Revised Jun 21 2021
To return to a more cheerful portion of the narrative. The scene presented by the assemblage of people on the Queen's birthday has been depicted by a poet of their own. The following stanzas by Mr. Nobbs, in one of his national songs, produce a .pleasing sketch:—
Ha! that flash yon grove illuming,
Long impervious to the sun;
Now the quick report comes booming
From the ocean-rescued gun.
Now the bell is gaily ringing,
Where yon white-robed train is seen;
Now they all unite in singing,
GOD PRESERVE OUR GRACIOUS QUEEN!
In the year 1849, a Frenchman, of a military air, and partly military costume, arriving, with some other travellers, from the brig Fanny, was courteously received by the islanders. With the politeness characteristic of his countrymen, he soon engaged in conversation with Mr. Nobbs, and, in imperfect English, inquired, Whether the people of Pitcairn had heard of Prince Louis Napoleon, and the French Republic? and the next question was, Would they enlist themselves under it? Suiting the action to the word, he took a paper for signatures from his pocket.
He was briefly answered by Mr. Nobbs's quietly pointing to the English flag, which waved in the wind over their heads,—
The flag that braved a thousand years
The battle and the breeze!
The Pastor then assured him, that they knew all about Louis Napoleon, and the French Republic, but that all the people on the island were loyal subjects of Victoria, Queen of England. The Frenchman again bowed, begged pardon, returned the paper to his pocket, and explained, that "he did not know Pitcairn was a colony,"
Though Pitcairn is not a colony, it is entirely English; and such a loyal and united community, as a whole, cannot be found in any of the colonies or dependencies of the British Empire. The English union-jack is hoisted on all grand occasions; and to England the people would look for protection, should any attempt be made to interfere with their position. But who would think of disturbing so inoffensive and so poor a settlement?