^ Of miNcff.- OCT 12 1971 JKIiri)! ASllMUK V : -'■y\ %!„,. ..wvt- OCTl,. ,., LIFE JEHUDI ASHMUN, COLONIAL AGENT IN LIBERIA. AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING EXTKACTS FKOM HIS JOURNAL AND OTHER WRITINGS; WITH A BRIEF SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF THE REV. LOTT CAKY. BY RALPH RANDOLPH GURLEY. WASHINGTON: PRINTED BY JAMKS C. DUNN. 18;35. The copy-right of this Work is secured to the Author by an entry made in the Office of the District Court of the District of Columbia, on the 18th day ot February, 1835. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Birth and childhood of Ashmun — Studious habits — Early resolution — Reli- gious impressions— Collegiate course— Visit to Connecticut— Removal from Middlebury to Burlington— Conclusion of his studies at college. CHAPTER 11. Early character— First attachment — Sympathy for the heathen— Removal to Maine— License to preach— Efforts to found a theological seminary in Maine— Marriage — Distrust and alienation of friends— Imprudence Re- liance on his integrity. CHAPTER III. Embarks for the South— Extracts from his Journal— Touches at New- York- Reflections on his own follies and the uncharitableness of others — Sketch of an erring vagrant— Arrival at Baltimore— Sad thoughts— Seeks Divine Direction. CHAPTER IV. Bold and Independent Character— Unbroken by Misfortune— Commences a Religious Paper— It fails— Views of the Maryland Episcopal Convention— Granville Sharp's Agency in founding Episcopacy in America— Influence of this Agency on the African Cause— Ashmun's removal to Washington and connection with the Theological Repertory— Reviews the Coloniza- tion Society's Report— Attempts the Publication of the African Intelli- gencer— Connects himself with the Episcopal Church— Doubts about a Pro- iv CONTENTS. \^ij^^ fession— Letter from Bishop Moore— Application for Orders— Fluctuation of purposes— Embarrassed State of the Repertory. CHAPTER V. Writes the Life of the Rev. Samuel Bacon— Facts in the History of the Col- onization Society, connected with this Work— Report. of Messrs. Mills and Burgess — Law concerning recaptured Africans — Departure of the Elizabeth — Outline of the Life and Death of Mr. Bacon — Circumstances and manner in which this Memoir was composed — Differences touching the Repertory — Secret Griefs — High and holy Purposes of Ashmun. CHAPTER VL Salutary lessons of Providence — Slavery — Origin — Slave Trade — Slavery in the United States — Federal Constitution and views of its Framers — Fa- vorable to the general influence of Liberty— Spirit of the Reformation — Growth of the spirit of humanity towards the colored race — Foremost stand of the Quakers in the African cause — Origin of African Coloniza- tion— Of the American Colonization Society — Views of its Founders — Early Proceedings — First Agents and Expedition — Purchase of Territory by Captain Stockton and Dr. Ayres at Cape Montserado — Removal of Colonists thither. CHAPTER Vn. Mr. Ashmun sails for Africa — Causes and Measures which led to it, inclu- ding Rev. William Meade's visit to Georgia — Recaptured Africans to be sent from there — Personal Embarrassments — Attends to the outfit of the Strong — Joined at Baltimore by Mrs. Ashmun — Incidents of the Voyage — System of operations commenced on his arrival at the Colony — Perilous condition of the Strong before landing of her passengers — Conference with some of the Principal Chiefs — Lurking enmity of the Natives — Preparations for Defence — War — Noble courage and conduct — Successful repulse of the banded forces of :he Natives — Arrival of the British Colo- nial Schooner Prince Regent — Generous aid of her Commander and Major Laing— Peace — Tribute to Ashmun. CHAPTER Vin. Sickness — Noble devotion of Midshipman Gordon and his associates — Illness of Ashmun — Aid rendered by a Colombian Schooner — Want of Supplies — Restoration of Captive Children — Visit of the Cyanne — Efforts of Capt. Spence and crew — Dr. Dix, Mr. Richard Sealoii — Visit of Mr. Ashmun to Settra Kroo — Arrival of Dr. Ayres — Mr. Ashmun's earnest request for Teachers — Incident — His Thoughts on Trade — Drafts from Fayal — Stands not well in the Public Confidence — Receives little countenance from the Government or Society — His manly Fortitude — Confidence in CONTENTS. V Truth — Terms on which he will remain in Africa sent to the Board — State and Prospects of the Colony. CHAPTER IX. Perplexity and uncertainty of his affairs — Rules of Conduct — Private Jour- nal— Industry and Energy in his Studies — Religious Character — Extracts touching this Subject — Sense of Injustice done him — Still neglected — Return of Dr. Ayres — Proposition to the Board — Discontent of the Set- tlers— Mutiny — Firmness and Decision of Ashmun — Arrival of the Cy- rus— Spirit of Revolt — Want of Supplies — Address of Mr. Ashmun to the Colonists — Their continued Indolence and Disaffection — Writes to the Board — Feeble Health — Determines to visit the Cape De Verds — Hem- orrhage when about to embark — Expects to die — Declaration of Integ- rity. CHAPTER X. Lowest Point of his Depression — Gradual Recovery of Strength — Journal at Bissao and the Cape De Verds — Remonstrance of the Colonists to the Board — Appropriation for the Benefit of Ashmun — The Board Address the Colonists— Charges sent from the Colony against Ashmun — Distrust of his Character — Uncertain Affairs — Special Agent sent to the Colony. CHAPTER XI. Writer's Interview with Mr. Ashmun at the Cape De Verds — Impressions of his Character — He resolves to return to the Colon}' — Passage— Investiga- tions into charges against him at the Colony — All false — Causes of the Moral and Political Disorders there — Organization of the Government — Adoption of it by the Settlers — Restoration of order and mutual confi- dence— Mr. Ashmun is empowered as Agent until report is made to the Government and Society. CHAPTER XII. Reluctance of men to abandon old, even if erroneous, opinions — Report of the Special Agent unfavorably received — Mr. Ashmun permitted to try the New Form of Government as an experiment — Despatches showing its utility — Negotiations with the Bassa Chiefs — Ability exhibited by Mr. Ashmun in his communications to the Managers — Favorable Report of a Committee on his Despatches — His Situation — His Conduct— first, in re- spect to himself, second, to the Colony, and third, to the Board of Mana- gers— Arrival of the Hunter — Negotiations for the St. Paul's Territory — His remarks touching his connexion with the Repertory — Proceedings of the Board in relation to the New Form of Government and Mr. Ash- mun's Character — Adoption of the former — Vindication of the latter — Mr. Ashmun 's position. VI CONTENTS. CHAPTER XIII. Hi3 circumstances in the Colony — Influence upon the settlers — Anticipatio.A of an early death — His principles — Purposes — Talents for business — At- tention to the poor and afflicted — Sickness among the Hunter's emigrant - — Requests a physician — Survey of the St. Paul's purcha&e — Thinks oi visiting the U. States — Fourth of July celebration — Slave trade — Exami- nation of the coast from Cape Mount to Trade Tovyn— Piracy— Destructiou of slave factories — Condition of the Colony at the close of 1825 — Mr. Ash- mun's opinion of the importance of aid from the national government — The writer's thoughts on this subject. CHAPTER XIV. The doctrine of Divine Providence — Mr. Ashmun's belief in it — Eifect of his trials on his character — Activity and industry — Brief extracts from his pri- vate Journal — His humility and its effects upon his opinion of himself. CHAPTER XV. Managers of Charitable Institutions — Of the Colonization Society — Mi. Ashmun at the liead of a prosperous Colony — His desire for more emi- grants— For regular commercial intercourse with America — His opinion of assistants — Of a Board of Agents — Expedition by the Vine — By the Norfolk — Dr. Peace's arrival — Baptist Mission — Rev. Horace Sessions — Rev. Calvin Holton— Settlements on the St. Paul's and Stockton Creek — Agency House at Caldwell struck by lightning — Expedition against Trade Town — Effect in suppressing the Slave Trade — Letter to Dr. Blumhardt — Indisposition of Mr. Ashmun — Absence of Dr. Peaco — Cape Mount Trade — Leases of Land — Tax for support of schools — Piracy — Necessity for a Sloop of War — Line of Packets — Want of Schools — Annual Elec- tion and firmness of Ashmun — Panic among the Settlers — Robbery ol Bassa People — Negotiations with Cape Mount Chiefs — Acquisition of Territory — Extract from last Letter of Mr. Ashmun in 1826. CHAPTER XVI. Mr. Ashmun's last entire year of labor — Reputation — Growth of the Society- Visit of the Shark— Capt. Norris— Arrival of the Doris— Of the Norfolk- Disappointed purpose of Mr. Ashmun to visit the United States — Pre- parations for Emigrants — Necessity of throwing Emigrants upon their efforts — Injury to the Colonial Schooner — Illness of Mr. Ashmun — Visit to Sierra Leone and the Pongas — Description of that River and Country — Correspondence with Sir Neil Campbell^Treaty of Peace with Trade Town — War between the Chief of Sesters and his neighbor of Trade Town — Peace — Infirmary of Invalids — Schools — Method of subsisting Emigrants in Africa— Views in regard to the United States' Agency for CONTENTS. Vli recaptured Africans— Visit of the Ontario— Captain Nicoison— Swiss JVIissionaries— Government of the Colony— Condition of the People — Accessions of Territory— Plan of Mr. Ashmun for extending Coloniza- tion among the Natives— Policy towards them— Religious state of the Colony— Address of Colonists— Ashmun's ardour in pursuit of intellectual and moral improvement— Melancholy thoughts— Religious feelings and hopes. CHAPTER XVII. Arrival at Liberia of the Doris, Randolph, and Nautilus— Visit of Mr. Ashmun to the Colonial Factories— His excessive labors, Sickness, Em- barkation for the United States— Arrival at St. Bartholemews— Compelled to stop there— Visits St. Christophers— Letter to his Parents— Arrival at New Haven--Decline— Death— Funeral— Conclusion. APPENDIX. No. 1. Extracts from the Early Diary of Mr. Ashmun. No. 2. Resolutions of the Maine Society School. No. 3. Papers touching the importance of Missionary Efforts in Africa. No 4. Notes on Trade. No. 5. Supposed Error. No. 6. Subjects reported on by the Special Agent— Extracts from the Colonial Journal— Remarks on the most economical mode of subsisting the Col- ony— On Temperance. No. 7. Liberia Farmer. No 8. Letter to Rev. Dr. Blumhardt. No. 9. Ashmun's Vindication of his conduct in destroying the Slave Factories. No 10. Letters of Chief Justice Marshall and Ex-President Madison, on African Colonization. No. 11. MiscellaneousPapersof Ashmun, including— What rules are to be ob- served to improve the gift of prayer— Advantages of Devotion— Divine Providence— The Prophecy of Malachi— The Social Affections— Punish- ment of Murder by Death— Religious Principles— Dreams— History of on :'s self— Qualifications of an Agent for Liberia— Notes on Africa- Visit to Peter Bromley's— Colonial Notices— Sketches of Character- Letter to the Church in Champlain— Letter to his Younger Brothers— ALSO, Sketch of the Lifeoi the Rev. Lott Cary. LIFE OF ASHMUN. CHAPTER I. In an age, like this, when men are remarkably occupied with schemes of private enterprise, and large plans for human im- provement, the Biography of an individual will be well nigh unnoticed, unless it exhibit in the subject of it, evidences of ex- traordinary intellect or illustrious virtue. Nor is it to be ex- pected or desired that public attention should be directed to ordmary merit, while there are great and shining examples upon which it may be fixed. Life is too short to be wasted upon trifles ; and while the active spirit of the times is unfa- vourable to the calm and steady contemplation of individual character, the more important it is, that such character, if held up for imitation, should possess rare worth and brightness. The following pages are submitted to the Public^'without an apology, because the individual to whom they relate, not in the writer's opinion only, but in the judgment of the Christian community, at least, both of this and other countries, deserves an extended memorial. The Author, however, cannot enter 3 18 LIFE OF ASHMUN. upon his work, without humbly invoking the aid of that Di- vine Being, who, while He sometimes kindles in human souls the pure flame of His own spirit, that they may bless and guide mankind, can alone preserve and extend the influence and light of their example to the remotest generations of the world. Jehudi Ashmun was born in the town of Champlain, New York, on the 21st of April, 1794. He was the second son, and third child in a family of ten children. His father, Samuel Ashmun, Esq. married early in life, and soon after, settled in Champlain, then a wilderness ; and though exposed to nume- rous inconveniences and hardships, his industry and enter- prise soon placed him in circumstances of independence, while his intelligence and moral worth secured for him the confi- dence of his fellow-citizens, among whom, for many years, he sustained the office of a Justice of the Peace. The childhood of young Ashmun was distinguished by a thoughtful and re- served manner, intense application to books, reliance upon his own powers, and ambition to excel in all his studies.* Every leisure hour was improved; he early accustomed himself to keep a Journal, and would sometimes omit to take his meals, that he might have opportunity to record in it, such thoughts or events as he deemed worthy of remembrance. The father of Ashmun, considering the number of his family and his mo- derate means, designed to grant to his children those literary advantages only, which were afforded by the common schools of the country, in expectation that their lives would be devoted *The following anecdote is related of him: While a schoolboy, a premium was offered by his instructer, for the best composition which should be fur- nished in the school. Many of the pupils were older than himself, and the time allowed to prepare the pieces was short. So confident was he, however, of success, that he promised his mother, to bring to her a certificate of his tri- umph. When his elder brother was announced as entitled to the reward, Je- hudi exclaimed, " you mean me, master ! " And instead of being disturbed by the smiles of his fellow-pupils, he still insisted that his opinion was correcJ^ and wrote a certificate for himself, and carried it home to liis mother. I.TFE OF APfTTMTTlV. 19 to agricultural pursuits ; but the love of knowledge cherished l>y the subject of this Memoir, and his importunities that he might be allowed to gratify it, finally induced his parents to con- sent that he should seek a liberal education, provided reliance was placed mainly upon his own exertions to defray the ex- pense. This condition was cheerfully accepted, and at the age of 14, he commenced his studies, in preparation for College, un- der the tuition of the Rev. Amos Pettingill, the worthy Minister of his native place, with whom he made rapid progress, and strengthened the confidence of his friends in his final success. At this time he appears to have had no fixed religious prin- ciples, and occasionally to have indulged doubts of the truth of Christianity. The example of pious parents, and particu- larly the tender admonitions of his mother, had deeply affected him at the early age of six years, and the impressions then made were never entirely effaced; yet it was not until his 17th year, that Divine Truth exerted, in his own judgment, a regenerating influence on his mind. The date of this event is recorded in his Journal, the 26tli of June, 1810. Having been absent from home, during most of the preceding winter, and in the society of irreligious pei'sons, his chief desire and purpose had been, as he expressed them, "to secure the es- ' teem of his fellow-beings and feed on earthly pleasures." — The effect of cherished imaginations of future distinction and happiness in the world, during this brief period, contributed more in his opinion, to harden his heart against God, than two years of previous impenitence. The most solemn truths, the kindest parental exhortations had lost their power to move him. While he was thus insensible to the claims of the Al- mighty upon his afl^ections and his services, the attention of the people of his native village was particularly turned to religion, and a youth of his acquaintance had been led to devote him- self to the cause of the Redeemer. A remark of this youth, at a social prayer-meeting, expressive of his own happiness as a child of God, appears first to have arrested the attention, 20 T.TPK OP ASHMUN, and excited strongly the feelings of Ashmun. An awful dark ness enveloped him, and he was overwhelmed in guilt and misery. But after a short season he was enabled, as he ever afterwards believed, to trust in the Saviour, and to consecrate himself wholly and forever to His service. At the commencement of his studies in the spring of 1810, a consciousness that he was morally unqualified for the Cleri- cal profession, and doubts of obtaining an education suffi- ciently extensive for that of the Law, had strongly inclined him to a Medical course ; but the radical change now expe- rienced in his character, determined him to direct all his ef- forts to a preparation for the Christian Ministry, In July of this year, he became a member of the church in Champlain, and for several months after, so vivid were his impressions of religious truth, that he was impelled to exhibit them to others, imagining that they must even feel, as he felt, their im- portance ; and so emboldened was he in his zeal, as not only to expostulate with the impenitent, and dispute with those of opposite sentiments, but even to remonstrate with his Pastor upon the necessity of a more earnest and active discharge of the duties of his office. Thus early was manifested that re- solute enthusiasm which continued through life to be one of the most striking traits of his character. In a Journal penned by Mr. Ashmun in 182S, we find the following allusion to the change which occurred in his purposes at this period of his life: "My views (when I commenced study) were, from the ' narrowness of my circumstances, moderate enough. But I ' was assiduous and always preferred my books to my sports ; ' and found as I proceeded, my ambition kindle and my in- ' tentions enlarge. An event which followed in a few months, ' changed entirely the direction of my studies, and served to ' fix for many years, every vacillating purpose. My atten- * tion was, in June, 1810, wholly turned to the interests of ' futurity. The rewards of fame, and conscious superiority ' of any intellectual or personal endowments, which I might LIFE OP ASIIMUN. 21 * come to possess, were too light in the balance, to weigh ' down, in my estimation, the everlasting well-being of myself ' or others. Thus predisposed to the profession of Divinity, ' I adopted, with little hesitancy, the advice of my friends to ' make it the object of my pursuit." This revolution in his moral character, instead of dimin- ishing, increased the energy of his exertions to acquire know- ledge, and prepare himself for public usefulness. He became the more anxious to obtain all the advantages of a collegiate education. He distinguished himself as a punctual and ac- tive member of a Debating Society, and referred in after life, to the exercises and discipline of this Institution, as having contributed greatly to his success and influence in College. " In 1811, (he observes in the Journal from which we have ' already quoted) I rejected an offer to facilitate my prepara- ' tion for the Bar, which I had reason to believe was advan- ' tageous. This was in Troy ; and I believe that, at that ' time, no offer of emolument, or of earthly distinction, would ' have seduced me from my purpose." The following letter, addressed to a gentleman of Castleton, Vermont, illustrates his well-combined humility, self-reliance, and good judgment at this early period of his Ufe: — "Troy, July 22nd, 1811. ' Dear Sir: — On the 4th of July, after having written to ' you from Carver's, I was carried to Paulet, where I stayed ' until the next day, and arrived here on Saturday. A stran- ' ger, unrecommended to any person, and unacquainted with ' every person in town, with but a few shillings in my pock- ' et, and unpossessed of any lucrative trade or other faculty, ' I began to feel the force of poverty ; yet was persuaded, that ' if I trusted in Hijn in whom I ought to trust, I should be ' disposed of in the best manner with all my spiritual and ' temporal concerns. Should I fail to obtain employment or ' be reduced to abject cjuxumstanccs, I knew I ought to pos- 22 LIFE OP ASIIMUN. ' sess faith to be made better, and turn my affections to ' another world. But I found it much easier to commend the ' patience of others in circumstances of necessity, and imasfine ' a temper of mind which they should possess, than to support ' these in my own case. However, after sustaining repeated ' negatives, every one increasing my anxiety, I providentially ' applied at the place where I have since resided, which is the ' only place in Troy or Albany, where, to my present know- ' ledo-e, I could have found a support in any decent employ- ' ment. The gentleman with whom I am, is an Attorney, ' the principal Justice of the village ; was educated at Middle- ' bury; has a very small family, a growing fortune, and treats ' me with the greatest respect. A small part of my time is em- ' ployed in assisting him among his papers, the rest I devote ' to study and reading. He finds me every thing, clothing ' excepted. He appears well satisfied with me. and ofiers to ' instruct me in study and maintain me on the present terms ' for three years, provided I will turn my views to the Law, ' which without opposing my whole inclination and violating ' what I deem to be duty, I cannot assent to. Weak and un- ' worthy as I am, I feel, or trust I wish to feel, a desire to be ' made instrumental in promoting the best, the greatest, and ^ final good of my fellow-beings, and to devote my life wholly ' to the immediate service of God. This I judge myself not ' sufficiently qualified to do, (besides moral defects, which fre- ' quently hold me in suspense,) without considerable and un- ' interrupted study. To obtain opportunity for this, is my ' main concern of a worldly nature. Earthly honours, plea- ' sures, and wealth, for some reason, appear vain when put in ' competition with evangelical utility, and I have not an in- ' ducement to pursue them. But how to act, I know not; I ' feel unwilling to take any ground from which I shall hereaf- ' ter be obliged to recede, because the shortness of life and * the value of youthful days render inexpedient, measures lia- ' ble to variation and chane^e. One of these tAvo measures I LIFE OF ASHMUN. 23 ' would willingly resort to, either to obtain a loan of money to ' be repaid after my College life, with or without interest, or to ' engage and constantly do some business, the avails of which, ' at the end of three or more years, would assist me in acqui- ' ring an education. Perhaps neither of these is practicable, ' and should one or both be so, I know not the means of in- ' troducing myself to them. I want advice. I have none ' present to give it. You must do it, Sir, and take the only ' recompense I can bestow, my gratitude. It is not poverty ' that causes me to shrink from abandoning literary pursuits ; '■ nor is it, I trust, worldly disrespect — but the certainty of being ' less capable of extensive usefulness. I hope you will by no ' means fail of givmg this an answer immediately, and thus ' confer lasting obligations on ' Your respectful and ' Obedient Servant, ' J. AsHMUN." Of the result of this application, we are ignorant; yet, he appears not to have entered Middlebury College until Sep- tember, 1812, more than a year after the date of this letter. — ■ During his residence at Middlebury, his habits were those of unwearied diligence in study, and ardent and elevated devo- tion in the duties of religion. He regularly attended nume- rous religious meetings; assisted in conducting them; and though but seventeen years of age, was regarded by the pious and able men of that town, as a useful and eiRcient coadjutor. To secure the means of support, he was obliged to instruct a school during the vacations, and even prolong his exertions as teacher beyond these periods, so that severe and unremitted application to study was indispensable to enable him to main- tain an honourable scholastic reputation. "When I look back ' upon him," says one of his most intimate friends, "as unri- ' vailed lor talents (as it was conceded he was, by the officers ^ and his companions in our College) ; when I look upon him 24 LIFE OF ASIIMUN. ' as improving on the models of Schwartz, Van Der Kemp, and ' Bramerd, and sec him copying our Lord and Redeemer with ' such holy diligence and constant spirituality, I feel that the ' History of his Life will be an inestimable accession to the ' treasures of American Biography. If your Life of him should ' exhibit him such as he is to my mind's eye, I should feel that ' the distribution of the work to every reader of such things in ' the United States, was an object not unworthy of the efforts ' of my life."* His health soon became so impaired, by his mental efforts, as to compel him to desist from them, and to resort for the re- storation of his strength, to the exercise, and varied scenes and incidents of a tour through a delightful part of New England. He travelled slowly as far as Hartford, Connecticut, and though at times so reduced as almost to despair of ever returning to his friends, his exertions, in several towns where existed ex- traordinary attention to religion, were frequent and great; and *Under date of April 13, 1813, Mr. Ashmun expresses grief that he had been led to engage in political debates to his own unutterable sorrow and the injury of the Saviour's cause. O ! my Saviour, God, he exclaims, sooner may I perish from the earth, than bring another stain upon thine immaculate cause. It will be recollected that this was during the last war, and the fron- tier settlements were exposed to the enemy. Mr. Ashmun had just before this visited his native place, Champlain, and witnessed its desolations. "Well, he observes, might she adopt the strain of the lamenting Prophet, almost literally fulfilled upon her:" "And He hath violently taken away His tabernacle, as if it were of a garden : He hath destroyed His places of the assembly. The Lord hath caused the solemn feasts and tlie Sabbaths to be forgotten in Zion, and hath despised in the indignation of His anger, both the ICing and the Priest." "For three months the churches had not once been assembled, and their Min- ister had been removed. The movements of war had rolled a deluging torrent of vice in upon them ; sickness had carried off some from the church, and ma- ny from the people ; Sabbaths were neglected ; and finally, to verify the lite- ral sense of the above passage, the house of Divine worship had been burned with fire." Probably this was the time, when, as we have been told, young Ashmun organized and took command of a military corps, and showed the ele- ments of those powers which were so signally developed in his defence of the African Colony. LIFE OF ASIIMUN. 25 his Journal* at this time, affords evidence of his disposition not only to improve every opportunity of usefulness, but to de- rive instruction from every observation of nature or mankind, and from all the various daily occurrences of life. The wri- ter can never forget the description of Ashmun, as he then appeared, by an eminent Christian of Wethersfield, Connecti- cut, at whose hospitable mansion he remained during his stay there, and whose virtues are alluded to with much sensibility in his Journal. His youthful figiu'e, tall but spare, had an air of striking dignity; and his pale and emaciated counte- nance, expressed the feelings of one who habitually commun- ed with God, and viewed every object in the light of the eter- nal world. All his thoughts and affections seemed occupied with religion; this was the chief subject of his conversation; and its truths were uttered by him with a manner and in a tone of such earnestness, as convinced all in his presence, that to his mind they were of unspeakable importance, and that he was most benevolently anxious to extend their do- minion over the minds of others. In his public addresses, great maturity of thought, combined with the glow of a vigor- ous imagination, and the feelings of a sublime devotion, gave him powerful influence over his audience. Hundreds felt his appeals, as those of a dying man, who had caught the spirit of the Apostles, and who, ready to depart, yet lingered near the end of his course, to admonish and exhort those who would soon see his face no more. In this tour, and other shorter excursions to various parts of Vermont, Mr. Ashmun spent most of the summer of 1814, and found himself in the autumn, greatly improved in health; and prepared again to renew his studies at College. He re- mained at Middlebury until the autumn of 1815, when with the view of relieving himself from some pecuniary embarrass- ments, he became a student at the Vermont University, Bur- * Appendix 1. 4 2G LIFE OF ASIIMUN. lino-toii. He expressed also an earnest desire of promoting the cause of religion in that Institution, which he thought had been less firmly sustained, than in that with which he stood connected. He concluded his studies at College in the summer of next year, and was distinguished among those who received, at the commencement, literary honours. Among his papers, are two orations prepared for this occasion, — one in English, the other in Latin; (the former marked rejected) — but both exhibiting a bold and aspiring spirit, and a maturity of knowledge and judgment seldom attained at so early a pe- riod of life. CHAPTER II. The elements of intellectual strength are generally min- gled in the human character with ardent feelings and powerful passions. The talents which render men capable of great and noble actions, may, if perverted, cover them with all the disgrace and infamy of crime. Ashmun was naturally self- confident, proud, ambitious. His imagination was warm, his passions ardent, his sensibility extreme. He became a Chris- tian ; but his religious sentiments at this time, were deeply tinged with a romantic enthusiasm which pervaded the con- stitution of his youth. In allusion to this period, he some years after observed : "My genius and habits, much of the time, ' were decidedly of the ascetick cast. I determined not only to ' forsake the gay, but even the civilized world ; and spend my ' life among distant savages. And from long dwelling on this ' prospect, and naturally directing my inquiries and reading ' by it, I came to acquire a ])assion for the sacrifice." An attachment formed in 1815, to the lady whom ho after- wards married, exerted a powerful influence on the course of 28 LIFE OF ASHMUN. his future life. Wholly engaged in preparing himself for Missionary labours among the Heathen, his own reflections and the advice of friends, convinced him of the propriety of seeking a connexion with some lady who would cheerfully forsake her country and kindred, to co-operate in his benevo- lent design of imparting the knowledge 'and hopes of Christi- anity to Barbarians." A sublime devotion, a burning zeal to forsake all the delights of home, and all the enjoyments of civilized society, for the cause of the Redeemer, and the bene- fit of the miserable Pagans, were to him most admirable and attractive in the female character. Towards a lady, in whom he thought he perceived an "almost perfect similarity to his own, of views, feelings, solicitude, and sentiments," he pro- fessed to cherish a deep and tender affection. "I praise," said he, to her, "the glorious Giver of all our blessings, for what He has conferred upon me, and I trust upon the Pagan nations (whose cause I must always plead), in disposing you to regard them with so much tenderness, and even me in the favoura- ble light you do." But he spoke this in much ignorance of the character of her whom he addressed, and in more perhaps of his own. Happy for both, had the delicate, nicely propor- tioned and naturally allied qualities of the mind and heart, contributed equally with the harmony of their religious prin- ciples and purposes, to preserve the constancy of their mutu- al love. From some cause, not well explained, the course of this affection was, in January, 1816, suddenly chilled and inter- rupted ; and for nearly two years after, the question of his marriage to this lady, appears to have been regarded by both, as unsettled. They were soon widely separated from each other — he having accepted the situation of Principal in the Maine Charity School, established at Hampden in that State, and she having become a Teacher in the family of a respect- able Clergyman in North Carolina. Mr. Ashmun now occupied a station well adapted to deve- LIFE OP ASHMUN. 29 lope his enterprise and energy of character. In 1810, an asso- elation of gentlemen had been formed In Portland, Maine, un- der the denomination of the "Society for Theological Educa- tion," with the design of aiding indigent young men to prepare for the Christian Ministry. Some hundreds of congregations in that State and the contiguous parts of New Hampshire, were destitute of any regular religious instruction, and vigorous measures to increase the number of educated ministers, seemed indispensable to relieve the moral wants of the community. — In February, 1812, this association obtained a charter, and a year afterwards, a Committee of the same, were incorpo- rated with the title of the Trustees of the Maine Charity School. Their number was restricted to fifteen, and they were invested with all necessary powers for laying the foundations of a Theological Seminary. In October, 1816, these Trustees resolved, with the small amount of funds at their command, to open a Charity School at Hampden, and direct their efforts towards securing to it such patronage as might finally elevate it to a level with most of the Literary and Theological Institu- tions of our country. In entering upon the discharge of his duties as Principal of this school, Mr. Ashmun was far from abandoning his long cherished purpose of devoting himself to the cause of Foreign Missions. The motives which governed him, are clearly re- vealed in a letter addressed in April, 1818, to a friend who pro- posed to accept for a short time, a commission of agency to promote the interests and resources of the infant Seminary: — "With this, he observes, you will probably receive credentials ' from the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of this Institution, ' appointing you their Agent. I am grateful to you, but far ' more to God, for your offer. I ought to have no motive for ' tarrying, connected as I am with the Seminary, but to glorify '• the God of Missions, by assisting in the establishment of the ' Institution, expecting to qnit it the month it can dispense with ' my services, and shall have acquired strength and cohesion 30 LIFE OF ASHMUX. ' of parts enough to bear a transfer, safely, to other hands. ' Do not, dear brother, hence imag-inc, that I reg-ard myself the ' principal or benefactor of the 'Maine Charity School.' Pro- ' cul talis cogitatio esto. But I offered my services in the ea- ' pacity in which I act, at a crisis which, between the want of ' funds and encouragement on the part of its original projec- ' tors and the number and influence of its decided opposers in ' Maine and Massachusetts proper, it would not otherwise have ' been able to survive. I was willing to risk more than any ' other person, Avho could have been procured to supply my * place — if there can be any risk in duty; darkness rested ' on the Institution's prospects; it had no Professor of Divi- ' nity — its want of funds prevented any suitable candidate for ' that important post from hazarding a connexion with the ' Seminary. I took my gi'ound, and assured the Trustees and ' public, that I would not abandon my post, till I saw the School ' established. When it was seen that it had an actual exist- ' ence, it obtained patronage. Professor W. offered at the ' same time to share his part of the hazard, on condition that ' I renewed my engagement to persist in my connexion until '■ the condition of the Seminary should authorize my resigna- ' tion. Thanks be to God, His smiles begin to brighten up ' our sky. Every cent obtained, you see, is so much to shor- ' ten the period of my confinement. Come, dear Brother, ' and help me off: help me to fulfil my engagements to the ' School, and thus obtain my release. But I am shocked ! ! — ' Perhaps the consideration just named, ought to be no motive ' for you to stir an inch. The salvation of 150,000 souls in ' Maine, however, MAY. There is another. How many ' ages will elapse before all the Andovers and Princetons ' which ever will exist in America, will not only supply our ' present, but all our increase of population with Ministers ' from the Academician Groves 7 Institutions on the foun^ ' dation on which the 'Maine Charity School' is built, have ' for ages flourished in Great Britain. Il is well known what LIFE OF ASHMUN. 31 ' names brighten the catalogue of their graduates, and have ' kindled an inextinguishable radiance on the dissenting com- ' niunion of that Island. Why may not these Seminaries, if ' God has made such an honourable and extensive use of ' them in England and Scotland, be serviceable in America? ' Serviceable 7 But, dear Brother, if we would not witness the ' alternative of the perdition and lasting Paganism of the peo- ' pie of half our immense territory, are not Institutions on this 'plan indispensable? Astonishing ! that the attempt to erect ' Seminaries of this description, has been so long delayed. — ' Can we rationally doubt that our example will be followed * as soon as the beneficial operation of the Seminary shall ' have been seen? I almost see an Institution rise in the ' centre of the State of New York— in the western parts of ' Pennsylvania and in Virginia — in Maryland — the Caroli- ' nas, and before the lapse of many years, in the whole range ' of the Mississippi States. Whoever undertakes the patron- ' age of a truly valuable enterprise, must expect delays, oppo- ' sition, and discouragements of every description. Let us ' both set our shoulders to the wheel, and make the establish- ' ment of the 'Maine Charity School,' our great and principal ' domestic work, before we go to serve Christ abroad." When Mr. Ashmun took charge of this School in October, 1816, there were but six students, dependent upon him alone, for instruction. The village of Hampden had no settled Min- ister and no organized Church. He saw that every thing was to be done for the Seminary, and much for the religious in- terests of the community in which it was founded. Though he had but just completed his studies at College, and had never enjoyed the usual advantages of a theological educa- tion, yet the doctrines of religion had long been subjects of his habitual reflection, and his course of reading such as to render him familiar with the methods of illustrating them, and the arguments mainly relied on for their defence. He believed that a license to preach the gospel Avould give him 32 LIFE OP ASHMUN. a more powerful and extended influence, and therefore sought and obtained one in November or December of tliis year. Though feeble in health, his exertions both as an instruc- ter of youth, and as a preacher during the winter and spring of 1816-17, were earnest and uninterrupted, and remarkably blessed of God. Never can the writer forget with what sen- sibility, Mr. Ashmun, at a time when darkness covered all his prospects, and the tossings of the ocean beneath him, seemed tranquillity compared with his fortunes, alluded to the effects of his labours at Hampden, nnd soothed his troubled spirit by the thought, that He who had once so graciously smiled upon his efforts, would never utterly withdraw from him the light of His love.* In a masterly Essay^ found among his papers, designed to show the importance of the Seminary rising un- der his care, he observes: "The Holy Ghost, in less than six ' months after the establishment of it, converted the desert ' spot upon which it had been seated, into a spiritual Eden ; ' and in less than a year, from the stones of the wilderness, ' reared up a living Church of more than thirty members, in- ' to which the members of the School were immediately incor- ' porated." It was obvious to Mr. Ashmun, that efficient measures must be adopted to place the Maine Charity School upon a broad and durable foundation, or it must utterly fail to supply a number of ministers adequate to the demands of the large and rapidly increasing population by which it was surrounded. — • He saw the necessity of elevating it at once to the rank of a * We may judge something of Mr. Ashmun's labours, at this time, from the following extract of a letter dated March 10th, 1817, addressed to him by a venerable Clergyman, one of the Trustees of the School : "You have preached 25 times in two months ; that is, 15 times more than you ought to have preach- ed. You do right to tell me your faults, and I shall do right in reproving you. Hear me, then. If you will persist in preaching at such a rate, your race will be short. You ought to begin as you can hold out. Preach only when duty calls, and attend more to a regular course of studies. Count me not your ene- my, because I thus write. It is not the language of hatred, but of love." LIFE OF ASriMUN. 33 Theological Institution, endowed with Professorsliips for its various departments. While, therefore, he preached frequent- ly; attended, weekly, numerous religious meetings, and in- structed the students under his direction, in every branch of their literary, scientific, and theological studies ; the energy of his thoughts was principally directed to the great object of so exhibiting to the public, the importance of the Semin-ary, and so recommending it to their regard, as to secure for it general and liberal patronage. He presented to the Trustees such a view of the immense benefits to be expected from it, as inflamed their zeal and elevated their hopes. The manuscript Essay now before us, affords evidence that he had considered the re- mote and less obvious, as well as the nearer and more palpable advantages, which it, well-founded and sustained, would con- fer not on the people in its immediate vicinity only, but on our country and the world. It proves liow comprehensively he was accustomed to survey, at this early age, human nature and human affairs. In April, 1817, he accepted the appointment of Missioniary, for the period of two months, under the authority of the Trus- tees of the Maine Missionary Society ; and subsequently, du- ring his residence at Hampden, as his circumstances would permit, engaged in the service of that association. Through his efforts, mainly, it is believed, the Trustees of the Maine Charity School were enabled, in November, 1817, to appoint a Professor of Theology, a Professor of Classical Literature, and a Tutor to superintend the Academical studies in the Institution ; to state to the public, that they were ready to provide for an additional number of students ; that the plan of their Seminary combined the principal features of the Hoxton Academy in England ; and that it was their inten- tion to render its advantages equal to those of the best English Seminaries. They published an exposition (probably from the pen of Ashmun), comprising a brief history of the origin and progress of the Seminary ; a view of its design, plan of 34 MFE OF ASHMUN. Government, course of studies; enumerating the advantages^ expected from it, and concluding with an impressive appeal to the whole Christian comnmnity, urging them to sustain it, as involving interests of universal concern. Mr. Ashmun was elected the Professor of Classical Literature. His studies at this period v/ere various ; and he sought knowledge from every scene and character he observed. His Journals and other writings of this date, show that no means of information were neglected, and not an hour lost. He grasped at every thing which he thought might contribute to render him a wiser or a better man.* His zeal for the cause of Missions continued intense ; and he sought the counsel of distinguished Clergymen, as to the propriety of forthwith placing himself under the direction of some Missionary Society. The embers of a former affection were now re-kindled ; and with confession that he had wrongfully attempted to extin- guish them, Ashmun sought to renew correspondence with her who had long held the first place in his esteem. To one or two letters addressed to her early in 1818, kind answers were received ; but such as left unrevealed her precise senti- ments towards him. His former tenderness towards her, however, revived ; he declared that he had never found such a friend as he had lost by the forfeiture of her confidence and affection ; and that he seldom thought of her, but with tears. While in this state of suspense, a vision of singular bright- ness rose upon his sight, and an image, to him, of unrivalled loveliness became enshrined in his heart. He felt the capti- vating effect of charms surpassing what he had imagined of beauty or excellence in woman. The chain that had been worn uneasily, was exchanged for the golden links of enchant- *Among his compositions of this day, are Sermons, Theological Essays, Lectures on Biblical History and Chronology, a Journal of a visit to Boston and Andover, full of remarks on the country, men, and things, remarks on his own religious character, &c. LIFE OP ASIIMUN. ' 35 ment ; but alas ! Honour and Religion soon bade him sever the bond which he wished to be eternal. He had declared his purpose of again offering himself to the acceptance of the lady, who had first shared his love — had promised to meet her in the autumn in New York ; and yet in ignorance of her views, had rashly given his heart to another.* "Into what," he exclaimed in August, 1818, "an ocean ' of perplexities and sorrow have I precipitated myself and ' friends, by taking a few steps in 1816, without asking ' counsel of the Lord or depending on His guidance. I wish * to forget myself, and to have my C forget me also." From Boston, in September, he wrote: "I sometimes ' almost wish that I might sink out of existence, and va- ' nish from the memory of all my friends and the world ' at once and forever. 'Tis presumptuous ! But what can I ' do ? If I live, I fear I shall only widen the breach I have ' already occasioned in the happiness of my friends, and sully ' the character of my God's Religion.— I know not with what 'emotions I shall meet you — or what will be the result of ' that meeting — there is a bottom to this tempestuous ocean, ' where we so often sink below our depth ; and God knows, ' though we may not, where that bottom is. Before me all is ' dark as the abysses of night, except when Faith catches a * gleam from the throne of Him who spake the promises." He recognized the sacredness of his early professions, and determined, whatever might be the consequence, to vindicate their sincerity, their truth, and their honour. His marriage to Miss C. D. Gray, took place in N. York, on the 7th of October, 1818. Having spent a short time in New York, and visited Phila- delphia to solicit funds for the Maine Seminary, it was con- cluded that Mrs. Aslimun should occupy, for a few months, * " for love is a flattering mischief, that hath denied aged and wise men a foresight of those evils that too often prove to be the children of that blind father, — a passion that carries us to commit errors with as much ease as whirl- winds remove feathers" Izaak Walton's Life of Bonne, 36 LIFE OF ASHMUN. her former situation in North CaroHna, while he discharged the duties of his Professorship at Hampden. But vague and injurious rumors preceded him on his return, and the event of his marriage was found to have ahenated his friends and irritated many who stood ready to take up weapons against him. Slander was busy, suspicion was afloat, and his con- duct the common topic for remark and censure throughout a large portion of the country. "I have lost my influence, he ' observed, and blotted my character as a Christian in public ' opinion throughout all the Eastern States." The students of the Seminary sought to be excused from attending his Lectures ; the confidence of the Trustees in his character,* was, to some extent, weakened, and all his prospects of use- fulness blighted. "The Foreign Missionary Society," he re- marks, "I am certain, would not at present, admit me into ' their service, should I apply to it. No Society which I ' know, would at present, employ me to preach." Thus cast out from the good opinion of a community so deeply indebted to his labours, he resigned his situation April 7th, 1819, and embarked for the South with no treasure but a lofty mind — no guide but Him who often leads his servants through dark and unknown ways to the honours of His kingdom. We attempt not to justify, or even excuse Ashmun, for con- duct which injured both himself and others, and which excited in his own mind repentance not less painful than sin- cere. But his sin was rather against prudence than integrity. It sprang from morbid sensibility and an undisciplined judgment, not from the calculations of a hypocritical, or the baseness of a selfish and malicious soul. Yomig, rash, self- confident, enthusiastic, a passionate admirer of the graces of the female character, he forgot the precepts of wisdom, and while plunging darkly into a perilous abyss, trusted for safety rather to some remarkable interposition, than to the usual and settled order of Providence. •■ See Appendix 2. CHAPTER III. On the 5th of April, 1819, Mr. Ashmun was engaged in preparations for his final departure from Maine. His Journal of this date, shows how deeply and painfully he realized the circumstances connected with this event. He describes him- self as "unusually depressed ; as undecided and irresolute j ' as without any earthly friend near him ; as having no ' definite scheme of future labours or settled prospect be- ' fore him, to fix his attention and direct his efibrts ; finally, ' as weak in faith and disinclined to the duty of prayer, and as ' having by the neglect of this duty, greatly multiplied, and ' foolishly retained his burdens." In the afternoon of the 5th, he left Hampden ; and on the 6th of April, arrived at Bucksport ; from which place, on the 9th, he took passage for New York. The following extracts from his Journal, of the 6th, 7th, and 8th of that month, deve- lope his thoughts and feelings at this time : — "April 6th. — Reading Mather to-day, I was deeply im- ' pressed with the subject of the first chapter, which is the im- 38 LIFE OB' ASHMUN. ' portaiice of living like dying men continually. The next, ' rekindled in my breast a desire to make God's glory my su- ' preme pursuit in life. I saw and felt the importance of im- ' mediately reforming in relation to two besetting sins. I am ' sorely borne down occasionally, but derive some support from ' the Throne of God. In reading Colonel Gardiner's Life ' lately, I found good desires and good resolutions considerably ' strengthened in my mind." "J.pr^Z 7th. — This evening I was invited out to tea with ' Mr. and Mrs. B. and a few of the villagers. I found my pa- ' tience and humility severely tried by the coolness and pointed ' neglect or dislike with which I was treated. May I submit ' myself under the mighty hand of God, and be silent. Why ' should a living man complain — a man for the punishment ' of his sins 1 I know I deserve it from God, and if all my ' guilt were known, should also from my fellow-men." '-^ April 8th. — I spent the day very agreeably and profitably ' with the Rev. Mr. B. Reading Witsius on Election, Ef- ' fectual Calling and Faith — Poole on Revelation — Recorder ' — several articles in Jeremy Taylor's Casuistry — and Dr. ' Lynn and Colonel Dunham's Eulogies on Washington ; I ' sadly neglected to cultivate intercourse and communion with ' God, and wanted the comforts of His spirit." The weather during the earliest days of the voyage, was rough ; yet, Mr. Ashmun, while amid winds and waves which at one time threatened the destruction of the vessel, and much afflicted with sea-sickness, found time for reflection, and to record the following observations : — "I know not that I have gained much as a Theologian, or ' a Christian. 'Tis wrong to live so unprofitably. I am re- ' lieved that I have left my connexions in Maine ; almost every ' object there, brings a painful association. Still I feel con- ' cerncd at the uncertainty of my future condition in life. I ' go forth, I hardly know where, or to what work, with a des- ' ponding mind, and a bleeding character. I fear, I shall for LIFE OP ASHMUN. 39 * the first reason, be unable to act to much effect ; and for the ' second, be unfit for usefubiess m the Church of God. Still * I have not ceased to hope in the arm of the Lord of hosts." Alluding to the severe sickness, which confined him for one whole day to his birth, he exclaims : '-Ah ! what was ' life to me now ! I found for some reason which I have not 'yet scrutinized, that during my sickness, my conscience ' wrought more powerfully than is customary, and my whole ' past hfe seemed in duration a dream — and the world a mere ' show-box of vanities. I was in agony, that amidst so many ' enormous sins, I had done so little in obedience to God, or ' in the service of the Redeemer. O ! how unprepared to die ! ' I greatly needed supports which I did not possess. That ' greatest of all temporal afiiictions, beset me during my suf- ' ferings with overpowering severity. I ought to have learnt, ' that if we watch not, to keep the word of our Saviour's pa- ' tience in seasons of health and exemption from trials. He ' will leave us to burn alone in the midst of the furnace. — ' Though not in despair, perhaps on account of my presump- ' tion and stupidity ; yet, during months past, I have been ' much in doubt of my good estate, and am now far from the ' possession of a comfortable evidence. And did I ever need ' it more ? " To what am I to attribute so serious a calamity, as a state ' of uncertainty, relative to my eternal iDell-heing 7 "First, and chiefly. To my neglect of prayer, meditation, ' self-examination, and the reading of the Scriptures. Under ' the general term neglect, I include remissness in the above ' named duties. "Secondly. To my unsteady mode of life, which has in ' -part, caused those neglects since SejHemher last. "Thirdly. To the slight attention bestoiued on other and ' relative duties. "Fourthly. To the commission of sins of uncommon, if '• not of unprecedented heinousness. 40 1 >P1'- ^^P ASIIMUN. "Ami lastly. To the want of finmiliation on account of ' thrni:' 'Vhc Ycnxink'Me talent of Mr. Ashmiin for observation, and Jln' ;u-(iuisiticni oi' kiunvKHJov, in all circumstances, is strongly illustratoil by tlu- Journal iVonnvhiob tbo prececlino- sentences m-o quoted. We tinil not only a record of bis religious views, but of tlie books read by bini, w itb bis o]>iuions oi' tbeni ; as also notes of tJie courses of tbe wind mid vessel, as well as accounts of the CaiH\s, Islands, Ligbt-honses, and principal Towns piissed by ; tbeir distances troin each otlier, with every inter- estino- fact that could be ascertained in regard to tbeir condi- tiiMiand bistory. No atllictiou rendertxl Mv. Aslunun, when in health, inca- pable of exertion ; and neither bis regret for the past, nor his apprehensions for tbe future, ever caused him to neglect the advantagvs and duties of tbe present moment. His laith in l>rovidence was deep and settled ; and though the waves might dash over his bark, nor sun nor star for many days appear, he still tirmly grasixnl tbe helm, with eyes raised towards Him whom he knew bo\h tlie winds and seas obey. The activity and versiitility of his mind, as well as his religious sensibili- ties dnriui: this voyagt\ will l>e very clearly exhibited in select mssi\ovs, which we here copv, ti-om his Journal. April 13th, 1S19. ''^Saurins Strmons.—Thcsa Sermons are lascinating.— * The vivacity of sentiment and expression, with which they * sparkle, kindliiiir at times into a chastened and atiecting » irlow of eUx]Ucnce, certainly present a model of sermonizing ' highly worthy of imitation, l^it Sauriu. thougli ot\enjusr, ' and seldom dansrerotisli/ erroneous in his expositions of ' Scripture, is very irinieral in his vieA\-s of all dixnrinal snlv ' jei-ts. I Ci\n ei\sily conceive, that under such a Pastor, error * niiiibt creep into a tlock undetected, and produce considera- ' ble ravages, k'foiY the evil would create alarm. -The style of Sauriifs preaching marks, I have supposed. lifj: or abiimln. 41 * the declining fKiriofJ of the Flomish Churches, Saurin's ' impassioned eloquence; nu'^ht fan the dyin^ embers of vital ' piety into a temporary blaze ; but his Sermons could not ad- ' minister that substantial fuel which was necessary to per- ' petuate and increase its wanrit}). "lean conceive of Saurin's animated addresses, and urirent ' exhortatioiLS, given without due discrimination, as of the ' spirited encouraw;rnents of a brave General, which, indeed, ' might quicken the movements of his troof;s, and apparently ' sharpen the combat, while their manoeuvres are regulated by * no system, their shots directed at random, and their intrench- ' ments in the ardour and hurry of the /jght, quite overleaped. ' We would commend the bravejy of the Gf^ieral, and might ' admire the courage and gallantry of his men, but should ' probably see the better disciplined enemy, in the end, nriaster ' of the field.'' April ]^(h. "This morning at six, I found on rising, that we had made * the round shoals of Nantucket, the light bearing about south- ' west, three leagues distant, wind east, light, and weather ' pleasant. "The Town of Nantucket, is situated on the north-western ' part of the island, and Is full in view as we sail down the ' channel. There apf>eared about thirty small sail, at anchor ' before the Town, whicli the Captain said are fishermen and ' whalers principally, and owned by the Lslanders, "The soil of this Lslajjd is more productive than that of ' Cape Cod, and the face of it about equally uneven, and the * surface equally elevated. '^ost of the inhabitants are either Quakers, or the descen- ' dants of Quakers — unite fishing with agriculture, and are ' generally indas-trious, thriving and moral. The dis-tance ' from shore to shore, at Nantucket, is six or eight leagues. — ' From Nantucket light, to that of ITolme's Hole, Martha'.-? ' Vineyard, is thirty miles. 42 LIFE OP ASHMUN. "At half past three, passed Holme's Hole. It is built at the ' bottom of a navigable Bay, which extends inland more than ' two miles. On the extremity of the western head, at the en- * trance of the Bay, is the light. Sailing by H. H. you have ' a fair prospect of Falmouth on the main side, only four ' miles distant from Holme's Hole light. It shows about ' equal to H. Hole. Between the main, and a chain of Islands ' called Elizabeth Islands, which make a part of the south- ' eastern side of Buzzard's Bay, you have a prospect through * from the main channel to the Bay. Small vessels may pass ' through this opening, which is directly west. "Having stood on a little beyond H. Hole light, westward, ' we bore away south-west, through the middle of the chan- ' nel, between Martha's Vineyard and Elizabeth Islands. On ' the largest of these, is a good harbour, called Tarpaulin * Cove, where is a public house and a light. "Martha's Vineyard appears a little more elevated, and * much more productive, than Nantucket, April 15th. "Roclced about until near night, when the wind freshen- ' ing at south-east, we run into Newport Harbour, where I ' went ashore and passed the night. April 16th. "Rose early, and walked through the Town. Found one principal street running from north to south, a little nearer the water than the eastern extremity of the Town, from which short streets led off at right angles either way. East of this street, there are two, and in some parts of the Town, more streets running parallel. West, there is no parallel street. There are several very decent, and one elegant house for public worship. By a singular mixture of the different orders of architecture in the construction of the lofty and highly embellished spire of the latter, its beauty and effect are much impaired. The houses on the princi- LIFE OF ASHMUN. 43 * pal street, are (less than one half) of brick — the other * houses and shops of the Town, are chiefly of wood. "The Fort, built on an Island directly opposite the Town, ' three quarters of a mile distant, presents a very beautiful ' appearance, and is thought to be a place of strength. — • ' There is, likewise, a strong post, on the point of the Island, ' projecting to the south-west of the Town, and making one ' shore of the narrowest part of the channel leading in. "Nearly opposite this post, but farther to the west and south, * on Canonicut Island, is a circular Castle, built of stone, and '■ though small, has a commanding elevation, and the appear- ' ance of strength. "The light at the entrance of Newport Harbour, is on Ca- ' nonicut Island, two miles from Town. From Point Judith ' light, to that on Gull Island, is thirty-five miles. This light ' is at the entrance of Long Island Sound, although Montaug ' Point projects eastward several miles beyond it. "Up the Sound, are Gull Island, New London, Falcon ' Island, New Haven, Huntington and Sandy Point lights. "New York, Sabbath, Ajoril ISth. "Early this morning, our Pilot came aboard, and before ' nine, we were safely moored. "Attended at Dr. Mason's church, Murray street, in the af- ' ternoon. The services were conducted by a Clergyman who ' appeared to be a man of education and piety, and a Scotch- ' man ; forcible in his delivery, energetic and perspicuous in ' his style ; he was deficient in nothing necessary for a good ' preacher, except elegance and modesty. ''April 20th. "This morning, got under sail for Baltimore. The nar- ' rows, nine miles from New York, are fortified 1st, by a ' strong work on a little Island situated near the Long Island ' shore. "'2nd. By a battery, not so strong, on the Long Island ' side, nearly level with the water, and perhaps by a battery 44 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ' on the height above. But this I could not, from the water, * discover if there be any. "3rd. By a powerful battery on Staten Island side, di- ' rectly opposite the works on the east side, and just above ' high water level. "4th. By a still stronger fortification on the heights, di^ ' rectly in the rear of the last mentioned, and overlooking it ' entirely. "The channel, is here perhaps, three quarters of a mile ' wide ; ship channel, about south-west, six or eight miles, * after passing the narrows, and thence south, south-east, ' nearly to Sandy Hook light. "Went ashore at Sandy Hook. Found the whole point of ' the Peninsula to have been formed by the rake of the sea, ' on a sandy bottom. The old man keeping the light, in- ' formed us that since the building of the principal light- ' house, 1762, the whole of the Peninsula north of it, had ' been formed by the action of the sea. This alluvial point, ' is at least half a mile in extent. The sand is very coarse, ' yellow, and, only in the interior of the Hook, mingled with ' a very small portion of vegetable mould. There are three ' lights on this point. The first house, built 1762, is of stone, ' octagonal, eight stories, exclusive of the basement, four feet ' high. Height from the foundation, one hundred and two ' feet. Its light revolves — has eighteen lamps, six ranged ' on each side of a triangular frame, so that thrice every ' minute, the light alternately brightens and lessens, and is ' thus distinguished from every other light on the American ' coast. Nine hundred gallons of oil are consumed annually, ' in feeding the lamps in this and the two inferior lights on ' this point. "The upper story of this light-house, has its floor entirely ' coppered ; and the sides entirely glazed with iron window ' sashes. The cap is either of sheet iron or copper, and at ' the apex, is the funnel. The lumps consist of a tin pot. LIFE OF ASHMUN. 45 ' which contains the oil — a cyhnder in which the wick is ' inserted and bums, fed from the tin pot in the rear — a ' glass cylinder in which the blaze is enclosed, and a copper ' backed burnished semi-spherical concave reflector of fifteen ' inches diameter. "The frame is carried round by a little simple machinery, ' wrought by means of a weight that descends through five ' stories and is raised by means of a crank at top. Monday, April 26th. "At half past seven o'clock this morning, went ashore on ' the extremity of the point, (Little Point Comfort) which we ' found indeed to be completely insulated at high water. Lit- ' tie Point Comfort is a barren neck of land, composed almost ' entirely of fine white sand. Its light is sixty feet high, the ' house built of cut stone of considerable size. Compared ' with the light-house at Sandy Hook, the structure of this is ' very slight, consisting of a single layer of stones from bottom ' to top. The steps in the stairway, are each a single stone, ' resting on the one next below, at one end, for support, and ' inserted into the wall at the other. The light does not re- ' volve — is produced by nine lamps, arranged in two tiers, ' and fixed on a circular frame. The coppered and inside ' burnished reflectors, are of the same construction as those of ' Sandy Hook ; and in front of each, through which every ray ' is refracted, is placed a plane convex lens, of eight inches di- ' ameter, consisting of a species of green coloured glass, such ' as is used for sky lights in the quarter decks of vessels. "The shrubbery of this spot, is to me, almost entirely new. ' It consisted of live oak, ivy, myrtle, whortle bushes, prickly ' pears, cedar and coarse marsh grass, such as I saw at Sandy ' Hook. The land is a perfect level. The soil loose and san- ' dy, but by no means unproductive. A few apple trees were ' seen in a flourishing state. Peach and cherry trees produce ' the best fruit and yield it plentifully. The planter whom ' we visited, has a small family of six or eight slaves em- 46 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ' ployed, males and females, in planting- sweet potatoes. Saw ' a small patch of land on which cotton had been raised ' the last year. I'he plant is eighteen inches high — branches ' forth in long slender twigs in every direction. It is planted ' in rows three feet asunder, and the plants are about eighteen ' inches apart, I should judge that six or eight pods or burs, ' might grow on a single plant. The seeds are lodged in the ' gromid in May, and the cotton gathered in September. "Negroes perform nearly the whole of the labour in this ' part of Virginia. The opinion I have formed of their treat- ' ment here, is favourable to the humanity of their masters. — ' They appear cheerful, hearty, and some of them, even ro- ' bust. The houses provided to shelter them are small, and ' many of them of wretched appearance. I judge they are ' incommoded by the smallness of the apartments into which ' the husbands and wives, parents and children of numerous ' families are sometimes crowded together. "Generally no leisure or respite is allowed the slaves, ex- ' cepting on the Sabbath. The value of a man slave is en- ' hanced to his master, when he has, on the same plantation, ' a wife to whom he is attached and diminished, when his ' wife belongs to another plantation. "Every plantation in this part of Virginia, is supposed to ' manufacture the clothing of the negroes that belong to it, ' from the rearing of the raw material to the forming of the ' cloth into garments. The dress of the men and boys, is ' either of white or coloured cotton cloth — a mixture of cot- ' ton and wool, or wool alone. Whatever may be the mate- ' rial, the fabric is very coarse. Some of the men have shoes, ' and all are furnished with hats or caps. The dress of the ' men consists of a short or jacket, coat, shirt, and trowsers ; ' of the women, of a frock and petticoat, together with some ' covering for the head; and in the winter, shoes and stock- ' ings. The dress of the females, is a strong, double, coarse, ' white cloth. LIFE OF ASHMUN. 47 "To clothe a negro a year, costs from twenty to thirty dol- * lars. His services may be purchased for from fifty to sev- ^ enty dollars. A woman's for about half the same. The * price of an able bodied negro man, is from five to seven < hundred dollars. "The slaves are ignorant, without any principles of reli- * gion, or commonly of morality, and doubtless as vicious as < their condition and constant application to labour, will per- ' mit them to be. "Dig-ressio7t. — On Friday last, after our Pilot had stept ' aboard our Schooner from his boat, he asked if we would ' give to a poor fellow a passage to Baltimore? Being an- ' swered in the affirmative, a young man of genteel figure, ' but in a very rusty dress, and of uncleanly appearance, dis- ' covered himself above the companion way of the Pilot boat, ' and without trunk or bundle, sprung aboard. He waved an ' affectionate adieu to those he left behind, and by his pronun- * ciation, showed himself to be a foreigner. His clothing was ' worth to a person furnished with any other, less than five ' dollars. He soon discovered himself to be profane and dis- ' solute ; and to have been reduced from better circumstances ' to his present most pitiable condition. "During the remainder of the passage, we learned, that he ' is a native of the Isle of Man — of reputable parentage, and ' whose youth had been spent in the lap of mistaken indul- ' gence. For at least a dozen years, he was attached to the ' British Army and Navy, alternately ; in connection with ' which, he had served in different capacities — but never ' held a commission in either. He had served in India, South * America, the Mediterranean, Spain, British America, and ' the north of Europe. Had received in fourteen different ' engagements, as many different wounds ; lost two brothers, ' the one in South America, and the other in Spain. And ' about nine months ago, in order to see the United States, ' left the British service, contrary to the advice of those 48 LIFE OF ASHMUN, ' whose counsel should have governed him, and was passing ' on foot, through the forest of New Brunswick, in order to ' gain our eeistern settlements, when he was met and attacked ' by a bear, from which he with difficulty escaped with his ' life. As singular as the facts may be, I think his statement ' is corroborated by that which appeared soon after, in the ' public papers, that without any weapon of defence, a man ' had closed with the animal who reared himself for the as- ' sault ; and while nearly crushed to death in the rude em- ' brace of his savage assailant, had the presence of mind to ' draw a knife from his pocket, and actually deliver his own ' life, by destroying that of the bear. He suffered severely, ' and has hardly recovered from the injuries he sustained. "Having arrived in the United States, he loitered from ' town to town, without engaging in any regular employ- ' ment that might gain him an honourable and permanent ' livelihood. "In Norfolk, where he arrived in a packet Irom N. York, ' a few days ago, he spent the last of his money, and pawned, ' for less than half their value, every article of clothing with ' which he could dispense, and appear in the streets without ' positive indecency ; and thus destitute, undertook to per- ' form a journey on foot, from that town to Baltimore, two ' hundred miles. Having travelled to York, not more than ' thirty miles, which he was three days in effecting, he found ' himself entirely pennyless, and too lame to proceed. At no ' great distance from that place, his entreaties prevailed with ' the master of a Pilot boat, to receive him on board, in order * to obtain for him, if possible, a passage to Baltimore, in some ' vessel bound up the bay. He had now been on board the ' boat about a week. His object in visiting Baltimore, is to ' ask -pecuniary assistance of relatives living in that place ; or ' to obtain a birth in some South American Privateer ; or a ' passage to that country, in order to regain a theatre of war, ' on which alone he appears fitted or able to act a part, that LIFE OF ASHMUN. 49 ^ will secure him from the most abject indigence, and morti- • fyiug sufferings. "This affecting case enforces many a salutary and instruc- ' tive lesson. "1st. Reason may be impaired almost to extinction, by ' the habitual indulgence of the appetites. This young man ' would not, and with scarce a figure of speech, it may be ' said, he could not calculate, while spending his last dollar ' in scenes of dissipation and intemperance, on the most obvi- ' ous, direct, and inevitable consequences of his folly. Until ' he actually felt the accumulated distresses which he now ' suffers, his reasoning powers were, from long disuse, unable ' to apprize him of their approach, when even the next step ' was about to give him the plunge. "2nd. It would be absolutely impossible to convince this ' young man, that there are any religious or intellectual plea- ' sures worth the seeldng, or even the possession. So entirely ' subdued are all the nobler fkculties of the man, by the exces- • sive indulgence of those of the brute, that he is hardly con- ' scious of possessing any other. If we except those plea- ' sures which are purely animal, and those derived through ' the medium of a most voluptuous imagination, he knows ' and can know, in this world, not the shadow of enjoyment. ' I greatly question, whether any habit of acting, or abstinence ' which he can form, to say nothing of the difficulty of en- • gaging him in a different course — a difficulty which has ' seldom or never been overcome in a similar case — I say ' that no habit he can form, would, without a supernatural ' change of his moral taste and affections, render any other ' than a life of sensual indulgence, tolerable. "What is true in his case, may be in others ; and sanctions ^ this general maxim: — Every repetition of criminal sensual ^ indulgence, tends to merge the intellectual in the animal ' part of the man. And when from inveterate habit, the ap- ^ petites acquire the ascendancy, the way of reformation is 7 50 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ' effectually barred. Divine grace "alone can remove the ob- ' structions, and that only by renewins^ the heart. "3rd. Another lesson derived from this case, is, that the ' dissolute man will sacrifice everi/ other thing to his degrad- ' ing pleasures — his soul — his friends — his reputation — his ' veracity — none are too valuable to be immolated, if immo- ' lated they must be, or his pleasures relinquished. "4th. A dissolute life destroys that sensibility which the ' near approach of death awakens in the mind of the reflecting ' and virtuous man. Two causes may be assigned for this ' fact : The one, that such are without a habit of reflection, ' and measure their miseries rather by what deprives them, ' and what they feel depriving thetn, of sensual enjoyments, ' than by what they anticipate. Their principle of estimating ' their circumstances, (if they can be said to form estimates ' by any principle) is depressed towards that which actuates ' the unthinking consciousnesses (for want of a better word), ' of irrational animals, when such evils or delights as awaken ' their sensations, approach them. It is little more than sen- ' sation. "Another cause which commonly operates to produce in ' the minds of the dissolute, a profound insensibility to the ' fear of death, is a defective and erroneous view of the na- ' ture of death, as respects its consequences. Whatever may ' have conduced to their profligacy, will itself either cut them ' ofi" from the means of correct religious instruction, or prevent ' religious doctrines and all serious ideas from acquiring a ' seat in their mind. The most formidable quality that, in the ' estimation of our profligate, death possesses, is its power to ' end his revels, and remove him from the scene of his earthly ' delight. "Blessed religion of my Saviour, whose principles fortify ' the soul against the assaults of temptation, from the appe- ' tites ! Whose efficacy alone can rescue the enslaved soul LIFE OP ASHMUN. 51 ' from their power, O may I biiid its doctrines on my heart, ' and carry its spirit into all the details of my conduct." Several other extracts from this Journal, will be found La the Appendix. How depressed were his spirits, and yet how sustained he was, by considerations becoming his character and profession, will be manifest from the thoughts left on record by him, just before landing at Baltimore. ''April 29. "I am wearied with the profaneness, vulgarity, senseless ' garrulity and levity of the uncultivated crew with which I * sail. This is now the 21st day of my confinement on board, ' excepting two days spent in New York. I am wearied with ' the frequent disappointments that have occurred in our pro- ' gress. I am wearied with my confinement to a small, ' crowded, filthy cabin ; to a still more filthy and lumbered ' steerage ; and to a deck loaded with spruce logs, piled ' more than six feet high. There is hardly a lucid spot ' amid the general gloom. If I look for friends, alas ! I ' have not one on whose bosom I can repose this Picad, ' with perfect complacency, and unqualified confidence ! — ' There is not a being on earth from whom I have the most ' distant hope of receiving the least aid in preparing for fu- ' ture usefulness and happiness in life, or in obtaining an ' eligible situation, when prepared. The God of Heaven ' must be my patron, or I have none. I am going into the ' midst of strangers. . Not the least acquaintance have I with ' an individual I ever expect to see again, in the State of Ma- ' ryland or Virginia. I am now twenty-five years of age ; al- ' most three from College ; have no profession ; and my em- ' ployment has been such since I left College, as to form me ' to habits unfavourable to the acquisition of one. I am in- ' volved in debt, possess neither books nor money, and have a ' delicate and beloved wife to provide for. I am wearied ' with the same daily round of dull employment and still ' duller mdulgences; of studying ni cncumstances forbidding 52 LIFE OF ASHMUN. the exercise of half the strength of my mental powers ; of sleeping immoderately, because I have nothing to do, or to enjoy, sufficiently interesting to keep me awake ; of con- versing on subjects, and in a style but ill suited to afford me much satisfaction in accommodation to the taste and capa- cities of my companions, and of eating for amusement while the inactive manner of passing my time, scarcely renders food necessary. "I am disgusted with my heart, when I look within. I am grieved with my conduct, when I review my life. I am dissatisfied with my friends and acquaintance, and they with whom I have recently been more intimately associated. The past is a blank or a field of strife, or a scene of trials. The present is tasteless ; all around me, and respecting me is un- real and unsatisfactory. The future is a dreary expanse of storms and clouds, pervaded, indeed, by a few faint gleams of hope. I am broken with disappointments ; have been rob- bed by the perfidy and ignorance of supposed friends, and the malevolence of enemies, of my reputation, worth more than life. The frown of Heaven is upon me. My hopes for eternity are clouded. My soul is full of carnal desires and worldly attachments. And how I support these bur- dens, is to me unaccountable. But away with these com- plaints, and let me repress every needless emotion of con- cern. God, who I hope has loved me in his Son, from eter- nity, is powerful, and good, and faithful, as in the day of my espousals. Why should a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins 7 Though the fig tree should not blossom, 6^c. Though the mountains should he carried into the midst of the sea, 6^c. Let none of these things trouble me, 6,''c. Here are promises enough, rich enough, large enough, free enough. Have I faith or a hearty de- sire, a desire which God sees and approves as sincere, to em- brace them ? LIFE OP ASHMUN. 53 '^April 30. Baltimore appears in sight. While I feli- citate myself in being so near the end of an unpleasant and protracted voyage, the whole distance being about one thou- sand miles, I still feel a degree of concern in looking into futurity. A new era commences in my life, the moment I step ashore. O God, thou hast been my hope and my firm support in the past years of my life. Do not forsake me now, though my sins render it more suitable that I should be abandoned to myself, than ever before ; and more than ever since I first confided in Thee, discourage my hope and weaken my confidence in thy mercy. Raise me, O God, and hold me up. Go with me and lead me into the midst of strangers in a strange place. Suffer me not to be reduced to poverty and want, lest I be diverted from my great object. I desire not wealth without an increase of grace, lest I be lifted up — more fatally attached to the world, and less de- voted to the service of the Redeemer. Give me the wisdom of a serpent, the gentleness of a dove, the active, persevering spirit of thine ancient Apostles, ever to deserve in the esti- mation of my fellow-men a fair reputation, and above all, the honour to turn many to righteousness, and then, grace to ascribe to Thee alone, all honour, thanksgiving and glory, forever, through Jesus Christ. Amen." Who that is acquainted with human nature, does not see amid the morbid feelings and unsubdued passions of Ash- mun, at this crisis, a faith of power, both in the Provi- dence and word of God, working to overcome all that op- posed it, and with an energy which nothing could long be able to resist ? CHAPTER IV. The mind of Ashmiin was earnest, bold and independent. It has been remarked by a friend, that his independence in- creased with his difficulties and embarrassments. His spirit rose unbroken and triumphant from beneath the heaviest weight of misfortune. His errors in judgment at this period, related rather to the opinions and dispositions of others, than to his own abilities. They grew out of inexperience and that enthusiasm which too frequently imparts to objects the hues of the imagination, rather than "the colours of reason." He had been more successful, had he expected less from others ; not less successful, had he looked for more from himself. Immediately after his arrival in Baltimore, he sought the acquaintance of several respectable Clergymen, rented a house, and issued proposals for receiving under his instruc- tion, a select class of young ladies, to be educated in the higher branches of literature and science. His views in this respect, were so little encouraged, that he soon turned his thoughts to the establishment of a weekly paper, of a religious 56 LIFE OF ASHMUN. character, and designed especially to give regular abstracts of Missionary and other religious intelligence. Several thou- sand copies of the first number of this paper, "The Con- stellation," were printed, and vigorous measures adopted to extend its circulation. To a friend he writes : "You must ' be prepared to learn, that by many, it is neglected— by ma- ' ny suspected — by many disapproved — by many patronized, ' and its appearance hailed as auspicious to Baltimore. All ' this I expected ; and if I regret any thing, it is that the two ' first numbers have not a more fixed and prominent evange- ' lical character. I had my motives for sending it out as I ' did ; but had I to commence the paper anew, I should draw ' the lineaments of its intended character, a little more dis- ' tinctly." Owing to various causes, principally to want of general information concerning the views and character of the Edi- tor, all hope of succeeding with this paper, soon vanished; and Ashmun found himself involved in debt, among stran- gers, with no prospect of immediate and profitable employ- ment. Several members of the Maryland Episcopal Convention, then in session at Baltimore, were desirous of establishing, in the District of Columbia, a periodical publication, which, re- sembling in evangelical character the Christian Observer, should be a repository for whatever might advance the cause of literature, humanity, or divine truth ; and a gentleman* of * The Rev. Dr. Keith, of the Episcopal Theological Seminary, in this Dis- trict, who has favoured me with the following observations and anecdote, con- cerning Ashmun : "He was as remarkable in youth, as in mature years. A most decided, en- ergetic character, determined, if possible, to accomplish something on a large scale, for the benefit of the human race. He was a very good specimen of the old Puritan character, and would have been in his element among the first settlers of New England. He was a first rate scholar, and most deter- mined and devoted Christian. He was a student of the Academy at Middle- LIFE OF ASHMUN. 57 the Convention, a friend of Mr. Ashmun at College, sug- gested that he should accompany him to Washington, and oc- cupy the situation of instructer, in a respectable family, until arrangements could be made for his permanent connection with the proposed publication.* The suggestion was adopt- ed, and Mr. Ashmun proceeded, the next day, to Wash- ington. Not unfrequently, in the Divine Wisdom, are the lines of Providence (long concealed from human view, and so far as known by their immediate effects, in their relations and directions distinct,) revealed, converging towards the same point, and finally uniting on one and the same great object of good to mankind. The Episcopal Church in America, before the Revolution, though it embraced in its communion a large portion of the wealth and intelligence of bury, entered College there, and in his senior year, I think, went to Burling- ton, where he grraduated. After leaving Maine, he came to Baltimore, and commenced the publication of a religious paper called the Constellation. He was without funds, and his paper did not succeed. He published but one number, (it was a weekly,) consisting of 4,000, which he sent round the city, in the hope of getting subscribers; but I believe he did not obtain more than two or three hundred. He was a stranger there, and had no friends or patrons. He had, besides, contracted a debt to the printer, and for his board. Happening to be in Baltimore at this time, to my great surprise, I found him there, which gave me the first intelligence of his having left Maine. * * * *****! persuaded him to come on with me. "We were to start in the stage together; it was in the month of June. On coming to the stage-office at 5 in the morning, instead of Ashmun, I found a note from him, saying, that his straitened circumstances rendered it proper for him to travel in a cheaper way, and that he would meet me in Georgetown. On the arrival of the stage at Washington, the first person I met, was my expected fellow-traveller ; and on inquiry how he arrived there before the stage, which was in by eleven o'clock, was informed that he had walked ! ! Instead of taking the School, however, he undertook the publica- tion of the Repertory, and became a candidate for orders in the P. E. Church. * The Theological Repertory. s 58 LIFE OF ASHMUN. the southern colonies, was feeble in discipline, deficient in piety, and very inadequately supplied with Ministers of zeal and power. To no individual, perhaps, is this Church more indebted for her establis^iment on broad and solid foundations, than to Granville Sliarp. At the close of the Revolutionary war, there was no Bishop residing in America. After the Declaration of Independence, as no American Clergyman would take an oath of allegiance to the King, Episcopal ordi- nation could not be obtained. Mr. (Sharp was well known in the United States by his writings against the slave trade and slavery, and for his con- sistent and able defence of the rights of the colonies. Seve- ral of his Tracts had been widely circulated by Anthony Benezet and other members of the Society of Friends ; and he ever regarded the success of his endeavours for the establish- ment of Episcopacy in this country, "as one of the extraordi- nary effects of the zealous exertions of the Quakers, jointly with the Author of those Tracts, in the cause of African free- dom ; though neither party had the least idea of any such consequence arising from their united labours." These ex- ertions had secured for Mr. Sharp, a high reputation for wis- dom and integrity. Great respect was felt for his opinions on any subject ; and venerating, as he did, the doctrines and liturgy of the English Church, he deemed it his duty to exert all his influence with the friends of that Church in this coun- try, and her prelates in England, for introducing into Ameri- ca, the order of Bishops; hoping that it might prove, in the language of the English common-law, the strength of the Republic,* and greatly conduce to the progress and triumphs of Christianity. In a note to the Law of Retribution, published in 1776, and subsequently, in two other Tracts, Mr. Sharp main- tained the right of the Clergy, and people of every diocese, to * Ordo Episcoporum est robiir reipublicae. LlfE OF ASHMUN. 59 ^ecl their own Bishop ; and while by these writings* and an ■a-ctive correspondence with Dr. Franklin and other eminent men in this country, lie did much to promote the election of Bishops by the American Episcopal Convention ; by his ■etforts with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and other Digni- taries of the same Church, he obtained assurances that the obstacles to ordination should be removed-, and that persons selected by the American Convention, and duly qualified for the Episcopal office, should receive consecration at their hands. On the 4th of February, 1787, Mr. Sharp had the happi- ness of witnessing the consecration of two Bishops elect, from America, Dr. White of Pennsylvaniat and Dr. Prevoost of New York, (and subsequently, in 1790, of Dr. Madison of Virginia,) by the English Primate. While he thus saw accomplished, an object for which he had long laboured in the most zealous and indefatigable manner, he disclaims all idea of merit for his exertions, and devoutly attributes the success of them, entirely to the Providence of God. How woiild this great Philanthropist rejoice to know, that the Church, for which, during her infancy, he evinced so deep a concern, has risen to manly strength; extended her in- fluence; multiplied her numbers; brought to her ministrations distinguished learning, talent and piety; and especially, that his own benevolent spirit towards the African race, animates the hearts of many of her honoured sons, who at all liazards, and any sacrifices, would transplant, from America so blest by his labours, to Africa that so shared in his sympathies, the * One tract on Congregational Courts, and the otheron theElection of Bish- ops. "This latter, was particularly useful in promoting Episcopacy in America. Even Dr. Franklin (bred a Dissenter) and Dr. Rush declared their approba- tion of it in letters to the Author ; and the two first Bishops that were sent to England for consecration, declared that they should not have been sent, had not the Author's endeavours prompted the business." — Memoirs of G- ■Sharp. ] The present Right Rev. William White of that State. 60 LIFE OF ASHMUN. germs and principles of ail human improvement.* Who call estimate the value of the blessings which tliis Church is ca- pable of conferring upon Africa ! And considering the extent and power of her infliience in the Southern States, and the energy and liberality with which her most enlightened mem- bers in those States have sustained the cause of African Colo- nization, may we not hope, that the same Providence, which, by the etibrts of Granville Sharp for the relief of the distressed Africans, wrought to strengthen her interests and complete her organization, will work in her mightily to regenerate Af- rica and to build up over that vast continent of superstition and crime, the empire of truth, liberty and holiness? Nor can the connection of Mr. Ashmun with this Church, and the Theological Repertory devoted to its interests, be deemed an unimportant event, as it tended powerfully to awaken amona: its members that zeal and eftbrt in behalf of Africa, which are contributing to elevate her v/retched chil- dren to all the privileges and honours of a Christian people. ' Soon after his arrival at Washington, the arrangements for the publication of the Repertory, a monthly Magazine of thir- ty-two pages, were concluded, and the first number made its appearance in the month of August. The Episcopal Clergy of the District of Columbia, exercised over this work a gene- ral superintendence, while the ordinary duties of Editor, and the whole of its pecuniary concerns, were assumed by Mr. Ashmun. No similar work then existed South of New York, and the conductors of the Repertory felt urged by * The Biographer of Mr. Sharp, may have estimated too highly his influ- ence in promoting the interests cf the Episcopal Church in America. From reference to the venerable Bishop White's History of this Church in the U. States, the writer is of opinion, that such is the fact. Bishop White pub- lished his own opinions tending to the introduction of the Laity into the Ec- clesiastical Counsels, as early as 1783, and , various causes contributed to place the Episcopal Church in America on its present foundation ; yet Mr. Sharp's agency w^as important — his efforts early, constant, and persevering. LIFE OF ASIIMUN. 61 the peculiar wants and circumstances of the Episcopal Church, and by the increasing necessities for religious in- telligence and enterprise, to inculcate in its pages, not on- ly sound doctrine, but a spirit of enlarged Christian be- nevolence. They sought to raise the standard of individual piety, to inflame the zeal, enliven the hopes, concentrate the action, and extend and augment the charity of the Church. AM the articles for this work were examined and arranged by Mr, Ashmun; many were from his own pen; and the high respectability of its character, and the extensive patronage which it soon received, are in great measure to be attributed to the activity and resolution with which he devoted himself to its interests. He visited Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York, and engaged in an extensive correspondence to pro- mote its circulation. A Review of the Second Annual Report of the Ame- rican Colonization Society, written by Mr. Ashmun, and pub- lished in the earliest numbers of the Repertory, shows how carefully, even then, he had investigated the principles and facts on which this Society is founded; how he comprehended its various relations and the vastness of its object; and how thorough was his conviction, that a Colony to accomplish any benevolent purpose, must be pervaded by the spirit and pow er of Christianity. The introduction to this Review, is in the following words : "Never, perhaps, in the History of man, has an object af- ' fording equal scope for the exercise of Christian benevo- ' lence, been found capable of engaging in its support such a ' compass and variety of powerful motives, as that of the Ame- ' rican Colonization Society. Though in itself this object is ' simple and definite, and to superficial observation, of limited ' and even questionable utility, the beneficial consequences ' of its success gradually unfold to the mind, on a rational in- ' vestigation of its nature, and may be traced up to the high- * est pitch of moral magnificence. 