The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1876-01-01
PITCAIRN'S ISLAND.


From the San Francisco ClroIicle, Nov IS
The City of Calcutta, which arrived from
New South Wales a few days ago, reported
having passed Pitcairn's Island and been
boarded by some of the inhabitants of that
outpost OF the South Pacific. Anything in
regard To their condition ia, of course, inter.
esling. Capt. Nangton says that while sailing
along IN sight of the island, not intending 10
stop-since it would have been as much as
his position was worth 10 do so-his second
officer on the lookout in the rigging reported
boat coming from the island. He at once
ordered the ship TO DO brought to and wait
for it. When 1t came alongside il was found
to contain twenty-three persons, twenty-five
Of whom climbed nmbly to the deck and
began to talk volubly with the crew of the
Calcutta. The other remained in charge OF
the boat which, flying the English cOlors,
itrailed slowly ainnsoide Tho visitors were
regarded with great curiosity, as every one
on board had read OF their strange adven.
lures. They were as
LIGHT OF COMPLEXION
AS Europeans, though little sunburnt and
though their English was fair, their language
had something of II mixed accent like that of
the southern blacks. They were dressed IN
woollen or blue garments OF European cut,
shirts OF white cotton or flannel, with such
hats and shoes as they were likely to obtain
from the whalers. Everything they had on
had been given them by passing ships. The
oldcsG man among them was past 70, and the
youngest boy of 10, who inQuisitively ex
amined all he saw. He was said to be the
son OF the man who is at present the teacher
During the two hours they remained they
told much about themselves and their mode
OF life. The 40 who returned from Norfolk
island ten years ago have increased TO 81
Not death has occurred since they came
back. Their morals are as good a. ever
They keep up their schools steadily, the bet.
Ter educated acting as their instructors, and
they are persistent in their attendance on di.
vine service. Their religious forms are those
of the Church Of England. The presence of
foreigners is not desired for fear Of vicious
infection. They brought with them in the
boat three men, who had three months before
deserted from whale,ship, absenting them.
selves 10 the mountains when the vessel sail.
cd, and pressed Capt Nangton 10 take them
away. Two OF these named Charles King
ana George jenkins, were glad 10 leave, but
the third, Job SissOn, who was an American
had formed attachments and was reluctant 10
depart But the islanders declined 20 take
him on shore again, 50 JOB had to 20. There
has been slight
INFUSION OF FOREIGN BLOOD
siLce the first settlement of Pitcairn's leland.
The last OF these was sailor boy, whom they
picked up al Norfolk island and brought
back with them. lie is married to an island
woman, and is as much one Of them as if he
was descendant OF one Of the original mu
tincers. The party were quiet and gentle
manly while on hoard, and not an oath was
heard from any one OF them The officers
neglected 10 ask the names OF all, but one of
them was. dams, a great grandson of the pa
uiarch who ruled the colony after the Tahi.
lans were killed. The island is governed by
council OF elders, who are chief men in the
enurcn, 10 this respect resembling the early
New England settlements, who took the Bible
as 'her law until better could be found
ihey contemplated extensive reforms ia their
il''le CHURCH and state, the nature of which
were mol July explained. The boat in which
they came OF was made from The wrecked
ooin~hills, and was pretty piece of naval
architecture. This was the only boat they
possesseG' Out they had a feet of thirteen ca.
noes used IN hshing of shore. Those waters
Assume IN Hsh, which are an important part
~ tie.. suUsis'ehce The island being SO (,
aii .neIe arc no streams, and the water
WHICH .I.ey use las 10 be brought long dis |
lance over tie mountain from Tho so,,loas,
slope They gave the vessel about half a busLeI
OF sweet potatoes, aquant,y oforanees. three !
pumpkins and pineapple BY way of es.
Ilsining The smallness Of the Contribution
t9ey SAID that they were obliged 10 siaTt A.
soon as
THEY Saw THE NEssEI.
10 Overiake her, and had not time IN ps,bs,
more Capt. Nangton gave them in EXCHANGE
% pounds Of white lead, 30 pounds of beef |
% pounds Of pork, 100 pounds of bread.
pounds Of tobacco. half a gross clay pines
With two dozen fishing hooks and some lines
ihe tobacco snd pipes thsy received CRATE