LETTERS FROM THE KEY. G. H. NOBBS. 311 
u In all the vicissitudes through which I have 
passed,- whether on the Galapagos Islands, 
almost perishing from thirst, or labouring in 
chains among malefactors of the deepest dye, on 
the batteries of Callao ; or waiting, with some 
anxiety, my turn to be the subject of a fusillade, 
for the amusement of Benevideis in Arauco, I 
have never regretted, nor desired to abandon, the 
course prescribed. And now, having been in- 
voluntarily drawn from my retirement, invested 
with sacerdotal authority, and placed, as it were, 
on a pedestal, I shall endeavour, by Divine aid, 
to lead this unique community, step by step, to 
that 'rest which remaineth for the people of 
God.' And may you, my friend, be spared 
many years to chronicle the result." 
Accounts of the war with Russia, and the 
agitating scenes which ensued, had reached the 
quiet islanders, and had formed a theme of serious 
interest in their despatches. The startling and 
solemn event by which, under divine Provi- 
dence, the Crimean conflict was stayed, is glanced 
at in the following postscript : 
4 " P.S. September 14, 1855. I have just five 
minutes to say that we are all well, and that 
1 forward this by a whale-ship going to Juan 
Fernand^:.* I have no chance to send your desk. 
But the first ship-of-war that comes will take it. 
"We learn from this ship the death of the 
Czar ! But there is not a newspaper on board, 
so we are still in the dark." 
* For a view of this island, see p. 324. 