62 LtFE OF ASHMUN. "On a comparative survey of the different benevolent enter- ' prises in which rehgion and humanity have hitherto enga- < ged the various portions of the American community, we ' state it as our decided conviction, that the Colonization of ' the free blacks of this country in Africa, is an object deserv- ' ing to be ranked among the most rational, practicable and ' beneficial; and has powerful claims on their prompt and ' united support. And among all the anniversary reports to ' which the systematic prosecution of these enterprises has ' given rise, we venture to say, that none has been read with ' more awakened attention, and deeper interest, by the Ameri- ' can Public, than that, the title of which stands at the head ' of this article." In the conclusion, his views of the qualifications indispen- sable for the officers of the proposed Colony, and the basis upon which it should rest, are thus strongly stated . "On a subject so important as that of the character and ca- ' pability of those who are to act as the Instructers and Magis- ' tl-ates, and to administer the affairs of the Colony, there can ' hardly be any discrepancy of opinion. That instructers ' should be men of piety- — ^that magistrates should be upright, ' prudent, and discerning — that both should exhibit a strictly ' moral and virtuous deportment, none can doubt. And that ' all should be decidedly Christian in. profession, principles ' and temper, who will hesitate to decide, that considers the ' nature of the establishment, the durability of all impressions ' made upon its early character — and the influence which ' the example of sucli as huld conspicuous stations, never ' fails to exert. * * * "It is an opinion which we believe is built on incontestible ' grounds, that an African Colony, in order to answer any ' benevolent design, must have for its basis the promotion of '■ the Christian Religion — first, within the Colony itself, ' and subsequently, by means of the Colony among the ' contiguous tribes. Of these objects, the last is so in- LIFE OP ASHMUN. 63 ' volved in the firgt, that to this alone, our remarks shall be ' confined. "It is undeniable that a community may be established un- ' der the most refined and excellent system of civil policy — ■ ' that it may cultivate to any extent, the arts, the sciences, the ' literature of civilized society; it may add to its refinement, ' wealth and power — and to these the customary appendages ' of national greatness, and still exhibit in its irreligious and ' heathenish character, the most affecting marks of national ' debasement and moral wretchedness. "The amount of religious knowledge possessed by the Af- ' rican class of our population, bond or free, is unhappily ' small; and the influence of Christian principles among ' them, feeble indeed. And it hardly need be inquired, what, ' after a few years, would be the religious character of a Colo- '■ ny of black people, collected even from this Christian coun- '■ try, and fixed without the means of Christian improvement ' in the midst of African Paganism. They would speedily ' divest themselves of every vestige of superiority in their re- ' ligious notions or practice to their surrounding neighbours, ' and cease to be distinguishable from them, except by the ' sturdiness and variety of their vices. Their irreligion ' would render them immoral— their immorality factious, con- ' temptible and wretched. * * Will any deed of benevo- ' lence in relation to them, be performed by the simple process ' of their removal from this country? Let the early history ' of Sierra Leone reply. Those Colonists, though not utterly ' without the privileges of religion, yet enjoyed so irregular ' and defective a supply, that, with a few exceptions, they ' wasted away an unprofitable existence, uninfluenced by its ' spirit, and died without its hopes. "The settlement of Sierra Leone never experienced prospe- ' rity, till through the influence of the Church Missionary So- ' ciety, its form and administration were strictly accommoda- ' ted to the religious improvement of the people. There is 64 LIFE OF ASHMU^f. ' now not a child in the Colony for which provision is not ' made to afford it a competency of useful learning and reli- ' gious instruction — not an adult for whom a seat is not pre- ' pared in the Sanctuary. Since the propitious era marked ' by the commencement of this state of things, the settlement ' has exhibited an aspect of vigour and health unknown be- ' fore. "We hesitate not to declare our opinion, that no Colonist ' should be suffered to land in Africa, who with his offspring, ' cannot enjoy in a good extent the advantage of Christian in- ' struction. Infinitely preferable is a state of bondage, in a ' land where they may acquire a knowledge of the true God, ' and the great Salvation, than to be abandoned to ignorance ' and vice, on the remote shores of Africa. "But the Christian Religion is the only basis on which a ' prosperous Colony can be reared; and it is a sure one."* During his connection with the Repertory, (a period of nearly three years,) not only did Mr. Ashmun continue to send forth through its columns, much intelligence concern- ing Africa, the slave trade, and the American Colonization Society; but in 1820, with the approbation of the Managers of thdt Society, he commenced the publication of the Af- rican Intelligencer, a monthly Journal, of thirty-two pages, designed to give a complete view of the proceedings of the Colony — of the Board in this country — of the mea- sures of Government for the suppression of the slave trade — as also to illustrate by facts, and enforce by arguments, the claims of the African cause. He had for some time sought diligently, to add to his knowledge of Africa, and of all plans proposed for her benefit; and at Washington had neglected no means of ascertaining fully, the views and purposes of the Managers of the Colonization Society. They respected his talents, had occasionally availed themselves of his services, * Appendix 3. LIFE OF ASHMUN. 65 aiid were prepared to expect from his labours, as Editor of the InteUigencer, great and beneficial results. Unfortunately, no general interest was felt in the object of the work, which appeared in a solitary number, and expired. At this period, Mr. Ashmun was greatly perplexed and agi- tated on the subject of a profession for life. "Indeed," he re- marks, "my mind has been distracted on this subject, since ' the autumn of 1818. iSo nearly balanced have been the ' reasons for and against entering upon the sacred Ministry of ' the Gospel, as either to hold my mind completely in a state ' of suspense, or to prevent my engaging with vigour in the ' requisite preparations. iSeveral times, certainly not less than ' three, have I been on the point of abandoning all further ' thoughts of the sacred profession, and turning my attention ' to some other pursuit." Though he had been licensed to preach by the Congregational Clergy of Maine, and for two years had successfully proclaimed the Gospel under their sanction, the painful events that occasioned his departure from that state, and the peculiar circumstances in which he found himself at the South, constituted valid reasons, in his judgment, for uniting himself to the communion, and engag- ing in the service, of the Episcopal Church. After his arri- val at Washington, he regularly attended on divine worship in this Church, — on one occasion preached, and at an early day, entered his name as a candidate for ordination in the Di- ocese of Virginia. His views of religious truth, continued mainly unchanged; while the more he examined and the bet- ter he knew the Church, with which he now stood connect- ed, the stronger became his attachment to her worship, disci- pline, and polity.* In January, 1821, he considered, seriously, the question, * Mr. Ashmun was no high-churchman. He would have concurred fully, I doubt not, in the following remarks of the Rev. Leonard Bacon in his "Man- ual for Young Church Members," a book which deserves to be read by every Minister and member of the Church : "There is no high-church doctrine in 9 66 LIFE OF ASHMUN. whether or not, he should enter the Ministry. He had then reached the 27th year of his age. "I can," he observes, "look ' over my last two years, as over the blank leaves of my note * book; or rather the miserable waste paper, covered with ' blots and unintelligible scrawls, and a thousand useless scraps ' of Latin, poetry, half finished sentences, and a midnight spec- ' ulation on the moon. I have dipped into many studies, * but mastered none. I doubt, indeed, whether my mind is ' in so well disciplined a state, or is in any degree better fur- ' nished, than at that time. The Lord forgive me." "O ' God, my Judge," he exclaims, "aid me with thy unerring ' guidance. May I not judge nor decide rashly. May I ' properly depend on the intimations of thy Spirit and thy ' Providence; and properly exercise my own reason and judg- ' ment; and in my final decision, preserve a good conscience, ' and obtain thy blessing; and whatever pursuit I adopt, may ' I still be thy entire and devoted servant; and hold, as I have ' professed before many witnesses, all my powers, and all my ' influence sacredly consecrated to Thee, in Jesus Christ my ' Lord and Redeemer. Amen." To this question, Mr. Ashmun brought all the energies of his mind, — it occupied his thoughts almost exclusively for several days, and he sought direction from the oracles of God. That sense of Religion which enables its professor to discern the New Testament. I do not mean by a high-churchman, one who holds to this or that particular form of Church order; for as I understand the word, there are high-churchmen in every sect. By a high-churchman, I mean any man, whether Episcopalian, Presbyterian, or Congregationalist, who believes that his form of church organization has an exclusive divine right, and that every church not formed exactly according to the pattern which he imagines he has seen in the mount, is guilty of schism, of usurpation, and of offering strange fire before God. Such a man finds himself constrained to stand aloof from all Christian intercourse with those who are not of his ecclesiastical household, and to act as if his distinguishing principles of church order were of more importance than all the points of Christian truth which he and the 'dissenters' hold in common. It is in reference to this exclusiveness, where- ver it maybe found, that I say, there is no high-church doctrine in the New Testament." LIFE OF ASHMUN. 67 in present actions the seeds of good or evil everlasting, ren- dered him cautious in forming a decision, in the consequen- ces of which the highest interests of himself and others might be deeply involved.* That he had early devoted himself to the Ministry, in gratitude to God for his deliverance from condemnation and the power of sin; had professed this to be his only object du- ring his classical studies; had often privately renewed the dedication of himself to this work] had already for two years preached the Gospel with success; had since his ces- sation therefrom, relaxed from the strictness of Christian du- ty and lost much of religious consolation; that in the view of the world, his piety and consistency might appear questiona,- ble, should he engage in any other pursuit; all these weighty considerations urged him to decide upon the Ministry as a profession: While a consciousness of past imprudences and a belief that these would be magnified by the ungenerous; that the enemies of religion would impute them to his principles, and Christianity suffer thereby; that his motives for leaving the Congregational Church would never be so understood by his Congregational and Presbyterian brethren, as to revive towards him, in their minds, perfect confidence; that such confidence could hardly be expected, even from Clergymen of his own Church; that consequently his own zeal and in- * "But, however satisfactory to his judgment and conscience, this body of evidence may have proved, Mr. Bacon never contemplated the vyork [of the Ministry] without trembling. The greatness of its responsibilities, and the consequences as they must affect his own eternal state, of a faithful or negli- gent performance of its duties, presented themselves to his enlightened mind with awful interest. This feeling was enhanced by a survey of the effects which his Ministry must produce on the present and everlasting happiness of a multitude of his fellow-mortals; and on the interests of Christ and the mani- festation of the divine glory in the Church and the world ! Had his faith been less vigorous, and his love and fear of God less operative, his sensations in the anticipation of this work, would have been proportionably less over- whelming."— Mr. AshmurCs Life of the Rev. S. Bacon. 68 LIFE OF ASHMUN. fluence would be checked and reduced; these, with other recasons, and especially that of his enlarging prospects of use- fulness as a Layman, finally inclined the scale, and he deter- mined to abandon all thoughts of the sacred office. In this decision, his understanding, rather than his heart, acquiesced: since we find him almost immediately turning from the study of the Law,* to which, when this decision was formed, he resolved to devote a portion of his time, to that of Theology; and expressing the opinion, that he "was not ' at liberty to engage in any pursuit entirely secular." One of his most valued friends advised strongly, that he should continue his connection with the Repertory; and in a letter to Bishop Moore, dated February 6, 1821, Mr. Ashmun, after alluding to the character and importance of that work, and to the improbability that any one, not better qualified for the Ministry than himself, could be found to conduct it, alleges his own concern for its usefulness and duty to its interests, as reasons which might be deemed sufficient for his declining longer to remain a candidate for Holy orders.t * Among his notes written while in Africa, we find the following sen- tences: "In 182], I undertoolcto study Medicine. But my time being other- wise engaged, I was obliged, in a few weeks, to throw up the pursuit. A few months afterwards, I entered with great resolution, and under greater embar- rassments on the study of the Law. I had my daily bread to earn by my daily labour; and the weight of a most losing literary enterprise to sustain." t We cannot deny ourselves the pleasure of inserting here, the reply of the venerable Bishop of Virginia: Richmond, February 9, 1821. Dear Sir: — I perceive from your communication of the 6th of January, that you still appear very undecided upon the subject of the Ministry, and that you consider the duty you owe the Repertory, as equally imperious with that of clerical engagement. While your mind continues in that state, I would deci- dedly recommend a continuance in your present pursuit; as it would be impos- sible for you to esteem yourself called to the Ministry, until duties of a sacerdo- tal character operate with such power, as to bear down every other considera- tion. When the period arrives, in which the Almighty shall make the appeal to your heart, "What dost thou hear, Jehudi ?" all temporal considerations will LIFE OF ASHMUN. 69 In that pathless wilderness of thought, where the spirit of Ashmnn seenis to have roamed at this period, his hopes al- ternately rose and fell; his purposes wavered with the vary- ing aspect of Providence; but his will was true to virtue; and tlie "countenance of God," "The sun of the human soul,*" threw in light and gladness upon many spots of fearfulness and gloom. There were seasons, when far away from the agitating passions and pursuits of men, the speculations of philosophy and the contests of ambition, he refreshed him- self by the cool and transparent fountains fast by the oracles of God, and mingled the voice of his devotion with the songs of the birds among the branches. There were moments when Faith had well nigh the power of vision, when mount- ing up with wings as an eagle, until earth was lost to his lose their charms in your view; and neither bars nor bolts will prevent you from making your escape, and listening to the voice of the great Shepherd. Although I do not wish to inculcate the necessity of such a call to the Ministry, as men of sober understanding would style enthusiastic, still I be- lieve, that the impression of ministerial duty, when the summons shall be re- ally given, will be so strong, and the impulse so great, that tlie mind will rest satisfied with nothing less, than the pursuit of the important object. There will tlien be no halting between two opinions ! your only cry v?ill be, "lead me forth in thy truth, and guide me, thou who art the God of my salvation;" all minor considerations will be swallowed up in the ardent wish to save souls, and reason and religion will both point to the same distinct, clear and soul convinc- ing mark. TheMinisterof Religion, unless borne up and impelled by such principles, would sink under the arduous duties of his office; the opposition of those for whom he labours would overwhelm him; but supported by such considerations, considerations resting on eternal objects, he can endure hardships as a good sol- dier of Jesus Christ; and when the people of his charge are asleep upon their pillows, he will stand as a watchman upon the wall: breast every storm: ward off every blow: and think and pray, and provide for his flock, with due vigi- lance. When the Almighty shall be pleased to effect a full impression upon your heart, and you feel anxious to embark in the sacred cause, remember, that should I be spared, you will find in me a friend — a friend disposed to further arid promote your views. ♦ Young. 70 LIFE OP ASHMUN. sight, he descried the glories of the celestial City, realized that there were the treasures of his heart, and felt that it was happiness enough, to find a home forever, in that land of everlasting rest. From January to July, 1821, he was occupied in conduct- ing the Repertory; and in literary and theological reading and study. The subject of the Prophecies received a portion of his attention; while he occasionally reviewed the classical authors which he had perused with pleasure and profit in his youth. Still, the inclination of his will, the strong current of his af- fections, was towards the sacred Ministry; and on the 7th of July, 1821, he addressed the following letter, to the Bi&hop of Virginia: ^^ Right Rev. and Dear Sir : — After much prayer for the ' sure guidance of the great Head of the Church, I am at length ' brought fully to the conviction, that I ought to delay no lon- ' ger an application for orders. It is with much trembling ' and many fears, that I offer myself; but my hope in the ' grace of Him who can support and make me faithful, is ' stronger than my fears; and from my heart, I am willing to ' trust to His promises, and go forward. However useful the ' Repertory may prove, I do not think it right for me to re- ' linquish the Ministry in order to conduct that work; nor ' can I conscientiously suffer my purpose of resuming the ' sacred functions of a Christian Minister to continue longer ' unsettled and indefinite (as hitherto) through my own neg- ' lect. "I hope the Repertory will continue to be published with ' an improving character; and I am disposed to do what I ' can, consistently with other duties, to promote both its per- ' manency and usefulness. Should I receive ordination this *■ summer, it might and probably would be judged advisable ' for me to maintain for several months longer my connexion LIFE OF ASHMUN. 71 * with that pubhcation; nor have I at present, distinctly in ' view, any vacant situation which, in the event of my ordi- ' nation, I might immediately and constantly supply. But ' during my stay in the District, I think that I might be use- ' fully employed in a sort of desultory ministration in the vi- < cinity. "My reading for the last two years, as you may well sup- ' pose, has been miscellaneous. I long to be in a condition * to devote my undivided attention to the appropriate pursuits ' of a theological student, but plainly cannot enjoy the privi- ' lege while my present cares and labours lie upon me. I am ' willing, however, to offer myself for examination in the stu- ' dies prescribed by the canons, as the former grounds of my ' application for orders were set aside. For the examination, ' I subiTiit it to yourself to make the requisite arrangements, ' and beg you to afford me reasonable information. "You probably will recollect the circumstances in which ' my first application to you was made. Although I am at * the present time a resident of Alexandria, yet I shall proba- ' bly in a few days, return to the north side of the Potomac. * In my last conversation with Bishop Kemp, (more than a ' year ago,) he advised me to proceed in my studies until I ' should be ready for ordination; and said, that at that period, ' a proper course could be taken. Am I to understand that it ' is to be a matter of arrangement between Bishop Kemp and ' yourself? You will. Sir, have the goodness to advise me, *. as far as necessary, on this point. ' I am. Right Rev. and Dear Sir, ' With sincere respect and esteem, ' Your dutiful servant, ' J. AsHMUN. ''Right Rev. R. C. Moored In reply. Bishop Moore expressed doubts of the propriety of granting ordination to candidates not prepared to devote them- 72 LIFE OF ASHMUN. selves entirely to the Ministry; but stated, that he should be disposed to make an exception in favour of the present appli- cant, (his connection with the Repertory being limited to a short period,) provided a letter dimissory should be obtained from the Bishop of Maryland. But the object appears never further to have been prosecuted. The purposes of Mr. Ash- mun again fluctuated; the embarrassed state of the pecuniary affairs of the Repertory, upon which alone he depended for support, required vigilant attention; and his engagement in the composition of a work which he hoped might prove ad- vantageous to himself and of public utility, rendered his im- mediate introduction into the Ministry, impossible. There was an invisible Hand guiding the subject of this Memoir, through all his uncertainties and perplexities; and which subsequently, when he had attained the height of his destiny, lifted the veil from the past, pointed out the windings of his way, and revealed to him the mysteries of Providence. CHAPTER V. Numerous and various causes now united to prepare Mr. Ashmun for his great work in Africa. That at this time, he should have undertaken to write the Life of the Rev. Samuel Bacon, who had died in the first attempt to found a Colony of free persons of colour from the United States in Africa — that he should have accomplished this task under a painful weight of cares and anxieties, not only with energy, but enthusiasm, is remarkable; since, hardly any literary enterprise would have promised less of distinction or profit to the Author, and none, perhaps, contributed so effectually to qualify him for that station, which by providential and most!i|y||expected events, he was soon to occupy. A Biography will seldom at- tract immediate and general noti^fe, unless the subject, the author, or both, have excited beiorehand, some public inter- est. Neither the varied and instructive history, the devoted piety, the affecting death of Bacon, nor the talents of Ashmun, could supply the want of celebrity. Mr, Bacon's course in 10 74 LIFE OF ASHMUN. Africa, by which only he was extensively Imown, had been sad and brief, while Mr. Ashmun was a young man, just stepping forth alone, and a stranger, upon the open stage of hfe. Enthusiastic as he was, it can hardly be believed, that he indulged large expectations of the success of this work. He engaged in it, that he might render a just tribute of respect to an early martyr in the cause of African Colonization;* bring out in a clear light, from the retirements of individual expe- rience, those traits of Christian character, which gave him strength in action, and support in adversity and in death; and thus animate American Christians, by the power of his exam- ple, to prosecute and complete the work of justice and mer- cy (for which he had counted his life an unworthy sacrifice) towards a land the most suffering and outraged on earth. — In the salutary exercise of his intellectual powers, the pros- pect of some relief from pecuniary difficulties, and the hope of conferring a substantial benefit on a poor orphan boy, the son of Mr. Bacon, he found additional, though subordinate motives. The encouraging intelligence communicated in the Report of Messrs. Mills and Burgess, who, under the authority of the American Colonization Society, in the year 1818, visited and explored the African coast, induced the Board of Managers to * "To his visit to the Metropolis, at this time, the writer of this Memoir is indebted, for the only opportunity he enjoyed, of cultivat- ing with Mr. Bacon a personal intercourse. Short as the term of his stay was, it proved amply sufficient to discover to the observation of those with whom he asso^^ed, many of the estimable characteristics of his mind. Such was the sidjBpry of his manners, and the candour of his character, as to show out in the most natural expressions, the genuine qualities of the heart. — The impression which these we^ capable of making on the mind of one, till then a stranger, has constituted hi?chief motive for engaging in the interest- ing labour of preparing for the world, this humble memorial of his worth. It seeks no higher merit, than that of giving to one of the brightest examples of piety and Christian benevolence, in this age, a just exhibition." — Life of Ba- con, page 237-38. LIFE OF ASHMUN. 75 adopt early measures, for selecting and sending out, a com- pany of free men of colour, disposed to become pioneers in the difficult enterprise, of laying upon that shore the foun- dations of a Christian Colony. The President of the United States was authorized by an Act of Congress of the 3d of March, 1819, to restore to their own country, any Africans captured from American or foreign vessels, attempting to introduce them into the U. States, in violation of law, and to provide by the es- tablishment of a suitable agency on the African coast, for their reception, subsistence, and comfort, until they could return to their relatives, or derive support from their own exertions. — Happily, there existed between the Executive of the United States and the Managers of the Colonization Society, every disposition mutually to aid each other in effecting their ob- jects in Africa, which, though distinct, were alike philanthro- pic, and to be accomplished far more easily by concerted, than by separate action. "It was determined to make the sta- * tion of the Government Agency, on the coast of Africa, the * site of the Colonial Settlement; and to incorporate in the * Settlement, all the blacks delivered over by our ships of * war, to the American Agent, as soon as the requisite prepa- * rations should* be completed for their accommodation." In February, 1820, in the ship Elizabeth, chartered by the Government, Mr. Bacon embarked at New York, for Africa, as principal Agent of the United States, accompanied by John P. Bankson assistant, and Dr. Samuel A. Crozer, Agent of the American Colonization Society, and a company of eighty-eight emigrants, who, in consideration of their pas- sage and other aid from Government, agreed to prepare, on such spot as might be selected, by the erection of suitable buildings and the cultivation of the ground, for the reception of the Africans who might be delivered over to the protection of the Agent. * Lifp of Bacon. 76 LIFE OF ASIIMUN. This expedition proceeded by way of Sierra Leone to th(-s Island of Sherbro: the season of arrival was unhealthy, the emigrants were landed on low, alluvial ground, where, in the course of a few weeks, by exposure and disease, all the Agents, and more than twenty of the emigrants, perished. Many a heart was touched with sorrow at the event, and the light of many hopes grew dim. The Life of Bacon is comprised in an octavo vol- ume, of about three hundred pages. Of this, too large a portion, perhaps, relates to his youth, and to inci- dents and events in his history, unimportant in themselves, but which the Biographer has skilfully exhibited in many striking relations, and used as the connecting thread of his own thoughts and reflections. Interesting facts are stated in regard to the literary and religious Institutions of New Eng- land; discriminating observations on human nature enliven the narrative; which abounds every where with useful, and in some parts, with original and profound remarks on the doc- trines, experience, and practice of Christianity. We are prompted to introduce select passages from this Memoir, as well from regard to the reputation of the Author, and the moral beauty of the character he has portrayed, as that, by a few specimens the Public may be enabled to judge of the general merits of the Work. The Rev. Samuel Bacon was born in Sturbridge, Worces- ter County, Massachusetts, in 1781. His mother, of whom death deprived him in his early childhood, was a woman of a kind, pious, charitable, humble, and gentle spirit. His father was a man of strong understanding, good judgment, of a bold, enterprising, intrepid character; but of a rough and severe temper. The education of young Bacon, until his twentieth year, was almost wholly neglected; his attendance for a few weeks, at a grammar school, first excited in his mind, an earnest desire for knowledge; which he resolved to gratify as soon as he should be released from parental restraint. No sooner had he become of age, than he devoted himself LIFE OF ASHMUN. 77 wholly to the pursuit of a hberal education; though he in- curred thereby his father's displeasure, and became an exile from the home of his youth. By industry, perseverance, and the most rigid economy, he finally obtained an education at Harvard College. His exertions, privations, and confine- ment to study, injured his health; and his condition during the last year of his College life, is thus described : "It was in vain longer to struggle against his increasing ' and extreme debility, attended with some of the most alarm- ' ing symptoms of a pulmonary consumption. He tore him- ' self away from the scene of literary enchantment; and was ' enabled by the seasonable aid of some generous benefactor, '■ to indulge himself for a few weeks, in several short excur- ' sions into the interior of New England. The change of ' objects, society, and air, and especially the release from the ' confinement and studies of College, thu's obtained, produced ' a trifling abatement of the most dangerous symptoms of ' his complaint; and he revisited Cambridge in June, to at- ' tend the customary examination of the candidates for the ' first degree. * * He appears to have passed it with repu- ' tation. * * The commencement in September, when ' his class-mates received their degrees, he was not able, from ' his illness, to attend; and continued several months, in a ' state of almost hopeless de]:)ility. He was entirely sensible ' of the dangerous character of the disorder, and of its almost ' certain termination in his dissolution. For several months ' he expected the event with confidence; but appears to have ' contemplated it with composure, and even indifierence. — ' The tremendous prospect scarcely extorted a single cry for ' mercy, or excited a thought for the fate of his soul. This ' alarming destitution of feeling in an accountable and rational ' being, can easier be accounted for, than vindicated. His ' life had been uniformly, and in an uncommon degree, up- ' light, admitting the correctness of the standard of duty ^ which he had adopted. He cheerfully recognised his obli- 78 LIFE OF ASHMUN- ' gations towards his fellow-creatures, as far as their present ' conv^enience was concerned; and it was his pleasure to ful- ' fil them; but this was the limit of his benevolence, and of ' his most extended notion even of religious duty. His vast ' obligations to God, and the Saviour, — obligations enforced ' by all the goodness concerned in his creation, and preserva- ' tion, and all the grace displayed in his redemption, and ' which are comprehended in the summary injunctions of ' both departments of revelation, 'to love the Lord, with all < the soul, the mind, and the strength,' — these obligations, ' even in the confident anticipation of an early call into the ' presence of his Creator, were wholly unfelt. Let it be re- ' collected, that Mr. Bacon at no period of his life, certainly ' not at the one now under review, was accustomed to restrain ' his reflections on other subjects, however grave and serious. ' On topics of this kind, from the natural sobriety of his char- ' acter, and contemplative turn of his mind, his thoughts ' more readily dwelt than on any other. * * His case is a ' common one. Death, to the prosperous man of the world, ' is usually little more than the idea of his ceasing to enjoy ' the pleasures of life: to the tender husband or parent, its ' most appalling idea is that of his widowed and orphan fami- ' ly; to the rich, it is formidable as involving a new disposi- ' tion, or the dissipation of his estate; to the scholar, as the ' termination of his studies; but to the languid and suffering ' victim of a slow decay, it often presents itself as opening an ' obscure and gloomy, but not unfriendly asylum, from the ' ravages of disease and pain. There is indeed, an apparent * variety in the views with which these different characters ' regard the awful close of their mortal existence. But sup- ' pose them uninfluenced by Christian principles, and they * agree in more respects than they differ. Death itself, and ' its consequences, as they affect the soul, are regarded as lit- ' tie more than a final sleep, of no importance except as it al- ' ters their relation to the things of the present life. The LIFK OP ASHJVIUN. 79 * convincing power of the divine Spirit, by discovering to the ' mind the purity and extent of the law of God, by impressing ' on the heart a sense of His hohness and justice, and arousing ' the conscience from its sleep, and false hope from its dreams ' of bliss, can introduce a new and awakening train of reflec- ' tions in the breast not of the dying only, but ojf the living — ' Such a man can neither live nor die, without awful forebo- ' dings, and intolerable anguish of spirit, till he has some assu- ' ranee that his condemnation is reversed, and his peace es- ' tablished in Heaven. Mr. Bacon was not so convinced, and ' saw the probable approach of the closing scene of his life ' without emotion. But his God was merciful. He had in * reserve for him, blessings of which he had never even con- ' ceived the value. Towards the close of autumn the most ' formidable of his symptoms disappeared." Having engaged in the study of the Law, and conducted, for a short season, a weekly newspaper in Worcester, Massa- chusetts, he was induced, by the flattering representations of a friend, and the hope of benefit, both to his health and spir- its from a milder climate, to visit Philadelphia and establish a school in that City. His anticipations were not realized, nor did he derive any important assistance from his friend. His Biographer remarks : "In this country, nothing can be more fallacious than the ' hopes excited in young men by the promises of patronage. ' In whatever department of life the proffered interest is to ' be exerted in their favour, the probable result is the same. ' The very constitution of our society renders the expectation ' of rising under individual patronage most precarious. No ' individual is secure for a day of being able to retain the in- ' fluence over any portion of the community, which he be- ' lieves himself to possess. He may, at any time, be required ' to struggle, — and struggle in vain, perhaps, with the popu- ' lar current, to maintain his own interest. The connexion ' from which a young man may have expected important be- 80 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ' nefits, so far from assisting, may thus come to prove the gi-eat- ' est detriment to his advancement. These remarks will be ' seen to have a special application to the profession of the ' law. But they must be true as general maxims, so long as ' society is young in America, and probably as long as the re- ' publican principle remains unchanged in the government, ' and so largely pervades all the inferior departments of the ' community. Success in no honourable pursuit can reasona- ' bly be anticipated on any other condition than that of the ' blessing of God, upon diligent, persevering, and upright in- ' dustry." At this period, "a cheerless infidehty had usurped in his ' mind, the place of a resigned confidence in the guardianship ' of Heaven; and converted any just impressions of the doc- ' trine of a particular providence and agency that might re- ' main, into a source of dread, rather than of relief But Re- ' ligion, at this time, afforded him about as little annoyance ' as peace. It was not the subject which occupied his atten- ' tion." After having wandered on foot, in the winter, into the inte- rior of Pennsylvania, and encountered and overcome many obstacles, Mr. Bacon opened a school in Lancaster, acquired reputation as a teacher, and for three years, exerted himself unremittingly, for the benefit of his pupils, (amounting some- times to one hundred) and made large sacrifices to improve the system and raise the standard of education. In 1812, he was appointed and accepted the office of a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps of the U. States. Of a duel in which he was engaged with a brother officer, Mr. Ashmun remarks : "Destitute of that inward fear of God, and that principle ' of obedience to His authority, which alone can render the ' soul superior to the tyrannical laws of a perverted and spu- ' rious honour; and a stranger to the power of divine grace '■ in restraining the inordinate dominion of the passions, he LIFE OF ASHMUN. 81 ' was easily seduced by pride and resentment, to engage in a * duel with an officer of the same corps, on the pretext of ter- * minating some trivial disagreement. His antagonist in this ' rash and criminal enterprise, had. formerly been one of his ' most intimate and confidential friends, to whom he had '■ once regarded himself as under very particular obligations ! ' Which of the parties was the aggressor and deserved the ' severest reprehension, in the quarrel which led to this af- '■ fair, is no part of the writer's object, and cannot be that ' of the Christian reader, to inquire. Suffice it to say, that ' Mr. Bacon lived to express the deepest abhorrence of the un- ' natural act, and to regard the individual who participated ' with him in the sin and the peril of it, with a feeling of af- ' fection and respect, which all the blood that has ever flowed ' in voluntary assassinations could never inspire. The wretch- ' edness of a common apostacy, and the blood of an univer- ' sal atonement, to the faith of a Christian, cannot fail to ' present such considerations as must bind him with the tie ' of essential brotherhood to every individual of his species. ' On the basis of this sublime view of the mutual relations of ' men, was Mr. Bacon's benevolence for all his fellow-men, ' eventually established. Under the influence of this spirit, '■ suppose him to receive an injury which should directly af- ' feet his character. Still, it must be a brother who inflicted ' it; and whom, because he was his brother, it would be im- ' possible for him to injure in return. Mr. Bacon's subse- ' quent detestation of the practice of duelling, was likewise ' founded on the Imowledge which faith had revealed to him ' of the strictness and purity of God's holy laws, and the 'ex- ' ceeding sinfulness of sin.' " His marriage in 1814, to Miss Anna Mary Barnitz, was productive of much happiness; but her death in 1815, over- whelmed him with unutterable distress. "He saw in the ' stroke, the hand of Omnipotence, and trembled. But he ' was neither humbled under it, nor constrained to withdraw ' his heart nor his confidence from the world." 11 82 LIFE OF ASHM[rN. In the latter part of the year 1816, Mr. Bacon became the subject of powerful religious impressions; and the terrors of conscience, acting upon a system enfeebled by disease, led him for a time to expect a sudden death by the visitation of God. "His spirit (says his Biographer,) found no rest; it had re- ' ceived a wound, which every recollection aggravated, and ' all his attempts to heal, were worse than idle. The hand ' of the Almighty had inflicted it, and the remedy was only ' with Himself" In the anguish of his soul, he resorted for advice to a Minister of Christ. "The Clergyman found it needful to appease the violent ' agitation of his mind; and afterwards imparted to him a * variety of counsel; the purport of all which seems to have ' fallen much short of Mr. Bacon's expectations; and he re- ' turned disappointed and dejected. Perhaps no pastoral du- ' ty, not even that which the ordinary death-bed calls upon ' a minister to perform, is so awfully momentous, or so diffi- ' cult, as that of directing the mind of a convinced and tho- ' roughly awakened sinner into the narrow path of salvation. ' Advance, he must: and the very next step taken in such a ' crisis, may be decisive of his eternal doom. The skilful ' physician will endeavour to accommodate the advice afford- ' ed in different cases, to their respective circumstances; but ' the example of the primitive ministers of the gospel, and ' the very nature of the sinner's wants unite in determining ' that counsel to be the safest, and generally far the most be- ' neficial, which shall most magnify the offices of the Saviour, ' and enforce an immediate recourse by faith, to his cross. — ' The more intelligibly this act of faith can be explained to ' his mind, and the more essential to his salvation, it can be ' made to appear, the more efficacious, as a means of grace, ' the advice will be likely to prove. The inquirer himself, ' it is always to be presumed, is a very incompetent judge of ' the treatment best adapted to his own case. Mr. Bacon's ' disappointment, on this occasion, to whatever it might be ' owingj was probably serviceable to him; as it more effectu- LIFE OF ASHMUN. 83 * ally taught him the fallacy of all expectations of relief not ' founded on the mercy and power of God alone. The peru- ' sal of 'Doddridge's Rise and Progress,' which was put into '■ his hands at the time, was an important help; as, by pre- ' serving him from absolute despair, it gave him the power of ' concentrating his thoughts without distraction, on the great '■ doctrines of salvation. * * * * "At what moment the gift of faith was first imparted, and ' his heart brought to bow with entire submission to the yoke ' of Christ, does not plainly appear. But, from the period to ' which this part of the narrative refers, he seems never, even ' for a day, to have remitted the pursuit of his salvation; and *■ scarcely to have declined, by a single relapse, from those '■ high attainments in faith and holiness, which he was ena- ' bled through an abundant supply of grace, to make with a ' rapidity seldom exceeded by the most favoured Christian. — ' But it will be seen, that the original corruptions of his heart ' were not at once eradicated, nor the current of habit revers- * ed, by an absolute exertion of divine power. But grace ' eventually accomplished this work by engaging all the pow- ' ers of his mind in a long and arduous course of exertion, ' vigilance and self-denial. His conflicts were often sharp ' and painful: but commonly of momentary continuance. — ' The fervency of his prayers, and the habitual prevalence of ^ a vigorous faith, gave him an easy and rapid conquest of ' his spiritual foes. Nearly every struggle against sin proved ' to him the occasion of a new victory over it, till, by a dispen- ' sation as merciful to him, as mournful to the world he left, ' he was early translated to the scene of his everlasting tri- ' umph." For more than two years, from the period of his conver- sion to the faith of Christ, Mr. Bacon was almost exclusively occupied in efforts to promote the cause of Sunday schools. In July, 1819, it was stated in the Report of the Sunday School Society in York, Pennsylvania, "That there were 84 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ' then thirty-three schools, employing about two hundred and ' twenty teachers, and containing two thousand two hundred * scholars within the County. These, with a very few excep- ' tions, were all the fruits of Mr. Bacon's personal exertions, ' and owed much of their success, and the interest which they ' held in the public mind, to his efficient superintendence." — The following extracts from this Biography, exhibit the ele- vated Christian character of this servant of God : "Prayer has been significantly styled the natural respira- ' tion of the new-born soul; and the gently distilling infiu- ' ence of the divine Spirit, the etherial element on which it ' habitually feeds. The subject of this memoir has been seen ' in a laborious, but ineffectual struggle with the opposing ' principles of his nature, to hold himself to the stated perform- ' ance of this duty, even after long and frequent intervals of * its allowed neglect. But now the holy work proceeds al- ' most without constraint, or interruption. Nearly every ex- ' pression of his feelings is blended with a fervent invocation ' to the Author of all spiritual influences, for an increase of ' those very desires which prompt his petitions. Commu- ' nion with God, through his Son, and by the Holy Spirit,* is * now the most delightful, and therefore an uniform exercise ' of the soul. It is the highest end to which it aspires, and an ' employment, in which could it be wholly absorbed, it would ' repose its tired energies with inconceivable delight. * * "But the Saviour's benediction and promise, 'blessed are ' they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they ' shall be filled,' have their partial accomplishment, in the ' present world. To very few could the qualification on ' which this promise depends, be appropriated with more ' manifest propriety, than to Mr. Bacon. The command of '■ the Saviour, 'ask that your joy may be full,' was, likewise, '■ through grace, in a good degree obeyed by him. He was * Eph. II, 18. LIFE OF ASHMUN. 85 * incessant in his petitions for this very blessing. Why is it, ' that the doctrine of the divine influence on the minds of the ' saints, has fallen, in this age, if not into partial discredit, yet ' into so low and restricted a practical use, among those who ' are most interested in it ? The orthodox cannot, indeed, ' disbelieve the promises which relate to so great a blessing; * the doctrine is retained in all our formularies of faith; but ' why is it not more valued ? Why are the blessings which ' it implies, so remissly sought, — and so little expected ? Next * to the truth, that our redemption has been effected by the ' blood of the Son of God, none more deeply concerns our ' blind and corrupted race, than that of the purchase and * mission of the Holy Spirit to purify our hearts, bring down * a foretaste of Heaven into our souls, and enlighten our un- * derstandings to comprehend the divine mysteries of the gos- ' pel. No promises are more intelligible and express, than * those which relate to this inestimable privilege of believ- ' ers. * * Had every professing Christian afforded in his ' own example, the same practical illustration of the nature * and extent of the operations of the Spirit on the heart, as * the subject of this memoir, not only would its opposers be ' silenced, but so illustrious a feature of our holy religion ' would impart to the whole system, in the view of the world, ' a glory which it has never exhibited since the age of the 'apostles. ****** "Mr. Bacon's very theory in religion, may be properly ' termed, practical. He could conceive of nothing that de- ' served the name which did not comprehend love to God, * faith in the Saviour, and charity to men, — each manifesting * itself in its appropriate fruits. Hence, the barriers which * some others choose to throw around themselves, and the ' members of their own particular religious sect, and which ^ are sustained chiefly by certain verbal definitions of subor- ^ dinate points of faith, were to him unknown; and unless 86 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ' interposed by the bigotry of others, in a manner that obliged ' them to be felt, were wholly disregarded. In November, 1818, while arguing a cause, Mr. Bacon was insulted by his opponent at the Bar, and charged with false- hood. Having noted this in his Journal, he adds : "The time was, when I should have instantly seized a * deadly weapon on such an occasion; and suffered nothing ' but blood to atone for the indignity: — I acknowledge it ' with remorse and shame. But, thank God, I have no dis- * position now, to injure any man. Several gentlemen of the ' bar, have taken advantage of my religion, more than once, ' when I fully believed, and do still believe, that I was stating ' the truth, to call me a 'liar.' They all know that if I were ' a sinner like themselves, or if I were as once I was, they ' would as soon have eaten coals of fire, as accused me to my ' face of 'lying.' But they know also, that my nature is now ' changed, and that my religion, and my dispositions forbid ' my retaliating evil for evil: I thank God he holds the reins ' of my passions in his own hand, and all this abuse is not ' suffered to make me angry. I receive these things as a part ' of that persecution with which I have laid my account as ' the portion of 'all who will live godly in Christ Jesus.' " We would gladly, did our limits permit, introduce much larger portions of this valuable Memoir. The account of Mr. Bacon's reflections in view of the Ministry, and his ultimate decision to devote himself to this work, is highly interesting. He was ordained a Deacon in the Protestant Episcopal Church, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop of Philadelphia, on the 6th of September, 1819. He devoted himself to his work with the zeal of an Apostle. He immediately entered, for a few weeks, into the service of the Philadelphia Bible Society; and in the brief space of sixty-nine days, passed through twenty-one Counties of Pennsylvania, preached seventy-four discourses, and travelled more than one thousand miles. LIFE OF ASHMUN. 87 In January 1820, he visited Washington, and received his appointment for Africa. He had been long a warm and ac- tive friend to the people of colour, and from its origin, to the American Colonization Society.* Having visited his relatives and friends in Pennsylvania, for the last time, he superintended the embarkation of the emio-rants at New York; from which port, he sailed on the 7th of February. After a short but agreeable visit to Sierra Leone, he proceeded with the entire company of emigrants to Sherbro, where they had obtained permission to reside un- til an ehgible site for the proposed Settlement, could be pur- chased on the mainland. It was soon found to be the policy of the native Chiefs, to embarrass and postpone any final ne- gotiations for lands, that they might compel the Agent to com- ply with their exorbitant demands. The fever seized upon all the Agents, with the exception of Mr. Bacon, and became general among the settlers. His situation, at this crisis, is thus described : "To a person placed in Mr. Bacon's circumstances, at this ' period, and actuated by his disinterested and benevolent ' spirit, it is not to be supposed, that a prudential regard for ' his own health would occur with sufficient force, to occa- ' sion any relaxations in his attentions to others. The fol- ' lowino- enumeration of duties which he undertook at this ' time daily to perform, shows, but too clearly, that he im- < posed upon himself, a task to which human strength is ut- « terly unequal. Some of the privations and labours to « which he submitted, manifestly appear to have been impru- * Mr. Bacon had for several years, been a useful memlDer of the Abolition Society of Pennsylvania. His benevolence was, however, of too disinterest- ed a character, to suffer him to withhold from any good cause, the support and patronage which he could afford it. At an early period of the operations of the Colonization Society, he perceived that their measures were inspired by the same philanthropic principle, as those of the Abolition Society; and conceived them to be much more practicable, more systematic, and equally expansive in their final objects. — Mmun's Life of Bacon, p. 154. 88 LIFE OF ASHMUN. dent and unnecessary. But it would be improper too se- verely to censure in him a fault which few besides would be liable to commit. 'Who can describe the burden under which I am obliged to struggle, in feeding this people, — en- during their complaints, — listening to their tales of trouble, — inquiring into their sufferings, — administering medicine, — labouring with my own hands in building houses for them, — and toiling at the oar, and handling casks, in un- loading the vessel and landing the goods ! — In addition to all this, I have the spiritual concerns of the whole company to look after. I go without stockings, entirely, — often with- out shoes; — scarcely wear a hat, and am generally without a coat; — I am up early, and not in bed until ten, or eleven o'clock. I eat little, and seldom use any other refreshments except hard ship-bread, salt meat and water.' 'I labour more, — am more exposed to heat, and wet, and damp, and hunger, and thirst, than any one; and yet, blessed be God, I continue in health.' 'In addition to all this, I have the weight of the whole interest on my mind: — all the care, — all the responsibility, — all the anxiety. But God be praised, I have peace within.' 'There are eight entire families sick; amongst whom there is not one able to dress his own food, or wait upon a child. Oh God, who can help, but thou.' " 'Is it asked, do I yet say 'colonize Africa V I reply, yes. He that has seen ninety native Africans landed together in America, and remarked the effects of the change of climate through the first year, has seen them as sickly as these. — Every sudden and unnatural transition produces illness. — The surprising fertility of the African soil, the mildness of the climate, during a great part of the year, the numerous commercial advantages, the stores of fish, and herds of ani- mals, to be found here, invite her scattered children home. — As regards myself, I counted the cost of engaging in this ser- vice before I left America. I came to these shores to die: and any thing better than death is better than I expect.'" LIFE OP ASHMUN. 89 In the midst of the general distress, Mr. Bacon felt the ap- proaches of disease. "He distinctly expressed more concern on account of the * sufferings of the people, and the darkening prospects of the ' enterprise, than on account of his own illness. In contem- ' plating his own death, he saw little, except a bright and ' boundless expanse of glory piercing with its light the gloom ' which hung over the dying scene. But his heart was ' wrung with the anticipation of the event, as it would affect ' the welfare of the colonists, and the success of the expedi- ' tion. On this theme he had vented his feelings in the most ' pathetic language. But even in this heaviest, and doubtless ' his last trial, he found relief by a vigorous effort of faith in ' the mercy of God: and by ultimately confiding in the wis- ' dom and righteousness of all his purposes." At this gloomy period, a Schooner belonging to the Colo- nial Government of Freetown, touched at Sherbro, and con- sented, at the request of Mr. Bacon, who was without medical aid, and extremely ill, to receive him on board the next morn- ing, and convey him to Sierra Leone. As the boat contain- ing him approached this vessel at the appointed time, she hoisted her anchor, and put to sea. He attempted to over- take her, but it was impossible. For two days, was he expos- ed in an open boat, to the burning rays of a tropical sun. On the evening of the 30th of April, he was landed at Cape Shil- ling, an English settlement, and very hospitably received by Captain William Handle, the superintendent of the station. But no kindness could save him from the stroke of death. — No language can here be more pertinent, than that of his Biog- rapher. "During the next day, he was able to recline for short in- ' tervals on a sofa; and to take a small part in the conversa- ' tion. But his disorder was hastening rapidly, to a fatal ter- ' mination. He perceived it, and expressed in the intervals ' of his sensibility, his acquiescence in the sovereign pleasure 12 90 LIFE OP ASHMUN. ' of God. The cause in which he had embarked retained a ' strong interest in his affections, to the last. In liis last con- ' versation, he feebly asked, 'Dear Brother Randle, do you not ' think we have happiness reserved that will T As the ' interrogatory was unfinished, the gentleman to whom it was ' addressed, did not immediately reply: when Mr. Bacon con- ' tinned, 'What do you say to my question?' A hope was ' then expressed, that the Saviour would reserve for both, a ' happiness which should abundantly compensate their pres- ' ent sufferings. He replied, and they were some of his last ' words, 'Ah ! that is all I want.' "This last effort of reason and speech, took place about ' eleven o'clock, on the night of the 1st of May. The lan- ' guid current of life ebbed gradually away, until half past ' four, on the following morning; when he expired. His re- ' mains were interred on the same day, in the burial ground ' attached to the church in the settlement: and though depos- ' ited by the hands of strangers, on a foreign and pagan ' shore, they rest under the sure protection of the Christian's ' Saviour, and in 'the certain hope of a glorious resurrection.' "In his person, Mr. Bacon was tall; the structure of his ' frame was masculine, and rather indicative of strength, than ' characterised by symmetry of proportion. His features were ' strongly marked; and the expression of his countenance ' blended an interesting pensiveness with the lineaments of an ' intelligent and vigorous mind. His attachments were ar- ' dent; his passions quick and violent; and his friendships ' affectionate and permanent. He was impatient of opposi- ' tion, rapid in his movements, and determined in his purpo- ' ses. Inflexible integrity, unbounded generosity, and a sin- ' cerity incapable of disguise, run through the entire texture < of his character. "His learning was various; and his taste classical: but the ' first was not profound; nor the last exact. His legal ac- ' quirements were all of the useful kind; his standing at LIFE OF ASIIMUN. 91 ' the bar respectable; and his professional reputation in- * creasing. "By regeneration, every constitutional excellence was ' heightened, and a foundation laid for tJiose pre-eminent spir- ' itual attainments, in which he had few equals, — perhaps no * superiors. His zeal has been seen to be ardent; his devotion ' entire; his hopes, elevated to sublimity; and his faith invin- * cible. The love and fear of God tempered together in just ' proportions, formed the prevalent feeling of his heart- his < very thoughts were prayer; his habit of obedience to the di- ' vine laws, prompt and unhesitating; and his 'love of the ' christian brotherhood, unfeigned.' The mystery of 'God ' manifest in the flesh/ and the character, work and offices of ' the Redeemer, formed the theme of his untiring admiration, ' his incessant rejoicing, his increasing gratitude, and his high- ' est praise. In the service of such a Master, enforced by ' such motives, his talents, health, and life, were regarded as ' infinitely too cheap an offering. To him, they were all de- ' liberately consecrated: for Him, they were all cheerfully re- ' signed. And his memory shall be blessed. The American ' church will long cherish it with affection: and it shall here- * after freshen in the hearts of millions in another hemis- ' phere, when the work in tvhich he fell shall have its con- ' summation, in the civilization of Africa, the return of all ' her exiles, and the subjection of a countless population to ' the dominion of Christ. In the compositionof this work, Mr. Ashmun exhibited re- markable diligence and self-control; constantly fortifyino- himself by the exercise of his intellectual and moral facul- ties against circumstances well adapted to break his spirit and lay its honours in the dust. He was not indifferent or insen- sible to present things; but felt their inferiority to those of the future: nor could objects finite, brief, perishing, fill that eye, to which Faith had revealed the infinite and eternal glories of the Spiritual Universe. 92 LIFE OF ASHMUN. A respected friend,* in whose family Mr. Ashmiin resided as an inmate for nearly two years, in Washington, has fa- voured me with the following observations on his character and habits, and particularly as these were evinced in his preparation of the Life of Bacon : "Mr. Ashmun was naturally of a weakly constitution, and ' predisposed to pulmonary disease; and although the preser- '■ vation of his health required great caution and prudence ' against undue labour and exposure to the variable climate ' and weather of this City, yet such was the warmth of his ' zeal in the prosecution of any favourite object, and such his ' persevering labours in surmounting all difficulties in his ' way, that the very exertions which he put forth for the ac- ' complishment of his purposes, seemed to subserve the dou- ' ble purpose of imparting stimulus to his weak system, and ' additional fortitude to sustain him under extraordinary ef- * forts. "In proportion to the magnitude of the object he proposed ' to effect, he successfully rallied the energies of his mind ' and body, nor relaxed for a moment, until the work was ' done. "This determination of purpose, was strikingly manifested ^ in the manner and circumstances in which he wrote the ^ Memoir of the Rev. Samuel Bacon. "He had been requested, by the brother of the deceased, to ' perform this arduous task; and being put in possession of ^ the necessary documents for that purpose, he entered upon ' the execution of it, with all that ardour and unyielding per- * severance so peculiar to his character. "After he had arranged the materials for the work, he used < often to shut himself in his room, and for days could be < seen only at his meals. And more, — during the short days ' of winter, rather than be interrupted by a regular atten- * The Rev. William Hawley. LIFE OP ASHMUN. 93 * dance on the meals of the family, he would often direct the * servant to prepare him a cold collation for the day; and by * the dawn of the morning, whether there were rain, hail, or * sunshine, be on his way to his study, on Pennsylvania Ave- * nue, (about half a mile distant) where he would remain un- < til ten at night, unceasingly occupied in the work, in which < he had engaged. "He had at this time charge of the 'Washington Theologi- * cal Repertory;' in the Editorial department of which, he * took an active part, and furnished many important and use- ' ful papers. As a scholar and author, there was something ^ very peculiar in his composition and preparation for the ' press. He always wrote very fast, and sometimes very con- * fusediy; throwing upon paper, as it were, the first concep- ' tions of his mind on the subject: and he then revised and re- ^ viewed, cut and carved it to suit his taste, often transposing * whole sentences and paragraphs, and erasing and interlin- ' ing to an incredible extent. He erased and corrected more * than any person I have known.* The manuscript papers of ' the Memoir now in my possession, are a great curiosity. "In his intercourse with the family, he was uniformly ' kind, affectionate and courteous, and left on the minds of ' all, an impression highly favourable to his general worth ' and excellence of characrer." Of this Memoir, two thousand copies were published; dis- tinguished Clergymen recommended the work; Mr. Ashmun visited Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York, and attempted to dispose of it; but the sales were very limited, and the Au- thor found to his regret, that the effort from which he had expected relief, had increased his difficulties. He now felt the pressure of heavy debts on account of the Repertory, * We think this remark must be limited to his earlier productions for the press, since most of his Journals written in Africa exhibit few alterations. He was not easily satisfied with his own works, and was constantly disciplining his mind for greater objects than he had yet achieved. 94 LIFE OF ASHMUN. which from its origin he had sought rather to render able and useful, than of advantage to himself A misunderstanding between him and the gentlemen, his associates in superintending the publication, relating to its pe- cuniary management, exposed his conduct to suspicion, and added to the perplexity of his affairs. Reserved both by inclination and habit on matters of private concern, he perhaps sometimes was silent, when he should have made explanation; and while acting in his integrity, forgot what discretion would have dictated, as due to the opinions of oth- ers. A failure to meet engagements for the Repertory might, it was thought, injure the entire character of the work, since the separation of the pecuniary and Editorial responsibilities, and theiT independence of each other, had doubtless, escaped generally, public attention. The disapprobation of friends, the reproaches of creditors, and worse than either, a convic- tion that it was impossible for him, in the situation he then occupied, speedily to extricate hunself from embarrassment, were bitter ingredients in his daily cup. But he bowed his head to no useless sorrow. He was calm, uncomplaining, and active. He knew that to seek sympathy, is generally to lose in respect, more than is gained in compassion; and that for a wounded spirit, the only remedy is divine. No mortal eye can penetrate those deep and secret places of the heart, where griefs spring up and are nourished from the very foun- tains of life. Some such were rooted, perhaps, in the soul of Ashmun.* Some barbed thoughts were there, some dark ima- * On one of the leaves of his Journal, we find the following lines : There lives on earth a form, whose name Deep in this heart must huried rest; Whose lov'd remembrance pours a flame Of wasting anguish thro' my breast : A strong enchantment wraps the scene, Though mem'ry views it with despair; Nor floods nor mountains stretch 'd between, Nor time arrests its visits there. LIFE OF ASHMUN. 95 giniiigs of perished hope and broken joys, some gentle echoes of a voice now dead, some gleams reflected from a sun^now set, but they were buried in his bosom alone, as in the vaults of a sepulchre. He braced his soul for duty; he walked be- fore men, as one who was with them for high purposes; he sought help from God, and confided in his Providence: and like the Father of the faithful, called to go out from his coun- try and kindred, he obeyed, and went out, not knowing whither he went. CHAPTER VI. As Christians, we cannot doubt, that the Almighty, in the permission of great moral evils and the miseries which ensue, not less than in the provision and application of their appropri- ate remedies, designs to teach His people salutary lessons, and discipline them for their immortal state. In the fury of human passions, the concussions and convulsions of human society is seen the nature of vice; while in the calm pursuits and meek and united devotions of a happy people, stands in con- trast the mighty principle of virtue,— both illustrating by their opposite effects, the benevolence and justice of the Divine Go- vernment. History reports the trial of human nature, of all gradations of intellectual advancement, in all countries, circumstances and times. And by the experience of ages, are we taught to centre in the Christian Religion, all our hopes of the permanent peace, liberty and happiness of mankind. Slavery existed among all the nations of antiquity; the 13 98 LIFE OP ASHMUN. right of the victor to the person or even to the hfe of the van- quished, universally admitted in ancient times, was its main source; it increased with the growth of nations cOid the mul- tiplication of wars, until in the Roman Empire, during her most poAverful period, one half (sixty millions) of her popula- tion, wore the yoke of a cruel and ignominious bondage. In the less civilized nations of Europe, a policy more humane than the Roman, could not be expected; and the institution of slavery every where prevailed among those who finally inva- ded the Territories, dissolved the Government, and shared among themselves the vast dominions of Rome. Christianity though designed and adapted to introduce per- fect principles of benevolence into universal society; to reme- dy its moral evils by the gentlest process; to mould its In- stitutions into the noblest forms, and control them by the best spirit; encountered the pride, selfishness and obdu- racy of the human heart; all the combinations of established interest, authority and power. When we consider that this Religion made her way, not by force, but persuasion; that she sought dominion only over the reason, conscience and will of man; accepted an imperfect, if a sincere obedience; wrought to improve the whole character and condition of mankind, not by the violence of sudden revolution, but by the re'genera- tion of individual souls; by the insinuation of right princi- ples and the infusion of a pure spirit into the general mass, we cannot be surprised that slavery should have long withstood her power. Yet, from the first, "the humane spirit of this Religion struggled with the maxims and manners of the world, and contributed more than any other circumstance, to introduce the practice of manu- mission."* The friends of man can never thunder forth too frequently nor too loudly, in the ears of those who would quote Scripture in justification of slavery; that it was Ghris- * Robertson. LIFE OF ASHMUN. 99 tianity which aniehorated tlie condition of slaves under the Roman Government; inchned Constantino to render their manumission much easier than formerly; and which, "in conformity with its principles, claims the merit of having o-one farthest towards the abolition of this debasing institu- tion," throughout nearly all Europe. ''In the opinion of ' Grotius, it was the great and almost the only cause of aboh- ' tion. The professed and assigned reasons for most of the ' charters of manumissions, from the time of Gregory the ' Great, to the thirteenth century, were the rehgious and pious < considerations of the fraternity of men, the imitation of the ' example of Christ, the love of our Maker and the hope of ' redemption. Enfranchisement was frequently given upon a ' death-bed, as the most acceptable service that could be offered; ' and when the sacred character of the Priesthood came to ^ obtain more universal veneration, to assume its flmctions, ' was the immediate passport to freedom."* * The following extracts from Ward's Law of Xations, are too interesting to be omitted : "We have seen in a former chapter, tlie universal existence of slavery dur- ing the earlier ages, and it was shown to be chiefly owing to the efforts of Christianit)', that the institution was abolished. In the attempt to effectuate the abolition, and the success which in the end attended it, we have a full proof of the general influence of this religion upon the mind, since no passage of the New Testament, has absolutely forbidden the custom; and it is merely, therefore, from the spirit of the s)-stem of morality there displaj^ed, that men collected what ought to be their conduct in this respect. Commanded to look upon all mankind as their brethren, it wanted little combination of the reason- ing faculties, to discover that it was incompatible \vith such an injunction, to hold them in chains, exclusive of the benevolent eriects upon the heart, which this religion was calculated, generally to produce, and which, when produced, did that from analogy, which was not expressly commanded. After this, and what was said in the beginning of this section, itis of little consequence to ob- ject that the custom of slavery remained for a great length of time, or that the church itself was possessed of numbers of slaves. We have shown that the custom of enfranchisement, was the effect, chiefly, of pious and Christian mo- tives, and that the example was generally set by the ministers of religion. No law, it must be owned, is to be met with, by which the custom was abolish- 100 LIFE OF ASHMUN. While beneath the hght and power of Christianity, the last vestiges of slavery were well nigh effaced from the soil of Christendom; the African slave trade arose, which, wheth- er regarded as productive of crime or misery, stands an evil unparalleled in the annals of the world. That nations which from considerations of humanity and piety, had abolished slavery, should lend their sanction to this atrocious com- merce, would be inexplicable, did we not recollect the new World just brought to light by the genius of Columbus, and that the temptations of gain in supplying labourers for her vast and fertile fields, overcame alike the remonstrances of reason and of conscience. Early in the fifteenth century, the Portuguese under au- thority from the Pope, explored the African coast, planted colonies, and reduced the Africans to slavery. Their exam- ed all at once, nor could such a law have ever been justified: I do not mean on account of the claims of the rights of property, (which if they are incom- patible with divine institutions, should never be so much considered as to re- tard their effect) but on the principles of the very benevolence, which it was meant to consult; for the men who would have been the object of it, being thus thrown suddenly on the world, without protection or the means of support, would have been put in a worse condition than they were in before. It must be owned, also, that avarice, and the love of absolute dominion, might have thrown considerable obstacles in the way of abolition. When Suarez marks the difference which he very justly holds, between the law of nature, and the law of nations, he adduces among other proofs, the abolition of slavery as arising from the positive institutions of the Christian church. But nothing on this subject can be more forcible than the language of the learned Sir Thomas Smith, speaking of bondage and bondmen:— "Howbeit," says he, "since our realme hath received the Christian, which maketh us all in Christ brethren, and in respect of God and Christ conservos; men beganne, to have conscience, to hold in captivitie and such extreme bondage, him whom they must acknowledge to be their brother; and as wee used to terme him Christian; that is, who looketh in Christ, and by Christ, to have equal portion with them in the gospel and salvation. Upon this scruple, the holy fathers and friars, in their confessions, and specially in their extreme and deadly sicknesses, burthen- edthe consciences of them whom they had in their hands; so that temporal men, by little and little, by reason of that terror in their conscience, were glad tomanumitte all their villaines.' "— /■'rom Ward's Law of Nations. LIFE OP ASHMUN. 101 pie excited all the maritime powers of Europe to engage in the slave trade, which soon became a source of wealth and a subject for negotiation between nations, and which prosecuted for three centuries, is believed to have consigned more than twenty millions of unfortunate Africans to bondage or dealii.* Among the circumstances of this trade, are found whatev- er is dark in treachery, or odious in cruelty, or horrible in war; whatever afflicts the body or degrades and tortures the mind; in fine, whatever has been feared or imagined of evil in the cup of human life.t * "The wholesome decrees of five successive Roman Pontiffs granted, con- veyed and confirmed to the most faithful King a right to appropriate the kingdoms, goods and possessions of all infidels, wherever to be found, to re- duce their persons to perpetual slavery, or destroy them from the earth, for the declared purpose of bringing the Lord's sheep into one dominical fold, under one universal Pastor. * * * We suppose, then, that eight millions of slaves have been shipped in Africa for the West India Islands and the United States; ten millions for South America and perhaps two millions have been ta- ken and held in slavery in Africa. Great Britain and the United States have shipped about five millions, France two, Holland and other nations one; though we undertake not to state the proportion with exactness. The other twelve millions we set to Portugal. Twenty million slaves at £30 sterling each, amount to the commercial value of £600,000,000. Six hundred times ten hundred thousand pounds sterling trafficin the souls of men. "By whom hath this commerce been opened, and so long and ardently pur- sued? The subjects of their mosiJ^ai7/i/u/, ?nos/ Ca/AoZic, most Christian, most Protestant Majesties, defenders of the faith; and by the citizens of the most re- publican States, with the sanction of St. Peter's successor." — Dr. James Dana's Discourse on the .African Slave trade, 1790. t "Freighted with curses was the Bark that bore The Spoilers of the West to Guinea's shore ; Heavy with groans of anguish blew the gales That swell'd that fatal bark's returning sails." "Loud and perpetual o'er the Atlantic waves, For guilty ages, roll'd the tide of Slaves ; A tide lliat knew no fall, no turn, no rest, — Constant as day and night from East to West, Still wid'ning, deep'ning, swelling in its course With boundless ruin and resistless force." — Montgomery. 102 LIFE OF ASHMUN. At an early period, and under the authority of EngHsh law, slaves were introduced into the American colonies; in some cases, in utter disregard of remonstrances addressed by the people of those colonies, to the Parliament and the Throne. Slavery grew with our growth; it soon became interwoven with all the interests and habits of society; and our fathers at the commencement of the Revolutionary contest, found the evil too deep-rooted, extensive and complicated, to admit, in their judgment, at that season of peril to their own liberties, of a remedy. They felt that it was an institution at variance with their whole political creed; that morally wrong in its origin, it could be perpetuated only by the violation of all justice and in contempt of all charity; but they consoled them- selves by the reflection that it had been forced upon them, and that while the removal of it suddenly, in that time of general agitation and distress, was impossible, it might be ef- fected (should their independence be secured) during a calm and prosperous state of the public affairs. They perceived however, that even then homage was due to consistency of principle and to the general opinion of mankind. "The confederated colonies did not confine themselves to ' the assertion of the broadest theory of political rights; they ' descanted upon the topics of philanthropy and universal jus- ' tice, of Christian charity and humility; and in reproaching ' the mother country with the contrariety between her prac- ' tice and professions, with her insensibility to human suffering ' and degradation, they took credit to themselves for the re- ' verse. It was in alleged pursuance of those high considera- ' tions and pretensions to which I have adverted, that their ' Delegates in Congress, without being specially empowered, ' passed and promulgated several months before the Declara- ' tion of Independence, (6th April, 1776,) a resolution that no ' slaves should be imported into any partof the confederation."* * Free Remarks on the spirit of the Federal Constitution. Philadelphia, 1819. LIFE OF ASIIMUN. 103 The ordinance of 1787, prohibiting slavery or invohinta- ry servitude in the North-west Territory; the restriction of the right to recover therefrom fugitive slaves to the original States; the exclusion of the word slave from the Constitution; the early enactments for the suppression of the slave trade; the delegation by the Constitution to Congress of the power to regulate the commerce between the States;* and the record- ed sentiments of many of the great men who laid the founda- tions of our National Government, all show a desire to con- fine slavery within the smallest possible limits; to adapt le- gislative measures in such manner as to extend the funda- * The Constitution declares "that the migration or importation of such per- sons as any of the States, now existing, shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress, prior to the year 1808." It is most manifest that the Constitution does contemplate, in the very terms of this clause, that Con- gress possess the authority to prohibit the migration or importation of slaves; for it limits the exercise of this authority for a specific period of time, leaving it to its full operation ever afterwards. And this power seems necessarily in- cluded in the authority which belongs to Congress "to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several States." No person has ever doubt- ed that the prohibition of the foreign slave trade was completely within the au- thoritj- of Congress, since the year 1808. And why ? Certainly only be- cause it is embraced in the regulation of foreign commerce; and if so it may for tlie like reason be prohibited since that period, between the States. Commerce in slaves since the year 1808, being as much subject to the regu- lation of Congress as any other commerce, if it should see fit to enact that no slave should ever be sold from one State to another, it is not perceived how its constitutional right to make such provision could be questioned. — Memorial (reported by Daniel Webster and others) of the inhabitants of Boston, to Con- gress, 1819. "Mr. Madison stated, in the Virginia Convention, that the restriction upon Congress, in regard to the suppression of the slave trade, was a "restraint on the exercise of a power expressly delegated to Congress, namely, that of regu- lating commerce with foreign nations." Governor Randolph made the same allegation (p. 428, Virginia Debates). The general act of Congress of 1807, suppressing the slave trade, shows a sense of an entire control over the domes- tic commerce in slaves, by the regulations which it makes respecting their transportation coastwise. The exception made in favor of internal transpor- tation would have been wholly superfluous, had not a constitutional power been felt to exist." — Free Remarks, Sfc. 104 LIFE OF ASHMUN. mental principles of civil and religious liberty; to express a deep sense of the importance of those principles; and finally, to lend no sanction, even by a word, to the morality of a sys- tem, which long established in some of the States, (free and independent up to the time when the Union was formed) it was necessary to recognize, but not to approve. It is a subject for everlasting regret, that public sentiment in some States (particularly in South Carohna and Georgia)* at the time of the adoption of the Federal Constitution, was unprepared to accede to the immediate abolition of the slave trade;t or to measures for the ultimate removal of slavery; objects then desired by a large portion of the American peo- ple, neither, at that time, difficult of accomplishment, and which are now known to have been demanded by a wise regard to the public interest, as well as the more solenm considerations of national duty. The Federal Constitution was the result of a compromise between the North and the South. "The Southern States," said Mr. Madison, "would not have entered into the union of ' America, without the temporary permission of the slave ' trade." When the Constitution was submitted, the great question to be decided, was, whether a union on such terms were as satisfactory to the several States concerned, as would * The two States mentioned in the text, Georgia and South Carolina, were particularly averse to any interference with the slave trade, on the part of the Federal Government. In the convention most of the States were anxious to insert a provision authorizing the immediate total abolition of the diabolical traffic. This was resisted, peremptorily by the two just mentioned; and the compromise was at length effected, which is found in the ninth section of the first article of the Constitution. — Free 'Hemarks, ^c. t Alluding to the restraint put upon the prohibition of this trade by the Constitution, a Society for the abolition of slavery in Baltimore, in their ad- dress to Congress in 1791, hold the following language : "Whilst we deem this restraint a temporary sanction to the partial infraction of the rights of man, recognized by the laws of some of the States and so far a defect in the noble structure of our liberties, yet such is our regard to tlie original solemn compact of society, that we solicit no deviation from the prin- ciples established by it." LIFE OP ASHMUN. 105 produce a preponderating good ? The States being all free and independent, no one could, in any sense, be answerable for any injustice in the legal code of another; nor can we per- ceive that the law of conscience could, independent of cir- cumstances, impose an obligation upon a State, in which there was no legalized injustice to refuse to unite for purpo- ses of general utility, with a State in which the existence of such injustice could not be denied. At the time the Constitution of the United States was estab- lished, the necessities of our country urgently demanded a new form of Government. Unanimity in the adoption of it was justly considered as a matter of the first importance. — Many of those who gave their support to the Constitution, while they saw with regret, that it recognized moral wrong in the laws of some of the States, felt that circumstances were imperious, and did it with the hope and belief, that the Na- tional Union would favour the cause of general liberty; and that the system of slavery would be abolished at no distant period, in all the States, either by the sense of duty, the influ- ence of example, the inducement of interest, or by all com- bined. They could not believe that the eyes of any free and Christian community, especially in this country, could long be closed to that lisht of truth beffinninof even then to be widely difliised, which revealed the utter condemnation of slavery as a permanent institution. But they feit, that the main responsibility touching this subject, was with those States who reserved to themselves the sovereign and exclu- sive right to regulate and control it within their respective limits. It deserves notice, that in the year 1776, memorable on account of the Declaration of our National Independence, a motion was made in the British House of Commons to this purport, — that the slave trade is contrary to the laws of God and the rights of man. It is remarkable, likewise, that the year 1787 gave establishment both to our Federal Constitu- 14 106 LIFE OF ASHMUN. tion, and to the Committee in London for the aboUtion of the slave trade; that during this year the foundations of the Si- erra Leone Colony were laid, and that through the efforts of Anthony Benezet and others, it could then first be said, that "not a single slave remained in possession of any acknow- ' ledged Quaker in America."* The spirit of the reformation was the spirit of freedom. — From the time when the Bible was sent forth in a popular lan- guage, this spirit began to revive in Europe; and immediate- ly before our Revolution, the advocates of universal humani- ty and general liberty, had by their writings made a deep im- pression upon the public mind in England and America. — Their divinely tempered weapons from the armory of God, threw the brightness of the sun into the dark mazes and de- fences of political wickedness, and the strong holds of des- potic power. It should be engraven upon our memories, that some of the main principles, relied on by our fathers, to justify their National Independence, were the same relied on (not in vain) to overthrow the slave trade, and which the friends of man have long regarded as of sufficient power, gradually, to sub- vert and destroy all institutions limiting the intelligence, de- basing the character, or darkening the hopes of men. "If" (said Congress, July 6th, 1775, in setting forth the causes for war against the parent country) "it were possible ' for men who exercise their reason to believe, that the Divine ' Author of our existence intended a part of the human race ' to hold an absolute property in, and unbounded power over ' others, marked out by infinite goodness and wisdom as the ' objects of a legal domination, never rightfully resistable, ' however severe and oppressive, the inhabitants of these colo- ' nies might at least require from the Parliament of Great ' Britain, some evidence that this dreadful authority over ' them, has been granted to that Body. * Life of Granville Sharp. LIFE OF ASHMUN, 107 "But a reverence for our great Creator, principles of hu- * manity and the dictates of common sense, must convince * all tfiose who reflect upon the subject, that Government was *■ instituted to promote the welfare of mankind, and ought to * be administered for the attainment of that end." The great truth briefly expressed by our Saviour, that be- tween man and man, in all possible circnmstances, there^ ex- ists the obligation of a reciprocal benevolence — a benevo- lence not occassional and narrow, but consfa?it and large as self-love, gleams forth from the discussions of the Revolu- tionary period as an acknowledged general light and law of humanity exactly adapted to produce all that happiness among men, which can consist with our present physical condition and the arrangements and ordinations of Provi- dence. Motives of interest and duty conspired to hasten the abo- lition of slavery in several of the Northern States; and the growing sense of humanity and religion produced numerous manumissions in the States of the South, so that a class of free people of colour arose and greatly increased. Few in num- bers compared with the whites; distinguished from them by complexion, but allied thereby, and by habits and recollec- tions to the slaves; poor and uneducated, and frequently ex- posed to the "contempt of the proud," though legally free, they realize the entanglements of a degrading and rigorous bondage. Not only prejudices, but circumstances, and the very state of society are against them. Worthless is all li- berty which neither frees the spirit, improves the condition, nor raises the character. It is not by a criminal prejudice alone that the man of colour is here depressed. But were this the sole cause against him, as it derives continuance, if not origin from his condition and character, to improve these is the way to destroy it, and the mode by which the improve- ment of both, can be rendered most easy, rapid, and exten- sive, is that prescribed by benevolence to the African race. 108 LIFE OF ASHMUN. Towards this unfortunate race, tlie spirit of humanity has been increasing since before the American Revohition, in most parts of the ci vihzed world; and the enactment of laws by all Christian nations against the slave trade, proves with what power and success, the advocates of truth and justice, have urged their affecting claims in behalf of Africa and her children upon the view and moral sense of mankind. Al- ready has England blown the trumpet of jubilee for eight hundred thousand slaves, whose shouts of rejoicing have gone up to Heaven, from Islands, where nature, dressed in loveliness, has long seemed to endure with indignant and saddened countenance, the crimes and outrage of oppression.* No human commendation can be a just tribute of respect to the Society of Friends for their foremost stand against the slave trade, and for those solemn tones in which they have con- tinued annually to speak out, and warn the rulers of Chris- tendom to cease from a policy, beneath which thousands were perishing in despair, while their cries pierced the ear of Heav- en and invoked the wrath of the Eternal. The writings of Woolman and Benezet, of Sharp and Wilberforce and Clark- son, with a host of others, through whose serenity and meek- ness shone a burning zeal and a fearless courage, have awoke sentiments, which will never permit inactivity among the benevolent, while Africa or the world bears the foot-print of a slave. That benevolence towards the people of colour must operate exclusively, or mainly, to secure for them im- * The moral influence of the step just taken by the British nation will be universal and powerful: it is impossible to resist it. It is the greatest achieve- ment ever made in the cause of human liberty — at the same time, that it is the most notable act of humanity — that the world has ever beheld. The pur- chase of our national independence bears no comparison with it. It is radi- cal; it is a public and solemn concession of i-ight, where there was no power in the sufferer to gain it. It was the struggle — it is the triumph of principle. Every nation — all the world sees it, and will feel it. Itis an expression and a (demonstration of "the spirit of the age." — Letter from London, to the Editwof ihe New York Observer. LIFE OF ASIIMUN. 109 mediately, in this country, the highest political rights, is a recent discovery which seems unauthorized either by Reason, the Word or the Providence of God. Dr. Fothergill; a member of the Society of Friends in England, first suggested, and Granville Sharp first executed (by founding the Sierra Leone Colony) the project of- colo- nizing free men of colour in Africa. The philanthropic Dr, William Thornton of Washington, proposed in the year 1787, to conduct a company of free coloured emigrants from the United States to Africa, but circumstances beyond his control frustrated his design. The subject was discussed in the Le- gislature of Virginia early in the present century, and the Ge- neral Government requested by that Body to aid in the selec- tion and ^acquisition of Territory adapted to the purposes of the contemplated Colony. But the establislmient of the American Colonization So- ciety resulted less from political motives, than from Christian benevolence. The devoted Mills, singly intent upon doing good in silence and humility, during his journeys of useful- ness, sought information in regard to the people of colour: and while his prayers were offered to Heaven in their behalf, his heart was animated by hope, that they would finally re- turn to Africa, and bear with them the principles of a purer and better life, to her barbarous population. The venerated Finley, justly honoured as the founder of the Society, sought his happiness in the relief of the wretched and the service of God, and laboured for the good of the coloured man under the impulse of a disinterested spirit. Nor ought we to forget, that long before the formation of the Colonization Society, there were generous souls in Vir- ginia, and probably in other parts of the South, touched with a tender and affecting charity towards the people of colour, whose daily and nightly thoughts were fixed upon their dark condition, and who in grief and prayer sought to teach, com- fort, and guide those of them who dwelt within the limits of 110 LIFE OF ASHMUN. their influencej trusting that the Father of mercies, who had hghted up their hearts with His grace and love, would kindle other hearts also, until the Nation should arise in power for the redemption of Africa. In a future world the fact may stand revealed, that from the sacred retirements of a few devout ladies in Virginia, who at the Saviour's feet had learnt better lessons than this world's philosophy could teach, emanated a spirit of zeal and charity in behalf of the afflicted Africans, which has widely spread- inspired Ministers and Statesmen with an almost divine elo- quence in their cause, and given to this cause an impulse which nothing shall be able to resist.* The American Colonization Society was founded in Wash- ington City, in December, 1816. The patriotic and pious from various parts of the country, united in its organization.t They could not close their eyes upon the following facts : 1. That the slavery of two millions of coloured persons in the Southern portion of this Union was under the exclusive control and legislation of the slaveholding States— each hav- ing the sole right of regulating it within its own limits. * I have the utmost confidence in the power of maternal fire-side instruc- .tions. Many pious parents, especially mothers, in Virginia, at the close of the Revolution, finding themselves at peace in their homes of freedom, felt a sym- pathy for those around them who had derived little or no benefit from the ar- duous contest just terminated. They desired to lead their children in the paths of divine wisdom, but they saw them exposed to an evil rising like a mountain barrier in their path. They wore enabled, however, daily an'd faith- fully to study the Holy Scriptures, and to instil into the minds of their chil- dren, principles which are now silently pervading the hearts of thousands, and working a glorious change in their whole moral state. That law, which the Apostle James styles a royal law, a perfect law of liberty, is of power to remedy the most wide spread, deep, and formidable evils, that have ever de- formed the beauty, weakened the strength, or sapped the foundations of any Society. Let all parents study this law, and all ministers explain and enforce it, as the simple, but sublime and everlasting principle of order and happiness on earth and in Heaven. t Names of the original members of the Society:— H. Clay, E. B. Caldwell, LIFE OF ASHMUN. Ill 2. That the two hundred thousand coloured persons scat- tered throughout the Union and legally free, enjoyed few of the advantages of freedom. 