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African llepsitorg.
Vol. XLY.] WASHINGTON, MAKCH, 1868. [No. 3.
FIFTY-FIRST ANNCTAL REPORT OP THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY.
JANUARY 21, 1868.
The American Colonization Society has passed through another year ivith rich experience of Divine favor. Cooper- ating wUh every noble impulse which impels the colored man to seek for himself a better country and a participation in the grand work of regenerating Africa, it gives no just ground of offence to any, and proposes good to all.
DEATH OF VICE-PRESIDENTS.
Eight Vice-Presidents of the Society have been removed from their earthly labors and responsibilities since the last An- nual Meeting, to wit: Dr. Stephen Duncan, of Mississippi, dis- tinguished for his many excellencies of character; Hon. Wash- ington Hunt, of Hew York, a statesman of the highest abilit}-; Hev. Joshua Soule, D. D., of Tennessee, long a venerated Bishop in one of the leading denominations of the country; Hon. Joseph A. Wright, of Indiana, ever readj^ to sympathize in any work which had for its object the well-being of man and the glory of God; Freeman Clark, Esq., of Maine, w’ho readily sympathized in the various interests of humanity; William H. Brown, Esq., of Illinois, a wise counsellor and earnest laborer in philanthropic measures; Hon. James M. Wayne, of Georgia, Avhosc abilities as a jurist have deeply en- graven their own record in the history of American jurispru- dence; and the Kev. Jeremiah Day, D. D., of Connecticut, long the beloved and successful President of Yale College.
66 FIFTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT [March,
These were ardent friends and supporters of our Institution and zealous in plans of Christian usefulness, while in their bright example their associates are furnished with fresh in- ceiflives to diligence in their appointed work.
FINANCES.
The actual receipts of the Society from the 1st of January to
the 31st December, 1867, have been: —
From Donations $13,260 62
From Legacies 27,019 63
From other sources 12,910 23
Making a total of $53,190 48
And the disbursements for the same period were: — For the support of emigrants on the voyage and for six months after landing in Liberia, $37,064 09; for repairs and running the ship Golconda, $25,484 21; the Government of Liberia for the care of Decaptured Africans, $2,531 63; and for salaries of Secretaries and Agents at home and in Liberia, paper and printing the African Eepository, taxes, insurance and repairs on Colonization Building, publishing the Memorial Volume, expenses incurred in litigated Will cases, and postage, fuel, and other expenses, $17,999 05; making a total of $83,078 98; compelling the sale of invested funds to meet the difference, ;^32,000.
The present year opens with more work in hand and more in immediate prospect, than has been presented at any previous time. Unless our resources be greatly increased, the scale of our expenditures must be reduced.
EXPEDITIONS.
It was stated in the last Annual Eeport that to meet the ap- plications for passage and settlement in Liberia, the Society had purchased the ship Golconda, 1,016 tons, to replace the packet Mary Caroline Stevens, and that she had been dis- patched, November 21, with six hundred emigrants. Favored by the winds of Heaven she arrived at Cape Mount, December 27, and proceeded to Monrovia, Sinou, and Cape Palmas, land- ing the people and their baggage with the stores provided for
1868.] OF THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY.
their six months’ support. Leaving Monrovia, February 12, she reached Baltimore, April 2.
Preparations were immediately made for her second or reg- ular spring trip, and she sailed from the latter named port May 7, and from Charleston, S. C., May 30, with 321 emigrants. Of these 116 were from Marion District, 19 from Aiken, 49 from Xewberry, and 72 from Charleston, S. C.; 45 from Macon, and 8 from Columbus, Geo.; 4 from Albemarle county, and 1 from Eichmond, Ya. ; 1 from Baltimore, Md.; and 6 from Phil- adelphia, Pa.
Their chosen places of settlement were Monrovia, 10; Ca- rysburg, 53; Sinou, 76; Bexley, 122; and Cape Palmas, 60.
The trades or occupations were represented by 32 farmers, 5 bricklayers, 5 laborers, 4 carpenters, 4 engineers, 3 painters, 3 waiters, 2 shoemakers, 2 coopers, 2 cooks, 2 plasterers, 1 clerk, 1 stone-cutter, 1 upholsterer, 1 cabinet-maker, 1 black- smith, 1 barber, 1 butcher, and 1 druggist.
Thirty-one could read, and 18 could read and write.
Eeligiously, there were 42 communicants of the Baptist church, 27 of the Methodist, and 5 of the Presbyterian ; making 74 professing Christians.
Three were native Africans returning to their own country, one of them having been taken into Savannah, Georgia, a few years ago in the celebrated slaver “Wanderer.”
The Golconda anchored off Monrovia, July 8, and after land- ing her company at the several ports for which they were destined, cleared from Monrovia, August 30, and reached Bal- timore, October 2.
Eequiring some repairs, which were comparatively slight and inexpensive, she was provisioned for her third or regular fall voyage, and sailed from Baltimore, ^7ovember 2, and from oft Charleston — where 312 emigrants and their baggage were transferred to her by a steamer from that city — i^ovember 18. Nineteen of these were from Marion District, S. C.; 2 from Macon, and 235 from Columbus, Geo.; and 49 from Dover, and 7 from Philadelphia, Tenn.
Two hundred and sixty-three chose Bexley, and 49 selected Cape Mount as their place of settlement.
68 FIFTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT [March,
Sevent^^-seven were Church members — of whom 45 were Methodists, 27 Baptists, and 5 Presbyterians.
Twenty-one could read and write, and 41 could only read.
Seventy-five had trades or professions, of whom 59 were farmers, 4 ministers, 3 carpenters, 2 blacksmiths, 2 bricklay- ers, 2 shoemakers, 2 laborers, 1 gardener, 1 cook, 1 miller, 1 brickmaker, and 1 bridge-builder.
Both companies were composed of those who were above the average of our colored population in means and intelligence. A goodly number had served in the Federal army, and several had declined offers of advanced pay and promises of land if they would but remain and “labor for the w^hite man.’' It is safe to say that no previous year has given to Liberia more men of excellent promise.
The extreme change in the status of the Freedmen by their sudden elevation in the spring, to the privileges of citizenship, and the exercise of that right during the fall, in some of the Southern States, alone prevented the Golconda from being filled on each voyage to her utmost capacity. Notwithstand- ing these powerful inducements and hindrances the emigration during the j^ear reached 633, or 12 more than that of 1866, wLich exceeded that of any year since 1854.
The Society is indebted to the Freedmen's Bureau for the transportation of th^emigrants and their baggage from their several places of residence to the port of embarkation, and to the American Sunday School Union and others for contributions of religious books and papers, primers and cards for the use of the people on shipboard and after they reach their destination.
Among the cabin j^assengers in the packet last November was the venerable Rev. R. E. Gurley, Honorary Secretary of the Society, who had long desired to visit, for the third time, the African settlements. With what glowing gratification must he look upon what, in 1824, w^ere the first buddings of civilized and Christian life on Cape Mesurado, now expanded into a free and thriving Republic, with its nigh six hundred miles of that once barbarous coast dotted with some sixty towns and settlements, schools, a College, and Churches shed- ding their elevating and hallowing light, the slave traffic sup-
1868.]
OF THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY.
69
pressed, commerce extending, and litei’ature, industry, and African nationality established.
CONTENTMENT.
Intelligence to the 11th of December, 1867, represents the emigrants as having passed or were passing through the accli- mation with unusual success.
Their contentment in their new homes and appreciation of the advantages opened to them, will best appear from the fol- lowing letters to their friends or relatives.
