WESSOR C.A, KOF01D
PITCAIEN:
THE ISLAND, THE PEOPLE, AND THE PASTOB;
WITH A SHORT ACCOUNT CP
n 0f
REV. THOS. BOYLES MURRAY, M.A.
v\
HECTOR OF ST. DUNSTAN-IN-THE-EAST, LONDON,
AN KNOWLEDGE.
"It was a chosen plot of fertile land,
Amongst'wide waves set like a little nest,
As if it had by Nature's cunning hand
Been choicely picked out from all the rest, \
And laid forth for ensample of the best."
SPENSER'S Faerie Queen
PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
THE COMMITTEE OF GENERAL LITERATURE AND EDUCATION,
APPOINTED BY THE SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING
CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE.
FOURTH EDITION.
LONDON:
SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE;
SOLD AT THE DEPOSITORY,
GREAT aUEEN STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS;
4, ROYAL EXCHANGE; 16, HANOVER STREET. HANOVEK SQUAttE;
AND BY ALL BOOKSELLERS.
1854.
GIFT OF
PROFESSOR C.A. KOF01D
LONDON :
R. CLAY, PRINTER, BREAD STREET HILL.
ADVERTISEMENT.
FKOM the manner in which his little book
has been already received, the Author is led to
think that the additional intelligence respecting
Pitcairn and the Islanders, which has reached
him during the preparations for a Fourth
Edition, will be interesting to the Reader.
July 20th, 1854.
CONTENTS.
PREFACE
CHAPTER I.
THE BOUNTY THE OBJECT OF THE VOYAGE BREAD-FRUIT
ARRIVAL AT OTAHEITE DEATH OF THE SURGEON DELAY
AT OTAHEITE ENTERTAINMENTS ON BOARD THE BOUNTY
DESERTION AND ROBBERY BY THREE SEAMEN OF THE BOUNTY
FAREWELL TO OTAHEITE HUAHEINE, WYTOOTACKEE, AND
ANNAMOOKA ARRIVAL OFF TOFOA MUTINY IN THE SHIP
LIST OF MEN LEFT IN THE BOUNTY LIST OF MEN IN THE
LAUNCH ................ 15
CHAPTER II.
SCENE ON THE ISLAND OF TOFOA MURDER OF JOHN NORTON
SUFFERINGS OF BLIGH AND HIS CREW FEJEE ISLANDS
BLIGH'S LOG-BOOK MISERABLE ALLOWANCE PRAYERS IN
THE LAUNCH ENDEAVOUR STRAITS TIMOR ARRIVAL AT
COUPANG MEMOIR OF BLIGH ,31
VI CONTENTS.
CHAPTER III.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IN CONSEQUENCE OF THE MUTINY
CHURCHILL AND THOMPSON WRECK OF THE PANDORA
PETER HEYWOOD AND HIS FAMILY LETTERS FKOM NESSY
HEYWOOD AND OTHERS TRIAL OF THE MUTINEERS THE
KING'S PARDON HONOURABLE CAREER OF CAPTAIN HEY-
WOOD HIS DEATH LINES BY ONE OF HIS CREW ... 59
CHAPTER IV.
CHRISTIAN AND HIS PARTY PITCAIRN's ISLAND FOLGER's
ACCOUNT LANDING OF NINE MUTINEERS AND OF OTAHEI-
TANS AT PITCAIRN DREADFUL DEATHS OF CHRISTIAN AND
OTHERS INTOLERABLE STATE OF SOCIETY AT PITCAIRN
INTEMPERANCE REPENTANCE AND REFORMATION OF ADAMS
HIS SERVICES IN THE CAUSE OF RELIGION AND MORALITY
IN THE ISLAND 93
CHAPTER V.
THE CHRONOMETER OF THE BOUNTY DESCRIPTION OF THE
STATE OF PITCAIRN IN 1814, AND SUBSEQUENT YEARS
ACCOUNT GIVEN BY SIR THOMAS STAINES BY CAPTAIN
BEECHEY EMIGRATION TO OTAHEITE IN 1831 QUEEN
POMARE HER LETTER TO QUEEN VICTORIA . . . . 114
CHAPTER VI.
RETURN OF THE PITCAIRN EMIGRANTS TO THEIR ISLAND IN
1833 PRESENT POPULATION OF PITCAIRN THE QUEEN'S
BIRTHDAY ACCIDENT ON THE ISLAND LOYALTY OF THE
ISLANDERS THEIR RULES AND CUSTOM .-THE ISLANDERS'
DAY AT PITCAIRN RECEPTION OF VESSELS TOUCHING AT
THE ISLAND HOSPITALITY TO STRANGERS MR. CARLETON's
MUSICAL CLASS 134
CONTENTS. Vll
CHAPTEK VII.
MR. NOBBS SOME ACCOUNT OF HIS LIFE TESTIMONIES TO
HIS CHARACTER AND SERVICES PROGRESS OF RELIGION IN
THE ISLAND SERVICES OF MR. NOBBS REUBEN NOBBS
TESTIMONIES FROM THE REV. WM. ARMSTRONG AND CAPTAIN
WORTH LETTERS FROM THE ISLANDERS STATE OF THE
SCHOOL 157
CHAPTER VIII.
INVITATION TO ADMIRAL MORESBY VISIT OF AN ENGLISH
ADMIRAL TO THE ISLAND HIS LETTERS, AND THOSE OF
HIS SECRETARY AND CHAPLAIN THE ISLANDERS IN 1852
MR. NOBBS' S ARRIVAL AT VALPARAISO MR. NOBBS IN
ENGLAND HIS ORDINATION AS DEACON AND PRIEST 190
CHAPTER IX.
THE REV. G. H. NOBBS IN ENGLAND HIS RECEPTION BY THE
QUEEN AND PRINCE ALBERT MR. NOBBS's RETURN HOME-
WARD BY NAVY BAY AND THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA AT
VALPARAISO EFFORTS IN ENGLAND FOR THE ISLANDERS
INTELLIGENCE FROM PITCAIRN THE FIRST COMMUNION ON
THE ISLAND MR. NOBBS'S ARRIVAL AT PITCAIRN PITCAIRN
IN 1853 AID RENDERED TO THE ISLANDERS . . . 210
CHAPTER X.
SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LAWS OF PITCAIRN THE ISLAND
REGISTER LIST OF VESSELS MENTIONED IN THIS WORK
WHICH HAVE TOUCHED AT THE ISLAND SIGNALS . 246
CHAPTER XI.
SERMON PREACHED BY MR. NOBBS ON PITCAIRN'S ISLAND
THE HARP OF PITCAIRN 274
ILLUSTRATIONS.
BOUNTY BAT, PITCAIRN ........ Frontispiece
THE BREAD-FRUIT To face p. 16
PORTRAIT OF CAPTAIN BLIGH 31
BLIGH'S GOURD, CUP, BULLET WEIGHT, &c 38
TOMB OF ADMIRAL BLIGH 58
" LOOK-OUT KIDGE," AND CHRISTIAN'S HOUSE . . . 112
CORAL ISLAND 104
PORTRAIT OF JOHN ADAMS 106
JOHN ADAMS'S HOUSE 142
FISHING BY TORCHLIGHT 147
PORTRAIT OF THE KEV. G. H. NOBBS 157
CHURCH AND SCHOOL HOUSE 187
CHART OF PORTION OF THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC . . . 212
JOHN ADAMS'S GRAVE . 251
PREFACE
TO THE FOURTH EDITION.
MUCH has been written about Pitcairn's Island ;
but the subject is a very fruitful one ; and recent
events have added greatly to the interest felt
in the condition of the islanders. The arrival
of their Pastor in England ; his admission soon
afterwards into holy orders ; his desire to return,
as speedily as possible, to the place of his choice ;
and, lastly, his interview with the Queen, and
Prince Albert, to which he was graciously admit-
ted two days previous to his quitting our shores ;
these things have brought to our minds the
circumstances of Pitcairn, and its inhabitants,
in a very striking manner.
The following letter addressed to the author of
this work by Rear-Admiral Moresby, C.B. Com-
mander-in-chief of her Majesty's Naval Forces
B
X PEEFACE.
in the Southern Pacific, will explain the circum-
stances of Mr. Nobbs' s visit to England :
"Valparaiso, August, 1852.
" This will be conveyed to you by Mr. Nobbs,
the pastor of Pitcairn's Island. It was not until
after our departure from thence, that I found he
had received a letter from you, dated the 29th of
November, 1850, which, I confess, has relieved
me of much anxiety on the responsibility I have
taken upon myself of sending Mr. Nobbs to
England.
" I can most conscientiously assure you, that
the state of society at Pitcairn has not been too
highly described. The Bible and Prayer Book
of * the Bounty,' as handed to Mr. Nobbs from
John Adams, have been, and continue to be, the
objects of their study, and have enabled them
to withstand the innovations, that too fervid
imaginations, in America and elsewhere, have
thought, by their correspondence, it was their
calling to effect.
" The affectionate attachment of the islanders
to Mr. Nobbs (who, in the triple capacity of
pastor, surgeon, and teacher, is as necessary to
them as their food), created some little difficulty
in his leaving; but it was overcome by the
PEEFACE. xi
arrangement made for leaving with them our
chaplain, Mr. Holman, and by my assurance
that I would return their pastor to them with
as little delay as possible. I hope I am not
wrong in supposing that if Mr. Nobbs is found
worthy of being ordained, only a short time will
be required to prepare.
" I think I did not mention to the Bishop of
London the way in which Mr. Nobbs reached
Pitcairn. It disproves the malignant stories
which have been circulated. And the success
*
of twenty-four years' labour is an abundant
proof that, under the blessing of God, he has
educated in the principles of our Church, as one
united family, a community whose simple and
virtuous lives are so preeminent.
" In 1826, he left England for the purpose of
going to Pitcairn. For nearly two years, by
the way of the Cape of Good Hope, India, and
Australia, he sought a passage. Finally, at
Callao, in Peru, he met the owner of a launch,
who, on the condition of Mr. Nobbs's fitting her
out, agreed to accompany him to Pitcairn. Mr.
Nobbs fitted her himself, and expended what
little money he possessed. The owner was in
ill health : nevertheless these two left Callao by
Xll PREFACE.
themselves, on a voyage of 3,500 miles, which
they accomplished in forty-two days. The
owner died soon after their arrival. The launch
was hauled on shore, and her materials used to
build a house for Mr. Nobbs.
" I was four days on shore at Pitcairn, in con-
stant discourse with the islanders. I am convinced
that the time and the opportunity have arrived
for giving them a minister of our Church ; and
that Mr. Nobbs is the person they wish, and the
person at present best adapted for them."
Amidst all the attentions which Mr. Nobbs
received during his short sojourn in England,
in the latter part of 1852, and which he truly
appreciated, the thought of his flock at Pitcairn
was evidently uppermost in his mind. Those
who felt an interest in him, having heard of the
virtuous habits and happy lives of the people,
were less surprised at their pastor's wish to
rejoin them, as soon as his errand should be
accomplished. His connexion with the island
is, however, of the nearest kind. His wife, a
grandaughter of Fletcher Christian, is living
there; and they have eleven children, all born
on the island.
PREFACE. xiii
The mention of Fletcher Christian reminds
us of the origin of the present settlement at
Pitcairn's Island. Without further anticipating,
therefore, the eventful history which is connected
with the place, and which proves that real life
may be as romantic as fiction, the author will
proceed to give an account of the island, and of
the troublous times which preceded the pure and
peaceful condition of this singular community.
Justly does it raise our wonder and gratitude
to contemplate so exemplary a race, sprung
from so guilty a stock. We hope and pray,
that God's grace and blessing may remain upon
this people ; that no evil influence may come
nigh to hurt them ; and that they may still per-
ceive and know religion to be the basis of their
happiness. Then, happy Pitcairn, sea-girt isle !
may you long continue a living model of all that
is lovely, and of good report ; and may nations
not disdain to follow your example !
Lest it should be supposed by any reader,
that the accounts of the present condition of
the island are too delightful to be real, the
author has thought it right to bring forward an
array of testimony, in the statements of living
witnesses of unimpeachable credit, who have
XIV PKEFACE.
themselves visited the spot, and become per-
sonally acquainted with the people and the pastor.
Admiral Moresby, who arrived in England
from the Pacific, in May, 1854, and who had
twice visited Pitcairn since the date of his
letter quoted above, gave the same satisfactory
accounts as before of the moral and religious
state of the people ; though, as the reader will
see, they have endured privations, the occur-
rence of which will probably lead to some
change in their place of dwelling.
The author feels that his cordial thanks are
due to the many friends, who have favoured
him with the loan of original manuscripts and
drawings. It also gives him much satisfaction
to acknowledge the courteous manner in which
the authorities at the Admiralty, both at White-
hall and Somerset House, have complied with
his request for particulars relating to the subject
of his work.
London,
June, 1854.
P 1 T A I B N.
CHAPTER I.
THE BOUNTY THE OBJECT OF THE VOYAGE BREAD-FRUIT
ARRIVAL AT OTAHEITE DEATH OF THE SURGEON DELAY
AT OTAHEITE ENTERTAINMENTS ON BOARD THE BOUNTY
DESERTION AND ROBBERY BY THREE SEAMEN OF THE BOUNTY
FAREWELL TO OTAHEITE HUAHEINE, WYTOOTACKEE, AND
ANNAMOOKA ARRIVAL OFF TOFOA MUTINY IN THE SHIP
LIST OF MEN LEFT IN THE BOUNTY LIST OF MEN IN THE
LAUNCH.
IN the year 1787, his Majesty's armed ship, The
Bounty, was fitted out by the English govern-
ment, the command being given to Lieutenant
Bligh, to proceed to the South Sea islands for
plants of the bread-fruit-tree, which afforded to
the inhabitants of those islands, and of Otaheite
especially, the greater portion of their food.
This step was taken in consequence of repre-
sentations made to King George the Third,
by merchants and planters interested in his
Majesty's West Indian possessions.
Lieutenant William Bligh, who was then
about thirty -three years of age, had been sailing-
master under Captain Cook, having been for
four years with that great navigator in the
Resolution. He was appointed in August, 1787,
both commander and purser, of the Bounty, which
was stored and victualled for eighteen months.
Besides this provision, he had supplies of port-
:1<J /: V ' | PPK4p r - FRUIT.
able soup, essence of meat, sour krout, and dried
malt ; to which were added some articles of iron
and steel, trinkets, beads, and looking-glasses,
for traffic with the natives. The plants, the
best that he could obtain, he was to convey to
the West Indies, in order to attempt their growth
for the support of the slave population ; it having
been the opinion of Sir Joseph Banks, who had
visited Otaheite with Captain Cook in 1769,
that the bread-fruit-tree might be successfully
cultivated in those colonies.
The bread-fruit grows on a tree, which is
about the size of a common oak, and, towards the
top, divides into large and spreading branches.
The leaves are of a very deep green. The fruit
springs from twigs to the size of a penny loaf.
It has a thick rind ; and before becoming ripe,
it is gathered, and baked in an oven. The
inner part is like the crumb of wheaten bread,
and found to be very nutritive. Captain Wm.
Dampier,* who sailed round the world in the
year 1688, described the bread-fruit as having
" neither seed nor stone in the inside ; but all
is of pure substance like bread. It must be
eaten new ; for if it is kept above twenty- four
hours, it grows harsh and choaky; but it is
very pleasant before it is too stale. This fruit
lasts in season eight months in the year, during
which the natives of Guam eat no other sort of
food of bread kind. I did never," says he, "see
* An old English navigator, born in 1652, whose name is
associated with that of the celebrated Alexander Selkirk,
who sailed in company with him. Selkirk's wonderful ad-
ventures suggested to De Foe the idea of his inimitable
Robinson Crusoe.
THE BREAD-FRUIT.
THE VOYAGE. 17
of this fruit anywhere Ibut here. The natives
told us that there is plenty of this fruit growing
on the rest of the Ladrone Islands ; and I did
never hear of it anywhere else."
The Ship Bounty, of 215 tons burden, left
Spithead on the 23d of December, 1787, carrying
forty-six persons, including the commander, and
a botanist, and gardener. They started with a
fresh breeze, easterly, which moderated on the
25th, so that they were able to keep their Christ-
mas with cheerfulness ; but it increased to such
a heavy gale by the 27th, that the vessel suffered
damage ; a sea which she shipped having broken
some of the planks of the boats, and an azimuth
compass. It also wetted and injured a few bags
of bread in the cabin, which, when the weather
improved, were got up, and dried. The voyage
was attended with many circumstances of diffi-
culty and danger. The few hours of respite from
the hard westerly winds that blew, were, accord-
ing to a fine expression in Lord Anson's voyage,
" like the elements drawing breath, to return
upon them with redoubled violence."
During the voyage, Bligh lost an able seaman,
James Valentine. This man's case appears to
have been cruelly mismanaged by the surgeon,
who was an indolent and intemperate man.
Valentine had been one of the most robust people
on board, but, for some slight indisposition, was
bled. Some time afterwards, the arm in which
he had been bled became painful and inflamed.
The inflammation increased, with a hollow
cough, and extreme difficulty of breathing, till
his death.
18 AKRIVAL AT OTAHEITE.
The simple and homely manner in which
Bligh relates the events of his voyage, and the
difficulties through which he passed, is one of
the chief charms of his narrative. Having tried
in vain, in a tempestuous ocean, to go by Cape
Horn, he took his course towards the island of
Tristan d'Acunha, and at last made a passage
round the Cape of Good Hope. The original
instructions from the Admiralty were that he
should proceed round Cape Horn ; but owing to
the advanced season of the year, he had applied
for, and obtained, discretional orders to go round
the Cape to Otaheite. Of this permission he
availed himself. Having visited Cape Town,
and afterwards Van Diemen's Land, and passed
near New Zealand, the ship at length arrived at
Otaheite, anchoring in Matavai Bay at 10 in the
forenoon of the 26th of October, 1788.
The voyagers, forty-five in number, were
received with kindness by the natives, who asked
after Captain Cook, whom they called Toote,
and inquired about Sir Joseph Banks, and others
who had visited them some years before. But
their first inquiries of the voyagers were, if they
were Tyos, which signifies, friends ; and whether
they came from Pretanie, (Britain,) or from
Lima. Having become satisfied on these two
important points, they instantly crowded the
deck in such numbers, that Bligh could scarcely
find his own people.
He had prepared and written down certain
rules to be observed by all his men for facilitat-
ing a trade for provisions, and establishing a good
understanding with the natives. Amongst other
DEATH OF THE SURGEON. 19
regulations it was ordered, that at the Society
or Friendly Islands no person whatever should
intimate that Captain Cook was killed Iby
Indians, or that he was dead. No one was to
give the least hint that the party had come for
the purpose of getting the bread-fruit plant,
until Bligh should have made known his plan to
the chiefs. Every one was to study to gain the
esteem and goodwill of the natives ; and no one
was ever to fire but in defence of his life. It was
against the rules to purchase curiosities, or pro-
visions, except by application to a person duly
appointed as a purveyor. Immediately on an-
choring, these orders, signed by Bligh, and dated
October 25, 1788, were stuck up on the mizen-
mast. With respect to curiosities, it appears
that none struck the seamen so forcibly as a
roasted pig, and some bread-fruit; and these
came in abundance.
In about six weeks after their arrival, the
number of the party was reduced to forty-four,
by the death of the surgeon, who could have
been but of little use to them, as he had suffered
from a long illness, the effect of his intemperance
and indolence. During the whole course of the
voyage he had scarcely ever stirred out of his
cabin, and had never been prevailed upon to
take half-a-dozen turns upon deck at a time.
Bligh wished that the body should be buried
on shore ; and the natives were not only ready
to meet his wishes ; but on the day following
the surgeon's death, they were found digging the
grave. Without any communication with the
ship, these kind people had marked out the
20 DELAY AT OTAHEITE.
grave, east and west. Tinah, a friendly chief,
asked Bligh, if they were doing right, adding,
" There the sun rises, and there it sets." It was
thought that they had learned the practice of
burying east and west from the Spaniards ; a
captain of a Spanish vessel havingbeen buried at
Oeitepeha in 1774.
Bligh, in his " Voyage to the South Seas,"
published a plan and section of the Bounty,
showing the manner of fitting and stowing the
pots for receiving the bread-fruit plants. Of
these plants he had 1,105, carefully selected.
He had also procured a number of other
plants and fine fruits, which his friend, Sir
Joseph Banks, had recommended him to obtain.
Indeed, the time and attention which he had
bestowed on the main object of his undertaking
may be mentioned as accounting in some degree
for what might else appear to have been a
needless delay at Otaheite. It is probable that
he would have been spared much trouble and
misery had he quitted Otaheite sooner ; but he
had been induced, partly by the reason above
given, and partly by the kind persuasions of the
chiefs, to defer his departure.
The events which were now impending over
Bligh, contrast darkly with the scenes of cheer-
fulness and gaiety, arid full success, which had
hitherto marked his enterprise. On one occasion,
(Nov. 13, 1788,) he had a large company to
dine with him on board. Some of his Otaheitan
visitors had observed, that they always drank
his Britannic Majesty's health as soon as the
cloth was removed; "but," says Bligh, "they
ENTERTAINMENTS ON BOARD THE BOUNTY. 21
were become, by this time, so fond of wine, that
they would frequently remind me of the health
in the middle of dinner, by calling out, ' King
George, Earee no Pretanief (the Chief of Bri-
tain,) and would banter me, if the glass was not
filled to the brim. Nothing could exceed the
mirth and jollity of these people when they met
on board."
At another time the natives were much de-
lighted with the spectacle of a female figure,
which was gaily dressed up, and carried about
the deck, and which they at first mistook for a
living person, but which consisted of a stick
covered with a quantity of cloth, surmounted by
a painted head: the head, which had formerly
been in a hairdresser's shop-window, having
been brought by the ship's barber from London.
Bligh's description of this scene is as good as
a picture : " It having been reported to the na-
tives, that we had an English woman on board,
the quarter-deck was cleared of the crowd, that
she might make her appearance. Being handed
up the ladder, and carried to the after part of
the deck, there was a general shout of, i Huaheine
no Pretanie myty!' Huaheine signifies woman,
and myty, good. Many of them thought it was
living, and asked if it was my wife. One old
woman ran with presents of cloth and bread-
fruit, and laid them at her feet. At last they
found out the cheat, but continued all delighted
with it, except the old lady, who felt herself
mortified, and took back her presents, for which
she was laughed at exceedingly. Tinah and all
the other chiefs enjoyed the joke ; and, after
22 DESEETION OF THREE SEAMEN.
making many inquiries about the British women,
they strictly enjoined me, when I came again, to
bring a ship full of them."
The people had also formed a vast idea of
the beauty of English ladies, from the large
wood carving of a female, which was the figure-
head of the Bounty.
During the interchange of friendly civilities,
and hospitable receptions, both on board the
Bounty, and on shore, some thefts were com-
mitted by the natives, owing to the negligence
of the Bounty's crew; and soon afterwards
Churchill, Muspratt, and Millward, three of the
men belonging to the ship, deserted, carrying
with them the small cutter, a chest of fire-arms,
and ammunition. They were quickly taken by
Bligh, with the help of some of the natives, at
a neighbouring island, Tettaha. These three
deserters wrote a letter of humble acknowledg-
ment to their captain, for his clemency in not
bringing them to trial, and promised good con-
duct in future : but they were soon afterwards
mutineers of a more daring order. In their
original desertion and robbery they had been
guilty of an atrocious crime ; and their case
affords one, among many instances which might
be quoted, of the danger of passing over the first
outbreak of a rebellious spirit. Their letter to
Bligh, a copy of which has been preserved, dated,
on board the Bounty ', at Otaheite, January 26th,
1789, was as follows :
" SIR, We should think ourselves wholly
inexcusable if we omitted taking the earliest
opportunity of returning our thanks for your
FAREWELL TO OTAHEITE. 23
goodness in delivering us from a trial by Court
Martial, the fatal consequences of which are
obvious : and although we cannot possibly lay
claim to so great a favour, yet we humbly beg
you will be pleased to remit any further punish-
ment ; and we trust our future conduct will fully
demonstrate our deep sense of your clemency,
and our steadfast resolution to behave better
hereafter. We are, Sir, your most obedient
and most humble servants, C. CHURCHILL, WM.
MUSPRATT, JOHN MILLWARD."
Three months had now rolled away, when
early in the morning of February the 6th, the
Captain discovered that the cable by which
the ship rode had been cut close to the water's
edge, so as to be very nearly divided. The
offence was first charged upon some of the
natives ; but it afterwards occurred to Bligh,
that this malicious attempt to cut the ship adrift,
was most probably made by some of his own
people, who, if she had been driven on shore,
might have succeeded in remaining at Otaheite.
The reader will observe that the word, Otaheite,
is here used, as spelt by Captain Cook. It is
now often printed, Tahiti.
The time was at length come for Bligh and his
companions, with heavy hearts, to bid farewell
to charming Otaheite. The ship was crowded
by the natives, many of whom requested to be
allowed to accompany the party. Cocoa-nuts,
plantains, bread-fruits, hogs, and goats, were
brought as presents. The chief, Tinah, who was
six feet four inches high, and stout in propor-
tion, though without the courage of a warrior,
24 TINAH AND IDDEAH.
had begged hard to be allowed to leave the island
in the Bounty, being sure that King George,
whom he wished much to see, would be glad to
see him, and his wife Iddeah. She also was
much above the common size, and had learnt to
load and fire a musket with much dexterity.
Bligh was obliged to decline as politely as he
could, the honour of conveying this remarkable
couple to England. On going away, he offered
a pair of pistols to Tinah, who said, in transfer-
ring them to other hands, that Iddeah would
fight with one, and his friend, Oedidee, a chief,
with the other. Poor Tinah was afraid of being-
attacked by his enemies, as soon as the Bounty
should leave Otaheite ; and when he found it
impossible to prevail on his Tyo myty (good
friend) Bligh to let him go, he busied himself in
getting two Parais, or mourning dresses, made
as a present to King George. When he pre-
sented the Parais, he could not refrain from
shedding tears. " At the time," says Bligh,
" that Tinah mentioned to me his desire of
visiting England, I asked what account I could
give to his friends if he should not live to
return ; to which he replied, that I must cut off
his hair, and carry it to them, and they would be
perfectly satisfied."
On the evening of the day before the depar-
ture of the Bounty, there was none of the
dancing nor mirth, to which the people had
been accustomed, on the beach. Before this,
the part of the beach nearest the ship had been
the general place of resort towards the close of
WYTOOTACKEE AND ANNAMOOKA. 25
the day. An hour before sunset the inhabitants
had amused themselves with exercising the lance,
dancing, and various kinds of merriment. Of
this cheerful scene Bligh and his men were
beholders and partakers every fine evening.
But on Friday, the 3d of April, all was silent.
They had now passed three-and- twenty plea-
sant weeks at Otaheite ; and on Saturday the
4th, the ship, as if loth to leave, was towed out
of the harbour. Tinah was on board to the last.
He much wished for a salute with the great guns
on his departure. This indulgence could not be
granted, for fear of disturbing the bread-fruit
plants : but as a parting token of regard, the
Bounty people manned ship with all hands, and
gave him three cheers. Soon afterwards the
sea-breeze came, and they stood off to sea, steer-
ing towards the island of Huaheine.
On the 9th, they saw a water-spout, which
passed within ten yards of the stern of the
Bounty. After touching at the island of Wy-
tootackee, and arranging some friendly inter-
views with the natives, Bligh anchored at
Annamooka for water. Here some instances of
theft occurred; and the natives insulted the
watering party, forcibly taking a spade from
them. A boat's grapnel was also stolen. In
consequence of these robberies, some of the
chiefs were detained on board; but Bligh, de-
spairing of the return of the property, let the
poor men go, they having denied all knowledge
of the crimes imputed, and beaten themselves
about the face and eyes, weeping an c[ lamenting.
At last, the parting from Annamooka was
C
26 THE MUTINY.
friendly; the tears of the liberated chiefs were
changed into smiles of joy; and on the 27th of
April, the voyagers were between the islands of
Tofoa, and Kotoo.
On the arrival of the Bounty off Tofoa, one of
the Friendly Islands, on the 28th of April, 1789,
a dreadful mutiny broke out among some of the
ship's officers and men, with Fletcher Christian,
the master's mate, at their head. He was of
a respectable family in the north of England,
a young man of talent in his profession, twenty-
four years of age, and of a quick and daring spirit.
It is difficult, at this distance of time, to judge
of the real motives which actuated these men in
their evil design. Indeed, at the period of the
mutiny, the object which the leaders had in view
could only be conjectured. Bligh gave it as his
opinion, that they had flattered themselves with
the hope of returning to Otaheite, and again
leading the agreeable kind of life which they had
passed in that island ; and he was probably right.
It was alleged on the other hand, that the idea
of revisiting Otaheite did not form part of the
plan, but that, during the voyage, there had been
frequent misunderstandings between the com-
mander and Fletcher Christian ; and that offence
had been given by the former to Christian, and
to some of the men, on the day before the
mutiny. Much stress has been laid, by different
persons, on each of these circumstances, as if one
or the other had been the cause of the outrage.
On this part of the subject it is unnecessary to
dwell at any length; though it must not be
wholly passed over. To assume, without proof,
THE MUTINY. 27'
that the act of the mutineers was owing to
tyranny on the part of Bligh, is surely not to
make their case better ; because, in this point of
view, the deed must be looked upon as one, not
only of sinful revenge against him, but of
cruelty to their unoffending messmates. For
what prospect was there to men exposed in such
a manner to the horrors of the deep, but death,
either by drowning or starvation?
Those who had been accomplices in the
mutiny would be likely to make excuses, and to
throw the fault on any but themselves. Every
thoughtful reader will naturally doubt the value
of statements coming from such quarters.
Bligh was a well-trained and distinguished
naval officer of a former school. Notwith-
standing the occasional ebullitions of anger and
excitement, from the prevalence of which we
should all strive to keep our own hearts with all
diligence, still it was his study to make his men,
not only efficient, but comfortable and happy.
No one can read his journal without being
impressed with the tone of thoughtfulnes for
others which pervades that remarkable work.
But he could not endure professional neglect.
Attending strictly to his own duty, he deemed
it his part to see that those about him should
attend to theirs : and it will be allowed, that he
had some men under his command intractable
enough to try severely a temper less hasty than
his. On the 9th of March, he had found it
necessary, on a complaint of the master, to
punish one of the seamen for insolence, and
mutinous behaviour.
28 THE MUTINY.
With regard to Christian, he said, " This was
the third voyage he had made with me ; and as
I found it necessary to keep my ship's company
at three watches, I had given him an order to
take charge of the third, his abilities being
thoroughly equal to the task."
Speaking of the division into three watches,
he added, " I have always considered this a
desirable regulation, when circumstances will
admit of it, on many accounts; and am per-
suaded that unbroken rest not only contributes
much to the health of the ship's company, but
enables them more readily to exert themselves
in cases of sudden emergency."
On the evening before the mutiny, Bligh had
invited Christian to supper in his cabin; an
invitation which he declined, saying that he was
unwell ; but he had engaged to dine with Bligh
on the following day. The night of the 27th
of April, 1789, was remarked for its beauty,
even in the tropical regions, all nature being
calm and lovely around; but it was the eve of a
day of consternation and terror. On that night
Christian had the watch for two hours.
Full of desperate intentions, Christian, who
had the next morning's watch, which was from
4 to 8, began to sound Matthew Quintall, and
some others, and soon gained over the greater
part of the men. Having rapidly arranged
their plans, they got at the arms, under pretence
of requiring a gun to shoot a shark, which was
astern of the ship. At the dawn of day, they
roughly awoke Bligh, who, starting up in
amazement, on seeing men about him, armed
THE MUTINY. 29
with cutlasses and pistols, called out loudly for
assistance. On his demanding what they meant,
" Hold your tongue, sir, or you are dead this
instant," was the answer which he received.
Some of the mutineers, among whom Christian,
Churchill, Mills, and Burkitt, were the most
active, with oaths, and violence, tied his hands
with cords, behind his back, not giving him time
to dress ; and forcing him on to the deck in his
shirt, kept him under a guard behind the mizen-
mast. They had secured the officers, who were
not of their party, by placing sentinels at their
doors. The boatswain and others, having been
compelled to hoist out the launch, Bligh and
eighteen men were forced to go into her, and were
quickly veered astern of the ship by a rope.
Besides Christian, and eight other mutineers,
whose names will be mentioned in a future page,
as afterwards settling at Pitcairn, the following
remained in the Bounty: Peter Hey wood, mid-
shipman ; George Stewart, midshipman ; James
Morrison, boatswain's mate ; Charles Churchill,
master at arms ; Matthew Thompson, John
Summer, Richard Skinner, Thomas Burkitt,
John Millward, Thomas Ellison, Michael Byrne,
seamen ; Henry Hillbrant, cooper ; William
Musprat, commander's steward; Joseph Cole-
man, armourer; Charles Norman, carpenter's
mate ; Thomas M'Intosh, carpenter's crew ;
making twenty-five of the most able men in the
ship.
The nineteen souls in the Launch were as
follow: WILLIAM BLIGH, commander; John
Fryer, master; William Elphinston, master's
30 MEN IN THE LAUNCH.
mate ; John Hallett, midshipman ; Thomas
Hay ward, midshipman ; Robert Tinkler, a boy ;
William Peckover, gunner ; William Cole, boat-
swain ; William Purcell, carpenter ; Thomas D.
Ledward, surgeon's mate ; John Samuel, clerk
and steward ; David Nelson, botanist ; Law-
rence Lebogue, sailmaker; Peter Linkletter,
Siarter-master ; John Norton, quarter-master;
eorge Simpson, quarter-master's mate; Thomas
Hall, ship's cook ; John Smith, commander's
cook ; Robert Lamb, butcher.
Having flung them a few pieces of pork,
amounting to 32 pounds, 150 pounds of bread,
28 gallons of water, 6 quarts of rum, 6 bottles
of .wine, four cutlasses, a quadrant, and a com-
pass, with a quantity of twine, canvass, and
cordage, the mutineers sailed away. Christian,
as if to keep up the courage of his comrades,
and exert his usurped authority in the vessel,
ordered a dram of spirits to be served to each.
In a legal document, signed in the presence
of witnesses at Batavia, in October. 1789, by
fourteen men, who had been in the launch with
Bligh, it was declared, not only that huzzas
were uttered in the Bounty, but that several
expressions were used, which made the attestants
believe that the intention of the mutineers was
to return to Otaheite. Little did they think,
when shouting with joy at their miscalled
liberty, what troubles they were bringing upon
their own heads !
.'-,,
"by J. Ilusscl i , .RA .
CI
CHAPTER II.
SCENE ON THE ISLAND OF TOFOA MURDER OF JOHN NORTON
SUFFERINGS OF BLIGH AND HIS CREW FEJEE ISLANDS
BLIGH'S LOG-BOOK MISERABLE ALLOWANCE PRATERS IN
THE LAUNCH ENDEAVOUR STRAITS TIMOR ARRIVAL AT
COUPANG MEMOIR OF BLIGH.
THE party of men thus cast adrift on the wide
ocean, were in a miserable condition. They
began with touching at Tofoa, an island about
thirty miles from the scene of the mutiny.
There they landed, endeavouring to obtain
bread-fruit, and water ; but after some show of
friendship, the natives who lined the beach, gave
signs of violence by knocking stones together,
which they had in each hand. Macca-ackavow,
one of their chiefs, having in vain requested
Bligh to remain that night, May 1, 1789, the
treacherous old chief got up, and said, " Then,
mattie," which signifies, " We will kill you,"
and left him. Scarcely had the poor voyagers
reached their boat, when about two hundred
natives attacked them with stones, which flew
like a shower of shot ; and all would probably
have been cut off by these cowardly savages,
had not one of the crew, John Norton, quarter-
master, run up the beach, for the purpose of re-
leasing the boat. This brave man fell a sacrifice,
32 MUEDER OF JOHN NORTON.
in preserving the lives of his companions. He
was surrounded by the natives, who barbarously
murdered him, and afterwards beat him about
the head with stones.
Poor Norton, who had been on a former
voyage with Bligh as a quarter-master, was a
man of worthy character, and supported an
aged parent out of his wages. They killed
him on the beach, and dragged the body up the
country to one of their malais, or lawns, and
there left it exposed for two or three days before
they buried it. This story was related by the
islanders to Mr. William Mariner, when he
visited Tofoa, eighteen years afterwards ; and
they added that no grass had since grown on
the line along which they had dragged the
corpse, nor upon the spot where it had lain
unburied. Such a tale induced him to make
further examination ; and he found a bare line,
as they had stated, in a place where it would
seem there was no frequency of passers by ; and
at the termination of the track, a bare spot,
extending transversely, about the length and
breadth of a man.
This anecdote is found in Mariner's Account
of the Natives of the Tonga Islands. It is not
intended to give much weight to the story, there
being many ways of explaining the seeming
wonder. But a matter connected with one of
the Bounty men, and so heroic a character too,
deserves to be recorded in this place. Those
who related the marvellous part of the account
were of such a treacherous and deceitful race,
that Mariner, in visiting the volcano on the
MARINER AT TOFOA. 33
summit of Tofoa, in company with a native
guide, thought it necessary to provide himself
with a pistol, as a defence against any violent
measures on the part of his companion. Nor
would he advance with him too near the crater
of the volcano, " lest the man might have some
sinister intent."*
After the murder of Norton, on the first of May,
many of the natives in canoes followed Bligh's
boat very quickly, and renewed the assault with
stones, of which they had brought a great
quantity ; but, being attracted by some clothes
which were, by his order, thrown to them, and
which they stopped to pick up, they lost time,
and abandoned the pursuit.
It was then resolved by the party, at Bligh's
instance, to make for a Dutch settlement on the
island of Timor, in the East Indies, a distance
of no less than 3,618 miles.
Their stock of provisions then consisted of
about 150 pounds of bread, 28 gallons of water,
20 pounds of pork, 3 bottles of wine, and 20
quarts of rum : a few cocoa-nuts were also in the
boat. Such bread-fruit as they had was of no
use, having been trampled to pieces in the bustle
and confusion of the attack at Tofoa.
The sufferings undergone by these eighteen
men, in a boat only twenty-three feet in length,
and six feet nine inches in breadth, heavily
laden, and without any awning, were very
severe. They had to encounter heavy storms,
and the pains of cold and hunger. Aware of
the vast tract of voyage before them, they pro-'
* Mariner's " Tonga Islands," vol. i. chap. viii.
34 BLIGH MAKES FOR NEW HOLLAND.
mised to be content with one ounce of bread,
and a quarter of a pint of water a day for each
person.
The courageous and skilful manner in which
Bligh pursued his course to the end, forms a
striking fact in the annals of naval adventure.
Having intreated the men, in the most solemn
manner, not to depart from the promise which
they had made, he, on the 2d of May, bore
away, and shaped his course for New Holland,
across a sea little explored. The boat was of
such limited dimensions, that her gunwales are
stated to have been not more than six inches
above the water. In a violent tempest, which
soon broke over them, the boat shipped such
a quantity of water, that it was only by great
exertions that she could be kept afloat.
On the 5th of May, continuing their course to
the north-west, they saw and passed a cluster of
islands. Hitherto they had not been able to
keep any other account than by guess ; but they
had now succeeded in getting a log-line marked,
and by a little practice some could count the
seconds with a tolerable degree of exactness.
On the 6th, to their great joy, they hooked
a fish, but were miserably disappointed by losing
it, as they tried to get it into the boat.
On the 7th, the helpless and confined state in
which they were, induced Mr. Bligh to put
themselves "at watch and watch;" so that one
half might be on the look-out, while the others
lay down in the boat's bottom, or upon a chest.
Even this gave but a trifling alleviation to their
sufferings. Exposed to constant wet and cold,
FEJEE ISLANDS. 35
and not having room to stretch their limbs, they
often became so dreadfully cramped as to be
incapable of moving.
On this day, another group of islands was
seen, from whence they observed two large
canoes in pursuit of them, one of which, by
three o'clock in the afternoon, had gained upon
them, and arrived within two miles of the boat,
when the savages gave up the chase, and re-
turned to shore. Mr. Bligh concluded, from
the direction of these tracts of land, that they
must have been the dangerous Fejee Islands, of
which there are upwards of two hundred.
The appearance of these islands, especially of
the two largest, is generally very beautiful and
interesting. They are well wooded, and have
extensive rivers. Comparatively little, however,
is known respecting the interior : nor would it
be safe to penetrate into the country without an
armed party.
The late Captain H. J. Worth, who visited the
Fejee islands in the Calypso, in June, 1848, said
in a report which he sent home, that the group,
containing, as he heard, a population of 300,000
inhabitants, might be conveniently divided into
three parts, the Central, the Windward, and the
Leeward islands.
Bligh, in his defenceless state, appears to have
had a providential escape from the Fejeeans, who
are not only cunning, cruel, and vindictive, but
are to be ranked among the vilest and most
ruthless cannibals. This horrid custom of theirs
is the more remarkable, as they excel their
neighbours in talent and ingenuity, of which
36 BLIGH AND HIS CREW.
Captain Cook saw several specimens in 1777,
and which have been noticed by subsequent tra-
vellers. Cook admired their well-carved clubs
and spears ; their earthen pots, variegated mats,
and beautifully chequered cloth ; but spoke with
disgust of their abominable repasts. He re-
marked that the inhabitants of Tongataboo, an
island about three days' sail from the Fejees,
hold this horrid custom in detestation ; but are
induced by fear to cultivate the friendship of
their terrible neighbours, and are accustomed to
bend the body forward, and cover their faces
with their hands, to express the sense of their
own inferiority to the Fejee men. Cannibalism
prevails everywhere among them, except in the
places in which Christianity has made progress.
Captain Worth was informed by Mr. Hunt, the
chairman of the Wesleyan Mission, that not
fewer than five hundred persons had been eaten
within fifteen miles of his residence, during the
five years previous. Many of the Fejeeans
acknowledge that they greatly prefer human
flesh to any animal food whatever. Much more
might be said on the frightful traits of character
which have been drawn of these people. But
they are too revolting ; and it is time to return
to the band of men who had been so wonder-
fully preserved from threatening dangers.
A small blank book, which had been com-
menced in the Bounty, for the insertion of signals,
was now found very serviceable in the launch.
This book was used by Bligh, who, in conse-
quence of its exposure to the wet, found it
difficult to make his notes. "It is with the
BLIGH AND HIS CEEW. 37
utmost difficulty," he said, "that I can open
a book to write ; and I feel truly sensible I can
do no more than point out where these lands are
to be found, and give some idea of their extent."
This affecting manuscript is in the possession of
his daughters, and is much blotted and weather-
stained.
On the 8th, the weather was calm and fair,
which gave the voyagers an opportunity of
drying their clothes, and cleaning out the boat.
Mr. Bligh also amused all hands, by relating to
them a description of New Guinea, and New
Holland, and supplying them with every infor-
mation in his power, that in case any fatal
accident should happen to him, the survivors
might be able to pursue their course to Timor ;
of which place they had before known nothing,
except by name.
At this date the whole day's allowance to each
was an ounce and a half of pork, half-a-pint of
cocoa-nut milk, an ounce of bread, and a tea-
spoonful of rum. " Hitherto," says Bligh, " I
had issued the allowance by guess ; but I now
made a pair of scales with two cocoa-nut shells ;
and having accidentally some pistol-balls in the
boat, twenty-five of which weighed one pound,
or sixteen ounces, I adopted one of these balls
as the proportion of weight that each person
should receive of bread at the time I served it."
The allowance of half-a-pint of cocoa-nut
milk was soon reduced to a quarter-of-a-pint ;
and these poor men, in their deep distress, at
last relished even the wetted and decayed bread,
which was doled out to each in the most careful
38 MISERABLE ALLOWANCE.
and scrupulous manner. A storm of thunder
and lightning, with heavy rain, though it
drenched them once more to the skin, was yet
very acceptable, as it gave them about twenty
gallons of water.
The annexed engraving, from a drawing made
expressly for this work from the originals, shows
the bowl, or gourd, out of which the commander
took his meals; the bullet- weight ; the little
quarter-of-a-pint horn mug for serving out the
water ; and, though last, not the least interesting,
Bligh's own boat-log-book. All these are much
treasured by his daughters, who kindly per-
mitted them to be sketched.
The diameter of the gourd is rather more than
five inches : the depth nearly four inches. The
following words are cut with a knife under the
string,
W. Bligh, April, 1789.
Written in ink round the gourd :
The cup I eat my miserable allowance out of.
The horn cup is about two inches in depth,
and not quite two inches in diameter. Round
it are these words written in ink by Bligh :
Allowance of water 3 times a-day.
The bullet is set in a small hasp-shaped
metal plate, which Bligh afterwards used to
wear suspended by a riband round his neck.
Above the bullet are these words :
This bullet, -^ of a Ib. was the allowance of Bread which sup-
ported 18 men for 48 days, served to each person three times
a-day.
\\ 9
MISERABLE ALLOWANCE. 39
On the obverse :
Under the command of Captain Will. Bligh from the 28^
April, 1789, to the\Uh of June following.
On the 10th the weather again began to be
extremely boisterous, with constant rain, and
frequent thunder and lightning. The sea was
so rough, as often to break over the boat, so
that they were constantly baling, and often in
imminent danger of perishing. In addition to
their other misfortunes, the bread was damaged
by the salt-water. Their clothes being never
dry, they derived no refreshment from the little
rest they sometimes got. Many were benumbed
and cramped by the cold, and afflicted with
violent shiverings, and inward pains. As the
weather still continued tempestuous, Mr. Bligh
recommended all to take off their clothes, and
wring them in the salt-water. This produced
a warmth, which, whilst their clothing was wet
with the rain, they could not enjoy.
On the 24th it was thought necessary to
reduce their already wretched pittance ; and it
was agreed that each person should receive one
twenty-fifth part of a pound of bread for break-
fast, and the x same quantity for dinner, omitting
the allowance for supper.
The next day they saw several noddies, and
other sea-fowl, a few of which they were so for-
tunate as to catch ; one of the birds came so
near the boat, that it was caught by the
hand. There was no wish to cook the birds.
Besides the difficulty of dressing them, the
claims of hunger were too peremptory to
wait for such a process. Bligh divided one of
40 WHO SHALL HAVE THIS?
them, which was of the size of a small pigeon,
into eighteen portions ; " and," said he, " by a
well-known method at sea, of, Who shall have
this? it was distributed with the allowance of
bread and water, for dinner, and eaten up, bones
and all, with salt-water for sauce." The simple
and impartial method alluded to is this : One
man turns his back on the several portions of
food. Another man, with his face towards the
food, points to one of the portions, saying, Who
shall have this ? He is answered by the former,
who names one of the party ; each person
having thus an equal chance of the best morsel.
After they had shared this grand prize, several
boobies flew near them in the evening, and they
caught one of them. " This bird," says Blign,
"is as large as a duck. Like the noddy, it has
received its name from seamen, for suffering
itself to be caught on the masts and yards of
ships." The sight of sea-birds indicated the
neighbourhood of land. The weather was now
dry and fine. But even this soon became dis-
tressing ; the heat of the sun was so intense, that
many of the people were seized with a languor
and faintness, which made them weary of life.
On the morning of the 29th, breakers were
discovered about a quarter of a mile distant ;
they immediately hauled off, and were soon out
of danger. At daylight they saw the reefs over
which the sea broke furiously. Steering along
the edge of it, an opening was observed, through
which the boat passed. They were then in
smooth water ; they tried to catch fish ; and all
their past hardships seemed to be forgotten. It
PRAYEE IN THE LAUNCH. 41
occurred to Bligh, that they were within a few
miles of Providential Channel. A small island
within the reefs, he named, Island of Direction,
as it served to show the entrance of the channel
to which they had been conducted. At this
hopeful period, he wrote, " We now returned God
thanks 'for His gracious protection ; and with
much content took our miserable allowance of a
twenty-fifth of a pound of bread, and a quarter-
of-a-pint of water for dinner."
They had the advantage of using frequently
a devout and humble prayer to God, which had
been drawn up by their commander. This form
of prayer, which is in Mr. Bligh's handwriting
in the manuscript book alluded to, and which
is now for the first time printed, the author has
been enabled, through the kindness of Miss
Bligh, to lay before the reader :
" O Lord our Heavenly Father, Almighty
and Everlasting God, [Thou hast safely brought
us to the beginning of this day].* In and
through the merits of our Blessed Saviour,
through whom we are taught to ask all things,
we, thy unworthy servants, prostrate ourselves
before Thee, and humbly ask Thee forgiveness
of our sins and transgressions.
" We most devoutly thank Thee for our pre-
servation, and are truly conscious, that only
through thy Divine mercy we have been saved.