3. That there were powerful causes operating to frustrate all efforts to elevate very considerably men of colour in this country, which could not exist to prevent their elevation in a separate community from the whites, 4. That tlie voluntary separation of the coloured from the white race, was in reason and the public judgment, so desi- rable, on general principles of benevolence, that a union of the wise and pious from every State and section of the coun- try in support of measures proposed for the good of the co- loured race yet tending to no such a result, could not be ex- pected. 5. That the success of any measures for the good of this race, must depend in a great degree on such union. 6. That Africa was inhabited by fifty to one hundred mil- lions of uncivilized and heathen men, and that to render as far as practicable the elevation of her exiled children, condu- cive to the deliverance and salvation of her home popula- tion, was required alike by philanthropy and piety. In view of these facts, what humanity and benevolence to the coloured race suggested, was embodied in the Consti- tution of the American Colonization Society. It was expect- ed that the operations of this Society, would unfetter and in- vigorate the faculties, improve the circumstances, animate Tho. Dougherty, Stephen B. Balch, Jno. Chalmers, Jun. Thos. Patterson, John Randolph of Roanoke, Robt. H. Goldsborough, William Thornton, George Clarke, James Laurie, J. I. Stull, Dan'l. Webster, J. C. Herbert, Wm. Sim- mons, E. Forman, Ferd'no. Fairfax, V.Maxcy, Jno. Loockerman, Jno. Wood- side, William Dudley Digges, Thomas Carberry, Samuel J. Mills, Geo. A. Carroll, W. G. D. Worthington, John Lee, Riehard Bland Lee, D. Murray, Robert Finley, B. Allison, B. L. Lear, W. Jones, J. Mason, Mord. Booth, J. S. Shaaf, Geo. Peter, JohnTayloe, Overton Carr, P.H. Wendover, F. S. Key, Charles Marsh, David M. Forest, John AViley, Nathan Lufborough, William Meade, William H. Wilmer, George Travers, Edm. L Lee, John P. Todd, Bushrod Washington. 112 LIFE OP ASHMUN. the hopes and enlarge the usefuhiess of the free people of colour; that by awakening thought, nullifying objections, presenting motives convincing to the judgment, and persua- sive to the humanity of masters, they would encourage emancipation; that in Africa their results would be seen, in civilized and Christian communities; in the substitution of a lawful and beneficial commerce for the abominable slave trade; of peaceful agriculture for a prerlntoiy wnrfnre; know- ledge for ignorance; the arts that refine for vices that de- grade; and for superstitions vile, cruel and bloodstained, the ennobling service and pure worship of the true God. It was believed that the fellowship of the North with the South, in African Colonization, would tend powerfully to produce just opinions on the subject of slavery, and prepare for the remo- val of the evil without endangering the integrity and peace of the Union. It was clear, that the principles and measures of the Society, interfered not with those who desired to ame- liorate the condition of the people of colour, bond or free, who might remain in our country; but in fact, contributed to pro- duce those kind and considerate sentiments towards both, which alone can admit them to all the privileges, possible to them while here, and denied a distinct national existence.* * My view of the system of slavery, as it exists among us, is briefly this: — Individual masters are morally bound to treat their slaves as their consciences honestly consulted, decide that they themselves vs^ould reasonably or rightfully expect to be treated in the same condition and circumstances. And this per- fect law of Christianity, should govern political bodies, no less than individu- als. Adopting this, the royal law of Christ, as a universal, perfect rule of duty between man and man, in all conditions, circumstances and times, it follows, therefrom: 1st. That any doctrine or practice which would justify or maintain slavery as a perpetual system, is abominable; because reason and conscience in the breast of every man, assert his natural capability for freedom, and of course, that this capability belongs to other men. And as his judgment must decide that it could never be right for otliers to consign him and his posterity to per- petual and involuntary servitude, so does it equally, that he can never justly contribute to perpetuate a system which consigns others to that condition. 2d. That human liberty should never be weighed in the balances with mo- LIFE OF ASHMUN. 113 Bat the founders of the Society saw not "by what authority * we could hmit the Almighty and tie down the destiny of ' the coloured people, to a condition so low, (or why they ' should be satisfied with it) compared with the blessings of ' nationality."* During the year 1818, Messrs. Samuel J. Mills and Ebene- zer Burgess, were commissioned by the Society to proceed by the way of England to the English settlements, and other parts of the Western coast of Africa, to acquire information ney, orestimated by dollars and cents. There is no man who does not regard his own liberty as more precious than property, and in the same light, is he to regard the liberty of others. 3d. All rigorous laws imposed on those subjected to this system, (not ne- cessary for the good of the enslaved, or indispensable to the preservation of the public peace and safety) cannot too soon be abolished. Such, I believe there are; and every humane and Christian man should exert his influence to hav& them erased from the State codes. 4th. Where the system exists, those who have the political power, are as much bound to proceed benevolenily in their measures to remedy and remove it, as they are to proceed at all. They must not forget that "civil society is an institution of beneficence; and law itself is (or should be) beneficence, acting by rule." Nor that "restraints on men, as well as their liberties, are to be reck- oned (in a sense) among their rights." They ought not to attempt to do that suddenly and by a blow, which they know may be done more safely and bene- ficially with caution and preparation. 5th. It may be the duty of individual masters to liberate their slaves, before the State is morally bound to enact laws for the entire and universal abolition of slavery. For particular slaves may be qualified for freedom, and their masters may have ability to place themvv'here such freedom would be to them a bene- fit, while the great mass of the slave population are unqualified for perfect freedom; and the State feels prohibited by motives of enlarged benevolence, from conferring it, instantly, upon them. There is no danger that either States or individuals at the South, will act tco soon or too earnestly on the subject. The great object should be, I humbly conceive, to awaken in all minds a sense of justice and benevolence towards our whole coloured population. All should immediately and earnestly unite in preparing them for freedom. When quali- fied therefor, there should be no hesitation in conferring it upon them. "It is advanced in the eternal constitution of things, that men of intemperate minds, cannot be free. Their passions forge their fetters." * Dr. Beecher. 15 114 LIFE OF ASHMUN. and ascertain whether suitable Territory could be purchased for the proposed Colony. They conferred with the friends of Africa in England, from whom they experienced the ut- most kindness, and received letters to the Governor of Sierra Leone; visited that Colony, the Gambia and Sherbro, and having fulfilled their arduous duties, embarked for the United States. The death of Mr. Mills while on his return, deprived the world of one of the best of men. From the very interest- ing and satisfactory reports of these Agents, the Society was encouraged to proceed in its enterprise. We refer to a former chapter, for some account of the first expedition (in 1820) to Africa, and the sufferings of the emi- grants at Sherbro Island, during which the Agent of Govern- ment, Mr. Bacon, his assistant Mr. Bankson, and the Socie- ty's Agent Mr. Crozer died, from the combined influences of exposure, excessive effort, and the fever of the country. Early in the year 1821, the brig Nautilus, chartered by the United States' Government, conveyed to Africa, Messrs. J. B. Winn and Ephraim Bacon, Agents of Government; and the Rev. Joseph R. Andrus Principal, and Mr. Christian Wiltberger, Assistant Agent of the Colonization Society, with a small number of emigrants. In obedience to instructions, the Agents on their arrival at Sierra Leone, sought and ob- tained permission from the Government of that Colony, for the emigrants by the Nautilus, as well as for those in the Sherbro country, to remain at Foura Bay, an extensive and cultivated plantation, in the immediate vicinity of Freetown, until suitable land should be obtained for the site of the in- tended Colony. Messrs. Bacon and Andrus visited different points on the coast, particularly Grand Bassa; the natives of which district, consented to receive the people from America, but declined making the least concession towards an aban- donment of the slave trade. Soon after their return to Sierra Leone, Mr. and Mrs. Bacon, in consequence of severe illness, embarked for the United States; and in the course of a few LIFE OF ASHMUN. 115 weeks, Mr. Andriis and Mr. and Mrs. Winn, were removed by death, to their eternal reward. The duties of chief Agent, were Jiow discharged by Mr. Wiltberger, until the arrival of Dr. Eli Ayi'cs, who had re- ceived an appointment to that office, late in the autumn of 1821. Mr. Wiltberger then proceeded to Sherbro, and ac- companied such of the people as had remained at that place, with their effects, to Foura Bay. In the month of December, Captain Robert F. Stockton, of the United States' Schooner Alligator, arrived at Sierra Leone, and consented to accom- pany Dr. Ayres to Cape Montserado, to obtain, if possible, Territory for the Colony. These gentlemen urged negotia- tions for several days with the chiefs of the country; and final- ly, by great skill and perseverance, obtained a valuable tract of land, including Cape Montserado, affording, as was believ- ed, an eligible situation for the first settlement. Dr. Ayres proceeded without delay to Sierra Leone, direct- ed several of the emigrants (mostly single men) to make rea- dy for their departure in one of the Colonial Schooners, and sailing with them, arrived at Cape Montserado on the 7th of January, 1822. Others followed on the sixteenth of Febru- ary. It was found necessary for Dr. Ayres again to visit Si- erra Leone, from which place he returned with all the re- maining Colonists, on the 7th of April. He found the settle- ment in confusion and alarm. Hitherto the Colonists had occupied a small and unhealthy Island, in the mouth of Montserado river. The natives had shown much duplicity, and a determination, if possible, to expel the Colonists from the country. But possession was finally obtained of Cape Montserado, In a slight contest with the natives, the store- house had taken fire, and most of the provisions and utensils of the Colony been destroyed. Sickness began to prevail, and the Agents were among the afiiicted; the rainy season had just set in; provisions were scanty, and the friendship of the natives furnished no ground 116 LIFE OF ASHMUN. for reliance. Under these circumstances, it was proposed^ that such as desired, should return to take up a temporary re- sidence at Sierra Leone. Mr. Wiltberger offered to remain with such as should decide on maintaining their position on the Cape, which most of them nobly resolved to do, even at Ihe hazard of their lives. In July of this year, the little band, having endured great trials and hardships, were enabled entirely to abandon the Island, and place themselves beneath their own hunible dwell- ings, on the Cape. Both Agents before this, judged it neces- sary to return to the United States, leaving an intelligent and honest emigrant,* General Superintendent of affairs. Few, destitute, and exposed to the treachery of savage foes, far away from the abodes of civilized man, this feeble compa- ny found shelter under the wing of Divine Mercy, and pa- tiently awaited those aids and supplies, which their necessi- ties demanded, and which they trusted the Almighty power, that had so long been their safeguard, would in due season afford. * Elijah Johnson, of New York. CHAPTER VTI. Mr. Ashmun embarked for Africa, at Baltimore, in the brig Strong, on the 20th of June, 1822. Conga-ess, by an Act of the 2d of March, 1807, prohibited, - under heavy penalties, the importation of slaves from a for- eign country, into any State or Territory of the United States; and yet, left slaves imported in violation of law, sub- ject to any regulations not contravening the provisions of said Act, which the Legislatures of the several States or Ter- ritories, might adopt. The Legislature of Georgia, by a Law passed on the 19th of December, 1817, empowered the Governor to sell for the benefit of the State, any negroes, mulattoes or persons of co- lour brought into it, in violation of the laws of the U. States; and the proceeds of sales, to a considerable amount, made in pursuance of this Act, were soon after deposited in the Trea- sury of that State.* By the last section of this Act, however, the Governor was authorized, in case the Colonization So- * The Act of Congress, of the 3d of March, 1819, has forever put it out of the power of a State go to dishonour itself, by disposing of the liberty of op- pressed strangers. 118 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ciety should, before the sale of any such persons, undertake to transport them to Africa or elsewhere, at the sole expense of the Society; and also, to defray any expenses which might have been incurred by the State on their account, to pro- mote, as he might deem expedient, the benevolent views of the Society. On the 7th of April, 1819, the Managers of the American Colonization Society, having been informed that on the 4th of May following, from thirty to forty Africans, unlawfully introduced, were to be sold in the capital of Georgia, autho- rized the Rev. William Meade* (who had accepted a brief agency for the Board, and to whose efforts then, and since, the Society is deeply indebted,) to proceed to Milledgeville, and assume all responsibilities necessary to prevent the sale, and secure the restoration of these unfortunate men to their own country. He arrived just in season to rescue these poor Africans from the peril of their situation, an^ to find in their joy and in that of many sympathizing bosoms, an ample re- ward for exertions even more laborious than those he had so promptly made for their relief The case between certain Spanish claimants to these Africans and the State, had not yet been decided; and they were therefore left to await the result, which if favourable (as expected) to their freedom, would, by consent of the Governor of Georgia, place them at the disposal of the American Colonization Society. For ability to indemnify Georgia for any expense she had incur- red in their behalf, the Managers relied both upon the libe- rality of the public, and the justice of the American Govern- ment, which by the Act of the 3d of March, 1819, had fully recognized the moral obligation of extending protection to such injured strangers. Early in the spring of 1822, eighteen of these Africans^ declared free by a competent tribunal, arrived in Baltimore^ * The present Assistant Bishop of Virginia. LIFE OF ASHMUN. 119 under arrangement of the President to convey them thence to Africa, in conformity to the law, and at the expense of the United States. In the brig Strong, chartered for their accom- modation, the Managers of the Colonization Society obtained passage for thirty-five additional emigrants and various stores; the charge of the entire expedition being entrusted to Mr. Ashmun, with instructions (should he return in the brig) to report the condition and prospects of the Colony; or in case of the sickness or absence of the Agents, to remain in Africa as principal Agent, until some other individual should be ap- pointed to that office. It is believed Mr. Ashmun was impelled to leave his coun- try, rather by a desire to realize from commercial operations, the means of discharging heavy debts, which should he continue in America, he saw it impossible soon to pay, than by any expecta- tion of occupying the station which Providence destined him to fill with such distingTiished honour and success. That he felt for the cause of African Colonization an ardent affection, and hoped essentially to promote it, is certain. But his thoughts were directed to a plan of extensive trade, which he imagined might prove of some advantage to himself, while it contributed to conciliate and civilize the Africans, and to augment the resources and facilitate all the operations of the Society.* The information he would obtain by a visit to the African coast, must, he concluded, enable him to judge of proper measures for effecting his object; and on his return, all the details of the plan might be satisfactorily adjusted, Avith the various parties concerned. He regarded the scheme probably at the time of his departure, as something of an ad- venture, since it does not appear that he had submitted it to the consideration of the Managers of the Society.! His re- * In his Journal he remarks: "In 1822, the mercantile mania possessed me for a few weeks." t See Appendix No. 4. 120 LIFE OF ASHMUN. flections upon it, during the voyage, were communicated to the Board, and it constitutes the principal topic of one of his earUest letters from the Colony. He was employed for nearly a month at Baltimore, in so- liciting donations from the citizens, purchasing supplies, and superintending all transactions preparatory to the departure of the expedition; and his letters to the Society, show both his benevolent concern for the comfort of the emigrants, and his habits of attention, even then, to the minute details of business. The accidental death of an African boy, who, when tirst missed, was supposed to have absconded, is thus noticed : ''May 8th, 1822. "A melancholy disclosure ! The little African boy, men- ' tioned yesterday, was drowned. He was drawn out of the ' dock this morning at 11 o'clock. It seems that he watched ' his opportunity when all others were below, to go upon the ' wharf, and the wind being high, he was precipitated over. ' Poor fellow ! He was a fine child — told me the evening be- ' fore, that his mistress in Savannah, taught him morning and ' evening, 'to pray to the Good Man above.' He has had a ' decent burial. His companions are much affected." It was at first determined, that Mrs. Ashmun should re- main, with her friends, in the United States; but her affection- ate solicitude to accompany her husband, finally induced him to consent that she should become his companion, in the un- certain and perilous fortunes of the voyage. On the 15th of May, all the emigrants assembled on the quarter-deck of the vessel — "a laborious, orderly, and plain company," said Mr. Ashmun, "who go out with sober views, and will add real strength to the Colony;" and in the presence of many of the Clergy and citizens of Baltimore, listened to an exhortation from the Bishop of Maryland, who, in conclu- sion, implored in behalf of the little company, the divine LIFE OF ASHMUN. 121 blessing, and commended them to the protection of the Al- mighty. OiT Annapohs, on the ^Ist of May, (tlie day after the Strong left Baltimore) Mr. Ashmiin wrote to tlie Secretary of the Colonization Society: — "We had a short service, Sunday ' evening at 4 o'clock on the quarter-deck; have daily, morn- ' ing devotions at six, and evening at seven; the native boys ' are distributed among the other people; our accommodations ' are comfortable — my wife's health improves; and in fine, ' the blessing of God remarkably rests on our external circum- ' stances. I pray that His grace may visit and rest upon all '■ abundantly." While detained by contrary winds near the Capes of Vir- ginia, he addressed a letter to the same gentleman, on the subject of the African trade, expressing the belief, that it might be rendered, in an important degree, conducive to the objects of the Colonization Society; that by it, properly con- ducted, the attention of the natives might be turned from the slave trade, to an honourable commerce, and find it for their interest to remain in peace with the Colonists, who on their part, would derive therefrom, very important advantages. — He judged it desirable, that in the vicinity of Montserado, this trade should be conducted by American merchants; that the productions and capabilities of Africa, miglit be brought before the eyes of the American people; and that by the fre- quent and regular passage of ships between the United States and that country, every facility might be given to emigra- tion. He suggested that half the expense incurred by the So- ciety, might be saved, were vessels to sail regularly from Bal- timore, with freights for this trade, and return with cargoes fi'om Africa; and finally declared his purpose to do what he could to promote the object with the natives and the settle- ment, presuming that he should thus meet the wishes of the Society, and subserve the interests of the Colony. Soon after the Strong left the Capes of Virginia, she en- countered a heavy gale for eight days; during which, no at- 16* 122 LIFE OF ASIIMUN. tempt was made to proceed; and being a miserably dull sailer, she did not arrive at Fayal, (one of the Azores) before the first of July. From this place, Mr. Ashmun wrote, that the "emigrants had uniformly evinced- the most peaceable and ' industrious dispositions; that they had been formed into ' about ten classes — to each of which, was appointed an in- ' structer, to act under his superintendence; that these class- ' es were assembled twice a day, and instructed from four to ' five hours; that all had sensibly improved; that they had ' seldom been hindered from worship twice on the Sabbath, ' or from morning and evening devotions; that all the people ' were apparently moral; and that the example of such as pro- ' fessed religion, had been productive of the most salutary ef- ' fects, and gave reason to expect their good conduct and use- ' fulness in Africa." At Fayal, the cargo and ballast which had been displaced by the storm, were overhauled and adjusted; supplies of fresh provisions, water, and vegetables, taken in; and after the de- tention of a week, the Strong pursued her course, and com- pleted her voyage on the 8th of August — eighty-one days from Baltimore. On the 9th of August, 1822, Mr. Ashmun stood, for the first time, on Cape Montserado; and having ascertained that both Agents had left the country, assumed, agreeably to instruc- tions, and in fulfilment of his pledge to the Board, the direc- tion as principal Agent of the affairs of the Colony. He sum- moned all his energies, surveyed rapidly the field of labour, afid deferred not an hour, the commencement of his work. — He found a respectable Colonist in charge of the public con- cerns, but no books or documents defining the limits of the purchased Territory, the state of negotiations with the na- tives, or throwing light upon the duties of the Agency. Cape Montserado, elevated from seventy-five to eighty feet above the sea, forms the abrupt termination of a narrow tongue of land, in length thirty-six miles, and from one and a half to three miles in breadth; bounded on the South-west LIFE OP ASHMUN. 123 by tlie ocean, and on the North-east by the rivers Montserado and Junk, running- in nearly opposite directions, their head waters being at a short distance from each other; the isthmus between, constituting the junction of the Montserado Penin- sula, to the mainland. The site chosen for the original set- tlement, (now Monrovia) is two miles from the point of the Cape, on the ridge, approaching here to within one hundred and fifty yards of the river, to which, therefrom, there is a steep descent. This site, and a large portion of the Penin- sula, was, when ceded to the Society, covered with a lofty and dense forest, entangled with vines and brushwood; the haunts of savage beasts, and through which the Barbarians were accustomed to cut their narrow and winding pathways to the coast. When Mr. Ashmun arrived, a small spot had been cleared, about thirty houses constructed in native style, with a store- house entirely too small to receive any supplies in addition to those it then contained. The rainy season was at its height; the public property had been chiefly consumed by fire; some of the settlers already on the ground, were but imperfectly sheltered; and for those just arrived, no prepara- tion had been made; the settlement had no adequate means of defence while the chiefs of the country could no longer con- ceal their hostile designs. The whole population of the set- tlement, including the emigrants by the Strong, did not ex- ceed one hundred and thirty; of whom, thirty-five only, were capable of bearing arms. A comprehensive system of operations was immediately commenced, to relieve the wants and improve the condition of the infant Colony, and afford security against the dangers to which it was exposed. A Colonial Journal was opened with the design of record- ing therein, all important transactions and events.* * "This Journal, I judged fit to open on the day of my landing, and intend 124 LIFE OF ASHMUN. Separate inventories were entered in a book, of the public stores found in tlie Colony, and of those sent in the Strong, both by the U. States and the Society. Orders were given for the erection of a store-house; for completing a building just commenced (designed as a mar- ket-house) for the recaptured Africans; and that the best ac- commodations, the case would admit, should be prepared, in the houses already occupied, for the newly arrived emigrants. On the 9tli of August, the Strong was forced from her moorings with the loss of one of her anchors; and on the 10th, her cable again parted, when being near the beach, and the wind blowing directly on shore, she was, with extreme difficulty, saved from destruction. After a vain attempt for forty-eight hours to sail out of the bay formed by the promon- tories of Cape Montserado and Cape Mount, the small anchor was providentially recovered, and she was agam brought to a fixed position, but at the distance of five miles from the set- tlement. During this perilous season, the Agent, with nearly all the emigrants, were on board. The people were safely landed on the 13th and 14th, but owing to the great distance of the brig, to the prevalence of boisterous weather, the loss of the principal boat employed in the service, and the sickening of the boatmen, it became a work of great toil and difficulty, to bring her cargo to land. "But after four weeks of incessant exertion, the Agent enjoy- ' ed the satisfaction of seeing the passengers and property all * safe on shore; the latter secured in an extensive store-house; * and most of the former in a good measure protected from ' the incessant rains of that inclement season."* that a copy of it shall always remain in the Colony, open for public inspec- tion and use; and a duplicate agreeing with the former, even to the paging, be from time to time, sent home to the Board, as the best and only effectual means of keeping them fully informed of what passes in the settlement." — Mr. Jlshmun's Letter to the Board. * Ashman's History. LIFE OP ASHMUN. 125 Efforts were made without delay, to ascertain, as far as practicable, the dispositions of the principrd chiefs of the coun- try, and by offers of an honest and friendly trade, and by pro- posals to receive and instruct their sons in the English lan- guao-e, to bind them in the most amicable relations to the Colony. The Journal contains the following account of the Agent's interview with King Peter* and King Long Peter, on the 14th of August : "The chiefs inquired whether goods had been sent by the ' brig to pay for the lands ? '^Ansiuer. The Society believed that nearly the whole ' price had been paid to King Peter many moons ago, accord- * ing to the contract, and had sent out very few goods for * that purpose, " Question. ■ Had Dr. Ayres arrived in America before the * Agent left there ? ''A?isiver. Certainly not. The Society, therefore, gave * the present Agent no instructions in relation to the purchase * of the lands. But the next arrival from America, after ' Dr. A3iTes should have reached there, would bring fresh ' instructions on the subject, adapted to the present state of ' things. King Peter might be assured that the Society ' would be governed by the strictest justice, and the truest ' friendship, in all their transactions with him and his head ' men: and that he would never find them to shrink from ' any of their engagements. They would hear with great ' regret of King Peter's refusal of a part of the goods, which' ' he agreed by the deed to receive for the lands. But they ' were and would be King Peter's friends. They had sent a ' letter to King Peter and his head men, which the Agent < would deliver whenever he should express his readiness to ' receive it. "King Peter then desired to have the letter. The letter * For his age and influence, regarded as the patriarch of the tribes in the immediate neighbourhood of the Colony. 126 LIFE OF ASHMUN, ' was delivered and interpreted to the King-, and seemed to ' come very seasonably, and to produce a good effect on his ' feelings. He observed in conclusion : "Should more goods and fresh instructions in relation to ' the lands arrive from America, he would call a general pala- ' ver of the Kings and head men concerned in the cessions ' of the lands, and be governed by their sentence; that mean ' time he would remain as he had been a friend; that his age ' and rank, he thought, entitled him, according to the custom ' of the country, to some consideration, which he would be ' glad to have the Agent express by a present of whatever he ' might have to spare; but which he could receive only as a ' present." To this, the Agent replied : "He Avas willing, in behalf of the Society, to express his ' respect for King Peter's age and character, by a small pres- ' ent, which he would send to his to\vn, as soon as conve- ' nient, after receiving the goods ashore." On the 16th of August, the Agent visited King Bristol,* thirteen miles distant; "stated to him his friendly disposition; ' thanked him for his friendship towards the settlers, and de- ' sired the same amicable feelings and intercourse might be ' perpetual. He further offered to open with King Bristol ' and his people, a fair and mutually advantageous trade, to be ' conducted, on the one part, in American and European ' goods; on the other, in the productions of the country." To this, King Bristol replied in substance, that he was pleased with the formation of the settlement of American peo- ple; that he should continue to feel friendly to the establish- ment; that different and distinct tribes inhabited the country, and it would be unjust and ungenerous to adopt an opinion unfavourable to all, from the misconduct of one or two Kings; that he was old, and it was time that his chai-acter as a King * Written sometimes Brister. LIFE OF ASHMUN. 127 ^nd man, was known; that he hoped he and liis people should prove worthy of confidence; that he was quite willing to open trade with the settlement, and would engage to protect it; was glad to see the Agent, and intended soon to pay the Colony a friendly visit. • Though there was little reason, to question the sincerity of these Chiefs, it was manifest, "that under smooth and friend- ' ly appearances, there lurked in the minds of many of the * head men, a spirit of determined malignity, which only ' waited for an opportunity to exert itself for the ruin of the ' Colony." While, therefore, the Agent gave orders that the fifteen recaptured^ Africans should form a community by themselves, under a judicious superintendent directed to regulate their hours, lead them in family devotion, and instruct them in reading, writing, arithmetic, and the principles of Christiani- ty; that they should be taught agriculture and trained up in habits of cleanliness, order, and industry; that the plan of the town should be extended, and lots assigned to the new emi- grants; that a comfortable house should be erected for the Agent; that several natives (mostly the sons of head men) should be admitted as labourers; and for compensation, be assisted to acquire knowledge of the English language; that as far as practicable, the grounds should be cleared, and plant- ed with the most useful vegetables; he deemed it necessary to give prompt and principal attention to works of defence. Still he did not expect the dangers to which the Colony was so soon to be exposed. He did not look for any unity in the counsels, or combination^ among the forces of the Chiefs; and without these, he felt confident that their hostile endeavours might be frustrated.* * September 12th, he wrote to the Board : "There is not a head man within fifty miles of us, who can arm properly fifty men. They are cowardly in the extreme, and have little control over their men. Besides, there is the same political selfishness existing among them, which seems to check the proaecution of their ambitious schemes among the 128 LIFE OF ASHMUN. In proceeding with a narrative of events connected with the Colony at this crisis, and of the means by which it was sustained against invading and barbarous foes, we must be guided, mainly, by light which he has furnished, who stood amid the scenes described, under G^d, the guardian genius of a spot upon which Liberty and Religion had just planted their feet, to contend for existence with the powers of dark- ness. "So early," says Mr. Ashmun, "as the 18th of August, the ' present Martello tower was planned; a company of labour- ' ers employed by the Agent, in clearing the ground on which ' it stands; and a particular survey taken of the military ' strength and means of the settlers. Of the native Ameri- ' cans, twenty-seven, when not sick, were able to bear arms; ' but they were wholly untrained to their use; and capable in ' their present undisciplined state of making but a very feeble ' defence indeed. I'here were forty muskets in store, which, ' with repairing, were capable of being rendered serviceable. ' Of five iron guns and one brass attached to the settlement, the ' last only was fit for service, and four of the former required ' carriages. Several of these were nearly buried in the mud, ' on the opposite side of the river. Not a yard of abatis, or * other fence-work, had been constructed. There was no fix- ' ed ammunition, nor, v/ithout great difiiculty and delay, was ' it possible to load the only gun which was provided with a ' sufficient carriage. "It was soon perceived that the means as well as an organ- ' ized system of defence were to be originated, without either ' the materials or the artificers usi^ally considered necessary * for such purposes. In the organization of the men, thirteen ' African youths attached to the United States' Agency, most different states of Europe. * * * It is morally certain, we shall not be taken by surprise, and with God's blessing, no force they can raise, will much injure us, if prepared for them." — Sixth Annual Report of the Colonization So- ciety, pages 40 and 41. LIFE OF ASHJVIUN. 129 * of whom had never loaded a musket, were enrolled in the * Lieutenant's corps, and daily exercised in the use of arms, — * The guns were, one after another, with infinite labour, ' transported over the river, conveyed to the height of the ' peninsula, and mounted on rough truck carriages, which in ' the event proved to answer a very good purpose. A mas- * ter of ordnance was appointed, who, with his assistants, re- < paired the small arms — made up a quantity of fixed ammu- ' nition, and otherwise aided in arranging the details of the < service. "The litde town was closely environed, except on the side * of the river, with the heavy forest in the bosom of which it * was "situated — thus giving to a savage enemy an important * advantage of which it became absolutely necessary to de- ' prive him, by enlarging to the utmost, the cleared space ' about the buildings. This labour was immediately under- * taken, and carried on without any other intermission, than < that caused by sickness of the people, and the interruption ' of other duties equally connected with the safety of the ' place. But the rains were immoderate and nearly constant. "In addition to these fatiguing labours, was that of main- ' taining the nightly watch; — ^which, from the number of ' sentinels necessary for the common safety, shortly became ' more exhausting than al! the other burdens of the people. — ' No less than twenty individuals were every night detailed ' for this duty, after the 31st of August."* * "On this day, the strengtii of the Colony was thus organized, and the ac- companying orders issued : 1. The settlement is under military law. 2. E. Johnson is Commissary of Stores. 3. R. Sampson is Commissary of Ordinance. 4. L. Carey, Health Officer and Government Inspector. 5. F. James, Captain of brass mounted field-piece; and has assigned to his command, R. Newport, M. S. Draper, William Meade, and J. Adams. 6. A. James, Captain of Long IS; and under his command, J. Benson, E. Smith, William HoUinger, D. Hawkins, John and Thomas Spencer. 17 130 LIFE OF ASHMUN. On the 25th of August, Mr, Ashmun experienced the first attack of fever, and three days afterwards, had the pam to see Mrs. Ashmun seriously atiected by the same disease. Sickness soon commenced among the company of recent eiTiigrants, and prevailed so rapidly, that on the 10th of Sep- tember, of the whole number, only two remained in health. "The Agent was enabled by a merciful Providence, to main- ' tain a difficult struggle with his disorder, for four weeks; in ' which period, after a night of delirium and suffering, it was ' not an unusual circumstance for him to be able to spend an ' entire morning in laying oif and directing the execution of ' the public works." ^ About the first of September, the intercourse between the settlement and the people of the country, had nearly ceased, and the native youths who had been residing in the Colony, were daily deserting in consequence of recent intelligence conveyed to them by their friends. "The plan of defence adopted was to station five heavy ' guns at the difterent angles of a triangle which should cir~ 7. J. Shaw, Captain of the Southern Picket Station, mounting two iron guns. To his command are attached S. Campbell, E. Jackson, J. Lawrence, L. Crook, and George Washington. 8. D. George, Captain of Eastern Picket Station, mounting two iron gunsj attached are A. Edmondson, Joseph Gardiner, Josh. Webster, and J. Carey. 9. C. Brander, Captain of a Carriage mounting two swivels, to act in con- cert with the brass piece, and move from station to station, as the occasion may require; attached are T. Tines, and L. Butler. 10. Every man is to have his musket and ammunition with him even when at the large guns. 11. Every Officer is responsible for the conduct of the men placed under him, who are to obey him at their peril. 12. The guns are all to be got ready for action immediately— and every ef- fective man is to be employed on the Pickets. 13. Five stations to be occupied by guards at night, till other orders shall be given. ^ 14. No useless firing permitted. 15. In case of an alarm, every man is to repair instantly to his post and do his duty. LIFE OF ASHMUN. 131 * cumscribe the whole settlement — each of the angles resting ' on a point of ground sufficiently commanding to enfilade * two sides of the triangle, and sweep a considerable extent ef ' ground beyond the lines. The guns at these stations were ' to be covered by musket proof triangular stockades, of which * any two should be sufficient to contain all the settlers in their < wings. The brass piece and two swivels mounted on travel- ' ling carriages, were stationed in the centre, ready to support ' the post which might be exposed to the heaviest attack. After ' completing these detached works, it was in the intention of * the Agent, had the enemy allowed the time, to join all toge- ' ther by a paling to be carried quite around the settlement; — ■ * and in the event of a yet longer respite, to carry on, as ra- * pidly as possible, under the protection of the nearest forti- ' fied point, the construction of the Martello tower; which, as ' soon as completed, would nearly supersede all the other * works; and by presenting an impregnable barrier to the ' success of any native force, probably become the instru- ' ment of a general and permanent pacification. Connected ' with these measures of safety, was the extension to the ut- * most, of the cleared space about the settlement, still leaving * the trees and brushwood, after being separated from their * trunks, to spread the ground with a tangled hedge, through ^ which nothing should be able to make its way, except the ' shot from the batteries. "This plan was fully communicated to the most intelligent ' of the people; which, in the event of the disability or death * of the Agent, they might, it was hoped, so far carry into ef- ' feet as to ensure the preservation of the settlement." On the 6th of September, the Agent convened the people, read to them the instructions of the Board, and published such laws, by-laws and regulations as he deemed essential to the public welfare. "Taken together," he remarks, "they * comprize all the special written laws which exist in the set- ^ tlement." In addition to sundry explanations touching the 132 LIFE OP ASHMUN. particular laws, he offered on the occasion several remark^- in substance, as follows : "That the government of the Colony ought to be a govern- ' ment of reason, religion, and law, and not that of a master ' over his refractory servants; that the Agent should comply ' with the instructions of the Society, consult the interest of ' the Colony, and abide strictly by the sense of the Constitu- ' tion as far as he understood them in all the regulations he ' should establish; that he intended to represent the Society ' as if present; that no more nor more rigid laws should be ' passed than were judged necessary; and that laws once ' passed, it need not be said must be obeyed, or the penalty ' suffered; that he sincerely devoted himself, while Divine ' Providence should continue him in his present situation, to ' the welfare of the settlement. And his first wish was to ' see it prosperous. He sympathized with not a few present, ' who had encountered and sustained dangers and hardships ' of a trying nature. It was the wish of the Society, it was ' his wish to see them as soon as possible, rewarded for all ' their sufferings, by a home abounding with peace and all the ' comforts of this life, and the best means of preparing for one ' infinitely better. He had the satisfaction to regard himself ' as the personal friend of many present, and hoped these feel- ' ings would be interrupted by no fault or indiscretion on ' either part." On the 12th of September, the Agent wrote the following sentences in the Colonial Journal : "Rain falls in floods. The sick all seem better except Mrs, ' Ashmun. She is speechless, and almost without the use ' of her reason. There is no rational hope of her recovery. ' All remedies on which her husband dares to venture, have ' been tried in vain. He now with a burdened heart, resigns ' her up to her God, and scarcely able to support himself, ' painfully watches over what he considers the last hours of ' her mortal existence. When laSt possessed of the power of LIFE OF ASIIMUN. 133 * reflection, she declared herself happy in her Cod — and to '^ possess not a wish which was not absorbed in His holy will. * The reading- of the Scriptures seemed perceptibly to feed and * revive her faith in tlie precious Redeemer. She seemed to * have intercourse with God in prayer. Her husband may * follow her in a few days, or vyeeks at most; and he here < ventures to record it as the first wish of his heart, that the ' will of the Lord may be done." Mr. Ashmun strove manfully against the power of his dis- ease, and the tide of distressing thoughts which rushed upon him as he beheld his wife, "a female of most delicate consti- ' tution, lying under the influence of a mortal fever, in the ' corner of a miserable hut, (to ventilate which in a proper ' manner was impossible,) on a couch literally dripping with ^ water, which a roof of thatch was unable to exclude — cir- ' cumstances rendering recpvery impossible, and in which * even the dying struggle almost brought relief to the agoni- * zed feelings of surviving friendship."* She expired on Sunday the 15th of September. "Her life," observes he who knew her best, "had been that of uncommon devotion and ' self-denial, inspired by a vigorous and practical faith in the ' Divine Saviour of the world; and her end, according to His ^ promise, was ineffable peace." To this, we add, that in the recollections of her friends, are the impressions still vivid of her zeal and charity in behalf of the neglected and igno- rant of this, and the wretched heathens of other lands; and how, from early youth, it had been her chief desire, that it might be her work and honour, to guide the untaught chil- dren of some uncivilized region, to the God of her hope and salvation. It was a kind dispensation of Providence, that the Agent was spared to make the most important arrangements for the defence of the settlement, before the hand of disease rendered * Mr. Ashmun's Letter to Captain Spencc. 134 LIFE OF ASHMUN. him entirely incapable of exertion. From the middle of September, until the first week of November, he remained in an extremely low and dangerous state, nearly incapable of mo- tion, and conscious of little but suffering. As soon as the force of his disease was somewhat abated, he discovered that much had been effected by the industry of the people; that on the whole Southern quarter of the settlement, the trees had been cleared away and so thrown together, as in a good mea- sure to obstruct the approach of an enemy. Their routine of daily labour and nightly watching, however, had been such as to forbid their completing the preparations; the Wes- tern station was still uncovered; and the long gun, intended for its chief defence, unmounted. On the 7th of November, the Agent was able to '-'recommence entries in the Journal, ' and thereafter daily to take an increasing share in the ope- ' rations of the people." In the mean time, the Kings and head men of the coun- try, had held secret meetings to discuss and decide upon mea- sures of hostility to the Colony. By the diligence and fide- lity of an individual whose name has not been divulged, the Agent "was informed of the sentiments of each, and often furnished with the very arguments used in their debates." — Some diversity of opinion existed in the war-council. Two or three of the Chiefs were opposed to the war, but a large majority, not fewer than nine or ten, resolved to unite their forces and make an early attack upon the settlement. The Agent, through one of their number who was undecided on his course, informed them "that he was perfectly apprized of ' their hostile deliberations, notwithstanding their pains to ' conceal them; and that if they proceeded to bring war upon ' the Americans, without even asking to settle their difierences ' in a friendly manner, they would dearly learn what it was ' to fight white men."* * A phrase by which civilized people of all colours and nations, are distin- guished in the dialect of the coast. LIFE OF ASHMUN. 13S "On the 7tli of November," says Mr. Ashmun, ."intelligence * was received at the Cape that the last measures liad been ' taken prepai'atory to an assault on the settlement, which * was ordered within four days. The plan of attack being ' left to the head warriors, whose trade it is to concert and ' conduct it, was not to be learnt. "The Agent was able, with assistance, to inspect the works, ' and review the little force the same evening. He stated to ' the people the purport of the intelligence just received; ' that 'war was now inevitable; and the preservation of their ' property, their settlement, their families, and their lives, de- ' pended under God, wholly upon their own firmness and ' good conduct; that a most important point in the defence ' of the place, was to secure a perfect uniformity of action, ' which should assure to every post and individual the firm ' support of every other. To this end, they must as punc- ' tiliously obey their officers as if their whole duty were cen- ' tered, as it probably was, in that one point; and every man ' as faithfully exert himself, as if the whole defence depend- ' ed on his single efforts. A coward, it was hoped, did not ' disgrace their ranks; and as the cause was emphatically ' that of God and their country, they might confidently ex- ' pect His blessing and success to attend the faithful dis- ' charge of their duty.' — Ever^r thing was then disposed in ' order of action, and the men marched to their posts. They ' lay on their arms, with matches lighted, through the night. "On the 8th, the Agent, by an effort which entirely ex- ' hausted his strength, proceeded to examine the obstruction ' thrown in the way of the avenues to the settlement; and ' perceived to his extreme mortification, that the west quarter ' was still capable ofbeing approached by a narrow path- way, ' without difficulty; and that the utmost exertions of the ' workmen had accomplished only the mounting of the re- ' volving nine pounder at the post; by which the path was ' enfiladed; but that the platform was still left entirely ex- 136 LIFE OF ASHMUN- ' posed. TJie eastern quarter was about equally open to the ' approach of the enemy, but the station was protected by a ' stockade, and a steep ledge of rocks made the access difficult. "Picket guards of four men each were detailed, to be posted ' one hundred yards in advance of each of the stations, '■ through the night. No man was allowed to sleep before ' the following day, at sun-rise; and patrols of native Afri- ' cans were dispersed through the woods in every direction, ' An order was given to families occupying the most expos- ' ed houses, to sleep in such as were more centrally situated.* "Throughout the 9th, the order established on the pre- ' ceding day continued; and some progress made in the la- ' hour of falling trees, and otherwise obstructing every prac- ' ticable access to the settlement. "Sunday, November 10th. The morning was devoted, ' as usual, to the refreshment of the settlers, none of whom ' had slept for the twenty-four hours preceding. At 1 P. M. ' all were remanded to their fatigue and other duties, till ' sun-set; when the order appointed for the preceding night ' was resumed. The women and children attended divine ' service. "Intelligence had reached the Agent early in the day, that ' the hostile forces had made a movement, and were crossing ' the Montserado river a few miles above the settlement; but ' the patrols made no discovery through the day. — At sun- ' set, however, the enemy again put themselves in motion, ' and at an early hour of the night, had assembled, as was af- ' terwards learnt, to the number of six to nine hundred men, ' on the peninsula, where, at the distance of less than half a ' mile to the westward of the settlement, they encamped till ' near morning. Their camp, afterwards examined, extend- * In the multitude of cares devolving on the Agent, who dictated most of his instructions from his bed, the measures necessary to secure the proper obser- vance of this order were unhappily omitted; and the raslmess of the misguided individuals who disobeyed it, met with a signal punishment. LIFE OP ASHMUN. 137 * ed half a mile in length, and induces a strong probability * that the number of warriors assembled on this occasion, has * been altoo-ether underrated.* "Tlie most wakeful vigilance on the part of the settlers, was * kept up through the night. — But, with a fatality which was * quite of a piece with all the hindrances that had impeded ' the progress of the defences on the western quarter, the ' picket-guard in advance of that post, ventured on a violation ' of their orders, by leaving their station, at the first dawn of ' day; at which it was their duty to remain till sun-rise. The ' native force was already in motion, and followed directly in ' the rear of the picket-guard. The latter had just rejoined ' their gun, about which ten men were now assembled; Avhen ' the enemy suddenly presenting a front of ten yards in width, ' at sixty distant, delivered their fire, and rushed forward ' with their spears to seize the post. Several men were killed ' and disabled by the first fire, and the remainder driven from ' their gun without discharging it. Then, retiring upon the ' centre, (see the arrangement of the guns, p, 131,) threw the ' reserve there stationed, into momentary confusion; and had ' the enemy at this instant, pressed their advantage, it is hard- ' ly conceivable that they should have failed of entire success. ' Their avidity for plunder was their defeat. Four houses ' in that outskirt of the setdement, had fallen into their hands. ' Every man on whose savage rapacity so resistless a tempta- ' tion happened to operate, rushed impetuously upon the pil- ' lage thus thrown in his way. The movement of the main ' body was disordered and impeded; and an opportunity af- ' forded the Agent, assisted principally by the Rev. Lot Gary ' to rally the broken force of the settlers. The two central ' guns, with a part of their own men, and several who had * The number given above, is deduced from the discordant accounts given by the kings of the country, after the termination of hostilities; some of whom rated it much higher; but all were ignorant of the true number, and all were interested to state it as low as would obtain credit. 18 138 LIFE OF xVSHMUN. ' been driven from the western station, were, with a httle ex- ' ertion, brought back into action, and formed in the hne of ' two sUght buildings, thirty yards in advance of the enemy. "The second discharge of a brass field-piece, double-shot- ' ted with ball and grape, brought the whole body of the ene- ' my to a stand. That gun was well served, and appeared to ' do great execution. The havoc would have been greater, ' had not the fire, from motives of humanity, been so directed ' as to clear the dwellings about which the enemy's force was ' gathered in heavy masses. These houses were known at ' that moment to contain more than twelve helpless women ' and children. "The eastern and southern posts, were, from their situa- ' tion, precluded from rendering any active assistance on the ' occasion; but the officers and men attached to them, deserve '■ the highest praise, of doing their duty by maintaining their ' stations, and thus protecting the flank and rear of the few ' whose lot it was to be brought to action. "A few musketeers with E. Johnson at their head,bypass- * ing round upon the enemy's flank, served to increase the ' consternation which was beginning to pervade their un- ' wieldy body. In about twenty minutes after the settlers < had taken their stand, the front of the enemy began to re- ' coil. But from the numerous obstructions in their rear, * the entire absence of discipline, and the extreme difficulty ' of giving a reversed motion to so large a body, a small part * only of which was directly exposed to danger, and the delay < occasioned by the practice of carrying off all their dead and ' wounded, rendered a retreat for some minutes longer, im- < possible. The very violence employed by those in the * front, in their impatience to hasten it, by increasing the con- * fusion, produced an effect opposite to that intended. The * Americans perceiving their advantage, now regained pos- ' session of the western post, and instantly brought the long *■ nine to rake the whole line of the enemy. Imagination can LIFE OP ASIIMUN. 139 ' scarcely figure to itself a throng of human beings in a more ' capital state of exposure to the destructive power of the ma- ' chinery of modern warfare ! Eight hundred men were here ' pressed shoulder to shoulder, in so compact a form that a ' child might easily walk upon their heads from one end of ' the mass to the other, presenting in their rear a breadth of ' rank equal to twenty or thirty men, and all exposed to a gun ' of great power, raised on a jjlatform, at only thirty to sixty ' yards distance ! Every shot literally spent its force in asol- ^ id mass of living human flesh ! Their fire suddenly termi- ' nated. A savage yell was raised, which filled the dismal ' forest with a momentary horror. It gradually died away; and ' the whole host disappeared. At eight o'clock the well ' known signal of their dispersion and return to their homes, ' was sounded, and many small parties seen at a distance, di- ' rectly afterwards, moving off in diiferent directions. One ' large canoe employed in reconveying a party across the ' mouth of the Montserado, venturing within the range of the ' long gun, was struck by a shot, and several men killed. "On the part of the settlers, it was soon discovered that ' considerable injury had been sustained. "One woman* who had imprudently passed the night in ' the house first beset by the enemy, had received thirteen ' wounds, and been thrown aside as dead. Another,! flying ' from her house with her two infant children, received a ' wound in the head, from a cutlass, and was robbed of both ' her babes; but providentially escaped. A young married ' woman,t with the mother of five small children, finding ' the house in which they slept surrounded by savage ene- ' mies, barricadoed the door, in the vain hope of safety. It ' was forced. Each of the women then seizing an axe, held * Mrs. Ann Hawkins; who after long and incredible sufferings recovered, and is yet living. t Mrs. Minty Draper, t Mary Tines. 140 LIFE OF ASHMUN. the irresolute barbarians in check for several minutes lon- ger. Having discharged their ginis, they seemed desirous of gaining the shelter of the house previous to reloading. — At length, with the aid of their spears, and by means of a general rush, they overcame their heroine adversaries, and instantly stabbed the youngest to the heart. The mother, instinctively springing for her suckling babe, which recoil- ed through fright, and was left behind, rushed through a small window on the opposite side of the house, and provi- dentially escaped to the lines, unhurt, between two heavy fires. "The Agent had caused a return to be made at 9 o'clock, which certainly exhibited a melancholy statement of the loss sustained by the little company. But it was animat- ing to perceive that none — not even the wounded in their severest sufferings, were dispirited, or insensible of the sig- nal providence to which they owed the successful issue of their struggle. "It never has been possible to ascertain the number of the enemy killed or disabled on this occasion. The only entry made on the subject in the Colonial Journal, is dated No- vember 15th; and states, 'The following circumstances prove the carnage to have been, for the number engaged, great. A large canoe, from which the dead and wounded could be seen to be taken, on its arriving at the opposite side of the Montserado, and which might easily carry twelve men, was employed upvv^ards of two hours in ferry- ing them over. In this time, not less than ten or twelve trips must have been made. It is also known, that many of the wounded were conveyed away along the south beach, on mats; and that the dead left of necessity in the woods, where many fell, are carried otf by their friends every night. But two days ago, twenty-seven bodies were discovered by a party of friendly Condoes employed by the Agent for the purpose. On entering the wood, the offensive effluvium from putrid bodies, is at this time intolerable.' LIFE OF ASHMUN. 141 "The numerical force of the settlers amounted to thirty- ' five persons, including six native youths not sixteen years of ' age. Of this number, about one half were engaged. "At 9 o'clock, the Agent, after advising with the most sen- ' sible mechanics, and others of the settlers, issued an order ' for contracting the lines, by excluding about one-fourth part ' of the houses, and surrounding the remainder, including ' the stores, with a musket-proof stockade; at the angles of ' which, all the guns were to be posted. The fence palings ' and building materials of individuals, were taken for this « palisade, of which, before night, more than eighty yards ' were completed. "This work was resumed early the next day, and far ad- * vanced towards a completion, before it was judged safe to ' devote an hour even to the melancholy duty of burying the ' dead; which was performed on the evening of the 12th. — ' By contracting the lines, the number of men necessary to ' guard them, was considerably reduced; and thus a rehef for ' the people obtained, which their sickly and feeble state ab- ' solutely called for. As early as the 14th, one-half of their ' number were released from camp duty, after 8 o'clock in ' the morning; but every man remanded to his post through ' the night. An additional gun was mounted and posted on < the same day: on the 17th, the artillerists were newly or- ' ganized; and every day witnessed either some improve- < ments in the discipline of the men, or in the means of de- ' fence and annoyance. "It could not fail, in the state of utter abandonment and ' solitude to which this little company was reduced, to be ' felt as an encouraging circumstance, that Tom Bassa, a ' prince of some distinction, should, at this moment, have ' sent a message to assure the Colony of his friendship; and ' in testimony of his sincerity, to have forwarded a small pre- ' sent of the productions of the country. "The enclosure was completed on Sunday morning, the 142 LIFE OF ASHMUN. 17tli; when about one-half of the people had the privilege of celebrating Divine service— a privilege which many of them very highly appreciated, 'at is not to be either concealed, or made the object of a too severe censure, that several of the people should have yield- ed, as soon as leisure was afforded for reflection, to the dis- couraging circumstances of their situation. There were not at this time, exclusive of rice, fifteen days' provisions in store. Every individual was subjected to an allowance which could not sustain animal strength, under the burden of so many severe and extraordinary labours. Nothing could be obtained from the country. Seven infant children were in the hands of an enemy infiniatedby his recent loss- es. The native forces were certainly not dispersed; but it wa^ no longer in the Agent's power either to learn the inten- tions of the chiefs, or to convey any message throuo-h to them. Add to these unpleasant ingredients of their lot, the more cruel circumstance, perhaps of all, that the anmiuni- tion of the Colony was insufficient for a single hour's de- fence of the place if hotly attacked, and an apology may sure- ly be found for the very alarming despondency which was invading the minds of several of the settlers.— It was a hap- py providence tliat,at this critical moment, the Agent's health was so far mended, as to put it in his power often to attend the men, at their posts and labours, by night and day— to animate them by every method which his invention could suggest— and when these failed, to draw from their despair itself, an argument for a faithful discharge of their duty.— In this diflicult labour, he was ably and successfully sup- ported by several of the most sensible and influential of the Colonists." An earnest, but ineffectual effort was now made to engage the Kings in a treaty of peace. The state of the settlement, as well as motives of humanity, urged that no proper means should be neglected of bringing the war to a termination. LIFE OP ASHMUN, 143 The enemy was assured "that the Americans came with ' friendly intentions; that they had evinced those friendly ' intentions in all their intercourse with the people of the ' country; that they were willing to settle a peace, but were ' also prepared to carry on the war, and render it inomensely ' more destructive than it had yet been found to their foes." — But though messages were daily exchanged with the Chiefs for a time, and though they professed a pacific disposition, it was known that they were earnestly engaged in securing al- lies from all quarters, and the Agent made diligent prepara- tions for a second attack. "The 23d of November was devoted to humiliation, thanks- ' giving, and prayer, both on account of the recent success, ' and losses, and the actual perilous state of the settlement. ' Two days afterwards, the most pressing wants of the peo- ' pie were relieved by a small purchase from a transient tra- ^ der touching at the Cape." A generous foreigner. Captain H. Brassey of Liverpool, arrived on the 29th, "and nearly exhausted his own stores to ' relieve the distresses of the sick and wounded, and exerted ' an extensive influence, acquired by long acquaintance with ' the Chiefs, to disarm their hostilities." But in vain. "It ' was ascertained to be their purpose to renew, that very night, ' with a large reinforcement, their eflbrts to destroy the set- ' tlement. The presence of Captain Brassey's large ship in * the harbour, induced them to defer the attack." In a letter dated November 30, addressed to the Board, Mr. Ashmun writes: "All the tribes around us are combined in war ^ against us. Their principal object is plunder. We are ' surrounded only with a slight barricade, and can only raise '■ a force of thirty men. Have not time, limits, nor the means ' to erect an effectual and permanent fortification. Nor any '■ means except what casually offers of sending to Sierra Le- '■ one for aid. We endeavour to make God our trust. I have ^ no idea but to wait here for His deliverance — or to lay our 144 LIFE OP ASHMUN. ' bones on Cape Montserado." After many suggestions in regard to supplies by future expeditions, he concludes : "Dear ' Sir, pray for us fervently, that if living, God Almighty ' would be with us." Mr. Ashmun thus describes the contest on the morning of the 2d of December : "The Agent, for the first time, spent the whole night (29th) ' at the different posts; and had the satisfaction to perceive ' every man attentive to his duty, and every thing connected ' with the defence in a state of the most perfect preparation. ' The wood had been cleared for a considerable space about ' the town. The enemy in order to approach within musket ' shot of the works, was obliged to place himself unsheltered, ' in the open field; and could advance upon no point which ' was not exposed to the cross-fire of two or more of the posts. ' The stockade for a distance on each side of all the several ' stations, was rendered impenetrable to musket shot; and in ' every part afforded a shelter, behind which the defenders ' might indulge the confidence of being nearly secure — a ' point of the very first importance to be secured to the un- ' practised soldier. "November 30th was spent by the people in the order of ac- ' tion, as it was known that the enemy in the neighbourhood ' were in the actual observation of all that passed within the ' lines. No pickets could be safely trusted during the ensu- ' ing night without the enclosure; but the men attached to ' the different stations were ranged along the stockade at ' five yards distance from each other, with orders to repair to ' their guns on the moment the alarm was given. The ' Agent, spent with the fatigue of waking two successive ' nights, had reclined at thirty minutes past four, the 2d inst. ' upon the light arms which he carried, when the onset was ' made. The works were attacked at the same moment on ' nearly opposite sides. The enemy's western division had ' made their way along the muddy margin of the river, un- LIFE OF ASHMUN. 145 '■ der the protection of the bank, to the north-western angle ' of the pahsade; when, on rising the bank so as to become ' visible from the western post, they had opened upon it a ' sudden and brisk fire, which was promptly and very steadi- ' ly returned by the iron gun, supported by the reserve field- ' piece from the centre. Tlie assailants were repulsed with ' considerable loss. Ten minutes afterwards they renewed ' the onset, and forcing their way higher up the bank than ' before, contended with greater obstinacy, and suffered still ' more severely. A third attempt was made to carry this ' post; but with the same ill success. '•On the opposite quarter the assault had commenced at the ' same moment, with still greater vigour. A large body had ' concealed themselves under a precipitous ledge of rocks for- ' ty yards distant; whence they crept nearly concealed from ' view, within the same number of feet of the station; when ' they suddenly rose, delivered their fire, and rushed forward ' with the utmost fury. At tliis moment, the two-gun battery ' was unmasked, and opened upon them with immediate ef- ' feet. After a very few discharges, the body of the enemy ' having thrown themselves flat upon the earth, disappeared ' behind the rocks. Their marksmen had taken their sta- ' tions behind projecting rocks, fallen trees, and large ant- ' hills, and still kept up a constant and well directed fire; un- ' der the cover of which the main body rallied and returned ' to the attack not less than four times; and were as often re- ' pulsed by the well directed fire of the large guns; which ' was purposely reserved for those occasions. "The Agent at this moment perceiving the enemy in mo- ' tion towards the right, under cover of a small eminence * which favoured their design, proceeded to the southern post, ' which had not yet been engaged, and ordered it to open ' upon them the moment their movement brought them with- ' in the range of its guns. The order was punctually obey- ' ed; which exposed a large number of the assailants to a 19 146 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ' galling cannonade both in front and flank, in a situation ' where their own arms could prove of no effectual service to ' them. The assault on the opposite side of the town had ' been already repulsed; and the signal for a general retreat ' immediately followed. This order was obeyed with such ' promptitude, that the most entire silence succeeded, and ' every warrior disappeared almost instantaneously. "Not the most veteran troops could have behaved with ' more coolness, or shown greater firnuiess than the settlers, ' on this occasion. Such had been their hardships, and dis- ' tressing suspense for the last twenty days, that the first vol- ' ley of the enemy's fire brought sensible relief to every breast; ' for it gave assurance that the time had arrived which was to ' put a period to their anxieties. "The final repulse of the assailants on the western quarter ' took place in seventy minutes from the commencement of the ' contest; the attack upon the eastern post, was prolonged * ninety minutes; and of the two, was much the most obsti- ' nate and bloody. Three of the men serving at the guns of ' that station, Gardiner, Crook, and Tines, were very badly, ' the last mortally, wounded. The Agent received three ' bullets through his clothes, but providentially escaped un- ' hurt. As the natives in close action load their muskets ' (which are of the largest calibre) with copper and iron slugs, ' often to the enormous measure of twelve inches, their fire ' is commonly very destructive. In this conflict of scarcely ' an hour and a half, the quantity of shot lodged in the paling, ' and actually thrown within the lines, is altogether in- ' credible; and that it took effect in so few cases, can only be ' regarded as the effect of the special guardianship of Divine ' Providence. "The number of assailants has been variously estimated; ' but ca-n never be correctly ascertained. It is known to be ' much greater than of those engaged on the 11th. Their ' loss, although from the quantities of blood with which the LIFE OF ASHMUN. 147 * field was found drenched, certainly considerable, was much * less than in the former attack. "The Agent has often said that their plan of assault was ' the very best that they could have devised. It was certainly ' sustained and renewed with a resolution that would not dis- ' grace the best disciplined troops. But they were not fully ' apprised of the power of well served artillery. None of the ' kings of this part of the coast are without cannon. But to ' load a great gun, is with them the business of half an hour; ' and they were seriously disposed to attribute to sorcery the ' art of charging and firing these destructive machines from ' four to six times in the minute." The result of this action disheartened the foe, and animated for a moment, the hopes of the Colonists. But the situation of the latter, was most distressing. The small number still more reduced — no aid near — ^provisions scanty, so that for six weeks they had been on an allowance of meat and bread; the sufferings of the wounded, relieved by little surgical know- ledge, less skill and no proper instruments, indescribable; and on an equal distribution of the shot among the guns, not three rounds remaining to each ! "We cried unto God," says Mr. Ashmun, (in his letter to the Board of the 7th of December,) "to send us aid, or prepare us, and the Society at home, for ' the heaviest earthly calamity we could dread." On the following night, an officer at one of the stations, alarmed by some movement in the vicinity, discharged seve- ral muskets and large guns, and this circumstance was provi- dentially the means of bringing relief to the almost despair- ing settlement. The British Colonial Schooner Prince Regent, laden with military stores, and having on board Major Laing, the cele- brated African traveller, with a prize crew commanded by Midshipman Gordon, and eleven seamen of his British Ma- jesty's sloop of war Driver, was at this time passing the Cape on her way to Cape Coast Castle, when her officers arrested 148 LIFE OF ASHMUN. by the sound of cannon at midnight from the shore, resolved to ascertain the cause of so extraordinary a circumstance. — No sooner did they learn the truth, and beh6ld a little compa- ny of brave men contending lor their lives against the leagued forces of nearly every barbarous tribe on that part of the coast, than they generously oflered all the aid in their power. By the influence of Captain Laing, the Chiefs were bound to a truce, and to refer all matters of diiierence between them and the Colony, to the judgment of the Governor of Sierra Leone; while Midshipman Gordon, with eleven seamen, vol- untarily consented to remain, and see that the agreement was preserved inviolate. As the Chiefs had no just grounds of complaint, the provision for a reference was never afterwards recollected. The Prince Regent left at the Colony a supply of ammunition, and took her departure on the 4th of Decem- ber. From that hour the foundations of the Colony were laid in a firm and lasting peace. And who was he, that "single white man," on that distant forest-clad shore, unbroken in spirit, though bowed beneath the heavy hand of sorrow and sickness, casting fear to the winds, directing and heading by day and night, a feeble, un- disciplined, dejected, unfortified band of thirty-five emigrants, against whom the very elements seemed warring, while a thousand to fifteen hundred armed savages were rushing to destroy them? Who was he, that in reliance on God for wisdom and might, imparted such skill and courage to this lit- tle company, — so ordered every plan and guided every move- ment; that the fierce foe retired panic struck before them, and they stood lescued and redeemed from impending destruc- tion 1 Was he a veteran soldier, inured to danger, familiar with suffering, and bred amid scenes of battle and blood ? Was he there adorned by badge's of military honour, conscious of a reputation won by deeds of "high emprise," and stimu- lated to valour by hopes of glory and fears of disgrace? LIFE OP ASHMUN. 149 That was iio tried, no ambitious soldier. He was a young man, bred to letters, of retired habits, educated for the Minis- try of Christ, unknown to fame, — the victim of disappoint- ment, burdened with debt, and touched by undeserved re- proach. He had visited Africa in hope of obtaining the means of doing justice to his creditors; and impelled by Hu- manity and Religion, had consented, without any fixed com- pensation, to give, should they be required, his services to the Colony. He found it in peril of extinction. He hesitated not. He failed not to redeem his pledge. He gathered strength from difficulty, and motive from danger. No thronging and admiring spectators cheered him; ^^no glorious pomp and cir- cumstance were there to throw a brightness and a beauty even upon the features and terrors of death. He stood strong in duty, covered by the shield of Faith. His frame shaken by disease; the partner of his life struck down by his side; amid the groans of the afflicted and in the shadow of Hope's dim eclipse, he planned and executed, with the ability of the bravest and most experienced General, measures which saved the settlement, and secured for Liberty and Christianity, a perpetual home and heritage in Africa. Raised up and gui- ded by an Almighty, though invisible Hand, to build a city of righteousness on that shore of oppression, before which the makers of idols should be confounded, and those in chains come over* to fall down in worship, and exclaim as they be- held her light, surely God is in Thee, no weapon formed against him could prosper; no wasting destruction by day, or pestilence walldng in darlaiess, had power to defeat the work. • Isaiah 45th chapter, 14th and 16th verses. CHAPTER VIII. The agitations of this sanguinary conflict, were succeeded by the ravages of disease and the gloom of death. Within four weeks from the time of the departure of the Prince Re- gent, over' Midshipman Gordon and eight out of the eleven seamen who remained with him, the graves were closed. — The conduct of these generous Englishmen, deserves to be remem.bered forever. Hardly had they stepped on the Afri- can shore, to assist a few humble, distressed, but brave men, to whom they were bound only by the common ties of hu- manity, from whom they could expect no reward, and who might have perished almost unobserved, when they fell and were borne in the arms and amid the lamentations of those whom they came to relieve, to the place of the dead. The funeral of Midshipman Gordon, was attended by near- ly all the Colonists, and by the officers of several vessels, (two of them armed cruisers) then lying in the harbour, and his remains were interred, shrouded in the British flag, with the honours of war. "To express," said Mr. Ashmun in an- 152 LIFE OF ASHMUN. nouncing the melancholy event to Lieutenant Rotheray of the British Na\y, "the regret I feel, that a measure so full of ' benevolence as the leaving this little force with us, should ' have so disastrous an issue, it is superfluous to attempt, as I ' should but wrong my own feelings. We have derived from ' the presence of these unfortunate men, a great benefit: it as- ' sisted in a powerful manner to allay the warlike spirit of the ' natives, inspired a fresh spirit of resolution into our people, ' and relieved them for nearly three weeks from a part of their ' almost insupportable burthens, I shall rest it with the hon- ' our of my Government, to make such an acknowledgment ' of the favours rendered by the officers and other Agents of ' your's employed on this coast, as justice and a proper esti- * mate of the beneficial influence of international favours ' given and received, plainly dictate." Mr. Ashmun's health, which had been improving for some time, was now injured by excessive exertion; and on the 16th of December, he relapsed into a slow, but constant fever, that resisted the power of all ordinary remedies, and left him no hope of recovery. "From despair on the one hand, and a ' sense of duty on the other," he received from the hand of a Frenchman, professing some medical knowledge, (and who providentially arrived on a transient visit at this crisis) a po- tion, one of the ingredients of which was a large spoonful of calomel. A distressing salivation ensued, and the fever left him. In the mean time important services were rendered by the officers and crew of a Columbian armed schooner, which anchored on the 8th of December, and remained four weeks at the Colony. Her mechanics contributed to place the set- tlement in a better state of defence, and the wounded derived sensible relief from the kind attentions of her skilful Surg-eon. It was tlie middle of February before the Agent was able to resume the active duties of his station. He saw that every possible exertion was required to prepare for the approaching season of rains. With the exception of the store-house, there LIFE OF ASHMUN. 153 was but one shingled roof and frame house in the settlement. Many of the cabins were without floors, covered with thatch, affording but an imperfect shelter. The war had for months, occupied wholly the attention of the Colonists, and deranged all their habits of industry and private affairs. "We long," said Mr. Ashmun at this time in a letter to the Board, "for an arrival from home. Our provisions are short; ' but we have some tobacco, and the country abounds in cat- ' tie, goats, fowls, and vegetables, which tobacco will always ' buy in almost any quantities. Our last barrel of salted pro- ^ visions is to be opened next Saturday. But we do not ' complain. God has not, and will not fail to be our provi- ' der. I have only to regret, that the war has put back our ' improvements nearly or quite a whole year. But I firmly ' believe the work of fighting is over, and that future emi- * grants will enjoy without mplestation, all the fruits of their ' industry." To the Secretary of the Society, on the 20th of February he wrote: — "Divine Providence has since my last, ' been gradually dispersing the clouds which then overhung ' us. We have opened a trade with a wealthy tribe in the ' interior for bullocks. They cost fifteen bars* each. Our ' people begin to breathe freely. We still keep up a strict * watch at night, but are able with safety to reduce it, so as ' to make it very little burdensome to the Colonists. Our ' wounded, though unable to labour, are once more moving ' about with their slings and crutches, and we have just be- ' gun to build and repair the houses in which ourselves and ' (if any arrive) the fresh emigrants are to spend the rains. ' Finally, the progress of the Colony is now forwards, and ' not as it has been for months past, retrograde. "My health is nearly restored. I stand a monument of ' God's mercy, and behold the graves of fifteen white persons ' around me: all of whom have died since I landed on the * About eight dollars. 20 154 LIFE OF ASHMUN. Cape. Help- me to praise the Lord; and pray— fervently pray, that I may spend a hfe thus astonishingly preserved, in some humble way of usefulness, to His blessed cause in Africa and the world." On the 5th of March he wrote:— "We have all our cap- tives back again. The Kings met and agreed to send them without any demand. It was, hov/ever, expected we would make them a present. This I did. The little things were all much uncivilized. Some had forgotten the English lan- guage. Some had forgotten their own parents ! Others had actually gone wild. And to avoid their friends, scud like fawns into the bushes. "By a British vessel, we have the pleasing information that the American ship of war, Cyane, is at Sierra Leone. She will touch here on her cruise, and I hope bring despatches; not a letter having been received in the Colony from Ame- rica, since my arrival. "I have said in several letters, that I thought myself re- covering. But I am now convinced, that in this climate, it is vain to expect to recover the health I enjoyed in Ameri- ca: certainly impossible for me, in my present situation, to be any thing else but a sick man. "It is not my nature to complain with too much facility. — But think you see a young man formed for society, sepa- rated almost entirely from the civilized and Christian world; his constitution broke with a fever of six months; his only earthly comforter snatched away; mingling for months to- gether his own groans and sighs with those of the sick, wounded, and dying; almost for weeks together pained with the sight of the corpses of the whites who had undertaken to reside here for our protection; the complaints of the Co- lonists, a statemoit of their wants, their application for a thousand things with which it is impossible to supply them, constantly presenting themselves; every public work to be planned and superintended; the movements of the natives LIFE OP ASHMUN. ^ 155 * lo be closely watched, and their hostile designs to be provid- * ed against; provision made by trade, &,c. &;c. for the sub- * sistence of the people; for their shelter against the ap- ' preaching rains; and a ceaseless anxiety to lay the founda- ^ tion of the Colony in a way that will not be detrimental to ' its future prosperity; the bdoks to be kept (and they are * not kept as they should be) and correspondence carried on; * think, my Dear Sir, of all this falling upon an individual, ^ and say, can he recover his wonted health of body or strength * of mind ? I might go on enumerating other causes of my * feeble and crazy state of health, but it is painful to have said * what I have. I have done it, in the hope of showing that * no o»e, and hardly tivo Agents can do the duties required * here, or attempt it without betraying the interests of the ' cause, or sacrificing himself"* An account of the suffering state of the settlement, from the pen of Mr. Ashmun, in the Sierra Leone Gazette, with in- formation derived from other sources, induced the command- er of the Cyane, Captain Robert Trail Spence, though his health was impaired, and his crew enfeebled by a cruise of twelve months in the West Indies, to adopt efficient measures for the relief and safety of the Colony, He saw the impor- tance of leaving an armed vessel on the coast, and by the most energetic exertion, the hulk of the old schooner Augus- ta, which had been abandoned by former Agents of the U. States' Government -oX Sierra Leone, was drawn from the mud, fitted for sea, and bearing six gims, with a crew of twelve men, placed under command of Lieutenant Dashiell, to guard tlie coast, and render to the Colony every possible aid, in any exigency. Captain Spence deemed it a solemn duty to ensure, if possible, the safety of the establishment, * This letter was dated "Christopolis," &.c. • Mr. Ashmun inquires near the close — "Have the Board fixed a name for the Town ? I am not satisfied with Christopolis, and seldom use it. I wait the instructions of the Board on this subject." 156 LIFE OF ASHMUN. and having incurred a heavy pecuniary responsibihty in the purchase therefor, of himber, stores, and ammunition at Si- erra Leone, directed, on his arrival, a large portion of his crew to assist, for twenty days, the settlers and native labour- ers, in the construction of a commodious house for the Agent; and a stone fortress which he trusted (to use his own expres- sion) mig-lit prove a "tower of strength." In the midst of his benevolent exertions, he saw the Surgeon of his ship. Dr. Dix, seized with the fever, and after a short illness expire — a victim to his generous zeal, for the welfare of the Colony. This lamented man, had watched with interest the progress of the Colony from its earliest existence, — had visited and administered relief to the emigrants when at Sherbro; "and the tears of a grateful people," said Mr. Ashmun, "fell into his grave, which they covered with their own hands over his ashes." The rapid progress of disease among the seamen on shore, compelled Captain Spence to leave incomplete the works he had commenced; nor could his earnest and sympathizing en- deavours prevent, soon after his departure, the loss of nearly forty of his brave men. The important works undertaken, and greatly advanced during the visit of the Cyane, were planned and superin- tended by Mr. Ashmun; and the correspondence between him and the commander of that vessel, inserted in the Ap- pendix to the Seventh Report of the Colonization Society, bears testimony alike to the depth and soundness of his judg- ment, and to the liberality and disinterestedness of that intel- ligent officer. Mr. Richard Seaton, the tirst Clerk of the Cy- ane, consented, with the approbation of Captain Spence, to re- main as assistant to Mr. Ashmun, who saw, that alone and with health impaired, it was impossible to fulfil the numerous and arduous duties of the Agency. On the 21st of April, Mr. Ashmun, "worn down with cares and fatigue," having organized the labouring force, and ob- LIFE OP ASHMUN. 157 tained the consent of Mr. Seaton to superintend the pubhc works, sailed in the Augusta for Settra Kroo, two hundred miles South-eastward, for the purpose of conveying thither forty Kroomen, (who had given three weeks' labour for their passage) and conciliating the regards of the native Chiefs of the country. During his absence of twenty-one days, no-th- ing escaped his observation; he examined the features of the coast, visited and ascertained the dispositions of several tribes, and having engaged twenty-five Kroomen as labourers, and made some purchases of valuable articles from the natives and the English factory at Sesters, he returned to the Cape on the 13th of May. "One century ago," he remarks,* "a great part of this line * of coast was populous, cleared of trees, and under cultiva- ' tion. It is now covered with a dense, and almost continu- ' ous forest. This is almost wholly a second growth — com- ' monly distinguished from the original by the profusion of ' brambles and brushwood, which abounds amongst the larger ' trees, and renders the woods entirely impervious, even to ' the natives, until paths are opened by the bill-hook. "The native towns are numerous, but not large." The peo- ' pie raise their own rice, cassada, and palm oil; and procure ' their guns, powder, clothes, tobacco, kiiives, cooking uten- ' sils, and luxuries from French slave traders. We saw at ' least three vessels of this description. "Every tribe visited on this trip, declared by its Prince or ' head man, its intention to preserve with us a good under- ' standing, and to trade freely to the Colony. The particu- ' lars of our late war, especially the result of the two engage- ' ments, have been reported far and near, and given to the ' Colony a character for strength and invincibility, which ' must in different ways contribute greatly to its advan- < tage." * Appendix to *he Seventh Report of the Colonization Society. 158 LIFE OP ASHMUN. On the return of the Agent, the Colonists were found to have continued their labours, under the direction of one of their own number; while Mr. Seaton had experienced a se- vere attack of the fever of the climate. Aware of the dangers of the settlement, the Managers had early in the preceding winter, determined to despatch a rein- forcem.ent of emigrants with stores, under the direction of Dr. Ayres, whose improved health now permitted him to re- sume his duties as principal Agent and Physician in the Co- lony. This gentleman embarked at Baltimore with sixty-one coloured passengers, on the IGth of April, and arrived at Cape Montserado on the 24th of May. Such an accession to the numbers and resources of the Colony, could not fail to con- firm the hopes and resolution of the earlier settlers who had so long borne up against want, and ^malevolence, and misfor- tune. The amiable Seaton having languished nearly two months, resolved as the only means of prolonging life, to return in the Oswego to the United States. "The bloom of youth," says Mr. Ashmun, "had just ripened into the grace? of manhood, ' and given to a person naturally prepossessing, the higher or- ' nament of a benevolent and highly accomplished under- ' standing. He perceived his services were needed by a Co- ' lony which had interested his heart; and he gave them. — ' Becoming the voluntary companion and assistant of the so- ' litary Agent, he saw the Cyane sail from the coast with ^ composure, on the 21st of April. His conciliating manners, ' aided by a judicious procedure, deepened in the hearts of ' the Colonists, the impression first made by his disinterested- ^ ness. Seldom has the longest friendship power to cement ' a more cordial luiion, than had begun to rivet to this gene- < rous stranger the heart of the writer; wlien in the first week ' of May he was assailed by the alarming symptoms of fever. ' The fatal issue of the attack has been already anticipated ' by the reader. He had long maintained the doubtful strug- LIFE OF ASHMUN. I59 * ffle— when on the of June, five dayfe after embarking ' in the Oswego, he resigned his spirit to God who o-avc it." ^ Notwithstanding his many pressing engagements, and the ilhiess which had so severely afflicted him nearly up to this time, Mr. Ashmun had neglected no opportunity of transmit- ting to the Managers of the Colonization Society, an account of his proceedings, with all such facts and statements, as he thought might aid their deliberations, and light the way to measures best suited to promote the permanent welfare of the Colony. He was earnest in his requests, that education, not only in letters and science, but in morals and religion, should be es- teemed of vital importance. In a letter forwarded by the Cyane, after enumerating sun- dry improvements which he designed to make, he observes— "Our little school is kept in operation, but it is a feeble affair. ' Our poor liberated captives work hard and cheerfully, but ' receive little instruction. My heart often bleeds for them ' and others in similar circumstances. When can you send ' out an accomplished and pious schoolmaster ? Permit me ' to say a word about a Minister of the Gospel. We are ' starving for want of the able, regular administration of the ' word and ordinances. Does not ev€7i the Colony deserve ' the attention of some Missionary Society? Let it be con- ' sidered that a zealous Minister, Catechists, &c. residing in ' the town, may bestow any part of their time and labours on ' the heathen. They may open schools on the opposite side ' of the riv^er, which will immediately be partially filled with ' heathen youth and children. They may form in town a I Missionary family. The people of this part of the coast have 'no mveterate anti:religious prejudices to prevent their ' attending every Sabbath or oftener, to hear the Divine word. ' Very good interpreters can be procured for a trifling com- ' pensation. I am certain that an able Minister of the Gos- ' pel, clothed with all the authority and prerogatives of a 160 LIFE OF ASHMUN. * commissioned ambassador of the Lord Jesus, is the man ' now wanting. Let Catechists attend him." "I wish," continues Mr. Ashmun, "to afford the Board a ' full view of our situation, and of the African character. The ' following INCIDENT, I relate not for its singularity, for simi- ' lar events take place, perhaps, every month in the year; but ' it has fallen under my own observation, and I can vouch ' for its authenticity: — King Boatswain, our most powerful ' supporter and steady friend among the natives, (so he has ' uniformly shown himself) received a quantity of goods in ' trade from a French slaver, for which he stipulated to pay ' young slaves. He makes it a point of honour to be punctual ' to his engagements. The time was at hand when he ex- ' pected the return of the slaver. He had not the slaves. — ' Looking round on the peaceable tribes about him, for her ' victims, he singled out the dueahs, a small agricultural and ' trading people, of most inoffensive character. His warriors ' were skilfully distributed to the different hamlets, and ' making a simultaneous assault on the sleeping occupants, in ' the dead of night, accomplished, without difficulty or re- ' sistance, the annihilation (with the exception of a few towns) ' of the whole tribe. Every adult man and woman was mur- ' dered; every hut fired; very young children generally ' shared the fate of their parents. The boys and girls alone ' were reserved to pay the Frenchman." He thus concludes tliis letter: — "God Almighty has surely ' given us His powerful aid and effectual blessing. I pros- ' trate myself before His holy Throne, and humbly acknow- ' ledge His own right hand made visible for our temporal sal- ' vation. That He would send down upon us spiritual bl§ss- ' ings in great abundance, and on all to wliom the Colony ^ looks up in America for support and direction, is my earnest ' prayer." It has been stated already, that from the first, Mr. Ashmun proposed, as one great object of his voyage, to ascertain the LIFE OF ASHJVIUN. 