V Please circulate this Address as widely as possible ADDRESS ’*1'# wn . i i • c vn '• 0F THE MANAGERS AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY, THE PEOPLE OP THE UNITED STATES. Adopted at their Meeting , June 10, 183'!. ‘ WHAT OUGHT TO BE DONE, CAN BE DONE.’ WASHINGTON: 1832. PRINTED BY JAMES C. DUNN, GEORGETOWN, D. C. !)C5»Postage on this sheet as a periodical, by order of the Post-Master General, under 100 miles 1 1-2 Cents— over, 2 1-2. TO THE PEOPLE OP THE UNITED STATES. Tiik practicability of colonizing in Africa, any number of the Free People of Colour of the United States, that may choose to 'emigrate, being demonstrated; the Managers of the American Co- lonization Society, address their fellow-citizens, under a deep con- viction, that this whole nation is now summoned to aid the work, by the most weighty considerations of interest, duty, and charity. Believing, as the Managers do, that it is a work of immediate and vast importance, on the accomplishment of which, depends the tem- poral and eternal happiness of mihions in this country, and in Af- rica, and which can be adequately done only by the combined powers of the nation, they are urged irresistably, to make an ap- peal in its behalf to all the patriotic, humane, and religious of the land. Nor can they doubt that ten thousand hearts will respond to this appeal, and ten thousand hands be stretched out with offer- ings to a cause, invested, with all that can attract affection and kin- dle enthusiasm in the noblest minds. Of the success of the plan, they can now speak not merely with hope, but with confidence. — A Colony of more than two thousand persons, firmly established, well-ordered and well-governed, prosperous in trade; moral and religious in character; with schools and churches; courts of justice, and a periodical press; enlarging its territory, and growing in strength; respected by all who have visited it from Europe, and ex- erting a salutary and extensive influence over the native tribes, now offers an asylum for our free coloured population, and to our citizens, every means and motive for conferring freedom ou those who enjoy it not, and imparting civilization and Christianity to Af- rica. Though the Managers regard the scheme of the Society, as es- sentially connected with the purity and stability of our political in- stitutions, and the glory of our national character, yet it is rather in its benevolent aspect towards a long alflicted and degraded peo- ple, in the midst of us, and their more wretched brethren in Afri- ca, that they would commend it to the patronage of the public. — That there are causes operating to retard the improvement and de- press the minds of the free people of colour in the United States, which no benevolence nor even Religion, can for ages, if ever remove; and that the elevation, to any great degree, of our coloured popula- tion generally, depends upon their settlement as a distinct commu- nity, in some country beyond the reach of those embarrassing cir- cumstances, from which, neither humanity nor legislation can re- lieve them here, the Managers consider decided both by reason and experience. It is not merely with law and prejudice that the free man of colour has here to coutend; but with superior know- ledge, wealth and influence, with a competition to which he is un- equal, with a deep sense of the thraldom of his past, and the dis- advantages of his present condition, with an inwrought conviction, that whatever may be the ^worthy temporal object, of his pursuit, he has little prospect of attaining it, and that neither he nor his brethren can stem the tide, which beats against him in almost every course of life. In Liberia, he exhibits not the semblance, but the reality of freedom, stands forth conscious that no barrier opposes his progress in improvement, feels his spirit stirred by new motives and better hopes, is awakened to the conviction that a great practicable good is to be achieved by him, not for himself alone, but for his posteri- ty, 'and his race throughout all time and throughout the world; experiences, in fine, almost the power of a new creation forming him for actions worthy of his nature and his destiny. That a change, so striking and beneficial, is realized by the intelligent and well-disposed man of colour on his arrival at the Colony, is proved by abundant and unquestionable testimony. The officers of our own Navy, as well as enlightened foreigners, have witnessed with wonder and delight this transformation, from imbecility and hope- lessness, to activity, and confidence, and manliness and high antici- pations. But while the Society would confer upon free men of colour un- speakable blessings, it offers the best asylum for slaves manumitted from regard to interest, humanity or conscience. Who does not know that in many States, the right of emancipation has been de- nied to the master, on the ground, that the exercise of such right wmuld be inconsistent with the public good? Yet the restrictions of law have to a great extent proved ineffectual to prevent manu- mission, and numerous slaves have been transferred to other States, wherein they might enjoy, at least, nominal freedom, though still untouched by the spirit, and denied the blessings of Genuine Li- berty. The Society adhering closely to its original design and principles, and exerting no influence upon slavery, except a moral influence, through the will of the master; gives freedom to that will, relieves it from every embarrassment, and demonstrates to the view of all concerned, how emancipation to any and every extent desired, may be effected, not with danger or detriment, but rather with advantage to the public, and vast and perpetual benefit to the slave. Certain it is, that thousands of our fellow-citizens, whose dearest interests are identified with the prosperity and honour of the South, give their countenance and aid to the Society, not merely because it is most beneficial to the people of colour al- ready free, but as offering powerful inducements to voluntary man- umission by individuals, and States. And true it is, that the ene- mies of the Society are reduced to two classes, those who would abolish slavery instantaneously, and those who desire it may never ■be abolished. Hundreds are now freemen in Liberia, who were recently slaves in tlie United States, and many others of the same class are held in trust for the Society whenever its means shall be adequate to their colonization. 