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THE MUTINEERS OF THE "BOUNTY."THE PITCAIRN ISLANDERS FROM 1859-80.BY A NATIVE.INTRODUCTION.
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After the removal of the former inhabitants of this island to Norfolk Island, which was successfully accomplished June 8, 1856, some of the people were strongly possessed with a desire to return to Pitcairn Island, which had for them greater attractions, although isolated, than the superior advantages that Norfolk Island had; they therefore left the latter place on December 2,1858, – the love of the home of their childhood overcoming every other feeling. The first party that returned was composed of sixteen persons, in two families. One consisted of William Mayhew Young and his wife Margaret, and their seven children, six of whom were by the woman's former husband, Matthew McCoy, who was accidentally shot while in the act of discharging the Bounty's gun, when firing a farewell salute to H. M. S. Virago, in January, 1853. He left nine children; the two eldest, being married, remained with their husbands on Norfolk Island, and the next daughter staid behind with them, also. The other family that returned consisted of Moses Young and his wife Albina, and their children, five in number. Of the younger persons who then returned, the eldest was only fifteen years of age. A schooner called the Mary Ann was chartered to bring them here, and leaving Norfolk Island they reached their destination safely on January 17th, 1859, after a passage of forty-five days. A French vessel was here at the same time, and part of her crew landed on the island a short time after the returned families arrived and staid a few hours. The return party found the houses – which were all simply built of wood, and with thatched roofs – in a habitable state. A few of them had been burnt down, for the purpose of obtaining nails, with which to build a boat. This boat was built by Captain Knowles and his men, whose vessel, the Wild Wave, was wrecked on Oeno Island. They made a safe passage to Pitcairn Island, and had built a small vessel to convey them to Tahiti, where they landed, and from thence proceeded to their homes, which they reached in safety. It may not be out of place to mention here that the wife of Captain Knowles had her health completely broken through anxiety concerning the fate of her husband. She waited and lived on in the hope of again seeing him. This hope was fulfilled, but she survived his return only for a short time. This we learned a long time afterward, from a friend of Captain Knowles. Some few cattle had been left on the island when the inhabitants removed to Norfolk Island, and, their number having increased, they caused great annoyance to the recently returned families, especially as some of the cattle were wild and savage, and the people, with the exception of the two men and a lad of fourteen, were all timid women and children. It was therefore determined to destroy all the cattle, and this determination was eventually carried into effect, but, in the opinion of most of the inhabitants, very unwisely. Although the island is too small to allow many cattle to live on it, still a few might, with great advantage, have been spared. Everything was plentiful then: there was abundance of fish and fowls (the hunting of hens' eggs formed a delightful pastime), goats and sheep; and the island abounded in the fruits which it produces, viz.: bananas of several different kinds; oranges, cocoa-nuts, lemons, limes, and citrons; chirimoyas, guavas, a kind of apple of a beautiful deep-red color called mountain apple, and water-melons. Potatoes yielded well, and yams were very productive, these being the principal food eaten on the island; indeed, all the vegetation was in the most flourishing condition. The island was, at that time, very seldom visited by ships, although from i860 to 1863 three of Her Majesty's ships, viz.: the |
Calypso, the Charybdis, and the Tribune, had called in the order mentioned. It was about this time – 1863 – that preparations were being made on Norfolk Island for the second party to return, which number originally far exceeded that of the first; but, when almost everything was ready, some withdrew. The vessel chartered to convey them was a small schooner, – the St. Kilda. The emigrants were twenty-seven persons, two of whom – Mrs. Elisabeth Young and Mrs. Hannah Young – were daughters, respectively, of John Mills and John Adams, mutineers of the Bounty. They were grand looking old women, and queenly in their bearing. It was most affecting to watch them, while on the passage from Norfolk Island, sitting together, side by side, on the deck, and talking of their children left behind, till the tears would start from their aged eyes and roll down their furrowed cheeks. Silent tears they were, but they testified to many a deep, tender feeling hidden in the heart. Mrs. Elisabeth Young was the oldest inhabitant of Pitcairn Island, and is now, at the time I write, still living, and carries well her ninety years. Of the others who returned, were Thursday O. Christian and his wife Mary (daughter of Mrs. E. Young, who was mentioned above, and who was returning to see her son, Mayhew Young, who was of the first party); and with them their nine children. A little girl of theirs, about