Persons who have kept themselves informed through the public press of the condition of things in the Upper Nile region will be prepared for Mr. Ladd’s somewhat discouraging report of the state of the country. The Arab leader and prophet, Achmet, of whose successful rebellion the papers have from time to time given brief intimations, Mr. Ladd found to be dominating completely a portion of the very region in which the mission is to be located, and it was by Divine interposition that Mr. Ladd was enabled to explore so much of the territory and return safely. Intelligence of a startling character received at this date (July 8), shows that Achmet has achieved another victory over the Egyptian troops, more decisive than any heretofore won, involving the slaughter of 3,000 of the Egyptian forces, which must for the present, at least, annihilate the authority of the government in that whole region, while the condition of Egypt itself, likely to become the theatre of a terrible war, gives little promise that its authority can be speedily re-established in the remote provinces of the Soudan. A delay, therefore, is inevitable in our movements in Eastern Africa. In the meantime, as was originally planned, Mr. Ladd is endeavoring to marshal a new recruit of colored missionaries for the Mendi mission, and expects to accompany them thither at the close of the present wet season. * * * * * THE JOHN BROWN STEAMER. Some months ago we sent out our circulars to the Sunday-schools in our churches, asking for $10,000, to enable us to build this memorial steamer for mission work along the west coast, and up and down the rivers, in that portion of the “Dark Continent” where there are no roads, and no beasts of burden, no horses, no camels, no oxen, not even mules. The need is great. The steamer will save time, toil, and human life. Inquiries come to us respecting the success of our appeal. We are glad to answer: At this date, July 5, we have received $5,524 for the steamer, and some pledges are yet unpaid. We are also receiving additional remittances almost every day, and believe that the amount needed will ultimately be realized. But we are anxious to hasten the matter. Rev. Mr. Ladd has just returned from his exploring tour in Eastern tropical Africa, and proposes to visit our Mendi Mission in Western Africa (for which this steamer is intended) as soon as the rainy season is over. We ought to have the full amount for the steamer by September 1. A good friend, in sending some money, says:—“Why moves the cause so slowly? In looking over the list of donations, I am pleased and grieved; pleased that so many are interested to give—grieved that so few special donations for this very important object are made.