History of the American colony in Liberia, from December 1821 to 1823

HISTORY

OP THE

IN

LIBERIA,

FROM DECEMBER 1821 TO 182:,

BIT J. ASHMUN

Compiled from the Authentic Records of the Colony.

WASHINGTON CITY:

PRINTED BY WAY & GIDEON,

1826.

A MEMOIR

Of t\\e "Exettions an& Sufferings of tlie

WITH THE OCCUPATION OF CAPE MONTSERADO
EMBRACING THE PARTICULAR HISTORY OF THE
COLQNY OF LIBERIA FROM DECEMBER
IS21 TO 1S23.

NOTHIXG among men is great or small, but relatively. Human
pride seldom indeed remembers this axiom in the estimate it forms
of the moral worth of virtuous actions. And experience proves
that the heart itself too easily obeys the absurd prejudice; with-
holding the tribute of its sensibilities from the loveliest examples
of unobtrusive, solitary merit, and lavishing it with a forced
prodigality on such instances as in some way connect with them-
selves the accidental, not to say doubtful, circumstance of a mere
physical magnificence. Separate the pursuits of mankind from
the considerations of morality, and their distinctions of great and
small, will be seen to be as arbitrary and capricious as the fancies
and habits of individuals.

I have seen the well-repressed smile of conscious derision cau-
tiously sporting itself on the composed features of a Senator of one
of the small republics of America, while amusing his leisure with
the little intrigues of a borough election. I saw something like a
reflection of the same playful sentiment radiating from the relaxed
brow of a minister of the national council, while attendingto a grave
argument of the same Senator on a contested point of county
jurisdiction. The delegate who figures in an European Congress,
might att'ect to regard as cheap and rude the politics of the entire
western world. And the most magnificent political manoeuvres
of modern times, what are they, if magnitude is made the scale of
greatness, in comparison with the profound and awful policy
of Rome — beginning in the darkness of a remote antiquity, and
holding its oven and mighty course over the ruins of thirty geue«

rations, unchanged even by domestic revolutions, until its prowl
consummation was, under the Cesars, triumphantly developed in the
induction of the world ?

The truth is, that the intrinsic grandeur of all human actions
consists wholly in their moral character; and it is the share which
the virtuous heart takes in those actions, that after all, is the just
measure of their greatness. It is this principle of estimation alone,
which puts it in the power of the humblest part of mankind to
equal in real magnanimity of character, and absolute grandeur of
exploit, the achievements, and the moral elevation, of the proudest.
It is this scale of distribution, by which the luMievolent Father of
mankind, divide.-, to all the race, the little stock of their joys and
sorrows. — 1 will add. too, that the first secret of a virtuous mind
is folded up in its wisdom to discern, and disposition to applaud,
amidst those gilded heaps of splendid trifles which continually
solicit the admiration of the world, the genuine traits of moral
greatness in their least, imposing torms.

It is in the beautiful light uf a theory so just, and at the same
tune so °-ratifvin<j to the benevolent heart, that manv of the readers

»' O *•

of the following memoir \\ill delight to contemplate the genuine
actings of heroic virtue; of which the theatre was too remote from
the observation of the \\orld. and the actors too little practised in
the arts of ostentation, to expose their motives to the suspicion of
vanity, or admit of the agency of the ordinary stimulants of great
achievements.

To arrive at the remote spot on which these humble scenes were
transacted, 1 must tax. the reader's imagination with a Ili^ht
across the Atlantic ocean, which, by limitin»- the circle of his or-
dinary avocations, may hitherto ha\e bounded the range of his
liveliest sensibilities. I must send it far from the polished and
populous districts of European, and Asian refinement — beyond
the habitations of civil'r/.ed man — to the least frequented rece>»
of a coast almost the least frequented on the globe. On this spot,
i handful of coloured emigrants from the Tinted .States, in \\ho-t
bosoms the example of h'Mor\ had ne\er kindled the fire of emu-
lation— \\hn-e onlv philosophv hud been acquired from a serie^ ot
dispiiitni- itmilicts with every form of physical and moral ad\cr
-it\ — and \\hose prospect-, at that moment, \\ore as dark and ap
pallin-. a- the memory of the. pa-t uas embiitered — ejected fron,
fh«- Ian. I of their birth. — hustilitv. iamine and destruction men:i-

cing them in that, of their adoption : such is the humble character
of the individuals, and equally humble is the scenery and the ac.
tion, which are to enliven the incidents of this narrative.

The facts are wholly drawn from the authentic records of Li-
beria : and doubtless deserve the connected exposition which is
intended here to be presented, as forming the only minute history
yet published, of the first and most interesting period of that
promising Colony. The compiler having enjoyed the humble
honour of directing the little phalanx of moral energies so advan-
tageously, and through the sustaining providence of Heaven, so tri-
umphantly displayed, in the trying scenes of 1822, hesitates not
to acknowledge that to the performance of this little task, he is
equally prompted by a sentiment of grateful pride, and the more
exacting obligations of a serious duty. The circumstances, some
of them not of the most pleasant nature, which give its principal
strength to this latter motive, it is entirely needless farther to ad-
vert to; and to most of his readers, the writer owes an apology
even for this slight digression.

The map which accompanies this statement, is wholly construct-
ed from surveys of which the events detailed in it furnished the
compiler with the occasion: and is believed to be quite sufficient to
elucidate all the local references.

The territory on which the first settlement of the colonists of
Liberia has been made, may be seen to present the form of a nar-
row tongue, of twelve leagues' extent, detached from the main
land, except by a narrow Isthmus, formed by the approach of the
head waters of the Montserado and Junk rivers. The northwestern
termination of this linear tract of country is cape Montserado.
which, towards its extremity, rises to a promontory sufficiently ma-
jestic to present a bold distinction from the uniform level of the
coast. Towards the south-east it is terminated by the mouth of
the Junk river.^ Centrally, this peninsula is attached to the main
land by the Isthmus just designated; so as to represent the gene-
ral form of a scale-beam, of which, the point of attachment answers
to the pivot, — and measured directly over from the banks of the
Junk, or Montserado river, to the ocean, its width in no part exceeds
one league ; and in many places is narrowed down to half thai
distance.

The present town of Monrovia is situated on the inland side of
'liis peninsula, forms the S. W. bank of the river Montserado. a

6

two miles within the extremity of the cape. The original settle-
ment approached within 150 yards of the water; and occupied the
highest part of the spinal ridge, \\liirh traverses a large part of the
peninsula, and rises at this place to about 73 feet. A dense and
lofty forest of timber-trees, entangled with vines and brush-wood,
so as to be nearly impracticable by any but the feet of savages, and
savage beasts, formed the majestic covering of a large proportion
of this tract, when the territory was bargained for by the agents of
the American Colonization Societv, in December, 1821.

Opposite to the town and near the mouth of the Montserado river,
are two small islands, containing together, less than three acres of
ground. The largest of these islands is nearly covered with houses
built in the native style, and occupied bv a family of several hun-
dred domestic sla\es, formerly the property of an English factor,
but now held, in a state of qualified vassalage, very common in
Africa, bv a black man to whom the right of the original owner has
devolved since his return to Kurope. Manv of this family, includ
in£ the old patriarch at their head, are strangers on this part of the
coast, have no participation in the politics of their neighbours,
and are frequently the objects of their jealousy. — and till res-
trained by the protection of the American Colony, — of their
oppression.

The tribes of the neighbourhood arc, 1>(, the DKYSJ who inhabit
the coast from 25 miles to the northward of Montserado, to the
mouth of the Junk, about ."Hi miles to the southeastward. Conti-
guous to this nation, and next interior, are, 2dly, the QUEAHS, a
small and quiet people, whose country lies to the E. of cape
Montserado; and, Sdlv, the GUURAHS, a much more numerous and
toilsome race of men occupying the country to the northward of
the upper parts of the St. Paul river. .Still further interior is the
formidable and warlike nation of the CONDOES, whose name alone
is the terror of all their maritime neighbours.

It is proper, in this place, to advert to a small hamlet placed on
the beach one mile to the northward of the settlement, belonging
to a people entirely distinct in origin, language and character,
from all their neighbours. These are the Kroomen, well known
by foreigners \isiting the coast, as the watermen and pilots of the
country. They originate from a populous maritime tribe, whose
country is Settra-Kroo, near cape Palmas. The custom of their
tribe obliges all, except the old, the princes of the blood, and a
few other*, to disperse to different parts of the coast, and form them-

solves in small towns near every road-stead and station frequented
by trading vessels ; where they often remain, unless summoned
home to assist on some grand national occasion, from two to six,
and even ten years, according to their success in accumulating a
little inventory of valuables, with which their pride is satisfied to
return to their friends and country. These people are decidedly
the most active, enterprising, intelligent and laborious in this part
of Africa; and in the size, strength and fine muscular proportions of
their persons, have few superiors, as a nation, in the world. The
number of families belonging to their settlement near the mouth of
the Montserado, scarcely exceeds a dozen, and may comprehend
fifty individuals.

The purchase of the Montserado territory was effected in Decem
her, of 1821; of which transaction, a particular account was pub-
lished by the Colonization Society, a few months afterwards.
The occupation of the country by as many of the dispersed
\merican Emigrants as could be collected, early in the following
year, was also announced by Dr. Ayres, on his return to the
United States, the same season ; and noticed in the report of the
Society, for 18S3.

Two small schooners belonging to the Colony were employed ia
the transportation of the settlers in January, 1822; in which ser-
vice they continued to be occasionally occupied, until the latter
part of the following May. But in this period a variety of un-
pleasant indications of the hostile temper of the Dey people, fully
demonstrating the insincerity of their engagements in relation to
the lands, were but too distinctly afforded the settlers.

On the arrival of the first division, consisting chiefly of the sin-
gle men, the natives positively, and with menaces of violence, for-
bade their landing. The smallest of the two Islands at the mouth
of the Montserado, had been obtained by special purchase, of John
S. Mill,* at that time the occupant and proprietor ; on which the
people and property were safely debarked, without any actual op-
position. But the endeavours of the agent, either by the decision

* Mr. Mill, an African by birth, and son of an English merchant who owned L>.
large trading concern on the coast, had enjoyed a superior English education,
was employed in a respectable capacity in the colony, in 1824, and died of a
rapid phthisis pulmonulis, July 20th, 1825. The interest he took in the foun-
dation of the Colony, entitles his memory to the grateful recollection of i*i
friends.

