The Lake County star. [volume] (Chase, Mich.) 1873-current, 1876-03-23
OF A QUAKER CAPTAIN.

ship Grampus left the harbor of Nam
tucket, bound for London with cargo
of oil. She was new ship, built after
the most improved models, staunch and
trim, for those days, of great speed. Her
owner, Jethro Coffin, q near relative of
the English admiral of that name, was
on board; and she was commanded by
Seth Macy, friend and companion of
Jethro's from boyhOod. These two men,
as well as most of the crew, were
Quakers. But the greater part of Seth's
life had been spent on the high seas,
and hisexperience in ill-governed Spanish
ports and among savage islanders had
taught hin that, though non.residence
did very we'll in Nantucket, it was neither
safe nor easy road to travel anywhere
else; and while the Grampus was load
ing for her voyage he had urged Jethro
to arm her with four six.pounders; for
England was at that time at war with
France, and of course the colonies were
dragged intoit also. But Jethro, true to
his principles, rejected the proposal with
righteous indignation, 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
London.
They had accomplished about two
thirds of the voyage, and, the ship be-
ing under easy sail, some of the menwere
lounging about the deck, and some were
gathered on the forecastle listening to q
yarn from man-of-wars-m who had
been in the English navy.
"Forward there |" shouted the first
mate, who had been sweeping the horizon
with his glass. -,
Gay, ayw answered the men readily,
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 rak
ing masts on our weather bow"
HAy, ayw and several men sprane
"Main-top-gallant there !" hailed thu
mate.
GAY, ayr" replied the man with tht
glass. (These Quakers did not use th'
afix sir in addressing their officers
every man, high or low, was called by hi
given name, and titles of all kinds wer'
eschewed from religious principles;;)
"What sort of craft is to windward
and how is she standing" cried th
mate.
"Itis small black schooner, all leg
and arms" replied the sailor" and sh
is bearing down for us under a press o
sail. Now she runs up flag, and by tn
fash. and smoke she spits, she has jus
fred gun"
A dull, heavy report came booming OF
the breeze, and a laundering SCUM.
echoed against the ships side. The mate
glass was bent upon the schooner, who's
hull was not yet visible, but the flag wa
found to be French.
Steward, call the captain ~ cried tn
mate, in alarm. Forward there call a
hands on deck; stand by to put the shi
about"
Gay, ay w responded the well-traine
sailors, and every man stood at his po:
ready for prompt action. Both Macy an
Coffin appeared upon the deck, wondel
ing at being sent for, and surprised I
! find every man ready for the word {
, command to change the course OF th
, ship. a., ~,
captain; "why dost thou change tn
, ships coursew
III don't intend to without orders,
r said the mate, "butI thought best to hay
|, everything ready for prompt maneuve
! ing. We have a suspicious looking ga
}. on our weatherbow, and she shov
= French colors By the rake of her mas
), :, and her general rig, think she's a clil
per, with long.tom amidships; she hi
y given us gun already"
y "Ratber dangerous neighbor for us
}. said the captain, "and think she wi
q prove one of those piratical rsscals th
cut up the commerce Of these seas; bl
= keep the ship away" continued he, raj
:. ing his glass again, "and see If she ft
lows us.
ss Away went the Grampus, with a fr
v wind and the rush of a race-horse. tur
= ing the spray from her bows bandsomel
:. on her altered course. The Frenchmi
u turned also, and gained steadily up
IS her. The ship was deeply laden wi
4, oil, and would be prize of great Walt
IT and, as Seth thought, was eminent
70 worth preserving, though the Frenchm
- was determined she should change ow
~ ers. They managed their little cri
~ with great skill, altering their coul
with Macy's, and gaining all the tin
The breeze was only brisk, but IL j.
,r suited the schooner, while the laden sl
70 though the heetest Of her class, could
70 show her heels to advantage withou
m stronger wind. Macy tried her on eve