Cb80
255s

**-.•?;! '*4lV*i++**

YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

HISTORICAL OUTLINE

OF THE

Mmtvitm ©olom$atton Society

AND REMARKS

ADVANTAGES AND PRACTICABILITY

COLONIZING IN AFRICA

FREE PEOPLE OF COLOR FROM THE UNITED STATES.

FROM THE NORTH AMERICAN REVIEW FOR JANUARY, 1824.

Boston :
O. EVERETT, 13 CORNHILL.
1824.

Cb

gO« &55".

Press of the North American Revievb.

COLONIZATION SOCIETY.

The Sixth Annual Report of the American Society for Co
lonizing the Free People of Color of the United States ;
with an Appendix. Washington City, 1823.
If we should be thought to come forward at a late hour,
in noticing the labors of a Society, formed in this country
more than seven years ago, for the purpose of adopting some
efficient plan of colonizing the free people of color, we trust
our negligence will be attributed to any other cause, than a
want of deep interest in the objects of the Society, or indiffe
rence to the zeal with which these objects have been pursued.
The broad foundation on which the schemes of this Society
are built, as well as the character of its patrons, raises it to
an importance, not to be claimed by any other private asso
ciation in this country. Its aims have a pointed bearing on
our political concerns, and, if successful, cannot fail to ope
rate most favorably on our civil institutions, and our domestic
peace and happiness.
Coming to us in this shape, and patronized as it is by
some of our most enlightened statesmen and disinterested
philanthropists, the Colonization Society demands of those,
who would judge with fairness, to examine dispassionately,
not its history and details only, but its purposes and princi
ples, not the failures which it may have suffered from acci
dents or inexperience, but the motives by which it is actuated,

4 Colonization Society.
and the objects which it would attain. Such an examination
we are disposed to give it. What has this Society done ?
What advantages can be expected from its success? Are
its designs practicable ? By what means can they be best
promoted ? To these general topics our inquiry shall be
directed. v The plan of colonizing the free people of color, in some
place remote from the United States, originated in the legis
lature of Virginia nearly twenty years ago. A correspond
ence on the subject was entered into between Mr Munroe,
then governor of Virginia, and Mr Jefferson, President of the
United States. The purpose of this correspondence is
explained in a letter from Mr Jefferson, written ten years
afterwards, and published among other documents appended
to the First Annual Report of the Colonization Society. It
appears, that the governor of Virginia, at the request of the
legislature, consulted the national executive on the best
means of procuring an asylum for the free blacks of that
State, and of establishing a colony where they might assume
a r^nk and enjoy privileges from which the laws and struc
ture of society must forever prohibit them, in their present -'
situation. Mr Jefferson proposed to gain them admittance
into the establishment at Sierra Leone, which then belonged
to a private company in England, or, in case this should fail,
to procure a situation in some of the Portuguese settlements
in South America. He wrote to Mr King, then our minister
in London, to apply to the Sierra Leone Company. This
application was made, but without success, on the ground
that the Company was about to dissolve, and give up its
possessions to the government. An attempt to negotiate with
the Portuguese government proved equally abortive, and no
further active measures were taken.
v The legislature of Virginia, however, ceased not to hold
fast its original purpose. The subject was from time to time
discussed, till, in the year 1816, a formal resolution was
passed, authorizing the executive of the state to correspond
with the President of the United States, soliciting his aid in
procuring a situation for colonizing the free blacks, and such
as might afterwards be emancipated. The senators and
representatives in Congress from Virginia, were requested to

Colonization Society. 5
lend their exertions in advancing this object. Mr Mercer, in
his address at the first annual meeting of the Colonization
Society, observed, that 'this resolution passed the popular
branch of the legislature of Virginia with but nine dissenting
voices out of one hundred and forty six ; and a full quorum
of the senate, with but one. It was, in fact, but a repetition
of certain resolutions, which had been unanimously adopted
by the same legislature, though in secret sessions, at three
antecedent periods in the last seventeen years. It was truly
the feeling and the voice of Virginia.' The legislatures of
i1 Maryland, Tennessee, and Georgia, followed the example of
* Virginia, and adopted a resolution of the same import. The
doings of these four states were mentioned with approbation
in the report of a committee of Congress, although the great
object at which they pointed, the plan of colonization under
the patronage of the government, seems never to have engaged
the deliberations of the national councils.
vThe -first person, as far as we can learn, who conceived
the notion of forming a society for colonizing the free blacks,
was the Rev. Dr Finley of New Jersey. This gentleman
had long felt a warm interest in the condition of this class of
our population, and had consulted his friends on the best
mode of providing for them a country and a home beyond
the limits of the United States. He finally settled it in his
mind, that Africa was the most suitable place for such a
colony. In December, 1816, he went to Washington, where
he began in earnest to put his plan in execution, wrote a
pamphlet to recommend it to the public, applied in person
to several members of Congress, and citizens of Washington,
and at length succeeded in causing a few persons to listen to
his representations and embrace his views. On the 21st of
the same month, several gentlemen convened to consider the
subject, when the meeting was opened by an address from
Mr Clay, explaining its object, and setting forth the advan
tages, which might be expected to result from a colonization
society. He was followed by Mr Randolph and other gen
tlemen, who accorded with him in sentiment. A committee
was appointed to prepare a constitution, which was adopted
the week following, and Judge Washington, of the Supreme
Court, was chosen president of the Society.

6 Colonization Society.
On Dr Finley's return to New Jersey, the legislature was
in session at Trenton, and by his exertions, an auxiliary so
ciety was formed, which received the cordial support of
several members of the legislature. About this time he- was
chosen president of Franklin College, at Athens, Georgia, to
which place he soon after repaired. For some months his
health had been on the decline, and he died, we believe, in
Georgia, before the close of the next year.*
Immediately after the organization of the Society, it was
determined to send out two agents to explore the western
coast of Africa, and seek for the best position to commence
a colony. Samuel J. Mills and Ebenezer Burgess were
appointed to this enterprise, and they sailed for England in
the latter part of November 1817. It was deemed advisable
to visit England on their way, for the purpose of gaining a
favorable reception at the colony of Sierra Leone, of esta
blishing a friendly intercourse with the African Institution at
London, and of obtaining such knowledge as would be essen
tially important in preparing them for their inquiries on the
coast of Africa. By Judge Washington they were provided
with a letter to the Duke of Gloucester, the president and
zealous patron of the African Institution, who received them
with kindness, proffered assistance, and expressed an interest
in the benevolent undertakings of the American Colonization
Society. Mr Wilberforce, whose name is ,jio.. Jntimately
blended witftall the., schemes" of humanity, which the last
thirty ygars, have witnessed in favor of the degraded Africans,
wasj^iduous in his^ffentioh to the agents^ and active in
KsseaEding., .their degigjas. He introduced them to Lord
Bathurst, Secretary of State for the Colonial Department, who
gave them a letter of introduction and recommendation to
the governor of Sierra Leone. In their letters from England,
the agents also acknowledged themselves under obligations to
Lord Gambier, Lord Teignmouth, and many other gentlemen
of eminence and worth, who approved their design, and from
* Dr Finley was educated at Princeton College, under the celebrated Dr
Witherspoon. He was respected as a scholar, and esteemed as a faithful
pastor, and amiable and benevolent man. His pamphlet above mentioned
speaks well for his understanding and his education. See Memoirs of Dr Fin
ley, page 82.

Colonization Society. 1
whom they received marks of kindness. While in London
they were moreover furnished by Count Schimmelman, late
minister of, state in the kingdom of Denmark, with a letter
from the Colonial Department of the Danish government,
recommending them to the protection and assistance of the
governors of the Danish Colonies in Africa.
Under auspices thus favorable, they sailed from the Downs
on the 2d of February 1818. They first landed at St Mary's,
a village on the banks of the Gambia, and near its mouth.
Ten days afterwards they arrived at Sierra Leone. Go
vernor Macarthy was absent on a visit to the Gambia, and
Lord Bathurst's letter was delivered to the Chief Justice of
the colony. Shortly after their arrival, the agents met the
\principal members of what is called the Friendly Society, or
an association composed wholly of colored people, instituted
at the suggestion of the celebrated Paul Cuffee, and consisting
for the most part of colonists whom he had carried out from'
the United States. These persons were highly gratified with
the statements of the agents, and two leading men, Kizell and
Martin, who were well acquainted with the country, offered
to accompany them as interpreters and guides down the
coast, introduce them to the chiefs, and assist in negotiating
for lands in the island of Sherbro, or any other place which
should.be thought preferable. A sloop of fifteen tons was
engaged, men sufficient to work it, all Africans, were em
ployed, and provisions laid in for an absence of four weeks.
Thus equipped they sailed out of the harbor of Sierra
Leone, and on the next day found themselves in sight of the
Bananas. As the headman of these islands was understood
to have some influence with the kings of the Sherbro, it was
deemed good policy to pay their respects to him in passing ;
and to make these the more acceptable, they were accompa
nied by the valuable consideration of a few bars of tobacco
and gunpowder. Caulker, for this was the headman's
name, was pleased with their tokens of respect, and promised
his interest in their behalf. They next arrived at the plan
tains, where the headman, who had lived six years in Eng
land, received them very civilly, but expressed apprehensions
that the colonists, if they once had footing in the country,
might find it convenient to extend their territory too rapidly,

8 Colonization Society.
and be troublesome to their neighbors. He cited the instance
of Sierra Leone as a foundation for his fears, but on the
whole was willing an experiment should be made.
Several other kings were visited on the way down to the
Sherbro. The agents had the good fortune at Bendou to find
not only Somano, the king of the place, but Safah, another king,
whose dominions they would have been obliged to seek out.
It was no sooner told to Somano, that two ambassadors from
America desired an audience, than he summoned them to
appear at the palaver house. When they approached, the
king was seated in his place. ' Safah soon made his appear
ance, marching along between the mud walled cottages,
dressed in a silver laced coat, a superb three cornered hat, a
mantle around his neck hanging nearly to the ground, blue
bafta trowsers, considerably the worse for the wear, and
without stockings or shoes. Somano was dressed in a com
mon gown and pantaloons, with hat and shoes.' After a
formal introduction to the kings, and shaking hands with all
the men and women collected around the palaver house, it
was remembered that the presents were unluckily left on
board the sloop, and the kings had no words to speak till
these were produced. Kizell was despatched to bring them ;
but there was a greater difficulty yet to come. When the
articles intended for the presents were spread before the
kings, they discovered only one jar of rum. They refused
to be moved by so small a temptation to open the palaver,
insisting, that as there were two kings it was unworthy of
their regal dignity to deliberate on affairs so important, with
out a bottle of rum for each. Kizell was again sent to the
sloop, and all obstructions were removed by producing an
other bottle. The kings' ears were then unsealed, and they
were ready to hear what their visitors had to propose. The
notion of a colony did not strike them favorably ; they had
fears of encroachments ; they referred to Sierra Leone, and
spoke of a war growing out of that settlement, which deprived
king Tom of his territory. No serious objections were raised,
however, and the result was, that Somano and Safah would
acquiesce in the decision of their superior, king Sherbro. It
was only urged as indispensable, that should an arrangement
be made, they should have, among other things, ' a silver
headed cane, and especially a black horsetail, furnished

Colonization Society. 9
with an elegant handle.' This latter article is a badge of
royalty, without which no prince can pretend to much rank,
or hope for authority and respect.
We next find our party at Yonie, the residence of king
Sherbro, chief man of the country. The king was absent,
but Kong Couber, a man of consequence, gave an audience
to Kizell and Martin, who were clothed with the office of
avant-courieres to the agents. Kong Couber received them
affSbly, and listened with attention, but ventured no decided
opinion. He said a council of the headmen must be called,
in which the king would preside, and the subject would re
ceive the consideration it deserved. Accordingly the next
day notice was given, that the king would hold a palaver, and
hear the words of the strangers. They Waited on him at the
appointed time, and found him prepared for business, dressed
in a calico gown, with a cap and three cornered hat on his
head. The council convened under a cola tree ; the presents
were displayed on a mat in the centre of the circle ; the Usual
ceremonies were gone through ; king Sherbro was seated in
his regal chair, with a silver headed cane in one hand, and a
horsetail, the visible token of his kingly power, in the other.
The agents explained their instructions, told him they wanted
lands for people in a far country, whose ancestors were
natives of Africa, and who would come and settle quietly in
the dominions of king Sherbro.
The object of their visit being thus made known in detail,
Kong Couber, who acted as his majesty's prime minister,
replied, that their words were very good, but told them with
disapprobation, that they had stopped at the Bananas, and
consulted Caulker and other chiefs before they came to
Yonie* After this, how could they say, that they were com
missioned to treat directly with king Sherbro f This unex
pected question was answered rather awkwardly by the agents,
who could only apologize that they were Unacquainted with
the customs of the country, and but indifferently informed as
to the gradation of rank among the kings. Kong Couber
was not satisfied, but considered it a disrespect to Sherbro,
that they should first go to the other kings, and especially was
he displeased, that these kings did not send presents, or come
themselves to consult the great king. It was concluded that
nothing should be done, at least, till Somano and Safah were

