Journal of Rev. R. H. Stone — (Continued)
Our mission at Bassa, which we have just left, is a very
interesting one. Brother Vonbrum, being the chief of the soil,
possesses great influence in that part of the Bassa tribe with which
he is connected, and his labors amongst them are being blessed of
the Lord. A few months since he baptized twelve candidates, and
an address from him on this occasion is said to have affected to
tears the old men and women of the tribe who were present. Since
this interesting scene, several more have been baptized. Though
possessed of so much influence as king or chief, brother Vonbrunn
is a very humble minded man; and is popular, having a good report
of those without. I hope this field may obtain the especial attention
of the Board.
Wednesday 19th. Anchored before Sinou yesterday
morning. Received today, an invitation from brother Z. B.
Roberts, to dine with him, and to preach to his charge this evening,
but as the Captain anticipated getting the ship under way by 4
P.M., I was compelled to decline it.
Thursday 20th. Cast anchor before Cape Palmas at 8 P.M.
Received an invitation from Mr. Hoffman, the amiable
superintendent of the Episcopal Orphan Asylum, to take lodgings
with him until the arrival of the next steamer, which I have
accepted.
Friday 21s1. Came off to the Asylum this morning. Met
here with Bishop Payne, who has just arrived from Cavalla to meet
the reinforcements for his mission. This evening Mrs. Stone and
myself accompanied a party up the Cavalla river to Hoffman’s
station, connected with the Episcopal mission. We landed at a
small wharf and proceeded by a way graded with white earth to the
mission-house, about a hundred yards distant. This house is now
occupied by a native preacher named Harris. He was not in, but
we were received by Mrs. Harris, who also is a native. After
sitting awhile, some little native boys came in, and saluting us,
seated themselves quietly and orderly. Mr. Hoffman, who was in
our company, proceeded to examine them upon subjects connected
with their studies. Two little boys were called forward and
requested to read in an English book of fine print, which they did,
and one of them a boy apparently ten years of age, very fluently.
They were then examined in Geography and Scriptural history,
also in the main truths of the Bible, in all of which they displayed
