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THE
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AFRICAN REPOSITORY,
AND
COLONIAL JOURNAL.
VOL. 24, 1848.
PUBLISHED M 0 N 'r H L Y ,
BY THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY, AT $1 50 PER YEAR, IN ADVANCE, WHEN SENT BY MAIL, OR .$2 IF NOT PAID TILL AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF SIX MONTHS, OR WHEN DELIVERED TO SUBSCRIBERS IN CITIES.
WASHINGTON;
C. ALEXANDER, PRINTER,
NEAR WAR AND NAVY DEPARTMENTS.
1 848,
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INDEX
TO THE
TWENTY-FOUBTH VOLUME OF THE AFRICAN REPOSITORY.
A.
PAGE.
Address of John A. McCIung, Esq., to
tli3 Kentucky Col. Society 133
Address to the Colored Pcojile of Ohio. 168 Afiican Colonization, sentiments in
London on 46
African Colonization, expedition by the “ Colonel Howard” from Savan- nah, Geo 162
African Colonization, its prospects. . .305
African Mission 63
Aliica as a Missionary Field — Rev. J.
L. Wilson’s opinions of 364
Africa, lavorable itidications for 364
Africans, native • 316
Afi ican races and languages 40
Alfican Slave Trade 338
• Superstition 373
Agriculture, Report on 182
, Report of Committee on. 204
on the St. John’s river.. 282
in Liberia 350
American Col. Society, Thirty-first
Annual Report of the 65
American Col. Society, To the Minis- ters of the Gospel in the Southern
States 163
Anniversary of American Col. Society,
notice of '. . . . 30
Anniversary of the New York Colo- nization Society 164
Anniversary, the twenty- second, of Green County Col. Society, Ohio.. 310
An instructive thought 274
Annual Meeting of the American Col.
Society, the 31st 70
Annual Meeting, resolution by Hon.
Thomas Corwin 88
Annual Meeting, resolution offered by
Rev. Prof. Blown 83
Annual Meeting, olficers of the Society
elected for 1848 88
Annual Meeting, Hon. Henry Clay
elected President 88
Annual Meeting of the American Col.
Society, 31st 33
Annual Meeting, resolution offered by Hon. Wm. L, Dayton 79
A.
PAGE.
Annual Meeting, address'by Hon.H.
Clay 80
Annual Meeting of the Mass. Col. So- ciety, and Report, the seventh 225
An oration, by Rev. Jas. S. Payne. . . 18 Appeal in behalf of African Coloniza- tion, by Rev. Ur. Humphrey 156
Appeal in behalf of African Coloniza- • tion, by the Penn. Col. Society. .. .215 Appeal to the Humane, by the Indiana
Col. Society' 234
Appleton, Hon. Nathan, Letter on Co- lonization 280
Arrival of the Liberia Packet. . . .97, 286 Arrival ol the barque “NehemiatiRich” with emigrants from New Orleans,
at Monrovia 161
Arrival of the brig “Amazon,” with emigrants from Baltimore, at Mon- rovia 161
Arrival of emigrants in Liberia by the
“ Nehemiah Rich.” 23
Arrival from Liberia, Presid’t Roberts
and others 222
Arrival of the Madonna from Liberia. 244 Arrival of vessels at Monrovia.. .248, 284 Articles of Agreement between the American Col. Society and the Re- public of Liberia 2.57
A remaikabli! and candid declaration. 220
A slaver captured 251
Auxiliary Col. Soc. in Memphis, Tenn. 271
B.
Barbadoes Colonization Society 240
Baltimore, George H., letter from, re- specting Liberia 149
Ben.son, S. A., Bassa Cove, letter from. 357 Board of Directors of Am. Col. Socie- ty, proceedings of 89
, olficers of the Board elected.. 91
, resolution of thanks to Hon. R.
C. Winthrop 91
, resolution of thanks to Hon.
Henry Clay 91
, resolution on the subject of the
recaptured Africans 91
iy
INDEX.
B.
PAGE.
Board ofDirectors, resolution tendering
congratulations to the people of Li- beria 91
, resolution reciprocating the
kindly expressed regards of the Con- vention of Liberia 91
, resolution approving of 12th
and 16th sections of the 5th article of the Constitution of the Republic.. 91
, resolution recommending the
several auxiliary societies to increase
their contributions 92
, resolution to meet on the third
Tuesday of January, 1849 92
C.
Capt. Mercer’s letter to Mr. Cresson
respecting Liberia 239
Celebration of 24th of Aug. 1847 14, 57
Central Africa, progress ot discovery in 56 Christy, David, his address to the Co- lored People of Ohio 168
Churches, recent addition of members. 234 Citizens of Liberia in the U. States.. 259 Circular for the 4th of July — New
York Col. Soc 187
Clay, lion. Henry, elected President
of the Am. Col. Society 88
Coast of Africa squadron 54
Colored People of Ohio, address to the. 168 Complimentary address to President
Roberts 273
Colored People in Ohio 314
Colonization Meeting in Shawnee-
Prairie, Indiana 349
Colonization 63, 280
, ceitain cavillings against
replied to 117
Colonization, objects of the friends of. 126 Colonization in Illinois — Rev. Mr. Ball
to visit Liberia 1-58
Colonization in Western New york..3<i9
and Missions 231
, white missionaries and
colored inissionaries 232
Colonization and .Missions — the best
Fields for missionaiy labors 232
Colonization and Missions — value of colonies, as furnishing missionary
laborers 233
Colonization and Missions — intluence of pious families on the Heathen. . .233 Colonization and Missions — conver- sion of recaptured Afiicans 234
Colonization and Missions — recent ad- ditions to tlie churches 234
Colonization Society in Barhadoes. . . .240 Colonization meeting in New York. .254
, Iruits of 296
and gradual emancipation.322
, missionary support 341
371
C.
FACE.
Colonization in New England 376
Collections by Rev. John B. Pinney, agent of the N. Y. State Col. Soc.. .316
Coffee 282, 286, 349, 3-50
Connecticut, equal suffrage in 208
Commercial Agent at Monrovia, Li- beria— Dr. J. W. Lugenbeel 158
Constitution of the Republic of Liberia. 1 , remarks on the Constitu- tion by the Editor of Liberia Herald. 13 Constitution of the Memphis (Tenn.)
Colonization Society 272
Conversion of recaptured Africans. . .234 Contemplated expedition from Savan- nah, Geo 93
Curiosity of the Natives of Africa on seeing a clock 30
D.
Death of Judge Wilkeson 253
Death of Mrs. Roger M. Sherman.. . .274 Declaration of the Independence of the
Re|)ublic of Liberia 1
Delegates from Kentucky to Liberia,
their 1st report 314
Departure of the “Nehemiah Rich.”. .244 Departiue of vessels from Monrovia. .248 Departure of vessels from the port ol
Monrovia 284
Departure of the Liberia Packet 307
Desperation of Slavers 207
Despatches from Liberia 251
Diversity of sentiment 23
Donations received by Rev. John B. Pinney, agent of the N. Y. State Col. Society, from 1st June to 31st
August, 1848 316
Drayton, Elder Boston J., elected Pas- tor of the Providence Bapt. Ch..283, 285
E.
Ecclesiastical action 368
Ellis, Rev. H. W., letter from, his ar- rival ill Liberia 151
Emigrants, outlit for 117
bv the “Col. Howard,”
from Savannah, Geo 188
Emigrants, arrival of, in Liberia, by the Nehemiah Rich and the z\mazon.221 Emigrants for Liberia from N. Orleans. 313
, list of, by the Liberia
Packet, Sept. 6, 1848 315
Equal sulfrage in Connecticut 208
Erratum 95
Expedition for Liberia, next 53
, the late, from N.Oileans. 59
from Savannah, Geo., con- templated 93
Expedition, our last, by the Amazon. 94
, our next, from Balt.. .95, 127
from Savannah, Geo. bj'
the “Col. Howard.” 162, 188
INDEX.
V
E.
PAGE.
Expedition, our next, from Baltimore
and New Orleans 381
Expedition by the Liberia Packet,
April 11th, 1848 153
Extract of a letter from a clergyman in North Carolina.... 243
F.
Fourth of July collections 163
Fruits of Colonization 296
Funds wanted immediately 353
G,
Genessee Annual Conference Metho- dist Epis. Church, resolutions of. . .368
Greenville and Blue Barre 156
Great curiosity — a Bushman 157
H.
Health of Missionaries 99
Health of the late emigrants 251
Hening, Rev. E. W.. extract from his
Journal — African superstition 373
Hepburn J. B. letter to President Ro- berts .298
Hepburn J. B. letter respecting Li- beria 299
Hodgkin, Dr., letter to Mr. Cresson. .2)4
Hope for Africa 1.56
Howard, Mrs. P. letter from 348
H ymns sung at the celebration on the 21th August, 1847 57
I.
Illinois — Rev. Mr. Ball, agent to Li- beria L58
Inaugural address of President Roberts. 120 Indiana Col. Soc. — appeal to the hu- mane 234
Influence of pious families on the hea- then 233
Indiana-Colonization meeting in Shaw- nee Prairie... i....349
Independence of Liberia acknowledg- ed by England and France 380
Information aboiitgoing to Liberia. . . 107
Inhuman sacrifice — horrible 206
Items of intelligence from the Liberia
Herald 221, 144
Itemsof intelligence, noticesof Liberia
colfee, Stc 349
Intelligence, late, from Liberia. 263, 283, 53, 244, 355
, Items of, colored race —
Republic of Liberia 62
Intidligence — Colonization — African
missions 63
Intelligence, items of, hope for Africa — Blue Barre and Greenville — Me- thodist Episcopal mission among the colored people of the South — Great curiosity — Colonization in Illinois. .156
Jones, S. Wesly, letters from . . . .268, 270
K.
Kavanaugh, Rev. B. T. resignation of
the 150
Kentucky State Colonization Solely.
annual meeting of the 129
Kentucky State Colonization Society,
officers of the Society elect 132
Kentucky State Colonization Society,
Hon. R. P. Letcher, President 132
Kentucky State Colonization Society,
vice Presidents 133
Kentucky State Colonization Society,
Treasurer, Edmund H. Taylor 133
Kentucky State Colonization Society,
Secretary, Henry Wingate 1S3
Kentucky State Colonization Society, address of John A. McClung Esq... 133
L.
Laws enacted by the Legislature of
Liberia in 1848 325
Legislature — names of the members of
the Legislative body 97
Legislature of the Republic of Idberia,
first meeting of the 97
Jjetterliom George H. Boston, re- specting Liberia 149
Letters from a colored man in Ala. 268, 270 Letter from Dr. Hodgkin, to Mr.
Cresson 214
Letter from Martin Farquhar Tupper
to Mr. Cresson 219
Letter from .A,lphonso M. Sumner, a
colored man 243
Letters from Dr. J. W. Lugenbeel. . .3 ■.
103, 209, 263, 3.V)
Letter from Richard E. Murray 26ii
from Henry J. Roberts, M. D.266
from James Moore 268
from S. Wesly Jones 268, 270
from Rev. John McCampbell,
D. D 270
Letter from James Williamson 271
, complimentary, to President
Robsrt.o, Ifom the Liberia Associ- ation, Charleston, S. Carolina 203
Lettt-r from John B. Hepburn to Presi- dent Roberts 298
Letter from John B. Hepburn respect- ing Liberia 299
Letter from S. G. Letcher in relation
to Liberia 302
Letter from James Wrial, alias James Wrial Starkey, a slave, wants aid to
purchase his freedom 304
Letter from !Mrs. P. Howard, Spring-
field, Mass 348
Letter- from J. D. Young, Princeton
Theological Seminary .348
Letter fr om the west coast of Africa. .350
VI
INDEX.
L.
PAGE.
Letter from North Carolina — from A.
H. D., relative to the purchase of lands in Liberia for emigrants from
Ohio 370
Letter from Frederick Goodwin — Af-
ricar^uperstition 373
Lewis, Gen. J. N., letters from 106
151, 152, 212, 357
Liberia, Independence of, acknowledg- ed by England and France 380
Liberia, late from, letter from Gov.
Roberts... 34
Liberia, medical books for 40
, next expedition for 55
, intelligence fi’om 263, 278
, information about going to.. .107
■ , common objections to going
to, answered 115 ,
Liberia, pray lor 127
, population of. 127
, sugar 282
, colfee 282, 286, 34!), 350, 308
Liberia Packet, arrival of the, 97, 283, 286
, emigrants by the, April
1 1, 1348, list of. 153
Liberia, legislation in 325
Liberia Packet, departure of the. Sept.
6, 1818 307
Liberalitj' 152
List of passengers per brig “ Col.
Howard,” from Savannah, Georgia . 188 Inigenbeel, Ur. Jas. W., letters from. 35, 103, 209, 263, 355
Lugenbeel, Dr. James W. — religion
among the Congoes by the Pons — 37 Lugenbeel, appointed commercial agent at Monrovia 158
M.
N.
PAGE.
Native enterprise 99
Native Africans 316
New Cess, Gov. Roberts’ correspon- dence about 101
New Cesters 205
New York Col.Soc., anniversary of the. 164 New York agency 222
New York Col. Society, meeting of, to hear statements from Rev. Messrs. Payne, Russell and Wilson, and President Roberts, and Mr. Harris, of the present condition of Liberia. 237
Next expedition from Baltimore 127
Notice of the anniversary of American Colonization Society 30
O.
Objections to going to Liberia answer- ed 115
Officers of the Am. Col. Soc. elected
for 1848. 88
Ohio — her jiosition in relation to the free colored population of the LT. S. and her interest in sustaining the
Republic of Liberia 177
Ohio — twenty-second anniversary of
Greene County Col. Society 310
Ohio, colored people in 314
Oration, by Rev. James S. Payne. ... 18 Origin and progress of the North
American Slave Trade.. 51
Our foreign affairs 246
Our last expedition by the Amazon.. . 94 Our late expedition from Savannah,
Ga. by the “Col. Howard” 162
Our next expedition from Baltimore.. 95
Our present necessities 92
Outfit lor emigrants 119
McCampbcll, Rev. John, D. D., letter
from 270
McLain, Rev. Win., elected Secretary
and Treasurer 91
Marriage 95
Massachusetts Colonization Society,
7th annual report 225
Medical books for Liberia 49
Members of the first Legislature' of the
Republic of Liberia 97
Memphis, Tenn., Auxiliary Coloniza- tion Society 272
Methodist Episcopal missions in Li- beria 293
Message of President Roberts 193
Methodist Effiscopal inissibii among
the colored people in the South 157
Missionaries, health ol 99
Missionaries, white and colored 232
Missionary support — Colonization. . .341
Moore, James, letter from 268
Movements among the colored people. 261 Murray, Richard £. letter from 268
P.
