y>
^
^
©4rt
©kq
^os^S '2^^o^s gpPs©^; fe®oo%^ SS oiiW® iPtjos^S^lplraS^R
REPOUT
#&
tfla>
'■■■ 5"-»
©X®
ego
"OF THE
©XG>
©A®
CXG>
■•*;>♦ I
PROCEEDINGS AT THE FORMATION
©xo
OF THE
o*e>
oXo
GXp
AFRICAN EDUCATION SOCIETY
P
ceftj
©X®
©*o
Instituted at Washington, December 28, 1829.
©X®
©3t3>
WITH AS
©X®
• |g
©3K>
©*»
ADDRESS TO THE PUBLIC,
BT THE EOARD OF MANAGERS,
ex»
eX»
©X®
©X®
©X®
WASHINGTON CITY: §|
printed by rothwell &, cstick — Spectator and Chronicle Ojjice. §EJ
1830. 8
©T<5>
«$§!
REPORT
OF THE
PROCEEDINGS AT THE FORMATION
OF THE
AFRICAN EDUCATION SOCIETY:
Instituted at Washington, December 28, 1829,
WITH AN
ADDRESS TO THE PUBLIC,
BY THE BOARD OF MANAGERS,
WASHINGTON CITY:
printed by rothwf.ll &. ustick — Spectator Sf Chronicle Office.
1830,
I5o.,oso
REPORT.
At a meeting of citizens of the District, and members of Congress,
invited to confer together on the subject of establishing a Society for
the Education of Persons of Color, for influence and usefulness in
Africa, on the 28th of December, 1829; the object of the meeting
having been stated by the Rev. Mr. Gurley ; on motion of Rev.
Dr. Laurie, Gen. Walter Jones was called to the Chair, and Mr.
Gurley appointed Secretary.
After the exchange of opinions in regard to the subject proposed
for consideration, on motion by Mr. Gurlet, it was
Resolved, That it is expedient to form, and that we do hereby
form, a Society, to prepare, by a suitable education, young persona
of color for usefulness in Africa.
The Society then went into committee of the whole, Rev. Mr.
Hawley in the chair, to consider and decide on a Constitution ; and,
after considerable discussion, and many amendments, the following
was proposed to the Society, and finally adopted :
CONSTITUTION.
I. This Society shall be called the African Education Society of
the United States.
II. The exclusive object of this Society shall be, to afford to per-
sons of color destined to Africa, such an education, in Letters, Ag-
riculture, and the Mechanic Arts, as may best qualify them for use-
fulness and influence in Africa.
III. Every individual who shall annually contribute one dollar to
the Society, shall be a member; and a contribution, at any one time,
of twenty dollars shall constitute life membership.
IV. The officers of this Society shall be, a President, one or more
Vice Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Recorder, and a Board
of Managers, composed of the abovementioned officers and twelve
other members of the Society, to be elected at the annual meeting :
any five of whom shall constitute a quorum.
V. The Annual Meeting of this Society shall be on the last Mon-
day in December.
VI. The Board of Managers shall conduct the business of the
Society, and take such measures as they may think proper, or as shall
be directed by the Society, to effect its objects ; shall convene at such
times as they may deem expedient, or when requested by the Presi-
dent or any three members ; shall report annually to the Society ; and
shall have power to iill up, from time to time, all vacancies that may
happen in their own body, or in any of the offices of the Society.
VII. The Vice Presidents, according to seniority, or otherwise one
of the Managers, shall perform the duties of the President iu case of
his absence.
VIII. The Secretary shall take minutes of the proceedings, pre-
pare and publish notices, and perform such other duties as the Board
or Society shall direct. The Recorder shall aid the Secretary when
occasion requires.
IX. The Treasurer shall receive and take charge of the funds of
the Society, keep the accounts, and discharge such other similar duties
as may be required by the Board of Managers.
