236 AID TO THE ISLANDERS. 
.In a letter from Valparaiso, dated 30th Sep- 
tember, 1853, the Admiral said : 
"You will be pleased to know that I de- 
spatched the Dido yesterday, laden with all the 
supplies that have been sent from England. 
Private contributions have also been liberally 
forwarded of things that the late scarcity and sub- 
sequent epidemic made it necessary to think of. 
The two afflictions made me anxious as to their 
present state ; for the failure of their crops would 
deprive them of their usual means of barter. 
" We have sent them a milch cow and calf, 
and two fine heifers of a small breed ; and I 
have placed a quantity of provisions to be dis- 
posed of or retained, as Captain Morshead may 
find occasion. 
" The special donation for Pitcairn Island, of 
22?. 19s. 7c?., I have laid out in the purchase of 
a whale-boat, and completed her with sails, oars, 
&c. from private aid. The boat is to them of 
the first consequence; they having only one 
serviceable, that was given by the officers and 
crew of the Portland. 
" I sincerely hope it will please God to bless 
your endeavours to retain this community a 
peculiar people, planted for His wise purpose on 
that ocean rock." 
This letter was soon followed by one from 
Mr. Fortescue Moresby, dated "Portland, at 
Caldera, 17th December, 1853." The following 
are extracts : — 
" The mail has this moment arrived from the 
South, bringing us the news of the Dido's return 