Mr. Wyatt Moore, the leader of the large party from Macon, Georgia, by the first voyage of the Golconda, wrote to Mr. Lewis Sherman: —
“God’s infinite goodness has brought us safe to the land of our fathers. It is beautiful to behold. We are all as well pleased as a people could be. I am filled with admiration and gladness. January is the hottest month here. It is like May in America. I have long heard talk of Liberia, but if you will believe me the half has not been told. I have one thing to re- gret, and that is that I have so few days to live, as the best of my days are gone. Talk about freedom; when a man comes to this country he is free sure enough. It is a land blest of the Almighty. The white man has no part or lot here. It is the black man’s home. We have our negro President, Vice- President, and Congressmen. Everything belongs to negroes. That is one thing that excites my curiosity — to behold a negro nationality. AYe have in this country all kinds of fruits — the lemon, orange, pine-apple, sour-sop, peach, and the mango-plum. We have often read in the Bible of the palm-tree. I have the pleasure to see plenty of them every day. From this tree is gotten butter, oil, and cabbage. It is a beautiful tree to behold. We have coffee; it grows in the woods in abundance. There is everything here like fruit and vegetables, and hogs, goats and cows, turkeys, chickens, &c. It is too tedious to mention everything.”
Mr. Francis Simpson, .an emigrant from Columbus, Georgia, thus wrote to his sister, who, with a large number of their ac- quaintances, embarked in our ship in November: —
70
FIFTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
[March,
“ I write to inform you that we have arrived safely in Libe- ria after a’ voyage of thirty-nine days, with all the passengers in good health. \Ye staid at Monrovia ten days. I visited it and found it mostly built of brick. We brought three hundred and twenty emigrants. They all seem to be very much pleased with the country. From Monrovia to Greenville is a rich and beautiful country. Greenville is a small village at the mouth of the Sinou river. We are now located some two miles up this river in houses given to the emigrants to stay in for six months. We have six months’ provisions given to us by the Coloniza- tion Society. The people here have been very kind to us. Give my love to the people at the plantation, and tell them if they can get to Liberia they must come, for it is a country where a man can make a support by working half of his time. Coffee grows all over the woods. Cotton grows here into a tree. The sugar-cane grows larger than any I have ever seen. Potatoes grow all the time. I have long heard of Liberia but now I see it, and I will say positively that Liberia is one of the best countries in the world. I wish that every colored person in America would come here. If a man cannot make a support here he will not make it anywhere. Give my respects to Chap- man, and let all read this letter.”
This testimony is the more valuable, as it was given direct to the parties addressed, and for their guidance. Communica- tions of similar character have been sent to our office by other and equally intelligent emigrants, from one of which — that of Mr. Lewis Sherman — -just referred to, and one of the most re- liable and worthy of men, a brief paragraph is taken, viz; —
“ I am pleased with the country, and find everything just as .represented by the Colonization Society. I believe Liberia to •be the home — the only home for the black man. It is his own •country. He is second to none here. I find more happiness among the Liberians than I ever did in the United States. Many thanks to the Society for kindness shown.”
APPLICATIONS.
Applications for passage to Liberia in May next have reached us from, or in behalf of, companies of colored people at Wil- liamsburg and Christiansburg, Yirginia; Nashville and Phila-
1868.]
OF THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY.
71
delphia, Tennessee ; Halifax, North Carolina ; Edgefield Dis- trict, South Carolina; Augusta, Marion, Macon, Sparta, and Columbus, Georgia; Mobile, Eufaula, and Montgomery, Ala- bama; Columbus, Mississippi; and Apalaobicola, Florida; com- prising, it is estimated, over two thousand persons. These are all local, spontaneous movements, originating “among them- selves and growing out of their own convictions concerning their own interests and duties.”
The applicants are represented as belonging to the best class of the colored population — intelligent, industrious, moral, reli gious — knowing how to .estimate freedom aright, and what constitutes true independence. They want to go, and need our aid to get there, believing that they can better their con- dition; while- others want to help in the grand work of civil- izing and evangelizing the natives, and in building up an hon- orable nationality for the race.
Liberia needs more civilized and educated and Christian people. There is a wide field of usefulness open to them. AYe have the knowledge and the skill acquired in half a century of experience. We have a large ship and all the facilities in Liberia for the care and settlement of the people of color. Why not help them to reach a country where they can enjov' not only political but social and civil equality, and national life and character? Must all the pity fall upon four millions of a depressed race in a humane and Christian country? Is there not a drop to spare for their more numerous, more afliicted brethren in their ancestral land?
From letters of application, written, it is believed, by colored people themselves, from their own suggestions and impress- ions, the subjoined extracts are taken as showing some of the demands for aid now pressing upon the Society :
“Aiken, S. C., December 17, 1867.
I write to inform you that I have received about one hun- dred and sevent3"-five names wishing passage to Liberia, with- out fail, on the first voyage of the ship. These are from Edge- field District. They are sorry that they could not go on the last trip. They are very anxious to learn if they can have passage.”
FIFTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
[March,
“ Eufaula, Ala., December 25, 1867.
\Ye, the undersigned colored people, take this method to inform you that wo would like to embark in May, 1868, for Liberia, if we can be accommodated. We request that you furnish us with free transportation from this place to Liberia. We are all poor, and have not any money.
A. E. W., and two hundred others, with their families.’^
‘‘Apalachicola, Fla., December 25, 1867.
I am well acquainted with a great many of the emigrants who went over in E'ovember from Golumbus, Georgia, Some of the finest colored people of Georgia are among them. I am requested to ask if the ship could not be sent to this port, pro- vided a load was made up here, and when she could come if engagements were made at once. ' I have but little doubt but that a large company could be made up here.”
“ Columbus, Ga., January 7, 1868.
You will see that I have received and now forward to you four hundred and twenty names, and, as near as I can come at it, I think that there will be about three hundred more who desire to go to Liberia in May, 1868. .1 wish that you would write me how many more names I may be privileged to enrol from our city. There are a great many of our good people who are saying that they are going to Africa, but they are waiting to hear from the company ^vho went from here last fall. But, if these have not soul enough in them to believe without seeing, why they must do like I have done — stay in the United States until the}^ get sick of their condition, and then they will want to get away faster than the means can be provided. For myself, I had much rather go honorably and from pure principles, and a sense of duty to myself and fellow man, and I might say to God, than to go only when I found it expedient to do so.”
“ Columbus, Miss., January 7, 1868.
We had a meeting here on the 6th instant, and all present said they would go to Liberia. We have called a meeting on
1868.]
OF THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY.
73
the 19th instant, of the colored people of Lowndes County, so we can take the names of those who want to go. Please to answer this letter so as it can be submitted at that time, as we want to know when and where we are to take ship, and how we are to get to the ship. It is said this is a white-man gov- ernment; if so, we are willing to leave it to him, and seek a government of our own.’’
“Halifax, H. 0., January 9, 1868.
I have seen all the people and they have pledged themselves that nothing shall stop them from going but sickness or death. They are making -every effort to get read}^ in season to go to the land of the free and the home of the black man^ I have in my party, as will be seen by my list of one hundred and fifty-one names which I send you, railroad men and engineers, and men that worked in car shops.”
MAIL STEAMSHIPS.
Commercial enterprises on the West African Coast are grad- ually extending as Christian civilization elevates the natives and develops the valuable natural resources of the country. Steamers are now plying with some regularity on the Niger, bearing into the interior foreign manufactures, and bringing back the rich products of Soudan and adjacent regions. Others are running along the Coast.
The English Board of Trade returns show a large increase in the value of British exports to Western Africa. They are given for the quarter ending March 31, 1867, as £381,437, a gain of £170,000 over the corresponding months of 1865, and allowing for the decrease in value of cotton goods, as compared wuth 1865, they have been more than double the last year.
