"Captain Thomas H. Norton, late of the whaleship Citizen, of New Bedford, wrecked in the Arctic Ocean September 25, 1852, returns his thanks to Captain Goosman, of the ship Joseph Hayden, for relief afforded himself and men, in taking them off East Cape, and providing them with necessaries when they were destitute. "Captain N. would also return his thanks to Captain Fales, of the Helen Augusta, Captains Jernegan, Tilton, Pierce, and Gardner, for many acts of kindness and relief afforded himself and crew. THOS. H. NORTON. Nov. 17, 1853." Having disposed of some oil and provisions which were stored at Hilo, Captain Norton now turned his face towards home, and engaged a passage in the ship Harriet Hoxie, Captain M. Passages, however, were freely and cordially offered to him in other ships. Before the sailing of the ship, Captain Stott, of the ship Northern Light, proposed to Captain Norton to take his ship for another season, as he himself did not wish to go in her the third season to the north. Captain Norton had made up his mind, and felt anxious to return home to his family and friends, and reluctant to remain away any longer, since his life had been spared amid so many scenes of trial and suffering through which he had passed. Upon further reflection, however, Captain Norton changed his purpose; and the terms which he named to Captain Stott being accepted, he concluded he would try his success in the Northern Light, and, if possible, retrieve his past misfortune. CHAPTER XII. A Whaling Community.--Interest felt for absent Ones.--The first Intelligence from the Whaling Fleet.--California Mail.-- Further News from the Islands.--"Missing Ships."--No Report of the Citizen.--No Letters.--Fears as to her Safety.--When last spoken with.--Either lost or frozen up in the Arctic.-- Supposed Fate of Officers and Crew.--Distressing Suspense. --Hoping against Hope.--Prayer answered.--The first Intelligence from the Citizen.--Joy in Families.--Captain Norton's Arrival at Home, and subsequently the Arrival of his Officers, belonging to this Place. In a community like ours, in which the chief and principal occupation of the male portion of it is in the whale fishery, there is scarcely a family, and perhaps not one, but has some near or more remote relative absent at sea. It is, therefore, by no means surprising that more than ordinary interest should be felt and manifested in behalf of those who "do business upon the great waters." In some towns upon the seaboard, the inhabitants are engaged in other kinds of fishery, such as the cod and mackerel fishery; but from the port of Edgartown not a solitary vessel of this description sails. It is wholly whaling, with but few exceptions in case of those who are engaged in the merchant or freighting service, and they sail from other ports.