MONROVIA STATION
Journal of brother B.
./.
Drayton
Tuesday, July 11, 1848 - I left Monrovia for Virginia
settlement, in brother James’ boat, half past 10 o’clock; arrived
there at 12 o’clock. Found him and his family well, and the school
going on finely. After refreshing myself, I visited some few
families, and spoke to them of heavenly things, advising to the best
of my ability, how to proceed in the Christian warfare.
Wednesday 12 - About 2 o’clock we took the board with
an intention of visiting Mammy town, but rain came up with a
heavy wind, and we could not proceed far, in consequence of
which had to return home, regretting much our failure. At night,
we had preaching. I officiated, and preached from Psalm vii: 4, to
a very interesting congregation. The meeting was ver serious.
Bro. James closed by some very appropriate remarks.
Thursday 1 3 - After breakfast, we took the boat and passed
up the river, and stopped at King Bromley’s town. We prayed for
an interview with the present king, recently incoronated, in regard
to our preaching among his people. He was somewhat reluctant at
first, but after a while consented to give us audience. We were
invited in a house where the late King Bromley was interred. It is
an open place, having a roof covered thatch, the floor standing
about three feet from the ground, made of earth. He had three
chairs brought, and we took our seats. Before we had asked any
questions about preaching, we took a survey of the mementos that
were about the grave of the deceased king. At his head there was a
dark granite stone, all stained with blood. We asked what was
meant by so much blood. They replied that they had killed a
chicken and sheep for the king’s breakfast. They had been doing
so ever since his death. There was a gun also at the head, the
muzzle of which was in the ground, with some white pieces of
cloth all around it. We inquired what that meant. They said,
because he be great war man in him time, he lib kill to much in
war, he be great man, dat gun lib tell whar he be. Brother James
said to the interpreter of the king, that is foolish fash feed man after
he dies. He replied, yes, it be fool fash countryman do him so, him
no lib for know, all same dem people do him so long time, dat no
good fash. Brother James them mentioned our desire to preach to
them once a week. The king, I am happy to say, very readily
agreed, and told us we could come at any time, and he would