The English Government gives an annual subsidy of £20,000 to the African Steamship Company, requiring it to convey the mails from Liverpool to Fernando Po and back again to Liver- pool, in fifty-one days four hours, exclusive of stoppages for their reception and delivery. The trips have been performed with great regularity.
At the semi-annual meeting of this Company, held in Lon-
74
FIFTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
[March,
don, December 11, 1867, it was reported that its continued success “enabled the Directors to declare a six months’ divi- dend, as usual, of eight shillings jier share, and to add a fur- ther two shillings per share as a bonus;” and “a new and very superior steamship had been ordered, which would be paid for out of revenue.”
When will the American people awaken to the importance of a similar line, and the value of this enriching commerce? Those who settled Liberia have left relatives and friends who naturally desire to have regular and frequent mail communi- cation with them, but the Government has not provided any mail facilities. Yet, if a vessel bears a letter there, it must have a ten cent stamp upon it, as though the Post Office De- partment had established a mail route to that quarter, and paid for the service.
Perhaps no one measure promises so large a share of the growing trade of West Africa as a line of steamships from the United States to Liberia. It would afford rapid and cheap passage for any number of those who aspire to found a noble nation on the soil of their forefathers, who are entitled to American sympathy and aid, and who will repay all the advances made them by the creation of a commerce which promises every day to become more valuable.
A prominent citizen of Liberia gives some insight of the commercial activity and importance of that Eepublic at this early day, in the following facts:
“Eight vessels have been built here, five within a year, aver- aging twenty tons burthen. These have been built in our own ship-yards by our own citizen ship-builders. Besides these, twelve boats of the size of large whale-boats have been built or purchased from foreigners, and ply between different trading points, purchasing palm oil. In addition to these, one or two small crafts have been purchased abroad; orders for,two more are soon to be met, and five more are noiv building.
During the last few months the Liberian traders and mer- chants have shipped larger quantities of palm oil than ever before in the same period. A few items will serve to show the progress which is making in this line. A friend informs me
1868.]
OF THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY.
75
that he saw shipped at Palmas, in the mail steamer for Liver- pool, one hundred and two caslcs of palm oil; and a few days afterwards, in another steamer, one hundred and four casks were shipped from Grand Bassa.
A like increase in the number of country cloths shipped from our ports is noticeable. This trade is mostly confined to Mes- urado county, and consequently the cloths are brought in larger numbers to Monrovia than any other place. One merchant in this town received no less than 1,170 within twenty days. They are generally about six feet in length; but some are of an extraordiary size, and very beautiful; one of my neighbors has one twenty-two feet long and ten feet wide, weighing thir- teen and a-half pounds.^’
1
PROGRESS IN LIBERIA.
The administration of government moves in Liberia with as much regularity, quietness, and order as in any of our States. One of the Acts passed at the last session of the Natioual Leg- islature increased the grant of land to emigrants from the United States from five to ten acres to each single adult, and from ten to twenty-five acres to each family.
In some numbers of the African Eepublic, published at Mon- rovia, there are various communications which prove the ad- vancement of the people in the arts of civilized life. Among other notices of an encouraging character it is there announced that “ in the rural districts extensive planting has been car- ried on.”
“We were perfectly delighted the other day,” remarks the editor, “to see, feel, and examine piece after piece of cloth — cotton check of an excellent fabric — sent to us by our friend II. O. Iliaes. This was manufactured, on his farm, on the Mesurado river. The cotton is native, the spinning is done here, and the weaving, too, is executed by an excellent weaver from Philadelphia. We saw specimens of white, unbleached cloth, firm and strong. Then a variety of striped goods, some red, some blue ; the very dj^e-stuffs procured here of a native vegetable matter, and the cotton yarn dyed by the weaver.’^
In religious matters there is much to gratify and encourage. It is stated that the “ Methodist Church at Monrovia has erected
76 FIFTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT _ [March,
a neat chapel at Krootown, for the use of the Kroo tribe. Pre- parations are making in Yirginia, on the St. Paul’s river, for the erection of a Methodist Church; the members themselves have made the brick, and are now getting out rock for the foundation. The Presbyterians at Marshall have built a large brick church. The plastering of Trinity Episcopal Church, Monrovia, is nearly completed. St. Paul’s Chapel, Caldwell, needs but a few more courses of brick, and then it will be ready for roofing. A Sabbath-School class of sixteen native boys has been opened in St. Stephen’s Parish, St. Paul’s river, and the erection of a church is contemplated; materials are now collecting. The Baptists at Marshall have cleared and laid off a brick-yard some five miles up the Farmington river, for the purpose of making brick to build a Meeting House. The Baptists at Yirginia have persevered, without any aid outside of their own purse and efforts, until they have suc- ceeded in the erection of a fine brick edifice, which, on Sab- bath, June 16, was dedicated to the service of God. On the 25th of August, thirty-five persons were presented for baptism. It was the most interesting scene ever witnessed on the St. Paul’s river, from the fact that there were more native and Congo converts than at any previous administration of this solemn ordinance.”
CONCLUSION.
Such have been our labors for the past year. What shall be our future? Shall this work 2:0 on? The friends of the people of color, and of Africa alone can answer. Our facilities for its prosecution were never so good as now. From various quarters there come appeals for help. The applicants have not the means to remove to Liberia. Our treasury is nearly empty.
Let us do our part. Let us with promptness and generosity, with gratitude to God, and in love to man, give ourselves and our substance to the promotion of this mighty enterprise. May He give clear views of its vastness, impress all hearts with a feeling of its importance, and stimulate to proper effort for its achievement.
T s TJ le, s :E^ s I^E:poI^T.
Dr. Receipts and Disbursements of the American Colonization Society, for the Year 1867.
1868.]
OF THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY.
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The Committee on Accounts liave examined the accounts for the year 1867, and found them correctly kept and pro perly vouched.
JOSEPH S. POPES,
W-ARHINGTOX, D. C., January 2o, 18QS. Chairynan.
78
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE
[March,
ANNUAL MEETING OP THE AMEHICAN COLONIZATION
SOCIETY.
The Annual Meeting of the American Colonization Society Tvas held in Wesley Chapel, corner Fifth and F streets, Wash- ington, D. C., on Tuesday, January 21, 1868, at o’clock, p. M. ; the President, Hon. John H. B. Latrobe, in the chair.
The Eev. J. T. Crane^ H. I)., of Hew Jersey, invoked the Divine blessing.
Extracts from the Annual Report were read by Mr. Cop- pinger. Corresponding Secretary of the Society.
The Hon. Peter Parker read an Address by the Rev. Thomas Hill, D. D., President of Harvard College, prevented from being present by a “ sudden College emergency.”
Addresses were delivered by the Hon. F. T. Frelinghuysen, Senator from Hew Jersey, Rev. Benjamin Laharee, D. D., late of Middlebury College, Yermont, and the Hon. John H. B. Latrobe, President of the Society.
The benediction was pronounced by the Rev. P. D. Curley, D. D., of Washington, D. C., when the Society adjourned to meet to-morrow at 12 o’clock, m. at the Society’s Building.
Wednesday, January 22, 1868.
The American Colonization Society met at their rooms this day, pursuant to adjournment.
In the absence of the President, detained in Baltimore by an avoidable professional engagement, the Rev. John Maclean, D. D., senior Yice-President in attendance, took the chair.
The minutes of the last Annual Meeting and of the meeting held last evening, were read and approved.
The Chair appointed Joseph S. Ropes, Esq., William Y. Pettit, Esq., and the Rev. John Orcutt, D. D., a Committee to nominate a President and Yice-Presidentsfor the ensuing year.
On motion of the Rev. Dr. Tracy, it was
Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be presented to the several gen- tlemen wiio gave addresses at the Annual Meeting last evening, and that copies be requested for the press.
