Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1876-03-30
STRATEGY OF A QUAKER
CAPTAIN.

STRATEGY OF A QUAKEI
CAPTAIN.
Early in the summer of 1854 th
good ship Grampus left the harbo
of Nantucket, bound for London witt
cargo of oil. She was new ship
built after the most improved models
staunch and trim, for those days. o
great speed. Her owner, Jethro Cof
fin, a near relative Of the Englisl
admiral of that name, was on board
and she was commanded by Setl
Macy, friend and companion Of Je
thro's from boyhood. These two
men, as well as most of the crew
were Quakers. But the greater par
of Seth's life had been spent on the
high seas, and his experience in ill
governed Spanish ports and among
savage islanders had taught him that
though non-resistence did very we'll in
Nantucket, it was neither a safe mol
easy road to travel anywhere 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 Je-
thro, true to his principles, rejected
the proposal with righteous indigna-
ton, and they set sail, much to Seth's
disgust, armed only with lances and
harpoons for warfare with whales, in
search of which they were to proceed
after disposing of their cargo in Lon
don.
They had accomplished about two
thirds of their voyage, and, the ship
being under easy sail, some of the
men were lounging about the deck,
and some were Gathered on the fore
castle listening to yarn from man.
of-war's man who had been in the
English navy.
Forward therer' shouted the first
mate, who had been sweeping the
horizon with his glass.
SAY, ay" answered the men readi-
ly, and the marvellous story was cut
short.
"Jump aloft, one of you who have
good eyes," continued he, land tell
me what you make out of that craft
with such raking masts on our
weather bow"
SAY, ayr and several men sprang
aloft.
"Main-top gallant there' hailed
the mate.
SAY, ay!" 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 re-
ligious principles.)
"What sort of craft is to wind
ward, and how is she standingT cried
the mate.
at is small black schooner, all
legs and arms" replied the sailor;
"and she is bearing down for us under
a press of sail. Now she runs up
flag, and by the flash and smoke she
spits, she has just fired gun"
A dull, heavy report came boom
ing on the breeze, and a laundering
sound echoed against the ships side.
The mates glass was bent upon the
schooner, whose hull was not yet
visible, but the flag was found to be
French.
Steward, call the captainr' cried
the mate, in alarm. Forward there!
call all hands on deck; stand by to
put the ship about"
"Ay, ayr responded the we'll
trained sailors, and every man stood
at his post ready for prompt action.
Both Macy and Coffin appeared upon
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?"
~ don't intend to without orders"
said the mate, 'but I thought best to
have everything ready for prompt
We have suspicious
looking sail on our weatherbow, and
she shows French colors. By the
rake of her masts and her general
rig, I think she's a clipper, with a
long-tom amidships; she has gwen
us gun already"
'Rather dangerous neighbor for
u.s." said the captain, sand 1 think
she will prove one of those piratical
rascals that cut up the commerce of
these seas; but keep the ship away"
continued he, raising his glass again,
"and see if she follows u.s.
Away went the Grampus, with
free wind and the rush of a race
horse, turning the spray from her
bows handsomely, on her altered
course. The Frenchman turned also,
and gained steadily upon her. The
ship was deeply laden with oil, and
would be prize of great value, and,
as Seth thought was eminently worth
preserving, though the Frenchman
was determined she should change
owners. They managed their little !