EDINA
Letter from Rev. J. H. Cheeseman
EDINA, March 31, 1857
REV. JAMES B. TAYLOR,
Richmond, Va.
Dear Brother, — I had contemplated writing you to you by
the Mary Caroline Stevens, but was disappointed, in consequence
of her not stopping at this place. I however seize the first
opportunity to answer your favor received by her, under date of
November 28, 1856.
I am aware that it would be gratifying to you, at all times,
to hear of the conversion of sinners, and it would be truly pleasing
for me, to make such communications, but at present I am denied
that privilege; however, I feel pleased when I can say, that the
preaching of the gospel is not apparently without its effect. There
are some persons deeply convicted of sin, and who, on last Lord’s
day, wept bitterly, under the preaching of the word, and afterwards
solicited the prayers of the church.
There is evidently a marketed improvement among the
natives. Polygamy, as well as their abominable superstitions, are
being abolished, which will better prepare them for the reception
of the word of God, after which many inquiries are being made, —
even by those far in the interior. I have recently received letters
from three native chiefs in the interior, requesting me to send them,
-- “God-man,” — a teacher; but I have no means of supplying them.
I promised them in my reply, to lay the matter before the good
people of America and request them to aid me in supplying them
with teachers. I now, therefore, lay the subject before you, hoping
that it will receive a favorable consideration. An appropriation of
five hundred dollars would enable me to supply two teachers, at
least, for the present. The schools are doing well. I need new
books, slates, pencils, copybooks, ink, pens, & etc. A few copies
of philosophy and astronomy for beginners are much wanted.
Pursuant to your request, I now proceed to answer your
queries respecting the station of the Northern Board.
