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 A SKETCH 
 
 or THZ 
 
 COLONIZATION ENTERPRISE, 
 
 A.XD OF 
 
 THE SOIL, CLIMATE AND PRODUCTION OF LIBERIA, 
 
 
 
 The American Colonization Society was formed at the City 
 of Washington, in December, 1816. Its object, the Colonization of 
 Free Persons of Color by the United States of their own consent, in 
 Africa. This enterprise had been the subject of consideration for 
 many years of some of the distinguished statesmen and philanthro- 
 pists of this country. The Rev. Robert Finley, of New Jersey, was 
 the first to propose and urge the formation of this Society, and he 
 was among its first and most zealous members. Elias B. Caldwell, 
 son of the Rev. Mr. Caldwell of revolutionary memory, also of New 
 Jersey, resident at Washington, was one of the co-adjutors of the 
 Rev. Mr. Finley, and first Secretary of the Society, in which office 
 he continued until his death. To particularize the first and succeed- 
 ing patrons and friends of this enterprise would be to name a large 
 portion of the most eminent of our citizens. The Hon. Bushrod 
 Washington was the first president of the society — Mr. Carroll, the 
 second — James Madison, late President of the United States, his suc- 
 cessor, and the Hon. Henry Clay is the present incumbent. 
 
 Auxiliary State Societies were early formed in most of the States, 
 and in many, numerous subordinate societies, by whose combined 
 means, aided by benevolent individuals, funds were raised to carry 
 its measures into effect. 
 
 Resolutions approving of the Society have been passed by the Le- 
 gislatures of most of the States, and every denomination of Chris- 
 tians, in their larger ecclesiastical assemblies, recommending the So- 
 ciety to the patronage and good wishes of the community. 
 
2 
 
 Nearly five years, from the formation of the Society, was occupied 
 in collecting information, examining the coasts and negotiating with 
 the natives of Africa for a suitable location for the Colony. The 
 Island of Sherbrp was first selected, and an attempt made to establish 
 a colony there, but it failed from the treachery of the natives and 
 injudiciousness of the location. It was abandoned, and early in 
 1821, the surviving emigrants were taken to Sierra Leone, as a 
 temporary residence. In December of the same year Capt. R. F. 
 Stockton, of the United States Navy, arrived in the schooner Alliga- 
 tor at Sierra Leone, and agreed to accompany Dr. Ayres, chief 
 agent of the Society to Cape Mesurado to obtain, if possible, territory 
 for the colony, and which they ultimately effected. The following 
 highly interesting account of the negotiation is given by Captain 
 Stockton : — 
 
 " After hearing the melancholy catastrophe which had attended the 
 attempt to settle on the island of Sherbro, and the judicious temporary 
 arrangements that had been made for the survivors in the neighbor- 
 hood of Sierra Leone, it was resolved to proceed immediately down 
 the coast, for the purpose of selecting the most eligible place to re- 
 establish the Colony. Cape Mesurado was selected, and notwithstand- 
 ing the dfficulties and disappointments which have attended the various 
 negotiations, for the last hundred years, to secure that spot, it was 
 determined forthwith to make the effort. The intercourse of that 
 people with the European nations in carrying on the slave trade, had 
 made them somewhat familiar with the Christian character, and they 
 had been by the slave dealers led to understand that the object of all 
 such Colonies were to put an end to the slave trade, which had for 
 many years been their principal business, and through which they 
 received those luxuries, which they supposed could not be obtained by 
 any other means. On the arrival of the vessel at the Capes, a messen- 
 ger was sent to the king. The next day he came to the shore to hold 
 a palaver, and to ascertain the object of the visit. It was explained 
 to him ; he gave his assent, and promised his protection, and that on 
 the day following he would sign the treaty. But after he had received 
 all the presents that were taken on shore for him, he thought proper to 
 treat the present negotiation as he had all former ones. He returned 
 unexpectedly, and contrary to his promise to his town, and refused to 
 have any thing more to do with the matter. The Agent, Dr. Ayres, 
 and Mr. Nicholson, the carpenter of the vessel, both citizens of New 
 Jersey, agreed to go with their Commander to the town of the King, 
 and insist upon the performance of his engagements, or the return of 
 the presents. 
 
 "They had a long and dreary walk through a wilderness, accessible 
 only by the blind path they were treading, guided by two "Kroomen." 
 On their arrival at the town, they were received with civility, and 
 conducted immediately to the Palaver House, in which there was a 
 platform, on which the King sat on all great occasions. 
 
 " Whilst the King and his head men were preparing for the Palaver. 
 
these gentlemen ingratiated themselves with the people, by distributing 
 among them various presents. The King finally arrived, with a great 
 number of persons in his train ; he received the officers with kindness 
 and some address, and ascended his throne. The Commander follow- 
 ed and seated himself beside the King, with his two companions near 
 to him. The King had two good interpreters, who seemed to be very 
 proper men, and well disposed. The negotiation was renewed by 
 professions of good will on both sides, and proceeded with mutual 
 satisfaction. The King believed that the settlement proposed would 
 not directly interfere with the slave trade, or deprive them of their 
 accustomed European supplies ; and he pledged himself as a King, in 
 the presence of his people and the great spirit,* that he would on the 
 next day hold a Palaver on the sea shore and sign the treaty. 
 
 " At this moment, an English mulatto, who was supposed to be friend- 
 ly, but who had not been before seen, walked into the assembly, and 
 declared to the King, that what had been said to him was false ; that 
 the object of the white man was to destroy their trade, and entirely to 
 cut off' their commerce. In proof of which, he said, that the very 
 vessel now lying in the Bay, and these men now before you had cap- 
 tured a few months ago, two French vessels coming with presents and 
 for trade, and took them to their own country. In one instant, this 
 immense multitude, who had been previously seated on the ground, 
 sprung to their feet, and uttered a cry of revenge and war that can 
 never be forgotten by those who heard it. 
 
