Revised Jun 22 2021
Who could decline such an invitation as this? Admiral Fairfax Moresby could not. It will be seen from the subjoined narrative, that it was cordially accepted. The lively account, which was supplied by Mr. Nobbs, of the reception of the gallant Admiral, will serve to place the reader in possession of many interesting facts connected with the present state of the island.
"On the 7th of August, 1852 (at noon), a vessel was reported, which at sunset was strongly suspected of being a ship of war. The hours of the night passed tediously away, and before sunrise next morning several of our people were seated on the precipice in front of the town, anxiously waiting the report of a gun from the ship, which would give positive confirmation to the overnight suspicion of her being a ship of war. Nor were they kept long in suspense: the booming of a cannon electrified the town, and the whole community were thrown into a state of intense excitement, more especially as it was quickly observed that she wore an Admiral's flag.
"Our boat repaired on board, and, after a short time, another from the ship was seen approaching the shore. The teacher and some others went to the landing-place, and had the honour and pleasure of welcoming to Pitcairn Rear-Admiral Moresby, Commander-in-Chief, the first officer of that rank that ever visited Pitcairn. The Admiral received our greetings of welcome in a most urbane manner, and both himself and his secretary, Mr. Fortescue Moresby, were pleased to express themselves much gratified with all they saw and heard. The Admiral attended Divine service, and was evidently surprised at the improvement the people had made in singing by note; especially as their friend Carleton had so very limited a time for instructing them. In the afternoon the Rev. Mr. Holman read prayers, and preached a sermon, most appropriate to the occasion, from 1st Cor. 15th chap, last verse.
"The Admiral, in the course of conversation, learned from the inhabitants that they had a great desire for the ordination of their pastor, in order that he might be qualified to administer the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper; and, with great kindness, proposed to send Mr. Nobbs to England for that purpose, leaving the Rev. Mr. Holman to officiate in his stead. The inhabitants did not accede to this most generous offer so readily as they ought to have done; and the reason they gave was, that in case of sickness they would have no one to prescribe for them. The Admiral told them they might do as they liked, but they were certainly much wanting to themselves and their children, if they let so favourable an opportunity pass without improving it. He explained to them, very clearly and forcibly, the necessity of an ordained clergyman being established among them, and the disabilities their children laboured under until such an event took place. They listened with breathless attention to the paternal advice of the Admiral, and most readily acquiesced in all his expansive views of the subjects most vitally connected with their welfare. But still they evinced a backwardness in agreeing to part with their teacher. The Admiral, on perceiving this, kindly told them he would give them till eleven o'clock to come to a decision, and that he would not retire till that period.
"During their debate one of them came to inquire of the Admiral, whether Mr. Holman would teach the public school. The Admiral replied, 'Certainly.' On this the man went away; and at eleven o'clock, as no answer had arrived, the Admiral went to bed. About twelve o'clock word was brought that the community had agreed to let their teacher go, which was duly reported next morning to the Admiral, who remarked that they had done well in consenting to Mr. Nobbs's departure, and that he would take upon himself the responsibility of the expenses incurred necessarily by Mr. Nobbs, although he had no doubt there were friends of the Pitcairn islanders who would cheerfully unite with him; and further, they would never lack friends so long as they continued to deserve them.
"As the point was now decided, Mr. Nobbs was requested to hold himself in readiness for embarkation, the Admiral generously undertaking to supply him with articles in which his scanty wardrobe was deficient. On seeing the necessity there was of an educated female to improve the domestic habits of the women generally, and hearing Mr. Nobbs remark that he would send one of his daughters to Valparaiso for improvement, that she might on her return instruct the others, but that he could not command funds for doing so, the Admiral replied,—'Take your child with you, and I will put her to school while you are gone to England; and when you come back, you can take her to the island with you.'
"And now comes the leave-taking, the venerable and benevolent Commander-in-Chief of her Majesty's forces in the Pacific, standing on the rocky beach at Bounty Bay (the very spot where the mutineers had landed sixty-two years before), himself the oldest person there by fifteen years, surrounded by stalwart men and matronly women, youths, maidens, and little children, every one in tears!; and most deeply affected, formed a truly impressive scene. The boat was some time in readiness before the Admiral could avail himself of an opportunity to embark. Some held him by the hand, the elder women hanging on his neck, and the younger ones endeavouring to obtain a promise that he would revisit them. As a number of the men went on board with the Admiral, a similar scene occurred there; and as the last boat pushed off from the ship, some of the hardy tars standing in the gangway, were detected in hastily brushing away a tear. The frigate now stood in for the last time, and, hoisting the royal standard, fired a salute of twenty-one guns. The tars manned the rigging, and gave three hearty cheers, and one cheer more. The islanders responded; the band struck up 'God save the Queen; and the stately Portland started on her track. May He who stilleth the raging of the waves waft her propitiously to her destined port! To Admiral Moresby, Mr. Fortescue Moresby, Captain Chads, and the officers generally, the people of Pitcairn are much indebted for many, very many favours. That they will long be gratefully remembered, admits not of a doubt; and that the inhabitants may continue to conduct themselves as becomes people so highly favoured, is most devoutly to be wished."