REPORT OF SIERRA LEONE MISSION
In a previous letter brother Day mentions the death of W.
H. Stewart, teacher of the boys’ school at Monrovia, his own
sickness, and that of James Early, whose death is recorded below.
MONROVIA, Feb. 1st, 1859
REV. JAMES B. TAYLOR:
Very Dear Sir — I inclose a letter of Esquire Parkes, officer
of the government of Sierra Leone, who acts as inspector of our
schools at Sierra Leone, from which you may be able to infer the
state of things in our mission at Sierra Leone. The Mr. Windham,
to which he alludes, was an incompetent teacher, whom I advised
to be dismissed as soon as a more competent man could be
obtained. James Early, to whom I alluded, is no more, he died last
night. The quantity of blood discharged, and the pain attending it,
have increased from the time of my writing until now. Still I hope
to be able to get about my business soon. Yours,
JOHN DAY
My purpose is to give you a brief information of what is
doing in this section of your superintendency. You, perhaps, have
heard that the school, after much delay, was commenced on the 1 sl
day of November last. The number of day scholars is about fifty,
and about sixty of all ages attend the Sabbath school. I examined
the day school on the 18th December last, previous to the
Christmas holidays, and found that several of the children could
read their lessons very well, but they are rather bare for books. I
obtained a requisition for such as are in immediate demand, which
you will find enclosed. I am sorry I cannot report the progress of
the school, as it is the first examination since its formation, and I
am ignorant of the acquirements of the children previously.
The church at Waterloo, I am happy to say, is prospering.
On the 4th of October last, seven individuals were baptized and
added to the church. Mr. Brown was assisted in this duty, at that
station, by the Rev. Mr. Dyball, of the English Baptist mission,
from Fernando Po; and there are now sixteen candidates, who are
expected on the coming Sunday publicly to own the Saviour,
which has created great joy among the people of God.
