New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1857-01-26
Desertion. Of Pitoairn's Island,

We learn by late English papers that the descend
ants of the mutineers of the English ship Bounty
whose romantic history has excited a world wide
interest have been removed from Pitcaims Island, in
consequence of the colony having outgrown the
means OF sustenanee which the island afforded They
were transferred to Norfolk Island, together with all
their goods and chattels.
There only eight of the first generation of set
tiers lett--two men and siI women. The Oldest man
is about sixty or sxtytwo and the Oldest woman
between seventy and eighty. Charles Christian is
the grandson OF the rngeader Of the mutneers. The
number Of persons removed was l99-97 males
and l02 females; one child having been born
on the voyage, and named Dennison, after the Gov
ernor-G General of New South Wales. Ptcairns Island
is situate in latitude 25 S.. longitude 1870 Is w. and
is only about four and half miles in circumference
one mile and half being its greatest length, not
more than square mile being available for cul.
tivation yet it has been the isolated home of hap
py and thriving settlement of nearly two hundred
souls Owing to the frugal and temperate habits of
the people and the health of the climate the popua
ton has outgrown its circumscribed limits
Their new home Norfolk Island, is situated in lat
70 s., and long. 1858 10 E. being distant from Sydney
about twelve hundred miles. It is six miles in length
and four in BREADTH and containg about 900 acres
1t well watered, and there is high hill in the CEN
ter called Mount Pitt. For many years it was the
penal settlement for the vilest and most incorgble
transported criminals sent from England to Van Die
mans Land. But since the abolition of transporta-
ton to Tasmania, the convicts have been withdrawn
from the island. The locality to which these settlers
nave thus voluntarily transferred themselves is infinitely
preferable to their former circumscrbed home, both
in dimensions, scenery and capabilities 1t has been
described as little earthly paradise and is capable
Of producing everything that can promote the well
being of a community. There are 1000 or 5000
acres of fine land now in cultivation, and as much
more might be rendered fruitful The island is very
healthy, and no epidemics are known there. The
soil produces both tropical and European fruits vege
tables and grain besides spices, the sugar cane, Gin
namon Coffee the pepper vine, tobacco, etc.
There were left at Norfolk Island for the Of its
new occupants 1000 sheep $50 head of cattle and 20
horses and provisions for twelve months with every
thing necessary for the cultivation of the soil.-
The buildings on the island are of the most
substantial character, and more than sufficient
for the use of the Pitcairn settlers, who in their
former home, dwelt in rude palm matched houses.
The fine scenery superior accommodation, enlarged
territory and increased field of operations for their
industry, together with the ample provision made
for their sustenance, must render their new home
very attractive spot for these people of simple habits
The history OF this interesting colony, although
known to a large portion of the reading community
may not be familiar to all. The ship Bounty, com
manded by Captain Bligh was dispatched by the
British Government to Tahita to convey some young
bread fruit trees to the West Indies. While on the
voyage, the crew mutinied, murdered the captain,
set adrtt part of their number and took the vessel
to Pitcarns Island where they arrived in 1885, with
nine Tahitien men and thirteen women. There were
ten Of the mutneers, and their fate was for long
time, unknown. From them sprang the present
thriving colony.