The “Mohawk” was recently from Pitcairn’s Island, well known as the residence of the descendants of the “Bounty’s” mutineers. We presume that the circumstances of this mutiny may be known to some of our readers, but we shall take the liberty of relating it, as related to us by one who lived upon the island. In 1790, the “Bounty” was sent from England to Otaheite to procure plants of the bread-fruit to introduce into the West Indies. After leaving Otaheite, the crew, or a majority of them, headed by Mr. Christian, the mate, mutinied. They placed the captain, who had the reputation of being a tyrant, with some others, in an open boat, gave them provisions and water, and cast them adrift. The mutineers, after cruising about some time, made Pitcairn’s Island. Here they resolved to form a settlement, and, proceeding back to Otaheite, procured females, whom they took with them, and then went on shore, taking all that was valuable from the ship. After doing this they burned her. At first they had much trouble, and murders were committed; but finally, through the influence of one John Adams, the remainder became Christianized. He had taken ashore with him a Bible and Prayer-book. Much attention was paid to educating their children in the tenets of the Christian religion, and before his death Mr. A. had the pleasure of seeing the colony well established, and the people prosperous and happy. At his death he resigned his charge into the hands of one John Moffet, an enlightened Christian man who visited the island, and, being struck with the simplicity and religious character of the inhabitants, became so favorably impressed that he decided to remain there. “At this time,” said our informant, “he lives there, administers the simple code of laws framed for their government by Mr. Adams, and, although a very aged man, is the umpire in all disputes, reads service every Sabbath, and is regarded as a loving father by all.”
We also learned of the death of Mrs. P., wife of Captain P., at this island. The deceased had resided on Nantucket, where she was esteemed by all who knew her as one of those kind ministering spirits who soothe the distressed, comfort the mourner, and alleviate the wants of the poor as far as lies in their power; in short, one of those few persons who are universally beloved by all. Her health being very poor, it was thought a sea-voyage would be beneficial to her; accordingly, she accompanied her husband, who was master of a whaler. After some months, perceiving the health of his wife to be failing, he steered for Pitcairn’s Island. Arriving there, she went on shore in excellent spirits; and, after remaining some days, Captain P., finding that she rapidly regained her health, took an affectionate leave for a short cruise. As soon as the excitement connected with coming on shore had subsided, she commenced failing again, and in a short time her soul took its flight to that better and brighter world, where “all is joy, and peace, and love,” to receive the happy reward which is promised to those who love God; leaving as a legacy the following lines, written while on her death-bed, her form racked with pain, but her soul calm and clear as a summer’s morn:
TO MY HUSBAND.
“Farewell, my husband; the cold hand of death,
So long extended, now arrests my breath;
I feel the imperious mandate, and comply,
For not to-day have I just learned to die.
My days of suffering and my nights of pain,
I thank my God, have not been sent in vain;
My faith is strong; in Jesus I confide—