8

of lii» tone, or by means of arguments drawn from the justice of
Ms [irortMluiT, or prospective advantages to be expected from
the settlement, entirely failed to conciliate their friendship, or
.dier their settled purpose to evpelthe colonists from their coun-
try.

But in that spirit of duplicity which has marked the policy of
loo many who claim to be their superiors, the Chiefs of the tribe,
in a tew days, held out an oiler of accommodation with the most im-
posing appearances of sincerity and reason. The ferment seemed
in a great measure, allayed ; and the agent was so far deluded by
the stratagem, as to n-nderit in the first instance entirely successful.
Yielding to an imitation to meet the country authorities in a
friendly conference, at king Peter's town, he imprudently put
his person in their power, and found himself a prisoner. Having
been detained se-u-ral .lavs, Dr. Ayres consented, as the condition
of his freedom, to re-accept the remnant of the goods which had
been advanced the month preceding, in part payment for the
lands; but contrived to evade their injunction for the immediate
removal of the people from the country, by alleging the, want of
vessels lor the purpose.

The indmduals at this time on Perseverance Island did not
amount to twenty. The island itself being a mere artificial for-
mation, and always becalmed by the high land of the (..'ape which
fo\\ei> above it in the direction of the ocean, soon proved itself to
be a most insalubrious situation. The only shelter it afforded to
•lit- people and stores \\ a> to be found under the decayed thatch of
half a do/.en diminutive huts, constructed after the native manner
ol building; and the Island was entirely destitute of fresh water
and firewood. All the settlers had left Sierra Leone in a good
state of health. J5nt the badin'-s of the air, the want of properly
ventilated houses, and sufficient shelter, with other circumstances
of their new situation, soon began to prey upon their strength, and
caused several cases of intermittent lever; from a course of which
most of the company had been but a very few months recovered.

llappilv, a secret, ex-parte arrangement was, at this critical
(icriod, sell led \\ith kin^ (ieorge, who resided on the Cape, and
claimed a sort of jurisdiction over the northern district of the pen-
insula of Montserado; in virtue of which the settlers \\ere permitted
to pass across the river, and commence the laborious task of
clearing away the heavy forest which covered the site of their in-

9

tended town. — It may illustrate a trait of the African char-
acter, to observe that the consideration which moved this Chief to
accord to the settlers a privilege which has manifestly led to their
permanent establishment at Montserado, and the translation of the
country to new masters, was the compliment of half a dozen gal-
lons of ruin, and about an equal amount in African trade-cloth,
and tobacco.

Every motive which interest, increasing sufferings, and even the
love of life, could supply, at this moment, animated the exertions
of this little band. Their Agent had left them to the temporary
superintendence of one of their own number,* under whose coun-
s'el and example the preparation of their new habitations advanced
so rapidly, as in a very few weeks, to present the rudiments of 22
dwellings, ranged in an orderly manner, on the principal street of
their settlement.

But at this interesting period, when hope and success began to
r.e-assert in the brightened sphere of their fortunes a decided ascen-
dant, one of those unforeseen circumstances which so often entirely
frustrate the best concerted schemes of human prudence, and warn
mankind of the supremacy of a divine Providence, suddenly ter-
minated the pleasing anticipations of the settlers in bitter disap-
pointment, and kindled around them the flame of war.

A small vessel, prize to an English cruiser, bound to Sierra
Leone with about 30 liberated Africans, put into the roads for a
supply of water, and had the misfortune to part her cable and come
ashore, within a short distance of Perseverance Island. In this
state she was, in a few hours, beat to fragments by the action of a
heavy surf. — The natives pretend to a prescriptive right which in-
terest never fails to enforce in its utmost extent, to seize and ap-
propriate the wrecks and cargoes of vessels stranded under what-
ever circumstances, on their coast. The English schooner having
drifted upon the main land about one mile from the extremity of
the Cape, and a small distance below George's town, was imme-
diately claimed as his property. His people rushed to the beach
with their arms, to sustain this claim ; and attempting to board the
wreck, were fired upon by the prize master and compelled to de-
sist. In the mean time the aid of the settlers was sent for; which,
from an opinion of the extreme danger of their English visitants,

^Frederick James, who now holds in the municipal government of th*e
Colony, a situation of the Very first respectability.

-

10

they iimneili.iU'lv afforded. A boat was instantly manned,
de-paU hed tit their relief; and a bras? field piece stationed ou :!,.-
Island, brought to bear upon the assailants. The latter then
h.istilv retired to their to\vn, which was. like most African ham-
lets, closely environed by an ancient mo\\lh of trees, with the loss
of two of their number killed and several disabled. The English
iillicer, his crew and the African-, were brought oil' in -afetv; but
suffered the total lo-> of their vessel, with most of the stores and
other property on board of her.

lint owing to sonic MTV culpable neglect on the part of the per-
sons who served the field piece mi tin- occasion, the lire was com-
municated from the fusee, !<> the thatch roof of the store-house con-
taining the provision-, anas, ammunition, merchandise, and other
public property of the Colony. The powder, a few casks of pro
visions, and a scanty supply of other stores, \\ ere providentially
rescued, through the timelv exertions of the people. But proper-
ty amounting to near three thousand dollars, assorted for the settle-
ment, and all of the first necessity, was consumed!

The coiintrv people disappointed of the \ .'.'.'lable tempting booiy^
Avhich, in imagination thev had appropriated by anticipation,
manifestly, in consequence of the prc e ;ind interference of the
si ulers, became a- \\ill be readily suo;>!i-ed. exasperated against
them to the highest pitch of hostility. The sight of their dead and
wounded countrymen completed the measure of their irritation;
and fiercely excited in their mind* a Miva^v thiot of vengeance.
Nothing but the dread of opposing the great ^uns of the Islander-
could, at this moment, have restrained them from opening upon
them volleys of musketry, from the opposite bank of the river;
which, had it been continued for any length of time, could scarcely
ha\e failed to prove in a high degree destructive. But seldom
MMitmiiiLi mar enough to give the least precision to their lire.
they were alwavs sure, on delivering it, to retire with the utmost
precipitation to the deepest part of the forest, before they could col-
lect -uHitient assurance to reload their pieces: and a single di-
charge of a four or six pounder before they had evaded the range of
its shot, seldom failed to put an end to their in-olei.ce for the re-
mainder of i he dav.

Hut in this mockery of oidinary warfare.it is to be observed,
that no combination of the tribes — not even an union of the Ion <•-
"1 the Miialk-sr -ip-le tribe of the country, hud taken place.

11

King George's warriors, scarcely numbering 20 men, were tin-
only individuals who had presumed to go to the length of open
hostilities. And in this procedure they could justify themselves
in the country authorities only on the ground of self-defence. A
war. among the tribes of this country, to be legal, must have been
resolved upon in a general assembly of their chiefs; unless delibe-
ration and delay are precluded, as in the present case, bv an ap-
parent necessity of self protection. Such an assembly not having
btMMi at this time convoked, the actual danger to which the settlers
were exposed, was wholly confined to the south, or king George's
^ide of the Montserado river. But as the settlers were obliged to
derive their whole supply of fresh water from this bank — particu-
larly as the site of the '•own which they had eagerlv designated
for their future residence, and made some progress in preparing,
occupied the height overlooking their enemy's town — they were
subjected to various inconveniences, and obliged entirely to dis-
continue their principal work. The frames of their unfinished
dwellings were thrown down ; and several petty insults of a like
nature inflicted upon them, which they had no power to prevent.
But the wakeful activity of llu-ir >ava<i-c enemy soon caused them IP
deplore a more melancholy proof of his power to injure them.

A boat, strongly manned and armed, had proceeded to the dis-
tance of nearly three miles above the Island, on the morning of
the 2nh of March, for a supply of water. It was discovered,
half an hour afterwards, that King George's warriors had also passed
up the river by land, evidently with the intention of attacking the
boat's crew. A second boat was then despatched to overtake, and,
in case of necessity, support the first. Several of the English sea-
men, conducted by their officer, had, with their usual promptitude
on such occasions, volunteered their attendance. The bank of the
Montserado was at that time entirely covered, the whole distance
which the boats had to ascend it, with heavy trees; and in several
places, is nearly overhung with precipitous rocks of very broken
appearance, and enormous size. The boats had proceeded without
any discovery of their enemy to the watering-place — filled their
casks and put oft' from the shore on their return, when the tirin£
commenced. The boats had just entered the upper end of the
narrow reach formed by the south line of Bank Island and the
iuain land. As nothing could have been effected by a show to
'e.-Mance against a concealed enemy, the boats could do litt' ;-

12

more than hold the opposite shore as closely as possible, and make
the best of their way down the river. The fire was renewed, at
all the different angles and projections of the bank which allowed
the foe to approach under cover of the rocks and trees, sufficiently
near the boat channel of the river. It is to be presumed they
suffered nothing in this unequal skirmish: while on board of the
boats one colonist*" and an English seaman, were mortally wound-
ed— and two other persons slightly injured.

These occurrences could not fail to diffuse a spirit of fervid ex-
citement throughout the Dey tribe. The fatal consequences likely
to follow the admission into their country of civilized strangers —
strangers whom they had learnt to be entirely adverse to the slave
trade — formed the topic of violent and exaggerated declamation,
by nearly all whose interest, fears, or prejudices were concerned
in their expulsion. Old King Peter, the venerable patriarch of the
nation, was capitally impeached and brought to trial on a charge
of betraying the interests of his subjects by selling their country.
The accusation was substantiated: and it was for some time doubt-
ful whether the punishment annexed by the laws and usages of all
nations, to high treason, would not be carried into execution
against a king to whom they had been accustomed to render
obedience for more than thirty years.

The settlers were particularly embarrassed by their uncertainty
2s to the actual connexion subsisting between their neighbours of
the larger island, and their enemy. Ba. Caiii, who was at the
head of the former, had constantly held forth the most friendly
professions ; and at this time, by secretly supplying them with fuel
and water, gave a more substantial proof than ever, ' of their sin-
cerity. But his plantations and numerous detached bodies of his
people, were entirely exposed to the power of the Deys, with
whom it was of the first necessity for him to maintain an amicable

«•

correspondence. Hence he came unavoidably to incur the suspi-
cions of the colonists, who, from the proximity of his town, could
at any hour lay it in ashes. Ba Caiii had, for, many years, sus-
tained himself in his unprotected and delicate situation by mean-
of a fortunate alliance with king Boatswain,! one of the most iU-

* \\i\c\ Jones, from Petersburg-, Va. who expired on the ISth of April.

f Hoatswain is a native of Shebar. In his youth he had served in some
menial capacity on board of an English merchant vessel, where he acquired
the name which he still retain s. His personal qualifications are of the most.

