Cape Palmas, Africa
Extract of letter from Brother B.J. Drayton
Some few days ago, passing by one of the largest native
towns in this vicinity, my car was saluted by a rude noise, and a
low, humming singing; sometimes it would be raised to the highest
pitch of the voice. In a few moments after I was informed that the
country people had a “grand dance.” I availed myself of the
opportunity to see what they were doing. It was suggested in my
mind, that perhaps I might sow some good seed. I was met by
many who apparently were glad to see me. They conducted me in
the town where the play was. The dance was in the centre of the
place, on a clear and clean spot; prepared and kept for the puipose.
There is a large tree in the center of this spot, under which the head
men of the place stood. The musicians stood near to “his majesty,
the king.” He is a man about six feet high, not very stout, wearing
a very grave countenance; holding in his hand a rod about eight
feet long. There were father and mothers, with their children, all
assembled to engage in the dance. They kept time with the music,
though it appeared to be tiresome, as they generally dance in a
circle, which makes it tedious, to keep up the circumvolution. I
could not but feel sorrowful, to see so many precious souls directly
under the jurisdiction of the “prince of darkness.” There could not
have been less than three hundred on the ground.
The women were dressed with brass and copper rings on
their arms, from the hand to the elbows, and from the ancle to the
knees. They passed around in the circle at a rapid rate, singing at
the pitch of their voices, and the men in a low base, at intervals.
At the close of the dance, which ceased about twenty
minutes after my arrival, I fell in with the king. He seemed glad to
see me, supposing me to be a new man , in their term; asked me
how I liked his town, people and dance. I told him I liked his town
and people, but not his dance. He soon ascertained that I was a
“ God man.” In the meantime, I took the opportunity of securing
his permission to preach to his people. After a few moments
reflection, he granted my request. He promised, whenever I came,
to gather his people to hear “God Palaver” While speaking to the
king, many gathered around, and I took the opportunity of talking
to them about the folly of their dance. The strictest attention was
paid by all, some getting within two feet of me. After my
interview, they earnestly solicited me to return after their dancing
