CHAPTER XV.
a.d. 1837—1840.
Finding his work greatly hindered by secret influences in Madras, and hearing that Chittoor, a civil station, ninety-six miles foom the Presidency, had no missionary, Mr. Groves purchased a house there, on reasonable terms, and in July, 1837, removed thither with his missionary family, which now contained only three of those who had left England with himself and his wife. One of the Swiss ladies had been obliged to return to Europe, from ill health, but the other, Mlle. Dubois, remained, and assisted Miss Groves in the native girls’ school. Her services were greatly prized by Mrs. Groves; Dr. Gundert and Mr. Baynes superintended the work among the natives, and continued for some years Mr. Groves’s helpers. This was an interesting period in his missionary life. They frequently visited Arcot, which then contained two cavalry regiments, also Vellore; and they made monthly mission tours, so that tidings from the villages often refreshed the hearts of those at home. They had also two native helpers named Andrew and Aroolappen, and during these years a hundred children were fed, clothed, and instructed in the boys’ and girls’ schools. Several of the European residents at Chittoor were also awakened and turned to the Lord, through Mr. Groves’s ministry.
“The subject of a self-supporting mission was at this time occupying many minds, and Mr. Groves had much correspond-
