Pitcairn's Island  Source  Whalesite

      Pitcairn's island. — It is well known that an independant

colony has been formed in Pitcairn's island, in the Pacific ocean, by the mutineers of the Bounty, commanded by Captain Bligh, and that the only population of the island consists of the mutineers, and their descendants by Otaheitan females, whom they took as wives. The following particulars respecting a spot which circumstances have rendered interesting, is from a private journal of the American whale-ship, the Russell, Captain Arthur, of New Bedford.

      After speaking of the latitude and longitude of the island, which we do not deem it necessary to repeat, it says, "When we were about three or four miles off the shore, we were boarded by a crew of the finest young men I have ever beheld in my life, as we lay a-back upon the land.

      "From all that I had otherwise heard and read respecting the inhabitants of Pitcairn's island, it induced me to have the following notice posted on the forecastle of our ship, previous to having any sort of communication with the colonists.

      "'It is the impression of the Russell owners, that the most part of her company are the descendants of respectable families, and it is desirable that their conduct toward the islanders should verify that opinion. As this island has been but little frequented, they will be less susceptible of fraud, than a more general intercourse with the world would justify. It is ordered that the crew abstain from all licentiousness of word or deed, but will treat them kindly, courteously, and with the strictest good faith."

      The captain then speaks of his and D'Aroy's difficulty of landing, and entertainment at the house of the venerable Governor John Adams, which consisted of roasted pigs, baked goats, yams, plantains, &c. and thus continues: –

      "Previous to taking our farewell of Pitcairn's island, it may not be irrelevant to make a few observations, – The time and manner of the colonization are known to most general readers. John Adams, and six Otaheitan women are all that now remain of the original settlers. Forty-nine individuals have been born on the island, only two of whom are deceased, which leaves fifty-four persons on the island all in good health, among them are at least eleven young and stout men, willing to supply ships with fuel and water, or do any reasonable service required of them."

"Epitome of Public Affairs, for September, 1822."
      The Lady's monthly museum; or, Polite Repository of Amusement and Instruction.
Improved Series, v.16 (Oct 1822)
p.224-225

Pitcairn's Island  Source  Whalesite