"Riis to Inspector Blumhardt"

Political situation in Akwapim: Riis saves Danish soldiers from the Akropong people and makes peace for a moment between the Larteh and Akwapim people (p 2). Akropong is gradually depopulated. A family, which haoped that their son would succeed Ado Dankwa, is noisy and boisterous and therefore increases the followers of Adum (p 3). Fetishpicture towards Larteh (p 3 f). Africans remain kind and friendly to missionaries in spite of civil quarrels and the well-known opposition of the Governor against Riis (p 4). The roof had been leaking - need to recover. People ask at first brandy to do the work. Riis refuses. Finally covered however (p 5 f). The employees of the missionaries: Old Mulatto, knows languages, but is not a good interpreter. Used as tailor under the guidance of Mrs. Riis. African Annamabu from Cape Coast knows languages. Two Africans, long in service, one good interpreter and faithful (the one maltreated and threatened by Governor Mörck). Two carpenters. A cook (not very reliable - causes distress to Mrs. Riis). In total, 16 people employed. Is Governor Mörck right, that they want just to live an easy life? No, they still have to do very much with their own hands and supervision takes much energy (pp 7-8). Remarks about the labour done. Most of the people employed are domestic slaves hired out by their owners, who receive half of their salary - a reason more for the people not to work too much. On domestic slavery (pp 9-10). Path to waterplace (p 10). Description of the mission compound and garden (pp 11-12). On bartering for good -the nuisance of counting cowries (pp 13f). They can do little for the spiritual welfare, apart from conversations and daily prayers, attended mostly only by their own people. The best preacher, the Bible in their mother tongue, is still lacking (p 14). Example of the way they discuss earnest things with the Africans (p 15). People laugh at their fetishes (p 16). Journey to Shai-Osudoku-Krobo: see Heidenbote 1839, pp 53-56 (pp 17-23). About the Adangme language and especially the hairdress of the Crobos (p 24). Difficulties on journey (pp 25-26). On the accusations of Governor Mörck against him, addressed to the king: he does not give proofs. Riis will not go into details to justify himself - look at the letters and diaries, they are his justification. That his house at first was miserable was true - when the Governor came in the dry season, the house was only needed for sleeping and several rooms had been cleared out for him which were otherwise occupied by goats or people (pp 26-28).

06.07.1838

06.07.1838

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28 pages