As the sandal-wood was now obtained in only small quantities, all idea of sending the ship to Canton again, that year, was necessarily abandoned.  At first this seemed to be a great loss; but when the governor came to reflect coolly on the subject, not only he, but the council generally, came to the conclusion that Providence was dealing more mercifully with them, by turning the people into this new channel of commerce, than to leave them to pursue their original track.  Sandal-wood had a purely adventitious value, though it brought, particularly in that age, a most enormous profit; one so large, indeed, as to have a direct and quick tendency to demoralize those embarked in the trade.  The whaling business, on the other hand, while it made large returns, demanded industry, courage, perseverance, and a fair amount of capital.  Of vessels, the colonists had all they wanted; the forethought of Saunders and the suggestions of Walker furnished the particular means; and of provisions there was now a superabundance in the group.

It was exceedingly fortunate that such an occupation offered to interest and keep alive the spirit of the colonists.  Man must have something to do; some main object to live for; or he is apt to degenerate in his ambition, and to fall off in his progress.  No sooner was it announced that whales were to be taken, however, than even the women became alive to the results of the enterprise.  This feeling was kept up by the governor’s letting it be officially known that each colonist should have one share, or “lay,” as it was termed, in the expected cargo; which share, or “lay,” was to be paid for in provisions.  Those actually engaged in the business had as many “lays” as it was thought they could earn; the colony in its collected capacity had a certain number more, in return for articles received from the public stores; and the governor, as owner of the vessels employed, received one-fifth of the whole cargo, or cargoes.  This last was a very small return for the amount of capital employed; and it was so understood by those who reaped the advantages of the owner’s liberality.

The Rancocus was not fitted out as a whaler, but was reserved as a ware-house to receive the oil, to store it until a cargo was collected, and then was to be used as a means to convey it to America.  For this purpose she was stripped, had her rigging thoroughly overhauled, was cleaned out and smoked for rats, and otherwise was prepared for service.  While in this state, she lay alongside of the natural quay, near and opposite to some extensive sheds which had been erected, as a protection against the heats of the climate.

The Henlopen, a compact clump of a brig, that was roomy on deck, and had stout masts and good rigging, was fitted out for the whaler; though the Anne was sent to cruise in company.  Five whale-boats, with the necessary crews, were employed; two remaining with the Anne, and three in the brig.  The Kannakas were found to be indefatigable at the oar, and a good number of them were used on this occasion.  About twenty of the largest boys belonging to the colony were also sent out, in order to accustom them to the sea.  These boys were between the ages of eight and sixteen, and were made useful in a variety of ways.