Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1841-03-31
Letter from the Teacher Of the africans.
NEW-HAvEN, March 9th, l84I.

Dear Sir-Your note requesting me 10
forward you Information, concerning the
Amistad captives, was received this after
noon, and | hasten to comply with your
request, so far as it lies iii my power.
Ii IS about five months since COM
menced instructing them, and what shall!
communicate will OF course be limited to
that period, With regard TO intellectual
progress, proficiency in study, &c. they
| are divided into classes. The first class
! of IL, since have been with them, have
read the four Gospels, and 10 chapters of
Acls. They then commenced again and
have proceeded as far as the 10Th chapter
Of Luke, in the review. The interest
which they manifest in this history, their
Eanxietv to understand the meaning OF
| words, and the avidity with which they
ldrink in truth, can scarcely be realized by
one who has not been present at their ex-
ercises. They are very fond of reading
when am not with them, and have read
many parts of the Bible in my absence.
Their other exercises are writing, sing
ing, spelling in Websler's spelling book,
and easy exercises in mental arithmetic.
Their improvement in writing has been
very rapid, and when we consider the ma
ture OF their former employments, their
use of the pen is wonderful. The writing
of the boy, Ka-le, in photography and
chirography, would not suffer in compar-
lson with that of any American youth of
his age. They have a good taste for
singing, and learn tunes readily
I n ,laee 49,, 80, 4 /, n E Il
Lovell's First Reader, the second time,
and the same in Webster's Spelling Book.
They learn TO write on the black aboard
and slate. Their other exercises are sim
liar to the preceding. The remaining
class are pursuing The same course.
Their whole souls are absorbed in their
studies, to which they give their undivid-
ed attention. They are the most attentive
pupils | ever saw, and never get tired oil
/ learning. They are very inquistive, and
manifest great joy when they gain new
idea. Thev are affectionate, grateful, and
warm in their attachment. They often
, follow out train of reasoning, in their
way, which would do credit 10 a profess
ed !ogician. In this way they illustrate
points, which otherwise their imperfect
: knowledge ofour languale would prevent
their doing forcibly. ] will give you an
example. | one day said to them
When you go back to Mendi you viii
forget America people, and forget allihey
have told you.n They all with much
earnestness said, No, no. FouIe said
(pointing to Lehigh-coal fire, MIR
! Booth, your hand in that fire, you cam
gel y out Grabeau come pull it out
!. you forget Grabeau2 No, we no forge
America people" They have a grea
(. hortor OF taisehood. and oftheft in its mos
: minute form. They are very devout /
IS interesting and affecting to witness thei
: devOtions. When any one leads in prayer
I they kneel, and with closed ewes and CLASH
y ed hands they remain evidently enraoe,
, in spirit. in each petition, till i: closes
e As an evidence of their horror Of theft
asked one ofthem one dav, "If a ba,
Q man should threaten bis life with pisto
! If be did not engage 10 certain robber
e with him, l. it would not be better TO stea
!. than to Lose his life p He said, /" No.
Idle" | put the question to Cinqu,