Gambia. BATHURST. which many circumstances necessary to a right understanding of the case are not brought forward, and others are A Settlement on the Island of St. Mary, at the exaggerated or placed in the most unMouth of the Gambia-Inhabitants, 1867; chiefly favourable point of view. Jaloofs and Mandingoes. We charge THE following are Returns of the population, exclusive of the Garrison, in 1823 and 1826 respectively : In 1823-Europeans, 45; Mulattoes, 135; Blacks, 1204; Sailors, 152; Strangers, native traders, 309: Total, 1845; of whom, 1101 ropeans, 30; Mulattoes, 122; Blacks, 1577; Sailors, 131; Strangers, 7: Total, 1867; being were males and 744 females. In 1826— Eu 1021 males and 846 females. WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 1821. Samuel Dawson, Missionary. Mr. and Mrs. Dawson sailed in April for Sierra Leone. The Committee state Mr. Hawkins, having completed his term of service at St. Mary's, has been removed to another station. The Mission remains much in the same state. The Native School is pro.. mising, and will doubtless produce ultimate fruit. Among the adult Natives there have also been some encouraging symptoms: a few have been brought to know God, in truth. The obstacles to rapid success appear, however, to be numerous. The Members are 25. Sierra Leone. no enemy of the Colony with intentional falsehood or with malignity of motive: he is amenable for the secrets of his heart to a higher tribunal: but we do charge some of them with asserting many things which are untrue—with failing to state all that is necessary for understanding the case-and with distorting and exaggerating facts and circumstances; and our caution, therefore, to every well-disposed reader, not to suffer himself to be deceived and misled by such writers, cannot be unnecessary or unreasonable. The Report of the Commissioners of Inquiry, sent out to investigate the state of the Colony, will probably soon appear. Extracts of the Instructions given to them, with reference to the Liberated Africans, were printed at pp. 248, 249, 376, 377 of our last Volume. An experiment is about to be tried, under the direction of Lieut. Col. Denham, on a portion of these Natives, to communicate to them a practical knowledge of agriculture. AT p. 12 of the last Survey, we alluded The death of the late Governor, Magenerally to a statement made by Majorjor-General Turner, and the appointLaing, in his late Volume, in referencement of Major-General Sir Neil Campto Sierra Leone. We hoped that no fur- bell, are already known to our Readers. ther notice of this subject would be reSir Neil, before his departure for his quisite: but we find that the inveterate Government, assured the Committee of hostility, cherished by some persons his cordial support of the Society's efforts against this Colony, leads them to give to benefit the Africans: His Excellency circulation to whatever may seem to bear arrived at Freetown on the 22d of Auagainst it; and that there are Daily and gust; and, on the following day, landed Monthly Publications, which readily and assumed the Government: the Misopen their columns and pages to give sionaries, in waiting on him, were recurrency to these statements. the 8th of September, Sir Neil sailed on ceived with the greatest kindness. On the Colony. a visit to the southern dependencies of It is not our intention to enter into the field with these writers: their statements defeat their own purpose as it regards intelligent and unbiassed readers; but we wish all our readers to bear in mind, wherever they do not at once discern from internal evidence sufficient cause to set aside a witness as incompetent or prejudiced, that our pages have from year to year contained the testimony of undoubted witnesses to a degree of improvement in the inhabitants of Sierra Leone, very remarkable and encouraging under all the circumstances of the people. The reader is apt to forget this, when strong assertions to the contrary are made by writers who wish to degrade the Colony, and these assertions are backed by statements, in and its vicinity were given at pp. 249— Many details relative to the Colony 254, 377-379, and 472-475 of our last Volume. Of the rains of last year it is stated in the Sierra-Leone Gazette of the 23d of September The mortality which has taken place among the residents has been far less deplorable than that in most preceding years. With the Military, however, the very reverse, it would seem, has been the case; and not only this society, but the Government of our country, has to regret the loss of many gallant and promising young Officers. We will not attempt to deny the fact, that as much general sickness has prevailed in the past rains as in those of any former period; but, || in its consequences, it has been less fatal. King George, of Bullom, opposite to Sierra Leone, died in May, at a very advanced age, said to be as much as 110 years. The