OP THE
Theological Seminary,
PRINCETON, N. J.
Case,
Division..
Shelf,
Sootic-Ti ^
Book,
Nc-
....j
■
■ fi y
r
I
r
\
THE
/
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,
1: .•
|p;-ipd.‘W'' i ii
T'
..! k / '■ :i'.(i i
' - "V-
= % *
■ii <
.«>»i "JfV
1'' .. .
, ■/ /
i’ . * ‘ '
■ •. ■; - ,- t ,..jj . <i-
■ .ti»7 4,
^ V
> ' •'■ /
V''/:
.A > -
y x: -. ^ •« • ’- .> --• i-
■ ‘ r ■ ■ t . '. *• V
»■: '••I I '■ '. 1 .
. • - . ■ . . M^•.V
J i«l t ■
I
* r '
Sr ■
» ^ n • • u’ n » *f '
'’t
A
i
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.]
The President’s Message.
197
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
1348.]
The President's Message.
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
V
vV/ • *' TT
\
j
' ;
, *\
. ^
t
■>/
use in i-inioiy only
!'
> ’
I
I
I
m .
. JJt
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11