1884.] From the Zambesi to Benguella. 113 
EVIL COUNSELS DEFEATED, 
The following is a copy of a letter which I sent to Mr. Sanders 
on reaching Bailundu, telling of the changed state of affairs, with 
which he was unacquainted when he wrote as above from 
Benguella : 
Bailundu, July i^th. 
"You will be somewhat surprised to get this letter dated from 
Bailundu. A few words, however, will serve to explain. I am engaged 
in the same work as you are, and have been for two years at the 
Zambesi River, and have just come from there in company with 
Senhor Porto, of Bihd I sent off a letter at once to Bailundu, but 
my messenger came back with my letter, and bad news as to the 
missionaries. Not understanding what had become of you all, I 
started at once with a few men, hoping that I might be of some 
service to you, and brought a letter from Senhor Porto for the chief 
of Bailundu. My heart was sad when I came and found things as 
they are, and also because of the shameful conduct of the trader who 
was the cause of your expulsion. 
" Chikulo, at whose town I am lodging, said he was glad I had 
come, as they were in a dilemma, and did not know what to do, or 
whether the trader's words were true or false. I told him how indig- 
nant Senhor Porto was at their conduct, and said that unless the 
missionaries were brought back at once, and all their goods restored 
to them, it would be a serious matter in the eyes of the white chiefs. 
He said it was his desire to bring you all back. 
" Just then the trader's hammock came along. He was on his way 
to Bihd. Chikulo called him in. I explained to him my errand here, 
and asked him to say there and then what charge he had against the 
Americans. I never saw a man appear more guilty as he muttered 
out, ' I thought these men were Jews^ and not Christian missionaries.' 
I said he would have to make known his mistake to Chikulo and the 
assembled headmen. He did so, and told them he was satisfied from 
what I had said that these men were harmless. 
"All the Bailundu present expressed loudly their indignation at the 
way the trader had robbed them of their white men, who were their 
friends. They put the entire blame upon the trader. All your scholars 
gave me a warm welcome, bringing loads of books, etc., belonging to 
you for my inspection. I told them to take care of them till your 
return. The purport of this letter is to tell you in Chikulo's name to 
come back to your houses and goods. The Bailundu have nothing 
against you. If you should think fit to go on to Bihe, Senhor Porto 
will welcome you heartily. He says that the old house of Baptista, at 
Belmonte, is at your disposal. I also saw the chief of Bihe, who says 
he is sorry you left the country, and hopes you will soon return. 
I 
