Revised Jun 19 2021
“My Lord,—I have the honour to transmit to your Lordship herewith, the copies of two letters, dated the 14th instant, which I have received from Pitcairn’s Island, stating that, notwithstanding the increasing necessity for the removal of the surplus population of that island, the community could not at present overcome their reluctance to separate, or yet decide which amongst them should be the first to leave their homes.
“I have, &c. &c.
“(Signed) G. C. MILLER.
“The Viscount Palmerston, G.C.B.,
&c. &c. &c.”
“Pitcairn’s Island,Jan. 14th, 1850.
“Honoured Sir,—I embrace this opportunity of sending a few lines, being sensible of the interest you take in our little community. I trust you will not be offended at my again addressing you. I wrote to your honour by H. M. S. Daphne; since that time there has been no alteration in the views of the inhabitants. The fact is, they will not emigrate till obliged to by sheer necessity. About two months since a young man, the son of Mr. Nobbs, left here for Valparaiso, to endeavour to get employment as a clerk, or any situation by which he may support himself, he being a cripple, and not fitted for any laborious employment. As I before remarked, the inhabitants will not remove until driven by necessity; that time, I presume, is not very far distant. The number at present is—males, 76; females, 79. Ten births last year, and one death—au infant. About ten couple are now marriageable, and the increase will be rapid. I thank you, Sir, in the name of the community, for your kindness and well-wishes towards us, and should esteem it a great favour, should an opportunity offer, if you would send us a fig-tree and a rose-tree.
“I am, Sir, &c.;
“(Signed) J. BUFFETT.
“G. C. Miller, Esq.
“British Consul, Tahiti.”
“Pitcairn’ Island,Jan 14th, 1850.
“Sir,—An opportunity offering, I gladly embrace it (in the name of the community), to return you our unqualified thanks for the solicitude you have so kindly evinced in our behalf. The very secluded position of Pitcairn’s Island prevents our communicating often with our friends, of whose untiring benevolence we are so frequently the recipients, and right glad are we to reckon yourself and your honourable and gallant uncle among the number.
Whether any of my people will avail themselves of the various offers made them, as regards emigrating, I cannot at present say definitely; for although the necessity exists, and its imperative demands cannot be much longer avoided, such is the affection existing between the members of this unique society, that they are intent only upon putting off the “evil day” of separation. Another cause, and that not a slight one, is the great and paramount influence the French are exercising in these seas. Now, to persons whose manners, customs, and every idea are intrinsically “English,” to be obliged to succumb to the dictates of those against whom an instinctive dislike has been implanted in their breasts, by their ancestors of the Bounty, is more than a trifle. Here they enjoy the favour and protection of the British Government; and though often put to great straits, and the difficulties are daily increasing, yet they will, I presume, remain for some time to come, where they can, amid all their privations, worship God with out molestation, and behold, on Sundays and other occasions, the British flag wave over their isolated and rocky abode. They had not, when I wrote to the Consul General some time ago, so serious a consideration as they have since; and when the generous offer made them by your honourable uncle and other gentlemen in Oahu, and, through your kind solicitude, by the chiefs of the Society Islands, came to their knowledge, and they began to inquire which among them would avail themselves of the very favourable and disinterested invitations, their hearts failed them; they could not brook the idea of separation, and settled down to their accustomed avocations, until the suggestions of their necessities should become more peremptory.* Will you be pleased, worthy Sir, to present our grateful acknowledgements to the Rev. Mr. Barff and the chiefs before mentioned; and though we do not profit by their generosity, we appreciate it not the less.
“Hoping that you may many years fill the important situation which gives you so many opportunities of practical benevolence, permit me, respected friend, to subscribe myself,
“Your much obliged and grateful servant,
“(Signed) GEORGE H; NOBBS,
“Pastor.
“In the name, and on behalf,
of the community of Pitcairn’s Island.
“To G. C. Miller, Esq.
“British Consul, Tahiti.”
∗ If these natives could be removed in a body, to some uninhabited island, they would like the change, but some three or four of the elder families would not leave the island under any circumstances. Juan Fernandez is where they want much to go to, which might be obtained from the Chilian Government, and they would in that case be under the eye of the Admiral of the Valparaiso station, these islands being only 250 miles from there.—Ed.
“Foreign Office,Sept. 12th, 1850.
“Sir,—I am directed by Viscount Palmerston to transmit to you the copy of a despatch from Her Majesty’s Consul at Tahiti, with the copies of two letters General Miller had received from Pitcairn’s Island, stating that, notwithstanding the increasing necessity for the removal of the surplus population of that island, the community could not, at present, overcome their reluctance to separate, or yet decide which amongst them should be the first to leave their homes. And I am to request that, in laying the papers before Earl Grey, you will move his Lordship to cause an inquiry to be made, and to ascertain whether all the plants and vegetables which would grow upon Pitcairn’s Island have been sent thither; as it would appear from their request for a fig and rose tree, that such has not been done. I am further directed by Viscount Palmerston to suggest for the consideration of Earl Grey, that instructions should be sent by the Admiralty to the officer in command of H. M. ships in the Pacific, to take such opportunities as may occur to visit Pitcairn’s Island, and to convey to the inhabitants such plants and seeds as may be useful to them. The plants and seeds might be obtained for this purpose from the Royal Gardens at Kew, or from the Horticultural Gardens at Chiswick.
“(Signed.) H. U. ADDINGTON,
“Secretary of the Colonial Office.”