The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-07-07
Colombia Mission.
.ETTER FROM REV. H B. PRATT.

BARRANQUILLA, May IL, 1869.
In Gods mercy, we reached our destination last
Friday, in the enjoyment OF very fair health. We
had to make four trans shipments between Rich.
mond and Barranquilla--each of which was trou-
besome and expensive; but that is all done now.
We spent two or three days in Aspnwall--a most
wretched pace-and two or three in Santa Martha.
did not write then, as there was to be no steamer
for Aspinwall before the 10th inst, for which am
writing now. We had our first rain-not heavy
one-yesterday, as the rains are late setting in.
Save arrived in good time Every thing is very
dry, however, and parched, as there has been no
rain in eight months-by no means so dry, though,
as you would suppose; enough so to make every
thing very dear, much above the usual rates.
Captain Chapman met US at the boat with his
horse and carriage, and brought us up to the hotel
where we still are He took house for us the
month of April but hearing nothing definite as to
our coming he gave it up, having paid one months
rent. The house has been rented by another par
ty, or we would have retaken it. 1t is a thatch
house 1.-THE coolest of ally of one story, but in a
good state of repair, at SIC per month. 1t has
wide corridor, Fifteen or twenty feet wide,l where
we could hold our services free from the annoyance
of noise in the street. but it is far from central in
its postion-so much so as to form serious OBJ
lection Therefore we regret the loss of it the
less. Houses are dear and hard to get being in
gTedU
Yesterday we got nurse and general help,
probably the best to be had in town, in whose
charge we will not fear to leave the house and
children when we both wish to 60 out-no small
good fortune and to-day Captain Chapman, after
busying himself about us for four days, offered US,
with the consent of his partner Mr.. Martinez,
cottage with ample grounds attached, free of rent
till we could find house to suit us, or as long
we please to occupy it. We (Nlrs. 2. and L.
visited it this morning, and were greatly pleased
with it and as it is only ten minutes walk flor
herr from the heart of the town, would rent the
place and remain there permanently, lat SIS per
MONTH if only there were hall of any kind to be
rented for our services. Mr.. Wallace has for
many years been living at much greater distance
from the central part of Bogota The people here,
however, fear five or ten minutes walk In the sun
far more than death and perdition. Until we get
a suitable place of our own, we are to hold service
at Mr. Hoyers, a naturaized American citizen.
The number of English and Americans is much
less than | supposed only eight or ten of them
have families-which I do not regret. The Jews,
believe, outnumber them all. For some reason
which cannot Ii ,i.U, Ghe foyv ENGLISH here have
showed us no attentions whatever. [ have as yet
heard nothing of any subscription to aid in setting
UP and supporting missionary. But | am sure
we shall receive much kindness from most of the
foreign Protestant families here. Captain Chap
has already uSuluSulSueu HlLlSelI III tnlS ROOu
work. The climate is not so trying as | supposed;
but we have not yet proved its effects
We had no service on Sunday. | attended
mass. and found the attendance less than | have
often seen in my little church at Hilsboro They
said it was better than common There is but
this one parish church to population of twelve or
fifteen thousand. Popery is badly run down here
Nav this be IAN acceptable time and day of sal
walton" in which have come Foreigners and
everybody else open their Offices and stores, (even
our friend Chapman as on any other day. Pray
for us.
the building of chapel, whenever needed The
church of aSan Rogue, built by the excommuni.
Gated priest, Ruiz, (who has long since submitted
himself to the Bishop of Carthagena,) has for
many years been shut up, and still is so. The
church is not central nor is its position desirable
for our purpose-at present, at least. But it &C.
ours to me that after some months or weeks of
English preaching it will be well to hire it for our
Spanish services if it can be had 1t is not eccle-
siastical property, but belongs to the town. The
Governor told me- if the Bishop would not conse-
crate and use it, he would convert it into hospi-
tai. It could not now be built for less than $l2.
600 of our money.-From Tile Missionary.