13ut Africa makes her appeal to our sympathy and charity, in 3 tone of earnestness and distress to which we are bound to listen, and which the Board trust cannot be resisted. It is along her dark shores and over her immense but uncultivated fields, that the Society will dispense its richest blessings. What a night of gloom and terror has settled, for ages, on her land! Her immense population covered with barbarism, given up as prey to outrage and violence, cursed by a traffic which has set brother against brother, desolated families and villages, excited the worst passions of savage nature, ruthlessly sundered all the ties of kin- dred and affection, and seizing with merciless and unyielding grasp its bleeding and broken-hearted victims, borne them crowded and crushed and dying into foreign and hopeless bondage! And even now, when her cries have pierced the heart of Christendom, when states and kingdoms have legislated and united to put an end to her sufferings, still torn, plundered, and robbed of her children by the pirates of all nations; she stretches out her hands and casts an imploring eye towards the friends of God and man, in this free and blessed country, for that deliverance, which she has looked for in vain to all the world beside. And who can doubt that to this Nation the interests of the African race are, by Providence, especially entrusted. The means by which our high and solemn duty to her is to be discharg- ed, is evident. Her exiled children in the midst of us, are wait- ing to return to her, not as they came, ignorant and enslaved barba- rians, but free and instructed Christians, capable with the aid that we can give them, of founding upon her shores civilized institu- tions, of becoming teachers and guides toiler people, of inculcating among them, those lessons of wisdom, which men with few advanta- ges are not always the last to learn, that the duty of man is never at war with his interest, and that happiness is the handmaid of virtue. Already in the vicinity of Liberia are they abandoning the traffic in slaves, for a more peaceful commerce and the humane arts of life, and numerous tribes have sought the protection and adopted, as their own, the laws of the Colony. That similar colonies established at proper intervals along the whole coast of western Africa, by men of the same complexion andancestry with the natives, and who, having suffered, themselves, can commisserate their afflicted brethren, who, consenting and as- sisted to emigrate, not from mere selfish views, but by the holier mo- tives of philanthropy and religion, that such colonies will erect im- passable barriers between the parties in the slave trade, and by opening to the African tribes the sources of a better commerce and communicating to them a knowledge of the Christian faith, win them over to the love and practice of truth, and sociil virtue, may be as confidently expected, as that any moral means, well directed, will reform a debased and uncivilized people. True it is asked, will the ignorant and degraded men of colour ol this country become the best missionaries toenligliten and regenerate Af- rica? To this we reply that there are men ofcolour in the U. S. who are well informed and exemplary Christians, that such as these have founded our present African Colony, that the very work to which they are called will develope their powers, and give elevation to their character, and finally, that plans for education and improve- ment commensurate with the necessities of every settlement which may he made, enter essentially into the views of the society. If in a little more than two centuries, our own country has by colonization been changed from a wilderness into a fruitful field, if a free and enlightened Nation of twelve millions has sprung up here, where but lately, the wolf and savage roamed unmolested amid boundless forests, where nature looked wild and rude as they; if beautiful villages, and populous cities, Hallsof Legislation, magnificent Edifices, Temples of justice and a thousand Churches stand before us the monuments of our greatness; what may we not anticipate for Africa from the settlement of civilized and Christian men upon her shores? And by whom can such settlements be so well founded, as by the free people of colour of the United States? Does not Providence clearly invite them to a work of unexampled promise, to their posterity and mankind? And is not this nation urged to assist them by the same Providence not less manifestly , and by motives as numerous and great as ever wrought upon the human mind. The Managers feel that the time has come, when it were crimi- nal on this subject, to be silent. They feel that something should he done, compared with which all that has been done is nothing . — They know that a spirit should go abroad throughout all the bor- ders of the land, like that which kindled in the hearts of our fath- ers, when they staked their all for independence; that every lover of man and of God, is called, as by a mandate from Heaven, to lift up his voice and bring forward his contribution to effect an object, the doing of which, will in all after ages, be deemed our Nation’s chief glory, while Africa will record and celebrate it, as the great moral revolution in her history. True, the woik is a great one; and therefore, worthy of a nation like this. That it is practicable to any extent desired, is as evident as that it is great. The sum saved in a single year to the state of New York, by the partial re- formation from intemperance, would transport to Africa the annual increase ofthe whole coloured population of the U.S. And shall we, the most prosperous people in the world, who are legislating not to increase, hut reduce our revenue, want for such an object, a mere pit- tance of that which is, yearly, by luxury and intemperance worse than wasted? The magnitude of the rvork and the expense to be in- curred in its accomplishment, constitute no valid objections to