Revised Jun 22 2021
⇐ Departure from Pitcairn Home TItPtP Landing at Norfolk ⇒
The Island, the People, and the Pastor
Ch. XIV Sight Norfolk
FIRST SIGHT OF NORFOLK ISLAND.
Friday, June 6th. Land ho! I forgot to note in the proper place that, shortly after leaving Pitcairn, we changed the day of the week, that is, we went forward a day; so that that week had but six days; this was done to make our hebdomadal calendar coincide with that of New South Wales. Well, then, on Friday, according to the new arrangement, we made Norfolk Island. But it was a long way off. The wind not being fair, we made but slow progress, and night closing in upon us, hid the land from view. During the night a very heavy squall struck the ship, and caused some consternation among the more timid; the lightning also was very vivid.
Saturday, June 7th. The land some twenty-five miles distant; the weather cloudy, with passing showers; a sail in shore at noon exchanged signals with her. It is H.M.S. Herald, and is, no doubt, engaged sounding round the island, as she occasionally hove to. For picturesque beauty, Norfolk Island is not to be compared with Pitcairn's. At sunset pretty handy to Phillip's Island, which is some six miles from Norfolk Island, which by way of eminence is generally called the main land. Another night must be passed on board, but in all probability we shall land to-morrow. Squally weather through the night; and, being close to the shore, it was a night of anxiety to most on board, and I suppose to none more so than our worthy and indefatigable captain.
Kingston, Norfolk Island, the residence of the Pitcairn community, 1857