We supplicate thy glorious Majesty to accept
our unfeigned prayers and thanksgivings for
* In the evening, [" Receive us this night into Thy
Almighty Protection."]
D
42 BLIGH'S PRAYER,
thy gracious protection. Thou hast showed us
wonders in the deep, that we might see how
powerful and gracious a God Thou art, how
able and ready to help those who trust in Thee,
Thou hast given us strength, and led us, and
hast shown how both winds and seas obey thy
command, that we may learn even from them
hereafter to obey thy Holy Word, and do as
Thou hast commanded.
" We bless and glorify thy name for this thy
mercy in preserving us from perishing. And
we humbly beseech Thee to make us truly sen-
sible of such thy Almighty goodness, that we
may be always ready to express a thankfulness,
not only by our words, but by our lives, by
living more obediently to thy Holy Command-
ments.
" Continue, Lord, we beseech Thee, through
the mediation of our Blessed Saviour Jesus
Christ, this thy goodness towards us. Strengthen
our minds and guide our steps. Grant unto us
health and strength to continue our voyage,
and so bless our miserable morsel of bread,
that it may be sufficient for our undertaking.
O, Almighty God ! relieve us from our extreme
distress, such as men never felt. Conduct us,
through thy mercy, to a safe haven, and in the
end restore us to our disconsolate families and
friends.
" We promise, Lord, with full and con-
trite hearts, never to forget thy great mercies
vouchsafed unto us. We promise to renew our
unfeigned thanks at thy Divine Altar, and to
amend our lives according to thy Holy Word.
RESTORATION ISLAND. 43
And now. Almighty God, as Thou hast given us
grace at this time to make our common suppli-
cations unto Thee, and hast promised, to those
who ask in thy Son our Saviour's name, that
Thou wilt grant their requests, fulfil, Lord,
we beseech Thee, our desires and petitions, as
may be most expedient for us, granting us in this
world a knowledge of thy truth, and in the
world to come life everlasting, through the
merits of our Blessed Mediator and Redeemer,
Jesus Christ. Amen.
" Our Father, which art in heaven, &c."
The coast of New Holland now began to
show itself distinctly. On the 28th of May,
some of the party landed on a small island.
Half the number slept on shore, the other half
in the boat. On this island, on the 29th of May,
they found plenty of oysters and berries, which,
by men in their sad and reduced condition, were
looked upon as luxuries : and above all, they met
with fine fresh water. After a more comfortable
repose on the 29th than they had enjoyed for
many nights, they were preparing the, next day
to depart, when about twenty natives, quite
black, appeared on the opposite sfyore, running,
hallooing, and making signs to land. Each was
armed with a spear; several others were seen
peeping over the tops of the adjacent hills.
Bligh, who had earned some experience, and
could judge of the nature of such invitations,
judged it most prudent to make the best of his
way to sea. He named the place, Restoration
Island ; as not only applicable to his own situa-
44 BLIGH AND HIS CREW.
tion, but the anniversary of King Charles the
Second's Restoration, when it was discovered.
As the boat sailed along the shore, many other
parties of the natives came down, waving green
boughs as a token of peace and friendship ; but
Mr. Bligh thought it wise not to land.
On the 31st, the voyagers landed on an island
of good height, in order to get a distinct view
of the coast, as well as to obtain food. Some
of the men were sent for supplies ; the others
were ordered to remain m the boat. A few of
the former party, unwilling to work, owing to
fatigue and weakness, said they would rather
go without their dinner than have to search for
it. The scene which followed was so remark-
able, that it must be told in Bligh' s own words.
" One person, in particular, went so far as to
tell me, with a mutinous look, that he was
as good a man as myself. It was not possible
for me to judge where this might have an end,
if not stopped in time : therefore, to prevent dis-
putes in future, I determined either to preserve
my command, or die in the attempt. Seizing a
cutlass, I ordered him to take hold of another, and
defend himself; on which he called out, that I
was going to kill him, and immediately made
concessions. I did not allow this to interfere
with the harmony of the boat's crew, and every-
thing soon became quiet."
One of the three men who had been sent to
catch noddies, chose to proceed by himself, and
disturbed the birds to such a degree, that only
twelve were brought back by the party. This
man, Robert Lamb, received a good beating
THEIR SUFFEEINGS. 45
from Bligh, for his folly and obstinacy ; and he
afterwards confessed, when at Java, that he had
eaten nine birds raw, after he had separated
from his two companions.
From this island, after making hearty meals
on birds and shell-fish, they again put to sea,
steering along the shore, often touching at the
different islands arid sandy quays, to refresh
themselves, and to get such supplies as could be
afforded. On the evening of the 3d of June,
they had passed, by a most difficult and dan-
gerous passage, through Endeavour Straits, and
were once more launched into the open ocean,
shaping their course for the island of Timor.
A continuance of wet and tempestuous weather,
and incessant fatigue, affected even the strongest
among them to such a degree, that they appeared
to be almost at the point of death. Mr. Bligh
then, as at other times, used every effort to
revive their drooping spirits.
The notices in the journal, a few days after
this, appear to show that their situation had
become too deplorable to last. But at that
awful crisis, as the reader will see, it pleased
their Almighty Preserver to bring them out of
trouble. On June the 8th they had been so
fortunate as to catch a small dolphin, portions
of which were issued, including the offals, in the
usual way of, Who shall have this ? the remainder
being saved for dinner the next day.
" Towards evening the wind freshened, and it
blew strong all night, so that we shipped much
water, and suffered greatly from the wet and
cold.
46 SIGHT OF L4ND.
" June 9th. At daylight, as usual, I had much
complaining, which my own feelings convinced
me was too well founded. Gannets, boobies,
men-of-war, and tropic birds, were constantly
about us. Served the usual allowance of bread
and water, and at noon dined on the remains
of the dolphin, which amounted to about an
ounce per man. This afternoon I suffered great
sickness from the oily nature of part of the
stomach of the fish, which had fallen to my
share at dinner. At sunset I served an allow-
ance of bread and water for supper. In the
morning, after a very comfortless night, there
was a visible alteration for the worse in many
of the people. Extreme weakness, swelled legs,
hollow and ghastly countenances, a more than
common inclination to sleep, with an apparent
debility of understanding, seemed to me the me-
lancholy presages of approaching dissolution."
How cheering are the words which follow
" Birds and rock- weed showed that we were not
far from land."
Look out, look out, my trusty crew !
Strain every anxious eye ;
Though spray and mist obscure the view,
We know the land is nigh !
At three o'clock in the morning of the 12th
of June, to their inexpressible joy, they dis-
covered the island of Timor. Here Bligh
breaks out in language which will find an echo
in the heart of every reader, who has accom-
panied him in fancy thus far in all his trou-
bles and privations: "It is not possible for
me to describe the pleasure which the bless-
TIMOR. 47
ing of the sight of this land diffused among
us. It appeared scarce credible to ourselves,
that in an open boat, and so poorly pro-
vided, we should have been able to reach the
coast of Timor in forty-one days after leaving
Tofoa ; having, in that time, run, by our log,
a distance of 3,618 miles ; and that, notwith-
standing our extreme distress, no one should
have perished in the voyage !"
On the 13th they found land in a small sandy
bay near the island of Roti, where the natives,
who were of a dark tawny colour, received them
courteously, bringing them a few pieces of dried
turtle, and some ears of Indian corn, which were
very acceptable. They offered to bring other
refreshments ; but Bligh, who acknowledged
their kindness, and the " European politeness "
of some of them, determined to push on. At
ten o'clock that night, he issued for supper a
double allowance of bread, and a little wine to
each person ; and at one the next morning,
which was Sunday, " after the most sweet and
happy sleep that ever men enjoyed," they
weighed anchor, and continued along the east
shore. Then, after rowing and resting alter-
nately, for some distance, they were, on the 14th
June, regaled with sounds and sights dear to
every seaman, but almost transporting to those
who had so long been strangers to all that was
joyous in their profession. The report of two
cannons that were fired, gave new life to all ; and
soon after they discovered two square-rigged
vessels and a cutter at anchor to the eastward.
Out of a bundle of signal flags, which the boat-
48 ARRIVAL AT COUPANG.
swain had thrown into the launch before they
left the Bounty, they had made a small jack,
which was hoisted in the main shrouds, as a
signal of distress; "for," says Bligh, "I did
not think proper to land without leave."
Soon after daybreak, at the Dutch settlement
of Coupang, a soldier hailed them to land, and
what was their delight, in making their way
through a crowd of natives, who stood gazing
upon their emaciated forms with wonder and
pity, to meet with an ENGLISH SAILOR ! This
man, who belonged to one of the vessels in the
road, at once told them, that his Captain was
the second person in the town of Coupang. To
him the party were conducted; and certainly
Captain Spikerman, though not quite the second
man in the place, was a living example of the
truth of the good old proverb, "A friend in
need is a friend indeed." He received them
into his house, took care of them, and introduced
them to the governor. They met with the most
friendly and hospitable treatment from the go-
vernor, Mr. Adrian Van Este, though he was in
a very ill state of health. He sent a message,
regretting that illness prevented his befriending
them in person ; but he committed them to the
care of Mr. Wanjon, his son-in-law; who, with
other leading persons at Coupang, made every
effort to render their situation comfortable.
The picture given of the landing, displays in
a striking manner the sad condition of these af-
flicted creatures, and the feelings excited in their
preservers. "Our bodies were nothing but skin
and bones; our limbs were full of sores, and we
FROM COUPANG TO BATAVIA. 49
were clothed in rags. In this condition, with the
tears of joy and gratitude flowing down our
cheeks, the people of Timor beheld us with a mix-
ture of horror, surprise, and pity." Bligh, who
headed the sad procession, and who gave this
account, must himself have had a ghastly and
famine-stricken appearance ; for a few days
before, when they were all on the open sea, the
boatswain had innocently told him, that he
(Captain Bligh,) looked worse than any one in
the boat.
On the 20th of July, David Nelson, the
botanist, died of fever. Nelson was a man much
respected, and of great scientific knowledge. He
had been originally appointed to the Bounty, on
the recommendation of Sir Joseph Banks, to have
the management of the bread-fruit plants ; and
he had been similarly engaged in Captain Cook's
last voyage.
On the 20th of August, Bligh, and his crew
of sixteen, sailed from Coupang for Batavia, in a
schooner which he had bought, and which he
had named, The Resource. They took in tow
the launch in which their lives had been so pro-
videntially preserved. Both the Resource and the
launch were afterwards sold by Dutch auction at
Bat a via.
After some detention at Batavia, in conse-
quence of illness, Bligh was able to embark for
his passage homeward, on the 16th of October,
1789; and on the 14th of March, 1790, he was
landed by an Isle of Wight boat at Portsmouth.
Of the nineteen who had been forced into the
launch, twelve returned to their native country.
50 CASE OF CAPTAIN KENNEDY.
Bligh had brought all but Norton safe to
Coupang : Elphinston, Linkletter, Hall, and
Lamb, died soon afterwards. Ledward remained
at Batavia.
That, under the very distressing trials to
which they had been exposed, all, with the ex-
ception of the poor man who was murdered,
should have been brought safe to Coupang, is a
fact which may well excite our astonishment.
On this head some remarks remain to be added.
" With respect," said Bligh, " to the preserva-
tion of our health, during a course of sixteen
days of heavy and almost continual rain, I would
recommend to every one, in a similar situation,
the method we practised, which is, to dip their
clothes in the salt water and wring them out as
often as they become filled with rain. It was
the only resource we had, and, I believe, was of
the greatest service to us ; for it felt more like a
change of dry clothes than could well be ima-
gined. We had occasion to do this so often, that
at length all our clothes were wrung to pieces ;
for except the few days we passed on the coast of
New Holland, we were continually wet either
with rain or sea."
The practice alluded to in this passage, as well
as in other parts of Captain Bligh's affecting nar-
rative, is also strongly recommended by Captain
Kennedy, in his account of the loss of his ship
at sea, and of his distresses afterwards.
Captain Kennedy sailed with his crew from
Port .Royal, Jamaica, on the 21st of December,
1768. They were shipwrecked ; their vessel was
sunk, and thirteen men were crowded into the
CASE OF CAPTAIN KENNEDY. 51
yawl. Tossed about with hardly any provisions,
they at last reached the Bay of Honduras. " It
may," says he, " appear very remarkable, that
though I had neither tasted food, nor drank,
for eight days, I did not feel the sensations of
hunger and thirst. On the fourteenth day,
my drought often required me to gargle my
throat with salt water. On the 10th of Janu-
ary, 1769, we arrived at St. George's Quay
in a very languid state, having then lost six
out of the thirteen in the course of about twenty
days. I cannot conclude without making mention
of the great advantage I received from soaking
my clothes twice a-day in salt-water, and putting
them on without wringing. It was a considerable
time before I could make the people comply
with this measure ; though, from seeing the good
effect it produced, they afterwards, of their
own accord, practised it twice a-day. To this
discovery I may with justice attribute the pre-
servation of my own life, and that of six other
persons, who must have perished but for its
being put in use.
" This hint was first communicated to me from
the perusal of a treatise written by Dr. Lind, and
which, I think, ought to be commonly under-
stood, and recommended to all sea-faring people.
So very great advantage did we derive from this
practice, that the violent drought went off, and the
parched tongue was cured in a few minutes, after
bathing and washing our clothes: at the same
time, we found ourselves as much refreshed
as if we had received some actual nourish-
ment.'*
52 NOTICE OF BLIGH.
A short notice of the life of Admiral Bligh
will be interesting in this place. It appears
by the register of St. Andrew's, Plymouth,
that William, son of Francis and Jane Bligh,
was baptized in that church, Oct. 4th, 1754.
Francis, the Admiral's father, was the son of
Richard Bligh, of Tinten, a duchy estate in
St. Tudy, a few miles from Bodmin, Cornwall.
The general residence of the family was near
Bodmin, where some connexions of the late
Admiral, who also bear the name of Bligh, are
still living.
It has been stated that Bligh had sailed for
four years with Captain Cook, in whose interesting
history of researches in the Southern Pacific,
Bligh' s name more than once occurs.
The account of his wonderful two years' ad-
ventures from the beginning of 1788 to the
beginning of 1790, is before the reader.
On his return to England in 1790, he was
made a Commander, and then a Post Captain ;
the three years' service, according to regulation,
being, in his case, dispensed with as a mark of
favour.
He was again appointed to a ship for the pur-
pose of conveying the bread-fruit to the West
Indies. This ship was The Providence, in which
he set sail August 3d, 1791, accompanied by
the Assistant, a smaller vessel. They reached
Otaheite April 9th, 1792, from whence they
sailed in July with 1,281 tubs and pots of the
plants in the finest condition. These were dis-
tributed at St. Helena, St. Vincent's, and Jamaica;
and he returned to England in August, 1793.
NOTICE OF BLIGH. 53
In token of tins important service, and as a
tribute to his merit, Captain Bligh, in 1794,
received a large gold medal from the Society of
Arts. This valuable relic is in the possession
of his daughters.
On his arrival in England, from his second
and successful voyage to Otaheite, he found that
the Court-Martial on the mutineers had taken
place in his absence, and that Edward Chris-
tian, Fletcher Christian's brother, a barrister of
eminence, had put forth a quarto pamphlet,
entitled, " Minutes of the Proceedings of the
Court-Martial, &c., with an Appendix, &c."
These Minutes are stated to have differed from
those lodged at the Admiralty ; and the ten-
dency of the publication was to palliate Fletcher
Christian's conduct, at the expense of Captain
Bligh' s character. Edward Christian naturally
feared, that his brother's life, should he have
lived to return home, would have been forfeited
to the laws of his country.
In December of the same year Bligh issued
an answer to the allegations which had been
published against him, and replied with much
calmness to what he styled Mr. Edward Chris-
tian's defence of his brother. In the preface to
his Answer, which consists chiefly of original
documents, by way of proofs, he said ; " One of
the hardest cases which can befall any man is to
be reduced to the necessity of defending his cha-
racter by his own assertions only. As such fortu-
nately is not my situation, I have rested my
defence on the testimony of others, adding only
such of the written orders issued by me in the
54 BLTGH'S SERVICES.
course of the voyage as are connected with the
matter in question; which orders, being issued
publicly in writing, may be offered as evidence
of unquestionable credit."
Among the important documents thus pub-
lished, were affidavits, made in August, 1794, at
Guildhall, London, before Alderman Sir Watkin
Lewes, which serve to disprove the statements
which had been put forth to Bligh's prejudice.
The answer contains nothing in his own words,
except a short preface, and the conclusion,
which is as follows :
" I submit these evidences to the judgment of
the public, without offering any comment. My
only intention in this publication is, to clear my
character from the effect of censures which I am
conscious I have not merited. I have, therefore,
avoided troubling the public with more than what
is necessary to that end, and have refrained from
remark, lest I might have been led beyond my
purpose, which I have wished to limit solely to
defence."
After this event, Bligh was much engaged in
active service, both in war and peace. In the
spring of the year, 1797, on the occasion of the
mutiny at the Nore, when some of the seamen
of the channel fleet disgraced themselves by
disobedience and insurrection, the Admiralty
employed Bligh to go amongst them, and effect
what could be done, in bringing back these
misguided rneii to a sense of loyalty and honour.
On that occasion, he behaved with great heroism
and determination.
An address to British sailors, which was
THE YEAR 1797. 55
largely circulated during that memorable year,
and signed, " The Seaman's Friend," concluded
with the following stirring words :
"Arouse ye, then, ye British seamen! Go
join the brave Admiral Duncan, who, with four
sail of the line, blockades the whole Dutch naval
force in their own ports, while a British fleet
ingloriously blockades the mouth of the Thames.
Blot from the page of history the record of your
shame, and a recollection of the transaction, by
a return to your duty, and by your exertions.
It may be in your power to close a war honour-
ably to yourselves, and favourably to your coun-
try. Emulating the examples of Lord Howe
on the glorious action of the 1st of June, 1794,
and Sir John Jervis's signal and brilliant vic-
tory on the 14th of February, 1797, go seek the
enemy off their own ports ; and may the laurels
you gain secure to us an honourable and lasting
peace! Eemember, however, that the British
navy, and British seamen, owe their fame, suc-
cess, and national character to vigour, union,
discipline, and subordination, and that without
them, the navy is like a ship in a storm without
masts or rudder." The writer of this address
truly added, " The nation loves the navy ; it is
a favourite service."
On the 11 th of October, 1797, he commanded
the Director, in the brave Admiral Duncan's fleet,
at the famous battle of Camperdown. The Miss
Blighs have some good naval drawings by Owen ;
one representing the Director coming up with the
Vryheid, the ship of the Dutch Admiral, De
Winter; another showing the engagement be-
56 GOVERNOR BLIGH.
tween them ; and the third, the Vrijheid, almost
a hulk, silenced, and striking to the British flag.
The canton of the Dutch flag is in the possession
of these ladies.
The seamen had now all returned to their
duty ; and on the 19th of December a public
and solemn Thanksgiving to God was held in
St. Paul's Cathedral, for the three great naval
victories obtained by Lords Howe, St. Vincent,
and Duncan.
In 1801, Bligh commanded the Glatton at the
battle of Copenhagen, under Lord Nelson, who,
having sent for him after the action, thanked
him before his officers, saying, " Bligh, I sent
for you to thank you ; you have supported me
nobly."
In 1805, Captain Bligh was appointed Go-
vernor of New South Wales. The steps which
he took, with a view to the benefit of the colony,
in accordance with instructions laid down for
him by the government at home, dated St.
James's, May 25, 1805, occasioned much dissa-
tisfaction to some parties on the spot; though
his measures obtained the written approbation of
His Majesty's Government.* The instructions
given him had been directed against the unre-
strained importation of spirits into the settlement;
the colonists having been in the constant habit
of bartering their goods for ardent spirits. In a
vigorous attempt to abolish this evil, Bligh gave
deep offence; and in January 1808, he was de-
posed at Sydney by the New South Wales Corps,
* Dated December 31, 1807
ADMIRAL BLIGH. 57
headed by Lieut.-Colonel Gr. Johnston. In May
1811 Colonel Johnston was tried by court-mar-
tial at Chelsea Hospital, found guilty of an act
of mutiny, and sentenced to be cashiered. This
trial lasted for thirteen days, and excited great
public interest. Colonel Johnston was of a
highly respectable family in Annandale, in Scot-
land. He returned to New South Wales shortly
after his trial, and spent the remainder of his days
in the colony. The present Lord Chief Baron
of the Exchequer, at that time Mr. Frederick
Pollock, was one of Bligh's counsel at the trial.
Captain Bligh afterwards became a Vice-
Admiral of the Blue. In advancing years he
found much happiness in the midst of his family,
to whom he was greatly endeared. His eventful
life was now drawing to its close. A serious
internal complaint obliged him to come to Lon-
don from his residence at Farningham, Kent,
for advice ; and he died shortly afterwards in
Bond Street, on the 7th of December, 1817, in
the sixty-fourth year of his age. He left no
son, but several daughters. His surviving
daughters remember him with feelings of the
most tender affection.
The Admiral was about five feet six inches in
height ; his complexion was naturally pale, or,
as it has been described, " of an ivory or marble
whiteness." His hair was black. His face,
though it had been exposed to all climates, and
to the roughest weather, was far from looking
weather-beaten, or coarse. " This," it is added,
"was probably owing to his temperance, and
fine constitution."
58 DEATH OF BLIGH.
The remains of Admiral Bligh were buried in
a vault in the churchyard of the parish church of
St. Mary, Lambeth. On the south side of the
church is his tomb, which has been repaired and
restored by the Society of Arts. In the family-
vault beneath this tomb, also lie interred the
remains of Elizabeth Bligh, his wife, who died
in April 1812, in the sixtieth year of her age,
and who is described in her epitaph as a good
daughter, wife, and mother ; the bodies of two
sons, twins, who died in 1795, aged one day;
a daughter, Anne Campbell Bligh, who died
November 1, 1844, aged fifty-nine ; and a grand-
child, W. Bligh Barker, who died October, 1805,
aged three years.
The following inscription appears on the wes
side of the tomb :
TO THE MEMORY OF
WILLIAM BLIGH, ESQ. F.K.S.
VICE-ADMIRAL OF THE BLUE,
THE CELEBRATED NAVIGATOR,
WHO FIRST TRANSPLANTED THE BREAD-FRUIT-TREE
FROM OTAHEITE TO THE WEST INDIES ,*
BRAVELY FOUGHT THE BATTLES OF HIS COUNTRY;
AND DIED BELOVED, RESPECTED, AND LAMENTED,
ON THE 7'i'H DAY OF DECEMBER, 1817,
AGED 64.
: CHAPTER III.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IN CONSEQUENCE OF THE MUTINY
CHURCHILL AND THOMPSON WRECK OF THE PANDORA
PETER HEYWOOD AND HIS FAMILY LETTERS FROM NESSY
HEYWOOD AND OTHERS TRIAL OF THE MUTINEERS THE
KING'S PARDON HONOURABLE CAREER- OF CAPTAIN HEY-
WOOD HIS DEATH LINES BY ONE OF HIS CREW.
To take up the thread of the history, the reader
will now return to the period of Bligh's arrival
in England, after his preservation from the
mutineers, and the terrors of the deep. On his
return home in 1790, he published an interesting
narrative of the mutiny on board the Bounty,
and the hardships which he had endured until his
landing at Timor. This excited much sympathy
in his favour, and no little indignation against
the mutineers.
As soon as the English government became
acquainted with the criminal act of mutiny and
piracy, of which Christian and his party had
been guilty, they sent out the Pandora frigate,
under Captain Edward Edwards, with orders to
visit the Society and Friendly Islands, and use
.every endeavour to seize and bring home the
offenders. On the arrival of that officer at
Matavai Bay, off Otaheite, on the 23d of March,
1791, just eighteen months after the Bounty's
60 CHURCHILL AND THOMPSON.
last departure from the island, three of the men,
who had remained there nearly two years, namely,
J. Coleman, Peter Heywood, and G. Stewart,
came on board the Pandora, and surrendered
themselves to the law. They were received with
all the sternness of offended justice, and instantly
put in irons. The captain succeeded in taking
eleven others at Otaheite, who were also care-
fully ironed.
Two of the mutineers, Churchill and Thomp-
son, who had landed with the rest at Otaheite,
were no longer in existence. The history of
these two men has a dreadful kind of interest
belonging to it. Within a short period of their
quitting the Bounty, one of them, the ship's
corporal, had become a king, and both had
been murdered! Marshall, in his Naval Bio-
graphy, informs us, that Churchill, after residing
a short time at Matavai, accepted an invitation
to live with Waheeadooa, who was sovereign of
Teiarraboo when Captain Cook last visited that
place. Thompson accompanied Churchill thither;
but they very soon disagreed. Waheeadooa
dying without children, Churchill, who had been
his tyo, or chief friend, succeeded to his dignity
and property, according to the established cus-
tom of the country. Thompson, envious of
Churchill's honours, and angry at some fancied
insult, took an opportunity of shooting him.
The natives rose to punish the murderer of their
new sovereign, and stoned Thompson to death.
This wicked man had been guilty of murdering
a man and a child, but had then escaped punish-
ment, in consequence of the difficulty of identi-
WEECK OF THE PANDORA. 61
lying his person. Peter Heywood had been
mistaken for him, and was on the point of being
destroyed with an axe, when an old chief, who
knew Peter, interposed, and saved his life. The
only similarity between these persons must have
been in their both having been Europeans : for
Thompson, at the time of the mutiny, was forty
years old, and of very dark complexion, with
short black hair ; whilst Peter Heywood is de-
scribed as but seventeen years of age, with a fair
complexion, and light brown hair.
Captain Edwards, after many inquiries, could
hear nothing of the Bounty, nor of the nine re-
maining mutineers. But he had on board four-
teen prisoners, confined in a narrow space, which
was called, " Pandora's Box." It was built on
the after part of the quarter-deck, and was only
eleven feet in length. The voyage homeward
was very disastrous, the ship being wrecked on
her return on a coral reef, off the coast of New
Holland, on the 29th of August, 1791.
Just before the Pandora went down, Heywood
and some other prisoners were able to disengage
their hands and feet from the irons with which
they had been fastened ; the key of the chains
having been providentially dropped through the
scuttle into their prison, which was, at the time,
fast filling with water. The master-at-arms,
who, whether by design or accident, had dropped
the key, was drowned, with thirty of the ship's
company, and four of the unhappy prisoners.
These four, Stewart, Sumner, Skinner, and Hill-
brant, sunk in their irons.
Young Heywood seized a plank, and was
62 THE SANDY QUAY.
swimming towards a small sandy quay about
three miles off, when a boat took him up, and
conveyed him thither. He afterwards sent home
to his dear sister Nessy, from the ship Hector,
in which he was confined as a prisoner, two
clever little sketches, which are in existence,
being within a circumference not larger than
that of an ordinary watch-paper. The one re-
presents the Pandwa sinking, as lie must have
caught a view of her from his plank. The other
depicts the survivors on the sandy quay, which
was scarcely ninety yards long by sixty yards
wide ; where, under the meridian, and then ver-
tical, sun, the only shelter the prisoners had was
to bury themselves up to their neck in the burn-
ing sand. They were on this miserable spot
for nineteen days. Captain Edwards had tents,
made from the boat-sails, erected for himself
and his people. The prisoners petitioned him
for an old sail, part of the wreck, which was
lying useless : but it was refused. He seems
to have been needlessly severe and harsh to
men, who had not yet been declared guilty, and
who had an undoubted right to the common
offices of humanity and respect. But there are
those in every age who find no pleasure in show-
ing kindness to the unfortunate, but lavish all
their regards on the prosperous and happy.
The only article saved by Heywood, on his
escape from the wreck, was a Common Prayer
Book, which, in swimming from the Pandora,
he held between his teeth. - It is a small Oxford
edition of the year 1770, and contains, in the fly
leaves, some of his handwriting, being chiefly
HAYWARD AND HEYWOOD. 63
prayers translated by him into the language of
Otaheite.
Captain Edwards, and the remainder of the
crew, after leaving the sandy quay, made their
way in the ship's boats to Timor, where they
arrived September 15th, 1791.
They had in the mean time suffered dreadful
privations. A very small allowance of bread
and water per day was carefully served out to the
men, the weight of each portion of bread being
ascertained by a musket-ball. A pair of wooden
scales had been made for each of the four boats.
One of the seamen went mad and died from
drinking salt water to quench his intolerable
thirst. In Captain Edwards's boat one of the
mutineers was observed to be engaged in his
private devotions ; but he was roughly inter-
rupted by the Captain, who however afterwards
gave prayers himself among his company. Who
the poor prisoner was, that was not ashamed to
be seen by his fellows in the act of prayer, and
whose devotions were thus rudely prevented, we
are not told; but the circumstance is one of
too affecting and instructive a nature to be
overlooked.
It is a remarkable fact, that Lieutenant Thomas
Hayward, who had been in the Bounty and
launch with Bligh, and afterwards in the Pan-
dora with Edwards, was, in consequence of the
wreck, again set adrift in an open boat, again
exposed to serious hardships on the sea, and
again permitted to reach Timor in safety!
Who does not discern the wonder-working
hand of Divine Providence in these things ?
64 PETER HEYWOOD AND HIS FAMILY.
te God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform.
He plants his footstep in the sea,
And rides upon the storm."
Among the prisoners cast about upon these
dangerous seas, after the wreck of the Pandora,
was a youth, who was reserved for still heavier
trials, and with whose life and character the
reader will have an opportunity of becoming
more fully acquainted.
Peter Hey wood, son of Peter John Heywood,
Esq., and grandson of Mr. Heywood, Chief Jus-
tice of the Isle of Man, was born in June 1773.
He had left a happy home in the Isle of Man,
in August 1787, when only fourteen years old,
for his first voyage in the Bounty ', and was but
a youth of between fifteen and sixteen on the
occasion of the mutiny. He had now been away
from his father, mother, brothers, and sisters, for
five years. About the latter end of March 1790,
his mother heard with grief and consternation of
the mutiny which had taken place on board the
Bounty. Her husband had died two months
previous, and had thus been spared a painful
domestic trial. The dreadful intelligence which
reached her was aggravated by many malignant
additions to the facts. She had been informed,
by one who came to break it to her, that her
son, as a ringleader of the mutiny, had gone
armed into Bligh's cabin ! She could not, indeed,
bring herself to believe the account ; but, though
she knew her dear boy's good qualities, she feared
the worst results from his having been mixed up
in such a transaction.
LETTEE FEOM HEYWOOD. 65
His sister, Nessy, (Hester,) uncertain whether
he was alive or dead, had written him a letter,
dated Isle of Man, 3d June, 1792, and had de-
spatched it by " the hands of Mr. Hay ward, of
Hackney; the father," she says, "of the young
gentleman whom you, dear Peter, so often men-
tioned in your letters while you were on board the
Bounty r , and who went out as third lieutenant of
the Pandora"
After making many pathetic allusions to her
brother's probable condition, and declaring her
readiness, " without hesitation, to stake her life
on his innocence," she adds, " How strange does
it seem to me that I am now engaged in the de-
lightful task of writing to you. Alas ! my loved
brother, two years ago I never expected again to
enjoy such a felicity; and even yet I am in the
most painful uncertainty whether you are alive.
The gracious God grant that we may be at
length blessed by your return ! But, alas, the
Pandoras people have been long expected, and
are not even yet arrived. Should any accident
have happened, after all the miseries you have
already suffered, the poor gleam of hope with
which we have been lately indulged, will render
our situation ten thousand times more insupport-
able than if time had inured us to your loss."
A letter from Peter, dated Batavia, Nov. 20,
1791, at last announced that he was alive, and
on his return. His account of the painful scene
on board the Bounty afforded them, as far as he
was concerned, comparative happiness. " Hap-
pening to awake," said he, "just after daylight,
and looking out of my hammock, I saw a man
66 ARRIVAL OF PETER HEYWOOD.
sitting upon the arms-chest in the main hatch-
way, with a drawn cutlass in his hand." Being
confused with the scene presented on deck, and
having heard two different accounts of the object
and intent of the chief actors in this deed of
violence, Heywood remained awhile a silent
spectator of all that was passing, until, with the
best judgment which his youth and inexperience
could supply on such an emergency, he decided
to remain in the ship. Afterwards, on his trial,
he expressed a hope, that he might be reckoned
among the friends whom Bligh acknowledged
he had left on board the Bounty. " Indeed,"
said Heywood, " from his attention to, and very
kind treatment of me, I should have been a
monster of depravity to have betrayed him."
Young Hey wood's arrival, as a prisoner in
chains, in England on the 19th of June, 1792,
was in itself a relief to his distressed mother and
friends. He had been conveyed from Batavia
to the Cape of Good Hope in a Dutch ship, in
which he had endured much hardship, and had
been thence removed into the Gorgon, where he
was treated with kindness, and allowed to walk
upon deck several hours a day. Two days after
his return he was transferred to the Hector, a 74-
.gun ship, commanded by Captain Montagu, which
was, for upwards of eighteen weeks, his prison.
Many letters passed between Heywood and
his family after his return. Mrs. Heywood, his
widow, has in her possession some affecting com-
munications from himself, his sisters, and others
interested in his case. That lady, who cherishes
her late husband's memory with reverence and
LETTERS. 67
affection, kindly placed in the hands of the author
papers and letters throwing light on the severe
trials, as well as on the amiable and honourable
character of Mr. Hey wood. She has also the
Prayer Book, which he had often found a source
of much comfort under his afflictions.
This little work would be incomplete without
some further notice of one, who was enabled, by
the good Providence of God, in whom he trusted,
to live down the scandal, and heavy imputa-
tions, which, in consequence of his position and
circumstances, in relation to other and older
men, had fallen upon him in his youth. The
following letters, which are classed according to
their dates, cannot be read without emotion.
Heywood was now a prisoner on board the
Hector, at Portsmouth, awaiting his trial.
" Escaped with life, in tatters,"
he had reached Spithead, distressed and money-
less. The cheap and poor suit of nankeen
in which he was clad he had bought out of the
produce of some straw hats made by himself,
whilst his hands were in manacles.
Commodore Pasley to Mr. P. Heywood.
" SHEERKESS, July 1st, 1792.
" I HAVE, by this day's post, my dear young
friend, written to my friend, Sir Andrew Ham-
mond, to supply you with money, or what else
you may want at present. In a day or two you
shall hear from me particularly in answer to your
letter. I have seen Mr. Fryer and Cole. Rest
assured of every exertion in my power to serve
you. Let me hear from you, and be particular
68 LETTERS.
in anything in which you think I can serve you.
Bear your present situation with patience and
firmness. Adieu ! May God grant that your
innocence may be made clear, which will make
happy your family and your affectionate uncle,
"Tnos. PASLEY."
Heywood wrote a letter to his sisters, dated
July 12, 1792, H. M. S. Hector, Portsmouth;
beginning, " My beloved sisters all."
In this he expresses his delight at hearing
from them all, and alludes to a plan which his
sister Nessy had projected for a visit to him, on
board the Hector: " Oh, my Nessy, it grieves
me to think I must be under the necessity, how-
ever heart-breaking to myself, of desiring you
will relinquish your most affectionate design of
coming to see me. It is too long and tedious
a journey; and even on your arrival, you would
not be allowed the wished-for happiness, both to
you and myself, of seeing, much less convers-
ing w r ith your unfortunate brother. The rules
of the service are so strict, that prisoners are
not permitted to have any communication with
female relations."
Two days after writing this letter, he addressed
the following communication to Mrs. Bligh, who
was then in London, Captain Bligh having sailed
for Otaheite, on his second commission for bread-
fruit plants.
The reader will observe with interest the poor
youth's allusion to his clothes, which he had left
in London nearly five years before, and which
he seems to have wanted in time for his trial.
LETTERS. 69
"His MAJESTY'S SHIP Hector, PORTSMOUTH,
July Uth, 1792.
" DEAR MADAM, I make no doubt you have
already heard of my arrival here, as a prisoner,
to answer for my conduct done on the day that
unfortunate mutiny happened which deprived
Captain Bligh of his ship, and I then feared, of
life ; but, thank God, it is otherwise, and I
sincerely congratulate you, Madam, upon his
safe, and almost miraculoiis, arrival in England.
I hope ere this you have heard of the cause of my
determination to remain in the ship ; which was
unknown to Captain Bligh, who, unable to con-
jecture the reason, did as I have reason to fear
(I must say, naturally,) conclude, or rather sus-
pect, me to have likewise been a coadjutor in
that unhappy affair. But God only knows how
little I merited so unjust a suspicion, if such a
suspicion ever entered his breast. My thorough
consciousness of never having merited it, makes
me sometimes flatter myself that he could scarcely
be so cruel ; and ere long let me hope I shall
have an equitable tribunal to plead at; before
which (through God's assistance) I shall have it
in my power to proclaim my innocence, and
clear up my long-injured character before the
world.
" I hear he has gone out again ; if so, may he
have all the success he can wish ! Alas, Madam,
I yesterday heard of the melancholy news of
the death of your best of parents. I heartily
condole with you for his loss. In him I lost the
most kind friend and advocate, whose memory
70 LETTERS.
I shall for ever revere with the highest vene-
ration.
" I have one request to ask of you, Madam,
which is, that you will Tbe so obliging as to in-
quire whether Mrs. Duncan, in Little Hermitage
Street, has in her possession the clothes, wilich,
if you remember, I left with her in 1787 ; and
gave you an order, by which you might at any
time get them from her ; so that if they are still
there, you will be so good as to send them down
here, directing them for me, c On board his Ma-
jesty's ship Hector, to the care of Serjeant
William Clayfield, Marines, Portsmouth, or
elsewhere.' But if you can hear no tidings
of them or her, you will honour with a few
lines your much obliged, obedient, and humble
servant,
" PETER HEYWOOD."
He soon afterwards received from his three
sisters replies to his letter of July 12th. These
were on one sheet : the first was from his eldest
sister:
Miss Heywood to Mr. Peter Heywood.
"ISLE OF MAN, July 17, 1792.
" How can I sufficiently thank you, my
dearest and most beloved boy, for your kind
attention in remembering me, when I should have
been the first to welcome you on your arrival in
England. It is as impossible for you to conceive,
as for me to express, the pleasure and satisfac-
tion we felt on receipt of your several letters.
James had your favour by the same packet
which brought mine. What infinite obligations
LETTERS. 71
are we under, my dearest Peter, to Mr. Heywood,
and his amiable daughter, Mrs. Bertie. To her
kind and maternal attention you owe the re-
establishment of your precious health, that bless-
ing without which there is no real enjoyment in
this life. And let it be, my dear brother, our
future study to render ourselves deserving of,
though it will be impossible to repay, such
friendship. God grant your innocence may be,
by your acquittal, speedily known to the world.
I never for a moment doubted it ; nor, if it was
in the smallest degree suspected, would you, my
dearest boy, be sustained and supported by so
many friends, who, I am convinced, will do every-
thing in their power for you. How anxiously
do we all wish for the time when we shall have
the inexpressible happiness of embracing you in
the Isle of Man ! May that period be very, very
near ; and may that Almighty Providence which
has hitherto preserved you, watch over and pro-
tect you at the awful moment of trial. My
mamma, brothers, and sisters, join in most affec-
tionate love and ardent wishes for your safety.
That you, my beloved boy, may have a speedy
end to all your difficulties and distresses, and be
again restored to your adoring family, is the un-
ceasing prayer of your most sincere friend and
affectionate sister, "MARY HEYWOOD."
The following was from Miss Eliza Heywood :
" How extremely happy would my beloved
brother make me, if, when he has time, he would
favour me with a few lines. I assure you I should
be quite proud of the honour ; and, as you have
72 TEIAL OF THE MUTINEERS.
written to Mary, James, and Nessy, my turn
must come next, or I shall feel jealous. Heaven
grant we may soon embrace you in the island !
You may expect to be almost suffocated with
caresses for the first week. Adieu ! Take care
of your health, and keep up your spirits, my dear
Peter. Your affectionate and faithful sister,
" ELIZA HEYWOOD."
Nessy added these few lines: " For me
there is no room left, but to say that his faithful
and affectionate Nessy sends ten thousand bless-
ings, the best which Heaven can bestow, and
every wish that love and friendship can dictate,
to her best beloved brother, PETEB."
Then came the trial, and the conviction!
The first clause of the 19th Article of War
(22d Geo. II.) is this, " If any person in or
belonging to the fleet shall make, or endeavour
to make, any mutinous assembly, on any pretence
whatever ; every person offending herein, and
being convicted thereof, by the sentence of the
court-martial shall suffer Death."
The Court-Martial was held at Portsmouth,
on board his Majesty's ship, Duke, on the 12th
Sept. 1792. Vice- Admiral Lord Hood was the
President. The officers who sat at the trial
were Captains, Sir A. S. Hamond, Bart., John
Colpoys, Sir Geo. Montagu, Sir Roger Curtis,
John Bazeley, Sir Andrew S. Douglas, John
T. Duckworth, John 1ST. Inglefield, John Knight,
Albemarle Bertie, E. G. Keats.
THE VERDICT. 73
The names of the ten prisoners, capitally
charged with mutiny and piracy, were, Peter
Heywood, James Morrison, Thomas Ellison,
Thomas Burkitt, John Millward, William Mus-
pratt, Charles Norman, Joseph Colemaii, Tho-
mas M'Intosh, and Michael Byrne.
The trial was concluded on the sixth day,
the 18th of September, when the prisoners were
brought in. The court having agreed, that the
charges of running away with the ship, and
deserting his Majesty's service, had been proved
against six of the prisoners, they found Heywood,
Morrison, Ellison, Burkitt, Millward, and Mus-
pratt, guilty ; and adjudged them to suffer death
by being hanged by the neck on board one of
his Majesty's ships of war. The court acquitted
Norman, Coleman, M'Intosh, and Byrne ; and
recommended Peter Heywood, and James Mor-
rison, to his Majesty's mercy.
Two days afterwards, the youthful convict
wrote the following letter to the Rev. Dr. Scott,
of the Isle of Man, who was a friend of the
Heywood family:
Mr. Peter Heywood to Dr. Scott.
"HECTOR, Sept. ZQth, 1792.
"HONOURED AND DEAR SIR, On Wednes-
day, the 12th, the awful trial commenced ; and
on that day, when in court, I had the pleasure
of receiving your most kind and parental letter,
in answer to which I now communicate to you
the melancholy issue of it, which, as I desired
my friend Mr. Graham to inform you of imme-
diately, will be no dreadful news to you. The
F
74 LETTERS.
morning lours, and all my hope of worldly joy
is fled far from me. On Tuesday morning, the
18th inst., the dreadful sentence of Death was
pronounced upon me ; to which (being the just
decree of that Divine Providence who first gave
me breath) I bow my devoted head, with that
fortitude, cheerfulness, and resignation which is
the duty of every member of the Church of our
blessed Saviour and Redeemer Christ Jesus. To
Him alone I now look up for succour, in full
hope, that perhaps a few days more will open to
the view of my astonished and fearful soul His
kingdom of eternal and incomprehensible bliss,
prepared only for the righteous of heart. I have
not been found guilty of the slightest act of the
detestable crime of mutiny, but am doomed to
die for not being active in my endeavour to sup-
press it. Could the evidences who appeared in
the court-martial be tried, they would also suffer
for the same and only crime of which I have
been guilty. But I am to be the victim. Alas!
my youthful inexperience, and no depravity of
will, is the sole cause to which I can attribute
my misfortunes. But so far from repining at
my fate, I receive it with a dreadful kind of joy,
composure, and serenity of mind, well assured
that it has pleased God to point me out as a sub-
ject through whom some greatly useful, though,
at present, unsearchable intention of the Divine
attributes may be carried into execution for the
future benefit of my country. Then why should
I repine at being made a sacrifice for the good
of perhaps thousands of my fellow-creatures?
Forbid it, heaven ! Why should I be sorry to
LETTERS. 75
leave a world in which I have met with nothing
but misfortunes and all their concomitant evils?
" I will, on the contrary, endeavour to divest
myself of all wishes for the futile and sublunary
enjoyments of it, and prepare my soul for its
reception into the bosom of its Redeemer. For
though the very strong recommendation I have-
had to his Majesty's mercy by all the members
of the court may meet with his approbation, yet
that is but the balance of a straw, a mere uncer-
tainty upon which no hope can be built. The
other is a certainty which must one day happen
to every mortal. Therefore the salvation of my
soul requires my most powerful exertions during
the short time I may have to remain on earth.
" As this is too tender a subject for me to
inform my unhappy arid distressed mother and
sisters of, I trust, dear sir, you will either show
them this letter, or make known to them the
truly dreadful intelligence, in such a manner as,
assisted by your wholesome and paternal advice,
may enable them to bear it with Christian for-
titude. The only worldly feelings I am now
possessed of, are for their happiness and welfare.
But even these, in iny present situation, I must
endeavour, with God's assistance, to eradicate
from my heart, how hard soever the task.
I must strive against cherishing any temporal
affections. But, dear sir, endeavour to mitigate
my distressed mother's sorrow. Give my ever-
lasting duty to her, and unabated love to my
disconsolate brothers and sisters, and all their
relations. I have encouraged them, by my ex-
ample, to bear up with fortitude and resignation
76 HEYWOOD IN PRISON.
to the Divine will, under their load of misfor-
tunes, almost too great for female nature to sup-
port. And teach them to be fully persuaded
that all hopes of happiness on earth are vain.
On my own account I still enjoy the most easy
serenity of mind, and am, dearest sir, your
greatly indebted and most dutiful, but ill-fated,
" PETEE HEYWOOD."
It was natural for a young man, whose spirit
had been well-nigh broken by sorrows of dif-
ferent kinds, to view his case on the dark side.
Many circumstances had, indeed, come out in
his favour. Bligh, when writing to Colonel
Holwell, an uncle of Peter's, said, " His conduct
had always given me much pleasure and satis-
faction." But then it had been alleged at the
trial, that he had assisted in hoisting out the
launch ; that he had been seen by the carpenter,
resting his hand on a cutlass; and that he had
laughed, on being called to by Bligh. His
comments on these charges were forwarded by
him to Lord Chatham, who then presided at the
Admiralty. The explanations are very satis-
factory, having the air of truth throughout. But
he knew the unfavourable construction that
might be put on doubtful acts ; and he was
aware that he had been neutral on an occasion
of trial and danger.
Besides this, as a thoughtful person, he could
not but be alive to the danger of his position,
from the peculiar features of the offence of which
he had been convicted. The year 1792 is memora-
ble for the active exertions of revolutionists, and
STATE OF THE TIMES. 77
disaffected men in this country, on the one hand,
and for the associations of zealous friends of the
British constitution on the other. It was the
avowed object of the latter to counteract all
seditious proceedings, and to bring to punishment
persons concerned in them. The authority of
the lawful magistrate, and the claims of the
established government, were to be respected
and supported. The example of France, while
it excited some eager spirits in the British
empire to a love of change and insurrection,
animated others to more energetic efforts for the
maintenance of order. In the city of Paris,
shortly before the execution of Louis the Six-
teenth, Royalty had been declared to be abo-
lished for ever ; and it happened, that the 20th
of September, 1792, the very day on which poor
Heywood wrote the above admirable letter, was
styled the first day of the French Republic. The
state of the times, therefore, tended to mark the
crime imputed to him with a yet deeper dye.
Nor could the sufferer be ignorant of some
then recent cases, short of murder, in which,
amidst extenuating circumstances, and conse-
quent appeals to mercy, the law had been allowed
to run its course, and the capital sentence to
pass into full effect. Who, that, at that time,
bore in mind the instance of the unhappy Dr.
Dodd, and remembered that all entreaties, and
even Dr. Johnson's powerful and affecting appeal
in his behalf, had been made in vain,* could
* The original draft of a petition, in Dr. Johnson's hand-
writing, is among the Manuscripts in the British Museum.
The document is short, pithy, and persuasive.
78 LETTERS.
rest with confidence on the strength of the inter-
cession of any man, or body of men ?
Now, however, some intimations from high
quarters began to inspire greater hope in Hey-
wood and his friends.