Passengers by the “Nehemiah Rich”. 244 PeniSsylvania — meeting at Pittsburg in relation to African Colonization and
the new Republic of Liberia 205
Pennsylvania Col. Soc. — appeal in
behalf of African Colonization 215
Pennsylvania — sympathy meeting in
Philadelphia 217
Philadelphia, sympathy meeting in. . .217 Pinney, Rev. John 13. agent New York State Col. Soc.-his collections.316
Population in Liberia 127
President Roberts’ Inaugural address.. 120
Message 193
and the Common
Council of New York 302
Pray for Liberia 127
Proceedings of the Board of Directors
Am. Col, Soc 89
Proceedings of a meeting in Washing- ton, Pa. in relation to Mr. Walker. 152
INDEX.
Vll
P.
PAGE
Presbytery of Nashville, Tenn., reso- lutions of, in relalion to colonization. 366 Progress of discovery in Central Af- rica 56
Purchase of Territory 183, 275
R.
Receipts and Expenditures of the Am.
Col. Society, for 18-17 90
Receipts of the A. C. S. from the 20th
Nov. to the 20th Dec. 1847 30
Receipts of the A. C. S. from the 20th Dec. 1847, to the 20th Jan. 1848. . . 63 Receipts of the A. C. S. from the 20th
Jan. to the 20th Feb. 1843 95
Receipts of the A. C. S. from the 20th
Feb. to the 20th March, 1848 127
Receipts of the A. C. S. frorh the 20th
March, to the 2Cth April, 1848 158
Receipts of the A. C. S. from the 20th
April, to the 20th May, 1848 191
Receipts of the A. C. S. from the 20th
May, to the 20th June, 1848 222
Receipts of the A. C. S. from the 20th
June, to the 20th July, 1848 255
Receipts of the A. C. S. from the 20th
July, to the 20th August. 1843 286
Receipts of the A. C. S.from the 20th
August, to the 2(ith Sept. 1818 317
Receipts of the A. C. S. ii om the 20th
Sept, to the 20th Oct. 1348 351
Receipts of the A. C. S. from the 20th
Oct. to the 20th Nov. 1848 383
Religion among the Congoes by the
“Pons” — Dr. Lugenbeel 37
Relations between the Am. Col. So- ciety and the Republic of Liberia. .257 Report of the Am. Col. Society, thir- ty-first annual 65
Report on agriculture 182, 204
of the Delegates from Kentucky
to Liberia 314
Report of committee on Agriculture. .204 Republic of Liberia, constitution ofthe. 1
, flag and seal ofthe 12
, remarks on the
constitution by the Editor of the Li- beria Herald 13
Republic of Liberia 62, 207, 236, 357,
359, 100, 177
Republic of Liberia — letter from Dr.
H. J. Roberts 357
Resignation ofthe Rev. B. T. Kavan-
atigh 150
Resolutions ofthe Board of Directors
ofthe Am. Col. Society 91, 92
Resolutions ofthe Synodof Virginia. .368
of the Genesee Annual
Conference ofthe Meth. E. Church. 368 Resolutions of the Presbytery of Nash- ville 369
Rice.. . ,245
R.
PAGE.
Roberts, Gov., letter from, and corres- pondence about New Cess 101
Roberts, President, and lamil}', airival
of, from Liberia 222
Robbery.*. 285
Roberts, H. J., M. D., letter from. . 266, 357
S.
Sacrifice, inhuman, horrible 206
Sailing of the Liberia Packet 307
Sentiments in London on African Co- lonization 46
Sketch of the improvement of Marshall. 249 Seventh annual report of the T.Iassa-
chusetts Col. Society 225
Slave Ttade, origin and progress of the
North American 51
Slave Trade at Little Cape IMount. . .250
Slavers, desperation of. 207
Slave steamers 350
Smith, Rev. E. A., letter from, rela- tive to Colonization 306
Squadron of the coast of Africa 54
Starkey, James Wrial, a slave, wants
aid to purchase his freedom 304
Sumner, Alphonso M., a colored man,
letter from 243
Synod of Virginia, resolutions of the.. 363
T.
Temperance in Liberia 180
Territory, purchase of 183
The Twenty-fourth of August, 1847. . 15 The late Expedition from N. Orleans. 59
The colored I ace 62
The r.iiberia Packet 93
The Republic of Liberia. . . 18, 19, 21, 62,
100, 177, 236, 357, 3-59
, Meeting at
Pittsburgh, Pa., to express the pub- lic sentiment in relation to African Colonization and the newly-estab- lished Republic of Liberia 207
The objects of the friends of Coloni- zation 126
The Madonna, arrival of, at N. York,
intelligence by her 244
The schooner Herold, of Hamburgh,
condemned 282
The barque “ Nehemiah Rich,” arrival
of, in Liberia 213
The best fields for missionary labor.. .232 The prospect of African Colonization. 305
The African Slave Trade 338
The Slave Trade — Mr. Wise’s corres- pondence 344
The Book of the Chronicles of the Declaration of the Independence of
Liberia 378
The close of the Volume .380
The present month 382
INDEX.
YIH
T. I
PACK.
Tliii"i}'-first Annual Meelinj; of the A.
Col. Society 33, 79
Thirty-first Annual Report of the Atn.
Col. Society 65
Thirty-first Anniversary of the Am.
Col. Society 79
Thirty-first Anniversary of the Am.
Col. Society — resolution otiered by
lion. Wra. AI. Drayton 79
Thirty-first Anniversary of the Am.
Cot. Society — address by lion. H.
Clay 80
Thirty-first Anniversary of the Am.
Col. Society — resolution offered by
Rev. Prof. Brown 88
Thirty-first Anniver.sary of the Am.
Col. Society — resolution offered b}^
Rev. Dr. Butler 88
Things which every emigrant to Libe- ria ought to know. Ill
T.
PAGE.
To the Reader-. 30-
Treasurer Am. Col. Society, accounts for 1847 90
Tupper, Martin Farquhar, letter to El- liot Cresson, Esq 219
V.
Value of Colonies as furnishing Mis- sionary laborers 233"
W.
Washington. Pa. meeting in — respect- ing Air. Walker 152
White Missionaries and colored Mis- sionaries 2.32
V/ilkeson, Judge Samuel, death of.. . .253.
Williamson, James, letter Irom 271
Y.
Young, J. D. letter from
.348
THE AFRICAN REPOSITORY,
AND
COLONIAL JOURNAL.
VoL. XXIV.] WASHINGTON, JULY, 1848. [No. 7.
[From Africa’* Luminary.]
® I) c p r 1 3 i 5 f n t ' 3 JH (_s s a 0 1 .
To the Senate and House of Representatives ■ of the Republic of Liberia.
Gentlemen: — It is with feelings of peculiar satisfaction that I meet the first Legislature of the Republic of Liberia ; and it affords me very sensible pleasure to congratulate you on the free, mild, and equal Govern- ment, which, in the wisdom of our fellow citizens, has just been estab- lished.
The people of Liberia, their representatives in Convention assem- bled, on the 29lh day of July last, solemnly declared the “ Common- wealth of Liberia a free, sovereign, and independent State,” — thereby dissolving the political connection liiiherto subsisting between them and the American Colonization Society. The decree, therefore, has gone forth, and thus has arisen in the world, and on this barbarous coast, a new empire, and independent Christian State, — styled the “ Republic of Liberia.”
While we anticipate the blessings, gentlemen, of a Government founded | on freedom, having for its object the happiness of the people ; it affords the most pleasing reflection that the Constitution framed by the late Con- vention— although not entirely per- fect, for no such thing is found among 13
men — has justly and equitably de- cided on most of the principal points whereon the happiness of the people of Liberia depends, and therefore has met with general approbation — indeed, it was adopted by nineteen- twentieths of the whole population. Upon so respectable and honorable a bottom the present Legislature is founded.
Gentlemen, it would be a pleasing task, indeed I should be exceedingly gratified to avail myself of the pre- sent occasion — to take a minute view of our new Constitution, to investi- gate its principles, and to remark upon the connection and use of it.s several parts ; to do so, however, would be a work of too great length to be proper at this time. I shall, therefore, confine myself to a few general remarks only respecting it.
In the first place, I would remark, that the reason and understanding of mankind, as well as the experience of all ages, confirm the truth of the proposition — that the benefits result- ing to individuals from a free Govern- ment, conduce much more to their happiness than the retaining of all their natura. rights in a state of na- ture. And these blessings are greater or less, as the form of Government,
194
The President's Message.
and the mode of exercising the su- preme power of the Slate, are more or less conformable to those princi- •plesof equal impartial liberty, which is the property of all men from their birth, as the gift of their Creator, — compared with the manners and ge- nius of the people ; their occupa- tions, customs, mode of thinking, situation, extent of country, and numbers. If the constitution and form of Government are wholly re- pugnant to those principles, wretch- j ed are the citizens pf that state. They [ have surrendered a portion of their! natural rights, the enjoyment of which was, in some degree, a bless- ing, and the consequence is, they iind themselves stripped of the re- mainder. In such a case, a state of nature is, perhaps, more preferable.
A.S in a state of natifre, however, much happiness cannot be enjoyed by individuals, it has been conform- able to the inclinations of almost all men, to enter into a political so- ciety, so constituted as to remove the inconveniences they were obliged to submit to in their former state, and at the same time, to retain all those natural rights, the enjoyment of which would be consistent with the nature of a free government, and the necessary subordination of the supreme power of the State.
But to determine what form of government, in any given case, will produce the greatest possible hap- piness to the citizens, is an arduous task, not to be compassed perhaps by any human powers. Some of the greatest geniuses and most learn- ed philosophers of all ages, impelled by their solicitude to promote the happiness of mankind, have nobly attempted it, and their labors have crowned them with immortality.
A republican form, however, is the only one consonant to the feel- tngs of the people of Liberia. A few remarks, therefore, with respect
[July,
j to those principles upon which all j republican Governments are founded, j and which must enter into the spirit I of a free republican constitution, j may not be out of place here, espe- ! dally as the idea of liberty and re- I publicanism has been held up in such j dazzling colors, that some among us may not fully understand it, and may not feel themselves bound to submit to that subordination neces- sary in the freest State.
Now.it is certain that all men are i born equally free, and the rights they possess at their births are equal and of the same kind. Some of those rights, however, are alienable, and may be parted with for an equivalent. Others are unalienable and inherent, and of that importance that nO equi- valent can be received in exchange for them. Those rights which are [ unalienable, and of that importance,
I are called the rights of conscience. We have duties for the discharge of which we are accountable to our Creator and Benefactor, which no human power can control. What those duties are, is determinable by. right r%son, or a well informed con- science, and what this conscience dictates as our duty, is so, and that power which assumes a control over it, is usurped, for no consent can be pleaded to justify the control, as any consent in this case is void. The alienation of some rights, in them- selves alienable, may also be void, if the bargain is of that nature that no equivalent can be received. Thus, if a man surrenders all his alienable rights, without reserving a control over the supreme power, or a right to resume in certain cases, the sur- render is void, for he then becomes a slave ; and a slave can receiv'e no equivalent for his freedom. Com- mon equity, as has been properly remarked, would set aside such a bargain.
When men form themselves into
1848.]
195
The President's Message.
*
society, and erect a body politic or state, they are considered as one moral wliole, in possession of the supreme power of the State. Tiiis supreme power, therefore, is com- posed of the powers of each indi- vidual collected together, and volun- tarily parted with by him. No in- dividual, however, in this case parts with his unalienable rights, the su- preme power, therefore, cannot con- trol them. •
Each individual also surrenders the power of controlling his natural alienable rights only when the good of the whole requires it. The su- preme power, therefore, can do nothing but what is for the good of the whole ; and when it goes beyond this line, it is a power usurped. If the individual receives an equivalent for the right of control he has parted with, the surrender of that right is valid ; if he 'receives no equivalent, the surrender is void, and the su- preme power as respects him is a usurper. Therefore, if the supreme power in any State is so directed and executed tliat the citizen does not enjoy political liberty, it is an illegal power, and he is not bound to obey it.
Political liberty is defined by some to be d liberty of doing whatever is not prohibited by law. This defini- tion is thought to be erroneous ; and doubtless it is. Others define it thus ; political liberty is the right every man in the State has, to do what- ever is not prohibited by laws to which he has given his consent. This appears to be the generally received definition of political liberty.
If, then, the fundamental principle on which each individual enters into society, is that he shall be bound by no laws but those to which he has consented ; he cannot be considered as consenting to any law enacted by a minority ; for he parts with the power of controlling his natural
rights, only when the good of the whole requires it ; and of this there can be but one absolute judge in the , Slate. If the minority can assume ^ the right of judging, there may then i be two judges; lor however large the minority may be, there must be I another body still larger, who have i the same cl^im, if not a better, to , the right of absolute determination.
I If, therefore, the supreme power •' should be so modeled and exerted — which, indeed, cannot be the case in ' a free republican Government — that a law may be enacted by a minority, the enibreing of that law upon an ; individual, who is opposed to it, is : an act of tyranny. So on the other hand, when a majority of the indi- ! viduals composing the society — which is the supreme power, acting for the good of the whole — adopts any measure, or enacts any law, not conflicting with the natural unalien- able rights of the citizen, it is the im- perative duty of each member of ihat community to conform implicit- ly thereto.
These, gentlemen, appear to be the fundamental principles upon which I all republican Governments aiefound- I ed. It has, therefore, been properly ! remarked that “ tli^ man who alone undertakes to form a constitution, for a free people, ought to be an impas- sioned being, one of enlightened mind ; biased neither by the lust of power, the allurements of pleasure, nor the glitter of wealth — perfectly acquainted with all the alienable and ‘unalienable rights of mankind — pos- sessed of this grand truth — that all men are born equally free, and that no man ought to surrender any part of his natural rights without re- ceiving the greatest possible equiva- I lent ; and influenced by the impartial I principles of rectitude and justice, I without partiality for, or prejudices I against the interests or professions I of any individuals or class of men.
19G
The President's Message.