X. Every Society that shall be formed auxiliary to the parent in-
stitution, shall be entitled to attend and vote by delegation at alt
meetings of the Society.
XI. This Constitution shall be unalterable, except at the annual
meetings of the Society, and by a majority of two-thirds of the mem-
bers present.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to nominate a list o£
Officers for this Society. The following list was finally adopted :
OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY.
President.
Rt. Rev. William Meade, of Virginia.
J~icc Presidents.
Gen. Walter Jones, of Washington,
Hon. Theodore Frelingiiuysen, of New Jersey,
Francis S. Key, Esq. of Georgetown, D. C.
Hon. Judge McLean, of Ohio,
Rev. Eliphalet Nott, D. D., of Now York,
Gerrit Smith, Esq. of New York,
Gen. C. F. Mercer, of Virginia,
Rev. John H. Rice, D. D., of Virginia,
Kt. Rev. Bishop Griswold, of R. I.
William Maxwell, Esq. of Virginia;
Rev. Nathan Lord, D. D. of N. H.
William II. Fitzhugh, Esq. of Virginia,
Rev. James Mxjlnor, D. 1). of Now Yoik,
5
Rev. Dr. Lindsley, of Tennessee,
Ewott Cresson, Esq. of Philadelphia,
Rev. William Winans, of Missi.
Rev. Hemar Humphrey, D. Dm of Mass.
Arthur Tappan, Esq. of New York.
Secrct&ry — Isaac Orr, of Washington.
Treasurer — Richard Smith, Esq. of Washington.
Recorder — John Kennedy, Esq. of Washington.
Managers.
Rev. William Hawley, of Washington,
William Williamson, Esq. of Georgetown, D. C>
Rev. John N. Campbell, of Washington,
Rev. James McVean, of Georgetown, D. C.
B. L. Lear, Esq. of Washington,
Rev. Walter Colton, of Washington,
Rev. R. R. Gurley, of Washington,
Michael Nourse, Esq. of Washington,
William G. Ridgley, Esq. of Georgetown, D. C-
John Coyle, Jr. Esq. of Washington,
Rev. J. N. Danforth, of Washington,
Rev. Thomas Brooke, of Georgetown, D, C»
G
ADDRESS.
At a time when objects of benevolence, so many and so great,
press upon public attention, and call loudly for public patronage; and
when the eye of jealousy is to a considerable extent threatening hos-
tility to general associations for the accomplishment of some of these
great and godlike purposes; it would ill become the Members and
Managers of the African Education Society, to commence their ardu-
ous enterprise, and to solicit the public favor and public support,
without being able to offer an unequivocal and ample apology.
AVc feel gnat reluctance to give offence or alarm, by associating
together, to any of the sincere friends of our common country. But
really, if the object we have in view is one, as we believe, and as we
trust it will appear, which it would be hard-hearted to neglect, and
cruel to hinder, we cannot conceive how it is possible that it should
be attained by insulated individual effort. All history does not fur-
nish the shadow of a warrant for the slightest hope of such an
achievement.
Since the commencement of the enterprise, in 1817, which was to
open an outlet for the unfortunate population, who had been torn from
their homes by the hand of violence, and forced upon us by the cu-
pidity and tyranny of the mother country ; and which was not only
to restore to Africa her lost children, but to quench the flames of war,
and dry up the streams of devastation, and fountains of blood, in
that persecuted and ill-fated country; and to confer upon it the bles-
sings of peace, and refinement, and religion, and liberty, the friends of
that great design have been continually and deeply impressed with
the importance of preparing the destined emigrants, by a suitable
training, for prosperity and usefulness in Africa. They reasoned, and
reasoned rightly, that if without such preparation they were wholly
unfit, as is universally admitted, for freedom, and for the lowest em-
ployments, in this country, much more were they unfit to stem the
tide of barbarism, to exercise the difficult and hardly tenable func-
tions of self-government, to become the leaders, teachers, and rulers
of barbarous people, the enlightened citizens, the wise founders and
supporters, of the rising nations of Africa. Hence various attempts
have been made, from time to time, to devise and execute plans for the
attainment of this highly important and desirable object : and the as-
sociation, who by ibeir constitution were uot empowered to turn their
efforts in that direction, and to whom the entire interests of Africa,
here, have hitherto been entrusted, have hailed those attempts with
their warmest approbation, and their best wishes that they might
prove successful. It is well known, that the great and active and
powerful mind of General Harper, was much exercised on this sub-
ject during his life, aud that he made some partial attempts to carry
his views into execution. There is reason to helieve, from the reso-
lution and energy of his character, that death alone prevented him
from pursuing, to ultimate success, an object to which he was so
warmly and sincerely devoted.
