Letters to Sabbath school children on Africa : written while on a mission to Africa, and during a visit home

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Introduction

Africa is a country, less known, probably, than any other, but the desire to become acquainted with it is greatly strengthening and spreading. Though it is one of the last countries to be explored, yet doubtless, by future developments, it will be found to be one of the finest, and richest countries in the world ; and the African race, so long trodden down and despised as “ inferior” “ only fit for slaves,^^ may yet arise and become the ornament of the world. And in them, it is expected by many good men, will be seen the brightest developements of Christianity, the most rich, lovely, and perfect exhibitions of the religion of Jesus, the world ever saw.

But before these things will be seen, a great work must he done, by the Christian Church, for them. We owe them a debt. They have strong claims on us. We have assisted to sink them in degradation, and for their elevation they may now justly look to us. May we all do our duty.

The passage to Africa is from thirty to forty-five days, to Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone is the English Colony, begun in 1787. Previous to its settlement

INTRODUCTION.

V by the English, it was a strong slave trading post, but is now a Christian settlement, containing between two hundred and three hundred square miles, and some 60,000 inhabitants. The main population is made up of liberated slaves, taken from the numerous slave ships brought in by English cruisers. It is estimated that there are here collected together between fifty and a hundred different languages, brought from many and distant portions of Africa. Though they all talk their own language, yet the English is the common medium of communication, which all learn and speak more or less distinctly.

All the teaching and preaching is in English.

Physically, Sierra Leone is almost entirely composed of immense magnificent piles of mountains, which present a grand appearance.

There are many villages in the colony containing from 500 to 3,000 souls. Freetown is the capital. It contains 18,000 inhabitants, constituting, I judge, as great a mixture as were ever assembled in one place. Many have lately arrived, and have but little, while many are rich men, having acquired large fortunes by their own single handed exertions, and they are living in houses, and a style befitting London.

Schools are numerous, and all the children are sent to school. The schools embrace all degrees of education, from A B C to a thorough college and thelogical course, and many promising young men

VI

INTRODUCTION.

are preparing themselves, we hope, for usefulness. Great things are expected from Sierra Leone, by properly training these numerous representatives of so many of the tribes of Africa, that they may return and instruct their people, as is beginning to be the case.

Chapels are numerous, and meetings abundant, and well attended.

Sierra Leone is every year increasing in importance in the commercial world, and many vessels from foreign nations are constantly visiting it.

Here our missionaries land and remain till a passage can be obtained to the mission.

The Mendi Mission is about one hundred and fifty miles southeast of this place. This journey is generally performed in canoes, taking from three to ten days, according to the weather. We go down the coast, past Plantain Islands, within Sherbro Island, nearly to its southern point, then go east, up Little Boom river, about thirty miles. Here is situated Mendi Mission, begun in 1843, by William Eaymond, in the midst of the slave trade and war. But the Gospel has had effect and is spreading round about.

Letter Twelfth. — Mahometans continued 82 Letter Thirteenth.— Mungo Park 86

Letter Fourteenth. — Sufferings of Africans 91

Letter Fifteenth. — ^Mode of Traveling in Africa. 96 Letter Sixteenth. — -Similarity between the customs here and those of the people in the times of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the Israelites. . . 100

Letter Seventeenth. — The Mangrove Tree 107

vii viii

CONTENTS.

TAGS

Letter Eighteenth. — The Sick Man— Conversion — A Different Sight — -Arrival of New Missionaries— Beautiful Incident — Lines Addressed to

Sarah Kerison, when leaving for Africa. .■ 110

Letter N ineteenth.— African Arts 118

Letter Twentieth.— -The Peace 123

Letter Twenty-Ninth. — ^Letters from the Children in Africa 171

Letter Thirtieth.— Letter from William B. Tucker 177 Letter Thirty -First. — Letter from William to

his Brothers 183

Letter Thirty-Second.— My Farewell — Last Letter from William B. T 187

Co'NCLusioN — Appeal. 191

To Female Benevolent Societies 201

Lines to Africa 205

LETTERS

TO

SABBATH SCHOOL CHILDREN

ON

AFRICA.

Letter First

Having now introduced my little readers to Africa, I will commence with my Letters TO Sabbath School Children and Others,” interspersing additions, and more full explanations of things from time to time, as the case may need.

And, dear children, may I not fondly hope, that while you read these letters your hearts will glow with love to the heathen, and that you will resolve to do all you can^ while life lasts, to send the blessings of the Gospel to every creature.''