His amiable sister Nessy, anxious to see him,
and to be of use, resolved to accept the invitation
given by a friend of her family, Mr. A. Graham,
and to make her way up to London, where he
resided. This gentleman had been a purser in
the navy, and was afterwards a valuable police
magistrate in London. On the 3d of October,
1792, we find Nessy arrived at Liverpool from
the Isle of Man, and writing thus to her mother
and family:
" We did not arrive here till noon this day,
after a most tempestuous passage of forty-nine
hours, with the wind directly contrary the whole
way. Yet notwithstanding that vexatious cir-
cumstance, hard boards, aching bones in conse-
quence, together with passing two nights almost
without closing my eyes, let me but be blessed
with the cheering influence of HOPE, and I have
spirit to undertake anything. The plaid was a
most comfortable thing to me ; I wrapped it
round my head. At the mouth of the river
this morning, we met a small open fishing-boat,
into which I got, as I was told I should, by that
means, arrive two hours sooner than I should
otherwise have done ; and, as the sea was very
high, every wave washed over me, and I had a
complete wetting. On my arrival, I found poor
Henry had sailed two days ago. I regret I did
not come in time to see him, but I rejoice to find
LETTERS. 79
he went off in good spirits ; and his last words
mentioned Peter! I have been myself to secure
a place in the mail-coach, and hope to be by
ten o'clock to-night on my road to (may I not
hope ?) the completion of all my earthly happi-
ness. Mr. Southcote, whom I passed at sea,
will inform you, that the pardon went down to
the King at Weymouth, some days ago. May
we not, then, encourage a hope that I shall find
all our misfortunes at an end? When I was
tempted to repine at the winds, I remembered
that they were favourable for Henry ; I reflected
on Peter's sufferings, and was content. Adieu,
my dearest mamma, and sisters ! God bless you
all ! In your prayers for our beloved and ex-
emplary sufferer, add a word or two for your
most dutiful and affectionate,
"NESSY HEYWO'OD."
On the same day she wrote to Mr. Graham
on the subject which was nearest to her heart,
and which had determined her to visit London ;
and in a letter to her mother, dated the 5th
October, Great Russell Street, the hospitable
residence at which she had arrived, she an-
nounced her personal introduction to Mr. Gra-
ham, and added :
" Well, my dear Mamma, I have had a long
conversation with Mr. Graham ; and, to my
utmost satisfaction, he says, ' I look upon him/
speaking of Peter, ' to 'be the most amiable
young man that can possibly exist. I do not
scruple to say, that I should not entirely believe
80 LETTERS.
you, as you may be partial ; but I speak from
my own observation. He conducts himself in
such a manner as will reflect the highest and
most lasting honour on himself, and produce
the strongest sensations of pleasure and satis-
faction to his friends.' Mr. Graham assures me,
that there is not a doubt existing in the mind of
any person who has seen the minutes of the
Court-Martial, respecting Peter's innocence."
Mr. P. Heywood to Miss Nessy Heywood.
"HECTOR, October 16tk, 1792.
" I have this moment, by my brother James,
my beloved sister's letter of yesterday, which
gives me new pleasure, from the sentiments
1 find my dear mother, even now, entertains of
me ; notwithstanding the laws of my country
have condemned me to be banished from this
world, as a wretch unworthy to live in it. But
what of that? Am I the first unhappy victim
who has been torn from his dear family, his
connexions, and his all, though conscious of his
own integrity and thorough innocence of the
crime for which his life must be the unjust
forfeit ? No ! Why then should I for a moment
repine? I do not, nor ever will! For that idea
alone, if placed on a good foundation, is sufficient
to make any man so light that he can buoyantly
float upon the ruffled tide of misfortune. And
I own to you, my dearest sister, it is that only
which now enables me to support my life and
spirits, which, without it, would 'soon bend
beneath the ponderous load under which I have
LETTERS. 81
long tottered. But by and by, I shall, with
God's assistance, throw it off; then all will be
well, and then shall I be a joyful partaker of
that bliss of which I can now have but a very
faint idea! Cheer up, then, my dear Nessy!
Cherish your hope, and I will exercise my
patience ; both, I know by experience to be
productive of the same fruits of present content.
James is gone to dine with Mr. Spranger, and
I am employing my leisure hours in making a
vocabulary of the Otaheitan language. Whom-
soever you write to at home, my love, remember
me to them as I wish, and in particular, to
our paternal friend, Mr. Graham.
" Ever, my dearest sister, your most ardently
affectionate, and truly faithful brother,
" PETER HEY WOOD.
" Keep up your dear spirits above all things.
Hope is yours and mine too."
Mr. James Heywood to Miss Nessy Heywood.
"HECTOR, 17 th October, 1792.
" MY DEAR NESSY, While I write this, Peter
is sitting by ,me, making an Otaheitan voca-
bulary, and so happy and intent upon it, that
I have no opportunity of saying a word to him.
He thinks, however, you must be very busy too,
or you would not deprive us of the pleasure of
paying fourpence every morning. You under-
stand me. This is the second day you have
omitted it. I assure you he is at present in
excellent spirits ; I am perfectly convinced they
are better and better every day. Don't, my
82 THE KING PARDONS HEYWOOD.
dear little Ness, suppose I tell you this merely
to ease your mind. No, far from it; you must
be certain I am in earnest, else I would not
write in so light a strain. Adieu, dear sister.
Best compliments to Mr. and Miss Graham, and
believe me ever affectionately yours,
" JAMES HEYWOOD."
We know how the recommendation to mercy
prevailed. King George was then enjoying a visit
at Wey mouth, with the Queen, and the royal
family. It appears from the public records of
that date, that he found pleasure in doing acts
of kindness ; and doubtless this exercise of the
royal prerogative was a cause of much inward
. satisfaction to the King.
"The quality of mercy is not strain' d ;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest,
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes ;
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown.
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings :
But mercy is above this sceptred sway ;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself,
And earthly power doth then show likest God's,
When mercy seasons justice."
On the 24th of October, 1792, the royal
warrant was despatched, granting a free pardon
to Heywood and Morrison, with a respite for
Muspratt. At the same time was sent a warrant
for executing Burkitt, Ellison, and Millward.
Muspratt was afterwards pardoned.
EXECUTION OF THREE MUTINEERS. 83
Millward, and Muspratt, with Churchill, were
the men who had been deserters at Otaheite, and
who had been forgiven by Bligh for that offence.
Burkitt had been forward in the mutiny on board
the Bounty. Ellison, who was a mere boy on the
occasion of that act of violence, is thus described in
the list forwarded from Batavia in October, 1789 :
" Thomas Ellison, seaman, aged 17 years, five
feet three inches high, fair complexion, dark hair,
strong made; has got his name tattooed on his
right arm,, and dated October 25, 1788."
Morrison, before his connexion with the
Bounty, had served in the navy as a midship-
man ; and, after his pardon, had been appointed
gunner of the Blenheim, in which he perished
with Admiral Sir Thomas Troubridge. In a
violent gale on the 1st of February, 1807, that
vessel was lost, with all the passengers and
crew, in her way from Madras to the Cape of
Good Hope.
Burkitt, Ellison, and Millward, were executed,
pursuant to their sentence, on the 29th of Octo-
ber, 1792, on board the ship, Brunswick, in Ports-
mouth Harbour. Captain Hamond reported,
that the criminals had behaved with great
penitence and decorum, had acknowledged the
justice of their sentence, and exhorted their
fellow-sailors to take warning by their untimely
fate ; enjoining them, whatever might be their
hardships, never to forget their obedience to
their officers, but to remember the duty which
they owed to their king and country. The
Captain said, that a party from each ship in the
harbour, and at Spithead, had attended the
84 FAMILY REJOICINGS.
execution ; and that, from the accounts he had
received, the example seemed to have made a
salutary impression on the minds of all the
ships' companies present.
The following words were used by Mr. Hey-
wood, when Captain Montague had read to
him his Majesty's free and unconditional pardon,
on the 27th of October:
" SIR, When the sentence of the law was
passed upon me, I received it, I trust, as became
a man; and if it had been carried into execution,
I should have met my fate, I hope, in a manner
becoming a Christian^ Your admonition cannot
fail to make a lasting impression upon my mind.
I receive with gratitude my sovereign's mercy,
for which my future life shall be faithfully de-
voted to his service."
The pardon was a source of unspeakable de-
light to his family, especially to his sister Nessy,
whose peace of mind had been broken by the
terror of losing him by an ignominious death,
and whose joy, on hearing of his pardon, was,
perhaps, more difficult to bear than her previous
grief had been :
"For sudden joys, like griefs, confound at first."
She had written to her mother and sisters on
the 26th, inclosing a statement of the pardon
having been transmitted to Portsmouth. In
this letter she said, "O blessed hour! Little
did I think, my beloved friends, when I closed
my letter this morning, that before night I should
be out of my senses with joy. This moment,
this ecstatic moment, brought the inclosed.
LETTERS. 85
I cannot speak my happiness. I am too mad
to write sense; but 'tis a pleasure I would not
forego to be the most reasonable being on
earth."
In this way the family received the delightful
intelligence ; and the warm-hearted and untiring-
Mr. Graham, unable to remain easy at home,
hastened to Portsmouth to congratulate his young
friend, and bring him to London. Nothing can
be more hearty or natural than the following:
A. Graham, Esq. to Miss N. Hey wood.
" PORTSMOUTH, Oct. 27^, 1792.
" MY DEAREST NESSY,
" If you expect me to enter into particulars as
to how I got him, when I got him, and where
I have him, you will be disappointed ; for that
is not in my power at present. Suffice it to say
that he is now with me, and well ; not on board
the HECTOR, but at the house of a very worthy
man. To-day we dine with Mr. Delafoiis ; to-
morrow we shall, perhaps, sleep on the London
road ; and on Tuesday, Oh, my dear little girl!
Kiss Maria for me, and tell her I love her dearly,
and am,
" Yours most affectionately,
" A. GRAHAM."
To this letter the following postscript was
added :
From Peter Heywood to Nessy.
"P.S. Be patient, my dearest Nessy. A
86 NESSY HEYWOOD'S TALENTS.
few hours, and you will embrace your long-lost
and most affectionate brother,
" PETER HEYWOOD."
Mr. Graham's impatience, and generous
anxiety to crown this joyful event, would not
permit him to delay one moment ; and on the
Monday morning, the happy party arrived in
London.
On the 29th October a letter was written,
apprising the anxious mother of her dear sailor
boy's arrival in London. Another letter, written
after poor Nessy had seen him at liberty,
breathes the tenderest feelings of a heart almost
breaking with joy. It is thus headed:
" Great Russell-street. Monday morning,
29th Oct., half-past ten o'clock, the brightest
moment of my existence," and ends thus:
" I can write no more, but to tell you, that
the three happiest beings at this moment on
earth are your most dutiful and affectionate
children, NESSY HEYWOOD, PETEK HEYWOOD,
JAMES HEYWOOD."
This amiable girl possessed, among other
accomplishments, poetic powers of no common
order. There remain in manuscript many
copies of verses of her composition on various
subjects; though her theme of themes was her
brother, his sufferings, and his restoration to
liberty and honour. The following are among
the lines which she wrote, " On receiving certain
intelligence that my most amiable and beloved
brother, Peter Hey wood, would soon be restored to
freedom:"
LINES BY NESSY HEYWOOD. 87
blissful hour ! moment of delight !
Replete with happiness, with rapture bright.
An age of pain is sure repaid by this ;
'Tis joy too great 'tis ecstasy of bliss.
My beating heart, oppress' d with woe and care,
Has yet to learn such happiness to bear.
From grief, distracting grief, thus high to soar,
To know dull pain and misery no more,
To hail each op'ning morn with new delight,
To rest in peace and joy each happy night,
To see my Lycidas from bondage free,
Restored to life, to pleasure, and to me ;
To see him thus, adorn' d with virtue's charms,
To give him to a longing mother's arms,
To know him by surrounding friends caress'd ;
Of honour, fame, of life's best gifts possess'd ;
Oh, my full heart ! 'tis joy, 'tis bliss supreme,
And though 'tis real, yet, how like a dream !
Then teach me, Heav'n, to bear it as I ought ;
Inspire each rapt'rous, each transporting thought.
Teach me to bend beneath thy bounteous hand,
With gratitude my willing heart expand ;
To Thy Omnipotence I humbly bow,
Afflicted once but ah ! how happy now !
What reader does not wish to learn more
about Nessy Heywood? In less than a year
after her beloved brother's liberation, whilst
still in her youthful days, she was called away
from taking a part in this busy anxious world.
It no longer remained for her to " rejoice with
them that do rejoice, and weep with them that
weep.' 1 Active and alert no more in the service
of those she loved, she was to seek her employ-
ment and consolation in her sick chamber ; and
there is reason to believe, that, trusting in her
Redeemer's merits, she found comfort in true
Religion, without which the ties of affection
must, she knew, be utterly dissolved, the enjoy-
ment derived from it pass away for ever.
88 DEATH OF NESSY HEYWOOD.
In the manuscript collection, from which the
above letters and verses have been extracted, is
a memorandum by Mrs. Heywood, (Peter's
mother,) in her own handwriting, dated, Douglas,
Isle of Man, shortly after Nessy's death. " My
dearest Nessy was seized, while on a visit at
Major Yorke's, at Bishop's Grove, near Tun-
bridge Wells, with a violent cold; and, not
taking proper care of herself, it soon turned to
inflammation on her lungs, which carried her off
at Hastings, to which place she was taken 011
the 5th of September, to try if the change of air,
and being near the sea, would recover her. But,
alas ! it was too late for her to receive the
wished -for benefit, and she died there on the
25th of the same month, 1793, and has left her
only surviving parent a disconsolate mother, to
lament, while ever she lives, with the most
sincere affliction, the irreparable loss of her most
valuable, affectionate, darling daughter."
Having, on his release, visited his family and
friends, Mr. Heywood, as soon as his health was
completely restored, re-entered the navy, by the
desire of Captain Pasley, (afterwards Sir Thomas
Pasley, Bart.), and on the express recommenda-
tion of Lord Hood, who had presided at his
court-martial. Indeed, Lord Hood offered to
take him under his own immediate patronage ;
but this was declined with thanks by Captain
Pasley, who, on the 17th May, 1793, received
him under his own command, into the Bellero-
phon.
In consideration of the King's free pardon, it
was decided that no incapacity existed for his
CAREER OF CAPTAIN HEYWOOD. 89
thus again fully undertaking the duties of his
profession. In January, 1797, after he had
done his duty in several actions with the French
fleet, Earl Spencer, who had attentively con-
sidered the several points connected with the
court-martial of 1792, wrote to Sir Thomas
Pasley, to say that those circumstances ought
not to be allowed to stand in the way of Mr.
Hey wood's further progress in his profession ;
" more especially," said his lordship, " when the
gallantry and propriety of his conduct, in his
subsequent service, are taken into consideration.
I shall therefore have no difficulty in mentioning
him to the commander-in-chief on the station to
which he belongs, as a person from whose
promotion, on a proper opportunity, I shall
derive much satisfaction."
He became a post-captain in 1803, and, after
a career of important and responsible service,
including two diplomatic missions to South
America, was, on the 29th July, 1813, appointed
to the command of the Montagu, of 74 guns, in
which he served in the North Sea, and after-
wards in the Mediterranean, under the command
of Lord Exmouth.
On Captain Heywood's return, the Montagu
was paid off at Chatham, on the 16th July,
1816; and he came ashore, after having been
actively employed at sea twenty-seven years,
six months, one week, and five days, out of a
service in the navy of twenty-nine years, seven
months, and one day.
On the 18th May, 1818, Lord Melville,
G
90 DEATH OF CAPTAIN HEYWOOD.
without any solicitation, made him the offer
of the command, with a Commodore's broad
pendant, on the lakes in Canada. A considera-
ble salary was annexed to this important office ;
but as he had married in 1816, and there was
no war requiring his active exertions for the
benefit of his country, Captain Heywood, with
Lord Melville's permission, declined the prof-
fered honour ; and he afterward found his chief
happiness in the bosom of his family. His
career of activity being now at an end in an
honourable profession, which had acknowledged
and appreciated a life of useful labour, his early
afflictions, the sufferings of body and mind, began
to tell upon his constitution. It is thought,
that during the period of his imprisonment, the
seeds were sown of that disorder, (a complaint
of the heart,) which terminated his existence.
Bligh, in his account of the mutineers, which
was drawn up at Timor, in 1789, says, after
describing Hey wood's height and person ; "At
this time he has not done growing." ' Whilst
his body was ripening into manhood, the iron
entered into his soul.
This valuable and excellent officer, having
reached nearly the top of the list of captains,
died in London on the 10th February, 1831,
in his fifty-eighth year. He was buried in a
vault under Highgate Chapel.
There is not room in these pages for an
enumeration of his professional services ; but
this deficiency may be supplied by the folio wing-
passage, respecting him : " The misfortunes of
TESTIMONIES TO HIS CHARACTER. 91
his youth proved highly beneficial to him. The
greater part of those distinguished officers who
had sat as members of the court-martial, justly
considering him much more unfortunate than
criminal, extended their patronage to him imme-
diately after his release; and through their
good offices, and his own meritorious behaviour,
he was subsequently advanced, step by step, to
the rank he at present holds. The duties which
have fallen to his share he has ever performed
with a zeal not inferior to that of any other
officer in the service. The young men who
have had the honour of serving under him,
many of whom now enjoy commissions, will
readily and gratefully acknowledge, that, both
by precept, and his own example, he invariably
endeavoured to form their characters, as men
and officers, in the solid principles of religion
and virtue. In short, we do not hesitate to say,
that his king and country never had a more
faithful servant, nor the naval service a more
worthy and respectable member."*
What a chequered and eventful life was his!
How zealously must he have laboured in his
profession, who, notwithstanding the impedi-
ments in his way, during the first five years of
his naval course, could have earned, at the age of
forty-three, such ample testimonies to his merit.
This chapter cannot conclude better than with a
spirited stanza from a copy of verses, written by
one of the Montagu s crew, and sent to Captain
* Marshall's Naval Biography.
92
LINES TO PETER HEYWOOD.
Heywood, by desire of the whole ship's com-
pany, when that vessel was put out of commis-
sion in 1816 :
" Farewell to thee, HEYWOOD ! a truer one never
Hath, exercised rule o'er the sons of the wave;
The seamen who served thee would serve thee for ever,
Who sway'd, but ne'er fetter' d, the hearts of the brave."
CHAPTER IV.
CHRISTIAN AND HIS PARTY PITCAIRN*S ISLAND FOLGER's
ACCOUNT LANDING OF NINE MUTINEERS AND OF OTAHEI-
TANS AT PITCAIRN DREADFUL DEATHS OF CHRISTIAN AND
OTHERS INTOLERABLE STATE OF SOCIETY AT PITCAIRN
INTEMPERANCE REPENTANCE AND REFORMATION OF ADAMS
HIS SERVICES IN THE CAUSE OF RELIGION AND MORALITY
IN THE ISLAND.
NOTHING more was heard of Christian and his
party, until twenty years had passed from the
date of the mutiny ; when Sir Sidney Smith,
then commander-in-chief on the Brazil station,
informed the Admiralty, from Rio Janeiro, that
Captain Folger, of the ship Topaz, of Boston,
United States, on landing on Pitcairn's Island,
in 1808, had found an Englishman, named
Alexander Smith, the only person remaining
of nine that had sailed thither in the Bounty.
Smith, otherwise John Adams, (he having on
.first entering the service, assumed the name of
Alexander Smith,) related, that after putting
Bligh into the boat, Christian, with the other
mutineers, had gone to Otaheite, where all hands
remained, but Christian, Smith, and seven others ;
that each had taken an Otaheitan wife, and then
proceeded to Pitcairn, where they had made good
a landing, and afterwards destroyed the Bounty.
Before they were discovered by Captain Fol-
ger, in September, 1803, two ships had been
seen from the island. A boat from one landed,
94 PITCAIEN'S ISLAND.
and the crew carried off some cocoa-nuts, but
quitted before the inhabitants could communi-
cate with them.
Captain Folger on his approach was surprised
to see smoke and signs of houses, as he had
thought the island uninhabited; but he was
more astonished on seeing canoes, and finding
himself hailed in good English by the men,
who invited him to land. This he at first
declined ; but one of the Topaz men offered to
go on shore, if the ship were allowed to come
near the rocks, so that he might swim off if
attacked. He went on shore, and had some
conversation with John Adams, who, observing
that the man had a long and neglected beard,
asked him why he did not shave? Without
waiting for a reply, Adams sent one of the young
natives for his razors, which were brought ; and
the man underwent the operation with alarm
and apprehension. He returned as quickly as
possible to the ship. The Captain then came
on shore, and remained the greater part of the
day. He took the opportunity of giving Adams
an account of the many and great naval battles,
in which England had been engaged, and of the
various victories which had been gained. (What
a glorious catalogue !) And at the end of the
narrative, Adams gave a loud cheer, shouting,
" Old England for ever ! "
The visit of Captain Folger introduces us to
Pitcairn's Island, and its inhabitants. Some
readers may now desire 'to learn the origin of its
name, and the circumstances of its first discovery
by British navigators.
PITCAIEN'S ISLAND. 95
Captain Philip Carteret, in his description of
a Voyage round the World, wrote as follows,
July 1767:
" We continued our course westward till the
evening of Thursday, the 2d of July, when we
discovered land to the northward of us. Upon
approaching it the next day, it appeared like a
great rock rising out of the sea. It was not more
than five miles in circumference, and seemed to
be uninhabited. It was, however, covered with
trees ; and we saw a small stream of fresh water
running down one side of it. I would have
landed upon it, but the surf, which at this season
broke upon it with great violence, rendered it
impossible. I got soundings on the west side
of it, at somewhat less than a mile from the
shore, in twenty -five fathoms, with a bottom of
coral and sand ; and it is probable that in fine
summer weather landing here may not only be
practicable, but easy. We saw a great number
of sea-birds hovering about it, at somewhat less w
than a mile from the shore ; and the sea here
seemed to have fish. It lies in lat. 20 2' south :
long. 133 21' west.* It is so high, that we saw it
at the distance of more than fifteen leagues ; and
it having been discovered by a young gentleman,
son to Major Pitcairn, of the marines, we called
it PITCAIRN'S ISLAND. This young man was
unfortunately lost in the Aurora.^ While we
were in the neighbourhood of this island, the
weather was extremely tempestuous, with long
* The latitude and longitude are here wrongly stated.
h His father, Major Pitcairn, was killed at the battle of
Bunker's Hill, in America, in 1775.
96 PITCAIRN'S ISLAND.
rolling billows from the southward, larger and
higher than any I had seen before. The winds
were variable, but blew chiefly from the SS.W.,
W. and W.N.W. We had very seldom a gale
to the eastward ; so that we were prevented
from keeping in a high south latitude, and were
constantly driving to the northward."*
Pitcairn's Island, distant about 1,200 miles
from Otaheite, is of volcanic origin. The pecu-
liar features of the volcanic islands, of which
there are several in the South Seas, show that
they have been elevated from the bed of the
ocean by the resistless force of fire, which has
given a vertical character, and jagged outline,
to their rocky mountains, and greatly increased
the wild beauties of their scenery. Pitcairn is
in latitude 25 4' south, and longitude 130 8'
west ; and the highest point is about 1,008 feet
above the level of the sea. In clear weather
the island may be seen at forty miles' distance.
It is four miles and a half in circumference, one
mile and a half being the greatest length. The
climate, which is just without the tropics, is
adapted for the production of useful vegetables,
which form the chief article of food : Irish and
sweet potatoes, yams, bread-fruit, a vegetable
called taro (Arum esculentum) , pumpkins, Indian
maize, and beans. Here and there are patches
of the tobacco-plant, and sugar-canes. The
fruits are pines, plantains, and bananas, oranges,
limes, melons, a species of apple, and cocoa-nuts.
* Voyage round the World, by Captain P. Carteret, Com-
mander of H.M. Sloop, Swallow, in 1766-7-8-9. Passage from
Mas-afuera to Queen Charlotte's Islands, chap. iii.
PITCAIRN'S ISLAND. 97
Among the trees are the Cocoa-nut (Cocos nuci-
fera) ; the Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) ; the
Bread-fruit tree (Artocarpus incisa) ; the Nono
(Morinda citrifolia), &c. ; but the most striking
and remarkable is the Banyan (Ficus Indica) :
" The fig-tree ; not that kind for fruit renown'd,
But such as at this day to India known,
In Malabar or Dec can, spreads her arms,
Branching so broad and long, that in the ground
The bended twig takes root, and daughters grow
About the mother-tree, a pillar'd shade,
High over-reach'd, and echoing walks between.
There oft the Indian herdsman, shunning heat,
Shelters in cool, and tends his pasturing herds
At loop-holes cut through thickest shade."
MILTON.
The temperature of Pitcairn ranges from 59
in winter to 87 in summer. The average is
65 in winter, and 82 in summer. The vege-
tation sometimes suffers from swarms of insects.
To remedy this evil, there having been on the
island only one species of land bird, a small fly-
catcher, it was thought desirable to convey some
birds to the spot. Her Majesty's Ship, Virago,
Commander Prevost, left Callao for Pitcairn, in
January 1853, having on board singing-birds,
rose-trees, myrtles, &c. for the islanders.
There are lizards, but no venomous reptiles
on the island. The people are annoyed by
rats, which do much damage to the sugar-canes.
Hence the strictness of the law for preserving
cats, which remains to be noticed in a future
page.
About half the island, consisting of six hun-
dred acres, is cultivated. The rest is too rocky
98 PITCAIRN'S ISLAND.
for cultivation. There being but little beach,
the quantity of sea- weed washed up is small :
such as there is, however, is employed for the
use of the ground.
Though the climate cannot be called un-
healthy, the people are not generally long-lived.
Arthur Quintall, the oldest man among them, is
only fifty-five. He was born 1799. Elizabeth
Young, daughter of the late John Mills, the oldest
person in the island, is sixty- two, she having been
born in 1792. The ailments to which the island-
ers are most subject are, rheumatism, influenza,
bilious affections, and diseases of the heart.
Nature has fortified the coast with powerful
barriers, which render it most difficult of access,
except in Bounty Bay, situate on the north-east
side ; and even there the approach is impossible
when the sea is high. The ships, which occa-
sionally remain awhile in the neighbourhood of
the island, and for which there is abundance of
water, stand off and on as well as they may,
and as the wind allows them. Though sound-
ings in from 25 to 35 fathoms may be obtained
at some distance, anchorage is seldom resorted
to ; the state of the ground being such as to
cause a risk of losing the anchor. Lofty brist-
ling rocks, one of which is called St. Paul's
Point, rise perpendicularly from the sea; and
cliffs, with clumps of cocoa-nut-trees at their
base, are seen, as the boats approach the beach,
which is shingly, and very narrow at the place of
landing. The landing is effected in the boats of
the natives ; these being better suited than ships'
boats for passing the breakers.
PITCAIRN'S ISLAND. 99
" Having set foot on shore," says Mr. Brodie,
who was there in March 1850, " you ascend a
steep hill, almost a cliff, for about three hundred
yards, to a table-land, planted with cocoa-nut-
trees, which is called the market-place, about a
quarter of a mile beyond which, at the north end of
the island, lies the settlement, flanked by a grove
of cocoa-nut-trees, kumeras, and plantains, &c.
t which make the approach very picturesque." *
Though the island, according to Captain Car-
teret, owes its name to young Mr. Pit cairn, he
having been the first native of this kingdom who
noted the place, it was doubtless once known by
some other name, which is now lost, together
with all traces of its former inhabitants, except
a few human skeletons, idols, and weapons,
which were discovered there by the mutineers.
It has become a clear matter' of fact, that the
island was inhabited previously to their arrival.
Overlooking Bounty Bay is a lofty peak, within
100 yards of which were found on a rock four
images, about six feet in height, placed upon
a platform, which is called a paipai. One of
these was a rude representation of the human
figure, to the hips, hewn out of a piece of red
lava. Each of the skulls which were dug up
had under it a pearl-shell, according to the mode
of burial adopted in the place at the time, pro-
bably some centuries since. It has been sug-
gested with reason, that the ancient occupants
were drifted to this place from the Gambier, or
other islands, on a raft. Several specimens of
* " Pitcairn's Island, and the Islanders in 1850." By
Walter Brodie.
100 LANDING OF NINE MUTINEERS AND OTHERS.
hatchets, and spear-heads of very hard stone,
and a large stone bowl, were discovered. The
mutineers also met, on the east side of the island,
with certain uncouth carvings of the sun, moon,
stars, a bird, men, &c. in a cavern situate in the
face of a cliff.
There are some inaccuracies in the narrative
forwarded by Captain Folger, in his letter of
March 1, 1813, respecting his visit to the island.
He stated that about six years after the arrival
of the nine mutineers, the Otaheitans had killed
all the Englishmen, except Smith, who was
severely w r ounded ; and that on the same night
the Otaheitan widows had risen, and murdered
all their countrymen, leaving only Smith, with
the widows and children. His account may be
corrected by the following statement :
After getting rid of Mr. Bligh, and his crew,
the mutineers sailed from Toubouai, an island
about 500 miles south of Otaheite, where they
intended to land; but the natives refusing to
admit them, they proceeded to Otaheite. A
second ineffectual attempt at settling having
been made on Toubouai, and a refuge having
again been found, for a short time, at Otaheite,
Christian and eight of his comrades left for
Pitcairn, in the Bounty, with certain Otaheitans,
the rest of the mutineers remaining at Otaheite.
It happened that Carteret's description of Pit-
cairn, had been on board the Bounty ; and this
probably determined Christian in his choice.
Carteret, however, as will have been seen, was
wrong in his description of the latitude and
longitude of the island.
LIST OF NINE MUTINEEFS. > ?01'
When the Bounty arrived at Pitcairn's Island,
she had on board nine Englishmen, with nine
Otaheitan women, their wives ; six Otaheitan
men, three of whom had wives ; and a little
girl ; making twenty-eight persons who landed.
This little girl, then an infant of ten months
old, was afterwards the wife of Charles Chris-
tian, and the mother of Mr. G. H. Nobbs's wife.
The names of the nine mutineers who reached
the Island in the Bounty were
FLETCHER CHRISTIAN .... Master's Mate.
EDWARD YOUNG Midshipman.
JOHN MILLS Gunner's Mate.
MATTHEW QUINTALL .... Seaman.
WILLIAM M'CoY Ditto.
ALEXANDER SMITH, alias JOHN )
ADAMS j Dltto -
JOHN WILLIAMS Ditto.
ISAAC MARTIN Ditto.
WILLIAM BROWN Gardener.
Christian and Young were men of good edu-
cation. The former was the brother of Edward
Christian, Esq. Professor of Law at Cambridge,
Chief Justice of Ely, and Editor of Blacks tone's
Commentaries. Young was a nephew of Sir
George Young, Bart. The other mutineers who
landed at Pitcairn were chiefly sailors of the
ordinary class.
They had not long set foot upon the island,
ere it became a stage for the display of every
evil passion. They were " hateful, and hating
one another." During the frightful period of
domestic warfare between the Europeans and
the blacks, in which the former often adopted
the tremendously simple rule of might against
MU&DER OF CHRISTIAN AND OTHERS.
right, the blacks made common cause together ;
and having planned the murder of their impe-
rious masters, they went, from time to time,
into the woods to practise shooting at a mark,
and thus became tolerably good marksmen.
Their murderous plot reached the ears of the
wives of the mutineers : and the females are said
to have disclosed it to their husbands, just before
the time appointed for the massacre, by adding
to one of their songs these words, " Why does
black man sharpen axe ? To kill white man."
In the course of the deadly struggles occur-
ring between the several parties, Christian,
Mills, Williams, Martin, and Brown, were mur-
dered in the year 1793 by the Otaheitan men
whom they had brought to the island with them.
Christian was the first who fell a victim to their
revenge. Mills was the next. Adams was
shot; the ball entering at his shoulder, and
coming out at his neck. He fell ; but suddenly
sprang up and ran. They caught him; and
a blow was aimed at his head with the butt-end
of a musket. This he warded off with his hand,
having his finger broken by the blow. On his
again escaping, he ran down the rocks towards
the sea ; but his pursuers called out to him, that
if he would return, he should not be hurt. He
returned accordingly, and they troubled him no
more. All the Otaheitan men were killed in
the same year, one of them having been de-
stroyed by Young's wife with an axe. As soon
as she had killed the last survivor but one of
the Otaheitans, she gave a signal to her husband
to fire upon the remaining black, which was
STATE OF SOCIETY AT PITCAIEN. 103
done with fatal precision. This woman, Susan-
nah, who afterwards married Thursday October
Christian, Fletcher Christian's son, died at an
advanced age in the year 1850. She was the
last survivor of the Bounty.
The sanguinary frays among the members of
the small body of inhabitants, from the time of
their landing, to 1794, have been described at
different times. These painful particulars shall
be passed over. One point, however, connected
with the murders deserves mention, as it may
serve to clear up some doubt regarding the death
of Fletcher Christian. As the spot in which he
was buried on the island is not known, and as
a person resembling him was seen, about the
year 1809, in Fore Street, Plymouth, by Captain
Peter Heywood, who imagined, from a transient
view, that the stranger was Fletcher Christian
himself, an impression in some quarters prevailed,
that he had escaped the massacre of 1793, and
had returned to England. It seems that the
stranger, as if recognised, had fled from Captain
Heywood, who, after pursuing him for some
distance in vain, felt persuaded that he had seen
Christian. But the manuscript documents of the
island are stated by Captain Beechey to be clear
upon this matter. In 1794, when only four men,
Young, M'Coy, Adams, and Quintall, were left,
alive, the women of the place were seen holding
in their hands the Jive skulls of the murdered
white men. They were compelled, after some
difficulty, to give up the heads to be buried.
In that year the state of the island had
become so intolerable to the women, that they
104 ELIZABETH ISLAND.
resolved to brave the perils of the sea, rather
than remain. They had accordingly prepared
to set off secretly in a boat, which, fortunately
for them, upset ; as the men who had built it
probably intended it should do, as soon as it
was launched ; though they had instructed the
females how to steer, and had appointed one of
them " the Captain." Thus ended their vision-
ary voyage : and the women, foiled in their
attempt to get away, again settled down in their
sad and unwelcome home. Whither they had
proposed to go, it is impossible to say. The
nearest island to Pitcairn, nearly ninety miles to
its north, is Oeno, of coral formation, a barren
place, most difficult of access. The approach is
so bad, owing to the reefs of coral encompassing
the lagoon which surrounds the island, that
when Captain Beechy, in December 1825, at-
tempted to land, the boat was broken to pieces.
Lieut. Edward Belcher narrowly escaped with his
life, and a young lad of the party was drowned.
There is also, about 120 miles from Pitcairn,
Elizabeth, or Henderson's Island, so called after
Captain Henderson, of the Hercules, of Calcutta.
It is nearly eighty feet above the level of the
sea, five miles in length, one mile in breadth, of
volcanic formation, and covered with dead coral.
The soil is poor and sandy. There are many
trees and shrubs on the island, and it has been
occasionally visited by the Pitcairn people,
chiefly for the sake of the timber found there.
On the occasion of their visit in 1851, they
found eight human skeletons lying in caves;
probably the remains of some shipwrecked
M'COY, QUINTALL, AND YOUNG. 105
mariners, who, unable to procure food or water,
had lain down to die.
The women, in the same year in which they
had endeavoured to quit Pitcairn, deliberately
planned the destruction of the four men left
among them. This dreadful plot was discovered
in time by the men, and a partial and suspicious
peace was brought about.
But other horrors remained behind. In 1798,
M'Coy, in a fit of delirium tremens, brought on
by drunkenness, having thrown himself from
the rocks into the sea, was drowned. Quintall,
a violent and headstrong man, after threatening
the lives of his companions, was killed by
Young and Adams, who, in 1799, took away
his life with an axe in self-defence. Thus, six
of the mutineers were murdered, and one com-
mitted suicide. Edward Young died of asthma,
in 1800. Adams had been severely wounded
in one of the contests that took place, but -had
recovered. Only two of the fifteen men who
had landed from the Bounty (Young and Adams)
died a natural death.
Here we may pause to reflect on the unhappy
lives and dreadful deaths of men who had been
guilty of a very heinous offence against the laws
of God and man. Though Christian, when
fixed at Pitcairn, often wore a cheerful counte-
nance and manner, there is reason to believe that
the remembrance of the past was deeply painful
to him, and that shame and remorse, mingled
with the fear of detection, weighed heavily on
his mind. On the top of a high rock is a spot
which he called his " look-out." Whilst many
H
106 DREADFUL FATE OF THE MUTINEERS.
hearts, thousands of miles off, were wounded, if
not broken, by suspense and uncertainty respect-
ing the fate of himself and his companions, he was
either employed in surveying the ocean around
him, under the apprehension of the approach of
the officers of justice, or in endeavouring to
control the turbulent community among whom
he had irrevocably cast his lot.
It may be observed, that punishment in this
life often bears a startling likeness to the sin
which has been committed, and which not only
thus finds the offender out, but shows him that
it has done so. Within the narrow limits of
the island, as in the confines of a ship, Christian
had enemies at hand, who harassed, and at
length took away his life ; and it is a remarkable
fact, that he who had raised his hand in a crimi-
nal manner against his superior in command,
should have suffered death from those whom he
looked upon as men under his authority.
Nor must it be forgotten, that one chief cause
of all the quarrels and miseries of the mutineers
was intemperance. M'Coy had unhappily be-
come acquainted with the art of distilling.
With the aid of a copper boiler, which had
been taken from the Bounty, and which was
altered into a still, he soon made ardent spirit
out of the ti-root (Dracaena terminalis). This
served to thin yet further the number of the
original male settlers, until only one of them
was left remaining.
It pleased God to touch the heart of that one,
and to make him an instrument of good to those
around him. His deceased comrades had left
; - Beectey .
^ oAsvi
JOHN ADAMS'S DREAMS. 107
families, who had been brought up in ignorance
of their God and Saviour, all the women being
Otaheitan idolaters. One Bible, and one only,
which had been occasionally read by Christian
and Young, remained this inestimable treasure
having been rescued from the Bounty. Here
was a merciful provision for guiding Adams,
and those around him, in the right way, and
making them wise unto salvation. It may even
be hoped that the blessing had not been wholly
lost upon Christian and Young.
Besides the Holy Scriptures, Adams had the
comfort and advantage of possessing a Common
Prayer-book, one copy of which had also been
recovered from the ship ; and of this he made
constant use.
In the year 1800, having then reached his
thirty- sixth year, he found himself the only
man on the island. The younger part, con-
sisting of twenty children, looked up to him
with reverence and affection. About ten years
after this, he had two remarkable dreams, which
presented to him in vivid colours his past
transgressions, and the awful nature of the
punishment awaiting them. In one of these
dreams, he imagined that he saw an awful
being approaching him, and about to thrust him
through with a dart. The other vision repre-
sented to him the horrors of a future place of tor-
ment. These were such dreams as other persons
may have had in their turns ; but they produced
in him a lasting and wholesome impression, and
effectually moved his conscience. May we not
1 elieve this to have been the influence of the
believe th
108 JOHN ADAMS'S DREAMS.
Holy Spirit, whose merciful design it was to give
him a better knowledge of himself, and a sense
of the justice and goodness of God, and to bring
him an humble suppliant to the throne of grace,
for the pardon of his sins, through the merits of
a crucified Saviour? "Behold, I stand at the
door and knock : if any man hear my voice,
and open the door, I will come in to him, and will
sup with him, and he with me." (Rev. iii. 20.)
Let no one say that there is any encourage-
ment to superstition in these remarks. That
which is uppermost in the thoughts, though it
may not have ripened into good resolutions,
much less into right practice, is frequently dis-
played, in a manner strong as reality, in those
solemn hours when the world is shut out, and
deep sleep falleth upon man. An idea, which
has been presented to the mind whilst we are
awake, often assumes, by reflection, and during
the hours of sleep, a solemnity and importance
which it did not before possess. And perhaps
there are no inward admonitions more affecting,
or more fruitful of good, than those which relate
to our children, and to the obligations under
which we are laid to conduct the young in
the right way. Happy are they who are wise
enough to make a good use of that which appears
to have been sent to them for a good end!
Adams had begun to read his Bible ; and who
can tell the power given by the grace of God to
the study of the revealed Word, with prayer,
and to a thoughtful and candid perusal of the
injunctions of the Saviour, to whom the young
were objects of the tenderest regard?
HIS REPENTANCE. 109
With his clearer view of the parental cha-
racter, and of the coridition of his own soul,
Adams became a religious man. He instructed
the young people about him in the fear of God.
He prayed for them, and for himself. He ob-
served the rules of the Church of England,
always had morning and evening prayers, and
taught the children the Collects, and other por-
tions of the Prayer-book, beginning with the
Lord's Prayer and the Apostles' Creed. The
youthful pupils took such delight in Adams's
instructions, that on one occasion, on his offering
to two of the lads, Arthur Quintall, and Robert
Young, some compensation for their labour in
preparing ground for planting yams, they pro-
posed, that, instead of his giving the present held
out to them, consisting of a small quantity of
gunpowder, he should teach them some extra
lessons out of the Bible, a request with which he
joyfully complied.
He exhorted the people, before going out fish-
ing, or proceeding on any dangerous enterprise, to
pray to God for His protection and blessing. On
one occasion, he and some of the Otaheitan women
went out fishing on the south side of the island.
The surf became heavy and broke their canoe.
To ascend the precipice was impossible. Their
only alternative was, as Adams told them, to
commit themselves by prayer to their Maker,
and swim to a rock some distance from the land,
and again swim to another part of the island.
This they did, and at last they all reached the
shore in safety.
Adams, in the latter part of his life, was very
110 SOCIETY'S EFFORTS FOR PITCAIRN.
fond of reading a book published by the Society
for Promoting Christian Knowledge, entitled,
" The Knowledge and Practice of Christianity ;
an Instruction for the Indians, by the Eight
Rev. Dr. Wilson, Bishop of Sodor and Man."
The reader may feel desirous of learning how
this " Instruction for the Indians " had reached
the island. It is satisfactory to find, by a refe-
rence to the records of the Society for Promoting
Christian Knowledge, that thirty-five years since,
Pitcairn partook of the benefits conferred by
that institution. In the Society's transactions
of the year 1819, ten years before Adams's death,
the following entry appears, under the head of the
Report from Calcutta ; Dr. Middleton being then
Bishop of Calcutta, and President of the Diocesan
Committee :
" In July last, an opportunity having occurred
of communicating with the little colony on Pit-
cairn's Island in the South Pacific ocean, by the
departure from Calcutta of the ship Hercules for
that place, the Committee were unwilling to
lose so interesting an occasion of adding to the
various benevolent contributions made for the
use of those islanders. It having been intimated
that a supply of Bibles had been furnished by
another Committee, the Diocesan Committee
made such a selection of other books and tracts
as appeared most suited to the situation of these
people, which, together with New Testaments,
Prayer-books, and children's school-books, were
placed under the care of Captain Henderson,
accompanied by the following letter, addressed
to John Adams, and the other islanders.
SECRET ART'S LETTER, 111
( To John Adams, and others on Pitcairrfs Island.
'CALCUTTA, July 15th, 1819.
' IT is with peculiar pleasure that I take an
opportunity of sending to you by Captain Hen-
derson, of the ship Hercules, a small stock of
religious books, of which, probably, your society
on Pitcairn's Island may stand much in need.
They are a present from a Committee of the
Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge,
established in this country ; and I am sure that
the prayers of this Committee attend their pre-
sent, that the books may lead to the advance-
ment of you all in religious knowledge, and in
Christian holiness of life. You will find books
of instruction fitted for all ages ; and may God
Almighty prosper you in the use of them !
c At some future time, perhaps not very dis-
tant, you may find opportunities of imparting
the knowledge which you acquire, to the natives
of other islands, in which the name of Jesus
Christ is not known ; and may become blessed
instruments in the hand of God for extending
the kingdom of his Son our Lord. I trust that
you will eagerly seize any such occasion ; and
that by the example of your own lives, and by
bringing up your children in habits of piety
and virtue, you will recommend the Christian
religion to others, as the only means of attaining
true happiness here and hereafter. The Com-
mittee would be very glad to hear of the welfare
of your little society; and I am, with every
good wish and prayer,
* Your faithful Servant,
6 J. HAWTAYNE, Joint Secretary.'"
112 RESULTS OF ADAMS'S LABOURS.
Adams was no ordinary man, or he could
never have accomplished the arduous task
which he had undertaken to perform. His
* work as a teacher must have been all the more
laborious from his having had little or no in-
struction in early days. He had never been at
school. His brother Jonathan Adams was a
waterman in London : and from him he some-
times received letters directed to him at Pitcairn.
Struggling against all his difficulties, John
Adams gained the best and most useful kind of
knowledge, and left a name the memory of which
is cherished beyond the borders of his little
island. He not only attended to the young, but
if any of the older inhabitants wanted counsel,
he gave it; if they were ill, he went and prayed
with them. By a steadfast adherence to the
line of duty which he had marked out for his
conduct, he could not but perceive that the
blessing of God was upon his labours. The
fruits of good became apparent, in a place where
indifference to religion, and looseness of morals
had prevailed ; and when we consider the latter
part of his pilgrimage, and the filial reverence
with which he was regarded by his juniors, we
may conclude that this island-patriarch had
much to cheer and encourage him, amidst the
trials and sorrows which had fallen upon him.
Among the most comfortable feelings of his
heart, as the end of his existence drew on,
was probably the well-grounded hope that the
rising generation would fear God, and keep His
commandments. Looking at the improved con-
dition of the people, just previously to his death,
CAUSES OF ALARM.
113
which happened in March 1829, when he was
sixty -five years of age, he might well have been
gladdened by the prospect of the continuance
among them of those firm and solid principles
of true religion, which had been fixed upon a
sure foundation, and which form a topic of
honourable mention at this very time.
Much of Adams's trouble and anxiety in
former years naturally arose from the fear of
being discovered and taken. In May 1795, he
and his brother mutineers, having observed
a ship nearing the island, in their terror hid
themselves in the bush. Having, after some
time, cautiously left their place of concealment,
they found a knife by the sea-side, and a few
cocoa-nut shells, proving that some persons had
landed. The visitors however, it would seem,
had not noticed any signs of houses, and had
therefore proceeded on their voyage.
CHAPTEE V.
THE CHRONOMETER OF THE BOUNTY DESCRIPTION OF THE
STATE OF PITCAIRN IN 1814, AND SUBSEQUENT YEARS-
ACCOUNT GIVEN BY SIR THOMAS STAINES BY CAPTAIN
BEECHEY EMIGRATION TO OTAHEITE IN 1831 QUEEN
POMARE HER LETTER TO QUEEN VICTORIA.
ON Captain Mayhew Folger's departure from
Pitcairn, after his visit there in 1808, in the
American ship Topaz, he carried away a Ken-
dall's chronometer, and an azimuth compass,
both of which had belonged to the Bounty.
In a letter to the Lords of the Admiralty, dated
Nantucket, March 1st, 1813, Folger stated that
the " time-keeper," and compass had been pre-
sented to him, on his leaving the island, by
Alexander Smith (John Adams). He added
that this time-keeper, after being in his pos-
session about six weeks, had been taken from
him by the governor of the island of Juan
Fernandez. The compass he forwarded to their
Lordships.
Admiral Sir Thomas Herbert, K.C.B., M.P. for
Dartmouth, in whose possession the chronometer
now is, has favoured the author not only with a
sight of this curious relic, but with some re-
markable particulars of its history. From these
particulars, it appears that this time-keeper had
THE CHEONOMETEE OF THE BOUNTY. 115
been previously twice carried out Iby Captain
Cook, in his voyages of discovery.
In 1776, when the Resolution was in the course
of equipment for her voyage, " the Board of
Longitude put into the possession of Captain
Cook, and Mr. King, his second lieutenant, the
time-keeper which Captain Cook had carried
out in his last voyage, and which had performed
so well. It was constructed by Mr. Kendall, and
was a copy of Mr. Harrison's."*
This time-keeper was taken out again by
Captain Bligh in 1787 ; and, after the mutiny on
board the Bounty, was carried by the mutineers
to Pitcairn's Island. According to Mayhew
Folger's statement, it was in the possession of
the governor of Juan Fernandez in 1808. It
was afterwards sold in Chili ; and subsequently
came into the possession of Alexander Cald-
cleuch, Esq. of Valparaiso, of whom Sir Thomas
Herbert purchased it in 1840, for fifty guineas,
That officer, who then commanded the Calliope,
had the instrument repaired at Valparaiso, took
it with him to China, and in 1843 brought it
home in the Blenheim. It was exhibited at the
Eoyal Institution, Albemarle- street, in 1844.
It is six inches in diameter, with three dials
on its face ; one for hours, one for minutes, and
one for seconds; with a massive outer silver
case, made as the outer cases of pocket watches
were eighty or ninety years since ; so that its
appearance is that of a gigantic watch. It
has " Larcum Kendall, London," inscribed on
vol.
* " Captain Cook's Voyage to the Pacific Ocean in 1766/
>1. i. p. 3. Ed. 1784.
116 LETTER FROM SIR T. STAINES.
the face. The same name, and the date, A.D.
1771, are engraved inside. It is at present in
London, and is an object of exceeding interest to
those who view it with reference to its history in
connexion with the Resolution and the Bounty.
But to return to Pitcairn. No further notice
was taken of the island or its inhabitants until
1814, when his Majesty's ships Briton and
Tagus, Captains Sir Thomas Staines and Cap-
tain Pipon, being in search of an American ship
of war, the Essex, which had been seizing some
of our whaling vessels, arrived at Pitcairn.