An Institution was commenced some years ago, for the purpose of
African education, at Newark, in New Jersey. Owing, however, to
the want of sufficient support, or perhaps still more to the lack of
suitable subjects of education, its success has not heretofore been so
great as its friends had reason to expect and desire, and as the exi-
gencies of the cause most imperiously demanded. A Society has
also been formed at Hartford, in Connecticut, devoted exclusively to
the higher stages of African education. Its operations, up to the
present time, have been exceedingly limited ; not for the want of in-
terest, or the want of funds ; but for the almost total destitution of
suitable subjects. Colored persons on the advanced stage of educa-
tion, which they require for admission, can rarely be found.
With these institutions it is not our design or desire to interfere at
all : but to co-operate with them, and to render them every assist-
ance within our power. The Hartford Institution, especially, we
hope ere long to supply with youth prepared to enter it; and thus to
remove the only apparent obstacle to its complete prosperity : and
should that at Newark assume the same character, we hope to afford
it also the same facilities.
It is our belief that efforts have heretofore been too partial and lo-
cal in their character ; aud to this circumstance alone can we attribute
the want of success. A common interest has not been felt: general
concert in action has not been attained : the one soul of the benevo-
lent community has not been awakened. It is our hope and desiro
to excite all the interest and energies of the country, which can pos-
sibly be directed towards the attainment of the great and interesting
object which we have in view : to gather information and influence
from every possible source : to combine aud concentrate their power :
to present them to the public eye, and to bring them to act upon the
public feeling : and especially, by a steady advancement, as fast as
the means will allow, towards the object proposed, to evince the in-
valuable benefits of the undertaking, and thus afford the best possible
reward for its support, and the highest encouragement for more ex-
tensive and more ardent effort.
It is the design of the Society, not, in the manner of a day school,
to take charge of the youth entrusted to them, for a few hours daily,
and then dismiss them to dissipate, among idle and vicious compan-
ions, the slight impressions made upon them, and thus to blast, every
8
night and morning, the germs of sober and industrious habits ; but to
train them up entirely, as far as practicable, from early childhood; to
make constant and untiring inroads on their wrong habits and pro-
pensities ; to subject them to a steady, mild and salutary discipline;
to exercise towards them a kind and parental care, guarding against
the approach of every insidious and hurtful influence; to give them
no intimate practical acquaintance with agriculture, or some one of
the mechanic arts, most likely to be useful in Africa ; to instruct
them thoroughly in all the branches of a common school education ;
to endow them with industrious, active and manly habits ; and to in-
spire them with virtuous, generous and honorable sentiments : in fine,
to form their whole character, and render it, as far as possible, such
as will qualify them to become pioneers in the renovation of Africa.
Manual labor will of course ultimately aid in the support, and dimin-
ish the expense, of the establishment. But in its commencement, on
account of the necessary preparation of implements and materials,
it is essential to its success that a good deal should be expended. An
enlightened, humane and liberal community must decide, whether it
shall surmount the obstacles which stand in its way, and obtain an
existence real and greatly efficient, among things that are, as well as
in the designs and hopes of its projectors.
Every precaution will be taken to avoid the hindrance or discour-
agement of day schools for Africans in the States where all are free.
