| Description | Wilberforce has word from Paris that the French have prohibited the slave trade north of Cape Formosa. Pratt told Maxwell this at his interview and is communicating the fact to Governor MacCarthy. He hopes to send thanks to Fernandez for his defence of the missionaries in the Rio Pongas trouble.
Pratt has discussed with Maxwell plans for a "Christian Institution" at S. L. Maxwell has already written to MacCarthy suggesting the grant of 100 acres of fertile higher ground near Freetown, on which should be built a stone schoolhouse, lodgings and apartments for 800 to 1000 scholars, schoolmaster and -mistress, and missionary superintendant; accommodation for families of deceased missionaries and a convalescent home; a chapel; a printing press for bible translations and school books. A good English education should lay the foundation for apprenticeships to trade, agriculture or service; or for further education for becoming schoolmasters, catechists or ministers. An Arabic teacher would prepare able scholars for work among Moslems and Arabic literature could be printed. Government assistance could be looked for in return for the education and employment of its dependents.
A proposal is going forward for a stone church accommodating 1000 to 1500, and an English chaplain will doubtless be appointed. Butscher, therefore, should not regard his chaplaincy as permanent, but may look forward to an important and honourable post in the Institution. The Committee look for his help in forwarding its establishment. He should choose the healthiest and pleasantest site available, and set liberated adults to clearing the ground. The stone work should be done locally as economically as possible, datum = 1/3 to 1/9 per cub. ft. according to height.
The Hughes are under Butscher's direction and are paid by CMS although receipt for salary must be given to MacCarthy. Sperrhacken will be married before sailing. He sends a chart of Rio Pongas for additions and corrections, also a supply of Arabic bibles and English scriptures given by the B.F.B.S. More attention should be given to preaching. He appends a list of a further 29 names for sponsored children. |