[July,
Tie ought also to be master of the liistories of all empires and states which are now existing, and all those which have figured in antiquity, and thereby able to collect and blend their respective excellencies, and avoid those defects which experience has pointed out.”
Rosseau, a learned citizen of Genoa, sensible of the importance and difficulty of the subject, thought it impossible for any body of men to form a free government, or frame an equal constitution, for themselves, in which every individual should have equal justice done him, and be permitted to enjoy a share of power in the state equal to what should be enjoyed by others. Each individual, said he, will struggle not only to retain all his own natural rights, but to acquire a control over those of others. Fraud, circumvention, and an union of interests of some classes of people, combined with an inatten- tion to the rights of posterity, will prevail over the principles of equity, justice, and good policy. The Genevans, perhaps the most virtuous republicans of that age, thought lil?e Rosseau, and called to their assist- ance the celebrated Calvin. He came, and history,says, “by their grat- itude they embalmed his memory.” Our situation, however, for form- ing a political society, and erecting a free government, is more favorable, in many respects, than that of any people who have preceded us. We have the history and experience of all States before us. Mankind have been toiling through all ages for our information ; and the philosophers and learned men of antiquity have trimmed their midnightlamps to trans- mit to us instructions. We live also in an age, when the principles of political liberty, and the foundation of government, have been fully can- vassed and fairly settled.
With these lights before them, our
•
Delegates have given us a constitu- tion, founded not upon party or pre- judice—not for to-day or to-morrow — but for posterity. It is founded in good policy, because, in my humble opinion, it is founded in justice and honesty. All ambitions and interest- ed views seem to have been entirely discarded, and regard had only to the good of the whole, in which the situation and rights of posterity are considered, and equal justice has been done to every citizen of the Republic.
And the highest respect has been paid to those great and equal rights of human nature, which should for ever remain inviolate in every society. Proper attention has also been given to the separation of three great powers of the State. Indeed, it is essential to liberty, that the legisla- tive, judicial, and executive powers of the government be, as nearly as possible, independent of, and separate from each other, for where they are united in the same persons, there would be wanting that mutual check which is the principal security against the making of arbitrary laws ; and a wanton exercise of power in the execution of them. If these three powers are united the government will be absolute, whether they are in the hands of a few, or a great number. The same party will be the legislator, accuser,- judge, and executioner. What probability then, as I have heard it remarked, will an accused person have of an acquittal, however innocent he may be, when his judge is also a party.
And if the legislative and judicial powers are united, the maker of the law will also interpret it ; and the laws may then speak a language dic- tated by the whims or the prejudice of the judge, with impunity to him- self. It will also be in the breast of the judge, when grasping after his prey, to make a retrospective law,
1848.]
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which will bring the unhappy offen- der within it, — and this also he can do with impunity. And what peo- ple, I would ask, are so unhappy as those whose laws are uncer- tain ?
« Should the executive and legisla- tive powers be united, great mischief and inconvenience to the citizen would follow. The executive would enact such laws only as it pleased him to enact; the judicial power would be set aside as inconvenient and tardy. The executive power would make itself absolute, and the government, finally, end in tyranny.
Should the executive and judicial powers be united, the citizen would then have no permanent security of his person and property ; the execu- tive power would interpret the laws, and bend them to his will ; and, as he is judge, he will leap over them by artful instructions, and gratify, with impunity, the most rapacious passions.
Indeed, the dependence of any of these powers upon either of the others, has so often been productive of such calamities, and of the shed- j ding of so much blood, that the page of history where we find them noted, seems to be one continued tale of wretchedness ;• and warns all people against such union of powers, if they | expect to be, and remain free.
With these facts before them, such care has been taken by our Dele- gates, in the disposition of the legis- lative, executive, and judicial powers of the government as to promise permanence to the Constitution, and give energy and impartiality to the distribution of justice.
The legislative power is employed in making laws, or prescribing such rules of action to every individual in the State, as the good of the whole requires to be conformed to by him in his conduct to the governors and governed, according to the several
relations he stands in society. It is the part of the judicial power, which is a court and a jury, to ascer- tain the member who has broken the law enacted by the legislature ; — and every man is to be presumed inno- cent, until the judicial power has determined him guilty. When that decision is known, the law annexes the punishment, and the offender is turned over to the executive power, by whom it is inflicted or. him. The judicial power has also to determine what legal contracts have been bro- ken, and what member has been injured by a violation of the law, to consider the damages that have been sustained, and to ascertain the recom- pense. The executive power is to take care that this recompense is paid.
The executive power is also divi- ded into external and internal e.xecu- tive ; the former comprehends war, peace, the sending and receiving am- bassadors, and whatever concerns the transactions of the State, with any other State.
The latter is employed in the peace, security and protection of the citizen and his property, and in de- fence of the State. The executive p.ower is to martial and command the militia for her defence, to enforce the law, and to carry into execu- tion all the orders of the legislative powers.
These three powers are considered the supreme power of the State, over which the people have a control. And thus our lives, our liberties, and our property are at the disposal only of our Creator and ourselves. We will know no power but such as we will create — no laws but such as acquire all their obligation from our consent.
Adequate security is also given to the rights of conscience and private judgment. They are by nature sub- ject to no control but that of the
198
The President's Message.
[July,
Deity, and in that free state they are [ now left. Every man is permitted to consider, to adore, and to worship ! his Creator in the manner most agree- able to his conscience. No opinions are dictated — no rules of faith pre- scribed— no preference given to one sect of Christians to the prejudice of others. In a word, the conven- tion were of opinion, that the Gospel of Christ, like the ark of God, would not fall, in Liberia, though unsup- ported by the arm of flesh ; and hap- py would it be for all mankind, if that opinion prevailed more gene- rally.
But, gentlemen, it is to be remem- bered that whatever marks of wisdom, experience, and patriotism there may be in our new constitution, like the just proportions and elegant forms of our first parents, before their Ma- ker breathed into them the breath of life, it is yet to be animated ; and until then, may indeed excite admi- ration, but it will be of no use: — from the people it must receive its spirit, and by them be quickened. Let virtue, honor, the Ipve of liber- ty and science be, and remain, the soul of our present constitution, and it must, it will become the source of great and extensive happiness to this and future generations.
Vice, ignorance, and the waijt of vigilance, will be the only enemies able to destroy it. Against this pro- vide.
Every citizen of Liberia ought diligently to read and study the con- stitution of his country; and teach the rising generations to be free. By knowing their rights, they will sooner perceive when they are viola- ted, and be the better prepared to defend and assert them.
This, gentlemen, is the first Legisla- ture under the authority of our new constitution, and I sincerely hope that its proceedings will be such as to merit the approbation of the
|1 friends, and avoid giving cause of j censure to the enemies, of our present !! government.
I I will now proceed, gentlemen, according to my constitutional duty, j to give you such information re- I specting the state of the Republic as present circumstances will allow ; and at the same time will recommend for your consideration such public measures, as appear to me necessary ' or expedient for your adoption.
I When we assemble together, how- i ever, to consider the state of our I country, and to adopt such measures 1 as are calculated to advance her in- I terests, and to increase the prosperity ! and happiness of her citizens, — our I just attentions are first drawn to i those pleasing circumstances which j mark the goodness of that Being ' from whose favor all our blessings i flow ; and the large measure of thank- fulness we owe for his bounty, j Another year has come around and finds us still in the enjoyment of the blessings bf peace and friend- ship with the native tribes that surround us : and we have great reason to be thankful to our merciful Benefactor, that we have also at our command, and are permitted to en- joy, all the necessaries and comforts, and many of the luxuries of life. During the past year, great success has attended the efforts of our farm- I ers : in no year perhaps since our j establishment here, have the crops been more abundant ; and it is grati- fying to witness the increased inter- est, on the part of our citizens, to that unfailing ^source of happiness and independence.
Our commercial prospects are also encouraging. Indeed, I have partic- ular satisfaction in remarking, that every view we take of our country presents us with grateful proofs of its substantial and increasing pros- perity.
I have the satisfaction of informing
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199
you, gentlemen, that during the last year we have succeeded in ex- tinguishing the native title to five tracts of country, lying between the ex- 1 treme points of our jurisdiction. In j July last, we obtained a title deed, from the rightful owner of the soil, for the north-west half of the Little Cape Mount territory: and in No- vember we negotiated the purchase of four tracts, and obtained title deeds — viz., “Timbo,” “Zepay,” “Ilourahzon” and the well known territory of “New Cess.”
No sooner however was it known, by the slavers established at this latter place, that the king and chief had ceded to this government their country, than they set to work to induce the chiefs to disavow the sale, and consent to receive from them, as a present, and for the privilege of continuing their slave establishment, as long as they_ pleased to remain { in the country, — an amount equal to the price agreed on between this government and the chiefs. |
Their elforts, however, as far as I , am informed, have not been effectual, j A few days ago, I received a com- munication from one Joze ,
the principal, I am told, of the slave establishment at New' Cess — stating that the natives disclaim having sold ■ the country to the Liberians ; and ' demanding proof of our title to the j territory. But with him, I conceived we had nothing to do, farther than to inform him of the fact that this Government had obtained, fora valu- able consideration, a title to the country, and that the inhabitants had incorporated themselves with us, and are now citizens of this Republic, and that the laws of the Republic of Liberia will now extend over all per- sons and property within that terri- tory ; and that the slave trade there must now cease.
This information I have officially given him, and, at the same time,!
emphatically apprised him that the majesty of the laws, particularly with respect to the slave trade, will be sustained at alt hazards. Copies of these communications will be laid before you.
It will, of course, gentlemen, be among your first acts to fix and es- tablish the boundaries of the Repub- lic ; and to adopt such measures as are necessary to carry into effect the laws and ordinances of the govern- ment, over all the territories within its jurisdiction. For this purpose, a small marine will be necessary ; perhaps a single “ Guada coasta,” well armed and manned, will be suf- ficient for the present.
We have extinguished the native title to all the lands lying between Grand Cape Mount, and the north- westboundary line of “ Maryland in Liberia,” excepting six small tracts, comprising about forty miles of sea- coast ; and of these, except two — the tribes arc under engagements with us, that when they shall be dis- posed to sell their lands — and we have alread]' commenced negotia- tions for two of them — they are to be sold only to this Governtnent ; and that until such sale the Govern- ment will protect them in the quiet enjoyment of their lands against all other persons or tribes. 'Phese tribes also acknowledge themselves under the protection of this Government, and no other power whatever. And no maxim of public law — relating to savage tribes occupying territories in the dominions of civilized na- tions— is more universally establish- ed, than that of sufiering no inter- ference of foreigners, or of a foreign power in the relations between the acknowledged sovereign of the ter- ritory, and the native tribes situated upon it.
I presume, therefore, you will find no difficulty in defining the^present boundaries of the Republic ; nor do
200
The President's Message. [July,
I apprehend that you will find it dif- ficult to adopt such measures as will enable the Government to carry into effect, throughout its jurisdiction, all the laws of the State ; and to give security to the native tribes that have placed themselves under its protec- tion. As a means of raising funds for this purpose,! would recommend that a well regulated tariif be estab- lished to operate in every part of the State. In doing so we shall proba- bly come in contact with the imagi- nary interests of foreign traders : I say imaginary, because I sincerely believe that under proper regulations, established by this Government, the trade of foreigners will not be di- minished, but rather increased j and certainly their persons and property more secure than under the present system.
But, whatever may be their opinion in regard to it, we must be just to ourselves, and to the tribes inhabit- ing those territories, to wliom we have promised protection, and among whom we are pledged to introduce the arts, the habits of civilization, and the Christian religion. And how -are we to accomplish thi?, gentlemen, without the aid of money? It is also known that serious disputes frequently arise between neighboring tribes, which can only be settled by an appeal to a»-ms, or by reference to this Government ; and that the authorities here have been often called on to appoint and send com- missioners among them to arrange and settle these difficulties. And to prevent th& shedding of blood, and consequent horrors of African war- fare, the Government here has al- ways, when appealed to, and on some occasions at considerable ex- pense, interposed its authority.
And ought not those tribes that are receiving such benefits, contri- bute something to the support of the Government that gives them protec-
tion ? And in what respect ought such regulations to offend foreign traders, especially as they will be placed, so far as the trade is con- cerned, upon the same footing of out own citizens? And surely no nation will refuse to us the right of regulating commerce within our own ports, or jurisdiction. The proprie- ty of adopting measures to regulate the commercial intercourse of stran- gers with the citizens of all parts of our dominions, must be obvious to every reflecting mind.
Gentlemen, it is in every point of view of such primary importance to carry the laws into prompt and faith- ful execution, and to render the ad- ministration of justice as convenient to the people as may consist with our present circumstances, that I cannot omit to recommend to your serious consideration the judiciary system of the Republic. No subject is more interesting than this to the public happiness, and to none can those im- provements, which may have been suggested by experience, be more properly and beneficially applied.
It may happen, as heretofore, that numerous questions respecting the interpretation of the laws and the rights and duties of officers and citi- zens will arise. It is therefore of the first importance, that the laws should be stripped, as far as human sagacity can discern, of all ambigui- ty ; and the rules of legal proceed- ings so simplified that every citizen can easily comprehend them.
I would also call your attention to our present militia system, which is obviously defective, and which, in my opinion, should be wholly re- modeled. As it is the essential pro- perty of a free Government to de- pend on no other soldiery but its own citizens for its defence, so in all such Governments, every man, espe- cially every freeholder, should be a soldier. A freeholder, who is not
1848.]
The President's Message. 201
exempt by law, that is no soldier, manifests but little regard for the se- curity of his freedom, and the pro- tection of his property ; for if the same spirit were to become general, there would be no soldiery within the Government, and it must either cease to be defended, and secure in its freedom, or seek Us defence in fo- reign assistance, and so be no longer an independent Government. Every man, therefore, who wishes to se- cure his own freedom, and thinks it his duty to defend that of his coun- try, should, as he prides himself in being a free citizen, think it an honor to be a soldier citizen. And while it is the right and privilege of a citi- zen to bear arms in the service of his country, it is inexcusable in him not to be willing to do so. And on the other hand he who afl’ects to bear arms and does not know or will not learn the use of them, is equally cul- pable.