13

wous and powerful chiefs of the Cornices. Boatswain's power
had been often felt by the maritime tribes, and the most convinc-
ing proofs of it were continually given in his bloody wars in the
interiour. He had thus been long acquiring; a general influence,
which gave him, even in the affairs of his neighbours, an authority
little short of dictatorial. To this powerful ally, the old man now
had recourse ; who, with the promptitude which distinguishes all
ins movements, immediately made his appearance on the Montsera-
do, not, as he said, to pronounce sentence, between the coast peo-
ple and the strangers, but to do justice: and he had actually
brought along with him a force sufficient to carry his decisions into
immediate effect. But the Deys, however stung by this insolence,
were not in a situation to resent it.

The Agents who had been absent from the Cape since the com-
mencement of these trying events, now rejoined the settlers on
the island. Boatswain having by a direct exertion of authority,
convoked the head-chiefs of the neighbourhood, sent for the Agents
and principal settlers, to come and explain the nature of their
claims on the country, and to set forth their grievances. They
complained of the ' bad faith of the Deys in withholding the posses-
sion of lands which they had sold to the colonists j and of the in-
jurious acts of hostility committed by king George, apparently
with the consent of his superiors.' A desultory and noisy discus*
sion followed, in which the savage umpire disdained to take any
part whatever. But having ascertained the prominent facts of
the case, lie at length arose, and put an end to the assembly by
laconically remarking to the Devs, t; That having sold their
country, and accepted the payment in part, they must take the

commanding description ; and to them he appears wholly indebted for his
present notoriety. To a stature approaching seven feet in height, perfectly
erect, muscular, and finely proportioned — a countenance nohle, intelligent,
and full of animation — he unites great comprehension and activity of mind,
and, what is still more imposing, a savage loftiness and even grandeur of sen-
timent— forming altogether, an assemblage of qualities, obviously dispropov-
tioned to the actual sphere of his ambition. He is prodigal of every thhifr
except the means of increasing the terror of his name. " I give you a bul-
iock," said he to an agent of the Society, "not to be considered r.s Boat
swain's present, but for your break fast." To his friend Ba Caia, he once sen".
" King B. is your friend : he therefore advises you to lose not a moment in
providing yourself plenty of powder and ball — or, in three days (the least tiro-:
possible to make the journey) let me see my fugitive woman again."

14

-I'ljtieiu «•-. Their refusal of the balance of i lie purchase
tey, <lid mi! annul, or all'eci tin- bargain. Let the Americans
have their land- immediately, ^'hoever i- mil siti*lie.d with my
decision, let him tell me -o '." Then, lurnin:;- to the Agents, " I
promi-e viu proieeiion. IT these people give y on further distur-
bance, -'Mi'] fur in'-. And I snear, if they oblige me to come
/r^ain 10 (juicl them, I \\ill do it to purpose. by taking their heads
from their shoulders $ as 1 did old king (ieor^e"-, on my last \is'n

TO the COast, to --rule dispute-."

\\ iialevrr mi'^il he thought of the e<|iiit\ ol'lhis d-v . i^ion, theu-
- \y\\ one sontiiii'Sit. a« 1o the n^re>-ity of ar(piie>riii£ ill it.

The usual inierciiaii^e of friendly presents between the partie-,
'!ien took phu-r : and the. settleis imm"diiiteiy resumed their la-
!)i!iirs on !l>e Cape.

Tha' ir'iardian Providence uliich lias so •j.-raciou.-.ly made tlie
project ion n!' thi- infant s"1tlement, in every rla^e. the object of
its (i'iide)-c- : c;ire, ha> in fen in-tances been more conspicuous,
than in thu.- (••mp!oyin»- the ill-gotten j)o\\cr of an aniliitious stran-
" r in the interior of Africa, to deli\er the colonists, at a moment
-alien hostilities would have defeated their oliject, from the machi-
nations of their treacherous neighbours. To render this interpo-
sition the more remarkable, it had acUially proceeded to the
length of removing the principal obstacles to the pacification of
the Devs. almost \\itiiont aii eiVort on the jiart of the settlers, and
riitire!-, v.iihout the knou led^e. or the presence, of either of
the Aireut-. There uottld l>e a degi'QC of impiety in repressing in
the brea-i the 'cnliinent of i-eligious i-eco-j;ni<ion, \vliich a single
«lispe!i,ai!on of -o impre—'u- a character is lilted to excite, lint
ii inn-' iv |i<-rcei\ed, in the progress of this narrathe. that e\ery
instance of e\lraordinnrv |>ro\ id'.-ntial del'nerance and protection,
boriM.,;i more affecting lustre from the rellected light of many
others.

On the J.S'ii of April, the icremony of taking po--i ~-ion of the
( '.:|)c ;!!!(! countrv \\a.-> pel formed, \\itli probably the ellei t ot
adding a fn sh « M item 'i,t to the y.cal of the people. Hut. shall
\\c mo-t deplore, or admire in human nature, that weakness which
can so c.i-il\ mi-take tin- present \i-imi- of hope, tor the prophe-
cie, i)l' luturity r On thever\ spot \\hich was gladdened \\ith
ihe felicitation* of thi- occasion. >ome \\ho \\ere the oltjects ol
>. were -oon. al;i-l to pour out their liu>- t'lrotigh the wounds

15

reconed in a doubtful contest for that very occupation v, Kicli ther
had so blindly anticipated !

But shortly after this formality, a proof of a much more signili-
cant and substantial nature, \\ as afforded by the people, of the
entire sincerity of every former profession of attachment to the
country of their adoption.

The houses \vere yet destitute of roofs, for which the material
was to be sought in the almost impracticable swamps of the coun-
trv — the rainy-season-tornadoes had already commenced — the isl-
and, if much longer occupied by all the colonists, must prove the
grave of many — sickness was beginning to be prevalent ; and both
the Agents were among the sufferers — the store of provisions wa#
scanty, and all other stores nearly exhausted ! The threatening
storm of native hostility had been, for a moment, averted — but
the very circumstances attending the dispersion of the cloud,
proved how suddenly and how easily it might re-collect its fury.
Under these circumstances, deliberately surveyed, it required u.
very large share of operative confidence in the providence of the
Most High, not to have yielded to the discouragement they so
strongly tended to create : and it is not to be admired, that tlu
Agent should have come forward with a proposal to re-embark the
settlers, and stores, and convey them back to Sierra Leone. But
from this proposal a large majority of the people entirely dissent-
ed ; and it was urged no farther. And could we estimate events
according to their intrinsic importance, independently of their
disguising or concealing circumstances, that interesting moment
would doubtless form the era, whence the real occupation of Africa
ought to date ; and which deserves its annual celebration, as long
as the colony shall afford an asylum to the oppressed strangers of
Africa. For the little band who embraced, under prospects so re-
plete with the most appalling difficulties and dangers, the resolu-
tion of remaining on the Montserado, however abandoned, gave in
the very act, the best pledge in their power to offer, — a pledge in
which their property, their health, their families, and their lives
were included, to find for themselves, and their brethren, a home
in Africa. And it is a pledge I add, which an approving Provi
dence has since enabled them, at the expense of some blood, and
many sevecc toils, triumphantly to redeem.

Mr. "NYiltberger, the Society's assistant Agent, consented to
await with the people, the return of the schooner from anuthri

16

trip to the windward. But the number of the settlers, small ar'
first, was yet farther reduced by the departure along with Dr
Ayres, of a email number who had embraced his proposal. Ex
elusive of the women and children and four native Africans, the
little force remaining, numbered 21 persons capable of bearing
arms.

The settled rains of the season now set in with uncommon vio-
lence : and the stru^-le^ and hardships encountered by this
houseless, but persevering band, are not easily to be imagined.
i.ni before the last of May, several families had removed and
taken up their residence on the Peninsula; a store-house sufficient
to contain their stores was built of good materials ; and a small
frame house finished for the Airent.

In the second week of July, the island was finally evacuated,
and all were happily re-united, each in his own humble dwelling.
on the spot where they have since remained. The Agents had in
the interim both embarked on board of the only public schooner lit
for service, and sailed for the United States. The settleme:it was
left under the supervision of one of the emigrants," who acquitted
himself of the charge with entire credit, and at the present time
enjoys in the municipal government one of the most respectable
situations in the gift of the people.

It will be readily perceived that no part of the provisions neces-
sary for the consumption of the settlers in the present season,
i-ould be drawn from the produce of the soil. Vessels seldom
appear on the coast between the months of May and November j
ami, as the event proved, nothing in that period could be pur-
. ha>ed from abroad. The most economical management of the
stores on hand, could not make them last more than half the sea-
son of the rains ; and the natives treacherously waiting the depar-
ture of Hoatswain into the interiour, and the disappearance of the
little armed schooner, belonging to the Colony, on her voyage for
the United States, replaced themselves in an attitude of incipient
futility, and prohibited the nm\evance of supplies to the Colony
out of the surrounding countrv. To add if possible to the dark
and de>perate prospects of the settlers, the stores in their posses-
-ioii had been reported to the managers at home, as nearly equal to
a twelvemonth's consumption. But the eye of God was upon
rhem. Mis providence was again interposed for their preservation.

* J'lijuh Johnson, from New-York, inl820.

17

The Government of the United States having a number of
•\fricans in the custody of the marshal of Ueuigia, \\lio iuui beeu
liberated a few months previously, tVom the hold of a slave-vi
by the operation of the benevolent law of 1819, determined at
this time on the transportation of them to their native comply. A
vessel was chartered for this service in Baltimore; on board of
which 37 persons, under the patronage of the Colonisation bociety,
were also embarked, with a moderate supply of stores for the set-
tlement

This expedition was committed to the direction of Mr. J. A<«h-
mun. who, in the expectation of aiding a good work to which
much of his time and labour had been already devoted in the
United States, had consented to accept from the bociety a com-
mission for the voyage. Under an ariaugement for returning in
the same vessel, he had yielued to the affectionate solicitude of his
lady to accompany him. This vessel, the brig " Strong," of Bal-
timore, sailed from Hampton Roads on the 2bth of S ay ; but prov-
ing a most indifferent sailor, did not arrive in the offing of Fayal,
one of the western islands, before the 26th of June. Having at
this island repaired the injury sustained in a very severe and pro-
tracted gale, and refreshed the already exhausted passengers, she
sailed again on the 3d of July, and anchored under Cape Montsera-
do on the 8th of August. Of 55 passengers nut an i;. 'Dividual had
suffered from indisposition on the last half t;f this tedious voyoge.

