234 LETTER FROM CAPTAIN MORSHEAD. 
" The mail lias this moment arrived from the 
South, bringing us the news of the Dido s return 
from Pitcairn's Island. As she sails in less 
than an hour, you will excuse my condensing 
the news we have received, the Admiral having 
directed me to write to you, as he says he feels 
sure you will be glad to receive any news from 
the island, in which you have taken so great an 
interest. 
" Captain Morshead writes as follows : 
" ' On landing, I was met by the whole popu- 
lation, with their highly esteemed and reverend 
minister, Mr. Nobbs, at their head ; and I am 
happy to add that, owing to the supplies left by 
yourself in the Portland last May, they speedily 
recovered from the effects of the famine, and, 
with one exception, the whole island was in 
perfect health. During my stay on shore I 
assembled the inhabitants, and acquainted them, 
in compliance with your order, that their me- 
morial relative to Norfolk Island had been for- 
warded by you from Callao last June. 
" ' 1 took the opportunity of attending Divine 
Service on Sunday, when the whole adult con- 
gregation received the Sacrament from their 
minister, Mr. Nobbs ; and I feel it must be gra- 
tifying to all who are interested in their welfare 
to hear of their increasing respect and attach- 
ment to him, since his return amongst them, as 
their ordained minister, respected and loved as 
he has ever been ; all were perfectly aware of 
the additional advantages which his ordination 
has conferred upon them. The person who had 
the medical charge during Mr. Nobbs 7 s absence 