Every man, therefore, that feels the least spark of virtue or freedom, and feels that it is an honor which he owes himself, and a duty which he owes his country, to bear arms, and who is willing with his life to bear and use them for his country — ought to learn his duty ; and if once he is conscious that he ought to learn it, he will soon know it; for there is neither difficulty nor mys- tery in it. There are many things, to be sure, which a soldier, whose whole life is devoted to that service, may learn and, acquire the practice of, that a militia cannot spare the time to learn, nor is it required of them. There are things, however, which a militia must learn to make •them effective in the defence of the State. I -know that many of our fel- low citizens — indeed, they are gene- rally expert in the use of the fire-lock; and many of them plead this in jus- tification of their indifference to mili- tia trainings — which is all well as
far as it goes — and if in action every man had to fight as a single person,
1 should wish every man to load and fire his own way — in that way which he has been accustomed to ; and should think him the best soldier who could throw ifce most balls in the shortest time. But as in service, the whole is to act together as one united body, something more, and something differentia required; for whatever method a man has of load- ing and firing by himself, when he acts in a body of men, it must be such as not to interfere with his neighbor, nor to interrupt his acting, or obstruct his arms, for in that case, the service of both would be lost, and so far as the obstruction of arms reached, so far would the service of all be lost. Every motion, therefore, that a soldier makes with his firelock, must of absolute necessity be right up and down directly before him, or in a direct line from front to rear, and in the space between him and his right hand man. The same is also absolutely necessary to be ob- served in every motion he makes with his bayonet, either while he is fixing it, or when it is fixed.
But further, when a number of men are acting together in a body, if one falls back to load, while another advances himself to fire, the consequences of such interfering will be, as has always been found to be, that they will wound and de- stroy more of one another than of the enemy. It is therefore absolute- ly necessary that the militia learn to load and fire at the same time, or as nearly together as possible; and also to learn to act together, that they may be able to march with different fronts, as the nature of the road or pass will permit; and be able .without confu- sion, to take possession of their gfound in different forms, as the na- ture of the ground requires ; and be able to change and vary their form,
202
The President’s Message.
[Jul)-,
even in time of action, as the strength, i position, or motions of the enemy , might make it necessary. What- ever may be the opinion of some of us with respect to frequent mi- litia trainings, one thing is certain, i gentlemen, the*c things must be I learned to make a militia effective in actual service. And I regret to find so mucli indiflerence manifested by many of our citizens in regard to this subject. Some among us ap- II pear to liave lost all military ambi-|! tion, and have not sufficient patriot-': ism to induce them to give proper I attention to this arm of public de- , fence. !|
But as all male citizens, of sound 1| health, from sixteen years of age to |j sixty, are considered as the compo-j; nent parts of the national defence]: and legal force of the country, it be- 1 comes your duty, gentlemen, to adopt j such measures as will compel each i' citizen to contribute an equal portion i of his time to the service of his ; country, and such as will make the j militia of the Republic adequate to ! the national defence, and efficient in service. j
I am happy to inform the Legisla- ^ tu re that Fort Norris has been thor- i oughly and permanently repaired ; j and a battery of ten long guns moun- ted on it ; — they are at present, however, only temporarily mounted, as the carriages for them, though in ; a forward state towards completion, are not yet finished. And, if not otherwise directed, I shall proceed to garrison the Fort, under the act of the Legislature of 1845, which j provides for that purpose.
Gentlemen, the ways and means : of producing a revenue adequate to the wants of the government, with- out oppressing the citizens, will of course claim your particular attention.
I deem it quite unnecessary for me to say much, if any thing, here, in the way of recommendation to you, on
the subject. A plan, for raising a revenue, has been suggested by a member of your body ; which plan has been before the public for several months; and, I believe, its merits have been folly discussed and digest- ed : and it appears to me to be the only feasible method which can, at present, be adopted, that will pro- duce a revenue equal to our necessities. And, 1 believe, a general conviction of the expediency of the measure prevails throughout the republic.
It is particularly your province and duty, gentlemen, to fix and es- tablish a currency for the State; and I feel satisfied that you will place it upon such firm and solid bases, that the wants and wishes of the people will be fully, met. It has been re- marked, that “paper money is the only kind of money which cannot make unto itself wings and fly away.’’ I am decidedly of opinion, however, that the emission of paper money, unless based on specie, and redeem- able, on demand, at the Treasury Department, will operate seriously against the interests of a large num- ber of our fellow citizens. When the currency of a country becomes so impaired as to allow merchants and others to speculate in it, — the government, and a large poition of the inhabitants must be the sufferers. The people of Liberia have already ex- perienced too many inconveniences consequent upon the depreciation of paper currency. And I sincerely hope that the present Legislature will effectually put an end to this fraud upon the public, by placing the currency upon such a footing as to se- cure it against depreciation.
Gentlemen, a uniform standard of weights and measures is an object of importance, and will, I am persuaded, be attended to. Suitable provisions for the maintenance of public schools, and for the support of the poor, I am sure, will not escape your attention.
1S48.]
The President’s Message.
203
Wor need I remind you of the pro- I visions necessary to be made, by the i Legislature, to enable the executive to carry into effect, the letter and spirit of the 15lh section of the 5th article of the Constitution.
To maintain among the powers of , the earth, the separate and equal [ station to which the laws of nature, and of nature’s God, entitle them,! the people of Liberia have assumed an independent national character ; it therefore becomes your duty, gentlemen, to adopt measures, by which this fact can formally be announced to all civilized nations. And, as it is necessary that nations should treat for mutual Advantage of their affairs ; and especially to accom- modate and terifTinate differences which may, from time to time, arise between them, I would tecommend to the Legislature the propriety of soliciting immediately the acknow- ledgment of our independence; and of making proposals of friendly arrangements with foreign powers. And, I am fully persuaded, gentle- men, that we have no reason to con- clude that our independence will not be acknowledged, or that friendly ar- rangements will be declined, or that advantage will be taken of our situ- ation and circumstances to demand - of us unreasonable terms.
Should the Legislature concur in this opinion, it will be necessary to con- stitute a commission for that purpose.
I would also remind you here, that according to the 16th section of the 5th article of the Constitution, you are required, at this meeting of the Legislature “to take measures to arrange the future relations be- tween the American Colonization Society and this Republic.”
Gentlemen, in fixing the pay of officers, and making appropriations for the ensuing year, you will, ofj course, be mindful of that economy,! and plan of strict and rigid frugality, i
now indispensably necessary in every department of the State.
The present crisis, gentlemen, im- poses an obligation on all the de- partments of government to adopt an explicit and decided course ; and as it is our indispensable duty, may it be our invariable aim, to exhibit to our constituents the brightest ex- amples of disinterested love for the common weal ; and, particularly, be inflexible in our resolutions — to know neither friend nor favorite, whenever his solicitations appear incompatible with the public good. In our public capacities, we ought to rise superior to all private attachment or resent- ment, and make the intrinsic merit of every candidate for an office our sole rule for his promotion. Let us, both b}"^ precept and practice, en- courage a spirit of economy, industry, and patriotism ; and that public in- tegrity and righteousness which can- not fail to exalt a nation. May the foundation of our Stale be laid in virtue and the fear of God, and the superstructure will rise gloriously and endure for ages. Then may we humbly expect the blessings of “the Most High, who divides to the nations their inheritance and separates the sons of Adam.” In fine, gentle- men, let us unitedly strive to approve ourselves master builders, by giving beauty, strength, and stability to our new government.
On my part, a most solemn oath has been taken for the faithful dis- charge of my duty ; on yours a solemn assurance has been given to support me therein. Thus a public compact between us stands recorded. And you may rest assured, gentle- men, that I shall keep this oath ever in mind — the Constitution shall be the invariable rule of my conduct — my ears shall be always opened to the complaints of the injured, justice, in mercy, shall neither be ^lenied, or delayed. Our laws and the liberties
204
Report of the Committee on Agriculture.
[July,
of Liberia shall be maintained and defended, to the utmost of my power. I repose the most perfect conlidence in your engagement. And, on my part, you may count on a cordial concurrence in every measure for the public good ; and on all the informa- tion I possess which may enable you to discharge to advantage the high functions with which you are invest- ed by your fellow citizens.
But above all, gentlemen, we have great reasons to rejoice, in view of
the confidence we are encouraged to feel in the guardianship and guidance of that Almighty Being, whose power regulates the destiny of nations, and whose blessings have been conspi- cuously dispensed to this infant Re- public, dud to whom we are bound to address our devout gratitude for the past, as well as our fervent supplica- tions and best hopes for the future.
J. J. ROBERTS. Government House, Monrovia, January 5th, 1848.
[From Africa’s Luminary.]
4lr;)ort of tl;f dommittre on 51^ r i c u 1 1 u r « .
In this number is to be found an agricultural report from the inhabi- tants of Bexley, Grand Tlassa county, which we hope will not be uninter- esting to the readers of this periodi- cal. It is peculiarly gratifying to us, and will be no less so to the patrons of this Government, to learn that the attention of Liberia is being more generally directed to this business, especially those productions that take in foreign markets.
When Liberia was first settled, it was hoped, by her numerous friends, that the greater part of her citizens would devote themselves to agricul- ture, the infallible support of nations; and no little blame has betn merited by them for their neglect of this all-im- portant and profitable avocation. But the amount of blame is lessened by the consideration, that nine-tenths of the colonists embarked to this coun- try almost empty-handed, and, during their acclimation, the little they had was most generally, through a want of experience, expended; thus desti- tute, in an infant Government, itself poor, and dependent for its support, to a great degree, upon the charities of the mother country, and, conse- quently, unable to tender the neces- sary aid to its citizens, it is not to be
wondered that they have done so little. Few persdhs can accomplish much in this business, beyond their individual • consumption, without means; and even with them, without a proper acquaintance with the busi- ness as carried on in this climate, little or nothing can be done, as the frequent attempts of persons, blessed with the means that could have as- sured success with these prerequi- sites, have demonstrated.
Now that this information, relat- ing to the mode of farming in this country, is acquired, means are the only impediment in Liberia’s pro- gress in agriculture, supply which, and she can do as much compara- tively as any other community. The report to which reference is made confirms us in this opinion. That report embraces an underrated statis- tical account of the operations of the inhabitants of the little settlement of Bexley: their farming, trafficing, husbanding operations, all in one; and while it shows that their atten- tion, to a small extent, has been turned to traffic, that the profits aris- ing therefrom might be appropriated to iheir agricultural operations, to which the report plainly shows their attention has been mostly di-
1848.]
New Cestas.
205
reeled; it is plain that the amount of trading is small to the amount their productions would demand. A wor- thy example is being set in Bassa county, in this essential business. From the extract of a letter from Hon. S. A. Benson, published in the last number, we learn that the in- habitants of Bexley are not the only persons in that county whose atten- tion is being so profitably directed to farming; not that no other portions of this government is employed in this operation, but the citizens in this place, tired of raising orily for home consumption, begin to ascer- tain how certain articles will take in
[From the Lil
UrtD d
Immediately that the intelligence of the purchase of New Cestas trans- pired, the British commander on this station, ordered the cruisers employ- ed to watch that place, to proceed to some other ground. While we are not insensible to the concession and compliment involved in this act, we are nevertheless of the opinion that it is deeply to be regretted. The na- tives at that place, with their usual dexterity, are said to be playing a double game. They utterly deny to the slavers there, and to others too, that they have sold the place ; en- courage the Spaniards to remain, and pledge them their utmost support. For these assurances they obtain large presents. Perhaps the pre- sents, or “dashes,” since the news of the purchase first leaked out, have equalled, if not exceeded, the pur- chase consideration. These facts we have learned from reliable sources. Moreover, we have been informed by equally credible authority, that a newly arrived slaver has fixed him- self with a large stock of goods di- rectly in the rear from Trade Town,
foreign markets. We invite the at- tention of our friends, especially those who have been following this business, to a consideration of the wants of foreign markets, and an imitation of the friends at Bassa.
It is certainly time to begin in every point to cultivate something more than what is necessary for home consumption. We ought to enlarge our operations, so that such articles as foreigners want may be cultivated. Then will Liberia be- gin, when this is done, to aspire and advance in importance and in the estimation of her friends.
leria Herald.] e Stas.
whence the slaves will be sent to the depot at New Cestas; and that the natives there have manifested a de- termination to sustain him. It is clear, therefore, that the detestable traffic will, in that region, revive into active operation, unless vigorous measures be adopted to root it out. We have not so much as the shadow of naval force to prevent expoitation, and the natives seem determined to support the trade on shore. To suffer the slaver to remain in peace- ful pursuit of his trade, will subject us to a heavy charge, now that New Cestas is part and parcel of the Re- public. He seems utterly disinclined to a peaceable recession, and especi- ally while the natives, abnegate the sale of the country, accuse this Go- vernment with exercising authority unwarrantably assumed, and proffer their aid against any coercive mea- sures. While the cruisers invested the place, the trade could not be car- ried on so briskly, for want of re- gular opportunities to ship the slaves ; the business on shore in consequence languished. The pressure now off,
206
Horrible — Inhuman Sacrifice,
[July,
it may be expected lo revive with unwonted vigor. But we hope for iionor and humanity’s sake, some means may be resorted to, to sup- press it. What those measures are,
which in the present circumstance.^ of the Republic, can be made availa- ble and effecfual, are not of course to be pointed out by us.
[From Africa’s Luminary.]
^ 0 r r ibl c— J) 11 1) urn an ^Sacrifice.
Not long ago, we are credibly in- formed, a famous Goulah Chief, named Selly, being engaged in the war which has been carried on be- tween the Goulahs and Condoes with greater or less ardor fora num- ber of years, applied to a priest of the Mohammedan profession, to know what he should do to be more successful in his expeditions against the Condoes. For some years after the commencement of this war, the Condoes were generally victorious, and made great havoc among the Goulahs, but since the death of king Boatswain, their arms have met with a serious reverse, and the Goulahs are achieving a series of victories, which seem to indicate the speedy subjugation of their once formidable foes. Selly’s ambition to be princi- pal in their subjugation, induced him to make this application. Tfie priest inquired of him whether he was able to make the necessary sacrifice, to which he replied that he could make any sacrifice that could be named ; upon this the nefarious imposter told him he must sacrifice his son ! and, taking his dead body upon his shoul- ders, his feet swung around his neck, and his head hung behind him, in this manner advance before his troops to the contest, and victory would be his ! !