It is perceived that they also are tending to the same great object,
though in a less ready, and less effectual manner. What if the co-
lored people in these states are now prejudiced against emigration to
Africa? Enlightening and enlarging their mind9, and correcting
and quickening their moral faculties, will remove those prejudices;
will help them to discern, and lead them to promote their own best
interests, and to bear across the Atlantic the means of freedom,
prosperity and happiness, to " their kindred according to the flesh."
Special reference will also be had to the condition and wishes of
the slave States. In most of them it is a prevailing sentiment, that
it is not safe to furnish slaves with the means of instruction. Much
as we lament the reasons for this sentiment, and the apparent neces-
sity of keeping a single fellow creature in ignorance, we willingly
leave to others the consideration and the remedy of this evil, in view
of the overwhelming magnitude of the remaining objects before us.
But it is well known that very many masters are desirous to liberate
their slaves in such a way as to improve their condition: and we are
confident that such masters will rejoice to find the means by which
those slaves may be educated in a situation by themselves, without the
danger of exerting an unfavorable influence around them: and in-
stead of creating disquiet in this country, may convey peace aud joy
to Africa. In proof of this opinion, we are gratified to state, that a
9
gentleman, who is a slave bolder, and an officer of this Society, La*
already offered the gratuitous use of a farm, for the accommodation of
such an establishment.
A desire to give "liberty to the captive," has prevailed, and doc,
still prevail, to a very great extent, throughout the country. Ij owe*
its existence both to a sense of justice and to feelings of humanity. It
has been more efficient too, strange as it may appear, iu the southern
than the northern Slates; for the reproached South has given liberty to
more, in proportion to her white population, by the mere influence of
this desire, than the North has done in consequence of this desire, the
most obvious self-interest, and the force of law put together. Proof
of this point requires only a glance at the ceasus, where is shown the
comparative number of free colored people, all of whom are either
Ireedmen, or the descendants of freedmen. Iu the South, however, its
progress has been arrested before the consummation of that groat
event to which it was most obviously and rapidly tending. There
was no need of an inquiry, which the North has never instituted,
whether freedom in itself alone, without some redeemiugconcomitant,
was a practical blessing to those for whom it was as such expressly
designed. The fact was most glaring, without an inquiry, that the
same shackles which bound them, fastened them also to the resource*
of the soil, and the interests of the community, and when these
were broken, and the incentives of authority removed, the weight of
ignorance, the want of better incentives, and the fatal and untried
power of grateful but ruinous idleness, sunk them to a state, which,
however elevated in theory, was in fact more degraded and more mi-
serable than that of bondage. In addition to all this, pauperism, with
the numerous evils of corrupt and corrupting indolence, threatened to
impose its sluggish weight upon a groaning community. The com-
mon sense of mankind, and the genius of Christianity, equally de-
manded, that practical results should be made the tests of justice and
humanity. It appeared that nothing could in reality be loss like equi-
table restoration, than throwing away. Hence, the progress of eman-
cipation was, for the time, most righteously arrested. Still, without
doubt, the same desire, once so manifest, yet exists, and even with
augmented power: and there is every reason to believe, that when
present impediments shall be removed, and the manumission of the
slave will improve his condition, it will arise to far more than its for-
mer activity. The call then is most emphatic to release this heaven-
born desire from its prison house, and let it again proceed with its
work of beneficence — a work which by every other instrument man
be attempted in vain. It is certain that to improve the condition of
liberated slaves, it is necessary to elevate their moral and intellectual
character. The last hope, then, of the colored race, is embraced iu
the design of this Society.