The following day, on communicating with the shore, Mr. Ash-
mun found, equally to his astonishment and regret, that both the
Agents had taken their departure from the country — that the public
property, as already related, had been chieily consumed by tire —
and that the immediate prospects of the settlers, precarious before
on account of their numerical weakness in the midst of barbarous
nations, was but little improved by an accession of numbers, with-
out a proportional increase of the means of subsisting them. It
was now the height of the rainy season ; but not even a thatch
roof was to be found not in the occupancy of the settlers — some of
Avhom were still very insufficiently sheltered themselves. He;1,
were therefore to be built for the reception of the emigrants before
they could be safely landed ; and a secure store house, completed
before it was possible to discharge the transport.

Mr. Ashmun found himself constrained, by the pledge he ha<!
the Board of Managers, to render the Colony Avhatevcr aici
3

18

lit be in hi:, power, and by even motive \\hich humanity could
supph, to take charge of the ( niony. and coinert its slender re-
sources, vshether for the protection, or subsistence of the people, to
«'he best account. A large store-house was accordingly laid
oil', and the only practicable preparations made, during the 9th,
lor landing the passengers, But in the morning of the same d;>\ .
the brig having unfortunately parted a cable, was obliged to throw
out the only remaining anchor on board ; by which she was hinu;
when the Agent returned on board in the evening.

lint, at day light on the 10th, the watch uave the alarming intel-
ligence that the table had again parted, and the best bower anchor
gone! The vessel was lying two cable's length from the beach,
and a strong breeze blew directly on shore. But the current
from the river favouring at the moment, the vessel was by the
prompt exertions of an active crew. »-ot under sail in time to save-
her from immediate destruction ; and by being brought close to
the wind, was enabled to make good a course parallel with that
part of the coast. The passengers, to the number of 51, were
still on board. The brig's boats could not land ten persons at a
trip; and after struggling for 48 hours to get to windward, tin-
vessel was found to be land-locked completely, within the project-
ing promontories of Capes Montserado and Mount. The reader in
the least acquainted with nautical aftairs, may conjecture thr
probable fate both of the vessel and passengers. Hut Providence
again interposed for the preservation of both. A small anc hoi-
was recovered by the assistance of the boats, by \\hich the brig
Avas again moored in the road-stead ,• but at the distance of 5 miles
from the settlement. The people were safely landed on the 1.1th
and 14th ; but owing to the prevalence of boisterous \\eatluT. the
loss of the principal boat employed in the service, and the sicken-
ing of the boatmen, it became a work of the most se\eie and dilli-
cult nature, to bring her cargo to land. In the Colonial Journal
of this period, several instances are met with in \\hicli the only
boat that could be employed in this business, was carried twenty
miles out to sea by the force of the currents, and returned at the
••ml of 24 hours, without having been able to approach within a
lea-iie of the brig ! But after lour weeks of incessant exertion,
the A;n ni enjoyed the satisfaction of seeing the pa^eirjers and
property all safe ashore ; the latter secured in un extensive store-

19

liouse ; and uiohi of the former in a good measure protected from
tin' incessant rains of that, inclement season.

In the mean time the Agent had lost not a moment in ascertain-
ing the external relations of the settlement, and the temper of its
neighbours. lie immediately proceeded to visit the most consid-
erable of the kings ; whom he thought it safe to bind to a pacific
policy, by encouraging them to open a trade with the Colony — by
forming with them new amicable alliances — and receiving the sons
and subjects of as many as possible to instruct in the language.
and arts of civilization. But it could not. escape observation that
under these smooth and friendly appearances, lurked a spirit of
determined malignity, which only waited for an opportunity tu
. sert itself for the ruin of the infant Colony. So early as the
18th of August, the present Martello tower was therefore planned ;
i company of labourers employed by the Agent, in clearing the
; (u'.iud un which it stands ; and a particular survey taken of the
military strength, and means of the settlers. Of the native
\mericans. -7, when not sick, were able to bear arms : but they
v. ere wholly unti ained to their use ; and capable in their present un-
ui-;-iplined state of making but a very feeble defence indeed. There
vu're 40 muskets in store, which, with repairing, were capable of
being rendered serviceable. Of 1 brass, and 5 iron guns attach-
ed to the settlement, the last only was fit for service, and four of
the former required cariiaiies. Several of these were nearly bu-
ried in the mud on the opposite side of the river. JS'ot a yard of
abattis, or other fence-work had been constructed. There was no
fixed ammunition : nor. without great difficulty and delay, was it
possible to load the or,ly gun which was provided with a sufficient

carnage.

It was soon perceived that the means as well as an organized
system of defence were to be originated, without either the ma-
terials, or the. artificers usually considered necessary for such pur-
poses. In the organization of the men, thirteen African youths
attached to the United States' Agency, most of whom had never
loaded a musket, were enrolled in the lieutenant's corps, and dai! v
exercised in the use of arms. The guns were, one after another.
with infinite labour transported over the river, conveyed to the
height of the peninsula, and mounted on rough truck carriages,
which, in the event, proved to answer a very good purpose. A
aaster of ordnance was appointed, who, with his assistants, re-

20

;'d the small arms — made up a quantity of fixed ammunition,
otherwise aided in arranjrin:: the details of the service.
The little town was closely environed, except on the side <>l
ihe ri-. or. with lho heavy forest in the bosom of which it was situ-
ated— i\\'i< ijxinxtoa savage enemy an important advantage of
!i it became absolutely necessary to depri\c him,bv enlar^m*

« *. l _

ie utmost, tlie cleared space about (he buildings. This labour
was immediately undertaken, and carried on without any other
intermission, than that caused by sickness of the people, and the
;i of other duties equally connected with the safety of
;' place. But the rains were immoderate and nearly constant.
I i addition to (host fatiguing labours, was thai of maintaining
the irghtly watch : — which, from the number of sentinels neces-
• common safely, >hortly became more exhausting than
all the o'Wr burdens of the people. No less than 20 imlhiduals
were every ni^V <:<'':iiied for this duly, after the 51st of August.
At the c'tfumencc'-iieiit c.f the third week after his arrival, the
.scked wi.h fever — and three days afterwards expe-
rienced the greater calamity of pcrceixing the health of his wife

•;:-ti with symptoms of a slill more alarming character.

TL IVom this period made a rapid progress among the

[vision of emigrants. On the 1st of September 12 were

wholly d:-.:;bl-"d. The burdens thus thrown upon their brethren.

accelerated the work of the climate so rapidly, that on the 10th

of ;hi-; m.)iiih, of the who!-' ex] edition, only two remained fit for

any kind of service. The .\uent ua^ enabled, by a merciful dis-

. «/

pensation of Divine Providence, to maintain a dillicult struggle
'";- (i'MMiler for four \vce!-.> ; in uhich period, after a night of
iura a:,d suffering, it was not an unusual circumstance for
him to be able to spend an entire morning in laying off and di-
recting the execution of the public work-.

Kin^ (.!.• irge aliandoned his town on the Cape, about the 1st of
Sr-p'i-mber ; and conveyed all his people and moveable^ to\\ai'<U
the head \\ait-r> of the Junk river, at about 6 leagues distance.
The intercourse between the other people of the tribe and the M :
lleinent had nearly terminated ; and the name youths, whose n>i-
ilence on the. Cape had been regarded a> the be>1 security of the
-'>!(! conduct of the tribe, \\i-re daily deserting, in consequence, a -
"u \va> .; -curtained, of secret intelligence conveyed them by their
friends.

21

The plan of defence adopted was to station five heavy guns, at
the different angles of a trial!':'*' v. !,:ch should circumscribe the
whole settlement — each of the angles resting; on a point of ground
sufficiently commanding to enfilade two sides of the triangle, and
• ;» a c<m>iderable extent of ground beyond the lines. The
guns at these stations were to be covered by musket proof triangu-
kr stockades, of which any two should be sufficient to contain all
the ;<ettlers in their wings. The brass piece and two swivels mount-
ed on travelling carriages, were stationed in the centre, ready to
support the post which might be exposed to the heaviest attack.
After completing these detached works, it was in the intention of
the Agent, had the enemy allowed the time, to join all together by a
paling to be carried quite around the settlement ; — and in the event
of a yet longer respite, to carry on, as rapidly as possible, under
the protection of the nearest fortified point, the construction of
the Martello tower ; which, as soon as completed, would nearly
supersede all the other works ; and by presenting an impregnable
barrier to the success of any native force, probably become the in-
strument of a general and permanent pacification. Connected
with these measures of safety, was the extension to the utmost, of
the cleared space about the settlement, still leaving the trees
and brushwood, after being separated from their trunks, to spread
the ground with a tangled hedge, through, which nothing should
be able to make its way, except the shot from the batteries.

This plan was fully communicated to the most intelligent of the
people : which, in the event of the disability or death of the
Agent, they might, it was hoped, so far carry into effect as to ensure
the preservation of the settlement.

It was an occasion of grateful acknowledgment to that Divine
Power under whose heavy hand the Agent was now obliged to
bow, that he had been spared to settle these arrangements, and
see them in a train of accomplishment, previous to his being laid
entirely aside. It was also a source of melancholy satisfaction
that he was permitted to watch the fatal progress of disease in an
affectionate wife until the last ray of intellectual light was extin"
guished by its force, two days before her death. Her life had
been one of uncommon devotion and self-denial, inspired by a vig-
orous and practical faith in the Divine Saviour of the world : and
her end, according to his promise, was ineffable peace. She ex-
pired on Sunday the 15th of September.

22

Two of the emigrant- belongingto the la>i expedition followed
•i the Mime week ; at which time there remained but a single in-
di\i'.lu;il nf the companv not on the sick list.

