Pearl, c.
Remarks on Afrieau Colonisation.
1833

¦'-•¦¦?

Ci80 1
16

' YAJUE-'VM^ISSinnr- • iLiiiBiaaisy •

REMARKS

AFRICAN COLONIZATION

THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY.

IN TWO PARTS.

BY A CITIZEN OF NEW ENGLAND.

WINDSOR, VT.
PUBLISHED BY RICHARDS & TRACY.
18 3 3.

TO THE READER. i
In giving his Remarks to the public, the author is conscious of no
other motive than a desire to advance the interests of truth, .freedom1
and happiness. He has no pride of authorship or desire of notice to
be gratified ;,no pecuniary interest to be advanced ; and no feelings of
unkindness towards those who dissent from his views, to be indulged by
this publication. He has written, not with a view to satisfy the mere
critic, or to escape his notice ; not to advance new theories, or present
old ones in a new dress. It has been his object to write for plain, conM
mon-sense, matter-of-fact readers : to present plain truths, well-estab^j
lished facts, and common arguments, in a plain manner, and fora practW
cal purpose. It is his earnest desire to see all the friends of humanity,
in this country act right — act vigoi-ously — act in harmony, and in the
best possible manner, for the relief and the elevation of the whole Afri
can race, whether bond or free. For the sentiments advanced in rela
tion to African Colonization, the Colonization Society is not responsible,'
except for the extracts from its official publications, and the legitimate
application of those extracts. If the author has mistaken or misapplied
the principles or language of that Society, he alone is responsible..
The same remark applies to the use made of other publications. Should
any reader think that there is undue severity in the strictures on the'
publications, measures and sentiments referred to in the Introduction,
and in Part II., he is requested to examine the whole subject Vithout
prejudice — to read those publications, and ponder well'their spirit and
tendency, and then state publicly and candidly in what the severity con
sists, and in what rmanner it might have been dispensed with. ' To the
friends of humanity and justice, who have sympathy for the poor and
oppressed African, the author cheerfully submits his views ; and to Him
who hears the 'oppressed when they cry, he would commit both 'himself
and his readers, with the earnest prayer that they may be guided by
His Spirit in all their efforts to do good. P
A Citizen on New England.
.Ipril 11, 1833.

INTRODUCTION.

A few months since, a pamphlet of 236 pages fell into my hands, en
titled " Thoughts on African Colonization ; or an impartial exhibition of
the doctrines, principles and purposes of the American Colonization Socie
ty, together .with the Resolutions, Addresses and Remonstrances oj the free
people of color, by Wm. Lloyd Garrison."
The, object of the writer was to prove that "the Colonization Society
is not hostile to slavery : That it " apologizes for slavery and slave-hold
ers j" — « Recognizes slaves as property ; — " Increases the value of slaves ;"
— " Is the enemy of immediate Abolition ;" — " Nourished by fear and self
ishness ;" — " Aims at the expulsion of the Blacks ;" — 1< Disparages the
Free Blacks ;" — " Prevents the instruction of the Blacks ,¦" — " Deceives
and misleads the nation." The second part of the pamphlet, occupying
76 pages, consists of " Resolutions, Addresses and Remonstrances of the
free people of color, " showing that they are opposed to the Colonization
Society. For several years I had felt a deep interest in the welfare of the col
ored people, bond and free, and in every effort which seemed likely to
aid in securing freedom and happiness to the whole race, or to any por
tion of it. I had, been in favor of the Colonization Society, because, after
a tolerably thorough examination, it seemed to promise more good to the
whole African race than any other plan which had been proposed, and
because it was actually doing good- to a considerable portion. When
this pamphlet appeared, I was disposed to examine it carefully, from the
interest I felt in the colored race, in the Colonization Society, -and in
the Author of the pamphlet; having felt a sympathy for him when, from
the confines of a prison, his touching poetry, " The Freedom of the Mind,"
echoed through the land, and having supposed him a true friend of the
Africans and sincerely devoted to their interests. I did not agree with '
him as to the manner of removing the evils we both deplored, or approve
of his harsh language or rash measures. Many things which had appear
ed in his paper,* seemed peculiarly fitted to create jealousy and hostility
between the- colored people and the whites, and increase the alienation
of feeling between the Northern and Southern sections of the country,
and if generally countenanced, must be productive of serious injury.
However sincere he might be, it seemed evident that he had more zeal
than judgment, and must alter his course or fail of doing much good.
* The Liberator.