161 resources, and make particular observations on the trade of Africa- and to establish under the sanction and auspices of the Colonization Society, regular commercial intercourse be- tween that country and the United States. His letters to the Secretary of the Society, from the Capes of Virginia, and from Fayal, contain some of his thoughts on the subject. In September, soon after his arrival in Africa, his opinions and plans were more fully developed. He in- formed the Board of Managers, that he had not over estimated the value of the trade; that the Territory owned by the So- ciety, abounded with camwood, which in some places ex- tended down to the coast, and formed one-third part of the forest trees; that although it cost labour to obtain it, and the natives were indolent, still an Agent with suitable goods, time at command, and constantly residing at the settlement, might probably collect from two to three hundred tons every three months; that four cargoes might be sent home in a year,* the profits on which, would pay the expense of the ships employ- ed; that with no leisure for any thing of the kind, he had done something to revive the trade; and finally, that if relieved from the direction of the Colony, and appointed (should Dr. Ayres decline) Agent of the United States' Government for the recaptured Africans, he would be able, without taking from the time occupied in duties to his charge, to conduct a trade of considerable extent, tending to civilize the natives, and of much advantage to the Society. On his way to Africa, at Fayal, he had judged it necessary to purchase a small quantity of supplies, and give in payment drafts on the United States' Government and the Society. — Observing on his arrival the destitution of the Colony, he obtained of the owners of the Strong, goods to the amount of fourteen hundred dollars, for which was taken in payment, an order on the Society, payable at the end of six months. In * This opinion we believe to have been erroneous. 21 1G2 LIFE OP ASHMUN". his letter of advice, he suggested that the Society could either pay for these goods, and thus realize all the profits to be de- rived from them, or should he be appointed Agent for the re- captured Africans, and receive (as other Agents had done) a years' salary in advance— the whole or such portion as the Society should choose, might be applied in payment. He did not, however, conceal his desire, that the obligation should be assumed by the Society, and that his salary (should there be one) might go to the extinction of his debts in the U. States. Unfortunately he stood not now in the clear hght of public confidence. The malign eye of suspicion was upon him. The Managers of the Society participated in the general dis- trust. He had left the country without offering apoloo-y or explanation to those who were dissatisfied with his manao-e- ment of the Repertory; feeling no obligation to unveil his pri- vate affairs, and cherishing too much respect for his own in- tegrity, to volunteer in its defence. Suspicions which were at first, from misapprehension indulged against him, borrowed shape and distinctness from the imagination — grew by time and at length, gained with many, the weight of certainty and truth. On the 24th of May, Dr. Ayres had returned to the Colony as principal Agent, both of the Government and Society. By despatches that came with him, Mr. Ashmun had the mor- tification to learn, that his drafts, both on the Government and Society, had been dishonoured; that neither had made any appropriation for his benefit; that he had been appointed to no Agency by the Government; that the Society had in- vested him with no authority; but while it gratefully acknow- ledged his services, and engaged liberally to reward them, had left the amount of his compensation, for the past, unde- termined; and for the future, a matter for negotiation with the principal Agent. The Roman satirist, amid his kindling conceptions of an extended civil war, seemed to see the whole earth subdued, LIFE OP ASIIMUN. 163 except the inflexible soul of Cato.* A noble tribute this, to firmness, that grew firmer when the storm raged, and the waves dashed higher and heaving against it. The stoic philosophy might have taught Ashmun, that reason is the proper remedy for grief; that the combat with the dark aspect and reverses of fortune is great — the achievement divine; for empire, for freedom, for prosperity, for tranquillity;! but he had been educated in the school of Christ, and relied mainly for triumph upon the Revelation and Providence of God. He knew that events were ordered by Almighty Wis- dom and Goodness; that silence became a sinner under the correction of Heaven; that He who had set him in darkness, could bring him forth to honour; that fruit, sweet and health- ful, might be plucked from adversity; and that a meek and resolute acquiescence in the Divine Will, was the best remedy for present evil — the sure preparative and pledge of future and eternal good. He remembered God. He listened to that voice which often speaks, though man perceiveth it not. He considered how the Divine Mercy had shone upon his af- flictions; how his pride had been humbled and his heart loosened from the world; how his soul had been kept back from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword; and cheered by these tokens of Providence, he cried unto God his strength, and took refuge under the shadow of the Al- mighty. It appears to have been early a habit with Mr. Ashmun, to be so constantly occupied with his own duties, as to have little time or inclination, to intermeddle with the appropriate duties of others. He knew that oflicious advice is seldom * Audire majcnos jam videor duces, Non indecoro puivere sordidos, Et cuRcta terraium subacta Pretei" atrocem animum Catonis. HoR. 11 B. 1st Ode. t Epictctus, Book II, Chap. IS, 164 LIFE OF ASHMUN. followedj and that faults are often aggravated by censure. As for reputation, he was convinced, that no man ever acquired it, by declaring that it was his by desert, or won it by entrea- ty; that it was a light emanating from great and virtuous actions, which envy might dim for a time, or ignorance dark- en, but which the hand of Truth never failed, finally, to hold up pure and unclouded, to the admiration of the world. By the return of the Oswego, he informed the Board, "diat ' by ordinary success in trade on the coast, he could realize ' at least four times the sum he should ever ask or expect, ' either of the Government or Society; that it was his wish, ' however, (unless compelled to resort to some other employ- ' ment) to lend his services to the cause of the Society, as ' long as they should be required; that he felt unworthy of ' the vote of thanks passed by the Board, for endeavouring to ' perform, as well as he could, the arduous and perilous du- ' ties connected with the defence of the Colony; and that to ' know that any part of his conduct merited the approbation ' of the Board, was among the most powerful motives for ' endeavouring, in future, to deserve it."* Under date of the 2lst of July, having acknowledged the receipt of the letter by which he had been referred -to Dr. Ayres for a settlement of the specific conditions on which his services should in future be rendered, he observes: "I have ' freely stated to him, that whatever might be a paramount ' motive with me for consenting to stay in Africa, my most ' decided convictions of duty, forbade me, under present cir- ' cumstances, to indulge the thought, without a definite and * A small present of clothing had been sent to him by the Oswego, in allu- sion to which he observes: "The valuable present of clotliing which I have received, has proved doubly so from the seasonableness of its arrival. But I need not say that it deserves, in my estimation, a much higher value from the occasion of the donation, and the enlightened source from which it pro- ceeded. The grateful sentiment it has inspired, will long survive the period when the articles themselves shall have ceased to be of any value." liIPE OP ASHMUN. 165 ^-certain pecuniary remuneration. The amount of salary I * have, likewise, fixed at twelve hundred and fifhj dollars ^ per annum, besides my subsistence and a passage home to * the United States, should I live until it might be proper to * return. "Less than the above might have been asked with, perhaps, * a show of disinterestedness. But it would have been mere- * ly a show — an ostentation of liberality, resulting, as it cer- < tainly must, in a disregard and sacrifice of the claims of ' justice. More, out of a regard to the present state of the ' Society's finances, and from the expectation that the salary *■ shall be certain, I was willing not to ask." After stating that there were conclusive objections against accepting any privilege of trade m lieu of a portion of this sa- lary, he adds: "The payment of it in America as it falls due * — say of a sum not to exceed one half, to drafts made in the * course of the year, and the balance at the year's end, it is 'judged, will be considered by the Board, as not only the ' simplest, but the most economical mode of compensating < either their present, or any other Agents, either in Ameri- ' ca or Africa. A stipulation to this effect, leaves the mind at ' rest on a subject to which it must, otherwise, very often, and ' probably with anxiety, recur. The Board have then the * right to expect, and to claim the miremitting and undivided ' services of their Agents, and will find it comparatively easy ' to proceed, with the most unhesitating decision, in instruct- ' ing, appointing, or removing them. "I await the Board's ratification or rejection of the forego- ' ing arrangement, which I hope they will find it convenient ' to transmit by the next Packet.* * In the month of June, a resolution was adopted by the Board, appointing him assistant Agent; (without, however, fixing his compensation) but as no- tice thereof, did not probably reach him until late in the autumn, soon sifter which, all the concerns of the Colony (in consequence of the return of Dr. Ayres) again devolved upon him, if for no other reason, he appears not to have adverted to the fact in any of his letters. 166 LIFE OP ASHMUN. "For compensation to the 24th of May, 1S23, I shall, for.. ' the present, look solely to the Government." He gave the Board, by the same conveyance, an account of the state and prospects of the Colony. "I have determin- ' ed," he remarks, "to let no opportunity pass without humbly, ' but earnestly, representing to the Board, and every influen- ' tial correspondent I have in America, the spiritual and mo- ' ral necessities of your Colonists. A Missionary and two ' Schoolmasters, with n. female Teacher, arc needed beyond ' measure. "Our last accounts from America, filled us with hope in ' relation to the future prospects of the Society at home. — ' There were evident symptoms of a disposition in the Ame- ' rican public to look earnestly at the subject. They will, I ' believe, come on as fast, perhaps, as the good of the Colony ' shall require. It is not desirable at present, that more than ' three or four shipments of sixty persons each, be made in ' the year. But the proportion may increase, and that very ' largely, every year. Let one hundred families be well set- ' tied with a good house and perfectly improved lot to each, * in town — and a plantation without, well cultivated; let a ' Hospital, Ware-house, and temporary Receptacles for new ' comers be prepared— and the wheels of the machine — its ' schools, courts, &c. get a good momentum on them, in a ' proper direction, and Sir, you may throw in new settlers ' as fast as your funds will probably admit." To a friend, about the same time, he wrote: "After discou- ' raging delays, and severe trials, the Colony now appears to ' be established on a much more solid footing than it could ' have been without them. I speak of the effects of our afliic- ' tions, as they relate to the establishment here^ without ' knowing how they have affected the public mind and the ' interests of the cause, at home; but hope and believe they ' will be overruled to advance it even there. The delays and ' dangers encountered in acquiring the secure possession of '■ a Territory, will endear it, and greatly enhance its value, to LIFE OP ASIIMUN. 167 ' the settlers for a long time to come. They have, even the ' most worldly, been drivcnhY the extremity of their circum- ' stances, to supplication and prayer. The truly pious among ' us have thus contracted the habit of regarding, and acknow- ' ledging the hand of God in all their ways; and of trusting ' His gracious promises more implicitly, both for soul and bo- ' dy, for this world and the next. Indeed, I think I can say ' of a goodly number, that their chastisements have increased ' in them, visibly, 'the peaceable fruits of righteousness.' I ' beg your prayers that such may prove their blessed efFect ' on your unworthy Brother and Servant in the profession of ' the Gospel. "We are now one hundred and fifty strong, all in health, ' (I speak of the Colonists) have about fifty houses, including ' three store houses, and a heavy substantial stone tower, ' fourteen feet high, mounting six pieces of ordnance. We ' have a good framed house surrounded with a piazza. Dr. ' Ayres has brought out the frame of another of equal dimen- ' sions. Harmony and a good degree of industry, at present ' prevail. Thus you see, that we are prepared to go on and < fulfil the anxious wishes of the friends of the cause, in rela- ' tion to the cultivation of the lands, and the formation of a ^ regular, moral, and happy society." CHAPTER IX. The presence of Dr. Ayres diminished, for a time, the cares and responsibihties* of Mr. Ashmun, who considering how uncertain was the time he might remain in Africa, resolved to add as much as possible to his stock of gene- ral knowledge, and prepare himself for any change in his fortunes. Though he perceived that the tide was fast ebbing with him towards an ocean dark and unexplored, he knew that "wisdom is more precious than rubies," and whatever vicissitudes or dangers might await him, of what- ever else he might be deprived, he would retain her in- comparable treasure. Amid the perplexity and uncertainty of his affairs, * In a letter to a friend, dated June 5th, he writes: "I am recovered, ex- cept swollen ankles and legs, and consequent weakness throughout the sys- tem. But Dr. Ayres by assuming a weight of cares which has oppressed me for months, will thus, as Agent, probably promote my perfect recovery much more effectually than he could by medical prescription." 22 170 LIFE OF ASHMUN. he summoned his intellectual powers to their highest efforts. Probably, during no equal period of his life, did he pursue his studies with more enthusiasm or success, than from the arrival of Dr. Ayres in May, 1823, to his departure in Decem- ber of the same year. The following rules for conduct, da- ted September, 1823, indicate the principles which animated, and the spirit that then sustained him: " Let all thy ways be established.^ "1. Never to be guilty of a meanness which my most ' virtuous and spirited children (should I be blessed with chil- ' dren possessing these qualities) would blush to see published ' to the world as a part of a parent's Biography. "2. Never, unless compelled by poverty which fetters the ' freedom of my own Agency, to accept of a situation, or en- ' gage in an occupation contrary to the habits of my educa- ' tion, below that rank in life to which my talents entitle me, ' or which experience or observation have taught me would ' cramp the exercise of abilities, either natural or acquired. "3. To study and avail myself of a quick sense of pro- ' priety, in all matters, small or great, of morality, judgment, ' manners, dress and business. "4. To build on my own foundation, and to study none ' but the most perfect examples, living or dead. "5. To prefer the society of dead authors of eminence, to ' that of living actors, of simple mediocrity. "6. To regard the contracting of a debt, as a mortgage of * personal liberty and moral principle. (John Basilworth II, * of Russia, affixed a brand of infamy on such as contracted ' debts they could not pay, and sent them into banishment.) "7. To avoid exposing myself to the degradation of es- ' pousing measures, which the situation of a weaker or more * ignorant man may give him the power to defeat. "8. Never to assert, without being able to prove to a can- LIFE OP ASHMUN. 171 * did and sensible man, my proposition: never to advise iin- * less sure that the neglecter of my counsel will repent his < folly. "9. Never to talk without the undivided attention of all ' to whom I address my discourse, "10. Always to utter my sentiments with precision and ' propriety — even should it cost me some previous reflection; ' and never begin an expression without bringing it to a '■ perfect close. "11. Let me search after truth, and contract such an af- ' fection for it as to endure in my mind no rival prejudices, ' or opinions, on any subject whatever. "12. To run the risk of being candid, open, sincere; and ' abandon utterly the friendship and confidence of any civi- '■ lized man base and depraved enough to attempt to gain an ' undue advantage of these qualities. " "13. Never to commence an enterprise without being ' well assured of its utility; and having undertaken, never to ' abandon it unaccomplished. "14. To do whatever I undertake in the best possible ' manner, — always allowing for the time and means I can ' employ on the object. "15. To acquire a style of writing and expression, of con- ' ception and feeling — of manners and deportment, which ' destitute of servility, locality and mannerism, shall pass ' current among the best ranks of people of all professions and ' in all countries. "16. To become master of the grammatical construction ' and written form of the Italian, (as the key to all the Southern ' European) and perfectly familiar with the French, langua- ' ges; both as written and spoken. "17. To make the Latin (written) a second vernacular. "18. To continue my inquiries and reflections on what- ' ever subject may engage them, until either my information ' is perfectly exact, or the means of extending it exhausted. 172 LIFE OP ASHMUN. "19. To eat meat, fish or fowl, but at one meal in twenty- ' four hours, except when fatigue, sickness, exhaustion, or ' some extraordinary occasion requires a departure from the ' rule; and in my meals to observe moderation. "20. To vitiate no one of the appetites so far as to render ' it necessary to health, to mental vigour, or bodily ease, to ' continue the indulgence. "21. To be rigorously exact in keeping my pecuniary ' accounts; that I may not appear mean in my disburse- ' ments. "22. To turn every portion of my time to good account. "23. To despise all wit but the pure attick. "24. To have as little connexion as possible with the ' conceited, the overbearing, the pedantic, the blustering; ' and finally, with all who are incapable of measuring and ' esteeming solid acquirements and intellectual superiority, ' even when sheltered from the vulgar stare by a plain and ' unassuming external demeanor. "25. In my estimation of others, let ignorance, when no * opportunity has been had to remove it, be treated with kind- ' ness and indulgence; where it co-exists with a wish and ef- ' fort to remove it, let it command my favour and assistance; * where it is accompanied with the contented complacency of ' the fool whom it debases, let it make me blush for the heart ' of a brute in the form of a human being; but, when with * swaggering pretensions either to knowledge or respect on ' some other grounds, it merits an equal share of the pro- ' foundest contempt and detestation. "To conclude, — I fully believe in a particular Providence ^ regulating and ordering the conduct and purposes of men; ' so as to leave the voluntary agent accountable. We shall ' be instruments to fulfil the Divine purposes 7iolentes volentes. ' If wickedness succeed for a time, it prospers by the Divine ' decree and can only proceed a given number of links in ' its chain." LIFE OF A8HMUN. 173 His private Journal contains the following notices of his studies during this period. On the 4th of November, after alluding to the "mercantile mania which had possessed him" the preceding year, he observes: "This gave way in the early part of 1823, to the ambition of becoming the general scholar, acquiring an easy and correct style, and that varie- ty of knowledge necessary as a qualification to a periodical essayist, whose views should embrace, at the same time, both popularity and general usefulness. "But my reflections were too active to suffer me long to acquiesce in so precarious a prospect. We must have bread. And this pursuit would starve any one in the U. States. Besides, what is a man's life worth to him for any present happiness it is capable of imparting, without possessing the respect of his fellow-men, and some reputable rank in the scale of society 1 Old as I am, I reflected, I have formed myself to industrious and studious habits. My mind has more strength and vigour, perhaps, than at any previous period of my life. Even the most intricate investigations of literature, Jl^d of any of the sciences except mathematics, are a pleaai^e to me. I am disentangled from many of the embarrassments of my private circumstances. I shall, per- haps, enjoy as much of life, even while studying a profes- sion as in any other pursuit, or in no pursuit, during the same period, — shall stand an equal chance of being esteem- ed by others, and shall cultivate my mind as ;nuch by that as any other study. Accordingly, about the middle of Au- gust, I recommenced the Law. "While going through the first volume of Blackstone, I read Junius, the History of England by Aquetil, Dr. Ro- bertson's America, a part of Marshall's Life of Washington, (third volume,) Hamilton's political writings, a part of Ro- bertson's Scotland, Voltaire's essays, the Pioneers, and Ma- dame De Stael's Delphine, (volume first,) in Frencli; besides a variety af historical and political tracts. — I read with 174 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ' great deliberation and accuracy — and did not begtn on the ' second volume before the 20tli of October. "I have now nearly completed the volume, reviewing a * large portion of it as I proceed — and except Burr's Trial, ' and the article Law in Rees' Encyclopedia, have engaged in ' little foreign reading." On the 2Sth of the same month, he writes: "Through the ' good Providence of God, I have this evening finished, in the ' midst of countless interruptions, frequent indispositions, * and sometimes depressing anxieties, Blackstone's Commen- '' taries; and that with occasional reviews and as much applica- ' tion of thought as I was master of. A rule which I have ' generally observed, is to leave no passage without obtaining * as clear and distinct a conception of the meaning as the ' means in my power admitted. But I have several times ' departed, I confess, from this rule, from mere lassitude and ' weariness; sensatioi:i^ which none but law students in tro- ' pical Africa can fully Imow the difficulty of conquering. ' I now begin to consider myself a sort of indented appren- ' tice to the Law, and do flatter myself that^Pfe most irk- ' some part of the study, consisting in the first rudiments ' and leading technical phrases of the science, are gone ' through with. "I had the satisfaction to remaTk, in reading the last book, ' that I recollected the principles of the tlu-ee first, as they ' were casually alluded to; and very seldom had occasion to ' refer back for the explanation of recurring technical terms ' and phrases. The only notes I have taken, are about a ' score of legal modes of expression — choosmg, according to ' Dr. Watts' advice, to make the text itself my common-place ' book. "The studies which I have occasionally mingled with the ' perusal of the two last volumes, have been, a review of ' French Grammar— Voltaire's critical writings — his History ' of the Religious wars in France, and a part of the Henri- LIFE OP ASHMUN. 175 ' ade — Mosheim's Church History, (vokimc third,) English * History, and a few unconnected articles in Rces' Encyclo- ' pedia. I have also begun to throw together, in a concise, ' and somewhat of a methodical form, a synopsis of my re- * hgious fa^th, for my own use. The proofs being familiar ' to my thoughts, I have commonly neglected to state at ' length. This last, I endeavour to make a serious and pro- ' fitable engagement. "I have, lastly, with an air I fear of tyro pedantry, written * out a few very brief and imperfect law theses, of which I ' hope very soon to be heartily ashamed. "I think I have devoted, of absolute time to the Conmien- ' taries, about four hours daily, a little short of three months; ' and as may well be supposed, have suffered considerably ' in health by the effort: for this labour is not a substitute, ' but an addition to all my official services in the Colony. — ' But a person in my circumstances, at the age of twenty- * nine, must use exertion and perseverance in acquiring a ' profession to which he has not yet been bred — or reconcile ' himself to the mortification and meanness of beinsf a smat- ' terer all his days." It is evident from the Journals and other manuscripts of Mr. Ashmun, that the preceding extracts present but a par- tial view of the variety and extent of his studies and investi- gations during the period to which they relate. He rejoiced like a strong man to run the race of improvement, and shook despondency'- from him in his giant course. In consequence of the protracted illness of Dr. Ay res, his expectations of re- lief from puljlic duty,' were but in a small degree realized. But no moment escaped the use of his mdustry, and the ac- tion of his mind was increased by pressure. That his religious character had been the subject of a somewhat varied, but decided declension, during the interval between his departure from Maine and a period subsequent to his arrival in Africa, is to be inferred as Mr. Ashmun's 176 • LIFE OF ASHMUN. opinion, from several passages in his writings. Nor was it to be expected that a mind hke his, (considering the nature of the discipline which Providence hdd selected for his bene- fit,) should on no occasion have evinced feelings hostile to the dictates of true wisdom, and its own settled principles of duty. His sins were not concealed from himself, and he sought not to cover them before God. His remarks upon his reli- gious state and experience show, that he cherished habitu- ally a deep reverence for the Word and Providence of God; and that he felt the supreme importance of possessing an in- terest in the Divine favour. Wounded pride might prompt occasional severity of remark, or impatience be excited by reiterated disappointment; yet soon after his arrival in Afri- ca, his heart appears to have been pervaded with a sense of his sinfulness, to have submitted humbly to afflictions, and sought with earnestness, the benefits which he trusted they were intended to convey to his soul. If misanthropy ever cast her shadow upon him, it was only until he could raise his eyes towards the Heavens, and behold them bright with love to mankind. His circumstances when .he penn- ed the Journal from which we present a few extracts, should not be forgotten. That he was not meeker than Mo- ses, and more patient than Job, should not be remembered to his reproach. March 16th, 1823. "This is the third day of my possessing comfortable health ' after lying about six months under a variety of distressing ' and dangerous disorders. I had a public thank-offering ' put up in the morning for my recovery. Heavenly Father, ' make me more thankful; and may gratitude, and obedience, ^ and humility, and deadness to the world, take place in me < of those lusts and vices which ruled my soul and stained ^ my life before my affliction. "Have lately addicted myself to reading the word of God. LIFE OP ASHMUN. 177 *'Have had some religious, and I believe spiritual comfort ^ to-day. May the living Spirit, and enlightening word of < God my Saviour, lead me condescendingly along, till I shall * have acquired a little stability, a little strength, and a litde * saving knowledge of I'hee, O my precious Redeemer. Be- * setting sins, passion, pride, and love of the world. April 13. "The cares and business of the past two weeks, have occu- ' pied nearly all my thoughts. My captious and irritable dis- < positions, not being well guarded, have prevailed. But God's ' spirit, I beheve, is not entirely withdrawn. He still fulfills * the office of convincing, if not of sanctifying and comforting. ' I feel and lament my want of gratitude to God for temporal ' and spiritual blessings, but more the former than the latter. ''I am burdened with my own sloth and stupidity in my ^ Heavenly Master's work. Alas ! alas ! my insincerity, in * prayer, in reading God's word, in rehgious conversation. "I use my unruly tongue too much; and it is naturally 'full ' of deadly poison.' 'In a multitude of words there wanteth < not sin;' and so I have found it. O Lord God, help me by ^ Thy Grace, to bridle this member, that with it, I may also ' govern the whole body— through Jesus Christ my Lord. "I am sometimes anxious to exhibit more of the practical ' power of religion to the numerous strangers who are now ' with us. They have seen little in me to demonstrate its in- < fluence on the character and conduct. I fear that some as- ' sociate its very idea with my infirmities. But I look to ' Thee, O God, for pardon, for wisdom, for sanctification, for ' a right spirit and grace to live a holy life. It is my desire. < Thou hast inspired it. O Father, increase it; perfect it, * fulfil it; and be Thine the glory, ages without end. Amen. Sunday, June 8th. "How difficult for a person whose heart is but slightly im- ' bued with sanctifying grace, to persevere in keeping a reli- ^ gious diary ! What has caused this chasm of nearly two 23 178 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ' months — the omission of eight entries in tliis 1 Spiritual ' indifference. But is the nearly extinguished spark rekin- ' died in my breast, that I now resume it ? I dare not say it. ' But some more regularity and freedom prevails, in the per- ' formance of private duties, than has lately been usual. I ' have consecrated a little spot for retirement, meditation, and ' prayer, at no great distance from the house. While here ' waiting on God, a spirit of supplication, if I deceive not ' myself, has been afforded; and a divine peace, for short ' seasons, possessed my heart. What treasures of grace have ' I forfeited, by neglecting, more punctually heretofore to ' avail myself of a similar arrangement ! I am conscious ' that God delights in the faithful performance of all His ' gracious promises, and of none more than His engagement * to bless the means of an increase of gi'ace which He has ' Himself ordained. Juli/ 27th. "I suffer great loss from irregularity in my private devo- ' tions. While I had a place to retire to, sacred to prayer and ' reflection, I could perceive, I thought, some signs of a prin- ' ciple of life in my heart. Independent of the answers that ' may have been granted to my formal petitions, the practice <■ had a salutary effect on my temper and deportment through ' the day. I felt a joyous, though still imperfect, confidence ' that God was my conductor in all my enterprises and la- ' hours — and that He exercised a special preventive and over- ' ruling Providence in all that regarded me, limiting or con- ' verting to good, the effects of thousands of my heedless ' words and actions. "The pursuit of gain, has presented attractions which I ' never discovered before. This is the perversion of a pur- ' pose, originally good. I have debts to pay; and money ' must be raised. But once given up to the pursuit, my ' thoughts directly extended themselves to other views of ' personal aggrandizement, and slothful self-indulgence. — LIFE OF ASIIMUN. 179 * These sometimes give to the object a chief vakie. I am * convinced of the force and truth of the Apostle's declaration, ' That the love of money, &c. That they that will be rich, &c. ' And where money is the main drift of existence, how does ' the vile passion stifle in its birth every noble sentiment 'of the soul! Adieu! sympathy in the joys or sorrows of ' others. Adieu! to every liberal feeling — every beneficent act, ' Adieu! from that moment, strict integrity of principle and ' practice. Adieu! that openness and candor of character, ' worth to the possessor more than a ton of gold. Adieu! that ' sensibility of social feeling, which is the source of by far ' the most cordial of our earthly enjoyments. Adieu! enjoy- ' ment too. The chase is, in itself, vexatious and wounding, ' beyond any other. Few are more liable to disappoint the ' deluded votary. Sunday, August 3c?. "Yesterday, I received by the return of the Augusta, from ' Sierra Leone, the tidings of the death of Lieut. Dashiell— a ' shock of corn taken into his Master's granary fully ripe. — ' Often had we mingled our devotions, while cruising the ' African coast; and several times entered into a very par- ' ticular detail of our mutual griefs and temptations. His ' were many; but they were richly mingled with spiritual ' comforts, and overcome by a vigorous faith in the Redeemer. ' The unexpected intelligence of his death, depresses my ' spirits. I have not a hold on Christ strong enough to sus- ' tain Christian equanimity amidst the shifting scenes and ' mixed events of this miserable world. Prosperity elates me ' with inordinate and presumptuous joy. Adversity sinks ' my heart below the humble level at which it ought to rest, ' buoyed up by Christian hope. Like the chameleon, I take the ' colour of contiguous objects. My Redeemer! approach, that ' I may receive and reflect Tluj image. My mind is habitu- ' ally filled half with hope and half with despair. I know ' not of what spirit I am. I am an egregious triilcr, even in 180 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ' Religion. O Lord, enlighten, if Thou hast ever chosen me, ' Resolutions falter, and rules fly under almost every change ' of situation and feeling. But it is an endless work that I ' have entered upon. I give over exclaiming all infirmity, ' all corruption, all perverseness about me. In my Re- ' deemer all is perfection, holiness, and grace. Sink where, ' and when I may, millions will rejoice eternally in Him. — ' Lord, restore and save Thy servant in Him. August 24. "The climate is not unpleasant. I can pursue any piece ' of intellectual labour as assiduously, and succeed as well in ' it, as I ever could in my life. For these benefits thrown ' back upon me after I believed Divine Providence had with- ' drawn them from me forever, I do not, I confess it with ' shame, render to God a reasonable tribute of gratitude. — * There is my Heavenly Benefactor to whom I am not grate- ' ful ! Tell me, conscience, ami, or am I not, this disingen- ' uous wretch 7 Where's the man that would not resent ' such a requital ? Among my best friends, which possesses ' the friendship that would survive it ? Lord God, merciful ' and gracious, what reason have I to admire and praise the ' forbearance which it is the property of infinite love to exer- ' cise, if no instance of it but that registered in my own expe- ' rience, had ever come to light ? August 31. "I have meditated to-day on the four remarkable interposi- ' tions of Divine Providence, in the progress of my life, to ' preserve me from courses, which if entered upon, could hard- ' ly have been relinquished before they would have conduct- ' ed me to my ruin. "Now, the first sentiment which a review of this very small ' portion of God's merciful Providence ought to awaken, is ' gratitude, and the first act which it should dictate, thanks- ' giving. In the next place, may it not authorize some little ' hope, that God has thus restrained my own hands from dis- LIFE OF ASHMUN. 181 * qualifying myself to do any more good in the world, in or- ' der to use me for that very purpose, before He calls me out ' of it ? Where there is a foundation for indulging a confi- ' dence of this nature, I say let hope build upon it. We need ' encouragement, as well as our fears, to excite us to duty." Mr. Ashmun, it is presumed, was at this time, not fully aware of the imputations cast upon his character, by indivi- duals in the United States; yet he saw, and keenly felt, that his services in Africa were undervalued, and that the confi- dence to which, thereby, he was justly entitled, was with- held. That "chastity of honour which feels a stain like a wound," will not censure harshly, the transient sentiment which dictated the following passages: — "I am now advancing rapidly to the meridian of my day. ' I am without a profession, without patrimony or friends to ' advance me to a station of usefulness, responsibility and in- ' fluence; and, at present, without country or a sound state ' of bodily health. " My dear and honoured parents excepted, I am a stranger ' at large in the world, and the world a wilderness to me, ' without a solitary point of attraction. I charge much of ' my unhappiness upon myself, and will not abjure my coun- ' try. But that country has failed to afford me the means, ' and to protect me in the pursuit of happiness, although I ' have spent all the most valuable part of my life in qualify- ' ing and exerting myself for public usefulness. Should Af- ' rica reject me, I should float with equal indifference, to ' whichever of the four quarters of the globe the wind and ' the current might sweep me. Possibly I may find a resting ' place yet, this side of my grave, where affection may again ' strike root, and a little verdant spot again freshen into love- ' liness. Possibly, the decline of life may slide me into some ' vale, where a new circle of friends shall repair the wreck of ' former attachments — where the storms of existence shall ' exhaust their force on the barrier which secures my retreat 182 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ••r- i — where new attachments shall create themselves in sue- ' cession, and where I may impart enjoyment to others, and ' come in for a small share of it myself "Such is my reverie. It contains some reflections which ' rather tend to harden, than improve the heart, and it ought ' not to be indulged." On his arrival, Dr. Ayres had done what he could to pro- mote the comfort and health of the emigrants who came with him in the Oswego; but he soon became ill, and was com- pelled to trust to the representations of the Rev. Lott Gary, (faithful, but without medical education, or then, much expe- rience,) in prescribing for those who were suffering like him- self from the disease of the country. The houses of the new- ly arrived company, were miserably constructed; and by the inclemency of the season, scanty supplies of Hospital stores, and want of adequate medical aid, eight out of their number (sixty) died. In the course of the autuimi, the town lots were laid off and distributed among the settlers, and a Committee of their number appointed to make monthly reports to the Agent, of the agricultural industry and improvements. Some of the earliest and most intelligent Colonists refused to receive their lots, (alleging that they had, under the sanction of the Agent, on a former occasion, drawn the lots already occupied by them,) and resolved to prepare and transmit an appeal to the Board. The proposition of Mr. Ashmun in regard to the terms on which he would remain in the service of the Society in Afri- ca, was considered by the Managers on the 25th of Septem- ber, when they decided that, considering the resources of the Institution, they could not make the arrangements and ap- propriate the salary required; but that they would make him as full and fair a compensation for any services he might be desired by Dr. Ayres to render to the affairs of the Colony, as their funds would enable them to do, and that while re- LIFE OF ASHMUN. 183 sidino- with Dr. Ayres and employed in assisting him, he should be maintained and provided for at the expense of the Society.* Of this decision, Mr. Ashmun appears to have been informed in December, at the very time when Dr. Ayres had resolved, lor the benefit of his shattered health, and in the hope of relieving the necessities and embarrass- ments of the Colony, to embark for the United States. The Packet (belonging to a trading company of Baltimore) by which came despatches, and in which Dr. Ayres resolved to return home, brought eleven recaptured Africans sent out by Oovernment, who were restored to their friends residing at no great distance from the Colony. She gave discouraging accounts of the resources and prospects of the Society, re- turned a bill drawn on Government by Mr. Ashmun (for ar- ticles of indispensable necessity) protested, and having dis- posed of nearly all her cargo at the Rio Pongas, left goods not exceeding the value of one hundred dollars at the Cape. Mr. Ashmun had been more than a year in Africa; with the assistance of God had saved the Colony from extermination; devoted himself in sickness, as well as health, to its interests; and now learned, that neither the Government nor the Socie- ty had made any appropriation for his benefit; and that (al- thouo-h to the latter had been submitted a distinct proposi- tion,) neither had determined the amount to which his past or future services should entitle him. Should he abandon the Colony at this crisis, when the principal Agent was leav- ino- it, its ruin seemed inevitable. The most influential Co- lonists were greatly dissatisfied with the distribution of the town lots; their confidence both in the Board and their Agents was shaken, and a spirit of insubordination had already shown itself, menacing destruction to all law and authority. One in- * A resolution was adopted by the Board at this time, that in case of the death or absence of the principal Agent, and his failure to designate a succes- sor, the person next in authority, should for the time being, assume and dis- charge the duties of principal Agent. 184 LIFE OF ASHMUN. dividual declared that he and his associates would not sub- mit to Government twenty-four hours after the departure of the Fidelity; but the energy of Mr. Ashmun, who declared that subordination should be enforced, even at the expense of life, compelled him to revoke the threat, and pledge him- self to the maintenance of the laws, Mr. Ashmun felt that it was a great misery not to loiow whom to trust, a greater not he trusted;* but the greatest of all a consciousness of being unworthy to be trusted, he could bless God was still with him no matter of experience. The motto of the venerable Archbishop Whitgift, seems to have been his — '■'■vincit qui jiatitiir'''' — he conquers that endures. He resolved to remain at his post, and trust himself to pa- tience, to time, and to truth. He knew that no man's case is desperate, whose conscience has not turned to be his enemy. On the 5th of December, he wrote to a friend: — "In regard ' to my private affairs, they are as discouragingly perplexed ' as I can well imagine. If exile, and bread and water were ' all, nobody should hear me complain, if I thought duty re- ' quired my submission. But to be compelled to withhold ' justice from my friends and incur their censures, and lose ' their confidence^ requires stoicism indeed, and I am no phi- ' losopher. "And in yielding to feelings which I am as unwilling as ' unable to repress, I must trouble yourself and the Board with ' the following proposition: — " That whenever my services shall close, ivith the Socie- ' tifs approbation, their cot?ipensation shall be liquidated ' by the payment within two months thereafter, of tivo hun- ' dred dollars — and 07ie hundred and fifty dollars quarterly ' afterwards till the whole is discharged witlt or without in- ' terest at their option. This arrangement, however, not to *■ bar any earlier payments the Board may be pleased to * South. LIFE OP ASHMUN. 185 * make, in case they come into possession of sufficient ^ funds. "My claim on the United .States has not yet positively been < rejected. I shall send per the Fidelity, a brief memorial in ' the nature of a bill in equity, to Mr. Monroe, about which ' there shall be nothing othcial whatever. My Dear Sir, I ' cannot tell you how sorely my natural pride is mortified by < these humiliating steps. But you who understand my rea- ' sons, will justify them. The Board will feel themselves ' unrestrained by any motives of regard to my private inter- ' est, to revoke my appointment by return of Packet; although ' I have not absolutely decided to resign, if left to me, till ' another arrival or two then future."* The provisions when Dr. Ayres left the Colony, were suffi- cient, with strict economy, and such supplies of rice as might be expected from trade with the natives, to subsist the settlers for four months. Happily a small schooner qf about seven tons, had been sent out by the Fidelity, to be employed by the Agent in securing provisions from different points of the coast. Tobacco, however, then an almost indispensable ar- ticle in the African trade, was nearly exhausted, and a small * Far be it from the writer to censure the Managers; but they were like other men fallible; and that they continued so long to withhold their confidence from Mr. Ashmun, was, he believes, an error. The following notice of a communication he had received from a Commit- tee of the Board, shows his determination not to be misapprehended on a mat- ter touching his own rights: "The gentlemen seem not to have understood a certain point of my request. I did not ask consent to vest money any where, because, if they can advance me funds, tis for me to vest them either in South sea stock. Bank of Venice stock, or African trading stock. Having a small interest in the last, is not to turn me into a Clerk, or African Factor— situations which I will accept, never. I asked the Society, if it were convenient for them to advance a sufficient sum, on account of salary, to be good enough to buy stock with it; and receive in reply, that they do not object to my buying stock for myself. I mention this trifle without the least feeling of disrespect to the Board. But having already, too many obligations to my fellow-men, I am not willing they should suppose them multiplied, where / can feel no new ones myself." 24 186 LIFE OF ASHMUN. supply which it was hoped Dr. Ayres might purchase on his way home at Sierra Leone, \vas not obtained. Slave vessels in unusual numbers were upon the coast enhancing greatly the demand and value of rice, and throwing every possible obstacle in the way of the traffic of the Agents of the Colony. Worse than all, several of the leading settlers were prepared to set at defiance the authority of the Agent, and openly avowed their purpose to aid in no survey of the lots,* or in any public improvements, and to leave uncleared and uncul- tivated the lands assigned them, until they should receive a reply to their remonstrance already sent home to the Board, It was at that time one of the regulations of the Society, that every adult male emigrant should, while receiving rations from the public store, contribute the labour of two days in a week, to some work of public utility.f Before the departure of Dr. Ayres, it had been announced, that on the 5th of June, 1834, all rations would cease except in case of special neces- sity, and that, unless those who had appealed to the Board on the subject of their lands, should, while their case was pend- ing, cultivate some portion of land designated by the Agent, they should be expelled from the Colony. About twelve of the Colonists not only cast off the restraints of authority, but exerted themselves to seduce others from obedience. On the 13th of December, Mr. Ashmun published the following notice: "There are in the Colony more than a dozen healthy per- ' sons, who will receive no more provisions out of the public ' store till they earn them." This notice proved inefficient, except as it gave occasion for the expression of more seditious sentiments and a bolder violation of the laws. On the 19th, the Agent directed the rations of the offend- * The lands were covered with a thick undergrowth, so that it was neces- sary to cut out every line before a survey could be made. t This regulation was dispensed with, on condition that each individual sliould diligently cultivate his own lands. LIFE OF ASTIMUN. 187 ing individuals to be stopped. The next morning they as- sembled in a riotous manner at the Agency-House, endeav- oured by angry denunciations, lo drive the Agent from his purpose, which finding immoveable, they proceeded to the jStore-House where the Commissary was at that moment is- suing rations for the week, and seizing each a portion of the provisions, hastened to their respective homes. Towards evening, the same day, Mr. Ashmun addressed a circular "to all the Colonists," setting forth the criminality of this mutinous proceeding; stating that a full representation thereof would be transmitted to America by the earliest op- portunity; exhorting all to indus|ry and energy in the con- struction of their houses and the cultivation of their lands during the dry season; and finally "warning them agamst disorder and rebellion, as they would avoid guilt, confusion, disgrace, shame, and ruin in this world," and in a future one the still more terrible judgments of God. They were re- minded that their oaths were as binding as when first taken; that the prospect for themselves, their friends, and their chil- dren, depended upon their conduct; and that the Agent while disposed to use the language of friendship, would act as he had ever done, with the authority becoming the Representa- tive of the American Colonization Society. This circular en- couraged the Avell-disposed. confirmed in duty some of the wavering, and struck with awe the spirit of outrage. The leader of the sedition, almost inmiediately confessed and de- plored his error. On the 13th of February, arrived in the ship Cyrus, thirty- two days from the United States, one hundred and five emi- grants, mostly from Petersburg, Virginia, inferior, as a compa- ny, to none of their class in intelligence, industry, and mo- rality. Universal health had attended them during the voyage; all were safely landed; some had property; supplies of ordinary provisions had been sent out for all; the season was delightful for building and clearing their grounds, and a mutual 188 LIFE OP ASHMUN. affection seemed to bind them together as in one harmonious family. "God Almighty dispose us," exclaimed Mr. Ashmun, "to be grateful for all His past goodness, and not even in the ' depth of the furnace, to despair of the future." "" These emigrants were immediately assembled, the views of the Society, the regulations of the Colony, and the circum- stances and relations of their new situation, were fully ex- plained, and while assured of every aid it was possible for the Agent to afford, they were encouraged to proceed diligently to build their houses, cultivate the soil, and resolutely to meet and subdue all the difficulties and obstacles standing in the way of their prosperity. ^ "They conducted themselves on the occasion," says Mr. Ashmun, like sensible, inquisitive, efficient men." Thirty houses had been partially constructed since the de- parture of Dr. Ayres, and a new magazine commenced, the apartment in the tower being found too damp to preserve the ammunition. By the Cyrus, Mr. Ashmun transmitted to the Board a full and detailed account of the condition, wants, and prospects of the Colony. After alluding to the necessity for a new maga- zine, and to the great advantage of employing native laborers to construct it, instead of taxing the labour of settlers, whose constant and most vigorous efforts, at "that precious season," were required to prepare them to meet with safety, the ap- proaching rains, he adds: "As your instructions on the sub- ' ject of contracting debts are, however, imperative, I shall ' forego the suggestions of my own judgment, while I remain, ' without an express credit, unless such a crisis of necessity ' should again recur, as to suspend some of the vital interests ' of the Colony, on the resumption of such a responsibility. ' Such a crisis, it is to be hoped, will not soon recur, since the ' Colony has obtained at length that establishment, with a ' view to which my former drafts were all hazarded. On this ' subject, as your letter alludes to it very pointedly, I beg leave ♦ LIFE OF ASHMUN. 189 * to State, that I never thought myself authorized merely by * my appointment to the Agency, to negotiate drafts on your * funds — much* less, to draw on Government funds without ' being authorized even to serve as their Agent. But in pur- ' chasing supplies for the Colony, in its extremities, I acted ' much as I should have done, had the Society and Govern- ' ment never heard my name. I declare in the face of Heav- ' en, that without some of those supplies, your Colony would < have been destroyed by famine and the sword, if God had * not performed a miracle to save it. Others were purchased ' to save the people from extreme suffering. A small amount ' might have been dispensed with, had I known (what I could ' not know) when the opportunity to purchase offered, that ' supplies were on the way from America. Now the neces- ' sity of assuming these responsibilities can never return again ' in the same degree. You never again will have twenty- ' five men only* with a company of helpless women and ' children, five thousand miles distant from you, unsheltered ' in the midst of the rains, without fortifications, or even a ' slight paling between their habitations and a sanguinary ' and numerous enemy, in the bosom of a frowning forest, ' and one half of them wasted by sickness to a state of infant ' weakness. It was these circumstances — circumstances ' peculiar to the infancy of the establishment, which rendered ' extraordinary purchases, and unauthorized expenditures ' unavoidable." The joy produced by the arrival of the Cyrus, was soon succeeded by dark events. All who came in this vessel were attacked by fever within four weeks. Not a pound of rice (an article most important to the sick) was in the public store, nor had the Agent either goods or credit, by which he could obtain a supply. Out of his own private stockt he advanced * The ten others who took part, with Mr. Ashmun, in the war, were recap- tured Africans, under the charge of Government. t Doubtless, goods which he had purchase for the Government or Society, and for which the drafts given in payment had been returned protested. 190 LIFE OF ASHMUN. to the value of about two hundred dollars, and despatched the Colonial schooner to Grand Bassa, \yhich at the end of nine days, returned with but twenty bushels of lice, bought at double the usual price. The only individual who could act the part of a Physician, was the Rev. Lott Gary, whose skill resulted entirely from his good sense, observation, and experi- ence.* All these evils were light compared with those which the spirit of revolt and anarchy threatened to bring upon the Colony. Deficient in education, and ill informed on many of the important relations and duties of human society, daz- zled by the light, and misled by false notions of freedom, dis- appointed in some of their expectations, and tried by afflic- tion, a few individuals still continued utterly to disregard the authority of the Agent and sought to persuade others to imi- tate their example. On the 19th of March, the rations were reduced one half; as it was found that so diminished, the supplies would last not more than five weeks. This act of prudence was count- ed by the malecontents an act of oppression; they violently reproached the Agent in his presence, and showed in the storm of their passions, that the assumption of the right of self-o-overnment had given them no m^astery over themselves. On the morning of the 22d of March, Mr. Ashmun assem- bled the people of the settlement, and made to them in sub- stance, mainly, the following address: "There is a mutual contract subsisting between the Ame- ' rican Colonization Society and every one of you. By this ' contract you are bound under the solemnity of an oath to * March 11th.— "Astonishing," said Mr. Ashmun, "that in this atmosphere should exist causes so universal in their operation, as amongst all the varieties of ao'e, sex, and habit, not to leave one in the whole number without disease, and that in less than four weeks: And stranger still, that the blast should be so tempered to the strength of the constitution of every individual, as only to have swept off three small children. Men may call these phenomena in hu- man life, the effects of the laws of nature; I choose to call them singular proofs of the Providence of God over his creatures." LIFE OF ASHMUN. 191 * certain duties to the Society — and the Society stands recip- ' rocally pledged, in certain engagements, to you. Your ' obligations are fully expressed in the articles of the Consti- ' tution — you have many privileges sacred to you in this same ' Constitution — you have far greater in reversion. You ' swore to the Society that you would obey their government ' and not attempt to overthrow it, but lend all your influence ' and all your aid to support it entire. And you acted wise- ' ly. Every blessing you have enjoyed in Africa, the security ' of your lives, property and families, is the consequence of ' this salutary arrangement by which an efficient government ' was constituted, and this security has always been in pro- ' portion to the constancy and fidelity with which you have * obeyed and upheld it. "Some of your greatest sufferings have resulted from your ' disrespect to the Agents, and your disobedience of the or- ' ders of the Society. "In what I shall now say, I refer only to those who have ' been several months in Africa. "Early in the present dry season, you were told that your ' supply of provisions and clothing from the Public Store, ' must cease on the 5th of June next. The term was seen ' and acknowledged to be liberal — you were surrounded by ' fertile lands — and had seven months of pleasant weather in ' which to put them in cultivation. The Agent has shown ' you every indulgence. Not one day in a month has been ' required of you for any public labour. Provisions, clothing ' and tools were furnished. The Agent has given you his ' best advice. He was animated with hope, and confidently ' imparted his own expectations to the Society at home. "But all these expectations were to end in bitter disappoint- ' ment. Twelve of you refused to concur in the work. "Your own consciences tell you Avith what earnestness ' and fidelity I laboured to prevent the folly and mischief of ' such perversity. I advised, explained, and even entreated, 192 LIFE OF.ASHMUN. ' for I was your friend and willing by any means to persuade ' you to consult your true interest. You were unmoved, ' and retorted insolence to my condescension. I employed ' more rigorous measures. You seized the weapons of de- ' struction, menaced me with death, and laid violent hands ' on stores, which your perjured conduct had made it unlaw- ' ful for me to distribute among you. You have reproached, ' dissuaded and opposed to my certain knowledge the peacea- ' ble and orderly settlers, and diverted them from their agri- ' cultural pursuits. "I told you that your neglect of duty would bring on your- ' selves and families the severest sufferings before the termi- ' nation of the approaching rainy season; and the warning ' is now beginning to be realized. Had you obeyed the Go- ' vernment you have sworn to support, every man of you ' would see the comforts of life beginning to pour into his ' family. "But you have nothing in possession. You have nothing ' growing in your fields. You have nothing — no not a week's ' supply of vegetables in prospect. You feel the pinching ' hand of want to-day. It will be worse to-morrow. Con- ' tinue to neglect your duty, and it will either disperse you ' up and down the coast or destroy you by starvation. "The evil remains. This very morning have I been told ' to my face, that you will not be governed — that instead of ' labouring, as you ought to raise food, you would obtain it ' by plunder. "There sits the man who has used this language. You ' ask for provisions, but you know I cannot as an honest man, ' furnish provisions to support you in idleness, or wilful diso- ' bedience. "You know that as far as in me lies, I will never suffer ^ another barrel of provisions to enter that Store-House if lia- ^ ble to be taken out by the hand of plunder and violence. ' No ! the authority of the United States and of the American LIFE OF ASHMUN. 193 * Colonization Society, must be reinstated in all their perfec- * tion on this Cape, or you must be dispersed and perish. I ' ask you to take no new oaths, to assume no new obligations; ' but here, this hour, in the presence of that God who has re- ' corded your vows in Heaven, to recognize them and pledge ' yourselves to a future observance of them. I will actno longer ' tiie shadow of authority. It is egregious folly and wick- ' edness, and will ruin you all Either sustain the authority ' of the Society and enable it to fulfil the ends of the Colony— ' or mark it well, the Society will not uphold you in a course * which must conduct you to ruin, and themselves to certain ' disappointment and disgrace. "I require every well-disposed man to give me the pledge ' I ask, and I will spare no pains to avert the impending cala- ' mity. I believe it possible, even now, to devise a plan of in- ' dustry, that will keep this people together through the ap- ' preaching rains. But all depends on your concurrence." Most of the settlers tacidy assented to the truth and justice of this address, and Mr. Ashmun adopted every measure in his power to relieve and preserve the Colony. But the Colo- nists afforded him no vigorous support. The spirit of disor- ganization was at work, deranging all the movements of Go- vernment. Mr. Ashmun had some months before declared to the Board, that in his opinion, "the evil was incurable by any of the remedies which fall within their existing provis- ions." He now prepared and forwarded despatches*'contain- ing his best reflections on the state of the Colony, and the in- creasing elements of turbulence and danger threatening its speedy ruin. Since the departure of Dr. Ayres, he had heard nothing from the Board of Managers. He perceived that his conduct in the Colony had been held up for censure in one of the pub- he Journals of the United States. The stores of the settle- * See Appendix No. 5. 25 194 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ment were nearly exhausted; he saw that the least detention of the Packet beyond her time, must occasion severe suffer- ing, and he had no means to prevent it. He attempted to make a small purchase from a transient vessel, but failed, having, to use his own words, "neither funds, produce, nor credit." On the 15th of March, he addressed a letter to the Board^ expressing a desire to be relieved from any farther duties to the Colony, which might require his residence in Africa. He declared, that just emerging from the period of, youth, he was loaded with half the infirmities of drooping age. "Next after the approbation of God and conscience," he adds, "I own that I have been ambitious, in the humble part which I have acted in your service, to deserve and receive that of the Board of Managers ! and I have always felt con- fident, of the essential equity of their decision, when all the circumstances under which I acted could be known to them. I can say more: You would, Gentlemen, estimate my con- duct with more indulgence, than I dare to extend to myself. Without any canting professions of extraordinary modesty, which I know I never possessed, it is nevertheless true, that I am conscious of wanting several qualifications which an Agent of your Board ought to have; and have often been pained for your sake, and the Colony's, that I was not a wiser and a better man. In reviewing my services, I perceive many things, which I should on their recurrence the sec- ond time, manage diiferently; but no egregious blunders or gross neglects. These are, however, charged upon me, in a few rash assertions of a letter pubhshed in the National Intelligencer, of 1823; which I saw for the first time only two days ago. Never intending to publish to such accusa- tions a newspaper reply, (which commonly savours more of a desire of revenge, than an honest wish to explain to can- did men, misrepresented facts,) nor willing to labour in the opinions of the Board under the imputations referred to, I LIFE OF ASHMUN. 195 * have taken the middle course of addressing, for your peru- * sal, a letter to the author of those accusations. It is en- * closed." He now determined to proceed on a visit (by the way of Bissao, a Portuguese settlement, at the mouth of the Rio Grande,) to the Cape De Verd Islands. "Government," he ob- serves, "without an armed force had become impossible." "I ' had expended all my strength in fruitless attempts to restore ' industry and order, and found myself wasting away under * a complication of infirmities and complaints, which left ex- ' istence a burden; and had long deprived me of appetite, * sleep, and all bodily and mental vigor." A sea-voyage might restore his health; but should he remain at the Cape, he could hardly hope to survive the rainy season. Neither the state of his private affairs, nor his engagement to serve the Board until relieved, permitted him to think of abandoning the coun- try. As circumstances were, he saw not that he could do more, than a provisional Government, for the Colony. Until the decision of the Board respecting the distribution of the lots was made known, he was unwilling to remain as Agent, without power to carry into effect a system of industry and other measures of vital importance. Whether he would ever return, appeared to him in view of the state of the Colony, and his own health, a matter of much uncertainty. AH the pro- perty of the United States, the Colonization Society, and the Baltimore Trading Company, together with the books, re- cords and papers of the establishment, were committed to Elijah Johnson as temporary Agent, with instructions as to his duties, and orders to account/or all articles entrusted to him, to any properly authoiized Agent who might arrive from the United States, to whom also he was to resign the power with which he was invested. While fatigued in making arrange- ments for hisdeparture, "inventorying theproperty, writinglet- ters, and disposing of some hundred applications," Mr. Ash- mun unfortunately ruptured an artery, which had been in- 196 LIFE OF AgHMTIN. jured in a bungling attempt to extract a decayed tooth, and a profuse bleeding commenced that nothing would stop. Ad- vantage was taken of his helpless state, and on his way from the house to the vessel, he was robbed of a considerable part of the little stores put up for the voyage, and of other proper- ty to the value of one hundred and seventy-five dollars.* He arrived on board the schooner Reporter, Captain Preble, from Portland, bound to Goree, at 4 o'clock on the 1st of April, The bleeding continued during the night and the next day; all applications and remedies were utterly useless. "I be- gan," he says, "seriously to expect the termination of my poor services, vexations and life during the next night." — The following paper was left at the Cape, to be delivered to his successor in the Agency: "J. Ashmun has cheerfully spent on this Cape, nearly two ' of the best years of his life. He is now about to leave it, ' probably forever. He has tried to do his duty — detected ' himself in occasional errors; and without asking or expect- ' ing any recompense from his fellow-men, wishes only to ' avoid the hard destiny of his predecessors in the Agency — ' the curses and false accusations of those whom it has been ' his constant aim to serve. "His predecessors have been accused of transmitting false ' accounts of the Colony, to the Board. J. Ashmun here ' leaves it on record, that if any man after his absence ' brings this accusation against himself, that man is a slanderer ' and a liar. "My predecessors have been accused of applying the stores ' and supplies sent for the people, to their own use. I further ' declare, that any man who accuses me, of using the public ' stores farther than my personal necessities, from day to day ' required, and whoever denies me to have defrayed a large * Settlers and recaptured Africans were mingled together on this occasion, so that it is not possible to say who had the chief agency in the business. LIFE OF ASHMUN. 197 ' part of my current expenses out of my own pocket, Is a false * accuser and a slanderer. "My predecessors stand accused, in their absence, of having ' rioted and fattened on the Society's bounty; and consumed * funds which were contributed for the comfort of the Colo- ' nists. Whoever says, after my absence, that for all my * sacrifices, labours and sufferings, on this Cape, I have re- ' ceived one farthing of emolument, excepting only a valuable '■ present of clothing, by the Oswego, asserts a falsehood which * will one day cover him with shame. "Most of my predecessors have been accused of pinching * the people, to furnish their own tables and wardrobes with an ' unseemly and disproportionate abundance. My table, when ' alone, has consisted of one dish, and as great a variety of ' vegetables as I could procure. When favoured with compa- * ny, I have given the best dinners I could conveniently pro- ' vide. They have been good enough for us; and never have ' made the dinner of a Colonist a cabbage-leaf the less. "B. J. a man without principle, and as far as his wit lets ' him go, a mischievous calumniator, has accused Agents of ' selling the charitable contributions to the stores of the Socie- ' ty, for African produce, and converting the proceeds to their ' own gain. The fear of the pillory only restrained the fel- ' low's slander. Whoever shall connive, at the repetition of it ' in my absence, will discover a degree of malignity equal to ' his, and a degree of cowardice which J. never did; for he, ' Devil-like, dared to belch his scandal into my face. "I have been blamed for trafficking with the natives. I have ' done so, and applied more than the jirofits of that very bar- ' ter to the feeding and clothing of the people. I have sunk ' stock, in supplying their necessities, and do not believe T ' shall ever be reimbursed by the Society, or from any other ' earthly quarter. Whoever names this barter, after my ab- ' sence, except to my advantage, is an ingrate; he thrusts ' his viper sting into the bosom which has nourished his ex- 198 LIFE OP ASHMUN. < istence. To the galling scourge of conscious ingratitude. I ' consign him. "My predecessors have been accused of carrying away with ' them, furniture, and a variety of little stores and moveables, ' which, being tlie Society's property, were intended for the ' use of the Colony, and their successors in the Agency. I ' shall carry away nearly all my private property, and if my ' health and convenience require them, any little articles of ' bedding, table furniture, (fcc. (fee. that may chance to be on ' hand — always observing to take away considerably less than ' I originally brought into the Colony, of my owij private ' supplies of these things. "I do not wish to be remembered at all after I am gone. * But if any of the Colonists do me that honour, as it is imso- ' licited and gratuitous, I require it of them, as they must an- ' swer for it hereafter, to remember with me, the command < of the Most High, 'Thou shalt not bear false witness against ' thy neighbour.' And I respectfully request my successors ' in this arduous station, to preserve this paper; and if any ^ individuals should take advantage of my absence, to accuse ' me in any of the foregoing premises, that he would have * the justice to read to that individual, the paragraph which * touches the case. "I have too great a regard for the respectable members of ' this Colony, to be willing that my memory should suffer ' injuriously in their estimation. "J. AsHMUN." CHAPTER X. Mr. AsHMUN' had now sunk to the lowest point of his de- pression. Varying a httle the Prophet's language, he might have cried, "All the bright lights of Heaven hast thou made dark over me. thou hast covered the sun with a cloud, and the moon doth not give her light.-' But his trust was in Di- vine Wisdom and Power. He knew that nothing could hide him from the eye, nothing remove him from the hand of the Almighty. He knew that it is when he can rely upon nothing else, that the Christian depends most upon God. — When he considered his remarkable experience of the Divine Mercy, how he had been shielded in the storm, the battle and the pestilence, how his soul had repeatedly escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowler, it was impossible for him to despair. Reduced so low by the continued loss of blood for twenty- eight hours, that it was thought he could not survive for eight hours longer, the French frigate Hebe (whose officers had a 200 LIFE OP ASHMUN. month before enjoyed the hospitalities of the Colony,) provi- dentially hove in sight, and her Surgeon in half an hour, by mechanical means, completely stopped the hemorrhage. For several days he could scarcely stand, but by the kindest atten- tions on the part of Captain Preble, and on his own part by strict and judicious rules of living, he graduallf^and slowly recovered his strength during the month occupied in his passage. We here insert, condensed somewhat, the informa- tion contained in his Journal, penned on his voyage at Bis- sao, and at the Cape De Verds.* "Our passage was extremely slow, as the vessel after being ' twelve days out, was found to be in the latitude of Cape ' Mount. In running down the passage (one hundred and < fifty miles) between the Bissagos Islands on the South-west, ' and the mainland on the North-east, our vessel struck on a ' hard sandy bottom, and was, with difficulty, set afloat again. * The following statement from this Journal, may be useful to navigators on the African coast: "The tendency of the great body of the waters of the ocean along the coast of western Africa, is naturally South-eastward. In the dry season, when only a daily alternation of gentle land and sea breezes fans their surface, and the sea breeze blows from a quarter commonly a little North of West, the flux of waters obeying this tendency, becomes a strong South-easterly current.— This current commences in December, and continues acquiring strength till the following June. Then the stiif and constant S. S. W. breeze which sets in at the beginning and prevails through the rains, gradually alters, and by the first of July has reversed the direction of the current. It sets to the North- westward, but with less strength, commonly, than it had, in the dry months, in the opposite direction. From Montserado to Cape Mount, this latter or dry season current, sets at the rate of three-quarters of a knot; at Cape Mount one and a half; at Galhinas a half; at Cape St. Ann one; off the South- west point of St. Ann shoals two knots; thence to the Northern point of the shoals, decreasing to three-quarters; thence to the commencement of Rio Grande shoals a half; around these shoals three-quarters; and on to the North- ward as high as Goree half a knot. Such were the setting and drift of these currents, in the month of April; or within one month of the termination of the dryseason, resulting from the comparison of the ship's reckoning with our observed latitudes." LIFE OP ASHMUN. 201 ^ No one should attempt this passage without a Pilot. The '■ mercy of Providence alone saved us. "The approach to Bissao was to me delightfully animating. ' Aji expanse of beautiful country, cleared, and for more than ' seventyyears under cultivation, scattered over with a count- ' less number of palm, cocoa, and other fruit trees, first sud- ' denly opens upon the view. Soon you perceive the whole ' region to be dotted over with some thousand conical ob- ' jectSj which as you approach them, are discovered to be the ' huts of the Papels, the original inhabitants of the country. ' Four beautifully spreading pulloms* are now admired in ' the distance. The ramparts of the Fort soon after make ' their appearance, and last of all the town. "Few houses are more tlian a single story high. This is a '■ point rendered necessary by the prevalence of tornadoes at * particular seasons of the year, and the vicinity of the walls ' of the Fort by which they are overlooked. There are not ' four white people, exclusive of the military, in Bissao. The ' negroes and mulattoes from the Cape De Yerd Islands, are ' much superior in intelligence, and commonly in condition ' to the christianized natives of Bissao. "The Christian town, as it is called, is situated on the land ' side of the Fort, and contains about fifteen hundred souls, ' descendants of the native Papels, all of whom are baptized ' and members of the Catholic Church. They build their ' houses of the same materials as the Papels, but of a larger ' size, and different form — those of the latter being circular, ' with a conical roof; those of the Christians, square or rec- ' tangular, and with a roof of mclmed planes. The walls of ' both are of sun-hardened clay, cut into oblong cubes, and ' the roofs of thatch. A species of grass having a stem of ' three feet in length, is used for the purpose. The ceiling is '■ a thick floor of clay, supported by rude joists, and effectually * A large tree found all along the coast. 26 202 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ' secures the contents of the cabin from fire, to which the ' thatched roofs are particularly exposed. "The Christian population are said to retain and blend ' with their worship many (if not all) the superstitions of Pa- ' ganism. They have adopted something of the European ' dress, speak a corrupt dialect of Portuguese, but surpass ' their Pagan countrymen in every sort of unprincipled ' profligacy. "The Fort covers more than two acres, has fifty guns, is ' surrounded by a fosse from thirty to fifty feet wide, and ' twelve deep, and is one of the finest on the coast. About ' three hundred men belong to the establishment, convicts ' from Lisbon and the Cape De Verds, one half of whom are ' detached to Cacheo and Geba, settlements in the vicinity. ' There are two buildings, without windows or floors, devoted ' to the sick. These are situated at a small distance without ' the Fort; and from the dirty, neglected and most wretched ' condition of the sick, (about thirty) may be regarded as the ' antechambers of the grave, rather than the nurseries of ' health. The astonishing indifference with which the loss ' of human life is here regarded, is the necessary effect of ' that depravity of morals which is so universal, undoubtedly; '■ but it has its origin more directly in the practice which has ' so long been familiar to the inhabitants of trafficking in hu- ' man flesh. "The establishment is a century old, has derived all its im- '■ portance from the slave trade, and originated, no doubt, ' some of the most splendid fortunes of Lisbon and Rio ' Janeiro. "Rice is cultivated in abundance, but chiefly on low lands, ' which require ditching and diking at intervals of six feet. ' The trenches are seldom without water even in the dry sea- '■ son. Both the straw and produce are enormous. Only ' the spade is used in tillage. If I am rightly informed, the ' returns amount to more than one hundred bushels to the acre LIFE OF ASIIMUN. 203 "From the town may be seen at the distance of five or six * Icao-ues to the South-west, the Island of Bulama. Since * the Enghsh sunk nearly one hundred and fifty thousand * pounds in attempts to found a Colony on this Island, and ' failed, through mismanagement, and other disasters, the ' Island remains unappropriated. It is eighteen miles long, ' has no inhabitants, is fertile, well watered, and excellently ' timbered. The Portuguese are now cutting timber from ' it, for ships of war. "We cast anchor at Bissao on the 4th of May, when I ad- ' dressed a letter to the Governor, stating the circumstances ' under which I had arrived, and desiring permission to land ' and take measures for the complete restoration of my liealth, ' without being subjected to any of the restrictions imposed ' on foreign traders arriving at the Port. This request was ' politely granted. Several airy apartments were provided < for me, and I was hospitably entertained at the Governor's * table during the whole time (six weeks) of my stay. The ' luxury of an open and delightful country to range in, my ^ freedom from cares, good books, and a little intelligent so- ' ciety soon revived my depressed spirits, and perfected the ' re-establishment of my health after a painful confinement '■ for a week with an inflamed foot and ankle, excited by too ' much exercise. "I had the mortification to witness the despatch of two ves- '■ sels, each carrying sixty slaves for St. Jago. The Governor ' owned himself interested in both, but attempted to excuse ' his conduct by lamely alleging the influence of a foreign '■ power in the counsels of Portugal, and that measures re- * strictive on the slave trade, were as odious at home, as in ' their tendency hostile to the prosperity of the Portuguese ^ colonies. "I took leave of the hospitable Governor on the 16th of ' June, embarking in a brig, in which he had politely offered '■ me a passage to St. Jago. He had lost an estate %vorth 204 LIFE OF ASHMUN. < eighty thousand dollars by a series of disastrous adventures ' in the slave trade, his supercargoes and consignees having ' taken advantage of the law, and pocketed the proceeds of his ' cargoes. "On the 22d, we made the coast six leagues South of Go- ' ree. This is a dependency of Fort St. Louis, on the Sene- ' gal. The population is rated at thirty-five hundred — the ' port, free; duties moderate; and the station regarded as per- • haps the healthiest and pleasantest in Western Africa, The ' natives in the neighbourhood of all the French settlements, ' are said to be more advanced towards civilization than any ' other. Head winds prevailed during the whole of our pas- ' sage, so that we did not make the Isle of May before the ' morning of the 4th of July, when a good Providence saved ' us from running upon the rocks, all hands being asleep ' until the roar of the surf became deafning. "I was received by Mr. Hodges, the American Consul, and ' his amiable lady, with great politeness, and experienced ' from both, and from Mr. Clark the British resident, and his ' lady, those gratifying attentions which a stranger in Africa, ' is perhaps, of all others, best disposed to appreciate. "The Cape De Verd Islands, nine in number, were dis- ' covered in the latter part of the fifteenth century, and soon ' settled by the Portuguese. The population is estimated at ' sixty thousand, mostly a mixed race, sprung from the union ' of the Portuguese and natives. The Government is lodged ' in the hands of ,a Governor General, and Judge, appointed ' by the Crown, and is perfectly despotic. These Islands ' serve the Portuguese Government as a place of exile, for ' State and other prisoners. They yield to the Crown a ' revenue of one hundred thousand pounds, by the monopoly ' of the Archilla, a dying vegetable, said to be the growth ' of no other country. It is the basis of a most beautiful ' scarlet. Porto Praya, the residence of the Governor, ' has «bout two hundred soldiers from Lisbon. Several of LIFE OF ASIIMUN. 205 * the active revolutionists are now reaping, on this burning * spot, in poverty and exile, the harvest of their defeated hopes ' and disajDpointed ambition." Here Mr. Ashmun anxiously awaited intelligence, both from the Colony and the United States. He recollected that, according to previous arrangements, the Baltimore Packet, Fidelity, was to have visited the Colony in April, and thought it probable she had conveyed thither some individual to sue- . ceed him in the Agency. On the 11th of July, he addressed a letter "To the Agent of the American Colonization Society at Cape Montserado;" in which, after expressing his extreme anxiety to hear from the settlement, and his purpose, if not previously relieved by the. Board, to return thither in Octo- ber, among other things, he adds: "At the present time I am * pleasing myself with the supposition, that the Colonists are ' mostly on their own resources, and are diligently and suc- ' cessfuUy cultivating the soil. If the older settlers are still ' receiving rations from the Society, they are ruined, and the ' funds of the Society misapplied. Of the one and the other ^ of these facts, I am certain — and fully believe that nothing ' is accomplished towards the establishment of the Colony, ^ till the settlers are brought to subsist themselves, and very ' little, mdeed, as long as a barrel of beef and flour continues ' to be imported, of necessity/, from America. "My heart, I can assure you. Sir, is much, much indeed ' with the Colony. I am fully resolved not to return to the ' United States, without first re-visiting the settlement. May ' I find the people orderly and industrious; the Agent beloved, ' active, enterprising, healthy, and happy. Expect, Sir, no ' reward in this life. It is a service replete with danger, suf- ' ferings, mortifications, and toil. But the object. Sir, is well ' worth any amount of individual sufferings; and these suffer- ^ ings themselves find great alleviations in the present reflec- ^ tions of an honest and devoted mind." 208 LIFE OF ASHMUN. Ill the retiredness of his owni sad thoughts, on this rude spot, (which nature convulsed, seems to have thrown up from her fiery depths,) Ave leave, for a few moments, the sub- ject of our Memoir, to relate the course of events towards him in the United States. The remonstrance sent home by some of the Colonists, and the communications of Mr. Ashmun, describing minutely the disorders and disturbances at the settlement, had con- vinced the Board that immediate and strong measures were required to prevent the subversion of the Colony, and the total extinction of their hopes. They could not remain in- sensible to the honest, lucid, and manly style in which their Agent had exposed the evils of indolence and disaffection; the boldness and firmness with which he had met them, or the candor shown in the acknowledgment, that to subdue them was beyond his power. Whatever might be his general me- rits, they felt that he was entitled to a recompense for his ser- vices; and that while invested with authority, on grounds of expediency, no less than right, he ought to be sustained. On the 30th of March, (but a day or two before he left the Colony) they acceded to the proposition submitted in his let- ter by Dr. Ayres, and appropriated five hundred dollars for his benefit; and at the same time sanctioned a reply to the remonstrants, and an address to the Colonists generally, ex- plaining the benevolent purposes of the Society, depicting vividly the ruin impending over any conmiunity that dared to violate, or even ceased to venerate the majesty of the law, the certain destruction to follow insubordination in a feeble and exposed settlement, and enforcing industry, order, and the strict performance of every duty, by warniugs, appeals, motives of interest, and the solemn demands of religion. They declared that the Agents must be obeyed, or the Colony aban- doned. They asserted their determination to punish offen- ders, while they assisted the obedient, and affectionately en- LIFE OF ASHMUN. 207 couraged all the sober and virtuous to maintain the peace, and guard, as their very hfe, the authority of the laws.* Hardly had these documents been despatched, before let- ters were received from the Colony, charging Mr. Ashmun with oppression, the neglect of obvious duties, the desertion of his post, and the seizure and abduction of the public prop- erty. Currency v/as given to these charges by officers of the United States' Navy, who had touched at Montserado soon after his departure, and there listened to the rumors of the weak, and the calumnies of the wicked. Conjecture often feeds suspicion; nor can any clear-sightedness or honesty enable us to distinguish the true features of character, more than of the face, by twilight. Those who had doubted the integrity of Ashmun, now thought it certain that he had none; and those began to doubt who had never questioned it before. That very conduct which confers honour on the good, adds to the disgrace of the bad, — being regarded as a garment stolen, to cloak iniquity. Falsehood had thrown a cloud over the reputation of Ashmun, and within its shadow, truth seemed fiction, and fiction truth. In this uncertain and alarming state of affairs, the Mana- gers of the Society, represented strongly to the Executive of the United States, the importance of sending an armed vessel to the Colony, with some individual duly commission- ed, both by the Government and Society, to examine the en- tire condition of the Agency; the people; and the property of the United States and Society; and empowered to make such temporary arrangements for the security of the public inter- ests and the Government of the establishment, as upon proper consideration, circumstances might, in his judgment, require. * E. B. Caldwell, Esq. first Secretary of the Society, though in feeble health, shared largely in the preparation of these papers, which bear honourable testimony to his energy, zeal and piety. The eflbrt was among the last he was permitted to make in a cause wliich had enlisted the best and strongest feelings of his heart. 208 LIFE OF ASHMUN. The writer was deputed to perform this service, and late in June, 1824, he embarked at Norfolk in the United States' armed schooner Porpoise, Captain Skinner, for the coast of Africa. Habituated to suspect the soundness of opinions has- tily formed; to regard, never, the popular voice as inftiUibly the voice of God; and where human character was concerned^ to suspend judgment and exercise charity, until evidence compelled conviction, he proceeded on this mission, resolved, if possible, to discover the truth, and bring it forth from the darkness in which it was involved. CHAPTER XI. On the evening of the 24th of July, Mr. Ashmun came on board the Porpoise, which had then just dropped anchor in the harbour of Porto Praya. There was that in his presence and aspect, which once seen, is never forgotten. The offi- cers of the ship who were strangers to him, felt that he was an extraordinary man. In his whole appearance were blend- ed dignity and humility. The serene light of reason, of goodness, of meekness, softened the stateliness of sorrow, and threw a charm on the grandeur of his storm-shaken, but self- sustained spirit. His soul seemed refreshed by tidings from his native land, and his social affections to gush forth, pure and simple, as those of childhood, from the deeply stirred fountains of his heart. His remarks on the Colony, showed an exten- sive and thorough knowledge of its interests, and the tone and manner in which they were delivered, left it hardly pos- sible to doubt that they were among the most precious ob- 27 210 LIFE OF ASFIMUN, jects of his affection.* The feehngs expressed in his counte- nance were particularly observable, varying, as less or more intense, the light and shade, so that his features, as was said of those of a great poet, like '-a beautiful alabaster vase, were only seen to perfection, when lighted up from within." — Nothing was detected betraying a single motive or purpose which it was not honour to avow; and the recollection that Satan himself is sometimes transformed into an Angel of light, alone could guard the judgment against the instant ad- mission of his integrity. At our second interview, the proceedings of the Board and Government were developed, and the object of the special mission fully explained. He was told what representations of his conduct had been received from the Colony, and that confidence in his character and administration had given way before the corroding power of suspicion, and the multiplied insinuations and allegations directed against both. "I will ' accompany you to the Cape," said he; "my long and familiar ' acquaintance with the affairs of the Colony may enable me * There is a passage in the writings of John Woolman, expressive of what I should have supposed from this interview, had been the experience of Ash- mun: "As I lived under the cross, and simply followed the openings of truth, my mind, from day to day, was more enlightened; my former acquaintance were left to judge of me as they would, for I found it safest for me to live in pri- vate, and keep these things sealed up in my own breast. While I silently ponder on that change wrought in me, I find no language equal to it, nor any means to convey to another a clear idea of it. I looked upon the works of God in this visible creation, and an awfulness covered me; my heart was ten- der and often contrite, and universal love to my fellow-creatures increased in me: this will be understood by such as have trodden in tlie same path. Some glances of real beauty maybe seen in their faces, who dwell in true meekness. "There is a haiinony in the sound of that voice to which Divine love gives utterance, and some appearance of right order in their temper and conduct, whose passions are regulated; yet all these do not fully show forth that in- ward life to such who have not felt it; but this white stone and new name, is known rightly to such only who have it." LIFE OF ASHMUN. 211 * to render you some aid in effectino^ tlie arduous duties of * your mission;" and as he spoke, you marked the show of an unalterable purpose not to abandon a cause for v/hicli he had sacrificed every thing but life; you admired the elevation of his soul above all selfish considerations, towering like an eagle against the storm and the thunder-cloud, and already catching glimpses of the purity and brightness of the Heavens. But his moral greatness was ordinarily sober and grave, as though it had felt unkindness, been touched by grief, and stood a solitary monument amid ruined hopes. Accommodations offered by Captain Skinner in the Por- poise, were accepted by Mr. Ashmun, and this vessel after a visit of two days at Sierra Leone, came to anchor on the 13th of August, off Cape Montserado.* During this voyage of three weeks, my mind was constant- ly and anxiously engaged in acquiring information concern- ing the Colony; the character of the settlers; the difficulties of their situation; the past measures of the Government; the cau- ses of present evils and dissatisfaction; and especially in gath- ering from free and full conversations with Mr. Ashmun, ma- terials, which with those to be acquired by subsequent inves- tigations, might enable me to form an opinion of his qualifi- cations for the Agency, and of the principles, upon which should be organized a new system of Government, adapted to the circumstances of the people; the advancement of their permanent prosperity, and to their preparation, in due time, for * I can never forget the aspect and manner of Mr. Ashmun, when objection was made to receiving on board the vessel a few goods which appeared to con- stitute all his little property. I was requested to say to him, that the goods could not be taken. I found him standing in a small miserable hut, not far from the residence of the Consul, engaged in packing away in a chest, a few articles of crockery ware. His countenance was pale, tranquil, pensive, as of one chastened by aflliction, yet unforsaken of God. His reply to my commu- nication, was simply and without tlio least expression of dissatisfaction: "The articles can remain and be forwarded to me by some other vessel." If I mis- take not, he was subsequently permitted to take them with him. ^ 212 LIFE OF ASHMUN. all the rights and privileges of self-government, i acknow- ledge that I felt an intense desire to do a lasting good, to aid in establishing over that community regarded as containing the elements of a free, a Christian, and a powerful state, a Go- vernment, beneficent, durable, and capable of an expansion to any extent required by the enlargement of its interests or the growth of its population. My favourable impressions of Mr. Ashmun's character, re- ceived at our first interview, were deepened by each succes- sive conversation, inquiry, and reflection on our passage; nor should I have hesitated to predict confidently, that not a sha- dow of evidence existed, to substantiate the charges that had been urged against him. The prediction would have been verified. There was no evidence. Not a man in the Colony dared to accuse him of an unwise or an unworthy action. — Every individual of the least standing, was examined, person- ally by me on the subject; and the result was, to my mind, moral demonstration, that no man could more faithfully, more disinterestedly, more resolutely, have fulfilled the duties of his station. The clouds that had darkened his reputation, arose from the low grounds of ignorance and the putrescent ingredients of malice, and the light of an investigation that revealed the sources of their origin, dispelled them forever. During the absence of Mr. Ashmun, two events had con- curred to produce a decided change for the better, in the affairs of the Colony. The stores had been nearly or quite consum- ed, before the arrival of the Fidelity; and the pressure of want had proved an irresistible argument for exertion: while the despatches from the Society received by that vessel, had softened, if not subdued, the spirit of rebellion. In the state of the Colony at that time, there were causes both for hope and fear. The general health and cheerful- ness; the improvements and defences; the morality and reli- gion; the quiet of the Sabbath; the Sunday Schools, one of which was composed of native children; and the warm grati- LIFE OP ASHMUN. 