LETTERS FROM MISSIONARIES
Liberian Mission — Africa
Letter from Rev. B. J. Drayton
COUNTY OF CAPE PALMAS, REPUBLIC OF
LIBERIA, March 13th, 1857
Dear Brother Taylor, — The change of this Government on
the 3rd ultimo, has freed me from all the obligation of an executive
officer; the duties of which, during the late difficulties with the
natives, was peculiarly arduous and perplexing. The citizens
regard a change expedient, and that to become a part of the
Republic of Liberia, a thing very essential to our common
prosperity, protection and general success in our attempts to build
up a Christian empire. I regard this union with them by far the best
step; and hence I threw nothing in the way, leaving the people to
be their own judges.
This relief, from official duties, will enable me to give
every moment to your service, which is no hard task to one whose
aim is to do good, though it often fails for the want of strong faith.
I am encouraged however with the assurance that I love God, his
work and his people.
The prospect to do a great work here is still cheering, and I
am of the opinion much better than ordinary. The foundation
being laid, as I am sure by a firm hand, the result of the ultimate
consummation of the fabric is certain. A revolution in religious
matters is observable, and by a well-directed effort, the whole
scheme will shine forth in glorious brilliancy.
I invited your attention in my last letter to the state of the
church, as you will kindly notice we have not a meetinghouse. The
natives in their inarch of destruction burnt if together with the
Episcopal Mission premises at Mt. Vaughn estimated at $5,000.
I would again venture, at this early date, to beg you on
behalf of our suffering Zion, a people who have ever proven
devoted to the cause, and for the prompt and unremitted
prosecution of your work, that a house entire be built by you. It is
quite expedient that this be done at once in view of our influence
and success. We cannot do much without one, and under existing
