"Salbach to Basel"

Introduction: They are now in the land of pagan darkness... long prayer for strength and the holy spirit, to do the work well. Holzwarth has recovered, but Schmid is sick and Henke also, but less so. He has been spared and finds the climate not so bad. Precautions to be taken: Beware of colds and are careful in your diet. Always wear a hat. An English chaplain at Accra some years ago always walked about bare headed in order to get used to the climate, but thus attracted a severe disease and he died. News about the school: there is only a school for Mulattos. They can only teach them reading since there is no writing material available. “May God use us to start a school for the Africans”. It is necessary to learn the language. But few people know Danish, and these only what they need for daily use. Interpreters are unreliable. Each one of them has developed his own method of learning the language with the two Mulatto teachers with the son of the chief who had come out with them from Denmark, with the landlord. They have all taught them up till now out of friendship without asking for money. How rich or poor the language is, he can’t yet tell. He collects words and simple sentences, which he tries to memorize. He attempted to translate a few Bible sentences into Accra with the help of the landlord, but found it difficult, since there are not the appropriate religious terms available as yet. They hope to find them in due time. Notes about the Fante and Ashanti tribe and language: He hopes that the gospel may be preached to them soon. Henke and Holzwarth being occupied at Christiansborg, he would like to begin work in another town. Ningo would be suitable, the Moravians had worked there. The people, he was told, would gladly receive them. He is glad, that the letters from the committee agree to such a proposal. The school on the plantations which the committee proposed, is for the moment less suitable: the population at Ningo is much greater and they could stay in the Fort. Brother Schmid would like to come with him. See also Heidenbote 1829, p. 63

20.03.1829

20.03.1829

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4 pages