It is hardly necessary to inform the reader that these sanguinary di- rections were complied with. Selly’s avowal, in which his honor, or his name, as natives call it, was pledged, his ambition to win the laurels, and
confidence, peculiar to all the carflet (heathen, as the Mohammedans call those not of their profession) induce him to yield a ready compliance. ■ Calling his son into a house, he caught him, deliberately tied hinr, and then with his own parental hand, he cut his throat ! ! Having offered this sacrifice, he and his troops pre- pared to advance toward the jurisdic- tion of their enemies ; then was this inhuman father seen with his dead son on his back, in the manner di- rected, without any display of paren- tal affection or any emotion, save that aroused in his barbarous breast by the confident expectation of victory.
He was successful in three subse- quent engagements, and undoubtedly ascribes his victory to the costly sacrifice made to obtain it, which all enlightened and civilized persons will not believe; but it may be ad- mitted that the courage with' which confidence, in this sacrifice, had in- spired him and his troops, with the effect so dreadful and horrid a spec- tacle must have had upon his ad- versaries, contributed to the achieve- ment of these victories. Such ex- hibitions of barbarity are astonish- ing to many of the natives as well as to civilized persons ; and show that their dispositions have undergone quite a change. This wicked and inhuman affair is attributed to one that converses as well about the Old Testament, or some parts of it, as most professors of Christianity 1 Did not such an imposture arise from the bottomless pit.’
1848.]
Desperation of Slavers.
207
[From Africa’s Luminary]
X)c0perati0n of ^-laocrs.
It is reported that a very unplea- sant affair took place not long since at Gallenas. An officer of the Pene- lope, one of Her Majesty’s steamers on this station, having gone in a boat near the shore, to ascertain what was going on at that famous slave mart, and venturing to land on tlie beacli in a canoe, while his boat and crew lay outside the surf, was met by a Spaniard. with the air of one intending to exchange salutations of friendship, and was not suspected until he revealed himself to be an assassin by a desperate thrust at the throat of the officer which, fortu- nately, took effect upon his face only. The officer was not too se- verely wounded to retort upon the assassin ; accordingly, with a spirit characteristic of the English and Americans, and by which they are distinguished from the pusillanimous Spaniards, the fellow was understood by something more than words, that he had encountered one whose spirit was raised instead of being sunken by his desperate thrust. At this exhi- bition of more than Spanish courage, he fled, but was overtaken and killed. In the course of the affair several of the empty barracoons were destroyed by the boat’s crew which were sub- sequently landed.
The Spaniards or slave dealers on this coast are becoming desperately impudent. It may be duck or no dinner is their motto. Their busi- ness is certainly curtailed and un- profitable on this part of the coast. They buy slaves as usual, and are, to
some extent, furnished with mer- chandise by some peddling merchant vessels, but the difficulty is to ship them ; they succeed in this some- times, but so many of their vessels are. picked up by the English and American men-of-war, that the busi- ness is rendered truly unprofitable. We feel quite sanguine that this traffic, so inhuman and revolting to the fine feelings of human nature, in a few years at most on this coast, will cease through the efficient ope- rations of these squadrons and the influence of this Government, now that all tliat part of the coast, ex- cepting Gallenas, in which it has been carried on, has become the law- ful territory of this Republic.
The slaver at New Cesters, called by some Don, but not by us, because we apprehended the least that Don implies, is too much to be applied to that class of creatures whose adven- turous lives lead them to this coast to buy Africans, this Jose has branch- ed out into the oil trade, which yields him a small income, but which, while it shows the failing character of his main business, it is not a suffi- cient cloak to disguise him from the discerning eye ; but the close of his business draws nigh. For the fu- ture, persons Jiad better be careful not to venture unprepared among these inhuman adventurers, their in- furiated and maddened hearts at the prospect of loosing that by which they have their living, will prompt them to the preparation of further deeds of desperation.
[From the Baltimore American.]
€l)t IStpublic of jTibfrif:
A meeting was held a few days since at Pittsburgh, to express the public sentiment in relation to Afri-
can colonization and the newly- established Republic in Liberia. The Hon. Walter Forward and
20S
Equal Suffrage in Connecticut.
[July,
others spoke on flie occasion. The following resolutions were adopted :
Resolved, That the establishment of an independent republic in West- ern Africa ought to be regarded as a memorable epoch in the history of Christian civilization.
/?eso/uec?, That the past influences of the Colony of Liberia have been such as to justify the hope that, by the progress of such influences, the slave trade of Africa and the bar- barities connected with it may be overthrown.
Resolved, That the peace and order with which the affairs of Liberia have been conducted, and especially the moderation and regularity with which the people have lately reorganized their Government and become inde- pendent, are such as to reflect the highest honor and credit on their race, and affords promise of continued stability to their republic.
Resolved, That, while we sympa- thize with all the oppressed nations struirelinff for free institutions, our past and present relations to the African race demand especial efforts for the encouragement of the Liberia Democratic Government.
Resolved, That the increasing number of emigrants, who seek a passage to Liberia, call for increased and continued contributions to the Colonization Treasury.
Resolved, That the unexampled suc- cess of the Colonization enterprise, under a benevolent Providence, has been such as should stimulate the pious, the humane, and philanthropic
colonizationists to redoubled effort ; and it is sincerely to be hoped that a cause so important to humanity may continue in public favor.
The silent progress of this most interesting experiment of self-govern- ment attracts comparatively but little notice amid the stirring events which now rill all Europe and the world with their din: It is perhaps better
that slowly and in silence the process of African Colonization and of re- publican self-government in Africa should go on. The growth of sound and well domesticated institutions in Liberia will be the more sure, the more healthy, and the better matured I by such gradual advances as will allow each infusion from time to time into the original stock to become well assimilated both with the nature of the new country and with the social and political elements of the new republic.
At the same time, however, there is urgent occasion, now and always, for such judicious aid as the friends of Colonization and of the colored race in the United States may sup- ply, by promoting the emigration of industrious wortliy persons to Liberia, and by furnishing the Colo- nists with useful articles and the means of education. There has been for many years a strong interest felt in Maryland in behalf of this remarkable enterprise, as her own policy in establishing a colony at Cape Palmas shows, and as the flourishing success of that settlement abundantly justifies.
' (Equal ,S hi f r a g f
The proposition to abolish the dis- tinction between colored people and whites in respect to the right of suf- frage, was rejected by the people of Connecticut. As far as heard from, the votes stand — for the proposition, 2,712— .igainst it, 7,562.
in (Connecticut.
The Hartford Times gives the re- sults of the town elections in 37 towns, and makes a nett democratic gain of three towns, (Middletown, Marlboro, and Litchfield,) compared with last year.
134S.] Latest from Liberia. — Letters from Dr. Lugenbeel.
209
/ategt from jfilftja. — £c
IMonrovia, Liberia, March 14, 1848.
Rev. and Dear Sir: — Your let- ter o! tlie '17ih December was re- ceived on the 12th instant, per barque “ Neheniiah Rich,” which vessel arrived at this place on tluit day ; having on board one hundred and twenty-nine immigrants ; about ninety of whom will be sent to Sinoe, agreeably to your directions. And, in compliance witli your re- quest, I shall accompany them to that place, to remain as long as cir- cumstances may require my pre- sence and assistance. We shall probably leave for Sinoe to-morrow, or the next day.
Those persons of this company of immigrants who will remain in this pail of the Republic, and who will be located on the St. Paul’s river, will probably not require much, if any, medical attention, before the time of the arrival of Dr. Roberts in the Liberia Packet. And, if the immigrants by that vessel shall also be located on the St. Paul’s river, he will be able to attend to all of them.
Since the date of my last letter to you, none of the immigrants who arrived in November, have died, ex- cept a youth named Rufus Drew. All the rest are getting along tolera- bly comfortably at present ; and I think they have nearly passed through the acclimating process.
On the 23d of January, we had another specimen of cannonading on the holy Sabbath. The U. S. ship “Jamestown,” was lying at anchor in our harbor; and Her Majesty’s ship Amphatrite came in on the af- ternoon of that day. The British man-of-war first fired a salute to the American commodore ; and the U. S. man-of-war, in turn, saluted the the British commander ; immediate- ly after which, a regular national salute was fired on board the Am- phatrite, in honor of the Republic
tiers from Ur. fuoenbtcl.
! of Liberia ; even before the com- mander had ascertained whether it j would be returned. All of this boom- ] ing of big guns occurred — yes — tell it not in the interior of Africa — pub- lish it not to the unenlightened in- habitants of other parts of the hea- then world — on that day which is professedly set apart in all Chris- tian communities for the public wor- ship of the Creator and Upholder i of all things. Of course, the salute I from the British man-of-war, in honor of this little Republic, was not re- turned on that day.
I was particularly and forcibly struck with the remarkable contrast between the operations in out little quiet village, and those on board the two men-of-war in the harbor, on that beautiful Sabbath afternoon. The saluting took place while our after- noon Sunday school was in opera- tion ; composed of fifty or sixty- native children and youths ; most of whom were liberated Africans from the slave ship “Pons and several of whom are consistent riiembers of the Christian church. While the representatives of the two most en- lightened and most powerful nations in the world were engaged in firing instruments of human destruction, a considerable number of the rescued victims of avarice and warfare were receiving instruction in the school of Christ — of Him who came into our world to establish a system of re- ligion, which in its purity, is always characterized by universal benevo- lence— peace on earth, and goodwill to all mankind.
I shall leave this letter at this place, to go by the brig Montgome- ry, which vessel will probably sail from this port for the United States about the first proximo.
Yours, truly,
J. W. LUGENBEEL. . Rev. W. McLain,
Sec. and Tr. Am. Col. Soc.
210 Latest from Liberia. — Letters from Dr. Lugenbeel.
[July,
Greenville, Liberia,
March 24, 1S48.
Rev. and Dear Sir : — By this you will perceive that I have arrived at this place. I came down in the barque “Nehemiah Rich;” which vessel arrived here on the 21st in- stant, having on board ninety-one immigrants ; comprising the Patter- son families from Louisiana, the Ross families from Mississippi, and the Witherspoon families from Ala- bama. All the immigrants, with their luggage, have been safely landed ; and they are now tolerably comfort- ably located for the present at this place. They all appear to be much pleased with their new home. 1 have heard several of them express themselves as being agreeably dis- appointed ; and 1 have not heard one of them say a word, which would lead me to believe that they are not all perfectly satisfied. I never saw new comers more willing to go to the place of their destination, than the two companies by the Nehe- miah Rich and the Amazon. Nearly all (^f those who stopped at Monro- via very willingly went up the St. Paul’s river ; and those who came to this place cheerfully remained on board the vessel, while she lay at anchor off Monrovia. Several of them went ashore, by permission, to see the town; but they were all on board before we were ready to sail.
They all speak in terms of glow- ing gratitude and praise of Captain Carlton ; who, I think, has merited the thanks and confidence of all the friends of colonization, for his kind- ness and attention to the people who were placed under his care, during the voyage across the Atlantic.
I left two or three hastily written letters for you with President Roberts j at Monrovia, to go by the first opportu- 1 ty which may be presented. Probably this sheet may accompany the others.
In reference to the location of a part of this company on jhe Blue
I Barre side of the Sinoe river, I can- not write to you very definitely at present. Mr. Murray can and will give you more particular information on this subject; and he is much bet- ter able to judge of the practicability or impracticability of such a course, at present, than I am. 1 have con- versed with several of the prominent and most intelligent citizens of this place on the subject; and they are all decided in their opinion of the inexpediency of attempting to form a settlement at present on the Blue Barre point or cape; especially by new immigrants. The principal reason which they assign is, the un- common treachery, barbarity, and thievish propensity of the Blue Barre natives, who are pretty numerous, and who f know are generally a cruel, roguish set of unprincipled desperadoes — much more so than the natives in the vicinity of any of the other settlements in Liberia. The Greenville people say they are not yet strong enough numerically to defend a young settlement at Blue Barre, and I think so too. For the present, of course, the new immi- grants must of necessity remain at this place, as did those by the “ Lime Rock,” in 1844, who were suhse- quently located on the river, about six miles above this place; and most of whom are now pretty comforta- bly situated.
It is possible that a new settle- ment may be formed on the Blue Barre side of the river, a few miles above the point ; provided we shall find, on funher consideration, that it will be totally inexpedient to form one on the cape. You may rest as- sured that Mr. Murray will do all in his power to carry out your wishes, and those of our friends in Louisiana. Abetter man than Mr. M. cannot be found in Liberia to take the general superintendency of affairs at this place. You may rely on any state- ment he may make.
1848.] Latest from Liberia. — Letters from Dr. Lugenheel.
211
The time of my sojourn at this i place will depend on circumstances, as 1 stated to you in one of my 1 other letters. And the time of my | exile in Africa will also depend on j circumstances. Although my pre- j scribed time of service has already i expired by the return of Dr. Roberts ; j yet, though a first rate opportunity j is now afforded, by which 1 might j return to my distant home and fami- ly, I will not take my departure under existing circumstances. New comers must have proper medical attention; and, while 1 can enjoy sufficient health to be able to give them my attention, I will endeavor to remain, at least for a few months longer. You are aware, however, that I did not come to Africa to die ; and if there shall be any probability of such an event occurring, in con- sequence of my protracted sojourn in the grave yard of pale faces,” as there was two years ago, I shall do as I then did — up anchor and be off for a more salubrious climate. I have not the least desire to have the posthumous glorification of a martyr in Africa, or any where else. If pos- sible, 1 must leave for the States in lime to arrive before the cold weather shall have set in. If circumstances will admit, you may look out for me in the Liberia Packet. But in this world of change and circumstances, I do not make any positive calcula- tion relative to the future. Conse- quently, I am never much disap- pointed. If, in my own opinion, circumstances shall render it practi- cable, and absolutely necessary that I should remain in Liberia during the whole of this year, or until next spring, I will endeavor to meet the exigency.
You are aware that I have already spent four years of the prime of my manhood in laboring and suffering for the prosperity of the coloniza- tion cause, and the good of Liberia; and I am quite satisfied that the time
of my earthly pilgrimage has been considerably curtailed by my resi- dence in this country.
The little settlement of Greenville has improved considerably during the last two or three years. 1 re- gard it as one of the most — perhaps tlie very most healthy settlements in Liberia. The natives in the vicinity are more tractable than they were some years ago. And as the nume- rical strength of this part of the Re-' public is considerably increased by the late company of immigrants, I think the contiguous native tribes will be sufficiently overawed to pre- vent so many depredations in future, as have heretofore been committed by them. Perhaps the idea herein expressed may not meet the views of some of the super-sentimental friends of the missionary enterprise in the United States. But, the fact is, the true character of the abori- gines of Africa cannot be fully un- derstood by any persons, except by those who know them in their own country. And, in the proper treat- ment of them, for their own good, as well as for the good of those who come to settle quietly and peaceably among them, sternness is sometimes necessary — decision al- ways.