it, be- cause the importance and glory of it exceed the former, and our means the latter. And that history gives no precedent for such a work, will prove but a miserable apology for neglecting it, unless it be reasona- 7 r ble to make the standard of our duly and the measure of our renown correspond to those of long buried nations, rather than to the greatness of our obligations to God, of our opportunities and means of usefulness and the height of Christian charily. Surely the peo- ple of the United States cannot forget how God hath delivered ahd exalted them by his own right hand, that the light of their exam- ple might bless the world; nor will they sacrilice both duty and renown, for fear of showing to mankind that it is possible for na- tions as well as individuals to be magnanimous and illustrious for virtue. The Managers appeal then to the clergy of every denomina- tion, and invite them, annually, on or near the day consecrated to the memory of our Independence, to bring the claims of the Society before their people, and to receive, in furtherance of its object, such free-will offerings as gratitude to God and love to men may incline them to bestow. They appeal to the Auxiliary Societies and urge them to come forward with increased power to the work, to assist in forming other kindred associations, and by widely diffusing information to excite the whole American community, duly to consider and pro- mote the cause. To their fair country-women, who are ever first to feel for the wretched, and foremost to administer relief, whose moral influence in society, though their own modesty may under- value it, humanity and religion acknowledge to be of vast power and unspeakable worth, Africa, darker in her mourning than her complexion, offers in silent grief, her plea, which it were impos- sible to render more convincing by argument, or touching by elo- quence. She looks to American benevolence as to that in which all her precious hopes are treasured up, and for their fulfilment, nature itself will plead more strongly than we can, in every female heart. Nor would the Managers omit to say to those who control the public press, that almost omnipotent engine for moving human minds to action, that to them, belongs the power of securing to the design of this Society, the amplest means for its speedy consumma- tion. Let every Editor in the country, feel himself responsible to make known throughout the limits of his influence, the views, operations and success of the Society; and that which it hasbeen attempting in weakness, will be done with power, that which pri- vate charity has so well commenced, be completed by the bounty of the States and the Nation. In concluding this, perhaps too protracted address, the Mana- gers beg leave to say, that not less than one thousand emigrants are now seeking a passage to Liberia; that the Colony is prepared to re- ceive them, that funds only are wanting to enable the society to prose- cute its enterprise on a large scale, and that all which can appeal to our interests, encourage our hopes, or move our hearts to charity, now commends the cause of African Colonization to the affection and s \ liberality of otu countrymen. Nor will they, the Managers are persuaded, remain insensible to the merits of this cause. Every where meet us the indications of its growing popularity. Justice and Compassion, Mercy and Charity, have gone forth in fellowship, to plead for it, and the Managers trust in the great Author of all good to send forth his spirit to their aid — that Spirit — under whose di- vine illuminations and all-gracious but all-subduing energies, men of every country and condition shall finally rejoice in peace and love, sharers, in unity, of the same faith, and of the same hope of the great and common salvation. And if from the thick gloom overshadowing Africa, light begins to break forth, let us look for brighter glory, and believe that he who made Joseph’s captivity the precursor «of his honour, and his usefulness, and the death of his own Son, at which nature trembled, the means of hu- man redemption, will finally change the evils which have cursed Africa, into blessings; that the slave trade and slavery, which have been to her a torrent of wrath, laying waste all her happiness and hopes, will end in a tide, deep, tranquil and refreshing, flow- ing forth to wake life and gladness in all her wildernesses and soli- tary places, and to make even her deserts to bud and blossom as the rose. By order of the Board. R. R. GURLEY, Secretary. Editors of Newspapers and other periodicals are respectfully requested to publish the above address. All collections or donations may be transmitted by mail, to Richard Smith. Esq. Treasurer, Washington City, or to the Treasurer of any of the Slate Societies. The Treasurers of State and other Auxiliary Societies, with whom collections may be deposited, will please .send to us the names of all clergy- men by whom the collections were taken up, that they may be early supplied with the African Repository gratuitously $3* All communications relating to the general interests ot the Society, or the Editorial Department of the Repository, to be directed to R. R 3 Gur \ ley, Secretary, Washington. Those relating to the pecuniary concerns of the Re- pository, to James C. Dunn, Georgetown. $3* The Repository is published monthly, each No. containing 32 pages, at $2 per year $£3 a This Address furnished promptly to all orders, at $2 per 100. \ 7 APPENDIX. Origin of the Society. l)r. Vothergill and Granville Sharp appear first to have considered the subject of African Colonization in England. The latter of these a most il- lustrious philanthropist, may be regarded as the founder of the Colony of Sierra Leone. Indeed, the earliest thoughts the writer has seen on Afiican Colonization, are from the pen of Granville Sharp in 1783. The late Dr. Thornton of Washington, was enthusiastically engaged in favour of coloni- zing free men of colour, from the U. States in Africa in 1787, but unfortu- nately his efforts failed. The venerable Dr. Hopkins of Rhode Island corres- ponded with G. Sharp on the subject in 1789, and Ferdinando Fairfax of Virginia, published an able article on the subject