10 Colonization Satiety*
present, and the council i broke up with^ an order from the
king to send a special messenger to require their attendance.
This point was not so easily effected* The remains of an
oldifeud with Sherbro still lingered in the mind* of these two
chiefs, and they could not readily be prevailed ora to engage
in the palaver. After a week's delay, other messengers-were
sent; Somano and' Safah arrived; the old differences between
the parties were settled at a private council,; and the day
came when the kings declared themselves ready to hold1 the
grand palaver.
' We went on shore,' says Mr Mills, ' and found all assembled
under the cola tree. Sherbro was seated in his armed chair, with
Somano on his right hand and Safah on his left, holding the insignia
of his- office, the silver headed cane and the horsetail. Kong Cou
ber sat on a matihefore Sherbro. MrBurgesSj Kizell,' and'myselfj
sat facing the kings. After shaking hands, with the kings? and
pjinces, Mr, KizelLsajd, "We are coined' Kong Couber replied,
"We, see you; we are glad;, we love you ; we do not hate you 5
you .are strangersamong us ; we love your country ; we are friends ; ,
we love ' peace as you do ; war is not good. But when you came
from the headmen of your country to Sherbro, where is the letter,
you brought to Sherbro ??' We answered, that we had instructions
to visit Sherbro, and consult with the kings of' the country ; but as
king Sherbro was not personally known in our country, no letter was
addressed to him. He afterwards saidjif we had come in our ship
directly to .Yonie, they could give us an answer, and asked. Kizell,
if his father, the governor of Sierra Leone, did not send him with us.
Kizell said the governor did .not, as he was absent at the Gambia;
besides, the people of Sierra Leone, were free to go where they,
pleased, without asking their father. I replied, that . we came to
Sierra Leone strangers to all the people, and finding, our friends,
Kizell^ Martin, and Anderson, to be acquainted with the language
and kings of the country, we invited them to come with us. Kizell
said he had a letter from a friend in England to assist us ; besides,
if strangers to king Sherbro arrive at Sierra Leone, it was not fit
tc let them stand alone, but come and introduce them.
' Kong Couber said, " The country belongs to all the kings, and
people ; we cannot sell land unless we see them all." We, in
reply, urged the necessity of a definite answer, that we might carry
their good words to our people, or go to other kings, who would.
give us a good answer. We inquired whether the headmen and
people could not be assembled before we went away. Kong Coui
ber answered, it was the busy season of the year, the rains were
coming on, th& people were clearing their plantations, and sowing

Colonization Society. 11
their rice; the kings were poor, and must -work as well as the
people ; the people could not be called together unless there was
something to set before them. If we had goods to buy lands, and
people to sit down, they would call the headmen together. After
much palaver, and a forcible recapitulation of the objects of our
visit, we inquired, " What answer shall we carry to our people of
color ? Will king Sherbro receive his children ?" " Yes, we cannot
hate them, we will receive them." '
Thus ended the council of the kings, and at the request of
Kong Couber, the words of Sherbro were written in two
books, one to be retained by him, and the other by the agents.
The parting was amicable, and it was understood, that when
the people arrived with goods to pay for land, the kings and
headmen would supply them according to their wishes.
The agents visited other places among the islands, and on
the opposite coast, especially the Bagroo river, which empties
into a bay opposite to the island of Sherbro. The country
on the banks of the Bagroo is fertile, and soon rises into high
lands and mountains in the interior. Everywhere the people
were friendly, and several of the chiefs offered land, and pro
tection to settlers as far as their authority extended. After
an absence of five weeks the agents returned to Sierra Leone,
and in a few days sailed for England. Mr Burgess arrived
in the United States on the 22d of October following ; but
his worthy companion, Mr Mills, whose energy and zeal had
contributed much to the success of the mission, was not
destined to return ; he died on his passage from the coast of
Africa. The information collected by the agents was encouraging
to tbe friends of colonization, and induced the managers of
the Society to concentrate their exertions to the single pur
pose of establishing a settlement in the Sherbro, or at some
post in the vicinity. They made preparations for sending
out a vessel with such free persons of color, as might volun
tarily embark, and appointed Mr Crozer as agent to super
intend the affairs of the colonists, negotiate for lands, and
form such temporary regulations, as might be necessary in
the incipient stages of the colony. The expenses, which
had been incurred by the managers, had more than absorbed
the funds arising from subscriptions ; but an appeal to the
citizens of Baltimore, by some of the zealous friends of the

12 Colonization Society.
Society, was followed by liberal donations from several muni
ficent, public spirited individuals of that city, and with this
timely assistance the managers were enabled to prosecute the
work they had begun, till the formation of auxiliary societies
in different parts of the country, had brought a larger amount
of means to their disposal.*
In the progress of these events, the benevolence of the
Society was also turned to another quarter. By an extra
ordinary oversight in the laws of Congress respecting the
slave trade, thirty four natives of Africa, who had been
recaptured, and carried into a port of Georgia, were left
unprotected after their release, and advertised to be sold
according to the laws of the state. Mr Meade, the Society's
agent, immediately repaired to Georgia by the direction of
the managers, and arrived in time to prevent the sale, and
provide for the restoration of these unfortunate Africans to
their native country. After discharging this office of humani
ty in May, 1819, Mr Meade travelled as agent in various
parts of the United States, and was the means of establishing
several auxiliary societies, f
* The following is an extract from a letter written by Mr Mercer and Mr
Key, to Elias B. Caldwell, Esq. Secretary of the Colonization Society, dated
August 1st, 1818. ' In conformity with the wishes of the board of Managers,
we proceeded as far as Baltimore, on our way to the north, intending, if
necessary, to prolong our tour to Boston. The liberality of Baltimore, of
which the annexed list of subscribers affords an interesting testimony, render
ed it unnecessary, that we should proceed further, in order to obtain the funds
immediately required by the mission to Africa.' Second Annual Report,
Appendix, p. 121.
t The abolition act of 1807 threatens against offenders imprisonment and
fines, as well as the condemnation of any vessel engaged in violating the law.
The purchaser or seller of any person of color, who should be imported into
the United States, is subject to a forfeiture of eight hundred dollars for every
person thus sold or bought. The following remarkable proviso, however, is
attached to this part of the act ; ' that the aforesaid forfeiture shall not extend
to any seller or purchaser of any negro, mulatto, or person of color, wlw may.
be sold or disposed of in virtue of any regulation, which may hereafter be made
by any of the legislatures of the several states, in that respect, in pursuance of
this act, and the constitution of the United States.' This cjause refers to ano
ther preceding it in the act, by which it is declared, that no one shall hold any
right or title to any person or persons of color brought into the United States
in violation of the law, but that these persons ' shall remain subject to any
regulations, not contravening the provisions of this act, which the legislatures
of the several slates or territories, at any time hereafter, may make for disposing
of amy such negro, mulatto, or person of color.'
On this part of the art the state of Georgia put a most extraordinary con
struction. In devising means to provide for persons of color, who might be
illegally introduced into the state, the legislature passed a law, empowering

Colonization Society. 13
By a law of Congress passed March 3d, 1819, for the
more effectual suppression of the slave trade, the President
was authorized to send government agents to reside on the
coast of Africa. Mr Samuel Bacon and Mr John P. Bank-
son were appointed. These gentlemen went out as passen-
» gers in the Elizabeth, a vessel chartered by the Colonization-
Society, which sailed from New York in the month of Feb
ruary, 1820, having on board Mr Crozer, and eighty eight
colonists under his charge. The first intelligence from the
agents, after they reached the coast of Africa, exhibited their
prospects in a flattering light ; but the bright hopes, and joyful
anticipations thus excited, were soon to be clouded with dis
appointment, and damped with sorrow. By some unaccount
able mismanagement, which, if it will suffer an explanation,
will hardly admit an apology, the Elizabeth was allowed to
sail at such a season, as to arrive on the coast at the very
commencement of the rains. It required but a slender
knowledge of African geography to ensure the conviction,
that nothing could be more rash, than to subject a northern
constitution to such a trial, and more especially on the low
shores of the Sherbro, confined in bays where the only resto
rative influence, the refreshing sea breezes, could rarelv
come. r These things considered, we are not to be surprised, that
the next vessel from Africa brought the melancholy news of
the death of the three agents, and more than twenty of the
colonists. They were carried off by the fever of the climate/
the Governor to ' cause the said negroes, mulattoes, or persons of color to be
sold, after giving sixty days notice in a public gazette, in such manner as he
may think best calculated for the interest of the state.' Sales under this law
have accordingly been made, and the proceeds rendered to the state treasury.
Another case could not occur, perhaps, in which any state could pass a law
in conformity with the letter of a law of Congress, and at the same time
do such violence to its spirit. It is a law to encourage, rather than abolish
slavery ; and if it do not impeach the humanity of the statesmen of Georgia,
it argues little for their invention, that they could not contrive a better mode
of disposing of the unfortunate human beings, whom the crimes of their fellow
creatures had torn from their homes, and thrown unprotected into the arms of
Strangers. It is but fair to add, however, that the same act, which authorized these sales,
gave permission to the Colonization Society to receive such recaptured Afri
cans, as might be subject to the above law, and return them to their own coun
try, after paying all the expenses which the state had incurred on their account.
It was under the encouragement held out by this redeeming clause in the act.
that the Society sent Mr Meade on a mission to Georgia. ' See Third Annval
Report, p. 11.

14 Colonization Society.
heightened by exposure, fatigue, anxiety, and want of medi
cal assistance. After Mr Grazer's death, who sickened
almost all soon as he arrived, no physician remained. Thus
deprived of their guides, the colonists became desponding and
disorderly, refused to submit to any authority, and, to fill up
the hours pf idleness, betook themselves, to stealing and quar
relling. Daniel Coker, a colored man, who had been for
some years a preacher in Baltimore, was their nominal
leader ; but the spirit of insubordination had gone abroad, and
was not to be quelled. Mr Bacon had bought a schooner,
which contained the stores for the colony, and of which
Coker contrived to keep possession. After leaving a portion
of the stores and provisions with the emigrants, he departed
with the schooner for Sierra Leone, where Captain Wads^
worth, of the United States ship Jphp Adams, found him on
the 6th of October.
N In addition to the fatality of circumstances, serious and
unexpected difficulties arose ftom the character of the color-
nists. They were admitted with too Httle discrimination ;
vice and insubordination showed themselves on the voyage
out ; and a large portion of them considered emigration as
only a release from labor, and a claim on the society for sup
port. The experience of the managers has remedied eyUs
from these sources, and they will not be likely again to occur.
When the agents arrived at Sherbro, they found things
much altered since the visit of their predecessors. The
smooth and meek Kizell, who was a prime leader in the
Friendly Society, and professed so lively an interest in the
.former mission, who played the hypocrite so artfully by his
devotions on the sabbath, and by his daily reprehensions pf
the slave trade, and the bad habits pf his neighbors; this
man proved in the end a treacherous, wily deceiver ; with
more knowledge and experience than the surrounding natives,
he was npt a whit behind them ip his vices. By having the
confidence of the agents and colonists at first, he was able
to practise on them the greater imposition. As for king
Sherbro, and his minister of state, Kong Couber, we hear no
more of the ' book,' which was left with them at their request
two years before. The book was lost, and its words forgot
ten. A contract was made for lands on the Bagroo by Mr
Bacon ; and part of the goods given in payment, but after his

Colonization Society. 15
death the contract was declared to be broken, and- the
goods were not returned. Nor do we learn that Somano and
Safah came to demand the regal badge, which they coveted
so much at- the hands of Mr Burgess, or- to redeem the
pledge of friendship so cordially proffered. In shorts after
'the agents' death, the conduct of the colonists was such, that
they were neither respected, loved> nor feared by the natives,
and no just ground of hope was left, that a peaceful establish
ment could be made either in the Sherbro, or Bagroo country.
Captain Wadsworth advised Coker to return to the Sherbro,
and. sent, to his assistance on board the schooner two midship
men,, and a boat's crew often men. All attempts at negotia
tion with the natives proving unsuccessful, and there being no
authorized agent to take charge of the colonists* they went
hack< in i the schooner to Sierra Leone, and solicited the pro
tection of the governor, till further instructions should be
received from America. The governor acceeded to their
proposal, and granted them the asylum they desired.
'At the beginning of the year- 1821', the brig Nautilus sailed:
from Norfolk, having on board two government agents, Mr
Winn and Mr Bacon* who were to be stationed on the coast
of i Africa. In the same vessel1 went out Mr Andrus and
Mr Wiltberger, agents for- the Colonization Society, and with
them twenty eight new colonists. On the 9th of March they '
landedi at Sierra Leone, where the emigrants were debark
ed, and a situation provided for them at Fourah Bay within
the jurisdiction of Freetown. By the lease of a large: estate
suitable for cultivation, the colonists were- amply furnished
with employment and the means of comfort* till the agents
could have time leisurely to explore the coast, and fix on the
best spot for their ultimate establishment. Mr Andrus and
x Mr Bacon started on an expedition of inquiry ; they coasted
along the Bagroo and the country south ; in some places the
natives were hostile to their views, and in others* where they
were more friendly, many requisites for settling a colony
were wanting. They proceeded to the Grand Bassa, a
region situated in the north west borders of what is called the
Grain Coast of Guinea, in the vicinity of Cape Mesurado,
and about three hundred miles from Sierra Leone. Here
they found a country more fertile, elevated, and healthy, and
in all respects better calculated for their purpose, than any
they had seen, and the natives well disposed to receive them.