 " These officers looked round, in vain, for help. All, all appeared to 
 be lost — as far as it depended upon human means. They determined, 
 however, to die like christians and men ; and whilst with one hand, 
 the life of the King was put in jeopardy, with the other was made the 
 last appeal to high heaven in behalf of Africa. And as they cast their 
 eyes above, from this small clearing in the wilderness, they saw the 
 clear blue sky, and the same sun that was then shining upon their 
 beloved families and friends. Yes, there was the God of their Pilgrim 
 Fathers — the same God who had watched over and protected their 
 happy country — and who guided their own adventurous footsteps 
 into the present peril. There was he, in all the glory of his omnisci- 
 ence, and all the splendor of his power. 
 
 " The appeal was heard — and this countless band of fierce barbari- 
 ans fell prostrate to the earth, amazed at this grand spectacle of man's 
 faith and God's power. 
 
 "The next day the treaty was signed." 
 
 In January, 1822, Dr. Ayres directed the removal of the emigrants 
 which had been left at Sierra Leone to Cape Mesurado, which was 
 the first location of a colony by the Society in Liberia. 
 
 "The central point of the old colony of Liberia, proper, now called 
 the colony of Monrovia, is Cape Mesurado, or Montserado, which is 
 represented as a most beautiful and commanding site. Liberia, em- 
 bracing all the distinct colonies which are or may be planted, is situated 
 
 * These people worship Ilio Sun. 
 
4 
 
 about 5 degrees N. of the equater, and 250 miles S. of Sierra Leone, 
 the English colony. It extends along the coast to the length of 150 
 to 300 miles ; and reaches into the interior indefinitely. Rivers, some 
 of considerable size, water the country throughout. The soil is ex- 
 tremely fertile, and abounds in all the productions of tropical climates. 
 The population, at the present time, may be estimated at 5,000. 
 
 " The chief city in the old colony, or colony of Monrovia, is Monro- 
 via ; so called in honor of the late ex-President of the United States, 
 James Monroe. It is situated on Montserado, at the mouth of the 
 Mesurado river ; and contains about 500 houses and stores — a court- 
 house — five churches, one Presbyterian, two Methodist, and two Bap- 
 tist — three flourishing schools, one of which has upwards of 100 
 scholars — a temperance society, numbering upwards of 500 members — 
 and about 1500 inhabitants. The houses are generally well built, and 
 of a pleasant appearance. The city is seventy feet above the sea ; 
 and the temperature is mild and agreeable, the thermometer not varying 
 more than from 68 to 87 deg., and the inhabitants enjoying, most of 
 the time, a refreshing sea-breeze The streets are 100 feet wide, 
 crossing each other at right angles. The harbor, which is formed by 
 the mouth of the river, is convenient and capacious for vessels of 
 moderate dimensions. 
 
 " Seven miles north of the outlet of the Mesurado, is the river St. 
 Paul's on which is the town of Caldwell. This town, after the plan 
 of some American villages, has but one street, which, a mile and a half 
 long, is planted on either side with a beautiful row of plaintain and 
 banana trees. Caldwell is an agricultural establishment, and is 
 flourishing. It has three churches, three day schools, and three Sun- 
 day schools. It is an interesting fact that one of the native kings 
 recently applied at one of these day schools for the admission of twelve 
 children ; which request, however, could not be granted, as the school 
 was already full. 
 
 " Between Caldwell and Monrovia, on Stockton creek, is a settlement 
 of recaptured Africans, called New Georgia, and planted in part, by 
 the aid of our General Government. It contains 500 inhabitants, 
 who, although they were once the miserable tenants, in chains, of the 
 loathsome slave-ship, are now living in the enjoyment of the blessings 
 of Christian and civilized life. This place has a church and near two 
 hundred houses. Mr. Buchanan, Agent of the Young Men's Society 
 of Pennsylvania, who visited the place, says respecting this settlement, 
 ''The air of perfect neatness, thrift, and comfort, which every where 
 prevails, affords a lovely commentary on the advancement which these 
 interesting people have made in civilization and Christian order, under 
 the patronage of the Colonization Society. Imagine to yourself, 
 some two or three hundred houses, with streets intersecting each 
 other at regular distances, preserved clean as the best swept side-walk 
 in Philadelphia, and lined witli well planted hedges of Cassava and of 
 Plum ; a school-house full of orderly children, neatly dressed, and 
 studiously engaged : and then say whether 1 was guilty of extrava- 
 gance in exclaiming as I did, after surveying this most lovely scene, 
 i hat had the Colonization Society accomplished no more than has 
 
5 
 
 been done in the rescue from slavery and savage habits of these happy 
 people, I should have been well satisfied. 
 
 " North-east of Monrovia, twenty miles, on the same river, at the 
 foot of the highlands, is another floifrishing town called Millsburgh, 
 containing about 500 inhabitants, two churches, and one school, and 
 rapidly increasing by new colonists. Millsburgh has peculiar advan- 
 tages, enabling it to become the commercial medium between the 
 interior and sea-coast.* The land is fertile, and the forests abound 
 Avith excellent timber. The town is represented as very neat and 
 healthy. Another town of recent settlement is Marshall. 
 
 "Another considerable settlement in Liberia, is that very flourishing 
 colony formed under the patronage of the Maryland Colonization So- 
 ciety, and also fostered by the State, at Cape Palmas, called New 
 Maryland. This colony, which now numbers between three and four 
 hundred inhabitants, is advantageously located, and promises to excel 
 in agriculture. Its situation is high, open, free from any surround- 
 ing marshes, and most favorable to health. Its inhabitants are repre- 
 sented as temperate, intelligent, and industrious ; and as giving evidence 
 of mental as well as physical energy, that greatly encourages the 
 confident hope and expectation that they will yet occupy an honorable 
 rank among the civilized world. 
 