213 tude expressed towards the Board, for a special mission in their favour, were encouraging: while the dissatisfaction with the decisions of the Board; the protracted debility of the emigrants by the Cyrus; the want of medicines and a Phy- sician; of agricultural utensils, and a thousand other things that minister to comfort and aid industry; and above all, the feeble and relaxed condition of the Government, showed, that without some speedy and thorough change, there would re- main serious grounds for apprehension. The causes, to which most of the moral disorders of the Colony were to be attributed, as specified in the report made on my return to the Board, were: First, and principally; the dissatisfaction of the earliest set- tlers with the decision of the principal Agent in regard to the distribution of the town-lots. 2d. An imbecility traceable to the former habits and con- dition of life, of many of the settlers. 3d. The turbulent and malicious temper of two or three individuals. 4th. Jealousy kindled by the proceedings of a commer- cial company established at Baltimore, for the prosecution of the African trade. 5th. The trials and hardships incidental to the founding of a Colony on a remote and uncivilized shore; and 6th. The deficiency of power in the Government to meet exigencies, to restrain the first tendencies towards insubordi- nation, and enforce the authority of the laws. To these should perhaps be added, a distrust of the disposi- tion or ability of the Society to afibrd them adequate aid and protection. To their difficulties and privations, they could not be insensible; while few considered that of these, to an ex- tent, they were themselves the authors, and that in some de- gree, they were inseparable from the nature of their enter- prise. It was a ready argument, which even the ignorant could understand; "we suffer: if the Society have means 214 LIFE OF ASHMUN. s and does not apply them to onr relief, it is without bene- ' volence; if it have not means, it wants power, and in either ' case is unworthy of our confidence." The presence of an individual who hdd been commissioned to visit them, exam- ine their circumstances, liear their complaints, and assure them that every thing possible would be done to promote their interests, was an evidence of the care and benevolence of the Society which none were able wholly to resist. The best endeavours of Mr. Ashmun and myself, during the eight days I remained on the Cape, were directed to re- lieve suffering, satisfy doubt, remedy discontent, and estab- lish an efficient Government, founded in the approbation of the people, and adaptable not only to their present, but fu- ture political necessities. Not only was the day spent in la- bour, but a large portion of the night in watchful medi- tation how we might preserve unquenched those sacred fires beginning to sparkle in that hitherto dispairful darkness, and possessed, we knew, of a kindling power (if guarded for a brief space from extinction), to change to cheerfulness the mourn- fulness of nature, and light up that whole land with their constellated glory. No subject was left unconsidered that required attention. Reo-ulations were adopted for the benefit of widows, orphans, the'infirm and the helpless. The requests of individuals, as well as the public wants, were noted, that they might be made known to the Managers of the Society. The Consti- tution of Government agreed on, while it took nothing from the power of the Society in cases of final resort, admitted of a full expression, on public measures, of the opinions of the settlers, and gave them a large share in the management of political affairs.* * At first, Mr. Ashmun appeared to doubt the qualifications of the settlers for any share in the concerns of Government, and urped very strongly, that in case they were admitted to a share, the Agent should have the control of a small military guard. He could hardly hope for so great and beneficial a LIFE OF ASHMUN. 215 All the decisions of the Assents, with the plan of Govern- ment they had resolved to recommend to the Society, were read and explained to the assembled Colonists, who expressed their approbation and fixed purpose to sustain botli, (should they receive the sanction of the Board,) without a dissenting voice.* Beneath the thatched roof of the first rude house for Divine worship, ever erected in the Colony, stood the little company of one hundred coloured emigrants, who had ad- ventured all things, to gain for themselves and children, a home and inheritance of liberty; and before God pledged themselves to maintain the Constitution of their choice, and prove faithful to the great trust committed to their hands.t Mutual confidence was now restored between the people and the Agent; the people and the Society; and the hope was indulged, that a full and candid representation of the proceed- ings of Mr. Ashmun, would dispel from the minds of the Managers, every doubt of his integrity and ability. Shall I ever forget the joyous hour when standing by the side of this man of God, in whose features an almost Divine meekness and charity softened magnanimity into love, I saw the de- light with wliich he beheld the desponding encouraged; the change as Providence now designed to accomplish. I thought the guard inexpedient, and that it would not be sustained. In deference to his judgment and experience, however, it was established; but in a short time was con- sidered by himself unnecessary and disbanded. Mr. Ashmun lived to observe the excellence of authority "extending more over the wills of men than over their deeds and services;" and even then he approved all the measures adopt- ed, whatever shades of difference existed between us in regard to their proba- ble result. Governors and Lawgivers would do well to remember the obser- vation of Bacon — "When Virgil putteth himself forth to attribute to Augus- tus Caesar, the best of human honours, he doth it in these words: Victorque Volentes Per populos dat jura, Yiamque affectat Olympo." • Many of the settlers who had been receiving rations, offered from that day, to support themselves; and a noble public spirit, appeared to animate nearly the whole community. t Appendix No. 6. 216 LIFE OF ASHMUN. weak resolute; order rising out of confusion, and the whole state of affairs assuming a new aspect of peace, industry, hope and obedience. Having empowered him to fulfil the duties of Agent, both of the Government and Society, until able to Report to them my proceedings, on the 22dof August, I grasped his hand, and bade him farewell, at the landing place of Mon- rovia, never more to see him, but on his death-bed, the scene of his last and greatest triumph. CHAPTER XII. A reluctance to admit evidence proving error in out opinions, (especially if such error have gained strength by time and struck its roots deep into many minds,) is one of the infirmities of our nature. The mind, like the body, seems averse to sudden changes; it would escape the sense of its own weakness; and is ready, often, to prefer con- sistency to truth. We are so vain of our imagined indepen- dence, that in the company of Truth herself, we would lead, not follow, treating her as a handmaid, rather than a royal mis- tress, clad in the majestic robes of Heaven, to whom Kings may honourably bow, since over the Angels of God she holds rightful empire. Those who would promote her cause, must remember, that her throne is set up not more in the under- standing than the affections; that she rules the conduct but as she sways the heart. The will bends less to authority than 28 218 LIFE OF ASHMUN. love; and would appear self-moved, rather than forced.* The judgment that resists, for a moment, any power of evidence or argument, may yield, as of its own accord, to their continued influence. The Divine economy in the spiritual, is like, in an important sense, to that in the natural world; since God himself encourages us to wait for the good seed of truth to ripen, "as the husbandman waiteth for the pre- cious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it until he receive the early and the latter rain." The proceedings, during the visit of the writer to the Co- lony, submitted, on his return from Africa, to the Managers of the Society, received, at first, in no one important particular, their approbation. The Committee to whom these proceed- ings were referred, arranged them in their Report, under six heads; upon each, tbey pronounced an unfavourable judg- ment; and this Report, adopted by the Board, was transmit- ted to Mr. Ashmun.t Anxious as were the Managers to promote the best inter- ests of the Colony, they were, as yet, unable to discern satis- factory reasons for entire confidence in Mr. Ashmun; and the doubts which from this or other circumstances, had arisen in reo-ard to the new measures approved by him, gained streno-th (in some measure, at least,) from the statements and opinions of his predecessor in the Agency. While, however, the Board gave no sanction to the new form of Government, yet, "such parts as could not well be dispensed with," as an "experiment of the Agent," they permitted to be tried. Inquiries were now made for a person qualified to combine in himself, the ofiices of principal Agent and Surgeon to the » Now for me. Right conduct has a value of its own ; The happiness my King might cause me plant, I would myself produce ; and conscious joy, And free selection, not the force of duty, Should impel me. Schiller. t Appendix No. 7. LIFE OF ASIIMUN. 219 Colony; and on the 12th of January, 1825, a respectable in- dividual was appointed to the station. But the time drew near when that Divine Providence which rules no less in human counsels, than in the opera- tions of nature, was by events that none could gainsay or re- sist, to demonstrate to the Managers the policy required, es- tablish order and good government in the Colony, and bring out into unclouded light, the character of Ashmun. On the 16th of March, communications bearing date up to the 15th of December, were received by the Board, affording conclusive evidence of the zeal, industry, and ability of Mr. Ashmun, as well as of the extraordinary and most beneficial changes wrought within a very brief period in the whole con- dition and prospects of the Colony. After expressing his regret, that for the unusually long pe- riod of five months, no conveyance had offered for a single letter to the Society, he remarks: "The communications ' enclosed, are necessarily voluminous: but not more so than ' the actual state of the Colony, and its most interesting his- * tory for the last half year, seems to demand. After the se- ' vere struggles, reiterated disappointments, and nameless * evils, which for so many years had filled the annals of the ' establishment — to see the whole course of things suddenly ' reversed — an horizon without a cloud, and unmingled, nn- ' interrupted prosperity, such as perhaps never before marked ' the early progress of a similar settlement; our distinguished * lot, may well excite in an individual situated as I am, and ' have been, feelings but little compatible with the coolness ' which ought to dictate an oflicial despatch. I am sensible, ' too, that the most dispassionate statement of facts (for I have ' none to communicate, which will much shade the brightest < colours of the piece,) cannot wholly escape the suspicion of ^ a studied flattery of the picture. But He who knows all ' things, knows that I intend neither to overrate the actual ' measure of His distinguished mercies, nor to suppress any 220 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ' adverse circumstances with which He has chosen to temper ' them. My private sentiments are my own, the facts are due ' to the friends of the cause." Having alluded to the ungovernable spirit wliich had con- tinued to rage even after his departure from the Cape, he continues: "The communications of the Board, at this criti- '■ cal moment, came to hand. The measures enjoined the * Agent to take, and the searching language of the Society's '■ address, by the blessing of God, wrought upon their minds ' with a force utterly resistless. They saw in their actual ' distress, some of the most appalling predictions of this paper, ' either fulfilling or actually fulfilled. The most contentious ' and clamorous covered their heads with self-conviction and * shame — and astonishing as it may seem, their mouths have * never since been opened on those topics. They were thus '■ prepared to acquiesce in any measures the Board might '■ prescribe, and to expect the return of their Agent or the ar- ^ rival of any Agent with ungovernable impatience." Having mentioned the good conduct of emigrants by the Cyrus, he proceeds: "The welcome given to Mr. Gurley and myself, I at first treated as insincere; but however ex- travagant in expression, I am now convinced that it was dictated by the heart. "The official decisions communicated to them, along with the new modification of the Government, were received with an unanimity of acquiescence, which I confess, was painful to me. I feared either that they could not understand them, or thought opposition, at that moment, unseasonable. But the event has proved my fears unfounded; and I now consider myself authorized to state, that there is an enlight- ened and growing attachment rooted in the bosoms of the great body of the people to their laws, their officers, and the authority of the Society. "The participation of the Magistrates and Council in the * deliberations of the Agent, and the administration of justice, LIFE OF ASHMUN. 221 * has tended chiefly to form the individual officers themselves, ' to a modesty of deportment and opinion, which they never ' manifested before; and to secur6(|to the Government the ' united support of the people. Our laws and temporary ' regulations arc multiplied with a most cautious regard to the ' exigencies to be provided for; but once established, they are ' conscientiously carried into complete effect. I witness, with ' the highest pleasure, an increasing sense of the sacredness of ' Law — and as far as I know, the feelinsf is universal. The ' system of Government has proved itself practicable. It dis- ' tributes to the requisite number of officers, without too ' much accumulating on a few, or giving occasion to inter- ' ference or confusion, the duties required by the public ' service. The Agent has adopted the rule never to inter- ' pose his authority, where that of the proper officer of the ' Government, however inferior, is adequate to the emergen- ' cy. Every officer thus finding his sphere of official duty ' left sacredly to himself, and knowing that he will be sup- ' ported in the vindication and exercise of his official pow- ' ers, comes deeply to feel his individual responsibility — ■ ' spares no pains to qualify himself for his station, freely ap- ' plies for, and thankfully receives, advice and instruction; ^ and pays the most conscientious regard to the province ' and rights of all the other officers of Government." Near the close of the same letter, he . speaks of a remarka- ble attention to religion, in the following terms. "But the ' richest blessing of all, remains to be acknowledged — a ' blessing, without which, I venture to say, the complexion of ' this paper would have been materially different. "It has pleased the God and Father of our Lord Jesus ' Christ, in the sovereignty of His mercy, to visit the Colony ' with an abundant effusion of His Holy Spirit. This great ^ event, an era in the history of the settlement, which has ' been marked in Heaven, and will long be celebrated by its "^ witnesses and monuments on earth, occurred in all the month 222 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ' of September. About the middle of that month, were wit- ' nessed the first appearances, which gave evidence of the ' holy work. I feel that tliis is a theme to which a mortal ' pen ought to be approached with awful caution. "But about thirty of our Colonists, of all ages and charac- ' ters, indiscriminately, have, as the fruits of the work, pub- ' licly professed their faith in the Redeemer. They have, ' so far, walked as the truly regenerate children of God. A * change in their deportment and in their whole character, ' is as obvious, as would be their transformation to another « order of being. From lovers of sin and the world, they ' have become the lovers of God and of His people. Bad ' husbands, wives, children, and subjects, are changed to af- ' fectionate relatives, industrious, sober, and useful citizens. ' As far as mortal instrumentality was concerned in this ' blessed work, it was exerted by silent, humble supplications ' to Almighty God, a holy deportment of Christian professors, ' and a plain, simple, and serious inculcation of the saving ' doctrines of Christ and His Apostles. I congratulate every ' Christian and devout friend of this establishment, on this ' signal answer to their prayers and crown of their precious ' hopes: Rejoice; your labour is not in vain: — put all these ' astonishing blessings together, and in the humble exulta- ' tion of your hearts, exclaim, the mighty God is our helper. ' You know how to appreciate and how to interpret spiritual ' blessings. By many this precious dispensation of Provi- ' dence, must be regarded as of little importance. But poor ' Africa will think otherwise; and to the days of eternity, a ' countless host of her children will look back and date from « it, the first effectual dawning of that heavenly light, which ' shall at length have conducted them to the Fold and the 'City of God." The same despatches informed the Board of the progress made in public improvements; that nearly every proprietor of land, single women not excepted, had a dwelling well ad- LIFE OF ASHMUN. 223 vanced; that several roads had been cleared and opened; that a stone pier one hundred feet in length had been constructed in the river; that something important had been done for ao-riculture; that several schools, one for native children, were in operation; that two commodious houses for worship were building; and that the organization of the Colonial Mi- litia (among which was a volunteer corps of young men in a neat uniform), had added to the strength and safety of the Colony. The details of negotiations entered into, and happily con- cluded, by the Agent with the principal Chiefs in the vici- nity, as far as Grand Bassa, securing a free trade with the natives of the coast and interior, were at the same time re- ceived. Between the Agent and these Chiefs in behalf of those respectively represented by them, it was agreed, that they should live in perpetual peace; that trade, without fraud or interruption, in any goods and productions to be disposed of in the Colony, should continue; that no impediments should be thrown in the way of any other people who might desire to trade with the settlement; that the Kings should surrender to the Agent any evil disposed person who sought to injure the Colony, to be punished by thp Colonial Govern- ment; and that the Agent should give notice to the Chiefs of any unfriendly or malicious designs of which he might be informed, against them. The abilities of Mr. Ashmun were seen less, perhaps, in what had been done since the reorganization of the Govern- ment, than in the papers submitted to the Board on a great variety of topics, relating to the future administration and in- terests of the Colony.* These papers showed that, while he * The following is a list of these papers : Notes introductory to the Colonial Journal, 2 sheets. Transcript of do do 7 " Letter to the Executive Committee, 7 " The Liberian farmer and letter accompanying, 13 " 224 LIFE OF ASHMUN. could grasp large objects, he was not inattentive to minute; that he was not unfitted for ordinary business, because he had the talents of a Statesman. The Committee of the Board to whom these despatches were referred, reported on the 28th of March — that in their opinion, Mr. Ashmun "had shown great attention to the im- portant charge committed to him;" had conducted himself with "much prudence and propriety, generally;" and recom- mended an expression of the cordial approbation of the Mana- o-ers of the Society. They also moved resolutions to dimin- ish, by certain restrictions, (as suggested by Mr. Ashmun) the trade in ardent spirits, and for modifying, as he proposed, the plan of public labour; and their entire Report received the sanction of the Board.* Perspective view of the Cape, 1 sheet. Notes on the defence of the Colony, 1 " Copy of my account current to the Navy De- partment, 3 " Remarks on the Agent's domestic establish- ment, 2 " Draft of a store house built, 1 " Proposition relative to public labour, 1 " Do relative to the use of ardent spirits, 1 " Copy of Rev. Mr. Waring's tour to Bassa, 2 " Estimates of future supplies, and proposition relative to a freight of plank, 1 " Best method of subsisting the Colony, 2 " Notes on the extent of Territory, 1 " Inventory of goods, 1 " Rough map of the coast, 1 " * In the earliest years of the Colony, emigrants, while receiving rations from the public store, were required to devote two days in the week to labour, on the public works. The labourers having no motive of reward, were ineffi- cient; while they found their duty to the public an excuse for negligence in constructing their houses and cultivating their grounds. The following plan, proposed by Mr. Ashmun, has been productive of far better effects: "1st. All invalids not twelve months in the Colony, and such others as must otherwise suffer, to receive rations if they have not resources of their LIFE OF ASHMUN. 225 Truth had begun to shake the fortresses of error which had risen against Ashmun, and no less against the Colony he had preserved; and an accurate observer of Providence, her constant and mighty ally, might have seen hung out, the prophetic signals of a speedy triumph. There was bright light in the clouds, though then, from most eyes concealed.* Mr. Ashmun understood both the advantages and difficul- ties of his situation. He took a comprehensive view of his duties, saw clearly their mutual relations and the reciprocal ihfluence which well discharged, they would exert upon the success of each other, and upon his general usefulness. If the irrevocable loss of reputation would injure himself only, it might be endured in silence. But he knew that he had not the right, — and more, that it would be highly criminal to permit this treasure to be sacrificed when power was granted to preserve it. It was the gift of Heaven; in the service of mankind he felt bound to use it; and thus offer it acceptably in tribute to the Divine Majesty. Aware, however, that most men judge of merit only by success, — that wisdom in defeat is counted folly, and that he who blunders into prosperity gains the credit of wisdom, he trusted in the Most High, who often dashes to ruin the coun- sels of Ambition, and exalts Humility to distinction and power. We may notice, briefly, his conduct and proceedings at this period; first, in respect to himself; second, to the Colony; and third, to the Board of Managers. "2d. Emigrants not to be taxed with public labour, in consideration of any benefit or provision to be derived from the Society, in the first six months of tlieir residence. But at the end of this term, they are to pay for all they receive. "3d. Provisions, stuffs, shoes, clotliing, and tobacco, to be held on sale; but only for the present consumption of the buyers; for which all sorts of la- bour will be taken — a preference always to be given to such labourers and me- chanics as are less than eighteen montns in the Colony." * Job xxxvii, 21. 29 226 LIFE OF ASHMUN. To himself, the motives and principles which governed him, we allude first, because these must be regarded as the sources and fountains of conduct — a knowledge whereof may explain what else were obscure, or interpret what were otherwise mysterious. Of the spirit which animated him, we learn something from an extract taken from a letter addressed to the writer, under date of January 19, 1825 : "I have heard of your safe arrival in the West Indies, by a ' Pirate who is now near us, and four days ago boarded a ' craft of ours. The name is thought to be the General ' Winder, a Baltimore built schooner. Since you left me, ' has been one of the happiest periods of my life. Unnoticed ' and unremembered, humbly endeavouring to serve a world ' to which I do not feel myself much obliged, except for its ' Maker's and Redeemer's sake; the spectator of a blessed ' work of mercy, I have known nothing but contentment ' and desire to be thankful. You will, in perusing my des- ' patches, I think, see wonders of Divine goodness to admire, ' and no cause to regret your visit to us." On the 24th of April, he wrote in his Journal : "I have experienced some relief in my feelings from learn- ' ing that my pecuniary affairs in the United States are in a ' train of speedy settlement, on the footing of justice to my ' creditors; an event I have long desired most anxiously, and ' for which I bless God, through whose good Providence it ' has taken place. But I have information also from that ' country of a very trying nature." He then expresses apprehension, that reports put in circu- lation against him in the United States, had made impressions unfavourable to his moral character which could never be .effaced; his conviction that in many ways they had seriously injured him; that whether true or false, they were judged a sufficient reason for superseding him whenever another per- son of equal qualifications could be found to accept the LIFE OF ASHMUN. 227 Agency; that the Government, not less than the Society, had withheld the evidence of entire confidence; he alluded to the facts, that few individuals in America had written to him, and tliat in the letters he received, there was a coldness and reserve destroying their value; that in reports concerning the Colony, his name was sedulously avoided, even in con- nexion with the very services he had rendered; and finally, that the information contained in his Journals ' and letters, had not obtained the full credit to which it was entitled. "Why," he exclaimed, "have I not resigned a situation ' which I cannot hold without submitting to bear such a load ' of obloquy ? Every month of my continuance in Africa, I ' do indeed sacrifice much of the proud sensibilities of my ' heart." He felt justified in still occupying his station, by the fol- lowinof considerations : 1st. In so doing, he did nothing dishonourable in itself; and 2d. There were positive reasons which warranted and required the sacrifice. To render his continuance dishonourable, he must be con- scious either of the truth of the accusations urged against him, or of some other circumstance disqualifying him for his situation. But he was conscious of neither. The reasons which required his stay, were — 1st, the un- favourable impressions which might be drawn from his re- signation. Might it not be regarded as a concession, that the reports which had injured him were founded in truth ? 2d. He had at no time been able to retire from his station, without leaving the Colony destitute of an Agent, and thus exposed to great evils — perhaps to anarchy, famine, or war. Would it be right to put in jeopardy the interests of the Co- lony, for any reasons of a mere personal and private nature ? 3d. The claims of his creditors demanded, that he should not voluntarily relinquish the prospect which his situation afforded of discharging them. 228 LIFE OF ASHMUN. 4th. Through the Divine Mercy, his health had been in a good measure preserved in Africa. "And why," he asks^ " am I thus preserved, unless to perform some service in this ' country 7 And where can I express my gratitude so well, ' as on the very theatre of such signal mercies ? I have ac- ' quired, from long residency, a better knowledge of thecoun- ' try, and affairs of the Colony, than any other person living; ' and I am not willing to forego the opportunity put into my ' hands alone, to be extensively useful here. Besides, a ' change of Agents cannot rationally be expected to take ' place without the loss of one or more valuable lives." In respect to the Colony, he saw eveiy obstruction to the free and full exercise of his various talents removed. "We are," said he, "thanks to Divine Providence, prosperous be- ' yond any former period of the establishment. Health, union, ' content, and industry within, — peace, respectability, and ' confidence without, call for more gratitude than we possess ' here; and I hope that the hearts of our American friends ' may supply the deficiency." Standing on the summit of the Cape, he extended his view over a magnificent scene, diversified by objects bright, beautiful, and sublime; the silver stream of the Montserado — Cape Mount fifty miles distant, jutting boldly into the sea — a wide-spread country, dense with an ever-green forest, "rising in successive ridges of verdure," far into the interior; the ocean, over which the eye glanced for more than one hun- dred and fifty miles of the horizon, in an instant catching each sail that ventured within this mighty compass of vision, and his admiration of the Great Author of Nature, but ren- dered him more compassionate towards those who amid these wonders of His hands, were blind to His glory. He felt how great was the work entrusted to him of founding a Chris- tian State on the confines of a continent, where man had for ages been separated from Truth and Virtue, — where crime took license from authority, and vice was hardened by cus- tom,— and where the light of intellect shone dim amid the LIFE OF ASHMUN. 229 sensual and selfish passions. But he knew that Humanity in its wildest and most degraded state, may be reclaimed; and hoped that beneath the extending- wings of an empire, per- vaded by the spirit of Liberty and Religion, would hnully be gathered in peace the millions of Africa; or, should this hope be disappointed, he saw that a nobler race would occupy their places, adorning a land already abounding in the gifts of Pro- vidence, with the productions of knowledge, of genius, of taste, and of art. The success of the Colony, he perceived, depended prin- cipally upon three things:— The stability and beneficence of its Government; its means of defence; and its means of sub- sistence; and these again must find their chief source in the union, morality, public spirit, and religion; or (to express all in a word), the good character of the people. His first object then was, to animate the Colonists with a sense of their responsibility to God, themselves, and their race; his next, to instruct them how most effectually to show this spirit in the conduct of their afl^airs. Convinced that religion alone could qualify them, patiently, to endure their trials, and nobly to perform their work, he encouraged all sober measures designed to extend and increase its influence, and ceased not to solicit from the Board and other friends of Africa, the aid of enlightened and faithful Ministers of the Gospel. We have already seen with what delight he beheld the members of this little community, attending to their spiritual as to their greatest concerns; and how, from this, he derived assurance, that the Colony was an object of spe- cial favour and protection to the Almighty. To secure the stable and beneficent operation of the Go- vernment, it was shown to the people, that its only firm basis was, their reason and affections. Mr. Ashmun explained to each officer the nature and extent of his duties; the proper mode of their execution; and then permitted neither himself nor others to interfere with a manly and independent dis- 230 LIFE OF ASHMUN. charge of them. The officers were respected, because they respected themselves. The people valued their Government^ not simply because it aftbrded them protection, but because they saw their fellow-citizens, elected by themselves, filling offices of trust, and sharing largely in the administration of public affairs. The Government, they perceived, in a great degree, rested upon them, and therefore they felt it their honour, as well as duty, to sustain it. For means of defence, the Agent looked not more to the organization and discipline of the Militia, and to the preserva- tion of the arms and fortifications, in proper order and con- dition, than to that just and pacific policy towards the natives which should leave no reason or even plausible pretext for hostilities. If war should occur, he chose to have conscience an ally, even in the breast of the enemy. But he trusted not solely to measures of prevention. He gave orders for repairing the Fort, and for the erection of two new Batteries, one on the head of the Cape (to command the roadstead); and while he encouraged such exercises as were necessary to give confidence to the settlers, in their military powers, he taught them by precept and example, to fear none but God. What has been said of the ancient martyrs, may be said of Ashmun — "He could keep one eye steadily fixed upon his duty, and look death and danger out of countenance with the other." In respect to means of subsistence, while he regarded ag- riculture as of primary importance, and demanding imme- diate, earnest, and general attention, he saw that the amount of labour required for clearing and cultivating the lands, (considering what must be applied to the construction of houses and other works within the limits of the town,) was too great to leave a hope that the Colony could at a very early day, derive subsistence from the products of its own soil. — Still he neglected no means in his power of encouraging and promoting this interest. He drew up many valuable direc- LIFE OF ASHMUN. 231 tions to the Liberia Farmer, which it must be regretted were not then printed for the benefit of the Colonists.* Supphes not to be derived from the present agricuUnre of the Colony, he perceived might be obtained in trade from the natives, and therefore sought to concihate the neighbouring tribes, and to open with them, at various points on the coast, a mutually advantageous commerce. "There is no ques- tion," he remarks, "of the capability of this country to furnish ' the Colony with provisions. A little system and providence ' are all that is necessary to make the supply certain." He had proved, by actual experiment, that it was far more eco- nomical to subsist the Colony on African than American provisions.! On the arrival of the brig Hunter, on the 13th of March, 1825, with sixty-six settlers, most of whom were farmers, Mr. Ashmun saw the necessity of extending, if possible, the lim- its of the Territory. The following abstract from his own pen, contains a brief account of his negotiations to secure a tract of land on the river St. Paul's : "The slow progress and ill success (he observes) of the first ^ experiments in agriculture at Cape Montserado, directed the ' attention of the Agent, early in the year 1825, to an in- ' quiry into the causes of a circumstance so detrimental to ' the prospects of the settlement. In the course of this in- ' quiry, a number of obstacles to the prosperity of this leading ' branch of industry, occurred, which a length of time, and '■ expensive improvements alone seemed likely to overcome. * It was perceived, that the quality of the lands belonging ' to the settleinent of Monrovia, was unfavourable to cul- ' tivation. The highlands of the settlement are rocky, and ' from having suifered the wash of the rains, are in many * Appendix No. 7. \ He thought the expense diminished nearly one half. 232 LIFE OP ASHMUN. ' places deprived of all their best soil; are liable to be sun ' burnt in the dry season, and swept of their crops by the ' sudden currents of the wet. The lowlands are too wet and ' low, for most of the purposes of farming; and can only be ' brought to their true and entire value, by cutting sluices, ' and forming dikes, at a great expense. The flat country ' bordering on the waters are alluvial; and extensive tracts ' consist of little more than the barren sands of the ocean, ' sprinkled rather than yet covered with a vegetable mould — ■ * the element of its future fertility. The distant situation ' of the proprietors, living as they do in town, frotn their '■ plantations, presented a second obstacle, which, in regard '■ to those settlers, it is believed, will never cease to keep back ^ the business of agriculture. The people of Monrovia are, like- ' wise, and ever must be made up of a variety of trades, each ' of which, in addition to the little agricultural knowledge ' such a people can be supposed to possess, has its own pecu- ' liar views, both of the proper mode of agricuUure, and of ' the expediency of engaging in it at all. Concert of action ' on this subject, has never been obtained, not even by the * most positive public regulations: — without such concert, ^ the interest at large, can never be much; and has hitherto ' hardly existed at all. "The arrival of the brig 'Hunter,' March 13th, 1825, hav- ' ing on board sixty-six settlers, of whom nearly all had been ' bred farmers, and who, if fixed at Monrovia, must have ' been compelled either to relinquish, as the means of acquir- ' ing their livelihood, the only branch of business in which '■ they were fitted to succeed; or pursue it under very serious ' disadvantages, determined the Agent to form a new agricul- ' tural settlement, in a situation more favourable to its suc- ' cess, than any offered in the immediate vicinity of the Cape. ' He accordingly explored, with a view to the discovery of ' such a situation, the Montserado river, as far as to the head ' of one of its sources, in the last week of April. But being LIFE OP ASHMUN. 233 ' entirely frustrated by the low and forbidding nature of all ' the lands examined in that quarter, he directed his attention ' to the St. Paul's. The tract of country stretching alono- the ' South bank of the St. Paul's, and bounded Westwardly by ' the Stockton, combined in it every desirable advantage for ' the proposed settlement, and fixed the Agent's choice im- ' mediately. The purchase of a right to occupy this land, ' which was the next object of solicitude, was cautiously ' opened to some of the most influential Chiefs of the St. ' Paul's without delay— and referred to the decision of a ' general council of the country authorities, which was con- ' voked at the Agent's instance, at Gourah, on Bushrod Island, ' May 2d. The Agent attended— but too many of the Chiefs ' being absent to admit of the accomplishment of the business, ' the Agent was obliged after waiting five days without see- ' ing more than two of the head men, to return on the 7th of ' the same month. But the matter was so vigorously pressed, ' that, after a variety of difficulties and delays, all of which ' were overruled by the favourable Providence of the most ' High, the qession of the whole Territory in question, was ' concluded; and a part of the purchase money paid on the ' 11th of the same month. "Along this beautiful river were formerly scattered, in Af- ' rica's better days, innumerable native hamlets; and (ill with- ' in the last twenty years, nearly the whole river-board, for ' one to two miles back, was under tliat slight culture which ' obtains among the natives of this country. But the popu- ' lation has been wasted by the rage for trading in slaves; ' with wliich the constant presence of slaving vessels, and ' the introduction of foreign luxuries, have inspired them. ' The South bank of this river and all the intervening coun- « try between it and the Montserado, have been, from this ' cause, nearly desolated of inhabitants. A few detached ' and solitary plantations scattered at long intervals through- ' out the tract, but just serve to interrupt the silence, and re- 30 234 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ' lieve the gloom which reigns over the whole region. The ' labourers who carry on this cultivation, are generally ' slaves whose masters reside either on Bushrod Island, on the ' North bank of the river, or on the Island at the mouth of ' the Montserado. Those owners, finding the country unoc- ' cupied, select such tracts as are best adapted to their purpo- ' ses, and cultivate them as long as suits their convenience, ' without thinking about any property in the soil. "The country to which I beg particularly to direct the at- ' tention of the Board, may be seen (best on the large plan) to ' commence Westwardly at the Stockton creek, — bounded * North by the St. Paul's, South by the marshy mangrove * country, skirting the Montserado river; and stretching East- ' wardly to an indefinite extent. Six miles above the Stock- * ton, and on the St. Paul's^ is a considerable town, (King * Governor's;) four miles in the interior of this, is another, * (Ba Konka's;) but with these exceptions, and perhaps one * hundred acres of plantation-land attached to those two * towns, the whole tract, comprehending a breavlth of one to * three leagues, lying along the whole navigable part of the * St. Paul's, which I estimate at twenty miles, is nearly un- ' peopled and unoccupied. The jurisdiction is chnmed by * old King Peter, who resides on Bushrod Island; and of this ' whole tract, I have the satisfaction to inform the Board, a ' purchase has been effected, and formal possession taken, 'for the American Colonization Society. The deed I en- ' close. "In regard to the sincerity with which this transaction has * been conducted on the part of the natives, the Board may ' exercise the most unqualified confidence, of which a nego- ' tiation with native Africans, admits. # # * "In the late !-)Usiness, I told them, ' they knew I had never ' deceived, or injured them; or even treated their best inter- ' ests, with indifference. I knew they considered me as their ' friend, and my heart agreed with their opinion, in testifying LIFE OF ASHMUN. 235 * that I was so. I had \jeeii long- in their country — and for ' the same reasons which forbade me to be the enemy of my ' own countrymen, it was impossible for me to be theirs. They * saw me spending my life in a strange country, in order to ' do black men good; and black people were all brothers. I ' felt much the same for all, and knew they would confide in ' me; as I certainly should in any deliberate act of theirs'. — ' It was at this moment that I became more fully con^nnced ' than ever before, of the liappy effects which t?iat course of * exact justice, w?iich I had so long endeavoured to pursue, ' could produce on savage minds. I felt that our policy had ' gained a moral conquest, and that was the moment of tri- * umph. They reciprocated the confidence which I professed * to repose in them: and its the Board will perceive from the ' Journal, yielded with little hesitation the important point ' sought of them. I am thus explicit in order to represent, as * exactly as possible, the spirit in wJiich tMs business was ' ttirouo-hout conducted. The whole progress of the treaty ' wUl be seen in the narrative herewith forwarded. There ' remains an explanation to be given of the last article in the < instrument of ratification, which provides for the appoint- < ment, on the part of the Colony, of a man of distinction, ta- ' ken from the Kings of the country, to officiate as patron of ' the projected settlement. '•By the deed, the purchase includes generally all the lands ' bounded North by the St. PauPs, and West by the Stock- ' ton; such exfjressly excepted, as are, or may be, af the time of ' forming and extending on it the Colonial .settlement, occii- ' pied by, and necessary to the subsistence and comfort o^ ' the natives of the country — it being no part of the intention ' of this purchase tf) deprive those people of a single real ad- ' vantage; but on the contrary, to improve them and advance ' their happiness, by carrying Christianity and civilization to ' the doors of their cabins. •'On the advantages hkely to flow directly from this vaiu- 236 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ' able accession of territory, it would be easy, by loosening ' the reins of the imagination, to expatiate largely. But we ' are certainly authorized to expect from it the means of more * effectually advancing the Colony to what it ought to be, ' than, from any^ perhaps ull other events, that have occurred ' since my connexion with the concern. Some of these ad- ' vantages have been already explained in this paper. Others ' may be inferred. And indulging me in the repetition of ' some of the former, the Board are at liberty to regard the ' following as among the most prominent and certain : "1st. It entirely obviates in the case of all the farmers ' hereafter to settle in the country, the serious disadvantage, ' (next to ruinous,) of being several miles separated in their ' residence, from their plantations. "2d. It gives them, instead of arduous bluffs, and a stub- < born soil, which after severe labour would be fit only for ' coffee plantations, and one or two other purposes, a pli- ' able and fertile soil in a champaign country, easily cleared, < and entirely adapted to every species of tropical culture. "3d. It places such settlers in a situation to make pro- ' visions sufhcient to subsist themselves and their families in '■ from nine to twelve months after their arrival in the coun- ' try; whereas, without it, the experiment has proved, that ' two or three years are not sufficient to enable them to attain ' the same end. "4th. It will enable the Society to dispose of ten thousand '■ settlers in a compass of ten miles from town; but without it, ' two thousand could scarcely be situated within twenty miles. ' By an inspection of the map, it may be seen that the settle- ' ment is susceptible of an extension of twenty miles from ' Monrovia, without leaving the St. Paul's or big Eastern ' branch of the Montserado, distant more than three miles. — * By these waters, the boat navigation is free and direct to c town thus affording to the settlements extended on this '■ tract, advantages for communicating with the Cape, which LIFE OF ASHMUN. 237 ' none formed on the Mamba Tongue, or Montserado Terri- ' tory, could ever enjoy. "5th. This acquisition of territory will secure to the Co- ' lony, in a very short time, the entire command of the St. ' Paul's; and with it, the trade of that river, which is already ' valuable, and may be rendered much more so; and will ' break up the slave-traffic which still continues to be carried ' on with foreigners,* by that channel. "6th. The country on the St. Paul's being much more sa- ' lubrious than the Montserado, future emigrants will suffer ' less in their health. Even at the present time our invalids ' have a practice of repairing to some town on that river, and ' have never failed to derive benefit from the change. "7th. As an inference from the foregoing view of the ad- * vantages resulting from this extension of territory, the Board ' are authorized, finally, to expect the accomplishment of their ' hopes, in the future rapid advancement of the Colony. — ' Nothing but mismanagement on the part of your Agents in ' this country, can, if their zeal is sustained hy the Society ' at horne^ be supposed capable of long deferring the period, ' when the surplus produce of the Colony will supply the con- '■ sumption by new emigrants, during the unproductive period ' of their residence. The inviting quality of the soil, and ' charming situation of the country on the St. Paul's, will '■ inevitably engage thousands in agriculture, who, if confined ' to the Cape, would depend, with some semblance of a pre- ' text, on the precarious profits of trade, till their habits ' would become incurably irregular, and their future pros- ' pects, ruined. Agriculture, I venture to predict, will, at ' no distant time, become as creditable and prosperous, as it is ' now neglected; and the St. Paul's, instead of the Montsc- ' rado, the centre of population and wealth to the Colony of * Liberia." * At this moment, I observe from my window, three French and Spanish schooners lying off the mouth of the St. Paul's river, awaiting their cargoes. S38 LIFE OP ASHMUN. "A few days after this transaction, a slight ferment was ' produced among the natives, by the violent remonstrance ' of some of the neighbouring Chiefs, against the sale of so * large a tract of their country. But, the whole subsided ' without any serious consequences. Eleven families were ^ soon after designated to lay the foundation of the new set- * tlement; which thence forward took the name of >St. Pauls. < But their number was subsequently reduced to nine, by the ' death of Reuben Thompson, and Claibourne Davis. A ' large passage-boat, constructed to carry eighty persons with ' convenience, and of about ten tons burden, was immediately * commenced for the purpose of plying between the St. * PauVs^ and Cape; and connecting the two settlements to- * gether. This boat was launched on the 11th of the folio w- ' ing November, when the new settlers had fully recovered ' from the sickness of which all severely suffered on their ' first arrival in the country. A provisionary form of civil * and military organization and Government, had been drawn * up for this settlement, on the 8th of November. The first * draft of lands took place, both for building and plantation < lots, on the 9th; and the appointment of the officers of the ' settlement, on the 12th. "On the 13th of the same month, the annual rains very < seasonably terminated — and on the 14th, the complete occu- < pation of the lands, took place. "The Agent, accompanied by A. Davis, his wife and ' daughter, Sally Taylor, John Williams, Cornelius Brown, ' Cary Keiniy, Joshua Thompson, with seven labourers, and ' their boys, arrived at the head of the Stockton at one o'clock ' on that day, in the St. Paul's passage-boat, on her first trip ' up the Stockton. An hour was spent in making a landing- '■ place near the West end of water-street. The grass was * found too rank to admit of moving through it; and on the ' same evening a temporary landing-place was prepared on ' the St. Paul's, near a small town belonging to a native of LIFE OF ASHMUN. 239 « the name of Jack Soldier — where the people, their small stock ' of stores and tools, were landed; and two small houses were ' hired for their accommodation, till they might provide a ' shelter for themselves. Such are the small beginnings of this settlement. The blessing of God Almighty, in whose name, and for whose praise, those beginnings have been made and are humbly consecrated, alone, can raise its head to the elevation, which it is the prayer of the Agent, who makes this record, seated on a bamboo pallet, in a solitary native cabin, on the margin of the St. Paul's, that it may, at ' no great distance of time, attain." J. A. In respect to the Board of Managers, neither his candor nor macrnanimity, would permit his general confidence in them to be shaken, because error had weakened their confi- dence in him. He knew, also, that "confidence is a plant of slow growth," which, if it once begin to wither, requires the most delicate and watchful attention, and revives and flour- ishes again only under the mild light of truth and the ge- nial dews of affection. Its roots strike not less into the heart, than the judgment. , To attempt to force its growth, is to kill it. If doubt still rested upon any portion of his past, he resolved, if possible, to leave it in no man's power to ques- tion the integrity, wisdom, and energy of his present and fu- ture conduct. If industry, ever active and unwearied, zeal intense, fortitude unbending, resolution yielding only to Pro- vidence, and all the might .of his intellectual power, applied to advance the interests of the Colony, could clear away the imagined stains on his reputation; he felt assured, that hke gold he should come forth from the furnace, purer and bright- er for the trial. His course towards the Board, was to be res- pectful, open, frank, and manly. His self-regard Avas ever to be held subordinate to affection for the interests of the Colony; and public duty, not private advantage, to be the ruling mo- tive of his action. By the Hunter, on the 13th of March, he received the de- 240 LIFE OP ASHMUN. cisions of the Board on the new form of Governmentj and the measures therewith adopted. By the return of this ves- sel, he explained fully his views in regard to these measures, and communicated such statements and suggestions as might enable the Board to judge correctly of the condition and wants of the Colony. "In announcing," he observes, "the final decision of the ' Board on the allocation of the seven individuals settled with- ' out the original limits of the town, I confess I dreaded the ' possible effects of the chagrin which the order must pro- ' duce. It was, however, received with calmness; and while ' it discovered to them that the Board had been unhappily led ' to act, on very erroneous information, excited not a disres- ' pectful murmur." Having stated in a very clear and conclusive manner why the grounds assumed in this decision were such as "could neither be felt nor understood by any person resident in the settlement," he adds: "I know that the decisions of the ' Board have been formed on what they considered the pre- ' ponderance of correct information. And this circumstance ' fills me with distress and alarm, at the possible consequences ' of this misplaced confidence, and for the preservation of the ' best interests of the settlement, from utter subversion. I ear- ' nestly, but with the utmost deference, entreat them to re- ' collect, that no other Agent but myself, has ever spent two ' weeks of the dry season, or set a compass three times, to my ' knowledge on this Cape; no white man able to judge, has ' ever, before the arrival of Mr. Gurley, to my knowledge, ' given himself the trouble to make, even correct ocular ob- ' servations, one hundred yards from my house, in more than ' one direction; that I have, on the contrary, repeatedly sur- ' veyed every inch of these grounds; that this spot is more ' familiar in all its features, than my native village; that I ' have arranged, and carried into effect, three difierent plans ' of defence, adapted to the different circumstances of the set- LIFE OF ASHMUN. 241 ' tlement on as many different occasions; — that of these plans, ' the two first have sustained the test of as powerful an as- ' sault, as the town can ever suffer from a native force; and ' that I have had occasion to employ the guns of the town ' upon objects at every point of our water-board. I am at ' this moment on the spot: my judgment in matters of specu- ' lation, I may distrust: but observations on the physical ' features of these grounds, conducted by the rules of mensu- ' ration, are incapable of error. "I know not whose recollections reported to the Board, ' the foregoing statements oppose. My sole object is to im- ' part correct information, and if possible, to prevail on the * Board to appoint Agents in whose statements they can con- ' fide, or to extend their confidence to such as are acting un- ' der their appointment. "In a multitude of matters too numerous to detail, your re- * sident Agent must always exercise a large discretion. It is ' not possible for the Board to direct — I will add, it is not pos- ' sible for the Board to review more than a small part of his ' measures. He can have neither the time nor means to com- ' municate — nor the Board to investigate them. I have al- * ways transmitted voluminous details of my proceedings. — ' But how small a part of the whole do these comprehend ! ' and on how few, even of these, has it been possible for the ' Board to act in season to control their effects ! for most of ' them are of a nature to admit of no delay; and at the same ' time materially affect the best interests of the settlement. "It is my most valued privilege to submit my administra- ' tion to the supervision of the Board; but it is a privilege of ' which I can avail myself only in regard to leading mea- ' sures. Of these I have ever aimed to state the facts, and ' give correct information; and afterwards, most implicitly to ' acquiesce in, and execute the decisions of the Board, found- ' ed on such information. * * * " These remarks are extorted by a perception of the dan- 31 242 LIFE OF ASHMUPT. ' ger which seems to threaten more than one primary inter- ' est of this Colony. One of these is that entire confidence^ ' which ought to subsist on the part of the settlers, in all the ' engagements, even implied and indirect engagements, of ' the Board." Of the new form of Government, he remarks : "The instructions of the Board in relation to the plan of ' Government submitted, after virtually doing away the of- ' fice of Vice- Agent, leaves its final fate to depend on the ' event of the experiment. I certainly had less confidence ' in its success at first, than now. And if the Board should ' appreciate its fruits as I do, they will long authorize the ' continuance of the 'experiment.' "I am happy to express my entire accordance with the « wishes of the Board, in regard to the Christian simplicity * which ought to characterize the Government, policy, and ' institutions of the Colony. Compared with all other civil ' societies on this continent, it certainly does exhibit a repub- ' lican simplicity of structure, to foreigners scarcely credible."* • In a letter to the Secretary of the Society, by the Hunter, he observes : "I am sorry to find Mr. and myself, in so poor credit with the Board. Even if they differed from ourselves in their opinion of our wisdom, I still hoped they might confide in our veracity; and that if they savp fit to repeal our measures, they vi^ould not distrust the truth of our statements. As regards my own private interest in the good opinion of the Board, however mortifying to my feelings the inferences from some parts of the last letter of instructions, I regard it all of little jnoment compared with the effects I am apprehensive some of their decisions will have on the prosperity of the Colo- ny. The Board are misled in many things — in some materially. But reflect- ing on my own circumstances, I have determined, that until I can enjoy a personal interview, it will be inexpedient, and may appear officioiis in me, to undertake to set tliem right. In this remark, I beg to explain, that I refer wholly to wrong information; and as the effect of such information, some wrong impressions respecting the actual state of things, both formerly and at the present time, in this Colony. I shall not undertake to contradict too roundly, what the Board seem to regard as good authority, till I am better as- sured that they will admit my own. In the mean time, ?.s truth and sober r-aality commonly have a weight and consistency in themselves which fiction LIFE OP ASHMUN. 243 By the same conveyance, Mr. Ashmiin replied, fully, to a letter which had been addressed to him on the subject of the Repertory, and which contained sundry allegations against his conduct in connection with that work. We have alluded in a former chapter, to the unfortunate differences which arose between him and several of the gentlemen (who super- vised the editorial department of the R-epertory), in conse- quence of its pecuniary embarrassments. These differences had their origin, principally, if not entirely, in misapprehen- sion. A public notice, however, had been sent forth on the cover of that work, after Mr. Ashmun's departure from the country, charging him, by implication at least, with a breach of trust. Though this publication was early and deeply re- gretted by some who lent it their sanction, others still retain- ed the sentiments which dictated it, and to these sentiments as the main source must be traced, the suspicion and distrust of Ashmun which so long infected the mind of the Board and of the community in which they resided. A respectable individual had now franlvly communicated the charges which existed against him, and he therefore felt required by duty to the cause in which he was engaged, as well as to himself, to meet and refute them. It would be useless to go into de- tails on this subject, especially as the effect of this reply in connection with other circumstances, will presently be seen in the proceedings of the Board. The conclusion of this let- ter is inserted to show how deep were his feelings on this occasion, and how eloquently he could express them: "However lightly the accusations in question may have ' been resolved on and published, the deed has drawn after it ' no trivial consequences. To have robbed an individual who ' is known to have the sensibilities of a man, of so great a '■ share of his peace as I have suffered and must, would, if and exaggeration never possess, and as I know my information to have sub- stantially these qualities, I shall rest as easy as possible, and await the issue of things." 244 LIFE OF ASHMUN. truly weighed, be regarded as something; to shake, for a season, and perhaps till the grave shall hide them from me forever, the confidence of two venerable parents, on whose names calumny never before dared to affix a stain, and who would sooner follow their nine children to the grave-yard, than believe that one of them could disgrace it; to blast, for a season, at least, the fond hopes of one of the most respecta- ble and numerous families in the United States; to poison, with suspicion, the minds of a numerous connexion of be- loved and confiding friends, in half the States of the Union; to place me as an insulated being in the midst of the lower creation, bound to no part by the ties of a sincere respect; to injure the valued, and in some sense, sacred cause in which I have sacrificed much and hazarded more, by cur- tailing my usefulness and weakening the bonds of mutual confidence between my employers and myself — between me and the Colonists; — thus to tie up, for months, from effi- cient exertion, the hands of a young man, whose advanta- ges have been many, and whose obligations to be useful, are felt to be imperious; these are some of the actual fruits of that publication: the end of it, is yet to be awaited. The Board have seen on what grounds that tremendous respon- sibility has been incurred. As a dispensation of Heaven, I accept it with penitence for the punishment of my sins. As far as it has been the work of man, I protest against it with all the abhorrence and force which its character inspires. And I have done it in language which must have its weight; because it is the language of truth — of truth which, whoever lives, will see every opening circumstance in future to cor- roborate and establish. "On leaving the United States, I formally assigned all the uncollected arrears of the Repertory to pay its debts. Avail- ing myself from conscientious motives, of no insolvent laws, I delivered up every dollar of disposable property I had, in proportionate shares, to my creditors. The compensation LIFE OP ASHMUN. 245 ' I received as Agent of your Board, was so applied; also a ' large edition of the Life of Bacon, which I have been mor- ' tified to learn, has not answered my expectations in the ' sales, and consequently left a larger unsettled balance, to be ' otherwise paid than I anticipated, "I do not allow myself to cherish a bitter feeling towards ' any man living. * * I shall, I hope, never trouble your ^ respectable body with a similar detail; and most probably, ' let the whole matter slumber in silence, till a higher power ' shall call it up for a final decision before an unerring tri- ' bunal." By the same conveyance, he transmitted interesting papers on many subjects,* particularly one relating to the moral and social condition of the neighbouring tribes; the facilities for Missionary efforts among them; and the best mode of con- ducting such efibrts.t "In regard to public objects of atten- ' tion," he observes, "The most has been made of the scanty ' means at my disposal. Gladly would I expend on these < objects thousands — and it could be done with vast advan- * tage — where I have only a few dollars, and those raised by ' dint of management, which few besides myself, would ex- ' ercise." The exhibition which he presented of the state of the Co- lony; the industry of the citizens; the progress of various * The following is a list of his despatches received by the Hunter : 1. Official letter to the Board. 2. Two sheets containing surveys of the grounds on which the town stands. 3. Copy of a letter to Rev. Wm. McKenney. 4. Statement of account with the United States, to the 28th of February. 5. Plans and estimates of a Receptacle for emigrants. 6. Transcript of the ColonialJournal to this date. 7. A paper intended to correct erroneous accounts of this country. 8. A statement of certain facts required by last letter, to be given to the Board. 9. A memorial respecting a Missionary establishment near the settlement. t Appendix No. 8. 246 LIFE OF ASHMUN. improvements; the condition of the schools,* and especially the fact, that most of the salaries of the officers of the new Government had been paid; taken in connexion with numer- ous other evidences of the wisdom and energy of his pro- ceedings, left it impossible for the spirit of distrust longer to obscure his character. On the 25th of April, 1825, a motion was made in the Board, and adopted, to proceed on the 18th of the next month, to organize a permanent Government for the Colony; and on the day appointed, the following resolution, offered by Joseph Gales, Jr. Esq. was adopted : '^Resolved, That the Board of Managers, considering the * satisfactory information afforded by recent accounts from ' the Colony, of the successful operation of the plan for the ' civil Government thereof, as established by the Agent in < August last — -and seeing therein reason to reconsider their ' instructions to the Agent, of the 29th of December, 1824, * now approve of the principles of that form of Government, ' and give their sanction to the same." On the 23d of May, the two following resolutions were unanimousl't/ adopted : ''Resolved, That so much of the resolution of January < 12th, 1825, as constitutes Dr. Peaco Agent of the Society, ' be rescinded. "Resolved, That Mr. Ashmun be appointed Colonial ' Agent to the Society; and that Dr. Peaco, the Govern- ' ment Agent, be authorized and requested, on his arrival in ' the Colony, to assist Mr. Ashmun with his counsel; and ' fully authorized to take upon himself, all the duties of Colo- ' nial Agent, in case of the absence, inability, or death of Mr. ' Ashmun." On the same day, Mr. Gales, from a Committee previously * "One for heathen children, of whom we have forty-five between seven and fifteen."— Ashmun. LIFE OF ASHMUN- 247 appointed to consider the digest of laws, submitted by the Agents with the new form of Government, reported the same with two amendments, and it was directed that ''two thou- ' sand copies of the Constitution, Government, and Laws of ' the Colony of Liberia, as established by the Board of Mana- ' gers of the Colonization Society at Washington, May 23d, ' 1825," should be printed. On the 13th of June, an influential member of the Board, who was absent when the proceedings touching the appoint- ment of Mr. Aslimun were adopt-ed, moved that they be reconsidered on the 2d of July; and that in the mean time the grounds of certain charges supposed to exist against Mr. Ashmun, be examined by a Committee of the Board,* in- structed to report the result of their investigation. The Report presented by the chairmant of this Conmiit- tee, on the 2d of July, gave it as the opinion of the Com- mittee, that Mr. Ashmun "had done all in his power to afford ' to his creditors that satisfaction which they had a right to * expect;" in regard to all other charges, adverted with plea- sure, to the judgment of the Board, as expressed in their re- * It ought to be stated to the honour of this (gentleman, that he, not less than the other members of the Board, after the settled appointment of Mr. Ashmun to the Colonial Agency, gave to him a firm and constant support. — With a candor and magnanimity to have been expected from him, he submit- ted to the TvFelfth Annual Meeting, a resolution instructing the Board of Managers to cause a suitable monument, with an appropriate inscription, to be erected over the grave of Ashmun; and in support of the resolution, said eloquently, that to him, the Society was "more indebted, than to all the la- bours of all its friends;" that from the time he had resolved to share the fate of the infant Colony, in the greatest peril when he arrived in Africa, "he had devoted all the powers of his mind and body, till he sacrificed health and life to the people he had saved." "It is well known," he adds, "how, in the va- rying circumstances of danger and difficulty, in which they were placed, eve- ry variety of quality and talent, that could be called for, military skill and courage, political sagacity and address, were most conspicuously exhibited in this remarkable man." t Joseph Gales, Jr. Esq. 248 LIFE OP ASHMUN. solution of the 28th of March; declared that whatever might have been the case formerly, he now enjoyed the confidence of the United States' Government; vindicated his reputation from all just reproach, and concluded in the following words: "The Committee does refer with great satisfaction, to the ' long, the able, the devoted services of Mr. Ashmun, in the ' cause of the Society. However the Board here may have ' differed from him in their judgment, of his policy and mea- ' siires in detail — and however the Colonists themselves may ' have complained of the Agent, the ultimate fact obtains to ' the high satisfaction of the Board, that the Colony flourishes. ' To this fact the Agent — the Colonists — those who have ' visited Liberia concurrently testify — and of this fact the ' Government of the United States is satisfied. The Board ' will develope principles here, which must, by the Agent, ' be applied to circumstances on the spot — and however much ' of the present happy condition of Liberia is to be ascribed to ' the circumspect wisdom of the Board in devising, the Com- ' mittee must in sheer justice and in obedience to fact, as- ' cribe not less to the intelligence, fidelity, and firmness of ' Mr. Ashmun, in execution in Africa : And under this con- ' viction, recommends that Mr. Ashmun be continued the ' principal Agent of the Society at Liberia; and proposes the ' following resolution : ^'Resolved, That the proceedings of the 23d of May, re- ' considered by the resolution of the 13th of last month, be, ' and they are hereby, confirmed." The Report and Resolution were unanimoiisly adopted. Thus have we seen Ashmun treading alone, for years, his rugged and perilous way, bleeding at almost every step from the strokes of fortune; overcoming one obstacle to encounter others more formidable; in grief and sickness contending with danger and confronting death; the ghost of his departed repu- tation constantly haunting his ascent, while often, even the mountain-tops before him were hid in darkness. LIFE OP ASHMUN. 249 But no bursting storm, no pealing thunder, though the forests bow around him and the rocks tremble, can shake the purpose of his soul. There were elements Avithin him more powerful than the elements without. He now stands ON AN EMINENCE IN THE CLEAR DAY. The cliffs are be- coming bright, and the mantling clouds below are touched wiHi the colours of the morning. See ! there is neither pride in his eye, nor triumph in his air; but silent, meek, he stands, in the attitude and act of devotion. He admires that Hand, which unseen had led him; his strength in weakness, his guide in perplexity, his defence in danger, and his shield in war; that Hand which corrected him, to teach him wis- dom— that disciplined him for valour in adversity, and made him humble that he might be great. He realizes that it is good for him, that he has been afflicted. He feels that to be invincible, he must conquer himself; and that the victory overcoming the world, is Faith. He sees in every past trial, a blessing— in every cross, an honour — in every chas- tisement, paternal love; that what seemed a judgment, was really a mercy; and that sorrow had gone before, but as the herald of joy. The book of Providence is now unsealed; he perceives that in the Divine counsels, not less benevolent in their secrecy, than revelation, his welfare and usefulness are indissolubly united. S<3nsible of the errors and sins of his life, he considers verified to him the promise — "If his chil- dren forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments — if they break my statutes and keep not my commandments: then will I visit their transgressions with the rod, and their iniqui- ty with stripes: Nevertheless my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail." Not for myself alone, O God, might he exclaim, have I thus been chosen in the furnace of affliction. I stand here thy servant, rescued and preserved, as by miracle, on this profane and barbarous shore, to plant thy truth; to proclaim thy mercy, and publish thy laws to the perishing people 32 250 LIFE OF ASHMUN. of Africa. Here, where I weep to see superstition darkly and horribly enthroned aniid the riches and grandeur of thy works, and man, formed in thine image, bought, and sold, and scorned, and chained like a vile brute; where avarice has plundered and crushed the weak, and blood, wantonly and cruelly shed, for ages cried to Thee from the ground for vengeance; here where the gloom of earth so dismal, is yet overhung by thy pure starred Heaven, less bright than thy mercy, would I found a Christian commonwealth, to stand thy Temple forever.* * How often are Christians made to feel the truth of the sentiments ex- pressed in the following quaint, but eloquent passage, from Jeremy Taylor: — "And therefore observe how it is that God's mercy prevails over all His works; it is even then, when nothing can be discerned but His judgments: — For as when a famine had been in Israel, in the days of Ahab, for three years and a half, when the angry Prophet Elijah met the King, and presently a great wind arose, and the dust blew into the eyes of them that walked abroad, and the face of the Heavens was black, and all a tempest; yet then the Prophet was the most gentle, and God began to foi-give, and the Heavens were more beautiful than when the sun puts on the brightest ornaments of a bridegroom, going from his chambers of the East: so it is in the economy of the Divine Mercy; when God makes our faces black, and the winds blow so loud till the cordage cracks, and our gay fortunes split, and our houses are dressed with cypress and yew, and the mourners go about the streets, this is nothing but the pompa misericorditB; this is the funeral of our sins, dressed, indeed, with emblems of mourning, and proclaimed with sad accents of death; but the sight is refreshing, as the beauties of a field which God hath blessed, and the sounds are healthful as the noise of a Physician." CHAPTER XIII. Mr. AsHMUN stood among the Colonists like a father in the midst of his children. Affection tempered his authority, and respect dignified their obedience. His wisdom and firm- ness won their confidence, while his confidence in them in- creased as he beheld them inclined to instruction, and deriv- ing profit from experience. The bond which so united him to this little community, was strengthened by the recollection of mutual cares, interests, labours, sufferings, sympathies, and dangers. He had infused much of his own spirit into the minds of the settlers; and while he saw intel- ligence, industry, fortitude, and enterprise springing up vigo- rously around him, he saw also testified in the gratitude beaming from many eyes, a conviction that, under Provi- dence, these virtues had been reared and fostered by the dis- cipline of his hand, and the energy of his example. The anticipation of an early death, was with him, a pow- erful motive for exertion. "The candle of life," he observes, 252 LIFE OP ASHMUN. "burns fast in this reg-ion." "I wish to make the most of the inch that remains, and see the most work possible, accom- pHshed in the least time." If there be truth in the maxim, "Arcum intensio frangit, Animum remissio," his powers never suffered from relaxation. The execution of one work, incited him to attempt a greater; and like Paul, he foro-ot the thinsfs which were behind, in his onward course towards the mark of perfection. He extended his views and his plans. He chose to keep his armour polished by use; de- siring as a faithful Christian soldier, that it might gleam bright to the eye of his great Captain, in the setting sun. To build up a State in Africa, that might stand a model for future Colonies, — a State informed and cemented by the spirit of Christianity; to develope in due proportions its pow- ers, and wisely to regulate its relations; to extend its Terri- tory; to bind to it in amity, barbarous tribes, and if possi- ble, gather them under the protection and benignity of its laws; to abolish extensively, the slave trade; to aid the cause of missions; open a way for the Christian Religion to the in- terior of Africa; and kindle into life and action, the spirit which must conduct it thither by just representations of the unbounded good to be thereby accomplished; to secure the adoption, by the Society, of a pohcy correspondent to his own, and to the necessities of the Colony; and finally, so to de- monstrate and exhibit the utility and glory of the scheme of African Colonization, as to unite the American people in an application of the powers of the State and National Go- vernments to consummate the work, — these were the ob- jects to which he dedicated himself without hesitation, and without reserve. He was not satisfied with that moderate course of action which if it incur little censure, deserves less praise. He knew that an "innoxious and ineffectual charac- ter, that seems formed upon a plan of apology and disculpa- tion, falls miserably short of the mark of public duty. That duty demands and requires, that what is right should not LIFE OP ASHMUN. 253 only be made known, but made prevalent; that what is evil, should not only be detected, but defeated. When the public man omits to put himself in a situation of doing his duty with effect, it is an omission that frustrates the purposes of his trust almost as much as if he had formally betrayed it. It is surely no very rational account of a man's life, that he has always acted right; but has taken special care, to act in such a manner that his endeavours could not possibly be produc- tive of any consequence."* Penetrated by such sentiments, Mr. Ashmun considered less what was expected, than what might be achieved; not what others had done, but how he miffht do more. He knew that boldness was often as neces- sary as prudence; and to plan judiciously, hardly more im- portant than to execute with despatch. He saw that as in nature, the planets were more sublime, because silent, swift, and constant in motion, so the mind was not more great and admirable by method and amplitude, than by facility, conti- nuity, and rapidity of thought and action. He saw that to change the whole intellectual and moral condition of Africa, was a work for a nation and an age; but he knew it was prac- ticable, and that the difficulty and greatness of it, were the best reasons in the world, why it should be begun without delay, and prosecuted in the most earnest and decided man- ner. His own zeal, his own oiergy, were of little value or ef- fect, except as they served to kindle the zeal and awaken the energies of others. He perceived that it was easier to com- mand the assent of the understandings, than the activity of the wills of men, and that measures of good failed less fre- quently to secure approbation, than performance. He knew that "in doing good, we are generally cold, languid, and slug- gish; and of all things, afraid of being too much in the right. But that the works of malice and injustice, are quite in another style. They are finished with a bold and masterly * Burke. 254 LIFE OF ASHMUN. hand, touched as they are with the spirit of those vehement passions that call forth all our energies, whenever we oppress and persecute." To excite men to benevolent deeds, it is not enough to overcome inertness, we must conquer opposition. Mr. Ashmun felt that he was called to action: not to action limited to ^specific and definable objects, but to action on the human mind, that glorious element of power which rightly- moved, moves on in progressive majesty, imbosoming within itself all the essential fortunes and happiness of our race. It was but necessary that the American people should will Africa to be free, civilized, and Christian; and with the Divine blessing, the work must be accomplished. In matters of business, he was not ignorant of the truth, so strikingly expressed by Lord Bacon : "The ripeness or unripeness of the occasion, must ever be well weighed; and generally it is good to commit the begin- ning of all great actions to Argus with his hundred eyes, and the ends to Briareus with his hundred hands, first to watch, and then to speed. For the helmet of Pluto, which maketh the politic man go invisible, is secrecy in the counsel and ce- lerity in the execution. For when things are once come to the execution, there is no secrecy comparable to celerity; like the motion of a bullet in the air which flies so swift as it out- runs the sight.*" His system of operations was well arranged; * Men err in nothing, perhaps, more frequently, than in their opinions and estimates of talents for business. Few men are qualified by original endow- ments, education, and a deep insight of the principles of human nature, (ac- quired only by extensive observation of men and much reflection,) for the higher kinds of business, such as depend for success upon the popular senti- ment and will, or affect great public interests; and of course, the multitude are very liable to err in their judgment of the qualifications required for the conductof such affairs. Men maybe extremely skilful and accurate in the details of business, (very important in their place) who may be incapable of comprehending the principles and relations to be regarded in the management of extensive and complicated concerns. The three following remarks may, perhaps, deserve to be remembered : Ist. Men who understand the principles of important bnsiness, can never LIFE OF ASHMUN. 255 his measures had been adopted with great deliberation, but to render these operations and measures successful, the Colo- nists must be made to feel their importance and to engage in them with resolution and alacrity. Their spirit and energy seen in the actual prosperity of their settlements, would cre- ate confidence in the scheme of Colonization in America, and stand an illustrious factj showing its wisdom and benevo- lence, which sophisters and speculatists would be as impo- tent to darken, as confute. He saw that to inspire the Colo- nists with those just and noble sentiments becoming leaders, who in the cause of knowledge, liberty, and religion for their race, had stood forth in the midst of dangers, to found an asy- lum for their distressed brethren, a home for their posterity; who had commenced an enterprise designed to reclaim a con- tinent from barbarism, and bring its millions within the do- main of Christianity, demanded the immediate and zealous exercise of all his various and powerful talents. The ardour of his soul Idndled in his eye, glowed through his features, and penetrated as with electrick rapidity and force the gene- ral mind of the Colony. At the head of this small communi- ty, formed principally of unlettered men, some of them degrad- ed by their past condition, widely separated from the Christian world, exposed to the influences of heathenism, just ushered (unless criminally negligent), find any difficulty with the details. If they are not familiar with the management of these details, they can make themselves so, or employ others who are. 2d. No error is more palpable than that of those who estimate more highly an acquaintance with the details, than a knowledge of the principles of busi- ness. It is like the mistake of the Pharisees, who tithed mint, annis, and cummin, and neglected justice, mercy, and truth. Those who commit this error, will probably succeed best in subordinate stations, and if wise, will not seek the control or direction of important affairs. 3d. There is, in a golden sentence of Lord Bacon, a volume of wisdom on the subject of despatch in business: "There be three parts of business — the Preparation, the Debate or Examination, and the Perfection; whereof, if you look for despatch, let the middle only be the work of many, the first and last, the work of few." 256 LIFE OP ASHMUN. into circumstances adapted to prepare them for an independ- ent political existence, it was his to create (we might almost say) their social and political character; to plant and cherish in their souls sentiments of honourable action; to excite in- dustry, enterprise, and courage; to shape and polish the rough materials before him, and give to them order, strength, and beauty. Not only must he administer the laws, he must form the manners of the people.* Not only must he plan every public work, but superintend generally, its execution; give orders to the public servants, and then instruct them in the nature of their duties. He must provide permanent defences for the Colony. He must survey its Territory, and allot to each settler the farm he is to occupy and cultivate. Build- ings are to be erectpd for the temporary accommodation of emigrants. Methods and means of economy are to be de- vised to supply the deficiency of the Society's resources, to provide subsistence for those dependant upon its bounty, and to command labour for the public works, without endanger- ing the credit of the Agency. The system of Government is to be set and preserved in operation; courts of justice estab- lished, in which the Agent must preside; ordinances to be enacted in relation to subjects various and often new; schools founded; negotiations conducted with the natives; and full and detailed statements on all subjects of interest to the Colony, to be frequently prepared and transmitted to the Society. To all this complex machinery, dependant almost entirely upon the mind of the Agent, must be added the con- cern for the recaptured Africans, involving high responsi- bilities, and not to be conducted without a serious amount of care and labour. * Manners are of more importance than laws. Upon them, in a great measure, the laws depend. The law touches us but here and there, and now and then. Manners are what vex or soothe, corrupt or purify, exalt or debase, barbarize or refine us, by a constant, steady, uniform, insensible operation like that of the air we breathe in "—Burke. LIFE OP ASHMUN. 257 There were other duties more private, but hardly less im- portant and laborious. lie must be the friend and guardian of tlie widow, the orphan, the destitute, the sick, the neglect- ed; supix)rt the weak, encourage the timid, advise the inex- perienced, rebuke the indolent and perverse, raise up the fall- en, sympathize with the disconsolate, condescend to the hum- blest, and be patient towards all. And truly might he have adopted the language of the Apostle, "Who is weak and I am not weak? Who is ofiended and I burn not?" — so sen- sibly was he touched with compassiofi for the suffering, and so indignant when he beheld injustice oppressing the inno- cent. During the first month after their arrival, nearly all the emigrants by the Hunter were attacked by the fever of the climate. A Physician who was to have accompanied these emigrants, had been detained in the United States, and Mr. Gary, the only person in the Colony, who had p,ny medical skill and experience, was in consequence of a severe wound, unable to leave his house. The feelings of Mr. Ashmun, in these trying circumstances, are expressed in the following extract from his Journal : "Sabbath, May 1st, 1825. "I am pressed downii under affliction. The hand of the '■ Almighty is heavy upon us. Death with a drawn sword' ' hovers over our little settlement. Several times weekly, his ' strokes are heard and the dead are multiplied among us. — ' Every hour we tremble Avith the apprehension of being sum- ' moned to pay our last duty to some new victim of the de- ' stroyer's power. Spare us, O Lord, spare thy people from ' the further progress of this sweeping mortality. How long, ' O Lord, shall we be consumed forever? Spare these thy ' sheep, O thou tender Shepherd, and destroy them not utter- ' ly. We acknowledge thy tremendous and resistless pow- ' er: our flesh tremblcth exceedingly for fear of Thee, and we 33 258 LIFE OP ASHMUN. ' are afraid of thy judgments. Now Lord, let thy mercy ' visit us. O show us the tenderness of thy love and the ' riches of thy grace. Sanctify these, thy severe correc- ' tions, to our profitable advancement, in the fear and faith of ' Thee, and let the past, through thy effectual blessing, suf- ' fice. This favour, I supplicate, O most holy God, with en- ' tire submission to thy iniinite and superior wisdom, and '' in the name alone of my heavenly Intercessor — who to save ' our souls and our bodies from eternal death, has died him- ' self for us. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to ' the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever ' shall be, world without end. Amen." The disease proved less severe than was expected, and was confined in its fatal effects almost exclusively to children un- der seven years of age. On the 15th of June, 1825, he ad- dressed a letter to the Board, stating the condition of the emi- grants by the Hunter, and his opinion tliat a large amount of suffering might have been prevented by a Receptacle on the plan he had before recommended, "by a humane Physician and a Hospital under proper regulations." "The Board can- ' not," he adds, "I will venture to believe, omit to provide with ' the next shipment from home, these necessary means of pre- ' serving the health and lives of those confiding individuals, ' who, in so great a measure, commit tlieir earthly prospects ' and happiness to its disposal." In the month of April, he had accurately surveyed the Montserado Territory, and described it on a map for the use of the Society. He was occupied about a week on this ob- ject, and in consequence of his observations then made, was convinced that possession must be acquired of a more fertile Territory, or the Agriculture of the Colony could not prosper. Hence his anxiety to obtain a tract of land on the St. Paul's river, was great. "My heart," he observes, "is entirely set on ' the acquisition of this Territory, and I fear I should want ' vrace to carry myself with Christian propriety in the event LIFE OF ASH M UN. 259 * of a disappointment."* He resolved to urge negotiations with the Chiefs, in order to obtain it, with aU possible vigour. For five days he remained at a native town waiting their tar-- dy movements. Tlie successful result of his zeal and enter- prise, is told in our last chapter. His exertions and exposure affected his health; repeated attacks of fever,t warned him of his danger; and finding towards the close of May, his strength and constitution extremely impaired by his con- finement and the climate, he resolved, as soon as his presence could be spared at the Colony, to return to the U. States, All personal considerations were, however, surpassed in his mind by a concern for the interests of the Colony, and although he might have embarked for America in June, he did not then feel at liberty to retire, even for a few months, from his post. "A three years' residence (he observes in. his letter to the ' Board) on this torrid coast, has produced a general lassitude ' and debility of the system from which nothing but a change ' of climate can restore me: and in consenting to forego the ' present opportunity to revisit the United States, I make a ' sacrifice of personal considerations to a sense of duty and ' regard to the welfare of the settlement, to which nothing ' but the consolation of a good conscience, could reconcile ' me. For, thank Heaven, through the justice of Govern- ' ment, I am now in a situation to discharge all my pecunia- ' ry obligations to my fellow-men, and which I trust will be * He adds, "I desire with all humility and submission, to commit the issue of this undertaking to Him whose wisdom is infinite, and who may see in the desired success, the destruction of our Colony, for any thing I know, and whose favourable intentions in regard to it, may be hereafter demonstrated, in the frustration of my fondest hopes." f Having mentioned the fever, he observes: "During my unpleasant stay in the country, about the first of this month, I began to be afliicted with an ulceration of the legs and ankles, very common both to the natives and stran- gers of this country. These eruptions are not very painful, but very difficult to cure." 260 LIFE OP ASHMtJN. ' done in a few weeks; and restored to a state oirindepen^ ' dence, I can judge of the motives of my conduct, with less ' danger of error tlian before." Mr. Ashmun knew that a grateful people will rejoice to celebrate those signal events of Providence by which they have been freed from fearful evils, or made to share in bless- ings of uncommon value. The Anniversary of American Independence; the 17th of May, the day on which land was first ceded to the American settlers, by the Chiefs of the country; and the 2d of December, memorable for the final re- pulse of the barbarians, Avhen combined to destroy the Colo- ny, are religiously observed by the citizens of Liberia.* Af- ter a discourse in one of the churches, the officers of the Co- lony were accustomed on these occasions to dine together, and encouraged by the presence of Mr. Ashmun, who sought to throw an air of cheerfulness over even serious duties, and to plant a generous regard for the public good amidst the so- cial affections.t * This name was, on motion of General Robert Goodloe Harper, given to Khe Territory of the Society in Africa, at its Seventh Annual Meeting. The principal town in the Colony, was, at the same time, called Monrovia, in hon- our of the late President Monroe, an early and efficient friend of the Society. t "Toasts drank at the dinner given by the Monrovia Volunteers, July 4th. 1825 -. "1st. The present President of the United States: The champion of the peo- ple's rights — he deserves the people's honours. "2d. The day we commemorate — (prefaced with an explanatory address by the Agent.) "3d. The Colony of Liberia: May the history of the nation which has founded it, become its own. "4th. Africa: May it outstrip its oppressors in the race of liberty, intel- ligeEce, and piety. 5th. "The Heroes and Statesmen of American Independence: They fought and legislated for the human race; and struggled more to subvert the princi- ples than the power of their oppressors. Even the people of England are freer and happier for their labours. The Monrovia Independent Volunteers: Armed for the defence of rights which it is the trade of war to destroy: Never may they forget their character. ~ LIFE OF ASHMUN. 