16 Colonization Society*
* But as ill luck would have it* the agents entangled them
selves in a difficulty about the slave trade. They undertook
to impose their own conditions, and insisted that the chiefs*
who offered them lands, should banish this traffic from their
territories. It manifested no share of wisdom to say any
thing on this delicate subject, and least of all to demand at
the outset a sacrifice of a trade, however barbarous, in which
the natives had been educated* and in favor of which were
enlisted their habits, interests, and prejudices. Unequal to
the task of impossibility, which they attempted, the agents
desisted from closing any Contract, and returned to Sierra
Leone, favorably impressed with the country, to wait for
further instructions. Here Mr Andrus was shortly after
cut off by the fever, as were Mr and Mrs Winn* who died in
the months of July and August. Mr Bacon returned to the
United States, and the colonists were left under the sole
charge of Mr Wiltberger.
In their Fifth Annual Report the Managers express their
gratification, that nearly at this juncture they were so fortu
nate as to engage the services of Dr Eli Ayres, the present
agent of the Society. He repaired immediately to Sierra
Leone, where he waited the arrival of Lieutenant Stocktcn
in the United States Schooner Aligator. The first concern
of these gentlemen was to find a place for commencing a
colony, and from the reports of the agents concerning Bassa,
their thoughts were turned to that country. The result of
1 this expedition was the purchase of Cape Mesurado, where
the colony was finally established. As the events connected
with this purchase hold an important place in the history of
the Colonization Society, we shall present them to our readers
in the language of Dr Ayres.
' When Lieutenant Stockton arrived at Sierra Leone,' he observes,
' I had an interview with him. He immediately sent his offi
cers to examine the Augusta. They pronounced her not sea
worthy, her masts, spars, and upper rigging being decayed. In
consequence of the short allowance of his provisions, it became
necessary for me to provide a method of returning to Sierra Leone,
when we went down the coast. I applied to Mr M'Cauley for
masts and spars, but there was no timber to be had that would
answer the purpose. I then tried to charter a vessel for the pur
pose ; but one offered, which upon examination proved to be nearly

Colonization Society. 17
as bad as our own. Lieutenant Stockton consented, as no alterna
tive appeared, to venture in our own vessel.
' On the 6th of December, we sailed out of the harbor. Lieuten
ant Stockton was good enough to put on -board the Augusta, Lieu
tenant M'Kean and four men. I took seven of our men.
' We had a very calm passage, and our old vessel sailed remarka
bly well. We anchored last night in Mesurado Bay. This morn
ing, 12th of December, at day light, saw a number of Croomen
rowing off to us ; got under way, and at fifteen minutes past ten
o'clock cast anchor close under Cape Mesurado. In a few minutes
the boats were hoisted out, and the Lieutenant and myself were on
shore. ' We informed the people, who gathered round us, that we had
come to see the king ; that we wanted to get some land to build
houses on ; that we had heard very good accounts of king Peter,
and preferred settling with him ; that the people on the Bagroo
wanted us to settle in their country, but we said, " No, we will go
and see king Peter first ; if he won't let us have land, then we will
settle somewhere else." We pretended to be very indifferent
whether we succeeded with them or not, as there were so many
places on the coast which we could get. This, in the end proved
much to our advantage.'
After this consultation they succeeded in gaining a sight of
this formidable personage, king Peter. With him they had a
short palaver, which ended in his thanking them for the pre
ference they had given him, and a promise that he would
meet them again, and grant their wishes. In the mean time,
Dr Ayers takes occasion to set forth the advantages possessed
by Mesurado over any other situation on the coast.
' In the first place,' says he, ' all I had read on the subject, all
the information acquired from British Naval Officers, with whom I
have talked since my arrival, as well as some other intelligent per
sons, concur in recommending Mesurado, for many reasons. Bassa
is a low level country, consequently must be deprived of refreshing
breezes and forever unhealthy. It has no harbor, and six months
of the year, landing in boats is impracticable. It has no good
watering place.
' On the contrary, Mesurado Cape is a considerable eminence of
land jutting into the sea, high enough to partake of the refreshing
sea and land breeze, but not sufficiently elevated to obstruct the
vapors and be rendered damp and unhealthy, by exhalations and
clouds hanging over it nearly half the day. There is a fertile
island situated in the mouth of the river. A battery erected on
the Cape would effectually command the harbor and entrance of
3

18 Colonization Society.
the river. There is a pretty good harbor, and good watering
place of excellent water. The land at this place is equally fertile
with Bassa, or any other part of the coast. With good cultivation
it will yield all the productions of the tropical climate.
' These things taken into consideration, determined us to attempt
to negotiate for Mesurado.'
Thus decided on the most essential point, they immedi
ately proceeded to carry their plan into execution. Much
time was spent in fruitless palavers ; difficulties were perpetu
ally started to embarrass the negotiations ; but by policy and
prudent management these were at last removed. A pur
chase of lands was effected, in consideration of certain articles
of merchandize to be given, part in hand, and part at a future
day. An agreement of cession formally drawn up was signed
by six kings on the one side, and Lieutenant Stockton and
Dr Ayers on the other. Shortly after the purchase, Dr Ayres
writes as follpws.
< We have this morning been on shore and selected a situation
for a town, and directed six houses to be built against my return
from Sierra Leone with the people.
' I consider our contract not only as a triumph over savage preju
dice, but over European negotiation. For this you are entirely
indebted to the energy, sagacity, and perseverance of Lieutenant
Stockton. We have purchased a tract of country containing one
million of dollars' worth of land, with the best harbor between
Gibraltar and the Cape of Good Hope, an Island containing nine
houses, and six others to be built ; there are excellent springs of
water near the site we have selected for a city ; and at the pitch of
the Cape, there is an excellent place for watering ships. All this
we have purchased in fee simple, for little more than was stipulated
to be given for the annual rent of Bassa, and not amounting to
more than three hundred dollars. The island at the mouth of the
river we have named Perseverance, to perpetuate the long and
tedious palaver we had in obtaining it.'
To this place all the colonists were removed, as sepn as
circumstances would permit, from Fourah Bay, with happy
anticipations of future quiet and prosperity. We have not room
to enumerate the series of disasters, which darkened these
prospects, exposed them to new perils, surrounded them with
new discouragements, and called them to endure new hard
ships. We can only add, that some of the neighboring
chiefs, whp had npt been consulted, were dissatisfied with the

Colonization Society. 19
contract, threatened to cut off king Peter's head if it were
not annulled, and to molest the colonists if they did not re
move. King Peter was greatly alarmed, besought Dr Ayres
to take back the goods, give up the land, and quell the storm.
In these times of turbulence and trouble, Dr Ayres discovered
great coolness and good judgment, and so managed the affair
as to pacify some of the disaffected kings, intimidate others,
and, by bringing their jealousies and interests to counteract
each other, to avert the mischiefs, which they might have
produced, had they acted in concert. At all events, he
retained possession of his purchased territory, and employed
the colonists in building houses, and providing for their safety.
In the month of June he took passage for the United States,
to acquaint the Society with the condition and wants of the
people, and obtain supplies. As yet the colonists had been
able to erect but a small number cf ccmfortable dwellings,
nor were they free from apprehensions of an attack from the
natives. But when the agent offered to take them to Sierra
Leone till his return, they almost unanimously declined, and
chose to maintain their position. A respectable man of their
own color was appointed by Dr Ayres to superintend the
establishment. ' On the 8th of August Mr Ashmun arrived at Mesurado in
the brig Strong, which sailed from Baltimore. Under his
charge were thirty five new colonists, among whom were
fifteen recaptured Africans from Georgia, redeemed by the
means we have above stated, and thus restored to freedom
and their native land, through the instrumentality of the Colo
nization Society. Mr Ashmun discharged the office of tem
porary agent during the absence of Dr Ayres. The colonists
were busy in erecting houses, and cultivating the lands ; the
natives were quiet, and came peaceably to the Cape, some
out of curiosity, others to labor for wages, and others with
produce and merchandize.
vThis state of tranquillity, however, was soon interrupted.
symptoms of hostility began to show themselves among some
of the chiefs, and it was found that one or two in particular
were active in exciting others, and endeavoring to organize a
general combination. This was partially effected, and in a
few days an assault was made by an armed force vastly supe
rior in numbers and strength to the emigrants. The native^

20 Colonization Society.
were repulsed, but with a loss of three or four colonists killed,
and several wounded. Very opportunely at this crisis, Cap
tain Spence, in the United States Ship Cyane, arrived at
Mesurado. He afforded them assistance, built a fort mount
ing six guns, refitted and armed an old schooner for the de
fence of the colony, which he left behind, manned with six
white and as many colored men. This relief was timely and
effectual. Peace was restored; a friendly intercourse was again
opened between the two parties ; and, when Dr Ayres arrived
in the Oswego from Baltimore, with sixty additional emigrants,
May 24th, 1823, a good understanding seemed to prevail.
No other evils threatened, than such as are incident to the
privations of a new establishment, and the usual unhealthiness
of the rainy season, which had then commenced. These
evils, it is true, were severe, but not more so than was to
have been expected. The present number of emigrants we
believe to be about one hundred and fifty. A vessel, called
the Fidelity, has been purchased by a company of gentlemen
in Baltimore, and set apart as a packet ship to the coast of
Africa, exclusively designed, as we understand, to ply regu
larly between that city and the colony at Cape Mesurado.
Such is a brief historical outline of the American Coloniza
tion .Society, which, although imperfect in many of its parts,
is sufficient to indicate what have been the origin and objects
of this Society, its aims and progress, its means and extent,
its failures and success. Whatever may be thought of its
scheme, our readers will perceive, that no want of zeal, of
benevolent feeling, personal sacrifices, or wakeful activity,
has marked its proceedings. That no mistakes have been
committed, both in speculation and practice, in judgment and
the application of means, we are not prepared to say ; on the
contrary, we think there have been many. From various
circumstances, some of these no doubt were unavoidable, but
others were evidently the consequence of a too hasty decision,
an undue warmth of imagination, and a deficiency of intelli
gence, which a proper degree of inquiry would have supplied.
s For instance, it must have been a star of no good omen,
which at the very beginning directed the eyes of the managers
to the low, marshy lands of the Sherbro, as a suitable place
for settling a colony of living men from the United States.
Again, it is unaccountable, that almost every vessel with emi-

Advantages of Colonization in Africa. 21
grants on board has been allowed to depart, so as to arrive
in the first weeks of the rainy season ; and this, after witness
ing the fatal effects of one or two disastrous experiments.
Another error was the little attention paid to selecting emi
grants for the first transportation. From the best accounts I
they were 'idle, worthless, and dissolute. With the dregs of1
disorder thus mingled in the fountain, it could not be expect
ed, that the stream would flow pure and tranquil. These mis
takes have run into serious consequences, and ought to have
been avoided. Experience, we have reason to believe, has
corrected them.
We are next so consider the advantages, which may be
hoped from the success of the Colonization Society, admitting
its plans to be carried into full operation.
These are too numerous and weighty to admit a detailed
examination in this place. They spread over a field of un
limited extent, and pertain not more to that unfortunate
portion of our race, on whose condition the influence of the
Society immediately acts, than to our national policy and
prosperity, to our security and happiness, to the value of our
possessions and the efficacy of our moral and civil establish
ments, to the execution of some of our most salutary laws,
and to the brightening of the gloomiest prospects, which pass
before the eyes of the patriot and philanthropist. On these
advantages we can touch only in a rapid manner, and shall
content ourselves with a few remarks concerning them, as
they relate to this country ; to the abolition of the slave trade ;
and to the civilization of Africa.
To estimate the benefits, which a successful pperatipn pf
the Colonization Society will confer on the people of this
country, we must look for a moment at the present condition
of the colored population, the manner in which the blacks
stand related to the whites, and the slaves to those of their
own color who are free. We shall here find a series of
\ appalling evils, growing in strength as the ratio of population
increases, and bidding defiance to any remedy, which either
our political or social institutions can apply. We cannot
express our views on this subject in language more appro
priate and forcible, than that of Mr Harper, as contained in
a letter to the Secretary of the Colonization Society, appended
to the First Annual Report.