For information respecting the po- litical affairs of the Republic, I must refer you to other sources ; simply remarking here, that since the little ship of state was launched, she bas been gliding along smoothly and qui- etly. No raging storm has yetarisen, to try her strength, or the skill of her officers. The only warlike sound which has been heard, was the boom- ing of cannons from several floating fortresses — not in battle array, but in honor of an infant Republic, “self- poised and erect,” on the westerii coast of Africa. Yours, truly,
J. W. LUGENBEEL. Rev. W. McLaix,
See. and Tr, %9m. Col. Soc^
212
Letter from Gen. Lewis.
-[July,
iTctttr from
Monrovia, March 30, 1848.
Rev. and Pear Sir : — I wrote you under date of 22d inst. by the U. S. brig Boxer, informing you of the arrival of the barque “ Neheiniah Rich,” with emigrants from New Orleans, and of the brig Amazon, | from Baltimore. The first had a pas- sage of 64 days, and the latter 37 days. I also informed you that the barque had landed a portion of her cargo here, with the emigrants for this place, and had been dispatched to Sinou to land the remaining cargo and emigrants directed to be landed there. She has not yet returned to this place ; her stay here will be very limited, only long enough to receive her passengers.
I informed you that the emigrants by the “Amazon” were not sent to Bexley as you directed, but pre- sumed that the reasons of Dr. Lu- genbeel will be satisfactory ; as he thought it, under all the circum- stances, advisable for them to re- main here, as he had no physician to accompany them, and he felt it his duty to proceed to Sinou with those by the “ N. Rich.”
The four copies of Dr. Alexan- der’s History we have received, and I beg to tender to you our most res- pectful thanks for presenting us such handsome copies. The two intend- ed for the Departments will be placed as you have directed.
I am teased by the people living at Marshall to urge upon you to send a vessel load of emigrants to that place. And if it can be done con- veniently, 1 beg to back them in re- questing that emigrants should be sent there. It is certainly a very healthy location, and now as coloni- zation seems to be going ahead ra- pidly in the United States, a com- pany of 60 or 100 might be sent to
© e n, -f f to i 3.
Marshall without materially interfer- ing with your arrangements, if you think of sending any to that place, a short notice might be given to ena- ble houses to be had ready by the time they arrive.
I VVe are sorry to hear that com- plaints are made about the Herald not coming regularly to hand. 1 feel quite sure that they are regularly put up and directed with the sub- scribers’ proper names. You have j our thanks for the trouble you have i taken in trying to beg a new set of I type for the Herald. The estab- lishment is considerably in debt, and j we don’t know how to go about get- ! ting new type. 1 hope you will per- ! severe in your eflbrts to help us.
1 April 2d. — The Nehemiah Rich j has just retured from Sinou.’ The I emigrants and cargo were landed i there without delay. 1 am pleased I to find that the provisions held out I better than I had any reason to sup- ! pose, after receiving the Captain’s ! estimate as to the consumption of the emigrants on the voyage. I was apprehensive that the bread stnfi would be hardly sufficient to carry the emigrants through the six months; and as there is a scarcity of rice in the neighborhood of Sinou, I was not sure that it would not be neces- sary to purchase a lot of rice and send it down. My fears on this head are now destroyed: Mr. Mur- ray having received considerable more bread stuff than I had any rea- son to suppose was on board, accord- ing to the Captain’s estimate. Dr. Lugenbeel writes me, “ that the landing was done better than he ex- pected.” The emigrants were kindly and joyfully received ; they appeared perfectly contented and well pleased with the appearance of the coun- try.
1848.]
Letter from Gen. Lewis,
213
The Economy left here the 1st March on a mission for territory. We have heard from the commissioners once since they left. They have suc- ceeded, we are informed, in purchas- ing a part of Little Colali, and the re- mainder of the Grand Colah territo- ry ; they are expected home in about 20 days.
My clerk being one of the com- mis.sioners, makes it very heavy du- ty on me to attend to the location of the emigrants, and to give them the other necessary attendance ; but I never hesitate to adopt any course that v/ill lessen the expense of the Society. In consequence of his ab- sence, the quarter’s accounts cannot now be made up. Excepting the rough plastering of the house used as the Secretary’s office, and fojr the office of Dr. Lugenbeel, and a little repair which must be done to the Government House to keep it froni j falling, no other expenses will be j made of any importance, unless di- rected by you.
I thank you for your kind invita- tion tome to visit the U. States, and I have lately thought very strongly of doing so ; but the fact is, 1 have been obliged from stern nfecessity to per- mit Mrs. Lewis to make a foreign visit, instead of doing so mysdf. My health, which has, within the last twelve months, been very feeble, is now pretty well restored, and the physicians so strongly urge the pro- priety of Mrs. L. leaving the coun-
try for a few months to recruit her system, which is now very much exhausted, that I have, notwithstand- ing the narrowness of my means, concluded to let her take passage in the Nehemiah llich. The President and his lady and daughter, and seve- ral of our gentlemeq, will lake pas- I sage in this vessel, and they will, no I doubt, take great pleasure in giving j you correct information on all of j our affairs. 1 shall hold myself to i to be under many obligations to you, for 'any little civilities you may ex- tend to Mrs. l.,ewis.
I must apologize to you for the hasty manner which I have written this letter, — the frequent interrup- tions that I am continually subjected to, from foreigners and others, will I hope be sufficient excuse for any omissions I may be guilty of.
The IJ. S. ship Decatur is here, and will be employed for the next three months in cruizing in the neighborhood of this place. As the officers are very much pleased with every thing they see, the best part of their time will, no doubt, be spent here.
Invoices of provisions, &c., land- ed here and at Sinou from the barque are enclosed.
Very respectfully.
Yours, Sec., &c.,
J. N. LEWIS. Rev. Wji. McLain,
Sec. Sf Tr. Jim. Col. Soc., Washington Cilt/, U. S. .9.
.Slrritial of emigrants tii jfibtrin.
On the 12th instant, the American barque Nehemiah Rich arrived in our harbor, after a passage of 64 days from New Orleans, with 149 emi- grants for this Republic, among whom are Messrs. Stephen Letcher, .Tesse Meriwethers, and Henry Youse, who come under the patronage of 'the
Kentucky auxiliary Colonization So- ciety, for the purpose of surveying the country, as far as practicable, for the better information of those of their brethren who are desirous of emigrating to this country. — Liberia Herald.
214
Letter from Dr. Hodgkin to Mr. Cresson.
[July,
[From the Colouization Herald. J
iTcttcr from Sr. ^o&ghin to iUr. Crrooon,
9 Lower Brook Street,
24, 4 Mo., 1848.
My Dear Friend: — 1 have to thank thee for tyvo acceptable letters, the second of which I received yes- terday. It is certainly a subject of rejoicing and congratulation that Li- beria, after barely 30 years existence, should, notwithstanding the difficul- ties which have attended its infancy, be able to stand alone and proclaim itself an independent nation. I re- member well that about this period, in the year 1817, when I was living with W. Allen, and was assisting him in some of his philanthropical objects, delegates from the newly formed Colonization Society came to London on their way to the coast of Africa, where they intended to .“ielect and obtain a spot for the fu- ture settlement of your free colored people. It seemed a principal ob- ject of the delegates to consult with Thomas Clarkson, who was then staying in Plough Court, but I have no doubt that William Allen was also an attraction to them as he was well known as a zealous friend of the African race, and notwithstanding his numerous engagements, was act- ing as the London agent and banker to an association of colored mer- chants at Sierra Leone. The object of the Colonization Society excited a most gratifying and lively interest, and I may consider myself as amongst the first laborers in the cause, inas- much as I was Thomas Clarkson’s penman in the preparation of the instructions and recommendations which he furnished to the delegates. He recommended the Sherbro, but in this his choice was not a happy one, as shown by the unsuccessful attempt which I think was there made. Then, and for some time after, the inten-
tions and proceedings of the Coloni- zation Society received nothing but unqualified approbation and patron- age from our friends in this country, and it must at least have been two or three years afterwards that I heard it warmly commended in our yearly meeting without a dissentient voice being raised. If my recollec- tion does not deceive me that the first breath of doubt on the subject reached this country from the anti- slavery party in America which has ever since acted the part of Sanbal- lat and his friends at the second founding of Jerusalem. It is inte- resting to take a glance at the various- difficulties arising from this animosi- ty and from various other causes v/ith vvhich this most interesting colo= ny has had to contend, and against which it has successfully struggled, until, in the lifetime of its founders, it is able to reward their disinterest- ed exertions by proclaiming its pros- perity and independence. A very few days ago I saw W. F. Cooper, the step-son of Lord Palmerston, and one of the Lords of the Admiralty. He spoke to me with evident plea- sure of the recognition of the inde- pendence of Liberia, and of the en- rolment of its national flag. The presence of a Liberian agent would at this moment be most opportune. It would not only be favorable to the interest of the new Republic, but it would powerfully assist the efforts of those w'*'0 are trying to counteract the projects for emigration from the coast of Africa to the West Indies. I quite acquit our Government of any improper feelings and designs in ! the encouragement which they have j' hitherto given to this expedient; but I they find themselves in a difficult I position. They are bound to free-
1848.]
Appeal in behalf of African Colonization.
215
trade principles, the practical opera- tion of which has been to ruin the West Indian planter, and throw many estates out of cultivation. They are beset by the West Indians, many of whom are blindly attached to obso- lete opinions and practices, and call for a supply of labor as the panacea for their evils. I need not stop to demonstrate to thee the monstrous fallacy under which they are labor- ing. The urgency of their demands has impelled the Government to take the steps which it has done for the encouragement of African emigration to the West Indies, against which we have repeatedly and strongly remon- strated. These remonstrances are, however, counteracted by the broad assertions and plausible representa- tions of parties who profess to have had many years experience of the coast of Africa, and who state that an almost unlimited amount of free emigrant laborers may be obtain- ed there. I have had some share in bringing evidence before two par- liamentary committees engaged in inquiries strongly bearing on this subject. They have not yet brought up their reports, but I anticipate some favorable results.
I believe the evils to which thou hast alluded in the impediment to the introduction of United Stales pro- duce into our colonies are already very much removed as respects this coun- try. It is in the colonial legisla- tures that reform in this respect is chiefly needed; and it will be a power- ful means for bringing this about, to promote the emigration of some of _j’our colored people to the British
I West Indies, to which I alluded in my last letter. Such persons are well appreciated in the West Indies, where, if they possess energy and industry, they are almost certain to get on. Their example would do good, and they could scarcely fail to increase the intercourse between the United States and the West Indies to reciprocal advantage. As T be- fore stated, it appears to me, that the encouragement of this outlet would do more to silence the opposition of the anti-slavery party than any other measure ; and, instead of injuring Liberia, would prove a great advan- tage to it. I some time since accom- panied a deputation, chiefly composed of W'^est Indians, to our colonial minister. Lord Grey. He held out no hope of a difierential duty in fa- vor of the W’^est Indians, but gave them a lesson on political economy, and particularly insisted on the im- policy of taxing the articles on which the laboring population subsists. In this, thou wilt see that he is quite of thy mind. I ditfer most widely from him in his feeling as respects the aborigines of onr coloni^, but he is extremely libera! in relation to the I colonists, and their power of self- I government.
I believe that Hill Coolie emigra- tion may be already considered as I at an end. Its own inherent and I flagrant vices, and the ruinous con- dition of Mauritius to which it wms chiefly directed, have mainly effected this. Our remonstrances were di- rected against it more than nine years ago.
5tpptnl in bcl)alf of ilfcican (Colonijation.
[bV the PENNSYLVANIA COLONIZATION SOCIETY.]
When we look at the subversions I tions,and which have already brought of the governments and the fearful war in their train, how deep ought to agitations of the people of Europe, }| be our feeling of gratitude, as citizens which threaten still further revolu-l;of the United Slates, to a benign
1216
Appeal in behalf of African Colonization.
[July,
Providence for exemption from these anxieties and troubles. Together with the enjoyment of the largest meas- ure of freedom which men have ever acquired, we possess also the power not only to maintain our own inde- pendence, but to insist on an obser- vance of the equitable principles of international law by all other people. Secure in our own strength, we can calmly contemplate distant dangers, and freely offer an asylum to the dis- tressed from every land.
But amidst all this prosperity and gladness, and consciousnesss of our lofty position in the scale of nations, is there no legitimate cause of uneasi- ness in the body politic, no great wronjr, no signal breach of public morals to be atoned for I Is there not a large body of our fellow beings, living among us, who have strong claims on our sympathies, and still more on our justice ? Free ourselves, can we look with indifference on the servitude, from generation to genera- tion, of millions, of human beings of a difl'erent complexion from our own standard? Are we justified in the nominal freedom accorded to hun- dreds of thousands of others of the same race, who are depressed by tyrannous usage without a reasonable prospect of material amendment or reform ? These are questions often propounded and variously answered, according as benevolence, Christian ethics, or cruel selfishness, predomi- nates. Even they who feel the evil, and most deplore it, long despaired of a remedy. Some are content now, as they have been heretofore, with indulging themselves in general de- nunciations and abstract propositions, but without being able to suggest any practical mode of relief.
Happily, however, for humanity,' for justice, and for religion, the diffi-J cult problem is now being solved. The several parties begin to under-' stand each other’s position, respon- sibilities, and difficulties. Both mas-
ters and slaves see that something more is required to atone for former wrongs and injustice, than simple emancipation, a mere severance of ties by which they were mutually and compulsorily, although in differ- ent degrees, hound. Freedom with- out instruction is no boon. It is not icnotigh to offer to men the use of their faculties without a field for their exercise, and some habits of prior training. At this time, in nearly all the Slates in which slavery exists, the masters feel their obligations to give or to procure religious instruc- tion for their slaves. Many of them follow this up with emancipation, and encourage the newly made free- men to emigrate to Liberia in West- ern Africa.
