Untitled article by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 8, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 10.

FROM PITCAIRN ISLAND.

By Editor

IN a letter recently received from Elder E. H. Gates, written to his sister in this State, under date of September 4, we take the following extracts concerning the condition of things on Pitcairn Island:—

"I am still here on this island, though I have been trying to get away for months. On account of sickness on the island I have been kept busy for weeks. We have been having sad times here since the man of war was here that carried a letter to you via Valparaiso. It seems there was influenza, or something of the kind, on board, and so after the ship left nearly everyone on the island was taken down with it, till there was hardly a person on the island but Ida [Sister Gates], Hattie [Sister Andre], and myself that did not suffer to some extent. Some have been very sick. One week ago Sabbath, Sister McCoy, the wife of Brother McCoy who was with the ship, died; and just as we were to go to the funeral the next day, a little boy died. Yesterday morning Ella McCoy, daughter of Brother McCoy, died, and we are to bury her to-day in about two hours. Last night I was called on to go to pray for another young lady who is very low. To-day she is better but she may not get through. Others have had to narrow escapes from death, and, although nearly all are getting some better, the danger is not over."

Continuing, Brother Gates says that the death of Ella McCoy was a sad blow to all, because she was one of the brightest on the island, and has had a very bright Christian experience. They were planning to fit her to be a teacher in the school after Sister Gates finished her work there. On account of the sickness, the school had been closed at the time of his writing for two weeks. He said that his little knowledge of proper treatment of the sick was of benefit to him during the time of sickness.

Of himself he says that he is stronger than when he last wrote, and is beginning to hope that he may again be of some use in the cause. He is hoping that some day a ship will come along that will bring him to California, and was very anxious to get here during the grape season, as he feels that grapes would help him very much. The last news he had received at the time he wrote was papers dated July 27.

Our brethren and sisters on Pitcairn have our heartfelt sympathy, and we hope that earnest prayers will be raised, not only for the natives of the island, but for our missionaries who are there also.