320 VISIT OF THE JUNO TO PITCAIRN. 
and the account of Norfolk Island given ly the 
officers. 
" The final issue of the meeting was conveyed 
in writing, signed by the Magistrate and Chap- 
lain of the island. The islanders expressed 
a hope that they may be allowed to live on 
Norfolk Island in the same seclusion from the 
rest of the world as they had hitherto done at 
Pitcairn ; and it is impossible for anybody who 
has once been an eye-witness of the exemplary 
conduct, and the pious single-minded character 
of this innocent people, not to urge a compliance 
with a request so natural and so reasonable. 
There was much anxiety to know what succour 
or protection those that remained behind might 
expect hereafter, a point on which I was unable 
to afford positive information. George Adams, 
in particular, pressed hard that when the ship 
was sent to convey them away, the position of 
those who were left, with respect to the British 
Government, might be explained to them. It 
was also suggested that the time of their re- 
moval should not take place during the winter 
months, that is, between March and July : and 
I think I could detect a general wish, that 
the dissolution might be postponed till after, 
rather than to precede, that season of next 
year. 
" Subsequently to the meeting, I held some 
conversation with George Adams and the others 
who are disposed to stay at Pitcairn ; and being 
asked for advice, I endeavoured, without using 
any undue persuasion, to show that it would be 
better that no separation should take place. The 
