Revised 2011-06-03
Buffett's 20 Years Residence on Pitcairn
Available as an ebook on www.fatefulvoyage.com
This article, written by John Buffett, the man who volunteered to stay
on Pitcairn as a teacher, was written on a visit to Hawaii in 1845 and
published in six parts in the Friend starting in December, 1845.
- Introduction
- Part I Ship Bounty, Mutiny, Pitcairn's Island, Landing,
Massacre, Distillation, history from 1788 to 1808.
- Part II The first ships—Wreck of the Penelope
- Part III Buffett's account of himself continued; wrecked on the coast
of Massachusetts, New England—shipped as mate in American
ship bound from London to Canton, (1821)—ship sold in
Manila—visits Oahu and California—remains upon
Pitcairn's Island as a school Teacher—moral and religious
condition of the inhabitants—John Adams' death.
- Part IV Capt. Beechey's visit—Jane Quintal's departure—John Adams'
death—Capt. Bunker's arrival and fate—Mr.. Nobbs becomes school
teacher—The Pitcairners remove to Tahiti—Buffett and family
visit Gambier's Island—Return to Pitcairn's—Condition of the
Island on the return of its inhabitants.
- Part V The arrival of Mr. Hill, (sometimes called "Lord Hill") attempts to
govern the Pitcairners—pretended to act under the authority of
the English Government—styles himself President—officiates
as religious teacher—secret consultations—enacts laws—addresses
a letter to Mr. Buffett—visit of the Tuscan—visit to Tahiti
and Gambier's Island, &c.—Hill removed.
- Part VI Visit of H.B.M. Ship, Fly, Feb., (1838)—choice of Chief
Magistrate—influenza 1841; death of E. Quintal and Isabella
Christian—description of the island, village, house-building,
productions &c.