Revised Jun 22 2021
In August, 1855, Sir William Denison, Governor of New South Wales, despatched from Sydney the Juno, a vessel of war, under the command of Captain Fremantle, for the object and with the results detailed in the following statement. This communication appeared in the Nautical Magazine for April, 1856:—
"Having left Sydney on the 6th ult., I arrived off Pitcairn's Island on the 18th instant (17th, according to the Pitcairn date).
"As we approached Bounty Bay, a whale-boat, containing the magistrate, G. M. Frederick Young, and several other natives, came alongside; and having assured us that landing was practicable, I shortly after accompanied them on shore with half the officers.
"The cordial reception which is accorded to officers of men-of-war by the ingenuous, warm-hearted, and loyal inhabitants of the Island, need not be repeated. The visit of one of Her Majesty's ships is always a short season of gaiety and innocent excitement. Labour and studies are suspended, and all occupy themselves in the service and entertainment of their welcome visitors.
"After having been heartily greeted by the whole population, we proceeded to the church and school-house, the spot usually chosen for assembling the community upon public matters. Here the object of the mission was explained to them. The Rev. Mr. Nobbs also read out a brief description of Norfolk Island, which had been drawn up and furnished by His Excellency the Governor-General of New South Wales.
"The generous proposal of Her Majesty's Government was not altogeflier unexpected; rumours of such intention had already reached Pitcairn; and although the mind of the people generally was made up, they asked for a day or two for inquiry and consultation, before finally deciding upon so grave a question, and one so closely affecting their future destiny.
"The following evening a general meeting of the community was held, and a very large majority at once closed with the offer which had been made. Some there were, however, whose attachment to Pitcairn was apparently too strong to reconcile them to the thoughts of abandoning it. Among these was George Adams, the son of old John Adams, of the Bounty. All felt the necessity of some change, for another subdivision of land would reduce the portions to mere insignificant patches scarcely worth cultivating. All felt most grateful for the solicitude and liberality manifested in their behalf by Her Majesty's Government, but the anticipated removal was a melancholy subject for deliberation; the addresses were very abrupt, and in some instances confind to the monosyllable 'Go.' The discussion, however, ended by 153, out of a population of 187, declaring for Norfolk Island; the rest I will not say determined to remain on Pitcairn, but they would not then acquiesce in the voice of the majority. The lamentable migration to Tahiti in 1831, still fresh in the recollection of the older and more influential part of the community, no doubt prompted misgivings as to the present scheme, although they seemed greatly reanimated by the assuring prospects held out by Sir William Denison's summary, and the account of Norfolk Island given by the officers.
"The final issue of the meeting was conveyed in writing, signed by the Magistrate and Chaplain of the island. The islanders expressed a hope that they may be allowed to live on Norfolk Island in the same seclusion from the rest of the world as they had hitherto done at Pitcairn; and it is impossible for anybody who has once been an eye-witness of the exemplary conduct, and the pious single-minded character of this innocent people, not to urge a compliance with a request so natural and so reasonable. There was much anxiety to know what succour or protection those that remained behind might expect hereafter, a point on which I was unable to afford positive information. George Adams, in particular, pressed hard that when the ship was sent to convey them away, the position of those who were left, with respect to the British Government, might be explained to them. It was also suggested that the time of their removal should not take place during the winter months, that is, between March and July: and I think I could detect a general wish, that the dissolution might be postponed till after, rather than to precede, that season of next year.
"Subsequently to the meeting, I held some conversation with George Adams and the others who are disposed to stay at Pitcairn; and being asked for advice, I endeavoured, without using any undue persuasion, to show that it would be better that no separation should take place. The few that remained would probably find themselves very much isolated, without grown-up men sufficient to work the plantation, or to man the boat, and without the means of controlling the crews of whalers, which now frequently call off the island for water, and to barter clothing and other necessaries for fruit and vegetables: or prevent their settling there. Much of the interest felt towards them would be transferred to Norfolk Island, whither the main body would be gone; and it is to be feared, that without clergyman or teacher, the rising generation might not imbibe or retain those pious and moral principles which are now universal. There is great reason to expect that, when the time comes, not one will adhere to the resolution of stopping behind; so affectionate, so attached are they to each other, and the ties of relationship necessarily so interwoven, that the moment of parting will in all probability stifle all other considerations.
"The condition of the island and of its inhabitants has in no respect been changed since it was visited by Admiral Moresby in 1852-53. So much has been written and published about them, that it would be superfluous to recapitulate the peculiar characteristics which have excited so much interest in England, and gained for them the affectionate sympathy of all their fellow Christians. I can only add my corroboration to their still remaining the same cheerful, docile, unsophisticated community, as they have been so often represented. The enthusiasm displayed by the officers, and especially by the ship's company, for their welfare, was quite uncontrollable; they were ready to part with anything, everything, to supply or gratify them; and equally anxious to carry away some object or token in remembrance of the island, even to the stones on the beach. But the girls perceiving this, ran and collected a quantity of tappa, sufficient for every man in the ship to receive a suitable memorial.
"The yam harvest having been recently gathered in, there was no deficiency of the ordinary means of subsistence; but their stock of animal food is very limited, and fish have become of late years exceedingly scarce. A liberal contribution of salt meat was furnished by the men and officers from their messes, and, in addition, the Paymaster was authorized to supply them with four casks of beef on the part of the Government, likewise a small quantity of soap, of which they were almost destitute. The poor people expressed their gratitude with frank simplicity; they especially prize any favour or attention which has its source from the Crown or Government of England, and they evince the greatest anxiety, and esteem it their highest privilege to be recognised as subjects of her most gracious Majesty.
"The last man-of-war that touched at Pitcairn was the Amphitrite, in February last. An American whaler, the Matthew Luce, Mr. Coon, Master, was off the land in daily communication with the shore."