 " Besides these, there are the flourishing settlements more recently 
 commenced at Edina and Bassa Cove, the one beautifully situated on 
 the south, and the other on the north side of the St. John's, near its 
 mouth. Also, about eighty miles south-east from Bassa Cove, on the 
 river Sinoe, the Mississippi Colonization Society have purchased a 
 territory, and commenced a colony. The Louisiana Society propose 
 the settlement of a colony on the opposite side of the river, and it is 
 expected that Virginia, by her State Society, will plant within the 
 Liberian territory a colony to be called New Virginia, and that Ken- 
 tucky will soon follow her example. 
 
 " A more fertile soil, and a more productive country, it would be diffi- 
 cult to find on the face of the earth. Its hills and its plains are cover- 
 ed with a verdure that never fades ; the productions of nature keep on 
 in their growth through all seasons of the year ; and even the natives 
 of the country, almost without farming tools or skill, with very little 
 labor, raise more grain and vegetables than they can consume, and 
 often more than they can sell. 
 
 " Mr. Park, the traveller, says, 'All the rich and valuable productions, 
 both of the East and West Indies, might easily be naturalized, and 
 brought to the utmost perfection in the tropical parts of this immense 
 continent. Nothing is wanting to this end, but example to enlighten 
 the minds of the natives, and instruction to enable them to direct their 
 industry to proper objects. It was not possible for me to behold the 
 wonderful fertility of the soil ; the vast herds of cattle, proper both 
 for labor and food ; and a variety of other circumstances favorable to 
 colonization and agriculture ; and reflect, withal, on the means which 
 presented themselves of a vast inland navigation, without lamenting 
 
 * The St. Paul's Kivcr is supposed to have a course of from 200 to 'J0O mites. 
 
6 
 
 that a country so gifted and favored by nature, should remain in its 
 present savage and neglected state.' 
 
 " The colonists have all the domestic animals which are found in 
 this country. They raise a great variety of vegetables and tropical 
 fruits. Coffee grows spontaneously, and of an excellent kind. The 
 attention of several of the most respectable colonists has been turned 
 to its cultivation, and 20,000 coffee trees have been planted by a 
 single individual. The indigo plant is indigenous, and grows wild 
 almost every where on the coast ; cotton is easily cultivated and the 
 crops are productive ; the sugar-cane is found on many parts of the 
 coast of Africa, and may be cultivated in Liberia ; rice is easy of 
 cultivation, and has long been the principle article of food to the na- 
 tives ; and as peculiar to Africa, it grows as well upon the high as 
 the low land ; bananas of an excellent and delicious kind, plantains, 
 oranges, fine flavored and very large, and limes, are common ; maize, 
 or Indian corn, ripens in three months, and succeeds well ; pineapples 
 are very good and in great abundance ; cocoanut trees flourish well ; 
 pumpkins, squashes or simelins, cucumbers, watermelons, and musk- 
 melons, arrive at great perfection in that climate ; cassada and yams 
 are found in all parts of the coast, and are mnch used for food ; palm 
 oil is produced in abundance ; tamarinds of various kinds ; gum 
 Senegal and copal are articles of export in vast quantities ; pepper, and 
 a variety of other spices, including cayenne, ginger, cubebs, cardamum, 
 nutmegs, and cinnamon, are common on the coast ; several valuable 
 dye-woods are found, of which camwood and barwood are exported 
 in considerable quantities ; gold abounds in many parts of Africa, and 
 the amount exported may be greatly increased ; ivory is also a great 
 article of commerce, and timber of almost every quality. All these, 
 and many other productions, are found in Africa, and are, or may be, 
 sources of advantage and of profit to the Liberian colony. The late 
 colonial agent speaks of seeing at one of the beautiful villag?s of the 
 recaptured Africans, a tract of one hundred acres planted with 
 cassada, interspersed with patches of Indian corn and sweet pota- 
 toes. 
 
 " Such is the position of the colony, that its commercial advantages 
 are great. It is the central point in a long extent of sea coast ; and 
 extensive relations of trade may be established between it and a vast 
 interior. New avenues are continually opening with the interior 
 tribes, and no one can calculate the importance which some parts of 
 Liberia may be expected to assume at some future, and not far distant 
 day. 
 
 " The colony is already engaged considerably in commerce. 
 
 "From January 7, 1826, to June 16, 1826, the nett profits on wood 
 and ivory alone, passing through the hands of the settlers, was $30,- 
 786. Passing on to 1829, we find the exports of African products to 
 amount to $60,000. In 1831, 46 vessels, 21 of which were Am rican, 
 visited the colony, and the amount of exports was $83,911. During 
 the year ending May 1, 1832, 59 vessels had visited the port of 
 Monrovia, and the exports during the same period amounted to $125,- 
 540 16, whilst the imports amounted to $80,000. 
 
<* A portion of the colonists are continually and actively engaged in 
 trade, disposing to the natives, of English and American, and other 
 goods, and receiving in return dye-woods, ivory, hides, gold, palm oil, 
 tortoise shell, rice, &c, which become articles of exportation and of 
 great profit." 
 
 For the people of color, the climate of Liberia is a delightful one. 
 The natives of that part of Africa are very healthy. Many live to 
 a great age, and are an athletic, hardy race of men. Nothing like 
 an epidemic has ever appeared in the colony, nor is it learned from 
 the natives that the calamity of a sweeping sickness ever yet visited 
 that part of the Continent. 
 
 To acclimated emigrants of color, Africa proves a more congenial 
 climate than any portion of the United States. 
 
 The accommodation and comforts now afforded to the emigrants, 
 the skilful ness of the Physicians, and the experience had in seasoning, 
 as it is termed, have disarmed it of its terrors, by subjecting the fever 
 to the control of medicine, and by proper precaution greatly mitigate 
 its severity. In many cases but little inconvenience is experienced 
 from it, and very few cases now prove mortal. The colonies in 
 Liberia are very prosperous, and exceed the most sanguine expect, 
 ations of the friends of the enterprise. The Colonists are contented 
 and happy, and are realizing their highest anticipations. 
 