Adams upon this supposed that his time was
come, and that he should be carried away.
Although much alarmed, he did not attempt
concealment, but presented himself to the offi-
cers, who soon reassured him by saying that
he was not to be arrested ; the time was past
for that ; he had been a quarter of a century on
the island, and his presence was useful to the
islanders.
The condition of the place and people at that
date cannot be better described than by Sir T.
Staines, in his own words, in a letter addressed
by him to Vice- Admiral Manley Dixon :
"Briton, Valparaiso, Oct. 18, 1814.
" SIR, I have the honour to inform you that
on my passage from the Marquesas Islands to
this point, on the morning of the 17th Septem-
ber, I fell in with an island where none is laid
down in the Admiralty or other charts, accord-
ing to the several chronometers of the Briton
and Tagus. I therefore hove to until daylight,
LETTER FROM SIR T. STAINES. 117
and then closed, to ascertain whether it was
inhabited, which I soon discovered it to be, and,
to my great astonishment, found that every
individual on the island (forty in number)
spoke very good English. They proved to be
the descendants of the deluded crew of the
Bounty, which from Otaheite proceeded to the
above-mentioned island, where the ship was
burnt.
" Christian appeared to have been the leader,
and the sole cause of the mutiny in that ship.
A venerable old man, named John Adams, is
the only surviving Englishman of those who last
quitted Otaheite in her, and whose exemplary
conduct, and fatherly care of the whole little
colony, could not but command admiration. The
pious manner in which all those born on the
island have been reared, the correct sense of
religion which has been instilled into their young
minds by this old man, has given him the pre-
eminence over the whole of them, to whom they
look up as the father of the whole, and one
family.
" A son of Christian was the first born on the
island, now about twenty-five years of age
(named Thursday October Christian) ; the elder
Christian fell a sacrifice to the jealousy of an
Otaheitan man, within three or four years after
their arrival on the island. They were accom-
panied thither by six Otaheitan men and twelve
women ; the former were all swept away by
desperate contentions between them and the
Englishmen, and five of the latter have died
at different periods, leaving at present only
118 BRITON AND TAGUS.
one man and several women of the original
settlers.
" The island must, undoubtedly, be that called
Pitcairn, although erroneously laid down in the
charts. We had the meridian sun close to it,
which gave us 25 deg. 4 min. S. latitude, and
130 deg. 25 min. W. longitude, by chrono-
meters of the Briton and Tagus. It is abundant
in yams, plantains, hogs, goats, and fowls, but
affords no shelter for a ship or vessel of any
description ; neither could a ship water there
without great difficulty.
" I cannot refrain from offering my opinion
that it is well worthy the attention of our laud-
able religious Societies, particularly that for
propagating the Christian religion, the whole of
the inhabitants speaking the Otaheitan tongue
as well as English. During the whole of the
time they have been on the island, only one
ship has ever communicated with them, which
took place about six years since, by an American
ship called the Topaz, of Boston, May hew
Folger, master. The island is completely iron-
bound, with rocky shores, and landing in boats
at all times difficult, although safe to approach
within a short distance in a ship.
(Signed) "T. STAINES."
It is rather remarkable, that in this letter
John Adams should have been styled a " vene-
rable old man," as he was then only fifty years
of age. But he had suffered much anxiety ; for
a long period of his life he had been a stranger
to security; and his weather-beaten face bore
marks of a more advanced age than that which
BEITON AND TAGUS. 119
he had attained. He is mentioned in Bligh's
description, as very much pitted with the small-
pox, and " tattowed on his "body, legs, arms,
and feet."
As the real position of the island was ascer-
tained to be far distant from that in which it
had been usually laid down in the charts, and
as Sir T. Staines and Captain Pipon seem to
have still considered it as uninhabited, they
were not a little surprised, on approaching its
shores, to behold plantations regularly laid out,
and huts or houses, more neatly constructed
than those of the Marquesas Islands. When
about two miles from the landing-place, some
natives were observed bringing down their
canoes on their shoulders, dashing through a
heavy surf, and paddling off to the ships; but
the astonishment of our sailors was unbounded
on hearing one of the natives, on approaching
the ship, call out in the English language,
" Won't you heave us a rope, now?"
The first man who got on board the Briton
soon proved who they were. His name, he said,
was Thursday October Christian, the first born
on the island,* son of Fletcher Christian. He
was then about twenty-five years of age, a fine
young man, about six feet high, his hair deep
black, his countenance open and interesting,
of a brownish cast, but free from all that mixture
of a reddish tint which prevails on the Pacific
islands; his only dress was a piece of cloth
round his loins, and a straw hat, ornamented
* He was born on a Thursday in October.
120 INTERVIEW WITH ADAMS.
with the black feathers of the domestic fowl,
" With a great share of good humour," says
Captain Pipon, " we were glad to trace in his
benevolent countenance all the features of an
honest English face.- I must confess," he con-
tinues, " I could not survey this interesting
person without feelings of tenderness and com-
passion. His companion was named George
Young, a fine youth, of seventeen or eighteen
years of age."
If the astonishment of the captains was great
on hearing their first salutation in English, their
surprise and interest were not a little increased,
on Sir Thomas Staines taking the youths below
and setting before them something to eat, when
one of them rose up, and placing his hands
together in a posture of devotion, distinctly
repeated, and in a pleasing tone and manner,
" For what we are going to receive, the Lord
make us truly thankful."
They expressed great surprise on seeing a
cow on board the Uriton, and were in doubt
whether she was a great goat, or a horned sow.
The two captains of his Majesty's ships ac-
companied these young men on shore. With
some difficulty and a good wetting, and with
the assistance of their conductors, they ac-
complished a landing through the surf, and
were soon after met by John Adams, who
conducted them to his house. His wife accom-
panied him, an old person, blind and infirm.
He was at first alarmed, lest the visit was to
apprehend him: but on being told that they
had been perfectly ignorant of his existence, he
APPEARANCE AND DEPORTMENT. 121
was relieved from his anxiety. Being once
assured that the visit was of a peaceable nature,
it is' impossible to describe the joy these poor
people manifested on seeing those whom they
were pleased to consider as their countrymen.
Yams, cocoa-nuts, and other fruits, with fine
fresh eggs, were laid before them; and Adams
would have killed and dressed a hog for his
visitors, but time would not allow them to
partake of the intended feast.
This interesting settlement then consisted of
about forty -six persons, mostly grown-up young-
people, besides a number of infants. The young-
men (all born on the island) were very athletic,
and of fine forms, their countenances open and
pleasing, indicating much benevolence and good-
ness of heart; but the young women were
objects of particular admiration; tall, robust,
and well formed, their faces beaming with
smiles, and unruffled good humour, but wearing
a degree of modesty and bashfulness that would
do honour to the most virtuous nation on earth.
Their teeth, like ivory, were regular and beauti-
ful, without a single exception; and all of them,
both male and female, had the most marked
English features.
We are told, moreover, in the pleasing account
given in the Quarterly Review of that date :
"They sometimes wreathe caps or bonnets
for the head, in the most tasty manner, to
protect the face from the rays of the sun; and
though, as Captain Pipon observes, they have
only had the instruction of their Otaheitan
mothers, 'our dressmakers in London would be
I
122 OCCUPATIONS.
delighted with the simplicity, and ' yet elegant
taste, of these untaught females. 7
" Their native modesty, assisted Iby a proper
sense of religion and morality, instilled into
their youthful minds by John Adams, had
hitherto preserved these interesting people pure
and uncorrupted.
" They all labour, while young, in the culti-
vation of the ground ; arid when possessed of a
sufficient quantity of cleared land, and of stock
to maintain a family, they are allowed to marry,
but always with the consent of Adams.
" The greatest harmony prevailed in this
little society ; their only quarrels, (and these
rarely happened) being, according to their own
expression, quarrels of the mouth. They are
honest in their dealings, which consist of barter-
ing different articles for mutual accommodation.
" Their habitations are extremely neat. The
little village of Pitcairn forms a pretty square,
the houses at the upper end of which are occu-
pied by the patriarch John Adams and his
family, consisting of his old blind wife and
three daughters, from fifteen to eighteen years
of age, and a boy of eleven ; a daughter of his
wife by a former husband, and a son-in-law.
On the opposite side is the dwelling of Thursday
October Christian, and in the centre is a smooth
verdant lawn, on which the poultry are let loose,
fenced in so as to prevent the intrusion of the
domestic quadrupeds. All that was done, was
obviously undertaken on a settled plan, unlike
to anything to be met with on the other islands.
In their houses they had a good deal of decent
AGRICULTURE. 123
furniture, consisting of beds laid upon bedsteads,
with neat coverings : they had also tables, and
large chests to contain their valuables and
clothing, which is made from the bark of a
certain tree, prepared chiefly by the elder Ota-
heitan females. Adams's house consisted of two
rooms, and the windows had shutters to pull to
at night. The younger part of the sex are, as
before stated, employed with their brothers,
under the direction of Adams, in the culture of
the ground, which produced cocoa-nuts, bananas,
the bread-fruit-tree, yams, sweet potatoes, and
turnips. They have also plenty of hogs and
goats; the woods abound with a species of wild
hog, and the coasts of the island with several
kinds of good fish.
" Their agricultural implements are made by
themselves, from the iron supplied by the Bounty,
which with great labour they beat out into
spades, hatchets, &c. This was not all. The
old man kept a regular journal, in which was
entered the nature and quantity of work per-
formed by each family, what each had received,
and what was due on account. There was, it
seemed, besides private property, a sort of general
stock, out of which articles were issued on ac-
count to the several members of the community;
and, for mutual accommodation, exchanges of
one kind of provision for another were very fre-
quent, as salt for fresh provisions, vegetables and
fruit for poultry, fish, &c. ; also, when the stores
of one family were low, or wholly expended, a
fresh supply was raised from another, or out of
124 CAPTAIN BEECHEY'S ACCOUNT.
the general stock, to be repaid when circum-
stances were more favourable."*
The name of John Adams is so closely identi-
fied with Pitcairn's Island, and so much of the
present happy state of the people is owing, under
the Divine blessing, to him, that it is difficult to
say too much on this part of the subject. The
description given by Captain Beechey of Adams,
as well as of the young islanders, who came out
in a boat to the Blossom, when off the island in
December 1825, is so graphic, that it must be
quoted in his own words :
" They sprang up the side, and shook every
officer by the hand, with undisguised feelings of
gratification. The activity of the young men
outstripped that of old Adams, who was, conse-
quently, almost the last to greet us. He was
unusually strong and active for his age, notwith-
standing the inconvenience of considerable corpu-
lency. He was dressed in a sailor's shirt and
trowsers, and a low-crowned hat, which he in-
stinctively held in his hand until desired to put it
on. He still retained his sailor's gait, doffing his
hat, and smoothing down his bald forehead, when-
ever he was addressed by the officers. It was the
first time he had been on board a ship of war since
the mutiny, and his mind naturally reverted to
scenes which could not fail to produce a tempo-
rary embarrassment, heightened, perhaps, by the
familiarity with which he found himself ad-
dressed by persons of a class with those whom
* See Quarterly Review, vol. iii. p. 378, &c.
DESCRIPTION OF YOUNG ISLANDERS. 125
he had been accustomed to obey. Apprehension
for his safety formed no part of his thoughts :
he had received too many demonstrations of the
good feeling that existed towards him, both on
the part of the British Government and of indi-
viduals, to entertain any alarm on that head ;
and as every person endeavoured to set his mind
at rest, he very soon made himself at home.
" The young men, ten in number, were tall,
robust, and healthy, with good-natured counte-
nances which would anywhere have procured
them a friendly reception ; and with a simplicity
of manner, and a fear of doing wrong, which at
once prevented the possibility of giving offence.
Unacquainted with the world, they asked a
number of questions, which would have applied
better to persons with whom they had been inti-
mate, and who had left them but a short time
before, than to perfect strangers ; and inquired
after ships and people we had never heard of.
Their dress, made up of the presents which had
been given them by the masters and seamen of
merchant ships, was a perfect caricature. Some
had on long black coats, without any other article
of dress, except trowsers ; some, shirts without
coats ; and others, waistcoats without either ;
none had shoes or stockings, and only two pos-
sessed hats, neither of which seemed likely to
hang long together."
The following picture of filial affection, drawn
by a careful and intelligent observer, is well
worthy of insertion. Captain Beechey, anxious
to visit the houses at Pitcairn, rather than pass
another night at sea, determined to put off with
126 FILIAL AFFECTION.
some of his men in boats, and to accompany
Adams and the islanders on shore. He says :
" The difficulty of landing was more than repaid
by the friendly reception we met with on the
beach from Hannah Young, a very interesting
young woman, the daughter of Adams. It ap-
peared that John BufTett, who was a seafaring
man, ascertained the ship was a man-of-war;
and, not knowing exactly why, became so
alarmed for the safety of Adams, that he either
could not, or would not, answer any of the inter-
rogations which were put to him. This mys-
terious silence set all the party in tears, as they
feared he had discovered something adverse to
their patriarch. At length his obduracy yielded
to their entreaties ; but before he explained the
cause of his conduct, the boats were seen to put
off from the ship, and Hannah immediately
hurried to the beach to kiss the old man's cheek,
which she did with a fervency demonstrative of
the warmest affection."
Captain Beechey observes, that Adams on no
occasion neglected his usual devotions. The old
man, while on board the Blossom, slept in that
officer's cabin, in a retired corner of which he
fell on his knees each night, to say his prayers,
and was always up first in the morning for the
same purpose. Captain Beechey, who made
many highly valuable notes respecting the cha-
racter and customs of the people twenty-seven
years since, gives the following remarkable
account of them :
" During the whole time I was with them
I never heard them indulge in a joke, or other
REVERENCE FOR THE LORD'S DAY. 127
levity; and the practice of it is apt to give
offence. They are so accustomed to take what
is said in its literal meaning, that irony was
always considered a falsehood, in spite of ex-
planation. They could not see the propriety of
tittering what was not strictly true, for any
purpose whatever. The Sabbath-day is devoted
entirely to prayer, reading, and serious medita-
tion. No boat is allowed to quit the shore, nor
any work whatever to be done, cooking excepted,
for which preparation is made the preceding
evening. I attended their church on this day,
and found the service well conducted. The
prayers were read by Adams, and the lessons by
Burfett ; the service being preceded by hymns.
The greatest devotion was apparent in every
individual, and in the children there was a
seriousness unknown in the younger part of our
communities at home. In the course of the
Litany they prayed for their sovereign, and all
the royal family, with much apparent loyalty and
sincerity. Some family prayers, which were
thought appropriate to their particular case, were
added to the usual service, and Adams, fearful
of leaving out any essential part, read in addition
those prayers which are intended only as substi-
tutes for others. A sermon followed, which was
very well delivered by Buffett; and lest any
part of it should be forgotten, or escape attention,
it was read three times. The whole concluded
with hymns, which were first sung by the grown
people, and afterwards by the children. The
service thus performed was very long; but the
neat and cleanly appearance of the congregation ,
128 EARL WALDEGRAVE'S ACCOUNT.
the devotion that animated every countenance,
and the innocence and simplicity of the little
children, prevented the attendance from becoming
wearisome. In about half an hour afterwards
we again assembled to prayers. They may be
said to have church five times on a Sunday.
" All that remains to be said of these excellent
people is. that they appear to live together in
perfect harmony and contentment; to be vir-
tuous, religious, cheerful and hospitable beyond
the limits of prudence; to be patterns of conjugal
and parental affection, and to have very few
vices. We remained with them many days,
and their unreserved manners gave us the fullest
opportunity of becoming acquainted with any
faults they might have possessed."*
In the year 1830, the Hon. W. Waldegrave,
Captain of H.M.S. Seringapatam, touched at
Pitcairn's Island. The following extracts from
a letter of this officer, now Earl Waldegrave,
will show that the moral and religious training
of the rising generation had been well attended
to subsequently to John Adams's death :
" Pitcairn's Island, March 17, 1830.
"On the 15th of March I landed at this
island, and was friendly and hospitably received
by George Nobbs and all the inhabitants. My
officers and men were most kindly treated at
breakfast and dinner, and slept in their houses.
My crew received a supply of cocoa-nuts and
fruits. I had the gratification to hear William
* Captain F. W. Beechey's " Narrative of a Voyage to the
Pacific and Behring's Straits;" a work of much interest.
EMIGRATION TO OTAHEITE. 129
Quintall say part of the Catechism, and answer
several questions as to his knowledge of the
redemption in Christ, and of the different habits
of the Jews, their sects and diseases, perfectly,
clearly, and distinctly ; showing that he under-
stood their meaning. I also heard two little
girls repeat part of a hymn, which showed to me
how well they had been instructed ; and lastly
I attended at their evening prayers. I can
only trust that the God who preserves this
island a"nd its inhabitants from foreign injury,
may keep them alive in the true faith of Jesus
Christ, in purity and peace ; so that each per-
son, at his death, may quit this world in the
expectation of being for ever in heaven, through
the merits of Jesus Christ. It was with very
great satisfaction that I observed the Christian
simplicity of these natives. They appeared
to have no guile. Their cottages were open
to all, and all were welcome to their food ; the
pig, the fowl, was killed and dressed instantly ;
the beds were ready ; each was willing to
show any and every part of the island. Before
they began a meal, all joined hands in the
attitude of prayer, with eyes raised to heaven ;
and one recited a simple grace, grateful for the
present food, but beseeching spiritual nourish-
ment. Each answered, Amen, and after a pause
the meal began. At the conclusion, another
grace was offered up. Should any one arrive
during the repast, all ceased to eat. The new
guest said grace, to which each repeated, Amen,
and then the meal continued."
There having been the fear of a dearth of
130 QUEEN POMARE.
water at Pitcairn in 1831, the people, eighty-
seven in number, were removed from the island,
by order of the British Government, in the
barque Lucy Anne, sent from Sydney, New
South Wales. On being landed at Otaheite on
March 23d, they were well received by Queen
Pomare.
Captain Sandilands, of H.M.'s ship Comet, in
his despatch to Rear- Admiral Sir E. W. Owen,
K.C.B., gave an interesting report of this case of
emigration, and of the manner in which the
voyagers were welcomed by Queen Pomare,
who was then, and is still, the ruling sovereign
of Otaheite. At her Majesty's desire, Captain
Sandilands landed the people of Pitcairn at her
residence, about three miles from the anchorage,
where houses were provided for them, until she
gave up for their temporary use a large dwell-
ing belonging to herself in the town of Papiete.
A tract of rich land was also marked out, as
a desirable territory for their future residence.
Having assembled the chiefs of the district, the
Queen, in a speech, formally announced that she
had assigned this land to her guests from Pit-
cairn, giving directions at the same time that
her people should immediately commence the
construction of houses for the new comers. In
showing this hospitality, she appears to have
consulted her own kind disposition, and also to
have endeavoured to fulfil the promises given by
her father, the late king Pomare', who had pro-
mised them welcome and protection in case of
need. Nor was this good feeling confined to the
Queen. Much regard was generally shown by the
LETTER TO HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY. 131
Otaheitans, who sought out with diligence
whether there might not be relations among
their guests. In one instance a woman came a
considerable distance, and discovered in one of
the four remaining women a long-absent sister.
The fact of Queen Pom are having been en-
gaged in a troublesome civil war at the time of
the visit of the islanders, places her kindness and
attention to them in a still more pleasing light.
This is the Queen Pomare, who, early in
1843, complained to her Majesty, Queen Vic-
toria, of the proceedings of the French, in
threatening her peace and government. There
is much pathos and simplicity in the Otaheitan
Queen's mode of address to her " Sister and
Friend." The following are extracts from her
letter literally translated:
" Tahiti, January 23, 1843.
" My dear Friend and Sister, Queen Victoria,
Queen of Great Britain, Health and peace to
you! And saved may you be by Jehovah, the
Foundation of our power as Queens of our res-
pective countries. We dwell in peace by the
arrangements made by our predecessors.
" This is my speech to you, my sister friend.
Commiserate me in my affliction, in my help-
lessness, in which my nation is involved with
France.
" The existing protectorate government of
France in my dominions I do not acknowledge.
I knew nothing of what my chiefs and the
French Consul had done before I wrote to you
by Captain Jones, I being absent at Kaiate."
132 LETTER TO HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY.
After bemoaning the dependent state into
which she had been thrown by French inter-
vention, and the political movements of her
chiefs, she proceeds:
" And now, my friend, think of me, have
compassion on me, and assist me; let it be
powerful, let it be timely, and saving, that I
may be reinstated in my government.
" Have compassion on me in my present
trouble, in my affliction, and great helplessness.
Do not cast me away ; assist me quickly, my
friend. I run to you for refuge, to be covered
under your great shadow, the same as afforded
to my fathers by your fathers, who are now
dead, and whose kingdoms have descended to
us the weaker vessels. " I renew that agreement.
Let it be lasting and for ever. Let its con-
tinuance extend not only to ourselves and
children, but to our children's children. My
friend, do not by any means separate our friend-
ship. This is my true wish.
" I now deliver up to you, my friend, my last
effort. My only hope of being restored is iu
you. Be quick to help me, for I am nearly
dead. I am like a captive pursued by a war-
rior and nearly taken, whose spear is close to
me. The time is very nigh, when I fear I shall
lose my government and my land.
" My friend, send quickly a large ship of war
to assist me. A French ship of war is daily
expected here. Speedily send a ship of war to
protect me, and I shall be saved. It is my
wish that the Admiral may speedily come to
Tahiti. If he cannot speedily come, I wish a
QUEEN POMARE.
133
large ship of war may come just at this present
time. " Continually send here your ships of war.
Let not one month pass away without one, until
all my present difficulties are over.
" I have also at this time written a letter to
your Admiral on the Spanish coast, to come to
Tahiti and assist me. Health and peace to you !
may you be blessed, my sister friend, Queen of
Great Britain, &c.
" POMARE, Queen of Tahiti."
Queen Pomare, however, and her people, were
doomed to feel the power of the French, who
erected a fort, commanding the entrance to the
harbour of Otaheite. They have a frigate and
a war-steamer anchored there, and a military
force on the island. The Queen is married, and
has children. She adopted Reuben Nobbs, the
Pastor's eldest son, but did not remove him from
the care of his parents.
CHAPTER VI.
RETURN OF THE PITCAIRN EMIGRANTS TO THEIR ISLAND IN
1833 PRESENT POPULATION OF PITCAIRN THE QUEEN'S
BIRTHDAY ACCIDENT ON THE ISLAND LOYALTY OF THE
ISLANDERS THEIR RULES AND CUSTOMS THE ISLANDERS'
DAY AT PITCAIRN RECEPTION OF VESSELS TOUCHING AT
THE ISLAND HOSPITALITY TO STRANGERS MR. CARLETON's
MUSICAL CLASS.
To return to the Pitcairn emigrants at Otaheite.
Their health suffered in the new climate ; arid the
licentious habits of the place proved distaste-
ful to that well-ordered Christian community.
It was owing partly to this, and partly to the
love of country, which is a powerful principle at
Pitcairn, tjiat the people soon found their way
back to their own home. When the British
ship, Challenger, touched at Otaheite in 1833,
it appeared that all whom death had spared had
returned to Pitcairn. Some had yielded to the
temptations to intemperance. Sickness also had
become prevalent among them, and had carried
off twelve. Five died almost immediately after
their return.
Very serious consideration will doubtless be
given to the subject, before any plans are
adopted for the removal of the inhabitants from
this island to another, on the score of necessity.
Mr. Nobbs said, in the hearing of the author,
that as long as two families should remain at
Pitcairn, he would remain also. Captain Fan-
EMIGRATION. 135
shawe, who visited the islanders in 1849, ob-
served : "I could not trace in any of them the
slightest desire to remove elsewhere. On the
contrary, they expressed the greatest repugnance
to do so, whilst a sweet potato remained to them ;
a repugnance much enhanced by their emigra-
tion to Otaheite about eighteen years ago."
At that time, however, they had not been en-
couraged by the hope, that in the event of their
crops failing, or their population increasing, they
might probably be transferred to some more
roomy island, blest with a genial climate and a
fertile soil.
It will be seen, in the progress of this work,
that a scarcity of provisions, followed by general
illness in the island, in the year 1853, has
caused a strong feeling of the necessity for a
change of residence ; though George Adams,
who is now fifty years old, declares that he
should prefer remaining, that he may, when his
time comes, be buried in the grave of his father.
If found needful, a certain amount of emigration
might take place, formed on the principle of
serving the interests of others, as well as their
own, by means of Christian instruction and ex-
ample : and the good leaven, thus infused into
other communities, would, with God's blessing,
produce the happiest effects upon them.
In the little work entitled " The Mutiny of
the Bounty," it is remarked that the Pitcairners
have already proceeded from the simple canoe
to row-boats ; and that the progress from this
to small- decked vessels is simple and natural.
They may thus, at some future period, be the
136 QUEEN VICTORIA'S BIETHDAY.
means of spreading Christianity and civiliza-
tion throughout the numerous groups of islands
in the Southern Pacific.
By the last accounts received, the number of
persons inhabiting Pitcairn's island was 172 :
namely, 85 males, and 87 females. All are
natives of the place except three : the Kev. Geo.
H. Nobbs, John BufTett, and John Evans. The
only surnames on the island are eight : namely,
Adams, Christian, M'Coy, Quintall, Young,
Buffett, Evans, and Nobbs. Brown, Martin,
and Williams, had no children ; none of the
Otaheitan men had any children. John Mills
left no son.
The original division of the island was into
nine parts, between the nine mutineers ; it is
now subdivided into twenty-one, the present
number of families. Some little misunderstand-
ings occasionally arise as to boundaries ; but
these, as well as such other matters of dispute
as now and then occur, are generally soon settled
by the chief magistrate and the two councillors.
The owners of "this sceptered isle,"
" This precious stone set in the silver sea,"
avow a hearty allegiance to the Queen of Eng-
land. Her Majesty's birth-day is observed as
an occasion of much joy. All the people as-
semble near the church, in holiday apparel ; the
bell is set ringing, and old and young unite in
singing loyal songs in honour of the day. By
their Pastor's account, not only the cheerful bell
was heard ; but it had been usual to introduce
the deep-mouthed gun to assist at the solemnity.
ACCIDENT ON THE ISLAND. 137
The history of this gun is curious, and, in some
respects, painful. It once belonged to the
Bounty, and was fished up from the bottom of
the sea in 1845, with one of its companions,
which had been spiked, and which was therefore
useless. The better of the two, after remaining
many fathoms deep for five-and-fifty years, was
much honeycombed; and, when brought into
play, it was generally used with caution.
It has been stated above, that H. M. steamer,
Virago, left Callao for Pitcairn, last winter, on an
errand of kindness. She arrived at the island on
the 24th of January, 1853, and the officers and
such of the crew as had landed were about to
take their leave. The Virago was the first steam
vessel the people had ever seen, no steamer having
before visited Pitcairn; and they had enjoyed,
by the captain's invitation, an agreeable excur-
sion in the vessel round the island. Captain
Prevost had wished all farewell, and had gone
on board to start for Otaheite.
This was on January the 26th, when a
most serious accident occurred. The magistrate,
Matthew M'Coy, and two others, Charles Driver
Christian, and William Evans, were employed in
loading the old gun of the Bounty, to salute the
Virago, on her departure. The rammer used was
an old rafter, on the top of which was a nail.
Whilst Matthew was in the act of ramming home
the charge, the friction caused by the nail effected
the explosion of the powder. He was blown
away several yards from the gun, and his arm
was knocked to pieces. The two other men
were severely wounded.
K
138 LOYALTY.
Matthew's arm was carefully amputated ; but
the shock to the system was too severe; and
after he had lingered twelve hours in great
agony, death put a period to his sufferings. He
had the character of being a good man, and well
prepared for death. The other two, though
severely hurt, happily recovered, and were able
to attend Divine service on Easter Day, March
27th. Matthew M'Coy was a grandson of Wil-
liam M'Coy, the mutineer, and was about thirty-
five years of age. He was married to Margaret
Christian, a sister of Mrs. Nobbs, and had a
large family. The old' gun has been spiked, and
will never be used again. But to return to a
more cheerful portion of the narrative.
The scene presented by the assemblage of
people on the Queen's birthday has been de-
picted by a poet of their own. The following
stanzas by Mr. Nobbs, in one of his national
songs, produce a pleasing sketch :
Ha ! that flash yon grove illuming,
Long impervious to the sun ;
Now the quick report comes booming
From the ocean-rescued gun.
Now the bell is gaily ringing,
Where yon white-robed train is seen ;
Now they all unite in singing
GOD PRESERVE OUR GRACIOUS QUEEN !
In the year 1849, a Frenchman, of a military
air, and partly military costume, arriving, with
some other travellers, from the brig Fanny, was
courteously received by the islanders. With
the politeness characteristic of his countrymen,
he soon engaged in conversation with Mr. Nobbs,
LOYALTY. 139
and, in imperfect English, inquired, Whether
the people of Pitcairn had heard of Prince Louis
Napoleon, and the French Republic? and, as
the next question, Would they enlist themselves
under it ? Suiting the action to the word, he
took a paper for signatures from his pocket.
He was briefly answered by Mr. Nobbs's
quietly pointing to the English flag, which
waved in the wind over their heads ;
" The flag that braved a thousand years
The battle and the breeze ! "
The Pastor then assured him, that they knew
all about Louis Napoleon, and the French Re-
public ; but that all the people on the island
were faithful subjects of Victoria, Queen of
England. The Frenchman again bowed, begged
pardon, returned the paper to his pocket, and
explained, that " he did not know Pitcairn was
a colony."
Though it is not a colony, it is entirely
English ; and such a loyal and united commu-
nity, as a whole, cannot be found in any of the
colonies or dependencies of the British empire.
The English union-jack is hoisted on all grand
occasions ; and to England the people would
look for protection, should any attempt be made
to disturb their position. But who would think
of disturbing so inoffensive and so poor a set-
tlement ?
Their leading man is a magistrate, who is
elected on the first of January every year, by a
general vote of males and females who have
attained the age of eighteen years. Married
140 OFFICE OF MAGISTRATE.
persons, both males and females, though they
may be under that age, are entitled to vote.
Two councillors are chosen at the same time, one
elected by the magistrate, the other 'by the
people. When there is any dispute to be settled,
which cannot well be decided by the magistrate,
or by the magistrate and councillors combined,
a jury of seven is called, to whom the matter is
referred. Then should it not be satisfactorily
arranged, it stands over until the arrival of a
British man-of-war ; and there is no appeal
against the Captain's decision. During the
interval the matter drops, and no ill-feeling re-
mains. It is a principle with them, which was
specially urged upon them by John Adams,
never to let the sun go down upon their wrath.
What an example is conveyed in the practical
adherence to this scriptural rule ! How simple
and effectual a mode of adjusting differences,
and preventing the growth of malice, and all
un charitableness !
" The wise will let their anger cool,
At least before 'tis night ;
But in the bosom of a fool
It burns till morning light."
The office of magistrate is not coveted: it
being in some respects an invidious one. It
often happens, that the person for whom this
honour is designed would, rather than accep.t it,
kill a hog for the public good. The duties of
the magistracy are always fulfilled without fear,
favour, or affection.
With respect to the general appearance of
DRESS AND HABITS. 141
the islanders, in their features and complexion,
as well as their dress and manners, they are
said to resemble the people of one of our English
villages of the better order. A few of them are,
however, rather darker than the generality of
Europeans, partaking more of their half-Otahei-
tan descent.
A few words about dress. The women gene-
rally wear a full petticoat, and over that a loose
gown, with a handkerchief thrown over the
shoulders. A wreath of flowers is often worn
round the head. There are many large trees on
the island, which produce small white flowers,
much esteemed for their fragrance ; and of the
flowers of this tree (Morinda citrifolia) , or a
mixture of them with bright red flowers, the
females make their wreaths. Their hair is worn
in bands, and is brought up in a very becoming
manner into a knot cleverly twisted behind.
The men wear short trousers, the legs of which
are cut off two or three inches above the knee.
A shirt, and a cap or hat, complete their costume.
They seldom wear shoes or stockings, except on
Sundays.
The people live principally on vegetables,
having meat about once a-week; and each
family gets fish once, and, occasionally, twice
a-week. The fishing is difficult and precarious,
as they have to seek the fish in very deep water,
often at the depth of 150 or 200 fathoms.
At the commencement of the yam-digging
season, in April, when there is much hard work
in prospect, and they require better food, and
more of it, each family, having a hog, kills it.
142 STRENGTH AND ACTIVITY.
This is the period for the people to indulge, be-
yond their usual custom, in animal food.
There are three burial-places on the island.
The funerals are always attended by every
member of the community, who is able to go
out of doors, even if the deceased should be but
an infant.
The children are early instructed in swim-
ming; and many of their sports are in the water.
They also learn to thread the difficult passes of
the rocks like so many young goats. The per-
sonal strength and activity of the men, which are
described by Captain Beechey, as he observed
them in 1825, do not seem to be diminished at
the present day. Lieutenant Belcher, mentioned
in the subjoined extract, is now Captain Sir Ed-
ward Belcher, C.B., who has gone out in H.M.S.
Assistance, to the North Seas, in search of the
missing crews of the gallant and enterprising
Sir John Franklin.
" Two of the strongest men on the island,
George Young, and Edward Quintal!, have
each carried at one time, without inconvenience,
a kedge anchor, two sledge hammers, and an
armourer's anvil, amounting to upwards of six
hundredweight. Quintall, at another time, car-
ried a boat, twenty-eight feet in length. Their
activity on land has been already mentioned.
I shall merely give another instance, which was
supplied by Lieut. Belcher, who was admitted
to be the most active among the officers on
board, and who did not consider himself behind-
hand in such exploits. He offered to accompany
one of the natives down a difficult descent, in
THE PITCAIRNEKS' DAY. 143
spite of the warning given by his friend, that he
was unequal to the task. They, however, com-
menced the perilous descent; but Mr. Belcher
was obliged to confess his inability to proceed,
whilst his companion, perfectly assured of his
own footing, offered him his hand, and said he
would conduct him to the bottom, if he would
depend on him for safety. In the water they
are almost as much at home as on land, and can
remain nearly a whole day in the sea. They
frequently swam round their little island. When
the sea beat heavily on the island, they have
plunged into the breakers and swum to sea
beyond them. This they sometimes did, push-
ing a barrel of water before them, when it could
be got off in no other way; and in this manner
we procured several tons of water without a
single cask being stove."
The Rev. Wm. Armstrong, late Chaplain at
Valparaiso, and now residing in New Bruns-
wick, in a letter to the author, from Valparaiso,
dated October 1849, stated that an English
man-of-war, the Pandora, had lately arrived
direct from Pit cairn, and that the commander,
Lieut. Wood, and the officers, had given the
most pleasing account of the happy state in
which their little community were living. They
were described as a remarkably strong and
healthy people. For instance, a young woman,
eighteen years of age, had been accustomed to
carry on her shoulders a hundred pounds weight
of yams over hills and precipitous places, and
for a considerable distance, where one unaccus-
tomed to such exercise would scarcely be able
144 GOOD CONDUCT OF VISITORS.
to scramble. A man, sixty years old, with ease
carried the surgeon of the Pandora up a steep
ascent from the landing-place, which he had
himself in vain attempted to mount, the ground
being very slippery from recent rains; and
the officer being a large man, six feet high,
rendered it the more surprising. Indeed, Lieut.
Wood said he was himself borne aloft in the
arms of a damsel, and carried up the hill with
the utmost facility.
From the date of the first intelligence re-
specting the inhabitants of Pitcairn, there has"
been no variation in the character given of them.
As they were, in purity and peace, those two
great essentials of human happiness, when Sir
Thomas Staines visited the island, in 1814, so
they are now in 1853, the same contented,
kind, and God-fearing race. Nor need we feel
surprise at this, however delighted we may be
with the picture. They are sensible of the
treasure which they possess in the Bible, and
take it for their guide in the performance of their
duty towards God, and their neighbour. And
they have learned to estimate the value and
excellency of the Book of Common Prayer,
which, as a faithful exponent of the revealed
word of God, has tended to keep them " in the
unity of faith, in the bond of peace, and in
righteousness of life."
The difficulty of landing on the island, and
the want of harbour and anchorage, though at
first sight a disadvantage, may have proved a
blessing, in preserving these simple-minded
people from the baneful effects too likely to
THE PITCAIRNEES' DAY. 145
arise from crews remaining, as a matter of
course, among them. As it is, the behaviour
both of officers and men who visit the place, is
stated to be most exemplary. No encourage-
ment is given to evil ; and no instance can be
quoted of the transgression, on the part of
visitors, of the sacred law of hospitality. On
the contrary, the good habits, and moral and
religious conduct of the islanders, do not fail to
produce, by the power of example, a wholesome
influence on strangers.
If it be asked, how the people pass their
time, and what they can have to do in a spot,
whose utmost limit is barely four miles and a
half in circumference, comprising less of extent
than Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens put
together, the question may be answered by a
description of the Pitcairn Islanders' ordinary
day.
They rise early, generally as soon as it is
light. As the difference of longitude between
England and Pitcairn is about 130 degrees, or
nearly nine hours in time, at seven in the
morning with them, it is about four in the
afternoon with us. Each house has early
family prayer, preceded by Scripture read-
ing ; two chapters of the Bible being generally
selected for the morning, and one for the even-
ing. After some slight refreshment, or none,
(for they have only two regular meals a day,) the
business of the Pitcairners' day begins.
The young people are sent to school, in
pursuance of a law of the island; and after
the " graver hours, that bring constraint, and
146 THE PITCAIRNEES' DAY.
sweeten liberty," they have their needful food,
and their childish amusements. They are fond
of flying kites, and of games at ball ; though
the want of room on the island imposes a limit
on the nature and number of the out-of-door
diversions both of young and old.
The occupation of the men consists in culti-
vating their land ; looking after their gardens ;
building and improving their houses, which are
neat, clean, and commodious; rearing stock;
fencing in their plantations; manufacturing hats
from the leaf of the palm ; making fancy boxes,
&c., which they keep in store for barter with
whalers, or other vessels which may call at
Pitcairn for refreshment.
At about twelve o'clock they have a plain
and substantial breakfast, or dinner, consisting
of yarns and potatoes, made into a kind of
bread, for which they do not fail to ask God's
blessing, and to render Him thanks.
" Hand of bounty, largely spread,
By whom, our every want is fed ;
Whate'er we touch, or taste, or see,
We owe them all, O Lord, to Thee."
HEBER.
So strict is their observance of the duty of say-
ing grace before and after meals, that " we do
not know," says Captain Beechey, " of any in-
stance in which it has been forgotten. On one
occasion I had engaged Adams in conversation,
and he incautiously took the first mouthful
without having said his grace; but before he
had swallowed it, he recollected himself, and,
feeling as if he had committed a crime, imme-
FISHING. 147
diately put away what he had in his mouth,
and commenced his prayer."
Fishing for a kind of cod, grey mullet, and
red snapper, though no very hopeful pursuit in
the deep water round the island, occasionally
forms part of the day's employment ; nor of the
day only ; for sometimes they go forth at night
among the rocks close to the sea, or row out
in a canoe, and taking a light, attract the fish,
which they strike with a pole, armed with five
barbed prongs, and so take.
Suppose, however, the islander returned from
his day's labour to his supper, at about seven
o'clock in the evening. Except once or twice
148 NATIVE CLOTH COOKING.
a-week, no fish, meat, or poultry will be found
to grace the board, but yams, and sweet
potatoes, and such humble fare as has been
prepared by the females of the family. For the
women have their daily tasks to perform ; some
preparing the ground, taking up yams, and
doing other work requiring diligence and
strength. There being no servants, the wives
or daughters make and mend the clothes, and
attend to all the requisite household affairs.
The women also manufacture tappa, or native
cloth, from the bark of the "Ant'i," or paper-
mulberry, which is rolled up, and soaked in
water, and then beaten out with wooden mallets,
and spread forth to dry.* The author has in
his possession a piece of beautifully wrought
white tappa, given him by Mrs. Heywood, and
bearing a label, which states that it was made
by the wife of Fletcher Christian, from the bark
of the paper-mulberry-tree. The piece from
which this portion was taken, was entrusted by
her, when at a very advanced age, to Captain
Jenkin Jones, when he visited 'the island, in
her Majesty's ship Curagoa, in 1841 ; he having
been desired to give it to Peter s wife. Isabella,
Fletcher Christian's widow, was a native of
Otaheite, and died in September, 1841.
The cooking is performed by the females.
Their cooking-places are apart from their dwell-
ings ; and there are no fireplaces in any of the
houses. Baked, not roasted, meats are the
substantial luxuries of the table at Pitcairn.
* For a full account of the mode of making tappa, see
Cook's Voyage in 1777, &c. vol. i. p. 201. Ed. 1784.
HOUSEHOLD ARRANGEMENTS. 149
Their ovens, like those at Otaheite, described
by Captain Cook, are formed with stones in the
ground. Captain Beechey says, that an oven
is made in the ground, sufficiently large to con-
tain a good-sized pig, and is lined throughout
with stones nearly equal in size. These, having
been made as hot as possible, are covered with
some broad leaves, generally of the ti-plant, and
on them is placed the meat. If it be a pig, its
inside is lined with heated stones, as well as the
oven. Such vegetables as are to accompany
the meal are then placed round the meat that
is to be dressed. The whole is covered with
leaves of the ti-plant, and buried beneath a heap
of earth, straw, or rushes and boughs, which
by a little use become matted into one mass.
In about an hour and a quarter, the meat is
sufficiently cooked.
There is much wisdom in the arrangement,
regarding the absence of fireplaces from their
wooden cottages. They are also sparing in
their use of lights in general. They have no
candles, but use oil, and torches made with nuts
of the Doodoe-tree (Aleurites triloba). They
have no glass for the windows. The shutters,
which serve the purpose of admitting light and
air, are closed in bad weather. For the most
part pure water, but, now and then, tea, consti-
tutes their drink. Cocoa-nut milk, and water
sweetened with syrup, extracted from the
bruised sugar-cane, vary the drinks of these
temperate people. No wines or spirits are ad-
mitted in the island, except in small quantities
for medicinal purposes. The water which they
150 LITERATUKE.
use does not come from springs, (there are
none in the island,) but from reservoirs, or
tanks, neatly excavated, which collect the rain.
Of these there are five or six, holding from
three to four thousand gallons of water each,
sufficient not only for the consumption of the
inhabitants, but for supplies to whalers, and
other vessels.
With respect to literary occupation, " You
will be glad to hear," wrote Mr. Armstrong to
the author, " that they are all well educated.
The young men are instructed in navigation,
and some of the lower branches of mathematics.
They all live together in the greatest harmony,
and in the strictest observance of religious
duties public, family, and private with every
appearance of perfect freedom from all crime,
and bearing the stamp of extreme innocence and
simplicity.
" A new regulation has been recently made
for the distribution of all their books among the
families, they having been before kept as
public property, as it was believed they would
be more read and valued in that way. Shelves
have been put up in all their houses, which are
very neat and comfortable, though more like
ship-cabins than dwelling-houses. The reason
they give for this arrangement is, that they are
in the habit of walking into each other's houses
with the same freedom as into their own ; and,
taking up a book, will sit down and read it
aloud, or not, as they feel disposed. The books
of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge
reached them in good time, some of which were
EVENINGS AT PITCAIRN. 151
particularly suitable; there being several copies
of the same work, such as the Homilies, and
others."
With the employment found by the inhabi-
tants, in the ways of industry above described,
and the advantage and amusement derived from
reading for the people have many books of
general literature, as well as publications of a
directly religious character the day cannot be
said to hang heavy on their hands in Pitcairn's
Island.
" How various his employment whom the world
Calls idle, and who justly in return
Esteems that busy world an idler too !
Friends, books, a garden, and perhaps his pen,
Delightful industry enjoy'd at home,
And nature in her cultivated trim
Dress'd to his taste, inviting him abroad
Can he want occupation who has these ?
Will he be idle who-has much t' enjoy?
A life all turbulence and noise may seem,
To him that leads it, wise, and to be praised ;
But wisdom is a pearl, with most success
Sought in still water, and beneath clear skies."
COWPEE.
When the shades of evening draw on, the
islanders, one and all, again remember Him,
who is about their path and about their bed,
and spieth out all their ways. Nor are they
slow to acknowledge His claims, who expects
the grateful homage of His intelligent creatures,
and whose protection and blessing they beg in
family worship, before they lie down to sleep.
And then, without any thought of locks, bolts,
or bars, for they have no such defences, nor
any need of them, each may feel at night a
152 ARRIVAL OF SHIPS.
happy confidence in the protection and blessing
of that gracious Lord, who has guided and pre-
served them through the day.
" Guarded by Thee, I lay me down,
My sweet repose to take ;
For I through Thee securely sleep,
Through Thee in safety wake."
But if they are active and cheerful on com-
mon days, how great is their pleasure on descry-
ing from the "Look-out Ridge" of their sea-
girt rock, a sail on the edge of the horizon.
How different are the feelings of the present
islanders from those which possessed the inha-
bitants fifty or sixty years since ! Then they
sought a place of concealment, when they per-
ceived a vessel heave in view ; now they rejoice
at the sight.
A short account of the reception of a ship on
their shores will interest the reader.
It is customary for each family, in turn, to
have the privilege of receiving as their guest
the captain of any vessel, whether a man-of-war,
or a whaler, which may happen to arrive. On
her appearance sufficiently near, the master of
the house, whose turn it is to be the host, goes
off in a canoe, and, after satisfactory answers to
questions as to the health of those on board, he
ascends the ship's side ; the canoe, which is but
a light affair, being quickly hauled up after
him. Most important are these inquiries ; for if
the small-pox, or any other infectious disorder,
should find its way into the island, dreadful
indeed would be the result. But when it is
CONSIGNMENT OF GOODS. 153
" all right," the ship's boat being lowered, the
captain r and five or six men, conducted by the
islander, who steers in the difficult parts, proceed
to Bounty Bay. Some persons are always ready
on the rocks to give a signal for the safe entrance
of the boat, without which precaution serious
accidents would frequently occur.
The captain and his company having safely
landed, are at once greeted, and attended by a
number of the natives, who have descended from
the village to the little beach. All then ascend
the hill ; and the first walk is usually to the school-
house, where the strangers obtain a sight of the
island-register, and examine the shipping-list, in
which they enter the name of their own vessel ;
whence she has come, and whither she is bound.
After some preliminary conversation, the repre-
sentatives of the several families, one at least
from each house, assemble ; and after a hearty
welcome, and the interchange of friendly expres-
sions, inquire what is wanted for the vessel, as to
vegetables, refreshments, &c. A list is handed in
of the articles in demand, such as yams, sweet
potatoes, &c., the price of these goods -being
always the same in time of scarcity as of plenty.
The inhabitants then, in their turn, inquire of
the captain, what he has to dispose of. This is
generally found to be coarse cotton cloths, soap,
oil, &c., with perhaps some small quantities of
lead, or iron. While the captain is engaged
in conversation with the teacher, on matters of
mutual and general interest, the health of the
Queen being the first in the series of questions
and answers, the inhabitants retire, and consult
L
154 FESTIVE OCCASIONS.
among themselves what each person's proportion
of the captain's wants amounts to. This being
settled, each repairs to his own plantation to pro-
cure his part, which, in every instance, is, as far
as possible, an equal share from each family.
Such is the reliance placed by visitors on the
honesty and integrity of the islanders, that in no
case does the captain think it necessary, either
himself, or by proxy, to Ibe present at the weigh-
ing or measuring of the articles required. One
of the islanders is appointed to remain at the
market-place, to take an account of the things
sent on board; and the mode of dealing is
always cheerfully acceded to by the authorities
of the vessel. The articles are removed from
the market-place to Bounty Bay, where they
are deposited, at the captain's risk, and from
whence they are conveyed in boats ; or, if the
surf is heavy, the goods are packed in casks,
which are conducted by the natives, who swim
with them through the heavy surf to the boats
lying outside the broken water.
It is the custom on festive occasions, when
the captain and his friends from the ship are
entertained at dinner, for the women to attend
upon the party at table. This is the exception
to the general rule ; as, usually, when there are
no visitors, the men and women in a family
sit down together. But the attendance of the
females on strangers, and on their own relatives,
has been misapprehended by some travellers as
a mark of barbarism. Now, there must be some
to wait ; strangers must be hospitably served ;
and the younger women do these honours of
MR. CAELETON'S MUSICAL CLASS. 155
their island in the most attentive arid good-
humoured manner. Here, again, the delicacy
and good sense of the islanders are to be admired.
It will be allowed that for husbands and brothers
to be attending upon their female relatives and
newly-landed guests, would be a less desirable
and becoming mode than that at present adopted.
