224 ADMIRAL MORESBY'S ADDRESS. 
^ During the Admiral's visit, and shortly before 
his departure from the island, he seized the 
golden opportunity of affording the inhabitants 
good advice on several important points con- 
nected with their peculiar state and position. 
The following are notes of Admiral Moresby's 
address to the Pitcairn islanders, on Tuesday, 
the 17th of May, 1853 : 
" Your pastor has requested you to remain 
after this general thanksgiving, to hear the 
observations I have to make on various circum- 
stances that have been brought to my notice. 
They are meant for your future benefit ; but I 
request you will keep in mind that they are not 
intended to dictate what is to be performed, but 
given as from a friend for your consideration. 
" The simple but effective rules which John 
Adams left are still sufficient for most local 
purposes, if regarded with due observance ; the 
magistrate also performing his duty in the spirit 
of the oath which he takes on his election. This 
book, which contains some of your early laws 
and regulations, has neither date nor signature ; 
some of them have been modified as you saw 
occasion, but there is no record. I recommend 
you to have these laws and regulations fairly 
transcribed, your Register continued and care- 
fully preserved. I am told that some of the 
younger members of your community are averse 
to having a Register kept : the Magistrate by his 
oath is compelled to keep a Register, and must 
produce it when a case is referred to by any of 
