CHAPTER IV

NATHANIEL SAVORY'S GROWING INFLUENCE: HIS BUSlNESS CORRESPONDENCE

From Guam Millinchamp never came back, Neither he nor Mazarro, however. as far as we can gather, had shown any capacity for governing the little settlement. The man who undoubtedly had proved that he was worth more than either of them was Nathaniel Savory. But he was an American, and though Great Britain was leaving these settlers to shift for themselves, Nathaniel stood in too great awe of the Laws of Nations and would not, by aspiring to be governor, thereby ,defy or rebel against the supposed British sovereignty over the islands.

Nathaniel was a man who had a home; whose father was of good repute in Salem, Mass: Salem was a seaport with a large trade, and not a few traders must have been well acquainted with his family; Nathaniel himself had been a seaman and had made many friends for himself in places like Honolulu and elsewhere. Accordingly we find that, when Nathaniel eventually established himself on the Bonin Islands, captains of whalers and trading vessels came along to see him; take news of him back to his family; become bearers of their letters to him; and it is with him that Nathaniel's store-keeper friends want to transact business. Mazarro and Millinchamp commanded none of the same trust, had no like influence, and there does not seem to have been a home behind either of them. It is not strange then that Nathaniel's influence and connexions excited their jealousy and hatred; and among various old letters and papers in the possession of the Savory family to-day is a remarkable document, greatly faded and not easily decipherable of which I made a copy as I did of the other letters, which shows how deep that hatred of Mazarro towards Nathaniel went. The document is the deposition of a certain Francis Silver of the Island of Fugil or Fayal and runs thus : “BONIN ISLANDS, Sept. 27, 1838.

"Be it remembered that I, Francis Silver, of the Isle of Fugil [?] do make oath of the following: That Mr. Matthew Mazarro told me some time since that if he could get Chapin and Savory out of the way he would give everything he possessed in the world. I told him that it was more than I could do. He said that it was easy enough for to be done. I said, Well, How? He said for me to go up on Sh….land and wait for Savory to come up there after water melons, and for me to go close alongside of him for to make friends with Savory and when he turns his head…to beat his Brains out with a club, and if that did not kill him to stab him with a knife until dead and throw him into the sea. I then answered that I would not do it. A few days after he told me he would give me some Laudanum and for me to give it to Savory's girl and for her to put it in Savory's tea and poison him, and that it should never be known Who poisoned him.

“Witness my hand,

“signed FRANCIS SILVER.

“sworn before me ALDEN B. CHAPIN.

“Witnesses

signed NATHANIEL SAVORY.

,, THOMAS BAILEY.

,, THOMAS MEER, Jun.

,, JOSEPH M. MINDREDGE (?)

,, WILLIAM LOMIS.

,, CHARLES JOHNSON."

The other letters and papers are, as I have stated in the introduction, so interesting and of a type so rarely preserved that I will here give first in order of date, a selection of what I may call Savory's official oorrespondence which falls in the period between his first settling on the island in 1830, and Commodore Perry's visit in 1853. In the following chapter I will give the home letters belonging to the same period.

(22) Letter to NATHANIEL SAVORY from JOHN

WELLITT.

“OAHU,

“May 14, 1831.

"DEAR FRIEND,

"The long wished for opportunity as come at last by Capt. Lorton although I have but a few hours notice I will get all. on board for you I can. I was a Passenger with Capt. Thomas Meek from Honolulu to Otooi 23rd Oct. 1830. I knowed nothing of his calling at those islands else it would been a good opportunity to send you everything you sent for by Capt. Dowsett at Otooi I remained there 5 months which was a great disadvantage to selling of you goods and the Invoice of you good I send you. Mr. Reynold and Mr. Franks as seen it and say they are invoiced higher than theirs by 20 or 30 pp. the same by our goods. The paintings ? are very common ones 2 case contain 14 invoiced at $53.4 I send you 3 1 have sold, all the Ready made clothes excepting one jacket; I trowser and 10 shirts I send you, the two Camlets suits were very small therefore I have sold them. I have almost all the Nankeens on hand. Mr. Thomas at Whyaraa as 40 pieces to sell for me, Mr. Mill as 60 etc. etc. as there is very little goods sold here at present. There is great alteration every day. Capt. Cole arrived the 3rd. of May, as opened a new store where Collet [?] lived. Capt. Charlton as sent all his goods there and in the Bussal I have lost your last letter with the list of the things you want. But I Reclect some and having but a short notice and the ship laying Outside I ham afrade I cannot get everything you want. The largest iron pot I can get will contain about 3 gallons. Concerning your house the widow of the Chief that gave France the land will not allow any white man to live there. Else I could have ad 75 per week. –-50 I intend giving myself, France's mother 25 for you which by this time would have whole paid for the house. The Queen Kanhuman [?] is taking the lands of the Kanaka chiefs and the white residents without exception--Old Mannie's land the first. They have taken the Licence from every Public House in the place, no coach now are riding on a Sunday. Mr. Ridley expect a letter from you. I hope the first opportunity you have to write you will give me a more explanatory account of the Island and how you like it as there is no knowing how someone might wish to come and see you. God give you all good health and a quiet living--the former thank God we enjoy but the latter we have not at present. The next opportunity I hope I shall bc able to. . . . Mr. Shaw says he could not sell your Camphoi [?] therefore he gave it away. I have paid your order to Capt. Cumpliss Meek likewise Mr. Kemble. The list of the goods will be in the trunk and the price of the articles bought.

