Central African Mission
It is our pleasure to notice the safe arrival of our brethren destined for Central Africa, at
Monrovia. Letters have been received from brother Bowen, and from brother II. Teage of Monrovia.
We place them before our readers, as no little solicitude is entertained by the churches to hear from the
little band. Although brother Bowen seems to have suffered on his voyage with sickness, we hope in
retiring into the interior he will find his usual vigor of health restored. Concerning the town of Boporah,
to which the missionaries have gone, we as yet have been able to obtain no definite information. It may
possibly be found the most direct route to the point in the interior which they desire permanently to
occupy. The following is brother Bowen’s letter:-
Monrovia, Feb. 14, 1850
Dear brother Taylor - Soon after sailing from Providence, we learned that the Smithfield
would not carry us to Badagry till she had sold out her cargo. We arrived at this place on the 8th
inst., on the 53d day of our voyage. Here we met with the supercargo, who informed us that we
should not sail for the leeward coast till he had gone to Cape Palmas, and then to Sierra Leone,
which would require 40 days. We then despaired of reaching Badagry before the rainy season.
While consulting what was best to do, we learned that there is a large native town called
Boporah, about 100 miles back from this place, in a well watered, healthy, mountainous region,
where we should meet with Mandingoes and Foulahs. We were also assured that the people are
kind to strangers; that numbers of them can speak English; and that Boporah is in direct
communication with the interior. We have concluded to go back to this place and try to live till
we become inured to the climate, by which time we can collect infonnation and ascertain the
best means of proceeding. In the meantime we hope to study either the Mandingo or Foulah
tongues, either of which will enable us to preach all the way into the heart of Africa. As soon as
we get farther [sic] information, it will be communicated. Please advise us. Write to Monrovia,
care of H. Teage. Would not it be well to have your African agency in Baltimore? Or is it there
now?
I have been sick much of the time, since I left New York, with indigestion. Was weak
when we landed, and soon broke myself down with our baggage and other affairs. Had to lay up,
but am able to work a little again, which is indispensable. I hope to be able to proceed to¬
morrow, by the aid of a donkey. It is important to get to a resting place before we take the fever.
Bro. Goodale and bro. Robert Hill are well. The former says he does not calculate to be sick,
still he admits that he may be. Robert does not seem to care much about it. I am too weak and
nervous to write much, or I would say something about our affairs in the colony.
Feb. 18. -This morning we are about to set out. If the Lord please to give us health and
rest, we will write in full at no distant day.
Yours in Christ,
T. J. Bowen