10
Improvement, in tho pn from bail rism 6 gradual from
year t<> year and from age to age, that its advance at any one mo-
ment, like the motion of the sun, is imperceptible. Yet by compa-
rison in its different stages, we discern the immense disparity between
the glimmering dawn and tlio bright and glorious meridian. The
yeomanry of this country stand up in all the consciousness of superi-
ority, and feel as if the high distinction with which they are favored,
were an attribute of their nature, or the direct gift of the Deity: for-
getful that their own ancestors, but a few ages ago, were in a state of
barbarism that Would have hardly honored an African origin; and
that the race has emerged from sue!) a condition only by tho slow
process of moral and intellectual improvement. Hence the immense
power of education is underrated entirely: and the colored race, just
brought from a savage country, and placed in sight of advantages
which they cannot enjoy, are regarded, to a groat extent, as incapa-
ble of a similar advancement. This prejudice, founded in the first
instance on grounds almost wholly gratuitous, and contrary to general
principles, must soon give way entirely to facts, which are already ap-
parent, and which arc now iu a rapid course of further develope-
ment.
Tho immense advantages of moral and intellectual cultivation, be-
fomo most glaringly obvious by a recurrence to history and biography.
Iu almost every instance where communities or individuals have stood
pre-eminent, they owed their pre-cminenco chieily to moral or intel-
lectual improvement. The Chaldeans, tho Egyptians, the Greeks,
the Romans, were no less remarkable for learning than for power.
This may be said with equal truth of nearly all the great men of an-
tiquity, and much more of those who in modern times have caused
tho world tp fed their influence. Intellectual and moral cultivation
mado Ashmun what he was; and to cause the influence of such men
as Ashmun to be felt throughout the African continent, is tho aim and
the hope of ibis Society.
There are several reasons, which appear not only weighty, but al-
together decisive, why such a Society should be located in the capi-
tal of the country. In addition to the general convenience of its cen-
tral position, it is in a district belonging in common to all the States,
where none can complain of interference, or attach to it the idea of
merely local importance : it affords to all parts of the country, through
Members of Congress, the means of an intimate acquaintance with
its character, measures and success ; by the same means, many im-
portant helps may he brought to promote its progress : and what is
perhaps more than all, it can avail itself directly of the best channel
of information between this country and Africa. If it were farther
north, it would not he so easily accessible by slaves that are to be
liberated and sent to Africa; and the constitutions of those under its
11
care, would not be so well prepared for the attacks of African dis-
ease and the dangers of an African climate. If it were farther
south, it might fail to excite a northern interest ; and by exerting an
unfavorable influence on slaves, and waking the apprehensions of
their masters, it might even blast its prospects in the southern section
of the country.
We appeal, then, with respectful confidence, to the humane and
merciful throughout our country. We most earnestly solicit their
encouragement, co-operation and support. Wc entreat the Editors
of public Journals to bestow on the subject their calm and candid at-
tention ; to yield it their personal favor and influence ; and to send
forth upon the winds of heaven all useful information respecting it.
Wc entreat Ministers of the Gospel to bring their consecrated talents
to bear in the promotion of its interests, and in the attainment of an
object, which cannot but be dear to them and their Master. We en-
treat all classes of the community to contribute their aid and exert
their influence in such ways as to them may appear best and most
effectual. Considerations the most powerful urge the appeal. By
all the horrors of the slave trade ; by the wrongs and sufferings of
Africa, inflicted by the hands of Americans; by her cruel and inces-
sant wars which they have excited, and which have desolated her
towns and cities; by the blood of murdered millions; by the relics
of hundreds of thousands thrown from American ships, and strewed
upon the bed of the Atlantic — we call upon our country, in its indi-
vidual and collective capacity, to make a voluntary, though wholly
inadequate retribution to those whom they have injured, and to per-
form an act of justice, of duty, and of mercy, to the people of Africa.
Resolutions of the Board.
Resolved, That the funds of this Society shail bo chiefly appro-
priated to the education of slaves, placed at their disposal by their
masters, on the condition, after their education and liberation, of
their emigrating to Africa.
Resolved, That pledges, with suitable indemnities, shall be given,
as far as practicable, by the pupils, their masters, parents or guard-
ians, that they will go to Africa when their education shall be com-
pleted.
