How does Preus characterize Captain Whitfield?

Captain Whitfield is the captain of the John Howland, which is the ship that rescues Manjiro and the other fishermen. While the captain has to be stern as the leader of the ship, he is also a kind man. He encourages Manjiro to ask a lot of questions and always try to help Manjiro to learn whatever it is he wants to learn.

The captain extends the offer to Manjiro for him to go to live with the captain in Massachusetts. The captain also gives up his life as a ship captain to buy a farm and remarry so that Manjiro can live a normal life.

The captain is a selfless man that is always looking out for Manjiro. Eventually, the captain goes back to sea to make more money to help support his family. The captain is a very loving man that treats Manjiro as if he is his natural born son.