USA > Massachusetts > Nantucket County > The history of Nantucket County, island, and town : including genealogies of first settlers > Part 50
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This was done, but unhappily Lord Hawksbury was the person. A greater Enemy to America I believe could not be found in that body, nor hardly in the Nation. I waited on him and informed him, what encouragement I thought would induce a removal, which I estimated at £100, sterling transportation for a family of five persons and £100 settlement,-say £20.000 for a hundred families. "Oh!" says he, "this is a great sum, and at this time when we are endeavouring to economize in our expenditures."* I replied, "Thou mayest think it a great sum for this Nation to pay; I think two- thirds of it a great sum for you to have taken from me, as an individual, unjustly and illegally."
We had a long conversation, and I left him to call again, which I did in a few days. I then added to my demand liberty to bring in 30 American ships for the Fishery. "Oh no," said he, "that cannot be; our carpenters must be employed." I mentioned that we had some vessels that we possessed before the War-"those can surely be admitted." "No they must be British built." "Will it be any advantage if an emigration takes place for the Emigrants to bring property with them?" "Yes." "If they can invest their property in articles that will be worth double here, to what they are there, will that be an additional advantage to this country." "Yes, certainly." "Then why not bring ships when two of ours will not cost more than one of yours?" "Oh! we don't make mer- cantile calculations, 't is the seamen we want." "Then sure two of our ships will answer your purpose better than one of yours, as they will make double the number of seamen, which must be the very thing aimed at." He saw he was in a dilemma, which he could not reason himself out of, and struggled though with some violence.
He had now made his nice calculation of £87.10 for trans- portation and settlement of a family, and, says he, "I am about a Fishery Bill, and I want to come to something that I may insert it" &c. My answer was-"Thy offer is no object, therefore go on with thy Fishery Bill, without any regard to me." I was then taking leave and withdrawing.
"Well, Mr. Rotch, You'll call on me again in two or three days." "I see no necessity for it." "But I desire you should." "If it is thy desire perhaps I may call." However, he let me rest but one day before he sent for me.
He had the old story over again, but I told him it was un- necessary to enter again into the subject. I then informed him that I had heard a rumor that Nantucket had agreed to furnish France with a quantity of Oil. He stepped to his Bureau, took out one of a file of papers, and pretended to read an entire con- tradiction, though I was satisfied there was not a line there on the subject. I said-"It was only a vague report that I had heard, and I cannot vouch for the truth of it, but we are like drowning men, catching at every straw that passes by, therefore I am now determined to go to France, and see what it is. If there is any such contract, sufficient to retain us at Nantucket, neither you nor any other nation shall have us and if it is insufficient I will endeavor to enlarge it." "Ah!" says he," Quakers go to France?" "Yes,"
*Tradition says that Lord Hawksbury inquired of Mr. Rotch what it was proposed to bring as an offset to all this expenditure of money, and that Mr. Rotch straightened up, and replied- "I will bring some of the best blood of the Island of Nantucket."
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HISTORY OF NANTUCKET
I replied, "but with regret." I then parted with Lord Hawksbury for the last time."*
Mr. Rotch at once set sail for France landing at Dunkirk. There he drew up his proposals for the French Government and forwarded them to Paris. The authorities at once sent for him and he immediately responded. The proposals were-"First, a full and free enjoyment of our Religion, according to the principles of the people called Quakers. To this the Master of Requests, under whose jurisdiction the negotiations came, annexed "Accorde." Second, An entire exemption from Military Requisitions of every
*Frederick C. Sanford of Nantucket, who was a great admirer of Mr. Rotch and probably got the story directly from him, said, that Lord Hawksbury sent again for Mr. Rotch, who replied "If Lord Hawksbury desires to see William Rotch he will find him on board his vessel up to the time when she takes her anchor."
