Think I will be able in a few days to get it off and several other things that are in the R. R. Station. I went down to S. S. Edward Bohlen & there Mr. Clippingdale w'd have me ride in his boat down to the Mission. He sent out and borrowed Mr. Harvey's overcoat for me, as it was raining. When I got to the Mission I found there a Sweedish friend who sailed all the way from Antwerp to Boma with us. He was on his way to the upper Congo. Morrison will go with him as far as Tumba, and may be farther. Now I bid you good night and as God has blessed me thus far I put all my trust in Him to carry me through in safety all the way. By the way - there was a man of the R. R. Employ who died today at 12 o'clock and was buried this p.m. Cause of his death, as is the cause of many, too much booze -- too much drinking. He was on a big spree several nights ago and died from the effects. May the Holy Spirit deliver this country from drink.

Tuesday, Jan. 12 - 1897
Arising early this a.m. Morrison, Dr. Alderstharti, Lagerin and myself went up to Matadi, and after looking around some with Morrison he finaly purchased some cloth to make a cover for his Helmet. Then we went down to the S.S. Boma where he purchased some more things. Then we came down to the station and dinner was ready so we dined and at 2:30 o'clock I had to go to the P.O. and answer to a telephone message from Phipps. Oh! You should have heard the cracking. You see the sun is so hot that it effects the wires in the p.m. At any rate I managed to get the message & all went well. I then went over to the S.S. Edward Bohlen on which S.S. was our goods and we found them all except 2 packages. We had to carry them to the station (depot) the afternoon before the train leaves, it runs every other day - and as Bro. Morrison is desirous of going to Tumba tomorrow it is necessary to get all the goods off with him. We are allowed to carry about a ton of stuff with each passenger provided there is room - not free however. You are only allowed 220 lbs baggage, all over is excess. After hard work, the hardest was looking at the darkies work, for they are the slowest mortals on earth and dull of comprehension. We got all but 2 packages off to the depot. We then came home and had supper & Bro. M. prepared for his journey. Now good night.
