Extract from the Fifteenth Annual Report of the Foreign Mission Board, April 2, 1860

LIBERIA In connection with this mission, we have found reason for lamentation, and for increased thankfulness and joy. Very soon after the last Southern Baptist Convention, when the death of our senior missionary, brother John Day, was reported, the Board were called upon to mourn another severe trial, in the death, by drowning, of the next oldest missionary, brother J. H. Cheeseman, and of one of our best teachers, brother J. T. Neyle. They were crossing the river St. John’s in a small boat, which capsized, and all on board, four in number perished. The Board were deeply affected by the removal of such men as Day and Cheeseman, and felt anxiously concerned in reference to the increase of suitable men for this field. We have been favored with finding brother J. J. Fitzgerald, who has entered upon his labors, and brother Geo. W. Parker, who is expected soon to depart for this field. SIERRA LEONE This mission is connected with that in Liberia, and under the same general management. There are two stations, Freetown and Waterloo. The former of these is occupied by brother J. J. Brown; the latter by brother George S. Weeks. There is a school at each station. Nothing of special note has occurred in connection with these stations, during the year. They have been attended with about the usual degree of prosperity, and the missionaries write hopefully as to the future. Home and Foreign Journal June 1860 P-