Bulloms, it is stated, have never, till now, allowed their Kings to die a natural death; having always dispatched them when they considered them about to expire-sacrificing two human victims, whom they buried in the same grave. In the present instance, the fear of coming into trouble, or “getting a palaver" as they term it, with Sierra Leone, led them to dispense with this shocking practice-a striking proof of the moral influence which the Colony has acquired over the neighbouring tribes, even where their strongest and most inveterate prejudices are concerned. CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. In reference to the LABOURERS in the Mission, we have collected from various documents the following notices The Rev. Messrs. Betts and Scholding (see p, 16 of our last Volume) arrived, with their Wives, in February: both the Females (see pp. 315, 316) died in March. Mrs. Renner (p. 511) died in May. Mr. Scholding (p. 511) being obliged to return, died in Ireland, on his way home, in the latter part of September. In October, Mr. Frederick Gatesman and his Wife sailed for the Colony, accompanied by the Widows of the late Mr. Taylor and Mr. Pope, who were returning to resume their labours. The Rev. C. Lewis Fred. Haensel, who has devoted himself to the care of African Youths in the Christian Institution, having been admitted to Deacon's and Priest's Orders, left Gravesend on the 9th of January, in the Eliza Dick, Captain Wylie. In June, Mr.Lisk with Mr. and Mrs.Beckley returned home from the Colony; and, in August, Mr. and Mrs. Davey. Mr. and Mrs. Beckley are no longer connected with the Society. Mr. Davey was admitted at Christmas last into Deacon's Orders; and purposes to return, in due time, with Mrs. Davey, to the Colony. The Rev. James Norman and Mrs. Norman had been in England since March 1824: he had received both Deacon's and Priest's Orders, intending to resume his labours in Sierra Leone; but their health not being likely, nor that of Mrs. Lisk, to encounter the climate, their destination was changed, with that of Mr. and Mrs. Lisk, for the Australasia Mission, for which they have accordingly sailed. The Rev. John Gerber (p. 222) was about to visit England, but remained in the Colony. The arrangements made among the Labourers in the Colony, with the appointments of the Native Assistants, will be noticed under the respective Stations. The Committee have deemed it right to present a suitable article of plate, as a small acknowledgment of their thank Jan. 1827. fulness, to John Shower, Esq. the Colonial Surgeon, and to William Fergusson, Esq. Surgeon of the Royal African Corps, for the very kind and assiduous services which they have gratuitously rendered in sickness to the Society's Labourers. The Committee observe, in reference to the losses of the Mission The past year has been one of considerable trial. The arrival, at the Colony, of Seven Labourers was noticed in the last Report; stating, that an equal number has been reand the Commitiee have the painful duty of moved by death, while the Society has been deprived, for a time, of the services of Three others, who have returned home. It is obvious, from the losses which this Mission has sustained, that the want of Labourers, which was noticed in the Report of last year, has increased, instead of diminished. Deeply impressed with the necessities of the Mission, the Committee would urge on the Friends of the Society the imperative duty of earnest and increased prayer on its behalf; brought before the Throne of Grace, the assured, that, if this subject be unceasingly prayer of faith will prevail; and that the Lord of the Harvest will send forth Labourers into those fields which present such a prospect of spiritual abundance. The Committee regret that no offers of service, for a limited period, have been made within the last year; but they would still entertain the hope, that some of those, who are interested in the spiritual welfare of our fellow-subjects in Western Africa, will be induced to come forward for the relief of their urgent wants. Some excellent remarks, by a few of the Speakers at the last Annual Meeting on the state of this Mission, occur at pp. 275, 276 of our last Volume; and, at pp. 255–262 a Report, by the Rev. John Raban, of the proceedings in the year 1825, containing a full view of the religious and temporal condition of the Liberated Africans, faithfully detailed in the spirit of integrity and piety. This document has been fastened on, by one of the Writers before alluded to; who, by the usual process of such Writers, has laboured to turn it to the disparage ment of the Natives. We have corrected the Returns of the population, at the different Settlements, by the most recent despatches. It has been considerably increased by accessions from Slave Ships. There is one view of this Mission which cannot be too strongly enforced. Civil Discipline and Religious