We, who are now missionaries, will soon be called to our rest above, and some of you may be called to take our places, others to give, all to pray, and help to obey the great command of our dear Savior, G-o ye into all the world and f reach the Gospel to every creature

DESCRIPTION OF THE CHILDREN.

Mendi Mission House, Aug. 2, 1848.

Dear Children : Having promised you a letter when I got to the mission, I now haste to tell you a little about the children here.

There are here about seventy boys and girls, from about seven to eighteen years of age, the most of them are small. Many of them have been slaves^ and were, by Mr. Raymond,"^ saved from slavery and death, by paying a few dollars for each one. If they have parents living they know not where they are, and if they did know, they dare not leave the mission to go to them, lest they should be seized and killed by wicked men.

*Mr, Raymond began the mission when the Amistad captives returned to Africa. After laboring six years, he died, and I was called to take his place. He did a great deal of good.

Many of their parents and homes have been destroyed by the waT%^ and the mission is the only earthly home they have, and I the only one to whom they can look as a father.

My companion, Anson J. Carter, who came with me from New York, died in eight days after he arrived here, and I am now left alone to look after and provide for all these children.

Before I came, (after Mr. Raymond's death,) some parents had taken their children away, fearing that another missionary would not come — others fearing that the war would destroy the mission and all its family, so that from upwards of one hundred, the number Avas reduced to what I have stated. Since I came, those parents have been again and again to plead Avith me to take their children back, but I tell them cannot^ unless you Avill feed them," — this is new doctrine to them. One man brought two boys, and some rice to %ell. I told him the conditions, and he left a bushel of rice, with promise of more, and I took the boys.

In consequence of the war, all over the country, there has been famine, and the children have suffered very much for want of something to eat. Often the school has been broken up for days, from this cause^ — they being obliged to wander through the grass and bushes, in search of something that would keep them alive. Sometimes they go all day without anything to eat, except as they go out and find old palm nuts, a little cassada among the grass and bushes, or some leaves^ etc., to satisfy their hunger. Yet they bear all these things very patiently and cheerfully.

Oh ! if the Sabbath school children in America could only hnoiv how these children get along, they would most cheerfully deny themselves to send them help.

Palm cabbage, which is very hard to obtain, has kept them from actual starvation. The men who procure it are often gone till night, while the little ones go all day without any food, waiting with great patience, cheerfulness, and submission. And when, at night, the canoe comes with the cabbage, they run

TO SABBATH SCHOOL CHILDREN. IS

to tlie wharfj and haste to bring it to the housCj cook and eat it with great joy.

Oh ! could you see them and count their 5owg§~could you see them as they wander in search of nuts^ leaves^ and roots— could you see them as they come to me and beg for breadj while I am unable to supply their wants— could you see them as they catch insects and eat them^ and eagerly devour what your dogs would refuse— could you only once see what I am obliged every day to seCj I know your hands and hearts would be speedily opened wide to send us succor.

They are a very interesting company of children^ and will compare with an equal number in any country^ black or white. About twenty of them are already reading in the Testament^ and the others are fast learning. They all talk English more or less distinctlyj for the English only^ is taught in the school.

They love the missionary very much. When I camcj they all crowded around to get hold of my hand^ and their little hands stuck up so thick that I could take ttvo or three of them at a time, in one of mine. They ran before and behind me — they hung on my arms, and on my clothes, and looking up in my face with intensity would say, with rapturous delight, Daddy ! Daddy ! Daddy ! ” They could not express their joy to see me come.

They felt, as perhaps you have felt, when your father has been absent a long time, and just come home ! How delighted you were ! How you ran, and jumped, and shouted, and could not sufficiently manifest your delight !

When Mr. Carter died, they wept very much, long and loud, and gathered around me as children around a mother. Oh ! how much they need a mother for them, but we have no white women here.

They love the children in America, wffio send them clothes, and teachers, and books, and they pray for them. They need clothes very much.

When I came they had been eight months without a missionary, and their clothing was nearly gone. I brought but little, and that was soon used up, and many of them have only one shirty (they have no other clothes,) and some have none ! They come to me and say, Daddy, I got no shirt,” but I cannot supply them, until help comes from America.

