Boma

Friday, Jan. 1st 1897
A late rise. Somewhat drowsy after the New Years watch. Had a short walk with Wescott. Bot a good sun umbrella. Came back to the ship and remained there until 3 p.m. when I wended my way to Mr. Stanley's where after a little advice as to Mr. S's treatment Miss Wilmot and I had a very nice walk and met the funeral procession of a priest who had died the day before. A crowd of boys -about 100 or more all repeating "Pater Noster" & "Ava Marie" as they went to the grave. After repeating the above several times by the presiding priest, and when the coffin was let down into the grave, one of the soldiers, native, threw a shovel of earth on the coffin and all the men then took turns in touching the shovel when the soldiers threw in the earth. I then saw Miss W. back to the mission and returned to the ship. Armstrong stayed all night with Bro. Stanly and treated his fever. After prayers I tried to sleep but moskitos were numerous and somewhat disturbed my slumber.

Sat. Jan 2nd 1897
Not feeling well, slept rather late, but went thro the day very well. Wescott & I had a very nice walk around some fine promenades and thro some gardens up by the Catholic church the priest house the Catholic mission and the Governor's house and back again to the ship. Then in the p.m. Morrison and I went to see the Gov. but he being not at home we were ushered into the presence of the vice Gov. who received us very cordially. Our bus. was to meet him and also to get information concerning carriers. But as I has previously supposed that was left with "Mr Mathys, chief de poste a Tumba," and I will confer with that gentleman when I get there. Then we went by the Mission & saw Mr. Stanley who was very much better.|N.B. On the previous evening however, Morrison Wescott & myself went visiting on a little boat that runs the river in connexion with Bishop Taylor's Mission. We found Messers. White Bros very fine Gentlemen. One of them born in Michigan and the other in northern N. Y. They were having prayers with their crew of native boys six in no. and had it in Congo Language. After the reading and a few songs in the native lang. one of the boys lead in prayer in the native tongue & I followed in English and then we closed with the lords prayer in concert. We were then treated to some "Lime aid" (not Lemon) and when we took our dep