Instruction must move hand in hand, in rendering the Liberated Africans an industrious and happy community. That Religious Instruction, which when once felt moves most powerfully and governs the heart, C must be aided by that gentle but firm || is very plain: the people having no longer hand of Civil Controul, which is required that support from Government which forboth to stimulate the half-savage to in- merly was afforded them, they have not only to care for their own maintenance, but they dustry and to restrain him in his wild cannot sell the fourth part of their provisions, and capricious excesses. This co-opera-comparatively with former times, when Gotion has not always been maintained.vernment required so much larger a quantity We have seen an unfinished Letter of the late Mr. Nyländer's, in which, as with his dying hand, he thus puts on record his feelings on this subject : By the last advices from home, it appears that new and expensive arrangements have been made for this Mission; but I am afraid to very little purpose. Charlotte, Leopold, and Kent, are the only places where the Civil Superintendency is continued, and where the welfare of individual persons will be looked after. What controul can a Minister have over a people who are under no civil restraint? The Captured Negro is told that he is a freeman, and allowed to live just as he pleases-only to be industrious and honest, so as to keep himself from the prosecutions of the laws of the country. He is let loose, as it were, to enjoy himself; which they generally do according to their country fashions. We have as much drumming and dancing about us, as there is in a Susoo or Timmanee town. Our Churches are attended chiefly by School Children, and those few who make a profession of religion. The people of Kissey are enjoying their perfect liberty like others; and I can assure you that I pass many a restless night and uncomfortable day, on account of the annoying noise of singing, dancing, and constant gun-firing, especially when there is a death or birth among our new freemen. They bury their dead with the usual country noise; and so they announce the births with gun-firings and rejoicings. Our Church, which was nearly finished, is to remain in this state for the present, and School Houses are taken no further notice of; though we are, both in Church aud Schools, imperfectly sheltered from the inclemency of the weather. To place the matter on the lowest ground, this was clearly a most impolitic course; and our Readers will have seen, therefore, with pleasure, from the statements at pp.379-381 of the last Volume, the improving prospects of the Mission. The Gospel was not, however, left without witnesses to its power. Mr. Wilhelm writes in January of last yearFrom the Report of this Quarter, the Committee will perceive, that though it be not with us as in former days, yet there is still among us a work of grace: there are some that are hungering after the Word of Life, and following the holy precepts of our Saviour: if there is sorrow, still it is mingled with joy. The disposition of mind manifested under sufferings and pains affords the plainest evidence, that the grace of God in Christ Jesus does sufficiently ensure support, comfort, and happiness under all trials of this life; yea, a foretaste also of that glorious rest which remains to the people of God. The reason why the Collections are small for the supply of rations. It is therefore not altogether to be ascribed to the declension that has taken place in religion, that the Collections have so much decreased. In reference to those Contributions, it should be noticed, that, in addition to the sums mentioned in a Note at p. 257 of our last Volume, that of 31.78. 6d. was afterward paid in from Waterloo, and 4l. 10s. 6d. from Wellington. We notice, with pleasure, the following statement in the Sierra-Leone Gazette of the 17th of June The General Quarter Sessions of the Peace commenced on Wednesday. After the usual opening of the Court, we were much pleased at observing its solemnity increased by the prayers of the day being read, in the most impressive manner, by the Rev. Mr. Raban, Rector of Freetown; and which is the first instance of this very proper custom being introduced on such occasions in this Colony. The Acting Governor, being on a visit home, gratified the Committee by various statements which indicate improvement in the state of the Mission. The Reader may refer with advantage, in going over the following Stations, to the Report of their condition at the end of 1825, given at pp. 257-261 of the last Volume. FREETOWN. The Chief Town in the Colony-in the Parish of Sixteen Native Sub-Teachers. Mr. Raban continued the exercise of his MINISTRY till the month of June, when he was attacked by dysentery followed by severe ague: in the early part of the year, the Congregation at the Court House, which had been but about 70 in the