Liberia, Monrovia 29 Aug 1834. Dateline on 2-page folded missionary letter to Providence, Va. initially addressed to New York, entered the U.S mails with red "Phila., Mar 23" octagon date stamp and manuscript "18¾" rate, letter written by Rev. J.F.C. Finley in thee parts with initial docketing regarding the poor health of brother Pinney and not being able to commence a school and that the Massachusetts Society had been making inquiries into opening a school, with Finley preferring a school located near Millsburg, second part datelined "Millsburg L. 17 Sep 1834" regarding the start of a school around Caldwell and Millsburg, third part datelined "Millsburg 10 Oct 1834" regarding a Rev Richard Boone and…obtaining the freedom of his wife and children who where slaves in Huntsville, Ala., urging the sending of the next missionaries and emigrants directly to Millsburg; minor erosion in crossed out portion of address panel, otherwise Very Fine, a interesting and historic early letter from both Monrovia and Millsburg. Estimate  $500 - 750. Rev. Josiah F.C. Finley was a graduate of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton) in 1828 and son of Rev. Robert Finley - a founder of the American Colonization Society. Finley joined Pinney in September 1834 as superintendent of schools in Monrovia. He built a mission house and started a small farm. However, in October 1835, he returned to America. Finley later returned to Liberia in 1837, supervising emigrants sponsored by the Mississippi State Colonization Society. He served as Governor of the Colony of Mississippi on the Sinoe river. Reportedly, Finley was murdered on September 10, 1838 in Liberia. $0 (Image)