in 1790. The subject was seriously considered in the Virginia Legislature during the administration of Mr. Jefferson The ltev. Dr. Finley of New Jersey gave much thought to it, in 1814 — 15, and assisted by the lion. C. F. Mercer, F. S. Key and E. B. Caldwell and others, who had also long reflected upon the matter, founded the Society in December 1816. In the session of the legislature of Virginia, in 1816, the subject was brought forward, and the following resolution was adopted by a large ma- jority. ‘Whereas the General Assembly of Virginia have repeatedly sought to obtain an asylum beyond the limits of the United States, for such persons of colour as had been or might be emancipated under the laws of this Com- monwealth, but have hitherto found all their efforts frustrated, either by the disturbed state of other nations, or domestic causes equally unpropitious to its success. ‘They now avail themselves of a period when peace has healed the wounds of humanity, and the principal nations of Europe have concurred with the government of the United States, in abolishing the African Slave Trade (a traffic which this Commonwealth, both before and since the revolution, zeal- ously sought to exterminate,) to renew this effort, and do therefore ‘ Resolve, That the executive be requested to correspond with the President of the U. States, for the purpose of obtaining a Territory on the coast of Af- rica, or at some other place, not within any of the stales or territorial gov- ernments of the U. States, to serve as an asylum for such persons of colour as are now free, and may desire the same, and for those who may hereaf- ter be emancipated within this Commonwealth; and that the Senators and Representatives of this state in the Congress of the U. States, be requested to exert their best efforts to aid the President of the U. States in the at- tainment of the above objects. ‘Provided, That no contract or arrangement respecting such territory shall be obligatory on this Commonwealth, until ratified by the legislature.’ Early proceedings of the Society. In 1818, Messrs Mills and Burgess visited Africa by the way of England, and acquired much valuable information. The death of Mr. Mills on his re- turn, deprived the world of one of the best and most useful of men. The reports of these agents were of great importance. The first expedition, that of the Elizabeth, sailed in 1820, with the socie- ty’s Agent, tlie Rev. Samuel Bacon, and two agents of the government, Messrs Crozer and Bankson, who, in an unfortunate attempt to establish the colony at an unfavourable season on the unhealthy Island of Sherbo, with several of the emigrants, fell victims to the African fever. In 1821, Messrs Andrews and Wiltberger on the part of the Society, and Messrs Winn and f 10 K. Bacon as United Slates agents, with a number of emigrants, proceeded to Africa, and obtained permission of the government of Sierra Leone, for the colonists to remain there until a territory could be purchased of the na- tives. Mr. and Mrs. Winn and Mr. Andrews died before any suitable tract for the colony was obtained. f Founding of the Colony. In December, 1821, Dr. Eli Ayres, with Capt. Stockton, of the United States Navy', purchased from the natives the whole of a territory called Montserado, on the south west coast of Africa, in the name of the Society. The first settlers arrived at the Colony in June, 1822; and in that year, Mr. Ashmun took charge of it, as Agent or Governor, in the place of Dr. Ayres, whose health had obliged him to return. The efforts of Dr. Ayres were of great importance. Attempt of the natives to destroy the infant Colony. This was made in November 1822, soon after the arrival of Mr. Ashmun and while he was dangerously ill. The defences of the colony were in- complete, and tile whole effective force consisted of thirty. five men. They fought for existence, and in the bravest manner. The enemy consisted of a body of eight hundred men, and made a most furious attack on the 8th of November, 1822 Unfortunately one pass was neglected to be properly defended, and there the enemy forced an en- trance, and captured one of the guns, which happily they knew not how to pnanage. The colony was saved by their want of discipline. Had they pushed forward, their success was certain; the colonists could not have re- sisted; but the assailants betook themselves to plunder, in great confusion: this afforded the colonists time to rally; they recaptured the gun; and turn- edit on the enemy, who were wedged in a solid mass. Great destruction took place, and they fled in utter confusion; it was supposed they had 60 or 80 killed. The loss on the other side, was considerable, three men and one woman killed, two men and two women severely wounded, and seven children captured. The colonists, as soon as the enemy had disappeared, immediately began to complete their defences, and prepare for another attack, which they understood from their spies, was to be made with a greater force at the close of the month. The attack accordingly commenced on the 80th, with one thousand five hundred assailants. The fortifications were in a far bet- ter state than before, but the number of effective men less, not quite 30. — The besiegers were, after a long and ardent struggle, finally defeated, with severe loss. The garrison had one man killed, and two badly wounded. — Mr. Ashmun’s services were invaluable, and were the means of saving the place. Establishment and form of Government. The existing firn of government was established in August 1824, during the visit of the present Secretary of the Society. Great difficulties had arisen in the administration of affairs, and the whole state of things was dark and unsettled. The form of government then drawn up, was submit- ted to the assembled colonists, and by them unanimously adopted. The Board of Managers of the Society appoint the Colonial Agent, who is a white man: all the other officers are men of colour, the most important of which, are elected annually by the colonists. The government is in great measure Republican, and designed expressly to prepare the colonists ably and successfully to govern themselves. In their address to their brethren of the United