XIV PEEFACE. 
influence may come nigh to hurt them ; and 
that they may still perceive and know reli- 
gion to be the basis of their happiness. Then, 
happy Pitcairn, sea-girt isle ! may you long 
continue a living model of all that is lovely, 
and of good report ; and may nations not 
disdain to follow your example ! 
Lest it should be supposed by any reader, 
that the accounts of the present condition of 
the island are too delightful to be real, the 
author has thought it right to bring forward 
an array of testimony, in the shape of 
letters from living witnesses of unimpeach- 
able credit, who have themselves visited the 
spot, and become personally acquainted with 
the people and the pastor. 
The author feels that his cordial thanks 
are due to the many friends, who have 
favoured him with the loan of original manu- 
scripts and drawings. It also gives him much 
satisfaction to acknowledge the courteous 
manner in which the authorities at the Ad- 
miralty complied with his request for par- 
ticulars relating to the subject of his work. 
67, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, 
June 1853. 
