The Harvard African Expedition Book 1: July 22, 1926
Creator
Loring WhitmanDate
7/22/26Transcription
Thur. July 22nd
Rain this morning which spoiled our going up to Mt Barclay for movies. I got everything packed – Developing outfits – films – clothes etc. leaving out only clot enough for today and for tonights dinner at the Mansion. And then when I was through our plans were once more changed and I find that I am not to go until next Tuesday. The main reason is because the national holiday is on a monday and we want pictures of that. And too, Mr. Ross couldn’t go up the Du with us so that Dr. Strong decided that he would wait over. So now I must unpack again and settle down.
Toward noon the sun came out and so that I was able to make a few sun prints of some of the negatives that I have developed.
In the afternoon Hal & I went forth with cameras to see what we could see. We “shot” various scenes along the waterfront showing the busiest section of the town. And whenever I had to change films we always had a crowd around us peering over our shoulders to see what funny machinery we had. On our way home we stopped at the post office where we got about 2.50 worth of stamps for souvenirs varying from .01-.50 each. And we stopped at the garage so that I could fill my cigaret lighter with gas before going into the bush.
As we were walking along the street a boy told us that Mr. Wharton wanted to see us so we dropped in at his office at the american legation. He told us that he had the permission from the president to issue us hunting licenses for the party which would be taken to the war Dept. in the AM. and then would be sent us in the course of the next year. Wharton is a very bright young chap – about 28 of a light tan color – still a district tar brush – who is in the american diplomatic service here. His wife by the way is coal black. After graduating from BU. he went to law school & then drifted into the consular office in Washington where he took the diplomatic exams. Being colored he has the Liberian post which is quite a jump on paper for a young chap altho it is a bit out of the way.
As it was raining we sat and talked with him for about an hour until it let up a bit. Then home to dress for the big affair. As Hal & I have extra white evening wear we outfitted Dr. Shattuck & Theiler. Dr Strong provided for all the rest – some with mess jackets – some with regular evening coats. And all of us with high wing collars. I tell you we were quite a gathering.
At about 800 Mr. Ross & Mr. Hines drove down to get us in two cars which was very fortunate as it was still showering. We arrived at the Mansion just on the hour and as we entered the band played in our honor. Then we were ushered into his Excellency’s presence where we found immeasurable blacks in full dress waiting to receive us. All in all there were about 36 people present, 17 whites – the rest black. Our 8 – Drs. Willis, Fuszek, Boney. Mr. Ross, & Hines, Mr. Clark & Mr. Bussell Dr. Woerly and another missionary chap whom I did not meet. Outside of the president and all the cabinet there were several people of educational standing in Liberia as well as the two colonels – David and McLean. After sitting or rather standing round for half an hour or so chatting with the different people we were ushered into the dining room – one by one – as if being led away to jail. I was seated between Wolo and col. McLean. Hal had Col Davis & the white missionary, Theiler had Mr. Bussel & a black. Dr Strong of course was between President King and Ex president Barclay. Mr. Clark was on the other side of the president. And so we were scattered.
As the president came in the band played the national anthem for which we all stood. Then the meal started. Soup – sauterne – salmon croquets – claret, meat & vegetables – port, Pie and ice cream – champagne. Then after a lon With each course the band played – anything from Yes sir she’s my baby and Last night on the back porch to the cavalleria Rusticana. Now when you realize that there was no band until 3 yrs. Ago and that now they can read music, you must admit that they are quite up and coming. But all the same it really was ghastly sounding to say the least. Good chords were rarer than dischords and the rendering was entirely their own. When you they played all conversation was forced to stop.
The speeches were four in number – The president started the ball rolling by a rather dull discourse on “Deeds not words” as the motto of President Coolidge and as the motto of Liberia and how our mission was going to live up to that and that the President (Cal) would be watching our progress with interest etc. Mr. Clark followed by saying that we thank the President (King) and all the Liberians for their assistance. This was followed by Ex President Barclay who rather inaccurately sketched the history of Harvard and how Greenleaf a Harvard graduate had helped them. Then came Dr. Strong who profusely thanked all for their invaluable assistance. He sketched the scope of our work mentioning yellow fever, Bilharzia (sighting including our patient) the nematode in the cocoa’palm, stressing the necessity of this work as a prevention against the future ravages as well as for commercial advantage.
We then went out on the porch and sat until on o clock twirling our thumbs or indulging in desultory conversation. I must admit I was glad when the chief got up and said good night all round. Raining hard.