| Description | Having learnt of the government's intention of sending 3 armed vessels against the slave traders and factories in the Rio Pongas, he intended warning the missionaries to place themselves under the expedition's protection should they be endangered, but he could find no transport from the Isle de Los. He therefore hired a canoe to carry a letter to Fernandez asking him for a pinnace and protection for the missionaries.
On 16 Feb Renner called at the Isles de Los on his way to S. L. and Butscher accompanied him. On returning to the Isles de Los Butscher took Fernandez' pinnace for Bramia arriving 28 Feb, Renner returning to Rio Pongas. Fernandez told of the destruction by the expedition of several 'slave factories' [places where enslaved people were held, bought and sold], and of Wilhelm's letter recounting the burning of a house in Bashia settlement, whereupon Fernandez had sent a guard there and to Canoffee.
On 1 Mar Butscher left Bramia for Bashia with an armed escort against fleeing slave traders, and found Bashia keeping guard against further incendiarism. He waited until Renner arrived. The Meisners had gone to Canoffee to replace the Kleins. On 11 Mar at a meeting of all the missionaries at Bashia the Kleins were directed to Gambier settlement and gladly accepted. Fernandez warned Butscher of attempts upon his life by infuriated slave traders and natives should he try to reach Bashia; Renner confirmed this.
On 1 to 3 Apr he travelled to S. L. Mrs. Quast was promised passage to England in government transport. Klein was given goods from the outfit and ordered to keep strict account. Fernandez was paid for the finished house and hire of his pinnace and people.
He sends Power of Attorney to CMS to draw annual interest of £12 10s from the £250 of his wife's property in England until his whole debt of £250 is paid. If CMS disagrees he will send Power of Attorney to draw whole debt. His family now includes 5 boys, 5 girls, his wife and their child. |