There is a new home, an indepen- dent republic, the inhabitants of which, once slaves like themselves, offer to them with friendly greetings, a portion of their new ample domain, and participation in their political and social privileges — in fine, all those advantages to which, in equity, they are entitled, but which, in fact, they never can obtain here. In place of slavery for the mass, or, at most, sufference for the nominally free, and it may be hollow courtesy to a few of these, the people of this un- fortunate race will find in Liberia real equality, wide scope for agricul- tural and commercial industry, and every encouragement to a successful prosecution of the mechanic arts. Churches and schools in all direc- tions insure for the emigrants and their children spiritual aid and com- fort, and the acquisition of useful knowledge.
But, while our fellow citizens of the South and West point the way to this new exodus for those whom they have . manumitted, shall we of the North content ourselves with being mere spectators, or think that we have discharged our duty by expres- sions of our abhorrence of slavery.
1848.]
Sympathy meeting in Philadelphia.
217
and eloquent denunciations of the practice ? A more obvious practical obligation is imposed on us. The test of our sincerity must consist in deeds, not words. Hundreds of slaves, and nheir number with adequate as- sistance from us would soon be in- creased to thousands, are only pre- vented from the full enjoyment sim- ultaneously of emancipation, and of the privileges of citizenship in Libe- ria, by the want of money to pay for their passage and outfit. Their masters cheerfully give them up, on the- sole condition that they shall be suitably cared for. It is for us to make the gift of freedom available for their future good, and their ele- vation in the social and political scale.
The American Colonization So- ciety requires fifty thousand dollars lor this year, to enable it to meet the engagements already contracted, and to carry out others of equally immi- nent necessity ; all having for their immediate object a procurement of the means of passage and requisite outfit for those who are about to be confided to its charge. Pennsylvania, ever energetic in the support of all plans of practical benevolence, has, hitherto, borne explicit testimony in favor of colonization on the Western coast of Africa. Will not her voice be potential in her churches and kindred religious assemblages, at the approaching* anniversary of national independence, in favor of the op- pressed and unfortunate? With words of sympathy, will there not be also provision made, by collections and individual offerings, for canying out the objects here sketched ?
Colonization and missionary en- terprises go hand in hand in amelio-
[From the Colo
^ttmpntljp mtetin
0.\E of the most gratifying sights which I have ever seen, occurred during the recent public demonstra-
rating, enlightening and bringing up to the standard of Christian morals, the many millions who are spread over Central Africa, and whose lot it has been hitherto to enslave, br to be enslaved. They have been vic- tims, in succession, of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Moor, and Turk, from the West and the North, and alas ! worse than all, of the so-called Christian people of modern Europe and their American descendants, in- vading their western confines. Their cause seemed to be hopeless, and they were regarded as a doomed race, incapable of receiving civilization, and of contributing aught to the com- mon stock, for the advancement of the species. But a new era is opened. For the first time in the history of the world, is the united influence of Christianity and Colonization, with the trial by jury, and the representa- tive system of government, brought , to bear on tllis unfortunate race. Al- ready, as an earnest of still greater things^ the Pagan altars for human sacrifices, the accursed marts for trade in liumBii beings, have been replaced by churches and Sunday schools, and flourishing communities of civilized and Christian people in Liberia. What a glorious future is now opened by American benevo- lence, and what admirable machinery for the regeneration and redemption of the whole African race!
JOS. R. INGERSOLL,
President.
i[^“Money collected in the church- es, or otherwise contributed, may be remitted to Paul T. Jones, Esq., Treasurer, office of the Pennsylvania Colonization Society, Walnut street, fifth door above Sixth, Philadelphia,
lization Herald.]
in pijilaiitlpl)ia.
tion of sympathy for liberty in Eu- rope, held on the 24th April, in this city, in good old Independence
21S
Sympathy meeting in Philadelphia.
[July,
Square, the “ head quarters” of free- dom in the United States.
While the vast assemblages were gathered around the various stands, listening to the strains of eloquence that fell from the lips of many of our most able and acceptable speak- ers, a large number of colored peo- ple organized themselves into a meet- ing at the south gate on Walnut street, by appointing one of their number chairman ; and several gave utterance to their feelings in lan- guage and manner that would have done no discredit to many of hiirlier pretensions. The conduct o! ihe French Republic in freeing 300,000 slaves in het colonies was a favorite subject with all the orators ; and the listeners, who before long had in- creased till the number of both co- lored and white gathered around was as great as at any of the other stands, became much excited and their cheers were loud and boisterous, A reso- lution was passed for the appoint- ment of a committee of five to pre- pare an address to the people of France from the colored persons of the'city and county of Philadelphia.
Much as I was aware of the rapid growth of the healthful and conser- vative influence of your noble socie- ty of late years, still I was agreea- bly surprised to find that not a soul present attempted to insult or to dis- turb them, and that every thing pass- ed off quietly, and with satisfaction to all. W. C.
Apropos of these remarks of our intelligent correspondent, we woitld invite the attention of our colored brethren to the following very appro- priate strictures in the Maryland Colonization Journal on their ne- glect of an event more pregnant with good to them than the establishment of republican Governments in all the countries of Europe.
Is it not a little surprising, that no
action is taken by the colored peo- ple in this country, we might say of this city, upon the event of the ' “ Declaration of Independence by the colonies of Liberia.” All around us, we hear the sounds of rejoicing j over the birth of the new Frencli I Republic, by all classes, and by those of all nations J our naturalized Eu- ropeans— Germans, Swiss, English, and Iiish, vie with each other in manifestations of joy over the im- portant event ; and even our amiable abolition friends of no nation or coun- try, (having repudiated their own) intersperse their wailings with occa- sional expressions of delight at the French emancipation. But nothing is said of the African Republic, the Christian Republic of Liberia. A few months since, and we could not open an abolition print, without finding some allusion to base and craven Liberians, submitting tamely to the dictates of the Colonization Society, etc. Now comes virtual, formal manifesto from Liberia, declaring its independence of all foreign control or interference, and do we hear any response from those friends of the colored man, — -fraternising with the free Liberian ? No, scoffs and sneers instead. Better, we expected not, from party abolitionists, from popu- larity seeking would-be philanthro- pists; but from candid, intelligent colored people; especially from many of our acquaintances in this city, we did expect something better ; we did expect from them, some genera/, if noi public manifestation of their joy at the birth of this new, independent Republic. Although, from princi- ples to which we have often alluded, opposed to general colonization in Africa, yet we cannot see any rea- son why they should not feel and give public demonstrations of joy and gratification at an event that must have so favorable an effect upon their own destiny.
1848.]
Letter from Mr. Tupper.
219
The existence of the Colony or I Commonwealth of liiberia, crowned by her last act of independence, has done more, a thousandfold, to estab- lish the claims of the colored race to full stature of manhood, in its broad- est sense, than all the pompous dec- | lamations and arrogant pretensions ' of a few upstarts, who so loudly claim equality of rights, social and political.
We candidly ask the intelligent
I colored people of this city and else- where, if it is not their plain duty to congratulate their Liberian brethren on the importance of the movement they havo recently made, and to ex- tend to them their cordial sympathy, to fraternise with them, and thus uphold their hands now in the time of their great effort ? Let the ques- tion be fairly considered, honestly an- swered, and promptly acted upon. ■
[From the Colonizatioa Herald.]
iTctter from iltr. tLupptr.
Albury, Guilford, England, ,^pril 20, 1848.
To Mr. Elliott Cresson of Philadelphia ;
Sir; — From time to time I have been favored with copies of the Co- lonization Herald, and as the last number had your card enclosed, 1 take leave to write and thank you for your courtesy. It is always very pleasant to me to receive communi- cations from my numerous unseen friends in the United States, and 1 cannot pietend to be ignorant that my writings have gained for me much love from your cordial people; to respond to them with a note of thanks is only a matter of delightful duty.
With respect to slavery and its cure, it seems to me, unless I am deceived by fair appearances, that your so- ciety has “ hit the blot.” We with the best intentions, have utterly blun- dered the whole business; we have ruined our West Indies by unpre- pared emancipation, and waste mil- lions annually on the absurdity of attempting to blockade a continent ; moreover, through our ill-judged ef- forts the horrors of the passage are increased ten-fold, and poor Africa groans under the additional burdens laid on her by the dull zeal of her would-be liberator England.
The idea of re-establishing the ransomed slave in his own country under a free self-government, appears to me to combine all the require- ments of probable success. May America (our child) succeed, where ! her parent’s effort is a failure. 1 have just written off a national song for Liberia on the spur of the mo- ment; you are at liberty to print it, with this letter and .the qualifying I “ Note’’ at foot, in your Herald. May it help to make many a poor Afri- can’s heart leap for joy, gratitude and patriotism.
I am, sir, your faithful servant, MARTIN FARQUHAR TUPPER.
A National Anthem for LIBERIA IN AFRICA. Being a Freewill Offering to the cause of Wise Emancipation.
BY MARTIN FARQUHAR TUPPER, D. C» L., F. R. 9.
Author of Proverbial Philosophy,
Praise ye the Lord, for this new-born Star, On the blue firmament blazing afar !
Bless ye the Lord ! — our souls to cheer “ The love of liberty brought us here !”
Hail to Liberia’s beacon bright Luring us home with its silver light. Where we may sing without peril or fear “ The love of liberty brought us here !”
Hail ! new home on the dear old shore Where Ham’s dark sons dwelt ever of yore. Thou shall be unto us doubly dear,
For “ love of liberty brought us here 1”
220
A remarkable and candid Declaration.
[July,
Come ye children of Africa, come !
Bring hither the viol, the pipe, and the drum.
To herald this Star on its bright career.
For “love of liberty brought us here!”
Come, — with peace and to all good will ;
Yet ready to combat for insult or ill, —
Come with the trumpet, the sword and the spear,
For “love of liberty brought us here !”
Thanks unto Gon I who hath broken'the chain
That bound us as slaves on the Western main;
Thanks, white brothersJ Oh, thanks sin- cere.
Whose “love of liberty brought us here!”
Yes, — ye have rescued us as from the grave, And a freeman made of the desperate slave. That ye may call him both brother amt peerj For “ love of liberty brought us here !”
Thanks ! O raise that shout once more, — Thanks! let it thrill Liberia’s shore, — Thanks! while we our standard rear,
“ The love of liberty broughtms here !”
Thine, Columbia, thine was the hand That set us again on our own dear land. We will remember tliee far or near.
For “ love of liberty brought us here !”
Yes, Liberia! freemen gave Freedom and Thee to the ransomed slave ; Then out with a shout both loud and clear, “ Love of liberty brought us here !”
•Note. — The Colonization Societies of America have purchased a large tract of coun- try on the western coast of Africa, to which the free people of color are gratuitously exported ; their emancipation having been first secured by means of voluntary subscrip- tion. The country thus liberally restored to the ransomed African has been constituted “The Independent Republic of Liberia:” with a national Hag, seal, and motto: the lat- ter is in the line so often repeated above ; and “one white star on a square blueground” is the most poetical and appropriate feature of the former. Without pretending to sub- scribe to every article in the published “ Declaration of Rights,” of this new Repub- lic, the writer may venture generally to express his approbation of so rational and hu- man an experiment, and his hope that it may be the dawn of a better day to Africa.
M. F. T.
' Albury, Guilford, England, Jlpril 20, 1848.
• [From the Maryland Colonization Journal.]
.21 r c m a r k It It I c n ii b c n n b i b 5 c r I n r a 1 1 o n .
VVe took occasion in the February number of this journal to state the acknowledged true • issue between the abolitionists and colonizationists, or rather the true grounds of the op-‘ position of the former to the latter, quoting in confirmation thereof, an article from the North Star, a lead- ing abolition paper, edited by that remarkable man, Frederick Doug- lass. The issue is briefly this ; the colonizationist does not believe that the two races can exist in contact, on terms of equality, consequently, advocates the removal of the least numerous and most feeble, beyond the influence of the other. The abo- litionist entertains the contrary opin- ion, and, of course, opposes the measures of the colonizationists. This being the admitted faith of the
I two parties, great was our surprise, il on finding, in an abolition paper, the
II following admission or declaration I by the colored membeis of the Me- j| thodist Episcopal church in this city,
a part of which we have printed as we found it, in italics. The follow- ing questions at once occur to us, viz; Is this document genuine? Does it contain the true sentiments of the petitioners? Jf so, what hojies can they entertain of social and /jo/j/icttf equality, who, to use their own lan- guage, “ have no expectation that the ministers, the descendants of Africa, will ever be admitted to I seats and votes in the conferences of \ their white brethren, however well they may be qualified for the work j of the ministry.’’’
I “ It is well known that the good
lS-18.]
hems of Intelligence from the Liberia Herald.
221
Lord has greatly enlarged our mem- bership since that never-to-be-for- gotten period, by owning the labors of our colored preachers in conjunc- tion with those of the white, iti the conversion of many thousands of the colored race ; and quite a large num- ber of colored preachers among us, some of whom, all things considered, had, and still possess respectable ta- lents, and have done much good in in their local capacity ; but hitherto they have been quite limited in their sphere of operations, having had no opflortunity of being extensively use- ful, they being generally poor men, and no provision having been made for them to go forth and dispense the bread of life to their perishing fellow men, their usefulness has, in consequence, been greatly liindered ; and our colored ftllow men have thereby been deprived of those bless- ings Almighty (^od would have granted through their instrumentali- ty. And now, reverend fathers and brethren, your memorialists would say that it does seem clear to them -
j that the time has come when some- ; thing should be done for the prospe- j rity of the ministry among our co- lored brethren; and the question arises how shall or can this desirable object be accomplislied ? For wc have no expectation that the minis- ters, the descendants of Africa, icill ever be admitted to seats and votes in the Conferences of their lohite- brethren, however well they may be qualified for the work of the minis- try; nor do we desire to unite with any of the existing colored connec- tions. Therefore, our colored breth- ren in the city of Baltimore, after due prayerful consideration, have been led to the conclusion, for the reasons already mentioned, and others which might be mentioned, that a far greater amount of good would of necessity result from our being placed in a condition so that colored ministers should have the pastoral oversight of all the colored people in connection with the Methodist church in all places in the United States wh'ere the laws and usages do not forbid.”
Jtcm0 of Jntctliflfnce from tljr Liberia .^crutb..
The oil season has not yet com- menced. The Africans are busily engaged about their farms, and will continue to be so, until the middle of April, when the time for making oil will fairly commence, until then but very little can be done in trading. It is yet to be ascertained what portion of the oil will come into our market, as our coast is pretty well lined with foreign traders, waiting to purchase it as fast as it is made.
