Nantucket in the War of the Revolution 95 



Of seventeen vessels that were fitted out during 

 1781 under permits of this kind, two were carried 

 as prizes to New York and one was burned in 

 spite of the permits. The others made good voy- 

 ages, and, in consequence, twenty-four were fitted 

 out in 1782. Of these one was taken to New 

 York in spite of her permit, and two were carried 

 to Salem and Boston because of the permits. 

 The New England privateersmen had learned 

 about the Nantucket people having British per- 

 mits, and, in spite of the well-known condition of 

 the islanders, went cruising after the twenty-four 

 whalers. The courts in Massachusetts released 



day of following, provided that they have on board the 

 necessary whaling craft and provisions only, and that the 

 master of said brig is possessed of a certificate from the select- 

 men of the said island, setting forth that she is bone fide the 

 property of the inhabitants of the island, with the names of 

 the master and seamen in her; and that she shall not be found 

 proceeding with her cargo to any other port than Nantucket 

 or New York. 



"ROBERT DIGBY. 



"Dated at New York the first day of December, 1781. 

 "To the commanders of his majesty's ships and vessels of 

 war, as well as all privateers and letters of marque. 

 "By command of the admiral. 



"THOMAS M. PALMER." 