22 Advantages of Colonization in Africa.
' In reflecting,' says Mr Harper, ' on the utility of a plan for
colonizing the free people of color, with whom our country abounds,
it is natural that we should be first struck by its tendency to confer
a benefit on ourselves, by ridding us of a population for the most
part idle and useless, and too often vicious and mischievous.
These persons are condemned to a state of hopeless inferiority and
degradation, by their color ; which is an indelible mark of their
origin and former condition, and establishes an impassable barrier
between them and the whites. This barrier is closed forever by
our habits and our feelings, which perhaps it would be more cor
rect to call our prejudices, and which, whether feelings or preju
dices, or a mixture of both, make us recoil with horror from the
idea of an intimate union with the free blacks, and preclude the
possibility of such a state of equality, between them and us, as
alone could make us one people. Whatever justice, humanity, and
kindness we may feel towards them, we cannot help considering
them, and treating them, as our inferiors ; nor can they help view-
! ing themselves in the same light, however hard and unjust they
may be inclined to consider such a state of things. We cannot
help associating them in our feelings and conduct, nor can they
help associating themselves, with the slaves ; who have the same
color, the same origin, and the same manners, and with whom they
or their parents have been recently in the same condition. Be their
industry ever so great, and their conduct ever so correct, whatever
property they may acquire, or whatever respect we may feel for
their characters, we never could consent, and they never could
hope, to see the two races placed on a footing of perfect equality
with each other ; to see the free blacks or their descendants visit
in our houses, form part of our circle of acquaintance, marry into
our families, or participate in public honors and employments.
This is strictly true of every part of our country, even those parts
where slavery has long ceased to exist, and is held in abhorrence.
There is no state in the union, where a negro or mulatto can ever
hope to be a member of Congress, a judge, a militia officer, or even
a justice of the peace ; to sit down at the same table with the re
spectable whites, or to mix freely in their society.'
At this stage of our national progress, it is idle to investi-
; gate the causes, which have fixed these impressions, and
' built up these unnatural barriers of separation ; and worse
1 than idle to tell us, what we know full well, that they are un-
| reasonable, unjust, and inhuman. Let the fact be as melan-
) choly as it will, it is nevertheless a fact, and one with which
• we must be contented, without attempting to palliate the enor
mities out of which it has arisen, that the course of events,

Advantages of Colonization in Africa. 23
over which we have had no control, and the customs of
society whose power ne arm pf flesh can counteract, have
brmighjjh^_wholeJb^dx.oXih?^pepple i of Lcplpr, both bond and
free, into a situation fruitful of infinite mischiefs to themselves,
and to the whites. That watchful guardian of character and
morals, public opinion, exerts its power in vain on the blacks,
because this same public opinion has inhumanly branded them
with a mark of degradation, which they feel it impossible to
erase, and has thrust them into a rank among their fellow
men, above which, neither virtue nor knowledge, wisdom nor
piety, can enable them- to ascend.
In this respect, as Mr Harper has justly observed, there is
a wide difference between slavery in America, and in all
other cpuntries. CoZojv Jjas bepme a signal of inferiority, by
tj^,m#^eha.hrt of connecting the idea of a slave with"tliat"of
a d„ar,li4.sJkiin^_nor can iFbe 0thefwTse7whiIe^"tIie principles of
association hold their place' among" the first ^lemehtsj5T^tlie
humyajLxnind. Anciently among the Greeks amTRomans, as
now among the different nations of Europe and Asia, no dis
tinction of color existed between the slave and his master.
Then slavery was remediable evil ; emancipation washed out
the stain ; intellect and virtue had their influence ; to have
been a slave was no bar to any degree of dignity and respect,
which future merit might deserve ; Terence and Epictetus
lost none of the admiration justly due to their talents, because
they were slaves ; they were not the less caressed by the
great, admired by the wise, and honored by all_
| No such thing can happen in this country. LQive freedom
to a slave, an4_whereJo__yxui_plac.e_.him ? Not above the
repulsiveness of popular feeling, not in the rank of the meanest
white man, not in a sphere where he can gather around him
the affections, or participate the friendships, or be consoled
by the sympathy, of the respectable members of the cemmu-
nity. He is pressed down> till debasement becomes a habitj
he has grovelled, till the desireoT rising out of the dust is
lost ; ambition has withered in its starting freshness ; emulation
has been blighted in the opening bud ; virtue has sunk weary
with ill requited exertion ; and hope, the last kind comforter of
the wretched, has forsaken his bosom, and left him reckless
of his condition and his destiny.

24 Advantages of Colonization in Africa.
The character of slavery, as it exists in this country, ren
ders emancipation to any practicable extent impossible, unless
there shall be some place out of the United States, to which
free persons of color may be sent, where they may enjoy the
civil privileges of which, forwbepurposes, it is here necessary
that the laws should depnvTThem ; and where they may
obtain those means of happiness, which freedom and self
government will put into their hands. No dream can be
> morejvild,. than. that of emancipating slavevwhc^are stHTtp"
» remain among us free ; we unhesitatingly express it as our
belief, and we speak from some experience, that the free
people of color, as a class in the slave holding states, are a
greater nuisance to society, more comfortless, tempted to
more vices, and actually less qualified to enjoy existence, than
the slaves themselves. In such a state of things, manumission
is no blessing to the slave, while it is an evil of the most seri
ous kind to the whites.
This we deem an important consideration, because it brings
the subject of emancipation to a single point. We suppose
it is the cherished hope of every true patriot, as well as of
every benevolent man, that the day will come, when the
scourge of slavery shall no longer be felt in the land, when
the rod of chastisement shall be withdrawn, and all voices
shall join in the song of freedom. There is one possible way,
< and only one, in which this event can be accomplished, or
even approximated. It is by colonization, and by this alone,
that the mischiefs of slavery, and, what is more to be dreaded
than slavery, the living pestilence of a free black population,
can be lessened. We take the position tp be settled, that no
f possible remedy can be imagined, while the people of color
' continue with us, whether as slaves, or as freemen subject to
their present legal disabilities. Can any combination of facts
more clearly demonstrate the necessity of procuring an asylum
for these people, in some place remote from our own territory,
or more loudly demand the union of all hearts and hands in
aiding the benevolent and well designed beginnings of the
Colonization Society ? As all hope of future relief rests on
some experiment of this sort, who does not see, that the
sooner it is begun, the less formidable will be the obstacles to
contend against, and the more encouraging the prospects of
success ?

Advantages of Colonization in Africa. 25
' Great as the benefits are,' says Mr Harper, ' which we may
promise ourselves, from the colonization of the free people of color,
by its tendency to preventjhe discontent and corruption of our { •
slaves, and to'secure-To" them a better treatment by rendering them
more worthy of it, there is another advantage infinitely greater, in
every point of view, to which it may lead the way. It tends, and S
may powerfully tend, to rid us gradually and entirely, in the United <[
States, of slaves and slavery ; a great moral and political evil, of *",
increasing virulence and extent, from which much mischief is now
felt, and very great calamity in future is justly apprehended. Ills
in tbjs point of view, I confess, that the scheme of colonization (
most strongly recommends itself, in my opinion, to attention ancLi
support. The alarming danger of cherishing in our bosom a dis
tinct nation, which^can never Jieeonjejiicorporated with us, while
it rapidly increases in numbers, and improves in intelligence;
learning from us the arts of peace and war, the secret of its own
strength, and the talent of combining and directing its force ; a
nation which must ever be hostile to us, from feeling and interest,
because it can never incorporate with us, nor participate in the
advantages which we enjoy ; the danger of such a nation in our
bosom, needs not be pointed out to any reflecting mind. It speaks
not only to our understandings, but to our very senses ; and how
ever it may be derided by some, or overlooked by others, who have
not the ability or the time, or do not give themselves the trouble, to
reflect on, and estimate properly, the force and extent of those great
moral and physical causes, which prepare gradually, and at length
bring forth, the most terrible convulsions in civil society ; it will
not be viewed without deep and awful apprehension, by any who
shall bring sound minds, and some share of political knowledge and
sagacity, to the serious consideration of the subject. Such persons
will give their most serious attention to any proposition, which has
for its object the eradication of this terrible mischief, lurking in our
vitals.' In the course of his further remarks, Mr Harper draws a
vivid picture of the mischievous effects growing out of the
colored population, and sets forth the advantages, which the
country wculd gain by gradually releasing itself from this
burden. The author speaks not more from deep reflection,
than from observation and experience ; the accuracy of his
knowledge and the soundness of his judgment are alike to be
trusted. His views are philosophical ; they are just in princi
ple and fact. Revealing the causes of the evils, which now
afflict us, he proves them to be radical, and suggests the only
method by which they can be torn up and destroyed. Draw
4

26 Advantages of Colonization in Africa.
I off the free blacks ; then give freedom to the slaves, and let
them follow. White laborers will come in and take their
place, as fast as the odium of slavery wears away ; labor will
be more productive, lands more valuable, and the means of
wealth more abundant ; a vicious, worthless, dangerous popu
lation will be succeeded by an intelligent and thriving class,
who will stand as pillars of strength in the social fabric. This
is no impossible task, if rightly undertaken ; so great a change
must necessarily be brought about by imperceptible degrees j
the Colonization Society has taken the first step ; let its
enterprise be seconded with energy, and the work will in due
time be done.
Nor are the benefits at which we have hinted wholly pros
pective. They began to be realized when the first colonist
left the country, and they will increase as others go after
them. They will be seen in the improved character and
condition of the slaves, who remain ; and in the removal of
the temptations to vice and idleness, which are thrown in their
way by the free blacks. The slaves will become more peace
ful and moral ; they will be happier, and better qualified for
enjoying the blessings of liberty, when the day shall come for
them to hold a place in a colony of their free brethren.
\ Hence the benefits to the white population in the slave hold-
i ing states are twofold ; the slaves are made better* and the
\ poisonous influence of the free colored people on spciety
| grows weaker as their numbers diminish. These benefits
attend the progress of the scheme, which, when it is perfected,
will not only form the blacks into a new and improved race,
living under their own laws, and relying on their own resources,
but will add to the wealth, the physical strength, political
weight, and moral and intellectual ascendancy of those dis
tricts of country, where the colored population is now the
most numerous. And it will not be less a national benefit,
for this is one of those cases, above all others, in which the
whole has as deep an interest as a part.
Besides these advantages, which pertain to our domestic
prosperity, many others may be expected of a commercial
nature, from the establishment of a colony in Africa. On
this subject it is impossible to speak with the accuracy of
calculation, and conjectures would be fruitless ; yet we may
affirm, that no part of the world is more fertile, than western

Advantages of Colonization in Africa. 27
Africa, or better calculated to produce the articles of com
merce usually found in tropical climates. A trade of con
siderable profit has for many years been carried orTwith the
natives along thecoast. by individuals both in this_.country and
Europe; The slave trade has been a severe check tp__the
success of lawTuT^rlterprise, as~Tt~Eas bartered with^thfi-. na
tives and taken inexchange, not the lruits of their in dystey,
tBeTprodticTS' of their soil, tKeTrewards oT"Honest labor, but the
spoils oj^unnatural wars, commenced on the barbargu__-prin-
ciple_jhaFstrength gives right7 and prosecuted with_jjie-cruel
intentionof conquering to enslave. The physical strength pf
the (TdifrItry~hlis%eeTreniployed, not in the thriving pursuits pf
agriculture, and the improvement of the arts, but in sanguinary
contests forthe plunder of human beings, in murders, kidnap^
pings, and all the atrocious outrages, which savage man, under
the dominion of his savage passions, can inflict on his fellow
man. The inhuman traffic in slaves has resisted the tide of
lawful commerce, by rendering it unnecessary to the natives ;
but this bar will gradually be removed ; justice will not always
be deaf to the cries of the sufferer ; the energetic measures
adopted by the United States and Great Britain will continue,
as they have done, to scatter terror in the minds of the mis
creant trafficers in blood and crime ; and even the Holy
Alliance may one day think its plighted faith worth remem
bering, although in an unguarded hour it was for once pledged
in the cause of freedom and humanity. Let the slave trade
be driven from the earth, and few countries will afford more
inducements to commercial enterprise, than western Africa.*
The instance of Sierra Leone presents us with no unfavor
able view of what may be done in the way of commerce.
That colony contended for a long time with many embarrass
ments ; it was owned by a Company, whose means were
* On the 8th of February, 1815, the Congress of Vienna, consisting of five
of the principal European powers, made a solemn engagement, that the traffic
in slaves should cease. Three of these powers have since enacted municipal
laws to carry this engagement into effect. But here the farce has ended.
Except England, not one of the assembled powers has done any thing to, prove
that it was in earnest, notwithstanding the promptness of th? British govern-.
ment to remind them of their failure of duty, and to acquaint them with the
perpetual violation of the compact under the sanction of their respective flags.
For an interesting and detailed correspondence of the British Ministry with,
Foreign Powers on this subject, see Parliamentary Papers on tlie Slave Tradey
printed by order of the House of Commons, April, 1822, Nos. (II, IV-

