Revised Jun 19 2021
J. Hill's Answer to the foregoing, dated Pitcairn’s Island, October 4th, 1833.
"MY VERY DEAR FRIENDS,—The lively interest which, from the beginning, I have taken in your welfare is well known to our mutual friends in England. And thus, since my arrival here, on the 28th October, 1832, you know yourselves. I can only observe, at this moment, in answer to the request which you have deemed requisite thus to re-iterate, that is repeat, in your joint letter to me of the 3rd instant, which you handed to me at our prayer-meeting yesterday, P.M., in reference to my continuing a while longer with you, &c., I would say that, notwithstanding the importance of time, I shall not, with the blessed Lord's will, think of leaving you until hearing from home, i. e. from the British Government, nor until my presence becomes no longer necessary in furtherance of the established welfare of your commonwealth and beloved little island. Being always,
"My friends, really and faithfully,
"Your well-wisher,
"(Signed) JOSHUA HILL.
"Teacher, &c."