five years of age, died on the passage. As the distance was not now very great, there being about a fortnight's run to the island, the parents begged the captain to preserve the body, to which request he kindly acceded, and they had the mournful satisfaction of bringing their dead to place beside others of theirs, who had long since been laid in the dust. The others who returned were Simon Young and Mary, his wife, and their eight children (a son of theirs, the first-born, was with Bishop Patteson, of the Melanesian Mission); Robert and Lydia Buffett, and an American, Samuel Warren, who married the eldest daughter of Thursday and Mary Christian on the eve of their departure from Norfolk Island, and agreed to cast in his lot with them; Mrs. Hannah Young, Simon Young's mother, who left all the rest of her children and grandchildren on Norfolk Island, to accompany her younger son to her early home. After taking leave of beloved relatives and friends, whom, perchance, they were never to see again in this world, the second party left Norfolk Island, with sad hearts, on the 19th of December, 1863, and reached Pitcairn Island, henceforward to be their home, on the 2d of February, 1864. Before leaving Norfolk Island, the congregation met to commend those who were about to leave to the mercy and protection of our heavenly Father, and with many tears, they sung an additional stanza to a hymn composed by Mr. Nobbs, and which was sung on the occasion of the first parting. The stanza was as follows:
The night before the St. Kilda's party landed was spent on board in thorough wakefulness. The excitement that prevailed was so great as not to allow of any one's taking rest, and lights were sent up and guns were fired, which greatly alarmed the few people on shore, who could not at all account for all the noise and confusion, and so imagined that something of a very terrible nature was about to befall them. However, when the morning came, all fears were calmed, and it was with a true pleasure that old friends met once again. The younger people were all shy, on first meeting, but that soon gave place to a cordial welcome. The two families were all in the enjoyment of health, two infants only having died. In general, everything was going on well; the only want felt was of clothing, and that, for the time being, was well supplied, as the new arrivals brought a good supply. For bedding, what was commonly used was a kind of cloth, manufactured, with much labor and trouble, from the fibrous bark of the paper-mulberry. This tappa, as it is called, has more of the nature of paper than of cloth, and could not stand much washing. To remedy this, however, the cloth is dyed in the juice of the bark of the candle-nut tree, after the bark is scraped from the tree, and the juice extracted by steeping it in water. The dye is of a reddish color, and renders the cloth tough. The houses not inhabited were generally in a dilapidated state, and the new-comers found homes with the two families, till some place of abode could be provided for them. In a short time, each family had a home of its own. |
The services on Sundays and Wednesdays had hitherto been conducted, in turn, by Moses Young and Mayhew Young, and were held in either of the cottages. The services were in accordance with the liturgy of the Church of England. After the second arrival, when the state of things was somewhat settled, all who were able engaged in building a place of worship, which was soon completed, as the structure was perfectly simple. Simon Young was chosen for the pastor of the small community, which place he has held ever since. On the 25th of December, 1864, the first Christmas Day after the second party's return, a triple marriage took place between three of the former arrivals and three of the second. The names were as follows: Elias Christian, who married Elisabeth, eldest daughter of Moses Young; his brother, Alphonso Christian, who married Sarah McCoy, daughter of Margaret Young, by her former husband; and Russell McCoy, who married Eliza Young, eldest daughter of Simon Young. Everybody rejoiced on the happy occasion, and good wishes were freely expressed that domestic joy and felicity might be the happy lot of all those who had newly entered on the married state. The different families were now nine in number. One English ship-of-war had before this, in March, 1864, visited the island. Rear Admiral John Kingcombe, and many of his officers, landed, and spent a few hours on shore, after which, they invited on board ship as many of the islanders as could conveniently go. The day being beautifully calm and bright, the people gladly accepted the invitation, and went on board, where the time was pleasantly spent in going over the vessel and in listening to the band. The visit of H. M. S. Sutley was long remembered with feelings of pleasure, and gratitude for all the kindness shown to us by the whole ship's company. Every day passed on in its quiet way, each having its own allotted duty. Fieldwork occupied most of the men's time, such as preparing the ground by cleaning it and breaking up the clods, planting, and keeping the fields free from weeds, which grew very abundantly on account of the fertility of the soil. Sweet-potatoes are what is generally planted. Of these there are six different sorts, two having been