The pamphlet exhibits some talent and much labor, especially in col
lecting materials, and I felt assured that if the Colonization Society is a
bad institution and " deceives and misleads the nation," this would be
proved beyond all controversy in the course of the 236 pages ; especially
as the author had previously brought very serious charges against the
Society and assumed heavy responsibilities. He had declared that "the
superstructure of the Colonization Society rests upon the following pil
lars: 1. Persecution; 2. Falsehood; 3. Cowardice ; 4. Infidelity."* "I
shall be willing to stake my reputation upon itf for honesty, prudence,
benevolence, truth and sagacity. If I do not prove the Colonization So
ciety to be a creature without heart, without brains, eyeless, unnatural,
hypocritical, relentless, unjust — then nothing is capable of demonstration
— then let me be covered with confusion of face."
Such declarations gave reason to expect that evidence the most full
and decisive would be produced to sustain them, and led me to examine
this evidence with more than usual care.
Having a large portion of the documents of the Society at hand, I was
enabled to examine the extracts made from those in their connexion,
and found it important to do so. The result of this examination was a
full conviction,
1. That instead of an " impattial exhibition" the pamphlet contains
altogether a partial or one-sided view of the Colonization Society, exhib^-
iting only its apparently objectionable features, and those strangely dis
torted. 2. That a large portion bf the extracts made to support the charges,
wei-e not from the documents of the Society, but from newspapers, ser
mons, addresses, &c.
3. That a large portion of the extracts made from the documents of
the Society do not appear in them as the sentiments of the Board of
Managers. They are extracts from speeches, copied into " the Proced-
ings of the Society at the annual meeting," from sermons or addresses'
published in different sections of the country, or from reviews and arti
cles published in other periodicals, copied into the " Appendix to the
Report," or the African Repository, "jiot_because every sentiment is
approved" by the Managers or the Secretary, but _because they have
be^n_willing toj?xhibit honestly the_different sentiments of individuals,
and leave the~public to judge in view of the_wholg_subject.
4. TCTany oTthe extracts are* frequently interrupted thus * * * show
ing that something is left out. In examining these extracts as they-
stand in the publications of the Society, several of them will be seen to
be unfairly made, parts being omitted which would .essentially modify
their meanings
5. That some of the quotations are made by putting detached senten
ces together, so as to convey a different meaning from that intended by
the writers. [See examples in the Christian Spectator, March 1833,
pp. 153, 154.]
6. That several of the extracts contain language capable of being
misinterpreted, especially when standing alone; and that inferences and
comments relating to these are unfairly made.
* Liberator, July flth, 1831.
I The pamphle^, which was then in contemplation. — Lib. July 30, 1831.