28 Advantages of Colonization in Africa.
exhausted before its commercial operations could gc mto
complete effect ; it suffered from wars and privations. Yet
all these difficulties have vanished, and the commerce of
Sierra Leone has of late been flourishing. Thirty five vessels
were entered at that port in the year 1821, registered chiefly
in London, and containing goods, whose invoice amount was
somewhat more than $ 450,000. The duties collected in the
colony during the same year amounted to $ 28,000. The
principal articles exported in return were ivory, palm oil,
camwood, gum, beeswax, gold dust, hides, rice, lumber of
various sorts, mahogany in logs, coffee, African wild spices,
Guinea grains, leopard skins, and mats. These are brought
down by the natives to Sierra Leone, and exchanged for
cheap cloths, and various articles of European manufacture.
The trade is a profitable one tp the importer, and, as it ex
tends, will run into new and promising channels. Mesurado
is better situated for trade than Sierra Leone ; it stands at
the mouth of a much larger river, is in the neighborhood of a
more fertile country, and accessible to a larger population in
the interior. Why, then, should it not grow up to be a place
of commercial importance, employ many of our seamen, add
to the tonnage of our shipping, contribute to our revenue, and
thus confer a positive good on the nation, at the same time it
relieves us of a positive and alarming evil ? Nor ought our
views to be confined to Mesurado. Civilization and commerce
will go hand in hand, and new sources of profitable intercourse
will be opened, in proportion as the natives learn the best
modes of supplying their wants.
Let the scheme of colonization next be considered as
affecting the Slave Trade, and it will be seen, that its benefits,
in regard te the suppression of this traffic, are scarcely less
important, than those already enumerated.* In 1808, the
earliest time provided by the Constitution, the slave trade was
prohibited in the United States, and laws were enacted inflict
ing severe penalties of fines, imprisonments, and forfeitures
on those, who should participate in this guilty traffic. Ten
years afterwards this law was improved, by throwing on the
defendant the burden of proof, that the colored person intro-
* For a brief, but clear and well digested history of the laws abolishing the
?la\'!,T,rade> both in Great Britain and this country, we refer our readers to
Mr Walsh's Appeal, Sec. IX.

Advantages of Colonization in Africa. 29
duced by him into the country was lawfully brought in. The
laws were still found tp be imperfect, as they neither afforded
a sufficient check to the trade by American citizens on the
coast of Africa, nor provided any means of redeeming and
restoring to their country the unfortunate victims, who might,
in violation of the laws, be introduced into the States. To
correct these imperfections, the act of March 3d, 1819,
already mentioned, was passed, authorizing the President to
station public vessels on the coast of Africa, make such ar
rangements as he should deem expedient to rescue and sup
port recaptured negroes, and appoint agents to reside there,
and receive such persons of color, as should be sent from this
country, or be taken by our cruisers from slave vessels on the
coast. One act more was wanting to mark this wicked traffic
with its true character, and this act was passed by Congress,
May 15th, 1820, wherein it is declared, that every person
proved to be engaged in the slave trade is guilty of piracy, and
shall be punished with death. The glory of taking this noble
stand against the long cherished, guilty customs of the whole
world, and of asserting the claims of humanity on the broad
principles of nature and right, was reserved for the American
Congress. It is a bright page in the records of time, and the
event will be hailed in all coming ages as a memorable epoch
in the history of the human race. It has already gained the
spontaneous applause of every benevolent heart, not more in
this country than in Europe. Let it not be forgotten, that
this step was first recommended by a committee of Congress
acting on a memorial of the Colonization Society.*
This memorable law, in connexion with that of 1819, would
seem to be little else than a dead letter, without the existence
of an American colony on the cpast pf Africa. Where are
* Two able and very important decisions have been rendered in our courts
under the acts of Congress respecting the Slave Trade. The first was in the
case of the Plattsburgh, by Judge Van Ness, in the District Court of the
United States in New York ; and the second, in the case of the French ship
La Jeune Eugenie, in tlie Circuit Court at Boston, December, 1821, by Judge
Story. The latter opinion is remarkable for the force of argument with which
it defends the high ground it takes, and the conclusive proof it exhibits, that
the solemn acts of the great governments of the civilized world, denouncing
the slave trade as an offence against justice and humanity, have stigmatized this
traffic as a violation of the laws of nations, and that courts of justice are au
thorized to form their decisions on this principle. See the Case of the Jeune
Eugenie, as reported by William P. Mason, Esq.

30 Advantages qf Colonization in Africa..
the agents to be stationed ? What security will they have for
their persons ? How are they to preserve the dignity of pubhc
agents of the American government, or in what manner can
they discharge the duties of their office, in opposition to the
interests of the people, whose protection they claim ?
In the President's next message to Congress, after the above
act was passed, he observes, in referring to the agents whom
he had appointed, ' they will have power to select the most
suitable place on the coast of Africa, at which all persons
who may be taken under this act shall be delivered to them,
with an express injunction to exercise no power founded on
the principle of colonization, or other power than that of per
forming the benevolent offices above recited, [providing for
the recaptured negroes] by the permission and sanction of the-
existing government under which they may establish them-
solves.' But what existing government is there on the coast
of Africa, which is not engaged in the slave trade ? And is.
it to be credited, that any such government would give per
mission for an agency to be established, whose professed
object should be to oppose its customs and discourage its*
trade ? We hold the thing to be impossible. While the
agents were supplied with presents enough to bribe the kings
into acquiesence, the case might not be entirely hopeless, but
tempt their cupidity by letting loose in their dominions a cargo
of recaptured negroes, and we will answer for their integrity
no longer. It is not a characteristic of the untutored mind to
resist the stronger motive, especially when the force of habit
accords with the impulse of interest. And then it is not
likely, that the slavers on. the coast would regard with a friendly
eye these enemies of their commerce, acting under the sane--
tion of a foreign power. Let the subject be viewed as it may,
and there will not be a shadow of hope, that twp unprotected
agents, fixing themselves among the natives, could do anything
towards an effectual execution of the laws of the United
States. They would effect little else, than to supply the slave
market in Africa to the full amount of recaptured persons,.
whom they should receive.
That such a scheme should have been contemplated by the
Executive, was evidently the result of necessity ; Congress*
had directed agents to be appointed, but had not lopked for
ward to the thing of chief importance, the mode in which they

Advantages of Colonization in Africa. 31
should be so employed as to render their agency of any prac
tical value. Thus situated, the President had no alternative,
but to appoint agents, and instruct them as he did. Happily,
however, the experiment was not tried. The government
made common cause with the Colonization Society ; the
agents of both were directed to act in concert, and, as far as
we can learn, they have thus acted till the present time. We
believe, indeed, that both agencies are now vested in Dr
Ayres alone. For all the good effects, which have grown out
of the law of 1819, the government is indebted to the Colo
nization Society. The latter has no doubt received eminent
services from the former, and probably has been able to sus
tain its operations in Africa only through the aids thus re
ceived, but still the project of a colony belonged to the So
ciety, and its efforts have been turned exclusively to that
object. The President was extremely guarded in his instructions
to the agents, and imposed on them ' an express injunction to
exercise no power founded on the principle of colonization.'
We do not intend here to enter on the topic of colonization in
its political bearings ; these are unquestionably important, and
there may be reasons why it is inexpedient for the United
States to found colonies abroad for any purpose, although we
have never seen them stated. The present is obviously a
Case in which the laws of the Union, and some of its laws of
first moment, cannot be executed, except through the medium
of a colony. Notwithstanding the President's cautious injunc
tion, the agents have exercised no power to any purpose,
which was not ' founded on the principle of colonization.'
Is it said, that this was only a private colony, to which the
agents resorted as affording them protection, and facilities
for discharging their duty? Let this be granted, and our
position will then hold the same, that they have done nothing
except through the aids of a colony.
And, moreover, a slight inspection will show* that the
eolony at Mesurado wants nothing to make it a public colony
already, but the mere form of recognition on the part of the
government. To all practical purposes it has been such from
the beginning. Lieutenant Stockton of the United States
Navy was one of the signers to the treaty, by which the land
was ceded to the Society, and he afforded such assistance as

23 Advantages of Colonization in Africa*
was requisite in establishing the colonists on the ground.
Similar aids have been rendered by all the public vessels on
the coast. Captain Spence built a fort on the Cape at the
public charge, supplied it with guns, and the American flag
was hoisted on its battlements. He also left an armed
schooner for the better protection of the colonists. The pre
sent agent, Dr Ayres, is appointed under the law of Con
gress, and supported by the government. These facts we
state as evidence, that the laws against the slave trade cannot
be put into execution, except ' on the principle of coloniza
tion.' All the efforts, which have as yet been made, have
forced themselves of their own accord into this channel, and
any attempt to compass the object on other principles would
end in a total failure. We repeat then, that to the Coloni-
zatipn Spciety belongs the praise of having projected the only
practicable scheme of carrying the abolition laws into effect,
and affirm, that these laws will be executed in proportion as
the government, either directly or indirectly, acts on the prin
ciples of this Society. Let the starting point be where it
will, here is the centre to which every successful movement
will come at last.
Many facts might be collected in this place illustrative of
what is above stated, and rendering palpable the labors of
the Colonization Society, not more in promoting the cause
of humanity, than aiding the government in the execution of
its laws. The generous and timely interference of the Society
in behalf of the recaptured Africans in Georgia has been
mentioned, and also the happy issue to which this interfer
ence led, in calling the attention of Congress tp the subject,
and procuring the passage of laws by which all persons of
color, criminally introduced into the United States, are under
the protection of the general government.
Another event of more recent date has occurred, which
equally proves the vigilance of the Society, and the benefits
of its labors.
Several months ago a vessel came into the harbor of Balti
more, which, from various circumstances, was thought to have"
negroes unlawfully detained on board. So strong was the
ground of suspicion, that a few individuals took on themselves
the responsibility of searching the vessel, and they found
concealed eleven negroes, who were foreigners, incapable ef

Advantages of Colonization in Africa. 33
speaking or understanding the English language. A prose-
cuticn was accordingly entered against the captain, as being
engaged in the slave trade ; but as he affirmed, that the
negrces were his ewn property lawfully acquired, and no proof
to the contrary could be adduced, he was acquitted. The law
demands, that in all doubtful claims to the property of slaves,
the labor of proof shall rest on the claimant, and as the
captain, in the present case, could produce no such proof,
the negroes were detained by the court, although he was
permitted to escape. Through the humanity of some of the
active members of the Colonization Society, these negroes
were provided for, by being distributed among several families
in the neighborhood of Baltimore, to remain till they should
learn the language, and be able to express their wishes in
regard to their future destination.
Fortunately about this time, a young African by the name
of Wilkinspn, a native of the Susoo country on the Rio
Pongas, arrived in Baltimore. Some years ago a chief of
the Susoos entrusted two of his sons to the care of the captain
of a French vessel, trading in the Rio Pongas, who promised
to take them to the West Indies, have them educated, and
return them at the end of four years. When the stipulated
time had gone by, and nothing was heard of the boys, Wil
kinson was despatched to the West Indies to search them out.
He succeeded in finding them, but had the mortification to
learn, that the treacherous captain had not been true to his
word ; he had deserted the boys, and they were turned over
to work with the slaves. Wilkinson recovered them, how
ever, without difficulty, sent them tp their father, and came
himself to Baltimpre to take passage home in the colonization
packet. He had already been in England, and spoke our
language with fluency.
Scpn after his arrival he visited spme ef the recaptured
Africans just mentiened, and discovered that they came from
the region bordering on his own country, and spoke a dialect,
which he well understood, although it was not his native Susoo
tongue. They were overjoyed at seeing a person with whom
they could converse, but were incredulous when he told them,
that they were free, and might return home if they chose.
They said he was deceiving them, that they knew they were
slaves, and should never again see their native land, their
5

