A seaman writes that Pohnpei has for years been the chief whalers’ rendezvous in the Carolines.

What happened

The seaman explained that Pohnpei was “the most accessible, has the best and safest harbors,” with unlimited fuel and water. Hezel adds that Kosrae offered the same, while Chuuk lacked plentiful water and guarded its women closely, which helps explain why whalers passed it by.