114 THE ISLAND OF NANTUCKET. 



one, besides myself, of that order in this place. And 

 as to the purchase of a vessel, if done at all, it should 

 be for the purpose of nautical instruction. The best 

 thing you can do, the deed that will make you forever 

 remembered, is to establish and endow a free school. 

 You will thus benefit your numerous kinsfolk and 

 their grateful posterity, while you effectually perpetu- 

 ate your name." He at once adopted the suggestion, 

 entered upon the preliminary details, and I felt avenged 

 in the matter of my struggles with the town.' " 



The compiler has been kindly allowed by Mr. Easton 

 to make an extract from a letter received by him from 

 the talented widow of Mr. Jenks, in relation to Mr. 

 Easton's communication to the Inquirer and Mirror, 

 which, it is believed, will be of interest to all who 

 ever knew Samuel Haynes Jenks and his wife 

 Martha : — 

 Hon. Wm. K. Easton: 



My Highly Bespected Friend, — I take the liberty to 

 render my especial thanks for the handsome notice 

 that you gave in the last Inquirer of the efforts of my 

 husband to establish public schools, and also the Coffin 

 School in jSTantucket. 



Our family gratefully remember your noble endeavor 

 to save his name from the oblivion into which the 

 community which he has so signally benefited seem 

 willing it should fall. My husband was one who never 

 swerved in purpose; but when untoward circumstances 

 hindered his progress, he patiently bided his time, and 

 at the earliest opportunity renewed his action. Three 

 things he wished to sec accomplished, and he gave his 

 heart and mind and brain to the work ; viz., public 