According to the pamphlet issued by Hussey & Robbinson the follow- ing named Nantucket whaling captains removed to London:
Captain
Ship
Captain Ship
Tristram Barnard William Henry
John M Allen Ranger
Benjamin Baxter
Liberty
Frederick Barnard Rebecca
Eber Bunker
Pomona
Francis Baxter
Rover
Tristram Bunker
Scorpion
Christopher Bun- ker
Kent
Tristram Clark
Rattler
Owen Bunker
Brothers
Obed Clark
Betsey
Port- Jonathan Clark
Leviathan
Joshua Coffin
London
Paul Coffin
Lucas
Thaddeus Coffin
Harriet
Shubael Coffin
William
Zebdiel Coffin
Wielding
Daniel Coffin
Venus
Stephen Coleman
Good Intent
Jonathan Coffin
Hibernia
Benjamin Cook
Prince of Wales
Obed Cottle
Minerva
Thomas Delano Jr Hercules
Henry Delano
Kingston
John Darling
Manilla
Abisha Delano
Sea Horse
William Fitch Spy
John Extien
Emily
Jedediah Fitch
British Tar
Reuben Fitch
Recovery
William Folger William
George Fitch
Rebecca
Nathaniel Folger
Lucas
Brown Folger
Harponeer
Christopher Folger Perseverance
Thomas Folger
Vulture
Henry Folger of Liverpool
Mary
Aaron Gardner
Mentor
Job Gardner
Albion
Barney Gardner
Hero
Caleb Gardner
Barbary
Calvin Gardner
Indispensable
Charles Gardner
London
Francis Gardner
Liberty
Franklin Gardner
British Tar
George Gardner
Nimble
Jethro Gardner
Barbary
Nath'l Goodspeed
Brittania
Charles Harrax John Lock
British Tar
Benjamin Hussey
Greyhound
Nathan Long
Mercury
Peleg Long
Moss Aurora
Reuben Macy
Industry
Francis Macy
Good Intent
Stephen Macy Jr
Aurora
John Marshall
Rambler
John Meader
Sally
Jonathan Meader
Indispensable
William Mooers
Maria
Shubael Mooers
Sally
Paul Paddock
Royal Bounty
Simon Paul
Queen Charlotte
Paul Pease
Kent
Noah Pease
Fantail
Andrew Pinkham
Earl St Vincent
Sylvanus Pitts
Georgianna
John Pinkham
Speedy
Barney Ray
Swift
John Ramsdell
Mercury
William Ray Jr Fox
Daniel Ray Joseph Russell
Neptune
Job Smith
Lucas
Shubael Squires
Lucas
Andrew Swain
Rattler
Matthew Swain
Kingston
Zacchary Swain
Spy
Howse Swain
Boyne
Benjamin Swift
Brook Watson
William Swain
Cumberland
Charles West
Rattler
William Slade
Romulus
James Whippey Canton
Paul West
Cyrus
Obed Worth
Brook Watson
Joseph Whittens
Obed Wyer
Atlantic
Shubael Worth
Duke of Portland Fox
Timothy Wyer
Nimble
Shadrach Cane
Endeavor
Benjamin' Clark
Fantail
Edward Clark
Seringapatum
Benjamin Clark 2d Barbary
Reuben Cleveland Duchess of land
Nathaniel Coffin
Royal George
Obed Folger
Ganges
Greenwich
Abijah Lock
Resolution
Edward Starbuck
Good Intent
394
HISTORY OF NANTUCKET
kind. To this his response was-"As they are a peaceable people, and meddle not with the quarrels of princes, neither internal nor external, this proposition may be granted." The other propositions related to the regulation of the Whale Fishery.
Following the interview with the Master of Requests, Mr. Rotch and those with him called on the other Ministers at Ver- sailles, on Calone, Comptroller of Finance; Vergennes the aged Minister of Foreign Affairs; Marshall de Castro, Minister of Marine; the Prince of Reuber, Generalissimo of Flanders; and the Intendant of Flanders. All agreed to the propositions advanced by Mr. Rotch. *
After Mr. Rotch had left England for France Lord Hawksbury was much. disturbed and inquired of Mr. Beaufoy why he had gone there, to which Beaufoy replied-"For what you or any other person would have gone; you would not make him an offer worth his acceptance. He will now try what can be done in France." As a matter of latter day repentance the English authorities sent word that provision was made in the new Fishery Bill to admit 40 American ships- they pretending to have forgotten the number suggested by Mr. Rotch.
Regarding what occurred after their return to England, Mr. Rotch says: "I was soon sent for by George Rose (I suppose father of the Minister lately sent to the United States), who was one of Pitts secretaries. He inquired if I had contracted with France. I told him "No-I did not come to make any contract-propositions were the extent of my business." "Then you are at liberty to agree with us, and I am authorized by Mr. Pitt to tell you that you shall make your owns terms." I told him it was too late. I made very moderate proposals to you, but could obtain nothing worth my notice. I went to France,f sent forward my proposals, which were
*To Calone says Mr. Rotch "We gave our reasons for not taking off our hats on introduction to them all. Calone replied-'I care noth- ing about your hats if your hearts are right.'" Before they took their leave they were asked if they would like to see the palace? Believing mere curiosity would not justify the inspection they excused them- selves, hoping their "plain way would not give offence." Subsequently a special permit was received from the King with the privilege of viewing the private apartments when he was out. He was not out on the day they had to take leave and they saw only the public rooms.
tAccording to Hussey & Robinson the following named Captains went to France from Nantucket:
Captain
Ship
Port
Clothier Allen,
Penelope,
Dunkirk
Jona J. Barnard,
Ann,
Dunkirk
Walter Brock,
Lydia,
Dunkirk
. Elisha Bunker
Ville de Paris,
Dunkirk
Isaiah Bunker,
Berceau,
Dunkirk
Peleg Bunker,
Ardent,
Dunkirk
Reuben Baxter,
Baleine.
Havre
Benjamin Clark,
Pioneer,
Dunkirk
George Clark,
Juno,
Dunkirk
Prince Coleman,
. Resolution,
Dunkirk
Bartlett Coffin,
Maria,
Dunkirk
Laban Coffin,
Bedford,
Dunkirk
Richard Coffin,
Montmorenci,
Dunkirk
Thaddeus Coffin,
Young States,
Dunkirk
George Fitch,
Paris,
Dunkirk
. Obed Fitch,
William Penn,
Dunkirk
Elisha Folger,
Penelope,
Dunkirk
Timothy Folger,
Sarah,
Dieppe
· Stephen Gardner,
States,
Dunkirk
Micajah Gardner,
Edward,
Dunkirk
(See next page)
395
HISTORY OF NANTUCKET
doubly advantageous to what I had offered your Government; they considered them but a short time, and on my arrival in Paris were ready to act. I had a separate interview with all the Ministers of State necessary to the subject, 5 in number, who all agreed to & granted my demands. This was effected in 5 hours when I had waited to be called by your Privy Council more than 4 months." He still insisted that as I was not bound to France, I should make my own terms with them, but in vain, the time had passed over. Lord Sheffield also sent for me on the same subject, but was soon convinced it was too late."
The minority in Parliament was not slow to size up the situ- ation and naturally desired to work it to their political advantage,
Captain
Ship
Port
Nathaniel Barnard,
Boston Packet,
Dunkirk
Francis Baxter,
Industry,
L'Orient
Jona C Briggs,
Harmony,
Dunkirk
Peter Brock,
Edward,
Dunkirk
Francis Bunker,
Brutus,
Dunkirk
Obed Bunker,
Greyhound,
Dunkirk
Reuben R. Bunker,
Brutus,
Havre
Benj. Clark 2d,
Lydia,
Dunkirk
Alpheus Coffin,
Diana,
Dunkirk
Edward Coffin,
Phebe,
Dunkirk
Paul Coffin,
Dauphin,
Dunkirk
Shubael Coffin,
Brothers,
Dunkirk
Benj. Coleman,
Janus
Dunkirk:
Jedediah Fitch,
Friends,
Dunkirk
William Fitch,
Young States,
Dunkirk
David Folger
Favorite,
Dunkirk
Seth Folger,
Thomas,
Havre.
Amaziah Gardner,
Hebe,
Dunkirk
James Gardner,
Victoire,
L'Orient
Jethro Gardner,
Penelope,
Dunkirk
Shubael Gardner,
Ville de Paris,
Dunkirk
Shub'l Gardner 2d,
Charles,
Havre .. :
Tristram Gardner,
America,
Dunkirk
Benjamin Glover,
Fame,
Dunkirk
Archil's Hammond,
Cyrus,
Dunkirk:
Charles Harrax,
Ganges,
Dunkirk
Barzillai Hussey,
Susa,
Dunkirk
Benjamin Hussey,
States,
Dunkirk®
Ebenezer Hussey,
Fox,
Dunkirk
Gorham Hussey,
Maria,
Dunkirk
Isaiah Hussey,
Judith,
Dunkirk
Peleg Hussey,
Fame,
Dunkirk
Robert Inott,
Harpooner,
Havre
Silas Jones,
Swan,
Dunkirk.
David Joy,
Boston,
Havre
Timothy Long,
Diana,
Dunkirk
William Long,
Swan,
Dunkirk
Francis Macy,
Hebe,
Dunkirk
Reuben Macy,
Brutus,
Dunkirk
William Mooers,
Lydia,
Dunkirk
Benj. Paddock,
Ospray,
Dunkirk
Obed Paddock,
Falkland,
Dunkirk
Phillip Pollard,
Savage,
Havre
Abel Rawson,
Friends,
Dunkirk
Stephen Rawson,
Hero,
Havre
Paul Ray,
Judith,
Dunkirk
David Starbuck,
Harmony,
Dunkirk
Edward Starbuck,
Hope,
Dunkirk
Matthew Starbuck,
Hudson,
Dunkirk
David Swain,
Brothers,
Dunkirk
Uriah Swain,
Young States,
Dunkirk
Valentine Swain, 2d,
Diana,
Dunkirk
Thaddeus Swain,
Diana,
Dunkirk
Valentine Swain,
Swan.
Dunkirk
Coffin Whippey,
Canton,
Dunkirk
George Whippey,
Necker,
Dunkirk
James Whippey,
So Carolina,
Dunkirk .
John Worth,
Penelope,
Dunkirk
Jonathan Worth,
Seine,
Dunkirk
Joseph Wyer,
Young States,
Dunkirk
Timothy Wyer
Lydia,
Dunkirk
396
HISTORY OF NANTUCKET
but Mr. Rotch, whom they interviewed declined to give them mate- rial for an attack on the Ministry.
Mr. Rotch purchased a ship and returned to the United States October 11, 1786, to prepare for the transfer to Dunkirk. His son Benjamin went on ahead to prepare for the prosecution of the fishery. After remaining at home four years he returned to France in July, 1790, to assist his son-in-law in the care of the business. He was accompanied by his wife, his daughters Lydia and Mary and his son Benjamin's wife and child, making the voyage in the ship Maria & Eliza, bought for the purpose and commanded by Abishại Hayden. *
Early in 1791, Mr. Rotch and his associates presented a peti- tion to the French Government for certain privileges and exemption essential to their religious principles. It was essential for them to present it to the Assembly in person. There was a very full attend- ance drawn probably by the novelty of the occasion. Mr. Rotch in his manuscript, in describing the occasion, says-"The previous notice given of the Quaker Petition I suppose drew every member in Town to his seat. The galleries for spectators were filled, and many could not be accommodated. Nor did we wonder at this curiosity, considering the novelty of the object. We had been with Brissot de Natville, Clavier and some others looking over the Petition until the latest moment, and must now proceed to the Assembly. They with several others had come to accompany us and just as we were moving one observed "You have no cockades- you must put them on." We told them we could not. It was a distinguishing badge that we could not make use of." "But," said they, "it is required by law to prevent distinction that people may not be abused, for their lives are in danger without them, and there is always a large body of the lower classes about the Assembly that we have to pass through." Our answer was that we could not do it, whatever might be the consequences, that we were willing to go as far as we could, and if stopped we must submit to it. We saw that our friends were full of fear for our safety. We set out under: no small apprehension, but trusting to the Power that can "turn the hearts of men as a water-course is turned," we passed through the great concourse without interruption, and reached the waiting room of the Assembly, A messenger informed the President of our arrival, and we were immediately called to the Bar." : The reading of the petition by John Marseillae evoked applause at the conclusion of each topic. At its conclusion the' President read his answer, applause again greeting each topic.t
*Neither the name of the ship nor the Captain appears in the Hus- sey & Robinson list and it is possible that the list was not ocmplete. The records indicate that the Ann, Bedford, Canton, Diana, Falkland, Harmony, Hebe, Hope, Lydia, Maria, Ospray, Penelope, and William Penn comprised the Rotch family fleet in France.
"The points referred to in the petition were exemption from being compelled to bear arms or participate in military affairs. "We sub- mit," says: the petition "to your laws, & only desire the privilege of being here, as in other Countries, the Brethren of all men, never to take up arms against any." Preserving their own methods of record- ing Births, Marriages and Burials, they requested "that our simple Registers: may be deemed sufficient to legalize our Marriages and Births, & Authenticate our Deaths, by causing a declaration thereof to be made before a magistrate." Finally they asked to be exempted from all Oaths. They disclaimed any wish to evade their civic duties and affirmed their purpose to cherish and respect the Constitution and (See next page)
397
HISTORY OF NANTUCKET
Referring to the Petition in his Memoranda Mr. Rotch says: "The Object of our Petition was of little consequence to me, whether granted or not compared with the opportunity we now had of somewhat spreading the knowledge of our fundamental prin- ciples, above all that of the inward Light or Spirit of God in every man, as a primary rule of Faith and Practice. We met with a number of serious persons, who were in great measure convinced of the rectitude of our Faith, and they gathered to us at our Hotel one evening after another, one inviting others to come with them, until these social meetings in our apartments became exceedingly interesting. The conversation was almost wholly on religious sub- jects, and they always appeared well satisfied with the hours thus spent. It was then a turbulent time in Paris, and much more so afterwards. Several of these valuable persons fell in the reign of Terror, and others are beyond my knowledge, but the remem- brance of those evenings and of the feeling of Divine influence that attended them, I believe will never pass away. One of our visitors informed us that the Duchess of Bourbon was greatly interested in the principles we profess, and said if ye wished to see her, he would make way for it. But Benjamin's business calling him home, and my not speaking the French language, we could not accept the proffered assistance."
Mr. Rotch tells of the riots in Dunkirk in 1792, and the means taken to quell them, and of the illuminations in Dunkirk to cele- brate the victories of the French armies over the Austrians. His story of how the Nantucket Colony upheld their principles in Dunkirk is interesting. "The Illumination" he writes, "was an- nounced as for tomorrow evening. Having very little time to con- sider what could be done Benj'n & myself thought best to go immediately to the Mayor & Magistrates then assembled & to inform them that we could not illuminate and the cause: That as we could take no part in War, we could not join in rejoicings for victory. On opening the subject they were much alarmed for our Safety, and asked us what protection they could afford us. We replied "That is no part of our business-We only wish to place our refusal on the right grounds, and to remove any apprehension that we are opposing the Government." "Well," said the Mayor, "keep to your principles; Your houses are your own. The streets are ours, and we shall pursue such measures as we think proper for the peace of the Town." We retired, though not without some fear that they would send an armed force. Should this be the case, and any life be lost in endeavoring to protect us, I thought it would be insupportible .* However, they took another method, and sent men to erect a frame before our house, and three other houses occupied by those of our Denomination, and hung a dozen lamps upon it. The Mayor had also the great kindness to have a similar frame with lamps placed before his own house in addition to the usual full illumination; & he once & the Magistrates several
laws. The President (Mirabeau) in reply considered each topic by it- self and promised that the Assembly would give its attention to them all and in conclusion said "But whenever I meet a Quaker, I shall say "My Brother, if thou hast a right to be free, thou hast a right to pre- vent anyone from making thee a slave. As thou lovest thy fellow creature suffer not a Tyrant to destroy him; it would be Killing him
thyself. Thou desirest peace, but consider, weakness invites war. General resistance would prove an universal war."
*Mr. Rotch's correspondence with his son-in-law Samuel Rodman dated from Dunkirk and covering the period from March 2d, 1792, to December 15 of the same year makes an interesting narrative of con- ditions in France in the stirring days of the French Revolution.
398
HISTORY OF NANTUCKET
times, walked by our house to see if all remained quiet, for they were under great apprehension." The occasion passed off without any unpleasant results as did a similar one a short time after-the explanation to intending assailants why the houses were not il- luminated satisfying them.