7. That although the Society may have had wrong arguments used in
its favor ; may have been patronized by some with wrong motives ; al
though some may have had too high expectations of its success ; although
some of its best friends, or even its Board of Managers, may have made
mistakes ; still the charges against the Society are not sustained and can
not le.
8. That the entire reverse of nearly every charge can, by a similar
license, be as fairly sustained as these ; but neither view alone would
be an "impartial exhibition."
9. Thatjwith all the faults that can possibly be charged upon the
Colonization Societywith any show of truth, it is still" tjielri&sJLpromis-
ing means of benefiting the whole African race yet devised ; and is en
titled to the cordial support of all the ijjeqple ofthese United" States, and
the approbation of all the friends of liberty througjiout Jhe worlds
10. That a fair examination of the history and operations of tlie Soci
ety, will bring other minds to the same result.
11. That if the Author would give his pamphlet a calm, serious, prayer
ful re-examination ; would consider the history, principles and operations
of the Society ; the character of those who formed it, and those who
now conduct its affairs ; as well as the great body of its patrons ; would
review his charges and the manner by which he has attempted to sustain
them ; he would "be covered with confusion of face" without any effort
being made by others to refute his charges ; and that although some
who are glad of an excuse for doing nothing for a benevolent society,
may thank the author for his attacks, yet benevolent men, who think and
act for themselves, will not be long misled or embarrassed by them, and
the Colonization Society has nothing to fear ultimately from such oppo
sition. 12. That the pamphlet referred to, might do some good. It might ex
cite attention, examination and discussion, which should develope more
fully the principles of the Society, make them better understood, and
their importance more deeply felt, and thus benefit the cause in New
England. It might make some of the friends of Colonization more care
ful in their arguments and efforts, and lead to increased watchfulness and
prudence in the management of the Society.
It might assist in removing the impression at the South, " that the
people of New England are willing to insult and abuse them." _ It is
well known that the author of the pamphlet is very obnoxious both to
the friends and enemies of Colonization and Emancipation in the slave
states. They have thought his language in relation to slave-holders
slanderous, his treatment of them abusive , and his influence on the col
ored people peculiarly fitted to produce insurrections. Some of them
have supposed that many in New England, and especially Colonization-
ists, were disposed to countenance such measures, secretly if not openly.
HisJipj3tiljty_JxUije_&ac^ migJrt_convince tlveJ3outfieTijLpeo-
ple who hayejmposed it, j^atjrisjoyements amTColqnization movements
areTioFone and the same thing, and thus lead them to examine its merits.
IS. That as the pamphlet was likely to do some good, although in a
different way from that intended, therefore no reply to it was needed,
and that no notice ought to be taken of it by the friends of Colonization.
Although containing some truth with much error, the error was so palpa-

6
ble as to be easily detected by those acquainted with the history of the
Society. These were my sober convictions after a very thorough examination ;
and similar views I found were entertained by many editors,* clergymen,
and others, who had examined the subject. After what has been said, it
may seem strange that I should notice this pamphlet with so much for
mality. My apology is this: —
1. Many persons have not the publications of the society. Very few
in New England have the Annual Reports or any documents which
give its early history.
2. Few persons have time to examine the sixteen Reports and eight
volumes of the African Repository, if they were accessible : consequent
ly, they are not prepared to defend the society when attacked, and are in
some danger of being misled.
3. It is now an easy matter for any one to collect materials from this
pamphlet and the Liberator, and write newspaper articles accusing the
Colonization Society, and its agents, of "deception" " falsehood" " prop
agating libels" " publishing gross fictions with a view to gull the weak
and the ignorant" &c. and thus new articles are furnished for the Lib
erator, or copied from some paper that is willing to publish them. In
the same manner it is easy to'prepare addresses on the subject of slave
ry, spiced with a good degree of ridicule and sarcasm for Colonization-
ists ; get admitted to lyceums and debating societies, and in some instan
ces even to churches, under the apparent sanction of ministers; create a
temporary excitement, and then boast of their success, their converts and
contributions; challenge the whole world to refute their arguments, and
then, if no one notice them, to cry victory, and throw out more insulting
challenges.f * " Since commencing the agency, I have conversed with the editors of between 90 and 100 pa
pers and periodicals in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and the city of New
York. Of these editors, I found but four who expressed opposition to our Society." * * * I have
conversed individually or in small circles with more than three hundred clergymen, of different
denominations : only three of whom manifested hostility to the Society. A small number of
others had not examined the history or claims of the Society sufficiently to express a decided
opinion. A few others expressed some doubts, occasioned by the charges brought against the
Society by Mr. Garrison, and other agents of the New England Anti-Slavery Society. Not hav
ing the publications of the Colonization Society, or any means of examining in their proper con
nexion, the extracts made to support these charges, they felt a temporary embarrassment. A
much larger number, who had been in the same unsettled state from the same cause, stated that
by examining the publications and the actual influence of the Society, they had become convinced
that the diarges brought against it are not sustained. Some of this class complained of having been
reported as opposed to the Colonization Society." [Letter of an Agent to Rev. J. N. Danforlh.] —
American Traveller, Dec. 1832.
f Witness the following specimens. "93" By a Presbyterian Clergyman.
[ For the Liberator. ]
TO MR. DANFORTH, AGENT FOR THE SLAVE-DRIVERS.
A citizen with a little ' brains and blood,' who wishes to help those who are ' tugging to put
dot'-.n slavery,' offers to meet you in open debate in Boston, and maintain against your negative,
the truth of this proposition—' Every living American Slave-holder is a Kidnapper.'
The Editor of the Liberator is authorized to make the necessary arrangements, so that you may
exhibit all your ' blood and brains,' in ' tugging' to prop up slavery. ONE WHO HAS RIGHTS."
Liberator, Feb. 16, 1833.
" 95" Another challenge, Mr. Danforth !— from a source, too, eminently entitled to your no
tice. Are you ready ? [ For the Liberator. ]
TO REV. MR. DANFORTH, PRESBYTERIAN MINISTER.
As you are manifestly afraid to face ' One who has Rights,' and prove that ( every American
glave-holder is not a Kidnapper,'— I hereby offer to meet you in open debate in Boston, and

