Re-cmbarkation of the Pitcaini Islanders. 273 



be the prison-buildings, in case it should wish to devote them 

 to its former purposes at some future period. 



" When Captain Stewart visited Norfolk Island, in 1858, 

 the population consisted of 219 Pitcairn Islanders, and two 

 English soldiers with their families, employed as surveyors 

 by Government. 



" On the day of his arrival a public meeting was held, at 

 which the chief magistrate of the community presided, and 

 the females played a not unimportant part. It was arranged 

 that for a certain sum Captain Stewart should convey 60 of 

 the Pitcairn Islanders to tlieir old abode. A special motion 

 for the purpose was put to the meeting with all due form, 

 seconded, and reduced to writing on eitlier side. At the 

 same time it was imperatively ordered that all should be 

 ready to embark on the fourth day thereafter, and as there is 

 but one, and that not a very safe, anchorage off the whole 

 coast of the island, the Captain stood off and on in its neigh- 

 bourhood. 



'' The eve of the fated fourth day found the delicate ques- 

 tion still unsettled of who were to be the happy 60, so many 

 had set their hearts on forming part of the expedition. A 

 second meeting was convened, this time under the presidency 

 of their chaplain, but the only result was to defer for one day 

 the embarkation. During this entire period the poor people 

 were in the utmost excitement. The place of embarkation 

 was covered with the baggage of all who were desirous of 



VOL. III. 