" Dear friends yours very truly and my best Respects to all

“JOHN WELLITT.

(23) From the same

“HONOLULU.

May 15, 1831.

“DEAR SIR

"more time; I see the ship this morning still in the offing and the Capt. on shore. Capt. Charlton has collected all the seeds he can, Doctor Scarran [?] likewise. I have got tobacco, seed, tarra tips [?] etc. The times here at present are very Dareful. I ham requested to sleep in Capt. Cole's store and at the same time I feared of my house being robbed. The soldiers seem to have no particular orders going about the street by 30 and 40 in disorder with muskets and fixt Painets. However I have seen Capt. Reed's Boat's crew drive 50 of them from the Pier with boat hooks etc. I think some of the murchants is looking out for some other place and I ham looking out for the forst Rider for my house and Premices which is worth at present 500$. I think Capt. Charlton as sent for British man of war not shure. The King Kankanaule all hands thought so must have turned Methodist. But the time is getting short. You will hear more than I can tell you at present from the girls that is on board the Captain Lorton coming to pay you a visit. There is no good vinegar here At present. I send you the best can get. There is no knowing the mind of the Peeble, they are certainly led by the Misraki [?] The Queen often pays a visit to a sartain British Gentleman's House and is left Drink and her servants the same.

"Yours very truly and my best compliments to all hands,

“JOHN WELLITT.

(24) A document drawn up by CAPT. WILLIAM

LAWTON of the “KENT.”

“BONlN ISLANDS,

Oct. 18, 1881.

"Captain. William Lawton of the Kent Whaler having brought from Oahu six female passengers who were sent by Captain Charlton, English Consul there to assist in forming a new settlement at these Islands (the Bonins) with directions to Mr. Savory (one of the first settlers here) to take them under his care. But on the arrival of Capt. Lawton at these Islands it was found that the settlement was as yet extremely young. He Capt. Lawton being anxious for the welfare of the women and also two of our own crew who are sick and are anxious to go on shore, viz. Jackson and Butler has thought proper to make some written understanding with Mr. Savory as regards them:

"Firstly. Mr. Savory promises to give every assistance and instruction to the above-mentioned people as regards sustenance and lodging until they are capable of finding for themselves.

"Secondly. He, Mr. Savory, also promises to do his best endeavours to recover the two sick men and also to instruct them in the manners of obtaining sustenance and to give them protection until they are capable of doing for themselves.

"Thirdly. Captain Lawton wishes strongly that all the persons sent from the Kent do attend most strictly to the orders and laws which Mr. Savory dictates at any time knowing it to be the only way in which any order or indeed comforts can be obtained.

"Fourthly. It is understood that when any of the persons are capable of doing for themselves they are entirely without the dare of Mr. Savory and they are at any time unless they attend strictly to the wishes of Mr. Savory and obey his orders.

"Fifthly. They all understood that at the present moment it is only through the goodness of Mr. Savory they owe their present Protection the most valuable at the present moment as they would have extreme difficulties to encounter had they not the assistance Mr. Savory has kindly offered.

“Captain Lawton from many circumstances is greatly pleased with Mr. Savory and has very good reason to think that under his management and care that this settlement although now in its Infant State will soon be in a flourishing condition. The Kent has not as yet anchored here but expects to do so in a short time when. if opportunities occur there will be some account given of the Harbour etc.

“Signed W. LAWTON."

(25) Testimonial to MR. SAVORY from the same Barque “Kent," Whaler of London.

“Oct. 18th, '31.

"Captain William Lawton having touched at this Island for a supply of wood and water has had repeated conversations with Mr. Savory one of the first settlers at this island and from many circumstances Capt. Lawton thinks him to be a very worthy man whose Industry and Perseverance has overcome many difficulties which are of course inseparable from the formation of a new settlement in any country, from whose endeavours Capt. Lawton has very good reason to suppose there will be an excellent refreshment to be obtained for ships in a very short time.

"Under these circumstances Capt. Lawton begs thoroughly to recommend him to the attention of all ship masters whose business may call them this way.

“WM. LAWTON."

(N.B. –“Bonin Islands " does not occur on the above paper.)

(26) Another Testimonial.

"To gentlemen Masters of ships Visiting the Bonin Islands. The bearer Mr. Nathaniel Savory is a person whom I have long known. I have no hesitation in recommending him as a persevering industrious honest and honourable man and deserving the patronage of any person whom may please to confide in him.