34 Advantages of Colonization in Africa.
relatives, and friends. So thoroughly were they impressed
with the melancholy conviction of being in slavery, that no
protestations on his part could make them believe in his entire
sincerity. They exclaimed with raptures at the thought of
freedom, and of going back to Africa, but would not hope
that su-ch a dream could ever be realized.
The situation of these persons was made known by the
Colonization Society to the President of the United States,
who said, that if proper certificates were given of their desire
to return, the government would pay the expense of trans
portation. The navy agent at Baltimore waserdered to have
them examined. They were brought together for this pur
pose, and as the examination could only be carried on
through Wilkinson as interpreter, he gave his testimony under
oath. We shall speak of this interesting examination nearly
in the words of Mr Coale, Secretary of the Baltimore Auxi
liary Society, who was present, and took an account of the
proceedings in writing.
The general question was put to them severally, whether
they wished to remain in this country as freemen, or be sent
to Mesurado, and thence, if practicable, to their homes ?
Dowrey was the first, who was called to answer. He was a
chief in his own country, of whom Wilkinson had some know
ledge. He replied ; ' I wish to go home, I wish to see my
father, my wife, and children, I have been at Mesurado, I
live but three days' walk from that place.' Barterou answer
ed ; 'Let me go home, I have a wife, I have two children,
I live a morning's walk from Dowrey.' The next person
called was Mousah, the son of a highly respectable chief,
with whom Wilkinson was personally acquainted. He had
been living with General Harper, and when asked if he was
not disposed to remain, and be instructed, and go home here
after and teach his countrymen, he replied ; ' General Harper
is a good man, he will give me clothes and food, and be kind
to me, but he cannot give me my wife and children.' When
the general question was put to Cubangerie, he replied;
' Why do you ask this over and over ? Do you not know
that nothing is so dear as a man's home ? I am so rejoiced
at the thought of returning, that I want words to express my
thanks.' Mazzey said ; ' My mother is living, my father is
living, I have two sisters, I shall be grateful to those, who

Advantages of Colonization in Africa. 35
send me to my family and friends.' The answer ef Fanghah
was ; ' I shall be jeyful tp gp home, I have a father, mother,
wife, sister, and three children to meet me in my own
country.' Corree said, that all he desired was to be landed
in Africa, and he should soon find his way home. Banhah
made nearly the same reply.
After these eight persons were examined, they expressed
great anxiety to be joined by two of their companions not
present. These had been placed with a man, who, it seems,
was unwilling to part with them, and had reported that they
wished to remain. This proved to be a false pretence, set
up with a view to profit by the labor of the negroes ; and
"whatever may be the power of the law in such a case, it will
be difficult to make it appear in the eye of justice in any
better light, than the crime of being engaged in the slave
trade. A writ on a fictitious suit was taken out against the
negroes, and they were thus released from thraldom, and
hrought to the place of examination. When they arrived,
their companions sprang with ecstacies to meet them, embrac
ed them again and again, caught them in their arms, raised
them from the ground, and continued for half an hour at
intervals to embrace and shake them by the hand. Nothing
could exceed their joy when told that they were free, and
would sail in a day or two for Africa.
These ten persons, thus providentially rescued from per
petual slavery, and made happy in the anticipations of again
beholding their native land, and of carrying gladness to many
a weeping, disconsolate heart, owed their deliverance chiefly
to the Colonization Society. They have gone home to prove
to their countrymen and friends, that white men are not all
barbarians, trafficers in human flesh and artificers of human
misery, but that the flame of benevolent feeling may some
times kindle and burn, even in the breasts of this portion of
their race, whom they had hitherto known only as catchers of
their own species, and workers in crime. We know not the
springs of other men's joys, but as for ourselves, call it weak
ness, or enthusiasm, or what you will, we frankly confess,
that the heartfelt delight of having been instrumental in
restoring these men to freedom and happiness, would have
been to us a double compensation for all the embarrassments,
rebuffs, and obstacles, numerous and severe as they have

36 Advantages of Colonization in Africa.
been, which the members of the Society have thus far expe
rienced. Had they brought to pass from the beginning only
this one deed, we would lift up our voice in praise of their
noble achievement, and say they had been blessed with a
good reward. These rescued Africans, full of gratitude for
their deliverers, sailed with Wilkinson in the Fidelity for
Mesurado, in the month of October last. Dr Ayres had
directions to send them home as soon as they arrived. One
boy still remains. He spoke a different language from any
of the others, and could not be understood by them. He
will doubtless be returned, when he shall have learnt our lan
guage sufficiently to make known his wishes.
In regard to the advantages, which may be expected to
Africa itself from a colpny in that country, they are too
numerous to be mentioned in detail, and the most of them
too obvious to require much remark. From the time the
eloquence of Wilberforce, and the high minded, untiring
zeal of Clarkson, first awakened a slumbering world to a
recognition of the dearest, although long forgotten rights of
humanity, down to the present period, every day has proved
the grand secret of African degradation to consist in the
slave trade. Abclish this effectually and forever, and you
have done all ; you have raised a prostrate continent to a
proud eminence in the rank of physical and moral being.
The laws of civilized countries will avail something, 'but ten
fold greater will be the influence of a well ordered colony
residing in the midst of the people, teaching them the arts of
life, showing them the value of mental and moral improve
ment, and convincing them by example, that civilization in
all its branches is the spring and the safeguard of human
happiness. The spirit, which cherishes the unholy practice
of slavery, holds dominion in the minds of the people, planted
there, and nurtured there, it is true, by the avarice, cupidity,
and crimes of civilized barbarians, yet it must be rooted out
and destroyed in its source, before tlie evil will cease. Let
the navies of the world be combined, and line the coast of
Africa from Tangier to Babelmandel, and even make it cer
tain that not a slave shall escape, this would not be abolish
ing the slave trade. The spirit would still lurk in the vitals
of one hundred and fifty millions of people, and even in this
sphere, narrow compared with its present extent, it would

Advantages of Colonization in Africa. 37
show itself in all the miseries of intestine wars and plunder-
ings, misrule in government, and heartrending separations in
the domestic and social circles.
As a first step, the slave trade must cease ; the work of
humanity will then be commenced ; the door of legalized
crime will be closed, and the dawn of innocence will rise to
witness the expiring struggles of guilt. Next enlighten the
natives, and the cause of humanity will be cempletely vindi
cated ; nature will teach the rest ; governments will grow up,
founded on the eternal basis of truth and right ; peace and
happiness will reign in the land ; the horn of plenty will pour
its abundant stores at the feet of the laborer ; wisdom will
assert her empire in the mind ; the affections will bloom with
new freshness and fragrance in the heart ; and the injured,
insulted, degraded African will rise to a level with his species,
and prove to his deriding oppressors, that the same God, who
has stamped his image on other men, has in equal kindness
bestowed on him in full measure the sources of feeling, the
power of intellect, and all the ennobling principles of human
nature. These two objects, the suppression of the slave trade, and
the practical civilization of Africa, may be pursued together.
Each will advance the other. A colony on the coast, at the
same time it affords facilities for carrying into effect the laws
against the slave trade, will be a post of observation to detect
illegal trafficers, and, by heightening the risk, to discourage
the boldness of adventurers. The hiding places of mischief
will be revealed, and proper remedies applied ; the artifices
of iniquity will be laid open, and the machinations of delibe
rate crime frustrated. The interests of a colony will har
monize with its favprable circumstances, and prompt it to
watchfulness, and a speedy exposure of abuses. It can give
timely informatipn tp public cruisers, and guide their effcrts
to a more efficient service.
But the good effects of a colpny have yet a much higher
character, as seen in the lccal and mpral improvement of the
natives within its influence. Wars in Africa are terrific ; like
armies of devouring locusts, they pass over the land and
leave a depopulated desert behind. ' To give np quarter to
an enemy,' says Governpr Ludlam, ' or to put to death pri
soners taken in the field, would doubtless reduce their num-

38 Advantages of Colonization in Africa.
ber ; but men, and men in arms, would be the only sufferers ;
and the slaughter of an army would tend to put an end to
the war. In Africa, however, war is made equally on men,
women, and children ; those who are unable to lift a weapon
are as much its victims, as those who carry a musket, and a
chief can never want funds for carrying on a war, so long as
his enemy has abundance of people.' It is to be remember
ed, however, that the motives, which drive Africans to war,
are different from those of all other nations. They are not
stimulated by revenge, like the savage Indians ; nor hurried
on by the impulse of wanton cruelty, like the Moors of the
desert ; nor restless with the ambition of rising above their
neighbors, and extending their dominion, like more civilized
warriors. The mere love of indolence, and desire of minis
tering to their wants and pleasures with the least trouble ;
these, unsubdued by any power of moral principle, which
refinement would quicken, are the original springs of African
wars. These springs are kept in action, if they were not
created, by the slave trade. The natives steal and sell one
another, because purchasers are always at hand ; they go out
to battle for the same reason, and exult in victory only as its
trophies of human victims will glut the avarice of the slavers
en the coast.
The same causes have introduced among them a kind of
judiciary system, not less unprincipled and shocking to hu
manity. An accused person is summoned before a chief, or
headman, on the merest pretence of misdemeanor, subjected
to a mock trial, and condemned to slavery ; and it may be
the unfortunate sufferer is one of the domestics or family
connexions of his accuser and judge. Chiefs will combine,
and hold palavers on another chief, and sentence him to a
fine of a certain number of slaves. These he must procure
by violently seizing his own people, or sending marauders to
kidnap them among his neighbors. Courts of this sort, which
were introduced by the slave trade, are sanctioned by cus
tom, and upheld by the laws of the land. Another terrible
mode of trial is by the Red Water, which is generally on the
charge of witchcraft. Few survive this operation. All who
die are accounted guilty, and the common result is, that
several persons belonging to the family of the deceased are
doomed to slavery.

Advantages of Colonization in Africa. 39
We are here speaking of custpms, which time has matured,
and which the natives do not suppose to be criminal. What
more probable remedy can be held out for these local and
formidable evils than colonization ? Let the slave trade be
abandoned, and the thrifty business of man-stealing and man-
killing will no doubt droop, and perhaps be neglected, because
it will be unprofitable. But to what honest and useful occu
pation shall the natives then resort? The arts of industry
they have never learnt, and its' happy effects they have never
experienced. If, however, they can in the meantime wit
ness the rising prosperity of a separate body of colonists,
who enjoy no local advantages over themselves, and who gain
strength and gather cpmforts around them, by a course of life
directly opposed to the one, which they have pursued, will
npt such an example teuch the rudest mind, and compel it to
think and deliberate ? Will it not slowly unrivet the chains
of habits, which do such violence to nature, unlock the prison
house of the moral sense, and give freedom and energy to
the long enthralled intellect ? Such will be the natural pro
gress of events. We have the uniform testimony of writers,
and what is more than all, the authority of Park, that the
negro character is mild, gentle, and generous, not prone to
resentments, and equally ready to forget, and reluctant to
inflict an injury. This is far from being a warlike, or vicious
character ; such odious traits, as it now possesses, have been
engrafted into it by hands better practised than their own in
the devices of wickedness ; and these must be removed by a
process as gradual as that, by which they have taken so deep
a root, and acquired so firm a trunk. Better habits will grow
out of better principles ; the ferocity of ignorance, and the
bane of indplence, will disappear before the rising light of
knowledge. Subsidiary to these great ends will be the mental culture,
and religious instructien, derived to the natives from the
direct labors and indirect influence of a colony. We have
no room here to engage in a defence of the African intellect.
We shall leave it, for the present, to the Abbe Gregoire and
his followers to search out the existence and the merits of
African literature, and tp Buffon and the naturalists to prove
from the physical organization of the negroes, that they are
inferior to other branches of the human race. We have as

40 Advantages of Colonization in Africa.
httle disposition to magnify as to depreciate their native powers,
and with all our sensibility to the injuries they have suffered,
we have no eulogies to bestow on their intellectual greatness,
nor any encouragements to offer, from what they have done,
that extraordinary results are to be expected hereafter. We
do say, however, that a fair experiment has not been tried.
Place Europeans under the same train of circumstances for
centuries, and we know not on what principles of human na
ture, or maxims of philosophy, or rules of pohtical calculation,
it could be supposed they would act differently, or raise them
selves higher. In their own country, the negroes are an
inquisitive people ; they have a high respect for learning, and
are fond of having their children instructed.
Wherever they have been visited by the whites, they have
expressed a willingness to have teachers come among them,
and to send their youths abroad to be educated. It has been
no uncommon thing for chiefs to put their sons under the care
of captains of slave ships, who have taken them to the West
Indies, placed them at school for a stated time, and then sent
them home. Children from the neighborhood of Sierra
Leone have been educated in England, and then returned to
their friends. Sixteen years ago there were eight mission
aries in the Susoo country, who enjoyed the protection of the
chiefs, and were encouraged by them to establish schools.
They lived in tranquillity, and were successful, till they un
dertook to interfere in matters pf state, suggest changes in the
gevemment and laws, and thus, in the spirit ef the mere
shrewd Jesuits, to act the triple character of schoclmasters,
divines, and politicians. They were then dismissed from the
country, though not without regret on the part of the chiefs,
who were pleased with the instructions they had given. A
valuable monument of their labors still exists in a Susoo Gram
mar and Vocabulary, a translation of a part of the New Tes
tament, and several tracts. This task was chiefly performed
by Mr Brunton, aided by a number of Susoo youths, who had
lived in England. Among the Susoo people, whose language
is spoken over a territory larger than Great Britain, these
works are now to be found.
The Arabic is spoken and written by a few persons in
nearly all parts of the interior, of which any knowledge has
been obtained. Young persons are sent to a great distance