In March, 1850, five passengers of the barque
Noble, Captain H. Parker, bound from New Zea-
land for California, were left by a mischance on
Pitcairn ; the vessel from which they had landed
having been blown off from the island during
the night. During the three weeks of their de-
tention, which turned out to be a very agreeable
visit, the strangers, who had no property about
them but the clothes which they had on, received
every mark of sympathy and friendship. One
of these gentlemen, Mr. Walter Brodie, whom
Mr. Nobbs entertained as his guest, employed
himself chiefly in gathering materials for an
account of the island and its hospitable inhabi-
tants, which was afterwards published, and to
which allusion has already been made.
Two of the other guests, the Baron de Thierry,
and Mr. Hugh Carleton, especially the latter,
applied themselves to the task of teaching the
whole of the adult population to sing. Fortun-
ately, the Baron happened to have a tuning-fork
in his pocket ; and the people, whose efforts in
psalmody in church had been noticed as some-
what imperfect, caught with delight at the idea
of a little musical instruction. " They proved,"
says Mr. Brodie, "remarkably intelligent, not
one among the number being deficient in ear,
156 DETENTION AT PITCAIRN.
while many had exceedingly fine voices. The
progress surpassed the most sanguine expec-
tations of the teacher. On the fourth day they
sang through a catch in four parts with great
steadiness. For people who had hitherto been
unaware even of the existence in nature of Aar-
mony, the performance was very remarkable."
Mr. Brodie has given the names of 57 pupils
being 30 males, and 27 females, as the "list of
Carleton's musical class."
For some time their chief musical instrument
in the church had been an accordion : but they
have now an organ, which has been sent to
them as a present.
With regard to Mr. Brodie, it is worthy of
remark, that, though he had been thus detained
at Pitcairn, he arrived in the barque Colonist at
San Francisco, in California, twenty- eight days
before the Nolle, which had been ninety-three
days from Pitcairn, the crew having suffered
great privations from want of provision and
water. His disappointment, which appeared so
grievous, in missing his ship at Pitcairn, ended
in his escaping the miseries to which the people
in the Nolle had been exposed, and in reckoning
those few weeks on Pitcairn' s Island as among
the happiest of his life.
CHAPTER VII.
MR. NOBBS SOME ACCOUNT OF HIS LIFE TESTIMONIES TO
HIS CHARACTER AND SERVICES PROGRESS OF RELIGION IN
THE ISLAND SERVICES OF MR. NOBBS REUBEN NOBBS
TESTIMONIES FROM THE REV. WM. ARMSTRONG AND CAPTAIN
WORTH LETTERS FROM THE ISLANDERS STATE OF THE
SCHOOL.
THE arrival of Mr. George Hunn Nobbs at
Pitcairn's Island, in the year 1828, may be
considered a providential occurrence for the
well-being of the inhabitants. Admiral Moresby
has remarked, that the success of twenty-four
years' labour is an abundant proof, that, under
the blessing of God, this faithful teacher has
educated in the principles of our Church, as one
united family, a community, whose simple and
virtuous lives are so preeminent. A brief notice
of his career, and of the circumstances which
led him to the spot, cannot fail to be interesting,
especially as he has now received the proper
sanction and authority to minister as a Clergy-
man of the Church of England.
Mr. Nobbs, who was born in Ireland in 1799,
was in his youth a midshipman in the British
navy, having first gone to sea when not much
ore than eleven years of age. He had been
entered in 1811 on the books of H. M. S. Roe-
, through the interest of Rear-Admiral
158 EAELY CAREER OF MR. NOBBS.
Murray, by whose means he was, in 1813,
placed on board the Indefatigable, naval store-
ship, the master of which was Captain Bowles.
In this vessel the young sailor went to New
South Wales and Van Diemen's Land. Having
left Van Diemen's Land and gone to Cape
Horn, and from thence across to the Cape of
Good Hope, he returned, after a short stay at
St. Helena, to England. He then left the
navy, and, after residing at home a few months,
he received a letter from his old commander,
offering to procure him a berth on board a ship
of eighteen guns, designed for the use of the
patriots in South America. He accepted the
offer, and left England early in 1816, for
Valparaiso ; but the Royalists having regained
possession of that place, he could not enter it
.until 1817. He afterwards held a commission
in the Chilian service under Lord Cochrane,
now Earl of Dundonald, and became lieutenant
in consequence of his services.
Among other important occurrences which
took place during this period, and in which Mr.
Nobbs bore a part, was the courageous enterprise
of cutting out the Spanish frigate Esmeralda, of
forty guns, which was lying in the bay, under
the batteries of Callao, in Peru. The capture
was accomplished late at night on the 5th
of November, 1820. An address from Lord
Cochrane had been delivered to the marines and
seamen, which concluded with an injunction,
that the Chilenos should act with valour, " and
that the English should do as they had always
done, both in their own country, and elsewhere."
EARLY CAREER OP MR. NOBBS. 159
A very spirited account of this remarkable
transaction, the success of which surpassed all
that could have been imagined, is met with in
Mrs. Graham's (afterwards Lady Callcott's)
" Journal of a Kesidence in Chili in 1822."
Lieutenant Nobbs was also engaged in a
severe conflict with a Spanish gun-brig, near
Arauco, a fortress of Chili. He had been or-
dered up a river near the town ; the object being
to recover a quantity of property belonging to
British and American merchants, which had
been seized by the piratical general Benevideis.
Mr. Nobbs, when in command of a gun-boat,
after sustaining the loss of forty-eight men,
killed and wounded, out of a party of sixty-four,
was taken prisoner by the troops of that despe-
rate adventurer.
The prisoners were marched off to prison, and
were all shot, with the exception of Lieutenant
Nobbs, and three English seamen. These four,
after remaining for three weeks under sentence
of death, were, quite unexpectedly, exchanged
for four officers attached to Benevideis's army ;
one of the officers, a major, being fortunately
a brother-in-law of Benevideis. Mr. Nobbs
had seen his fellow-prisoners, from time to time,
led out to be shot, and had heard the reports
of the muskets consigning them to a dreadful
death.
Lady Callcott states that Benevideis was the
son of the inspector of a prison, and had been
a foot-soldier in the first army of the Chilenos
in the cause of South American independence.
From her description of his character and
160 EARLY CAREER OF MR. NOBBS.
actions, a short account of which may be
interesting in this place, the reader will infer,
that Mr. JSTobbs's rescue from his hands was
indeed a providential event.
Having been made prisoner by the royalists,
Benevideis entered their army, and, being taken
soon after, was sent to be tried as a deserter ;
but he escaped by setting fire to the hut in
which he was confined, and soon distinguished
himself among the royalists by his talents and
bravery. Again he was taken prisoner, and
sentenced to be shot in company with many
others. He fell with the rest; but, though
thought to have been executed, was not killed ;
and he afterwards joined the patriots. Being,
however, suspected and accused by their gene-
ral, San Martin, of treachery, he once more
turned against them ; and hence arose the atro-
cities with which Benevideis is charged. He
murdered his prisoners in cold blood ; and his
great delight was to invite the captured officers
to an elegant entertainment, and after they had
eaten and drunk, march them into his court-
yard, while he stood at the window to see them
shot. Some, to whom he had promised safety,
he delivered over to the Indians, of whose
barbarous customs with regard to prisoners of
war he was well aware ; and they were cruelly
murdered.
His cause having failed, he fitted out a
privateer, to provide himself with food and
ammunition; and at length, on the 1st of
February, 1822, finding that he could hold out
no longer, he attempted to escape to one of the
EARLY CAREER OF MR. NOBBS. 161
Spanish ports in a small boat; but he was
recognised, seized, and sent to Santiago, where,
on the 21st, he was tried, and sentenced to
death. On the 23d he was tied to the tail of a
mule, dragged from prison, and then hanged in
the palace-square.
Mr. Nobbs, having quitted the Chilian service,
after many hardships and dangers, in October,
1822, went to Naples. On his passage from
that city to Messina in a Neapolitan vessel, she
foundered off the Lipari Islands ; and, with the
loss of everything, he reached Messina in one
of the ship-boats. In May, 1823, he returned
to .London in the Crescent, commanded by
William Pitt, a Navy Lieutenant ; and in the
same year he sailed to Sierra Leone as chief
mate of the Gambia. Of nineteen persons who
went out in that vessel, none but the captain,
Mr. Nobbs, and two coloured men, lived to re-
turn. In June, 1814, he again went to Sierra
Leone, commander of the same ship, and was six
weeks on shore ill with fever : but it pleased
God to restore him to health in time to return
with his ship, the command of which he resigned
on his arrival in England.
The commander of a ship in which he had
sailed, had expatiated so frequently on the
happiness of the people at Pitcairn, that Mr.
Nobbs seriously intended to go thither, if his
life should be spared ; and he set out, with this
object in view, on the 12th November, 1825,
in the Circassian, bound for Calcutta. He had
at that period been four times round the world,
and his wish was to lead a life of peace and
162 HIS ARRIVAL AT PITCAIRN.
usefulness to his fellow-creatures. With his
mind steadfastly set on Pitcairn's Island, he
was detained until August, 1827, in Calcutta ;
from whence, after a very narrow escape from
shipwreck in the Straits of Sunda, he crossed
the Pacific in a New York ship, called the
Ocean, to Valparaiso. There, and afterwards
at Callao, he suffered a further detention; but
ultimately he succeeded in leaving Callao in
a frail bark of eighteen tons burden, having
expended one hundred and fifty pounds sterling,
on the vessel and her outfit. He was accom-
panied by only one other person, an American,
named Noah Bunker, and arrived at Pitcairn,
after a six weeks' voyage, in October 1828.
His companion died soon afterwards ; and the
vessel afforded the materials for a house for Mr.
Nobbs. John Adams received him with kind-
ness; and after Adams's death in March 1829,
Mr. Nobbs, who had been engaged in keeping
school from the period of his arrival, was ap-
pointed the teacher.
When he first entered upon his charge, the
number of inhabitants was only sixty-eight.
From that time until August, 1852, he had
been with them, through evil report and good
report, as their pastor, surgeon, and school-
master, with the exception of a few months
during which he was absent from the island, in
consequence of the intrusion of a Mr. Joshua
Hill, who arrived from Otaheite in 1832. This
person, who was then about sixty years of age,
informed the inhabitants that he had been
authorized by the British Government to reside
LETTER OF MR. JOSHUA HILL. 163
at Pitcairn's Island ; when in fact he had
received no such authority. Mr. Nobbs appears
to have been of too plain and straightforward
a character to suit this new-comer, whose pre-
sence amongst the people caused much trouble,
and who divided their little society into two
factions; one siding. with him, the other with
the constitution as it was. At length, partly by
splendid promises, and partly by instilling into
the simple minds around him the fear of giving
offence to the Government at home, whom he
affected to represent, he enlisted some of the
natives against the three Europeans, and suc-
ceeded in excluding them and their families, for
a time, from the island.
Certain misrepresentations concerning Mr.
ISTobbs, which are alluded to by Admiral
Moresby, in his letter contained in the Preface,
took their rise at about this time.
It is fortunate for any one who may have
been misrepresented by Mr. Hill, that he wrote
in June 1834 a long letter, full of himself and
his own praises, which has been published,*
and which sufficiently shows into what sort of
hands the islanders of Pitcairn had fallen during
the time of Hill's influence. The author cannot
refrain from quoting a passage, as a specimen of
this epistle :
"I have visited the falls of Niagara and Mont-
morency, the natural bridge in Virginia, the great
Reciprocating Fountain in East Tennessee, the
great Temple of Elephanta at Bombay. I have
dined with a prince, as well as with a princess ;
* Brodie, p. 211, ed. 1851.
164 LETTER OF MR. JOSHUA HILL.
and with a count, a baron, an ambassador, a
minister (ordinary and extraordinary), and have
travelled with one for some weeks. I have dined
with a Charge (T Affaires, and lived with consuls,
&c. I have visited and conversed with ' Bed
Jacket,' the great Indian warrior : I have visited
and been visited by a Bishop. I have frequently
partook of the delicious Hungarian wine (tolmy),
Prince Esterhazy's; as also of Prince Schwart-
zenburgh's old hock, said to have been 73 years
old; and I was intimate with the brother-in-law
of this last German nobleman. I have dined
with a principal Hong merchant at Canton. I
have sat next to the beautiful Madame Recamier,
and Madame Carbanus, at the great dinner par-
ties. I have written to the Prime Minister of Eng-
land ; and have received the late Earl of Liver-
pool's answer, with his thanks, &c. I was at Paris
when the allies were met there. I have visited
and breakfasted with the late Warren Hastings,
Esq., at his seat in Gloucestershire. I have had
permission with a party of friends to hunt over
his grounds. Entertained, &c. two or three days
at the sporting lodge of an Earl, now a Marquis.
I have made a crimson silk net for a certain
fashionable Marchioness, which she actually wore
at her next great party of five or six hundred
persons. I have danced with the Countess Ber-
trand, i.e. Mademoiselle Fanny Dillon, before
she married the Marshal. I was at Napoleon's
coronation. I have been invited to the Lord
Mayor's and to the dinner of an Alderman of
London."
Happily, the Hill dynasty was not destined
KEMOVAL OF MR. HILL. 165
to last long. He had given out, says Mr. Brodie,
" that he was a very near relative of the Duke
of Bedford, and that the Duchess seldom rode
out in her carriage without him."* But whilst
the people listened to his magnificent accounts
of himself, and his noble friends, who should
arrive on their shores, in H.M. S. Actteon, in
1837, but Captain Lord Edward Russell, a son
of the Duke of Bedford !
A spectre could not have been a more appal-
ling visitant to the so-called relative, who would
have been forthwith taken from the place by
Lord Edward Russell; but this could not have
been done without orders. Soon afterwards,
Captain H. W. Bruce (since Admiral Bruce,
Commander-in-chief on the coast of Africa)
arrived in H.M. S. Imogene, and carried off Mr.
Hill, landing him in 1838 safe at Valparaiso.
Mr. Nobbs, during his absence from Pitcairn,
was at the Gambier Islands, where he employed
himself as a teacher, biding his time in patience,
and employing, in his own homely and useful
manner, the talent entrusted to him for the good
of others.
Gambier 's group, about three hundred miles
W.N.W. of Pitcairn, consists of eight islands,
surrounded by coral reefs, inclosing a lagoon in
which there are several secure anchoring places,
but which contains dangerous knolls of coral.
Captain Beechey gives a pleasing account of his
visit to these islands in January 1826, and of
his interviews with the natives. His vessel rode
afely in the lagoon, where the crew caught a
* Brodie, p. 211, ed. 1831.
166 GAMBIER ISLANDS.
large quantity offish. The people came out on
rafts to the vessel, and were delighted with the
presents which they received. One of them
snatched up a small terrier dog, which was not
intended for him ; and it was only by force that
he was prevented carrying it away. Others
wanted to possess themselves, without a title, of
a large Newfoundland dog ; " but," says Captain
Beechey, " he was big and surly enough to take
care of himself."
Of these islands, which afforded a safe asylum
to the pastor, during his exclusion from Pit-
cairn, the recent accounts, furnished by Captain
Morshead, of H.M.S. Dido, are too valuable
to be lost. That officer, who been instructed
by Admiral Moresby, after leaving Pit cairn,
to visit the Gambier Islands, with the view of
ascertaining the capabilities of the group, as a
place of call for the trans-Pacific steamers, sup-
plied the following report :
"On the morning of the 10th November, 1853,
I stood close along the N.E. side of Crescent
Isle, with Mount Duff in sight, and having got
the S.W. end of Wainwright Island, on with
the mountain, we carried six fathoms over the
barrier reef; and passing to the eastward of
Wainwright Island, anchored on the same after-
noon in eighteen fathoms (sand) under Eelson
Island, which, according to Captain Beechey,
and the Pacific Directory, is good anchorage, and
best water. I landed immediately to see the
watering-place ; but it was with much difficulty
that we succeeded in getting the gig over the
reef, and found only a very small stream of
GAMBIER ISLANDS. 167
water, not more than would run from the neck
of a bottle, with a few detached wells. Before
moving the ship, I went the next morning in
the gig to see the water, and landing on Peard
Island to the southward of Mount Duff, marked
in Captain Beechey's plan, "good water." Here
the landing is impracticable for a loaded boat,
but we found a good stream a long way in
shore, which is now divided to irrigate the tara
beds, and trickles, at last over the rocks into
the sea, in numerous little streamlets. The
east side of the island, near the King's house,
was the only place we could find fit for water-
ing ; and on the following morning I moved the
ship over, and anchored off the S.E. angle of
Peard Island, about a mile from the watering-
place, in twenty-two fathoms (sand), and a laby-
rinth of coral patches all round us. By turning
two streams into one, and damming it up, we
were enabled to fill about three tons in two
hours, and to bring off with some difficulty about
ten or twelve tons daily, as the casks had occa-
sionally to be thrown overboard to lighten the
boat on the reef.
" Not having seen any notice of these islands
since 1826, I do not consider they have any
natural advantages as a watering place at pre-
sent ; but as water is abundant, reservoirs and
tanks might easily be constructed, should they
ever become a rendezvous. I found the French
Protectorate flag flying on shore, and five French
families, but no one in any official capacity.
There are three Romish priests on the islands,
Father Cyprian being at their head, who holds
168 GAMBIER ISLANDS.
the king and natives in the most perfect sub-
jection both temporal and spiritual. There are
several stone-built houses on the island, and
a handsome Romish church 200 feet long, with
a double row of columns inside, and capable of
containing a thousand persons : the altar is
chaste and beautiful, formed of mother-of-pearl.
Upon the hill on the south side of Mount DufT is
a cemetery, and a convent containing one hundred
nuns and sixty children, whose interval between
prayers and penance is filled up by trundling
a distaff, and spinning native cotton, to supply
a factory with a dozen hand-looms at work.
" With respect to supplies, mountain sheep,
goats, hogs, fowls, and fish can be procured. Most
of the tropical vegetables grow, tara and pump-
kin being principally cultivated ; but onions,
leeks, carrots, spinach, lettuces and cabbages,
with a few European potatoes, are cultivated
by the French families. Of fruit, cocoa-nuts,
bananas, bread-fruit, and pine apples, are abun-
dant and very fine ; oranges and limes are scarce ;
the paw-paw apple, and fig are also there. Wood
for building and firing is scarce and bad, the
bread-fruit timber being principally used.
" The islands produce annually about four
hundred tons of pearl-shells, and pearls about
equal in value to the shells. Nearly every native
had a few pearls concealed about his person, and
rather over estimated their value. There were
several large collections on the islands, and some
very indifferent ; but a few in the possession of
the king were magnificent. The population is
now a little above two thousand, an epidemic
GAMBIER ISLANDS. 169
having lately (according to Father Cyprian) swept
off several hundreds. The natives are rather a
good specimen of the Koauka race, tractable,
hard-working, and expert boatmen. They were
all well dressed ; and clothes, cutlery, tobacco,
and soap were sought after, and readily taken in
exchange for supplies. The King having ex-
pressed a desire to see the ship, I received him
with manned yards, and a salute, at which he was
delighted; but no flag was hoisted, not being
aware that the French Protectorate is either
claimed or acknowledged. His Majesty was
accompanied by the priests, and is a fine-looking
man, above the middle age, and was dressed in
plain European costume. He has a mild, in-
telligeiit countenance, and I have no doubt
would govern his subjects, and develop the re-
sources of his islands equally well, without the
assistance of the priests ; but in justice to those
reverend gentlemen, I must own I found them
exceedingly useful.
" Stone and coral can be had for building ;
the latter cutting easily, and making handsome
square flags for paving their floors, &c. A sea-
wall and piers are constructing, on the east side
of the island, and there are some miles of hand-
some paved terrace shaded by bread-fruit and
cocoa-nut trees.
" Captain Beechey's marks for entrance and
exit over the south-west and south-east passages
in the Barrier reef are still good, and his plan we
find very useful ; but coral patches are growing,
and there are nodes on them protruding above
their general level which cannot be seen from
M
170 MR. NOBBS'S RETURN FROM GAMBIER.
aloft till you are close over them. Our chrono-
meter also agreed with the position as laid down
by him. Should this ever become a halting
place on the Pacific, it would require a fresh
survey with lights and buoys. .The weather
was very unfavourable during our stay, and our
time was taken up with sounding for our passage
out. It is upwards of four years since this was
visited by a French man-of-war. I left here on
the 19th November, and pursued our course
to the southward with light winds and fair
weather, and arrived at Valparaiso at noon on
15th of December."
After this digression, the reader will be glad
to return to the history of Mr. Nobbs. In about
nine months after he had been at the Gambier
Islands, the people of Pitcairn recalled him,
with the other Europeans; the request for their
return being accompanied by an offer of pay-
ment of all their expenses ; and they returned
accordingly, without further delay.
Mr. Nobbs's active life in the Chilian service
has been briefly noticed. On the 9th of Novem-
ber, 1839, when engaged in the quiet and seden-
tary, but scarcely less laborious, duty of a pastor
and teacher at Pitcairn, with his youthful pupils
around him, he had the satisfaction of receiving,
as a visitor to the island, General Friere, ex-pre-
sident of Chili, who had known him eighteen
years before. What a contrast to those former
scenes is afforded by the picture presented by
the plain and simple words, found in the Island
Register, respecting this visit ! *
* See p. 253.
LETTER FROM THE ISLANDERS. 171
The following letter, signed by seven of the
islanders, including the magistrate and the two
councillors, will speak for itself. It is an answer
to a communication received from the Rev. J.
Moody, chaplain of H.M.S. Thalia, and since
chaplain at the Falkland Islands :
" Pitcairn's Island, South. Pacified) cean,
"July 20th, 1847.
" REVEREND SIR, We received, on the 26th
of February last, by H. B. M. S. Spy, your ac-
ceptable present and truly valuable letter, which,
so far from giving offence, is highly appreciated,
and has been deposited in the archives of the
island, to be referred to at public meetings and
other suitable occasions. We extremely regret
the circumstances which frustrated your in-
tended visit, for we should be in the highest
degree delighted to have made your acquaint-
ance, received your advice, and, we trust, in
some measure, your approbation ; for we can
assure you the report of our splitting into
parties, &c. is incorrect. A few years since,
a partially deranged impostor, named Joshua
Hill, alias Lord Hill, came here, and made
much disturbance ; but he was removed by
order of the British Government. Respecting
the letter of which you saw a copy in the Oahu
paper, so far from expressing the sentiments of
the community, not more than three persons
were acquainted with its contents. The rest
of us were ignorant of its existence till we saw
it published in the above-mentioned paper.
That part of it reflecting on our respected and
172 LETTER FROM THE ISLANDERS.
worthy pastor has been publicly retracted, and
an apology sent down to the Sandwich Islands,
to be inserted in the same paper in which the
letter referred to appeared. Public worship has
never been discontinued, in fact, since the death
of Mr. Adams in 1829. We cannot call to
mind six sabbaths in which divine worship, in
accordance with the rules of the Established
Church, has not been performed twice in the
day. Whatever few exceptions there may have
been, the cause was either the ill health of the
teacher, or the unavoidable necessity of his
attending on those who were very ill, or badly
hurt. Moreover, we have a Bible class for the
adults every Wednesday, and public school for
the children five days a week. The number
of children who attend school at present is fifty-
three ; they are all instructed, and make good
progress. We have been thus explicit in the
foregoing particulars, that you may understand
the actual state of affairs among us. As British
subjects, to honour and obey our most gracious
Sovereign, and all who are in authority under
her, is our bounden duty, and we trust will ever
be our privilege.
" And now, Reverend Sir, we would bespeak
your attention and interest for the following
items : The whole community are members
of the Church of England, admitted thereto in
their infancy by the rite of baptism ; and the
service of that Church is duly performed twice
every Sabbath ; but we are much in want of
Prayer-books, Psalms, and Watts' s Hymns, for
public use. The procuring some for us would
LETTER FROM THE ISLANDERS. 173
be conferring a most essential service. Ele-
mentary books for the younger classes in the
school, -and Walkinghame's or other books on
arithmetic for the more advanced scholars, are
greatly needed. In short, the want of school
requisites generally impedes the progress of the
rising generation.
" The next thing we would respectfully state
our want of, is a medicine chest ; for there is a
vast amount of sickness among us, and serious
accidents frequently occur. Our teacher pos-
sesses considerable skill as a physician, but his
knowledge is often rendered comparatively value-
less from the want of the necessary remedies.
" One thing more, before we conclude, we
earnestly present to your consideration ; and
as it comes in an especial manner within the
province of your holy office, we would indulge
the hope that our application will be attended
with success. The case in question is this :
Our teacher, who has been with us for nineteen
years in that capacity, and whose services to us
are invaluable, has never received the licence or
sanction of the proper authority in that Church
of which we are a component part. This cir-
cumstance is a source of much anxiety both
to him and us ; and as our number amounts to
138 (71 males and 67 females), and is rapidly
increasing, we do most urgently, but most re-
spectfully, solicit your application to the proper
quarter for a pastoral letter, inducting or sanc-
tioning our teacher into the holy office he has for
so long a space of time 'unceasingly, untiringly,
and worthily, filled on this island. That he is
174 LETTER TO CAPTAIN HOPE.
deserving such a mark of ecclesiastical appro-
bation and favour, is justly and cheerfully ac-
knowledged by the whole community ; and of the
great benefit which will accrue to us therefrom,
no one can be more competent to judge than
yourself.
" Hoping that this our public letter may
obtain your favourable regard, we beg leave to
subscribe ourselves,
" Your much obliged, very humble Friends,
" CHARLES CHRISTIAN, Magistrate.
SIMON YOUNG, Councillor.
JOHN ADAMS, Councillor.
ISAAC CHRISTIAN.
FREDERICK YOUNG.
MAYHEW YOUNG.
ABRAHAM QUINTALL."
All these names will be recognised as those
of descendants of the mutineers. Among them
will be observed the name of John Adams.
He is a grandson of the original John Adams,
and is described by Mr. Nobbs and other com-
petent judges as a young man of much talent
and information.
The islanders also addressed a letter to Cap-
tain Charles Hope, who commanded the Thalia
in the Pacific in 1844, but who was prevented,
much to his regret, from paying them a visit.
He, however, sent them some useful presents.
These did not reach them till February 1847.
In their letter of acknowledgment to Captain
Hope, dated July 1847, is the following pas-
sage : " Our number now amounts to one hun-
PKOGRESS OF EELIGION. 175
dred and thirty-eight, and is rapidly increasing.
Our teacher, who is a worthy man, and whose
services are of great value to us, has never
received the sanction or licence of the proper
authorities in the Church, to qualify him for the
very important and prominent situation he fills.
He is most anxious, and we are no less so, that
he should be more formally inducted into the
office of pastor ; and for this purpose our humble
request to you is, that you will (if it can be
done with propriety) make our case known to
the Bishop of London, or some other competent
Dignitary, who would send a pastoral letter to
our teacher, sanctioning and confirming him in
the sacred office he for nineteen years has held
among us."
Mr. Nobbs had been between eighteen and
nineteen years in the midst of the people, when
the above letters were written ; and he had
maintained and advanced among them, accord-
ing to the teaching of the Church of England,
those good principles with which the very name
of Pitcairn has been so long and so happily
associated.
As their religion has been full of good fruits,
so it has been of a quiet, sensible, and unosten-
tatious kind. Inquiry having been made of
Mr. Nobbs by some persons in the United
States of America, a few years since, as to any
instances of sudden and extraordinary con-
version, which might have fallen under his
notice, he replied that his experience did not
furnish any such cases from Pitcairn. In an-
swer to the questions put to him, he remarked,
176 RELIGION ON THE SICK-BED.
in reference to the last hours of Polly Adams,
which will be found noticed in a subsequent
page, as well as to some other cases of dying
persons :
" Had inquiry been made for examples of
HAPPY DEATHS, I could have replied with un-
mitigated satisfaction; for I have seen many
depart this life, not only happy, but triumphant.
And herein is, I think, the test of the Christian
character ; for when we see a person, who for a
number of years has not only in word, but in
deed, adorned the doctrine of God our Saviour
in all things, brought by sickness or casualty
to the confines of the eternal world, about to
enter the precincts of the silent grave, yet with
unabated energy and fervour proclaim his hope
of a glorious resurrection ; when we see a per-
son, Buffering the most acute pain, exhorting
and encouraging others to pursue the same path
he has trod, telling the love of God to his soul,
and of his desire to depart, that he may enter
into the presence of his Redeemer; when we
witness such unwavering confidence, amid such
intense sufferings, and when the sanity of the
patient is undoubted, can we hesitate to say at
the demise of such an one, ' Let me die the
death of the righteous, and let my last end be
like his !' It has been my felicity to witness
several departures of this description within
a few years : two from accidents, one from a
cancer in the breast, one shortly after child-
birth, and one from disease of the heart. All
these died in the faith. Some of the diseases
were lingering, others rapidly fatal ; but in all
THE PASTOR'S SERVICES. 177
cases the subjects were i strong in faith, giving
glory to God.' '
It is pleasing to notice the terms of respect
and regard in which the teacher is mentioned
in the several communications from the island.
Indeed, many valuable qualities appear to be
united in him for the due discharge of his office.
His good common sense and plainness of
speech, accompanied with an inoffensive firm-
ness of conduct and manner, and that kind
and Christian demeanour, without which all
other important points of character in the " mes-
senger of grace" are useless and unmeaning,
distinguish him as the man for the situation to
which it has pleased God to call him.
His remuneration had for many years been
wholly inadequate to the necessities of his
family, and to the maintenance of that respect-
able appearance which a person in such a posi-
tion among the community ought to hold. For
instance, in writing to a Clergyman at Valpa-
raiso, in August 1844, Mr. Nobbs said,
" My stock of clothing which I brought from
England is, as you may suppose, very nearly
exhausted, and I have no friends there to whom
I can with propriety apply for more. Until the
last three years, it was my custom to wear a
black coat on the Sabbath ; but since that period,
I have been obliged to substitute a nankeen
jacket, of my own making. My only remaining
coat, which is quite threadbare, is reserved for
marriages and burials ; so that it is customary
to say, when a wedding is going to take place,
* Teacher, you will have to put on your black coat
178 THE PASTOR'S SERVICES.
next Sunday/ which is equivalent to informing
me that a couple are going to be married."
In 1849 Captain Fanshawe said, " Mr.Nobbs
appears to be very much respected by all ; and
his virtuous demeanour, and careful education of
the young, bear testimony to the faithfulness
with which he has discharged his duty. The
heads of families have obviated the necessity of
his seeking elsewhere some more remunerative
employment, by making over to him so much
11 IT-
land as to place him, in that respect, on an
equality with themselves."
It will gratify the reader to learn that this
worthy and humble-minded pastor has lately
had a -sufficient provision made for his comfort,
and suitable appearance as a Clergyman.
The Rev. Wm. Armstrong, writing in 1849
respecting the islanders, reported that they con-
tinued to receive much benefit from the services
of Mr. JSTobbs, " as their religious teacher, their
schoolmaster, and their doctor." During an
epidemic which prevailed in. 1848, from the at-
tacks of which not more than twenty out of one
hundred and fifty escaped, Mr. Nobbs attended
them from house to house, day and night, for a
period of two months, with great success ; only
one, an infant, having died.
It also appeared that, on his proposing to
accept a free passage to Valparaiso, that he
might accompany thither his eldest son Reuben,
and then return to his people, the whole of his
adopted countrymen came and begged that it
might not be so, as they could not bear to part
with their pastor and friend. This appeal pre-
CAPTAIN WORTH'S TESTIMONY. 179
vailed ; and, on Reuben's quitting the island for
Valparaiso to settle in th world, his father gave
the whole of the money he possessed, amounting
to eight dollars, to his son. All the families
joined in fitting the youth out to the best of
their power, furnishing him with a supply of
clothes, and making up altogether a purse of
more than forty dollars, several contributing
every cent they had.
Mr.Nobbs afterwards received, by Commander
Dillon, of the Cockatrice schooner, in 1851, seve-
ral gratifying letters from Mr. Armstrong and
Reuben. This young man, who is now about
twenty-four years of age, had acquired the esteem
and confidence of his employers, merchants at
Valparaiso, and was much valued by all who
knew him ; but it was agreed that he should
return to Pitcairn's Island, in compliance with
the wish of his mother, who had been very un-
happy in consequence of his absence ; and thither
he accordingly went in the spring of 1853.
Afterwards, however, he took the opportunity
of returning with Admiral Moresby in the Port-
land to Valparaiso, where he resumed the duties
of a responsible mercantile situation ; but his
friends have since heard with deep regret, that
his health has been much impaired.
The late excellent Captain Worth, of H.M.S.
Calypso, who visited the island in 1848, afforded
the following testimony to the amiable character
and the happy state of the Pitcairn islanders :
" We arrived here on the 9th March (1848)
from Callao, but the weather being very bad,
stormy and squally, as you know there is no
180 CAPTAIN WOKTH'S TESTIMONY.
landing except in a small nook called Bounty
Bay, and very frequently not even there
indeed, never in ship's boats, from the violence
of the surf I did not communicate with the
shore till the next day, when, having landed
safely all the presents I brought for the inhabi-
tants from Valparaiso, I landed myself with half
the officers and youngsters, the ship standing off
and on, there being no anchorage. I made the
officers divide the day between them, one-half on
shore, the other on board ; so they were gratified
with visiting these interesting people. I never
was so gratified by such a visit, and would rather
have gone there than to any part of the world.
I would write you a very long letter about
them, but time presses ; and I will only now
say they are the most interesting, contented,
moral, and happy people that can be conceived.
" Their delight at our arrival was beyond
everything. The comfort, peace, strict morality,
industry, and excessive cleanliness and neatness
that was apparent about everything around them,
was really such as I was not prepared to witness.
Their learning and attainments in general edu-
cation and information really astonishing ; all
dressed in English style ; the men a fine race,
and the women and children very pretty, and
their manner of a superior order, ever smil-
ing and joyous ; but one mind and one wish
seems to actuate them all. Crime appears to be
unknown, and if there is really true happiness
on earth, it surely is theirs.
" The island is romantic and beautiful ; the
soil of the richest description, yielding almost
CAPTAIN WORTH'S TESTIMONY. 181
every tropical fruit and vegetable : in short, it
is a little paradise. I examined their laws,
added a few to them, assembled them all in the
church, and addressed them, saying how grati-
fied I was to find them in the happy state they
were, advising them to follow in the steps of
virtue and rectitude they had hitherto done, and
they would never want the sympathies of their
countrymen (i. e. English), who were most in-
terested about them. I added such advice as
I thought useful, and such suggestions as would,
of course, be to their advantage. It was really
affecting to see these primitive and excellent
people, both old and young, 140 in the whole,
looking up to me, and almost devouring all I
said, with eager attention, and with scarcely
a dry eye amongst them ; and, ' albeit unused
to the melting mood,' I found a moisture collect-
ing in my own which I could scarcely restrain,
they were so grateful, so truly thankful for
all the kindnesses that had from time to time
been shown them, and the interest in their wel-
fare shown by us and our countrymen. I had
all the men and most of the women on board ;
but there was such a sea on, that the poor girls
were dreadfully sea-sick. I fired some guns and
let off rockets on the night of our departure, and
they returned the compliment by firing an old
honeycombed gun belonging to the Bounty. I
set them completely up gave them lOOlbs. of
powder, ensign and union-jack, casks of salt
beef and pork, implements of agriculture of all
kinds, clothes, books, &c. ; and sailed, on the
evening of the llth, for Tahiti."
182 LETTER FROM MR. ARMSTRONG.
Mr. Armstrong, in a letter, dated Valparaiso,
Oct. 18, 1849, said :
" The people tell rne they have, for the pre-
sent, a good supply of books, having received
a very suitable grant from the Society for Pro-
moling Christian Knowledge. The whole of the
books will, I am sure, highly delight them ; and,
from all I hear, I have no doubt they will be
prized, and made good use of."
The more recent account given by Captain
Morshead, in a letter to Rear-Admiral Moresby,
dated Dec. 15, 1853, deserves to be added to
the array of testimony to the character of the
islanders.
" With reference to the provisions that you
entrusted to my discretion, I have left them on
the island. Their yarn harvest had been a fair
average ; but owing to a long drought, great
fears were entertained for the potato crop, on
which they are equally dependent. One whaler
only had been supplied for the year, yet there
was not on the island a single yam, potato, hog
or goat available for traffic, although they would
exchange them for an equal amount of nutri-
ment in biscuit or flour. Their famine has taught
them a good lesson, for in many houses I saw
small parcels of biscuit tied up to the beams
to await their pending scarcity. Under these
circumstances, I was induced to leave the sup-
plies with directions that they were to be
reserved for the contingency.
" It has long been their custom to leave
any cases at issue for the decision of a captain
of a man-of-war as a final appeal. Only one
CAPTAIN MORSHEAD'S TESTIMONY. 183
was left for me to decide; it had previously
been before the magistrate, and submitted to
a jury, and on my confirming the opinion of
their own tribunal, they all shook hands imme-
diately.
" I trust I may be allowed to add my testi-
mony to their already established reputation for
morality and virtue. With the Scriptures daily,
even hourly, in their hands, it is impossible that
any can act from higher principles or purer
motives ; and all their impulses happily appear
for good, while their goodness ever inclines them
to judge charitably of the faults of others ; but
so simple and confiding is their nature, that any
designing person thrown among them might
easily destroy their peace and harmony. It has
never been my lot to witness a community more
entitled to admiration and respect ; and from
this estimation of their character, it is impossible
to separate the credit that is due to Mr. Nobbs,
who has been their friend and teacher for
twenty-five years, and is now happily their
spiritual guide and minister."
,Mr. Armstrong, to whom allusion has been
made above, had for some years shown a warm
feeling of regard for the happiness and welfare
of the islanders. He had not only been instru-
mental in transmitting some valuable presents
by way of additions to their comforts, but had
written them encouraging letters by H.M. S.
Basilisk, Captain H. Hunt, which touched at
the island in July 1844. He afterwards received
the following pleasing letters from some of those
whom he had delighted to benefit :
184 LETTERS FROM THE ISLANDERS.
" To the Eev. William Armstrong.
"Piteairn's Island, Aug. 7, 1845.
"REV. SIR, Please to receive our united
thanks for the presents which you have sent us.
We have prepared some native commodities for
you, and would have sent them by this vessel ;
but the weather not being fine, and the captain
being in great haste, it was delayed until
another opportunity should present itself. The
inhabitants are doing well ; we have a good
school, and religion is in a flourishing condition ;
and I trust by the grace of God it will continue
to be so. God Almighty be with you, and bless
you now and for ever. Amen.
" Yours,
" ARTHUR QUINTALL, JUN,
" Chief Magistrate.
" P.S. We should like to hear from you by
this same man, the name of the Admiral, his
character, &c."
" Pitcairn's Island, South. Pacific Ocean,
" Lat. 25 4' S., Long. 130 8' W.
"Sept. 26th, 1844.
" HONOURED SIR, Please to accept my
humble thanks for your condescension and
kindness in administering to our necessities,
and expressing such solicitude for our welfare.
I hope myself and schoolfellows will ever retain
sentiments of gratitude both toward you and
our other friends in Valparaiso ; and I humbly
pray the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
LETTERS FROM THE ISLANDERS. 185
Christ will have you in his holy keeping, and
that after this life I may be permitted to see
you all, face to face, in the presence of Him
who loved us, and washed us in his own blood.
To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
" LOUISA QUINTALL."
" Pitcairn's Island, South Pacific Ocean,
"Lat. 25 4' S., Long. 130 8' W.
" Sept. 26th, 1844.
" Reverend and Honoured Sir, Please to
accept my humble thanks for the interest you
are pleased to take in our welfare, and also for
the presents you and our other friends in Val-
paraiso have sent us ; and may they and you be
rewarded a thousandfold, both in a temporal
and spiritual sense. And may the grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and
the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with you
all. Amen.
" I am, Reverend Sir, your grateful Servant,
" MIRIAM CHRISTIAN."
From the Chief Magistrate of Pitcairn's Island
to the Rev. Mr. Wm. Armstrong.
"Pitcairn's Island, April 6th, 1848.
" Dear Friend, Long have I heard of you,
though not acquainted with you, but have often
heard of your friendship towards us, Pitcairn
Islanders. Now I have taken this opportunity
to write these few lines to you, informing you
of the state of things in our little island. We
are all getting on very well. I hope that you
K
186 LETTER FROM GEORGE ADAMS.
and the rest of our friends are getting on well,
as we are. I return you thanks for your kind
letter, which I have received from H.M.S.
Calypso ; also the present which is sent by you
and the rest of the kind gentlemen at Valparaiso.
We have received from you all such things as
are very valuable to us, spades, saws, pots,
and other articles. We have received them all
with the greatest pleasure, and I return you all
a thousand thanks for them. The presents
are divided equally amongst us all, from the
oldest woman to the youngest child.
" Kind friend, this is the first opportunity I
have had to write to you. I will thank you
very much if you will take this fund of money
which you will see in this paper, and buy me
a few fish-hooks of the size you will see in the
paper ; and also for my family's use six copies
of Watts's Hymn-books, and one Family
Bible. Friend, I bid you farewell. Perhaps it
may not be our chance to meet in this world, but
I hope we may in a better world, where saints
and angels meet; and if it be our good luck
to meet there, there we shall meet to part no
more. I am obliged to close my letter in great
haste.
" I remain, your sincere friend and well-wisher,
" GEORGE ADAMS,
" Chief Magistrate of Pitcairn's Island."
Besides these letters, the author has some neat
" copies," in a small round hand, signed respec-
tively by Albina M'Coy, Reuben Elias Nobbs,
Miriam Christian, Eobert Buffett, Jemima Young,
THE SCHOOL. 187
Martha Young, James Chester Adams, John
Adams, David Buffett, Simon Young, Frederic
Young. The two latter are grandsons of Edward
Young, who was a midshipman on board the
Bounty. These copies are from well-chosen
originals, given by their master to his pupils
as exercises in writing. The following are
specimens :
" Religion conduces loth to our present and
future happiness.
" Wisdom and understanding should be trea-
sured in your heart.
"Kingdoms and crowns must eventually be
laid in the dust.
" Strive to deserve tlie friendship and approba-
tion of good men"
There is also a leaf out of Martha Young's
cyphering-book. She is now Mrs. David Buf-
fett. The pages are filled with accurately finished
sums in the Rule of Three, and Practice.
The School-house is a substantial building,
about 56 feet long by 20 wide, conveniently
supplied with forms, desks, slates, books, and
maps. This room is fitted up and used for the
performance of Divine Service on Sundays, and
such other days as are appointed on the island.
At one end there is a pulpit, and a small space
allotted for the use of the pastor.
In a letter from some of the elder pupils to
Captain Hope, in August 1847, a report is given
of the school -duties and times of attendance :
" We attend school five days in the week,
five hours each day. Our routine of school-
duties is as follows : namely. Commence with
188 SCHOOL DUTIES.
prayer and praise ; conclude with the same.
Monday, recital of weekly tasks, reading the
Holy Scriptures, writing, arithmetic, and class
spelling. Tuesday, the same as on Monday.
Wednesday, reading in history and geography,
transcribing select portions of Scripture, &c.
Thursday, similar to Monday and Tuesday.
And on Friday, which is the busiest day of the
week, transcribing words with their definitions
from Walker's Dictionary ; read hymns, or
rather devotional and moral poetry ; repeat
Watts's, and the Church Catechism; arithme-
tical tables, &c. &c. ; and emulative spelling
concludes the whole : we are generally an hour
longer at school on this day than any other.
On Wednesday afternoon the elder scholars
attend the Bible class, with their parents, On
the Sabbath, Divine Service is performed twice,
and all who can possibly attend do so.
" If the request is not improper, will you,
honoured Sir, procure for us some copy-slips, or
models for writing, and a few of Walkingame's
Arithmetic, with a Key to the same? for we often
hear our Teacher say, if he had these helps, his
work would be much easier; and we heartily
wish he could obtain the means of making it
so."
Before the engagement of Mr. Nobbs's ser-
vices as a teacher, Mr. John Buffett, who had
arrived at the island in the year 1823, afforded
his assistance in the school and chapel. The
life of BufFett has been one of remarkable ad-
venture. In 1815, when a youth on board (
H.M.S. Penelope, bound from England for
JOHN BUFFETT. 189
Quebec, lie was wrecked in the Gulf of St.
Lawrence, the ship having struck on a bed of
rocks. Most of the people perished, but he
escaped with a few others in the pinnace safe
to land, where, as the ground was covered
with snow, and there were no inhabitants, he
suffered severe privations. In a few days some
Canadian fishermen, who sailed near, descried
the shipwrecked mariners, and rescued them
from their perilous situation. Some years
afterwards in a voyage from Jamaica to St.
John's, New Brunswick, in the brig Weasel,
Buffett was shipwrecked on Situate Bay, near
Boston, and was again saved from the fate which
seemed ready to overtake him. In 1821, he
sailed as mate from London in an American
ship bound for Canton. From Canton he went
to Manilla, and, after experiencing many trials
and hardships by sea, proceeded to California,
where he remained for some months. He then
joined the whale-ship, Cyrus, of London, John
Hall,* Master, and having procured 1,700 bar-
rels of sperm oil, touched, in the passage home-
ward, at Pitcairn's Island, for refreshment.
" The inhabitants," says Buffett, in his nar-
rative, " being in want of some person to teach
them to read and write, the captain asked me if
I should like to remain there. I told him I
should, and was discharged and went ashore.
When our boat landed, the natives appeared
very glad to see us. We ascended the hill, and
were conducted to the village, where we saw
John Adams. He was a man about five feet six
inches high, stout made, and very corpulent."
CHAPTER VIII.
INVITATION TO ADMIRAL MORESBY VISIT OF AN ENGLISH
ADMIRAL TO THE ISLAND HIS LETTERS, AND THOSE OF
HIS SECRETARY AND CHAPLAIN THE ISLANDERS IN 1852
MR. NOBBS'S ARRIVAL AT VALPARAISO MR. NOBBS IN
ENGLAND HIS ORDINATION AS DEACON AND PRIEST.
THE narrative has now reached an important
era in the annals of Pitcairn. The first arrival
of an English Admiral at the island in August,
1852, may be considered an historical event
among the community there ; and it may be
reasonably hoped that the result of his visit will
prove a blessing to the people.
Eear- Admiral Moresby, C.B., who had long
been interested in the state and prospects of the
islanders, received, in July 1851, the following
warm and hearty invitation, signed by thirteen
of the female inhabitants, in the name of all
their sex on the island :
" Pitcairn, July 28th, 1851.
" HONOURABLE SIR, From the kind interest
you have evinced for our little community in the
letter which you have sent our excellent and
worthy Pastor, Mr. Nobbs, we are emboldened
to send you the following request, which is that
you will visit us before you leave this station ;
or if it is impossible for you to do so, certainly
LETTER OF INVITATION.
191
we, as loyal subjects of our gracious Queen,
ought to be visited annually, if not more, by one
of her ships of war.
" We have never had the pleasure of wel-
coming an English Admiral to our little Island,
and we therefore earnestly solicit a visit from
you. How inexpressibly happy shall we be if
you should think fit to grant this our warmest
wish. We trust that our very secluded and
isolated position, and the very few visits we
have of late had from British ships of war, will
be sufficient apology for addressing the above
request to you. With fervent prayers for your
present and future happiness, and for that of our
Queen, and Nation,
" We remain, Honoured Sir,
" Your sincere and affectionate well-wishers,
CAROLINA ADAMS,
DORCAS YOUNG,
SARAH M'CoY,
SARAH ADAMS,
PHCEBE ADAMS,
JEMIMA YOUNG,
EEBECCA CHRISTIAN,
HANNAH YOUNG,
NANCY QUINTALL,
SUSAN QUINTALL,
LOUISA QUINTALL,
EUTH QUINTALL,
KACHEL EVANS,
SARAH NOBBS.
It will be seen from the subjoined narrative
that this invitation was accepted. The lively
In the name, and on
behalf, of all the rest
of the female sex on
the Island.
192 VISIT OF ADMIRAL MORESBY.
account, which has been supplied by Mr. Nobbs,
of the reception of Admiral Moresby, will serve
to place the reader in possession of many in-
teresting facts connected with the present state
of the island.
" On the 7th of August, 1852 (at noon) a
vessel was reported, which at sunset was strongly
suspected of being a ship of war. The hours of
the night passed tediously away, and before
sunrise next morning several of our people were
seated on the precipice in front of the town,
anxiously waiting the report of a gun from the
ship, which would give positive confirmation to
the overnight suspicion of her being a ship of
war ; nor were they kept long in suspense :
the booming of a cannon electrified the town,
and the whole community were thrown into a
state of intense excitement, more especially as it
was quickly observed that she wore an Admiral's
flag!