1867.]
AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY.
79
Mr. Ropes, as Chairman of the Committee on Nominations, made a report, recommending the re-election of the following:
President.
Hon. John H. B. Latrobe.
Vice-Presidents.
1. Moses Allen, Esq., New York.
2. Rev. James 0. Andrew, D. D., Alabama.
3. Hon. M alter H.wrie, New York.
4. Hon. William C. Rives, Tirginia.
5. Hon. Henry A. Foster, New York.
6. Robert Campbell, Esq., Georgia.
7. Hon. Peter D. Troom, New Jersey.
8. Hon. Janies Garland, Tirginia.
9. Hon. Willard Hall, Delaware.
It'. Gerard Ralston, Esq., England.
11. Rev. Ebenezer Burgess, D. D., Mass.
12. Thomas R. Hazard, Rhode Island. •
13. Hon. Lucius Q. C. Elmer, New Jersey.
14. Rt. Rev. Charles P. Mcllvaine, D. D., Ohio.
15. Hon. Joseph R. Underwood, Kentucky.
16. Rev. Thomas C. Upham, D. D., Maine.
17. Hon. Thomas W. Williams, Conn.
18. Rev. John Early, D. D., Tirginia.
19. Rev. Lovick Pierce, D. D., Georgia.
20. Hon. Robert J. Walker, D. C.
21. John Bell, M. D., Pennsylvania.
22. Rev. Robert Ryland, D. D., Tirginia.
23. Hon. Frederick P. Stanton, D. C.
24. Hon. Horatio Seymour, New York.
25. Hon. George F. Fort, New Jersey.
26. Hon. Rjilph I. Ingersoll, Conn.
27. Hon. Joseph R. Ingersoll, Pennsylvania.
28. Hon. Edward Coles, Pennsylvania.
29. Rev. Howard Malcom, D. D., Pennsylvania.
30. Rev. John P. Durbin, D. D., New York.
31. Edward McGehee, Esq., Mississippi.
32. Hon. Thomas H. Seymour, Conn.
33. Rev. Osmon C. Baker, D. D., N. II.
34. Rev. Edmund S. Janes, D. D., New York.
35. Rev. Matthew Simpson, D. D., Penna.
36. Rev. Levi Scott, D. D., Delaware.
37. Rev. Ralph R. Gurley, D. C.
38. Rev. Robert Paine, D. D., Mississippi.
39. Rev. Robert J. Breckinridge, D. D., Ky.
40. Rev. Thomas A. Morris, D. D., Ohio.
41. Henry Stoddard, Esq., Ohio.
42. Rev. Edward R. AmeS, D. D., Maryland.
43. Rev. James S. C. Finle3', Illinois.
44. Hon. Edward Bates, Missouri.
45. Hon. John F. Darby, Missouri.
46. Rev. Nathan L. Rice, D. D., New Jersey.
47. Hon. Joseph B. Crockett, California.
48. Hon. Henry Dutton, Connecticut.
49. Hon. George F. Patten, Maine.
50. Ricliard Hoff, Esq., Georgia.
51. Henry M. Schicffeliu, Esq., New Y'ork.
52. Rev. John Maclean, D. D , New Jersey.
53. Richard T. Haines, Esq., New Jersey.
54. lion. Ichabod Goodwin, New Hampshire.
55. Hon. John Bell, Tennessee.
56. lion. William E. Dodge, New York.
57. Robert II. Ives, Esq., Rhode Island.
58. Rev. Thomas DeWitt, D. D., New York.
59. Hon. James R. Doolittle, Wisconsin.
60. Samuel A. Crozer, Esq , Pennsylvania.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That the Society confirm the nominations and elect the persons named in the report.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That the Society do now adjourn to meet on the third Tuesday in January, 1869, at o’clock p. m., at such place as the Executive Com- mittee shall appoint.
Attest, Wm. Coppinger,
Secretary.
80
PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. [March,
PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OP DIRECTORS.
Washington, D. C.. January 21, 1868.
The Board of Directors of the American Colonization So- ciety met this day at 12 o’clock, m., in their rooms in the Colonization Building, corner of Pennsylvania avenue and Four-and-a-balf street.
A letter was submitted from the Hon. John H. B. Latrobe, President of the Societ}", Baltimore, January 20, stating that he could not be present, as he was engaged in the trial of an im- portant cause “wdiich cannot be postponed.” Whereupon the Hon. G. Washington Warren, of Massachusetts, was appointed Chairman.
Prayer was offered by the Eev. J. T. Crane, D. D., of New Jersey.
The Board proceeded to the appointment of a Secretary, when William Coppinger having been nominated, was, on motion, appointed Secretary of the Board.
The Eev. Dr. Tracy, Mr. Pettit, and the Eev. Dr. Labaree were appointed a Committee on Credentials.
The minutes of the last meeting of the Board, January 15 and 16, 1867, were read.
Mr. Coppinger, as CoiTesponding Secretary of the Society, presented and read the Annual Eeport of that body.
The Eev. Dr. Tracy, as Chairman of the Committee on Cre- dentials, made a report, which was, on motion, accepted and approved, as follows :
DELEGATES FROM AUXILIARY SOCIETIES.
Yermont — Eev. John K. Converse, George W. Scott, Esq.
Connecticut — H )n. Samuel II. Huntington, Hon. Eichard D. Hubbard,* Dr. Henry A. Grant,* Eev. William W. Turner,* Eev. George II. Clark,* Daniel Phillips, Esq.*
Massachusetts — Joseph S. Eopes, Esq., Hon. G. Washington Warren, Eev. Benjamin Labaree, D. D., Abner Kingman, Esq.*
New Y"ork — Henry H. Eeynolds, Esq., Gabriel P. Disosway, Esq., William B. lYedgwood, Esq.
New Jersey — Eev. Jonathan T. Crane, D. D., Eev. Elijah E. Craven, D. D.*
*Not present.
1868.]
PROCEEDINGS OP THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
81
PenDsylvania — William Y, Pettit, Esq., Eev. Thomas S. Malcom.
LIFE DIRECTORS.
Rev. YTlliam McLain, D. D., Eev. John Maclean, D. D., Eev. John Orcutt, D. D., Eev. Joseph Tracy, D. L.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
Dr. Harvey Lindsly, William Gunton, Esq., Eev. George W. Samson, D. D., Hon. Peter Parker, Hon. John B. Kerr.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That the Board do now adjourn to meet to-morrow morning at 10 o’clock.
Colonization Eooms, Washington, D.. C., January 22, 1868. The Board met at 10 o’clock, a. m., pursuant to adjournment ; the Hon. Mr. Warren in the chair.
Prayer was offered by the Eev. John Maclean, D. D., of Hew Jersey.
The minutes of yesterday were read and approved.
The Chair appointed the Standing Committees, as follows :
r Eev. John Maclean, D. D.,
Foreign Eelations -< Hon Peter Parker,
(_ Eev. Thomas S. Malcom.
r Eev. Joseph Tracy, D. D.,
Finance i Eev. John K. Converse,
(_ William Gunton, Esq.
C Eev. John Orcutt, D. D.,
Auxiliary Societies -< Eev. Benjamin Labaree,D. D.,
Eev. George W. Samson, D. D.
C Hon. Samuel H. Huntington,
Agencies J Eev. Jonathan T. Crane, D. D.,
Milliam B. Wedgwood, Esq.
C Joseph S. Eopes, Esq.,
Accounts...: J George W. Scott, Esq.,
' Henry H. Eeynolds, Esq.
r William Y. Pettit, Esq.,
Emigration J Gabriel P. Disosway, Esq.,
(Hon. John B. Kerr.
