The Rev. Wardlaw Thompson, in a few words, cordially commended the Freedmen’s cause to the hearts and to the pecuniary support of the friends of Africa. He then led the congregation in an earnest prayer for the blessing of God upon the missionaries, in their voyage to their distant home, and upon their work for many years among their own people.
An appropriate hymn was then sung, and the services, which had been highly satisfactory, were closed with the Benediction.
Wanted—Cloth, Bibles and School-books.
REV. FLOYD SNELSON, SHERBRO ISLAND, W. AFRICA.
I must “strike while the iron is hot.”
There is very little of anything found here. Most of the children and parents go naked, with the exception of those who wear a handkerchief or country cloth. When you ask them to send their children to school, they show a willingness, but render, as excuse, that they have no clothes, and that they are unable to furnish them. Cloth here is very high, and in most cases their excuse is reasonable. If some person would be so kind as to send out a quantity of cheap cloth, to be made up for clothing, it will prove a blessing to many a suffering one.
The disadvantages and sufferings through which this people have to pass are indescribable. I have had many calls for Bibles, but regret to say I have been unable to honor any. We have a very flourishing Sabbath-school, and are in great need of Sabbath-school papers and tracts. The day-school is larger. Some of the scholars are unable to pursue their studies for want of books. We cannot keep the number together we now have, unless this evil is removed.