From this date until the first week in November, the Agent con-
Tinned in an extremely low and dangerous state ; so entirely de-
n'ditated in body and mind, as i<> be nearly incapable of motion,
and insensible toexerv ihinu; except the consciousness of suffering.
Two of the posts had been put in complete order in this time, he
afterwards learnt, by the persevering exertions of only apart of
the settlers. For as is the misfortune of all communities, so it
Mas discovered in this, that there \\ere individuals on whose sel-
it-h feelings, the promptings of benevolence, the demands of equi-
ty, considerations of the most pressing necessity, and the more
imperative and awful dictate- (•! conscience, could make no effect-
ual impression — and 1o whom, the moment which delivered them
from that coercion of authority, was the signal for their desertion of
public and private duty ! It is but. an act of justice to the
ving colonists, to make this discrimination ; and to assure
rhe others, wherever they happen to exist in vagrant wretchedness,
rhat posterity will owe them no thanks that the first settlement on
Cap;- Mont-erado wa> not reduced to a heap of carnage and ruins !

The Agent, as HIOII as the f;;rcc of hi- disease had so far subsid-
H as to enable him to look abroad, discovered with great satis-
faction, that the people had plied their labours with so much dili-
gence, as to produce a wide opening on the whole of the southern
quarter of the settlement. The blanching tops of the fallen trees
tunned so perfect an obstruction to the passage of human beings,
as nearly to assure the safety of the settlement against an attack
1'rom that side. But the want of system in carrying on the diver-
-ilied services devolving on the people, of whom several were
nearly overpowered by an incessant routine of nightly watching
and daily labour, had siill left the other preparation too little ad-
vanced to authorize an opinion of the safety of the place, for an
hour. The carpenters, \\lio alone were able to direct or assist ill
the constructimi of the gun-carriages, had, for the encouragement
anil direction of the labourers, given up too much of their time
10 the common fatigue-, of the field. The western station, which
in the prc-ent stale of the defence, was obviously the ttiost expos-
<*t!. not only remained entirely uncovered, but the long revolving

23

cine pounder, which was to constitute its chief strength, was still
unmounted.

But the Agent could not walk at this date without support; and
with a mind shattered by the strokes of a malady believed to be
mortal, could neither decide upon nor enforce, any arrangement
which should much accelerate their most essential preparations.
But, from this period, his febrile paroxysms were daily less sub-
duing and protracted — and by a recurrence to the journal, it ap-
pears, that he was able on the 7th of November, to recommence
the daily entries, and thereafter take a daily increasing share iu
the operations of the people.

It is here proper to return to a period already considerably
passed in the foregoing narrative, in order to take a connected
view of the movements of the natives; who, without formally de-
nouncing war, had been constantly busied in hostile machinations^
which at this date were so far matured, as to want nothing but a
proper opportunity of being carried into effect.

It has been seen that out of the dread of provoking Boatswains'1
resentment, they had reluctantly assumed a show of friendship.
But this disguise of the true state of their intentions, was too
slight to conceal them from the most superficial observer. Unhap-
pily, the chiefs had attributed the abrupt departure of the Agents
to a want of spirit, and a dread of their power: and were natural-
ly stimulated by the absence of so important and formidable a
means of defence as was afforded by the too schooners, to make
the most of the circumstance, and directly attack the settlement;
hoping, if successful, to be able either to bribe, or resist the indig.
nation of king Boatswain.

The arrival of the "Strong," in August, delayed for a while,
the execution of their purpose. But no sooner had that vessel
sailed, about the first of October, than secret meetings for discuss-
ing the question of renewing hostilities were again holden. The
Agent had arranged a plan for obtaining intelligence, which left
him ignorant of none of their movements — and by the singular
fidelity and diligence of an individual who has never yet been pro-
perly compensated, and whose name it is necessary to conceal,
was perfectly informed of the temper and stand of every influen-
tial head-man . in the country, and often furnished with the very
arguments used by them in their debates.

At this time a divexsitv of views were entertained bv the differ

14

ent members of their war-council. It v. as contended by kings Pc-
ti-r and lirisiol. iliat "'liie increased numbers of the Colon
gave them a superiority which would in.-ure their success — that
they wen- niii a settlement of fur. ami enemies, but of i

countr\ men and friends, as v. as pro\ed !r\ the identity of their
colour, and therefore had a ri^, l to reside in their country.
mi'Jit be expected to turn all t,,e civilisation which they had learm
abroad, to the improvement of their common country.''

Kings George, Governor, and all the other head men of the
tribe, contended that "• The Americans were strangers who hud
forgot their attachment to the land of their fathers; for if not, why
had they not renounced their connexion with white men altogether,
and placed themselves under the protection of the kings of the
country? King George had already been under the necessiu c;
removing from his to\vn, and leaving the Cape in their ha,
This was but the first step of their encroachments. If left alun«-.
they must, in a very few \ears. master the whole country. And
as all other places were lull, their own tribe must be without a
home, and cease any longer to remain a nation. The armed
schooners were gone; — the two lii>t Agents had lied also: — the
new people could from sickness very little assist the old in the de-
fence of the place; and had brought with them a valuable cargo of
stores, winch would enrich the conquerors, 'l He "While Man wa~
sick; no doubt would die; and the rest were nut much superior tn
an equal number of themselves, and could be easily overcome.,
either by sudden surprise, or by a wasting and harrassing block-
ade."

King Peter presuming still to dissent from the general voice of
his chiefs, was principally thro' the iniluen.ee of George, nbhucd
to shut his mouth, during all the following deliberations of the as-
sembly. King Bristol returned home.

M< isengers were then despatched in every direction, to solicit
the aid of the neighbour tribes. The king of Junk refused to
take any active part in person, and sent to assure the colon-, <•(
hi- neutrality; but did not prohibit his people from following, in-
dividually, their own inclinations. A number came to the war.

King Tom of Little Ba.---u entirely declined. King lien of
Half C. Mount, and his people came into the conspiracy. Bristol

- him.-elf inactive, but many of his people joined the hostile
party.

25

Ba Caiii, whose island is overlooked by the settlement, was too
much agitated by his fears, to resolve on any decided course. He
tarried at home, of course; but many of his people gave them-
selves to the war.

Bromley, Todo, Governor, Konko, Jimmy, Gray, Long Peter,
George and Willy with their entire force, and all king Pe . r's
warriors, and the auxiliaries already named, were, in the last week
of October, perfectly combined, and assembled under arms on
Bushrod Island, about four miles from the settlement, and on the
St. Paul.

Throughout their consultation, they had refused to receive any
proposals of a pacific nature from the Colony. At length <he
Agent contrived, through the mediation of Ba Caiii, to say to their.,
that "He was perfectly apprised of their hostile deliberations,
notwithstanding their pains to conceal them; and that, if they pro-
ceeded to bring war upon the Americans, without even askino- to
settle their differences in a friendly manner, they would dearly
learn what it was to fight white men."* To this message no reply
was made.

The activity and masculine eloquence of the indefatigable
George, were successfully exerted in generally engaging the fight-
ing people near the theatre of the war. Every day produced a
sensible augmentation of their numbers on Bushrod Island.

On the 7th of November, intelligence was received at the Cape
that the last measures had been taken preparatory to an assault
on the settlement, which was ordered within four days. The plan
of attack being left to the head warriors, whose trade it is to con-
cert and conduct it, was not to be learnt.

The Agent was able, with assistance, to inspect the works, and
review the little force the same evening. He stated to the people
the purport of the intelligence just received; that 'war was now-
inevitable; and the preservation of their property, their settle-
ment, their families, and their lives, depended under God, wholly
upon their own firmness and good conduct; that a most important
point in the defence of the place, was to secure a perfect unifor-
mity of action, which should assure to every post and individual
the firm support of every other. To this end, they must as punc-
tiliously obey their officers as if their whole duty were centered,

* A phrase by which civilized peopb of all colours and nations arr rfk'Ui
g.uished in the dialect of the coast,

probably was, in that one point; and every man as faltlifullf
<-s.ert himself, as if the whole defence depended on his single
efforts. A coward, it \\as hoped, did not disgrace their ranks;
and as the cause was emphatically that of God and their country,
they might confidently expect his blessing and success to attend
the faithful discharge of their duty." — Every thing was then dis-
posed in order of action, and the men marched to their posts.
They lay on their arms, with matches lighted, through the night.

On the 8th, the Agent, l>v an effort which entirely exhausted
lii- r/irength, proceeded to examine the obstruction thrown in the
way of the avenues to the settlement; and perceived to his ex-
treme mortification, that the west quarter \\as still capable of be-
in1; approached by a narrow path-way, without difficulty; and that
the utmost exertions of the workmen had accomplished only the
mounting of the revohing nine pounder at the post: by v\ Inch
the path v, as enfiladed; but that the platform was still left entirely
exposed. The eastern quarter was about equally open to the ap-
proach of the enemy, but the station was protected by a stockade,
and a steep led-e of rocks made the access difficult.

Picket guard.*! of four men each were detailed, to be posted 100
yards in advance of each of the stations, through the night. No
•nan was allowed to sleep before the following day, at sun-rise;
and patrols of native Africans were dispersed thro' the woods in
every direction. An order was given to families occupying the
most exposed houses, to sleep in such as were more centrally situ-
ated.*

Throughout the Oth. the order established on the preceding day
continued; and some pr:;L.ie>s made in the labour of falling trees,,
an.l other vi-U- obstructing every practicable access to the settle-
ment.

nday, Xovembtr 10th. The morning was devoted, as ustiaL
to t!'i- i Hi v-'hiiient of the .-t'ttlers, none of whom had slept for the
£1 hoiiis |>!,.. (••,!'. I-,-;. At 1 P. M. all were remanded to their fa-
ti'_!!i- and other (\\,\\> ;. till .v.n-set; when the order appointed for
the precedi '_;u:ieJ. The women and children at-

tended divine H-nice.

* In the im;l'.it!:<!c of cure? devolving on the Aroi.t, vvlio dictated most of
- (;•(»]• lr IK-- I. tin- nn.-;isures necessary to svcure the proper ob-
servance of lit'-, niiler were unhappily omitted; and the rashness of the mis-
i.n'.i-, idi.ui'.s \vho disobeyed it, rust \vith a signal pui>:

Intel! ; s;ei • ^ad readied the Agent early in the day, that the hos~
lile force* ha;l made a movement, and were civs-ing the Monfse-
rado river a few miles above the settlement: but the patrols made
no discovery through I he day. — At sun-set, ho\\ever, the enemy
again put themselves in motion, a::J at an early hour of tiie night,
had assembled, as was afterwards learnt, to the number of six to
nine hundred men. on the peninsula, where, at the distance of less
than half a mile to the westward of the settlement, they encamp-
ed till near morning. Their camp, afterwards examined, extend-
ed half a mile in length, and induces a strong probability that the
number of warriors assembled on this occasion, lias been alto-
gether underrated .