Extract of a Letter to a Gentleman in Virginia.
The Managers of the African Education Society tender to you
then grateful acknowledj for the substantial proof of your fa-
vor, which has been received, and for the impli I rafidence which
1?
jnu have kindly expressed in the justness of their views ami the in-
tegrity of their motives. They regard this confidence as one of the
highest proofs of friendship. .Still they are desirous that even the
enemies of the cause, and much more those friends who are qualifi-
ed to act as its wisest advocates and ablest defenders, should see
clearly and fully the ground upon which it rests; the nature and ex-
tent of the objections which bear against it, and of the inducements
which urge to its advancement. To such friends, too, they look for
nt least a portion of that light which the difficulty of the subject re-
quires, as well as for the influence necessary to give it favor in the
view of the community.
The subjects mentioned in your letter had been already discussed,
nnd settled, as it was supposed, in a satisfactory manner. Your no-
tice of them again called them up; but the Board cannot yet discover
sufficient reasons for changing their views. They are all ardent
friends of the Colonization Society; but further than this the two So-
cieties are not connected at all. It seems difficult, then, to perceive,
how the fate of one can be mainly dependent on the fate of the
other. It may seem as if a new object proposed with regard to Af-
rica, and a consequent division of interest, might diminish the already
meager support of the Colonization Society: but facts of con-
stant occurrence in this country, go to prove the reverse. Nor can
this be deemed a subject of wonder, when it is considered that all
the great objects of charity receive, as yet, but about the average
amount of five cents a year from each inhabitant of the country. In
view, then, of the acknowledged liberality of the American people,
there can be no sufficient objection to presenting a greater number of
deserving objects before them.
It is true, that prejudices against the new Society, may, and pro-
bably will, to some extent, be directed against the Colonization So-
ciety. But for this there can he no sufficient reason, for the Socie-
ties are wholly distinct. Besides, the Colonization Society has, in
its infancy, outlived far greater opposition than it will ever hereafter
We likely to meet with. It is doubtless highly desirable that the
3'ducation Society should encounter its own difficulties, and rest ou
its own merits: and so far as it can possibly be kept from implication
with others, it will be done. There is even then hardly a doubt that
it will surmount, by prudent management, the probable opposition
which it is destined to meet with.
In one respect, at least, if it should be successful, it must be emi-
nently serviceable to the Colonization Society. It is already obvi-
ous, that the prosperity of this society must depend, to a very great
•stent, on the character and progress of the colony. It is equally
obvious that the success of the colony depends entirely on the influ-
ence and efforts of well educated men. It i* the trholt butinets of th»
13
Education Society to furnish them: so that in return for any indirect
and partial injury which it may occasion to the Colonization Socie-
ty, the entire result of its efforts, and weight of its influence, will ope-
rate directly to advance the interests of that society.
There are indeed many powerful reasons why the means of edu-
cating colouists should be expended within the limits of the colony.
But it is at least questionable, whether colonial institutions could ob-
tain, to so great an extent, the patronage of the American public. It
is still more questionable whether masters would send their young
slaves there to be educated. But the consideration which seems
above all others decisive, is, that colored instructers suitably qualifi-
ed, cannot yet be found in sufficient numbers for the immediate want3
of the colony itself: and to send out white instructers, would doubt-
less incur a greater sacrifice of life than would be warranted, at pre-
sent, by the greater comparative advantages. It must be remember-
ed that no white person has yet continued alive in the colony more
than six or eight years. The object, if it could not be attained in
any other way, would doubtless justify a far greater sacrifice. But it
is believed that it can be essentially attained by institutions in this
country. The society, however, will render their views on this sub-
ject as full and accurate as possible, and whenever there are no suffi-
cient objections, their means will at once be transferred to Africa. It
is believed, however, that this cannot be the case, till there shall be a
sufficient number of competent colored instructers.
