LETTERS FROM THE ISLANDERS. 195 
each other's houses with the same freedom as 
into their own, and taking up a book, will 
sit down and read it aloud or not, as they feel 
disposed." 
Mr. Armstrong had for some years shown 
a warm feeling of regard for the happiness 
and welfare of the islanders. He had not 
only been instrumental in transmitting some 
valuable presents by way of additions to 
their comforts, but had written them encou- 
raging letters by H.M.S. Basilisk, Captain 
H. Hunt, which touched at the island in July 
1844. He afterwards received the following 
pleasing letters from some of those whom he 
had delighted to benefit : 
" To the Rev. William Armstrong. 
" Pitcairn's Island, Aug. 7, 1845. 
" REV. SIR, Please to receive our united 
thanks for the presents which you have sent 
us. We have prepared some native commo- 
dities for you, and would have sent them by 
this vessel, but the weather not being fine, 
and the captain being in great haste, it was 
delayed until another opportunity should 
present itself. The inhabitants are doing 
