This colony on its lonely island amid the shoals was helpless against raids by sea, and its ships and storehouses were destroyed without mercy.

Many vessels in distant waters were captured before they were even aware that a state of war existed.

Of a fleet numbering a hundred and fifty sail, one hundred and thirty-four were taken by the enemy and Nantucket whaling suffered almost total extinction.

These seamen, thus robbed of their livelihood, fought nobly for their country's cause.

Theirs was not the breed to sulk or whine in port.