|
Letter from Joshua Hill to the Earl of Ripon
|
. . . .
From the above-named Mr. Hill to the Earl of Ripon: — Pitcairn's Island, 28th December, 1832.
My Lord,—I have the honour to inform your Lordship that I arrived here from Otaheite on the 28th October last, and found the state of things upon this little island very unsettled on my landing, owing principally to the presence of three Englishment, whom, unfortunately, the natives have allowed to settle among them; they are runaway sailors. Drunkenness, and other bad vices, were introduced by them; and had I not arrived, I know not what might have been the consequence, even before this, as they were in the greatest confusion, from the youngest to the oldest,—fighting, and everything wicked, going on. I have, however, been so fortunate as to put down, in a great degree already,the use of ardent spirits, and the means of making any more of it. I have established, at the outset, a temperance society, and caused the greater number to sign thereto. I have also established a set of laws, as best suited for them, and placed three of the most efficient natives as a committee of elders, to superintend their |
affairs; and the only difficulty I have to contend against is the presence of these three bad characters upon the island. I hope that begore long one of his Majesty's ships of war may come and take them off, when I should have but little if any difficulty in bringing the native back again to their duty and best interest. Although I have, perhaps, effected more than could have been expected in so short a time, under the circumstances, and not possessing any public authority thus to keep in check these men, I shall continue to maintain peace and quietness among them in the best way I can, until I can have the honour of hearing from your Lordship, as to whether his Majesty's government would not be pleased to nominate me its agent for good here, the object being merely to have authority to keep things in order among these poor people. I am now acting as their minister (preaching twice on each Sunday, besides a lecture), their doctor, school-master, &c.; and, with the sanction and assistance of your Lordship, I have no doubt that I could make of these natives one of the most happy people whatever. I want very much a medicine chest and instruments, and books to accompany it. I have the honour, &c.
Joshua Hill. . . . .
|
|
Source.
John Barrow Esq., F.R.S.
This article was transcribed from the volume available at Google Books.
Last updated by Tom Tyler, Denver, CO, USA, Jun 20 2022.
|
|
