7th. We went on shore at an early hour; took breakfast at Uriah McGill's. Went to a First-day school containing ninety-four children, twenty-five of whom are natives; the latter are not able to read the Bible. At half-past two attended a meeting for the children. The Baptist house, being the largest, was selected, and was well filled; they were orderly and attentive. I trust impressions were made that will never be effaced.
8th. E. went on shore. In the afternoon he returned with our valued friend James B. McGill and two colored ladies, with their servants, the latter going to Greenville, Sinon county. We left the shores of Monrovia with a comfortable evidence that our labors were acceptable to Him who had sent us forth. We were quite cheered with the prospect of saying that we had personal acquaintances in Liberia.
9th. Anchored in Bassa Cove. Thank God for the blessings and mercies that have attended us on this embassy of love!
11th. Came to anchor off Greenville.
13th. Went on shore and made arrangements for meetings—in the morning at the Baptist house, in the afternoon at the Presbyterian. The Methodist minister cordially invited us to attend the afternoon sitting of the quarterly meeting, saying the meeting should be at our disposal to worship in our own way. We were refreshed in the Lord.
First day, 14th. Had good meetings. At the Presbyterian house many stood about, not able to get inside. We were blessed together in heavenly places. Dined at Judge Murray's.
Second day, 15th. Set sail for Cape Palmas; anchored on account of head winds. I fear we cannot visit the town, Settra Kroo.
16th. We are in sight of Settra Kroo still. May the Lord keep us in safety!
17th. At anchor off Nasma Kroo; went on shore; called at the only two colonist houses there, then visited the native village. Here a strange scene presented itself: the females were entirely naked, except a small covering about the loins, mothers with their naked infants on their backs, from one month old and upward; lasses with their skin painted indelible black and shining with palm oil, with which they are besmeared, came in crowds and surrounded us, gazing at me, crying, "White mammy;" others ran from us with fear. We gave the mothers some crackers, and soon every one that could get a child (sometimes quite as big as the pretended mother herself) had one packed on her back to get a cracker also. They are a very shrewd people—fine forms and well-proportioned. We visited the queen, who has a separate room in the king's house. He was absent; she received us quite graciously: her body was striped with white paint. We thought best to try for a meeting. The king's house was selected. One of the natives undertook to notify the meeting. He passed on before us, stopping at each house, and very soon the people might be seen running from every point toward the house where they were to have a "God palaver," as they call it. A number gathered. A native named Giando undertook to interpret for us. They were attentive—promised with clamorous acclamation that they would do as we told them. The meeting was relieving, and we have great cause for gratitude. Before we left the village several females had painted their faces white, which made them look ridiculous in the extreme.