MONROVIA
Letter of Rev. R. H. Stone
SHIP M. E. STEVENS, Off Monrovia,
December 30th, 1858
Dear Bro. Taylor.
The American bark, “Exchange,” is about to leave this port
for Baltimore, and I take the opportunity to make a report. After
being detailed at Freetown for a week, the vessel set sail for Cape
Mount on the 18th ult. From this time I notice any journal saying
as follows:
Saturday, Dec. 18th. A tornado struck the ship last night.
It rained heavily during the time, and blew, thundered and
lightened in a severe manner. Weather cloudy and cool.
Monday, 20th. In company with Mrs. S, and the rest of our
party, I went ashore. The moon being full, the surf is quite bad
here now, and we had an opportunity of witnessing the skill the
Kroomen possess in passing it safely. We first went to the
Receptacle, where we met and were entertained by the steward.
We then proceeded to the Methodist mission house, now occupied
by Mr. Williams. On our way we passed the chapel, which is a
wattled frame building, with thatch roof. The dwelling house is of
the same construction, plastered with mud. Leaving my friends
here, I went to see the Baptist chapel. It is a small, open hut, built
of crooked poles, but has tiled roof. The school was not in session,
and I did not have the pleasure of seeing either bro. Bacon or
Wilson, the latter being absent at Monrovia. The American
Colonization Society has a school in the Receptacle. The
Methodist also have one in the same place. From the teacher of the
former I learned that these two number about forty scholars each,
but that the Baptist school did not have so many. The classics are
not taught in any of them.
Mr. Williams informed us that there is great need of an
Orphan Asylum here. They are bound out by law to persons who
are not able to take care of or educate them.
Saturday, 25th. Cast anchor before Monrovia early
yesterday morning. In company with our party, went ashore this
