In the beginning of February 1852, King Archibong of Duke Town died, and the association of “blood men” again appeared. During his illness, the brethren there, Mr. Goldie and Mr. Anderson, visited him with the word of the Lord; but he heard it with apathy—his recovery engrossing his whole attention. The means used for this object were, indeed, in the eyes of reason, little adapted to promote it; but they were all that native skill could suggest. The putrifying bodies of fowl and goats, in different parts of his premises, poisoned the atmosphere. He owned at length that they were useless; and in answer to the missionary's admonitions about his soul, and trusting to Christ, had them removed.

His mother, Obúma by name, sometimes called Mrs. Archibong, from her prominence and influence, became still more distinguished at that time, and seemed to reign as queen of the town. Attributing his death, as usual, to witchcraft, she began to make his wives and others “chop nut;” and it was said also that she had broken the new law by the death of many slaves. Mr. Young, though taking part with her in administering the fatal test, most solemnly assured the missionaries that no one had in any way been put to death for the deceased King.

The town was soon filled with bands of armed men from the plantations, who came to avenge the death of their “father.”