| Description | He is grateful for the religious and educational books. He encloses a letter from a former Englishman 'slave-trader' [someone who engaged in the capture, buying and selling of enslaved people] to whom Renner sent bibles and testaments. Since the abolition of the 'slave trade' the man has been teaching children, and, being well educated, may do much good, unless balked by the smuggling trade.
Renner and Butscher have kept well during the rains. Mrs. Renner is training 20 girls in schooling and needlework. Her knowledge of Susu and her friendly relationship with the natives, while preserving their respect, are of great help to him. She may not be Christian in the full sense, but her actions and character are.
Butscher wants to leave for Bramia on Rio Dembia as soon as Wilhelm and Klein arrive in Bashia. Renner hopes to be with Butscher during the dry season to baptize the children presented by William Fananders. The 30 mile walk to Bramia can be made in one day; by water it takes 3 days.
Of the £187 15s worth of goods he and Butscher have obtained from Wenzel and Barneth, £100 has gone to maintain 20 children during 1810.
Butscher is going to S. L. to replenish supplies and must draw 2 quarters salary for 1810, and a half year's salary for 1811, for himself and Renner.
Governor Columbine's success in attacking the capture, buying and sellling of enslaved people ('slave trade') has led to hostility from the natives who think of them as S. L. people. They miss the support of Ludlam.
Enclosure: Dec 1810: S. L. [?]: trader to Renner and Butscher [copy]
Thanks them for an offer of 12 spelling books and 6 bibles, for which he will send to Bashia and of which he hopes to make profitable use "as a light to lighten the Gentiles". |