CAPE PALMAS
We have already referred to the supply of the station at
Cape Palmas. The following from brother Davis, our missionary at
Bassa Cove, will give some idea of the field to be occupied by
brother Drayton. It furnishes facilities of the most encouraging
character and ought to be well cultivated.
Bassa Cove, Nov. 13'\ 1 848
In my last, I gave you an account of my travels and
prospects among the natives in this vicinity, and of the duties
performed at Sinou and Palmas. Your last communication gave
me no little satisfaction, as it expressed your approval of my visit
to Palmas and Sinou. I judged a visit to each place necessary.
I was somewhat fearful that my going would have the
appearance of seeking my own pleasure, without reference to the
wish of the Board, or a consultation with brother Day, which was
not the case. I will now give you a few of my thoughts in relation
to Cape Palmas and Sinou. I think the former an important field
for missionary labor. It would have been occupied before now,
had it been possible. The form of the settlements, subjects the
people to great inconvenience in assembling for worship. It is
estimated at five or six miles long, from one extremity to the other;
the width not equal to its length. The Baptist meeting house is
supposed to be situated about half the distance, and as some of our
people reside at each extremity, at least two and a half or three
miles are to be traveled in rainy seasons.
This distance would not be so great a difficulty, were it not
for marshes, small streams of water, and the manner of traveling.
The methodists in order to prevent such difficulties, and to secure
an opportunity to their people to attend preaching and other means
of grace, have two meeting houses; one near enough to each
extremity, to divide the distance into four parts. Thus, the distance
is such shortened to the latter, while the former must either go
through rain, or not go to their own meeting. I find many of the
people there, as at other places in the colony, ignorant, and needing
instruction.
As a field of labor among the natives, a more interesting
need not be desired. These are large native towns, one in the midst
of the American settlements, and one not more than three hundred