7
¦%', >
4. The New England Anti-slavery Society has adopted this pamph
let for distribution, and its agents and managers are actively opposing
the Colonization Society in this country, and sending their publications
to England, thus furnishing materials which .some of the British Review
ers and editors seem much inclined to use in slandering this country.
5. My object in noticing this pamphlet is not to reply to the charges,
or hold a controversy with its author, or any one who agrees with him,
adopts his style and imitates his spirit.* It is my design
I. To give a brief view of the history and operations of the Coloniza
tion Society, develope its character and principles, and give some rear
sons for sustaining it.
; II. To furnish a similar view of the New England Ant-slavery Soci
ety, express my own views in relation to the objects proposed in its Con
stitution, and state the reasons why I cannot co-operate with the So
ciety. maintain against your negative the following proposition : — Every Slave-holder who pro
fesses to be a Christian, by whatever name he is .called, or whatever office he holds
in the Church, is a Hypocrite.
The Editor of the Liberator -is authorized to make the necessary arrangements— if you choose
to confront WATCHMAN." «
Liberator, Feb. S2,«1833.
* The unfairness and misrepresentation of the pamphlet have been partially exposed in the
Methodist Magazine and Quarterly Review, for January, African Repository for January, and
the Christian Spectator for March. Also in several numbers of the Christian Mirror, (Portland,
Me.) and in late numbers of the Vermont Chronicle.

PART I

AFRICAN COLONIZATION.