" Our boat repaired on board, and, after a
short time, another from the ship was seen ap-
proaching the shore. The teacher and some
others went to the landing-place, and had the
honour and pleasure of welcoming to Pitcairn
Rear- Admiral Moresby, Commander-in-Chief
the first officer of that rank that ever visited
Pitcairn. The admiral received our greetings of
welcome in a most urbane manner, and both him-
self and his secretary, Mr. Fortescue Moresby,
were pleased to express themselves much grati-
fied with all they saw and heard. The admiral
attended divine service, and was evidently sur-
prised at the improvement the people had made
VISIT OF ADMIRAL MORESBY. 193
in singing by note ; especially as their friend
Carleton had so very limited a time for instruct-
ing them. In the afternoon the Rev. Mr. Hoi-
man read prayers, and preached a sermon, most
appropriate to the occasion, from 1st Cor. 15th
chap, last verse.
" The admiral, in the course of conversation,
learned from the inhabitants that they had a
great desire for the ordination of their pastor, in
order that he might be qualified to administer
the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper ; and, with
great kindness, proposed to send Mr. Nobbs to
England for that purpose, leaving the Kev. Mr.
Holman to officiate in his stead. The inhabi-
tants did not accede to this most generous offer
so readily as they ought to have done ; and the
reason they gave was, that in case of sickness
they would have no one to prescribe for them.
The admiral told them they might do as they
liked, but they were certainly much wanting to
themselves, and their children, if they let so
favourable an opportunity pass without im-
proving it. He explained to them, very clearly
and forcibly, the necessity of an ordained clergy-
man being established among them, and the
disabilities their children laboured under until
such an event took place. They listened with
breathless attention to the paternal advice of the
admiral, and most readily acquiesced in all his
expansive views of the subjects most vitally
connected with their welfare. But still they
evinced a backwardness in agreeing to part with
their teacher. The admiral, on perceiving this,
kindly told them he would give them till eleven
194 VISIT OF ADMIEAL MORESBY.
o'clock to come to a decision, and that lie would
not retire till that period.
" During their debate one of them came to
inquire of the admiral, whether Mr. Holman
would teach the public school. The admiral
replied, ' Certainly.' On this the man went
away ; and at eleven o'clock, as no answer had
arrived, the admiral went to bed. About twelve
o'clock word was brought, that the community
had agreed to let their teacher go, which was
duly reported next morning to the admiral,
who remarked that they had done well in con-
senting to Mr. Nobbs's departure, and that he
would take upon himself the responsibility of
the expenses incurred necessarily by Mr. Nobbs,
although he had no doubt there were friends of
the Pitcairn Islanders who would cheerfully
unite with him ; and further, they would never
lack friends so long as they continued to deserve
them.
" As the point was now decided, Mr. Nobbs
was requested to hold himself in readiness for
embarkation, the admiral generously undertaking
to supply him with articles in which his scanty
wardrobe was deficient. On seeing the necessity
there was of an educated female to improve the
domestic habits of the women generally, and
hearing Mr. Nobbs remark that he would send
one of his daughters to Valparaiso for improve-
ment, that she might on her return instruct the
others, but that he could not command funds for
doing so, the admiral replied, ' Take your
child with you, and I will put her to school
while you are gone to England ; and when you
THE LEAVE-TAKING. 195
come back you can take her to the island with
you.'
" And now comes the leave-taking, - the
venerable and benevolent commander-in-chief of
her Majesty's forces in the Pacific, standing on
the rocky beach at Bounty Bay (the very spot
where the mutineers had landed sixty-two
years before), himself the oldest person there,
by fifteen years, surrounded by stalwart men
and matronly women, youths, maidens, and
little children, every one in tears and most
deeply affected, formed a truly impressive scene.
The boat was some time in readiness before the
admiral could avail himself of an opportunity to
embark. Some held him by the hand, the elder
women hanging on his neck, arid the younger
ones endeavouring to obtain a promise that he
would revisit them. As a number of the men
went on board with the admiral, a similar scene
occurred there ; and as the last boat pushed off
from the ship, some of the hardy tars standing
in the gangway were detected in hastily brush-
ing away a tear. The frigate now stood in for
the last time, and, hoisting the royal standard,
fired a salute of twenty- one guns. The tars
manned the rigging, and gave three hearty
cheers, and one cheer more. The islanders
responded : the band struck up ' God save the
Queen ; ' and the stately Portland started on her
track. May He who stilleth the raging of the
waves, waft her propitiously to her destined
port ! To Admiral Moresby, Mr. Fortescue
Moresby, Captain Chads, and the officers gene-
rally, the people of Pitcairn are much indebted
196 LETTER OF ADMIRAL MORESBY.
for many, very many favours. That they will
long be gratefully remembered, admits not of a
doubt; and that the inhabitants may continue
to conduct themselves as becomes people so
highly favoured, is most devoutly to be
wished."
The following letter from Admiral Moresby
to the Admiralty, will further illustrate the sub-
ject of Pitcairn, its people, and Pastor:
"Portland, at sea, lat. 25 25' S., long. 126 29' W.
August 12, 1852.
" SIR, Continuing the report of my pro-
ceedings from the 27th ult., as detailed in my
letter No. 71, I request you will inform the
Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that
after passing over the position assigned to
Incarnation Island without seeing it, we made
Pitcairn's Island on the morning of the 7th
instant. Early on Sunday, the 8th, I landed.
From this time to the period of our departure,
on the llth, I remained on shore, and a constant
intercourse was kept up with the Portland.
" It is impossible to do justice to the spirit of
order and decency that animates the whole com-
munity, whose number amounts to 170, strictly
brought up in the Protestant faith, according
to the Established Church of England, by Mr.
Nobbs, their pastor and surgeon, who has for
twenty-four years zealously and successfully,
by precept and example, raised them to a state
of the highest moral conduct and feeling.
" Of fruits and edible roots they have at
LETTEE OF ADMIRAL MORESBY. 197
present abundance, which they exchange with
the whalers for clothing, oil, medicine, and other
necessaries ; but the crops on the tillage ground
begin to deteriorate, landslips occur with each
succeeding storm, and the declivities of the
hills, when denuded, are laid bare by the pe-
riodical rains. Their diet consists of yams,
sweet potatoes, and bread-fruit ; a small quan-
tity of fish is occasionally caught; their pigs
supply annually upon an average about 501bs.
of meat to each individual ; and they have a
few goats and fowls. Their want of clothing
and other absolute necessaries is very pressing,
and I am satisfied that the time has arrived
when preparation, at least, must be made for
the future, seven or eight years being the ut-
most that can be looked forward to for a con-
tinuance of their present means of support. The
summary of the year 1851 gives births, 12;
deaths, 2; marriages, 3. On their return from
Otaheite they numbered about 60, of whom
there were married 13 couple; the rest from the
age of 1 6 to infancy.
" Mr. Nobbs was anxious to avail himself of
my offer to convey him to Valparaiso, and
thence enable him to proceed to England, for
the purpose of obtaining ordination. At a
general meeting of the inhabitants their consent
was given, provided I would leave the chaplain
of the Portland until Mr. Nobbs returned : the
advantage is so obvious that I feel confident
their lordships will approve my consenting.
From the anxiety which has b een expressed by
high authorities of the Church for Mr. Nobbs's
198 LETTER OF ADMIRAL MORESBY.
ordination, I anticipate that it will be effected
with so little delay that he will be enabled
to return to Valparaiso by the middle of Jan-
uary.
" I was unable to comply strictly with the
list of articles which their lordships authorized
me to give the islanders. I enclose a list of
what we supplied ; they were greatly wanted
and gratefully received. The crew of the Port-
land also requested permission to give a portion
of their allowance, and also that they might be
allowed to send them a whale-boat, with other
stores from Valparaiso.
" Captain Chads and the officers were most
generous. I was fortunate in procuring at
Borobora a young bull and heifer, also a ram,
accidents having befallen the ones previously
sent. The packet of seeds forwarded in their
lordships' letter, No. 132, of the 4th of Decem-
ber, 1851, was duly delivered.
" Should any unfortunate circumstance pre-
vent the periodical visits of the whale-ships,
they would be left entirely to the charitable
consideration of her Majesty's Government.
The crews of the whale-ships have invariably
conducted themselves with marked propriety.
They take their turn of leave on shore, and
their sick are received and nursed with the
greatest care.
" The Adeline Gibbs, American whaler, Mr,
Weeks, master, was there during our visit. Mr.
and Mrs. Weeks were living ashore. It would
be a happy circumstance if a person like her
could be found to reside among them.
LETTER OF ADMIRAL MORESBY. 199
" I forward a continuation of their journal
since that published by Mr. Brodie a very
correct statement, which renders unnecessary
any further remarks.
" I have, &c.
" FAIRFAX MORESBY,
" Rear- Admiral, and Commander-in-Chief."
The Admiral also wrote thus from The Port-
land, at sea, August, 1852:
" Of all the eventful periods which have
chequered my life, none have surpassed in
interest, and I trust in hope of future good, the
last, our visit to Pitcairn ; and surely the hand
of God has been in all this ; for by chances the
most unexpected, and by favourable winds out
of the usual course of the trades, we were
carried in eleven days to Pitcairn's from Boro-
bora. It is impossible to describe the charm
that the society of the islanders throws around
them under the providence of God. The hour
and the occasion served, and I have brought
away their pastor and teacher for the purpose
of sending him to England to be ordained, and
one of his daughters, who will be placed at the
English clergyman's at Valparaiso, until her
father's return. The islanders depend prin-
cipally for their necessary supplies on the
whaling-ships, which are generally American.
Greatly to their credit, the men behave in the
most exemplary manner, very differently from
what I expected. One rough seaman, whom I
spoke to in praise of such conduct, said, i Sir,
200 LETTER OF THE ADMIRAL'S SECRETARY.
I expect if one of our fellows was to misbehave
himself here, we should not leave him alive.'
They are guileless and unsophisticated beyond
description. The time had arrived when pre-
paration for partial removal was necessary, and
especially for the ordination of their pastor, or
the appointment of a Clergyman of the Esta-
blished Church.
" They are thoroughly versed in Bible his-
tory, which has hitherto kept them from listening
to the advances of some over-heated imaginations.
I stayed for days upon that speck in the ocean,
but rising like a paradise from its bosom. I
believe there was scarcely a dry eye in the ship
when the islanders took their leave. We ran
within hail of the settlement, hoisted the royal
standard, fired a salute, and cheered them."
Extract of a Letter from the Admiral's
Secretary.
" At 6. 30, A.M. of the 9th, as we were dancing
along about eight knots an hour before a fresh
breeze, we discovered a thin blue shadow, whose
outline appeared to be too well defined to be a
cloud : at 9 we were certain that we saw Pitcairn's
Island. Having read so much about the mutiny
of the Bounty, and the subsequent romantic his-
tory of the mutineers, which has resulted in the
formation of a colony celebrated for their virtue,
and simplicity, and religion, I experienced a
feeling of something (I know not what to call
it) on approaching the island, that I have felt
when visiting some spot held sacred either from
LETTER OF THE ADMIRAL'S SECRETARY. 201
history or from being the scene of some Biblical
relation ; it is a secret kind of satisfaction. Hav-
ing a fair wind, we hoped about noon to be on
shore ; but whilst we were yet twenty miles from
the island, the wind came directly foul, and fell
light, so that we hardly held our own, owing to
the heavy swell, and all day we remained en-
deavouring to work up. What a little spot it
appears on the vast Pacific ! a mere rock, appa-
rently incapable to resist the mighty waves of
so vast an ocean. Easily indeed would a ship
not knowing its exact position miss it. The
mutineers might well deem themselves secure
on so small an island, so remotely situated at
that time. Also these seas were but little fre-
quented ; but even now, to give you an idea of
their vast extent, notwithstanding the thousands
of ships that are trading on them, we have only
seen one ship at sea, and our track measures
4,500 miles. When we get close to the land, or
some well-known port, we see a few. During
the night we got a slant of wind, and at 6, Sunday
morning the 8th, we were close to the island.
The Admiral fired a gun to give notice of our
arrival. A whale-boat full of the islanders soon
came off, but before coming alongside they asked
permission to come on board ; then jumped up
the side seven or eight fine tall, robust fellows,
and gave us a hearty shake-hands, and assured
us of a hearty welcome when we went on shore.
" I was in my cabin with Philip M'Coy, one
of the islanders, when the sentry came to tell me
that it was prayer-time, for the admiral always
has prayers before breakfast. I said to Philip,
I
202 LETTER OF THE ADMIRAL'S SECRETARY.
' I shall be up again directly, if you will wait.'
He paused a moment, and then said, ' May I
come, sir?' 'Oh yes,' I answered. On going
down, we met the rest of his companions, whom
he told, and they all came in and knelt down to
prayers. We then got a hurried breakfast, and
the admiral and myself immediately landed
in the cutter, the water being pretty smooth.
This was the only time a ship's boat was able to
land, for a heavy surf generally rolls in, breaking
with terrific violence on the rocky shore. The
proper way to land is to come to the back of the
rollers in a ship's boat ; a whale-boat then comes
off, you get into her, and she immediately gets
ready to obey the signal of a man who stands
upon a rock on shore, and directly he waves his
hat, the favourable moment has arrived, the men
give way, and with wonderful rapidity the boat
is borne on the top of a wave to the shore. They
are very skilful, and in a heavy surf will gene-
rally land you dry.
" Mr. George Hunn Nobbs, their teacher or
pastor, met us at the landing-place; and we at
once ascended the cliffs by a steep winding
path to a plantation of cocoa-trees, called the
market-place, as all trade is carried on at this
spot. Here the islanders met us and gave us a
hearty welcome. Generally all the inhabitants
assemble here to welcome the officers of a man-
of-war; but as it was Sunday and early, they
had not arrived. We continued our way by
a pretty path winding through the trees to the
town, meeting here and there detachments
coming towards us, These all followed in our
LETTER OF THE ADMIRAL'S SECRETARY. 203
wake ; and by the time we reached Mr. Nobbs's
cottage, which is situated at the opposite end of
the town, we had pretty well all the people
after us.
" Never were seen so many happy smiling
faces, all eager to look at the first admiral that
ever came to their happy island ; but not one
tried to push his way, or make any attempt to
get before another. If we said a kind word to
any of them, they looked so happy and pleased!
and we did Jnot neglect to do so. There is not
one in whose face good humour, virtue, amia-
bility, and kindness does not beam, and con-
sequently not one whose face is not pleasing.
" It was now church-time, and away we all
went to Church. Mr. Nobbs officiated, and read
the prayers impressively and earnestly : the most
solemn attention was paid by all. They sang
two hynrns in most magnificent style; and
really I have never heard any Church singing
in any part of the world that could equal it,
except at cathedrals; and the whole of the
credit is due to Mr. Carleton, who was left
behind by accident from a whaler. (See c Pit-
cairn's Island and the Islanders,' by Mr.
Brodie.)
" Both sexes like to dress like English people,
if they can, on Sundays. The women complain
that they cannot get shoes ; biit all the men can
get them from the whalers. During the week,
their dress consists chiefly of a dark-blue petti-
coat, and a white kind of shirt for the women ;
and for the men loose shirt and trousers. Their
food consists chiefly of yams, cocoa-nuts, bananas,
204 LETTER OF THE ADMIRAL'S SECRETARY.
tacco, oranges, &c. &c. a few fish; and in the yam
season, each family kills a large pig, that during
the hard work of digging yams they may have
a little animal food. Sometimes they get goats' -
flesh, and are trying to rear a few cattle they
have there. The admiral gave them a young
bull and cow, also a ram.
" Both sexes work very hard indeed. They
usually rise at dawn, have family prayers, do
the work that is necessary; about dusk have
supper ; then they go to the singing-school or
to Mr. Nobbs, or meet to have a chat. About
nine or ten, they go to bed, previously having
family worship. Should one of the little ones go
to bed or to sleep during his mother's absence,
she immediately awakes it to say its prayers.
Not a soul on the island would dream of com-
mencing a meal or finishing without asking a
blessing or returning thanks. Boys and girls
can swim almost as soon as they can walk ; con-
sequently they can swim through the largest
surf, and play about amongst the broken water
on the rocks that we look at with terror. One
of their greatest amusements is to have a slide,
as they term it ; that is, to take a piece of wood
about three feet long, shaped like a canoe, with
a small keel (called a surf-board) ; they then,
holding this before them, dive under the first
heavy sea, and come up the other side; they
then swim out a little way until they see a rapid
heavy sea come rolling in, the higher the better;
they rest their breast upon the canoe or surf-
board, and are carried along on the very apex
of the surf at a prodigious rate right upon the
LETTER OF THE ADMIRAL'S SECRETARY. 205
rocks, where you think nothing can save them
from being dashed to pieces, the surf seems so
powerful; but in a moment they are on their
legs, and prepared for another slide. Their
method of fishing is equally dangerous ; the
women walk upon the rocks until they see a
squid; then watching the retreating sea, they
run in and try to pick the squid up before the
advancing surf can wash them off; but frequently
they are washed off, and then they have to exert
all their skill to land, for they have no surf-
board to help them.
" Christmas Day is a grand feast, and they
keep it up in good style: but the Queen's
birthday is their grand day ; it is kept up
with feasting and dancing (the only day they
are allowed to dance on the island), and all
sorts of merriment. Among the first questions
everybody asks is, How is her Majesty the
Queen ?
" Away, away ! we are off to the world again,
truly sorry to leave this island ; their happiness
in this life consists wholly in virtue, and their
virtue is their truest pleasure. They think that
(and how really true it is !) the more religious
and virtuous you become, the happier you are ;
deeming every sin to take from your enjoyment
in this and the after life. If we were to take
away the credit due to them of leading so good
a life from principle, they would still continue,
as they know that true pleasure is only to be
obtained by obeying the will of God. Their
temperance and industry give them health, food,
and cheerfulness ; it gains for them universal
206 THE ISLANDEES IN 1852.
esteem, respect, and sympathy ; and as in this
life they do not seek their pleasures in things
below, but in a higher Power, so we may
earnestly hope that the image of the Saviour
will be found in their hearts, and in the next
\vorld that they may be peculiarly His own."
The following animated account, by one of
the voyagers, brings the narrative down to Mr.
Nobbs's arrival at Valparaiso, on his way to
England :
" He has officiated as minister during the last
twenty-three years, greatly to the satisfaction
of the islanders, if one may judge by the respect
and affection which they entertain for him. We
brought Mr. Nobbs as far as Valparaiso. More
than one meeting was held by the elders, before
they could bring themselves to consent to his
leaving them, though only for a few months.
At last their anxiety to have a regularly or-
dained clergyman prevailed. We found these
excellent people fully deserving all the praise
which has been bestowed upon them. They are
like one large family, living in perfect harmony
with each other. We were treated by them
like brothers, and welcomed everywhere. The
population is now twenty-one families. Arthur
Quintall is the oldest man, and George Adams
next, these being the only male survivors of the
first generation. They are badly off for clothing,
which they purchase from the whaling vessels
occasionally touching there. Their money is
derived from the sale of their surplus yams, &c. ;
but owing to the small size of the island, and
the rapid increase of the population, they must,
THE ISLANDEES IN 1852. 207
in a very few years, withhold from ships all
supplies except water. The endeavours of Mr.
Carleton and the Baron de Thierry to teach
them singing, have been successful. They now
sing together in parts beautifully ; and are very
grateful to those gentlemen for this tuition.
They meet twice a- week to practise, and we
heard them sing a variety of glees extremely
well.
" We arrived on the morning of Sunday,
Aug. 8, 1852. As soon as we hove-to, off
Bounty Bay, Arthur Quintall and George
Adams, with as many as a whale-boat could
contain, came on board to pay their respects
to the first admiral who had ever visited them.
Shortly after, they requested leave to attend
prayers in the admiral's cabin, which are read
every morning by the chaplain. When break-
fast was over, the band was ordered up, with
which they were much delighted.
" Our chaplain performed the afternoon ser-
vice, and preached an excellent sermon. The
hymns were sung in regular parts by the whole
congregation. I doubt much whether any
church in England, excepting cathedrals, can
boast of such a good choir. The congregation
were very nicely dressed; indeed, it is a great
point to have white shirts on Sundays. The
Sabbath is strictly observed. The crew of the
Portland requested permission, which was
granted, to present the islanders with three
casks of rice, twelve bags of bread, and one cask
of sugar; the value of these articles being
charged against their wages. Mr. Nobbs left
208 MR. NOBBS'S ARRIVAL IN ENGLAND.
the shore amidst the tears and blessings of his
little flock, by whom he is sincerely beloved.
" Before making sail on our course, we ran in
close to the island, hoisted the royal standard
at the particular request of the islanders, who
had never before seen it displayed, fired a royal
salute, manned the rigging, and gave three
cheers for the islanders, which they 'answered
heartily. We arrived at Valparaiso on the
30th August."
Mr. Nobbs having travelled by the Isthmus
of Panama, arrived in England by the Orinoco
steamer on Saturday, Oct. 16, 1852. Admiral
Moresby had supplied him with the means of
obtaining a passage from Valparaiso to London,
and generously promised 100?. towards such
costs as might be incurred during his absence
from the island.
On Mr. Nobbs's presenting himself to the
Bishop of London, his Lordship, in consideration
of his long services at Pitcairn, and the high
character given of him by Admiral Moresby,
and other competent persons, acceded to his
request to be admitted to holy orders.
On Sunday morning, October 24th, 1852, an
ordination took place in the parish church of
St. Mary, Islington, by the Bishop of Sierra
Leone, under a special commission from the
Bishop of London, when Mr. Nobbs was ad-
mitted to Deacon's orders. Mr. Richard C.
Paley, B.A. of St. Peter's College, Cambridge,
a grandson of the celebrated Archdeacon Paley,
was ordained at the same time ; both candidates
ORDINATION OF MR. NOBBS. 209
having been presented by the Rev. Henry Venn,
Secretary of the Church Missionary Society.
Several of the clergy of the neighbourhood, and
about twenty students of the Church Missionary
College, were present. Mr. Paley, who was a
very young man, soon after entered upon his
arduous and interesting Mission at Abbeokuta,
Western Africa, but was stopped by the hand
of death, almost at the commencement of his
missionary career. The other candidate, more
than twice his age, yet lives on, by God's good
providence, for the benefit of his little flock in
the Pacific.
On the 30th November following, (St. An-
drew's day,) Mr. Nobbs was ordained Priest
in Fulham church, by the Bishop of London ;
his description in the letters of orders being
" Chaplain of Pitcairn's Island." He was pre-
sented for priest's orders to the Bishop by the
author of this work.
CHAPTEE IX.
THE REV. G. H. NOBBS IN ENGLAND HIS RECEPTION BY THE
QUEEN AND PRINCE ALBERT MR. NOBBS'S RETURN HOME-
WARD BY NAVY BAY AND THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA AT
VALPARAISO EFFORTS IN ENGLAND FOR THE ISLANDERS
INTELLIGENCE FROM PITCAIRN THE FIRST COMMUNION ON
THE ISLAND MR. NOBBS'S ARRIVAL AT PITCAIRN PITCAIRN
IN 1853 AID RENDERED TO THE ISLANDERS.
DuKiNGr his two months' stay in England,
Mr. Nobbs met with various marks of kindness.
The prompt and courteous attention shown him
at the Admiralty, by Mr. Stafford, Mr. T. T.
Grant, and other gentlemen, he valued very
highly. Among the visits which he paid, were
those to the Duke and Duchess of Northumber-
land, the Bishops of London and Winchester,
and Archdeacon Grant, at whose houses he was
a welcome guest. Sir Kobert H. Inglis received
him with much hospitality ; and he was enter-
tained with true kindness at Killerton, Devon,
by Sir Thos. Dyke Acland, one of the most
cordial and serviceable of his many friends.
On Wednesday, December the 15th, two
days before he quitted England for Pitcairn,
Mr. Nobbs embarked at Portsmouth, on board
the yacht Fairy, and proceeded, by appoint-
ment, to Osborne House, where he was received
by Colonel the Hon. C. Grey, and, after a
RECEPTION BY THE QUEEN AND PRINCE. 211
short time, was presented to Prince Albert.
His Royal Highness was very kind, asked
many questions as to the island, and appeared
much pleased with the answers given.
Mr. ISTobbs having, towards the conclusion
of this interview, humbly begged to be allowed
to pay his duty in person to the Queen ; and it
having appeared, that Her Majesty had ex-
pressed her readiness to receive him, the Prince
was pleased to present him to Her Majesty.
His reception was highly gratifying to his feel-
ings as a dutiful subject, and the representative
of the truly loyal community of Pitcairn. The
Queen, who was most gracious and condescend-
ing in her demeanour towards him, was pleased
to present him with her portrait. Portraits
of Prince Albert, and the Royal Children, were
added. This highly- treasured gift was taken out
in February 1853 in Her Majesty's sloop Rattle-
snake, Captain Trollope. The portraits of Her
Majesty and the Royal Family, having been
consigned at Valparaiso to the care of Captain
Morshead of H.M.S. Dido, were safely landed
at Pitcairn ; and, on the 3d of the following
November, were exhibited to the islanders.
Their devoted loyalty on the receipt of the pic-
ture of the Queen was most striking.
Mr. Nobbs having been placed by the Society
for the Propagation of the Gospel on its list of
Missionaries, with a salary of 50 1. per annum,
sailed on the 17th December, 1852, from South-
ampton, in the Royal Mail steam ship La Plata.
He reached the island of St. Thomas early in the
year 1853, and from thence proceeded in another
212 MR. NOBBS'S EETURN HOMEWARD.
steamer to Navy Bay. The Directors of the
Royal Mail Steam Navigation Company had
kindly provided him with a free passage to that
place.
At the head of Navy Bay lies the town, which
by the government of the province, and in all
official documents, is styled "Colon," but by
the Americans, who are its founders and chief
owners, is known by the name of " Aspinwall."
There is the terminus of the railroad, by which
the traveller is conveyed about 25 miles, at
a high rate, to the station at Barbacoas, on the
river Chagres. Thence there is a conveyance up
the river by canoes about 14 miles, to the town
of Cruces. From Cruces the journey overland
to Panama, about 25 miles, is completed on
mules, over one of the very worst roads that
exist in the known world. From the island of
Taboga, near Panama, an excellent steamer plies
continually to Valparaiso, touching at Callao,
the Port of Lima.
It will be interesting to many readers to learn
that the late admirable Bishop of Sydney, Dr.
W. G. Broughton, travelled by this line, cross-
ing, under circumstances of great difficulty, the
Isthmus of Panama, on his way from Lima to
England, which was to be his last place of
sojourn on earth. He reached our shores on the
18th of November, 1852, the day of the funeral
of his patron, the Duke of Wellington, who had
duly appreciated his merits and virtues. The
Bishop died in London, greatly lamented, on
the 20th February, 1853. He had expressed, in
t L
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'
j
. i
I'll %
a
T
y
MR. NOBBS AT VALPARAISO. 213
a letter to the author, much sympathy with the
Pitcairn islanders, and their Pastor.
Mr. Nobbs, though a well-tried traveller, and
equal to the endurance of no small anlount of
hardship, experienced a full share of the trouble
and annoyance for which the journey over the
Isthmus of Panama is proverbial. He had pur-
posely avoided taking much luggage. Not only,
however, was the charge for conveyance exorbi-
tant; but, notwithstanding all his care, he, for
some time, lost sight of a trunk, containing,
among other articles of importance, a beautiful
set of silver communion plate, which had been
entrusted to his care by a friend at Fulham, for
use in the church at Pitcairn. This painful
event, added to the ill effect of the climate,
brought on an attack of fever, the symptoms of
which were serious after his leaving Panama.
By God's blessing, this sickness passed away.
Through the active zeal of Mr. Perry, the British
Consul at Panama, the goods, which had been
missing for a week, were restored to Mr. Nobbs's
hands. On his arrival at Valparaiso, he found
his son and daughter in good health ; but he
was just too late for a vessel which had left
for Pitcairn. Writing to the author from
Valparaiso, he said :
" After some detention and sickness, I was
graciously permitted to arrive here on the 12th
of February ; and I am still detained, waiting
for the Portland. Oh, how I wish to be at
home ! The Admiral is in tolerable health, and
so is the Eeverend Mr. Hill, who, I believe, cor-
responds with you. I have divided the duty
214 ME. NOBBS AT VALPARAISO.
with him at the church on shore, ever since I
have been here, besides the service on board one
of the British ships of war, once on each Sab-
bath ; so you see I am not idle. The agent for
British steamers in these parts presented me
with a free passage from Panama to Valparaiso,
iii the name of his company, whose directors
reside in Liverpool. I wish you, my friend, or
our good Sir Thomas Ackland, would thank them
for their kindness. I intend doing the same.
If you have anything to send to your corre-
spondents in these parts, let it come round Cape
Horn ; for if it comes across the Isthmus of
Panama, the charges will be enormous. Please
to offer my grateful remembrances to all and
every one to whom you think it right they
should be offered, especially those kind and
worthy brethren who attend your Society, and
who have expressed so much interest in me and
mine. So much for business, &c."
It is now time to give an account of certain
efforts which have recently been made in this
country, with a view to the permanent benefit of
the Pitcairn islanders.
In consideration of the scanty resources of
Pitcairn' s Island, some noblemen and gentlemen
were induced, on the recommendation of Admiral
Moresby, with the aid of the Admiral's relatives
in England, (Mrs. Moresby, Mrs. Prevost, and
Mr. and Mrs. E. A. White, of Grantham,) to
raise a fund of moderate amount towards the
passage and outfit of Mr. Nobbs, and for the
PITCAIKN FUND COMMITTEE. 215
supply of such things as were deemed requisite
for the inhabitants. Labourers' and carpenters'
tools, a proper bell for the Church, medicines,
a few clocks, clothing of various sorts, simple
articles of furniture, cooking utensils, &c., were
needed. Mr. Nobbs having been requested by
the Committee of the fund to furnish a list of
articles wanted, a statement was supplied by
him accordingly ; and the authorities at the
Admiralty, in the most kind and considerate
manner, assigned for the use of the islanders
such of the articles in his list as were among
those stores of the victualling department which
were not required for their original purpose.
The aid thus furnished by the Admiralty proved
most important ; a considerable portion of the
requisite goods having been supplied from that
source. The rest were purchased from the fund,
raised by means of liberal contributions, and
were despatched in June 1853, freight-free, in
the government store-ship, the Narwhal, to Val-
paraiso, for transmission to Pitcairn's Island.
The Society for Promoting Christian Knoiv-
ledge, at the General Meeting held on the 7th of
December, 1852, at which Mr. Nobbs was pre-
sent, unanimously granted One Hundred Pounds
towards this fund.
Admiral Moresby generously added to his
former benefactions One Hundred Pounds.
The exertions made in this good cause
have proved successful. Not only have all
the needful articles been purchased, and paid
for, from the means cheerfully subscribed ; but
the sum of Five Hundred Pounds has been
216 LETTERS FROM VALPARAISO.
invested in the funds, for the future "benefit of the
islanders. A whale-boat has also been procured,
and sent out for them from the balance in hand ;
the invested capital (July 1854) being at present
untouched. The Bishop of London, Sir T. D.
Acland, Bart. M.P., and William Cotton, Esq.,
are the Treasurers of this fund.
In the first edition of this book was the follow-
ing passage :
" From Valparaiso, should all go on prospe-
ously with Mr. Nobbs, Admiral Moresby will
convey him to Pitcairn in the Portland ; and the
islanders will probably welcome him home before
the end of March. May it please God to guide
him, in health and safety, to his distant flock !
Who can adequately imagine the scene which
will be presented on his landing among his
friends on the island, to be parted from them no
more on this side the grave?"
It appeared from letters afterwards received,
that it would be near the middle of May before
the pastor would reach Pitcairn. In a letter to
the author, from Valparaiso, Mr. Nobbs said,
" I hope my next will be dated ' Pitcairn's
Island.' ' : Looking forward to the pleasure of
being once more at home, he added, " Oh ! that
will be joyful." Some events which have since
occurred in connexion with the island, including
the arrival of Mr. Nobbs at Pitcairn, shall now
be stated to the reader. The following is an
extract from Admiral Moresby's letter to the
aiithor, dated Valparaiso, 31st January, 1853 :
FIRST COMMUNION AT PITCAIRN. 217
" Truly my heart rejoices at the completion
of my wishes in Mr. Nobbs's ordination, and the
future prospect opening to the Pitcairn commu-
nity. A small sum will suffice to keep up a
knowledge of the Tahitian language the voice
by which the extension of the gospel will be
forwarded.
" I have now only to hope and trust that it
will please God to give his blessing to all that
has been done."
The Admiral at the same time forwarded a
communication addressed to him by the Eev.
W. H. Holman, dated Pitcairn, Dec. 21st, 1852.
From this it appeared that the people had been
greatly pleased with the presents brought by the
Cockatrice, and felt truly grateful for the kind-
ness of their friends. Two deaths had occurred
on the island that of Mary Christian, on the
24th October, and a little boy, William Quin-
tall, on the 1st of November; the latter from
lock-jaw, occasioned by a thorn running into his
foot. The people were healthy, with the excep-
tion of the slight illness caused by vaccination,
which was proceeding satisfactorily, and which
proved successful in every case.
A very favourable report was given of the
moral and religious character of the islanders.
The first administration of the Holy Communion
had taken place on the island, when the whole
of the adult congregation (sixty-two persons)
received the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
Soon after this the chief Magistrate, in the
name of the Community, wrote to the Admiral
in the following grateful terms :
P
218 LETTER TO THE ADMIRAL
PITCAIRN'S ISLAND, January 13^, 1853.
" DEAR AND HONOURED FATHER,
" We, the inhabitants of Pitcairn's Island,
filled with a sense of gratitude for the many
favours which we have experienced at your
hands, have made bold to address you in the
language of children. We feel in ourselves
that if kindness and protection from a parent
deserves the respect and obedience of his chil-
dren, we certainly owe the same to you, for the
many many favours which we have received
from you ever since your arrival in this ocean.
Your former favours to us are not forgotten,
and especially your kind visit to us in August
last. The presents which we then received from
you and your officers, and good ship's company,
and those again by the Cockatrice lately, have
filled us with the deepest gratitude ; and will, we
doubt not, be remembered in Pitcairn's Island
when we ourselves are no more.
" Situated as we are, so far away from the
rest of mankind, and lying so far out of your
course, we esteem it the greatest kindness in-
deed that you should deign to pay us a visit as
you did ; and we sincerely hope, that through
the mercy and kindness of * Him who alone
can govern the unruly wills and affections of
sinful men,' we may ever continue to conduct
ourselves in such a manner as to merit- ihe
esteem and approbation of yourself and all our
numerous friends.
" In the name of the Community, we beg
you to accept our most sincere and hearty thanks
for all your kindness to us. We feel that words
MR. NQBBS'S ARRIVAL AT PITCAIRN. 219
are but weak to convey our thanks ; but such as
they are, we hope you will accept of them as
flowing from sincere and grateful hearts ; and
that the Giver of all good gifts, who has declared
that < it is more blessed to give than to receive,'
may ever bless and preserve you and yours, is
the sincere desire of
" Your loving children,
" MATTHEW M'CoY,
" Chief Magistrate, &c. &c.
" To Rear- Admiral Fairfax Moresby, Commander-in-chief
of H.M.S. in the Pacific."
Many persons in this country, who felt a deep
interest in Pitcairn's Island and its Pastor, when
they considered the uncertainty of human life,
and the dangers and difficulties of the passage
between London and Pitcairn a distance of
more than thirteen thousand miles could not
but be anxious to hear of Mr. Nobbs's safe return
to the scene of his labours. They therefore sym-
pathised not only with him, but with the ener-
getic and disinterested Admiral Moresby, when
it became known that the valuable deposit, en-
trusted by the islanders to that officer's care,
had under Divine Providence been safe in his
hands, and had been happily restored to theirs.
The following is an extract from a letter from
Mr. M. Fortescue Moresby, R.N., son and
Secretary to the Commander-in-chief, dated
H.M.S. Portland, 25th June, 1853 :
" On Friday, the 15th of April, 1853, we
sailed from Valparaiso, having Mr. Nobbs, and
his children, Reuben and Jane, on board, in
order to return them all to their island home.
220 ARRIVAL AT PITCAIKN.
On Saturday, the 14th of May, we sighted Pit-
cairn, about 50 miles distant : on Sunday, at
sunrise, it was looming large from the deck.
Just before we went to morning service we fired
three guns, to let them know we had three pas-
sengers on board. After church we were close
enough to see people on the island; and we
observed them all come out of church, and
launch their whale-boat. Of course this was
a most anxious time for Mr. Nobbs. In about
half-an-hour they came alongside, followed by a
canoe, in which were old John Adams's son and
grandson. They manifested the same honest
genuine feeling of delight at Mr. Nobbs's return,
as they did of sorrow at his departure. Of course,
they were delighted to see us also once more.
We observed that all the men looked ill and
poor ; which, they told us, was the effect of the
long drought having disappointed them in their
crops. This had caused not quite a famine, but
so near it, that, for months, they had been
reduced to pumpkins, berries, cocoa-nuts, and
beans, for their existence. When we got on
shore, the effect of so low a diet was plainly
visible : they were not nearly the same gay
people that they were before ; one and all looked
thin and care-worn. The Admiral, with Mr.
Nobbs, Keuben, Jane, and myself, immediately
landed in the cutter, and got rather wet in the
surf. Every soul was on the beach to receive
us ; and it would be a task my pen is totally
unequal to, were I to attempt describing their
delight at again receiving amongst them their
old and beloved Pastor. We at once proceeded
PRIVATIONS AT PITCAIRN IN 1853. 221
in a body to the village ; and they then told us
how dreadfully close they were, and how they
had been pushed for food. The officers and
crew of the Virago had handsomely presented
them with all their savings of provisions. But for
this timely supply, their distress would have been
much more sharply felt. They made the best
of their narration, trying to say, that they
generally fared so well, that the least privation
seemed to them a great hardship ; but their thin
figures and low spirits told the truth.
" We stayed from Monday until Thursday
morning, and passed our time in much the
same manner as before, taking walks over the
Island, sketching, talking, and singing: truly
a more innocent and delightful race could not
exist.
" The Admiral was, with much reason, pleased
with the progress made by Jane Nobbs. Whilst
she was at Valparaiso we saw very little of her,
in order that she might apply closely to her
studies; but on our passage we had time to
form a correct opinion of her. She had learnt
to sew neatly, with many other useful domestic
accomplishments, and all this without losing in
the least her pristine simplicity and modesty.
I trust she will prove a useful member of the
community.
" On Thursday we left, and shaped our course
for the Gambier Islands ; we sighted them the
same evening ; but the weather was so bad, we
dared not attempt to pass through the narrow
entrance of the reef. For some days the wea-
ther was worse ; and as it was a fair wind for
222 SICKNESS AMONG THE PEOPLE.
Pitcairn, we bore up, and soon sighted the island
again. It was thick dirty weather, and as we
stood in, no boat came off; so we thought they
could not communicate. We stood off and on
for a few hours, thinking that the weather would
moderate, and then bore round, intending to fire
a gun or two, and then away. But just then I
caught the flash of an oar, and said, ' There's
the boat, Sir.' For some time the flag-lieutenant
and others wanted to persuade us it was a rock,
but as it rose on each wave I said that, ' it was
a living rock, then.'
" At last they were convinced, so we hove to,
and five of them came on board in their whale-
boat. They had a sad tale to tell ; all were sick
on shore, having been attacked, the day after we
sailed, with the influenza. As it was bad dirty
weather, we hoisted the boat in, and stood off and
on for the night. We gave the poor fellows a
good supper, and they related all their woes. It
was decided that early the next morning, the
Captain, Doctor Palmer, and myself, should land,
and see what was to be done. In the mean
time we got ready a quantity of tea, sugar,
biscuit, &c., for them. On Sunday morning we
landed, and found most of the poor things in
bed. Some, not so bad as the others, got up to
receive us. The Doctor visited, and did all he
could to relieve them ; three or four of the cases
he found very bad, and he would willingly have
remained three or four days; but as he had
given directions, and done all he could, the
Admiral decided to leave.
" You can hardly think how sad it was, seeing
LETTER FROM ADMIRAL MORESBY. 223
four-fifths of them so ill. We visited each house
and spoke a word of comfort here and there to
those most desponding. Tea was their great
want, and they seemed so thankful for the little
I took for them ; some immediately made a large
kettle full, and said they felt better. Mr. Nobbs,
Reuben, and Jane, were nearly the only ones
entirely free from sickness ; showing that the
strong food they had been living on was their
medicine ; for the poor islanders, famine-struck
and weak, had no strength left to resist the
disease. At 4 P.M. on Sunday, we were com-
pelled to leave them once more ; and so all our
distress came over again, because we left them
all ill, and were anxious for their future state.
" Now we are fairly off, I suppose. Never
more shall I see Pitcairn ; but if I never see it,
I can never forget it. To me it will ever be
the gem of all the places I ever have seen, or
shall see, in the varied roamings of a sailor's
life."
Admiral Moresby, in a letter of the same
date, on his passage in the Portland, from Pit-
cairn to Lima, wrote as follows :
" Our voyage to Pitcairn was long thirty
days ; but with Mr. Nobbs, Reuben, and Jane
on board, we had a pleasant time. Sad was the
first appearance of the Islanders, for hunger
had nearly worn them to the bone. Our arrival
was most opportune, and our re-appearance still
more so."
224 ADMIRAL MORESBY'S ADDRESS.
^ During the Admiral's visit, and shortly before
his departure from the island, he seized the
golden opportunity of affording the inhabitants
good advice on several important points con-
nected with their peculiar state and position.
The following are notes of Admiral Moresby's
address to the Pitcairn islanders, on Tuesday,
the 17th of May, 1853 :
" Your pastor has requested you to remain
after this general thanksgiving, to hear the
observations I have to make on various circum-
stances that have been brought to my notice.
They are meant for your future benefit ; but I
request you will keep in mind that they are not
intended to dictate what is to be performed, but
given as from a friend for your consideration.
" The simple but effective rules which John
Adams left are still sufficient for most local
purposes, if regarded with due observance ; the
magistrate also performing his duty in the spirit
of the oath which he takes on his election. This
book, which contains some of your early laws
and regulations, has neither date nor signature ;
some of them have been modified as you saw
occasion, but there is no record. I recommend
you to have these laws and regulations fairly
transcribed, your Register continued and care-
fully preserved. I am told that some of the
younger members of your community are averse
to having a Register kept : the Magistrate by his
oath is compelled to keep a Register, and must
produce it when a case is referred to by any of
ADMIRAL MORESBY'S ADDRESS. 225
her Majesty's officers. The young now so out-
number the mature in age, that great mischief
might result on putting a question of this sort
to the vote, especially under circumstances of
excitement ; in fact, this has already occurred,
and your fast-increasing numbers require a
remedy to this growing evil a more watchful
and experienced guide than when your commu-
nity consisted of children of the first generation
of those who landed from the Bounty.
" I have read the laws and regulations that
have been registered; have been informed of
those that have been modified, and of the cus-
toms that have by usage become a law. I
think, by extending the spirit of the first article
of the law, which I see by Brodie's book was
established the 30th day of November, 1838, on
the occasion of Captain K. Elliott's visit, a
desirable object will be gained, with a due con-
sideration for the public good.
" After the regulations for the appointment of
the Magistrate, established in 1838, I recom-
mend you to add,^
" ' The Chief Magistrate should be exempted
from personal labour in all public works, his
duty being to superintend the performance of
them, and equal distribution of their expense.
" The Chief Magistrate has not the power of
making new laws, or subtracting from those
existing.
" The Chief Magistrate must be 28 years of
age, the Councillors 25 years of age.
" Individuals must have attained the age of
20, to entitle them to vote for the election of a
226 ADMIEAL MORESBY'S ADDRESS.
Chief Magistrate or Councillor, or at a meeting
called for the public service.
" No new law can be established, or a present
one revoked, without a majority consenting at a
public meeting, summoned by the Chief Magis-
trate, at the instance of at least one-third of the
householders or elders. If a majority of two-
thirds fails to carry the proposition, it is to be
referred, ten days after, to a meeting of the
elders, a majority of whom will decide the ques-
tion.
" The right of voting as an elder is vested in
married householders, widowers, or widows,
being 25 years of age ; bachelors and spinsters,
not householders, at 28 years of age.
" The Chief Magistrate is to take cognizance
of all complaints or breach of the law. In the
first instance, in trifling circumstances, he must
endeavour to judge between the parties com-
plaining, and arrange their differences. Should
his attempt be unsatisfactory, he must call the
Councillors to his assistance : before them a re-
hearing is to take place, and the verdict of the
majority given. Should this again fail, the par-
ties are to be warned that all reasonable ex-
penses for loss of time must be paid : a jury of
the elders must be summoned, and their verdict
considered decisive. In all public meetings,
when an equal number of votes occur for and
against, the Magistrate shall have the casting
vote.
" The Magistrate must keep a list of voters ;
and, on a jury being summoned, he is to place
the names, carefully concealed from view, in a
ADMIRAL MORESBY'S ADDRESS. 227
bag or box, from which, before a Councillor and
the parties accusing and accused, or before the
parties litigating, he is to cause the necessary
number of names for forming the jury to be
drawn. Should any be objected to by the par-
ties, the reasonableness of such objections is to
be decided by the Magistrate and Councillors,
and if approved, other names are to be drawn
to complete the number.
" In all cases where the public good is con-
cerned, and the assistance of persons required
by the Magistrate, his summons is to be imme-
diately obeyed, under penalty of fine to the
amount awarded by the Magistrate and council
or jury of elders referred to.
" A person refusing to serve on a jury with-
out any reasonable objection, shall likewise be
fined in the manner specified above.
" The Magistrate, according to his oath, must
keep a register of such proceedings as may
involve any question where life or property is
concerned, or that may be necessary to refer to
her Majesty's officers visiting Pitcairn's.'
" The adoption of the foregoing will, I trust,
ensure the happy continuance of your present
unity, and give weight to the experience of age.
" You have nearly all conversed with me on
the late famine, and the prospect of a removal
before your numbers exceed the ability of the
soil to support you. The . scarcity has shown
how soon and unexpectedly the necessity may
arise ; it is for yourselves to consider this serious
question whether, bee-like, you would swarm
away, or one and all prefer searching for more
228 ADMIRAL MORESBY'S ADDRESS.
extensive land ? You have friends who are wil-
ling to assist you, but you must not be dependent.
Great exertion and fixed resolution to meet diffi-
culties will be required, and sacrifices of present
comfort, but all for the sake of your children.
You must teach them not to be dependent ; for,
although they may be launched well, they
cannot always be taken in tow, nor must you
rely now on periodical supplies or relief. Mr.
Nobbs, your pastor, will tell you how he was
received, and the circumstances of your island-
life inquired into, by our gracious and beloved
Queen, and her Royal Consort, the Prince
Albert ; he will tell you that many great and
good persons have interested themselves in your
welfare. And why ? Because, where tares had
been sown, and their increase only anticipated,
a good harvest has been gathered.
" It is delightful to witness your pastor's
return, and very gratifying to have your estima-
tion of Mr. Holman's ministry. We have all
been made happy in administering to your
wants.
" I said no new law was necessary, but let
me recommend one new custom ' That every
house possess sufficient brooms, for the girls to
sweep inside the house and the boys outside,
twice a-day ; and the collection of your refuse
should be daily placed where it would come in
season as manure for your crops. 7 Act up to the
old saying : ; The city is soon clean, when every
man sweeps before his own door.'
" I would recommend, also, that a book
should be procured to register your laws and
LETTERS TO ADMIRAL MORESBY. 229
regulations, signed and dated by the Magistrates
and Councillors, specifying that they are those
now in force, and witnessed by your Pastor, the
Magistrates, and Councillors ; and that you
should refrain from bartering away your provi-
sions before a sufficient store is in hand for
future wants.
" I must leave you on Thursday. You need
not hurry over your consideration of my propo-
sitions. Send the result of your meeting to me
by the first opportunity.
"May God bless you ! "
It is, perhaps, scarcely necessary to add that
the words of so kind a benefactor were received
and treasured up with respect and gratitude.
These feelings are best expressed by themselves
in a letter to the Admiral.
"PITCAIRN'S ISLAND, 18^ May, 1853.
" HONOURED SIR,
" We, the undersigned Magistrates and Coun-
cillors of Pitcairn's Island, having, according
to your request, convened a public meeting
of the inhabitants of this island, have the
satisfaction to inform you that, as regards your
wise proposition for the amendment of certain
laws relative to the duties of the Chief Magis-
trate, the age at which he and his councillors
are eligible to hold such offices, &c. &c., we,
together with the rest of the community, do
unanimously and fully acquiesce in your opinion,
and will lose no time in attending to all your
kind suggestions.