March— 2
82 PKOCEEDINGS OE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. [March,
On motion, it was
Resolved, That the Annual Report be accepted, and so much as relates to Foreign Relations, Finance, Auxiliary Societies, Agencies, Accounts, and Emigration, be referred to the several Standing Committees in charge of these subjects respectively.
Eev. Dr. McLain, as Financial Secretary of the Society, pre- sented and read the Annual Statement of the Executive Com- mittee.
On m.otion, it was
I
Resolved, That the Annual Statement and accompanying papersbe accepted and referred to the several Standing Committees to whom the subjects appro- priately belong.
The appointed hour having come for the meeting of the Society, the Board took a recess, and at 12.15 o’clock resumed its session.
The report of Dr. James Hall, as Agent of the Society for the ship Golconda, was read.
AYhen, on motion, it was
Resolved, That the report and accompanying financial statement of Dr. Hall be accepted and referred to the Standing Committee on Accounts.
The following amendment to the Constitution was proposed, unanimously approved, and laid over for the action of the Board at its next Annual Meeting, viz :
Resolved, That it is hereby proposed that article Fifth of the Constitution of the Society be amended by striking out the words “previous to,” and inserting in their stead “ending on the day of,”
On motion, it was
Resolved, That when the Board adjourn, it adjourns to meet to-morrow morning at 10 o’clock.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to nominate officers of the So- ciety for the ensuing year.
President Maclean, Mr. Pettit, and the Eev. Dr. Labaree were appointed the Committee; who subsequently reported, through their Chairman, recommending the re-election of the present officers, as follows :
Financial Secretary and Treasurer — Eev. William McLain,
D. D.
Travelling Secretary — Eev. John Orcutt, D. D.
1868.] PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OP DIRECTORS.
83
Corresponding and Eecording Secretary — William Cop- pinger.
Executive Committee — Harvey Lindsly, M. D., Joseph H. Bradley, Esq., William Gun ton. Esq., Eev. George W. Samson, I). H., Hon. Peter Parker, Hon. Samuel H. Huntington, Hon. John B. Kerr.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That the Board confirm the nominations by the Committee, and elect the persons named in their report.
On motion, adjourned.
Washington, H. C., January 23, 1868.
The Board met at 10 o’clock this morning, pursuant to ad- journment, the Hon. Mr. Warren in the chair.
The Divine blessing was invoked by the Eev. John K. Con- verse, of Yermont.
The minutes of yesterday were read and approved.
The Eev. Dr. Tracy, as Chairman of the Standing Com- mittee on Finance, presented and read the following report, which was, on motion, accepted, viz:
The Committee feel deeply the necessity of improving the financial condition of the Society, so as to meet the demands which are already pressing upon it, and the still greater de- mands which are evidently coming upon it. But the principal means come within the province of other committees, such as the employment of agents, of such ability and weight of character that they can command the respectful attention of all whom they desire to address. Another is, bring all the Auxiliaries into harmonious and energetic co-operation with the Parent Society. In this would be included the revival of some that have for some time been inactive, especially at the West, and, as soon as practicable, at tbe South.
Various projects are sometimes discussed by persons who are friendly but not familiar with our affairs in their details.
It has been said that emigrants may go at their own expense, as Irish and German emigrants come to the United States, and we may guide and facilitate their emigration. Of this, it
84 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. [March,
is enough to say, that there are no such emigrants now, nor can we expect them within any period for which we can judiciously make calculations. When they present themselves it will be easy to make the necessary arrangements for their assistance.
We must rely on the donations and bequests of those who appreciate our labors and are willing to sustain them. They must be furnished with the means of knowing their duty, and we believe they may be trusted to do it.
The Eev. Dr. Orcutt, as Chairman of the Standing Com- mittee on Auxiliary Societies, presented and read the follow- ing report, which was, on motion, accepted, and the accompany- ing resolution was adopted :
The Committee on Auxiliary Societies would respectfully report :
That in considering, at this juncture of the history of African Colonization, the influence which Auxiliary Societies have exerted and are yet to exert in the prosecution of the great work of this Society, they feel impressed with this conviction : While the main movement of the body must emanate from the centre of the Parent organization, the Auxiliary Societies are as limbs, no one of which is unimportant; and that the effi- ciency of the whole will depend on those two characteristics, to wit: The living energy and the united harmony of action pervading the one body in all its parts.
The Parent Society’s chief, not to say only object, is to colonize colored people of the United States in Liberia, and, in the judgment of your Committee, this should be the one single object of each and all its branches.
V7ith such unity of purpose and action, the still existing Auxiliaries of the Northern sea-board States might of them- selves enable this Society to carry on its operations without interruption or embarrassment. At the same time, your Com- mittee, looking over the many States whence aid may at length be expected, are impressed with the conviction that the West- ern States should at once renew their efforts to help forward the good cause we are aiming to promote. In some of those States there are Auxiliary Societies which only need reani-
1868.]^ PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 85
matiog to be made efficient. Besides, the Western States are receiving an immigration and are enjoying a prosperity which prepares them to appreciate the value to the black man of an independent home, and gives them the means of furnishing material aid to assist him in his praiseworthy endeavor.
The Southern States cannot be expected, at present, to render us much pecuniary assistance ; and yet it is desirable, as soon as practicable, to have Auxili-ary Societies in those States, in order to have them represented in the meetings of this Board.
In view of these considerations, your Committee recommend for adoption the following resolution :
Resolved, That we earnestly appeal to all the existing Auxiliaries of this Society to use their speedy and utmost endeavors to make their several So- cieties more active and efficient, and thereby secure more fully the confi- dence and support of the Christian public, and their own increased ability, to help meet the claims now pressing upon the Executive Committee.
Mr. Wedgwood, from the Standing Committee on Agencies, presented and read the following report, which was, on motion, accepted :
The Standing Committee on Agencies beg leave to make the following report:
The demand. for aid on the part of emigrants wishing to go to Liberia is without a precedent in the history of this So- ciety. Where, a few years ago, applications were made to this Society by single individuals, or by companies of eight or ten, now applications are made by hundreds, and even hy thous- ands, and this Society have now more than two thousand applicants ready to leave as soon as funds can be raised to de- fray their expenses.
These facts seem to require a corresponding degree of activity and energy on the part of the Society to meet this demand. The Society is justified in making a more pressing appeal to the public for funds than they have ever made be- fore.
The United States Government is rapidly absorbing this con- tinent, and .our people, through the aid of this Society, are rapidly taking possession of the continent of Africa. We
86 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. [March,
have planted American civilization in the Eepnblic of Liberia, •which, it is hoped, is destined to spread over that entire con- tinent. The Liberians are already dreaming of a republican empire on that continent, embracing millions of enlightened and Christianized citizens. This S}^stem of aiding our colored people to take possession of the continent of Africa is one of the noblest of American enterprises.
Barnaby, in his “Travels in Korth America,” published in 1775, says: “ A strange but visionary idea has entered into the minds of the generality of mankind, that empire is travelling West-ward, and every one is looking forward with eager and impatient expectation to that destined moment when America is to give the law to the rest of the world.”
Through our system of civilization, America is to-day giving her law, her language, and her religion to the continent of Africa. It is the duty of every A merican citizen to cherish the warmest sympathy and friendship for our brethren in Africa who are there establishing another great empire.
Your Committee would therefore recommend that efficient Agents be employed by the Executive Committee in all parts of the United States, who are competent to present this sub- ject before the American people in its true light, as one of the most important enterprises of America, in giving her law, her language, and her religion to Africa.
* Mr. Kopes, as Chairman of the. Standing Committee on Ac- counts, presented and read the following report, which was, on motion, accepted :
The Standing Committee on Accounts report that they have found the books of the Society and the accounts of Dr. Hall, Agent of the ship Golconda, correctly kept and properly vouched, and they recommend that the same be approved.
