AID TO THE ISLANDERS. 233 
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 
subsequent epidemic made it necessary to think 
of. The two afflictions make 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 
221. 19s. 7d., 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," of which the 
following are extracts : 
Q 
