DETENTION AT PITCAIRN. 169 
One of the most important results, however, 
of this seemingly casual visit was, that the real 
position and prospects of the community became 
obvious to impartial judges, and were pointed 
out to the inhabitants themselves. Previously 
to his departure from Pitcairn, the Baron de 
Thierry addressed them on their helpless situ- 
ation. He reminded them of the uncertainty 
attending the arrival of vessels on their shores, 
and called their attention to the scarcity of 
water, — that great requisite, which the next 
landslip might cut off altogether. But the chief 
wants which he apprehended, especially amidst 
an increasing population, were those of food and 
clothing. " Whichever way I look," said he, 
" in whatever light I view your case, I see 
nothing left for you but removal, and that, too, 
as speedily as possible." Writing to them from 
Honolulu, Sandwich Islands, in June, 1852, he 
advised them to make an application to the 
Colonial Secretary for their transfer to Norfolk 
Island, in the event of the removal of the 
convicts. 