States in 1827, they say “our laws are altogether our own, they grew out of our circumstances; are formed for our exclusive benefit; and administered either by officers of our own appointment, or such as pos- sess our entire confidence. We have a judiciary', chosen from among our- selves; we serve as jurors in the trial of others; and are liable to be tried only bv juries of our fellow-citizens, ourselves. We have all that is meant it l>y liberty of conscience; the lime and mode of worshipping God as pre- scribed to its in his word, and dictated by our conscience, we are not only free to follow, but are protected in following.” Shortly after the estab- lishment of the government, Mr. Ashmun was appointed Colonial Agent, and with distinguished ability and usefulness, , Continued to discharge his duties, until in 1828, an illness which soon proved fatal, compelled him to \ leave his station. Dr. Richard Randall succeeded him in the agency, but • . the colony was soon called to mourn his decease. Dr. Mechlin is the present Colonial Agent and long may his valuable life be preserved to the cause! Among those who have fallen as martyrs to this work of humanity and religion, should be recorded the names of Sessions and Anderson and Holton and Skinner and Peaco and Seton, all of whom laboured to promote it as Physicians, Agents, Missionaries, or in some way gave to it, their ser- vices. Nor will such men of colour as Cary and Erskine be forgotten while Philanthropy and Piety are respected among Men. Description of the Colony. The name of Liberia, has been given to the Colony, because it is the land of the free’d. Cape Montserado, on which stands the principal town ( Monrovia, so called, in honour of President Monroe,) lies in about the sixth degree of North Latitude. The tract of country under the Colonial juris- diction, has been obtained by fair purchase, from time to time, from the na- tives, and extends from one hundred and fifty, to two hundred miles along the coast, and indefinitely into the interior. Two important Districts, Grand Bassa, and Cape Mount, have recently been acquired in this way. — There are several rivers, most of them small however. The St. Paul’s is half a mile wide at its mouth, and were it not obstructed by falls, would ad- mit of boat navigation, two or three hundred miles. The three principal Towns are Monrovia, and Caldwell, about seven miles distant on the St. Paul’s (which is connected with the Montserado river, by Stockton Creek,) and Mills and Burgess, (or by contraction Millsburg,) about fifteen miles above Caldwell, on the same river. The houses in Monrovia, are substan- tially built, many of them of stone. Fertility and Agriculture. In their address, the Colonists say, “A more fertile soil, and a more pro- ductive county, so far as it is cultivated, there is not, we believe on the face of the earth.” Dr. Randall says, ‘‘that the land on both sides of Stockton Creek, is equal, in every respect to the best on the southern rivers of the United States.” Mr. Ashmun thus enumerates the animals and products of the country: Horses, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, ducks, geese, chickens, and Guinea fowls, in abundance; fish in the greatest plenty; plantains, bananas, vines, lemons, oranges, tamarinds, mangoes, cashew, prunes, guava v pine apple, grape, cherry, and a species of peach; sweet potatoe, cassada, yams, cocoa, ground nuts, arrow root, egg plant, okra, every variety of beans and peas, cucumbers and melons, pumpkins, &c. &c.; rice, Indian corn, Guinea corn, millet, pepper, excellent coffee, sugar, cotton and indigo. Indeed, sugar, cotton, coffee, and indigo, grow wild. Clima te, and health of the Settlers. In the early years of the Colony, want of good houses, the great fatigues and dangers of the settlers, the discouragements they met with, their igno- rance ot the proper mode of living, and of the best remedies, aided the other causes of sickness, and produced great mortality. But those times are past and forgotten. Their houses and circumstances are now comfortable; they are abundantly supplied with medical assistance; and for the last five years (as stated in the address of the Colonists in 1827,) not one person in torty, from the middle and Southern States, has died from change of climate. The effect is most severely felt by those from the Northern States, or from mountainous parts of the middle States; but experience lias proved that, 12 with ordinary prudence, no danger is to be apprehended even by persons from those places, who are sober and have no radical defects of constitution. As the country becomes more thickly settled and better cultivated, it will like all other new countries, become more healthy. From the past mortal- ity or present sickliness, no discouragement will be felt by those who have read an account of the early attempts to found Colonies in this favoured land. At a little distance from the sea, the land becomes more elevated, and there is the best reason to believe that the causes of disease on the coast are unknown in the interior. On these highlands, settlements will doubtless soon be established. Under date of the 28th of April, 1832, l)r. Mechlin, writes, “among the emigrants by the Volador, Criterion, Orion, James l’er- kins, Margaret Mercer, and Crawford, the number of deaths will not aver- age quite 4 per cent.” For emigrants from the wide extent of our southern country, the climate may be pronounced salubrious. Commerce. The Colonists are actively engaged in trade, disposing of goods supplied by this country and F.ngland, for dye woods, ivory, hides, gold, palm oil, and rice, which they purchase by barter from the natives The nett profits on the two articles of wood and ivory, passing through the hands of the set- tlers, from January 1st, 1826, to June 15, 1826, was $30,786. In 1829, the exports of African products amounted to $60,000. In 1831, forty-six ves- sels, twenty-one of which were American, visited the Colony in the course of the year, and the amount of exports was $8S,911. Education and Moral Slate of the Colony. Great efforts have been made to establish and support schools in the Colo- ny. The Managers are resolved that every child shall enjoy the benefit of instruction. There are three principal schools, and the following will show something of their state, according to tire latest returns. Present condition of the Public Schools at Monrovia, Caldwell and Millsbur". EO YS. i GIRLS. Branches Tuvv/n. s i 5 I . 