BASSA COVE STATION
LETTER FROM BROTHER A. P. DAVIS
After a three day’s meeting, and proper arrangements made
for the Association, I attempted a voyage by way of the sea, in my
row boat, but after toiling three days, we were obliged to beach our
boat, at a great risk, not only to the destruction of the boat, but
even to endanger life. The principal cause of it was adverse wind,
which not only prevented head way, but subjected us to the perils
of night at a distance from any dwelling. Besides, I only had from
Monday to Friday to be on the spot, and to preach the introductory
sennon before the Association; and in order to reach the place,
(Monrovia,) in time, we left the boat, took up the Junk river
Wednesday night, and by traveling the whole night at a great
expense, reached the Cape by 2 o’clock Thursday. Books and
clothes wet, and many so injured as to be not fit for use. You may
imagine how much time I had for meditation. However, I was on
the ground at the hour, and preached from 2 Tim. iii: 16. We had a
much longer session than ever known in Africa, and to much more
purpose. I intended to forward you one of the minutes, by which
you could fully learn all the particulars, but they have not come to
hand yet. I will, if my life is spared, send a copy, if brother Day
does not.
After the Association adjourned, I visited all the churches
up the St. Paul’s river; preached and performed services in all the
churches, and among other services, ordained a deacon in the
Millsburg church; prayed for two children; brother Cheeseman
with me. But of all the churches I visited, none appeared to exhibit
such order as that at Virginia. This station was occupied by our
much beloved and much lamented brother James. Here we have a
consistent, plain, whole-hearted, well taught, Christian church; a
resolute, firm set of faithful brethren. They seem to have drank
deep into brother James’ spirit, and in every house, his name lives.
They told of his plans, and seem to be as much determined to
follow them now as when he was living in person among them.
The Commission
July 1849
