PREFACE. Xlll 
in his mind. Those who felt an interest in 
him, having heard of the virtuous habits and 
happy lives of the people, were less sur- 
prised at their pastor's wish to rejoin them, 
as soon as his errand was accomplished, that 
he might be again useful, more useful than 
before, and live and die among them. His 
connexion with the island is, however, of the 
nearest kind. His wife is living there, who 
is a grandaughter of Fletcher Christian ; 
and they have eleven children. 
The mention of Fletcher Christian re- 
minds us of the origin of the present settle- 
ment at Pitcaim's Island. Without further 
anticipating, therefore, the eventful history 
which is connected with the place, and which 
proves that real life may be as romantic as 
fiction, the author will proceed to give an 
account of the island, and of the troublous 
times which preceded the pure and peaceful 
condition of this singular community. 
Justly does it raise our wonder and grati- 
tude to contemplate so exemplary a race, 
sprung from so guilty a stock. We hope 
and pray, that God's grace and blessing 
may remain upon this people ; that no evil 