261 He thouo-ht that to consider, at stated periods, what the friends of God and man had achieved in other countries^ might rouse the Colonists to emulate their deeds; that to meditate on the Providence which had so remarkably de- fended them in times past, might dispose them more confi- dently to trust for the future to its protection. He felt the importance of cherishing among the settlers the domestic and social virtues, assured that he who is an honour to his family, will be such to his country; and that mutual confi- •dence between citizens, is the strong bond of the State. At this period, the slave trade was carried on extensively within sight of Monrovia. From eight to ten, and even fif- teen vessels were engaged at the same time in this odious traflicj almost under the guns of the settlement; and in July of this year, "contracts were existing for eight hundred slaves to be furnished in the short space of four months, within eight miles of the Cape. Four hundred of these were to be purchased for two American traders. During the same sea- son, a boat belonging to a Frenchman, having on board twen- ty-six slaves, all in irons, was upset in the mouth of the St. Paul's, and twenty of their number perished". "This is one "7th. General Lafayette in America: -A veteran in the cause of civil and religious freedom. We join v/ith our native countiy in honouring him — not because we are Americans, but because we are men. ("In politeness to ofir guest, Captain Ferbin:) "8th. His Britannic Majesty— the Constitutional King of England. "9th. Success to Agriculture. ("By Captain Ferbin, prefaced with a few appropriate remarks:) "The health of the Presi^t of the United States, and prosperity to the Co- lony of Liberia." "The day was observed as in the United States: at day-break a gun — at sun- rise the United States' flag was hoisted, and a national salute fired with great precision. At ten a discourse was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Waring — and at three, p. m. a dinner, consisting chiefly of the productions of Africa, and pro- vided by the Monrovia Volunteers, was served to more than fifty persons; — two cases of drunkenness occurred at night, of which the Justices took due cognizance the next morning." — ^shmun's Journal. 262 LIFE OF AgHMUN. • of the lesser scenes of tragedy," said Mr. Ashmun, "which are daily acting in this wretched country." We are not left to conjecture how keenly he felt the wrongs and outrage in- flicted on humanity by this trade, nor how liardly he brooked the law inliibiting the American citizen from disturbing this abominable commerce as prosecuted under the flag, and by the citizens of a foreign power. "The purchase money of two hundred slaves," he remarks, (July 18, 1825,) '-'has, during this week, been landed in our '■ waters, to the incalculable detriment of the Colony, and dis- < grace, shall I say, of our American Government, or of hu- ' man nature. The Colony only wants the right, it has the ' power, to expel this traffic to a distance, and force it at least ' to conceal some of its worst enormities." He at the same time expressed the deepest regret, that the influence of the Co- lony for the suppression of this trade, was nearly at an end, since those who were engaged in it on both sides, could, notwithstanding the protests of the Colonists against it, effect their atrocious designs with impunity. In this state of things, he resolved to explore the whole line of coast from Cape Mount to Trade Town, and to bring, if possible, by treaties with the Chiefs, this entire extent of country under the jurisdiction of the Colony. He was confident the Colony would derive from such an exten- sion of authority, important commercial a^d other advanta- o-es: and that it u^ould be thereby enabled to banish the slave trade from that part of Africa. ■ The result of his inquiries and examinations was, that though on this tract some points miPit be more eligible for foreigners than others, yet nearly every portion was rich in soil, and other natural advantages, and "capable of sustaining a numerous and civilized population, beyond almost any country on earth." "Leaving the sea-board," he observes, ^' the traveller, every where at the distance of a very few ^ miles, enters upon an uniform upland country of moderate LIFE OF ASHMUN. 263 ' elevation, intersected by innumerable rivulets, abounding in ' springs of unfailing water, and covered with a verdure which '.knows no other changes except those that refresh and renew ' its beauties. The country directly on the sea, although ' verdant and fruitful in a high degree, is found every where ' to yield in both respects to the interior. And what I con- ' sider remarkable, the average heat lessens in a very sensi- ' ble degree in the proportion of the distance from the sea ' coast. Its salubrity, depending in part on the same causes ' which moderate the heat, may (and I believe facts prove it ' does) improve in the same degree. The same difference ' in regard both to the healthiness and temperature, seems to ' distinguish the sea-boards and interior of this country, ' which is remarked in all the American States South of Ma- ' ryland, and probably will hi time be traced to similar ' causes." In the month of August, before- any arrangements were finally concluded for enlarging the Colonial possessions, a flagrant piracy was perpetrated by the crew of a Spanish schooner, (the Clarida) employed in the slave trade, on an English brig lying at anchor off the town of Monrovia. Mr. Ashmun resolved, in discharge of duty to the interests and safety of the Colony, no less than in obedience to the prin- ciples of natural law, to inflict punishment on the offenders, and rescue from their rapacity such unfortunate Africans as were, or must soon be, within their merciless grasp. Ample testimony was taken at the Colony to prove the piracy. The English brig was placed under the direction of Mr. Ashmun. The Colonial Militia were ready to accompany him in an expedition against the Factory of the Spaniard. The Chiefs of the country were assured that the military movements they might witness, were not to be directed against them- selves, but were intended to vindicate insulted justice, and the dishonoured rights of human nature. Mr. Ashmun em- barked in the brig with twenty-two Volunteers, while Cap- 264 LIFE OP ASHMUN. tain Barbour at the head of twenty-five men, proceeded with written instructions to the vicinity of the Factory at Di^by, (a little to the North of the moutli of the St. Paul's,) and there awaited the orders of the Agent. Tiie Spanish schooner was not to be found; the Factory with several Spaniards be- longing to her, (but who it was proved were on shore when the piracy was committed,) a small amount of property, and a number of slaves, were captured without resistance. The Spaniards were dismissed; while the native Chiefs bound themselves to assist, in no way, in the collecting or transpor- tation out of the country of any of the slaves bargained for by the commander of the Clarida. "In this little expedition," said Mr. Ashmun in his letter to the Secretary of the Navy, "it gives me great pleasure to ' state, that not a musket was fired — not one untoward ac- ' cident occurred — not a single point of duty was neglected ' by the ofiicers — not an instance of disorderly conduct was ' witnessed among the fifty-four men, who composed the ' force employed on the occasion. The order for respecting ' the persons and property of the natives, Was so punctually ' obeyed, that by their own declaration and to their utter as- ' tonishment, not a fowl nor a plantain was taken — nor even ' a hut entered (except with consent) by the Colonists, even ' in Yellow Will's town, which was entirely deserted by the ' inhabitants — and in which the whole body encamped for ' forty-eight hours. "I have, since my return, already received from several of ' the country Chiefs, deputations conveying their thanks for ' these substantial proofs of my friendly dispositions towards ' themselves, even when it became necessary to carry the ' arms of the settlement into the heart of their country. The ' policy which in the face of some sneers and opposition, I ' have uniformly pursued with the people of this country for ' the last four years, is that of justice, mildness, and firmness. ' And its success has been complete. I never menaced them LIFE OF ASHMUN. 265 ' with an empty or unnecessary threat, and they know I have ' never, in a single instance, forfeited my word. Nor do I ' beheve that while a similar policy is persisted in, on the part ' of this establishment, any reasonable demand made by it ' upon the native inhabitants will be refused. The Hon. Sec- ' retary will perceive, that in tliese remarks, I have in view, ' the introduction of a measure on the part of the United ' States, for the entire abolition of the slave trade, with the ' concurrence of tjie native Chiefs, along a given line of coast ' contiguous to this Agency. But the particulars of this plan ' I beg leave to defer to a distinct communication. The ob- ' ject, if it can obtain the sanction of the United States' Go- ' vernment, is practicable, and all the means necessary to ef- ' feet it, are on the spot. Nor can I, in closing this communi- ' cation, suppress the mortifying fact, that whenever the Ame- ' rican flag is displayed at this Agency, it literally waves ' over, and I can almost add, affords protection to a slave ' factory, established in the immediate neighbourhood. In ' the short expedition just reported, it was with a sentiment ' of indignation and mortification equally idle and humiliating,* ' that I was obliged to conduct the little force under my com- ' mand past two slave factories, of which the most distant is only ' five miles from the Cape. We heard the clanking of fetters ' as we marched along, and were annoyed with the groans of ' human beings who had lost their freedom without their ' fault; but as these tyrants, who regarded us with folded ' arms and a lear of barbarous exukation, had not commit- ' ted piracy, it was not in my power to interfere for the relief ' of the one, or the punishment of the other."* A collusive plan entered into by the Captain of the Clarida, some of the native Chiefs and a French slave dealer on the St. Paul's, for violating the engagement by which the slaves originally destined for the Pirate, were to be delivered over Appendix No. 9. 34 266 LIFE OF ASHMUN. to the Colony, induced Mr. Ashmun to break up two other slave factories, and to offer to the Chiefs conceined in trans- actions with the Clarida, a boanty of ten dollars for each slave, which in pursuance of their agreement, they should re- sign up to the Colonial Agent. The consequence of this was, that one hundred and sixteen slaves were soon received as freemen into the bosom of the Colony.* At the close of the year 1825, Mr, Ashmun presented to the Managers a complete view of the condition, relations, charac- ter, and prospects of the Colony. He stated that health had been for some months restored; that adults resident for some time in Africa, preferred its climate to any other, and enjoyed as good health as in America: The Government had proved efficient and popular; the laws were venerated and obeyed; the sentiments of the people had been purified and elevated^ and with some exceptions they could detect as readily and condemn as sincerely any deviation from the line of moral • The conscientious regard to justice manifested by Mr. Ashmun in his conduct towards the natives, was clearly exhibited about this time, in the ad- justment of a difference which had arisen between the Colony and certain Kroom en residing in a small town near tlie mouth of the St. Paul's. A dar- ing robbery had been committed by one of these men upon public property of the Colony, which had been entrusted to one of the settlers. These Kroo- inen had previously been guilty of violating the rights of the settlement. A detachment of the Colonial Militia of the Colony, were directed to proceed to their town and demand redress — but to use no force unless the offer for a peaceful settlement of dLfficulties should be rejected. As this party entered the town, two or three of them fell in the rear of the others, and one of their number fired upon and fatally wounded a Krooman. He was indicted and tried by a jury for murder in the second degree. The trial continued for three days, and finally resulted in a conviclion of manslaughter, (it being proved that the accused had acted from sudden impulse and a misapprehension of or- ders and not from malice,) and the guilty individual was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, or to a fine of one hundred bars, which sum was paid over to the friends of the deceased. The affiair was settled to the satisfaction of the whole Kroo nation. "The blood that has flown," said Mr. Ashmun, on this occasion, "has been a cause of greater pain to me, than the torrents shed in our hostilities in 1822; because the former, differently from the latter, has left the appearance of a stain on the character of the Colony." LIFE OF ASHMUN. 267 integrity and civil justice as any other body of people in the world: the fertile lands on the St. Paul's, already occupied by a small company of settlers, opened the best prospects for -ao^riculture: the settlers generally lived in a style of neat- ness and comfort, approaching to elegance in many instances, unknown before their arrival in that country: not an inter- esting family twelve months in Africa, but had means of fur- nishing a comfortable table; not an individual, he believed, without an ample provision of decent apparel could be found: every family (and nearly every adult emigrant) was able to employ from one to four native labourers at an expense of from four to six dollars a month: the labour of mechanics was worth two dollars — that of common labourers from sev- enty-five cents to one dollar and twenty-five cents a day: trade was valuable, the Colony free from debt, and all the people successfully engaged in constructing their houses, ■clearing their plantations, adding to the means and devel- oping the sources of private and public prosperity. He rep- resented that several important public buildings had been commenced, and that some of them were nearly completed; that during the latter half of the year, two commodious and beautiful chapels, each sufficient to contain several hun- dred worshippers, had been erected and consecrated to the Christian's God; that a battery had been planned near the termination of the Cape, which finished, must effectually pro- tect vessels in the harbour; that he had built and put upon the rice trade, between Cape Montserado and the Factories, to the leeward, a small schooner, adapted to the passage of the bars of the rivers on that part of the coast; that the Mili- tia of the settlement was well organized, equipped, and dis- ciplined; that in addition to the invaluable tract of country purchased on the St. Paul's, the right of occupancy and use had been obtained to lands at the Young Sesters and at Grand Bassa; that Factories had been established at both these places; that five Schools, exclusive of Sunday schools, 268 LIFE OF ASH M UN. were in operation, and the youth and children of the Colony discovered for their age unequivocal proofs of a good degree of mental accomplishment. He declared that the moral cha- racter of the Colonists was generally good; that there was a powerful preponderance of example and of influence on the side of moral virtue; that the Colony was in deed and reality a Christian community. He observes : "The holy Author of our religion and salvation, has made ' the hearts of a large portion of these people, the temples of ' the Divine Spirit. The faith of the everlasting gospel, with * an evidence and strength which nothing short of the power ' of the Almighty can produce or sustain, has become the ' animating spring of action, the daily rule of life, the source ' of immortal hope and ineffable enjoyment, to a large propor- ' tion of your Colonists. God is known in His true charac- ' ter — His worship is celebrcited in its purity — the doctrines ' of salvation are received in their genuine simplicity, by very ' many. Occurrences of a favourable or depressing aspect ' are regarded as dispensations of the Almighty, and followed 'with correspondent feelings of gratitude or humiliation. — ' Tears of affectionate joy or sorrow are often seen to flow in ' the house of God, from hearts silently melting under the * searching influence of His word. I have seen the proudest ' and profanest foreigners that ever visited the Colony, tremb- ' ling with amazement and conviction, almost literally in the ' descriptive phraseology of St. Paul, ' Find the secrets of ' their hearts made manifest, and falling down upon their ' faces, worship God, and report that God is in the midst' of ' this people ' of a truth.' "These facts I have judged it my duty to state, to the praise ' of that God to whom we are entirely indebted for so precious ' a testim.ony of His favour, — and for the information of thou- ^ sands in the United States, to whose prayers and pious at- tentions we may, under the Most High, refer it. I am not * insensible of the delicacy and responsibility attending the 1,1 FE OF ASllMUN. 269 * publication of a statement of this nature; and of the great ' danger a more cautious pen than mine might incur, of com- ' municating on it, either too little or too much. But as the ' grand secret of the improving circumstances of this Colony, ' — of the respect it commands without, and of the happiness, ' order and industry which reign within it, — is wrapped up ' in the controlling influence of rehgion on the temper and ' habits of the people; I should greatly wrong the cause of ' truth, by suppressing, or too lightly passing by, a topic of * such loading importance. The precious hopes of an inmior- ' tality of vigorous and beatific existence in the presence of ' God and the Redeemer, are no inefiicient principles of ac- ' tion and of happiness in the human mind, even in the midst ' of this mixed and tumultuous life: and they have attended ' and sustained a large number whom Providence has taken ' from us, till they passed rejoicing, the limits of mortality, * and left us in tears. Many more are now waiting, full of ' the same ' glorious hopes,' for the final summons of their * Heavenly Master. And shall it ever be, that a torrent of * infidelity, heresy, or irreligion, shall, in judgment for our * ingratitude, find its way from the dark caverns of hell to * this consecrated retreat of tlie humble worshippers of God; ^ and convert to a moral waste^ a young plantation which He * condescends himself to water and to keep !" He testified to the good effects of the Colony on the neigh- bouring tribes. Tliey had been treated as men and brethren of a common family; they had been taught that one of the ends proposed in founding civilized settlements on their shore, was to do them good; sixty of their children had been adopt- ed as children of the Colony; they had learnt something of the great and interesting truths of the Christian Religion; that the friends of this Religion, in another and distant country, were deeply concerned to promote their happiness, and that the strangers (many of them at least), who had come from that country?- to reside with them, were men of justice and be- 270 LIFE OF ASHMUN. nevolence. "Our influence over them," said Mr. Ashmun. " is unbounded — it is increasing — it is more extensive than * I dare at this early period, risk my character for veracity by * asserting. On several occasions of alarm from the interior, ' the whole population of the country has been ready to * throw itself into our arms for protection. No man of the ' least consideration in the country, will desist from his im- < portunities, till at least one of his sons is fixed in some set- < tier's family." The Colony had checked in that part of Africa the preva- lence of the slave trade; indeed it might be confidently said, had banished it from that district of the coast. Between Cape Mount and Trade Town, a line of one hundred and forty miles, not a slave trader dared to attempt his guilty traffic. A moral feeling was at work in the minds of the natives, de- rived from intercourse with the Colony, against this detestable commerce. Nor did Mr. Ashmun fail, on tJiis occasion, to appeal with all possible earnestness to the friends of Africa in behalf of education, inquiring whether minds as capable of moral and intellectual elevation, as those of any other people on earth, were to be doomed, "in perpetuity, to an involuntary deten- tion on the very threshold of knowledge?" "Where," said he, "are the youthful philanthropists of my country? In ' what have those loud professions of zeal in tlie great cause ' of human liappiness, of civilization and Ireedom, which I * once heard from a thousand mouths, resulted — to say noth- * ing of that Christian charity, which, when I left the United * States, appeared to pour floods of tears over the moral abase- ' ment of the African race? Are we to expect in vain from * the thousand seminaries and fountains of knowledge in that ' favoured country, a single young man or v/oman of suffi- ' cient enterprise and generosity to conduct the sacred stream < to this Colony?" "To the lasting honour," (he adds near the conclusion,) LIFE OF ASHMUN. 271 " of the American Colonization Society, it has founded a new * empire on this continent, of wliich the basis is Christianity, * intelhgence, and rational liberty; — has conducted it happily ' through the perilous stages of its inception and early ' growth;— has seen its members in the full possession of the * means of acquiring the comforts of life, and sustaining ' against any anticipated opposition, the stand to which they * are advanced. The Society has demonstnited experimen- ' tally to the world, the soundness of the views with which ' they appeared before it in 1817-18, without funds, patron- ' age, or a precedent in the annals of the human race. And ' in having achieved so much, it has, in my opinion, compass- ' ed the special design of its institution; and must, from this ' period, resign up the great work of Colonization, considered ' as an object of national benefit, to the national patronage."* Perhaps Mr. Ashmun underrated the good to be done by the single operations of the Society. But in the writer's opinion, he did not over-estimate the importance of endeavours to se- cure to the cause of African Colonization, the powers and re- sources of the nation. If such endeavours were important then, they are more important now. The policy of the So- ciety cannot remain much longer unsettled on this subject, if indeed it be not settled by the very terms of its Constitution. The founders of the Society intended and expected that the plan they submitted, should become a national plan; they be- lieved as patriotic, just and benevolent, it had merits which must unite in its support a Christian nation. Such a nation * African Repository, Vol. 2d, pages 72-99. — Mr. Ashmun at the same time, after some calculations in regard to the expenses of the Colony and So- ciety, and the probable income of the latter, (the income has exceeded the amount predicted by him,) says, "to me, the alternative appears inevitable, either that the United States, or a sufficient number of individual States, must immediately adopt and effectually patronize with its undivided iniluence, and its revenues, the Colony of Liberia, or that its progress is, from the present time, (considered as an instrument of national benefit to the United States, or of extensive advantage to the African race,) at an end." 272 LIFE OF ASHMUN. owes high duties to itself and to mankind. It cannot con- sistently neglect means afforded by Providence for exalting its character, or for exhibiting to other nations the excellency of the principles which constitute its happiness, its strength, and its glory. The Divine Law by extending its authority over the universal conduct of individuals, becomes the moral bond of polilical society; and to say that Government among Christians, is or can be free from religious obligation, is a so- lecism. If to provide for and educate his children, be the du- ty of a parent, is it less clearly the duty of a Christian nation to provide for the happiness of any unfortunate class of its in- habitants, and should uncontrollable circumstances or the public safety forbid their incorporation with the political bo- dy where they reside, to assist them in removing to a land (if such can be found), in which they may enjoy the means of improvement without restraint in their use or limit to their advantage? And could the character of a civilized and Chris- tian people be more ennobled than by the adoption of mea- sures lor the instruction and reformation of the uncivilized and unchristian? Such a people will select the best instruments to effect their worthy objects. With them. Government will not be a mere institution of selfishness or pride, but instinct with moral sentiment and of a sublime sanctity. They will venerate it as an ordinance of God for the good of men; nor will they depend upon private efforts to compass ends de- manding the highest powers of the State. The founders of the American Colonization Society viewed its plan as a great leading measure, which our country was morally bound to adopt from respect to its own character and regard to those sacred and eternal principles which no one nation is at liberty to violate, since they are the common interest and good of all. The golden rule of our Saviour has been justly styled the perfection of the law of nature and na- tions. No relations or combinations of human society are exempt from its control, and for nations to disregard it while LIFE OF ASHMUrC. 273 acknowledging that it should bind individuals, is as if suns, leaving to planets the regular courses of Heaven, should rush lawless through the Universe.* The scheme of African Colonization originated in human- ity and benevolence towards the coloured race. The good it would confer upon the free people of colour in this country, was the least of its expected benefits. It was designed to open the way to the voluntary, peaceful and entire abolition of slavery; and to civilize and christianize the barbarous mil- lions of Africa. The friends of man at the South and at the North, saw that in this scheme they could unite. They be- lieved that in respect to the great moral and political evil of slavery endangering the very existence of some of the States, and in respect to the slave trade, an evil at war with mankind, the scheme must prove remedial if fostered by the powers of the States and the Nation. It was clear that the National Constitution authorized Congress to provide for the com- mon defence and promote the general welfare of the United States in the exercise of certain enumerated powers, among which is that of raising and appropriating revenue to an ex- tent unlimited, except by the general sense and judgment of the American people.t The framers of that instrument were *"But above all these, there is the supreme and indissolutle consanguinity, and society between men in general; of whom the heathen poet, whom the Apostle calls to witness, saith we are all his generation. But much more we Christians, unto whom it is revealed in particularity, that all men came from one lump of earth; and that two singular persons were the parents from whom all the generations of the world are descended; we, I say, ought to acknow- ledge, that no nations are wholly aliens and strangers the one to the other; and not to be less charitable than the person introduced by the comic poet: Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienvm puio." — Bacon. t "But the power to appropriate and the power to execute, are two different things. The one may be used in aid of the interests, but never in violation of the rights, either of States or of individuals. The other, on the contrary, may, in promoting the general good, interfere with both the claims of indivi- duals, and the jurisdiction of the States. The power to appropriate money for example, to roads and canals, is limited to the simple act of appropriation. 35 274 LIFE OF ASHMUN. / too wise not to know, that nothinf^ could be more "fallacious than to infer the extent of any power proper to be lodged in the National Government from an estimate of its immediate necessities." They knew '-that there ought to be a capacity to provide for future contingencies, as they might happen; and as these are illimitable in their nature, so it is impossible safely to limit that capacity."" Blessed be God, our National Government has this capacity. It was formed for great purposes, and by it such purposes are yet to be accomplished. It was never meant to be a petty iiierccnary corporation without character or dignitjT-j but the right arm of a great Christian nation. The right of Congress to adopt measures and appropriate money for the suppression of the slave trade, has been re- peatedly exercised. Upon what principle except a just regard to the rights and interests of humanity? But though enough has been done for this object to redound to the eternal hon- our of our country, much more remains to be done; and the testimony of Ashmun confirms the conclusions of reason, that this trade can be most speedily and extensively abolished through the influence of Christian Colonies on the African coast. The abohtion of slavery depends, it is true, exclu- sively upon the will of the States in which it exists. But But the power to make roads and canals, ■would authorize their location and protection, either with or without consent, on the property of any individual, and within the jurisdiction of any State. So too, an authority to create a fund, as proposed by Mr. King, "to aid in the emancipation and removal of such slaves as may by the laws of the several States be authorized to be emancipa- ted and removed, could not in any possible mode, interfere with the rights either of the States or of individuals. But a power to emancipate and remove the slaves within the limits of a State, would be a most alarming power of in- terference with both. There is obviously, therefore, a very good reason why the active powers of the Government should be specified and defined, while the power of appropriation should be limited only by the general interests of .the country." — Essays by the late lamented Wni. H. Fitzhugh, of Virginia, * Hamilton in the Federalist. LIFE OF ASHMUN. 275 these States are members of the National Union, or rather they constitute that Union. Of this Union, it may be said, as of the Christian Church, though there are many members, there is but one body; so that if one member suffer, all suffer; and the prosperity of one, is the common good of all. The slaves are not merely property, they are men. Their condi- tion is not merely evil to them; their removal, with the con- sent of their owners, would be the removal of an immense evil and danger from the State. Congress then is morally bound by regard to the general welfare, to aid such States as desire relief from slavery, and with timely foresight to provide a remedy to which others as they shall feel its importance, may resort. It is bound on general principles of benevo- lence, as the constitution and a due regard to all the great in- terests concerned will permit, to show how emancipation may be effected with advantage to the slave, and without danger to the public welfare. "If, said an early and able friend* of the Societjr, "a hostile army threatened to invade any portion of these United States, would it not afford a legitimate em- ployment for the army or the fleet? Whether it were New Orleans or Eastport, that were threatened, would make no difference in the question. The object would be national, and the national force would be called forth to meet it. I ask, then, whether the existence of one or more of the States, is not a national object? And whether an evil threatening that existence, is not a national evil?" "Our object," said another distinguished gentleman,! "has been to point out the * General Harper in support of a resolution proposing an application to Congress. t Mr. Clay in support of tbe following resolution moved by him at the Tenth Anniversary of the Society: Resolved, That the Board of Managers be empowered and directed at such time or times as may seem to them expedient, to make respectful application to the Congress of the United States, and to the Legislatures of the different States, for such pecuniary aid, in iurtherance of the object of this Society, aa they may respectively be pleased to grant. 276 LIFE OF ASHMUN. way, to show that Colonization is practicable, and to leave it to those States or individuals, who may be pleased to engage in the object to prosecute it. The problem which has so long and deeply interested the thoughts of good and patriotic men, is solved — a country and a home have been found, to which the African race may be sent, to the promotion of their hap- piness and our own." That slavery cannot long continue in this country, I firmly believe. Its perpetuity is irreconcilable with the nature of our institutions, the spirit of the age, and the order of Provi- dence. It stands in the temple of our freedom, like the image of death at the Egyptian festivities, to sadden our thoughts, cloud the light, and tune to melancholy, the instruments of joy- The question how it shall be abolished, will soon be felt as the greatest and most interesting question that ever agitated the mind of this nation. On this question, public opinion is every thing. In portions of our country, this deep and migh- ty element is already sensibly moved on the subject, and daily accumulating power. It is too late to say the matter shall not be discussed; it were easier to stay the planets than pre- vent it. Nor ought it to be prevented. What opinions on this subject shall predominate and gov- ern the policy of the country? On this question, I humbly conceive, may depend not the interests of millions only, but the peace and integrity of the Union. The friends of African Colonization have thought, that the consent of the South was indispensable for the safe abolition of slavery; that the work should be done with cau- tion and preparation; that circumstances and consequences should be regarded; that a separation of races so distinct as the coloured and white in complexion, habits and condition, is desirable for the happiness of both; that to plant communi- ties of free persons of colour, with their consent, on the Afri- LIFE OF ASHMUN. 277 can coast, would most surely and speedily elevate their char- acter, civilize Africa, and with reacting power on our coun- try, slimulate and increase humanity towards their brethren; that it was a measure so free from exception, and pregnant with good, so comprehensive in its relations, and large of prom- ise; that all the wise and patriotic in the nation, could sustain it unitedly, constantly, and with their might. It is among my deepest convictions, that the prosecution of this scheme by the nation, as the main plan, at present, of good for the African race, will retard no other rational plans for their benefit, but eminently conduce to their success. It will hasten emanci- pation on our own soil, more than all the abstract doctrines of human rights, which once promulgated amid scenes of cruelty and murder, at which humanity grew pale, by the Jacobins of the Old World, are now republished as divine oracles by their disciples in the New. This scheme of Colonization is innoxious, it tends to unite public sentiment, to strengthen the Union, to increase confidence between the States, between the whites and the blacks, the master and the slave, while it invites a powerful nation of Christians to otFer up minor differences and contrarieties of interest on the altar of an undivided patriotism and philanthropy. It invites such a nation, in the spirit of a prophetic sagacity, in the exercise of its constitutional powers, to guard itself from coming dangers; do homage to the great principles which have made it what it is; vindicate the purity of its honour; stand forth to sup- press evils militating against the common welfare and break- ing the common ligaments of human society; and in the si- lence of its passions and the majesty of its reason to build up an everlasting fame on the affections of mankind. It invites a nation, which in the ardour of its youth, has extended liber- ty, civilization and Christianity over a continent late the abode of savage beasts, and more savage men; to endow another, a larger, a more miserable one, with the regenerating spirit of wisdom, and the incorruptible treasures of truth. 278 LIFE OF ASIIMUN. And what is that '-'armed doctrine" which comes forth under the snowy flag of peace, to overthrow first the Colonization Society, and next slavery? It is a doctrine that would en- throne the abstract* rights of the individual (a nonentity ex- cept in imagination), above those conservative principles upon which society depends not only for its value, but exist- ence;— a doctrine which would settle questions of right be- tween men, not on the principle of reciprocal benevolence, in view of their varied circumstances and relations; but by an independent standard, divorced from all the realities, and set- ting at naught all the wise forecast of life. It demands, in the sacred name of duty, of the supreme power of the State, to give instant liberty to all who have it not, even if certain to inflict thereby the greatest mischiefs upon those liberated, — to put in jeopardy the very life of the political body. And in what temper, with what language is this doctrine enforced? As the lightning fiercely glares athwart the sky from the dark folds of the cloud in the horizon, hiding all the sweet lights of Heaven, so from the minds of some of those who as- sume to be champions of this doctrine, flash forth the ma- lio-nant passions, overpowering in their characters all the gen- tle attributes and virtues of humanity. To convert men to their opinions, they slander and vilify their characters; to promote what they consider truth, publish falsehoods; tyran- nise men into their belief, out of zeal for liberty; and for peace sake, light up the elements of war with the torch of the furies. They dip out a strange mixture of truth, error, calumny and * Man must be in society, to become entitled to any of the rights which belong to men in society. And can any man doubt that these rights are va- ried and modified by circumstances? In a ship at sea, with abundance of pro- visions, each passenger has the right to a full allowance; but has he this right when the general safety require? a reduction of the rations? Or suppose, in case of such reduction, some of the crew of stronger constitutions continue in health, while others, it is clear, must die, unless there be an increase of their allowance; does not the condition of the latter, give them a moral right to special consideration? LIFE OF ASHMUN. 279 wrath, flaming hot from their alembic, and scatter it through the land, to destroy o|)|)ression and save the country. [I speak only of the leaders* in the attempt to overthrow the Coloniza- tion Societyt — of those who, disrobing themselves of the or- dinary decencies and courtesies of life, are now incensing the North against the South, and the South against the North, infecting the minds of a large and suffering portion of our in- habitants with hatred towards their friends, and in their fury * I limit these remarks, touching the spirit and language of Anti-Coloniza- tionists, to the conductors of two or, three of tlieir leading Journals. Their boldness and activity would be worthy of praise, were they governed by right reason. t I do not question that the Anti-Slavery Society embraces many men of pure motives, intelligent, patriotic, and Christian. For such men I shall not permit a difference of opinion, however important, to diminish my respecter affection. While I shall continue to cherish towards them these sentiments, even should they not be reciprocated; and while I desire not to restrain them in the expression of their opinions, they will not expect me to be restrained in the expression of mine. Some of the best men in the country, believe that the Colonization Society and the Anti-Slavery Society should both be sustained; that each should occu- py its own field and controversy between them cease. But how stands the case? The leaders of the Anti-Slavery Society declare the extinction of the Colonization Society to be the first step towiirds the abolition of slavery, and the doctrine of immediate emancipation on our own soil, the grand means for the overthrow of slavery. Some of the members of that Society, doubtless, adopt the latter opinion, who reject (he former. Members there may be (and probably are) of the Anti-Slavery Society who desire notthe overthrow of the Colonization Society, and members of the Co- lonization Society who find no difficulty in supporting what they regard as its views, and advocating at the same time the duty of immediate emancipation, to the fullest extent of the meaning of that phrase. ^ Professor Fowler (a name which I cannot mention but with the greatest respect and affection), in his re- cent discourse before the Vermont Colonization Society, has ex])ressed cor- rectly, I doubt not, the views of these individuals in the following passage: — "If the Anti-Slavery Society shall succeed in promoting the emancipation of the slaves, then it will assist the Colonization Society, by furnishing it with an opportunity for abetter selection of emigrants for the building of the Colo- ny. On the other hand, the greater the number the Colonization Society transports to Liberia, the more room there will be for future and progressive «mancipation, without endangering the peace and safety of the country. In 280 LIFE OF ASHMUN. seeking to extinguish some of the best hopes of this nation and mankind. While I have felt it my duty thus to remark upon the con- duct of a few rash men, who are, I trust, Wind to the natural consequences of their actions, I would urge all the sober this way they can be helpers of each other as they ought to be, while they are efficiently promoting the several objects for which they were established. — Why then should these Societies, thus capable of benefitting each other, weaken their energies and waste their resources, in attacking each other, and in the consequently necessary self-defence? Why should these contests con- tinue to produce among some of the partizans of each, a frenzied excitement, resulting in denunciation and outrages upon decorum and propriety; or in riots and outrages upon the laws of the land? Let us aid each of these associa- tions as best we can. But let each confine itself to its legitimate object." It should be recollected, that the leaders of the Anti-Slavery Society, un- provoked, commenced, with an exterminating spirit, their warfare upon the Colonization Society. Whether, had no such attack been made, those friends of the Colonization Society who are opposed to the doctrine of immediate emancipation, as enforced by tliese leaders, would have thought it necessary to avow their opinions on this point, it is for one only, that the writer can de- termine. Bilt the Anti-Colonizationists have declared that the Colonization Society must be destroyed; its scheme so far as regarded in its influence for the abolition of slavery, abandoned; and the doctrine of immediate emancipation be substituted therefor. Now, what is the doctrine on this subject, which duty requires to become preva- lent and practical in Vie minds of the American people, is the great and momen- tous question submitted to their decision. I have no fears of the effects of any doctrine founded in truth, and which is received by men in its true meaning. Some doctrines, true and important, it may be difficult to communicate to men in certain conditions and circum- stances, so that they shall not be misapprehended, and in such cases, caution and explanation may be required in the inculcation of them. The objections of the writer, to the doctrine of the Anti-Slavery Society, as expounded by its most zealous supporters, rest not upon his belief that the system of slavery as it now exists, is right; nor that what is therein wrong should not be immediately rectified; nor on the fact, that he is opposed to the early and entire abolition of slavery. They result from his conviction, that the doctrine as thus expounded, is untrue, and such, as should it prevail be- yond a certain extent, must operate to retard the safe, peaceful and benefi- cial abolition of slavery — endanger the integrity of the Union — and put in jeopardy the best interests of all classes of the population of our Southern States. LIFE OF ASHMUN. 281 friends of the people of colour and of Africa, to consider the vast work for both, to which our country is now summoned by every thing that touches either her interest or her honour. O that she would open her great heart to pity, to mercy, and I have stated elsewhere my reasons, for concluding the doctrine of imme- diate emancipation untrue; and I shall here say only, that these reasons are derived from what I regard as the true meaning and intent of the Saviour's law: "Do unto others as ye would that others should do unto you." Here I am happy to quote from the able letter (just published) on this subject, of President Young, of Kentucky, the following sentences, containing senti- ments strictly just:— "Again it is urged, that the maxim do unto others as ye would that they should do unto you, requires that all autho- rity of the master should be at once relinquished. But were I such as a vast majority of slaves are, I would that I were, for a time retained under control, while vigorous means were brought to operate upon me, to fit me for the re- sponsibility of self-government. I do not say that, if I were slave, such would be my desire, as I would then possess all his ignorance and folly. The rule does not require that I should do to another what if I were stripped of my present capacity and judgment, I would deem to be best for me— it simply re- quires me to imagine myself m his condition; and what I then think would be best for myself in such a condition, that to do for him. "Any other exposition of this rule will strip it of all title to its well known appellation of the golden; and will make every man's desires the measure of his neighbour's duty. Were I a child, I presume that I would be disinclined to the rod, even when it was needed. Now, I would that were I a child, it should not be spared; and thus, when complying with the advice of the wise man, I do unto my children, as I would that they should do unto me." I have confidence in truth. It has a mighty power over the conscience. It is never at war with what is, on the whole, for the interest of human society.— The worst tendencies of the doctrine of immediate abolition, result from its want of truth. It may excite the passions of the North, it cannot command the conscience of the South. It may excite the slave to demand instant free- dom, it cannot make the masters generally feel it to be their duty instantly to grant it. It thus introduces and sets at work antagonist principles between the North and the South, the master and the slave. It is a doctrine which, if it prevail beyond a certain limit in this country, will do more than any which ever found respectable advocates in the land, to darken the glory of our pros- pects, and subvert the foundations of our Government. On the contrary the doctrine that the slaves are men; that they ought to be treated as men;' that they should be prepared, without unnecessary delay, for perfect freedom; and when prepared, should receive it in such way as may best promote their'hap- piness, and consist with the general good, is one which must commend itself to the conscience of everj- humane and Christian man. Should it fail to be- 36 282 LIFE OF ASHMUN. to justice! That standing up from her guilty shuriber, in giant strength, made stronger by her foith in God, she would hasten to strike the bonds from millions at her leet; to send them forth as the unfettered heralds of her power pledged to make the debased, the enslaved, the perishing of another con- tinent, sharers in the hopes and the happiness of the people of this. So sublime a spectacle the world has never wit- nessed. Whatever ancient genius or power have effected, compared with such a work, loses its dignity, — the grandest monuments that look forth in solitariness, from the gloom of past ages, appear in the comparison, like toys cast by the way-side, in the sports of our childhood. This work can be done. And we are bound in duty to Him who is to be our final Judge, to do it. The Statesman of large and manly soul, informed by wisdom and inspired by eloquence, who fearlessly, in the councils of this nation, shall advocate this cause, on those eternal principles of truth and justice consti- tuted by God the foundation and support of every Govern- ment which he hath promised to bless, will sooner or later find his name written on innumerable hearts; the spirit of his country will answer to his appeals; he shall know that there is in it an energy for good, which once excited, can rest no more, while there is a stain upon her honour or a just de- mand on her beneficence. And shall we despair of witnessing a speedy union of the wise and good from every State in our Republic, cemented by a common opinion on this subject, and moved by one come prevalent in this nation, it will not be the fault of the doctrine, but the sin of those who resist the power of its truth and the benignity of its influence. Since most of this chapter was written, I have perused the able essays of my friend Gerrit Smith, Esqr. in the Journal of Freedom, and to differ on any points from him, a man who is an honour to his country, is pain- ful. But while I admire the spirit of his essays, and feel the force of many important truths contained in them, I may not have the happiness to agree with him in some views, which I must regai'd as vastly important to the tri- umphant success of our common cause. i LIFK OF ASHMUN. 283 spirit, prepared to apply the treasure and the power of the nation to carry into effect, on a scale commensurate with the evils to be remedied, and the means entrusted to them by Providence, the scheme of African Colonization? Responsi- bilities, awful beyond expression, now rest upon the friends of the American Colonization Society. With the boldness of truth, and the meekness of wisdom, and the confidence of success, let them aim at nothing less than to gain for their enterprise the affection and support of the nation. "If ever there was a time that calls on us for no vulgar conception of things, and for exertions in no vulgar strain, it is the awful hour that Providence has now appointed to this nation. — Every little measure is a great error; and every great error will bring on no small ruin. Nothing can be directed above the mark that we must aim at; every thing below it is abso- lutely thrown away."* And is it possible, there treads this soil sacred to freedom and Christianity, any man, who can look his countrymen in the face and pronounce domestic slavery an "indispensable element in an unmixed representative republic"t — a doctrine dishonourable alike to the benevolence of God and the na- ture of man? A doctrine declaring that the liberty of one portion of mankind must be perpetually dependant for exist- ence upon the slavery of another ! Let him who inculcates a dogma so abhorrent to the spirit which redeemed his coun- try, and which if it survive here, must redeem the world, ex- pect few disciples in this land, until the signatures which the Genius of Liberty has carved in our mountains, be forever erazed, and her glorious banner, now waving over us, be taken down, forever. Let him seek for proselytes among the Arabs of the desert, or the awe-struck minions of despotic power; but expect not his doctrine to prevail among a people, who have already taught wisdom to kings, and thundered forth the truth that makes the spirit of man free, in the ears of an as- tonished world. * Burke. , t Inaugural Address of the Governor of South Carolina, 1834. CHAPTRR XIV. The doctrine of a Divine Providence, ruling inhuman af- fairs, is clearly taught in the sacred Scriptures. The wisest of men uttered inspired language when he said, "man's go- ings are of the Lord; how then can he understand his own way?" Whatever darkness may rest upon the path of an individual, we are assured from the same source, "that the way of the Lord is strength to the upright;" that "the integ- rity of the upright shall guide them;" and that "to him that soweth^ righteousness shall be a sure reward." How the Divine Agency is exerted in Providence, we may in few, if in any particular cases know, while the reality of such Agen- cy is certain. How far, it is but the application of pre-estab- hshed laws, or how far, the power of God suspending and controlhng them, is perhaps as unimportant as impossible to determine. The field of Providential Agency lies within the secrecy of the Divine Counsel. The Holy Scriptures assure us of the fact of the existence of such Agency, and de- clare the great and benevolent ends to which it is directed. — 286 LIFE OF ASHMUN. As the fulfilment of Prophecy is a proof of the Divine inspi- ration of the Prophet, so the correspondence seen by the good man, in the course of human events, and especially in his own experience, with the revelation of God's will and su- preme Providential rule, verifies to him the testimony of Scripture on this subject. The Providence of God infringes not upon the freedom of human actions, nor lessens human accountability. It can- not ordinarily be termed miraculous, because it neither sus- pends a general law, nor deviates from it, in a way jiercepti- hle to sense. It never interrupts, modifies, or changes those moral laws which extend their authority over us as free and responsible moral agents. It marks not men, to the eye of each other, either as the objects of the special love or displea- sure of God. But it is a hand to lead, a shield to protect, an Almighty power to save the good man amid all the vicissi- tudes, darkness, and sufferings of life. That He exists, is as great a mystery to him, as that he lives, moves, and has his being in God. The evidence of a particular Providence, is discerned less, probably, by such a man, in the course and operations of nature, and the great movements and changes in the affairs of the world, than in the effects of the successive events in his own history on his own character. He sees himself to be the subject of a moral discipline, not of his choice, — opposed perhaps to all the devices of his own wis- dom; yet exactly suited to eradicate his vices, to mature his virtues, and prepare him for a nobler life.* "How often," * The following sentences from the Edinburgh Review, (No. 100) contain the most plausible argument that the writer has seen against a particular Providence : "Now, general laws, however for the most part yet undiscovered by us, govern alike the constitution of our nature, and the course of events. Upon the supposition that a general and continuing interference of Providence takes place (not for their maintenance, but) for their suspension and modifi- cation, it follows, in like manner, that all our attempts to trace a chain of cause and effect, and to found what would once have been considered aphilo- LIFE OF ASHMUN. 287 said Mr, Ashimiiit before he embarked for Africa, "is tlie ' Provadence of God employed for our highest good, without ' our co-operation ! How often, even against our best con- ' trived and most strenuous endeavours !" "To how shght ' a circumstance can every reflecting person refer the origin ' of some of the most momentous passages of his hfe!" The disappointments, trials, and even errors of Mr. Ash- mun, were made the means of elevating his character and ex- sophical history, comprising, through their probable connexions, all the ad- vantage that history can confer, ought to be abandoned as an inquiry after a thing which has no actual existence. If fresh trails can be thus interposed, the chase after human probabilities is one wliere tiie moral reasoner must lose the scent at every moment. To judge by the analogy, is there not every reason rather to presume that, if the general rules of the moral could be known but as accurately as those of the physical world, we should find the absence of special interference quite as great in one case as in the other?" Not to remark upon the declaration concerning the nature of the laws which are acknowledged to be for the most pa.vt undiscovered, d.nd upon the assumption of the very matter in question in the assertion, that general laws govern the constitution of our nature and the couise of events; I observe, that the par- ticular Providence of God is revealed in the Bible as one of the laws in His go- vernment of the world, and that all general laws are ever dependant upon His will, if indeed most, be not merely modes in which this will operates. The Divine Agency in particular Providence, is (except in the case of miracles) a secret Agency, and of course neither suspends nor disturbs, sensibly, the general laws of nature. That series of causes and effects which a philosophical history must comprise, is such as has arisen under the government of Him who in particular interpositions, acts not without rule or reason, but with con- stant and unalterable regard, to the nature, the freedom, and the interests of His intelligent creatures. From experience of the past we determine probabilities for the future; not that all the causes of past events have been subject to our examination, (for even the Reviewer admits that most of them are undiscovered) but observing the circumstances in which those events have arisen, and their apparent an- tecedents, we learn to expect similar events under like conditions and circum- stances. The admission of a particular Providence, alters in no way the facts in the history of mankind, which constitute the basis of all our conclusions concerning the probabilities of future events. But is it not a consolation to the devout man to know, that all things are under the immediate view and control of the great and benevolent Author of the Universe? t Life of Bacon. 288 LIFE OF ASHMUN. tending his usefulness. They became tributary to that high Providence which discerns tlie "end from the beginning," and leads forth its elect servants, not from the rosy bower of soft- ness and repose, but from the rough ways of hard enduranH^e, from the fierce and fiery conflict with temptations and afflic- tions, to great and honourable achievements. From the pe- riod of which we are writing, he .might have expressed his feelings in the language of our first father- to his Angel Teacher : "Henceforth I learn, that to obey is best, And love with fear the only God; to walk As in his presence; ever to observe His Providence; and on Him sole depend, Merciful over all His works, with good Still overcoming evil, and by small Accomplishing great things, by things deem'd weak Subverting worldly strong, and worldly wise By simply meek: that snifering for truth's sake Is fortitude to highest victory. And to the faithful, death the gate of liie; Taught this by His example, whom I now Acknowledge my Redeemer ever blest." His papers furnish evidences of astonishing activity and industry. Though his range of public duty embraced all the affairs of the Colony and even its remote relations to Africa and America, yet he found time to think and write upon various subjects, moral, scientific, political, and reli- gious. He criticised the Philosophy of Paley, wrote Essays on the Tariff"; the morality and political results of the Holy Alliance; on points of Law, Solitude, the Social Affections, Love and Marriage; Capital Punishments, the Prophecy of Malachi, the present state of the Argument in regard to the General Deluge as derived from geological phenomena; Provi- dence, the Sabbath Devotion, and many other Theological to- pics, while he recorded many observations and reflections on the Geography, Climate, Natural History, and Moral and Po- litical state of Africa.* He pursued, to some extent, the stu- * Appendix No. 10. LIFE OF ASHMUN. 289 dies of Botany and Ornithology. Most of liis notes relating to his religious experience, and the ways of Providence to- wards him, are dated on Sunday, a day which he devoted to public worship, to a penitent acknowledgment of his sins, the study of the Scriptures, luunble supplication for the Di- vine blessing, and a thankful remembrance of the works, goodness, and mercy of God. His religious sentiments and feelings at this period, (from autumn 1824 to the same 1825) are expressed in the following brief extracts from his private Journal : ''October 17th, 1824. "A fever from about the 3d to the 9th of this month, con- ' fined me to my apartment. I found a softening of myfeel- ' ings towards my enemies. I could forgive them all freely — ' was brought to expect and desire my happiness so entirely ' from God, as to be willing, if it were His pleasure, to give up ' all my other prospects and enjoyments for Him alone. I was ' willing to lose my friends, my heart's dearest idols; my re- ' putation, civilized and refined society, and spend my days ' in poverty, seclusion and sickness, if God would but be my ' God, and afford me the visits of His grace and the refreshing ' light of His presence. I mourned my former departures ' from Him, and feared more than death itself, to relapse into ' a life of blindness and disobedience." The following passage, was written after a severe indispo- sition, on Bushrod Island, after having been exposed to fa- tigue for several days during the course of negotiations for Territory with the native Chiefs on the St. Paul's : "Sunday, April 8th, 1825. "It becomes me to record the goodness of God in my re- ' cent indisposition on Bushrod Island. When seized, I was ' in the humble employment of administering a little aid to ' a sick coloured man of our party. The cenery around — ' our own neglected persons — the half naked appearance of ' our attendiuits — our pedestrian mode of travelling by patlis 37 290 LIFE OF ASHMUN. merely passable— all tended to deliver the niind from the imposing influence of human pride, and to cast it upon those resources wliich exist independently of the gifts of fortune, of health, or even of this precarious- a:nimal life it- self Exhausted of strength and sensible of the rapid ac- cess of fever, I yielded myself entirely to the power of the instructive circumstances of my situatioii. My thoughts were directly occupied with tlie history of the blessed Re- deemer's humiliation, and of His solitary life, the labours and indigence wJiich attended every stage of it, and the in- dignity and sufterings which marked its close. Thence reverting to my own actual situation, from which this train of reflection had taken its rise, I silently uttered in the fol- lowing language, a prayer which was entirely dictated by present feelings : 'O eternal Lord, tliou hast reduced me to a state in which I am obliged to dismiss from my mind, every care and concern relating to this life — to turn for sup- port, away from every created object, and concentrate all my cares, all my thoughts, all my affections upon a single point, and that point, O glorious Jehovah, opens upon the ineffable perfections of thy nature in full display.' The sentiment which dictated this somewhat obscure phraseo- logy, may be illustrated by supposing the sight which had before been roving at large, at once confined to a single lu- minous point in the skies, and when once so intently fixed and confined, to have the pov^^er of prying through the em- pyreal concave and descanting upon a new and immense exhibition of celestial glories. Such was' the imagery by which my soul was freed from the entanglements of sense, for the moment, and raised to the intent contemplation of the glories of the invisible God. The stimulus of the fever, without deranging the powers of the mind^ quickened and assisted tjieir operations. The Holy Spirit vouchsafed His instructions. Never had I a more impressive view of the extent and completeness of the ruin of hruiian nature, aild LIFE OF ASITMUN. 291 the infinite destruction incurred by tiio Apostacy. My imagination, for a moment, indnlge.l the supposition, that God had not yet revealed to Angels a remedy for the deep damnation of the race. Never before did I so effectually feel the trutli of the often-made representation, that on this supposition, Angels would say such a remedy is impossible. * * * Now was my mind prepared for the annunciation which I supposed to follow, of God's purpose of giving His son a ransom for the sins of the world. At this momenta jiew and enlarged conception of the infinitude of the Divine nature, of the glory of the co-equal Son in Heaven, took place in my mind. O how entirely," how convincingly did the thoughts of the sacrifice of the Son of God in this view of His mighty power and inefiable dignity and glory, do away the painful sentiment ^vhich a perception of the pre- ceding difficulty had introduced. The intelligence was too great for faith itself to receive without staggering. But the proofs were complete. * * Jesus Christ has been revealed from Heaven in the execution of this magnificent labour of grace— has been evidently set forth crucified among us. Doubt was excluded, and at the end of this edifying reverie, I found myself refreshed, confirmed, and excepting some remaining luicertainty, as to my personal interest in the Redeemer, easy and satisfied in my Father's hands, and willing to abide the event of my present illness, whether it were to end in death or health." "April 2Gth. "This evening I called, to see Mrs. Benson, who has for * several months been in a declining state of health. She < was very low indeed, but full of Faith and the Holy Ghost. ' She told me, with eA^ery appearance of sincerity, that she ' had been much afraid of self-deception — had strove and ' prayed for many years against it — and had at last arrived < to an entire certainty, that she was not deceivsd. She la- ' mented the levity and inconsistency of many professing 292 LIFE OP ASHMUN. ' Christianity in the settlement. Formerly, when expecting < to leave tlie world, she liad some douhts and fears; Init ' now God has removed several of her children, whom He ' has thus undertaken to make provision for himsclf^she ' rejoiced that the 'Master' had taken them, and was entirely ' resigned to His will. She had been greatly afiiicted — very ' greatly; but it was all the 'Master's' work, and she could ' not object a word. The goodness of Christ ! — it ought to ' win all hearts — and could they but know that He had power ' to forgive sin, and give the evidence of it which she felt, ' they would embrace Him. She spoke of the death of her ' father, who had been buried the same evening, with perfect ' composure, and with praises to God, who had so ripened ' him for Heaven. She told me, that she has not, amidst all ' her afflictions, one gloomy hour, and was confident when ' called to go, the 'Master' would give her a pleasant passage." ''May 1st, 1825. "Finished, in the intervals of worship, the reading of Mrs. ' Judson's 'Mission to. Burmah.' Thanks to God for the con- « firmation which the history of that Mission adds to my ' faith in the truth and promises of the Christian Revelation. "I commenced the little volume with a sort of prejudice, I ' scarcely knew or inquired why, both against the persons and ' ministry of these pious missionaries, who were permitted to ' introduce the gospel into that empire. This was caused, per- ' haps, by their forsaking the communion of those religious ' societies which sent them out to India. But whatever was ' the cause, and as long as the uncharitable sentiment had ' dwelt in my heart, the perusal of this book has destroyed ' it. I can embrace them with a fraternal affection, and bid ' them God speed in their work. They deserve for their ' zeal, faith, and constancy, amidst numerous difficulties and ' tedious delays, the encouragement and gratitude of every ' one who has made the interest of the Redeemer his own. ' They have mine. The blessing of tlie Holy Si)irit be on ' them and their work, to tlie end !" LIFE OF ASHMUN. 293 ^'•Myself. — The old Platonic maxim, Tv<^ei, ntavtw, what is ' its tendency but to malce a world of orrotists? Is egotism ' then an evil? The philosopher saw the source of whatever ' there is of vice and folly in the character, to be a superficial ' acquaintance with ourselves: and saw, farther, that it could ' be only cured or prevented by that profound and universal ' self-knowledge which should render the faults and weak- ' nesses of our nature as obvious to ourselves, as our better ' qualities. "A man must study himself very injudiciously, and very ' unsuccessfully, indeed, who does not discover more of the ' former than of the latter, in every view which he can take * of his subject: and if his estimation of himself is graduated ' by his observations, he cannot fail to divest himself of much * of that blind and arrogant conceit which forms a part of the ' character of most young men. But for all practical and ' useful ends, he will acquire in its stead, a far more valuable * and rational confidence in himself. A man who can clearly * perceive, and is willing to confess to himself his faults, has ' a secret consciousness of a power of reforming them. The * fact that he does see the blemishes of his character, is proof < that he is not deceived in the opinion which his judgment ' has formed of his better features. He knows of what he is ' capable; and, limiting his attempts to his powers, succeeds. ' Every success inspires fresh confidence. Every attempt ' adds to his experience. He rises in the scale of existence, ' and rises on strong supports. No giddiness attends the ele- ' vation — for the daily proofs of infirmity and folly which ' occur, serve as an antidote to that danger. "Now to practise on my own theory: "Ij)erceive that I am no zealot, and every day less likely ' to become one. Where others are confident, I hesitate — ' where others deal in absolute and universal assertions, I ' speak Iiypothetically; and even if I assent, it is on the possi- ' bility that I am drawn to a false conclusion by surveying 294 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ' only a part of the evidence. Where others devote their souls < to a particular system, as if all truth were condensed within ' its maxims, I embrace a part of several, and reject much of ' all — and still regard my knowledge of the .subject as too im- ' perfect to form any system for myself. Where others de- ' vour a few favourite dogmas, and satiate the appetite of ' their minds at a meal, I am constantly tasting, laying aside ' and carping, and even finding exceptions to the most re- ' ceivcd maxims. "If an object of extensive utility to the human race is pre- ^ sented, I approve and patronize — but cannot surrender my- ' self entirely to it; and compared with the zeal of many of * its advocates, my approbation is frozen into a species of in- < difference. "I smile at the zeal which I every day see so many lavish- ' rng on objects of such subordinate importance, that I am < sure they will one day blush at the review of their own con- ' duct. When young I could cramp the whole of experi- * mental and practical religion into the compass of a few pro- ' positions. I could create out of an equally small number of ' Calvinistic principles, a perfect standard of orthodoxy. But ' I have since perceived that I then saw, but very imperfectly, ' only one, out of the infinitude of aspects, of which the sys- ' tern of celestial doctrines is susceptible. Every variation ' of my own station, would, on the principle then assumed, ' have given me a new theory of practice, and new standards * of orthodoxy." "Should I live a kw years, it may be useful for m.e to know, ' in what way my thoughts are employed, and my hopes and ' fears exercised, at this period, relative to the great interests ' of my salvation. * # * "In the first place, I state with gratitude to God, that my ' solicitude about my fiiture wellbeing is habitually too great ' to permit me to rest without some definite preparation for ' death and judgment. I dnre not embrace the world, and LIFE OF ASHMUN. 295 content myself with the prospect of faring- at last as the peo- ple of the world must. I have too penetrating and habitual a belief of the truth and justice of God, to indulge in my- self for an hour, an allowed contempt of His revelation. "I liave often this train of thought in my mind: Mahome- danism is certainly a falsehood— Pagan systems are too ridiculously absurd to deserve a moment's inquiry into their origin— Atheists, Infidels, Jews, and Roman Catholics, are flattering themselves with speculations and errors, as vain and false as their effects on moral character are blindino-, corrupting, and hardening. Away with them all: My heart and judgment equally reject their sophisms, and their dependence. None of their speculations, rites, and rules, can reform the life or purify the heart. I'hey have all, their foundation in the Insts of the depraved heart. I know too well the tendency of my own to doubt it. The gospel of Jesus Christ then, as contained in the T.'estaments, is the last and only piece of 'terra firma' which shows itself on this broad and fluctuating ocean of doubt on which I am tossing. In this I find all the characters of truth which my reason asks for. Why then do I not embrace it with my whole heart? Ah ! here's the difficulty; My understand- ing resolves this problem, too, by recollecting that the gos- pel is too holy to engage the entire confidence and love of a heart that retains its relish for sin. Not an objection of- fers, but I am able to answer it to the satisfaction of reason. But still I do not entirely and efiectually believe. I do not embrace with my entire soul, "unto righteousness," this glorious gospel. I do not make its precepts my only law— nor its liopes my only portion. Why not? Sloth— divided views between it and the world— strong and unsubdued corruptions, passions, appetites, all tend to hlind, harden, and defeat the resolutions of the better part of my nature. My last resort then is, give up myself to the belief of the gospel, and perplex my mind with doubts, no more. If it 296 LIFE OP ASHMUN. ' is not true, nothing within the reach of the human mind is ' so. If I hve and die in the full faith of the gospel of Christ, ' I live and die with the best prospects a mortal can have on ' this side of the grave. My wish is to establish the resolu- ' tion with myself, to live and die in this faith — ^and never let ' my thoughts perplex me more, with objections, or doubts. ' They are useless and pernicious. I wish to believe every ' truth of the Testaments — ^and aim to become a perfect Chris- ' tian — sensible that God will accept me, and all will be well ' for ever. "I thank God that the foregoing minutes delineate some- ' thing more than cool and fruitless speculations. As far as ' the sketch goes, it represents the actual struggles and la- ' hours — in other words, the experimental exercises of my ' mind, which have a correspondent influence on my practice. "I live daily under a more impressive view of the certainty ' and nearness, and solemn consequences of my dissolution — ' the termination of my probationary state, and the surreu- ' der of my accounts to God. Dreadful event ! Alas ! who ' can abide it? How, indeed, shall U * * * "Another fact I cannot suppress. Examining the structure ' of a flower, and explaining to Mr. Waring the uses of its ' several parts, about the same time — I preached myself into ' a transport of rapturous astonishment at the wisdom and ' other adorable attributes of the Almighty, displayed in that ' little piece of His workmanship. A new view of His uni- ' versal Providence, from that moment, took place, and has ' continued to instruct and aflect me to the present hour. "A week ago, I was thinking on the tender love of Jesus ' Christ to His disciples while with them in person, and on • their love to Him. My bosom caught the passion. I was ' melted into tears: The love of Jesus affected me as it never ' had before — and as I want language to convey any idea of to ' others, or even to revive it in my own mind, if I ever forget ' Uie sensations of that and the two following days. Now , LIFE OF ASHMUN. 297 * these things are encouraging. And my base heart wants encouragement. They are tokens for good — 'the day of small things;' and to me who have lived such a fruitless and ' guilty life, they are precious intimations of the returning ' kindness of my faithful Redeemer. I make my boast of ' them — and thank God that His grace has not suffered them ' to be entirely lost upon me."* "Sabbath, 11th September. "I am in great doubts respecting my true spiritual state. — ' Generally fears — fears lulled only by insensibility prevail. ' But to-day, the exercises of my mind, formed an exception. ' I enjoyed a confidence of hope in my Lord Jesus Christ al- ' together unusual. "In the morning the depression of animal spirits and gene- < ral dulness under which I laboured, almost discouraged me ' from seeking the divine blessing; but God gave me, I cannot ' tell how, grace to rise above the temptation, and to shake ' off my sloth. I engaged in fervent secret prayer, and con- ' tinned long in it, from the sweetness of pouring out my con- ' fessions and desires into the bosom of my Heavenly Father. ' Devotion gave to my mind a tone which grace enabled it ' to support through the day. I was enabled /or Christ, and ' through Him, to surmount several temptations: and got an ' impulse towards God which sent me a little heavenward, * against the v/inds and tides of this world. "I found out a number of long hidden secrets this day, and ' the evening following; as, the charm which engages pious ' people in the reading of the missionary and other pious la- * I have been reminded by this passage, of an old Latin epigram remarka- ble for antithesis, as well as for force and beauty of sentiment : "Pro servis dominus moritur, pro sontibus insons Pro ffigroto medicus, pro grege pastor obit. Pro populo rex mactatur, pro milite ductor Proque opere ipse opifex, proque homine ipse Deus Quid servus, sons, aegrotus, quid grex populusque Quid miles, quid opus, quidve homo solvat? Amet. 298 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ' hours of such as are spreading the gospel: the reason and ' source of that far rid eloquence which the advocates of ' those blessed charities, and of truth generally, in these days, ' so often discover, to my former perplexity." * * "Sabbath Night, September 2bth. "Doubtful — 3^et hoping. Can unassisted nature, stirring ' in my breast, produce such a love of the Bible? such a con- ' quest over my revengeful tempers ? such pleasure in the se- 'cret worship of God? such respect to future retributions? ' such a reverence of God's providential care? such a percep- ' tion of the divine excellence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? ' I know that all these things are to be found in me but in a ' most imperfect degree. But would they exist in this corrupt ' breast at all, if not inspired by the Holy Spirit? If not, then ' may I not with deep humility, and taking my station * amongst the less than least of all saints, plead a covenant ' interest in the promise of God, and appropriate some of the ' precious hopes and confidence which belong to his adopted ' children? Lord God, instruct and confirm me in thy fear, ' faith and love, yet more and more to the end. " "Sabbath, October 2d, 1825. "Alas ! how the world runs away with my fluctuating affec- ' tions ! I thank God that I am not utterly given up to delu- ' sions, nor abandoned of hope. * * "I have some remaining sense of eternity— some just ap- ' prehensions of the vanity of this world with all its wealth — ' some desires after communion with God — some reverence ' of his authority — as much hope as so poor a professor of the ' gospel ought to have in its promises — some desires to live a ' life of humility, meekness, labour, cross-bearing, penitence, ' and obedience, before God. * * # " I thank God, that His spirit has taught and enabled me ' the week past, i)i some degree to get the better of my vindic- ' tive feelings towards certain individuals who have very se- LIFE OF ASIIMUN. 299 ' riously injured nje. The means were somewhat remarka- * ble. I had seen the impropriety of indulging in the bitter- * ness of resentment against any of my fellow-men — especially * against some, who being professors of Christianity, might ' yet have repentance and grace given them, and be enthron- ' ed in the divine glory in Heaven. But whenever I recol- * lected the extent of the injury I had experienced at their ' hands — ihe greatest perhaps that they could do me, sliort of ' murdering me in my sins — and that I must continue to suf- * fer in consequence, to my dying day — perhaps my memory * and my children after me — I had never been able entirely to * suppress the stirrings of a revengeful and bitter spirit in my * breast. To this infirmity one thing contributed: I was not ' certain that the precepts of Christ required me to forgive ' and pass over the offence, till I had evidence that the per- *■ sons committing the injury, had repented, and undertaken ^ to prevent the effects of their injurious conduct. To settle ' this point of duty, I determined to consult every precept re- ' lating to tlie duty of forgiveness in the New Testament; ' which I undertook accordingly, assisted by Scott's notes ' and references. "I was already satisfied that I ought to pray for them, and *■ indulge nothing like, malice and revenge. But the question * was. 'Am I to treat them with the politeness and tenderness, * and kindness, iji all respects, due to others who had not of- ' fended me — or who having offended, had offered me satis- *■ faction?' 'Do good to them,' (fcc. was plain I knew; but ' was I required to speak to them, salute them, and treat them ' with kindness, if they ever chanced to fall in my way? This ' was the question to be resolved. The first passage I con- ' suited was in the 5th of St. Matthew — 'If ye salute your ' brethren, only, what do ye more than others? Do not even ' the publicans the same?' I closed the blessed book, aston- ' ished, convinced, and satisfied — with an involuntary excla- ' mation of assent, and praise to God. Since that time, al- 300 LIFE OF ASHMUN. ' though many bad and sensual passions have been active in ' my breast, yet God has given me grace to forgive, and re- ' gard the formerly so obnoxious individuals, with sincere ' kindness. It is a great victory which the power of Christ ' has in this matter mined over the stronaf and inveterate malice ' of a very hard and revengeful heart. To Him be praise. "I have also another instance of the great goodness of my ' God. Owing to the failure of an expected remittance from ' America, I was almost in despair — and in great anxiety and ' trouble on account of an acceptance to a considerable ' amount, considering my circumstances — and the payment * was to be made in specie; — of which there was next to none ' not pledged, in the Colony. In my extremity I betook my- ' self to my Father in Heaven. The burthen was soon after ' in a good measure removed, and that in a way most unex- •' pected." ^'■November ^th, 1825. "Mrs. Tabum is said to be in her last agonies. To Thee, Father of Spirits, Father of Heaven, and Father of Mercies, I commend her soul. Sujffer her not to fall from thy grace, in this the season of her extremity. Make thou, God, her deliverance from the fear and sting of death, thy care. She has professed the name of Christ, before many witnesses. — May she be now received into thy glory — and through the merits of the Redeemer, be owned of Him, whom I trust she has not denied. O ! Lord God, hear this my last prayer for her — give her assured and victorious faith, and may she if called this day or this hour, to her eternal estate— this day or this hour, be with Christ her Lord, in Paradise. O ! Jesus, thy rich mercy and grace is all my hope — and it is a sure 2;round of hope for this thy servant. To Thee and thine eternal love, be all the honour and praise of her eternal salvation. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. LIFE OF ASHMUN. 301 "Sabbath, November 27th, 1825. ^^My Mercies. — 1st. The great dispensation of mercy * through my Lord Jesus Christ, under which, in common * with my fellow-men of this age, I hve; and in virtue of ' which the good things of the hfe that now is, and the prom- * ise of the hfe to come, are enjoyed. "Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise him all creatures here below — Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." "2d. The Revelation of the great mercy of God through * His Son, which I was early made acquainted with, and never ' suffered entirely and openly to discard. "3d. The firm faith given me from on high, by the renew- ' ing influences of the Holy Spirit — even 'when I was dead '■ in trespasses and sins' — and the conservation of this prin- ' ciple in my soul, although neglected, despised, and ungrate- ' fully forgotten by myself, in repeated and grievous back- ' slidings, and under the provocation of innumerable presump- ' tuous sins. "4th. My preservation from an untimely death, in repeat- ' ed instances, when others have fallen in multitudes around ' me; and when it seemed to myself and others nearly in- ' evitable. "5th. My deliverance, so far as I have been, perhaps, able ' to bear it, from a state of wounding ignominy — rendering, ' during its continuance, life itself an intolerable burthen; and ' naturally urging me to despair, and utter abandonment. " 'Out of the depths, hast thou delivered me.' "6th. Removing me from the snares of Satan in America, ' and fixing me in a situation here, suited to wean me from ' those sins v/hich must otherwise have proved my destruc- ' tion in that country. "7th. Giving me success in my administration. "8th. Providentially aiding me, in my deliberations, and * active labours for the government and welfare of this people. 302 LIFE OF ASHMUN. "9th. Giving me, in this country, a number of attached ' and steady friends. "lOtli. Providentially aiding me in the discharge of my ' pecuniary and other obligations — in many instances — espe- ' cially in this one (Perbin — Specie, &c.) "llth. The growth of certain moral qualities in my mind, ' which I cannot name, I fear, without danger of self-flattery; ' but which I gratefully and humbly attribute to the great ' goodness of my Heavenly Father — and without which I ' know I can never see His face. 'Blessed are the pure in ' heart, for they shall see God.' Lord, I pray for this purity." He who knows not the natural effect of humility, may wonder that a man of high religious attainments should dis- cern in his heart and life, so much cause for regret and so little for self-complacency. Bat to see distinctly, the eye must be clear and the object in the light. He wiiose intel- lectual vision is undimmed by sense, who looks upon his character in the light of the Divine Law, will need no one to interpret to him the language of Job, commended of God for his integrity — "1 have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye seeth Thee; wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes;" or the penitent confession of Paul, chief among Apostles, and exalted to revelations unut- terable, of heavenly glory, that he was "less than the least of all saints." The kingdom of God cometh not with observa- tion: in the retirement of his own mind, the Christian detects his foes, fights his battles, and achieves his victories. At every avenue of temptation he sets a v/atch, fortifies himself when weak, rouses his slumbering conscience, restrains his vagrant imagination, chains his wrathful passions, confirms his reason, summons fortitude to endurance, and resolution to expel from his soul the enemies of his peace, and establish therein the eternal empire of truth and righteousness. The world knows him not. Such a man will not measure himself by human opinion, LIFE OF ASIIMUN. 303 but by a perfect standard of duty. The brightest parts of his character will appear to him darkness in contrast with the Divine, and those actions which mankind admire, be deemed unworthy of the approbation of God. Others may observe in him dispositions which he notes as deficient, and fail to discern those which it is his great object to repress. The faults to which others may think him least liable, it may have cost him the most pains to correct; and the virtues which were most alien to his nature, have become, by culture, the orna- ments of his person. It is a striking fact, that in the judgment of his friends, Mr. Ashmun was distinguished for the virtues opposite to the faults, set down in his private Journal, as those, which he was most inclined and accustomed to commit. He speaks of himself as "fickle and ever varying in his temperament;" as "deficient in independent fortitude;" as "precipitate" in action; as addicted to "censoriousness;" whereas, the writer can tes- tify from an intimate acquaintance with him, during, perhaps the most trying period of his life, that fortitude and'ineekness] humility and charity, pervaded with their blended influences his entire character, and elevated him tranquilly and triumph- antly above all the discomposing vicissitudes of life. "As some tall cliff that lifts its awful form, Swells from the vale, and midway leaves the storm. Though round its breast the rolling clouds are spread, Eternal sun-shine settles on its head." CHxlPTER XV. Few men give stronger proofs of disinterestedness, than the managers of our large charitable Institutions. Their of- fice is without emolument; the reputation they may acquire, wants the individuality that tempts ambition; and the time and thought devoted by them to their object, is seldom known and more rarely appreciated by the public. The Managers of the American Colonization Society, en- gaged in a work difficult, remote, to which hindrances and discouragements were incident in its early stages, and the greatest benefits of which, will be seen only by posterity. — They have devoted to it a liberal share of time and attention. They have made to it large sacrifices of convenience and in- terest. They have prosecuted it, earnestly, perseveringly^ resolutely, and with success. ' The effects of their labours shall survive them — a nation will be their monument. The commencement of the year 1S26, found Mr. Ashmun at the head of a prosperous Colony, which the Managers of the Society, encouraged by his statements, were prepared, 39 306 LIFE OF ASUIMUN. vigorously to sustain and enlarge. This Colony, and he who was its defender and guide, had become, extensively, ob- jects of interest and allcction, to tlie people of the U. States. On the 23d of January, 1826, Mr. Ashmun wrote to the Board — "Our town begins to assume the appearance of a ' beautiful little commercial West India seaport; and certain- ' ly has one of the most delightful situations on the face of ' the globe. In beauty, and grandeur of prospect, no station * can be taken on the Potomac half so charming, or half so ' commanding. It would, I am confident, prove to the mem- ' bers of your Board, an ample remuneration for much of ' their disinterested labours for Africa — to make a single visit ' to their Colony, and see a well-organized, improving, and ' Christian society, founded by their hands, deservedly * taking rank among the most virtuous and happy commu- ' nities."* * Having; expressed h.5 purpose soon to return to the United States, lie adds: — "Am I wrong in my expectations tliat the friends of ttie Colony will make one strenuous and • litedeifort to obtain this winter for it, (the Colony) the patronage of Congress? The Board have done well; they have, I think, redeemed every pledge and fulfilled every hope held outhy the Society to the world. But they can do little or nothing more in this country. The concern is becoming too extensive for the funds of any private Society to sustain. You have, as will be seen from the letter, a line of one hundred miles to protect — establishments forming on every i)art of it to maintain and cherish — harbours to fortify — a coasting and inland trade to regulate — military expeditions to pro- vide for — schools, hospitals, and benevolent institutions of various descrip- tions to endow, and in one word, you have from this time, a little empire to create and advance to maturity. To throw emigrants into the Colony, ichile the very frame of it is left wii'wul support, is a thing easily done — but it will subvert it. A shelter must first be provided, and well sustained. This work is first in order, the introduction of Colonists is next. That provision neglect- ed— I say it with great assurance, the coloured people of the U. States are bet- ter in that country." The Colonization Society sustained, as several of our charitable institutions are, may do much; and in tlie writer's opinion, the Colony, without aid from Government, will grow and prosi)er. Still he believes with Mr. Ashmun, that immediate, earnest, and jiersevering applications for assistance, to the States and e Congress, are required on grounds of humanity, policy, and duty. LIFE OF ASIJIVIUN. 307 In the same letter, he stated tliat during the preceding year, he had expended in tlie purchase of Innds, and in found- ing of settlements at a distance from the Capo, about eight hundred dollars; and had learned with pleasure, that it was the intention of the Board, to send out a large compa- ny of emigrants. He expressed his regret, that the interests of the Society and Colony should suffer, for want of a regular correspondence; and his hope that arrangements would soon be made with some commercial house in the United States, by which two or three vessels should be constantly employed as packets to ply between this country and Liberia. He suggested that a wealthy merchant of New England, who had already commenced trade with Liberia, might agree on terms advantageous, and at regular intervals, to convey emigrants and supplies to the Colony. He stated that this individual had been given to understand, that the Colonists Vi^ould re- gard themselves as under- no obligations to favour his com- mercial views, unless lumber* should be found a prominent article imported in each of his vessels. The Managers were reminded in the same letter, of the necessity of adding to the School books and stationary of the Colony. On two i)oiiits of importance, in his view, to the success of the Agency, Mr. Ashmun at this time, modestly, but very decidedly, expressed his opinions. The firsts related to the appointment, by the Board, of assistant Agents; and the second^ to a provision in the early Constitution,t established by the Society for the Government of its African settlement, by which authority was vested in a Board of Agents, who * This fact shows with what industry the settlers were employed, in con- structin;^ houses and public buildings. t This provision was evidently abrogated by the form of Government es- tablished in 1824, but Mr. Ashmun seems to have been doubtful whether the Board so understood the matter— or what is more probable, mio;lit not, when this letter was penned, have received intelligence of the confirmaticr of the new form of Government by the Board. 308 LIFE OF ASHIMUN. were to discuss and settle by their united counsels, the public affairs. On the subject of Assistants, he declared that none was in- finitely preferable to persons of ordinary qualifications. — Though he had performed, for years, the duties of several active men, "he would sooner continue to sustain the burthen, ' than be troubled with young men not of very sufperior qual- ' ifications." "My ideas," he adds, "of the point of perfection ' to which every department of duties devolving on the pub- ' lie servants, ought to be brought, are such, as entirely to ex- ^ elude, from our little system, all half formed instruments. ' I would rather see all such, in use at home, where their ex- ' ample is to have less effect on the community tliey live in. ' The truth is, Sir, we have men of superior sense and dis- ' cernment amongst us — some are not wholly destitute of ' good taste — -and Monrovia is the constant resort of foreign- ' ers: The youth of the Colony require improving exam- *■ pies, and it is probable that a person not highly respected '■ and useful in the United States, would be less so here." . In regard to a Board of Agents, he believed that it was certain to be attended with most injurious effects. He refer- red to the total failure in the operations of the Government, in every instance, in which authority had been divided among the members of such a Board. He declared that to a Colony circumstanced as that was, the advantages of one directing head, were incalculable; and that much of the strife and an- archy of former years would return, should the powers of the Managers, in the Colony, be confided to a Board of Agents. Before the arrival of this communication, it had been deter- mined to despatch two expeditions to the Colony. The brig Vine, with thirty-four emigrants,* a Missionary, * These emigrants were mostly from Newport, Rhode Island. Eighteen of their number were just before their departure, attheirown request, organ- ized into a church, and the impressive exercises of the occasion, upon which thousands attended, deepened the concern for the prosperity of the expedition. LIFE OF ASH M UN. 309 (the Rev. Calvin Holton) and a Printer, accompanied by the Rev. Horace Sessions, an Agent of the Society, who proposed to return in the same vessel, sailed from Boston, on the 4th of January, and arrived at Liberia on the seventh of Febru- ary. A press, with its necessary appendas^es, many valuable books and other important articles, were sent out in this ves- sel, by the generous citizens of Boston, who assumed tlie en- tire expense of the printing establishment for the first year. The Indian Chief left Norfolk with one hinidred and fifty- four persons, mostly from the State of North Carolina, on the 15th of February, and completed her passage on the 22d of March. In this vessel, went as passenger. Dr. John W. Pea- ce, Agent of Government for the recaptured Africans, who was empowered, also, to act as an assistant Agent, and Phy- sician for the Colony. By the return of the Vine, Mr. Ashmun informed the Board, that the greatest benefits were to be expected from the press and from the efibrts of Mr. Holton, who had been em- ployed by the Society to establish and superintend, under the direction of the Agent, a system of Colonial education. He expressed his intention of sending, in future, at regular periods, and in a printed form, all important public docu- ments, and a copious compend of the public Journal. He stated that Mr. Holton (of whose excellent qualifications for this work, and entire devotion to duty, he felt assured) would organize a system of instruction, to embrace all learners— of all the four classes: 1st. The children of the Colonists; 2d. Native children living in the settlement. 