Letter of Rev. J. T. Richardson
NEW VIRGINIA Oct. 3d, 1859
Rev. James B. Taylor:
Very dear brother, with much pleasure I sit down this
morning to write you a few lines to inform you that I am still
spared in the land of the living-and am laboring in the mission-
field with some little success. There is quite a religious excitement
at our mission station, or Cape Mount, which has lasted something
over six weeks, the result of which is great. Fourteen added by
conversion; the few laborers having had to labor so constant, and
the interest of the meeting being so encouraging, they made
request that some one would come up to assist them a few days,
and also to baptise for them. It fell to my lot to go, so on the 13th
instant I went on board the Mary Atwell of Baltimore, Capt. Aston,
who received me very kindly on board, and treated me with every
mark of respect. On the
16й1
instant, at 1 o’clock P.M., we
anchored at Cape Mount. I went immediately on shore-was
received by Brother Wilson and many others with great joy. In
half an hour’s time I was invited up to the Chapel-held meeting,
after which we had experience meeting, received two for the water;
I preached every afternoon up to Sunday. Sunday forenoon
preached on baptism, from Matt, xxviii chap. 19 and 20 verses- had
good attendance-after service moved off for the river, where there
was much water, and baptised those who I believe was truly
converted. The blessed work continued to grow in interest up to
Monday afternoon. After preaching, opened a door and received
two more for baptism. Tuesday morning received one more. By
this time the vessel that gave me passage up was ready to sail for
Monrovia, so I was obliged to baptize the three received Monday
and Tuesday immediately; after which I had to give the parting
hand to the beloved ones, (the Church,) and go right on board
homeward bound. This little town of two year’s growth, bids fair
to be, in the providence of God, a great place. Here superstition
reigned without molestation a few years ago, and every other vice.
But behold! I see the banner of Jesus unfurled with great success,
and the light of the gospel penetrating the dense forest, shining
with such brilliancy that sinners have, and are being brought out of
nature’s darkness into the marvelous light.
I am made to rejoice at the pleasing prospect before us. At
no distant period these little towns on the Liberian coast will
accomplish great good in civilizing and Christianizing the wild