The subject of African education, though beyond all dispute im-
mensely important, must for some time to come be to a great extent
experimental. The free expression of your views respecting it, will at
all times be highly acceptable, and may be of very great utility.
The great object of the society, second only to the best interests of
Africa, will be to satisfy, by every reasonable method, all the friends
of the cause, and all its enemies. I remain,
With great esteem and respect,
Your humble servant,
ISAAC ORR, Sect'ry. Af. E. S.
Demand for Educated Africans.
In addition to the well known extent and urgency of this demand,
it ought to be mentioned, that the London Missionary Society sent to
this country, some time ago, to procure educated Africans to go to
Sierra Leoue. Of course their application proved ineffectual.
li
Extracts from a Communication front B. I-- Lear, Esq. Executor of
the Will of General Ko a ■■ iko, to Rev. Amzi Armstrong, of New
Jersey, dated Washington, 28th January, 182 i.
[Note.— In 1798 Gen-. Kosciusko made ;i bequ Ibe liberation and
education of Africans. In L821 it amounted t i,000; and at the present,
1830, does not diffi r much from $25,000. A suit is now pending in the 1 nited
States Supreme Court,in which the beqi d bj Kosciusko's legal
heirs, and others. The resultft is said, is very doubtful. So far, this noble
bequest, instead of an example to < ccitc others to do likewise,
appears Tathei to indered, or at least tliosi efforts for t!ie
African people, which circumstances have so urgently demanded. It is ex-
ceedingly desiri ble that the reputation of Kosciusko should not bear the impu-
tation of havus:: injured the cause to which he man,, sincere and de-
voted an attachment.]
One of the principal requisites of the will is, that the slaves shall
be purchased and set free : but I consider that this would be substan-
tially complied with, if 1 can procure them from their masters upon
condition of freeing am! educating them : and as I have from the
first determined that I would take none that were not young enough
to be exempt from every idea of their degradation, and all contami-
nation from their kindred and associations, 1 su] !;at their value
as slaves would not be so great as to operate strongly with those
masters disposed to favor the experiment; and that, with many of
them their freedom, support, and education would be a sufficiently
valuable consideration.
The intention of the testator undoubtedly was. to make the objects
of his bounty not only free and happy, but useful to society. In
considering the kind of education best adapted to this purpose, one
of my favorite ideas has been, to instruct the children in agriculture
and the mechanic arts, in connexion with their literary education, that
the mind and body may be, one or the other, always active in useful
occupation; variety thus answering the purpose of amusement: and
to apply each mainly to such an education as shall be found on ex-
periment to be best adapted to his capacity.
I should think it best to commence the school on a very limited
and economical plan. Almost every enterprise in this country, which
fails of success, owes its failure to embarking too incautiously in ex-
penses, before the experiment is properly tested. I should think a
few acres, with perhaps a single building, near some flourishing vil-
lage, sullicicut for the experiment. The^ village would supply me-
chanics, who might no doubt be induced, in such a cause, to give in-
struction in their arts for a very moderate compensation. This plan
cau easily be enlarged if we find our funds sullicicut ; and in any event.
it is always more gratifying to be able to extend, than to be obliged to
contract, our enterprises.
Those children whom I would emancipate and educate with this
15
fund, I would purchase on. the condition, that after receiving their. ed-
ucation, they should !)c scut to the Colony in Africa, where they can
certainly be more useful than any where else, and where, perhaps it
is not too great a stretch of enthusiasm to suppose, they may be in-
struments of establishing the fame of their benefactor, upon a founda-
tion more firm and extensive than that on which he has already
placed it by his valor, his patriotism, and his devotion to liberty.
Whether the Colonization Soctety is ultimately to realize its hopes or
not, the Colony at least, will afford a field for eminent usefulness to
these youths, who could scarcely be useful at all elsewhere; and its
best welfare will lie promoted while it exists, whether its cxistonco
may be of long or short duration.
