Revised Jun 22 2021
The following account, by one of the voyagers, brings the narrative down to Mr. Nobbs's arrival at Valparaiso, on his way to England:—
"These excellent people deserve all the praise which has been bestowed upon them. They are like one large family, living in perfect harmony with each other. We were treated by them like brothers, and welcomed everywhere. The population is now twenty-one families. Arthur Quintal is the oldest man, and George Adams next, these being the only male survivors of the first generation. They are badly off for clothing, which they purchase from the whaling-vessels occasionally touching there. Their money is derived from the sale of their surplus yams, &c.; but owing to the small size of the island, and the rapid increase of the population, they must, in a very few years, withhold from ships all supplies except water.
"We arrived on the morning of Sunday, Aug. 8, 1852. As soon as we hove-to, off Bounty Bay, Arthur Quintal and George Adams, with as many as a whale-boat could contain, came on board to pay their respects to the first admiral who had ever visited them. Shortly after, they requested leave to attend prayers in the Admiral's cabin, which are read every morning by the chaplain. When breakfast was over, the band was ordered up, with which they were much delighted.
"Our chaplain performed the afternoon service, and preached an excellent sermon. The hymns were sung in regular parts by the whole congregation. I doubt much whether any church in England, excepting cathedrals, can boast of such a good choir. The congregation were very nicely dressed: indeed, it is a great point to have white shirts on Sundays. The Sabbath is strictly observed. The crew of the Portland requested permission, which was granted, to present the islanders with three casks of rice, twelve bags of bread, and one cask of sugar; the value of these articles being charged against their wages. Mr. Nobbs left the shore amidst the tears and blessings of his little flock, by whom lie is sincerely beloved.
"Before making sail on our course, we ran in close to the island, hoisted the royal standard at the particular request of the islanders, who had never before seen it displayed, fired a royal salute, manned the rigging, and gave three cheers for the islanders, which they answered heartily. We arrived at Valparaiso on the 30th August."