But I have made one shirt! A little sick boy, named David Nelson, had no shirt, and I had none for him. My heart pitied him so much that I went into my room, got my scissors, needle, and thread, and a pillow-case^ and sat down to make him a shirt ! How do you suppose I could make a shirt out of a pillow-case ? Well, now get a pillow-case and see, while I tell you. You see it is like a bag, well, I cut a hole in the bottom^ large enough to let his head through, then ripped the two corners sufficiently for his arms to come out, and sewed on two little sleeves, and I had a §A^V^made 1 1 And little David was very much pleased with his pillow-case shirt, and you will all say that it was better than nothing. If we had some one here to teach them to make shirts, it w^ould be well, and they would gladly learn.

Oh! how my heart pities them ! But what can I do ? Unless the people and children of America will send me money, I cannot get food for them. They have precious souls, and the Savior died for them as well as for you. They have never enjoyed the privileges you have, hut they are learning about Jesus and the way to Heaven, and I expect they will soon all love and serve the Savior.

Now I know you will pity these poor children, and pray for them, but are you willing to try and do something for them ? If you were in their condition what would you wish others to do for you ?

Shall I tell you how you can help us here ? First. You should, each one, give your own heart to Christ, so that you can pray for us — we need your prayers, and God will hear the prayers only, of those who love Him. Seeond. You can think and talk together about the heathen, until your souls are filled with zeal to send them the Gospel. Third. Try and enlist the feelings and energies of others with you. Fourth. Deny yourself, and save all you can, and give to send the Gospel to the heathen. Let those who can, give money, and others get some new cotton cloth^ or cheap calico^ and the girls make it up into dresses^ and under dresses^ loose dresses^ etc. 5 for girls^ from eight to sixteen years old; and long shirts^ loose and large^ for hoySj from seven to eighteen years old. And plain pants for the same ages^ made of some cheapj strong cloth. OoatSj vests^ collars^ stochingSj etc.j they don't use much. Shirts and pants for men^ made of good strong clothj will also be very acceptable^ in paying workmen^ buying rice^ and other things we constantly need. Also, some large, loose dresses for women. But your mothers can describe to you, better than I can, what kind of clothing is needed in a country where there is no winter ^ for children and adults.

It is now a trying time with us. The Lord only can supply our wants. The country is very fruitful, if the people would cultivate their lands ; but there has been so much war the land is mostly left to weeds and grass. Our own farm (forty or fifty acres,) has not been planted, because the war people have troubled the place so much. We have not 2 been troubled by them since I came^ though a number of war boats have been here.

P. S. When you make things, sew your name, on a piece of paper, to the garment, and the place where you live. Now children, I must stop, for I am not well. Will you live to do good, and be missionaries ?

A GLIMPSE AT THE WAR.

In the preceding letter I have frequently referred to the war, as troubling us much ; doubtless you wish to know more about this, and I will say a few words respecting it.

There are wicked men here, as in all other countries, and they love to do wickedly. One king collects his warriors, and sends them to destroy the town of another king. They go and burn the town, kill many, and take all the prisoners they can, with whatever plunder they can obtain. (The prisoners are either killed, or preserved to be sold as slaves.) Then some other king will come on him, and burn his town, take prisoners, etc. A number of kings often join against a number of others, and thus the whole country gets dravm into the war, which often continues for years. The people are all afraid, and live in constant dread, lest they shall be suddenly surprised by some war company. Thus they neglect their lands, afraid to be out working on their farms, but little is raised, famine prevails, and the people suffer very much. Some will steal whatever they can find to preserve life, and many have starved to death.

Such a state of things has prevailed in this country for a number of years, and still exists ! Oh ! the misery and anguish, desolation and woe, that have swept over this beautiful country ! Within one mile of the mission four or five towns have been all destroyed ; within twenty-five miles, I can count up nearly one hundred towns that have been burned in the wars ! How many have been killed ! How many made slaves for life ! How many made widows, fatherless, and orphans ! How many wandering in the woods without any home !

From what has been said you will get some idea of our trying situation, and know better how to pray for us.

But you will rejoice, and praise the Lord with me, when I tell you that in the midst of such desolations, the mission has been preserved ! God has been round about it as a Pillar of cloud by day, and of fire by night,'’ so that none of our children have been taken away and destroyed by the enemy. They have suffered much, as I have before said, in consequence of the war, from the famine caused thereby, but none have starved to death. In one way and another the Lord has provided, so that the school yet goes on.