Mr. Pettit, as Chairman of the Standing Committee on Emigration, presented and read the following report, which was, on motion, accepted, and the accompanying resolution was adopted :
The Committee on Emigration respectfully report : That they find the duties devolved upon them essentially changed from what they have hitherto been. In previous years your
1868.] PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 87
Committee have had their attention called to the difficulty of procuring emigrants to secure the ground that had been pro- vided for their home in Africa, and they have urged the adop- tion of the means necessary to that end. Now, however, the pressure upon the Society is from another quarter, and instead of having to solicit emigrants to strengthen Liberia, the large number offering and bogging for a passage to that Eepublic, in Africa, devolves upon us the duty simply of sending all such as shall be found suitable and calculated to aid in rendering Liberia a ])rosperous, free, and religious State. The Annual lleport exhibits the gratifying fact that, of the thirteen hun- dred sent out by the last three voyages of the Golconda, a large number were members of the churches of the different denominations, and, at the same time, of the varied and most important industrial pursuits. This the Committee regard as of the highest importance and of the most gratifying character.
As the matter now stands, the Committee recommend that this work shall be carried on ; that such emigrants shall be selected from the number applying as will be a valuable acqui- sition to Liberia and sent forward; that every effort shall be made in this direction. This is the great work of the Society. It is the fundamental work to colonize people of color, residing in this country, in Africa, and all the means we possess we regard as belonging to this object, and that all we have shall be devoted to it. They, therefore, recommend the adoption of the following :
Resolved, That the Executive Committee be recommended to use the means at their command to carry on the work of sending all proper emigrants that shall offer during the present year.
The Eev. Mr. Malcom, from the Standing Committee on Foreign Eelations, presented and read the following report, which was, on motion, accepted, and the accompanying reso- lutions were adopted ;
The Committee on Foreign Eelations respectfully report : We have considered the subjects referred to us, in reference to securing from the Government “ the establishment of a line of mail steamers between the United States and Liberia,” and also “ the restoration of the African Squadron.”
88
THE NEW JERSEY COLONIZATION SOCIETY. [Marcll,
The subject of “the establishment of a line of mail steamers be- tween the United States and Liberia” is one of great importance. The commerce of Liberia is already large for a young nation, and is increasing yearly. Great Britain, to secure the valuable trade of West Africa, has established a line of steamers touch- ing regularly at Monrovia and Cape Palmas. Our republican institutions have been established in Africa by those who have voluntarily gone forth from our midst, and we owe it to these hardy pioneers to give them facilities for communicating with their friends in the United States. We learn with pleasure that the Legislature of Vermont has adopted resolutions ask- ing^ Congress to establish a line of mail steamers between the United States and the Eepublic of Liberia.
The treaty between the United States and Great Britain provides for maintaining a squadron upon the West coast of Africa, carrjdng eighty guns. Great good has resulted in past years from this treaty.
We recommend the adoption of the following resolutions:
Resolved, ThSt our Government be requested to furnish facilities for mail communication between the United States and the West coast of Africa,
Resolved, That such measures be adopted by the Executive Committee as may be deemed by them most expedient, in regard to the renewal of the African Squadron on the West coast of Africa.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That the Annual Report be referred to the Executive Committee for publication.
The minutes of to-day’s meeting were read and approved. The Board united in prayer, offered by the Eev. Dr. Labaree, of Massachusetts, and then adjourned.
G. WASHINGTON WARREN,
Chairman.
Wm. Coppinger,
Secretary of the Board.
From the New Jersey Journal.
THE NEW JERSEY COLONIZATION SOCIETY Held its annual meeting in Mewark a few days ago. The Managers are happy to re])ort that the churches and their pas- tors, and the friends of the Society in general, express a very kind feeling for the cause of African colonization ; but they
1868.]
THE NEW JERSEY COLONIZATION SOCIETY.
89
regret that there is not a corresponding interest manifest to supply the “material aid” for the carrying out of the enter- prise. It is one thing to wish the Golconda, with her six hundred emigrants, a prosperous passage and a favorable set- tlement in Liberia, and a different thing to furnish $100 per head to each emigrant to meet the needful expenses of a free passage, and the aid necessary for a few months after landing.
It is enough to say there is no lack of applicants to be sent to Liberia. More than two thousand are waiting for passage in the Golconda on her next voyage. Help now is therefore most timely, and will be very gratefully received.
The address given at our late meeting was by the Eev. Hr. Crane, of Ilackettstown. It was an excellent address, con- vincingly presenting colonization as the most rational and hopeful solution of the' great negro problem. One point he made deserves especial consideration. After fully conceding the right of the negro to remain in this country, and the inte- rest perhaps of Americans that he should remain, he strongly urged it as their privilege and their interest to migrate to their fatherland, and this he argued principally from the felt neces- sity of every people for a nationality of their own. If they would rise and vindicate their claims to manhood, they mugt have the prestige of a national life of their own. And he could see no fair hope of their realizing this essential desideratum but in their fatherland.
An independent national life, a government, a history, a language and literature, seem the necessary conditions of the elevation and prosperity of any people. Nothing short of this furnishes the incentive to industry, thrift, and independence, which in turn are the necessary conditions of any nationality worthy of the name.
It is vain for the negro to expect such a nationality in this country. Theorize as we may, yet when we come to the prac- tical question of an independent national existence of the sons of Ham within the bounds of our territory, we hesitate, doubt, denriur; not from any wrong or injustice of the thing, but from its impracticability. A land that has proved too strait for the “poor Indian,” is not likely to prove broad enough for the unobstructed development of the African.
He may live here, become a citizen, and in a subordinate capacity prosper. But would he grow and expand, and attain to the vigor of an independent national life, he must go to that sunny land, that easy and fertile soil, which seems to have been reserved for him, and peculiarly adapted to his instincts, capabilities, and wants, and which a remarkable series of prov- idences seem to indicate can never be rescued from the devas- tations of Paganism, and enclosed in the fold of a Christian civilization and of a pure religion, except by her own exiled
90
THE GRAND FUTURE.
[March,
SODS and daughters returning, as it were, to the promised land, richly laden with treasures more precious than pearls, and prepared to work out the renovation of a long oppressed race.
Shall we not speed' them on their way, and bring the work- ers to their work? Parties may wish to retain them here, not for their benefit, but for their own ; but we believe the day hastens on when our colored population will feel that they can but poorly afford to sacrifice a permanent future good for so poor an equivalent. H. R.
THE GRAND FUTURE.
The Congregational Review for January, thus notices the “Memorial of the Semi-Centennial Anniversary of the Ameri- can Colonization Society;’^
We have perused this elegant volume, of a hundred and ninety-two octavo pages, with the deepest interest. The form- ation of the American Colonization Society, and the founding of the free and independent Republic of Liberia will have a place among the most important events of modern times. The grand results, and that they will be grand we feel assured, be- long to the future. It is something that there is a beautiful country to-day, of inexhaustible resources for commercial pur- poses, with a free government, Christian institutions, and schools for all, where the black man has all the privileges and immunities which belong to the truest manhood, where he is sovereign, and there is none to challenge his right. It is still more that the highest Christian civilization has planted itself on the shores of Africa, giving promise of a greater work for Christ on that beautiful continent within the next fifty years than could be accomplished in centuries by missionaries from the United States and England.
THE APPOINTED INSTRUMENTS.