The immigrants by the late arrivals, were well received by all classes of the people ; and we feel confident when we assert that there never was so general a manifestation of joy and satisfaction by any immigrants on their first landing in Liberia, as there
was with the immigrants by the Nehemiah Rich and the Amazon, — They are loud in their praise of the beautiful appearance of the coun- try, and the fineness of the soil for cultivation, and are willing and anx- ious to look to the soil for their support. Lands are now being sur- veyed and laid off for their accom- modation, and will soon be assigned them.
Our readers will please pardon us for the paucity of our editorial de- partment this month. Other very important duties claimed our atten- tion, and which we could not well overlook. We will try to make amends hereafter.
222
Receipts.
[July,
iXrrloiU from jribcrta.
.Arrival of the President of Libe- ria in Boston. — His Excellency J. J Roberts, the President of the new Republic of Liberia, with his wife and daughter, arrived at Boston Fri- day morning of last week, in the barque Nehemiah Rich, Capt. Carl-
c u) 1) 0 r
Our friends in the Slate of New York will please to observe the change of Agency in that State, no- ticed on the last page of the cover. All communications on the subject generally should be addressed to the Rev. J, B. Pinney, Colonization Of- fice, lirick Chapel, New York city.
In our last we inserted the circular of that Society, and we understand that it has been sent to all the clergy- men of the Stale. \Ve trust that it will command their universal atten-
lon, from Liberia April 21, via St. Thomas and Turks Island. He is accompanied by the Revs. R. B. Wil- son, J. J. Paine, and A. F. Russell, I Mrs. J. N. Lewis, S. Harris and lady, and Airs. M. Morse.
I; .21 8 c II Cl).
jj lion, and that many collections will ![ be made and that much money will jj be remitted to Mr. Pinney in conse- ji quence.
i We would in this connection also jl call attention to the appeal of the jj Pennsylvania Colonization Society, in another column, and as there is no regular agent operating in that Stale, we trust our friends will exert themselves to raise some money for our present necessities.
Ilcc(i;)t5 of tl)c .21 m erica From the 20th of May, t MAINE.
By Rev. Charles Soule :
Por/2anc2— Nath’l Blanchard, Isaac
Ilsley, each §5; Jos. P. Cham- berlain, cash, each .'jfl 12 00
Bridgton — A lew friends, $2 03,
Dixey Stone, 3 03
Waterford — Wm. Kingman, $1,
Ww. Kingman, Jr., Widow E.
Howell, each 25 cts.; Dea. E.
Carlton, 50 cents, a Iriend, §1,
Mrs. Hr. Gage, 50 cts., David
Stone, 25 cts 3 75
Otifield — Wyat Turner, Esq., .50 cts., Silas Blake, M. D.,
Benjamin F. Holden, 25 cts... 2 75 Oxford — Horace Baker, 25 cts.^
E. F. Cushman, §1, Chailes
Dnrell,'25 cts 1 50
Lewiston Falts — E. Little, Esq., iff 5, Friend, $;1, cash, cash, E.
P. Tobie, each 25 cts.; Friend, cash, each $1 ; cash, cash,
Friend, each 25 cts.; Friend,
n <£ 0 1 0 n i ) a t i 0 n .S o c i r t y , ) the 20th of June, 1848.
cash, each §1 ; cash, cash. Friend, each 25 cts.; Friend, Nathaniel French, each ^I, cash, Friend, each 25 cents.; Charles Clarke, Friend, each $1 ; Friend, 50 cts., H. Clarke, Esq., Sil, David Strout, 50 cts., casn, 25 cts.. Friend, 25 cts.. Rev. J. Drummond, §1, Contri-
bution, ^3 45 20 95
Durham — Cash 25
Topsham — Major N. Perkins, .■^1, Nathaniel C. Green, 25 cts., cash, J. P. Tebbets, each 50
cts.; cash, 25 cts 2 50
Jlugusta — L. W. Lilhgow, $5,
John Dorr, $'3, L. Leonard, !J1,
J. O. Means, Esq., Capt. Pope,
U. S. Navy, Rev. J. 11. Ingra- ham, and G. H. Jones, each $2.. 17 00
Norway — A. Wilkins, Esq., Clark
True, each @1 2 00
Brunswick — President Woods,
S3, Prof. Upham, $5, Prof
Peaslee, $3, Professor Packard,
1848.]
Receipts.
223
^2, Prof. Boody, Tutor Crai^, each .$1 ; Friend, $2, Benjamin Furbush, S’2, Robert Bowker,
75 ct3., cash, 50 cts., cash, cash, cash, each ^'1 ; Wni. Baker,
60 cts 23 75
Richmond — M. S. Hagar, Esq. $'5,
Rev. B. F. Barnard, 75 cts.,
Mary Hobart, 25 cts 6 00
Gardiner — R. H. Gardiner, Esq.,
®5, Friend, $1, Friend, .fli2,
Capt. N. Kimball, Capt. Win.
B. Grant, R. M. Gay, N. W.
Bradstreet, each $1 ; J. V. Van-
nah, 25 cts 14 25
Piltston. — George Williamson, (gl.
Captain James Bailey, 50 cts..
Friend, 40 cts.. Friend, Friend,
each 50 cts 2 90
Hallowell — P. Morton, .#1, Wm.
M. Vingh, JJ2, C. Spalding,
SI, B. F. Melvin, cash, cash,
J. F. Nason, C. B. Mudgett,
Wm. Woodbridge, each 25 cts.; cash, ?fl, A. Masters, Esq., 5f5. 11 50
124 13
CONNECTICUT.
Pmtlh Windsor — From the First
Cong. Society, by Charles Sey- mour, Esq 13 86
VIRGINIA.
Kelson County— Collection in Nel- son Parish, Episcopal church,
by Rev. F. D. Goodwin 6 00
Roanoke County — Col. Elijah Mc- Clanahan, on account of annu- al subscription 20 00
Lexington — Dr. A. Leyburn, $5,
Wm. L. Alexander, $2 50, by Wm. H. Rutfner 7 50
33 50
SOUTH CAROLINA.
By Rev. Thomas C. Benning: Giarleston—From Mr. J. M., Sen.,
$25, Mr. J. A., Jr., $2.5 50 00
GEORGIA.
By Rev. Thomas C. Benning:
Miens — Prof. C. F. McCay, Rev.
Dr. A. Church, F. Bishop, each $5; Mrs. Camak, $10, A. Chase,
$2 50, Hon. A. Hull, S. Field,
Mr. Goodman, each $1 30 50
Columbus — From Geo. Hargroves,
Jr., $20, Judge G. E. Thomas,
$10, a Friend, $10, Dr. Stewart,
$5, Col. Banks, $5, L. T., Downing, $5, Mr. Gray, Mrs.
Hudson, Mr. Tunuitini, Mr.
Bardiu, each $1 ; Dr. Pond,
$2, Dr. A. M. Walker, to con- .stitute himself a life memberof the Am. Col. Society, $30 91 00
Savannah — From a Friend 10!)
122 00
KENTUCKY.
By Rev. Alexander M. Cowan : —
Mason County John A. Mc-
Clung, James Claybrook, each
$5 10 00
Nicholas County — Thomas Clark,
James Quiett, L. H. Arnold, each $5, Henry Thompson,
Alex. McClintork, each $3,
Nathan Powel, .$2, David R. Boardman, Dav. Allen, Milton Brown, A. T. Allen, Mrs. E.
Quiett, Luther S. Waugh, A. S.
W'augh, John Davidson, W. H.
Fritts, John Shannon, Rev. Jas. Matthews, Mrs. P. A. hlcMil- len. each $1 ; E. F. Chappel,
J. T. Metcalf, H. Pickrell, J.
W. lluggart, Samuel Thomp- son, each 50 cents ; H. Stewart,
25 cents 37 75
Bourbon county — Col. Henry Cla5'',
$20, Henry Clay, jr. $10, Je- remiah Duncan, D.P. Bedinger,
John Hedges, Alger’n S. Smith,
S. D. Talbatt, William Kenney,
Mrs. H. Bedinger. each .$5;
John Clay, Sam’i McKee, each $2 ; Dr. W. Steel. Mrs. Jane Steel, Mrs. John Fleming, each
$1 72 00
Bath county — James Hill, $33 to constitute Charles C. Whaley a life-member of the A. C. S.;
Rev. G. Gordon, W. Berry,
James Moffit, each $5, Charles C. Whaley, $2, James Berry,
.$2 90, Mrs. Jane R. Hill, Rev.
R. F. Caldwell, each $1, Miss
Eliza Russell, 50 cents 55 40
Scott countu — Rev. Dr, H. Mal- colm, Milton Birch, Mrs. Mary Offutt, John McMeeken, Ezra Offutt, Dr. B. Keen, Rev. F.
J. Sfrahan, Dr. H. Craig, each $5; Rev. S. J. Baird, $3, Dr.
J. S. Offutt, S. R. Botts, Ben.
B. Ford, Rev. D K. Campbell, each $2, Gen. J. T. Pratt, .$2 50,
James M. Pratt, E. Stevenson,
Rev. Mr. Swift, Dr. A. Cone,
Dr. J. D. Winston, cash. Miss Mary Caldwell, each $1, Rev.
J. T. Johnson, 95 cents, II . II.
Cawley, Mrs. Jane J. Baird,
Miss Harriet McLaughlin, J.
Saw'ard, W. Watkins, J. M. Staughton, each 50 cts., cash.
30 cts., cash, 25 cts 65 00
Clark county — R. S. Taylor, G.T. Fishbick, each $5 10 00
224
Receipts.
[July, 1848.]
Fayelle county — Robsrt Marshall,
O. U. Winn, John D. Lyle, Mrs.
Patsey Carr, each §5, Ed. Bul- lock, $'3 95, found 10 cents 24 03
Jessamine county — Rev. IV. M,
Gordon, $'5, Mrs. .Mary Wood,
$2, Mrs. Sarah Sellers, ^2.... 9 00
Boyle county — D. A. Russell, J.
S. Hopkins, each $20, Mrs.
J..ucinda Yiezer, Col. Joseph McDowell, each $10, Charles Henderson, Miss E. Cowan,
Charles Caldwell, James L. Crawlord, Mrs. M. Mitchell, each $■■% Rev. W. M. Scott#
$•4 8.5, Jacob Parsons, §;3, Mrs.
D. Carpenter, $1 93 85
376 05
OHIO.
By David Christy, Esq: —
Cincinnati — Walter Gregory, $25,
Jacob Strader, George Carlisle,
J. 11. Coram, M. V. Barr, Chs. McMiken, each .^10, Dr. C. L.
Avery, J. J. Slevin, Warren Hartshorn, Thos. G. Gaylord,
James Jolinston, Dr. Alex. M.
Johnston, J. H. Groesbeck, C.
Stetson, Butler & Brother, Th. McGeehin, David Loring, Jas.
M. Johnson, W. J. Taliaferro,
J. Hicks, J. G. Rust, cash (N.
W.), Richard Miller, L. White- man, each $5; cash (Mrs. L.)
H. Creighton, Peter Bauman,
Samuel Peel, cash (T.) each .$3; Wm. Caldo, cash (S. H.)
Hazlett & Hand, Dr. Ridgely,
Seely Wood, Joseph Smith, A.
Hopper, each $2 ; N. L. Hazen,
J. Seaman, Wm. Owen, E. N.
Slocum, Dr. Worthington, Mr.
Clayton, Rev. James Black,
Mr. Morehouse, Barton White,
James Hager, Mr. Fairchild, J.
F. Sudler, cash (H. D. C.) O.
G. DeGroff, H. Decamp, cash,
Mr. Elstener, cash (T. F. B.)
E. J. Miller, each $i 213 00
Springfield — Anna A. Warder, §5,
W. M. Spencer, $2, C. Anthony,
Esq., O. Clarke, David M. Bar- nett, J. S. Christie, Alexander McCreight, Isaac Ward, James Barnett, George Brain, John
Steele, Wm. M. Cooper, cash (Mr. C.) Dr. Rogers, Wm. A.
Rogers, Esq. each (^1 20 00
233 00
INDIANA.
Connelsville — Zenas Powell, per Rev. Alex. M. Cowan 1 00
ALABAMA.
Greene Springs — Prof. HenryTut-
wiler 10 00
MISSISSIPPI.
Washington County — Asa Smith,
Esq., per Rev. Alexander M.
Cowan 5 00
MICHIGAN.
JVankin — From the Nankin and Livonia Colonization Society, j)er Warren Tuttle, Esq., sec- retary 12 00
Total Contributions .$985 54
FOR REPOSITORY.
Maine. — Hallowell Rufus K.
Page, to January, 1849 1 50
Connecticut. — By Rev. James Ely : — New Haven — Capt. H. S.
Soule, for ’47, $1 50, WiHya Warner, Esq., to August, '48,
.$'1 50, John Anketell, for ’47 and ’48, $3, Capt. R. M. Clark, to Maj% ’48, $3. Meriden —
Rev. H. Miller, to July, ’48,
$3, Gen. W. Booth, to January,
’50, $3 15 00
New York. — New York City —
By Capt. Geo. Barker : — James Gemmel, jr., to May, ’49, $2,
Charles S. Little, to May, ’49,
$2, A. B. Belknap, to March,
’49, $2, R. H'. McCurdy, to April, ’49, $2, M. E. Thomp- son, to January, ’49, $2, D. S.
Gregory, to January, ’49, $6,
Sundry' persons, $48 50, The
N. York Journal of Commerce,
for ’47 and ’48, .$4. 68 50
V IRGIN lA. — Waynesborough
Rev. W. S. Richardson, to Apr.
’49 1 50
North Carolina. — Yanceyville — James Mebane, Esq., to Sep- tember,’51, $3. Newby’s Bridge — Nathan Winslow, for ’47 and
’48, $3. Franklin Rev.
John E. McPherson, to April,
’49, $3 9 00
Georgi.a. — Columbus — Dr. A.M.
Walker, to June, ’48, $3, Dr.
A. Pond, to June, ’48, $3 6 00
Ohio. — Columbus — Mrs. M. B. Taylor, to Nov. ’49, $3. Lenox — James Ray, to May, ’48, $5. Canal Dover — Jacob Blickins- derfer, to September, ’50, $10. Cary’s Academy — Nathan Doan,
to September, ’49, $2 20 00
Total Repository 121 50
Total Contributions 983 54
Aggregate Amount.. # . $1.107 04
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