brought from Norfolk Island by the St. Kilda. The arrowroot, also, was brought here at the same time. It grows and thrives to perfection, and is of excellent quality, being prepared with great care and purity. Other plants and seeds were taken from Norfolk Island, but the only other two that survived the passage were the rose-apple and the Sydney banana, which grows to a great height, and is so named from its first being brought from Sydney to Norfolk Island. The rose-apple came also from Sydney, is a small fruit – a little larger than a walnut – and has a large seed. The smell and flavor of it exactly resemble those of a moss-rose. In the year 1865, and till November, 1866, scarcely any communication was held between Norfolk Island and this island, as few vessels ever called here, and great was our joy to receive even one letter from far-distant relatives and friends, to tell us that they still lived and thought of us. It was quite an unexpected event when, in November, 1866, H. M. S. Mutine called here to deliver a large mail from Norfolk Island. But how soon did gladness give place to grief, when, on opening the letters, we found that death had taken away many of our beloved relatives and friends! To none were the tidings more bitter than to Simon Young's family, who then learned, for the first time, of the death of their dear son and brother, who, while with Bishop Patteson, was shot with arrows, as was also a beloved companion, Edwin Nobbs, both of whom died, – Fisher Young on the 24th of August, 1864, and Edwin Nobbs, September 5th of the same year. Fisher died of locked-jaw, and was buried at Port Patteson; and Edwin, who was convalescent, going on shore to attend his friend's burial, took cold, which resulted in the same disease as his companion's, and was buried at sea. Fisher died only three days before his grandmother, Mrs. Hannah Young, who was thought to be calmly sleeping in her bed, but was found to be dead, having passed away in sleep. It was well that the sad intelligence could not reach us at the same time. About the year 1867, a blight was observed on the potato-patches. It began at one place and went gradually on, so that now each succeeding year witnesses the effects of a more or less extended blight. It begins generally in the end of May, or the beginning of June, and ends in September, covering our colder season. A kind of worm, also, is very destructive, sometimes destroying whole potato-patches. They do most mischief in the warm months. In summer, |
the yam crops suffer from caterpillars, which devour every green leaf of the plants; but, happily, these again sprout, and have time to grow well before digging-time comes. The yams that had been planted before the people removed to Norfolk Island were of superior quality, but the cultivation of them proved quite a failure. The kind that is now grown does well, but is not of such value as the other. In March, 1868, John Buffett, who first came to this island in 1823, came again on a visit to see his only daughter, Mrs. Mary Young. He it was who principally corresponded with us, and his coming so unexpectedly was a delightful surprise, and gave universal pleasure. The two preceding years were times of great interest among us, as then we watched for the coming of the Royal Mail steamers of the Panama line, but had the pleasure of receiving four visits only before the line was broken up. In July, 1871, we received a visit from a Russian man-of-war – the Vitiaz – from whose officers we received much kindness. After her departure from the island, almost every one of the inhabitants was laid low with some sort of fever and influenza, which, happily, in no one case proved fatal. In May of the same year was witnessed another wedding ceremony, the first that had taken place since 1864. The parties were Daniel Christian and Harriet McCoy. On the 23d of August, 1871, Robert Young was married to Sophia McCoy. They had been for a long time engaged, and as symptoms of a decline began to show in the young man, the young woman expressed a desire to be united to him, that she might have the privilege of nursing him, as his wife. He yielded eventually to her wishes, although he expressed a fear that, in his state of health, such a union would not prove, in every way, a blessing. He lived only seven months after he was married, and died on the 26th of March, 1872, deeply lamented, as he was highly esteemed by every one. The following July, the whale-ship Sea Ranger, Captain Allen, was here, and on leaving, took with him two of the young men of the island, and John Buffett, to go to Norfolk Island. As this was the first time that any one of the present inhabitants had left the island, much anxiety was manifested when a year had elapsed, and the young men did not return. But on the 30th of September, 1873, great gladness and thankfulness were felt among the people when we welcomed back our dear ones. How eager we all were to listen to all they had to say concerning the friends from whom we parted ten years before! But we learned too, with regret, that it was not likely we should ever again see John Buffett. He had been greatly missed in the religious meetings, after he left us, and he wrote us word that his help was needed by many on Norfolk Island. On the 23d of October, 1873, Stanley Young, one of the young men