Letter of Rev. B. J. Drayton
MONROVIA, January 4th, 1 860
Dear Brother Taylor.
I seize this opportunity, while at this city, to drop you a few
lines in acknowledgment of your favor of September last, which
was duly received.
I left home the 3rd of December, for the purpose of meeting
the Association, which met with the Bexley Church. Untoward
circumstances, I regret to say, retarded the progress of the vessel,
and I was consequently prevented from being there in time; a
failure entirely unpleasant to me. I have been informed, however,
that the meeting was pleasant and encouraging, and that much
interest was manifested by all present. The next meeting will be
held with the Clay Ashland church.
In passing up the coast, I called at Sinou, and met the
brethren there; while there I preached for them, and judging from
what I saw, I think the church an interesting body, and need be
supported strongly for several strong reasons. I am sorry to say
that they have been caused to bow like a bullrush, in consequence
of the instability of the pastor, who is now not any longer one of
them. It is apparent that he has denied the faith. Sorrowful affair!
The entire field at Sinou is valuable and interesting. The principles
of our denomination have found quite an extensive range, and its
influence is felt and manifest, and but for the want of men to
occupy, the result would be tremendous. I hope the day is not far
distant when all this field will be regularly supplied.
My visit to Monrovia is simply to attend the session of the
Supreme Court, of which I have been appointed Chief Justice, to
fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of our lamented brother,
John Day. Since I have been here I have given attention to the
Church by complying with their calls to preach. The
congregations are large and interesting, and so far I am pleased to
see the interest manifested by the people to meet and worship God.
This field is most interesting and inviting, and if the energy of the
denomination could be put fairly into operation, your interest and
the influence of the Church would be second to no other in the city
or county. I have been to “Day’s Hope,” and my prayers are that it
be made a hope indeed to the church. I might go on to say much