" As regards the necessity of removing to
230 ON THE NECESSITY OF REMOVAL.
some other island or place, it is very evident
that the time is not far distant when Pitcairn's
Island will be altogether inadequate to the
rapidly-increasing population ; and the inha-
bitants do unanimously agree in soliciting the
aid of the British Government in transferring
them to Norfolk Island, or some other appro-
priate place, and desire that the funds which
you have so benevolently and condescendingly
(with the assistance of other benefactors) col-
lected in England for the benefit of this com-
munity, should be reserved and appropriated
in assisting them in such a step whenever it
should become necessary.
" With high sentiments of gratitude and
respect, permit us, in the name of the commu-
nity, to subscribe ourselves,
"Your obedient,
" Very humble Servants,
(Signed) " ARTHUR QUINTALL, JUN., Magistrate,
THOMAS BUFFETT, 1st Councillor,
EDWARD QUINTALL, 2d Councillor.
"To Rear-Admiral Fairfax Moresby, C.B., Commander-
in-Chief, &c. &c. &c."
To Bear-Admiral Moresby, <kc. The Portland.
" HONOURED SIR,
" We, the undersigned Magistrate and Coun-
cillors of Pitcairn's Island, having, ^ after your
departure, convened a public meeting of the
inhabitants of the island, and your propositions
being carefully read over to the people, have
the satisfaction to inform you that not an
LETTERS OF THANKS. 231
objection is made by the inhabitants against
one of your Honour's wise propositions ; and that
we, together with the rest of the community,
do unanimously and fully acquiesce in your
opinion, and will lose no time in attending to
all your kind suggestions.
" We cannot conclude without expressing our
grateful thanks to you for all your kindness to
us, especially for the late supply of sugar and
tea you have so condescendingly presented to
the community of Pitcairn's Island.
u We sincerely hope and pray that Almighty
God will bless your earnest endeavours for our
welfare, both spiritual and temporal ; and rest
assured that our sincere prayers for your eternal
happiness shall ever follow you.
" Subscribing ourselves yours affectionately,
(Signed) " ARTHUR QUINTALL, Jun.,
Magistrate of Pitcairn.
THOMAS BUFFETT, Councillor.
EDWARD QUINTALL, Councillor"
To Hear- Admiral Moresby, Portland.
"PITCAIRN'S ISLAND, Sept. I2th, 1853.
" HONOURED AND KESPECTED SIR,
u We, the inhabitants of Pitcairn's Island,
embrace the earliest opportunity of addressing
your Honour, thanking you for your disinte-
rested kindness towards us. Your fatherly
kindness, we trust, will be indelibly impressed
upon our memory. We may truly say, ' When
we were sick you visited us,' and the necessary
articles you sent on shore were of great service
232 TOKEN OF DUTY TO THE QUEEN.
to us. Through the goodness of the Lord, the
sickness did not prove fatal to any, although it
was several weeks before we all recovered, and
even now some feel the effects of it.
" Will your Honour be pleased to return our
sincere thanks to the nobility and gentry who
so kindly subscribed to the Pitcairn Fund, to
the Committee, and all our kind friends ? And
we hope, by Divine assistance, we may live as
becomes those who are bound by so many obli-
gations.
" By your Honour's suggestion, we have
made a small chest of drawers for her gracious
Majesty the Queen, which we hope you will
have the honour of presenting to her Majesty.
It is made of the island wood ; and we should
be much pleased if her Majesty would accept it
as a token of our loyalty and respect. You
know, honoured sir, our means are very limited,
and our mechanical skill likewise, and we hope
her Majesty will receive it as the widow's
mite the will for the deed. Will your Honour
give our kind respects to your sons, our kind
friends Fairfax, arid Fortescue, Captain Chads,
and especially to our late Pastor, Kev. W. H.
Holman, and all the officers and crew of H.M.S.
Portland?
" We remain, honoured Sir,
" Your much obliged and grateful servants,
" The Inhabitants of Pitcairn's Island.
(Signed) " ARTHUK QUINTALL, Magistrate.
THOMAS BUFFETT, Councillor.
EDWARD QUINTALL, Councillor.
" In the name and on behalf of the Community."
AID TO THE ISLANDERS. 233
In a letter from Valparaiso, dated, 30th Sep-
tember, 1853, the Admiral said :
"You will be pleased to know that I de-
spatched the Dido yesterday, laden with all the
supplies that have been sent from England.
Private contributions have also been liberally
forwarded of things that the late scarcity and
subsequent epidemic made it necessary to think
of. The two afflictions make me anxious as to
their present state ; for the failure of their crops
would deprive them of their usual means of
barter.
" We have sent them a milch-cow and calf,
and two fine heifers of a small breed ; and I
have placed a quantity of provisions to be dis-
posed of or retained, as Captain Morshead may
find occasion.
" The special donation for Pitcairn Island, of
221. 19s. 7d., I have laid out in the purchase of
a whale-boat, and completed her with sails, oars,
&c. from private aid. The boat is to them of
the first consequence ; they having only one
serviceable, that was given by the officers and
crew of the Portland.
" I sincerely hope it will please God to bless
your endeavours to retain this community a
peculiar people, planted for His wise purpose on
that ocean rock."
This letter was soon followed by one from
Mr. Fortescue Moresby, dated, "Portland, at
Caldera, 17th December, 1853," of which the
following are extracts :
Q
234 LETTER FROM CAPTAIN MORSHEAD.
" The mail lias this moment arrived from the
South, bringing us the news of the Dido s return
from Pitcairn's Island. As she sails in less
than an hour, you will excuse my condensing
the news we have received, the Admiral having
directed me to write to you, as he says he feels
sure you will be glad to receive any news from
the island, in which you have taken so great an
interest.
" Captain Morshead writes as follows :
" ' On landing, I was met by the whole popu-
lation, with their highly esteemed and reverend
minister, Mr. Nobbs, at their head ; and I am
happy to add that, owing to the supplies left by
yourself in the Portland last May, they speedily
recovered from the effects of the famine, and,
with one exception, the whole island was in
perfect health. During my stay on shore I
assembled the inhabitants, and acquainted them,
in compliance with your order, that their me-
morial relative to Norfolk Island had been for-
warded by you from Callao last June.
" ' 1 took the opportunity of attending Divine
Service on Sunday, when the whole adult con-
gregation received the Sacrament from their
minister, Mr. Nobbs ; and I feel it must be gra-
tifying to all who are interested in their welfare
to hear of their increasing respect and attach-
ment to him, since his return amongst them, as
their ordained minister, respected and loved as
he has ever been ; all were perfectly aware of
the additional advantages which his ordination
has conferred upon them. The person who had
the medical charge during Mr. Nobbs 7 s absence
CAPTAIN MOESHEAD'S TESTIMONY. 235
still continues to act, yet every case is superin-
tended by Mr. Nobbs himself, and on our arrival
we found lie had a patient suffering from dropsy :
and during our stay he had to attend a young
woman nearly burnt to death, as well as to
attend to another serious case ; and although our
surgeon or his assistants were soon after in
attendance, to whom he resigned the cases, yet
everything had been done by Mr. Nobbs that
their professional experience could approve, and
all appeared unanimous that no one could be
better adapted to their general wants.
" i I trust I may be allowed to add my testi-
mony to their already established reputation for
morality and virtue. With the Scriptures daily,
even hourly, in their hands, it is impossible that
any can act from higher principles or purer mo-
tives ; and all their impulses happily appear
for good, while their goodness ever inclines
them to judge charitably of the faults of others.
But so simple and confiding is their nature, that
any designing person thrown amongst them
might easily destroy their peace and harmony.
It has never been my lot to witness a commu-
nity more entitled to admiration and respect ;
and, with this estimation of their character, it
is impossible to separate the credit that is due
to Mr. Nobbs, who has been their friend and
teacher for twenty-five years, and is now happily
their spiritual guide and minister
A glance at the public records of the island,
where their delight is expressed at Mr. Nobbs's
return, and he is welcomed back as their " worthy
Pastor" and " dear kind friend," will express
236 LETTER FROM THE REV. G. H. NOBBS.
their feeling towards him better than any lan-
guage of my own.'
" The steamer only stays here an hour, and
is at this moment fretting like a curbed horse
under our stern, waiting for the Admiral's de-
spatches."
Mr. Nobbs's own account of his return, and
of the state of the island, cannot fail to prove
interesting.
" PITCAIRN'S ISLAND, July 21, 1853.
" It has pleased our heavenly Father to per-
mit me to return in safety to my island home,
and to a happy meeting with my family. I
arrived here in H.M.S. Portland on the 15th of
May, bringing with me my son and daughter.
Admiral Moresby has continued to the last an
untiring benefactor, to myself in particular, and
the islanders in general. The expense and
trouble he has put himself to on our account
would almost exceed belief; his reward is with
Him who doeth all things well. We landed on
the Sabbath ; and after the evening service, when
Mr. Holman preached his farewell sermon, I
read from the pulpit my ordination letters and
licence as Chaplain of Pitcairn Island, granted
me by my honoured patron, the Lord Bishop of
London. The Portland remained off the island
four days, and then left us for the Gambier
Islands. The next day after her departure, the
influenza made its appearance; and as there
were two or three persons on board the Portland
who were affected with bronchitis, I am inclined
to think the germs of the disease were derived
LETTER FROM THE REV. G. H. NOBBS. 237
from them. Unfortunately, the wind was from
the north-west, and the atmosphere was very
dense and heated, which acted as fuel to the
contagion ; and so rapid was its progress, that
in one week there were not ten persons capable
of attending to their own wants. It was the
most severe attack since 1840, the date of its
first appearance among ns.
" After an absence of nine days, the Portland
returned ; and the people on board her observing
a flag flying on the shore, supposed it to be an
intimation that the surf was too heavy to admit
of boats landing, and the vessel was in the very
act of sailing away, when they providentially
observed our boat coming off. On their making
known to the Admiral our sad condition, he
humanely lay by all night (it being very late
when our boat got on board), and in the morn-
ing sent Captain Chads and his Secretary, with
one of the ship's surgeons, to our assistance. As
my small stock of tea and sugar was almost
exhausted by imparting to those that had none,
the Admiral sent on shore a good supply, and
the officers also contributed biscuits and other
necessaries. I attribute the severity with which
the disease was felt to the debilitated state of
the community, owing to the scarcity of food
which prevailed for some months prior to my
arrival ; when they had been reduced to great
straits, in consequence of the want of rain, which
had prevented their planting their usual crop of
sweet potatoes. It was for some weeks almost
actual starvation ; their only resource being
half-grown pumpkins. My dear wife, while
238 LETTER FROM. THE REV. G. H. NOBBS.
relating to me the history of their privations,
said the circumstance which used to affect her
most was, that the younger children would wake
up about midnight, and cry for hours from
sheer hunger, so unsubstantial was the fare they
had partaken of previous to their going to bed.
And I well know, when my children cry from
hunger, their good mother's sufferings, mentally
and bodily, must have been very great. After
remaining with us twenty-four hours, the good
Admiral was constrained to leave us, by reason
of the water on board for drinking getting short ;
his destination was Callao. Myself and my son
and daughter, who came with me, escaped the
epidemic, and the rest of the community have
nearly recovered ; no deaths have occurred ; so
that we are able to sing of mercy and judgment.
" I have administered the Holy Sacrament
once since my return, and design (D.V.) to do
so monthly. We have about 75 communicants.
The number of inhabitants amount to 172 ; 85
males, 87 females. A dreadful accident occurred
during my absence. H.M.S. Virago was just
on the point of quitting the island ; most of the
community were on board taking leave ; the few
who remained on shore had assembled round
the Bounty's gun, with the intention of firing a
farewell salute. Matthew M f Coy was employed
ramming home the cartridge, when the gun
accidentally exploded ; the poor man was dread-
fully injured, and survived but a few hours,
although he had the attendance of two surgeons
from the Virago. He left a family of nine
children to mourn his loss. Two other persons
LETTER FROM THE REV. G. H. NOBBS. 239
were badly wounded, and it was doubtful for
some time if they would survive : one of them
still suffers from his wounds.
" I should be very thankful for some copies
of some small work upon the Holy Com-
munion : from not having been in a capacity
to administer it hitherto, I feel that my flock
have not had so much instruction from me, on
this very momentous subject, as they ought
to have had."
"Nov. 3, 1853.
" The Dido has just arrived. She has brought
large quantities of stores for us, both from the
Government, yourself, and others ; but we shall
not have an opportunity of opening them before
the Dido leaves, so I cannot add anything to
the accompanying letter ; but as soon as possible
after the division of the articles among the fami-
lies, I shall trouble you with an account of our
proceedings. You would be amused to see what
a state of excitement our people are in. I think
it must in some degree resemble the first open-
ing of the Crystal Palace.
" I trust you will excuse this hasty and per-
haps unsatisfactory scrawl, but I have twenty
letters to write, the Captain of the Dido to
accompany in his visits to the several families,
and also to attend the landing of the goods."
The Chaplain's want of certain books had
been anticipated; a supply of works on the
Holy Communion, the Bishop of London's
Family Prayers, and other publications for the
island, having been despatched, as a grant from
240 ADDRESS TO HEE MAJESTY.
the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge,
in July, 1853.
From the above correspondence, it will be
seen that these loyal islanders had prepared
a specimen of their mechanical taste and in-
dustry, as a small offering for presentation to
the Queen. It was brought to England by
Admiral Moresby, accompanied by an address
couched in the language of duty and affection :
"PITCAIRN'S ISLAND, July %ltli, 1853.
"MAY IT PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY,
" We, your Majesty's loyal and devoted sub-
jects, the inhabitants of Pitcairn's Island, avail
ourselves of an opportunity just offered us, to
assure your gracious Majesty of our loyal
attachment to your person and Government.
" The recollection of the visits of your Majesty's
ships to our island will be preserved with pride
and gratitude ; and we desire to express, in the
most unqualified manner, our thanks for these
gracious marks of Royal favour. We humbly
trust we may be allowed to consider ourselves
your Majesty's subjects, and Pitcairn's Island a
British colony, as long as it is inhabited by us,
in the fullest sense of the word.
" Several years since, the Captain of your
Majesty's ship Fly took formal possession of
our little island, and placed iis under your
Majesty's protection. And if your Majesty's
Government would grant us a document, de-
claring us an integral part of your Majesty's
dominion, we should be freed from all fears
ADDRESS TO HER MAJESTY. 241
(perhaps groundless) on that head ; and such a
gracious mark of Royal favour would be che-
rished by us to an exertion in the discharge
of the various duties incumbent on British
subjects.
" The Commander-in-Chief for the time being
in the Pacific Ocean has permitted a ship of
war to visit us occasionally ; and we humbly
trust your Majesty will be pleased to permit
those visits to be continued, if your Majesty's
Government should think fit to remove us to
some other place.
" At the suggestion of our worthy benefactor,
Rear- Admiral Moresby, we have ventured to
present your gracious Majesty with a small
chest-of-drawers of our own manufacture from
the island wood. The native name of the dark
wood is Miro. The bottoms of the drawers are
made of the bread-fruit tree. Our means are
very limited, and our mechanical skill also ;
and we will esteem it a great favour if your
Majesty would condescend to accept of it as a
token of our loyalty and respect.
" In conclusion, we beg to add our earnest
desire and prayer that your Majesty may long
live to govern those whom God has placed
under your Majesty's care and protection. May
He strengthen, protect, and prosper you, is the
earnest desire of
" Your Majesty's loyal and devoted Subjects,
" The Inhabitants of Pitcairn's Island.
(Signed) " ARTHUR QUINTALL, JUN.,
" Chief Magistrate of Pitcairn's Island."
242 DESCRIPTION OF NORFOLK ISLAND.
The piece of cabinet-work, formed of island
wood, was humbly forwarded for Her Majesty's
acceptance, by Admiral Moresby, who was soon
informed by the Duke of Newcastle, that the
Queen had been pleased to accept this specimen
very graciously. It was added, "I am further
to state, that Her Majesty expressed her gratifi-
cation at receiving this mark of loyalty and
esteem from her subjects in Pitcairn's Island."
On receiving this communication, the Admiral
at once despatched it by way of Valparaiso to
the inhabitants of Pitcairn.
The reader will have observed that the people
have preferred a request to be removed to a diffe-
rent spot, exempt from the probable visitations
of famine ; and that Norfolk Island, which it was
understood was no longer to be a penal settle-
ment, has been pointed out by themselves as
the scene of their future residence.' This island,
which is situate on the 29th parallel of south
latitude, to the northward of New Zealand, is
thus described by the Rev. F. S. Batchelor, who
resided there between three and four years.
" The island is about twenty miles in cir-
cumference, with an average breadth of five
or six mile's. It is beautifully diversified with
hills and dales, or, as the latter are generally
designated, gullies ;' and these low lands
are exuberantly fertile. On the same plot
of earth are growing pine-apples, figs, guavas,
lemons, pomegranates, Cape-gooseberries, bana-
nas, plantains, grapes, peaches, strawberries,
apples, quinces, potatoes, cabbages, peas, arid
beans. Cinnamon, and other spices abound;
DESCEIPTION OF NORFOLK ISLAND. 243
while tobacco, arrow-root, red pepper, and sweet
potatoes, can be cultivated to any extent. Maise,
barley, wheat, and rye, grow on the higher and
more level land. In my time the commandant,
J. Price, Esq., introduced the cocoa-nut tree,
and planted orange trees in all directions ; which,
doubtless, before this, have brought forth fruit
to perfection. Thousands of acres are in high
cultivation ; and much more of the island can be
speedily reclaimed, and made available for any
purpose. Fortunately, too, there are a number
of capital stone-built houses, really large and
handsome buildings, which would not disgrace
our large cities ; and plenty of store-houses,
granaries, barns, &c., with a neat chapel, capable
of holding a thousand persons ; not to mention
another similar building, formerly used by the
Roman Catholics for divine service. Indeed,
I should think it might be designated an island
of palaces, compared with Pitcairn's Island, and
its accommodations. Besides tools, and other
implements of husbandry, now in use by the
convict population, there is a capital stock of
cows, sheep, horses, pigs, and poultry, which
would be invaluable to a new community.
" There are plenty of fish to be caught at all
seasons : salmon, herrings, trumpeter, king-fish,
snapper, guard-fish, and mullet; some of which
are very delicate and delicious, and all eatable ;
while in the fresh water streams, which inter-
sect the island in all directions, there are mag-
nificent eels, weighing from one to seven pounds.
There is doubtless great danger in fishing from
the rocks which stud the coast, as the sea
244 DESCRIPTION OF NORFOLK ISLAND.
often rises, in a moment, to the height of seven
or ten feet ; and the drawback, or receding
of the waves, is absolutely terrific, so that
few Europeans washed off have been able to
make the land again. However, the Pitcairners
must have been accustomed from their infancy
to fish in such dangerous waters, so they would
feel quite at home. The whole island teems
with life. Parrots and parroquets, of various
kinds, swarm in your path. Pigeons (originally
the common English pigeon let loose) are in
innumerable flocks ; and magnificent wood-
guests, plovers, and sandpipers, are often to be
had. No venomous reptile of any kind is on
the island ; and it is very rarely indeed that
you ever feel or see the mosquito, which seems
indigenous to all other warm localities."
It was recently in the contemplation of the
British government to accede to the request of
the people of Pitcairn, and to remove them to
Norfolk Island, as soon as all the convicts should
have been conveyed from that spot. Under the
projected arrangement, no other class of settlers
were to have been allowed to occupy any lands
on the island. v These measures have been in-
definitely postponed, in consequence of certain
requisite delays in the entire evacuation of
Norfolk Island, than which there could not be
a worse place for the pure and amiable Pit-
cairners, unless it were completely cleared of
such of its unhappy occupants as still remain
upon it. Since this expression of the views of
government, with regard to the proposed transfer,
SUNDAY ISLAND. 245
it has been suggested by the Bishop of New
Zealand, that a college, which he is desirous of
establishing for the instruction of the Melanesian
race, might also be properly settled on Norfolk
Island. Nothing, however, has yet been de-
cided on the subject.
Whatever changes may be in store for the
inhabitants of Pitcairn, it is fervently to be
hoped that their blameless and peculiar paths
of life 'may not be broken in upon, and that
their communications with strangers may not
be such as to impair the distinctive character
which now belongs to them.
It may be right to add, that, as an alternative,
Sunday Island, a place considerably smaller than
Norfolk Island, has been hinted at for their
residence, by Captain B. Toup Nicolas, Consul
at Raiatea, Society Islands, in a letter, dated
Raiatea, April 3d, 1853, addressed to the Earl
of Malmesbury. Sunday Island, which was
discovered in 1793, is steep, rugged, and moun-
tainous. It has not yet been surveyed ; nor is
it known whether it possesses good water, or
land fit for cultivation. Wherever the islanders
may settle, should they quit their present home,
they ought to have free and immediate access
to the sea. Their command over the difficult
landing-place at Pitcairn, and their full use of
the deep, have been among their chief enjoyments
and advantages.
CHAPTEE X.
SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LAWS OF PITCAIRN THE ISLAND
REGISTER LIST OF VESSELS MENTIONED IN THIS WORK
WHICH HAVE TOUCHED AT THE ISLAND.
SOME account will be expected of the Laws and
Regulations of Pitcairn's Island.
LAW EESPECTING THE MAGISTEATE.
" The Magistrate is to convene the public on
occasions of complaints being made to him ; and
on hearing both sides of the question, commit it
to a jury. He is to see all fines levied,- and all
public works executed; and every one must
treat him with respect. He is not to assume
any power or authority on his own responsi-
bility, or without the consent of the majority
of the people. A public journal shall be kept
by the magistrate, and shall from time to time
be read ; so that no one shall plead ignorance
of the law for any crime he may commit. This
journal shall be submitted to the inspection
of those captains of British men-of-war, which
occasionally touch at the Island.
" N. B. Every person, from the age of fifteen
and upwards, shall pay a fine similar to masters
of families.
LAWS AS TO THE SCHOOL. 247
LAWS EEGARDINa THE SCHOOL.
" There must be a school kept, to which all
parents shall be obliged to send their children,
who must previously be able to repeat the
alphabet, and be of the age of from six to
sixteen. Mr. Nobbs shall be placed at the
head of the school, assisted by such persons as
shall be named by the chief magistrate. The
school-hours shall be from seven o'clock in the
morning, until noon, on all days, excepting
Saturdays and Sundays ; casualties and sickness
excepted. One shilling, or an equivalent, as
marked below, shall be paid for each child per
month, by the parents, whether the child attend
school or not. In case Mr. Nobbs does not
attend, the assistant appointed by the chief ma-
gistrate shall receive the salary in proportion to
the time Mr. Nobbs is absent.
" Equivalent for money :
s. d.
One barrel of yams, valued at .... 8
One barrel of sweet potatoes .... 8
One barrel of Irish potatoes . . . .12
Three good bunches of plantains . . .4
One day's labour 20
The chief magistrate is to see the labour well
performed ; and goods which may be given for
money, shall be delivered, either at the market-
Slace or at the house of Mr. Nobbs, as he may
irect."
It may here be remarked, that the worthy
schoolmaster, having become Godfather to many
of the children, charges nothing for the in-
struction of his Godchildren.
248 AS TO LANDMARKS, TRADING, &C.
LAWS RESPECTING LANDMARKS.
" On the 1st of January, after the magistrate
is elected, he shall assemble all those who
should be deemed necessary ; and with them
he is to visit all landmarks that are upon the
island, and replace those that are lost. Should
anything occur to prevent its accomplishment
in the time specified (the 1st of January), the
magistrate is bound to see it done the first
opportunity.
LAWS FOR TRADING WITH SHIPS.
" No person or persons shall be allowed to
get spirits of any sort, from any vessel, or sell it
to strangers, or any person on the island. Any
one found guilty of so doing shall be punished
by fine, or such other punishment as a jury
shall determine on. No intoxicating liquor
whatever shall be allowed to be taken on shore,
unless it be for medicinal purposes. Any person
found guilty of transgressing this law shall be
severely punished by a jury. No females are
allowed to go on board a foreign vessel of any
size or description, without the permission of the
magistrate ; and in case the magistrate does not
go on board himself, he is to appoint four men
to look after the females.
LAWS FOR THE PUBLIC ANVIL, ETC.
" Any person taking the public anvil and
public sledge-hammer from the blacksmith's
shop, is to take it back after he has done with
it ; and in case the anvil and sledge-hammer
AS TO CATS, FOWLS, GOATS, &C. BANK. 249
should get lost by his neglecting to take it back,
lie is to get another anvil and sledge-hammer,
and pay a fine of four shillings."
With regard to the laws as to CATS, FOWLS,
&c., the Eev. Gr. H. Nobbs stated as follows :
If a CAT is killed without being positively
detected in killing fowls, however strong the
suspicion may be, the person killing such cat is
obliged, as a penalty, to destroy 300 rats, whose
tails must be submitted for the inspection of the
magistrate, by way of proof that the penalty
has been paid.
If a FOWL is found destroying the yams or
potatoes, the owner of the plantation, after
giving due warning, may shoot the fowl, and
retain it for his use, and may demand of the
owner of such fowl the amount of powder and
shot so expended, as well as the fowl. The
fowls are all toe-marked.
GOATS, and other quadrupeds, are ear-
marked.
If a PIG gets loose from its sty and commits
any depredation, the owner is obliged to make
good the damage, according to the decision
of the magistrate, whose duty it is to survey
the injury alleged to be done, and from whose
decision a reference, if necessary, may be made
to a jury ; but the final appeal is to the captain
of the next man-of-war touching at the island.
A Bank w^as set on foot a few years since
at Pitcairn. The dollars, which were not very
numerous, were allowed to accumulate for a
250 PUBLIC REGISTER, 1790-94.
time, partly with the object of purchasing a
vessel. But the plan did not answer ; and the
several deposits were returned.
THE REGISTER OF PITCAIRN'S ISLAND, from
1790 to 1850, is a very interesting document,
and will probably be of unspeakable value here-
after, as a record of names and events connected
with that little world. A few extracts will be
given.
The first entry occurs January 23d, 1790 :
" H.M.S. Bounty burned. Fasto, wife of John
Williams, died. October Thursday Christian
born."
The annals of 1793 are of a most melancholy
kind, recounting the massacre of Fletcher
Christian, John Mills, William Brown, John
Williams, Isaac Martin; and the death of all
the Otaheitan men, " part by jealousy among
themselves, and others by the remaining Eng-
lishmen."
In 1794 we read of " a great desire in many
of the women to leave the island : and of a boat,
built on purpose to remove them, launched, and
upset." In August, the same year, " a grave
was dug, and the bones of all the white men
that had been murdered were buried." In
November, " a conspiracy of the women to kill
all the white men, when asleep in their beds,
was. discovered. They were all seized, a
disclosure ensued, and all were pardoned."
Nov. 30th, " the women attacked the white
men, but no one was hurt. They were once
PUBLIC KEGISTER, 1795-1829. 251
more pardoned, and threatened the next time
with death."
" 1795, May 6th. The first two canoes, for
the purpose of catching fish, were made. Saw a
vessel close in with the island. Mutineers much
alarmed. Vessel stood out to sea Dec. 27th.
" 1797. Endeavoured to procure a quantity
of meat for salting, and to make syrup from the
ti-plant and sugar-cane.
" 1799. Matthew Quintall, having threatened
to take the lives of Young and Adams, these
two considered their lives in danger, and thought
they were justified in taking away the life of
Quintall, which they did with an axe.
" 1800. Edward Young, a mutineer, died
of asthma.
" 1817. Arrived, ship Sultan, of Boston,
Captain Reynolds ; Jenny, a Tahitian woman,
left here in the Sultan.
" 1823. Arrived, ship Cyrus, of London,
Captain Hall; John Buffett came on shore,
as schoolmaster, and John Evans also came on
shore.
" 1825, Dec. 5tL Arrived, H. M. S. Blossom,
Captain F. W. Beechey.
" 1826, Dec. 19. Jane Quintall left the
island in the Lovely, of London,. Captain
Blythe.
" 1828, Nov. I5tk. George Nobbs came on
shore, to reside.
" 1829, March 5th.
JOHN ADAMS died, aged 65.
252 PUBLIC KEGISTER, 1830-39.
" 1830, Mar. 15th. Arrived, H.M.S. Sermg-
apatam, Captain Hon. W. Waldegrave, with a
present of clothes and agricultural implements
and tools from the British Government,
" 1831, Feb. 28th Arrived H.M. Sloop Comet,
Alexander A. Sandilands, and barque Lucy Anne,
of Sydney, government vessel, J. Currey, master,
for the purpose of removing the inhabitants of
Pitcairn's Island to Tahiti.
"March 6th. All the inhabitants embarked
and sailed for Tahiti.
" March 2lst. Soon after our arrival at Ta-
hiti, the Pitcairn people were taken sick.
" 1831. John Buffett and family, Eobert
Young, Joseph Christian, &c. sailed from Tahiti,
in a small schooner; but, owing to contrary
winds, they landed at Lord Hood's Island.
" June 21st. John Buffett, and the others on
Lord Hood's Island, embarked in the French
frigate Bordeaux Packet, and on the 27th landed
at Pitcairn's Island. During our absence our
hogs have gone wild, and destroyed our crops.
After we returned, we employed ourselves in
destroying the hogs.
"1838, Nov. 29th. Arrived, H.M.S. Fly,
Captain Russell Elliott, with a present from Rev.
Mr. Rowlandson and congregation at Valparaiso.
Captain Elliott proposed electing a chief magis-
trate, which was adopted ; and Edward Quintall
was chosen.
" This island was taken possession of by Cap-
tain Elliott, on behalf of the Crown of Great
Britain, on the 29th of November, 1838.
" 1839, Nov. 9th. Arrived, H.M.S. Sparrow-
PUBLIC REGISTER, 1839-43. 253
hawk, Captain J. Shepherd. The captain, several
officers, and General Friere, ex-President of Chili,
landed. In the afternoon the school-children
were examined," and received the approbation of
our respected visitors. Captain Shepherd after-
wards divided some valuable presents among them.
" Wth. Captain Shepherd and his officers
attended divine service twice. At 5 P.M. they
went on board. They sailed on the 12th.
" 1840, Feb. 8th. Mrs. Nobbs received a se-
vere contusion on the shoulder, by the falling of
a cocoa-nut from the tree.
" Feb. 13th. Moses Young fell from a cocoa-
nut-tree, at least forty feet high, and was but
slightly injured.
"1841, August 18th. Arrived, H.M.S. Cura-
goa, Captain Jenkin Jones ; and a most opportune
arrival it was, for there were at least twenty cases
of influenza among us." The Eegister goes on
to describe the valuable services rendered by
Captain Jones and the surgeon of the ship, Dr.
Gunn. The Curagoa sailed on the 20th.
" Sept. 19th. Died, Isabella, a native of Ta-
hiti, relict of Fletcher Christian, of the Bounty.
Her age was not known, but she frequently said
she remembered Captain Cook arriving at Tahiti.
" 1843, March 4th. Eleven of the inhabitants
sailed in the barque America, for the purpose of
exploring Elizabeth Island.
" 5th. Arrived H.M.S. Talbot, Captain Sir
T. Thompson, Bart. After remaining on shore,
and adjusting some of the most pressing judicial
cases presented to him, he went on board, and
sailed for Valparaiso.
254 PUBLIC REGISTER, 1844-45.
. Barque America returned from Eliza-
beth Island, our people bringing a very unfa-
vourable report of it.
" 1844, July 28th. Arrived, H.M.S. Basilisk,
Captain Henry Hunt, bringing presents from the
British Government, Admiral Thomas, the Eev.
Mr. Armstrong, &c.
" 1845, Jan. 19th. During the last week we
have been employed in fishing up two of the
Bounty's large guns. For fifty-five years they
have been deposited at the bottom of the sea, on
a bed of coral, guiltless of blood during the time
so many thousands of mankind became, in Eu-
rope, food for cannon. But on Saturday last,
one of the guns resumed its natural vocation
at least the innoxious portion of it to wit,
pouring forth fire and smoke, and causing the
island to reverberate with its bellowing; the
other gun is condemned to silence, having been
spiked by some one in the Bounty.
" 1845, April 16^." The diary of this date
contains a striking description of a storm, which,
bursting over the island, greatly alarmed the
inhabitants. A considerable portion of the earth
was detached from the side of the hill situate at
the head of a ravine, and carried into the sea ;
about 300 cocoa-nut-trees were torn up by the
roots, and borne along with it ; a yam-ground,
containing 1,000 yams, totally disappeared; se-
veral fishing-boats were destroyed, and large
pieces of rock were found blocking up the har-
bour in several parts. In the interior, all the
plantain patches were levelled, and about 4,000
plantain-trees destroyed, one-half in full bearing,
PUBLIC KEGISTER, 1845-47. 255
the other designed for the year 1846. " So that,"
says the annalist, " this very valuable article of
food we shall be without for a very long time.
The fact is, that from this date until August, we
shall be pinched for food. But God tempers the
wind to the shorn lamb ; and we humbly trust
that the late monitions of Providence, namely,
drought, sickness, and storm, which severally
have afflicted us this year, may be sanctified to
us, and be the means of bringing us, one and all,
into a closer communication with our God. May
we remember the rod, and who hath appointed
it. May we flee to the cross of Christ for safety
and succour in every time of need, always bear-
ing in mind that our heavenly Father doth not
willingly afflict the children of men."
The details which follow, respecting a serious
accident to the pastor's eldest son, Keuben E.
Nobbs, which resulted in what appears to be
confirmed lameness, are so characteristic of the
kind and brotherly feeling subsisting in the
island, that they must be quoted in full.
" 1847, Feb. 20th. This afternoon as Keuben
Nobbs was out on the mountain, shooting goats,
his foot slipped, and he let fall his musket, which
exploded and wounded him severely. The ball
entered a little below the hip joint, and passing
downwards, came through on the inside of the
thigh, about half-way between the groin and the
knee. Providentially, some persons were within
call, who immediately ran to his assistance, and
tore up their shirts to stanch the blood, which
was pouring forth profusely. A lad was de-
spatched to the village with the melancholy
256 PUBLIC KEGISTER, 1848.
news ; and in a few minutes the whole of the
inhabitants capable of going were on their way
to afford relief, headed by his affectionate mother,
who was almost frantic with grief. In about an
hour they returned, bearing him in a canoe,
which they had taken up for that purpose. After
some difficulty the blood was stanched, and the
lad suffered but little pain. Every person was
anxious to render assistance ; the greater part of
the male inhabitants remained at night, to be
ready at a moment's warning to do anything
that might be required. Towards midnight he
fell asleep ; and so ends this melancholy day.
" 2lst. About daylight the wounded lad
awoke, very much refreshed ; he does not com-
plain much, and has but little fever. The men
and grown lads have formed themselves into
three watches, to attend his wants, both day and
night. It is most gratifying to his parents to see
the esteem in which their son is held.
" 22d. Reuben Nobbs is free from pain,
but there is a considerable accession of fever ;
it does not appear that either the thigh or hip-
bone is injured, as he can move his leg without
much difficulty or pain. From the great length
of the internal wound, it is difficult to ascertain
whether any of the wadding remains where the
ball must have passed through.
" 28tk. This morning a ship was reported ;
everybody appeared rejoiced, hoping to get some
necessaries for their wounded friend. On nearing
the island, she proved to beH.M.S. Spy, Captain
Wooldridge. ' Thank God ! ' was the grateful
exclamation of many, on hearing it was a ship
PUBLIC REGISTER, 1847-48. 257
of war, on account of her having a surgeon on
board. At 1 P.M. Captain Wooldridge and the
surgeon (Dr. Bowden) landed, who immediately
visited young Nobbs; and after probing the
wound, and ascertaining the extent of the injury,
gave his opinion that there was not much danger,
and that with proper attention he would, in all
probability, recover, although a narrower escape
from death never came beneath his notice. Cap-
tain Wooldridge, being much pressed for time,
informed the inhabitants he must sail that even-
ing. After kindly interesting himself in the
welfare of the island, and noting down such
things as the community were most in want of,
at sunset the Spy sailed for Valparaiso. Mr. and
Mrs. Nobbs here take the opportunity of publicly
recording their grateful acknowledgments to
Captain Wooldridge and Dr. Bowden for the
favours conferred on their son.
" June 4th. Experienced a heavy gale from
the westward, which, if it had been of long du-
ration, would have done incalculable damage.
A large piece of the banyan-tree was blown down,
and the flagstaff broken in two pieces.
" 1848 9 March 9th. Arrived H.M.S. Calypso,
Captain H. Worth.
"IQth. At 9 A.M. Captain Worth, and a
party of officers, landed ; and the greeting on
both sides was most cordial. Our people, men,
women, and children, are almost beside them-
selves."
Many valuable and useful presents were
brought to the island. The next day the ship
was discovered four miles from the land. Cap-
258 PUBLIC REGISTER, 1849.
tain Worth, Dr. Domet, and others, again landed.
The Doctor wishing to inspect the hieroglyphics,
carved by the aborigines, went down the face of
the cliff without the assistance of a rope a most
hazardous feat. It is stated that he was the
first European who had performed it.
" At sunset the Calypso sailed, carrying with
her our grateful aspirations, &c.
" 1849, July IQth" A very animated descrip-
tion is given, under this date, of the arrival of
" the Pandora, Captain Wood, from Oahu and
Tahiti, bringing us Mr. Buffett back, who left
us for the Sandwich Islands last summer.
" July llth. This evening Captain Wood
left us to our great regret ; for though our ac-
quaintance was but of two days' duration, the
urbanity of Captain Wood, and his solicitude
for our welfare, have made a deep and, we hope,
a lasting impression on our hearts. That the
good ship, Pandora, and all her gallant crew,
may escape the perils of the deep, and before
many months have elapsed, show her number
some early day at Spithead, is the wish of their
friends residing on the rock of the West.
" Aug. 9th. The inhabitants are slowly re-
covering from the epidemic which has pervaded
the island during the last month. So general
was the attack, that the public school has been
discontinued, and public service but once per-
formed on each Sabbath, in consequence ; the
teacher being fully employed attending the sick.
" llth. Arrived, H.M.S. Daphne, Captain
Fanshawe, from Valparaiso, ma Callao, bringing
the desiderata of the community, viz. a bull,
PUBLIC REGISTER, 1849. 259
cow, and some rabbits. They were landed
without any difficulty by our own boats. We
also received from the Rev. Mr. Arm strong-
several boxes of acceptable articles, and a large
case of books from the Society for Promoting
Cliristiqn Knowledge. At 3 P.M. Captain Fan-
shawe and a party of the officers landed. At
sunset they returned on board again, except the
surgeon, who remained on shore, at the particu-
lar request of Mr. Nobbs, who required some
advice about the sick.
" 12^. At 1 P.M. Captain Fanshawe returned
on shore, with a fresh party of officers, and at-
tended divine service. Much persuasion was
used by our young people to induce Captain F.
to remain another day, but he told them he
could not do so with propriety. At sunset they
all returned on board, and H.M.S. Daphne sailed
for Tahiti. Captain F. (as well as his officers)
treated those of our people who went on board
most kindly, and made most minute inquiries
into our wants and actual condition. They were
pleased to express their satisfaction at what
they saw and heard, and left us deeply im-
pressed with their courtesy and urbanity. May
Almighty God have them in his holy keeping !
" Sept. 6th. A large hair seal captured on
the west side of the island. Fletcher Christian,
first discovered it among the rocks, and was
much alarmed at the sight of it. He feared to
fo near it, lest it should be a ghost, (of which
e has a great horror,) or some beast of prey,
but quickly ascended the hill which overlooks
the town, and gave the alarm. Some persons
260 PUBLIC REGISTER, 1849.
went over to his assistance, and shot the animal
just as it was making its retreat into the sea.
" 20th. This day was set apart as a day of
fasting and prayer. Public service commenced
at 11 A.M. and ended at 1 P.M. All who could
Sit to Church attended. Text, Romans ii. 4, 5.
ne of the females fainted during service."
" SUMMARY.
" This year is unprecedented in the annals of
Pitcairn's Island. We have been visited by
two British men-of-war, the Pandora, Captain
Wood, and the Daphne, Captain Fanshawe.
The commanders of these ships, and their offi-
cers, treated the inhabitants with the greatest
kindness, and were pleased to express their
entire approval of all they saw and heard. The
Daphne brought us a bull and cow, and some
rabbits, with a variety of other articles, from the
Rev. Mr. Armstrong and other friends in Valpa-
raiso. The cattle and the rabbits produced a
great sensation. Another (to us) wonderful oc-
currence is the arrival of so many other ships
under English colours, viz. eight from the Aus-
tralian colonies, bound for California, and one
whaling vessel from London ; in all, nine mer-
chantmen and two ships of war. American
ships have dwindled down to six whalers and
one from California ; in her, Reuben E. Nobbs
embarked for Valparaiso.
" George Adams saved the life of a child
alongside of a ship in the offing.
PUBLIC REGISTER, 1850. 261
" The inhabitants, with scarcely one excep-
tion, have suffered from sickness very severely
during the months of August, September, and
October. The school was discontinued, the
children being too sick to attend, and the teacher
was fully (and, thank God ! efficiently) employed
in ministering from house to house. Some of
the cases were quite alarming, and the disease
(the influenza) in general was more severe, but
considerably modified from that of former years ;
violent spasms in the stomach and epigastric
region were frequent in all stages of the com-
plaint. At the close of the year, the inhabitants
are enjoying much better health. May the
recent affliction teach us so to number our days,
that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom !
" 1850, Jan. 23d. This day was observed as
the anniversary of the settlement of this colony,
sixty years since. One survivor of that strange
event, and sanguinary result, witnessed its cele-
bration.* At daylight one of the Bounty's guns
was discharged, and awakened the sleeping
echoes, and the more drowsy of its inhabitants.
At 10 A.M. divine service was performed. After
the service, various letters received from the
British Government and principal friends were
read, and commented upon. At twelve o'clock
(noon) a number of musketeers assembled under
the flagstaff, and fired a volley in honour of the
day. After dinner males and females assembled
in front of the church (where the British flag
was flying), and gave three cheers for Queen.
Victoria, three for the government at home,
* Susannah, who died on the 15th of July following.
262 PUBLIC EEGISTER, 1850-51.
three for the magistrate here, three for absent
friends, three for the ladies, and three for the
community in general, amid the firing of mus-
kets and ringing of the bell. At sunset the gun
of the Bounty was again fired, and the day closed
in harmony and peace, both towards God and
man. It is voted that an annual celebration be
observed.
"1850, March 24^. Daniel M'Coy and
Lydia Young married.
" April 20th. Charles Carleton Vieder Young
born.
" June 3d. John Pitcairns Elford (native of
Adelaide, New South Wales) baptized.
" 15th. Julia Christian died of dysentery.
" July \5th. Susannah (a native of Tahiti,
and last survivor of the Bounty) died from the
prevailing epidemic and the exhaustion of old
age combined.
" Sept. 18th. Kobert Charles Grant Young
born.
"27th. Mrs. Eliza C. Palmer, wife of
George Palmer, of Nan tucket, died of consump-
tion.
28tL Edward Quintall (second) fell from
the precipice upon the rocks below, and badly
fractured his leg.
" Dec. 24:th. Charles William Grant born,
son of the master of a whaler, whose wife had
been left on the island.
" 1851, Jan. 1st. Thursday 0. Christian
elected chief magistrate. John Buffett, jun. and
Thomas Buffett, councillors.
" 8th. Mary Anne M'Coy born.
PUBLIC KEOISTEK, 1851. 263
" 2Ist. Frances Adelaide Quintall born.
" 23 d. Observed the anniversary of the set-
tlement of the colony. David BufFett and Mar-
tha Young married.
" March 15tk. By the accidental discharge
of a fowling-piece in a whale-boat that was out
fishing, three persons, viz. Abraham Quintall,
John BufFett, and Fletcher Nobbs were seriously
injured.
" 30th. Anna Rose Christian died, aged
three years.
" April 27th. Mary Isabel Adams born.
" July 13th. Fairfax Moresby Quintall born.
" August 5th. Joseph A. M. BufFett born.
" Wth. Jacob Christian and JSTancy Quintall
married.
" IQth. Twelve of the inhabitants sailed in
the Joseph Meigs for the purpose of visiting
Elizabeth Island. On their arrival at the island
they discovered a human skeleton; and as
nothing could be found that may lead to dis-
cover who this unfortunate individual was, it
must remain a mystery.
4 Sept. 5th. Thomas A. BufFett born.
' 15th. Julia E. Quintall born.
Oct. 17 th. Leonard E. W. Christian born.
28th. William Ward Dillon Adams born.
: Nov. 5th. Sarah Clara Quintall born.
: 9th. Julia Anna Christian born.
f - llth. Thirty-eight of the inhabitants
sailed in the ship Sharon, of Fairhaven, for the
purpose of visiting Elizabeth Island. On Friday,
14th, after a boisterous passage of three days,
they landed upon Elizabeth Island, when they
264 PUBLIC REGISTER, 1852.
immediately set about wooding the ship, and
exploring the country, which is evidently of
coral formation. The soil is very scanty, and
totally unfit for cultivation. Various specimens
of marine shells are dispersed all over the sur-
face of the island, which, in combination with
the thickly scattered pieces of coral, renders
travelling both difficult and dangerous. Water
is found on the north-west part of the island
slowly dripping from the roof of a cave, which
cannot be reached without the aid of ropes. The
island rises about sixty feet above the level of
the sea. Eight human skeletons were also
found upon the island, lying in caves. They
were doubtless the remains of some unfortunate
shipwrecked seamen, as several pieces of a wreck
were found upon the shore.
" 27tk. Sarah Adams died from a disease of
the spine, aged fifty-five years.
" Dec. 13th. Philip M'Coy and Sarah
Quintall, Benjamin Buffett and Eliza Quintall,
married.
" 1852, Jan. 2^. Abraham B. Quintall elect-
ed chief magistrate ; Frederick Young and David
Buffett councillors.
"7tk. At about 1 P.M. intelligence was
brought to the village that Eobert (a native of
one of the Society Islands, and who was left
here sick from the American whale-ship Balcena)
was washed from off the rocks by the surf;
those who were at hand when the news was
told, immediately hastened to the place to learn
the truth of the statement. Upon arriving
there, and not seeing anything of him, search
-PUBLIC REGISTER, 1852. 265
was made along the rocks. This also proving
unsuccessful, some of the men went in their
canoes to search for him outside of the rocks.
A few minutes after the canoes were launched,
his hat was found some thirty or forty yards
from the rocks. Being convinced from this that
the man was drowned, the search was continued
with renewed vigour, and, about an hour after,
his body was seen lying at the bottom, in about
seven fathoms of water, and about twenty yards
from where he was washed off. The men suc-
ceeded in recovering the body, which was in-
terred the same evening. It is but justice to
the memory of this poor man to add, that his
good and quiet behaviour while among us had
gained for him the esteem and good-will of all
upon the island, and that his untimely end is
deeply regretted by the whole community.
" 29th. At break of day a ship was reported
close in with the shore ; all who had turned out of
their beds hastened to the edge of the precipice
to ascertain the truth of the statement. Scarcely
had they done so, when, from the heraldic bear-
ing of her colours, she was by the teacher pro-
nounced to be a man-of-war. The whale-boat
was immediately manned, and in the course of
a few hours she returned to shore, bringing with
them Captain Wellesley, and others of the officers
of H.M. ship Dtedalus, from the Sandwich
Islands, via Tahiti, bound to Valparaiso. Cap-
tain Wellesley and his officers remained on
shore all night, and returned on board the fol-
lowing morning, when a fresh party landed from
s
266 PUBLIC REGISTER, 1852-3.
the ship. Captain Wellesley and his officers
were pleased to express their approbation of
what they saw upon the island, and have, by
the urbanity of their conduct during the few
hours they were with us, gained the good- will
and esteem of all the inhabitants.
30^. Emily W. Christian born.
" 3lst. At half-past seven this morning
Captain Wellesley and his officers returned on
board, and the Daedalus left this for Valparaiso,
bearing the good wishes of the island.
" March 7th. David R. B. Young born.
" 14th. David R. B. Young died, aged
seven days.
" April 5th. Fletcher Christian died, after
a lingering illness of many months' duration,
aged forty years. As a member of the commu-
nity, the conduct of Fletcher Christian was ever
worthy of imitation ; suffice it to say, that his
many amiable and agreeable qualities will cause
his memory long to be cherished by those he
has left behind.
" June 13th. John F. Young born."
The following entries in the Pitcairn's Island
Register, between the 15th May and 5th No-
vember, 1853, will bring the recent state of the
island in an agreeable point of view before the
reader.