who went with Captain Allen, was married to Rebecca McCoy, to whom he had been engaged some time before. We now pass on to the end of 1873, and the beginning of 1874. The state of the island, as regarded its different products, had been gradually declining. Yam crops, in some instances, almost totally failed. The Irish potato and the sweet-potato both yielded but poorly, and many of the orange-trees shared the general decline. But worst of all, water was scarcely to be obtained anywhere on the island. Brown's Water, a large reservoir that had formerly supplied the inhabitants, was dry, and there seemed but small prospect of rain. Every day succeeded the other in increasing heat, and the plants all suffered. At this time, the people on Norfolk Island, learning of our distress, sent an urgent invitation for us to return, saying that if we would accept, they would charter a vessel to convey us. One principal reason they urged was the rapidly increasing number of inhabitants here, and the limited means of support that the island afforded, in the future, should the people continue to increase. The question of a return was long debated, and earnestly considered amongst us, and while some eagerly agreed to accept the invitation, others resolutely determined to remain and wait for " better times" to come again, these last believing that "while the earth remained, seed-time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night should not cease," and that the Heavenly Father, who makes his sun to "shine on the evil and on the good," is able to send his "rain on the just and on the unjust." And when did any one trust in God and was disappointed? Surely they were not who so believed. Rain in great abundance soon came, and from that time everything has been steadily improving. When the answer was sent to Norfolk Island, stating the different conclusions at |
which the Pitcairn Islanders had arrived, they said in reply that, as we were so undecided, they could not waste their time or money to come here for nothing. There the matter ended, and so it is likely to remain, especially as the inhabitants of this island have since been more generally content to live here than they were before. On the 30th of November, 1874, Mrs. Margaret Young, one of the first party that returned, died, leaving a husband and five daughters to mourn her loss, and to learn the value of a mother. Up to this time, communication between this island and Norfolk was seldom held, as the means of so doing were very uncertain; still the liveliest interest was manifested in each other, and the receiving of letters from relatives and friends on Norfolk Island constituted one of the chief happinesses of our existence, and was the event looked forward to in our quiet, and monotonous life. I should have mentioned that in July, 1873, H. M. S. Chameleon came on a visit to this island, and brought a large supply of clothing, and other useful articles, from kind Christian friends in Valparaiso and Honolulu, prominent among whom were Rev. S. C. Damon, of Honolulu, and Rev. Dr. Trumbull, of Valparaiso, who have ever been faithful friends of the Pitcairn Islanders. On the 23d of January, 1875, the Cornwallis, an English merchant-vessel, was wrecked on the rocks, on the north side of the island. Such a fearful disaster had never occurred here before, and a feeling of awe and terror possessed every breast at the dreadful event. A son of Moses Young's, a boy of twelve years of age, perished, while attempting to get something that was being washed ashore from the wreck. None of the crew of the Cornwallis received any injury, and we did what we could to render them comfortable, during their stay. Two days after the shipwreck, they were taken off the island by an American vessel, the Dauntless, whose Christian captain, Wilbur, kindly gave them a passage to New York, whither he was bound. We hoped that no such calamity would again befall any poor mariner, but still we were ready to offer any assistance in our power, should our help at any time be required. How little we dreamed that before the year was ended we should have another shipwrecked crew thrown upon our hospitality! But so it was. On the morning of the 28th of September following, the inhabitants were surprised to see two boats approaching the island from the north-west; they were instantly supposed to be a shipwrecked crew, seeking to find a home here till some vessel could take them away. And so it proved. It was the crew of the Liverpool ship Khandeish, lost on Oeno Island, on the 25th of September. The wind favoring them, they reached this island after a three days' run from Oeno. A boat went off to the shipwrecked men, and accompanied them to the shore, where nearly all of the inhabitants had assembled to welcome the poor sailors. After dividing them off by twos and threes, they ascended the steep hill leading up to the village, where they found a home with the different families till the day of their departure. After a stay of fifty-one days, during which time they were regarded by the inhabitants as part of themselves, they bade farewell to Pitcairn Island and its people, with regret and sorrow on both sides, and embarked ®n the 19th of November, on board the English ship Ennerdale, for San Francisco, where they arrived and cast anchor on the 28th of