Annual Reports of the American Colonization Society. Af
rican Repository. Review on African Colonization: Christian Spec
tator, Sept. 1830. Letters on the Colonization Society, with a view of its
probable results : addressed to the Hon. C. P. Mercer. By M. Caret,
1832. American Colonization Society, N. A. Review, July 1832, Art.
VII. Slavery Question in Virginia, American Quarterly Review, Dec.
1832, Colonization Society, Christian Examiner, Sept, 1832, and Jan!
1833. From the first introduction of slaves into the United States and the
West Indies, there have been multitudes to bear testimony. against the
system of slavery, and weep for the misery occasioned by it. Some have
given proof of their sincerity by their skill in devising, and their zeal,
energy, perseverance and self denial in prosecuting plans for abolishing
the abominable traffic in human flesh, and for relieving the misery of the
slaves, and of the free people of color. The names of Clarkson, Wil
berforce, and others, who were " shoulder to shoulder" with them in* the
great conflict for the abolition of the slave trade, will be held in grateful
remembrance, when the names of many heroes and conquerors, wnom
history has immortalized, shall have become odious.
Many individuals have manifested a praise-worthy zeal, both before
and since the abolition of the slave-trade, in their efforts to emancipate
and elevate the enslaved Africans ; while great multitudes have slumber
ed with indifference over their misfortunes, or passed them by dn despair,
as if there were ho remedy.^.
" In consequence of the memorable decision of the English Judiciary, in tile case
of Somerset, that slavery could not exist upon the soil of England, several -hundred
blacks, unaccustomed to the profitable employments of a great city, were thrown
upon their resources in the streets of London. The celebrated Granville Sharp
having taken a peculiarly prominent part in the whole affair of the slave question,*
they flocked to him as their patron ; and he, after much reflection,„determined to
colonize them in Africa."* ^
Here was the origin of the Sierra Leone Colony. In 1787, four hun
dred negroes and sixty Europeans were sent thither at the expense ,of the
British government. In 1789, thirty-nine more were sent out. In 1791,
about 1200 emigrants from Nova Scotia were induced to join the colony,.
by the influence of the venerable Clarkson. These were originally ref
ugees from this country, who had placed themselves under British pro-
*N, A. Review, July, 1832, p. 120.

10
tection.* The Maroonsf from Jamaica were introduced 'about the year
1805. Since the abolition in 1808, large numbers have joined the col
ony who were liberated from slave ships. In 1823, the colony contained
aboutf18000 inhabitants, of whom, 12000 were liberated Africans. In
1828*the number of this class was more than 15000. Two thousand
' four hundred and fifty-eight liberated captives were added to the colony,
during the year 1827 alone.J
While the leading abolitionists in Great Britian were thus providing
an asylum for the liberated Africans, the attention of great and good men
in the United States was turned to the same subject. They saw that
many who had been liberated were ignorant, without employment, desti
tute of the means and motives necessary to elevate meil, and, consequent
ly, exposed to temptation, suffering and crime. Even before the com-
mej^emenJ,_^the^ier£a...L,e£ne_colon^,_as .early as_1777, Mr. Jefferson
: had formed a plan of colonizing the free people. of.cploF|1but trie distract
ed jftSJe^oTfhe country occasioned by ihewar, or.pther causesjrev'erited
its_,develppemerrt. In the year 1787, Dr. Thornton, of Washington, "proposed the sub
ject of the colonization of fhe people of. color on the coast of Africa to.the
people of Boston, and Providence, (Rhode Island.) Many were disposed
to accompany him to Africa, but the want df funds prevented the experi
ment. In ,1789, Rev. Samuel Hopkins, of Newport, Rhode Island,.
wrote to Granville Sharp, to ascertain the situation qfthe colony at Sierra
Leone, and especially,* whether the blacks of New England " might
have any part of the colonial lands to settle oh, and on what terms."
In the American Museum, is an article, dated March 6, 1790, attrib
uted to Feudinando Fairfax, in which " it is proposed, that a colony-
should be settled under tye auspices and protection of Congress, by the
negroes now within the United States, and be composed of those who
are already^ as well as those who at any. time hereafter, may become lib
erated by ^he voluntary consent of their owners," &c.
About the year 1800 or 1801, the Legislature of Virginia instructed
Mr. Monroe, then Governor of the State, to endeavor, through the agency
of President Jefferson, to secure "an asylum beyond the limits of the
United States for such persons of color as had been, or might be, eman
cipated ujider the laws of the commonwealth." An effort was made to-
% obtain a territory, first in Africa, from the Sierra Leone Company, and af
terwards in South America, from the government of Portugal. Both at
tempts were unsuccessful. In 1811, Mr. Jefferson, in reply to inqujries
relative to Colonization, wrote as follows : " Having long ago made up
, my rnind on tliis subject, I have,no hesitation ih 'saying, that I have ever
thought that the most desirable measure which could be adopted for
drawing off this part of our population, — " most advantageous to them
selves, as well as us."
Again, "'Indeed nothing is more to be wished than that the United States
would themselves undertake to Make such an establishment on the coast of
Africa." * Iferth American Review, July, 1832, p. 120. f A name given to a large number df
Negroes, onginallytslaves in Jamaica, who availed themselves of a Revolution in that Island
to take refuge among the mountains of the interior, and have never since been subdued, lb. p.