“Brig Diana,

July 18, 1834.

“J. O. CARTER."

Port Lloyd.

(27) A letter from NATHANIEL SAVORY

(to whom not stated).

“BONIN ISLANDS,

“May 14, 1838.

“SIR,

"I have for some time thought that if I could obtain a few of the undermentioned articles it would be of advantage to me on this island, as every season we have many opportunities of disposing of them. I should therefore feel exceedingly obliged by your sending me as early as possible, the following articles to the sum of from 2 to 300 dollars, namely 1 Ton of salt and 200 gallons of New England Rum if the market is at present reasonable. for which things I will pay in ready cash or if you could manage to give an order to any Master of a Vessel for produce to the amount from me I should much prefer it as it will enable me to obtain larger supplies from you but at any rate I will ensure you payment. The bearer will answer any particulars regarding my circumstances.

"I remain, Sir,

Yours most respectfully,

“NATHANIEL SAVORY.

(28) Letter from JOHN SHEARWOOD.

“GUAM,

" March 22, 1840.

“DEAR FRIEND,

"I take this favourable opportunity of writing to you these few lines hoping to find you well as it leaves me at present thank God. I am sorry to inform you that I shall never be able to proceed to the Island as my health is so bad and my wife having no relations there and me not expecting to remain long in this world through bad health. I John Shearwood do give unto N. Savory full liberty to do with my landed property as he thinks proper as I hear you are about to leave the Island.

Witnesses : “JOHN SHEARWOOD.

and “WILLIAM ATKINS."

“DEAR FRIEND,

“Have the goodness to send to me a few seeds belonging to the Island and whatever you do don't forget the Sasafras seed and bark by any ship that is coming to the Southward. I am glad to hear that you are a doing well and give my best respects to the old man and all our old acquaintances and sorry I am that I can't come and see you once more.

"So no more at present from a well wisher until death.

“JOHN SHEARWOOD."

(29) Copy of a Bill of Exchange written at the back of a printed official form given below.

“BONIN ISLANDS,

“Oct. 12, 1843.

"Exchange for $106.04cts. No. 2 at sight of this Second of Exchange, First and Third of the same tenor and date unpaid, pay to Nathaniel Savory or order one hundred and six dollars and four cents at the rate of four shillings and twopence strlg. per Dollar Value received and place the same to account of the Barque George Home of London.

“ALEXANDER DISTANT,

“Commander of the Barque George Home."

(30) To NATHANIEL SAVORY from CAPTAIN

NORTH.

“NANTUCKET,

Nov. 24, A.D. 1845.

“ESTEEMED FRIEND,

"I take this opportunity of writing you this small imperfect epistle to inform you that my health at this time is tolerable hoping that by God's best blessing this may find you together with all my acquaintance at the Bonin Islands in perfect health peace and prosperity. And I will add that I "should be very happy to learn that Temperance prevailed with you all but as you do not write me by letter all the information that I can obtain from those that have visited you since my last voyage in the Howard I am very sorry to learn that Intemperance prevails to a very large extent among you. My friend Savory, take the advice of one who loves you and one who often thinks of you, and that is, to dispose of your Farm etc. and return to your father and Brothers and Sisters whose hearts yearn after you. Do not think of spending your days on those islands, but return to this delightful State Mass: May the God above help you so to do is the prayer of your friend and well wisher,

“WILLIAM NORTH.

“P.S. –Give my best love to all my acquaintances that now remains with you on the Island both male and female. May God add his Blessings to them all. Do write to me by all the ships that touch at your delightful Island.

“In great haste,

“I remain with sentiments of esteem,

“WILLIAM NORTH."

“To THOMAS STURGE, Esq.

6, New Kent Road,

London.

Indorsed "Pay to Messrs. Gaskill and Co. of Manila or order Nathaniel Savory--Please pay to Mr. Thomas Hodson of Liverpool or order Gaskill and Co. Pay to Messrs. Imril and Tomlinson or order Thos. Hodgson. Pay also Howden, Esq. or order Imrie and Tomlinson.

"Printed Official Form filled in.

"ON THE Third day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-six at the request of Alexander Howden of London Esquire--I William Duff of the City of London Notary Publick duly admitted and sworn exhibited the original Bill of Exchange before copied to Thomas Sturge, Esq. upon whom the same is drawn; and demanded payment of its contents. With which demand he did not comply but he thereunto answered 'NO ADVICE.’

"I the said Notary at the request of aforesaid have protested and by these Presents do solemnly Protest against the Drawer and the Indorsers of the said Bill and all others concerned for Exchange, Re-exchange, and all costs, damages, Interest and Charges already incurred and to be hereafter incurred for what of Payment of the said Bill. Thus done and protested at London aforesaid in the presence of John Carter and Edward Watson Witnesses.

"In Testimonium Veritatis,

“WILLIAM DUFF,

"Noty Pub."