| Description | He has just returned from the Rio Pongas. His decision was to give up Bashia. Renner will move to Canoffee and Wenzel to Kissy, a large native settlement about 3 miles from Freetown. Wilhelm will remain at Canoffee for the time being to obtain Fernandez' help in translation. Klein has formed a new settlement at Kapuru, opposite the Isles de Los. Bickersteth is hopeful of success but advises care.
The charge of insobriety made against Renner was much exaggerated and Butscher seems innocent of trading irregularities. Klein did fall victim to drink while at Rio Dembia and the Isles de Los but now seems to have reformed. Mrs. Klein admits that her accusations were exagerrated. It is also to be hoped that the rifts between the Rio Pongas missionaries have healed. At a meeting of Rio Pongas headmen, Fernandez attending, it was agreed that Canoffee be given land and that the missionaries be allowed to preach in native towns.
Children in the schools seem to do well, but perhaps the schools have benefited at the expense of preaching. More missionaries must be sent, preferably English and some unmarried. The Society now has some 400 children in its care and many more are awaiting education. After extended conversation with the elder Bashia schoolchildren Bickersteth admitted 13 to the Lord's Supper. |