874 LETTE"RS FOR ST. HELENA. 



the expiration of the year they were to be sent to 

 the British West Indian possessions to be disposed 

 of as apprentices. The other inhabitants of St. 

 Helena are bitterly opposed to the introduction of 

 these creatures into their quiet island, stating that 

 they are indolent and insolent to an extreme degree, 

 and are iirml}^ persuaded that the island is a part of 

 Africa and belongs to them. The inhabitants have 

 petitioned the queen for their removal, but she has 

 declined complying with their request. 



D.'s principal object in going ashore was to deliver 

 several letters, which had been handed to him by 

 natives of St. Helena, on board ships in the Indian 

 Ocean. One of the parties he found, and made a 

 mother's heart glad by tidings of the good health of 

 her son ; after perusing it, she loaded the bearer of 

 the missive with thanks. Another party, for whom 

 he had a letter, was dead ; this was from a son who 

 had not seen home or parents for six years. I heard 

 him speak of his home and his anticipated return ; 

 but, alas! he will find a cheerless hearthstone — his 

 parents dead, and none but strangers to yield him 

 sympathy. 



These people, or rather those who are natives, are 

 brunettes. A number of the children, who were 

 on our vessel, seemed to be perfectly at home upon 

 the water. Their voices are peculiarly sweet, and 

 we were enlivened by these youngsters singing a 

 number of whaling and naval songs ; and the spirit 

 with which they entered into the performance, 

 rendered a prophecy of their future callings in life 

 a matter of certainty and easy augury. 



I have before me the St. Helena Almanac for 1858, 



