CAPTAIN MORSHEAD'S TESTIMONY. 183 
was left for me to decide; it had previously 
been before the magistrate, and submitted to 
a jury, and on my confirming the opinion of 
their own tribunal, they all shook hands imme- 
diately. 
" I trust I may be allowed to add my testi- 
mony to their already established reputation for 
morality and virtue. With the Scriptures daily, 
even hourly, in their hands, it is impossible that 
any can act from higher principles or purer 
motives ; and all their impulses happily appear 
for good, while their goodness ever inclines them 
to judge charitably of the faults of others ; but 
so simple and confiding is their nature, that any 
designing person thrown among them might 
easily destroy their peace and harmony. It has 
never been my lot to witness a community more 
entitled to admiration and respect ; and from 
this estimation of their character, it is impossible 
to separate the credit that is due to Mr. Nobbs, 
who has been their friend and teacher for 
twenty-five years, and is now happily their 
spiritual guide and minister." 
,Mr. Armstrong, to whom allusion has been 
made above, had for some years shown a warm 
feeling of regard for the happiness and welfare 
of the islanders. He had not only been instru- 
mental in transmitting some valuable presents 
by way of additions to their comforts, but had 
written them encouraging 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 : 
