Revised Jun 19 2021
"Pitcairn's Island,20th June, 1834.
"MY LORD,—I have the honour to address your Lordship, in consequence of the people here petitioning your Excellency's protection, in relation to certain evil designs which immediately concern their interest and welfare upon this island I take leave, in the first instance, to state to your Lordship that whilst at home, in the years 1828 and 1829, during the Duke of Wellington's administration, some letters passed between His Majesty's Government and myself, with respect to the transferring of these people hence to Tahiti. This was about the time, or a little after, of Capt. Beechy's (R. N. of H. M. S. Blossom) return home from the Pacific. My affairs, however, and then indifferent state of health, kept me in England till June 1830, when I embarked, as a passenger, for the coast of Chili and Peru, where my stay was but transient; then to the Sandwich Islands. I remained between three and four months; and, in the interval, at the special request of the Government and Missionaries, I assisted them, so far as was in my power, in furtherance of the general good. I next embarked for the Society Islands, and continued, or rather, I should say, was again detained nearly a year there, at the most particular desire of the Missionaries and the Government (as their letters also to me can show). I devoted a good deal of my leisure time as well, in furtherance of their mutual interest. A little before I left Tahiti, however, there arose, unfortunately, certain differences, as to mere opinion, between the Rev. gentlemen and myself The first was in relation to the deleterious and ungentlemanly habit of making (too free) use of strong drink at Tahiti, to the immediate prejudice of those with whom they had, and must have, to do—example being everything. Thus, they were pleased to consult me on certain points, and I freely and candidly gave them my humble opinion. They knew from me, from the moment I arrived among them, that I was merely a private Individual, visiting the islands for my health, and, as a sincere friend to the Missionary cause, to render my little aid, which by any possibility my poor abilities might afford—the more especially respecting shipping, nautical affairs, certain laws, &c. But upon my begging them (the Rev. gentlemen) to establish at once a temperance society (which, alas! they then had no mind to do) at Tahiti—although it seems they have since been compelled, i. e. with regard to ardent spirits only.—not wine—(was I merely to get a little inebriated on wine, I could not blame my sailors it they got drunk on rum!)—in consequence of direction from their society (the London Missionary) at home, upon the recent arrival out of the new Missionaries by the Tuscan whaler, which vessel touched here on her way to Tahiti, with them on board, and who spent a short time with me on shore. They did not relish the antidote.
"There were, besides, certain incongruities going on at Tahiti, in which I could not agree, by any means with some of the Rev. gent1emen upon that station. And, as I had my information from themselves, and not picked up along shore, I can have no doubt on the matter. I could no longer suffer myself to be mystified, as, alas! is too usual, in regard to the real state of morals, &c., there; the more especially when a ship of note arrives among them, for a few days only. I allude to certain grave matters, hence must stop, lest I show a spirit of recrimination, which it becomes me to limit. But their conduct (the Missionaries') towards me here, however I regret upon their account and the cause which I am bound to respect, nay reverence, that is, the blessed work of the gospel, or be a mere nominal Christian,—actually compels me to break silence, when they sent word recently through a Capt. Henry to the people left under my charge here by Capt. Freemantle, that they would write your Lordship to have me removed 'dead or alive' (was the expression) from the island, and that their 'dear and affectionate friend,' George Nobbs, should be, with the other exiles, allowed to return, as before, here. This same Capt. Henry, whilst recently here, acknowledged to me, that he was perfectly aware that these foreigners were the principal, if not the whole, cause of the troubles at all the islands. I have told these people, over and over again, that they have only to behave themselves, and strictly to obey the orders of the British Government, or, which is the same, that of a captain of the British Royal Navy. But they are so easily alarmed and led away by the evil disposed, that I have considerable trouble to convince them of their real interest and duty. I promised Capt. Freemantle that I would remain in charge of these people till I could hear from his Majesty's Government the subject, by which 1 have not yet been honoured by a word.
"And, since Capt. Freemantle left here, Mr. Nobbs has been doing us all the harm in his power, till he was shipped off hence the 8th March, 1834. I beg to assure your Lordship, that I have had much anxiety and trouble since I have been upon this island These three men, exiled hence, have constantly been trying, by every means in their power, to degrade the church, to corrupt the school, as well as the people generally, and to lower me as their teacher, &c. They have even attempted to break in upon me in the middle of the night; but, my being armed and hearing them,—they escaped in the dark.
"I really could not think of leaving them thus situated and agreed to do what I could for them, until I could hear from home, and receive the pleasure of His Majesty's Government. Capt. Freemantle arrived about two months after, and was pleased with what I had done. He sentenced these three men (three runaway common English Sailors) to leave the island as early as possible; but, unfortunately for us, Capt. F. forgot to leave a line in regard to his orders. I beg now to solicit that your Excellency will be pleased to take the case of these people of Pitcairn's into consideration and to address them a line of consolation, with respect to your Lordship's commands for their future government, against the illegal proceedings of those persons sent here from Tahiti, to disturb the peace, tranquillity, and good order (otherwise) of the island.
"As for myself, my Lord, I have now no greater wish or desire than to spend the little time which may yet be allowed me, by a gracious Lord and Master, in furtherance of his cause, and in preparing, in the best way I can, for a life to come.
"I am now becoming infirm, being in the sixty-second year of my age, and, of. course, must go hence ere long.
"Through the salubrity of this climate, notwithstanding all that I have to do in my several duties, besides vexations from evil-disposed persons, my general health has been far better than I could have expected. I pray your Lordship will be pleased also to allow me to make reference, in other respects, to the accompanying papers, the more especially to the petition itself of the people, as to since I have been with them; and to pardon this hastily written letter.
"I have the honour to be, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient humble servant,
"Lord James Townshend,
"British Commander in Chief, &c., &c., &c.,
"Upon the West Coast of South America."