No. 112] 37 



anchorage at the Sandwich Islands. The probable haunts of the 

 whale, the qualities of the vessels and men are household topics, 

 and the curiosities of the marine world are household ornaments. 

 The recent return from the three years voyage round the world, 

 and the contemplated departure to its remote bounds are calmly 

 discussed. The boldness, skill and success of the whalemen of 

 the east, drew from Burke, prior to our revolution, his splendid 

 eulogium upon American enterj^ise. 



Why is it that this lucrative trade is almost confined to a limi- 

 ted spot? The governments of England and France have en- 

 deavored to foster it within their dominions by the most liberal 

 bounties, but they never yet have been able to compete with those 

 hardy sailors. Yet their position has no marked advantages, no 

 superior harbors, no abundance of materials to build, or of stores 

 to furnish vessels. The efforts to establish these pursuits on the 

 Hu(ison. where the harbors are more secure and the expenses of 

 outfit less, and no skill or care was wanting in the preparation, 

 were attended with but partial success, simply because they 

 lacked the stimulus of public interest. The whaleman of Nan- 

 tucket, when exposed \o the dangers of the sea ten thousand 

 miles from home, combating with its howling storms, or seeking 

 in his frail boat to encounter the monsters of the deep, is nerved 

 by the conviction that his courage, his fortitude and his daring 

 will secure for him the applause of his world at home. 



If we were to examine in detail the pursuits of each section of 

 our Union, we should find them modified or controlled by the 

 same influence, or if w^e pass beyond the pale of civilization, we 

 shall see the painted warrior of the west stimulated by popular 

 applause to deeds of daring in his combats witli wild beasts or his 

 still wilder and more savage opponent of some rival tribe. 



I might, if the time permitted, multiply the evidences of the truth 

 of th^ ]»rojiosition, that the condition of communities dep'inds upon 

 the pii'jlic sentiments that actuate them. Let it not be supposed 

 that tliis i)ropositiou profanely questions influences higher than 

 those of mortal man. It is in pursuance of the designs of thait 

 Providence which has fixed the conditions upon wliich we enjoy 

 success. There was true religion as well as wisdom in th« remark 



