Xll PREFACE. 
themselves, on a voyage of 3,500 miles, which 
they accomplished in forty-two days. The 
owner died soon after their arrival. The launch 
was hauled on shore, and her materials used to 
build a house for Mr. Nobbs. 
" I was four days on shore at Pitcairn, in con- 
stant discourse with the islanders. I am convinced 
that the time and the opportunity have arrived 
for giving them a minister of our Church ; and 
that Mr. Nobbs is the person they wish, and the 
person at present best adapted for them." 
Amidst all the attentions which Mr. Nobbs 
received during his short sojourn in England, 
in the latter part of 1852, and which he truly 
appreciated, the thought of his flock at Pitcairn 
was evidently uppermost in his mind. Those 
who felt an interest in him, having heard of the 
virtuous habits and happy lives of the people, 
were less surprised at their pastor's wish to 
rejoin them, as soon as his errand should be 
accomplished. His connexion with the island 
is, however, of the nearest kind. His wife, a 
grandaughter of Fletcher Christian, is living 
there; and they have eleven children, all born 
on the island. 
