Revised Jun 22 2021
On Mr. Nobbs's arrival at Valparaiso, he found his son and daughter in good health; but he was just too late for a vessel for Pitcairn. Writing to the author from Valparaiso, he said:—
"After some detention and sickness, I was graciously permitted to arrive here on the 12th of February; and I am still detained, waiting for the Portland. Oh, how I wish to be at home! I have divided the duty with the Rev. B. Hill at the church on shore, ever since I have been here, besides the service on board one of the British ships of war, once on each Sabbath; so you see I am not idle. The agent for British steamers in these parts presented me with a free passage from Panama to Valparaiso. I hope my next will be dated 'Pitcairn's Island.'"
Looking forward to the pleasure of being once more at home, he added, "Oh! that will be joyful."
Admiral Moresby, in a letter to the author, dated Valparaiso, 31st January, 1853, said:—
"My heart rejoices at the completion of my wishes in Mr. Nobbs's ordination, and the prospect opening to the Pitcairn community. A small sum will suffice to keep up a knowledge of the Tahitian language the voice by which the extension of the Gospel will be forwarded. I hope and trust that it will please God to give His blessing to all that has been done."