 In a resolution adopted at one of their public meetings they de- 
 clare, " that so far from a desire to return to the United States, they 
 would regard such an event as the greatest calamity that could befall 
 them." They expressed their warmest gratitude for what the Colo- 
 nization Society have done for the people of color, and for them in 
 particular, and urge all to come and participate in the blessings they 
 enjoy. The Colonists consider that they have started into a new exist- 
 ance, and feel proud of their attitude — they enjoy all the unalien- 
 able rights of man, and are doing better for themselves and children 
 than they could do in any other part of the world. 
 
 The morals of the Colonists are represented as superior to the 
 same population in almost any part of the United States. Intempe- 
 rance and profanity are rarely witnessed among them ; the Sabbath is 
 strictly observed, and all its institutions greatly respected. Their 
 Courts of Justice are characterized by good order and decorum — 
 the dignity and good sense of the judges — the shrewdness and legal 
 acumen of the counsel — the patient attention of the jury, all of 
 whom are of course colored people, and by whom all public business 
 of the Colony is transacted. 
 
 A monthly newspaper is established at Monrovia, called "The 
 Liberia Herald." 
 
8 
 
 A weekly mail has been established between BaSsa Cove and 
 Monrovia. 
 
 The managers of the Maryland Colonization Society have resolv- 
 ed to purchase a vessel of 200 tons, to ply regularly between Balti- 
 more and Liberia. She is to be fitted expressly for carrying out 
 passengers and freight to the colonies. 
 
 The Colonization enterprise is confessedly one of the most benevo- 
 lent which characterizes the present age. It in fact combines in its 
 effects and consequences almost all others. Its first effect is to ele- 
 vate the condition of the free people of color who accept of the bene- 
 volence of the Society. These people in the United States are in deep 
 moral and political degradation — although they have the name of 
 freemen, they do not participate in any of the peculiar privileges of 
 freemen, and under existing circumstances they are without hope of 
 a change for the better, especially in this section of the country. 
 Nature has drawn a line of distinction, in color, which never can be 
 obliterated. However kindly they may and ought to be treated — 
 however they may and ought to be protected by the laws, they can 
 never expect to become the companions of the white men — to mingle 
 with them in all their associations — to exercise with them the right 
 of suffrage, or occupy any office in the gift of the people — nor to 
 attain to any important distinction in the community in which they 
 live. They have no object to excite their ambition, but on the con- 
 trary, every thing to dissatisfy them, to render them unhappy, indo- 
 lent, vicious, and revengeful, to mark more distinctly, by their con- 
 duct that inequality between the two classes, which is evinced by 
 the difference in their respective numbers in the poor houses and peni- 
 tentiaries of the country, which is as six of the colored to one of the 
 white population, supposing their numbers equal. Their condition 
 will be entailed upon their descendants until the latest genera- 
 tion. 
 
 By colonization, the free people of color will be restored to the land 
 of their forefathers — placed upon perfect equality with each other 
 — and with their countrymen enjoy all the rights and privileges of 
 freemen — participate in their honors, and be identified with them in 
 their future national glory. By colonization the natives of Africa 
 will become educated, civilized, and christianized. These effects are 
 already disclosing themselves. Some of the kings and head-men 
 have applied to have their children admitted to the schools of the 
 colony. They are desirous they should learn the language, manners, 
 and customs of the Colonists and of their late country. In the recent 
 negotiations with some of their kings and head-men, in behalf of the 
 Colonization Society of Maryland for lands upon which to locate 
 their Colony, these head-men required in part consideration, a stipu- 
 
9 
 
 lation on the part of the Society that they would establish a public 
 school in three of the native towns designated. 
 
 Up to the time of the first location of the Colony, the horrid cus- 
 tom of offering human sacrifices prevailed in the neighborhood of the 
 first settlements — this custom has now ceased. The effect of colo- 
 nization upon the re-captured slaves located in New Georgia is pe- 
 culiarly striking. Its influence in checking the slave trade is also 
 obvious. The weaker tribes are seeking protection from their more 
 powerful neighbors, under the colonies, as a security against depreda- 
 tions committed for the purposes of capture and slavery. The colonies 
 at Mesurado and Bassa Cove occupy the sites of the largest slave 
 factories on the coast of Africa. The Slave trade is almost wholly ex- 
 cluded from the shores of Liberia ; and it is confidently expected that 
 the example and influence of the colonies, of morals and religion upon 
 the natives, will induce the abandonment of this cruel traffic — especi- 
 ally when they shall learn that the product of the labor of one indus- 
 trious man employed in agriculture or otherwise, will produce double 
 the value in one year that they have hitherto received for two slaves 
 for life, and that by the product of their labor, they will be enabled 
 through the increasing commerce of their country to supply them- 
 selves with all the luxuries of life more abundantly than they have 
 ever done by their traffic in slaves. 
 
 The hope was for awhile cherished that an association of the na- 
 tions of Europe and of the United States would ere this have put an 
 end to this disgrace to all civilized nations, and its consequent mise- 
 ries. But it is no longer entertained. Colonization presents the last 
 hope of the Christian Philanthropist, and he has as it were the as- 
 surances of Heaven that it shall be realized. 
 
 One other important effect of Colonization, is a willingness on the 
 part of the slave-holders to emancipate their Slaves that they may 
 find an asylum in that land of freedom to which all the emancipated 
 are invited. 
 
 It is said that in one year, more than 2000 slaves have been offered 
 the Colonization Society from five different States, with a desire ex- 
 pressed by both master and slave for a passage to Liberia. And 
 one individual, a Mr. Ross, in the State of Mississippi, by his last 
 will and testament manumitted 170 slaves, and provided for their out- 
 fit to Liberia, and bequeathed the residue of his estate, estimated at 
 four hundred thousand dollars to the American Colonization Society. 
 