December, after a passage of forty days. One of the crew of the Khandeish, Peter Butler, an American, remained on the island, and was afterward married to the widow of Robert Young. After the return of the crew of the late Khandeish to San Francisco, a deep interest was manifested by the good people there on our behalf, and they have from time to time contributed various articles, and sent them as gifts to us. Among the gifts was an organ, the first instrument of the kind that was landed here, with the exception of an old harmonium left a short time before, by the doctor of an English sloop of war. Captain Scribner, of the St. John, brought the organ, and many other gifts besides. When the instrument was opened in the church house, all the inhabitants gathered around to sing, "Shall we gather at the river ?" while our good friend Captain Scribner played. The 18th day of March, 1876, will long be remembered by us, with feelings of the liveliest gratitude to Captain Scribner, and to all the kind people of San Francisco, who had done so much for us. In September of the same year, Captain Freeman, of the Gold Hunter, and in October, Captain Humphrey, of the Golden Fleece, brought us gifts of cooking utensils, crockery, etc., sent from San Francisco. We |
owe them all a debt of gratitude we can never repay, and feel that we are unworthy recipients of their Bounty, and can only pray that, according to the kindness they have shown us, so may God reward them a thousand-fold. Many vessels now frequently visit the island, especially American ships. The ship captains and their wives invariably show us kindness whenever they call near enough to communicate with the island. Our clothing and soap have always been obtained from whale-ships that yearly call, for the purpose of obtaining fresh provisions, fruits, etc. The arrival of a vessel at the island affords, almost exclusively, the only break in our quiet, simple lives. The only holidays observed are Christmas and the 24th of May, the Queen's birthday, on which day, 1877, a wedding ceremony was performed between Edward Young and Sarah Young, second daughter of Moses Young. Everybody rejoiced on the happy occasion, and many good wishes were bestowed on the youthful pair. After partaking of a substantial repast, the younger members of the community engaged in different kinds of games, all thoroughly enjoying themselves. The singing of the national anthem, " God save the Queen," concluded the merrymakings. On the 2d of November a feast was given to the school-children, who numbered thirty-two, when prizes were distributed among the best of the scholars. The adults also had a spelling-match, which was merrily carried on, till two only remained against each other, whereupon one of the competitors soon decided the game. The prizes consisted of several heaps of fruit, the most fruit to the best speller. Merry shouts of laughter greeted each prize-winner, and all dispersed to their homes after having spent the few hours pleasantly together. In May, 1878, the brig Julia M. Avery, of Honolulu, touched at this island on her way to Tahiti, and, being in the trading business, procured a number of hogs, and a few pounds of wool and cotton, both being of very inferior quality; the wool being mixed with hair, and the cotton having a very coarse texture. From that time, the raising of cotton began to be part of the regular business here. On the 8th September of the same year, we received a most unexpected and joyful surprise, in the visit of H. M. S. Shah, flagship of the rear-admiral, De Horsey, from San Francisco to Coquimbo. The visit happening on Sunday, many of the officers attended divine service in the morning, being a happy addition to our small congregation. Our church was then being enlarged, as it was getting to be too small for the increasing number of the inhabitants. The good admiral intended sailing the same evening, but, on our urgent request, he most kindly consented to wait till noon of the following day. The next morning, almost all the inhabitants, including many of the babies, went on board the Shah, where a bountiful meal was spread for them. The day was very calm, but with drizzling rains, yet this did not damp the day's enjoyment. Every one on board was kind, and after spending a pleasant time on board, the islanders returned on shore, leaving behind them every good wish for the Shah's company. They left a large supply of flannel, serge, soap, and other goods, but, as we shall see, the admiral's kindness did not end here. The day after the Shah sailed, we had another visit, of an altogether different nature. The Venus, a small trading-vessel, having for her master a Captain Scott, who had been here years before, called in for the express purpose of establishing, if possible, a trade between this island and a company in Liverpool, De Wolf & Co., who have also established a business among the other groups of islands in the Pacific. The plan proposed was that we should cultivate and gather whatever produce the island affords, fit for trade, and have the produce ready whenever their vessel should call for it. Here was now a good opportunity for maintaining ourselves by our own industry, and no longer having the feeling of depending on the charitable contributions of others. The offer was, for that reason, gladly accepted by most, while others expressed a doubt whether the plan would succeed or not. Among the more valuable products of the island may be mentioned arrowroot, cocoanut, coffee, candle-nut, and cotton. The arrowroot, as has been before stated, is of excellent quality. The cocoa-nut trees are not now very productive, on account of the great age of many of them. Coffee could be made very profitable. Cotton-seed, of the right quality, was left by Captain Scott, and these, being planted, soon grew, and produced very fine cotton-wool. Many of the plants first put in the ground did not succeed in growing, owing to a long-continued dry weather coming immediately |