Local Agents of the Society.
The following gentlemen are authorized, and respectfully request-
ed, to act an Agents of the Society, in such ways, and to such an ex-
tent, as they may deem proper and convenient.
John Tappan, Esq. Boston.
Rev. Nathan Lord, D. D. Hanover, N. II.
Rev- John Todd, Groton, Mass.
- Rev. Silas Aiken, Amherst, N. II.
William Atkinson, Esq. Petersburg, Vn.
Rev. Mr. Cheever, Waterford, N. Y.
Thomas Hastings, Esq. Utica, N. Y.
Rev. William Chester, Hudson, N. Y:
Rev. Mr. Kirk, Albany, N. Y.
Caleb Day, Esq. Catskill, N. Y.
Rev. Timothy Alden, D. D. Meadvillc, Pa-
rhineas Randall, Esq. Bowman's Creek, N. Y.
Rev. Mr. Potts,- Natchez.
Rev. Dr. Tyler, Portland, Maine.
Rev. Dr. Wayland, Providence, R. I.
Rev. Dr. Cox, New York City.
Rev. Mr. Patterson, Philadelphia.
Josiah Bissel, Esq. Rochester, N. Y.
Shepard R. Kollock, Esq. Norfolk, Va.
William Crane, Esq. Richmond, Va.
Rev. Dr. Ducachet, Norfolk, Va.
Rev. Mr. Baker, Savannah, Geo.
Rev. Mr. Brckenridge, Baltimore, Md.
R. T. Ratter, Esq. Baltimore, Md.
Rev. Mr. Fullerton, Hagerstown, Md.
B. F. Anderson, Esq. Hagerstown, Md.
Rev. T. II. Gallaudet, Hartford, Conn.
1G
Thomas C.Perl [.Hartford, Codq.
Rev. Leonard B; i w Haven, Conn.
Rev. Mr. Wright, Moatpelier, Vermont.
.Toliii Aiken, Esq. Manchester, Vermont.
Rev. Mr. Pine, Middletown, Conn.
Rev. William Williams, Salem, Mass.
Robert Orr, Esq. Topsham, Maine.
Professor Worcester, Amherst, Muss.
Eliott Cresson, Esq. Philadelphia.
Caleb White, Woodville, N. C.
Rev. T. P. Hunt, Raleigh, N. C.
Rev. R. W. .lames, Bradleysville. P. C.
Wm. Maxwell, Esq. Norfolk, Va.
Correspondence.
All contributions should be directed to Richard Smith, Esq. Trea-
■urer of the African Education Society, Washington; to an Ageut
of the Society ; or to the Treasurer of an Auxiliary Society. All
other communications, to Isaac Orr, Secretary of the African Edu-
cation Society, Washington.
Form of a Constitution for Auxiliary Societies.
1st. This Society shall he called . and shall
be auxiliary to the African Education Society of the United States.
2d. It shall be the exclusive object of this Society, to aid the Gen-
eral Society at Washington, in the education of colored persons for
influence and usefulness in Africa.
3d. An annual subscription of shall constitute an
individual a member of this Society; and the payment, at any one
time, of a member (or life.
4th. The Officers of this Society shall be a President, Vice
Presidents, Managers, Secretary and Treasurer, to be elected
annually by the Society.
5th. The President, Vice Presidents, Secretary, and Treasurer,
•hall be tx-ojficio members of the Board of Managers.
6th. The Board of Managers shall meet to transact the business of
the Society
7th. The Treasurer shall keep the accounts of the Society, as well
as take charge of its funds, and hold them subject to an order of the
Board of Managers.
8th. The Secretary of the Society shall conduct the correspond-
ence, under the direction of the Board of Managers, both with the
parent Institution and other Societies.
9th. The annual meeting of this Society shall be
10th. This Constitution may be altered at any annual meeting of
the Society, by a vote of two-thirds of the members present.