For more than twenty years past I have been satisfied that in the mysterious orderings of Providence, it is destined that the colored race of these United States is to be the instrument by which the millions of Africans are to brought within the pale of civilization. Liberia already amounts to twelve thou- sand emigrants and their children from this country, with about two hundred thousand natives of Africa partaking of its whole- some influences. Probably another half century will not pass before the whole equatorial regions of Africa will be divided into republican States and school districts after the pattern of the United States of America. This work must be done by the colored race itself, as it is a well established fact that no white man can live within the tropics in Africa, although the climate is healthy for the blacks. Thomas R. Hazard.
1868.]
STUDYING ARABIC AT MONROVIA.
91
“WITHOUT REGARD TO COLOR’*
The following is a copy of a petition which has reached us from Liberia, praying for the modification of that feature of the Constitution which declares that “none but persons of color shall be admitted to citizenship in that Eepublic:”
To the Honorable Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia :
Your^ humble petitioners most respectfully represent that, whereas the colored man is now acknowledged by civilized people and nations to be susceptible of as high degree of cul- ture and improvement as other people ;
And whereas he is now also admitted to citizenship in all civilized countries on the same condition that the white man is, and in order to sustain our membership in the great family of nationality with respect and dignity, we should allow others the same advantage in our country as they give us in theirs ;
And whereas our forefathers, in forming our Constitution, made it to suit the condition of things at that time, but now needs an amendment, so that it may better answer the pur- pose of present and future generations :
Therefore your humble petitioners most respectfully pray your honorable body to consider and submit to the citizens of Liberia the amendment of our Constitution — that is to say, that the two last words in the third line and the whole of the fourth line of the 13th section of the 5th article of the Constitution of the Eepublic of Liberia be so altered and amended as to read : “Notwithstanding any person, without regard to color, may be admitted to citizenship in this Eepublic.”
For which your petitioners will ever pray.
Cape Palmas, Maryland County, November 9, 1867.
STUDYING ARABIC AT MONROVIA.
The following, from a (colored) minister at Monrovia, shows the wide door which Liberia opens to the regions beyond: “With a view of extending my labors still further among the aborigines of the country, I am, with the assistance of my friend. Prof E. W. Blyden, pursuing the study of the Arabic language. With a knowledge of this, I hope to gain access to the great body of Mandingoes, who are coming down in large numbers, and forming settlements near us. By being able to communicate with them in this, their sacred language, we may reasonably hope for glorious results in favor of the spread of the gospel in this region. I visited one of their towns some time ago, and found a school open, in which a venerable-looking Mohammedan was engaged in teaching boys to read and write the Arabic.”
92 THE FOURTH PRESIDENT OP LIBERIA. [March,
IMPRESSIONS OF LIBERIA,
In a business letter from a merchant of Kew York who vis- ited the AYest Coast of Africa, going and returning by the Eng- lish mail steam-packet line from Liverpool, occurs the following: “The writer returned to this city on the 18th November, after a most interesting and gratifying visit to Liberia, in which he was strongly impressed with the natural resources of the country, and found reason to hope that the African Ee- public would yet surmount the difficulties in the way of its prosperity, and justify the efforts and expectations of its friends.”
THE FOURTH PRESIDENT OP LIBERIA.
No choice having been made for President at the biennial election held last May, the Legislature, at its session in Decem- ber, elected the Eev. James S. Payne, and he was inaugurated President of Liberia, January 6, 1868.
Mr. Payne removed to Africa from Kentucky when young, was educated at Monrovia Academy, and entering the ministry of the Methodist Church, soon became a prominent member of the Liberia Conference, serving as Presiding Elder for several years. He is a man of marked ability, a successful writer on the science of political economy, and well knows the condition and prospects of the African Eepublic.
The Lexington (Kentucky) Statesman gives the following sketch of the fourth President of Liberia :
James S. Payne was born within four miles of this city, at the place now owned by Mr. lYilliam Bradley. Payne’s father was the slave of the late Edward Payne, of this county, and his mother the slave of a rich widow named Mukes. She was an indulgent, kind mistress. About 1840, Mrs. Mukes sent young James S. and his brothers and sisters to Liberia. In 1844 Mr. Edward Payne died, and left James Priest Payne, the father, free. About that time James S. returned to Ken- tucky, and took with him back to Liberia his father. On his mother’s side he was a pure negro. His father’s mother was about a half-breed Indian. The President of Liberia has an uncle living within four miles of this city, named Abner. He is quite an old man. Twenty-seven years ago the slave boy left Kentucky for the then colony of Liberia. He to-day rules a youijg Eepublic with over 200,000 inhabitants.
1868.]
THE INCREASING WORK.
93
THE GOLCONDA.
Letters have reached this office by way of Liverpool an- nouncing the arrival of this fine ship at Monrovia, December 24, after a pleasant passage of thirty-six days from Charleston, South Carolina. The emigrants were well, and pleased with their adopted country.
The Golconda was to leave the coast about the 20th of Jan- uary, and may be expected soon to arrive at Baltimore. She will have quick dispatch from that port, and call at Savannah early in May for intending emigrants. Those only can be taken who have or may receive early notice of accejitance.
NATIONAL EXPANSION.
The tendency toward national expansion suggests the thought whether our Government cannot, without the acqui- sition of any portion of Africa, easily obtain paramount infiu- ence in and secure a large part of the valuable trade of that rich continent.
This might be secured by the commission of three or four small and swift steamers of our Xavy, for service on the West Coast of Africa, and by an appropriation of five hundred thou- sand dollars annually for the carriage of the mails between the United States and Liberia, to aid the settlement in that Eepublic of such of our people of color as desire to remove thither, in the construction of harbors along the African sea- board, and in an interior w’ork of civilization by the means of roads, settlements, model farms, and manual-labor schools.
Such agencies would soon enable the Liberians to enter upon a career of growth^ prosperity, and beneficence parallel to the successful progress of many of the new-born States of modern times.
THE INCREASING WORK.
From various parts of the country come up cries for help. These voices are plain, distinct, definite. A letter which came to hand this morning from Mississippi, written by a colored Minister, reads : “ I am glad to inform you that there are many of my people getting ready for honor and usefulness in Libe- ria. In the name of the Lord, make known to me how many
94
THE REPORT AND PROCEEDINGS.
[March,
can be taken in the Golconda on her next trip.’’ Two from Georgia, received a few days ago, ask that we do all in our power for them, “as numbers are camping out in tents and living in huts until the time comes to embark for Liberia.”
Over two thousand names are enrolled for passage and set- tlement in the land which God gave to their fathers. These movements originated with the colored people, and are prose- cuted by them. We have no adequate means of meeting the pressing and growing demand. Will the friends of the freed- men and of Africa hear? Will they answer promptly, and with liberality ? The appeal is to every patriot, every philan- thropist, and, above all, to every Christian.
The Society has sent to Liberia within the last fifteen months twelve hundred and fifty-one of the better class of the people of color, nearly one-fourth of whom were members of the dif- ferent Evangelical Churches. “ Lehold then, on that dark coast, the representatives and missionaries of the civilization and Christianity of our country — missionaries without ex- pense to the Church, as the missionaries in other heathen lands are, after they reach their homes. The climate of Africa, so fatal to the white man, is not uncongenial to the southern negro; and may it not be that God, in His providence, per- mitted him for a time to be a bondman here that he might be prepared to go forth as Christ’s freedman, to bear to his be- nighted race -at home the ‘good tidings of salvation.’”
THE REPORT AND PROCEEDINGS.
The Fifty-first Annual Report, and extracts from the Pro- ceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Colonization Society, occupy much space in this number of the Repository. These will be found to repay a careful perusal.
Events are rapidly confirming the wisdom of the “fathers” in this grand enterprise for Africa and her children. The rising tide of emigration, now setting strongly toward Africa, must needs be met by corresponding efforts of the wise and good, to provide a way for them to the land of their choice. Great are the responsibilities of the hour, and great the benev- olence required. A loud call is ])resented for an onward move- ment in this noble philanthropy.
