“I think that this west wind will bring us no good,” said William Rotch in an undertone to his wife, as he turned from the open window one morning in the summer of 1778.
“Why, Father, what harm can come from the west wind?” inquired twelve-year old Thomas, who was always hearing things he was not expected to hear. “I thought the west wind was our friend, and brought the trading ships safe to port.”
“Yes, son, so it was in the old days, but sadly, we peaceful Nantucket folk can no longer send out any trade ships. Not a single ship has gone out for many days from our port. My fear is that today’s wind may give the British pirate ships a chance to enter our Sherburne harbour.”
“What? Not a pirate ship with guns and armed men? Why should they come to Nantucket? They know that we are peaceful people who do not like to fight.”
“True, my boy. We are a peaceful village somewhat self-sufficient, but the pirates plunder where they can. Joe told me that ships flying the British flag have been sighted off the coast a dozen times during the past month, but they could not enter our harbour due to the east wind that has been blowing all this long while. I shall go down into the town to see what the news is, but I want you to stay with your mother and sisters and pray while I am gone. This may be a serious matter.”
Without further words, William Rotch put on his broad-brimmed hat and strode down the street.
Ahead of him groups of anxious townspeople were rapidly moving toward the wharf. Many of the old sea captains had their spy glasses with them to get a better view of the formidable ship being blown by the wind into the harbour, all her white sails set, and a wicked array of guns, visible even to those watchers who had no spy glasses. At the masthead floated the British Union Jack, and the decks seemed to be crowded with gunmen and sailors.
William watched the tall ship as she came into the harbor, and prepared to anchor where her guns could best be used against the defenseless town. He could easily see a fine-looking officer directing the maneuvers, and hear the boatswain’s voice giving orders to lower a boat from the ship’s side.
Into this boat the fine-looking officer descended. After him followed six men with weapons. Rowed by powerful strokes of the oars, the boat rapidly approached the wharf.
“No doubt they have come to plunder and steal,” said old Asa.
William suggested that he talk the commander on behalf of the town. “If I can get him to come to my house and talk with him in private things may go well. Due to the hardships our people have been through because of the war someone might speak in anger of their grievances and upset our visitors to the point that they do even more damage.”
The town’s people that were gathered on the wharf agreed with this plan.
The ship’s boat came up to the wharf and one of the sailors tied it to one of the tall posts. Out jumped the officer and his bodyguard of six armed men. William Rotch approached them with the friendly greeting that a loved and long-expected visitor might receive.
“I am William Rotch and I welcome you to Nantucket, friend. And what is your name?”
“Sir Conway-Etherege, in the King’s service,” replied the officer.
Sir Conway-Etherege evidently thought his task to plunder and steal would be easy because of this friendly Loyalist inhabitant. There seemed to be no resistance. He came close to William and followed him along the pleasant street up to a row of more wealthy looking houses. William led his guest to the middle one of the three large dwellings and invited him inside. It was nearly noon.
“I would like to invite you to have dinner with me.”
“Thank you, with pleasure,” replied Sir Conway-Ethbridge.
William then presented his guest to his wife and introduced his children. Before they sat down together to a delicious home cooked meal, William offered a prayer for the food and a prayer of thanksgiving for his guest. He treated the commander kindly and seemed to enjoy his conversation. The islanders had been cut off from contact with the outside world by the war so the officer gave William the news from the mainland. From time to time he had troubled thoughts about William. He did not quite know how to approach his errand, although it was foremost in both their minds.
Finally they rose from the table. Sir Conway-Etherge made Elizabeth Rotch a flowery speech of appreciation, bowed over her hand and kissed it respectfully, at which Thomas was pleased. The Lord was working. The children followed their mother from the room.
“I take it, Mr. Rotch, from your great respect towards me, that you are on the King’s side. Can you tell me how and where I can begin my day’s work? As you must know, I command the ship at the harbour, which has gone up and down the coast on missions to plunder. I have been very successful. We make a great effort to see that our guns are pointed at all the important buildings of a town before we enter and negotiate. As you see, your little village is completely at our mercy. I do not expect any unpleasant resistance.”
“There will be none,” said William.
“Then, how and where do you advise that I begin? The day is passing.”
William smiled. “I don’t know of a better place to begin than here in my house. I am more wealthy than most and can afford to lose a few items. We have a store of silver plates, good, serviceable blankets, also linens; and in the cellar, supplies of food of various kinds. However, you are mistaken in supposing that I am on any side of this warfare.”
Sir Conway-Etherege was greatly surprised. He stared at William with curiosity. Never had he run across a man like this.
“Are there any more men like you in Nantucket?”
“There are many better men,” answered William.
“Please show me. I’d have to see them before I believe you.”
“Then come with me. I shall be glad to introduce you to some of our islanders.”
The officer followed William down the steps and out into the street again. This was a new experience to the commander of the ship, and he did not know what to make of it.
Soon they entered a general grocery store. The store did not look very fancy, for the townspeople had little money for trading these days.
William led the officer to the owner and introduced them. “Our visitor wants to know what sort of people we are. I told him that last winter you distributed four hundred barrels of flour among the poor on the island. And yet I doubt if I, or any man, knows the full extent of what you have done to help the needy.”
Amazed at this generosity, the officer spoke with the owner who told him of the work he had done, and praised God for His blessings.
Further down toward the street they entered a store that sold dry goods. “Good day, Peter,” said William. “This officer from the ship in the harbor wishes to meet the man who gave away blankets, clothing, and sturdy shoes last winter when the poor were in need.”
“We all like to help each other when we have been blessed by the Lord.” Peter replied.
“Do you want to cross the street and meet more of our people?” William asked his guest.
“Thank you, no. I find it hard to believe that there are three such men like you in the world. A whole street full of them would be almost too many for me. Thank you for your courtesy and patience. Farewell, my friend. I shall not forget Nantucket.”
With that the officer grasped William’s hand and shook it heartily. He looked once again up the leafy, beautiful street, and out toward the white-capped harbour where his ship with its deadly guns lay threateningly at anchor.
Groups of men were still watching and talking on the wharf. The sailors and armed bodyguard were puzzled to know what had delayed their commander so long. Here he was coming at last. They were not ready for the excitement of looting and plundering. As Sir Conway-Etherege came briskly toward them, they saluted. His orders were quick and short. The sailors took their places at the oars, and rowed the officer back to his ship. The ship weighed anchor, trimmed her sails, and to the surprised relief of all Nantucket, sailed peaceably out of sight.
“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink.” Proverbs 25:21
“Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.” Psalm 41:1
The Lord spared the town due to their generosity and wisdom. They were helping the poor and needy and they fed their enemies and so the Lord delivered them from a terrible disaster that could have come upon them.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5–6