Advantages of Colonization in Africa. 41
to be instructed in Arabic learning, which, after all, consists
in little else, than being able to read the Koran, and speak
and write the language. We have been made acquainted,
from the best authority, with one instance, in which a young
man was sent to Timbuctoo for an education of this sort, from
the banks of the Rio Pongas, a distance of fifteen hundred
miles. Some of the more distinguished chiefs correspond
with one another in Arabic, and give passports to travellers in
the same language. We have before us a translation of an
address orignally written in Arabic, and sent three years ago
by Dakhaba, king of Bambarana, to the ' kings and chiefs of
the West,' or in humbler phrase, to the governor of Sierra
Leone, and king George of England. It is couched in a
gorgeous style of oriental hyperbole, worthy of a Dey of
Algiers, or a Bashaw of Tripoli, and shows at least, that the
sense of regal dignity is far from being extinct in the breasts
of the monarchs, whose dpminions spread over the sources of
the Niger and the Gambia. We have also seen a specimen
of Arabic composition from the hand of an African, now a
slave in this country, which was not only written with readi
ness and ease, but with striking elegance of chirography.'
He is from the interior of Africa, and was taught in his own
country. These facts prove all we desire in the present connexion,
which is, that the natives of Africa are in some degree sensi
ble of their ignorance, and willing to be made wiser. Could
a more propitious beginning be imagined, or a field be better
prepared for culture ? You have no obstinacy to conquer,
no wild and restless wanderings of a thoroughly savage dis
position to tame, no contempt of knowledge and the refine
ment of civilized life tc soften, no torpid indifference to rouse,
no spectres of a paralyzing superstition to dispel. You have
minds to deal with naturally simple and artless, tractable in
temper, docile, ready tc learn, and requiring pnly the use of
judicious means properly applied.
These positions are verified, not more by the above facts,
than by the instance of Sierra Leone. In the twelve schools
of that colony, there are now two thousand persons of different
ages, under the care of about thirty teachers. Their general
good deportment, and progress in learning, are represented,
by the committees appointed tp examine the schppls, in terms
6

42 Advantages of Colonization in Africa.
the most flattering. They were all recaptured from slave
ships. Some have already become teachers themselves, and
gone out to instruct the tribes bordering on the colony. The
mechanic arts, agriculture, the plainer branches of manufac
tures, and whatever gives a spur to invention, value to labor,
a right direction to power, strength to morals, and refinement
to thought, may well be reckoned among the elements of an
African education, which the natives are glad to learn and
capable of receiving.
But with none of these things can the natives become ac
quainted, except thrcugh the agency of colpnization. They
must be taught at home, or not at all ; if they are ever to be
raised tp a higher rank, and to knpw the blessings of civilized
life, it must be on the soil, which gave them birth. And
what should prevent a colony, founded on just principles, from
communicating to the extent of its influence all needed in
struction ? We do not expect the natives of Africa will become
at once adepts in science, literature, or the arts ; nor do we
look for the time, when they are to be statesmen, oratprs,
poets, philosophers. Whether they will ever shine as lumi
naries in the world of mind and sentiment, is a question we
are not ambitious to solve. Whether their future poets will
rival the ancient bards of Dahomy, who are said to have re
hearsed poems, which took up several days in the recital,
may be left to the speculation of the curious. Even central
Africa boasts of its antiquity, and, if the legends tell truth,
when Orpheus was charming the forests into life, and Hesiod
was tracing the genealogies of the gods, and weaving nature
and time into song, and Homer was singing the wars of the
Greeks and the wanderings of Ulysses, then the bards of
Nigritia were celebrating the exploits of their heroes, and
publishing the records of their renown in the ears of listening
kings and admiring nations. If such times have been, they
are long gone by, and it is not among our fond dreams, that
they are soon to be revived. Nay, we are willing to confess,
that we hope more from the descendants of the countrymen of
Hesiod and Homer, even under the cruel rod of a Turkish
despotism, and what is scarcely less discouraging, the unfeel
ing neglect of a northern autocracy, which dreads that liberty
should breathe in the earth, than we do from the degenerate
Dahomans, or their equally unfortunate brethren of other

Advantages of Colonization in Africa. 43
nations, who have suffered for ages under the discipline of
the slave trade. But notwithstanding this concession, we hold,
that from competent teachers, and the example of a well or
ganized community before their eyes, they may learn enough
to qualify them for the happy state of society, which consists
in a right use of the bounties of nature, and a proper estimate
of the value of labor, industry, and virtue. Nothing more is
hoped or desired from the immediate effects of a colony.
In regard to religious instruction, no heathens can be so easily
initiated into the principles of Christianity, as the inhabitants
of central and western Africa. They believe for the most
part in a Supreme Being, but their notions are obscure, with
out system or consistency. They have no conceptions of the
attributes of God, nor do they ascribe the operations of nature
to his agency. When Artus told them, that their gold, fruits,
and flocks were given them by the Deity, they replied, ' the
earth gives us gold, the earth yields us maize and rice, the
sea affords us fish, but if we do not labor ourselves, we may
starve before our God will help us.' They believe in an evil
and good principle, existing in distinct forms, each of which
has power ever them ; and they are also strongly affected by
charms, termed fetiches on the coast, and Obi in the West
Indies. It matters not of what material the charm is made ;
when once consecrated in the imagination of the person
whose reverence it commands, it is supposed to have a power
little inferior to that of the Deity, and to hold in its mysterious
virtues the destiny of mortals.
Such a religion has too few points of consistency to acquire
any strength by age ; its principles are too vague to gain a
permanent entrance into the mind ; it has nothing to engage
the fancy or captivate the understanding. It is not like the
magnificent fabric of Chinese theology, made sacred by the
venerated names of ancient statesmen and sages, standing as
the firmest pillar of the empire, and secured from innovation
by the impermeable panoply of a language, which to change
would be tp destroy. Npr is it like the more philosophical,
and perhaps more ancient system of the Hindoos, rendered
imposing by its thousand volumes of commentaries, and per
petuated by an unceasing, overgrown priesthood. Nor is it
like the monstrous folly of the Tartars, where the wretched
idea of a Grand Lama has driven common sense from the

44 Practicability of Colonization in Africa.
minds of millions, and united them in an unconquerable system
of visionary absurdity. In short, the world does not contain
an uncivilized people, more free from the bias of heathenism,
than the negroes.
The task of plucking out errors, and eradicating deep
rooted superstitions, which is so formidable in most cases, is
one of little difficulty with them. The soil is already prepared
for the seed ; and this only requires to be scattered with a
careful hand, and nurtured with gentleness and skill. The
Mahometans have had good success, and many persons in the
central parts of Africa have been brought over to their faith.
What then may we not expect from the simple and engaging
truths of Christianity ? Shall we say, that the sublime doc
trines of Jesus, and the holy precepts of his religion, have less
power to convert the heathen, than the profane vagaries of
the Arabian impostor ; or that the rude followers of the latter
have more zeal, than the humble disciples of the former?
What christian will listen to so ungracious an imputation ?
The inference must be allowed, then, both from a view of the
religion of the negroes, and the success of Mahometanism
among them, that they are better prepared, than any other
barbarous people, to receive religious instruction and adopt
new principles of faith. Thus may a colony be accessary to
the advancement of religious truth, which could come from
no other quarter, as well as to the civil improvement, temporal
interests, and social happiness of the people among whom it
is stationed. Having now closed what we proposed to say on the advan
tages of colonization to this country and Africa, we proceed
to a few hints on its practicability.
The objection, which has been urged with considerable
emphasis against the Colonization Society, that the scheme of
forming a colony in Africa is impracticable, we think suffi
ciently answered by the fact, that numerous colonies have
been settled there, some of which are now of long standing.
The Portuguese, the French, the Danes, and the English,
have establishments scattered along the coast from Cape Verde
to the Cape of Good Hope, which must no doubt be profitable
to those governments, or they would not have been maintained
till the present time. More than a century ago the French
established a post on the Senegal, upwards of four hundred

Practicability of Colonization in Africa. 45
miles from its mouth ; at Congo the Portuguese have grown
into a numerous colony ; and at the southern extremity of
Africa, the Dutch and English together have spread over a
country larger than the southern peninsula of Europe. As it
is not, therefore, a question to be soberly discussed, whether it
is possible for America to do what half a dozen other nations
have done, the notion that colonization is impracticable hardly
deserves to be considered.
We may here revert again to Sierra Leone, as affording
an instance more directly in point for our present purpose,
because it was founded on principles nearly allied to those of
the Colonization Society. It was started by a private com
pany, and the original settlers were taken from abroad. At
the close of the American Revolution many negroes, who had
left their masters during the war, and gone over to the British
standard, were dispersed in the Bahama Islands and Nova
Scotia, where the white loyalists took refuge. Some found
their way to London. Four hundred of these were shipped
by their own consent to Sierra Leone in 1787. The black
settlers in Nova Scotia became dissatisfied with the rigorous
treatment they received, and complained to the British min
istry. Emigration was thought the only remedy, and twelve
hundred accepted the invitation to be transported at the
expense of the government to Sierra Leone, where they
arrived five years after those from London. It thus appears,
that the colony at Sierra Leone was first settled by negroes,
who had been slaves in this country, habituated to the same
climate, and possessing the same character, as the persons
with whom it is contemplated to supply the new American
colony. The Maroons from Jamaica did not arrive till 1805.
The land was obtained by purchase of the natives.
For some time the colony proceeded but slowly ; it was
attacked by the French ; the natives were hostile ; sickness
made its ravages ; want and fatigue caused despondency.
But these difficulties were conquered in due time ; the lands
were cleared ; villages are now rising up, churches and
schools are multiplying, agriculture has become a settled
occupation, and society has assumed a shape denoting the
regularity and happiness of civilized fife. The Sierra Leone
Colony now consists of twelve thousand inhabitants, nearly
-fen thousand of whom are recaptured Africans, thus rescued

46 Practicability qf Colonization in Africa.
from an inhuman bpndage, which wculd ptherwise have been
entailed en them and their ppsterity forever. Why shall not
the colony at Mesurado accomplish as much in the same
time ? And should it promise no more, who will refuse to
give his heart and his hands to a work, which may save ten
thousand of his fellow beings from slavery and wretchedness ?
It has been a good deal insisted on, as a proof pf the im
practicability cf colonization, that emigrants could not be
induced to embark. Experience has shown the futility of
this objection. Volunteers have ever been ready in greater
numbers, than the Society could receive, and at this time the
names of more persons are on the list of application, than it
would be prudent to send at once. They should not be
suffered to go out faster than they can be well provided for,
and we presume that two or three hundred a year would be
quite as many as could find comfortable quarters in a new
colony. The ratio of capacity for receiving others will of
course increase very rapidly ; it will be in proportion to the
surplus of laber among the resident colonists over what is
necessary to supply their immediate wants. The avails pf
the rest can be appropriated to the use of new adventurers,
in supplying them with food, houses, and other requisites of
life. On this principle the time will come, in the natural
progress of things, when there will be ability to provide for
emigrants in Africa as fast as the condition of the blacks, and
the established order of society, will permit them to depart
from this country. The early disasters at Sierra Leone were
owing in a great measure to the numbers landed at once,
without comfortable dwellings, clothes, provisions, and good
attendance in sickness. Our own colony has experienced
similar calamities from the same causes.
Again, it has been said, that the expense of transportation
is so great, as to prevent its being carried to any available
extent. This objection is founded on a false estimate of
facts, as any one may be convinced, who will thoroughly
examine the subject.* The Society has sent out emigrants
at fifty dollars a piece, and it might be done much lower,
if the business were prosecuted on a large scale. Many
* For an elaborate and ingenious calculation in regard to the expense of
transportation, see extracts from the Frederic County Auxiliary Society, in
the Appendix to the Fourth Annual Report oj the Colonisation Society, p. 57,

Practicability of Colonization in Africa. 47
Colored perspns have property mere than sufficient tp pay their
own passage, and laws might be passed to cause others to
save their earnings, till they ameunted te enough for their pas
sage money. Besides, what should prevent some of our
public vessels being employed in this work, and at an expense
very little exceeding that, which is now required to keep them
in service ? And last of all, why should not a portion of the
national revenue be appropriated to an object, which so vitally
affects the rising interests of our confederacy ?
Let it be our pride te follow, as far as the genius of pur
institutipns will permit, the liberal and high minded example
of a younger repubhc. The Government of Colpmbia has
not only decreed, that ' all, ef whatever color, are entitled to
the same privileges as white men,' but has enacted a statute
for the gradual abolition of slavery within its own territory, by
establishing a manumission fund, arising out of a tax on a
portion of the property left by persons at their death. Why
may not our Congress so far walk in the steps of the generous
friends of humanity in Cplombia, as to appropriate a reasona
ble amount to relieve the country from the nuisance and terror
of the free black population ? Or, should the argument from
humanity and this example be thought of little weight, why
should not such a measure be prompted by a regard for the
deepest concerns and supreme welfare of the nation ?*
The unhealthiness pf the climate is another objection,
usually advanced against the practicability of a settlement in
Africa. In respect to this, we beg permission again to refer
tp the European cclonies, which have been sp long in opera-
tipn. That the cpast of western Africa is unhealthy to north
ern constitutipns, is not denied ; but np proof has been exhibit
ed, that it is more so than pther tropical climates, or even the
alluvial districts of the United States. Let a colony from the
northern and middle states be transported te the low and
fertile parts of the Carolinas, er tp the banks of the Missis-
* The law of manumission passed by the Congress of Colombia, July 19th,
1821, is introduced by the following preamble ; ' That, according to the eternal
principles of reason, justice, and the wisest policy, no republican government,
truly just and philanthropic, can exist without seeking to alleviate all those
classes of mankind, that are degraded and unhappy ; and that an object of
such importance to the Republic ought to be realized, and slavery be gradually
abolished, so that, without compromising the public tranquillity, or affecting
the rights, which the proprietors really possess, the freedom of all the inhabit
ants of Colombia may in a few years be ensured.'