3d. Recap- tured Africans (of whom there were one liundredand twenty); and 4th. A class of young men and women, either actually engaged as teachers, or preparing to become such. It had been determined to adopt the Lancasterian method of in- struction among the lower classes, while the higher would enjoy the lectures and personal tuition of the Principal. We have seen how strong; was the affection of Mr. Ashmun 3\0 "^IFK O^' ASIIMUN. for the cause of Missions. The Baptist Board of Missions in the United States, had instructed the Rev. Mr. Holton, to act as their Missionary in Africa; and to animate the efforts of this Institution, Mr. Ashmui! made to it a grant (subject to the decision of the Board) of a tract of ground adjoining to Monrovia, on the condition that a School-house should be forthwith erected upon it, and devoted forever to Missionary purposes. Sounds of joy were still heard in the settlement on account of the arrival of the Yine, and Mr. Ashmun had found time only to consider how he should best direct this new accession of numbers and means to the good of the Colony, when the en- tire company were attacked by the worst form of African fever, and about half their number, which was subsequently, increas- ed, including Messrs. Sessions, Holton, and Force (the Prin- ter), fell victhiis to its power. "-It was the will of God," said Mr. Aslimun, "which often humbles the pride of human theories, ' disappoints human hopes, and covers with the wreck of its < plans, so large a space of human life."* The Rev. Horace Sessions had but just entered upon the duties of his sacred office, when he accepted an Agency for the Society, and did much to kindle the zeal and arouse the ex- ertions of New England in belialf of Africa. He superin- tended the embarkation of the emigrants by the Vine, accom- panied them to Liberia, to acquire information which might render more efficient his future exertions for the Colony, and on his passage home, was summoned from the labours and trials of this world, to the endless happiness of a better. * With one exception, these emigrants were either natives of the North- ern States, or had long resided there. They left Boston in the depth of win- ter and arrived in Liberia during the hottest season of the African year. "The disadvantage of the rains," says Mr. Ashmun, "has long since proved itself to consist chiefly in want of shelters, and not in any particular malignity of the atmosphere in that season:-au inconvenience now no longer felt, and which at worst, is more than counterbalanced by the advantage of leaving America in summer." LIFE OF ASHiUUN. 311 His remains sleep with those of the beloved Mills in the depths of the ocean; but they rest secure under the protection of Him "who is the resurrection and the life," and who will finally bring the dispersed bodies of His saints from every land and every sea, into reunion with their souls in glory everlastinour at their trades — if farmers, cultivate a puhlic farm, and receive a reasr>nable comj^ensatiori in provisions and clothing from the public store. Individuals while on tlie sick list, were to be subsisted and furnished with medical att^^ndance at the public ex;>finse; but only, until so lar recovered as to be able to contribute to their owii support. It was reported by Mr. Ashmun, as a fact well attested by experience in the Colony, that the aged were fxiculiarly lia- ble to fiill victims to the y\frican (AhiiaXn. Under cmmnsUin- ces the most favourable, they could gain but little by removal to Africa; while the probability was great, that even should they survive the earliest impressiorLS of the climate, the natu- ral decay of age would be liastened rajAdly to death. Mr. Ashmun neglected no means of animating the Colo- nists with zeal and enterprise in the adoption and prosecution of plans of public utility. A company was formed this year, for the purpose of improving the navigation of ]Montserado river, stock subscrilx^ to the amount of aVx)ut one thousand dollars, andjjlt-dges given to raise the sum to four thousand^ if necessary to effect the object. The recaptured Africans had proved orderly, industrious, and useful. Familiarly acfiuainted with the ordinary modes of African agriculture, and comparatively insensible to the injurious influences of the chmate, they had commenced their settlements with the fairest prospects of success. Alluding to the probability that the U. States' Agency in the Colony, might be discontinued, or its importance extreme- ly reduced; Mr. Ashmun expressed the hof^e, tljat as Cape LIFE OF ASII.MLN. H59 Montserado iimst become a sort of depot for American com- merce in that quarter of the world, and a rendezvous for that portion of the U. States' Navy, which must in future (more than in time past) be employed along that coast, the Govern- ment might be persuaded to construct a strong fortress on the height of Thompson Town, (near the extremity of the Cape) or at least sustain and extend the battery already there erect- ed. He declared his belief that an arrangement between the Government and the Society, by which the latter should agree, for a stipulated annual consideration, to accomplish the humane objects proposed by the former, in tlie establishment of an Agency in Liberia, would prove of great mutual advan- tage to the parties; that the money appropriated by the former, would be better applied, its work more economically executed, while all collision of different interests would be prevented, and the Colony derive strength from the entire unity of its members in their political responsibilities and character. The property of the United States, consisting principally of fortifications and public buildings, should, he thought, in case the Government should recall its Agent, be relinquished to the Colony. These buildings, he observes, were indeed constructed with the U. States' money. "But ' who furnished workmen and mechanics? Who the ground ' on which they stand? ^V'ho has protected and preserved ' them? Certainly the properly of the United States in those • erections is qualified, to say the least, by these and other ' considerations, and will be so admitted, I believe, by the ' Executive." In the month of December, touched at the Colony, the United States ship of war Ontario, Captain Nicolson, on her return from the Mediterranean to the United States, and the friendly interest evinced in the affairs of the settlement by her commander, as well as a valuable donation of seeds, which he had taken special care to obtain in the Archipelago, Asia Minor, and at Tunis, are gratefully acknowledged by the 360 LIFE OF ASHMUN. Colonial Agent. On his arrival in America, Captain Nicol- son bore testimony to the general contentment and industry of the Colonists — the rapid progress made by them in public and private improvements, and to their salutary and growing influence over the native tribes. On the same day, Mr. Ashmun welcomed to the Colony, the first of several Swiss Missionaries, who in consequence of his communication to the venerable Dr. Blumhardt, had consented, under instructions from the Basle Missionary So- ciety, to devote their lives to the propagation of Christianity among the Africans. The system of Government adopted in 1824, had continued without any material alterations, to fulfil the great purposes for which it was established. The annual election resulted in the re-appointment of most of the officers of the preceding 3^ear. The political year was commenced with ev^ery pros- pect of the vigorous and harmonious operation of the Go- vernment. "The principles of social order," said Mr. Ash- mun, "of a good, equitable and efficient Government, are ' deeply and plentifully implanted in the minds of the ivjiu- ' ential part, if not of a majority, of the Colonists; and ' promise the certain arrival — I do not think it will be early, ' liowever — when the Board can safely withdraw their ' Agents, and leave the people to govern themselves." In his last communication to the Managers, during this year, Mr. Ashmun presented a comprehensive view of the state, progress, and prospects of the Colony. Dividing the settlers into four classes, he described the first, embracing nearly one-half of the whole population as settled in circum- stances of independence, in comfortable dwellings on their own cultivated premises, and industriously occupied with mechanical or commercial pursuits: The second, as just placing themselves in their new, but in some cases, unfinish- ed houses — clearing their lands, and though contending with difficulties in their efforts to sustain themselves and families, LIFE OF ASHMUN, 361 and occasionally desponding on account of the embarrass- ments and hardships of their condition; yet, with a prospect of attaining- in the course of a few months, to an easy and respectable estabhshment: The third, as constituted of those less than a year in Africa, mostly in the public receptacles or rented liouses, imperfectly inured to the climate, partially dependant upon the Society, beginning moderately to labour on wages for the older settlers, or in constructin"- their houses and preparing their lands for cultivation; and the fowth, as including all the idle and improvident, not entirely useless to the Colony, but securing no valuable interests for themselves. The Colony was sustained in its growth, almost wholly by its own industry. It was a subject for regret, that the life of this industry was rather in its trade and com.merce, than its agriculture. The country fertile, the products thereof va- rious, rich and abundant, the prosperity induced by trade, obviously more fluctuating and precarious than that arising from agriculture, yet situated as were the Colonists, on the central part of an extensive coast, with a vast iield of com- mercial enterprise opening before them — tempted to seek im- mediate gains, rather than remote, though surer and more important advantages, Mr. Ashmun expressed his belief, that for some time, at least, agriculture was destined to follow in the train of trade, and not to lead it. The former interest had been fostered and encouraged, in every possible way, by the Colonial Government. The premiums proposed by the Board to such as should engage most successfully in this employment, had proved, to some extent, beneficial. The farmers at Caldwell, had associated themselves into an Agri- cultural Society, at the weekly meetings of which, the mem- bers reported, individually, their progress on their plantations, discussed freely one or more practical questions, on which a vote was finally taken, and each question unanimously de- termined, recorded as £i maxim in the practical agricul- ture of the settlement. The members weie pledged to re- 46 362 LIFE OF ASHMUN. duce these maxims to practice. Mr. Ashmim attended the meetings of this Society, and testified to its utihty. "Many," he observes, "of the settlers at Caldwell, are actively employ- ' ed on their farms, this season; and there remains not a doubt, ' that the products of the Colony, the ensuing year, will equal ' its consumption, in every article except rice. I have led * the way in a farm of eight acres — ^which, considering the ' richness of the soil— the perennial growth of every plant ' and crop — and the most prolific nature of vegetation in this ' country, is no contemptible piece of tillage."* Four military cmopanies had been voluntarily organized and equipped by the Colonists, of whom, only about half a dozen were not enrolled to bear arms for the public defence. Nearly the whole expense of the Colonial Government and the United States' Agency, had been defrayed by the profits realized in the trade of tlie Factories established by the Agent. A small schooner was constantly employed in conveying to these Factories articles for the barter traffic, and in bringing in return supplies of rice and other products of the coast. The nett profits amounted, during the year, to little short of five thousand dollars. * The followine; list of animals and products then rearing in the Colony, and which Mr. Ashmun remarked, could not in future be wanting, unless through the inexcusable negligence or indolence of the settlers, may be of some interest to our readers : Of Animals, Horses, Cattle in abundance, Sheep, Goats in abundance, Jtsses are lately introduced. Fowls, Ducks, Geese, Guinea Fowls, Swine numerous- Fish nowhere found in greater quantities. Fruits are Plantains, Bananas, in endless abundance. Limes, Lemons, Tamarinds, Oranges, Sousop, Cashew, Mangoe, 20 varieties of the Prune, Guava, Papaio, Pine Jpple, Grape, tropi- cal Peach and O/jerry.— Vegetables are Sweet Potatoe, Cassada, Yams, Cocoa, Ground-nuts, Arrow-root, Egg-plant, Ocre, every variety of Beans, and most sorts of Peas, Cucumbers and Pumpkins. Grains are Rice, the staple — Lidian Corn, Coffee excellent and abundant — Pepper of three varieties, of which each is equalto Cayenne— Millet and Guinea Corn— Cotton, staple good, but not yet cultivated. To these may be added Indigo, which, it is thought, may be raised to advantage, and the Sugar-Cane, which may, and doubtless will, ulti- mately receive attention. LIFE^ OF ASH M UN. 363 Important accessions had been made, during the year, to the Colonial Territory. The chiefs of Cape Mount (with whom negotiations had been commenced the preceding year) had stipulated to con- struct a large and commodious Factory for the Colonial Go- vernment; to guaranty the safety of all persons and property belonging to the Factory; to exact no tribute from those who might resort to it; to encourage trade between it and tlie in- terior; and forever to exclude foreigners from similar privile- ges, and from any right of occupancy or possession in their country. The right bank of Bushrod Island, extending the whole length of Stockton Greek, (which unites the Montserado and St. Paul's) had been ceded to the Society. This Island con- tains twenty thousand acres of fertile, lev^el land, promising greatly to enrich the agricultural interest of the Colony. An invaluable tract of land, of indefinite extent, on the north side of the river St. John's, contiguous to Factory Island, had also been added to the possessions of the Society. Fac- tories had been erected on the Island, and on both branches of the river, "and they form," said Mr. Ashmun, "new links ' of union betv/een the tribes along the St. John's and your ' Colony." "The interests of both and all," he continues, •* are, I trust, at no great distance of time, to become perfect- * ly identical, and one numerous and Christian nation, using ' our language and enjoying our institutions, to cover the * whole western coast of Africa." At no less than eight stations, on the line of coast from Cape Mount to Trade Town, had the Colonial Government obtained the right of founding settlements; and over this en- tire line of coast, extended the influence and partial jurisdic- tion of the Colony. It was a part of the plan of Mr. Ashmun, (a plan thusr'far carried into effect) to cultivate a farm or farms, ai each of the Colonial Factories, in the belief, that it would prove 364 LIFE OP ASHMUN. mutually advantageous to the Colonists and the people of the country. He expressed a deep sense of the importance of founding schools for the native youth and children of the re- spective tribes in which the Colonial establishments were situated. "Whether," he remarks, "we regard such schools ' as a cheap means of extending the power of the Colony — ■ ' as the most effectual instruments of civilizing^ the continent ' — as a noble exercise of Christian philanthropy, or the best ' expression of Christian piety, (and the object, I think, is sus- ' ceptible of each of these views) no work connected with the ' rearing of the Colony, is, in my opinion, more desirable. I ' think it nearly capable of moral demonstration, that the Af- ' rican tribes maybe civilized without expulsion from their ' chosen settlements and villages, aiid without that fearful * diminution of their population, which lias, from causes ' that do not exist here, as in regard to the Indians of Ame- ' rica, accompanied the march of civilization in that hemis- * phereP A citizen of the Colony, during this year, penetrated into the interior to the distance of one hundred and forty miles, where he discovered a numerous population, industrious and intelligent, possessed of a written language, with some know- ledge of the useful arts, of a productive agriculture, and shar- ing largely in the comforts and social enjoyments of life. To open and maintain a friendly intercourse with these people, was an object of much solicitude to the Colonial Agent. That the chiefs between Cape Mount and Trade Town, had bound themselves to exclude all others, except the people of Liberia, from a settlement in their coiuitry; that they were anxiously seeking an education for their sons in the Colony; that they were universally at peace with its inhabitants; and that when a robbery had been committed by a few lawless in- dividuals on a company of the Bassa people under the protec- tion of the Agent, more than one thousand native men were marched under arms, to place themselves, at his command, LIFE OF ASHMUN. 365 were facts, demonstrative of the powerful influence acquired over nide minds by a policy, in which trutli was blended with meekness, and justice with humanity.* To what, under Providence, above all things else, is the extraordinary success of the infant Colony of Liberia to be attributed? What, that principle, animating- a feeble compa- ny of illiterate and hitherto obscure, if not oppressed men, on the borders of a remote and savage land, in sickness, and want, and peril, to manifest a degree of patience, and forti- tude, and valour, not unworthy of the educated and the hon- oured of the most enlightened age and nation? What, that power, which enabled such men to rise above all the misfor- tunes of life, and all the terrors of death, that they might be- queath to their posterity and their race, certainly, a worthy example, possibly, the unmeasurable blessings of freedom and Christianity? It was the spirit, the power of true Religion. They lived under the influence of the world to come. Their faith and hope were alike in God. More concerned to secure the rewards of another lile, than to escape the afllictions of * In December, Mr. Ashmun spent several days in attendance on a Coun- cil of the Dey chiefs. They complained much of the influence of the Colony in diminishing the slave trade, and resolved to raise the .price of their wood and rice, about one hundred per cent., making many insinuations against the Colonists. These were promptly met by a statement of facts, on the part of the Agent, wliich left tlie sensible among them, nothing to say; as well as by an immediate regulation on the j)art of the Colony, inflicting a heavy fine on any member thereof, who should pay them more than the usual prices for their produce. On the 15th of this month, eight of these Chiefs and about fifty of their people, dined with the Colonial Agent, who ordered a bullock dressed for the occasion. "Very little rum," says Mr. Ashmun, "was used, which I gave them particularly to understand, was withheld by design; that a regard for their own good and that of their countrymen and subjects, had determined the Fathers of the Colony very sparingly indeed to dispense to them this secret poison — a precaution which their own good sense must tell them, deserved their gratitude, and must prove to them how different were the characters of those gentlemen, from that of the mercenary foreigners, who to serve their own selfish ends, never hesitated to drown the reason of half the country, with puncheons of rum, and take advantage of their intoxication to carry off their people by hundreds." 366 LIFE OF ASHMUN. this, they found a remedy for the one, in the anticipations of the other. At the time of which we write, few, if any villages, in our own country, exhibited less to offend, or more to gratify, the eye of a Christian, than the village of Monrovia. The gen- eral order and sobriety, the universal respect for the Sabbath, and the various Institutions and duties of Chris- tianity, struck the natives with surprise, and excited the admi- ration of foreigners.* * The following sentences are extracted from a valuable article in the Amu- let for 1832, ascribed to a distinguished British Officer, who had been three years on the African coast : "Nothing has tended more to suppress the slave trade in this quarter, than the constant intercourse and communication of the natives with these indus- trious colonists. The American Agent, Mr. Ashmun, took every opportunity and means in his power, to extinguish a traffic so injurious in every way to the fair trader; and at Cape Montserado good and correct information was al- ways to be obtained of any slave vessels on the coast within the communica- tion or influence of the Colony. This active, respectable, and intelligent man is since dead, but his spirit still actuates all his people. They have several large boats and small decked vessels belonging to their community, and others in progress of building. These are actively employed in trading alono- the coast, and in keeping up the intercourse with Caldwell and the in- terior. "The character bf these industrious colonists is exceedingly correct and mor- al their minds strongly impressed with religious feelings, their manners serious and decorous, and their domestic habits remarkably neat and comfortable. * * Their houses are well built, ornamented with gardens and other pleasing dec- orations, and in the inside are remarkably clean — the walls well white-wash- ed and the rooms neatly furnished. They are very hospitable to strangers, and many English naval officers on the station have been invited to dine with them, and joined in their meals, which were wholesome and good. The man of the house regularly said grace, both before and after meat, with much so- lemnity, in which he was joined by the rest of his family with great seeming sincerity. They all speak good English, as their native language, and with- out any defect of pronunciation. They are well supplied with books, par- ticularly Bibles and liturgies. They have pastors of their own colour, and meetino'-houses in which divine service is well and regularly performed every Sunday, and they have four schools at Montserado, and three at Caldwell. — By one ship alone they received five hundred volumes, presented by Dart- mouth College, and several boxes and packets of school-books, sent by friends at F-^-^ton. LIFE OF ASHMUN. 367 "How it is," remarks Mr. Ashmnn, "in other parts of the * world, I have only heard and read. But in this Colony I ' have seen the direct and inseparable connection of Christi- '■ anity, taking in its doctrines, its worship, and its practical * fruits — with all that is mentally and morally improving, ' all that is exalting to human nature — in a word, with all * that is o-ood and excellent amonof us. "There is no room for speculation on this point, no room ^ for reasoning. Premises and conclusion are both embodied *■ in *one and the same obvious fact. There is a pious family — * and there stands a firm pillar of the Colony. Industry, in- *■ telligence, order, competency, and peace, are its character- ' istics. There is a family without religion: I have only to ' reverse the characteristics of the first, and that family is '■ described." # An address, transmitted by the citizens of Monrovia, in the summer of this year, to the coloured people of the U. States, was happily adapted by its facts, argument, and elo- quence, to create strong confidence in the wisdom of the enterprise in which they had engaged. They declared that in removing to Africa, they had sought for civil and religious libertj^, and that their expectations and hopes in this respect had been realized. The great mortality which had occurred in the earliest years of the Colony, they attributed principally to the dangers, irregularities, privations, dis- couragements, and want of medical experience, which are almost necessarily attendant on the plantation of new "The complete success of this colony is a proof that negroes are by proper care and attention, as susceptible of the habits of industry and improvements of social life as any other race of human beings; and that the melioration of the condition of the black people on the coast of Africa, by means of such co- lonies, is not chimerical. Wherever the influence of this colony extends, the slave trade has been abandoned by the natives, and the peaceful pursuits of legitimate commerce established in its place. * * A fev? colonies of this kind, scattered along the coast, would be of infinite value in improving the natives." 368 LIFE OF ASHMUN. settlements in a distant, uncleared and barbarous coun- try. After a few months' residence in Africa, they en- joyed health as uniformly and in as perfect a degree as in their native country. They believed that a more fertile soil than that of Liberia, and a more productive conntry, so far as it is cultivated, did not exist on the face of the earth. The vir- tuous and industrious were nearly sure to attain there, in a few years, to a style of comfortable living, which they might in vain hope for, in the United States. "Truly we" (it is their own language) "have a goodly heritage; and if there is any thing lacking in the character or condition of the people of this Colony, it never can be charged to the account of the country: it must be the fruit of our own mismanagement or slothfulness, or vices. But from these evils we confide in Him, to whom we are in^bted for all our blessings, to pre- serve us. It is the topic of our weekly and daily thanksgiv- ing to Almighty God, both in public and in private, and he knows with what sincerity, — that we were ever conducted by his Providence to this shore. Such great favours in so short a time, and mixed with so few trials, are to be ascribed to nothing but his special blessing. This we acknowledge. We only want the gratitude which such signal favours call for. Nor are we willing to close this paper without adding a heartfelt testimonial of the deep obligations we owe to our American patrons — and best earthly benefactors; whose wis- dom pointed us to this home of our nation; and whose ac- tive and persevering benevolence enabled us to reach it. — Judge, then, of the feelings with which we hear the motives and the doings of the Colonization Society traduced — and that, too, by men too ignorant to know what that Society has accomplished: too weak to look through its plans and inten- tions; or too dishonest to acknowledge either. But, without pretending to any prophetic sagacity, we can certainly pre- dict to that Society, the ultimate triumph of their hopes and: labours; and disappointment and defeat to all who oppose LIFK OF ASllMUN. 369 them. Men may theorize, and speculate about their plans in America, but tliere can be no speculation here. Tlie cheer- ful abodes of civilization and li;i,ppiness which are scattered over this verdant mountain — the flourishing^ settlements which are spreading- around it — the sound of Christian in- struction, and scenes of Christian worship, which are heard and seen in this land of brooding pagan darkness — a thou- rand contented freemen iniited in fonnding a new Christian empire, happy themselves, and th:' instruments of happiness to others: every object, every individual, is an argiunent, is demonstration, of the wisdom and the goodness of the plan of Colonization. "Where is the argument that s?iall refute facts like these? — And where is the man hardy enough to deny them?" Mr. Ashmun was accustomed to write upon those practical subjects which claimed his attention. He has left a great variety of papers containing his reflections on the aflairs and interests of the Colony. There is one, penned near the close of this year, specifying some of the objects to be pro- moted during his contemplated visit to the United States, and the rules for his own conduct in his endeavours to ac- complish them. These objects related both to the Colony and to his own personal duties and improvement. To obtain the establishment of a packet to run, at least thrice a year, from the Chesapeake to Liberia— a Superinten- dent of schools — a female Teacher — (if possible from the south) and a Printer, were among the objects deemed princi- pal in importance. Of the rules, adopted for his own conduct in matters of business, we copy the following : "Attempt to carry no point not worthy of my utmost zeal ' and exertion. "Never press a measure till those with whom I would car- ' ry it, are sufficiently enlightened as to its nature and neces- ' sity. 47 370 LIFE OF ASHMUN. "Let the grounds of every measure be perfectly ascertained ' to my own mind. ''Have never more than one, at most two measures, on ' the carpet at one tijne, unless there is such a connexion ' between them, that they shall mutually support each other. "My time is short. Waste not a moment. Let my zeal ' glow in every feature. It will open a speedy way for me ' through every other man's engagements, indolence and dis- ' affection. "Do thoroughly every thing I undertake. ' "Avow every thing personal, especially all such personali- ' ties as have the most distant relation to myself. "Mix none of the trifles of the day, with serious business. "Cultivate, as the best means of succeeding in business, an ' unaffected, but exact pohteness. "Too great punctuality with myself or others, cannot be ' observed. "Too great modesty of deportment or language, cannot be ' shown. "In doing business, the great key to success, is to aim only ' at effects — the effects produced are the only measure of * success." Under a calm and meek aspect and demeanor, there was in Ashmun an ever burning desire for intellectual and moral improvement; a restless spirit of activity not to be satisfied, but with the boundless and the Eternal. It is true he had moments of peace, but only as he communed with hope, and felt conscious of sympathies and affections uniting him to the invisible world. That melancholy thoughts sometimes darkened the light of his soul, is certain. These might be traced to his constitutional temperament — to the extinction of his earliest and most precious hopes of worldly happiness, and to a deep sense of deficiency in those religious attain- ments which both reason and faith had taught him to seek as the paramount and imperishable good of his nature. LIFE OP ASIIMUN. 371 Minds capable of high excitement, are generally subject to occasional depression; that sensibility, which is produc- tive of great happiness, becomes not unfrequently, an inlet to misery. Nor can we doubt, that the deep fountains of the heart were mingled with private sorrow ; that those gentle affections which once had gathered in homage around an ob- ject now lost to him forever, were cast in bitter grief upon her image in memory enshrined, like withered flowers upon the lifeless form of beauty and of worth. Those who have witnessed the funeral of their own hopes, can best appreciate the fortitude which gains strength by suffering; and the resolution that enables its possessor to triumph over his own weakness, while by public virtues he wins public honours, and builds up, even amid the moulder- ing ruins of his own expectations, the fortunes of mankind. He, who, as he has less reason to live for himself, lives the more for others, finds a compensation for all his losses in his benevolence, and turns his private evils to the public good. "By those that deepest feci, is ill exprest The indistinctness of the suffering breast, Where thousand thoughts begin, to end in one • Which seeks from all, the refuge found in none." Yet the melancholy thoughts of Ashmun did find a refuge in that which has been called the "Sabbath and the port of all man's labours and peregrinations." Religion opened be- fore him scenes of peace and felicity, more sweet and charm- ing than the fabled regions, to which iEncas was conducted through the land of shades and of death, the locos laetos et amoena vireta Fortunatorum nemorum, sedesque beatas Largior hie campos aether et lumine vestit Purpureo: Solemque suum sua sidera norunt. "His ardent spirit could not satisfy itself with things seen, though gilded with all the glories of intellect and imagina- tion; it soared away in search of other lands, looking with 372 LIFE OF ASHMUN. unutterable desire for some surer and brighter home beyond the horizon of this world."* As he approached his eternal home, not dimly, nor doubt- fully revealed, his love for its objects became more intense; but as his faith acquired vigour, and his hopes rose, he de- scended in humility. This last virtue shone forth from amidst the others which adorned him, like a retiring beauty, the more observed as she would escape observation; admired, because uncon- scious of any claim to praise. How, in the judgment of Ashmun, did all human excellence sink, in comparison of that surpassing moral beauty, once only seen among men, in the person of their Redeemer; that in despair of them- selves, they might trust in the Divine mercy, and aspire through His power and grace to a victory over death, and to a sinless immortality in that new heaven and new earth, wherein dvvelleth righteousness. It will be seen by the following extracts from Mr. Ashmun's private Journal, that he entertained a very humble opinion even at this period, of his advancement in the religious life : "I pray for more strength — more light — more grace — more ' of the spirit of holiness. When I look at my life, my heart, ' I despair; when to the greatness of God the Father's mer- ' cy, and the infinite merits of His Son's atonement, I hope: ' and occasionally Christ appears a greater Redeemer than I ■' a sinner. But if I know my own heart, there is not, on earth, ' there never was a child of God in the comparison of my- ' self with whom, I do not feel ashamed. But I still have ' hope: and look forward to that God, whose gift if I have ' grace, that grace is to perfect his own work, and glorify ' himself in and by me. "Wednesday 4th — Thursday 5th— Friday 6th— Saturday ' 7th— Sunday Sth— Monday 9th— Tuesday 10th July, were ' days of distressing and dangerous illness. Perhaps my bodily * Schiller's Life. LIFE OF ASHMUN. 373 ' sufferings were never greater. But my mind was commonly ' kept in peace — some murmers, and more impatience; but ' God be praised for the measure of grace He did give me. — * I resolved (and I believe His spirit moved, and will enable ' me to accomplish the resolution,) to live more to the glory of ' God — to bear my cross — and sell all my earthly wealth for ' the pearl of heavenly value. My feelings were not rapture ' — they were not triumph — but they were deep, peaceful, ' confiding and penitent; blessed be God the Holy Ghost. — ' I often wandered, through the force of my most painful dis- ' order — but found my spirit in every lucid interval, still * trembling back to its celestial polar star. Ihave ventured ' to set down so much — too much, were nothing but my poor ' self concerned in these imperfect exercises of a renovated ' mmd. Let the record, then, remind me, as often as I read ' it, of the infinite grace of God, which chose such a mean ' and venomous worm to operate in such sort, upon: — and ' it will never inflate my pride, but shame it. "Sunday, August 12. "God is pleased to cause His face to shine upon me, and ' be gracious. I read His Word with some pleasure and pro- ' fit — am strengthened, and assisted in. and moved to, my ' duties. Crosses are light — and His grace (for to Him I as- ' cribe all) disposes me to embrace them, and to deny myself ' But there is always at hand a dark reverse of all that is right, ' dutiful and holy, in the inbred corruptions, and practical dc- ' fects which I feel, and mourn, and detest in myself. When ' I refer to the work of God's grace, in and for me, no lan- ' guage can celebrate it sufficiently, or express my wonder ' and joy: When I advert to myself, no language can equal ' the sense I have of my guilt, and of the worthlessness of my ' character. I even sufler in comparison with the worst of ' my fellow-men. Captain C. in a scurrilons letter he sent ' me in the Pongas, called rae a 'liar.' I was less indignant ' at him, than smitten with tiie justice of the reproach; and ' applied to myself — 'if when ye do evil, and •suffer for it^ ye 374 LIFE OF ASIIMUN. ' take it patiently, what thanks have ye?' But, har, my own ' conscieiice testifies, I do not wish, or intend to be. O Lord, ' for huraihty to cover and be worn by me, hke a garment, all ' the days of my life ! Cure me, lioly God, of my propen- ' sity to backbite and slander ilty creatures, whose jndg- ' ment is with Thee. 'Tis my fault — and a besetting one. "Overrule and conquer my habit of 'idle speaking.' — I * adopt the language (with greater reason) of my dear depart- * ed Brother F.— 'Not one in ten thousand of my words has ' been right.' "I read Owen with great pleasure, and find him evangeli- * cal and spiritual, far beyond expectation. One trait of his ' writings is particularly pleasing — the fullness with which ' he constantly insists on the necessity of the illuminating and ' sanctifying inspirations of the Divine Spirit to understand ' and relish the doctrine of Christ — and the believer's privi- ' lege to enjoy direct communion with the great God, through ' His Son Jesus Christ. I know not how I came by the pre- ' judice, but it has long kept me from entering on the peru- ' sal of his works, that Owen was rather a verbal critic, and ' polemic, than an evangelical, discriminating, practical '■ Divine, of too sound and sanctified a judgment, to trifle ' with the word of God, by descending to tedious and unpro- ' fitable refinements. But thanks be to God, for so rich a ' treasure of scriptural instruction as I find in these writings." The following letter was addressed to his friend, the Rev. William Hawley, of Washington City : '^Caldwell, March 11, 1827. "i2ev. and Dear Sir: — It is Sunday — and one of the ' last I expect, for some months at least, to spend on this ' coast — but lately making a part of the region of the sha- * dow of death — and even now an extreme outskirt of the ' Christian world. I have a direct conveyance for a letter home ' — and both the occasion and my feelings urge me to write. ' I have, during my long residence in this country, had few ' correspondents of a truly Christian chai'acter, and even LIFE OF ASHMUN. 375 * with them, have not cukivated what deserves to be named * a Christian correspondence. And I have been a great suf- ' ferer by it, in that interest which I, in common with my ' friends, liave in the great salvation of the Son of ^ God. Silence and concealment, I grant, may expose a * Christian less to the danger of a feeling of self-important ' vanity, and that odious egotism which is the attendant and ' mark of the worst sort of hypocrisy, than the ostentation ' of zeal and a forward profession. But they may be carried ' too far and proceeding at first from unaffected modesty, ' come at last to arise from a real want of zeal and devotion * in the cause of God. And there are times in which, and ' persons to whom, every decided Christian may and ought ' to signify the inward and true state of his mind, in regard ' to the great warfare carrying on between Christ and his ene- ' mies. Is it enough that a believer enrol his name once in ' his life in the books of some Christian congregation — and ' so he spends a tolerably correct and moral life, and attend ' in common with the throng of Christian professors to the < external offices of religion, imagine that he has answered ' to God and his church, and to his own soul, the great ends ' of his high vocation? I cannot so satisfy my conscience, * however my life may have disagreed with its dictates. And * in unbosoming myself with some degree of freedom, to one ' whom I know not to be disposed to judge uncharitably of ' the motives of others, I liave my own advantage chiefly in ' view — and some slight desires to honour the God of all my ' mercies. Yes, my Dear Sir, as the ancient saints superadd- < ed to the name of their adorable Jehovah certain titles sug- ' gested by His providential dispensations towards themselves, ' I would thankfully and devoutly record His name as the ' God of all my mercies. It v/as a dispensation of His mer- * cy which sent me to Africa. Of this I am more sensible ' than any other can be. And all computation fails, creduli- ' ty and faith itself arc confounded in tracing out the good- ' ness and mercy which have followed me through all the ma- 378 LIFE OP ASHMUN. ' zes of sufTerings, labours, perils, sins, follies, and infirmities * in which my course has subsequently laid. The greatest of ' all is, that I am not abandoned to utter insensibility and im- * penitence^that I am not without an honest wish to spend ' every moment of every future day of my life, in His service ' and obedience — that 1 do d«test my former sins, and present ' sinfulness, as far as I can discover them — and pray for still ' more extensive and more humbling discoveries of my cor- ' ruptions. If you knew, my Dear Sir, how much I have ' lived under the influence of sinful and inordinate passions, ' and how deeply drunk into the spirit of this world, since I ' came to Africa, you would think the strain, a bold one for ' me to use. Perhaps it is imprudently so. Indeed, I should ' be unwilling to say as much to the- members of my own fam- ' ily, here. But God is my witness that I am sincere in what ' I write you. I have these feelings, and pray and labour, ' that they may remain, and increase, and overcome all the ' workings of sin in my heart. But I am a mere child, and ' an exceedingly dull, perverse, and unhopeful one, in all ' that concerns practical godliness. My weakness and igno- ' ranee, in all that concerns the work of my salvation, and ' desperate hardihood in the contempt of Christ's com- ' mands, when for a little left to m^^self, no created being ' knows. But I have not a tliought to retire from the great ' conflict, 'till the Spirit of God and the power of Christ, have ' given mo the victory over all. It is my unspeakable conso- < lation, that there is no besetment — be it pride, or lust, or sloth, ' or envy, or fear of man, or spiritual cowardice, — which the ' grace of God, sought by prayer in Christ's name, cannot de- ' liver the soul from. This has been the theme of my medi- ' tation, and a source of great encouragement to me this ' morning. Where sin abounds, O that desponding behev- ' ers might all see that grace much more abounds, and that ' God, when He devised a salvation for sinners, adapted it to ' the whole extent of their spiritual maladies and dangers. I LIFE OF ASHMUN. 379 ' hope to make it a chief part of my errand Iiome to derive a ' httle strength from God's blessing on the intercourse of my * Christian friends. I shall come like a famished wanderer^ ' as I am in more senses than onC; from the fold of Christ. — ' Pray that it may be with a teachable and humble spirit: For ' God resists the proud, and gives grace only to the humble. ' If any have injured me^ I forgive and forget it, recollecting ' how much I am myself obliged to be forgiven by our com- * mon Master. If I have injured others, it is equally my prayer ' that God and they may forgive me. My Dear Sir, to live ' for eternity, and for Christ, we shall soon find to be our true ' wisdom, and I trust are both old enough to know it to be the ' only life worth the troubles and labours of mortality. That ' we may so live, and mutually aid each other by our exam- ' pie and our prayers, to the glory of our common Lord, and ' the eternal advantage of the numerous immortals under our ' influence, is the sincere prayer of your friend and servant, "J. AsHMUN." 48 CHAPTER XVII. "They shall never perish," were the memorable words of the Son of God speaking of the final destiny of His faithful disciples. The subject of our Memoir, is soon to prove the value of this promise, for he has passed the threshold of that year in which he must die. On the i5th of January, 1828, arrived at Liberia, the brig Doris, after a passage of sixty -one days from Baltimore, with one hundred and seven emigrants, principally from Mary- land, sixty-two of them liberated slaves; on the 17th of the same month, the schooner Randolph from South Carolina, with twenty-six Africans, manumitted by a single individual; and on the 19th of February, fifty-four days from Hampton Roads, the brig Nautilus, with one hundred and sixty-four emigrants, mostly from the lower counties of North Carolina. Early in January, Mr. Ashmun made a fatiguing visit of inspection, to the Factories south of Monrovia, and returning on the 17th, found the commanders of several vessels waiting to settle concerns of business, and hasten their departure. — ■ 382 LIFE OF ASHMUN. The Doris came to anchor the same evening. This was the sixth vessel — the affairs of which demanded consideration. ^' Such an accumulation of labour," he observes, "I never felt '■ pressing on me before. Days and nights were too short. — '■ But I despatched previous to the 25th, three of the vessels, '■ when another arrived from Sierra Leone, with special * claiins on my attention." A piratical and strongly armed Spanish vessel now menaced the settlement with an attack at night, and until a late hour, Mr. Ashmiun exposed himself in arduous efforts for its defence. Immediately after, on the receipt of a proposal from the Dey chiefs on the St. Paul's, for opening a way for trade into the interior, on condition of the establishment of a settlement at the head of navigation, on that river, he visited all the intermediate kings on both sides of the river, and was occupied for three days and nights in negotiations, terminating in the conclusion that a number of the Colonists should occupy, without delay, the beautiful tract of country now bearing the honoured names of Mills and Burgess. For the four next successive days he was en- gaged in a difficult judicial investigation. The duty of as- signing, to the company of emigrants just arrived, their lands was tlien discharged, followed immediately by a laborious session of the Court, for two days. Even after he felt his strength sinking,his exertions were unremitted, until seized by a raging fever on the 5th of February, under the power of which, up to the 21st of that month, he was (to use his own words) "tossing on the brink of eternity." I'he daily inter- vals of reason with which, subsequently, he was favoured, were employed in giving instructions to those who were en- trusted, during his illness, with the general management of affairs. To add to his distress, the emigrants by the Doris were heavily afflicted; the season was unhealthy, their passage had been nearly twice the usual length, and in the case of twenty- LIFE OK ASHMUN. 383 four from Maryland, the disease baffled all the medical skill consult God and judgment, rather than man and pre- sent inclinations, and never to "daub with untempered mortar," a building erected for eternity. Sabbath, March 5, 1815. — The love of God has lately so reigned in my soul that I cannot discover a sinful gratification which I have net resolved to forego, a necessary cross which I am not resolved to assume, nor a required effort which, pro tempore, I did not resolve to make. A sweet, astonishing, melting, humbling sensation of forgiveness for my past crimes, the heinous- ness of which is enhanced on every repetition, was divinely impressed on my soul. Oh! I cannot doubt the infinitude of my dear Redeemer's love and grace. I now have clearer and more extensive views of the gracious nature of the gospel. 1 am reading Baxter's Saint's Rest. 'Tis refreshing; 'tis edifying. Why are the searching, conscience-arresting volumes of a Baxter, a Flavel, a Russel, or a Whitfield, left unread on the shelves of some aged Christians? Thursday morning, March 23, 1815. — Yesterdayread a partof Mrs. A'ewall's Journal, after her embarkation for India; and a partof Buchanan's Researches. I feel myself shamed in contemplatin .; the character of that lovely female as a Missionary, in contrast with my own, and was much affected, even to weep- ing, in reading that part of Buchanan's diary which described the condition of the dear lambs at Tanjore, who have but a few rays of light, to show them their way to Zion, though their eyes are opened and anxiously waiting for more; who have a relish for the waters of life — yet almost destitute of any knowledge of their source — who are hungry for the blessed Bible. 0 how I wish they were near, that I might give them one of the three, which lie on my table before me — and yet whole churches are destitute! The Christian in every situation must keep up the line of distinction be- tween himself and the world, he must most sensibly /ecZ it, others must see it. I still intend to associate as frequently as possible with pious company. The danger which I receive in the company of the ungodly, is not so formidable as that which offers amongst respectable worldly professors of religion. I feel less restraint, am less vigilant, and either forget or neglect too often, the pecu- liar obligation resting upon me, to watch over, and reprove any misdemeanor 24 APPENDIX. in them, as I would correct any impropriety of my own. 1 find myself this morning, spiritually in the hands of the blessed and loving Father of all. Oh! that I may always rest here. Lord, give me not over to Satan or myself. — Glory, and honor, and dominion, eternally be to the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. Jpril 8, 1815. — Wrote a letter to Mr. S dictated in a style of gospel plainness. I have recently adopted the practice, invariably to pray over my letters while writing them; and often when sealed, kneel down and present them to the Lord, praying Him to employ their contents in promoting the glory and peace of Zion; to fill the soul of the person to whom they are ad- dressed, vfith holiness and comfort; and to blot out, by some dispensation of his providence, any error of thought or manner, which^ may inadvertently have found a place in them. Wednesday, June 22, 1815. — Resolved to adopt a resolution of President Edwards, to study the sacred Scriptures, so as to make a very perceptible weekly progress in the knowledge of them. Thursday, 23d. — Find on perusing President Edwards' Life, and parts of his diary, that I can transcribe many portions of the last into my own Journal, and adopt some part of the first as answering to my own. When I bestow most time and care upon the Scriptures, I always live in the exercise of the most faith. Resolved — Always in the most trifling and apparently indifferent thing, both in speaking, thinking and writing, most strictly to adhere to truth, as I would be judged at last by " the God of truth." Wednesday, June 28th. I am sensibly embarrassed in my progress in this, and every other labor, undertaken for God, by my ignorance of the Scriptures. Monday morning, July 3d, 1815. God has visited me this morning in my closet — 0! how sweet His presence! how awfully sweet — How large His grace; how refreshing! But O, how holy ! how sin-condemning. — I often think of the appellation of Jesus, addressed to his Father — "Holy." What a word was that on the lips of Immanuel. What a check ought the example of our Re- deemer in addressing the Infinite Majesty, be to all his followers — who like myself, have been accustomed to rush like a heedless horse into the midst of the mighty and mortal contest!— O, my God— may I always feel myself in the immediate presence of the Holy, holy, holy— God. July 4th. Read with some profit a part of Fuller's, " The gospel its own Witness." Some letters and sermons by the same. He seems grounded in the truth, as it is in Jesus— to have known in his heart the power of grace— but, I should judge, not to have been the man of prayer that Whitfield, Edwards, and Milner were. The reasonings are good, but his writings want solemnity, want a little of the unction which sweetens; and gives that more than earthly savor to all that is written under the Spirit's glow, and teaching:— the propor- tion of truly evangelical publications among the " Ocean Tide" of religious books, which are monthly flowing into being, is smaller now, I believe, than APFENDIX. 25 fifty years ago. Modern writings are more perspicuous — the style of them, better finished; and in the orthodox part of them, the doctrines of Christianity are stated with more piecision and accuracy.— There is in our recent publica- tions more of the frame, but less of the finish and beauty of the gospel, than in those which preceded them — they are rather addressed to the understanding, than to the heart and conscience. The reader must supply fj-om his own bo- som this deficiency of spirit, or expect rather to find his head crowded with ideas, than his soul edified with the word of truth. Fridaij, July 21st, 1815. Have had my faith tried with respect to tem- poral provision for several days past. Before I have been fully aware of my orror and my folly, I have several times found myself indulging, in a criminal, unbelieving, and treacherous anxiety on this account; notwithstanding my God had always appeared for my relief when straitened, and notwithstanding my resolutions and promises, so often renewed, to distrust his watchful provi- dence, again to sin herein, appears doubly criminal. I find this morning that all the apparent difliculties are seasonably and wholely removed. With iny grateful thanksgivings to my Redeemer and my Portion, how ought I to be re- proved ! O Lord, Jehovah, may I never doubt again. Resolve. — When my prospects for temporal provision are most clouded, ever to be extremely cautious, theti, to seek more exclusively, and pursue more ea- gerly after the things of the kingdom of God. No. 2. The following resolution.s of the Trustees of the Maine Charity School show that they still retained their entire confidence in Mr. Ashman's integrity and piety. At a meeting of the Trustees of Maine Ciiarity School, Hampden, March 20, 1819, Mr. Professor A.shmun having resigned his office of Professor of Classical Literature in this Institution, I'uted, That we accept his resignation. Voted, That we cordially reciprocate those kind feelings expressed in the note accompanying the re.signation. That we presenthim our sincere tlianks for his faithful and efficient exertions while in our employment; and that we commend him to the blessing of God. and the friendship and communion of D 26 APPENDIX. good men; assuring him that he will ever be remembered by us with senti- ments of affectionate esteem, and that we shall never cease to feel a lively in- terest in his welfare. HARVEY LOOMIS, Secretary. A true copy. Attest: Hahvey Loomis, Secretaiy. Dear Sir: — It is hoped you will continue in the agency of the Board, and make such exertions as your convenience will permit, to obtain money and books for the Seminary. HARVEY LOOMIS. No. 3. The following papers, (one written in 1825, the other in 1827,) exhibit strongly the views of Mr. Ashmun in regard to the importance of Missionary efforts among the native Africans, as well as of judicious and systematic Religious Instruction for the Colony. MoNBoviA, Western Africa, ) Sabbath Day, March 20th, 1825. 5 To the Board of Managers of the Am. Ool. Society: Gentlemen, — While I recollect distinctly the sole object of your very re- spectable Association, is the establishment of a Colony in this country, P can- not forget that several of the gentlemen who compose the Board of Direc- tion, are practical believers in the Evangelical Revelation of Jesus Christ. In this character you will pardon the liberty I take of addressing you on a subject to which as individuals you cannot be insensible ; and which, from the distinguished influence conferred by situation and talents, you have it in your power, probably more than many others, to rouse the public mind to action. I mean the establishment of a devout and able Christian Missionary, with the requisite assistants, in the vicinity of this Colony. I have thought that the intervals of public worship on this holy day, cannot be more usefully or acceptably employed, than in submitting the result of ob- servations made in relation to this object, during a residence of nearly three years on the very theatre of the idolatry, superstition, cruelty and ignorance, which the establishment in question, by the appointment of God, and in the judgment of man, offers the only means of curing. Following the train of my own reflections, I shall submit a few consider- ations : APPENDIX. 27 1st. On the moral, religious and social condition of our neighbors, which call for the christian eflbrt proposed. 2d. On the facilities which seem to invite to it. 3d. On the most proper manner of commmencing, founding and conducting the mission. And Lastly, Its effects. I. The general condition of the people of Western Africa has been the iheme of too many reports and treatises, to remain at this period a matter of inquiry to persons of reading or general intelligence in any country. To- wards the North, the intolerant system of Mahornetanism prevails to the ex- clusion even of the less offen.?ive delusion of Paganism. From the Gambia, to the Sierra Leone, a discordant mixture of Moorish austerities and Pagan li- centiousness,in regard to religious things, divides the professions of the miserable people, and distinguishes them into two distinct classes. From Sierra Leone to the South-eastward, far below Mesurado, the ever- varying absurdities of the human fancy, goaded to action by an inward consciousness of guilt and fear, and wholly uninstructed by divine revelation, enslave the minds of the inhabi- tants, and sink them perhaps to the lowest state of debasement, to which hu- man nature can descend. Those who inhabit the coast have heard of one Supreme God ; and because they have no belief of their own, have adopted that great truth : but they pay him no homage, . and are wholly at a loss what sort of character to attri- bute to him. Some pretend to admit him to have a general care of his crea- tures ; but finding a difficulty in accounting for the difference in their situa- tion, they generally solve it by concluding, that if God created he does not govern men ; for they choose rather to believe that God has nothing to do in the world, than that he acts with so much of what their blindness calls parti- ality. They have no forms of worship, nor do they commonly appear in the least to act from the belief that the Supreme God will so far notice as to re- ward any sacrifices of present convenience they may make to the cause of truth, to temperance, or moral virtue. But, accustomed only to the grossest conceptions, their minds can hardly frame the idea of so sublime and recondite an object as the invisible Spirit of the universe ; and if raised to so unwonted a height, by the inquiries of others, they tend by their own stupid weight down to their ordinary level of sensuality. They, like all other human beings, have consciences to which " their thoughts" in the language of inspiration, "are continually accusing or else excusing one another." But having no knowledge of future retributions, their inward fears wholly confine themselves to the ap- prehension of temporal punishments. From this constant dread, many drag along a most wretched existence, and all endeavor to deliver themselves by a multitude of charms carried about their persons, and by others, erected upon or suspended from their houses, and set up in their towns, at their fisheries, and on their most frequented roads. These, which go by the common name of fetishes, are thought to derive little or no value from the materials of wnich 28 APPENDIX. they are foimed, but wholly from the skill employed iii compounding them, and the reputation of the fabricators and venders of them. A distinctorder of men, held in high repute, acquire ail the comforts of rude and savage life, by trading in these articles, on the credulity of the people. The most en- lightened among them are commonly the most superstitious — as even their wise men, are but sufficiently enlightened to see their need of something adapted to religious beings ; of which the body of all the people are too brutish and grovelling in their mental character, to be able to form, it would seem, any comprehension at all. Children, 'till arrived nearly to an age to act for themselves, receive as far as I have learnt, no instruction whatever ; nor even then, from their parents. But the boys are led into a deep and solitary forest, where persons of age and reputed sagacity, and commonly with injunctions of perpetual secrecy, enforced by the severest penalties, impart to them, together with many useless, perhaps, pernicious mysteries, instructions relating to the superstitions, the laws and the policy of the country, and, it is said, of the trade and more or- dinary business of manhood. They remain under this tuition, commonly about half the season ; and some have the privilege of several times separating themselves in the course of their lives to receive these instructions. The girls undergo a similar rustication at the proper time of life, and are taught what it is supposed concerns them most to understand in the narrow sphere of duty to which custom restricts them in life. Children very seldom receive parental correction, and are seldom restrained in any course to which their passions and propensions incline them. Lying, petty thefts, and the entire catalogue of childish vices and follies when seen in children, only excite merriment, as long as the consequences are not seriously injurious to themselves' or othere. The adult is commonly devoid of moral principle altogether. The strongest minds among them, I observe, see farthest the inconvenience of dishonesty, intemperance and other vices, and endeavor in a few instances to avoid, and in all, to conceal them. The least intelligent, are uniformly the most openly and the most absolutely vicious and unprincipled. Polygamy and domestic slaver}^, it is well known, are as universal as the scanty means of the people will permit. And a licentiousness of practice which none — not the worst part of any civilized community on earth can parallel, gives a hellish consummation to the frightful deformity imparted by sin to the moral aspect of these tribes. There is not a feature of (heir social character, but proves them abandoned to that depravity, the common inheritance of apostate man, which knows no remedy but the Gospel of the Grace of God. They are degraded to the condition nearly of the better sort of brutes in human form ; discovering at the same time, the gleamings of that intelli- gent soul which never dies. They are still the objects of the redeeming love, aiv' daily care of the Christian's Saviour. They are the materials of which faitn assures the children of God, that the temple of Jehovah in which his glor}- APPENDIX. 29 will blaze for ever, is destined to be built — Wbein sin has abounded, grace is much more to abound. This is an axiom in the economy of the Divine Mercy; and therefore, the Christian AVorld may hope yet for Africa. But to raise these people by any other means than the renovating power of the Spirit of God administered as himself has limited the holy influence, through the preaching and reception of the doctrines of the Divine Saviour, is an absurdity, which all experience exposes, and which their own accumulating suffering for many thousand years confirms ; and to expect it is to consign them deliberately against the express law of providence to certain destruction. II. But let us enquire whether there are any circumstances suited to invite the attention of Missionary Societies, and direct their efibrts to these people, rather than to any other particular portion of the Pagan World .' There is in my opinion a concurrence of these propitious circumstances, which I cannot help regarding as the signal of a favoring providence held out to the Christian World, particularly to the American Churches, to announce the grand and glorious crisis. Such is to be regarded the firm and peaceful establishment of a civilized and christian community, in the very bosom and centre of all this barbarism. There are hundreds whose prayers and whose influence will gladi}'' be extend- ed to the holy Missionary : he and his assistants may derive from the vicinity of what the native African considers as a powerful settlement, all the security and protection which he can desire from this arm of mortals. His necessary intercourse with the Colony will blunt, if not exclude the sense of exile from home, country and civilized life. In case of abandonment or opposition from the poor objects of his benevolent labors, he may obtain temporary aid from hence, and find an asylum in extremities. But it is perfectly eas}-- for the Government of the Colony to obtain of all the Kings in the neighborhood a friendly stipulation in favor of the Mission, and exact a strict adherence to such stipulation. A second circumstance highly I'avorable to the undertaking, is the profound peace' which prevails at this time between all the tribes and the colony, and between the respective tribes. Our settlement was established in blood. The struggle on our part, the effort on that of the natives, was severe and vio- lent ; but the issue was such as to terminate their hostile machinations, it ia believed totally, and for ever. We were more than two years since, regarded as invincible by any native force : and the single policy now becoming general among our neighbors, is to cultivate the most amicable relations with the Colony. The temple of Janus is closed, and who shall say that the Augustan period of this part of Africa has not arrived; and who will withhold from it its long predicted Saviour? The natives have vniversally a most affecting persuasio?} of the supcnorily of ivhite men. They see the superior perfection of our fabrics, our arts, our ju- risprudence, our mental culture, and I can now say it, thanks to the power of religion on the minds of many of our colonists, of our moral character. Our 30 APPENDIX. worsliip is serious and impressive, beyond any thing they ever witness among' themselves, and they acknowledge generally the superiority of our religion, and almost wish themselves white (or civilized) men, that they might adopt it, for they all retain the absurd idea, that however excellent or true our religion and institutions, they are doomed to understand and be benefitted by none ex- cept their own. A fourth facility which few pagan tribes offer to the American Missionary, is to be found in the circumstance, that every head man around us, and hundreds of their people speak, and can be made to understand our language without an interpreter. He may, immediately on arriving in the country begin his work, and while acquiring the language, render himself nearly as useful as af- terwards. I might mention the cheapness of living, and the small expense of main- taining a plain industrious missionary family, in this country — the tractable and mild natural dispositions of the poor Africans — the absence of every thing resembling intolerance in the systems of superstition by W'hich they are enslav- ed— the distance of this country from that of the persecuting Moors, and the ani- mating successes which have attended the simple preaching of the gospel, and the other related means of religious instruction, at Sierra Leone, and in the colony of the Cape of Good Hope ; and these circumstances and facts, must have their weight with all who wish well enough to the cause, to engage them- selves, or others in it. 13ut I cannot enlarge. in. / ivill make a few suggestions on the most proper vianner of couiincncing, founding, and conducting the mission. I cannot hesitate to say, that the IMissionary, or Principal of the proposed establishment, ought of preference to be a white man. Some of the reasons for this opinion have been given. Others will readily occur. He ought to be an honest, holy, and eminently disinterested person, neither old, nor too young. To acquire the entire confidence of the natives, and do justice to the responsi- ble undertaking, he ought to engage for life, and make his tomb in Africa. He must love the employment, and appear to love it, and have no pleasure so great, as that of doing good to the souls and bodies of men. Science, prudence, hu- mility, and a good constitution are all useful auxiliaries, and he should not be without them. Let him repair to the colony — spend half the first year, with whatever assistants and family he has, in the settlement. The airy and salu- brious settlement of Thompson-Town, forming on the summit of our moun- tain, would serve better than probably any other situation in Western Africa to form his habit to the climate. Here he might be extensively useful, and fully employed among the re-cap- tured Africans, in acquiring the language, obtaining an accurate knowledge of the country, and manners, &.c., of the inhabitants, and in arranging the plan of his future operations, collecting the materials, and otherwise actually forward- ing the building of the missionary houses. The centre of a numerous population is to be found on the banks of the APPKNDIX-. 31 River St. Paul's, from five to ten miles above its mouth. Here, a sufficient quantity of land can be obtained. The country is dry — the situation air)' and delightful, and the inhabitants less engaged in the slave trade, and more inde- pendent of its gains for a subsistence, than nearer the sea-board. The King, Peter Bromley, has actually consented to give the land, and af- ford protection to any good white man, recommended by the Governor of the Colony, who shall come to spend his life in teaching his people. There would be no difficulty in procuring the most eligible situation. Let the Missionary collect around him a numerous family, entirely separate and a little remote, from any native town. Here let him introduce the wor- ship of God — establish, or rather render the whole establishment, a school, in which the word of God shall be taught and be read to all, but especially to children, in the English language. The members of the family must all be taught and required dally to labor at stated periods, and made as soon as pos- sible to support themselves in a simple plain style ; not deviating too much at first, from that, to which all are accustomed. — The buildings may also be of tlie country construction, gradually introducing in future erections, a more ex- pensive and permanent style. The Agricultural and other improvements, should proceed from the present simple methods, to those which are more ar- tificial. Once founded, and conducted judiciously for a few years, the mission would prove a generating point of other similar establishments, till, with the blessing of Almighty God, whose work alone it is, the knowledge and profes- sion of Christianity, shall become as general, as the abominable and vile rites of Paganism at the present time. Such is the ultimate and grand effect to be expected, and to be prayed for — But in closing this paper, I will enumerate — IV. Lastly, some other fruits of such an establishment of a most gratifying nature, and of a more immediate occurrence. The first will be to preserve our neighbours from adopting the vices, with- out the virtues of civilization. For this colony, I am sorry to say, already has, and ever must have, strong samples of both. Vice can be propagated with- out instruction. But who ever heard of the moral and social virtues being taken up by uninstructed Pagans, merely from the example of a few good men ? Every month's experience proves to me that our neighbours are corrupted by the inlluence of bad example, and derive no benefit from the good, that are set them in the colony. The Mission will in part, cure this evil. It will af- ford no vicious examples, and will fortify the good with religious and moral in- struction. Another effijct will be in some measure, to prevent the vicious examples of the natives from re-acting upon the colony, and corrupting the morals, and de- basing the views, especially of our young people. A faithful Missionary must soon possess himself of the confidence of the tribes. Through his mediation, difl^erences between them and the colony, may, in most cases, be composed, or prevented altogether. JSuch an establishment 32 APPENDIX. I consider as forming the best security and pledge of peace and friendship, be- tween the natives and this colony. — These advantages, let it be in conclusion recollected, are only secondary to the great end of saving a multitude of immor- tal beings from the power of sin, and the wrath of God : and the rescue of new territories from the power of Satan, for the Son of God to rule by his grace to the end of time. This is the grand argument on which this humble appeal for the African tribes near us, chiefly relies for success. It is respect- fully submitted to all who can feel its force — and may the blessing of God at- tend it. J. A. Cald^vei-L, May 20, 1827. Dear Sir : — While we recollect with gratitude the signal success with which Divine Providence has crowned the arduous undertaking of the Ameri- can Colonization Society, I pray it ma}^ not be forgotten that that success is only partial; and that there are to be moral effects wrought on the great body of the settlers after their establishment in this country, without which, all that has been — all that can be accomplished, even with the national patron- age, must still leave the work incomplete, and short of our early hopes. The enemies of the whole scheme say, and say truly (Jhs est eliam ab haste doceri), that "Such is the supineness of the moral and intellectual character of nine-tenths of the subjects of colonization, that without vast improvement, they cannot become the materials of a civil society, blest with free institutions and the right of self-government." And here, my dear Sir, is the weak point of our cause; here, the arguments of our adversaries, which, on most subjects connected with colonization, are palpably inconclusive, become seriously weighty and pertinent. 1 flatter myself that I see causes already at work, which must, in time, eflfectuate so much of the grand enterprise as consists in the removal of the annual increase, at least, of all the free colored population of the United States, and their permanent settlement in this country. But, fixed here, what is their situation, on the supposition which you will permit me, by way of illustration, to adopt — That no efl'ectual means for their moral improvement are employed? In the proportion of 6 out of 10, the emigrants may be expected to be il- literate. And, when we consider that most of the actual means of moral and intellectual improvement, the strongest motives which afl'ect the con- science, and stir the soul to action ; and those impressions, which, more than any others, are the germs and fostering soil of virtuous principles in the hu- man character : when we consider that all these ennobling influences are, in this age, derived to such as feel them, more through the medium of letters — from tracts, periodicals, religious books, and the Bible, than from all other sources ; think, my dear sir, under what a deplorable disadvantage and calamity, that rational creature in human form labors, who never drew from this store-house, directly, one motive to moral action — one countercheck to his appetites and depravity — who cannot read a precept of his Bible — a law of APPENDIX. 33 the coinmunity he lives in — a page of all those excellent little manuals which are in such wide circulation, and which bring home to every man's bosom and fireside, particularly of the poor, the principles, the duties, examples and enjoyments of Christianity! What must be the moral state of a society com- posed, in proportion of three and four to one, of such individuals ? And such, my dear sir, is the picture ; it begins to develope itself already, of a society springing into existence in the settlement of this Colony. Your emigrants, I must also assume to be generally, imvioral. I do not give this character to the actual settlers. There are reasons of a particular nature, and which cannot apply to the great body of future emi- grants, why the first should not deserve it. Nor do I believe that the immorality, however deplorable, of the free blacks of America, considered as a race of men, is of that matured and positive character which the strong and absolute language sometimes employed on this topic, would ascribe to them. Their vices are certainly of a low order, often extremely troublesome, and always disgusting. But their depravity, both in respect to its degree, and its form, may be accounted for, (the corruption of our common nature always consider- ed,) from tlieir circumstances. The faults of their character are nearly all of a negative kind, and may be more properly denom.inated moral defects, than vices. Take a colored man from the mass of that population in America — sup- pose him to commit a fault, it may be an act of personal violence. Inquire into the circumstances. It was an act of revenge or passion. I dlow it ; and that it was vicious in its own nature, and a punishable offence, by the laws of God and man. But, more nearly investigate the circumstance, and analyse the motives of the act; and you will ascertain it in nine cases out of ten, to possess little or nothing of that sturdy aforethought character, which belongs to the higher order of crime. It was the offspring of a blind malice, acting rather without, than in violation of, perceptible moral resti-aints. No felt prin- ciple of moral conduct was sacrificed to the vindictive impulse, which pro- duced the act ; because no such principle had ever been implanted and cherished in his bosom. It is astonishing, how vague, general, and un- felt, are the ideas of right and wrong, which have a faint and floating existence ia the minds of a majority of this uncultivated race of men. And even for the best of them, large allowances must, in the estimate of their moral conduct, be placed to the account of this want of the early and ef- fectual inculcation of moral and religious principles. After this explanation, I must renew the painful inference, that the emi- grants to this country will bring with them no established moral habits. Imagine, then, a large community, and this community laid at the founda- tion of a future empire, without upright moral habits, and without operative moral principles. The mutual want of confidence among the members, must, in a short time, dissolve so far the social tie, as to draw around the several families a line of demarcation, separating them from each other, and establish- E 34 APPENDIX. iiig in each a separate interest, independent of, and in most instances adveise to, the common interest. Domestic discoid, and intestine strife succeed. Property, liberty, life, are without security — are violated — and their violation goes unpunished, and unredressed. I have here traced the consequences of immorality to the ruin of this Colo- ny, from the single property there is in vice to destroy all social confidence. Ii must operate to the same end by a thousand other ways, all equally direct, and equally certain. And is the inevitable curse of Heaven on such a people nothing to be regarded ? Rather will it not prove a brazen bar in the road of their prosperity, which the wisdom of mortals cannot evade — nor the united strength of a world remove ? These emigrants, from the hour of their arrival in Africa, are also acted upon by the vitiating example of the natives of this country. The amount and effects of this influence I fear, are generally and egregiously underrated. It is not known to every one how little difference can be perceived in the measure of intellect possessed by an illiterate rustic from the United States, and a sprightly native of the coast. It may not be easily credited ; but the fact certainly is, that the advantage is, oftenest, clearly on the side of the latter. The sameness of color, and the corresponding characteristics to be expected in different portions of the same race, give to the example of the natives a power and influence over the colonists as extensive as it is corrupt- ing. For, it must not be suppressed, however the fact may be at variance with the first impressions from which most African Journalists have allowed them- selves to sketch the character of the natives. Thai it is vicious and contamina- ting in the last degree. I have often expressed my doubt, whether the simple idea of moral justice, as we conceive it from the early dawn of reason, has a place in the thoughts of a pagan African. As a practical principle of mo- rality, I am sure that no such sentiment obtains in the breasts of five Africans within my acquaintance. A selfishness which prostrates every consideration of another's good ; a habit of dishonest dealing, of which nothing short of un- remitting, untiring vigilance, can avert the consequences ; an unlimited in- dulgence of the appetites ; and the labored excitement and unbounded grati- fication of lust the most unbridled and beastly — these are the ingredients of the African character. And, however revolting, however, on occasion, con- cealed, by an assumed decency of demeanor, such is the common character of all ; and it operates with all the power of an ever-present example on the Colonists, (and with many it is not without its facinations,*) from the mo - * It is very true of the grosser and shocking vices, what Pope erroneously affirms of wickedness in general, that " Vice is a monster of so frightful mien, " As, to be hated, needs but be seen ; " But grown too oft familiar with her face, " We first endure, then pity, then embrace." APPENDIX, Sf) meul of their arrival in Africa. It must produce its effects. It has produced them. And without a powerful counteracting agency, it must, at no great distance of time, as surely leaven the whole mass, as human nature shall con- tinue what it is. I will only add one more instance of the change, which the condition of emigrants is obliged to undergo, in consequence of their removal to this country, tending greatly to confirm and assist their moral degeneracy. In the United States, they are surrounded with examples of piety and moral ex- cellence, in persons whom their relative rank and condition in life, engages them to respect, and even to imitate. Such examples not only allure by their excellence ; but control by their authority ; and the whole effect is of the best and happiest kind. But, in Africa, few or no such examples are present — no such influence is felt or obeyed. Colonists thus suffer a double disadvan- tage— are subjected to all that is contaminating in tlie practices of the natives; at the same time that they have passed beyond the reach of the corrective ex- ample of enlightened Christians. This I admit to be theory. Butis it not theory based on acknowledged facts ? God grant it may never become history — the histoiy of this Colony. Permit me here to offer a slight but faithful sketch of the actual moral state of one of the settlements of the Colony. The new settlement of Caldwell offers more and truer examples than JVIonro- via, of the manner in which the great body of the emigrants are likely to be morally affected by their new situation — the settlers here agreeing more nearly in character with the great body of colored people in the United States, than their more select predecessors. And it is here tliat the evils of which mv fears are prophetic, are already beginning the most plainly to discover them- selves. The settlement reaches along botli rivers, a distance about two miles. A single individual, whose age and sir.cere piety certainly render him in many respects useful, assisted by some two or three utlerly illUerate exhorters, whose moral influence from causes difl'erent from simple ignoiance, is a cypher- is their only instructer, in all that pertains to the improvement of their mind to the correction and regulation of their moral practice, the sanctification of their hearts, and the salvation of their souls. Read, they cannot — nor are they capable of intent and steady thinking. No stirring changes, or variety of arousing incidents — but the even tenor of a secluded, rustic life, and the daily vicissitude of rough labor, and sound sleep, weave the simple web of weekly, monthly, and annual history. It is no absurd definition of human nature which I once heard no ordinary adept in it use with great sincerity and emphasis, that man, enumerating his other distinctive qualities, is an indolent animal — never to be aroused from the most lifeless torpor, but by the force of some sort of necessity. Now, of these people, the physical necessities are quite within the reach of a Utile hard work, which can be, and is, accom- plished without mental effort. And. really, they have not mind and thought 36 APPENDIX. enough, to set mind and thought to work. In better language, their minds* are quite too uncultivated, their faculties quite too imperfectly developed, to supply moral motives for the exertion of either. It must be an influence from without, motives applied and forced upon them by the benevolent care and labors of others, which is to arouse and engage them in the great and princi- pal work of life — the cultivation of their rational and immortal natures. The precepts and doctrines of Jesus Christ, from Alpha to Omega, must be incul- cated with Apostolical earnestness and perseverance, and I may add, with pedagogical precision, too, before they can become Christians. Example, pre- cept— all that can be urged and displayed of both, by enlightened and indefati- gable instructers, is necessary to supply motives of moral virtue, undo in- veterate habits of moral indolence — enlighten and awaken the slumbering conscience to a quick sense of moral justice, and moral obligation ; and en- gage the soul in the active discharge of moral duties. But, not one in five of these people, habitually attend, even on Sundays, such religious instruction as they possess. And when they do occasionally place themselves under the sound of their preacher's voice — alas ! how can it profit them ? Their minds have not soil enough, I repeat, for the seeds even of religious knowledge to grow in. They sit like so many inanimate stocks, or if acted upon at all, and the religious part of them often are, it i.9 chiefly in the way of the excitement of their animal spirits — at best of their re- ligious/eeZwi^s. Mere sermon-hearing on Sundays, so confirmed is their mental apathy, so unable to command and wield their faculties, so fixed their habit of inattention, — in a word, so incapable of reflection, almost of thinking, are they, that mere sermon-hearing on Sundays, bring the whole population to attend, and let the sermons be ever so sound, the language ever so intelligible and precise, and the sentiment ever so rich, cannot regenerate their mental habit, and make them either intelligent Christians, or enlightened Citizens. But what do these sermons, abstracting the pathos, and, generally, the good intentions, and good feelings of the preacher — what does all the rest of these performances amount to ? " Vox et " absolutely nothing, my dear sir, that can instruct the understanding — nothing that can implant in the mind any solid or abiding motive of exertion or piety — nothing that shall be- come the radical spring of a regenerated and consistent moral or Christian character. Consequently, such means form — rather, God employs them to form — no mch characters. People of this class whom we call, and hope to be, pious, do not possess such characters. There is nothing in this settlement to originate them— nothing to foster them — perhaps, not a heart that can desire, or a mind that ca.n imagine them. But, as I have before said, and must be in- dulged in repeating, however defective and unprofitable the means of moral improvement enjoyed by these people, even these are treated with general neglect and inattention. And what is to arouse them from this torpor ? I can only conceive of one cf two causes which is able to do it : a direct miracle of the Almighty's APPENDIX. 37 power — which I do not expect, and am not authorized to pray for ; or His Divine blessing on such faithfully applied human means as the wisdom of God, and the moral history of mankind, unite to prescribe. And, the Christian Ministry supplies these means. Considered in their own nature, and sepa- rately from their sanctifying efficacy, and the promised cooperation of the Divine Spirit, if the doctrines of the Saviour, and the Ministry of Christian Teachers, can be so considered, these are, of all the means of arousing hu- man nature, and setting the heart and understanding — body and soul— in ac- tion,be3-ond comparison the most certain and the most effectual. How it is in other parts of the world, I have only heard and read. But in this Colony, I have seen the direct and inseparable connexion of Christianity, taking in its doctrines, its worship, and its practical fruits — with all that is stable, all that is patriotic, all that is mentally and morally improving, all that is exalting to human nature — in a word, all that is good and excellent among us. There is no room for speculation on this point — no room for reasoning. Premises and conclusion are both embodied in one and the same obvious fact. There is a pious family, and there stands a firm pillar of the Colony. In- dustry, intelligence, order, competency and peace, are its characteristics. There is a family without religion. I have only to reverse the characteristics of the first, and that family is described. We have tried the effects of schools. These are by no means so well con- ducted as they should be. Still their influence is salutary. But these effects are partial and inadequate, operating only on the child, while the parents are left unprofited. And common schools have never been known to exert a moral power over children sufficient to counteract and do away the demoral- izing influence of corrupt examples assailing them at home. Children carry abroad their home-acquired qualities. But in few instances, indeed, do they borrow from abroad any good qualities to carry home to their parents. No such inversion of the ordinary laws of domestic and social life has, at least, been witnessed here. None is expected. Our schools may enlighten the children of the Colony : but they, alone, cannot be expected much to mend its morals ; or eflectually to check the common tide ot degeneracy, which acting first on parents, and next upon their children, seems likely to sweep both before it, and drown all together, in perdition. In short it appears to me egregious trifling, to suggest any other remedy for this great and threatening evil, than that which the wisdom of God has appointed in the labors of the pious, enlightened, and self-denying Christian Ministry. Such as worthily sustain this office'come with an authority which none dare wholly despise. They come with motives which all who must die — all who know what a guilty eonscience is, all who believe they iiave a God to account to and a soul to save, are obliged to feel. Let then, the Colony be a parish. Let the Minister visit, instruct, and la- bor from house to house. Let him have 'no other engagements in the Colony — no other work on earth, to divert his attention from his spiritual charge. Above 38 APPENDIX. sectarian prejudices and feelings, let him be equally at home among christians of every name. A man of discrimination, education, and humility ; let him employ the whole various compass of means, submitted to his selection in the Book, whence he derives his commission, to obviate the prejudices, obtain the confidence, conciliate the affections, instruct the ignorance, correct the eiTors, amend the morals, and save the souls, of all. Such a man might indeed, meet with trials and discouragements ; might realize a success at first, by no means commensurate with his wishes and his labors. But he would sow seed which must grow. He would receive some aid. A few would, to the utmost, strength- en his hands and encourage his heart. Even our teachers if humble and pious, as several are, would gladly sit at his feet and receive instruction : if conceited and self-willed, they would, of all others, mo.st require it. I, therefore, beg respectfully, but most pressingly to recommend, as in my opinion, the only means of rendering this Colony, what it is intended to be made, the truly christian and civili/.ed asylum of an outcast race of men, the immediate engagement of at least one laborious Christian Minister, of the most ardent piety, and untiring zeal. If it be doubted for a moment, wliether such an appointment be consistent with the simple and declared object of the Colonization Society ; the only question to be determined is, whether it be not absolutely necessary, as a means of accomplishing that object? — Is|the simple and unique object of the Socie- ty accomplished by only landing emigrants on the African coast, without re- garding their future situation? — Should the freight of her transports hereafter be beached in lat. twenty-five degrees North, where all must famish and die on the sands of the desert, what less would await the Society, than the exe- crations of the world ? And, can a Christian Institution feel less reluctance in abandoning a whole community — a community, which promises to become im- mensely populous, and extensive — a community derived from the bosom of a christian nation, to a moral desert, equally desolate— to a moral famine, equal- ly certain ? I have trespassed, my dear sir, farther than I fear I should, in the length of these remarks — but I have done it under a feeling of most sacred obligation to report what I sincerely believe to be the most urgent of all the actual necessi- ties of the colony, where they ought to be known, and whence, if from any quarter, those necessities are to be supplied. — None of us who are now active in this work, can act or labor long. And to do seasonably and effectually what little Divine Providence permits us to attempt, is no doubt, the way to accom- plish the most in the end. It is in these views that this paper is submitted, and I cannot more appropriately bring it to a close, than by humbly supplicat- ing the Almighty — in his infinite wisdom and goodness, to supply the means of accopiplishing a work so agreeable to the great ends of his moral govern- ment ; which his word assures us, is to build up an universal empire of holi- ness, of which the foundations are to.be laid in the hearts of all mankind. Respectfully and truly, deai- sir, your obedient servant, J. ASHMUN. APPENDIX. 39 No. 4. The following Notes on Trade appear to have been written in J82-2; the tirst paper about the time of Mr. Ashmun's departure or, the second soon after his arrival in, Africa. The objects of my visit to the African coast, are, I. To obtain and transmit home, such information rel.itive to the country, and our settlement, as shall be perfectly accurate, minute, full, and in all points satisfactory to the American Colonization Society, and to the public. II. To make the Agents fully acquainted with the views of the Manapjers at home, on every subject connected with the interests of the colony. III. To assist by my advice, and otherwise, in planning, and executing measures of utility to the settlement. IV. To open and superintend a regular, honorable and permanent trade in the productions of the country, between Cape Montserado, and the vicinity, and the United States. This trade must be made. First, advantageous to the interests of the Society. Second, Advantageous to the natives.' Third, Advantageous to the American Merchant, and Fourth, Advantageous to myself. 