The most wakeful vigilance on the pait of the settlers, was kept
t;p through the night. — But, with a fatality which was quite of a
piece with all the hindrances that had impeded the progress of
the defences on the western quarter, the picket-guard in advance
of that post, ventu.-< d on a violation of their order-, by leaving
their station, at the fi.-.-t dawn of day; at which it was their duty
to remain till sun-rise. The native force was already in motion,
and followed directly in tin; rear of the picket- iu.ru The latter
.i;ul just rejoined their gun, ab uit which ti n men Vere now as-
sembled; when the enemy suddenly presenth -',-nt of ten
yards in width, at sixty distant, delivered their lire, and rush-
ed forward with their spears to seize the post. il men
were killed and disabled by the first fire, and the remainder driven
from their gun without discharging it. Then, retiring upon the
centre, (see the arrangement of the guns. p. '21] threw the reserve
there stationed, into momentary confusion ; and had tiie enemy at.
this instant, pressed their advantage, it is hardly conceivable that
they should have failed of entire success. Their avidity for plun-
der was their defeat. Four houses in that outskirt of the settle-
ment, had fallen into their hands. Every man on whose sav-
age rapacity so resistless a temptation happened to operate,
rushed impetuously upon the pillage thus thrown in his way. The
movement of the main body was disordered and impeded; and an

* The number given ubove, is deduced from the discordant accounts given
by the kings of the country, after the termination of hostilities ; some of
whom rated it mnch highiT; but all were ignorant of the true number, and
all werp interested to state it as low as would obtain credit.

28

opportunity afforded the A?ent, assisted principally by the Ret.
Lot Cary, to rally the broken force of the settlers. The two cen-
tral g'.ms. with a part of their own men, and several who had been
dri\en from the western station, were, with a little exertion,
br>:i'Jit bark i>:. i ;r ion, and formed in the line of two slight
buildings, thirty yards in advance of the enemy.

The second discharge of a brass field-piece, double-shotted with
ball and grape, brought the whole body of the enemy to a stand.
That £ii n \\-us well served, and appeared to do great execution.
The havoc would have been greater, had not the fire, from mo-
tives of humanity, been so directed as to clear the dwellings about
which the enemy's force was gathered in heavy masses. These
house's were known at that moment to contain more than twelve
helpless women and children.

The eastern and southern posts, were, from their situation, pre-
cluded from rendering any active assistance on the occasion; but
{'.-.'• officers and men attached to them, deserve the highest praise,
of doing their duty by maintaining their stations, and thus pro-
tecting the flank and rear of the few whose lot it was to be brought
to action.

A few musketeers with E. Johnson at their head, by passing
round upon the enemy's flank, served to increase the consterna-
tion which was beginning to pervade their unwieldy body. In
about twenty min tes after the settlers had taken their stand, the
front of the enemy began to recoil. But from the numerous ob-

*

struct! :>i:- in their rear, the entire absence of discipline, and the
extreme difficulty of giving a reversed motion to so large a body,
a small part only of which was directly exposed to danger, and
the delay occasioned by the practice of carrying off all their dead
and wounded, rendered a retreat for some minutes longer, impos-
sible. The very violence employed by those in the front, in their
impatience to hasten it, by increasing the confusion, produced an
effect opposite to that intended. The Americans perceiving their
advantage, now regained possession of the western post, and in-
stantly brought the long nine to rake the whole line of the enemy.
Imagination can scarcely figure to itself a throng of human beings
in a more capital state of exposure to the destructive power of the
machinery of modern warfare! Eight hundred men were here
pressed shoulder to shoulder, in so compact a form that a child

29

miu;ht easily walk upon their heads from one end of the mass to
the oilier, presenting in their rear a breadth of rank equal to twen-
ty or thirty men, and all exposed to a gun of great power, raised
(m a platform, at only thirty to sixty yards distance ! Every shot
•,i'!v spent its force in a solid mass of living human flesh!
Their fire suddenly terminated. A savage yell was raised, which
filled the dismal forest with a momentary horror. It gradually
died away; and the whole host disappeared. At 8 o'clock the
well known signal of their dispersion and return to their homes,
was sounded, and many small parties seen at a distance, directly
afterwards, moving oft' in different directions. One large canoe,
employed in reconveying a party across the mouth of the Montse-
rado, venturing within the range of the long gun, was struck by a
^Imt, and several men killed.

On the part of the settlers, it was soon discovered that conside-
rable injury had been sustained.

One woman* who had imprudently passed the night in the house
first beset by the enemy, had received 13 wounds, and been
thrown aside as dead. Another,! Hying from her house with her
two infant children, received a wound in the head, from a cutlass,
and was robbed of both her babes; but providentially escaped.
A young married woman,! with the mother of five small children,
finding the house in which they slept surrounded by savage ene-
m'i3s, barricadoed the door, in the vain hope of safety. It was
forced. Each of the women then seizing an axe, held the irreso-
lute barbarians in check for several minutes longer. Having dis-
char»ed their guns, they seemed desirous of gaining the shelter of
the house previous to reloading. At length, with the aid of their
spears, and by means of a general rush, they overcame their he-
roine adversaries, and instantly stabbed the youngest to the heart
The mother, instinctively springing for her suckling babe, which
recoiled through fright, and was left behind, rushed thro' a small
window on the opposite side of the house, and providentially es-
caped to the lines, unhurt, between two heavy fires.

* Mrs. Ann Hawkins ; who after long and incredible sufferings recover-
ed, and is yet living.

| Mrs. Minty Lraper.
| Mary Tines.

T-he Agent had caused a return '• to be made at 9 o'clock, which
, 1 1 lainlv exhibited a melancholy statement of the loss sustained
by the little company, lint it was animating to perceive that
none — not even the wounded in their severest sufferings, were dis-
pirited, or insensible of the signal Providence to which thev owed
the successful issue of their struggle.

It never has been po-.-ible to ascertain the number of the enemy
killed or disabled on tin- occasion. The only entry made on the
subject in the Colonial Journal, is dated November 15th; and
-. u The following circumstances prove the carnage to have
Q, for the number engaged, great. A large canoe, from which
ihc dead and wounded could be seen to be taken, on its arriving at
:h:.> opposite side of the Montserado, and \\hich might easily carry
I \\elve men, was employed upwards of two hours in ferrying them
over. In this time, not less than ten to twelve trips must have
been made. It is also known, that many of the wounded were
• liueyed away along the soutli beach, on mats: and that the d-ead
left of necessitv in the woods, where many fell, are carried oll'by
their friends every night. But two days ago. twenty-seven bodies
were discovered by a party of friendly Condoes employed by the
Agent for the purpose. On entering the wood, the offensive efflu-
vium from putrid bodies, is at this time intolerable."

The numerical force of the settlers amo-inted to 35 persons, in-
cluding t> native youths not 16 years of age. Of this number,
about one half were engaged.

\t 9 o'clock, the Agent, after advising with the most sensible
mechanics, and others of the settlers, issued an order for contract-
ing the lines, by excluding about one-fourth part of the houses, and

H The following is an abstract of this return : —

Joseph Benson, shot dead in the beginning of the action ;

Mary Tines, stabbed to death in her house ;

Thomas Spinn, mortally injured by 5 wounds j

Billy, a native African, mortally wounded ;

Ann Hawkins, desperately injured by 13 wounds ;

Daniel Hawkins, severely do. through the thigh ;

James Benson, very severely do. through the shoulder ;

Min'.y Draper, slightly do. in the face and ear;

2 small children of Minty Draper, missing ;

5 do. <. (oldest 13 years) of James Benson, do.

15 Whole number of sufferers.

All the moveable effects of five families had fallen mte the enemy's hands.

31

surrounding the remainder, including the stores, with a musket-
proof stockade; at the angles of which, all the guns were to be
posted. The fence palings and building materials of individuals,
were taken for this palisade, of which, before night, more than 80
yards were completed.

This work was resumed early the next day, and far advanced,
towards a completion, before it was judged safe to devote an hour
even to the melancholy duty of burying the dead; which was per-
formed on the evening of the 12th. — By contracting the lines, the
number of men necessary to guard them, was considerably redu-
ced; and thus a relief for the people obtained, which their sickly
and feeble state absolutely called for. As early as the 14th, one-
half of their number were released from camp duty, after 8 o'clock
in the morning; but every man remanded to his post through the
night. An additional gun was mounted and posted on the same,
day: on the 17th, the artillerists were newly organized; and every
day witnessed either some improvements in the discipline of the
men, or in the means of defence and annoyance.

It could not fail, in the state of utter abandonment and solitude
to which this little company was reduced, to be felt as an encour-
aging circumstance, that Tom Bassa, a prince of some distinction,
should, at this moment, have sent a message to assure the Colony
of his friendship; and in testimony of his sincerity, to have for-
warded a small present of the productions of the country.

The inclosure was completed on Sunday morning, the 17th;
when about one-half of the people had the privilege of celebrating
Divine Service — a privilege which many of them very highly ap-
preciated.

It is not to be either concealed, or made the object of a too severe
censure, that several of the people should have yielded, as soon
as leisure was afforded for rellection, to the discouraging circum-
stances of their situation. There were not at this time, exclusive
of rice, 15 days' provisions in store. Every individual was sub-
jected to an allowance which could not sustain animal strength,
under the burden of so many severe and extraordinary labours,
Nothing could be obtained from the country. Seven infant chil-
dren were in the hands of an enemy infuriated by his recent loss-
es. The native forces were certainly not dispersed; but it was
no longer in the Agent's power either to learn the intentions of
chiefs, or convoy any message thro' to them. Add to

32

unpleasant ingredients of (heir lot, the more cruel circumstance,
perhaps of all, that the ammunition of the Colony was insufficient
fdi a single hours defence of the place if holly attacked, and an
apology may surely be found for the very alarming despondency
which was invading the minds of several of the settlers. — It was
a happy providence that, at the critical moment, the Agent's
health was so far mended as to put it in his power often to attend
the men, at their posts and labours, by night and day — to animate
th"in by every method which his invention could suggest — and
when these failed, to draw from their despair itself, an argument
for a faithful discharge of their duty. In this difficult labour, he
\\a^ ablv and successfully supported by several of the most sensi-
ble and influential of the Colonists.

