Revised Jun 19 2021
From that time to the present there is nothing in the history of the island to relate, excepting what is mentioned in the register at the end of this account—the surest proof that it must have been peaceful and happy, pursuing the even tenor of its way, untroubled by any of those exciting events which are the main adornments of a tale. But that an important change must shortly take place in their situation is certain; they are already cramped for room, and are living upon a spot of mountainous land, some six or seven hundred acres in extent, being even now unable to supply the vessels which happen to touch with more than sufficient to exchange against the few necessaries with which they cannot supply themselves; and they clearly see that, when this rising generation shall have grown up, emigration will become a matter of necessity.
They accordingly feel some anxiety, not unmixed with regret, to leave their present settlement—at least, if they could be removed in a body to some larger island. The Queen of Hauhine (one of the Society islands) has offered to take three families, and give them land as freehold property; which offer was made on account of one of the Tahitian women, who came here in the Bounty, having a claim to a large tract of land in that island. Her family name was Puni; she was a Hauhine girl, and happened to be at Tahiti at the time of the Bounty leaving for Pitcairn’s Island. Puni being dead, of course her offspring, who form a considerable portion of the inhabitants of this island, have a claim to the land of their deceased relative. Many of the most respectable English and American inhabitants, as well as Consul-general Miller at the Sandwich Islands, and also the King, have offered them land there; but their wish is to be located on some island where there are no native inhabitants to interfere with them. If, however, any of them did go to Hauhine, they would find there a most excellent minister, Mr. Barff, who has been there for many years, and whose kindness I shall not easily forget.
But, on the other hand, the Pitcairn islanders could not go among a more immoral or loose set of women, than are to be found in nearly the whole of the Society group of islands, unless much altered since I was there in 1842. There was then only too much room for improvement, which I am afraid the French are not likely to have introduced. They, themselves, would much like to go to Juan Fernandez; which, belonging as it does to the Chilian government, I presume is not to be thought of. But it might be procured, should the English Government think proper to remove them there, and without much cost. But should the Home Authorities finally decide upon abandoning Norfolk Island as a penal settlement, which report says there is a chance of, then a more beautiful or suitable location could scarcely be found. At all events, the future prosperity of this interesting people will depend upon the fiat of the British Government; which has already, in smaller matters, taken such interest in their welfare as to lead us to suppose that it will not be neglectful of them, when so important a consideration is presented to its notice.