 In view of its effects, Colonization is an enterprise which recom- 
 mends itself to every friend of liberty, patriot, philanthropist, and 
 christian throughout the land, but particularly to Jerseymen. 
 ' The Inhabitants of a portion of New Jersey (Somerset and Essex), 
 
10 
 
 early petitioned the King of Great Britain against the introduction 
 of Slaves into the American Colonies, as not only cruel but impolitic. 
 New Jersey was among the first of the States, who adopted mea- 
 sures for the gradual abolition of slavery. 
 
 A Jerseyman first proposed and powerfully urged the forma- 
 tion of the American Colonization Society. A Jerseyman was his 
 zealous coadjutor and first Secretary of the Society. Some of its 
 most distinguished members and patrons are Jerseymen. They were 
 Jerseymen who successfully negotiated the first highly important 
 treaty with the natives of Africa for the territory upon which the 
 first colony was located. He was a Jerseyman who superintended 
 its location — and two of the most efficient agents m the cause of 
 colonization are Jerseymen — sons of the father of the Society, one 
 of whom has thus far directed all his energies in exciting the atten- 
 tion of the citizens of the different States to the enterprise of coloniz- 
 ation, and enlisting not only individuals but States in its behalf. The 
 other has consented to leave his home, his friends, his country, to sub- 
 ject himself to all the inconveniences of an infant colony of free 
 people of color, and to hazard his life in the climate of Africa in sup- 
 porting the settlement, and administering to the comforts and happi- 
 ness of the colonists. And Jerseymen now offer through the instru- 
 mentality of the New Jersey Colonization Society to the free persons 
 of color resident in it gratuitously to restore them to the land of their 
 forefathers — to place them in a distinct settlement by themselves if 
 they prefer it, under some one of the existing colonies where they 
 can enjoy all the rights and privileges of freemen — where they can 
 mark on the map of Africa the name of New Jersey, and in its history 
 the kindness of their benefactors, and their gratitude for the bene- 
 faction. 
 
 New Jersey was a participator in the wrong of slavery. The best 
 and most effective satisfaction she can now render for the trespass 
 she has committed, is, to restore them to their country. Let every 
 Jerseyman consider himself bound to contribute both by bis influence 
 and money to carry on this great and benevolent enterprise of Co- 
 lonization, by which only it is at present practicable to elevate the 
 condition of the free people of color — accelerate the emancipation of 
 those yet in bondage — preserve the unity of the government — kind 
 and brotherly feelings among the members of this great political 
 family, and ensure tranquility and peace throughout all our borders. 
 
 In making up this Sketch, Iroo recourse has been had to "The Plea for Africa," ]>y 
 the Rev. Mr. Freeman, ofManyunk, Pennsylvania, third edition, published at Philadelphia. A 
 book which ought to he posseeied ami attentively read by r-vcry phiianthrophiat and friend of 
 Colonization. 
 
11 
 
 To the foregoing sketch we add the report of the recent proceed- 
 ings at Newark from the Newark Daily Advertiser. The state- 
 ments of the Speakers from Liberia, it will be observed, fully corro- 
 rate our sketch — 
 
 The meeting in the First Presbyterian Church on Wednesday 
 evening, June 27th, furnished gratifying evidence of public interest in 
 the Colonization cause. The large house was well filled at an early 
 hour, and we have seldom seen so large an assembly in this city on 
 any similar occasion, certainly never on this subject. The meeting 
 was called to order by William Halsey, Esq., when Ciiief Justice 
 Hornblower was appointed President, the Hon. Silas Condit and 
 Stephen Dod, Vice Presidents, and Wm. G. Lord, Secretary. 
 
 Mr. Halsey then stated the objects of the meeting, being an en- 
 deavor to revive an interest in the enterprise, to organize an Auxiliary 
 to the New Jersey Colonization Society, and, to appoint delegates to 
 the State Convention in Trenton on the 10th July. Mr. H. here 
 introduced to the meeting Mr. Brown, a man of color, and a Missiona- 
 ry recently from Liberia, who offered the following resolution — 
 
 Resolved,' That the success of the Colonization enterprise, exceed- 
 ing the most sanguine expectations of its friends, should excite them 
 to continued and increased exertions to extend and perpetuate its 
 benefits. 
 
 Mr. Brown remarked that he derived great pleasure from being- 
 able, after much personal observation, to give his decided testimony in 
 favor of this cause. He had been 14 months in Africa, and had 
 become familiar with the condition, feelings, and prospects of most or 
 all of the settlements. He was himself originally prejudiced against 
 the Colonization cause, but he had become convinced by his own 
 personal experience, by what he had seen with his own eyes, that it 
 was not only a practicable enterprise, but that it was full of hope and 
 promise, and that it afforded advantages to his race now in this 
 country, nowhere else to be found. Mr. B. then gave a brief and 
 most satisfactory account of the state of Colonies, and successfully 
 answered the objections which have been made to emigration. — 
 The climate he declared to be superior to any in the U. S. for the 
 colored people. He had himself been much afflicted with disease 
 before he went there, but had entirely recovered in that country. 
 The Colonists generally enjoy better health than any similar popula- 
 tion in our country. There had been a favorable change in this 
 particular, within two years, and since the country had been cleared 
 and cultivated. 
 
 There was no Winter in the Colonies, and it was never so hot in the 
 Summer months as it sometimes is in the U. S. The country is 
 clothed in perpetual green, and two crops are produced in the year. 
 During 14 months he had been only two weeks without cucumbers 
 and peas. The soil is fertile and easily tilled. Mr. B. gave a cheering 
 account of the social and moral condition of the people. He averred 
 over and over again that he knew of no settlements in this country, 
 and he had travelled cxtensivelv. so free from vice and immorality, or 
 
i ... 
 
 which enjoyed superior moral and religious advantages. Hit, heart 
 had been affected with the amount of intemperance and profaneness 
 every where exibited through our villages, but he had never seen a 
 drunken man in Liberia — not one ; and a profane word was rarely 
 heard. The truth is, said he, that men live and thrive there by moral 
 character : the popular sentiment is a more effectuaj restraint upon 
 vicious character than the statute book, and when emigrants come in 
 they soon find that it is disreputable to violate the rules of decency 
 and order. The means of Education are abundantly provided, and 
 well qualfied teachers are now engaged in the several departments of 
 instruction. The Sabbath, too, is universally and religiously observed, 
 and there have been 30 converts from the native tribes within the last 
 8 months. There are also several native children in the schools. 
 