1 - 60 ! j. g, Date. Names of Teachers. 5 £ S’'- 2 ,* r § CC *** to o & 'sd 5* O > Jjr % tO Sn Sc ■•fe* lO to o < >o j si a tO < tO g. 2 c 2 § Cd » o -o Sd r. 1 * b «| s Above Spellii ■5 1 Si 2 g e S 1S32. $ Monrovia Jan. 1 J. iievey 400 20 16 4 40 1 14 1 33 69 34 34 23 3 12 Caldwell “ It. Harvey 400 20 15 5 40 17 7 4 32 67 39 22 9 5 5 Millsburg it N. Brander 400 0 9 1 19 21 4 11 28 21 10 8 2 1 '49 40 10 99 1 45 25| J 76. 164(94 66 40 8 19 School hours during the year from 9 o’clock. A. 31 ., to Boys - - - 99 12 o’clock, si., and from 2 o’clock, to 5 o’clock, r. M. > Girls, - - 76 Monrovia, January 2, 1832. ) To’tal No. of Pupils 175 J. MECHLIN, Jn. = A school, it is expected, will soon be established for the special benefit of the Recaptured Africans, who form a flourishing village by themselves; call- ed New Georgia. Few communities, it is believed, are more moral and re- ligious than that at Liberia. Divine service is attended three times on Sun- day, and on Thursday and Friday evenings. For other particulars in regard to the moral character of the Colony, we refer our readers to the testimony of those who have visited it. Influence of llie Colony in suppressing the Slave Trade, and civilizing the Na- tive Tribes. A late English Officer, who had been some time on the African Coast, mentions the subject: “Nothing has tended more to suppress the slave trade in this quarter than the constant intercourse and communication of the natives with these industrious Colonists The American Agent, Mr. Ash- man, 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 always to be obtained of any slave vessels on the Coast within the communication or influence of the Colony. This ac- tive, respectable, and intelligent man, is since dead; but his spirit still ac- tuates all his people.” The same Officer observes; ‘The character of these industrious Colo'- nists is exceedingly correct and moral, their minds strongly impressed with religious feelings, their manners serious and decorous, and their domestic habits remarkably neat and comfortable. 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 few Colonies of this kind scattered along the Coast, would be of infinite value in improving the natives. They would much sooner acquire their confidence and esteem, as not exciting that jealousy which foreigners al- ways cause; and the very example of their own race, thus raised in the moral and social scale, would be the strongest motive to induce others to adopt and practise those qualities bv which they were rendered so much more comfortable and happy. Should no unfortunate event retard the progress of those Colonists, and no baneful vices be introduced among them, there is every reason to hope that they will diffuse cultivation and improvement in Africa to a considerable extent, as they have already done, on a limited scale, as tar as their influence has reached.’ The Colonial Agent writes, you can have no idea of the favourable im- pressions we have made on the natives of the country They are constant- ly sending messages, requesting us to settle at different points of the coast. During a recent visit of the Agent to some native towns, nearer to the Colony, eight or ten chiefs, after consultation with each other, united in the request that they might be received and treated as subjects of the Colony. Slave Trade — Origin, Character , and Extent. Henry, King of Portugal, under authority from three Roman Pontiffs, as early as the year 1454, took possession of several Islands and Havens on the Coast of Africa, and took thence many Slaves —some by force, and some by barter. The Portuguese first imported Slaves into Hispaniola, in 1508; and into their nrazilian Colonies, in 1517. For more than three cen- turies, some of the Christian powers of Europe have been engaged in this traffic: and, for more than a century and a half, it was prosecuted, by all Christendom, with extraordinary zeal and energy. The French Guinea Company contracted, in 1702, to supply the Spanish West Indies with 38,- 000 negroes, in ten years. In 1713, there was a Treaty between England and Spain, for the importation of 144,000 negroes, in thirty years. Some have estimated the whole number of Slaves exported from Africa, since the origin of this trade, at nearly 20,000,000. The cruelties attending this trade, are probably greater now than at any former period. The slave ships are now crowded to excess, and the mor- tallity is dreadful. In 1816, the African Instiution ascertained, that one vessel, of 180 tons, took 530 slaves; of which, 120died on the passage to Tortola. Another, of 272 tons, received 642 slaves, and lost 140. Anoth- er vessel lost 200, out of 600. Another 96, out of 500. Another, of 120 tons, took on board 600 slaves; and though when captured, she had sailed but 80 leagues, she had lost 30, and many others were in a dying state. — 11 Dr. Philip, a distinguished missionary at the Cape of Good Hope, esti- mates the number annually exported, at 100,000. In 1823, Mr. Ashmun wrote from the Colony, that at least 2000 slaves were annually exported from capes Mount and Montserado. In 1824, the African Institution re- ports 120,000, as the number exported from the coast, and presents a de- tailed list of the names of two hundred and eighteen vessels, believed to be engaged in the trade during that year. In 1827, one hundred and twen- ty-hve vessels sailed from Cuba to Africa, for slaves. Within the last elev- en years, 322,526 slaves have been imported into the single port of Rio Janeiro; that is, an average of 29,320 annually. 1 he Colony of Liberia has already done much, and will do vastly more for the suppression of this atrocious trade. . Progress of the Cause of the Society in this Country. The Legislatures of fourteen States, New Hampshire, Vermont, Conn. