University of Virginia Library

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February 4, 1857 from Mary Michie to Dr. James H. Minor

It affords me great pleasure to have
this opportunity to address a letter to you. In the
midst of danger & death, while we could discern
nothing above, & around us but the blue canopy
of heaven, & under ous the deep, deep blue sea,
we we were Providentially cared for, and bless
to reach this our destined port, Monrovia. I am
much pleased with this place inded, Monrovia is
nearly as large as Charlotsville and has some
fine houses in it. The people here are very genteel.
I thought to find things different, and that
we would have to enlighten tha people, but
I find that we need teaching ourselves. There
was not a death during the passage out, and
up to this date all our folks are well, and
very well satisfied indeed. For myself, I would
not go back to America no how. I leave
to day for to go up the St Pauls river and see
how it looks up there: and when I have got
a better knowledge of the Country, I want to
write you all about: so as you may be informed
and others through you how & what the
country is.

I expect to live in Monrovia, and I

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I beg to assure you that I have not experienced as
warm a day yet in Liberia as I have generally ex
perienced in the Summer in America, and this is the
Summer season in Liberia. Just as soon as I can,
I want to send you some Coffee from this country.

Since I have been here, I came across one mem
ber of the Paxton family who came to Liberia some
years ago, you may know something about them.
they came of from the Carr family, Mr James O.
Carr I think will have some knowledge of this family
if you will mention it to him. The young man's
name is John Henry Paxton, was but an infant
when brought to this country, and is anxious to
hear from his friends; he had an Aunt he says
as his mother Huldah Paxton told him, that lived
in Boucher Carr's family. Please direct our let
ters to his care as Post Master General.[1]

Give my love to Mrs Minor, and the children
and also receive a great portion for yourself, as well
as the fulness of a greatful heart for the kindness of your
dear unkle in emmancipating us, and your kind
ness in endeavoring to carry out his wishes & providing
for us. My family all join in love to you. Give our love
to all the colored folks, tell them how well we are
and how pleased we are with the country. Fowls

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of the same kind as you have among you are here,
hogs, sheep, goats, Cows &c Potatoes Yams, plan
tains, bananas, cassada, Rice, eddoes, tomatoes &
vegetables of all kinds suited to tropical climates
grow here. Our love to your dear children

I am your obedent servant

Mary Mickey

To
Dr. James H. Minor