 Mr. B. spoke with much animation of the general happiness of the 
 people, and remarked that it would be impossible adequately to de- 
 scribe their manifestations of gratitude and joy at the anniversary 
 celebrations of their deliverance from the land of bondage. They 
 felt themselves freemen, in the full enjoyment of all the blessings of 
 liberty, religion, and law. The Colonization Society had accomplish- 
 ed wonders. No other enterprise had greater claims upon the sympa- 
 thies and beneficence of the country. Under its auspices religion, 
 civlization and letters had been planted on the shores of benighted 
 Africa, and their blessed influence was destined to spread until its 
 swarming tribes were enlightened and redeemed. 
 
 The manner and appearance of this Speaker entirely conciliated 
 confidence and attention, and we have seldom seen an audience more 
 interested. — Every one seemed to feel that they had before them a 
 living and unanswerable demonstration of the wisdom, the benevolence, 
 and the practicability of the Colonization enterprize. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Matthias, the Governor of Bassa Cove and Edina, 
 was then introduced, and in the course of an excellent address fully 
 corroborated the statements of Mr. Brown. In relation to the health 
 of the colonists, he exibited bills of mortality to show that the deaths 
 did not average over one a month. Gov. M. referred to the growing 
 intelligence of the people, and said he had been both surprised and 
 delighted with the discussions in his Council. The offices arc well 
 filled by colored men. He spoke of the rich and abounding fruits of 
 the earth, and of the flattering prospects of individual and public ad- 
 vancement and wealth. Valuable improvements were now going 
 forward, and he mentioned one individual who had built 5 or G houses. 
 Gov. M. also testified to the quiet and orderly character of the people, 
 and remarked that the example was making a strong impression 
 vipon the native tribes — none of whom ever ventured to intrude during 
 the Sabbath. 
 
 But time fails us, and we must suspend our report of these interest- 
 ing statements. Gov. M. exibited various specimens of the native 
 productions, cotton, coffee, hemp, A>:c. 
 
 The following resolution was offered In Mr. 1! vxsey, and unani- 
 mously adopted — 
 
 Resolved, That it is essentia] to the extension and perpetuity of 
 I he benefits of Colonization that an auxiliary colonization Society be 
 
 * 
 
 ■% 
 
 
13 
 
 immediately organized in the city of Newark, and that the example 
 should be followed in every city, town, and village in New Jersey. 
 
 A committee was then appointed to draft a constitution consisting 
 of Messrs. F. B. Betts, Silas Merchant, Jabez P. Pennington, J. P 
 Jackson, and Isaac Baldwin. Mr. Halsey stated that pledges of 
 funds to the amount of 81250 had already been obtained from 85 citi- 
 zens of Newark, and that 300 persons had agreed to become members 
 of the Society, and to pay $1 entrance, and one dollar annually. 
 The total amount pledged to be paid is $1560, besides the annual 
 subscription of $300. 
 
 Mr. H. also referred with much gratification to the prevailing dis- 
 position of our citizens to sustain the enterprise, and remarked that 
 notwithstanding the pressure of the times, they had exibited a high 
 degree of liberality. 
 
 The meeting was also addressed by the Rev. Mr. Eddy, and Mr. 
 Frelinghuysen, who pressed home the importance of the cause with 
 characteristic force and eloquence. 
 
 The following delegates were appointed to the State Convention, 
 viz : Messrs. John Taylor, Asa Whitehead, Amzi Armstrong, O. S. 
 Halsted, Dr. J. G. Goble, Rev. Messrs. Eddy and Wells, and Wm. 
 B. Kinney. 
 
 The audience was then dismissed by the Rev. Dr. Hillyer, of 
 Orange, and the meeting adjourned to Thursday evening at 8 o'clock. 
 
 At the adjourned meeting of the Colonization Convention, held at 
 the Park House last evening, Stephen Dod, one of the Vice Presi- 
 dents, took the chair. The committee appointed at the last meeting^ 
 reported a constitution for the Colonization Society of the city of 
 Newark, auxiliary to the NeAV Jersey Colonization Society, which 
 was read section by section, and unanimously adopted. 
 
 The following gentlemen were elected officers of the Society for 
 the ensuing year : — 
 
 President John Taylor; Vice Presidents, Caleb H. Shifmax 
 and Hanford Smith ; Secretary, W. G. Lord ; Treasurer, Dr. L. A. 
 Smith. 
 
 managers, 
 
 J. C. Garthwaite. James Hague, Jun. 
 
 Jos. N. Tuttle, Joel W. Condit, 
 
 Calvin Baldwin, David Clarkson, 
 
 Wm. Halsey, Silas Merchant, 
 
 James N. Joralemon, Jonas Agens, 
 
 Matthias W. Day, F. B. Betts, 
 
 Martin Ryerson," J. P. Jackson, 
 
 Moses Bigelow, Saml.H. Congar, 
 
 Dr. S. H. Pennington, Rev. Messrs. Eddy, 
 Horace Baldwin, Wells, 
 
 Jabez W. Havs Treat, 
 
 J. M. Quinbv, McCarvoll, 
 
II 
 
 Rev. Messrs. Ay res, Rev. Messrs. Chapman. 
 