1. The interests of the Society, will be essentially promoted by establishing a regular intercourse between the United States and Montserado. If four voyages annually, were to be made, without any obligation on the part of the mer- chant, to advance otherwise the interests of the Society, the latter would, nevertheless, derive from the opening of the communication, the following im- mediate advantages. First, It would never again be obliged to charter vessels to carry out colo- nists, and stores. Second, It would always be able, seasonably, to communicate with the colony. Third, Vessels proceeding to Montseradofor objects of trade, could afford to transport emigrants, and stores, at half the expense, attending the charter of ships for the purpose. But if, besides opening a profitable trade to the American Merchant, the So- ciety can bring him under a pecuniary obligation, the advantages resulting to their interests from a commercial intercourse, would be enhanced in propor- tion to the extent of the obligation. The question then is, how can the Society make the most of this trade .' Am. Not by turning merchants themselves. Such an appendage would prove most unpopular at home, and would probably absorb in the expenses of its own support, all the profits. But, 40 APPENDIX. ■ Fust, By prohibiting all foreign ships from trading to the settlement, abjo- iutely. Secondly, By laying a duty, amounting to a proliihition, on all exports, and imports, not in vessels in the interest of the Society. Thirdly, By restricting the license of trading to Montserado to a single house in America. Fourthly, By permitting this house to have an agent, resident in Africa— but subject to the general regulations of the Society, and liable to be recalled, whenever they judge that he has violated his instructions. Vessels licensed to trade with these immunities and privileges, ought to car- ry out the Society's passengers for a sum not exceeding 10 dollars an individu- al, perhaps for still less— they finding their own provisions. 2. Such a trade would prove advantageous to the natives. First, It would divert them from the slave trade. Secondly, It would supply their wants. They must, without the substitution of a regular trade in the fabrics of civilized countries, in lieu of that, which the suppression of the slave trade has broken off, suffer great inconvenience. Thirdly, By conducting this trade on principles of strict justice, their hab- its, and some of their principles, will come to be meliorated. Fourthly, It would compel them to the exercise of honorable industry, in pro- curing, and transporting the articles of trade to the coast. Fifthly, It would induce them to visit, and by degrees to imitate the indus- try and manners of living, among our settlers. 3. Trade to this country will be profitable to the American Merchant, if he can be assured of a full cargo always in readiness for shipment at the Cape, on the arrival of his ship, and sufficiently so, if he can make on his outward shipment, one hundred per cent, and on his return cargo two hun- dred. 4. The agency will be advantageous to myself, provided I can receive a divi- dend of thirty-three and a third per cent, on the gross amount of the sales of the cargo in America. The following is a concise exposition of the reasons, which led to the mis- sion of J. Ashmun, to the Coast of Africa, and of the views according to which the committee expect it to be conducted : The exertions hitherto made for colonizing Africa, have been directed to ob- jects which may be regarded as preliminary to the main design. The practi- cability of the undertaking was to be demonstrated by acquiring lands, and se- curing a suflicient number of American Emigrants, in the peaceful possession of them; by attesting experimentally, the productiveness of the soil to support, and the salubrity of the climate to admit of the general health of the colo- nists; by ascertaining the willingness of the black people of the United States to remove thither, and finally to settle, by actual trial, the much disputed ques- tion, whether the happiness of the African laoe, would be essentially increaa- APPENDIX. 41 ed by the change, and the United States, reap an important advantage from encouraging and promoting their general emigration. These are the preliminary objects to be accomplished by the Society, before the principal ends of their institution can be completely gained. They have been partially accomplished, but not fully. Much indeed, remains to be done before the experiment, as the business must yet be regarded, will be consider- ed as fully and successfully completed. The number of settlers must be greatly augmented ; considerable progress made in the cultivation of the soil ; churches, shops, school-houses and a large number of comfortable and perma- nent dwellings for the people, erected; a regular intercourse between the United States, and the colony, must be kept open; and a general and eager de- sire to emigrate, must be made to manifest itself, in the black people of the United States. When the exertions of the Society shall have received this de- gree of success, the facilities for carrying on their ulterior designs will be abundantly multiplied, and, until that desirable period, they will be obliged to labor under great embarrassments from a deficiency of means. Public sentiment in all the northern States, has, by a variety of untoward events, unhappily determined itself against the whole plan of African coloni- zation. Thousands are to be met with in every part of the Union, equally un- friendly to the cause. The obvious consequences of this hostility are, \st, ^ determined refusal on the -part of a numerous, and influential part of the commu- nity to aid the work, either by their contributions or their encouragement; and 2dly, the refusal of Congress, and the State Legislatures, to afford any pecuniary aid, or directly espouse the cause, by any public act whatever. Legislation in the United States, is but the expression of the public and popular sentiment. Effect in the latter, a change in favor of colonization, and you secure at once the patron- age of Congress, and the State Legislatures. Now, what do the objections offered by the opposers of colonization, amount to ? They may be all resolved into these two : 1st, Its impracticability. 2nd, The vanity of hoping to improve by such means, the condition of the American free people of color. But, if the experiment now carrying on by the Society, ever reaches the point of success so fondly anticipated, and to which their labors are so assidu- ously directed, both these objects will be radically obviated, and what will be the direct consequence .' Opposition must cease. The popular sentiment, where it now opposes, must be reversed. The zeal of its friends must be in- flamed. The influence of the northern States, the most efficient in the Union, will be secured to the cause. The amount of individual contributions must be increased on a fifty fold ratio. Congress will patronise the design. The States, certainly all the slave-holding States, will vote subsidies — the latter, with a liberality, proportioned to the burdens under which they labor, from the excess of black population. In the interim, ample funds are required by the Society, to prosecute the work they have in hand ; gradually augmenting the sphere of their operations F 42 APPENDIX. in Older to reach that consummation, which is to produce the expected revolu- tion in the popular mind. These funds must be derived from individual munificence. Government will very soon have so far fulfilled the purposes of the African agency, as to satisfy itself with a very limited annual appropriation for the purpose of keeping up that slight establishment on the coast, which alone was contemplated by the Act under which it was founded. It is indeed doubtful, whether the President will feel himself authorized to pay the expense of transporting more than one or two hundred additional settlers. The heavy expense of freighting ships for the purpose, will then fall upon the Society — an expense which they have ne- ver yet been obliged to sustain, and which has been anticipated with more se- rious apprehensions, than any other attending, or likely to attend the prosecu- tion of their work. After the present year, it is desirable that four large ships should annually arrive in the colony with settlers from the United States, The charter and ex- pense of these ships, alone would cost 24,000 dollars. A conditional agreement has been entered into with a commercial house in Baltimore, by which two or more ships of the first order, are to be fitted out, to run constantly between the United States and the coast; provided a sufficient inducement can be presented in the trade of that part of Africa, over which the So- ciety may be expected to have some control. It is believed that, in consequence of the cessation of the slave trade, at Cape Montserado, the mouth of the river will naturally become a depot for many valuable productions of the country, and may be made the mart of an honora- ble trade with the natives, which in a short time will admit of extension to a degree rendering it an object of very considerable importance. The native tribes bordering on the banks of that river, for hundreds of miles in the inte- rior, must shortly be able, with encouragement, to procure, and furnish at its mouth, an abundance of Camwood, and other dye woods, bees-wax, Palm-oil, and a smaller quantity of hides, elephants' teeth, and gold-dust. They have been from time immemorial, accustomed to the use of European and Indian fabrics, obtained in barter for slaves. Of this means of supplying their wants they are now, it is hoped, forever, and effectually deprived. Their industry must be aroused, and directed to other pursuits. They will be, very soon, both able and willing to furnish many articles of value in the American mar- ket, and over the whole of this trade, the Society ought to exercise the most entire control, and if possible, turn it to the advantage of the natives, and of their own designs. It is believed that a treaty of commerce may be established by the Society, with some of these tribes, immediately — and with all, eventually. Let it be to this effect. The Society agree to furnish the natives, at the mouth of the river, with every article which they shall require, and to the amount for which they can furnish camwood, ^-c. to pay, and at a fair price. No frauds shall be practised an either- hand. The trade is to be carried on wholly, through an Jgent APPENDIX. 43 itiiding, with the consent and concurrence of the Society, at Cape Montserado. The natives to sell their produce to no foreigner, and to trade with no vessels not recognized as in the interest of the Society. Similar arrangements it ia believed may be entered into with the natives inhabiting Cape Mount, and the interior. Another depot may be established both there, and at the mouth of the St. Paul's, under the same Af^ency. It is very desirable, likewise, to engross all the trade of the coast, extending and connecting it as far as possible, interior, and to the southward as far as Cape Palmas ; where another mart may be established ; and if practicable, even to Cape Coast. This trade, if not monopolized by the Society, will be occupied by others, probably by foreigners. The Society will not only thus lose the pecuniary advantages which it might derive from it ; but, what is a still greater evil, will inevitably see the natives alienated by degrees from their interests, and possibly excited at no very distant period, to a state of hostility to the Colony. It is, therefore, a dictate, not of mercantile cupidity, but of the soundest policy, and of benevolence to the natives themselves, to endeavor if practica- ble, at the earliest period, to convert into one honorable and profitable chan- nel, the whole trade of the coast for several degrees, both to the north and south of Montserado. Except in their own territory, the Society have not, perhaps, the right or the power of enforcing any regulation of the trade. But here, it certainly has the right ; it ought to possess the power, and must, as a measure of self- preservation, make the attempt. What right have the English to control the trade of all that part of the coast, extending from the Sound of Sherbro, to the Rio Grande? But they assume it. This fact, though it proves nothing about the right, yet will silence all objections which they may urge against an imitation of their example, by the Society, in the neighborhood of their set- tlement. The right itself is to be founded on a fair and honorable treaty of commerce concluded with the natives. To avoid the odium of a monopoly, it is purposed by the regulations of the Society, adopted at the Cape, in addition to the absolute prohibition of the trade of the Cape to all foreign vessels and subjects whatever, to lay a duty on American vessels,* which by absorbing the profits, will amount to a pro- hibition. Thus leaving the trade open to a single house in America, the whole ad- vantage of it, will be secured to the Society. That already alluded to, stipu- lates, on these conditions, to furnish a sufficient quantity and variety of goods most in esteem with the natives, to pay for all the produce they bring to the coast ; and, after deducting a reasonable profit, to devote the proceeds to the advancement of the Colony. Their agent on the coast, is to be nomin- ated by the Society, who is to furnish the latter with a statement of all the * Not proceeding under commission of the Society. 44 APPENDIX. shipments and other operations connected with the trade, in order that the most accurate knowledge may be ever possessed by the Institution of its ac- tual profits. The advantages of such an arrangement, have been already presented, it will aid and relieve the funds of the Society. It will secure the attachment of the natives. It will wean them from the slave trade and reconcile them to its abandonment. It will give an impulse to their laudable industry ; and supply their wants . It will accustom them to an observance of the prin- ciples of honesty and justice in their commercial transactions ; and by all these eiforts, help, in an important degree, to civilize, and prepare them for the reception of the richer blessings of Christianitj'. It will establish a regular intercourse and communication betwen the United States and the Colony. The Society will be exactly and regularly informed of the state of the settlement, and can, at any time, send such supplies as the latter may re- quire. It will enable black people possessing property, to emigrate at option. Masters of slaves, desirous to liberate and transport them to the Colony, can do it at a trifling expense. It will furnish, in the productions of Africa thus brought regularly to the United States, ocular testimony of the fertility of the African soil, and the resources of that country. This circumstance will do more towards silencing one class of objectors, and rousing some of the friends of the cause to redoubled zeal and activity, than a volume of arguments de- rived from less equivocal sources. Finally, it will accelerate the desirable period when all parties are to be united in the advancement of this great na- tional object, and Congress take it under its efficient patronage. No. 5. Mr. Ashmun considered too little, vvebeliere, atthiscrisis, the particular causes productive of insubordination. He regarded the spirit of revolt, as a development of general character brought out by new circumstances, rather than the result, principally, of misapprehension, and that irritability which trials and afflic- tions in minds not thoroughly disciplined, too frequently excite. Some of those who were ungovernable at this period, became afterwards, firm supporters of the Government, and enjoyed the unqualified confidence of the Colonial Agent. APPENDIX. 45 No. 6. These heads were, 1st. The extension of the Town beyond the original limits. 2d. The claim of some of the old emigrants under the draw- ing for lots which took place at Fourah Bay, in 1821. 3d. The plan of Government proposed. 4th. The digest of the Laws. 5th. The salaries and rations of the proposed officers. 6th. The prices of articles to be sold. All these subects had been deliberately considered by the Agents, and on all, had our decisions (subject to the judgment of the Board,) been announced to the Colonists, who with an unexpected unanimity expressed their approbation of them. The Managers, who, for their long and arduous and uncompen- sated labors in the African cause, deserve respect and thanks from all men, acted on these subjects, with desire to know and do their duty, yet the result proved how slowly good men ad- mit evidence going to overthrow their long established opinions. We here insert a few pages extracted from the Colonial Journal, to serve as a specimen of the record made by him of events, and to show the state of things immediately after the reorganization of the Government : also his remarks on the most economical mode of subsisting the Colony. Also a paper on the subject of ardent spirits. Monrovia, August 22d, 1S24. The new civil organization went into effect. The prices of labor accepted in compensation for provisions, are fixed at the following rates : Common Laborers in general, - - - 50 cts. or 2 3 Bar. Lime-Burners, Coal Makers, and others requiring some skill, &c., 75 cts. or 1 Bar. Proper Mechanics, 100 cts. or 1 1-3 Bar. The United States' Agent, the Rev. Mr. Gurley, sailed in the United States' Schooner Porpoise, for America, by way of the West Indies. The weather, till to-day, had been remarkably fine, since the arrival of the Porpoise, on the 17th inst. : but owing to the thickness of the rain for 24 hours past, the Schooner has, with difficulty, been able to communicate with the shore in that time. 46 APPENDIX. Our people are divided into two religious sects— the Methodist and Baptist ; each of which has its separate Preachers, and places of worship. The Metho- dists are also divided into the Wesleyans, and the followers of Bishop Allen. The Preachers of the latter, act under his license, and ordination. Each has its separate discipline, but occupy alternately the same place of worship, [Since the date of the foregoing, the two parties in the Methodist Church have divided from each other entirely, and established separate places of worship.] Monday, August 24. The Council was convened by the Agent. Resolved, 1. That the town-lots and plantations remaining to be assigned, be surveyed and appropriated immediately. 2. That a road, ten feet wide, be immediately opened and formed, along the centre of the Main Avenue, to the summit of the Mountain ; and that the la- bour of the captured Africans and Colonists, be directed to that object. 3. That the Colonists interested in the plantation-survey, proceed to open paths along the lines of the plantations ; and while so occupied, be exempt from any other public labor. 4. That all public tools be charged to the receivers ; and if not produced when required, be paid for, and the amount collected by the proper officer. David White appeared, and offered to support himself. Twenty-seven Bill Hooks, and seventeen Axes, were distributed to the settlers and Superintendent Captured Afrcians, and charged to the receivers. Every proprietor of lands is required to set two substantial land-marks, and replace them when decayed, at the two diagonal angles of his lot. N. Butler is engaged to labor con- stantly on the new Agency-house. The conductor of ordnance is directed to place the arms, ammunition, and military stores, in a state of order and security , or report to the Agent the necessary repairs requiring the aid of some other workman. W. W. Barbour is engaged to open a Town School for Boys on Tuesday the 25th of August, and promised a compensation of 9 Bars and his rations per month. This school is to be held in the Methodist Meeting-House. The rations are fixed for an adult at 4 pounds pork, 3 pounds flour, 1 pound bread, 1-2 pint molasses, and 1 gill of vinegar — val. 95 per week. It is to-day decided, that the legal value of the Bar, compared with the dol- lar, shall, in all transactions originating after this date, be 7o-100ths, or three quarters of a dollar. August 25. The object of the accommodation oflered to settlers by supply- ing them with provisions, on sale, being to encourage a spirit of industry and independence, and the prices being regulated with a view only to supply the place of provisions thus taken from the store, it is decided that when provisions are taken agreeably to the foregoing regulation, by the barrel, &c., and the payment made in cash, or other produce not liable to a diminution of value ; the retail price be abated 12 1-2 per centum. This day, Wm. Steward commenced his school: also, John S. Mill en- APPENDIX. 47 tered upon his duties as Colonial Secretary pro tempore.* A. D. Williams also assumed the superintendence of the captured Africans. The laborers have been occupied, when the rains did not forbid, in forming a road to the summit of the Cape. JIugust 29. The appointment of F. Devaney as Captain of the Liberia Guard, with the rank of Lieutenant, was confirmed : his commission to date from this day. He is ordered to superintend the fitting up of a temporary rendezvous, and to enlist soldiers, promising a bounty of five Bars. The S. C. A. Reports, that the persons under his charge have labored the past week with great spirit. Contracts have been formed for getting out the timber for two houses on the summit of the Cape : each of which is to be an L, 27 feet long — the perpendicular, 18, — and the width, 9. These are to face each otlier. The shortest wing of one is for the Superintendent; and the corres- ponding part of the other is to serve as a school-room. The military lands about the Fort have been laid out in a convenient and ornamental style. The two guard houses are to be each 26 by 9 feet, 20 feet to two rooms, each to accommodate a mess of 3 privates — 6 feet for a room in each, to lodge a non-commissioned oflicer. The Court of Sessions dismissed two vexatious suits wliich had been sent up by appeal from the Justices Court, and sentenced one Krooman, of some distinction, to two dozen stripes, and two weeks' confinement at hard labor, for stealing. The Brig " Union," from Bristol, England, left for the lee- ward. Mcmday Slst. It is decided to pay for good plank, 25 dollars tlie thousaTid — ■ and square timber of small size, at the same rate per the running foot. It is also decided to lay off to each of the settlers, entitled at this time to draw plantation-lots, two acres, situated at the south-westward of the Town ; and the remainder due, to the south-eastward ; because 1. It will ensure the early cultivation and improvement of the first-men- tioned Tract. 2. The measure will give to each of the settlers a small plantution near their town-residence ; and tend to advance agriculture more generally than to send one-half these persons to the distance of two miles from their plantations. September 1st, 18.34. The Monthly Report of the Agricultural Committee returns, Whole No. of Town Lots assigned, - - - 80 Do. do. do. cleared, - - - 24 . * It may here be inserted by way of anticipation, in transcribing, tiiat Mr. Mill continued 'till the 30th of September, to fulfil his duties witli great fi- delity and ability. The records were most correctly and beautiiuUy copied — and the books reduced to order, and many collateral services rendered. From that time he iias returned, as if tired of the restraints of civilized life, to his former habit*. I seldom see him. 48 APPENDIX. Whole No. of Town Lots partly cleared, - - 29 Do. do. do. inclosed, - - - 27 Do. do. do. on which buildings are erecting, 14 Do. do. do. which are gardens, - - 15 Plantation Lots, assigned, - - - - - .34 Do. do. on which improvements are begun, - 2 Report of the Health Committee returns, Invalids in toto, ------ 19 Of which are adults, ----- 15 Ulcers, ------- 14 Debility, - 4 Chronic ..----- 1 Of the preceding, there are 3 bad cases ; and 16 slowly convalescent. This Report is here given as a tolerably correct exhibit of the general state of health of the Colony since the beginning of the rains. The name by which it is decided to distinguish the Town, about to be founded for captured Africans, is Thompson Town, after the late Honora- ble Secretary of the Navy, under whose superintendence the present measures for training these persons to Civilization and Christianity went into operation. If the wishes of a few nearly forgotten individuals are gratified, the name will be retained by the Board. Sailed for Sierra Leone, a small Trading Sloop, last from the leeward. The Agent, some months ago, having addressed several inquiries to the Government of Sierra Leone, relative to the existing regulations of the port, expressing at the same time a wish that the intercourse between that Colony and our own, might be impeded by no needless restrictions, has received from the Governor and Council, a communication enclosing in reply, an ordinance of their Board, that "Vessels owned in, andbona-fide attached to theAmerican Colony of Montserado, be admitted to the Port of Free Town, to trade in any of the productions of the country, without being liable to any Custom House, or port charges, whatever." September 4th. A large Brig, said to be French, and strongly armed, passed down, which the Agent is informed is bound to Whydah, having dollars aboard, and intended for COO slaves — same day, a Frencli Schooner, some weeks on the coast, anchored in reach ol' the guns of the Fort, where she continued, occasionally weighing and standing off a few hours, five days. The rains return uniformly every morning ; and subside towards evening. September 6ih. Clothing, to the amount of thirty-six ready made garments, and six hundred yards of cotton stuffs, were to-day issued to the people, and captured Africans. A considerable amount of the best clothes, were also sold for sliingles, plank, squared timber, and scantling for building the public houses projectptl. — The street leading directly down to the ri\"er from the Agent's house, has also been opened, and partly formed. APPENDIX. 19 September 7th. J. Dickson, and Thomas A. Harris, cease to receive public rations, by their own desire. The Kings of all the neighboring tribes to the Northward, in April last, forbade their people to trade xmth the Colony in Ivory and wood, before more satisfactory prices should be obtained. This prohibition naturally affected the supplies of Rice, vegetables, and other productions, not expressly included in the interdict. But the effect has been, to distress themselves, without compell ing the Colony to offer higher prices. Of this they seem at length convinced and about a week ago, called a meeting to deliberate on the question, of re moving the restriction ; or of entering into stipulations, respecting the prices with the Colony. They immediately after heard the rumor, that the Condoes Boatswain's tribe, intended another attack upon the remnant of the Queahs, to revenge an old quarrel. Bromley directly despatched a messenger with a present of sixty RoUsf of salt, to King Boatswain, begging him to prevent any dependant chief of his, from carrying the war against his neighbors. A few days afterwards, a great number of Queahs arrived on the coast, to im- plore an asylum among the Dey people. The assembly of head men at Bromley's dispersed in order to protect their own towns from a possible iiTup- tion of the Condoe Chief, without having decided on any one question, which brought them together. — To-day, a messenger was sent from the Island, to re- port to the Agent, that the Condoes have made an expedition down to the Queahs and secured and marched off eighty-six prisoners. The fact is pre- sumed to be so. September Wth. A free and open path, twenty feet wide, has been formed from the settlement to the summit of the mountainous part of the Cape — the ground cliosenforthesiteof the Captured Africans' Town. This labor has been accomplished almost entirely by the labor of the Africans themselves. The Superintendent reports them to have labored with great cheerfulness and alac- rity, and to have demeaned themselves in a very orderly manner. I am inform- ed there are four slaving vessels at the Gallinas, and three at Cape Mount, and Chubris — three leagues beyond. The Colonists are excited by recent changes in the Government, by the chag- rin of past irregularities, and the dread of a recurrence of the distress and confusion of the last half-year, to an effort of strenuous activity, never before witnessed in the settlement. Heaven send them perseverance. The most cheering hopes of the beneficial influence of the new government, are with good reason, entertained. — The reform caused in the police system by the formation of a Guard, independent of the Colonists, although not yet completed, has put an entire end to the little depredations so frequent before. Sleeping on ♦ This tribe inhabits the upper waters, near the source of the river Montse- rado, about forty-five miles from the settlement. t So named from the shape of the hamper in which it is tncloscd, being 5 inches in diameter, and 35 or 40 long. G 50 APPENDIX. post, subjects the delinquent, if a citizen, to tliree days' imprisonment. The penalty has been twice exacted. Several respectable natives came and se- cretly assured the Agent, that the hostilities, which the Dey people would per- suade us are directed against the Queahs, have our settlement for their object. Reports of this nature having been circulated previously, andmany of our native laborers having left us in consequence, it was deemed necessary to take pre- cautionary measures, accordingly. The whole military force was paraded at sun-set, and after hearing such an explanation as the occasion called for, were marched ofi' under their proper Officers, to the different batteries, and lay on their arms through the night. — A very strong guard was posted at the different stations, every night, for five days, till we were authentically informed that any combination which may have been thought of, or begun, against us, was broken up, and the movers returned to their respective towns. September 20th. William Draper, (per Cyrus,) Charles Butler, and Jacob Warner, (per Oswego,) withdrew their names from the ration-list. 2lst. Joseph Blake, Charles Branden, and Benjamin Vaughan, also withdrew their names to-day. Several messengers have for a week past come in to as- sure us, that the rumor which had caused our recent apprehensions, was ground- less, and the authors of it, instigated by malicious motives, and that the arrival of the fugitive Queahs had excited all the commotion — which had been repre- sented to us, as much greater than it was. Kings George and Gray, paid a visit to the settlement, to renew their assurances of friendship, and offered to enter into a contract to supply it with Rice. The rains are abundant, and have prevailed for a succession of days and nights incessantly. Public works consequently, get on slowly. Died, Samuel Weeks, from Baltimore, per Fidelity, July 1823, aged about sixty-five. He sickened about four months after his arrival ; his convalescence was attended with disordered bowels, and dropsical swellings, from which re- sulted a decline, that has at length carried him off. He has no family in the Colony. — King Peter Bromley sent the Agent a letter, in which he renews his professions of friendship, and promises to send into the Colony for sale, a large quantity of Rice. He engages to use his influence with his brother kings, to have old difficulties settled speedily, and to pay to the colony a visit as soon as they shall be ready with definite propositions relative to the trade . — The Agent procured three hundred Orange scions, which are to-day set.* Aver- age of Thermometer seventy-four and a half degrees by day, and seventy-six by night. The Dey people keep up the prohibition of the trade of their coun- try with the Colony — in Camwood, and Ivory only; and with manifest advan- tage to the industry of the Colony. * I regret to say, that at this date, Dec. 4th., not a dozen of these settings are alive. They all struck root, and flourished while the rains lasted, but have withered since. The proper time to transplant, &c. is at the beginning of the rains. APPENDIX. 61 September 22d. By appointment on the part of the Agents, met at Monro- via, Kings Gray* andGeorgef and Ba Caia oi'the Island; all of whom have been often accused of interfering to stop our Rice-trade on its way to the Colony. — The Bassa branch of this trade, alone, which has been cut off, ought to pro- duce the settlement five hundred bushels annually. Caia, it is believed, had only blocked up the road unintentionally, and as the consequence of a long un- settled quarrel with Kings, Prince Will, of the Junk, and Tom, of Little Bassa. Gray and George have acted on the monopolizing policy, which all the coast- people have in a greater or less degree adopted in relation to the trade of the in- terior, and from distant tribes. By intercepting it in its afflux to the settle- ment, they make their profit without any industry, and at the expense both of us, and the growers of tlie produce. After stating our grievance, and hearing the best apology which the Kings could invent, the Agent proposed a definite and effectual settlement of the mat- ter, by adopting such a course as must terminate all past suspicion and pre- vent it in future. They acceded with little hesitation to the proposals, and the following agreement was executed on the spot. J. Ashmun, Agent in behalf of the Colonization Society, and people of Mon- rovia,— Chief Caia, in behalf of himself and people — Kings George and Gra}', of themselves and people, ogree, I. To live in perpetual peace. II. To trade without fraud, or interruption in any goods and productions we may have to dispose of. III. Never to hinder the trade and intercourse of any other people whatever. IV. The Kings agree to send any evil disposed person, who shall undertake to injure the settlement by lying, stealing, or spreading false reports, to Mon- rovia to be punished. V. The Agent agrees to notify the Kings, of any of their people undertak- ing maliciously to injure their good name, or stir up in their mind a suspicion of their hostile intentions against the American people. VI. The Agent and Kings particularly agree, to send each a messenger im- mediately, to the Junk people — to the Pequenino and Grand Bassa people, to declare in their names to those people, that their trade with the Americans, is and shall be free ; that the path is entirely open, and that neither the Kings, nor their people shall in any way hinder or molest the free trade of any other peo- ple with the American town." In witness, &c. J. ASHMUN. KING GRAY, his X! mark. KING GEORGE, his X mark. * Gray lives on the sea-coast, two leagues distant from the Cape, South. t George has his town on the Junk, four leagues from Montserado, in the same direction, and formerly resided at, and controlled the watering-place of the Cape. 04 APPENDIX. In pursuance of the last article of the foregoing agreement, the Rev. C. M. Waring was selected to visit, in conjunction with the messengers of the KingB, all the tribes, as far as Grand 15assa inclusive, in order to execute the object of the foregoing agreement. He was instructed, "To proceed in company of the Messengers of Caia, George, Gray, Prince Will, and Tom Bassa, none of whom was he to pass without bringing them to accede to the agreement foregoing, if they had not before. He was to be careful in explaining, strenuous and precise in exacting their adoption of the paper; and to give them every assurance that the road would ever after, be kept open. In these declarations and assurances, the three first Messengers, particularly, were to be required to unite in the names of their principals. At Grand Bassa, it was especially desired and expected that he would assem- ble the Eegent and other Head Men, and publish the information and assur- ance as effectually, and as largely as possible, and endeavor to induce them and all others having rice for sale, to take advantage of the re-opening of the road, as early as possible." He was supplied with goods for small presents; took his departure on the 23d of September, and returned after having very satisfactorily executed the Mission, on the 2d of October. ^ copy of his ac- count of the journey is forwarded for the Board. September 25ih. George Mason from this date, supports himself. At the Court of Monthly Sessions holden to-day, Mrs. T was arraigned on a charge of threatening, abusing and attempting to hinder Lieutenant Da- veny in the execution of his duty. Verdict, not guilty of the charge ; but deserving, for her boisterous, and scurrilous language, the admonition of the Court ; which was accordingly administered. Last night, a very impudent robbery was committed. At 7 o'clock this morning, the Guard took into custody all the straggling and suspicious natives about the settlement — on the testimony of some of these, it appeared that the thief was a Bassa man, who had gone off with his plunder early in the morning. A reward of fifty bars was offered for his apprehension, and the detained persons discharged. Charles Francis, who has been an invalid 20 years, and long lingering in the settlement from complicated chronical infirmities, is now evidently near his end. The prescriptions of the Surgeon of the Porpoise, procured him some temporary relief; but nothing could remove his disease. For ten days past, there has been a religious excitement among all classes of people, of a most extraordinary character. It first discovered itself in the more zealous and frequent application of the communicants of the different religious persuasions, to social prayer. Others became affected; and com- monly cried out as if in the deepest mental horror and distress during the earlier stages. Some of the religious assemblies certainly exhibited a scene of con- fusion, which I am sorry to say the conducting individuals seemed too willing to encourage ; and in a few instances, the decorum of the house of prayer was departed from. But with these abatements, it is most evident, that all classes of people, and perhaps every individual of adult age, on the Cape, has APPENDIX. 53 been very wouderfuily, and deeply aflected with the great Truths of the Gos- pel. The preachers and most influential members of the different religious bodies were cautioned, and repeatedly advised to conduct their assemblies with Christian decency and order. Some of them profited from this counsel ; and after a few days, a deep and deliberate seriousness, the manifest result of a cause entirely supernatural, pervaded the very souls of the people. The most hardened and irreligious were subdued. Some of our most turbulent subjects have assumed an entirely altered character ; which I am persuaded, nothing but the renovating power of the Word and Spirit of God can account for. Their conduct has become strictly exemplary. They have, to my knowledge, in a great variety of instances, offered every satisfaction in their power for any former acts tending to the injury of others. Upwards of twenty persons, all professing the faith of Christ for the first time, have been added to the Methodist Society — and about half that number to the Baptist. I am at this date of (December 6th,) transcribing the Journal, and add with great pleasure and gratitude to God, that the revival and extension of religion among us, is proving itself to have been the genuine work of the Divine Spirit, as far as its holy fruits have yet had time to declare themselves. It has done more to render our people industrious, obedient, humble, just, provident, attentive and affectionate in the discharge of relative duties, than all the hu- man instruction and discipline, which they could ever receive. To the Board, and the friends of Colonization, the event may justly inspire a gratifying confidence in the improved cliaracter of their Colonists ; and the Christian, whose views range in a more extensive and a sublimer sphere, will derive from it a gratification peculiarly his own. Our roads have not been one week clear of Spanish and French Slaving Vessels, since the sailing of the Porpoise. There are now present two — one under each flag. Monday, September 27th. Died at an early hour this morning, Charles Francis, from Virginia, per the Elizabeth, aged about 50. It is necessary even to interrupt other laborers in order to prepare a rice granary. It is to be constructed of good materials, and be two stories high. See the draft and description, inclosed. The number of invalids on the sick list has not diminished since the last entry. There are a few occasional cases of ague and fever, but all slight and transient. Every scratch or puncture becomes an ulcer; and months are often required to dry it up. We have two cases of the kind, 18 months old. Lot No. 119 is assigned to the iVIethodist Society, for building a liouse of worship on. They have already prepared a jiart of the timber. About 11 o'clock, P. M., the two Slaving Vessels in the roads, commenced an irregular firing, which continued for several hours. Cause unknown. Tuesday 28th. Dark and rainy. Da)' light discovered both the Slavers fast ashore among breakers, about 1 1-2 miles to the northward of tlie Town. The Frenchman being the smallest, had gone highest on. The Spaniard 54 APPENDIX, stranded exactly in her track, and at pistol shot distance. Both are totally lost. At half-past 7, the Agent despatched a boat with a letter in French, of- fering the crews the protection of their lives. The boat met the Spaniard's jolly- boat, ashore, with the Captain and other Officers, who threw themselves upon the mercy of the Colonial Government. They reported, that at ten o'clock, the night preceding, finding themselves adrift, they threw out an anchor, which refused to bring the Schooner up ; and that having only a kedge and hawser more, aboard, they were obliged to go ashore. This is the account of the pilot (or first mate.) The Captain states, that the Mate, whose watch it was on deck, finding the Schooner had parted, and supposing the Frenchman standing away from the land, blindly followed him ashore, without consulting his compass. The wind and weather was much as it had been since both vessels came to an anchor; and the accident is involved in great mystery. The Captain reports himself, the Biscayenne, Captain de Mina, six weeks from Havaima, with a valuable cargo, and crew of 28 persons in all ; in quest of ; but he was instantly given to understand that no attempt at decep- tion would be allowed, and desisted. He begged the Agent to receive him- self, bis oflJicers and men under his protection ; and to direct such measures to be taken as would prove most effectual in saving his wreck and cargo. The vessel had no water when he left her — and if the crew and natives could be i-estrained from plunder, it was judged that a considerable amount of property could be saved from her. In reply, it was stated that both the laws and sentiments of the American Nation, were utterly hostile to the object of their voyage— which the Agent would not promote, even indirectly; but that they might depend on the pro- tection of their persons : and every aid in securing the property on board the wreck, from destruction, which the laws of humanity dictated in such cases. They resigned themselves and their vessel up, on these terms. The ship's papers were stated to have been lost, and only a defective Invoice preserved. Arrangements being made, the Agent immediately employed the crew and such of the settlers as chose to assist, in discharging and saving the cargo. The Specie, and about 12 cases of dry goods were soon landed — when the vessel billed, keeled and filled. Most of her provisions and other property aboard, were spoilt ; and the difficulty of getting the heavy cargo out of the hold, be- came insuperable. Several accidents occurred from the violence of the surf, by which half a dozen boat loads of property were lost. The seamen, who were chiefly employed aboard in breaking out, in their anxiety to get at the most valuable articles, threw overboard, and otherwise destroyed a large amount of provisions and goods. During the whole time employed about the wreck, the rains were incessant and violent. After the first night, the state of the wreck rendered it dangerous for any one to attempt remaining on board after sun-set. To restrain the depredations of the natives in the ab- sence of the people, the brass field piece was sent down to the nearest projec- tion of the beach from the American side ; and about a dozen rounds of grape APPENDIX. fired into tlie wreck through the night. But even this precaution did not de- ter the natives, many thousands of whom had assembled on the beach, from stealing aboard and plundering to a large amount. In the meantime, the Frenchman, having declined all communication with the settlements, was almost wholly abandoned to the Kroo and other country people— not a 2()th part of her cargo having been saved to the owners. The crew did not wholly give her up 'till she became worthless, and ready to go to pieces. Having raised the American flag on the Spaniard, and informed the natives that she belonged to the Agent ; that he had the right of insisting on the delivery of the property, taken from aboard of her, into the public store-house, Caia of tlie Island, having encouraged his people to secrete a few casks of spirits which they had brought away, and refusing to restore them, made it necessary for a volley of musketry to be discharged on the people employed in conveying it away. On their persisting, two or three shots from an 18 pounder were directed upon them, which compelled them to relinquish their stolen property to the claimants. No material injury was done by the fire of the fort. It was matter of mortification that the powder used on this occasion was so damaged by the climate, (having been in the country two years,) as not to pro- ject a round shot, more' than two-thirds of the distance from the fort to the wreck. Even the insolence of Kroo Town might defy the e/lects of "our heaviest guns. It was soon perceived that tlio temptation to theft, was too great, to render it proper to permit the captured Africans to assist in transporting the goods brought ashore— three of them having been sent to prison the first hour they were employed, for petty depredations. It was indeed difficult to procure the faithful discharge of the trust reposed in them, from sovie of the settlers, and measures of some energy became necessary, to prevent embezzlements to a considerable amount. Having recovered about fifty twenty-gallon casks of spirits, fifteen barrels of provi.iions, one hogshead of tobacco, twenty casks of powder, fifty stand of arms, two great guns, one of which is a double-forti- fied, long revolving nine, about a thousand pieces of cloth, with four masts, two anchors, spars, rigging, copper, and a variety of other property, to the amount in all, of about seven thousand dollars, the wreck was abandoned to the settlers in five days, as not worth the farther attention of the Government of the Colony, and on the 19th or 20th day, went entirely to pieces. Nace Butler, a very respectable settler, was unfortunately drowned by the upsetting of a canoe, on the 8th of October, returning from the wreck. About five of the natives also perished— chiefly by overloading themselves with plun- der and attempting to swim ashore. The Agent used every effort of persuasion and authority, to induce the peo- ple employed about the wreck to save the provisions. But they were neglected till too late to save only a very small part. On the evening of the 2nd of October, the Agent, from care and fatigue, (having for near a week been loaded with additional labors, from the abscHce 56 APPENDIX. of Mr. Mill, the Secretary,) was taken sick of ague and fever; and for a week confined to his bed, under a course of medicine. The Rev. C. M. War- ing having returned to the settlement from his journey to the leeward, submit- ted a very satisfactory report of the success of his mission. It is inclosed for the perusal of the Board. It will be seen from this paper, that coffee is a com- mon production of this part of the coast. It is to be found indeed, in every place near the sea, and how far back unknown; from the Montserado river, to Grand Bassa. Since Mr. Waring's return a slight search, has discovered hun- dreds of the trees, and perhaps, thousands of the plants, growing in the moun- tains, and scattered through every part of our forests. The trees attain an al- most unheard of size. Often rising thirty feet, and having a girth of fifteen inches about the stem. The Matives have agreed to bring us hundreds of bush- els of the berry, as soon as they ripen ; which will be in December. But it remains to be determined wholly by the event, what quantities can be collect- ed. We may be able to export the article in six months. We may not obtain enou"-h for our own consumption. But the discovery is certainly to be consid- ered as one of the most important, yet made in Liberia. The Agent having become no longer able to fulfil the duties of his station, the Administration passed to-day, into the hands of the Rev. C. M. Waring. Vice- Agent, by whom it was for about ten days conducted with judgment and propriety. The rains are nearly incessant. Their violence surpasses any for- mer example since the Agent has resided in the country. October 6th. The Agent remains closely confined, but slowly recovering. On Sunday last, four persons were baptized by immersion. The rains are so incessant as to spread a gloom over all surrounding nature, and keep every thing, bedding, clothing, books, and stationary constantly wet. Labor has for some time been nearly at a stand, in the settlement. The bones of Nace But- ler's body, have been recovered, without an ounce of flesh upon them. The river abounds with ravenous fish of all sizes. The natives are in much great- er fear of one, weighing about twelve pounds, but which seizes his prey with amazing energy, than of the. Shark. October 8th. There are ten slaving vessels, including the two WTecks ashore, between Gallinas and Trade-town. Three weeks ago, a Spaniard having a badly assorted cargo ashore at Grand Bassa, fired into, and instantly seized vipon a Frenchman having two hundred slaves aboard, and quite ready for sea. There had been no previous provocation. Having transferred all the slaves to his own vessel, and compelled tlie Frenchman to accept in lieu thereof an or- der for his cargo ashore, he took his leave, and made sail for the colonies. The Frenchman a few days after, lost his mate by accident, and has since died him- self, of vexation and grief. The vessel is still at Bassa. APPENDIX. 57 Remarks on the most econoinical mode of subsisting the Colony, in its in/ant state. To the Excciilivc OoinmUtee of the Board of Managers of the Ammcan Colonization Society: It is the true point of policy, to draw from all the resources of tlie neighbor- ing countries, without depending ultimately on any but our own. Experience proves, that for large quantities of provisions, for clothing, and very many of the conveniences and comforts of life, the Colony must for many years, look beyond its own limits. The inquiry is, can these supplies be obtained most economically, and cer- tainly, from beyond sea, or in this country? and previously, it ought to be as- certained, whether the country is able to afford the Colony these supplies at all. To this I shall reply, by slating the resources of this part of Africa. From Cape Palmas, three days' sail to the leeward, to the river Sesters, vvliich is distant from the Cape one hundred miles in the same direction, the country abounds in cattle. The Dutch and English purchase them in great numbers lor their establishments on Cape-Coast. The price paid for them is from five to eight bars, and I am informed that a very few days are sufficient to make up a cargo. The only reason why the experiment of obtaining from this quarter the meat provisions of the Colony has not been made, is, the want of a vessel of sufficient burthen to bring a cargo of live stock. In the dry season, a vessel of the Fidelity's tonnage, could easily carry eighty small bullocks. The trip might be made in from ten to fourteen days. That extensive district of the interior, known by the general name of the Gurrahand Condoe countries, commencing about one day's walk to the north- eastward, and reaching as far inland, as our geographical information extends, rears a fine breed of cattle. Owing to the desolating effects of the slave trade, they are presumed to be far less abundant than in the vicinity of Cape Palmas. The price is consequently higher, and the number that could be bought, not so great. But the breed is finer, and the expense attending their purchase, and conveyance to the settlement, less by one-half The Colony has already pro- cured a number of very excellent bullocks from this quarter; and a measure is in progress for obtaining on the best terms, as large anj additional supply as our limited means will purchase. Goats and fowls ought never to be sought for hereafter, out of the limits of the settlement. But every part of the surrounding country abounds with both, and in order to obtain any number of either, you have only to purchase. The two slaving stations of Cape Mount and Cape Montserado, have for several ages desolated of every thing valuable, the intervening very fertile and beautiful tract of country. The forests have remained untouched — all moral virtue been extinguished in the people, and theirindustry annihilated, by this one H 65 APPENlJlX- ruinous cause. They are often embarrassed for the necessaries ot existence, and never acquiie a surplus of provisions. The Colony can derive nothing from these people, a little wood excepted — worth the pursuit. As long as the Colony remains at peace with the neighboring tribes, cattle may be had from the interior, without difhculty. But not longer. For it is easily in the power of the weakest tribe in the country effectually to cut off all intercourse, by way-laying the path. Buthaving once stocked the settlement, we should at no distant period, be so well supplied, as to be able to meet any temporary interruption, without inconvenience. Provided the Colony could be accommodated with the use of a vessel, two or three times a year, to bring as many cargoes from the leeward coast; the cei'tainty of the supply would be much greater. There are two more articles of provisions, even more important than beef. These are Rice, and Oil. The latter, until six months old, answers every pur- pose of Olive-oil, as used for culinary purposes in the south of Europe. But- ter and lard, have all their uses fulfilled, and perhaps with advantage to the health of the people, by the Palm-oil. After the first six months, it becomes ne- cessary to subject it to a very simple, refining process, which leaves the oil nearly tasteless — rectifying entirely any previous tendency to rancidity. Very Iktle of this article is ever to be procured to the northward of the river Junk. Below, it may in the proper season — which is throughout the dry months — be purchased in any quantity. The first cost, is half a bar the gallon — which in cookery, is equal to six pounds of butter. Rice is produced every where, except in the vei-y vicinity of slave trading stations ; where there is never sufficient industry to produce anij thing. The country lining the sea-coast from the Junk, thirty miles below, to Cape Mount fifty miles above the settlement, limits its annual growth of rice to the con- sumption of the inhabitants. Farther above, the surplus is bought up for Sierra Leone. Below, it remains open to us. Rice is most abundant from October to February. A few hundred bushels are annually in this season, brought by the country people to the settlement — but never enough to supply even its present demand. More, will perhaps nev- er be brought in without attention bestowed on our part, to its purchase, while the coast continues to be as much frequented by slaving vessels, as at the pres- ent time. Every cargo that leaves the coast requires a large supply of rice, and often the master pays enormously for it. The native growers of rice, are disposed to reserve it for these occasions. Hence it is necessary to establish a temporary factory either at the Junk, at Grand Bassa, or at Grand Battou, dur- ing all the former part of the dry season, in order to make sure of a supply for the Colony. With this precaution, there would be no uncertainty in securing as much as will meet the annual consumption of the settlement. But the whole expense must be reckoned about two and a half bars the heaped bushel, or about five American pecks. APPENDIX. 59 I am at the date of tliese remarks, about to carry a young man of the settle- ment, with goods, to purchase six or eiglit hundred busliels of rice, at the mouth of the Junk. He will there establish himself, ajid remain till recalled. The distance may be walked by a native, in twelve hours. There is no question then, ol'the capability of this country to furnisli the Colo- ny with provisions. A little system and providence, is all that is necessary to make the supply certain. The only inquiry remaining relates to the compara- tive expense of provisioning the new-con:iers, and invalids of the Colony from America, and from this country. My own sentiments on this subject, I believe, are well known to the Board already. — So much more economical have I found the purchase of African, than the use of American provisions, that I have often had the latter sold, to pui'chase the former. The experiment has proved the saving to be nearly one half. — Take the following estimate in illustration: — One barrel of beef costs the Society, on arriving in Africa, $12 50 cents at least. This sum, in bars of 40 cents, (which is more than the first-cost aver- age of the bar in Africa,) is within a fraction of thirty-four bai"s, and on the most disadvantageous terms, will pay for two prime bullocks. The average weight of the Condoe bullocks is three hundred pounds. Two bullocks at this rate make three barrels of beef. Three barrels of African beef, is certainly equal to two from America: — or, six hundred pounds of fresh beef, will go furtlier for subsistence than two barrels of salted beef, — The saving is at least one hun- dred per centum. For bread-stufts — one barrel of flour on arriving in the Colony, on the most favorable terms, must have cost ^9 .50 cents — or (the bar at forty,) about 24 bars. This amount of goods will pay for forty-eight pecks, or four barrels of rice, delivered at the Colony. The saving to the funds, is the difference, for the purposes of subsistence, between one barrel of flour, and four barrels of rice. The flour weighs one hundred and ninety-six pounds. — The rice, seven hundred and fifty. I therefore beg to propose, that the Society will authorize, and furnish the resident Agent with the means to provision the settlement chiefly from the country in which it is situated. The goods required, and their proportionate quantity, (or value in America,) are. Tobacco, ...... .5 parts. Whiskey, - - - - - - 2 " Blue* and White India or English Imitation Bafts, - 2 " Printed Calicoes, - - - - - 1 " Printed Cotton Handkerchiefs, - - - 1 " Black and Flag Silk do. - - - 1-2 " * Blue, Red, Striped, and Check Domestic Cotton Stuffs, will answer the trade as well (not better) per yard, as the India Bafts. 60 APPENDIX. Gun Powder, ------ 1 part Cheap large calibre Guns - - - - l Small (pound) Beads of various colors, - - 2 Mugs, Bowls, Pitchers, white or colored, - - 2 Clasp Knives, ------ 1-4 Tobacco Pipes, ----- 2 Ready made Shirts and Trowsers, - - - 1-4 Dividing the whole sum into 20 " A larger supply of Salt, than heretofore, will be necessary in case the fore- going arrangement takes place. In order to ensure the requisite supply of Rice and Oil, a boat of burthen, adapted at the same time for sailing, is absolutely necessary. It is my opinion that a boat of 7 or 8 tons burthen, and answering to a description which fol- lows on the next page, would be more useful, and the risk attending the navi- gation of it much less than a vessel of a larger denomination. It cannot be concealeil, that we have not skill and energy enough to navigate a vessel of burthen. We have no port to shelter one; and I will add that we have neither the resources for employing and paying for, nor a sufficient public object to answer by such a vessel. Your Agent cannot be your Merchant ; and without a Merchant to manage a vessel of 40 to 60 tons, it will inevitably prove a losing concern. If you will send out an American crew — and an experienced factor, such a vessel may be useful, but not otherwise. Permit me, therefore, with deference, to recommend, earnestly, that by the next conveyance, be sent out two boat frames, on precisely the same model — the one to be housed — the other to be put up by the Carpenters of the Colony, for the use of the Agent. Keel 30 feet, and Beam 7 1-2, uniting both burthen and good sailing qualities ; to be half decked, and Schooner rigged and copper- ed. The Timbers ready to put together, Spars ditto. Sails made. Cordage in the coil. Plank in the rough, Copper in sheets, with Nails, with fastenings. Rudder ready, with half a dozen barrels of Pitch and Tar, for repairing our water crait generally, and four sweeps to each boat. I could put such a boat up, and fit her for use in a very few weeks. She could pass out and in, over the bar— could make trips between Sierra Leone and Palmas for six months of the year with perfect safety— could carry 250 bushels of Rice, or 4 tons of Wood with ease; and could be navigated by two men and four Kroomen. We could command all the trade which an Agent ought to make, and save to the friends of the Colony, thousands, annually. The second frame, in case it should be furnished, kc. would be saved, for use in case of accident to the first. I hope the Board will do me the justice to believe that these suggestions are the result of all my past experience in conducting their concerns, as well as the most accurate calculation in my power to make. It may look greater to have a large vessel ; but the expense will utterly exceed the utilit}' of APPENDIX. 61 such a craft over the boats described; and with the boats, all the Rice neces- sary for the consumption of four times the present number of Colonists, may be procured ; and as much Wood and Ivory brought as can be readily bought, xvhile in the pursuit of provisions. I would farther suggest, that the packet or chartered vessels arriving in fu- ture, be subject to be sent, if the Agent should require the service, to Cape Palmas, for a load of Bullocks. The Agent ought to exercise a discretion of this nature, only in the dry season, unless the exigencies of the Colony should very pressingly demand it. I have drawn out this paper to a length not intended. But the Board will excuse me for being minute on a subject which so nearly relates to the pros- perity of the settlement. I have farther to request that it be made the matter of a separate and particular investigation, and arrangement by the Executive Committee ; of whom, I have the honor to remain. The devoted servant, J. ASHMUN. Monrovia, December, 1824. To the Executive Committee of the Board of Managers of the American Colonization Society : There is a standing prohibition of the sale and use of ardent Spirits in the Colony, enrolled among the earliest special arrangements of the Board of Managers. But the paper, containing the only registry of those arrangements, having been withdrawn from the Colony by my predecessors ; I never saw or knew of its existence 'till sent out in May, 1823. But by the same vessel, also arrived 19 barrels of Spirits, all of which was either sold or used in the Colony. Such a commentary on the prohibition, was certainly not calculated to place the meaning of the Board in a very clear light ; and I now write to, desire instruction. Although the sin of drunkenness cannot be said to be a prevailing vice among us, yet there is a tendency to an excessive use of rum nd whiskey, very apparent in a number of individuals ; and a habit of the daily use of it, threatens to become in a short time, quite too general. No man is so poor as not occasionally, either by his labor, or petty barter, to buy a gallon of ardent Spirits ; and twenty persons in the Colony keep the article on hand for sale. The pretext is, to make out a good assortment of trade goods for the natives. But whoever pays for, obtains what he pleases. I shall immediately apply some restraint on the abuse of the article. But the Committee are doubtless well apprised of the extreme difficulty of regulating a thing of tliis nature, which is directly calculated to work the utter ruin of the Colony. I am fully of opinion that the use of Spirits cannot be wholly, and at once, abolished, as long as a trading vessel is permitted to touch within 50 miles of the Cape. In that case, it would be secretly introduced — secretly distributed — and se- cretly used by all who have a taste for it. But I beg to asisure the Committee G2 APPENDIX. that jometliing j?i.!/s/ be done in tlie matter. Leave the thing wholly to the discretion of the settlers, and in six months we have tippling shops, tipplers, and drunkards, forming in every part of the settlement. I liave tlie honor, &r. Jamuinj \Slh, 1825. J. ASHMUN. No. 7. Ca November 23, 1824 Cape Montserado, ) Sir:— The Rev. Mr. Gurley on his late visit to this Colony very naturally witness- ed with great regret the small progress yet made among us, of Agricultural in- dustry and improvements ; and concurred in opinion with myself that the gen- eral neglect was in part owing to the embarrassment necessarily felt by the set- tlers from the great change of the climate, and the consequent necessit)^ of adopting new modes of tillage, and new crops, to which none had been previ- ously accustomed. He desired me to draw up the outlines of an Agricultural Manual, from the best sources at my command, and send it home to receive such a revision, as the friends of the design might afford it in America; and thence, if the Board of Managers should concur, be sent back in a printed form, to be placed in the hands of the settlers. You will receive with this the most useful observations which I have been able, in the multitude of other duties, to throw together in manuscript. It will show perhaps little more than my wil- lingness to aid in the advancement of the Agriculture of the Colony. But I hope that Mr. Gurley's inquiries on the subjects of which it treats, white in the West Indies, on his return passage, will have obtained something, and that the recollections and science of Dr. Thornton, and other gentlemen in Washington, will supply other materials, which I should be glad to see incorporated in the work, with such corrections and retrenchments as the utilify of the little com- pend calls for. I have aimed to simplify the style and language, in accommodation to the ideas and conceptions of the illiterate; and in the introductory parts, to impress a few economical maxims by a direct reference to local facts and circumstances. The necessity of those remarks has been but too long and anxiously felt by myself; and I presume by Dr. Ayres, during and since his residence at the Cape. Should it be printed, I beg that it may be given in charge to the Rev. Mr. Gurley to read the proof-sheets, and that the type may be large. Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, To ihp Secrelanj of thp ./Im. Col. Societi/. J. ASHMUN. THE LIBERIA FARMER; OR, COLONIST'S GUIDE TO INDEPENDENCE AND DOMESTIC COMFORT INStHIBED TO ALL THE INDUSTRIOUS SETTLERS OF LIBERIA, BY THEIR FRIEND AND AGENT, J. ASHMUN. 1825. INTRODUCTION. You have come together from different and distant States in America. The climates, soils, productions and mode of Agriculture, to which you were there accustomed, are very various ; hut all are ■widely different from those of Africa. Some of you were mechanics in your native country, but you are all farmers liere ; and have every thing belonginp; to the business, to learn anew. Ameri- can crops, and the American modes of tillage, must nearly- all be given up ; and a new system of farming adopted. Of this, I can easily convince you. Look at our African seasons, and compare them with the seasons in America. Here, you can fmd neither Winter, Spring, Summer nor Autumn. These in- teresting changes have disappeared from the African year. Now, the whole system of cropping in America depended on the seasons. Some grains and fruits in that country, you recollect, required even the frosts and snows of its terrible winters. Before other seeds could be planted, it was necessary tlie warm Spring months should be considerably advanced. Three or four Sum- mer months, then made up nearly the only season of the year, in which vege- tables and grains would grow and ripen. The last months of Summer and all the Autumnal months, varying with the nature of the crop, were the harvest season. But not having any cf these seasons in Africa, you must learn an entirely ■iiffereat way of farming, and turn your attention to new productions, agreeing 64 APPENDIX. better with yoiu' new climate and seasons. It is tlie intention of (his liitle treatise, to assist you to acquiie tliis necessary information, in the shortest time, and use it in the best possible way. It does not profess to teach a per- fect system of African farming. That can only be discovered by the light of a great number of experiments and facts, which depend on your own future industry and observation. But it is all-important, you should begin your farming operations in possession of all tlie correct information that can be ob- tained ; and lay aside all your prejudices in favor of American modes, which will not answer in this countr}^ This is the only way to turn your labor and time to any good account ; and support your families with credit and comfort, by the proceeds of your own industry. On this last point, suffer me to put down two or three remarks, of the truth and importance of which you cannot be too sensible. The first is, That the cultivation of your rich lands, is the oidy way you will ever find out to indcpcn- dence, comfort and wealth. It is liard for some of you to understand, or to believe this inaxim. But it is, nevertheless, most true, and capable of being clearly proved. I will suppose you to be a mechanic, and that your trade is worth one dol- lar a day — you have, then, 300 dollars a year to support yourself on. But if agriculture is neglected here generally, you must send to America for every article of provisions and clothing ; or buy of trading vessels, which will make you pay 100 per cent, profit, besides expenses. What will a dollar laid out in this way, buy you ? Not more than thirty or forty cents' worth in America. If you are single, you may in this way feed and clothe yourself poorly. But, if you have a family, you must all suffer for want of the necessaries of life, if you rely on your mechanical labors alone. But, perhaps you hope to buy rice, fowds and plantains, of the natives ; and ■10 cents a day will go, you imagine, a great way with them. Suppose, however, the natives should do what they often have done alieady, prohibit all trade and intercourse with you ? Rely on it, the moment they find you depending on them, they will do so ; or else, make you pay four or five prices for every thing they sell you. But, if there is no agriculture, there will be nothing in the Colony to pay mechanics with ; and consequentl}', no employment for them. The natives, likewise, are often too poor to feed them- selves. And had they cassada to sell you, and you tobacco to buy it; are you so lost to all sense of shame, as to be willing to depend on a half naked Savage to feed you ? But there is another bewitching spell, which I fear will keep some of you in poverty, debt, and wretchedness, as long as you live. I mean, Thai inost de- ceptive hope of supporting yourselves by trade. You could not succeed in the attempt, if you had all been bred merchants ; and for this good reason, the Colony has not trade enough to support twenty families. The natives bring you nothing but Camwood, and small Ivory. No Camwood grows on your own land, and all the natives cut between this APPENDIX, 66 and Cape Mount, does not amount to 300 tons. Trading Vessels will always take one-half of this, for they can always undersell you. No man in Africa can make more than 20 dollars clear profit , on aton; so that 3000 dollars is the most you all can ever make on this article : and this sum in Africa, will sup- port ten families. Now, suppose 100 families depend on this trade ? They may make 30 dollars each. And 30 dollars will buy one barrel of Pork, and one of Flour, and nothing more. They must starve. The Ivory part is not worth a fourth part as much as the Camwood. The clear profits it would afford, are not worth five dollars to a family : and yet, some of you hope to support your families, and grow rich by trading ! — Twenty poles of Lima Beans, will be a much surer dependence, and actually go farther towards supporting a family, than the whole trade in Camwood and Ivory, if it was equally shared among you all. You can make the calculation for yourselves. Some of you have already gone too deep in trade. And you feel the bad effects of it. Show me a man without a good house, without improvements on his lands, who is deep in debt, and pinched and harrassed in all his circumstances ; and I will show you a man wiio has foolishly depended on trading witli the country people for a support. Look around, and tell me how many exceptions there are to this remark. Trade and day-labor as a me- chanic, may then be I'eckoned as your worst dependence. If you have no other you must content yourself to keep as poor as a native, while you live. " Have we then been sent to Africa to starve?" No. You may if you please, and God gives you health, become as independent, comfortable and happy, as you ought to be in this world. The upland of the Cape, is not the best. The Creator has formed it for a town, and not for plantations. But the flat lands around you, and particularly your farms, have as good a soil as can be met with in any country. They will produce two crops of corn, sweet potatoes, and several other vegetables in a year. They will yield a larger crop than the best soils in America. And they will produce a number of very valuable articles, for which in the United States, millions of money are every year paid away to foreigners. One acre of rich land, well tilled, will produce you three hundred dollars' worth of Indigo. Half an acre may be made to grow half a ton of ar- row root. Four acres laid out in Coffee-plants, will, after the third year, pro- duce you a clear income of two or three hundred dollars. Half an acre of cotton- trees will clothe your whole family : and, except a little hoeing, your wife and children can perform the whole labor of cropping and manufacturing it. One acre of canes will make you independent of all the world, for the sugar you use in your family. One acre set with fruit trees, and well attended, will furnish you the yearTound, with more Plantains, Bananas, Oranges, Limes, Guavas, Pa- paws, and Pine apples, than you will ever gather. Nine months of the year, you may grow fresh vegetables every month, and some of you who have low- land plantations, may do so throughout tlie year. Soon, all the vessels visit- ing the coast, will touch here for refreshments. You never will want a ready market for your fruits and vegetables. Your other crops being articles of ex- I 66 APPENDIX. port, will always command the cash, or something better. With these resour- ces, (and nothing but industry and perseverance is necessary to realize them,) you cannot fail to have the means of living as comfortably, independently, and happily as anypeople on earth. If you forfeitsuch prospects, through indolence, or folly, thank yourselves for it. No one else, I promise you, will condole with you. This little treatise is intended only for the industrious, and for such as are willing to become so. And in order to assist your industry to produce its full effects, I shall throw together the brief notices which I have to offer, into seve- ral short chapters, each one relating to some subject in agriculture, which you may directly reduce to practice. CHAPTER I, THE CLIMATE OF AFRICA, Is uniformly sultry and moist. But the heat is not excessive. You who keep thermometers, will perceive the mercury to stand in the wet season, at about 77 degrees, and in the dry, after sunrise, at about 82 degrees. Now the heat of a summers' day in Baltimore, and Richmond, is from 84 to 90 degrees. So that the heat of Liberia is never insupportable ; and commonly, very com- fortably moderate. But, the difference of heat at night and by day, seldom ex- ceeds three or four degrees of the scale. In America it often sinks and rises in the twenty-four hours, more than ten or twelve degrees. This uniform heat has a most favorable effect on the growth of plants and vegetables. It sustains the vegetable life in a constant, and unabated state of activity. The cold nights and cold storms of America, never are felt here. Consequently, as long as your plantations and gardens have moisture sufficient, you may expect every blade of Rice, every stalk of corn, every fruit-tree and vegetable, to flourish with the utmost luxuriance. The papaw and plantain trees are a good example of the power of an uniformly heated climate, to accelerate vegetation. You may see in the gardens, many of the former, not more than fifteen months from the seed, already fifteen inches round the stem, and fifteen feet high, with several pecks of ripening fruit. Clear your lands ; plant your crops ; keep the weeds down; and the most favorable climate in the world, alone, under the direction of a bountiful Providence, will do more for you than all your toil and care could ac- complish in America. CHAPTER II. THE AFRICAN SEASONS, Are very properly divided into the wet, and dry. The wet season begins at Montserado. about the 10th, or 15th of May ; after three or four weeks of fre- quent thunder-showers, and very short and sudden tempests of wind from the land. APPENDIX. 67 The latter pail of May, and the whole of June, comprise perhaps, the most rainy period in the year. It is vastly important that your new grounds should be cleared, well burnt, planted and fenced, before these rains come on. It is not possible to do either, well, afterwards. The natives who have no almanacs, and who arc accused of great indolence, are never behindhand in their rice plantations. In the months of March and April, their plantation fires send up columns of smoke in all directions ; and the month of June witnesses a most verdant display of springing rice in the neighborhood of all their towns. July and August are, commonly, almost as dry as the same months in Ameri- ca. The weather is delightfully cool ; and seems to have ieen appointed for the convenience of dressing gardens and plantations. You have now an op- portunity to weed, and grub up the sprouts and bushes on your crop lands; to make fences, and set out fruit, cotton, and coffee trees. After having perform- ed all that your plantations and gardens require, you may find a few weeks of this cool and pleasant season, to provide timber and materials for building out- houses, or enlarging your dwellings. Should birds or insects have destroyed any part of the young crop of rice, or vegetables, you can now fill it in with new seed, before the September rains come on. But never expect a crop plant- ed in July and August, will succeed as well as that which enjoys the benefit of the June rains. On the last of August, the second, and much the longest course of rains, usually sets in. They prevail without much intermission, throughout Septem- ber and October. In November, the thunder-gusts return, and the rains grad- ually subside. Your rice crop is now fit for the sickle ; and you must stand by every fair day to secure it, as soon as possible. The corn-crop, if planted sea- sonably, will come in, early in September. The sepond planting, sometime in November. That part of the Indigo, and Coffee crops, which comes to matu- rity in these months must be carefully gathered as it ripens, and cured under cover. But, after all these labors, many days of this dripping season will re- main, and they can be best employed by mechanics at their trades, and by all others in dressing and mortising fence-posts, and making gates, refitting their implements, and performing all the rough work required about their houses, and plantations, which can be done under shelter. Fruit, cotton, and cofiee-trees may also be transplanted. The month of November puts an end to the redundant rains'of the year. The season for clearing lands, now begins. No industrious man will neglect com- mencing this work beyond the 1st day of December, while an acre remains to be cle-everest jjcnalty to appropriate 1o theinselvps the most trivial 92 APPENDIX. article, or amount of the property of tlie factory. And this oi'der was most rigorously enforced. I paid the troops on their return a per diem allowance fixed before they had volunteered their services for the expedition. We acted, sir, on the defensive, .strictly — and I trust, acted with all that deliberate and cautious respect to justice, and that sense of responsibility to God and man, which ought to characterize a resoit to force by a christian people. The vio- tive, I know, does not always vindicate the act. But I wish to remove wrong; impressions, as to the manner in which our expeditions were conducted. I may and often do err in judgment. But my errors are not those of precipi- tancy, which excludes reflection : and our military expeditions, if conducted with decision, were not blindly engaged in, nor submitted to the guidance of passion or circumstances. And if God has made them instrumental of the abolition of the slave trade near us, the increase of our trade, the emancipa- tion of nearly 200 slaves, the extension of our influence, and increase of our territory, thanks to his own infinite wisdom and goodness. Those were not the objects for which I undertook them, nor the effects from which I infer their justification. It may not be beneath a moment's attention to remark here on that part of Captain C 's libel, which says "thai, owing to the quantity of plunder we brought from Trade Town, Bafts were selling at $1 the piece, at Montserado, and other goods in proportion." I repeat it, neither I nor my people brought a fragment of Merchandise or any other property from Trade Town. But two Colombian armed vessels, the Jacenta and El Vencedore, then on a cruize against the enemies of that Re])ublic, were permitted to sell by auction in Town, such part of their prize goods as they could not convey to Laguayra i and these goods sold greatly below their real value. El Vencedore, I believe to sustain, as a private armed vessel, a highly re- spectable character. I never heard to the contrary intimated either of the ves- sel or her Commander. It is not true that the vessel ever molested or at- tempted to molest British commerce on this coast, or was ever chased by an English Man-of-war. It is true that a Spanish Pirate at Trade Town, detained, after being thrice demanded, from five to eight of our people— five were identified and admitted by the Spaniard, and by West, the native king, to belong to us— and still de- tained. It is not true that one musket was fired by us on the natives, for more than 24 hours after being in quiet possession of the Town ; nor then, till we had received volleys from them, which I forbade to be returned, at the immi- nent hazard of my own and people's lives, in hopes, even then, to conciliate them by forbearance. APPENDIX. 93 No. 10. We here insert letters expressive of the views of Ex-Presi- lieut Madison and Chief Justice Marshall, on the subject of Afri- can Colonization. Mo\TPELIER, Dkcf.mbf.r 29, 1831. Dkar Sir: I received, in due time, your letter of the 21st ult., and with due sensibility to the subject of it. Such, however, has been the effect of a painful rheumatism on my general condition, as well as in disqualifying my fingers for the use of the pen, that I could not do justice " to the principles and measures of the Colonization Society in all the great and various relations they sustain to our own country and to Africa,"' if my views of them could have the value which your partiality supposes. I may observe, in brief, that the Society had always my good wishes, though with hopes of its success less sanguine than were entertained by others found to have been the better judges; and, that I feel the greatest pleasure at the progress already made by the So- ciety, and the encouragement to encounter remaining difficulties afforded by the earlier and greater ones already overcome. Many circumstances at the present moment seem to concur in brightening the prospects of the Society, and cherishing the hope that the time will come, when the dreadful calamity which has so long afflicted our country and filled so many with despair, will be gradually removed and by means consistent with justice, peace and the general satisfaction : thus giving to our country Ihe full enjoyment of the blessings of liberty, and to the world the full benefit of its great example. I never con- sidered the main difficulty of the 'great work as lying in the deficiency of emancipations, but in an inadequacy of a.sylums for such a growing mass of population, and in the great expense of removing it to its new home. The spirit of private manumission as the laws may permit and the exiles may con- sent, is increasing and will increase ; and there are sufficient indications that the public authorities in slave-holding States are looking forward to interposi- tions in different forms that must have a powerful effect. With respect to the new abode lor the emigrants, all agree that the choice made by the Society is rendered peculiarly appropriate by considerations M-hich need not be repeated, and if other situations should not be found eligible receptacles for a portion of them, the prospects in Africa seem to be expanding in a highly encouraging degree. In contemplating the pecuniary resources needed for the removal of such a number to so great a distance, my thoughts and hopes have been long turned to the rich fund presented in the western lands of the Nation, which will soon entirely cease to be under a pledge for another object. The great one iu question is truly of a national character, and it is known that distinguished patriots not dwelling in slave-holding States liave viewed the object iu that 94 APPKNDI.V. light, and would be willing to let the national domain be a resource in effect- ing it. Should it be remarked that the States, though all may be interested in re- lieving our country from the colored population, they are not equally. so; it is but fair to recollect, that the sections most to be benefitted, are those whose cessions created the fund to be disposed of. I am aware of the constitutional obstacle which has presented itself; but if the general will be reconciled to an application of the teiritorial fund to the removal of the colored population, a grant to Congress cf the necessary authority could be carried, with little delay, through the forms of the Con- stitution. Sincerely wishing an increasing success to the laborr of the Society, I pray you to be assured of my esteem, and to accept my friendly salutation. JAMES MADISON. Richmond, Decf.mbkr 14, 1331. Dear Sir: I received your letter of the 7th, in the course of the mail, but it was not accompanied by the documents _vou mention. I undoubtedly feel a deep interest in tlie success of the Societ)', but, if I had not long since formed a resolution against appearing in print on any oc- casion, I should be now unable to comply with your request. In addition to various occupations which press on me very seriously, the present state of my family is such as to prevent my attempting to prepare any thing for publica- tion. The great object of the Societ}-, I presume, is to obtain pecuniary aids. Application will undoubtedly be made, I hope successfully, to the several State Legislatures by the societies formed within them respectively. It is extremely desirable that they should pass permanent laws on the subject, and the excite- ment produced by the late insurrection makes this a favorable moment for the friends of the Colony to press for such acts. It would be also desirable, if such a direction could be given to State Legislation as might have some ten- dency to incline the people of color to migrate. This, however, is a subject of much delicacy. Whatever may be the success of our endeavors to obtain acts for permanent aids, I have no doubt that our applications for immediate contributions will receive attention. It is possible, though not probable, that more people of color may be disposed to migrate than can be provided for with the funds the Society may be enabled to command. Under this impres- sion I suggested, some years past, to one or two of the Board of Managers, to allow a small additional bounty in lands to those who would pay their own passage in whole or in part. The suggestion, however, was not approved. It is undoubtedly of great importance to retain the countenance and pro- tection of the General Government. Some of our cruisers stationed on the coast of Africa would, at the same time, interrupt the slave trade — a horri^i traffic detested by all good men, and would protect the vessels and commerce APPENDIX. 95 of the Colony from pirates who infect those seai. The i)ower of the govern- ment to afford this aid is not, I believe, contested. 1 regret that its power to grant pecuniary aid is not equally free from question. On this subject, I have al- ways thought, and still think, that the proposition made by Mr. King, in the Senate, is the moit unexceptionable, and the most effective that can be de- vised. The fund would probably operate as rapidly as would be desirable, when we take into view the other resources which might come in aid of it, and its application would be, perhaps, less exposed to those constitutional objections which are made in the South than the application of money drawn from the Treasury and raised by taxes. The lands are the property of the United States, and have heretofore been disposed of by the government under the idea of absolute ownership. The cessions of the several States convey them to the General Government for the common benefit, without prescribing any limits to the judgment of Congress, or any rule by which that judgment shall be exercised. The cession of Virginia indeed seems to look to an apportion- ment of the fund among the States, "according to their several respective proportions in the general charge and expenditure." But this cession was made at a time wlien the lands were believed to be tlic only available fund for paying the debts of the United States and supporting their Government. This condition has probably been supposed to be controlled by the existing Consti- tution, which gives Congress "power to dispose of, and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territories or the property belonging to the United States." It is certain that the donations made for roads and col- leges are not in proportion to the part borne by each State of the general ex- penditure. The removal of our colored population is, I think, a common object, by no means confined to the slave States, although they are more im- mediately interested in it. The vvhole Union would be strengthened by it, and relieved from a danger, whose extent can scarcely be estimated. It lessens \ery much in my estimation, the objection in a political view to the applica- tion of this ample fund, that our lands are becoming an object for which the States are to scramble, and which threatens to sow the seeds of discord among us, instead of being what they might be — a source of national wealth. I am, dear, sir, with great and respectful esteem. Your obedient servant, J. MARSHALL. Resolutiox, submitted to the Senate of the United States, by the Hon, Kufus King, of New- York, February 18th, 1825. Resolved, That as soon as the portion of the existing funded debt of the United States, for the payment of which the Public Land of the United States is pledged, shall have been paid off, then and thenceforth, the whole of the Public Land of the United States with the nett proceeds of all future sales thereof, shall constitute or form a fund, which is hereby appropriated, and the 96 AP^E^Dlx. Faith of tlie United States is pledged, that the said fund shall be inviolably ap- plied to aid the emancipation of such slaves, within any of the United States, and aid the removal of such slaves, and the removal of such free people of color in any of the said States, as by the laws of the States respectively, may be allowed to be emancipited, or removed to any territory or country without the limits of the United States of America. The following resolution was moved by Mr. Tucker, of Virginia, in Congress, March 2d, 1825 : Resolved, That the Secretary of War be required, to ascertain the pro- bable expense of extinguishing the Indian Title to a portion of the country lying west of the Rocky Mountains, that may be suitable for colonizing the free people of color ; the best routes across the Mountains, and the probable cost of a road and military post, necessary to a safe communication with such Colony, and to report the same to this House, at the next Session of Congress. It is well known that the Land Bill introduced by the Hon. Henry Clay, and which passed the Senate on the 25th of January, 1832, provided for the distri- bution of the proceeds of the sales of the Public Lands, among the twenty-four States of the Union, according to their respective federal representative popu- lation, " to be applied by the Legislatures of the said States, to such objects of education, internal improvement, colonization of free persons of color, or re- imbursement of any existing debt, contracted for internal improvement, as the said Legislatures may severally designate and authorize." No. 10, Miscellaneous Papers of Mr. Anhmun. No. 1.— 1819. Question. What rules are to be observed in order to improve the gift of prayer * The gift of prayer principally respects the manner in which the overt par? of the duty is performed ; and it is valuable, considered as conducing to the improvement of the hearers, rather than to the person who performs the duty. But we seldom contribute to the improvement of others, without benefiting our- selves. The gift of prayer is therefore valuable, as respects the possessor; and as it consists in the ability to pray with external propriety and effect, it must greatly depend on possessing a spirit of prayer. From this consideration, I APPENDIX. 97 deduce the first rule to assist us in acquiring the gift of prayer. Cidtwate a jirmjing spirit. Tile Spiiit of God, whicli is necessary to produce,and pi^cserve flie spirit of acceptable prayer, not only assists the possessor to perform christian duties to the acceptance of God, but for the edification ofmcn. By tliis sacred influence reign- ing in the breast, the objects with which we converse in prayer, become familiar- ized to the mind; and in regard to familiar objects, we ever express ourselves with more promptitude, and pertinency, than of others. The Spirit of God like- wise makes us acquainted witl) his glorious perfections, and the sublime things of his kingdom in their proper nature. We all know that it is essential to elo- quence to be able to seize on the most striking points of a subject, and present it in the most affecting attitude. In order to this we must be so fully and exactly acquainted with our subject, as to be able to see, and select, its most appropri- ate and impre:5sive features. The same remai'k is good w ith a little qualification in regard to the acquirement of a talent to pray with due eliect. Hence the im- portance of the aids of the Divine Spirit, by " which we may know the things of God." The ntxt rule tliat I shall prescribe for acquiring this gift, is to obtain a Just andhdmate acquaintance with the Imguage, and seniimcnts of the Scriptures. A great part of the elfect of prayer on the min