after the plants had been set. Cotton here needs planting but once in three or four years, for as soon as one harvest is gathered, the plants are covered with new shoots, ready to blossom again. Some goods were left by Captain Scott to form a store, the person managing the business being Russell McCoy. A telephone was brought ashore by Captain Scott for the amusement of the islanders, who took turns in speaking to one another at the distance of half a mile. A magic-lantern was also exhibited, – the first that was witnessed by many of the young people and children. When the captain sailed, he took with him two of the young men of the island and Peter Butler. In March, 1879, the Enterprise – one of De Wolf & Co.'s ships – called to take away the first of the produce we had been able to collect, and which amounted to three thousand eight hundred and forty-two pounds of candle-nut and four hundred and seventy-three pounds of cocoa-nut; besides these, a small quantity of wool and cotton. At the same time, our two young men also returned, both having experienced the feeling that "there is no place like home," although that home may be on such a small, out-of-the-way place as Pitcairn Island. Peter Butler, having left the Venus some time before, has never been heard of since. Mention has been made of the continued kindness of Admiral De Horsey. As a very substantial proof of this, we received, in July, 1879, a most beautiful organ, of American manufacture, selected by him and sent as a gift from our beloved sovereign, Queen Victoria. An inscription to that effect was written on a silver plate and placed in the center of the organ, above the key-board. This instrument was sent on H. M. S. Opal, and was safely landed and brought up to the village on the evening of the same day on which it arrived. It was opened in the church, which was now finished, and in which the congregation met to sing "God save the Queen," accompanied by the organ. We were also informed that the good admiral, by his account of his visit to us, had awakened such an interest in our welfare among the people of England that a subscription was immediately set on foot for our benefit. A committee was formed of several gentlemen, some of whom had been to this island in years gone by. The chairman of the committee, Rev. Andrew A. Drew, was brother-in-law to Admiral De Horsey. Several people contributed to what was called the Pitcairn Island Fund, and the result of their untiring exertions was seen in the many valuable and useful gifts which reached us safely on the 28th of March, 1880, a year after they were sent. Such care had been taken by the kind friends in preparing the goods for the long passage, that everything reached us in the most perfect order. Not the least of the valuable presents were a life-boat, the Queen Victoria, and a whale-boat, the Admiral Drew, so named after the father of the Rev. A. Drew. A few days after the Osprey (which brought the gifts) had sailed, the Chasseur, a French frigate, called in. It was quite a surprise for us. Most of the officers landed on the west side of the island, where they obtained some cocoa-nuts and oranges. Three of them came up the weary way to the village, accompanied by one of our men. These were the doctor, the paymaster, and another officer. The doctor, who spoke English well, soon made friends with every one, and the two others were also liked by the people. They professed themselves much pleased with their visit, which lasted about two hours, and regret was expressed on both sides that the stay could not be lengthened, as the day was fast declining. So they had to hasten away, carrying with them the sincere good wishes of the people. The Ocean King, an American merchant vessel, was here on the same day. The captain's daughter, Miss Freeman, and the first officer landed on the island, where they staid for a short time, three of the ladies from the shore accompanying the young lady to the ship, where they received the greatest kindness. The American ladies who have been among us have universally won the love and respect of the inhabitants, and all who have had the pleasure of spending a short time in their company on board can testify to the true kindness of heart shown by them all. On the Queen's birthday, May 24, of this year, 1880, Francis Christian was married to Eunice Jane, daughter of Moses Young. No festivities marked the day, on account of there being so many who were ill, but only a quiet gathering of the families and friends of the young couple, to unite with them in their happiness, and to wish them joy. One of the sick persons was Russell McCoy, who had been ill for two months before. Many times was his life despaired |