A few days ago, a war party came suddenly on a town up the river, and burned it, killed many and took the king^ a man about seventy years old. They passed rapidly from place to place, and burned some four towns, and returned with much spoil. The old king’s name is Karmokoo. He is now a prisoner and a slave among his enemies. He has always been kind to the mission, and I think the Lord will deliver and return him to us again.

Many of the people came here for protection. Canoe load after canoe load arrived^ having barely escaped with their lives^. some begging for clothes, others for food, and others for protection* I rejoiced to be able to render them- assistance*

A trader, who is friendly to us, was there trading, he lost his canoe and all his goods, had to jump into the river and swim, and had a narrow escape* I gave him clothes, and let him stay till the storm was over, Others came with marks of the cutlass on their limbs. Multitudes ran and hid in the thick woods, till the enemy went back— and now they will build their towns again.

AN ACCOUNT OF MY SICKNESS.

After Mr. Carter's death, I labored alone until I was taken sick. Sick ! Oh how much this word means, when applied to a lone missionary, among the heathen, far from home, no physician, no father or mother, brother or sister, to speak to him, no kind friend to administer to his wants, not one who can sympathise with, or speak encouraging, comforting words, to him ! Ah !

children, I cannot make you fully understand it.

I was taken sick — fever prostrated my strength, deprived me of my reason, and brought me near to death. For nearly three weeks I was insensible, and for three months was confined to my bed by very large sores^ which broke out during my fever. They were very painful, but Jesus supported me and made my heart rejoice.

In my sickness I lost my sight also, but God graciously restored this to me again. Though I had no friends by me — no white person within one hundred and fifty miles — yet the natives felt deeply for me, and did all they could for my comfort.

Perhaps you will like to read a description of my sickness as given by my native teacher. I will give it in his words, although the language is very broken yet I think you will get his meaning, and then it will seem more as if you were hearing Mm talk.

He says, ^^All the people and children, all around and in the mission town, filled the mission house, all with wondering about Mr.

TO SxiBBATH SCHOOL CHILDREN. 23

Thompson’s sickness, saying, ^ What is this?’ Mr. Carter died, and this one white man left, and now sick and ready to die ’ ! ***** Many a time he get disordered in the mind, many a time get fainted, and many a time we bathe him in the tub of cold water, more than six times a day. And sometime, in September, break out large sores on his back, across, eight inches long. This we tried (to heal) all we could, till Grod was the help of all. And I cannot tell you all, how much trouble we had with him, and how much care we have taken with him. Sometimes men, children, and all the country people, will give him up, and all will say, ‘ He cannot live again,’ but faith in God, and love for the mission and missionaries, and patience, strengthened me to try all I could, and with prayer. God, for His goodness, and for His great cause’s sake, answered our feeble prayer, he is now getting better, and I trust, by the grace of God, will soon get over all.”

During my sickness many came from around the country to see how the white man did. There was but little done at the mission but caring for me ; for all were afraid I would die, and they would again be left without a teacher. But God heard prayer, and raised me up to labor yet more in His vineyard, and His shall be all the praise.

*

FORMATION OF A CHURCH.

Doubtless you will wish to know whether the children for whom I am laboring, and you are praying, are benefited^ whether they receive instruction.

When I came none of them professed to love Jesus. They seemed interested in their day and Sabbath schools, and loved to learn, but were not converted.

When I had been here about five or six months, many of the children of the school inquired what they must do to be saved. They felt that they were sinners^ and needed pardon from Jesus Christ. They wept, they confessed their sins, they asked us to pray for them, they prayed, and professed to give up their hearts to God, with a determination to live, henceforth, for Him. They were very childlike, and loved to he instructed. They prayed alone, and in meeting, and with each other, and with the heathen. Those who could read studied their Bibles, and all seemed desirous to know all their duty, and to do it. Some of the men and w^omen, too, professed to give their hearts to Christ, and expressed a desire to live for Him.

When I was able to preach to them, or attend their various classes, they were glad ; and when I could not get cut of my room, they would come to my room to talk about the salvation of their souls, and to pray.

When I saw so many who professed to serve the Lord, and were trying to do what was right, I felt that it was important they should be formed into a churchy and accordingly I organized a small church, at first of only four members beside myself. The next month ten more were added, and in a month or two more, twelve others united — perhaps more than half of them are children of the school.

