Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Mass.) 1828-1830, 1828-03-18

EXTRACT OLA LETTER FROM CALCUTTA


"The next circumstance that presents
itself to my memory, was our touching
at Tristan d'Acunha, apparently the larg-
est and most fertile of a group Of three
islands, which are situated between the
Cane Of Good Hope and the coast OF Bra
I'll. Tristan d'Acunha is about eighty
leagues in circumference. The shores Of
the other islands are SO wild and danger
Gus, that it is impossible to approach them,
except in the calmest weather. The one
is called Nightingale island, and the other
inaccessible. The northeast aspect of
Tristan d'Acunha, (the only navigable side
Of the island,) is very striking. AT the
foot Of an almost perpendicular mountain,
about 9O0O feet high, and thickly covered
with brushwood, is fertile plain of con-
siderable extent, that stretches along the
shore. We had scarcely cast anchor, be-
fore two men in d small boat were seen
Fastening towards u.s. When arrived on
board, they expressed the liveliest plea
ure at our visit, as no ship had touched
here for many months They informed
IS that they were the only men residing
b the island, and that the wife of one Of
benz was the only female inhabitant-
Fhe husband was an Englishman, and
Eas at one period Of his life respectable
nd wealthy farmer in Yorkshire; but
eaving been utterly ruined by long train
u misfortunes, he and his wife were per-
naded by an old acquaintance, the cap
lin OF merchant ship, to accompany
i'm, passage free, to New-Holland, and
BY their fortunes in that distant colony.
ne ship having occasion to touch at iris
Pm d'Acunha, the farmer and his wife
ERE so charmed with its appearance that
Rey determined to remain on the island,
stead of proceeding on their voyage.
tier vainly urging them to the contrary,
le captain literally supplied them with
quantity of European seeds, two cows,
few sheep, and f,aultry. aui -ssse y e.ts.-.--
DIVISIONS as his ship could afford Be-
g pressed for time, he soon babe them
eancholy farewell, and left them to their
te. There was not a human being on
e island except themselves but it was
ident that persons had resided there
me months before, as they found de-
INT hut ready for their reception, and
veral acres of land bore traces of recent
ltlvation. Our adventures had been
arly year on the island, when Dutch
I der was compelled to touch there for
pply OF fresh water, and one of the crew
ing prosecuted by. the captain, conceal
n himself on the island until the depar-
e ofthe vessel. He was kindly receiv-
e BY the Yorkshire farmer, and had re-
,h med with him to the period of our ar
r. The Dutchman, however, was now
V Pfy Of the life he led at Tristan d'Acun-
= and entreated our captain to let him
ID < out his passage to Calcutta, as
la nmon sailor. No objection being made
h us request, the man seemed as pleased
II ne had escaped from prison. He
n' ressed, nevertheless, great regret at
ing with his companions, to whom he
lei evidently much attached.
her presenting the farmer with few
AiHPslng books, some woOlen cloths, a
naffel or two Of gun-powder, and sup
"A PIP flour, rice and biscuit, we accom-
II PS1,'ed HIM on shore, and were delighted
y fstn the air OF comfort and prosperity
- Rs2Rnd his little dwelling. His wife, a
AZ s' looking woman, very neatly dressed,
1'es us at the doorway. In reply to our
v sStlons, they assured us, that as they
no children, and few relatives, they
.rs| 7 not the slightest desire to return to
NJ. land tor some years; but when the
~. mites OF age came heavily upon them,
It I should gladly quit their solitary abode
ne lrst opportunity, and spend the
-, ping OF existence in their native coun-
I Fit They were now, however, in the
'urg ne OF lite, and perfectly contented with
lot. With an honest pride they lis
g. a to our expressions Of surprise at the
tlshing condition of the land thew had
shob waited.
/. s,n IL ne climate being remarkably temper
nuf' and the soil light, they had brought
rp ERECTION variety of fruits and vege-
M rs, both tropical and European, which
- paps We're never before seen mingled
ther on the same spot of earth. In
ths farm-yard they had the two cows be-
ny s,S mentioned, considerable number of
House llsh pigs, sheep, and goats, with poul-
d enough, if necessary, to supply their
ing / DAILY. They seldom, however, kill
lire d W OF these, as wild bears, wild goats,
species of black cock, abound on
N lsland while in the deep waters
ng the rocks, there are fish Of almost