The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-08-10
Letter from Massachusetts,.
Martha's vineyard-Its Early Colonial
History, Religious and Political-Its
Present Interest as a Great Camp
Meeting. Summer and Seaside Re


Present Interest as a Great Camp
Meeting, Summer and Seaside Re-
sort.
MARTHA's VINEYARD, Aug. l, 81.
MeSsrs. Edstors,-I think, when last
heard from, we had landed at Oak Bluffs,
Cottage City, Martha's Vineyard. This
is the largest island on the New England
coast-twenty-one miles long, and from
seven to ten wide; about seven miles
from the main land. Says renowned
tourist: 1.-The sail across the sound is
more than beautiful it is poem. Trend
ing away to the west, the thirteen Eliza
beth Islands, like gate ajar, half closes
the entrance to Buzzard's Bay. Among
them, nestles Cuttyhunk. where the very
first English spade was driven into New
England soil. Straight over in front of
the pathway the steamer is cleaving, the
Vineyard is looking its greenest and best,
with oakskirted highlands enclosing the
sheltered harbor of Vineyard Haven,
famous on all this coast" A very truth
full and accurate description, and said so
much better than | could say it, adopt
his language for my own. This island is
so full of interesting history and places
that shall find it very difficult to do
Justice to the subject without making my
letter too long. The faculty of condens-
ing Is one of my lost arts (if ever had
one). 1t is interesting to every Ameri-
can, but especially to all the descendants
of the "Mayfower" and "Pzymouth
Rock-quaintly, but caustically denom-
mated "the great Barney Stone of New
England for all New England swears
by Plymouth Rock, and he by it. OF its
cemetery and antiquated memorial stones,
truly may it be said, here lie the dead,
and here the living 6e."
Martha Vineyard is divided into four
townships. The first in chronological
order, Tisbury, was Incorporated in 1911;
Edgartown, the second, Incorporated in
1871, was the first point touched by ship
1908, and is of special interest because Of
the location of "these Headquarters,
" Cottage City of which more anon.
The Indian name of Martha's Vineyard
was Kapawack, and when first discovered
in 1903, was inhabited by strong and
ferocious tribes 1t was on this island
that John Mayhem opened the gospel as
first missionary to the Indians, and de-
monstrated the possibilities of missionary
success, and laid the foundation for the
plans and successes of John Eliot, the
honored Indian missionary, in 1913. In
a few years eight Indian priests and $50
natives embraced the gospel. So rapidly
and wonderfully did the gospel have free
course among the Indians, that in 1895,
just about half a century, in Maseachu-
setts alone, there were thirty Indian con-
gregations, and over 5000 converts. I
learn from history now before me, that
John Mayhem was succeeded by PreSby-
teraon ministers in 1894, 1713, l761, and
last by John Thaxter, ordained in 1880,
and maintaining his pastorate for forty
seven years, memorable Of glorious re-
suits.
1t was here, and in Nantucket, that
the great whaling interests were first in
augurated, and became such an important
factor in the wealth Of Massachusetts,.
The discovery of kerosene has almost en-
tirely destroyed this great interest,"
Where whales did once abound largely.
only now and then straggler is beached
on these rock bound coasts. Even as late
as last year one of considerable size was
stranded, and gave the antiquated whalers
one last, long, lingering look at an object
once so familiar, but now an object of
memory only. But the old battered
hulks Of whaling captains are still pleas
ant and interesting objects of acquaint-
ance, as they take pride and pleasure in
detailing and retailing their yarns, and
" fight their battles Ger again" as they
revamp for the hundredtR time. their
" hairbreadth 'scapes" from the perils of
tide, and food, and whales; extracting
from the wearied hearer the exclamation,
"VerY like whale Polonins - These