 Hoover, Cheever, 
 
 Henderson, and Dodge, 
 
 Resolved, That the several clergy of the several churches in this 
 city be respectfully requested to take up collections in their respective 
 churches at the approaching anniversary in aid of Colonization. 
 
 Resolved, That the following gentlemen be added to the list of 
 delegates to be held in Trenton on the 10th July, viz : — Wm. Halsey, 
 J. P. Jackson and James Miller. 
 
 The following is the entire list, viz : 
 John Taylor,' Rev. Mr. Eddy, 
 
 Jabez W. Hays, Rev. Mr. Wells, 
 
 Asa Whitehead, Wm. B. Kinney, 
 
 Amzi Armstrong, Win. Halsey, 
 
 O. S. Halsted, J. P. Jackson, 
 
 Dr. J. G. Goble, James Miller. 
 
 J. Hague, Jun. 
 
 Names of Citizens of Newark Contributors to the New Jersey Colo- 
 nization Society from Fifty to Five Dollars, both inclusive. 
 
 Charles Ailing 
 David Ailing 
 John Ailing 
 Henry Ailing 
 Isaac Andruss 
 Mrs C B Arden 
 Isaac Baldwin 
 Moses Bigelow 
 Samuel Baldwin 
 Jesse Baldwin 
 Aaron Beach 
 Frederick B Betts 
 J B Betts 
 Robert Baldwin 
 E E Boudinot 
 David Ball 
 Geo W Blake 
 Abraham Cross 
 Jabez Cook 
 John Chetwood 
 Samuel II Congar 
 John 11 Crocket 
 David B Crocket 
 Elijah Crane 
 John S Darcy 
 James Dawes 
 Luke Davies 
 Matthias W Day 
 D Disosway 
 Amos I »; v 
 J ane F Finlcv 
 
 Helen Finley 
 Honorable Theodore 
 
 Frelinghuysen 
 J C Garthwaite 
 Win Garthwaite 
 J G Goble 
 
 Joseph C Hornblower 
 Jabez W Hayes 
 William Halsey 
 Joseph H Halsey 
 Samuel Hays 
 Smith Halsey 
 Charles A Halsey 
 James Hamilton 
 John T Hedenburgh 
 Charles L Hall 
 David A Hayes 
 Oliver S Halsted 
 James L Harrison 
 John P Jackson 
 James N Joralemon 
 James Keen 
 Moses R King 
 O W Kino- 
 Hon. J P B Maxwell 
 Isaac Meeker 
 James Mitchell 
 S Morris 
 Thomas Morton 
 C S Macknclt 
 Isaac Nichols 
 
 David Nichols 
 Whitfield Nichols 
 Jonathan Osborn jr 
 His Excellency 
 
 William Pennington 
 Henry Parkhurst 
 Samuel H Penninsrton 
 Jabez P Pennington 
 Daniel Price 
 John M Quimby 
 William Rankin 
 R O Robertson 
 Andrew Rankin 
 John Rutherfurd jr 
 Leonard Richards 
 Hon. Sam'l L Southard 
 Hon. C. Siratton 
 Hanford Smith 
 William Sandford 
 Samuel Sayres 
 William Shugard 
 John S Taylor 
 William Tuttle 
 Joseph N Tuttle 
 Calvin Tompkins 
 Stephen Van Cortlandt 
 Mrs. J Van Cortlandt 
 Thomas L Vantilburg 
 Moses Ward 
 Rodney Wilbur 
 John Vountr 
 
15 
 
 Members of the Newark Auxiliary Colonization Society of the City 
 
 of Newark. 
 
 Jonas Agens 
 David Ailing 
 William Armstrong 
 Amzi Armstrong 
 William Aldridge 
 Lyman S Averill 
 Jacob Allen 
 James Agens 
 Roderick Ailing 
 Henry Adams 
 Horace E Baldwin 
 Abraham Bragaw 
 David C Brown 
 J A Bowles 
 William A Baldwin 
 Calvin Baldwin 
 Stephen Brown 
 Joseph Blake 
 David C Ball 
 James Black 
 Terah Benedict 
 Daniel BJean 
 L S Bassett 
 Stephen S Burnet 
 Charles O Bolles 
 Joseph Barton 
 Geo W Blako 
 Samuel W Baldwin 
 D C Bosworth 
 Wm W Baldwin 
 Samuel Baldwin 
 Jesse Baldwin jr 
 Charles W Badger 
 David Bruen 
 Isaac Brant 
 Abraham Beach 
 Wm Bradner 
 Jacob Bush 
 Samuel B Brown 
 Charles H Burnet 
 Jesse Ballentine jr 
 D Brison 
 H Biuen 
 J B Bradley 
 J R Beach 
 Samuel Baldwin 
 John I Camp 
 A Campfield 
 Robert B Campfield 
 John Clark 
 W S B Clark 
 Samuel H Congar 
 D D Crane 
 D Colton jr 
 Edward Cook 
 James B Clark 
 
 T B Crowell 
 Wm D Comes 
 Geo Cross 
 Ellis H Cook 
 Daniel B Conklin 
 John Chapman 
 Mumford W Casterline 
 A B Campfield 
 Caleb C Crocket 
 Stephen Conorar 
 A W Canfield 
 Amoa K Carter 
 A Campbell 
 Thomas Collyer 
 Lewis Carter 
 David W Crane 
 Robert Conn 
 Daniel Condit 
 Joel W Condit 
 John Chadwick 
 Ashbel W Corey 
 James Cairnes 
 Daniel Clarkson 
 Abraham Clark 
 Elijah Crane 
 Aaron Camp 
 B Cleveland 
 Geo M Dawes 
 Henry 8 Darcy 
 Matthias Dodd 
 Cornelius P Dickerson 
 Abner Dod 
 David Doremus 
 Levi Dayton 
 Lewis Dunn 
 Charles E De Hart 
 Charles T Day 
 Stephen Dod 
 James Dixon 
 Isaac Davis 
 Samuel Douglas 
 B B Douglas 
 Geo Dunn 
 Elihu Day 
 J L Douglas 
 Geo D wight 
 S Doyle 
 Israel Eagles 
 P M Earle 
 AD Eddy 
 Reuben Edmunds 
 F T Frelinghuysen 
 Theo Frelinghuysen, jr 
 Win S Faitoute 
 Samuel E Farrand 
 Calvin Freeman 
 
