Revised Jun 22 2021
⇐ Juno Visit Home TITPTP Chapter XII ⇒
The Island, the People, and the Pastor
Ch. XI Dido Visit
VISIT OF THE DIDO.
In January, 1856, many of the community suffered from a catarrhal affection, the germs of the disease having been communicated, as Mr, Nobbs thought, by a California ship which had called at the island a few weeks previous. He had many on the sick list. "But," said he, "I am well supplied with the appropriate remedies.'' Subsequently (April 10, 1856), he gave the following graphic account:
"Yesterday we were electrified by a shout from the 'Rope,' that a man-of-war was in sight. The wind was light, and she made but slow progress, However, about 9 P.M. her boat arrived off the harbour of Bounty Bay. The officers landed in our boat: it was very smooth, and the young moon was shining right into the bight. The ship proved to be the Dido; and right glad we are to see our kind friend Captain Morshead again. She sails this afternoon. Last September H.M.S. Juno touched here to inquire how many persons were anxious to remove to Norfolk Island. One hundred and fifty-three persons concluded to go, and we expected a vessel ere this to remove us; but it seems they will wait till the winter months are past, and I now understand the vessel is to be here in July or August. We are very anxious to be going, for we are become gradually more straitened. We have had one death since I last wrote—Edward Quintal, who was the school-master: his end was peace. My son Francis now teaches the school; but I am with him four hours every day. Everything goes on smoothly, and 1 trust will continue to do so. Frederick Young was re-elected this year; and an excellent magistrate he has proved himself.
"13th April. Captain Morshead is gone down to the landing-place to embark; and I must run after him with this hasty scrawl."
Apr 13, 1856
Captain Morshead, writing from Valparaiso, 13th May, 1856, said that he had left the Pitcairn islanders on the 13th April, having arranged for their departure for Norfolk Island. The people were in good health. They had lately been slaying many of the cattle, their stock having increased and thriven wonderfully.
The Dido was caught in a hurricane off Raiatea, and very seriously damaged.
ISLAND OF JUAN FERNANDEZ.
The residence of Alex. Selkirk from Sept 1704 to Feb. 1709;
and the scene of the Adventures of Robinson Crusoe.