COMMERCE. 261 



" Have we not, then, reached a degree of mental strength that 

 will enable us to find our way about the globe without leading- 

 strings ? And are we for ever to take the highway others have 

 laid out for us, and fixed with milestones and guideboards ? Per- 

 mit me to conclude, in humble imitation of the great discoverer of 

 this continent to his patrons : We fear no storms, na icebergs, no 

 monsters of the deep, in any sea ; we will conduct ourselves with 

 prudence, and discretion, and judgment ; and, if we succeed, the 

 glory and profit will be yours ; if we perish in our attempts, we 

 alone shall suffer, for the very inquiry after us will redound to 

 your honour. 



J. N. REYNOLDS." 



" NOTE. Since I prepared the above answer to your letter of 

 inquiry, I have examined the clear and impressive memorial from 

 the town of Nantucket, which fully confirms every statement I 

 have made in regard to the extent of the whale-fishery, although 

 drawn from different sources. This memorial is not only clear 

 and conclusive, as to the extent and value of this important busi- 

 ness, but presents many other important facts. The memorial 

 speaks the most emphatic language to every patriot and philan- 

 thropist, as well as to every legislator in our country, in the fol 

 lowing quotation : 



r : ^ 3 ^v. 



" ' The great and increasing extent of the voyages now pursued 

 by the trading and whaling ships into seas but little explored, and 

 in parts of the world before unknown, has increased the cares, the 

 dangers, and the losses of our merchants and mariners. Within 

 a few years, these cruises have extended from the coasts of Peru 

 and Chili to the Northwest coast, New Zealand, and the isles of 

 Japan. This increase of risk has been attended by an increase 

 of loss. Several vessels have been wrecked on islands and reefs 

 not laid down on any chart : and the matter acquires a painful 