 Wm W Ford 
 Jeremiah Doyle 
 H M Douglas 
 J T Garthwaite 
 J C Garthwaite 
 John Garside 
 J W Grannia 
 S R Grover 
 John Gardner 
 John L Goble 
 Wm J Grieve 
 Joseph Gould jr 
 Elisha W Goble 
 Wm B Guild 
 Charles T Gray 
 J G Goble 
 Charles Grant 
 C S Graham 
 Andrew Garrock 
 Lister Griffing 
 C S Haines 
 John Hathaway 
 John Hays 
 G D Jluestis 
 J C Hi^gins 
 Uriah HafT 
 Edward T Hillyer 
 Wm H Harris 
 Franklin Holden 
 Eli Holloway 
 George H Howell 
 James Hague jr 
 Charles Hoyt 
 Lewis A Hall 
 Olivers Halsted 
 George Hay 
 J H Halsey 
 James W Hewson 
 E J Harrison 
 David A Hays 
 John Humes 
 H S Hubble 
 N Hedges 
 Jacob Haft" 
 M S Harrison 
 Thomas Holden 
 A P Howell 
 Wm Hall 
 Geo W Hennion 
 Charles A Harrison 
 John W Inneaa 
 John P Jube 
 James Jacobus 
 John P Jackson 
 James Johnston 
 A J Johnson 
 
Cornelius 1 Jacobus 
 Jacob II Johnson 
 John Jelliff 
 Garret Jacobus 
 Henry I Kipp 
 Silas Kitchell 
 James Keene 
 Wm B Kinney 
 Z H Kitchen 
 J H Kimball 
 Thos Kirk patrick 
 DericK Lynch 
 Thomas Lee 
 E M Leonard 
 Israel C Losey 
 Richard Lewis 
 William Lee 
 Wm G Lord 
 John Lee 
 Thaddeus Lyman 
 Joseph Law 
 W E Layton 
 Wm T Mercer 
 Oba Meeker 
 Wm Myer 
 James McNiel 
 Ely Meeker 
 S Miller 
 
 Samuel Morehouse 
 Henry A Morrison 
 P Matthews 
 Joseph Y Miller 
 B McCormick, jr 
 Hugh McDougal 
 Thomas C Mandeville 
 Cornelius Messereau 
 Benjamin Myers 
 Wm Murphy 
 Samuel B Miller 
 Richard Miller 
 H B Miller 
 Silas Merchant 
 J McColgan 
 D S Moore 
 Ira Merchant 
 F P Medina 
 Thomas McKeon 
 Jonathan Nesbitt 
 Aaron Nichols 
 Robert Nichols 
 Aaron I Nichols 
 Isaac Nichols 
 David Nichols 
 Dennis Osborn 
 
 10 
 
 11 .1 Poinier 
 E B Poinier 
 John H Pounden 
 Nehemiah Perry 
 P H Porter 
 John I Peshine 
 Edward Plunket 
 A R Pierson 
 A O Pierson 
 Thomas H Pratt 
 Thomas Pye 
 Aaron Price 
 B T Pierson 
 Hervey Park 
 Thomas W Pieisoa 
 J B Pinneo 
 J Cortlandt Parker 
 A Potter 
 George Rohde 
 Martin Ryerson 
 IN Robins jr 
 Henry Rogers 
 John Remer 
 Lewis Randolph 
 Abner S Reeve 
 Elisha K Redfield 
 Moses Ross 
 George Stoutinger 
 Simon Searing 
 John J Sutton 
 Richard Sweazy 
 Charles T Shipman 
 L A Smith 
 Wm Stevens 
 Geo C Sindle 
 Stephen Sayre 
 Wm M Scudder 
 Oliver Smith 
 Thomas Sprunt 
 John Searing 
 Jacob Stucky 
 Robert Stoutenburgh 
 George C Sickles 
 E Stewart 
 Jacob Speor 
 Isaac Speer 
 D Smith 
 G M Spencer 
 S G Sturges 
 B Stiles 
 Samuel Searing 
 Wm Starrs 
 Geo D Small 
 P Sythoff 
 
 H V Studdiloru 
 Wm Sip 
 H I Sip 
 Thomas Sproat 
 Isaac C Thomas 
 Asa Torrey 
 James Tichenor 
 James T Tichenor 
 Uzal J Tuttle 
 JohnT Tompkins 
 Win Turnbull 
 James Tucker 
 James Travers 
 Calvin Tompkins 
 John P Thompson 
 J N Tuttle 
 Charles Tucker 
 F S Thomas 
 Alexander M Utter 
 AVIeet 
 
 Jacob V NVoorhies 
 Elias Van Arsdale, jr 
 Edmund Van Antwerp 
 John Van Wagenen 
 Thomas L Vantilburg 
 John P Vanness 
 James Vanderpool 
 Geo H Vernon 
 Drake Webster 
 George Webb 
 Eenjamin T. Woodruff 
 James Wheeler 
 Obadiah Woodruff 
 T T Woodruff 
 John J Ward 
 Ezra Whitehead 
 James M Woodruff 
 Moses Woodruff 
 John B Woodruff 
 Amos Wilcox 
 T C Ward 
 C C Williams 
 Joseph Walling 
 T A Waldron 
 J II Woodhull 
 Isaac Ward 
 John Weldon 
 Asa Whitehead 
 James C Wilcox 
 P P Wadley 
 Charles E Young 
 Wm Young 
 J L Young 
 Nathaniel Young 
 
 . hive boon added since the meeting, so as to increase the 
 
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