Revised Jun 22 2021
Friday, July 4th. This morning a sail was descried at no great distance; by her rig we were at no great loss to understand whom she had on board, for we had learned that the Bishop of New Zealand had touched here a short time previous to our arrival, and that his Lordship intended to go to Sydney, and then return hither. As soon as she approached near enough, our whale-boat went on board, and soon returned bringing the Bishop's Chaplain, the Rev. Mr. Patteson. The Bishop proposes landing to-morrow, and bringing Mrs. Selwyn with him. Mr. Patteson took up his abode with me; and after supper the community assembled at my house, and remained some hours engaged in edifying conversation and singing, which greatly pleased the reverend gentleman.
Saturday, 5th.—Fine weather this morning; the Rev. Mr. Patteson returned on board, and the Bishop and Mrs. Selwyn came on shore. We, as it may be supposed, gave them a hearty welcome; and Government House being vacant, it was appropriated to their use during their stay. In the evening the people assembled at the Bishop's residence, and were much pleased to find that a Bishop could condescend to men of low estate. Myself busied at home preparing a sermon for the occasion, not polishing it, but endeavouring to set forth the duties of pastors and people; I trust it answered the intention; I am sure I earnestly prayed it might.
Sunday, 6th. Divine Service twice, with the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. At the morning service I read prayers, and the Bishop preached a most effective sermon; it was almost extemporary. Afternoon; the Bishop read prayers, and mine was the sermon. After service the Sunday school was assembled for the first time since our arrival; the Bishop took one class, Mrs. Selwyn another, and Mr. Harper, who accompanied the Bishop, took a third; the other classes were attended by their usual teachers. The classes gave entire satisfaction. In the evening many of our people went to listen to the Bishop's very instructive conversation.
Monday, 7th. Fine weather; the Bishop and myself went through the prisons and other departments of the Convict Establishment, but no sound was there of good or evil. They were merely dreadful mementos of the past. Still it was harrowing to pass through these barriers of wood and stone, and to be continually stepping on bolts and shackles, and using much strength to swing on their hinges the ponderous doors of cells and dungeons, which, when closed, were impervious to the light of day. And it seemed to me that even the very air was forbidden to enter except in very insufficient quantities. Oh, there were irrefragable proofs of the depravity of the nature of man! that being whom God made upright, but whose rebellious perverseness brought upon himself tribulation and wrath to the uttermost. In the evening the Bishop held a public meeting, in which the interests of the community, temporal and spiritual, were discussed: his Lordship also appealed to our sympathies in regard to the heathen, especially those among the islands he is now about to visit. A proposal was also made by him, that we should receive a few children from these islands into our families, and teach them the principles of the Christian religion and industrious habits, so that in a few years they might return to their native lands and instruct others. I see no objection to our receiving a few children among us to be civilised, as far as civilisation has obtained here. I have consented to have one child under my roof, and will do all I can for its welfare, by God's help.
Tuesday, 8th. Weather very fine; the Bishop's vessel (the Southern Cross), according to arrangement, came in, and was telegraphed round to the Cascades. By request the Bishop performed Divine Service, and then prepared to take his departure. Mrs. Selwyn, not enjoying good health, is to remain with us until the Bishop's return; and I am glad Mrs. Selwyn is going to stay among us for a time; her instruction and example will be of much use to our girls. Jemima Young and my daughter Jane will reside with her. After dinner, went over to the Cascades with the Bishop, the boat from the vessel was in waiting. The Bishop told the two seamen to come on shore, and look about them for an hour, and himself and one of our people took the oars to pull on board. Of course, the Bishop was not permitted to retain his place at the oar, one of our lads relieving him; but I am told that he frequently pulls an oar in his boating expeditions among the islanders, swims through a heavy surf, travels sometimes barefoot, and without attendants, among the untamed natives, who view with astonishment and respect his fearless but conciliatory deportment. Towards evening the Southern Cross pursued her errand of mercy.
On the 2d September, a vessel arrived which was at first mistaken for the Bishop's Southern Cross; but it turned out to be another Southern Cross, Captain McArthur, who had touched at Pitcairn about a year previous.