" Sunday, loth May. Light winds from the
north-east. A sail was seen in the morning
coming from the eastward, bearing down for the
island, under a crowd of sail. At half-past
PUBLIC REGISTER, 1853, 267
twelve she had neared the island sufficiently for
the boats to go off to her, which was immediately
done. The vessel proved to be the Portland, and
we had once more the satisfaction to welcome
the (to us) dear and gallant Admiral Fairfax
Moresby, and our Pastor, the Kev. G. H. Nobbs,
to our island home. She also brought back the
son and daughter of our worthy Pastor, the
former of whom had been absent nearly four
years. We were truly rejoiced to sfee those dear
and good friends who have done so much to
promote our comfort and happiness ; and we
hope and trust that we may ever deserve their
kindness and regards. Divine service was
performed during the evening. The Rev. Mr.
Holman preached a farewell sermon to the
community, which deeply affected, and will
long be remembered by, them. Text from
2 Cor. xiii. 11.
" Monday , IQth. The community busily en-
gaged landing the various presents to them from
their untiring friends and benefactor Admirals
Moresby, and others in Valparaiso, and England,
to all of whom we feel truly thankful.
" Tuesday, 17th. To-day, at 12, the Admiral
assembled the people, and addressed them on
various subjects, principally relating to the in-
ternal regulations of the island.
" Wednesday, 18th. This morning the Ad-
miral avowed his intention to sail in the course
of the day ; and in consequence all was bustle
and preparation.
" Thursday, 19th. Several of the people were
attacked with influenza.
s2
268 PUBLIC REGISTER, 1853.
" Friday, 20th. The epidemic rapidly spread-
ing; many very ill. Henry Chads Christian born.
" Wednesday, 25th. The majority of the
people seriously ill, and unable to help them-
selves.
" Saturday, 28th. Rainy, and very thick
weather. About 10 A.M. a ship was reported
in sight to the westward ; 12, the ship seen from
the village, and instantly recognised to be the
Portland. After some hours, a crew of invalids
pulled off to her. The next day, at sun-down
the good ship Portland left us, we fear, for ever.
May our Heavenly Father ever preserve her
and her gallant crew from all the dangers of the
sea, and from the assaults of their spiritual and
temporal enemies, is the prayer and earnest wish
of the community at Pitcairn's Island.
" May 31st Elizabeth Holman Adams born.
" June 20th. Thomas Buffett and Louisa
Quintall, and Fletcher Nobbs and Susan Quin-
tall, married.
" 28th. John Moresby Acland Quintall born.
" Augustdth. William Henry Holman Chris-
tian born.
" 13th. Rosalina Amelia Young born.
" October 5th. Ernest Hey wood Christian
born.
" September 19th. Sarah M'Coy had a severe
fall, by which she broke her collar-bone and
fractured her jaw.
" 21st. Sarah M'Coy suffering much pain.
" October 5th. Sarah M'Coy almost quite
recovered.
" 16th. George Henry Parkin Christian born.
PUBLIC REGISTER, 1853. 269
" November 2d. About 4 . M. a sail, which
was immediately pronounced to be a man-of-
war, was seen coming from the eastward. The
whale-boat was immediately manned ; and after
a few minutes hard rowing, some of the islanders
received a hearty welcome on board H. M. S.
Dido, bringing to the community some more
tokens of the kind regards of their friends
abroad, more especially Rear- Admiral Moresby,
and his benevolent officers.
" Nothing can exceed the kind treatment
which the islanders received from the Captain
and officers of the Dido.
" 3d. This morning, at daylight, a sail
from the eastward made its appearance. She
proved ultimately to be a whaler, which left
us on the 1st inst. She had returned to obtain
help to free the ship from water let in by some
of the crew, who had attempted to scuttle her.
They had so far succeeded in their diabolical
designs upon the vessel, that had it remained
half an hour longer undiscovered, she would
have sunk. At half-past ten, Captain Morshead
landed with a party of his officers, who were so
kind as to remain all night.
" 4:th. The people busily employed landing
the articles from the Dido. Those who went to
free the whaler succeeded in doing so, after
twenty-four hours hard working at the pumps.
" 6th. The people succeeded in landing safely
all the goods from the Dido at 3 P.M."
The incident recorded under the date of No-
vember 3d and 4th deserves a little more notice.
270 BIRTHS, DEATHS, AND MARRIAGES.
The circumstances attending the rescue of the
whaler, which have been related by Admiral
Moresby, serve to throw additional light on the
generous and disinterested character of the
islanders. " The discontented men of an Ameri-
can whaler, which had quitted the island the
preceding day, were observed returning. They
had, with an inch-and-a-half auger, bored eight
holes. The ship was near sinking before it
was discovered. On the captain's making his
distress known, the islanders sent their whole
force, and in twenty -four hours cleared the ship
so that the holes could be plugged. They asked
no reward, nor did they get any beyond the
captain's thanks that I know of. For all they
mentioned to me was, c The captain thanked us
very much.'' '
The following returns of births, deaths, mar-
riages, and some other particulars, from the
year 1839 to the year 1853, inclusive, have been
drawn partly from the authentic statements in
the Register of the Island, and partly from a
report made by Captain Worth, of the Calypso,
Sept. 27, 1848 :
" 1837. Births, 7; death, 1.
" 1838. Births, 5 ; death, 1.
" 1839. Births, 6; death,!: 106 inhabitants;
53 males, 53 females : 52 scholars attend the
public school.
" 1840. Births, 2; death, 0: 108 inhabitants:
53 males, 55 females : 51 scholars attend school,
58 the Sunday-school.
" 1841. Births, 7; deaths, 3; marriages, 0:
BIRTHS, DEATHS, AND MARRIAGES. 271
inhabitants, 111; males, 54; females, 57; 50
scholars attend the Sunday-school.
1842. Births, 3 ; deaths, 2 ; males, 53 ;
females, 59 ; total, 112 : 50 children attend
Sunday-school.
" 1843. Births, 6 ; deaths, 2 ; marriages, :
males, 59 ; females, 60 ; total, 119 ; 20 males and
21 females eligible to vote.
" 1844. Births, 5 ; deaths, ; marriages, 2 :
males, 60 ; females, 61 : 24 males, 28 females
eligible for voting at the Magistrate's election :
44 children attend the school.
" 1845. Births, 7 ; deaths, ; marriages, 2 ;
males, 65 ; females, 62 ; total, 127 : 51 children
attend the school.
" 1846. Births, 7 ; death, 1 ; marriages, :
males, 69 ; females, 65 ; total, 134 : 47 children
attend public school.
" 1847. Births, 6 ; deaths, ; marriages, :
males, 72 ; females, 68 ; total, 140 : 48 children
attend the school.
" 1848. Births, 7 ; death, 1 ; marriages, 3 :
males, 74 ; females, 72 ; total, 146 : 44 children
attend the school ; 30 scholars, of 14 years old
and upwards, the Sunday-school.
" 1849. Births, 10 ; death, 1 ; marriage, 1 :
males, 76 ; females, 79 ; total, 155 : 47 children
attend the school, 30 the Sunday-school.
" 1850. Births, 4; deaths, 3 ; marriage, 1 :
inhabitants, 156 : males, 79 ; females, 76. Num-
ber of ships touching here, 47 : American, 29 ;
English, 17 ; Hanoverian, 1.
" 1851. Births, 12 ; deaths, 2 ; marriages, 3 :
inhabitants, 166 ; 81 females, and 85 males.
272 VESSELS TOUCHING AT PITCAIRN.
Number of ships touching here, 24 : American
18 ; English, 6.
" 1852. The number of inhabitants is now
170: 88 males; 82 females.
" 1853. Number of inhabitants, 172; 85
males ; 87 females.
The vessels mentioned in this work, which
have touched at Pitcairn's Island, between 1808
and 1853, inclusive, are as follow :
VESSEL. CAPTAIN. DATE. PAGE.
Topaz Folger 1808 93
H.M.S. Briton . . . Sir T. Staines. . . . 1814 116
H.M.S. Tagus . . . Pipon 1814 116
Sultan Reynolds 1817 251
Hercules .... Henderson . . . . 1819 110
H.M.S. Blossom . . Beechey 1825 124
Lovely Blythe 1826 251
H.M.S. Seringapatam Waldegrave .... 1830 128
Lucy Anne . . . . J. Curry 1831 130
Bordeaux Packet . . 1831 252
H.M.S. Comet . . . Sandilands .... 1831 130
H.M.S. Challenger . Fremantle .... 1833 134
H.M.S. Action . . Lord E. Russell . . . 1837 165
H.M.S. Imogene . . H.W.Bruce. . . . 1837 165
H.M.S. Fly .... R. Elliott . . . . 1838 252
H.M.S. Sparrowhawk Shepherd 1839 252
H.M.S. Cura9oa . . Jenkin Jones. . . . 1841 148
Cyrus J, Hall 1841 189
H.M.S. Talbot. . . Sir T. Thompson, Bart. 1843 253
America 1843 253
H.M.S. Basilisk . . H. Hunt 1844 254
H.M.S. Spy. . . . Wooldridge .... 1847 1 ^
H.M.S. Calypso . . Worth 1848 j
H.M.S. Pandora . . T. Wood 1849 143
H.M.S. Daphne . . Faushawe 1849 258
Fanny Leathart 1849 138
Colonist Marshall 1850 156
Noble Parker 1850 155
H.M.S. Cockatrice . Dillon 1851 179
VESSELS TOUCHING AT PITCAIEN.
273
VESSEL.
CAPTAIN.
DATE.
PAGE.
Joseph IMeiffs
1851
263
Snaron
1851
263
BalcGna
. 1852
264
H.M.S. Daedalus .
Wellesley
. 1852
265
H.M.S. Portland .
Rear- Ad m. Moresby, C. E
, (1852
' \1853
192
236
Adeline Gibbs . .
Weeks
. 1852
198
H.M.S Virago . .
Prevost
. 1853 N
97
137
H.M.S. Dido . .
Morshead
. 1853 [
166
211
Upwards of 340 vessels have touched at Pit-
cairn since 1808.
The following signals were established by
Rear -Admiral Moresby, with the Pitcairn
Islanders, in the year 1853 :
A plain white flag will be hoisted when it is possible to com-
municate from Bounty Bay.
A plain white flag over a red ensign, or over any other flag,
will be hoisted, when it is impossible to communicate from Bounty
Bay.
A red Ensign, or any other flag over a plain white flag,
will be hoisted when it is impossible to communicate from
Bounty Bay, but possible from the Lee-side of the island.
CHAPTER XI.
SERMON PREACHED BY MR. NOBBS ON PITCAIRN'S ISLAND-
THE HARP OP PITCAIRN.
THE reader will be glad of the opportunity of
seeing some specimens of discourses preached in
the distant island of Pitcairn to the descendants
of the mutineers of the Bounty. It is pleasing
to observe, from the faithful and affectionate tone
of address adopted by the Preacher of Pitcairn
towards the little flock assembled in the church
of that place,, that they have the blessed means
of learning what is the faith and duty of a Chris-
tian. It will also be seen, that these extracts,
as well as some poetical ones which follow, pos-
sess a certain degree of literary merit, indepen-
dently of the peculiar interest of their source.
The following sermon was preached by Mr.
Nobbs in the Church at Pitcairn :
EEV. xxii. 17. The Spirit and the Bride say, Come ; And let
him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst
come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life
freely.
" There is in the Holy Scriptures such an
adaptation to the wants of man as a mortal, and
a sinner, that independent of the command to
' search ' them, we ought to make the Bible ' the
SERMON PREACHED ON THE ISLAND. 275
man of our counsel.' In all conditions of life,
in prosperity or adversity, in sickness or health,
in all places and at all times, the Bible, if referred
to with a single eye and a prayerful disposition,
will prove ' a lamp to our feet and a light to our
paths.'
" Such considerations as these ought to stimu-
late us in our inquiries after happiness, even if
it ended with this life ; but if we believe that
our time of sojourning here is merely proba-
tionary, and to be viewed only as an introduc-
tion into another and eternal state, yet that our
everlasting happiness or misery depends entirely
upon the use we make of the very short period
allotted to us in the flesh, then are we not inex-
cusable if we neglect those means which God,
of his infinite mercy and goodness, has been
pleased to put within our reach? the only
means which, by the divine blessing, can make
us wise unto salvation ; for i faith,' we are as-
sured, ' cometh by hearing, and hearing by the
word of God.' Open the Bible, and you can
scarcely look upon a page that does not inform
you of our wretched state by nature, and by
actual transgression. It asserts that ' by one
man's transgression many were made sinners ; '
that 'the heart of man is deceitful above all
things, and desperately wicked;' and it declares
in unequivocal language, ' The soul that sinneth,
it shall die.' Dreadful as this view of the subject
may appear, and dreadful it really is to the
impenitent offender, yet, blessed be God !
wherever in his holy word He has pronounced
a curse against sin, an offer of pardon to the
276 SERMON PREACHED ON THE ISLAND.
sinner, if he will turn from his evil way, inva-
riably follows. So far from desiring the death
of a sinner, God hath declared, c It is because
he is God, and not man, therefore we are not
consumed.' And again, i Israel, thou hast
destroyed thyself; but in me is thy help !' But,
though numberless exceedingly precious pro-
mises for the encouragement of the c weary and
heavy-laden ' are to be found in the Old Testa-
ment, yet it is in the life and death of Jesus
Christ that all the promises of his Father are
fully developed ; for they are all 4 Yea and Amen'
in Christ Jesus our Lord ; ' For God so loved
the world, that He gave his only-begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him should not
perish, but have everlasting life.' How encou-
raging then the thought that we have an Advo-
cate with the Father a compassionate High-
Priest, who died for our sins, and rose again for
our justification ; who ever liveth to make inter-
cession for us ; and who now urgeth us by his
word and by his Spirit to repent and be. con-
verted, that our sins may be blotted out ! May
we be made ' willing in the day of his power,'
even now, while we consider the importance of
the words in the text, in which we have :
" 1. An exhortation. 'The Spirit and the
Bride say, Come.'
" 2. A command. i Let him that heareth say,
Come.'
" 3. An encouragement. i Let him that is
athirst come.'
" 4. A general invitation. ' Whosoever will,
let him take the water of life freely.'
SERMON PEE ACHED ON THE ISLAND. 277
" 1. An exhortation. ' The Spirit -and the
Bride say, Come.'
" Our blessed Saviour said to his disciples,
a short time before he suffered, l It is expedient
for you that I go away ; for if I go not away,
the Comforter will not come unto you.' And it
is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, that on
the day of Pentecost, the Holy Ghost, the Com-
forter, descended upon the Apostles, and so
endued them with power from on high, that,
regardless of personal safety, they hastened forth
into the midst of Jerusalem, and there, sur-
rounded by a mixed and innumerable multitude,
declared the wonderful works of God.
" But the Holy Spirit did not descend upon
the Apostles merely to invest them with mira-
culous power, by which they might prove that
Jesus was the Messiah, and that they, in conse-
quence of their attachment to Him, while He
sojourned upon earth, were thus singularly and
favourably noticed. Far otherwise : for one
especial purpose of the coming of the Holy Ghost
was to i convince the world of sin.' And that
this purpose was accomplished on the memorable
day alluded to is certain ; for the multitude, after
hearing Peter's declaration, c were pricked in
their heart, and said unto Peter, and to the rest
of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall
we do?'
" Oh what a glorious specimen of Divine
mercy was here ! what a proof that God is long-
suffering, slow to anger, and willeth not the death
of a sinner, but that all should turn unto Him,
and live. Here, in the very place where Christ
278 SERMON PREACHED ON THE ISLAND.
was crucified, among those who demanded his
blood, did the Holy Spirit commence his opera-
tions, and say to each one of them, ' Come. 7
Brethren, we, by nature and practice, are exactly
in the same state' in which those Jews were.
' In us, that is, in our flesh, dwelleth no good
thing.' But that same Holy Spirit who pricked
the Jews in the heart is now striving with us,
and convinces us, as it did them, of sin. It is
allowed that the miraculous gifts of the Spirit
have ceased long since, but his ordinary opera-
tions in the heart of man are continued, and will
continue till the great and notable day of the
Lord come. But how do we treat them ? Do
we encourage them? Do we desire that they
may be increased within us in frequency and
power ? Do we pray to be ' endued with the
grace of the Holy Spirit, to amend our lives
according to God's holy word?' Or when, in
effect, He says to us, c Come, now, and let us
reason together,' do we resist his gracious influ-
ences and say, ' Depart from us,* we desire not
the knowledge of thy ways ? ' If, alas ! this is
the case, and that which the holy martyr Stephen
said of the Jews, ' Ye stiffnecked and uncircum-
cised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the
Holy Ghost,' is applicable to us, then ' there
remaineth nothing but a certain fearful looking
for of judgment and fiery indignation.' For the
Almighty, whom we have insulted, will say unto
us, ' Because I have called, and ye refused ; I
have stretched out my hand, and no man re-
garded ; })ut ye have set at nought all my coun-
sel, and would none of my reproof : I also will
SERMON PREACHED ON THE ISLAND. 279
laugh at your calamity, I will mock when your
fear cometh ; when your fear cometh as a deso-
lation, and your destruction cometh as a whirl-
wind ; when distress and anguish cometh upon
you.'
" But there is another thing to be observed in
this exhortation, viz. ' the BRIDE says, Come.'
It is by this endearing appellation that Christ
condescends to call the Church, that is, the
congregation of the faithful in all ages up to the
present time wherever their lot may be cast,
whatever their situation in life. The constant
theme of their conduct and conversation to those
around is i We are journeying unto the place
of which the Lord said, I will give it you ; come
thou with us, and we will do thee good, for the
Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel.'
" When Peter exhorted the alarmed Jews to
repent, the members of the visible Church were
few in number, and oppressed with poverty ;
but did they on this account consider themselves
excused from declaring the whole counsel of
God, and making known the great salvation
which had been effected by the death of the
Lord Jesus? Certainly riot. And what was
the result? Multitudes of bigoted Jews alarmed,
and at least three thousand souls added to the
Church. Well might St. Paul exclaim, at a
somewhat later period, i God hath chosen the
foolish things of the world to confound the wise,
and God hath chosen the weak things of the
world to confound the things that are mighty.'
But time would fail me were I to attempt de-
scribing a millionth part of what the Bride has
280 SERMON PREACHED ON THE ISLAND.
been ever ready to do, for the honour of her
Beloved. Let it suffice to say, every individual
under this roof has been invited by her to come
unto the Lord.
" The valuable presents, of a religious kind,
which have, from time to time, been sent to the
distant island in which my lot is cast, are just
so many invitations from the Church of Christ,
saying, c Come with us, and we will do thee
good.' The Bibles, Prayer-books, sermons,
tracts, and a variety of other good books which
have been liberally bestowed upon us, all join
in expressing the desire of their donors, ' Save
yourselves from this untoward generation.'
And, blessed be God ! the invitation has been
accepted. The benevolent call has been re-
sponded to : ' Thy people shall be my people,
and thy God my God.' My brethren, we live
in a glorious time. Never before was there
such a simultaneous movement made against
the power of darkness. Multitudes who, a few
years since, had never heard of a Saviour, now
have the glad tidings of salvation by Jesus
Christ preached, every nation in their own lan-
guage. And tens of thousands from distant
lands and isles of the sea, are still stretching out
their hands, and saying to the Church of Christ,
Come over and help us.'
" Nor will they call in vain. Every year
many holy men leave their country and friends,
to endure persecution, famine, nakedness, and
encounter even death itself, to unstop the deaf
ears, to open the blind eyes, to turn the heathen
from the power of Satan unto God, that they
SERMON PREACHED ON THE ISLAND. 281
may receive the forgiveness of sins, and in-
heritance among them which are sanctified by
faith in Jesus Christ.
" 2. A command. ' Let him that heareth
say, Come.'
" Our blessed Saviour knew that the Church
collectively, as a body, would always be anxious
for the salvation of sinners, inasmuch as thereby
the glory of her Lord would be eminently
exalted. But he also foresaw that individual
members of that Church would be prone to luke-
warmness in his cause, and bury their talent in
the earth. To prevent this, He says in the
text, ' Let him that heareth say, Come.' As if
He had said, ' Ye profess to be my disciples to
have received the remission of your sins through
faith in my blood, which was shed for many.
Do not, then, desire to keep so great a salvation
for yourselves only, or for a few of your nearest
and dearest relations. It was not my design,
when I left the bosom of my Father and came
down upon earth, to die for the sins of any par-
ticular kindred, or tongue, or nation of mankind :
my blood was shed for all the sons of Adam,
that as there is none other name under heaven
given among men whereby they must be saved,
and as my Father desireth not the death of a
sinner, but that all should turn unto him and
live so whosoever cometh to him by me shall
not perish, but have everlasting life. Publish,
then, abroad this great salvation. Declare unto
sinners what I have done for your souls ; tell
them that although they have destroyed them-
selves, yet in me there is help ; that ye have
T
282 SERMON PREACHED ON THE ISLAND.
found joy and peace in believing, and a good
hope, through grace, to enable you to go on
your way rejoicing.'
" This, my friends, appears to be the purport
of that part of the text now under consideration ;
and, if correct, does it not loudly say to every
sincere professor ' Up and be doing, that the
Lord may be with thee ?' Barren fig-trees will
not be permitted to stand in Christ's vineyard.
We should be instant, in season and out of
season, exhorting with all long-suffering, never
weary of our work of faith and labour of love ;
but should strive by word and deed to convince
sinners of their danger, that they may turn from
their evil ways. Thus doing, we shall comply
with the commands of our Master, procure for
ourselves an increase of happiness, and illustrate
the promise of the Apostle, that ' he which con-
verteth a sinner from the evil of his ways, shall
save a soul from death, and hide a multitude
of sins.'
"3. Encouragement. ' Let him that is athirst
come.'
" It is one of the glorious attributes of the
Gospel, that a sincere reception of it renders
null and void all the denunciations of the Law.
For whosoever has fled to it as ' the shadow
of a great rock in a dry and weary land/
whosoever is subjected to its salutary influences,
is ' no longer under the law, but under grace.'
The awakened sinner may write bitter things
against himself, but to such an one it may be
said, '" Be of good cheer, He calleth thee.' Jesus
was fully aware of the obstacles that would arise
SERMON PREACHED ON THE ISLAND. 283
in the way of a penitent sinner. He knew also
that, as no one would flee from the wrath to
come without his suggesting the necessity, so no
one could escape but by his special assistance.
He has, therefore, cheered the road from death
unto life with encouragements and consolations.
Let us, then, for the benefit of the thirsty soul,
recite two or three of them. They are the words
of the Blessed Jesus himself ' There is joy in
the presence of the angels of God over one
sinner that repenteth.' ' Come unto me, all ye
that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest.' c I am the bread of life : he that
eometh to me shall never hunger, and he that
believe th on me shall never thirst.' ( Him that
eometh unto me I will in nowise cast out.'
' Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that
will I do, that my Father may be glorified in
me. If ye shall ask anything in my name,
I will do it.' Are not these rills exceedingly
delicious to the parched, fainting soul ? Ye that
hunger and thirst after righteousness, declare,
is it not such consolation as this that ye have
need of? Yes, you may reply, if I were in-
cluded, such inviting language would cheer my
heart : my sincere desire is, to be admitted into
Christ's fold : but I am so laden with sin, my
corruptions are so many, I am so vile in my own
eyes, and consequently must be so much more vile
in His sight who is of purer eyes than to behold
iniquity, that my heart faileth, and I know not
wherewith to come before the Most High.
" O thou of little faith, wherefore dost thou
doubt ? Is not obedience better than sacrifice ?
284 SERMON PREACHED ON THE ISLAND.
What is it that Christ requires of thee, "but that
thou shouldst close with his unqualified offer
of free salvation? If thou comest to Him
polluted, He will cleanse thee ; if thou art naked,
He will clothe thee ; if thou art wretched, He
will cheer thee. He will give thee joy for
sorrow, riches for poverty, health for sickness.
To sum up the whole, come to Christ without
delay. While the Spirit worketh within you,
speak to Him in earnest, persevering prayer,
and He will hear your supplications : you may
remain in heaviness for a time ; but be not
weary in well-doing, and the certain result will
be that He will speak comfort to thy soul. He
will enlighten thy mind, and bid thee c go in
peace, thy sins are forgiven.'
" 4. A general invitation. ' Whosoever will,
let him take the water of life freely,'
" Glory be to God ! salvation by Jesus Christ
is so fully made known, and so frankly offered
in the Gospel, that whosoever will, may take
the water of life freely. Nor is the invitation
confined to Gospel time. Long before Christ
appeared in the flesh, the proclamation was
extant. Hear the prophet Isaiah, under the
influence of the Holy Spirit, crying aloud
i Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the
waters, and he that hath no money ; come ye,
buy, and eat ; yea, come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.' Again
' Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call
upon him while he is near : let the wicked for-
sake his way, and the unrighteous man his
thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord,
SERMON PKEACHED ON THE ISLAND. 285
and he will have mercy upon him ; and to our
God, for he will abundantly pardon.' Hear
also what God saith by the mouth of the prophet
Ezekiel ' Have I any pleasure at all in the
death of the wicked, and not that he should
return from his ways, and live ? As I live,
saith the Lord, I have no pleasure in the death
of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his
ways and live : turn ye, turn ye from your evil
ways ; for why will ye die ?' Here are no
exceptions made ; God willeth not the death
of a sinner. He says to no one, Thou art con-
demned from eternity ; but contrariwise, ' Turn
ye, turn ye ; why will ye die ? '
" John the Baptist testified of Christ that He
was the ' Lamb of God which taketh away the
sins of the world.' And the Lord himself said
to his disciples ' If I be lifted up, I will draw
all men unto me.'
" My object in reciting these passages of
Scripture is, to illustrate the great Scripture
truth, that God will accept the returning peni-
tent ; and that, while the day of salvation lasts,
we are encouraged to come unto Him that
' willeth not the death of a sinner, but that all
should turn to Him and live.'
" But let not this forbearance and long-suf-
fering of, God be perverted to our own ruin.
' Now is the accepted time, now is the day of
salvation.'"
This sermon was not only preached in Pit-
cairn's Island, but also in London. On Sunday
morning, Nov. 28th, 1852, the pastor of Pitcairn
286 SERMON PREACHED ON THE ISLAND.
delivered the same discourse in the parish church
of St. Dunstan in the East, City, and added the
following passages :
" And now, my brethren, will you bear with
me for a few moments, whilst I refer to circum-
stances which have come in a great measure
under my own immediate notice, in the com-
munity over which I have for nearly twenty-
five years been the unworthy pastor ?
" Many y ear s^ ago, an officer and some seamen
belonging to the British navy, after committing
an unjustifiable act that of mutiny fled for
safety to Pitcairn, an isolated rock in the South
Pacific Ocean, taking with them some Otaheitan
men and women. Within ten years, all the
men, with the exception of two, came to an un-
timely end; one of these two died of con-
sumption ; and the last of this party of mutineers
was left on the island with five or six heathen
women, and twenty fatherless children. After
some time, this man, John Adams by name,
became seriously impressed with the responsi-
bility of the situation in which he was placed.
Here were a number of young persons, between
the ages of five and fifteen years, growing up in
ignorance of the God who made them. And
they would, humanly speaking, in a few years
have become confirmed idolaters, from the ex-
ample of their heathen mothers.
" These considerations weighed heavily on
Adams's mind ; and it was then that he had
two alarming dreams, which so affected him,
that he could scarcely eat or sleep for some time ;
SERMON PREACHED ON THE ISLAND. 287
when lie bethought himself of the Bible, brought
on shore from the Bounty, which had been much
used by Christian, and also by Young in his
last illness. After some search he found it, and
commenced reading it, imperfectly at first, for
he had never been to school, but had taught
himself what he did know from scraps of paper
picked up by him, when a boy, in the streets of
London. Being, however, a man of excellent
natural abilities, he was soon enabled to read
with facility, both the Bible, and the Book of
Common Prayer; a single Prayer-book also
having happily been recovered from the Bounty.
He commenced praying in secret three times a
day ; nor did he pray in vain ; his mind became
enlightened, he saw his guilt and danger ; and
he was almost tempted to despair of pardon.
Still, as he persevered in reading the Bible, he
gradually became acquainted with the Gospel
method of salvation ; and, by the guidance of
the Holy Spirit, was enabled to come to Him
who is mighty to save. In short, my brethren,
he was brought to Jesus.
" Now, mark the result. From this time he
commenced instructing the children of the muti-
neers, first by reading to them portions of the
Scriptures, and subsequently teaching them to
read for themselves ; and so anxious were the
young people to learn, that on one occasion two
of the lads who were employed by Adams to
make a mattock of iron from the wreck of the
Bounty, instead of accepting the promised com-
pensation, (a quantity of gunpowder,) told
Adams, they would rather he should give them
288 SEKMON PREACHED ON THE ISLAND.
some extra lessons from God's Book, a name
by which they used to designate the Bible.
And now peace and contentment pervaded this
rock of the West. The young men and women
entered into the social relations of husband and
wife ; and they, in turn, depending on that
most precious promise of their all-sufficient
Saviour, ' Where two or three are gathered
together in my name, there am I in the midst
of them,' instructed their children with that
knowledge which is better than riches. They
brought them to Jesus.
. " The population of this settlement now
amounts to 170 persons, who are living without
any dissensions, and with but one form of Church
government that of the Church of England.
The Holy Bible, and the Church Prayer-book,
are their chief rules of guidance ; their motto,
' One Faith, one Lord, one Baptism.' And
when I, their pastor, took a sorrowful leave of
them, about three months since, they were
strong in faith, giving glory to God. That they,
and all who hear me this day, may be included
in that most precious invitation, l Come, ye
blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom pre-
pared for you from the foundation of the world,'
may God of His infinite mercy grant, for Jesus
Christ's sake. Amen."
The same sermon was preached by Mr. Nobbs
in St. Mary's Chapel, Park Street, Grosvenor
Square, on Sunday morning, December 12th,
1852, and was printed at the request of several
members of the congregation.
SERMON PREACHED ON THE ISLAND. 289
On the occasion of a wedding sermon, preached
by Mr. Nobbs in Pitcairn Church, four young
persons having, on the same morning, entered
into the holy estate of matrimony, he took his
text from Eph. v. 22, &c.: " Wives, submit
yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the
Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife,
even as Christ is the head of the Church : and
he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the
Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives
be to their own husbands in everything. Hus-
bands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved
the Church, and gave himself for it."
After speaking of the holy influence of the
Christian religion, in restoring women to their
proper place in society, he described the igno-
miny with which females are treated, not only
among the natives of the islands of the Southern
Pacific, but among the Hindoos, and Moham-
medans, and the inhabitants of other countries,
especially in the East, in which a false religion,
and absurd superstitions prevail. To this evil
principle he attributed the custom, so long pre-
valent in India, of sacrificing widows at the
funerals of their husbands, and wickedly de-
stroying numbers of female infants.
" I am sure, my female friends, your hearts are
ready to sink within you at the recital of such
horrible atrocities ; but it is the truth. Nay, I
need only refer you to the account of the land
from whence your mothers and grandmothers
came. You have heard them declare how the
women were degraded in their country, being
looked upon as inferior creatures, and how often
290 SERMON PREACHED ON THE ISLAND.
female infants were put to death. So true is it,
that the dark places of the earth are full of
cruelty. But where the Christian religion
obtains, there woman ' rises to her proper
station the friend of man. Nor are her expec-
tations of happiness confined to this life. She
is informed in the Scriptures, that she has an
immortal soul, which Christ died to redeem, and
that after death she will be eternally happy or
miserable, as she employs the talent here com-
mitted to her care. She will understand, also,
that, as the Church of which she is a member is
required to be obedient to the commands of
Christ, its Head, so must she also be obedient
unto her husband, and for the same reason.
Christ is the head of the Church, and the man is
the head of the woman.
" How thankful ought every woman present
to be when she reflects on the wonderful good-
ness of God in preserving the life of the late
Mr. John Adams, until a knowledge of the
Christian religion was extant among you. Had
he been cut off when ye were in your childhood,
in all probability, your husbands would be
bowing to a stock or a stone, and ye, instead of
uniting in the worship of the true God, would
not indeed have been permitted to enter the
temple of idols, but would have remained all your
lives the slaves of sensuality and caprice; de-
spised by your tyrannical masters, scorned by
your own children, deserted in your sickness, and
without hope, and without God in the world.
" Bless God, then, for Jesus Christ, my female
friends. Serve Him with sincerity of heart, and
SERMON PREACHED ON THE ISLAND. 291
remember it is He that commands you to submit
yourselves unto your own husbands as unto
himself.
"Men and brethren, To you I next address
my discourse. On you chiefly depends the
happiness of your families. Bemember, when
you entered the married state, you promised to
love and honour your wives. See, then, that
you are true to your engagements. Let Christ's
love to His Church be an example for you to
copy. To each I would say, Love your wife
with a pure heart, fervently. Never speak dis-
respectfully of her to other people. Never call
her ill names ; neither be fond of showing that
you are master before other people. This makes
a woman feel her inferiority, and lowers her in
the opinion of many. Avoid all occasion of
controversy in public. If you differ in opinion,
argue the matter over by yourselves, and you
will come to a rational conclusion sooner than
in company. See that your children pay a
proper respect to their mother. Set them a good
example yourself, and they will be easily taught
to follow it. Children are imitative beings;
and if they observe one parent indulge in sar-
casms, or improper expressions, at the expense
of the other, they will be sure to do so too.
Many children have been taught to despise their
mother from improper appellations bestowed
upon her by their other parent. If your wife
wishes to send the children to any place, never
countermand her orders without good reason;
and then tell her why you do so. Whenever
your wife sees fit to chastise any of the children,
292 SERMON PREACHED ON THE ISLAND.
do not interfere in their behalf. By so doing
you teach them to set her authority at nought.
But time would fail me, were I to attempt
giving directions in every particular relative to
the proper conduct of married persons towards
each other, and towards their children. The
Word of God abounds with instructions as to
our mutual duties; I shall therefore conclude
with this piece of advice.
"' Husbands, love your wives, and be not
bitter against them ; ' ' live with them according
to knowledge, for no man ever yet hated his
own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it,
even as the Lord the Church.' * Rejoice with
the wife of thy youth, and be thou always
satisfied with her love; for she is thy com-
panion, and the wife of thy covenant.' 'Go
not after a stranger; and let none deal treacher-
ously against the wife of his youth.'
" 'Wives, be in subjection to your own hus-
bands; that, if any obey not the word, they
also may without the word be won by the con-
versation of the wives ; while they behold your
chaste conversation coupled with fear.' 'For
after this manner in the old time the holy
women, who trusted in God, were in subjection
to their own husbands: even as Sarah obeyed
Abraham, calling him lord; whose daughters
ye are, as long as ye do well.'
"And for your comfort and commendation,
and to induce in you a deportment in conformity
with the will of God, remember it is expressly
said, 'A prudent wife is from the Lord. The
heart of her husband doth safely trust in her;
SERMON PREACHED ON THE ISLAND. 293
she will do him good and not evil all the days
of her life. She openeth her mouth with
wisdom ; and in her tongue is the law of kind-
ness. She looketh well to the ways of her
household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her
husband also, and he praiseth her. 7
"Husbands and wives, excite each other in
the path of duty. Form the holy resolution,
that you and your house will serve the Lord;
and having made this resolution, persevere in it
till death. Be diligent in reading the Word of
God, and causing it to be read in your families.
4 Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye
have eternal life,' is a precept of our blessed
Lord; and parents are in a peculiar manner
bound to instruct their children in the knowledge
of the Word of God. Family prayer is a duty
as absolutely necessary as reading the Word of
God; for prayer is an excellent means to render
reading effectual. We read that our blessed
Lord, when He dwelt on earth, promised a
peculiar blessing to joint supplications: 'Where-
soever two or three are gathered together in my
name, there am I in the midst of them.' Add
to this, that we are commanded by the Apostle
to 'pray always with all manner of supplica-
tion,' which, doubtless, includes family prayer.
" Remember, the time will come, and that,
perhaps, very shortly, when we must all appear
before the judgment-seat of Christ, where we
must give a solemn and strict account how we
have had our conversation in our respective
families in this world. How will you endure to
294 SERMON PREACHED ON THE ISLAND.
see your children, who ought to be your joy
and crown of rejoicing in the day of our Lord
Jesus, coming out as so many swift witnesses
against you! consider this, all ye that forget
to serve the Lord with your respective house-
holds, lest He pluck you away, and there be
none to deliver you !
"Do, I beseech you, seriously reflect on what
has been said this morning. It is the last day
of the year; and who may be permitted to see
the close of the approaching year, God only
knows. Do but seriously and frequently reflect
on, and act as persons that believe, such impor-
tant truths, and you will not neglect either your
own spiritual welfare, or your family's. And
though, after all your pious endeavours, some
may continue unreformed, yet you will have
this comfortable reflection, that you did what
you could to make your families religious, and
therefore may rest assured of sitting down with
Abraham, Isaac, Cornelius, Hannah, Lydia,
Mary, and Dorcas, and all the godly families,
who in their several generations, shone forth as
so many lights in their respective households
upon earth. Now the Lord Jesus Christ, who
is God over all, blessed for ever, assist and
watch over you, and keep you from all evil and
sin here, and present you before his Father
faultless at the great day of account.
"To God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the blessed Spirit, three Persons, and one
eternal God, be ascribed all honour, power,
glory, might, majesty, and dominion, now, hence-
forth, and for ever. Amen."
THE HARP OF PITCAIRN. 295
The reverend Pastor has not only the power
of expressing himself well and clearly in prose :
he also possesses the art of framing his thoughts
in simple rhyme ; and this talent he has often
exerted, on subjects of national and religious
interest, at the wish of members of the Pitcairn
community. As a suitable conclusion of this
volume, a few little poems from the Pastor's pen
are inserted by his permission. These, being
considered as simple strains of the HAEP OF
PITCAIRN, will not be subjected to severe
criticism. On the contrary, the piety, loyalty,
and evident desire for the happiness of others,
which are manifested in the following stanzas,
will commend them to the candid Christian
reader. They may even tend, as an addition to
the specimens of sermons, and to what has ap-
peared respecting their author in the foregoing
pages, to excite, in all who are interested in Pit-
cairn, a feeling of thankfulness, that, in the
course of God's providence, such a man should
have been called to such a post, at the very
time that a teacher and friend was most ur-
gently needed by the islanders.
The only poem introduced into these pages,
which was not written by Mr. Nobbs, is that
beginning " Shed not a Tear" page 302. The
reason for the insertion of these lines, the name
of the writer of which is unknown, is, that the
song is a special favourite with the islanders,
who are in the frequent practice of singing it to
a pathetic and beautiful air. The words are
supposed to be those of a young sailor, shortly
before his death.
296 THE HARP OF P1TCAIRN.
EVENING HYMN.
1.
EATHEK, let our supplications
Eind acceptance in thy sight ;
Eree from Satan's foul temptations,
Erom the perils of the night,
Oh, preserve us,
Till return of morning light.
Jesus, friend of dying sinners,
Ere we close our eyes in sleep,
Let the hope that dwells within us
Prove thou dost thy people keep ;
Gracious Shepherd !
Erom the wolf defend thy sheep.
3.
Holy Ghost, be ever near us,
Make our hearts thy blest abode ;
Strengthen, purify, and cheer us,
Raise our waking thoughts to God ;
With sweet visions
Gild the hours on sleep bestow'd.
4.
Eather, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Us into thy keeping take ;
Not for our deserts or merit,
Solely for thy mercy's sake,
Oh protect us,
When we sleep, and when we wake.
THE HARP OF PITCAIRN. 297
HYMN.
1.
I WILL not encumber my verse
With metaphor, figure, or trope ;
Nor will I the praises rehearse
Of aught in Creation's wide scope ;
My Bible shall furnish the theme,
My subject will angels applaud,
My soul shall rejoice in his name,
My Brother, my Saviour, my God.
2.
My Brother ! How grateful that sound
When sorrow preys deep on the heart:;
When malice and discord abound,
What balm -can a brother impart !
A tender unchangeable friend,
On whose bosom 'tis sweet to recline,
Evej prompt to assist or defend ;
Such a Eriend, such a Brother is mine.
3.
My Saviour ! Thrice glorious name !
But who of the children of men
The wondrous appointment may claim ?
Or who can the title sustain ?
Immanuel, Jesus, alone
Doth fulness and fitness combine,
He only for sin can atone,
And He is my Saviour, e'en mine.
4.
My God ! What a myst'ry is this ;
Jehovah appears as a man !
Truth, wisdom, grace, mercy, and peace,
Devised the inscrutable plan ;
He came to redeem us from hell,
He died to effect his design,
He reigns where the glorified dwell,
And he is my God, ever mine,
u
298 THE HARP OF PITCAIRN.
5.
Then what upon earth need I fear ?
My Brothet partakes my distress,
My Saviour attends to my prayer,
My God deigns to pardon and bless.
Through life as I journey along,
Sustained by thy staff and thy rod,
Thy love shall give life to my song,
My Brother, my Saviour, my God.
Pitcairn's Island, South Pacific Ocean,
Lat. 25 4', Long. 130 8'.
THE ANGELS' LAMENT.
CONTRASTED WITH LUKE xv. 10.
1.
ENSLAV'D by sin, in league with hell,
Prompt to obey, should Satan call,
Thine own deceivings please thee well ;-
Opprest, yet held in willing thrall :
The gall of bitterness is thine,
Still dost thou not thy state discern,
Though more degraded than the swine,
Thou wilt not to thy home return.
The Crown is fallen from thy head,
The gold of Ophir, oh how dim !
Burning appears in beauty's stead,
And all thy garb in wretched trim.
Alas, alas ! how art thou changed,
Yet angels thy rebellion mourn ;
Though from thy Saviour- God estranged,
He still invites thee to return.
THE HARP OF PITCAIRN. 299
3.
What is thy hope ? What canst thou find
To equal thy Redeemer's love ?
Riches are fleeting as the wind,
And pride and lust will adders prove.
Oh stay, oh stay thy mad career,
Ere to destruction thou art borne ;
Infatuated sinner, hear ;
Deluded wanderer, return.
4.
Recall to mind those precious hours
When in the truth thy footsteps trod;
When, heart and mind and all thy powers
Were dedicated to thy God.
Sweet, sweet it was to hear thee then,
In grateful strains to heaven upborne ;
And shall they not ascend again ?
O prodigal, return, return !
5.
Upon presumption's tottering mast,
Held by a thread in reckless sleep,
Thou fear'st not, though th' approaching blast
May whirl thee headlong to the deep.
Awake, awake, nor longer dare
The vengeance thou affect'st to scorn,
Lest thy enraged Creator swear,
' Thou never, never shalt return.'
6.
Canst thou 'midst endless burnings dwell ?
Or with eternal fire abide ?
That thou wouldst madly doom to hell
Thy soul for which Immanuel died.
Arise, arise, repent, believe,
The Spirit's call no longer spurn,
Thy Saviour will the welcome give,
And angels joy at thy return.
This Hymn was composed at the request of
several of our little community, who wished to
300 THE HARP OF PITCA1EN.
have one of their own, which they might sing
to the pathetic air of ' Bonny Do on.'
G. H. N.
I BELIEVE, I BELIEVE.
" How are are you to-day, Polly?" said I to
the wife of George Adams, who had long been
grievously afflicted with a cancer in her breast,
and was rapidly approaching the grave.
" I shall soon be at home, sir" she said.
" On whom is your hope placed at this time?"
I asked.
" On the Messed Saviour who died for me, and
has redeemed me"
And then she went on to declare her faith and
hope, of which the accompanying verses are the
substance.
You ask how I feel in the prospect of death,
And whether the grave has no terrors for me ?
If bright are my hopes, and unshaken my faith,
And to whom for relief in my sufferings I flee ?
The questions are weighty, and I am so weak,
Yet will I endeavour an answer to give ;
And this is the substance of what I would speak,
I believe, I believe.
On the brink of the grave it has pleased my Lord
To keep me long waiting the word to depart ;
And though for dismission I oft have implored,
Yet He has forgiven the thought of my heart :
Though often impatient and prone to complain.
Much love in this chastening I plainly perceive,
Our Father afflicts not his children in vain ;
I believe, I believe.
THE HARP OF PITCAIKN. 301
This body so wasted by ling' ring disease,
That scarce to the worms it can furnish a meal,
Insatiate death as a trophy may seize,
And in me the sad fruits of transgression reveal :
But must I for ever continue his prey ?
No, Jesus my dust from his grasp shall retrieve ;
The call to arise I shall gladly obey ;
I believe, I believe.
I know, on this earth my Redeemer shall stand,
And these eyes, though now dim, shall his glories
behold;
My powers so reduced, shall with knowledge expand,
And this heart throb with rapture, which now beats so
cold :
His voice I shall hear, and in accents divine,
Shall I, then made worthy, a welcome receive ;
In his presence to dwell 'twill for ever be mine ;
I believe, I believe.
This then is my hope ; and I am not deceived,
On the word of my God I can fully depend ;
I know by the Spirit, on whom I've believed;
That He will support and console to the end ;
Immanuel's death hath Jehovah appeased ;
That death on the cross did my ransom achieve ;
That death is my passport when I arn released :
I believe, I believe ; yes, I firmly believe.
POLLY, the wife of GEORGE ADAMS, departed
this life December 17th,- 1843, aged 48 years.
1 have merely versified part of the foregoing
conversation. It is in sum and substance a
reply to an inquiry made by me concerning her
state of mind in the prospect of death, which
was then rapidly approaching. Assuredly, her
end was peace.
GEORGE H. NOBBS,
Pastor and Schoolmaster.
302 THE HARP OF PITCAIRN.
SHED NOT A TEAR.
1.
SHED not a tear o'er your friend's early bier,
When I am gone, when I am gone ;
Nor if the slow -tolling bell you should hear,
When I am gone, when I am gone.
Weep not for me when you stand round my grave ;
Think Who has died His beloved to save ;
Think of the crown all the ransom 'd shall have,
When I am gone, when I am gone.
2.
Plant ye a tree which may wave over me,
When I am gone, when I am gone ;
Sing ye a song, if my grave you should see,
When I am gone, when I am gone.
Come at the close of a bright summer's day,
Come when the sun sheds his last ling'ring ray,
Come and rejoice that I thus pass'd away,
When I am gone, when I am gone.
3.
Plant ye a rose that may bloom o'er my bed,
When I am gone, when T am gone ;
Breathe not a sigh for the bless' d early dead,
When I am gone, when I am gone.
Praise ye the Lord, that I'm freed from all care,
Love ye the Lord, that my bliss ye may share ;
Look ye on high, and believe I am there,
When I am gone, when I am gone.
ANONYMOUS.
NATIONAL SONG.
Air " ROUSSEAU'S DUEAM."
1.
'MiD the mighty Southern Ocean
Stands an isolated rock,
Whiten'd by the surf's commotion,
Riven by the ligtning's shock.
THE HARP OF PITCAIRN. 303
2.
Hark ! those strains to beav'n ascending,
From yon slopes of vivid green ;
Old and young their voices blending,
God preserve Britannia's Queen !
3.
Ha ! that flash yon grove illuming,
Long impervious to the sun ;
Now the quick report comes booming
Prom the ocean-rescued gun.
4.
List ! the bell is gaily ringing,
Where a white-robed* train is seen !
Now they all unite in singing
God preserve our gracious Queen !
SONG OF THE PITCAIRN ISLANDERS,
ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTHDAY OP QUEEN
VICTORIA.
1.
THE Queen! the Queen ! our gracious Queen !
Come, raise on high your voices,
And let it by your smiles be seen,
That every heart rejoices.
Her natal day we'll celebrate
With ardour and devotion,
And Britain's festal emulate
In the Pacific Ocean.
2.
Now let old England's flag be spread,
That flag long famed in story ;
And, as it waves above our head,
We'll think upon its glory.
* In allusion to the Tappa-cloth dresses.
304 THE HARP OF PITCAIRN.
Then fire the gun, the Bounty's gun,
And set the bell a-ringing,
And then, with hearts and voices one.
We'll all unite in singing :
3,
The Queen ! the Queen ! God bless the Queen !
And all her royal kindred;
Prolong' d and happy be her reign,
By faction never hindered.
May high and low, the rich and poor,
The happy or distressed,
O'er her wide realm, from shore to shore,
Arise and call her blessed.
Our friends, and oh ! they love us well,
Unnumber'd favours say so ;
Our hearts are with them where they dwell,
And first in Valparaiso ;
New Zealand, Sydney, Hobart Town,
And those upon their journey,
With many more already down
In golden Californy.
5.
We've pass'd o'er some whom we respect,
Of varied name and nation,
But not from coldness or neglect,
Or want of inclination.
God bless them all, wherever seen,
On ocean or on dry land.
Now give three cheers for Britain's Queen,
And three for Pitcairn's Island.
THE END.
M210612
M 8
THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY
