The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1876-05-31
Strategy Of a Quaker Captain.

Early in the summer of 1854 the
good ship Grampus left the harbor of
Nantucket, bound for London with
cargo Of oil. She was a new ship,
built after the most improved models,
staunch and trim, for those days, Of
great speed. Her owner Jethro Coffin,
a near relative of the English admiral
of that name, was on board and she
was commanded by Seth Macy, a
friend and companion of Jethro's from
boyhood. These two men, as we'll as
most Of the crew, we're Quakers. But
the greater part of Seth's life had been
spent on the high seas, and his exper.
fence in ill-goverend Spanish ports and
among savage islanders had taught
him that, though non-resistenoe did
very we'll in Nantucket, it was neither
safe nor easy road to travel any
where else; and while the Grampus
was loading for her voyage he had
urged Jethro to arm her with four six
Founders; for England was at that
time at war with France, and of course
the colonies were dragged into it also.
But Jethro, true to his principles, re-
jected the proposal with righteous in
dignation, and they set sail, much to
Seth's disgust, armed only with lances
and harpoons for warfare with whales,
in search of which they we're to pro-
ceed after disposing of their cargo in
London.
They had accomplished about two
thirds of the voyage, and, the ship be-
ing under easy sail, some of the men
were lounging about the deck, and
some were gathered on the forecastle
listening to yarn from q man-of-
wars man who had been in the En-
glish navy.
Forward therel" shouted the first
mate, who had been sweeping the hor-
izon with his glass.
Gay, ayw answered the men readi-
ly, and the marvellous story was cut
short.
"Jump aloft, one of you who have
good eyes," continued he, "and tell
me what you make out of that craft
with such rakiug masts on our wealth
bow"
,"Ay, ay!" and several men sprang
aloft.
"Main.top gallant therer' hailed
the mate.
cay, ayl" replied the man with the
glass. (These Quakers did not use
the affix sir in addressing their Off
GERS every man, high or low, was
called by his given name, and titles
of all kinds were eschewed from relig-
ious principles.)
"What sort of craft is to windward,
and how is she standing" cried the
mate.
at is a small black shooner, all
legs and arms" replied the sailor;
"and she is bearing down for us. under
press Of sail. Now she runs up a
flag, and by the flash and smoke she
spits, she has just fired a gun"
A dull, heavy report came boom
ing on the breeze, and laundering
sound echoed against the ships side.
The mates glass was bent upon the
schooner, whose hull was aot yet visi-
BILE, but the flag was found to be
French.
Steward, call the captain !" cried
the mate, in alarm. Forward there
call all hands on deck; stand by to
put the ship about"
GAY, ay!" responded the well-train.
ed sailors, and every man stood at his
post ready for prompt action. Both
Macy and Coffin appeared upon the
deck wondering at being sent for, and
surprised to find every man ready for
the word of command to change the
course of the ship.
"What does this mean?" asked the
captain; "why dost thou change the
ships course ?"
II don't intend TO without ORDERS"
said the mate, "but l thought best to
have everything ready for prompt
maneuvering. We have a suspicious
looking sail on her weatherbow, and
she shows French colors. By the rake
of her masts and general rig, think
she's clipper, with long tom amid
ships ; she has given us gun already"
Rather a dangerous neighbor for
us," said the captain, "and think
she will prove one of those piratical
rascals that cut up the commerce of
these seas; but keep the ship away"
continued he, rising his glass again,
"and see if she fellows US"
Away vert the Grampus, with a
free wind, turning the spray from hel
bows handsomely, on her altered
nOuraa The Erap hman tnrnad alao