APPENDIX D. 



IN 1786, while the people of Nantucket were suffering from the 

 effects of the late war with England, it was in contemplation to 

 transfer the whaling business to France. The following are a part 

 of the advantages offered by the French Government to the people 

 of the island, who wished to settle at Dunkirk, and there establish 

 the whale-fishery :' 



"You will communicate with all the prudence you are capable of to the 

 select men of the island, and acquaint them with all the real advantages 

 the town, port, and country offers for their establishment: 



"The unlimited freedom it enjoys; the abundance and cheapness of all 

 sorts of provisions ; no custom-house, nor customs officers to embarrass 

 a free trade ; the small taxes ; the regularity of the town ; the manners 

 and industry of the inhabitants ; its situation ; all of which render it the 

 most eligible place in the universe for the people of Nan tucket to remove 

 to." 



Grants, to wit : 



"1st. An entire free exercise of their religion or worship within the,m- 

 selves. 



"3d. The concession of a tract of ground to .build their houses and 

 stores. 



" 3d. All the privileges, exemptions, and advantages promised by the 

 king's declaration in 1662, confirmed by letters patent in 1784, to all stran- 

 gers who come to establish there, which are the same as those enjoyed 

 by native subjects of his majesty. 



"4th. The importation into the kingdom, free from all duties whatever, 

 of the oil proceeding from their fishery, and the same premiums and en- 

 couragement granted for the cod and other fisheries granted to native 

 subjects. 



"5th. A premium per ton on the burden of the vessels that will carry 

 on the whale-fishery, which shall be determined in the course of the nego- 

 tiation, either with Mr. Rotch, or with the select men of the island. 



"6th. All objects of provisions and victuals for the ships shall be ex- 

 empted from all duties whatever. 