1868.]
STEAMSHIP LINE TO LIBERIA.
95
STEAMSHIP LINE TO LIBERIA.
The importance and necessity of frequent, quick, and regu- lar communication between the United States and Liberia are recognized and enforced by the following reported recent action of the Legislatures of Vermont and Pennsylvania:
VERMONT.
Whereas, The Legislature of Vermont did, at its session of 1850, adopt a Joint Resolution in favor of a line of mail steamships between the United States and Africa ;
Whereas, From the growth of Liberia since that period, facilities for regu- lar and frequent communication with this country have become more neces- sary than at any former time, and the American Colonization Society, which has furnished these facilities thus far, is no longer able, unaided, to meet the demands made upon its resources ; and
Whereas, As an act of justice and good faith to a large number of colonists from our shores in a distant land, as a means of extending our commerce in the tropical productions of the South, and for the relief of such of the colored population of the* United States as may desire to emigrate to said country :
Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives, That our dele- gation in Congress be requested to urge upon the attention of the Federal Government the speedy establishment of the said line of steamships.
PENNSYLVANIA.
Whereas, By the benevolent and humane efforts of citizens of the United States, acting through the agency of the American Colonization Society, and in which the people of this State have largely participated, settlements of our colored population have become permanently established on the Western coast of Africa ; and
Whereas, The growth of those settlements, and the prospect of their rapid increase in the future, call for the exercise of greater power than is possessed by the said Society ; and
Whereas, The philanthropic efforts of the Society are worthy of, and ought to receive, aid and assistance from the Federal Government ; therefore.
Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Represent- atives be requested, to urge upon the attention of the Government of the United States the propriety and necessity of establishing, at an early day, a line of mail steamships between some one of our national ports and the Republic of Liberia, in Africa, for the regular transmission of the mails, and for affording such facilities of intercourse between the two countries as com- merce, the civilization of the age, and the existence of large settlements of our former population on the shores of a barbarous land, imperatively de- mand.
96
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.
[March, 1868.]
Receipts of the American Colonization Society,
From the 20th of January to the 20th of February, 1868.
MAINE.
Halloivell—^A Friend” $9 00
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Manchester— Wm. Richard- son, S2; Mrs. Mace Moulton,
Mrs. Geo. W. Morrison, each,
$1, by Mrs. Mace Moulton 4 00
PtomjteZd— Mrs. !S. P. Scales 1 O'J
RHODE ISLAND. 6 00
By Rev. J. R. Miller, ($3.) I^rovidence—B. White 3 00
CONNECTICUT.
By Rev. J. R. Miller, ($253.)
Hartford— P. Burrell, Hon.
Isaac Toucey, Chas. Seymour, each, $10 ; Samuel J. Tuttle, H.
B. Beach, Judge Loren P. Wal- do, each, $5 ; J udge H. H. Bar- bour, $3 ; A. J. Butler, Charles
Benton, each, $2 52 00
New i/avea— President Woolsey,
W. S. Charnlej^, C. M. Inger- soll, Samuel Brace, N. Peck, each, $5; Mrs C. A. lugersoll,*
Dr. E. H. Bishop, each, $3 ; C.
A. Whittlesey, Mrs. A. S. Stephens, xMrs. Henry Ives, H.
N. Whittiei ey, M. G. Elliot, E.
B. Bowdich, Samuel Noyes, each, $2; Morris Tyler, Dea.
Isaac Thompson, Mrs. J. B. Bowdich, each, 48 00
iVor«ac/i-Geii, Wm. Williams,
S20; Dea B. W. Tompkins,
Wm. P.jGreen, Gardiner Green, each, ; Dr. Charles Osgood, li. W. Carroll, each, $10; Geo. Perkins, Charles Spaulding, Jedediah Huntington , each, $2 ;
Frank Johnson, $1. 92 00
Norwich Town—Y). W. Colt 10 00
Neiv London— 'N . C. Crump, Mrs. Lockwood, each, $10; Mrs. Colby Chew, $7; Miss J. S. Richards, $0; Mrs. F. Allyn, Mrs. N. Billings, each, $5; iMrs. Jonathan Starr Miss JE. E. Law, each, $3 ; Mrs. Sarah Gar- rett, Miss C. E. Rainey, each.
$1 51 00
NEW YORK. 253 00
By Rev. Dr. Orcutt, t$86.)
New York-T. C. M. Baton, $50; Gen. E.S.Molineaux, $5; •* F’our Friends in the Thirty-Fourth Street Reformed Church,” $.30, to constitute their pastor, Rev. Peter Stryker, D. D., a Life
Member 85 00
North Liichfield—A lady 1 00
NEW JERSEY. 86 00
By Rev. H. Read, ($345.52.)
Jersey CV/y— Union Collection.... 28 50 Baskinridye—Ch-avch Collection. 33 00 New Fcri/ 0/1— Church Collection. 10 56 Six Mile Awn— Church Collection 23 80
Frayiklin—ChvLYch Collection, $5.
55; Sunday School. $10 15 55
Schraalcnburg-CYiViVch. Coll 34 11
Nexvark-Rev. W. H. Steele, $100; Westminster Church, $100, viz, E. J. Owen, $20; M. Mulford,De Whtts, R. T. Haines, G. Good- year, Amos Clark, each $10 ; Dr. Cross, A. C. Kellogg, Mr. White- head, each $5 ; Jacob Davis, $3 ;
Sundries, $12 200 00
MARYLAND. 345 52
Baltimore— i-.siaXe of late Chris- tian Keener, on account of legacy of Samuel Keener, de- ceased, by Wm. A. Dunning- ton. Surviving Trustee 130 67
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
B’ai/imp'Co/r— Miscellaneous 192 13
GEORGIA.
Augustor— Robert Campbell, do- nation, $25; lor “Memorial” volume, $5 30 00
OHIO.
Cleveland— 'Kst-cXte of late Samuel Tyler, additional, $1,500; less sundry expenses. $200 1,300 00
ILLINOIS.
Pittsfield— Re\. W. Carter, to con- stitute himself a Life Member. 30 00
FOR REPOSITORY.
Maine — Ilullowell — Mrs. T. P.
Flagg, for 1868, $1; Bath Mrs.
Sarah G. Clark, in full, 50 cts... 1 50 New Hampshire— Miss E. J. Haseltine, for 1868, $i ;
Ea^t Lempster— Reuben Rouii- dy, for i868, $1 ; by Rev. But- ler , 2 00
Massachusetts — Boston — M iss Anna Arthur, to Oct., 1868,
by Rev. Di . Tracy 1 00
New Ovzws^Y-Haekettstown—A.
R. Day, for 1868 1 00
M A RYLAND— ifato'/no/-e— Mrs. H.
Patterson, for 1868 1 00
North C a roj> in a— Ce/ifre Hill —
S. A. Purdie. for 1868 1 00
Tennessee— /Sfb'a/eoerry Plains— James Douglass, Daniel Meek, for 1868, each $i; Nashville— John R. Henry, for 1868, $1 ; Philadelphia — James Nelson,
for 1868, $l 4 00
Ohio— Springfield— . W. Rice,
for 1868 1 00
III 1 N ois— A bingtonS ohn Craw-
ford, to Jan., 1, 1869 6 00
Michigan— Pa?-/?imgrfon - -David Cudworth, for 186*8 1 00
Repository 19 50
Legacies 1,430 67
Donations 756 52
Miscellaneous 192 13
Total.. $2,398j:i2
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Foi use in Library only
1-7 v.43/44 African Repository
Princeton Theological Seminary-
-Speer Library
1 1012 00307 1851