preceding Rains, was increased to more than 200, chiefly by the attendance of the Soldiers of the Royal African Corps: it continued to increase, and Mr. Raban was encouraged by a growing seriousness among them, until he was withdrawn by sickness. Few interruptions had, till that time, taken place in the Services at Gibraltar Town on Sunday and Wednesday Evenings: a small Chapel was opened there on the 9th of April: from 50 to 70 attended, with much devotion: several Adults had been baptized or were candidates for baptism. At Michaelmas, the Communicants were 12; but Mr. Raban stated that his disorder, though much abated, still prevented him from resuming his active duties. Mr. Metzger, from Wellington, and Mr. Betts, from Regent, had, with some interruptions, kept up the Services at the Court House; but those at Gi. braltar Town had from necessity been left, except in one instance, to the people themselves. There being no prospect of Mr. Raban's immediate resumption of all his labours, it was agreed, at Michaelmas, that Mr. Betts should remove, with the consent of the Acting Governor, from Regent to Freetown, and be there stationed as Second Rector, but to visit the Mountain Villages for the administration of the Sacraments. The Returns of the SCHOOLS are as follows Xmas. L.Day. Midsummer. Michaelmas. Boys.. 270 310 313 343 Girls.. 122 The average attendance is about one half, and the improvement encouraging. The Colonial School Rooms, which had been occupied by the Military as a temporary Hospital for about 12 months, were restored, in July, to their original occupants: the superior accommodation afforded by these Rooms immediately increased the attendance. In reference to the countenance given to the Religious Institutions by the Acting Governor, Mr. Raban writes I cannot be entirely silent respecting the pleasing events, connected with the Mission and the Kingdom of Christ in this part of the the Public Meetings held in support of the Auxiliary Bible, Church Missionary, and Prayer-Book Societies. Though all that zeal was not witnessed on these occasions which was ardently to be desired; yet enough was seen to afford encouragement to future exer world, which have occurred here. I refer to tions, and to call forth thankfulness to God, who put it into the heart of the Chief Magi. strate of the Colony to countenance these benevolent Institutions, in a manner so pub lic and decided. WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. || The progress at Portuguese Town. Members were 94. Of the Members at Portuguese Town Mr. Pigott says They are attentive to the Word, loving toward one another, particularly kind and affectionate toward their Minister; in a word, they are a truly pious people. When they pray, they never forget the good people in England, who sent them the good Word of God and Ministers to teach them. When they mention the love of Christ toward them and the wickedness of their own hearts, tears flow in abundance down their black faces; while sometimes they are so overpowered, as not to be able to utter a word. Mr. Pigott visited the Bullom Shore before the death of old King George. Every facility was offered him for establishing a School. The population of the whole country is estimated at but 700 or 800. Mr. Pigott says that the late Mr. Nyländer often regretted with tears that he left that Station. --- KISSEY. A Town of Liberated Africans in the Parish of CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. G. W. E. Metzger, Missionary. Native Assistant Schoolmistress. Eight Native Monitors and Two Sub-Teachers. Of the Labourers mentioned in the last Survey, David Noah continued till May, when he was placed again at RegentMrs. Wenzel married and removed to Charlotte-and David Johnson entered in the beginning of the year, into the service of a Merchant in Freetown. Mr. Metzger continued in charge of the spiritual concerns, though he resided at Wellington, till the early part of the year; when he removed to Kissey, and undertook, at the request of the Acting Governor, such part of the duties of Superintendant as he might find compatible with his spiritual charge. Till Mr. Metzger's removal hither, Morning and Evening Prayer and the Sunday Morning Service were kept by David Noah, Mr. Metzger attending on Sunday Afternoons. There have been W. Pigott, J.Courties, John May, Missionaries. 20 Adults baptized. The Communicants Mr. Courties and Mr. May sailed a were, at Christmas 30, at Lady Day 47, few months since. Mr. Dawson, ap- at Midsummer 45, and at Michaelmas 40: pointed ultimately to the Gambia, assist- || during the year, 38 couples were married. ed Mr. Pigott part of last year. Mrs. A Report of the state of the people in Dawson died on the 1st of August, hav-respect of religion will be seen at pp. 257, ing been but a few weeks in the Colony. 258 of our last Volume. A small stone Chapel for the Maroons had been finished, and another was in The Returns of the Schools are as follows 76 Girls.. 