It was tin* Agent's wish, if possible, to engage the kings in trea-
ty, for a peace. The actual state of the settlement required it;
and the common principles of humanity must be sacrificed by any
d-jree of indifference in the matter, as long as so large a number
of children belonging to the settlement, were in the hands of an
enemy, who in his treatment of them was known to be liable to the
I'xiremt's of caprice and cruelty. To avert, if possible, from these
little sufferers, the effects of their savage indignation, and at the
same time, open a door for friendly negotiation, a message was on
the 2-2d, with some difficulty, got through to the council of native
chiefs, who were engaged in debating the question of renewing
hostilities, at king Peter's Town. The purport of this commu-
nication \vas, that "The Americans came with friendly intentions
— have evinced those friendly attentions in all their intercourse
with the people of this country. — Why have you then brought war
on us, without any complaint of injury ? We are willing to settle
a peace. But we are also prepared to carry on the war; and can
render it immensely more bloody and destructive than you felt it
before." The message left the settlement at 6 o'clock, P. M. and
at daylight the next morning, an answer was received, that, " hav-
ing bought the low land of Bushrod Island, the Americans had
seiy.ed upon the Cape, without right — that the country people visit-
ing the settlement, had been cheated and roughly used by the
store-keeper — that the A-'Mits had not fulfilled their promise of
instructing ihe people. But thev would gladly make peace, if sa?
tisfaction were offered for these injuries."

33

"From lliis time to the 28th, messages were daily exchange.^;
as all the professions of the chiefs declaratory of their j.acific
wishes, were accompanied with a demand for presents, and ex-
plained in their true sense by their incessant efforts to engage
more warriors from every part of the coast and interior, within
tlu'ir influence anil knowledge, the preparations against a second
attack went forward at the Cape, without intermission.

The 23d was devoted to "humiliation, thanksgiving, and prayer,
both on account of the recent success and losses, and the actual
perilous state of the settlement." Two days afterwards, the most
pressing wants of the people were relieved by a small purchase
from a transient trader touching at the Cape. But 110 ammuni-
tion suitable for the large guns could be obtained.

It is due to the disinterestedness of a worthy foreigner, Capt.
H. Brassey of Liverpool, who also touched on the 29th, to state,
that unasked, and without the prospect of remuneration, he near-
ly exhausted his own stores to provide the sick and wounded with
necessaries; and exerted an extensive influence acquired by a
long acquaintance with the country chiefs, to disarm their hostili-
ty. But to no purpose. They had hired a strong reinforcement
from the Gurrahs and Condoes; and re-united the warriors of the
coast by means of new encouragements and new promises; most
of which it appears! afterwards, depended on their obtaining pos-
session of the property on the Cape. Of these particulars, secret
intelligence was communicated to the Agent on the evening of the
29th of November ; with the farther information, that the attack
was to be renewed with double the number of warriors employed
on the llth, at day-light on the following morning.

The whole native force, accordingly, in the course of the night,
removed to the peninsula, in two bodies; of which one took up its
encampment at a small distance to the south-east of the settle-
ment— the other division, occupied the. camp in which the assail-
ants of the llth had passed the night preceding the first attack.
But finding on the return of day-light that Capt. Brassey's ketch
had not left her anchorage, they deferred the bloody business un-
til the next day.

The Agent for the first time spent the whole night at the differ-
posts; and had the satisfaction to perceive every man at-
to his dutv. and every thing connected with the defence

*/ *

ui ji stale of the mo>t pu fn I preparation. The \voodhad >;•
cleared for a considerable space about the town. The enemy in
order to approach within musket shot of the works, was obliged
to place himself unsheltered, in the open field: and could advaiu •'•.
upon no point which was not exposed to the cross-fire of two <»
more of the posts. The stockade for a distance on eacli ~i'l<- <•!' ;\!l
the several stations was rendered impenetrable to muskd shot;
and in every part afforded a shelter, behind which the defend".
might indulge the confidence of being nearly secure — a point <•!'
the very first importance to be secured to the unpractised xihiier.'
November 30th was spent by the people in the order of action,
as it was known that the enemy in the neighbourhood were in the
actual observation of all that passed within the lines. No pi"1
could be safely trusted during the ensuing night without the en-
closure; but the men attached to the different stations were rang-
ed along the stockade at five yards distance from each other, with
orders to repair to their guns on the moment the alarm was given.
The Agent, spent with the fatigue of waking two successive nights,
had reclined at thirty minutes past four upon the light arms
which he carried, when the onset was made. The works were at-
tacked at the same moment on nearly opposite sides. The ene-
my".". \\r-tcrn division had made their wav along the muddy mar-
gin of the river, under the protection of the bank, to the north-
v intern angle of the palisade; when, on rising the bank *o ;i- t"

* In the National Intelligencer of September 23d, 1823, was published a
letter purporting- to have been written from Montserado, in which the writer
undertakes to pronounce on the measures taKen for the defence of the settle-
ment, with an air of affected dogmatism, which, in an entire stranger to the
whole business, appears sufficiently ridiculous — But vapouring1 is the nature
of some people, and, like other instances of bad taste, is not to be reasoned
out oftluTii. It is the mis-statements (they deserve a much harsher na
contained in this letter, which lam concerned to expose. They arc as nu-
merous as the assertions of the writer on the chief subject of the letter — and
too gross and artificial, I fear, for charity itself to impute to ignorance or in; -
information. If the writer of the letter has any apology to offer to the world
for having been the instrument of propagating so miserable and injurious
a tissue of fictions, it ought not to be withheld. And none will witli sincerer
pleasure than myself admit an explanation which shall reconcile with the hour
Durable motives of the v.'riter, the assertions of his unfortunate letter.

J. A.

35

become visible from the western post, they had opened upon it a
sudden and brisk fire; which was promptly and very steadily return-
ed by the iron gun, supported by the reserve field piece from the cen-
tre. The assailants were repulsed with considerable loss. Ten
minutes afterwards they renewed the onset, and forcing their way
higher up the bank than before, contended with greater obstinacy,
and suffered still more severely. A third attempt was made to
carry this post; but with the same ill success.

On the opposite quarter the assault had commenced at the same
moment, with still greater vigour. A large body had concealed
'themselves under a precipitous ledge of rocks forty yards distant;
whence thev crept nearly concealed from view, within the same
number of feet of the station; when they suddenly rose, delivered
their fire, and rushed forward with the utmost fury- At this mo-
iiient the 2 gun battery was unmasked, and opened upon them
with immediate effect. After a very few discharges, the body of
i lie enemy having thrown themselves flat upon the earth, disap-
peared behind the rocks. Their marksmen had taken their sta-
iinns behind projecting rocks, fallen trees, and large ant-hills, and
,i'l kept up a constant and well directed fire; under the cover of
which the main body rallied and returned to the attack not less
than four times; and were as often repulsed by the well directed
fire, of the large guns; which was purposely reserved for those oc-
casions.

The Agent at this moment perceiving the enemy in motion to-
wards the right, under cover of a small eminence which favoured
their design, proceeded to the southern post, which had not yet
been engaged, and ordered it to open upon them the moment their
movement brought them within the range of its guns. The order
was punctually obeyed; which exposed a large number of the as-
sailants to a galling cannonade both in front and flank, in a situa-
tion where their own arms could prove of no effectual service to
them. The assault on the opposite side of the town had been al-
ready repulsed; and the signal for a general retreat immediately
followed. This order was obeyed with such promptitude that the
most entire silence succeeded, and every warrior disappeared al-
most instantaneously.

Not the most veteran troops could have behaved with more
coolness, or shewn greater firmness than the settlers, on this oc-

36

casion. Such had been their hardships, and distressing suspense'
lor the last twenty days, that the first volley of the enemy's fire
brought sensible relief to e\er\ breast: for ii nave assurance that
the time had arrived which was to put a period to their anxieties.

The final repulse of the assailants on the \\e~tern quarter took
place in seventy minutes from the commencement of the conte-t,
the attack upon the eastern po-i. \\as prolonged ninety minutes;
and of the two, was much the most obstinate and bloody. Three
of the men serving at the guns of that station, Gardiner, Crook,
and Tines, were very badly, the last mortally, wounded. The
Agent received three bullets through his clothes, but providential-
-caped unhurt. AS the natives in close action load their mus-
kets (which are of the largest calibre) with copper and iron slugs,
often to the enormous measure of twelve inches, their lire is com-
monly very destructive. In this conilict of scarcely an hour and
.> half, the quantity of shot lodged in the paling, and actually
thrown within the lines, is altogether incredible: and that it took
eiVect in so few cases can only be regarded as the effect of the
special guardianship of Divine Providence.

The number of assailants has been variously estimated;' but can
never be correctly ascertained. It is known to be much greater
than of those engaged on the llth. Their loss, although from the
quantities of blood with which the field was found drenched, cer-
tainly considerable, was much less than in the former attack.

The Agent lias often said that their plan of assault was the
very best that they could have devised. It was certainly sustain-
ed and renewed with a resolution that would not disgrace the best
disciplined troops. But they were not fully apprised of the pow-
er of well served artillery. None of the kings of this part of the.
coast are without cannon. But to load a great gun, is with them
the busine" of half an hour: and they \\ere seriously disposed to
attribute to sorcery die art of char^my; and firing these destruc-
tive machines from 4 to (i limes in the minute.

Un their iiual repulse it was evident that a general panic had
-ei/.ed up, MI the minds of the whole multitude. An hour after-
wards several ro.ind Mi .it v, ere fired through the tops of the trees,
in did it directions parallel \\ithdilfereni hues of the coast and
Links of the river. In an iiislani, v\ ere seen hundreds of the
(J'u-mve. \\reiciies running from their hiding-places and throwing-

37

themselves into the water. On . discovering the flash of a gun
from the batteries, they would instantly disappear under water,
till the danger from it was past.

But the general exhilaration produced by the prosperous issii>
of this eftbrt on the part of the settlers, was greatly moderated
by the alarming circumstance, that on an equal distribution of the.
residue of the shot, among all the guns, after the action, not three
rounds remained to each! — Three more of the most effective and
useful men in the settlement had been lost from the ranks of its
defenders. But a strong confidence in the superintending provi •
dence of the Most High was a sentiment which animated the bosom -
of a majority of the survivors; and in their situation was the only
rational source of hope that could be resorted to.