of, and everybody who could render assistance attended him day and night, all showing the kindest attention that lay in their power. In June, we received a most unexpected visit from a young relative from Norfolk Island, who informed us that there were several others of our relatives and friends – all young men – on their way to Pitcairn Island, to pay us a visit. It was our happiness to welcome them on August 6th, 1880. How thoroughly delighted was every one to behold again, face to face, those whom we thought we were never to see again in this world! How much there was to ask and to answer! How eagerly we inquired about all those we love, so far away, and heard, with thankful hearts, that they were all well! During their stay, their captain, who was a sincere Christian, held two religious meetings; all who conveniently could, attended. After being with us a week they left, but not until all the inhabitants of this island had met once more on the top of the hill overlooking the beach, to commend them, and to be themselves commended, to the mercy, guidance, and protection of the gracious Heavenly Father who had hitherto led us all thus far. And so we parted, amid tears, and with deep sorrow pervading each heart, yet in the hope that one day we all may meet in that world where parting is unknown. There is not much more to say before I close this paper; but there is one important point of which no mention has been made, and that is, the partaking of the Lord's Supper. The observance of this sacrament was not kept by us since the return from Norfolk Island until the year 1877, Mr. Young having some scruples about administering it. This coming to the ears of a Christian brother, Mr. Gardner, in New Zealand, he wrote to Mr. Young, telling him that no mention was made in the Word of God about ordained ministers being the only persons that can lawfully administer the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, but that the early Christians went from house to house, breaking bread with one another. The feast of love was first held on November 4, 1877, the total number of communicants being thirty-eight, from the age of fifteen years and upward. An English lady had, some time before, presented a cup for the communion service, which was afterward accidentally broken. On application being made to a friend in San Francisco to replace the loss, a gentleman – Dr. McDonald – very kindly sent a chaste and beautiful wine-cup in its stead, which was received with feelings of sincere gratitude and delight. As a people, we receive favors on every side. Our wants are not many, and those wants are abundantly supplied. Of books, we have a large store. Kind and Christian friends supply us with these on every hand, to all of whom we tender our heart-felt thanks and sincere gratitude. To all who have ever shown us kindness, and who have ever taken a lively interest in our well-being, we owe a debt of love and gratitude a tithe of which we are powerless to repay. Especial thanks are due to Captain H. G. Williams and Messrs. Hanley and Snow, gentlemen through whose kindness and favor we are able to communicate with those who are near and dear to us, though far away. Of the present number of the inhabitants of this island, there are fourteen families, one of these having no father or mother; the father, Mayhew Young, having died four years ago. Two other families have only the mothers, one of whom is the widow of Samuel Warren, and the other the wife of Butler, thus making, in all, twenty-four married persons. Of unmarried persons, there are, from eighteen years and upward, five young men and seven young women. Of boys and girls, from twelve to seventeen years of age, there are seventeen – seven boys and ten girls. Of children, from the age of twelve downward, there are forty-two. These make a total of ninety-five. The oldest inhabitant is Mrs. Elisabeth Young, now ninety years old. From the return of the first party to this island till the present time, only twelve deaths have occurred – five infants and seven grown-up persons. Infectious diseases are unknown, and sickness of any kind is never prevalent. Of children who attend the day-school (where only simple instruction, such as reading, writing, arithmetic, and geography, is given) there are thirty-three from six to fifteen years of age, while forty attend the Sunday-school. We have everything that is required to render us contented and happy, and have friends whom God has raised up for us on every hand. Still, though such favors are shown us, we are far from being what we should be. While we pray that God would unceasingly bless them, we need also to pray that we may be more worthy of the numberless acts of kindness shown toward us, and seek, by our conduct, to be more worthy of the name of Christians, which we bear. |
True, none of the more glaring vices obtain amongst us, but in how many things do we frequently fall short of the duties required of us toward God and toward man! Conditton of the Island Of Pitcairn in 1874.
House on Pitcairn Island. (Drawn by a Native).
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Source.
Rosalind A. Young.
This transcription used the volume at Google Books.
Last updated by Tom Tyler, Denver, CO, USA, Jun 14 2022.
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