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Geor- gia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana, have passed resolutions dis- tinctly approving of the Scheme of colonizing the free coloured popu- lation, and most of them recommending the objects of the Society. Eleven of those states have instructed their Senators, and requested their Repre- sentatives in Congress to promote, in the general government, measures tor removing such free persons of colour as are desirous of emigrating to Africa. And ‘nearly all the ecclesiastical bodies in the United States have , by resolutions, fully expressed their opinion, that the Society merits the consideration and favour of the whole Christian community, and earnestly recommended it to their patronage.’ Numbers Colonized. 1 he whole number of emigrants sent out by the Society in twenty-three expeditions (the recaptured Africans from three to four hundred not in- cluded) 2,061. Of the above, were slaves, manumitted for the purpose of colonization, 613 Receipts of the Society, up to June 20th, 1832, §155,912 52. Present Estimated expense of Colonization. This, including support for s:x months after the arrival of the emigrants in Africa is §35 each. Were the scheme to be prosecuted on a large scale the expense would doubtless be diminished. Number of Auxiliary Societies according to last Report. I liese amount only to 228. Some have probably been omitted, and such (indeed all) are earnestly requested to report to the Parent Society their s lists of officers, and number of members. ~ “T Testimony of Captain Nicholson , of the United States Navy. “The appearance of all the colonists, those of Monrovia, as well as those of Cald- well, indicated more than contentment. Their manners were those of freemen, who experienced the blessing of liberty, and appreciated the boon. Many of them had by trade acquired a competency. * * * The children born in the country are fine looking, and 1 presume can be raised as easily as those of the natives. All the colonists with whom 1 had communication (and with nearly the whole of them did I communicate, in person or by my officers) expressed their decided icish to re- main in their present situation, rather than return again to the United Stales. Testimony of Captain Kennedy, of the Java, Norfolk, June 22, 1831. I sought out the most shrewd ar.d intelligent of the colonists, many of whom were personally known to me, ar.d by long and wary conversations, endeavoured to elicit from them any dissatisfaction with their situation, if such existed, or any latent de- sire to return to their native country. Neither of these did I observe. On the con- trary, I thought I could perceive that they considered that they had started into a neio existence; that, disencumbered of the mortifying relations in which they formerly stood in society, they felt themselves proud ill their attitude, and seemed conscious, that while they were the founders of a new empire, they were prosecuting the no- ble purpose of the regeneration of the land of their fathers.” Testimony of Captain Sherman, May 10, 1830. No white people are allowed to reside in the colony, for the purpose of trade, or of pursuing any mechanical business, such being intended for the exclusive benefit ot by coloured people. “The townsphip of Caldwell is about seven miles from Monrovia, on St. Paul’s ri- ver, and contains a population of five hundred and sixty agriculturists. The soil is ex- ceedingly fertile and pleasant, and the people satisfied and happy. The emigrants carried out by me, and from whom I received a pleasing and satisfactory account of that part of the territory, are located there.” Testimony of Captain Abels, Feb. 10, 1832. “On the 14th December, I arrived at Monrovia, and on the 15th went on shore, and was received in the most polite and friendly manner by the governor. Dr. Mech- lin, who introduced me to the ministers and principal inhabitants. All the colonists appeared to be in good health. All my expectations in regard to the aspect of things, the health, hurmony, order, contentment, industry, and general prosperity of the settlers, were more than realized. There are about two hundred buildings in the town of Mon- rovia, extending along the Cape Montserado, not far from a mile and a quarter. — Most of these are good substantial houses and stores, (the first story of many of them being of stone,) and some of them handsome, spacious, painted, aud with Venetian blinds. Nothing struck me as more remarkable than the great superiority, in intelli- gence, manners, conversation, dress and general appearance in every respect, of the peo- pleover their coloured brethren in America. So much was I pleased with what I saw, that 1 observed to the people, should I make a true report, it would hardly be credit- ed in the United States. Among all that 1 conversed with, I did not find a discon- tented person, or hear one express a desire to return to America? 1 saw no intempe- rance, nor did I hear a profane word uttered by any one. Being a Minister of the Gos- pel, on Christmas day I preached both in the Methodist and Baptist Churches, to full and attentive congregations offrotn three to four hundred persons in each. “Most of the settlers appear to be rapidly acquiring property; and I have no doubt they are doing better for themselves and their children in Liberia, than they could do in any other part of the world. Could the free people of colour in this country but see the real condition of their brethren who have settled in Africa, I am persua- ded they would require no other motive to induce them to emigrate. This is my decided and deliberate judgment. “P. S. I have several times dined with the Colonists, and I think no better tables could be set in any part of the world. We had every thing that heart could desire, of meats, and fish, and fowles, and vegetables, and wines,” &c. &c. • Testimony of Dr. Shane to R. S. Finley Esa. under date of Liberia, Feb- 18, 1832. Dear Sir: — With great pleasure I inform you of our safe arrival at Monrovia, with all the passengers in good health and spirits. The emigrants were immediate- ly taken up to Caldwell, where they will remain under charge of Dr. Todsen, who resides there, until they have their seasoning spell (which takes place in two or three weeks), after which their lands will be assigned