236 AID TO THE ISLANDEES. 
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 sub- 
sequent epidemic made it necessary to think of. 
The two afflictions made 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 
22?. 195 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." The following 
are extracts : 
" The mail has this moment arrived from the 
South, bringing us the news of the Dido's return 
