsequently commanded the "Siddons," of the same line, his brother, Capt. Alexander S., succeeding him in the " Garrick." He continued in this vessel till about 1841, when he took the "Paul Jones" to China, and subsequently built the clipper-ship "Honqua" for Messrs. A. A. Low & Co., of New York, and carried

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her to Canton and back, his brother, Capt. Alexander S., again succeeding him in command.

About this time there was much competition in the tea trade. Speed was a desideratum, and some of the finest sailing-vessels of the century were built. Capt. Nat possessed great constructive and mechanical ability, and modeled some of the fastest clipper-ships the world has ever known, making the United States pre-eminent in the carrying trade on the sea. Under his direction were successively built the clipper-ships the "Sam Russell," the "Oriental," the "David Brown," and the "N. B. Palmer," and he commanded in turn the "Sam Russell" and the " Oriental" in the China tea trade. In the last vessel, so celebrated was she for speed, that while the ruling rates for freight at Whampoa were £3 10s. a ton, he secured a cargo for England at £6, and beating down against the southwest monsoon in the China Seas, to the utter astonishment of the merchants in England, reached London in the unprecedented time of ninety-seven days. In 1848, Capt. Nat retired from the tea trade and took the steamer " United States" to Germany, and in 1849 he retired entirely from active service.

It was impossible, however, for a man of his habits and character to remain inactive, and his energetic disposition displayed itself in many ways. He be- came deeply interested in the modeling of vessels and in improving the lines of pleasure craft, building and owning no fewer than seventeen yachts. He was an enthusiastic yachtsman, and was one of the founders of the New York Yacht Club, and the sev- enth man to sign its roll. He built many fine yachts, and sailed many races, and wherever yachtsmen were his name and opinions were held in highest rever- ence.

An ardent sportsman, he was for many years a member of the Currituck Club, and at the age of seventy-eight, on his annual cruise to the Thimble Islands for duck-shooting, few men held as steady a gun or could endure the fatigue and exposure of which he seemed to think nothing. He was a mar- velous pilot, and it was said of him that he could judge of the bottom by the appearance of the surface of the water. It was he who corrected the United States coast survey chart for the harbor of Stoning- ton, probably as perfect a piece of work as was ever done.

Capt. Palmer's instincts naturally connected his business interests with the element he loved. He was one of the founders of the Neptune Line, and had more or less the supervision of building nineteen steamers for it, but lost heavily by that disastrous enterprise. He bought the largest sailing-ship cver built, the "Great Republic," which took fire and sunk in New York Harbor after one trip to Liverpool. He raised her and took her to England, subsequently chartering her to the French government. In the war of the Rebellion he rendered most valuable service to the government in furnishing transports

and devising means for the protection of American shipping in a cause in which all his sympathies were enlisted. During the latter years of his life he with- drew from business speculation, and spent his time almost entirely in sporting on the water and on shore, and about his home and elsewhere. He held no civil office, but was a warden of Calvary Episcopal Church in Stonington, and an earnest Freemason.

Capt. Palmer had no children. In 1876 he accom- panied his nephew, Nathaniel B. Palmer (second named after him), and his brother Alexander's oldest son, who was in feeble health, to Santa Barbara, Cal. The latter derived no benefit there, and they went to China in a sailing-vessel. His health continuing to fail, they left Hong Kong on the steamer "City of Pekin" on May 15th, and when one day out Mr. Palmer died. The death of one to whom he was so devotedly attached was a terrible blow to Capt. Nat, and one from which he never recovered. He was compelled to take to his bed on reaching San Fran- cisco, and though sympathetic and loving friends gave him every care, he died there on the 21st of June, 1877. On July 5th the remains of the devoted unele and nephew, surrounded by those they loved, were laid away together in the beautiful cemetery at Stonington.

So ended the remarkable life of a remarkable man. He was the eldest of four sisters and five brothers, -Lambert, Alexander S., William L., and Theodore D.,-all of whom attained eminence in their callings. Capt. Palmer himself had the look of one born to command. He was over six feet in height and weighed more than two hundred pounds, and wher- ever he was men recognized in him a master-spirit. On his last voyage, in the "City of Pekin," though merely a passenger, he seemed to be the natural com- mander of the vessel, and her master, Capt. Tanner, said, with much amusement, that he felt that he was merely a subordinate officer.

Though a strict disciplinarian on shipboard, there was never a man to whom the gentler ties of family and domestic life were dearer. Though his nature was rugged and his determination invincible, his heart was as tender as a child's, and those who knew him best loved him best. This was not only true of his home but of all the world, for he was a genuine cosmopolitan. "My home," said his brother, the distinguished sailor, Capt. Alexander S. Palmer, " is in Stonington, but his home was the world."

Everywhere, where American vessels went and Amer- ican sailors were known, his name was held in highest respect and esteem. Wherever he landed, whether in Stonington, or New York, or London, or Hong Kong, he was sure of finding a warm welcome and the cordial reception of loving friends. He knew.in- timately most of the leading men of the United States, and counted among his acquaintances some of the most distinguished people in Europe. His fame as an ex- plorer was world-wide, he was eminent as one who had

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done great things for the improvement of American shipping, circumstances which gave him exceptional social advantages in foreign countries. The Hon. Mr. Bush, to whom allusion has been already made, one of his contemporaries and for many years his firm friend, writes of him as follows :

" My first introduction to Capt. Nat was at the Astor Ilonse in 1838, at the hands of Capt. Charles Mansfield, then in command of the ship ' Robert Bowne,' the ship I was about to embark in for the Cape of Good llope.