There was at this time little surgical knowledge, less skill, am!
absolutely no instruments — not a lancet or a probe in the settle-
ment! Its little dispensary had no lack of James's powders,
and stores of febrifuges — but for medicating broken bones, and ex-
tracting fragments of pot-metal and copper ship-bolts from the,
shattered limbs of the Colonists, there, had been no provision what-
ever. A dull penknife and common razor were substituted in the
place of the first, and a priming wire made to answer the purpose
of the last. But the sutt'erings of the wounded, several of whom
retained in their limbs the poisonous and corroding metal which
had caused their wounds, for months, was indescribable; and
such as could not fail to impress upon a daily witness of them, a
conviction of the rashness and cruelty of placing a company of
men, subject to the casualties of war, beyond the reach of surgical
aid.

A movement discovered near his station, on the following night,
had induced the officer of the western post to open a brisk fire of
musketry, accompanied with several discharges of the large guns.
A circumstance apparently so accidental brought relief to the set-
tlement.

The English colonial schooner, " Prince Regent," laden with
military stores, and having as passengers, capt. Laing of the
Roval African Light Infantry, and a prize crew commanded by
midshipman Gordon, belonging to II. B. M. sloop of war Driver,
six days from Sierra Leone, bound for Cape Coast, was at this
moment in the offing, and a little past the Cape. So unusual a

38

i.,, -inure a- a midnight cannonading on them, could not fail
loaiiiacl notice: ;IIK! the \ es>el lav bv "till morning. A Krooman

* «.

by \\lioin she \\as then boarded. ':;'.\e intelligence of llie situation
df the M't . lemeni : \\lnt was immediately de-patched ashore, with
ihe '- oiler of any assi.-tance in (he pov.er of the schooner

afford.

: the following mornii!1:; the oflicers came ashore — and in

icters as neutrals, kindly undertook, at the in.~t;,nce of

• t, to explore and ascertain the fuUire intention- of the

• nemy. AM interview was procured wilh the chiefs without much
difficult] — :<> i'leir uarrioi's had principally (li.-pci'-'-d. their re-

- •- ire cntirclv i-xb.ausTc'd, ;.;::l themselves overwhelmed

.mi ai;d >ha;n;'. Tiicv were easily induced, but w ith

e, to sign ;;;i instrument binding themselves i<-

<>})> iinlimUed truce \\ith i!ie colour; and make all their dif-

t '

!<jiv, of a l'i;i;;re n-ferenct' to the arbitration of the

_n\ei-i',or of Sierra Ix-oiu1. It is unm . to observe that

ng no complainis 10 allege, tiiev never ..i-ei-v. ards recollected

this provision lor a reference. And it is equally superfluous to

ate, that fioiii ihis UMM-, the colony has been considered as

rniii-.'iv invincible to any native force that may be brought against

!'ro\ i'.lenco wisely designed to render tlie early stni^le of

, the mean- of >eeuriiii; a perpetual and profound

tramjuillitv to their colour.

The death of the amiable and lamented Gordon, and of 8 out
of 1 1 . us seamen, who, with him, volunteered their services

r<> L; L> the trucL1 settled by cajitain Lainu;, has been already

• imimmicaied t;> ihe public in the 7th annual report of the Colo-

! S.ieietv. All tliese individuals fell victims to the

b

'•'iiiKtte within four weeks from the sailing of the "Prince Regent,""
>n the -lih of December.

tiie Sih of December came to an anchor a large privateer schoo-
ner under Colombian colour.-: to the commander of which capt.
AVei i -;'\ei,'.l of ih" o'lieei'>, na'nesof the United States,

\'j;ent in behalf of ihe colony, was laid under further, and very
int obligations. !'••, ui(> aid of the proper mechanics ob-
tained from this vessel, th-' ^.'Ulement \\as put in a superior state
o.f (i : and the siitkTin^s of the wounded alleviated by the

luous a'lentions ofa skilful surgeon. These friend -
l\ • e cuatiaued at iutervuls. for four week?.

39

Tin '»g»'nrs health gradually hnprouii'j. io (hi.- pel iod had been
injured bv jive exertion: and on the Kith of Dec'.-iuhc'

."iiii i'lv -unk under its weight. Medicine.- were productive ot" i!"

uncial effect — a Sever slow in its approaches in a few «'
became constant, and ret! need him to a state of hoprV-* debi'.

By one of those ;.-.-cidents which in their results are. obviou>Iy
sec-!i to be the express appointments of an overruling Provider
a remedy of the most singular nature was administered, when
probably no other means could have preserved his life. A self-
taught French charlatan, arriving at the cape at this moment in a
•ransient vessel, offered his medical services; which from despair
on one hand, and a sense of duty on the other, the Agent accept-
ed. A potion was exhibited of \vhich one of the ingredients . \
a large spoonful of calomel!* The Frenchman then proceeded
on his voyage; and left the Agent to digest his medicine in the
best way he could. Such was the weakness of his system as to
be able neither to throw it off, nor to take it into the circulation, for
five days. The crude poison was then avoided: and a distres
ino; salivation ensued; before which all other morbid symptoms di.
appeared.

It was the middle of February before he again became active
in the affairs of the colony. Two of the captive children had within
: been given up in consideration of a small gratuity.
Fhe were still in the hands of the native.-; for whose release a
verv extravagant ransom was demanded, which it was stead i'--
resolved not to pay.

If any redeeming trait had at this period appeared to soften and
atone for the moral deformity of the native character, it certainly
was perceived in their treatment of these helpless and tender cap-
tives. It was the tirst object of the captors to place them under
the maternal care of several aged women; who in Africa, as in
most countries, are proverbially tender and indulgent. These pro-
tectresses had them clad in their usual habits; and at an early period
of the truce, sent to the colony to inquire the proper kinds of
food, and modes of preparing it, to which the youngest had been
accustomed. The affections of their little charge were so per-

* The writer states a fact, which he leaves it to his medical readers toe
.n.ent upon, and explain as they can

Lly \\on MI the lour months of their captivity, as to oblige their
«>\vn parents, at the end of that time, literally to tear auav from
their keepers several of the youngest, amidst the most affecting
demonstrations of mutual attachment. This event did not occur
until the 12th of March; when their gratuitous restoration v\a-s
voted almost unanimously, in a large council of native chiefs.

The A^-.-nt. after partially I-T<!\ eringfrom this last and severest
trial of a nearly ruined constitution, found the utmost exertion of
1he Colonists necessary to ensure the preservation of their property,
health, and lives, through the approaching rains. Except the,
store-house, there was but one shingled roof, and frame hou-e,
in the ^niement. Some of the cabins v. ere without Hours; and
through the thatch of nearly all, the rain might easily find its
way and descend in streams. Such is the description of the hovel
orrupied bv himself at this time. The industrious and pnn ident
iiabits of a majority of the settlers, had been as an effect, in
• nurse, of the deranged and long neglected state of their private
u (fairs, v, holly subverted: and it required the application of a keen-
er stimulus than could be found in the ordinary calls of duty and
the prospect of remote advantages, to engage them in a course of
diligent exertions. The store of provisions which had been long
expected to be replenished by a shipment from the United States
was now consumed; and the want of any effective financial
arrangements made by the principals of the establishment at home
rendered it a matter of extreme difficulty with the Agent to make
any purchases from occasional vessels. He had already assumed,
from the necessity of the case, a larger pecuniary responsibility,
than, as an individual, he could, under any other circumstances,
justify to himself or others.

The productions of the country had been resorted to ; and the
few disposable goods remaining on hand were already exhausted
in their purchase; when on the 12th of March the welcome intelli-
gence of the arrival on the coast of the U. S. ship Cyane, R. T.
Spence, Esq. was announced by a Krooman from Sierra Leone.

< 'apt. Spence arrived off Montserado on the 31st. By the most

judicious and indefatigable exertion.-, that gentleman had caused

ihe hulk of the long before condemned and dismantled schooner

\uu,-u>ta to be floated, and metamorphosed into a sea-worthy and

: d \ c— el; on board of which he had placed a crew and a quan-

41

tity of stores for the settlement, under the command of Lieut
Richard Dashiell. Not satisfied with this important service, on
his arrival at the Cape, he caused the foundations of the Martello
tower to be immediately laid, which, seconded by the disinterested
zeal of his officers, he saw nearly completed; and the Agent's
house rendered habitable, chiefly by the labour of his own crew,
before the 20th of April.

These benevolent exertions have already been suitably acknow-
ledged in the United States ;* and it can never be sufficiently re-
gretted, that the sickness which had begun a fearful inroad upon
the crew of that ship during her stay at the Cape, should have
issued in the death of no less than 40 persons soon after her arrival
in America.!

Dr. Dix, the surgeon of the Cyane, became the earliest victim of
a too generous zeal for the advancement of the Colony. The
tears of a grateful people fell into his grave, which they closed
with their own hands over his ashes.

The amiable Seton deserves a more extended memorial. The
bloom of youth had just ripened into the graces of manhood, and
gave to a person naturally prepossessing, the higher ornament of
a benevolent and highly accomplished understanding. He per-
ceived his services were needed by a Colony which had interested
his heart; and he gave them. Becoming the voluntary companion
and assistant of the solitary Agent, he saw the Cyane sail from
the coast with composure, on the 21st of April. His conciliat-
ing manners, aided by a judicious procedure, deepened in the
hearts of the Colonists, the impression first made by his disinterest-
edness. Seldom has the longest friendship power to cement a more
cordial union, than had begun to rivet to this generous stranger
the heart of the writer; when in the first week of May, he saw
him assailed by the alarming symptoms of fever. The fatal issue
of his attack has been already anticipated by the reader. He
had long maintained the doubtful struggle — when on the of
June, five days after embarking on board of the Oswego, for the
United States, he resigned his spirit to the God who gave it

The arrival of the vessel just named, on the 24th of May of

* See the Annual Report of the Colonization Society.

*• This was in part o^ying to a previous long cruise in the West Indies.

6

4*

this year, with 6G additional emigrants from the middle states 01
America, with ample stores and a physician, by placing the colony
at once in very altered and improved circumstances, naturally
terminates the chain of events which it has been the compiler's
object to connect in this narrative. For the subsequent progress
of the Colony, there are now extant very ample details in an official
form : — details which, if they have in them less to interest the
feelings, are of a character in a much higher degree to gratify the
rashes and confirm the hopes of its friends.