Their ideas of right and wrong, of propriety and inconsistency, (until instructed,) are very imperfect. But when I see them trying to do rightj glad and eager to know their duty to God and to one another ; ready to confess when they do wrong, and seemingly anxious to do good^ this is encouraging. Such a spirit I see here.

From time to time members were added, of men, women, and children, so that the church numbered forty, when I was obliged to go home for a season. Besides these, four or five had been excommunicated for unchristian lives.

We had meeting on the Sabbath, and every evening, iii which all were accustomed to take a part, old and young, male and female, and to be in those meetings was truly blessed, and greatly refreshed my soul and body.

SPECIMEN OF THEIR PRAYER.

Would you like to know something of the way some of the children prayed, when feeling a sense of sin and unworthiness ? They would say, Oh God! me been very wicked boy, me been curse boy, me been lie boy, me been thief boy, me been hate boy, me.

been vex bojj me do many wicked things ; but me sorry for all dis^ me no want to do so any more^ me done leave all dis bad^ me want to serve- thee. Devil-heart no good. Oh God ! come take away devil-hearty and give me good hearty heart for love theej for love my enemyy for love every body ; give me soft heart ; heart for love pray, for hate bady and help me to’^serve thee, true^ true. Oh God ! me no ask dis for my sake, me no come in my own namCy me no fit any thing before theCy (not worthy of any thing,) me come in de name of Jesus Christ, and me ask all dis only for the sake of Him who died on the cross for us. Amen.”

In my preaching, I sometimes referred to the death of the missionaries, and told them that they had given up their lives for their Bakes, to do them good ; and reminded them especially of the death of Jesus Christ for them, and in view of all, urged on them the importance of loving and serving God.

One little boy, in his prayer, would frequently say, as the-^-thought of what others had done for him pressed on his mind, “ Oh

Lord ! me want to go and see brother Garnick, me want to go see brother Raymond, me want to go see brother Carter, me tvant to go and see Jesus Christ^'' etc. It was very affecting to hear him.

By and by, I will tell you about some of the other boys, hoping that all who read this book, love to pray, and are trying to serve the Savior, that the heathen may not rise to condemn them.

LETTER SECO^ND.

Dear Children : I thought, and prayed, and talked about the poor, oppressed, despised, and suffering inhabitants of Africa, many years before God permitted me to come to them ; but I have now been here more than a year.

I have often thought of writing to you, but have been sick a part of the time, and have had so much to do, all alone, that I have not been able to do it.

Now I have commenced, I may write but little, for I lia.ve calls on my time, patience, judgment, and wisdom, from every quarter. You can not realize how much there is to do ; hut I will try and say a little. A thousand things rush into my mind, all at once, saying,

Tell me first,’’ another, “No, speak of me first,” and so on ; hut I will begin hy giving you a general description of Africa— the land where I dwell — the land from which they steal so many slaves— the despised of all lands.

It is one of the “grand divisions of the earth.” It lies between latitudes thirty-six north and thirty-four south, between the longitudes fifty-one east and nineteen west. Get your maps and look. It is about five thousand miles from north to south, and four thousand five hundred from east to west ; it is about five and a half times larger than the United States, containing eleven million square miles.

The number of its inhabitants is not known, many have guessed at it, but nobody can tell, because of the difficulty of exploring the country, and of ascertaining the number of so THOMPSOJS^S LETTERS

the people. And if they could travel over the country, they could not find out, without going to every hut and farm, for I think no chief can tell how many people he has around him. But I can guess^ and I guess two hundred millions. Some guess one hundred and fifty millions, some one hundred millions, and some ninety millions. But the more you read you will see that the later travelers, and geographies, guess more and more all the time ; so we can not tell certainly, for it is all guess work.

But we know that there are very many people here who have souls, and who need to be told of Jesus’ love.

Africa has a great variety of climate. In the north and south they have plenty of cold weather, as well as warm. In the middle portions there is no cold weather, that is, what you call cold, but Africans call it cold in the rainy season, though there is no frost. If you will look on your map, you will see that it includes the Torrid Zone,” which means the burning circle ; but yet it is not so hot as most people suppose, for I am now wearing a thick flannel shirty under a cotton one, and woolen pantaloons, and socks.

In the day time, when the sun shines bright, if there is no wind, it is pretty hot, though it never gets so hot as it does in the United States, where you live. And then the Lord make a nice wind to blow, most of the time, which is cool and flne. The nights are always pleasant and comfortable. Towards evening it is delightful to be out, and towards morning it is cool.