54 88 38 67 Xmas. L. Day. Midsummer. Michaelmas. to furnish a full account of so excellent Boys.. 78 a Missionary. The reduction of the Boys in the LEICESTER. CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 1823. last Quarter arose from the adoption of A Hamlet not far from Gloucester-Inhabitants, 124 a new plan, by direction of Sir Neil Campbell; who wishes the Boys not to be retained beyond the age of 10 or 12, but to be then distributed among the inhabitants, in order to the acquisition of early habits of industry. There is no Return of Girls at Lady-Day, Mrs. Wenzel having taken the School with her to Charlotte: the Girls returned at Midsummer consisted of 11 received from a Slave Vessel on the 1st of May, GO removed from Gloucester on the death of Mrs. Renner, and 2 from the inhabitants. There are under cultivation 871 acres. The number on rations is, 175 adults and 165 children. William Davis, Native Teacher. Divine Service is held twice on Sundays, and three times in the week. In the latter part of 1825 and beginning of 1826, Mr. Lisk, from Gloucester, assisted William Davis, on Wednesday Evening and Sunday Afternoon. The building used as a Place of Worship and a School House has fallen into ruins: another was about to be erected. The people continued to be very attentive. W. Davis visits the sick in the Hospital at Leicester Mountain, and those who live about the town. The Communicants decreased to four, several having been excluded for sinful conduct. The Scholars were, at Michaelmas, 9 Boys and 4 Girls: they were anxious to improve. The inhabitants are very industrious in cultivation. The Senior Secretary wrote to David Noah, with the view of benefitting the people, and desired that the Letter might be read to them: the Reader will be pleased with the reply of this Native Christian. It is dated Kissey, May 6,1826. I have received the long Letter which you sent to me, and wished to be read to all the people of Regent, and also to the other Vil-writeslages of the Liberated Africans in the Colony, respecting our heavy losses and many trials, which we have sustained through death and sicknesses. Our loss has been very great; and is, indeed, still so for as fast as the Lord is sending His faithful servants among us, so fast He removes them from us by death. Sometimes I incline to think that He intends to leave us entirely, to perish in our sins on account of our wickedness; and if not so, why is He dealing thus with us so fast? But what shall we say unto Him? Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Yes! He is too wise to err and too good to be unkind: therefore we must stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord: for the Lord will not cast off for ever; for though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion, for He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. I am very sorry to state that the Letter did not meet me at Regent; so I had not the pleasure of reading it to my brethren and friends at Regent: but I have read it, both at Kissey and Wellington; and the people were very attentive, and also glad to hear that the good people in England are still mindful of us and pray for us. It has been read in most of the Villages of the Liberated Africans in the Colony. The Committee regret to learn that materials do not exist for a Memoir of the late Rev. G. R. Nyländer, other than such as have already appeared in our pages and in the Reports of the Society: they much wished to be enabled || William Davis has assisted at Gloucester: on occasion of witnessing the conduct of some backsliders there he I am grieved when I see some of those who have professed the Name of Christ profanely mocking and laughing at the same, notwithstanding they hear the word of Eternal Life continually: but the work is not by power nor by might, but by the Spirit of God. Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days. Although I see not so much fruit of my labours as I could wish, yet I trust to my God; and to Him may || I still be enabled to trust all my concerns. GLOUCESTER. A Town of Liberated Africans, in the Parish of St. CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 1816. Matthew T. Harding, Native Assistant. Two Native Monitors and Four Sub-Teachers. Mr. Lisk continued in charge of Gloucester till the Rev. Alfred Scholding was placed here at the end of February; and assisted therein till his departure for England, about the beginning of April. Mr. Scholding entered on his MINISTRY with good prospect of health; but, after the first few weeks, became so debilitated as to be obliged to leave the Colony about the middle of July: in the meanwhile, Mrs. Scholding dying at the end of March and Mrs. Renner at the end of May, the Settlement was with great difficulty supplied with Teachers. Wil liam Davis, from Leicester, rendered |