"Capt. Nat was at that time in command of the Liverpool packet 'Garrick,' or ' Siddons,' I am not positive which, and though in tender years, he made a lasting impression upon me that clings as closely as the indelible print. Tall in figure, of commanding physique, courteous in address, and modest withal, he was the central figure on all occasions, whether on the deck of his ship, at the mess-table, or in the hall of the hotel. Civilians as well as mariners sought his ear, advice, and assist- ance too, which latter he never refused. In truth, he was a great and deserved favorite, the equal of any man it has been my good fortune to meet with on life's cruise, and in saying that I have had the good Inck to enjoy the confidence, friendship, yes, love of noble men, who have made proud records in history, their names recording noble deeds on the last- ing tablet. I profess to know the man that he was. He was possessed of all the endearing traits to make one valued in companionship, a fast friend and generous enemy. Master of his chosen profession. there was never a braver, more accomplished sailor trod the deck, while he was a rare sportsman and genial gentleman at home, at court, or in the domestic circle."

Mr. Bush's epitome of his character is well and justly made. No better type of the American seaman was ever shown to foreigners, uniting as he did the thorough knowledge of his calling with the dignity and agreeable qualities of more polished and gentler professions. He helped to make his country and his native town famous, and they may well take pride in his career. In his death they sustained an irreparable loss, though they hold his name in affectionate and honored remembrance. "No man," said the greatest of the heathen philosophers, "can deserve well of his country without doing good," and the gallantry and daring of Capt. Nat, no less than his generous qualities of heart and his broad and liberal spirit, will have their influence for all time. His life of strange experiences and his death, full of years and honors, are constant incentives and inspiration. Of no one can it be more truly said that though he rests from his labors his works do follow him.

Nathaniel Brown Palmer, son of Capt. Alex. Pal- mer, and nephew of Capt. N. B. Palmer, was thirty- seven years of age at the time of his death, and was in many ways a remarkable man. His mother's family, the Dixons of Rhode Island, have for years been prominent as lawyers and public men. His grandfather represented Rhode Island in the United States Senate. Mr. Palmer's uncle was nearly a fifth of a century in Congress. The oldest member of the third generation is United States District Attorney for Rhode Island. Mr. Palmer wished to follow the sea, like his father, but was persuaded at the age of six- teen to enter the hardware house of Messrs. Bruff Bros. & Seaver, New York. When the firm opened a branch house in New Orleans he became the head salesman there. He came North when the war was

begun, and was given control of the firm's manu- facturing of muskets and pistols under the Joscelyn patent. A large manufactory was established in Stonington. In 1865 he became a member of the firm of Messrs. Phelps, Dodge & Co., extensive man- ufacturers and dealers in boots and shoes in Chicago, and was an active worker. In the summer of 1871 he contracted a severe cold, which attacked his left lung. He spent the winter in Southern France, re- turned to this country much improved in health, and was married in October, 1872. In November, 1876, he went to Santa Barbara, Cal., with his uncle, Capt. Nat. The climate disagreed with him, and he and his uncle went to China in a sailing-vessel. The young man's health rapidly failed, and he sailed for San Francisco with Capt. Nat in the " City of Pekin" on May 15th. When one day out Mr. Palmer died, May 16, 1877. He kept his inherited love for the sea to the last.

Alexander Smith Palmer, son of Nathaniel and Mercy Palmer, was born at the site of his present home (called Pine Point), at Stonington, Jan. 26, 1806. When an infant his parents moved into the borough of Stonington. His education was confined to the common schools. After leaving school was placed in a lawyer's office, but not liking the confine- ment of a lawyer's life, decided to be a sailor, and started on his first voyage June 21, 1821, in the brig " Alabama Packet," Capt. Wm. A. Fanning, bound on a sealing voyage to the South Shetland Islands, sealing also the coasts of Chili and Pern. These countries being at war with Spain at this time, fighting for their independence, he was in danger of being cap- tured, as the brig " Herselia," Capt. James P. Shef- field, of Stonington, had been by the Araucanian Indians (who adhered to Spanish rule) but a short time before his arrival. After a two years' voyage returned to Stonington. Then made two coasting voyages to Philadelphia in the schooner " Alonzo," Capt. R. F. Loper. Next made a voyage to the West Indies in the brig "Thetis," Capt. Savage, from Mid- dletown, Conn. On return sailed from New York, July 5, 1824, for Cartagena, in the schooner "Cadet," Capt. N. B. Palmer. From Cartagena went to Chagres, carrying part of Gen. Bolivar's army, who was assisting the Peruvians to drive out the Spanish. From Chagres carried Spanish prisoners to St. Jago, Cuba. On the return voyage to New York, in No- vember, 1824, the schooner was wrecked at Long Branch, and all hands saved by means of a rope carried to the shore by a sailor and Capt. A. S. Palmer, swimming through the surf. Then made seven voyages from New York to the Spanish Main in the brig "Tampico," Capt. N. B. Palmer. During the summer of 1826 was made commander of the brig "Tampico," and made two voyages from New York to the Spanish Main, Porto Cabello, and Cuba. Then commanded respectively the schooner "Penguin" (Sept. 5, 1827) and ship "Charles Adams" (Sept. 1,

Hermel. Palmen

Eng by A H. Butchie

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History of New London county, Connecticut : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 174

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1317

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1317