them, and every facility af- forded to make them easy and comfortable in circumstances. All emigrants here are treated with the utmost kindness, by the officers of government, who interest them- . selves personally in their behalf, and endeavour to make them as comfortable as possible. Land is purchased at 25 cents per acre, and every inducement held out to the farm er and mechanic. Coii’ee, sugar cane and cotton grow wild; the last of which, I was picking myself yesterday , in sight of the town. 1 hear no dissatisfaction expressed by the emigrants, nor any desire to return to the United States. I am certain no friend to humanity, can come here and see the state of things, with- out being impressed with the immense benefits the Society is conferring on the long neglected and oppressed sons of Africa, and find their whole soul enlisted in behalf of so noble an Institution. Let but the coloured man come and sec for him- self, and the tear of gratitude will beam in his eye, as he looks forward to the not far distant day, when Liberia shall take her stand among the nations of the world, and proclaim abroad an empire, founded by benevolence — offering a home to the poor, oppressed and weary. Nothing, rest assured that nothing but a want of knowl- edge of Liberia, prevents thousands of honest, industrious free blacks from rushing to this heaven-blessed land, where liberty and religion, with all their blessings, are enjoyed. Under dale of Dec. 29, 1831, the Hon. James Madison writes to the Secretary. “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 Society, a id the encouragement to encounter remaining difficulties af- forded by the earlier and greater ones already overcome. Many circumstances at the present moment seem to concur in brightening the prospects cf the Society, and 1G / L cherishing the hope that Iht lime will come, when the dreadful calamity which ha » so long afflicted our country and filled so many with despair, will he gradually removed tend by means consistent with justice, peace and the general satisfaction-, thus giving to our country the full enjoyment of the blessings of liberty, and to the world the full benefit of its great example. I never considered the main difficulty of the great work as lying in the deficiency of emancipations, but in an inadequacy of asylums 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 consent, is increasing and will increase; and there arc sufficient indications that the public authorities in slave-holding States are looking forward to interpositions in different l'otms that must have a powerful effect. With respect to the new abode for the emigrants, all agree that the choice made by the Society is rendered peculiar- ly appropriate by considerations which need not be repeated, and if other situations should not be found eligible receptacles for a portion of them, the prosjwcts in Africa seem to be expanding in a highly encouraging degree. ‘In contemplating the pecuniary resources needed for the removal of suclia num- ber 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 in question is truly ofanutiou- al character, and it is known that distinguished patriots not dwelling in slave-hold- ing States have viewed the object in that light, and would be willing to let the na- tional domain be a resource in effecting it.’ Under dale of Dec. 14, 1831, Chief Justice Marshall writes to the Secretary. “The great object of the Society, I presume, is to obtain pecuniary aids. Appli- cation will undoubtedly be made, I hope successfully, to the several State Legisla- tures, by the societies form . d within them respectively. It is extremely desirable that they should pass permanent laws on the s i : I > j ■ ct, and the excitement produced by the late insurrection makes this a favourable moment for the friends of the Colony to press for such acts. ‘It is undoubtedly of great importance to retain the countenance and protection of the General Government. Some of our cruizers stationed on thecoast of Africa would, at the same time, interrupt the slave trade -a horrid traffic, detested by all good men, and would protect the vessels and commerce of the Colony from pirates who in- fest those seas. The power of the government to afford this aid is not, I believe, contested. I regret that its power to grant pecuniary aid is not equally free from question. On this subject, I have always thought, and still think, that the proposi- tion made by Mr. King, in the Senate, is the most unexceptionable, and the most effective that can be devised. ‘The fund would probabiy operate as rapidly as would be desirable, when we take into view the other resources which might come in aid ofit; 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 tax- es. The lands are the property of the United States, and have heretofore been dis- posed of by the government under the idea of absolute ownership.’ Things which should be done to aid the Cause. A State Colonization Society should he formed in each State of the Union . — There are now seventeen State Societies. It is vastly important that each State Society should influence our fellow-ci- tizens to establish an Auxiliary Society in every county or town of the Union, Let every Clergyman preach at least once a year on the subject. Let all the churches of every denomination in the United States, tale tip col lections annually for the Society, on nr about the Fourth of July. .. Let meetings of the citizens be held in every county, or town in the Uni- ted States, and memorials in" behalf of the cause of the Society, he sent in by them to their State Legislatures, and to Congress. Let the Ladies every where form associations to assist the object. Let every Editor publish something in its favour weekly, and send his paper in exchange to the African Ileposilory, Washington City. Let the Friends of the cause, make such arrangements, as may give an opportunity to every individual in the country of making annually a contri- bution, if it be but of a single cent, to promote it. Finally, let every man feci it to he a personal duty to give his counte- nance and support to the cause, let him realize its greatness, its practicabil- ity and glory, and the work will soon be done.