On the arrival of the Commissioners from Paris to stir up the people there was another illumination. Mr. Rotch's son Ben- jamin being absent he requested one Louis de Bacque to go with him to the Commissioners to explain why they could take no part and on ascertaining what was desired the principal one came to Mr. Rotch, and, taking him by the hand, desired them to do "nothing contrary to our scruples, on their account. After some further friendly expressions, he turned to a large body of people present & thus addressed them-"We are now about establishing a Government on the same principles that William Penn, the Quaker, established in Pennsylvania, and I find there are a few Quakers in this Town whose religious opinions do not admit of any public rejoicings, & I desire they may not be molested." Through this appeal and in consequence of the loyalty of some of the Rotch's employees, they escaped molestation .*
In 1793, came the premonitory symptoms of war between France and England and Mr. Rotch prepared to go to England to avoid the capture of their ships by English crusiers. t Two ships of the Rotch fleet, with full cargoes of oil, had been captured and condemned by English prize courts, but Mr. Rotch, by being in England was enabled to recover them. The fact that at least thir- teen of the whaling ships, sailing out of French Ports and com- manded by Nantucket men four of them owned by the Messrs. Rotch, appear to have been transferred to the English service leads to the conclusion that Mr. Rotch was only partially success-
*It is interesting to note the skill and daring of the old-time whalemen. In the Rotch fleet sailing from Dunkirk was the Penelope, Capt. Tristram Gardner. In the log book of his voyage in 1788 are many interesting entries. They sailed from Dunkirk on Wednesday, March 26. On April 27, in latitude about 77 north he reports "near a hundred sail of ships in sight." May 3d he writes "still beset with heavy pack ise" 30 ships in sight; lattitude °77. 15. June 22d he en- ters in a matter of fact way-"Wind at South; a Ruged sea; Plenty of Snow. Later Part saw Ise to ye S. W. of us at 4 ye wind Shifted to ye Northward, but Still thick weather. Saw a number of ships, but No whale. So ends this 24 hours. Lat. 79.02." It must be remembered that the ships of the day were not even copper bottomed!
tAs nearly as can be ascertained the English captured the fol- lowing named French whalemen, the Rotch vessels being designated by an asterisk-Ann'* Brothers, Charles, Cyrus, Canton,* Fox. Falk- land,* Greyhound, Ganges, Harpooner, Hero, Industry, Maria .* The story of the Cyrus is quite interesting and perhaps typical. Looking over the lists, the Cyrus appears to have sailed from Dunquerque, France, under command of Capt. Archelaus Hammond, and a Cyrus sailed from London under Capt. Paul West. Correspondence with Port officers at Dunkirk, and London shows that she sailed from the former port under the charge of Capt. Hammond, with Paul West 2d mate, on August 3d, 1802 on a whaling voyage and was captured Sept. 25, 1803, in Delagoa Bay, by the English man of war, Scorpion. It was found that the records of the London office showed this to be the iden- tical Cyrus which sailed several voyages subsequently from that port under the command of Capt. Paul West. Ships in those days were not coppered but sheathed with leather.
399
HISTORY OF NANTUCKET
ful in regaining his property. Indeed, he says in his Memoranda- "My going to France to pursue the Whale Fishery so disappointed Lord Hawksbury, that he undertook to be revenged on me for his own folly, and I have no doubt gave directions to his Cruisers to take any of our vessels that they met with going to France. When the Ospray was taken by a King's ship, the officer who was sent on board to examine her papers, called to the captain & said-"You'll take this vessel in, sir, she belongs to Wm. Rotch."*
Mr. Rotch was joined by his family in England where they re- mained until July 1794, when they sailed for the United States, arriving September 23d. They remained in Nantucket a year and then removed to New Bedford. i Apparently but two of the Rotch fleet returned to the United States. In 1796, William Rotch & Son petitioned Congress to remit the excess of duties and tonnage charged them on two whaleships by the Collector of New Bedford, in consequence of their not being provided with United States reg- isters. They had sailed from Nantucket in 1787 and 1789 under registers from the State of Massachusetts, and returned in 1794,
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