James L. Mackey letter, 1852 Oct. 23.

Collection comprises a letter (8 pgs.) Mackey sent to Mrs. Betsy Davis, detailing conditions of missionary life in West Africa. He describes housing, diet, living conditions, missionary activities (including Isabella Mackey's work), and attitudes toward local inhabitants.

Biographical sketch: Missionary of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions at Corisco (Island), Western Africa, now part of Equitorial Guinea. Mackey was married to Elizabeth Blair in 1849. They arrived in Gabon in 1850. Elizabeth died in Gabon that year, prior to their establishing the Corisco mission. Mackey later married missionary Isabella (possibly Sweeney). Mackey died in New London, Pa., on 30 April 1867, at the age of 48, of consumption. Isabella died in New London, Pa., on 25 April 1872, at the age of 62.