48 Practicability of Colonization in Africa.
sippi, in the warm season, and the mortality would be mucll
greater, than has been known in Africa, even in the midst of
the fatal rains. By Meredith, Wadstrom, Dr Lind, and
others, who have had an opportunity of being informed, it is
stated with confidence, that the country about Sierra Leone
is equal in salubrity to the most healthy of the West India
Islands. The mortality of the colonists in Africa has not
been more alarming, than it was among the original settlers of
New England, and other parts of America. The unusual
sickness of the first emigrants to Sierra Leone, and of those
gone from this country, depended on incidental causes, many
of which have no necessary connexion with the climate, and
which will never occur to the same degree, when the forests
shall be cleared, the miasmata of decayed vegetation removed,
and the people supplied with comfortable habitations, and
wholesome food.' On the whole, there seems no reason to
suppose western Africa more unhealthy, than other parts of
the world, to which people have emigrated for centuries, and
where they have built cities, established governments, and
grown into empires.
The local situation selected for our present colony enjoys
many positive advantages. In speaking of the tracts of coun
try around Cape Monte and Cape Mesurado, Dr Leyden
says, ' These districts have been described by Des Marchais,
Villault, Philips, Atkins, Bosnian, and Smith, as pleasant,
salubrious, and fertile.' Again he adds, ' Cape Mesurado is
a detached mountain, steep and elevated towards the sea,
with a gentle declivity on the land side. The adjacent coun
try is extremely fertile, producing sugar cane, indigo, and
cotton, without cultivation.'*
* See Murray's Historical Account of Discoveries and Travels in Africa,
Vol. II. p. 290. On the fertility of Africa, and its advantages for colonization,
Mungo Park writes in the most decided and encouraging manner, after having
seen more of the interior than all other European travellers besides. ' It can
not admit of a doubt,' says he, ' that all the rich and valuable productions, both
of the East and West Indies, might easily be naturalized, and brought to the
utmost perfection, in the tropical parts of this immense continent. Nothing is
wanting to this end but example to enlighten the minds of the natives, and
instruction to enable them to direct their industry to proper objects. It was
not possible for me to behold the wonderful fertility of the soil, the vast herds
of cattle, proper both for labor and food, and a variety of other circumstances
favorable to colonization and agriculture, and reflect withal on tlie means,
which presented themselves of a vast inland navigation, without lamenting that
a country, so abundantly gifted and favored by nature, should remain in its

Practicability of Colonization in Africa. 49
No man is better acquainted with the coast of Africa, pro
bably, than Sir George R. Collier, who has been the chief
commander of the British squadron stationed there for three
or four years. In his Second Report to the British govern
ment, respecting the settlements in Africa, he thus alludes to
the attempt to form a colony at Sherbro. 'Had America,'
he observes, ' whp, excepting Great Britain, appears more in
earnest than any other nation, established her lately attempted
settlement at Cape Mesurado, or even at Cape Monte, she
would at least have secured a more healthful, and by far a
more convenient spct, than her late ill chosen one in the
Sherbro. And an establishment by America, either at Cape
Monte, or Cape Mesurado, would have afforded to the friends
of humanity the most rational hopes, that in the immediate
neighborhppd pf the American colony the demand for slaves
would have been checked, and thus a settlement would have
been formed, useful to the purposes of civilization ; and from
its actual, though distant intercourse with the frontiers of
Gaman and Ashantee, have opened the line of lucrative spe
culation to the American merchant, and with the additional
advantage of doing so without interfering in any way with the
prosperity of the British Colony of Sierra Leone.' These
remarks are of more practical value, than volumes of specu
lations penned in this country, founded on conjecture, or
deduced from abstract principles. They are from a person,
who enjoyed the best opportunities for observation, repeatedly
traversed the coast, and whose business it was to supply his
gpvernment with accurate knewledge. On this testimony,
connected with that of our own agents, we are willing to rest,
and are satisfied with the conviction, that Mesurado affords
all the requisite facilities for building up an establishment,
which ought to receive the cordial support of every friend of
his species, every lover of right and freedom, and every sin
cere patriot in this country.
The formidable encroachment, which the present article
has already made on pur accustpmed limits, compels us to
present savage and neglected state. Much more did I lament, that a people
of manners so gentle and benevolent should either be left as they now are,
immersed in the gross and uncomfortable blindness of pagan superstition, or
permitted to become converts to a system of bigotry and fanaticism, which,
without enlightening the mind, often debases the heart.' Park's Travels,
American edition, p. 327. 7

50 Practicability qf Colonization m Africa,
desist from several remarks intended for this part of the sub
ject. We trust, that from what has been said, our readers
will be enabled to arrive at a just understanding pf the histpr
ry and objects of the Colonization Society, the practicability
of these objects, and the methods by which they may be
attained. Much more might be added te illustrate this last
topic, both in regard to the local circumstances of the colony
at Mesurado, and to the means employed at home to supply
it with emigrants ; but the view we have taken is eneugh, we
think, te justify us in the belief, that the plan in its outlines
is well conceived, and wants only the vigprous ccpperatirm
pf the public to make it entirely successful.
We should be glad, also, if we had room, to press a few
of the reasons, why the particular attention of our national
legislature is demanded to this colony, and to urge the im
portance of its being taken wholly under the charge and
jurisdiction of the government. In regard to what is called
the constitutional question, whether the United States have
power to establish such a colony, we know not in what it
differs from the question, whether they have power to put
their own laws in execution, or take the only efficient mea
sures to suppress an evil, whose contagion is daily spreading,
and which threatens a more serious calamity than any other
to our national prosperity, if not to our political being. It
would be strange, indeed, if it should be made plain to our
legislators, that the constitution stops their ears to the cries of
humanity, ties their hands from the work of benevolence, and
compels them to nurture the seeds and foster the growth of
our own destruction. And it comes to this, if they have not
power to establish a colpny abroad to receive the free blacks ;
for we hold it to be a position, as firmly grounded as any law
in nature or society, that our black population can never be
drawn off, except through the medium of such an establish
ment. Let us denominate our colony a Territory, if we will,
and then it will not differ from our other Territeries, except
in being separated frem the confederated States by an ocean,
instead of a river, or lake. A voyage from Washington to
Mesurado can be performed as quick as to the Falls of St
Anthony, or the Saut pf St Mary, and much quicker than to
the Mandan Villages.

Practicability of Colonisation in Africa. 51
The expediency of such a territpry is to be settled, per
haps, on other principles, but it would hardly seem possible
for a division to exist on this point. The advantages te this
country of a cclpny in Africa, under the patronage of the
government, are not to be calculated ; and it needs not be
reckoned amcng its least recommendations, that it would
hold out the prospect of removing, in a good degree, the
causes of the present differences between the governments
of the United States and Great Britain, concerning mixed
commission courts, and the mutual privilege of search pn the
coast ef Africa. It may be added, mereover, that should
the colony be taken intc the hands of the government, it will
enable Virginia to pursue her leng meditated plan ef provid
ing for the colenizatipn of her free blacks. It is but reascn-
able to suppose, also, that pther states would follow the
example, especially those, which have already, by a vote of
their legislatures, approved the scheme of the Colonization
Society. They might act with a confidence and security,
which they cannot feel in a private body, hpwever streng in
its numbers, pr fortunate in its operations.
But we de not mean to encourage the Society in any
relaxation of duty, by thus proposing to take away its most
oppressive burden. We would excuse it from the trouble
some, if not impracticable task of controlling and gcverning
the colcny, but we wpuld have all its energy, its zeal, and its
respurces empleyed in carrying forward the grand ebject.
This can be dene in a mere efficient manner, by acting in
concert with the government ; every weight thrown intp the
scale will then be felt in its full force.
The Seciety may watch ever the executicn pf the laws,
keep an eye on abuses, and communicate to the government
Valuable intelligence, which it would not derive from any
other seurce. In the year 1807, shortly after the abolition
act was passed in England, the African Institution was formed,
with the avowed ebject of affording all possible aids to the
full operation of that act. Tc this end it has been of essen
tial service, by taking cognizance of events, disseminating a
knewledge of African affairs, and occasionally presenting
memorials te Parhament, er addresses to the King, calling
their attention to particular subjects, which the inquiries and
experience of the Institution proved- to them demanded

52 Practicability of Colonization in Africa.
additional legislation, or more vigorous executive measures.
The Annual Reports of the Institution have sent out a fund
of information, which has equally enlightened the public
mind, and given a tone to public sentiment. The attention
of the Colonization Society may be profitably turned into
similar channels.
Another object, which may prove beneficial to the plan of
colonization, is that of promoting travels and discoveries in
the interior of Africa. Thirty six years ago the African
Association was organized in London for this purpose, and
almost all the knowledge of interior Africa, which has since
come to light, has been derived through the agency of this
Association. Our enterprising countryman, John Ledyard,
was the first person employed in its service. He embarked
in the undertaking with an enthusiasm and perseverance
peculiar to himself alone, and which had previously carried
him through many perils and sufferings to every quarter of
the globe ; but he found an untimely grave in Egypt, when
he was on the point of starting in a caravan for Nubia. The
interesting and valuable discoveries of Hornemann and Park
were made under the authority of the same Association.
Let our Society send persons to explore the Mesurado river,
or to engage in any other expeditions of discovery, from
which the colony can be benefited, or the cause of African
civilization advanced.
Schools ought also to be established, both in this country
and in Africa, for the instruction of free persons of color,
recaptured negroes, and natives. It is desirable, that there
should be at least one institution in the United States, de
signed exclusively for an African education, where youths
may be taught with the express view of going to Africa, and
where young natives, whom their parents may suffer to come
away, shall be looked after and educated. The auxiliary
societies, scattered over the country, will be enabled to select
the best subjects for such a school from among the families
of those, who may be inclined to emigrate, and each auxi
liary society may engage to support such persons as it shall
send. To the common elementary branches of knowledge, might
be added the history and geography of Africa, the laws and
customs of the people, accounts of the climate, soil, and

Practicability of Colonization in Africa. 53
trade, and whatever else should qualify the pupil for enter
ing on his new sphere to the best advantage to himself and the
community, in the capacity in which he shall be destined to
act. Schools of the same kind may be set up in the colony,
with a course of instruction adapted to circumstances. The
humbler and more useful arts of life may be taught to the
natives, who may be induced to attend the schools. The
most promising of the colonists may learn some of the
languages of the interior, which shall fit them for greater
influence and usefulness. Religious instruction may be in
culcated, churches built, and preachers supported. In short,
the Colonization Society will never want employment for its
means and strength, nor meet with any obstructions to the
fullest exercise of its benevolence and activity, although it
shall relinquish the arduous and embarrassing task of holding
supreme direction over the colony.
While writing the above, we have been gratified to see
accounts cf new auxiliary secieties springing up in different
parts of the country, and especially one at Richmond, Virgi
nia, with the venerable Chief Justice Marshall at its head.
The sanction of such a name may well confirm the confi
dence of the steady advocates for colonization, and commu
nicate a quickening power to the tardy zeal of the wavering.
When, in additipn to this, we reflect on the unqualified ap
probation with which the present Chief Magistrate of the
nation has uniformly regarded the designs of the Coloni
zation Society, the number of distinguished persons found
among its active patrons, and the progress it has made under
an accumulation of discouraging circumstances, we can hard
ly desire a stronger testimony to the importance of its objects,
or a more auspicious presage pf its ultimate success.