11
In 1816, the, legislature of Virginia again passed a resolve,* request
ing the Executive to take measures for procuring "an asylum for such
persons of color as are now free, and may desire it, and for those who
may, hereafter be emancipated within this commonwealth," &c.
By this time, the experiment at Sierra Leone, notwithstanding all its
embarrassments, had demonstrated that the plan of Colonization is prac-'"
ticable : the views of individuals, far separated from each other by dis
tance and circumstances, began to be understood; and there was suffi
cient evidence that a noble plan for benefiting the African race might be
carried forward, to enlist the energies of the Rev. Robert Finley, 'of
Basking' Ridge, N. J., draw out his views and feelings relating to the
interests of the free blacks, and urge him forward dp be the pioneer of
the enterprise to be commenced for their benefit.
" A concurrent movement towards the adoption of some particular plan of ope
rations was distinctly concerted in March 1816, at Georgetown, D. C, between a
resident of that place and several citizens of the two neighboring states. This was
without the knowledge or participation of any individual living north of Maryland.
But in the course of the ensuing summer and autumn, the discussion became more
general and excited considerable interest in Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, <.
Princeton, and other principal places ih that section of the country. Still Mr.
Finley seems rather to have led public opinion, for while others were only talking
and thinking, he was demoting himself wholly to the cause. After having reflected
deliberately, on the proper place, time and manner of commencing the long con- .
templated movement-rand the propriety of doing something had scarcely been dis
puted at all — he resolved to test the popularity, and in some degree- the practica
bility of his own pl&n, by introducing the subject to public notice at Washington.
He arrived at that city about the first of December, 1816, and began to make ar
rangements for a meeting of the citizens. Many ridiculed, and. some opposed him ;
but meeWjr^onleniing^hlrnsglf withjthe ,p_hsejy,aiion, SXikno.w-this. scheme is from
G-qd,jhe persevergd^and, prevailed^ The Society was_ organized jm the Jjrst of
January.' JL8JL7?jt~ "*"*
The second article of the constitution defines the object of the socie
ty, and is in the following. language : —
"The object to which its attention is to be exclusively directed, is to promote
and execute a plan for colonizing, (with their consent) the free peSple of color re
siding in this country, in Africa, or such other place as Congress shall deem most
expedient. And the Society shall act, to -effect this object, in co-operation with
the general government arid such of the States as may adopt resolutions on the
subject." '
It would seem impossible that any opposition could with propriety be
made to the Society, especially as it " has uniformly acted in pursuance
of these clearly declared principles, to the exclusion of all others."!
BjrJyrrohji|dj^no_9j&erjS^^ opposition so
ykriouSj_or obstacles so numerous. At the first annual meeting it was
stated byThe^l^sirIen'f,TKaE~iran effort has unfortunately bee.n made to
prejudice the minds of the free people of color against the institution,
which had its origin, it is believed, in an honest desire to promote their
happiness. A suggestion has been made to them which this Society dis
claims by the terms of its Constitution, that they are to be constrained to
migrate to the country which may be selected for the seat of our col
ony. No suspicion can he more unfounded. It is sanctioned by no Mecla-
* This was the first public act of Virginia in relation to this subject. The former measures
were in secret Session, as the time had not arrived when any measure having even an indirect
bearing in favor of emancipation, could be publicly discussed in Virginia. ,
t N. A. R. July 1832 p. 126. J lb p. 127. J)3=After quoting this identical article of the Con
stitution, Mr. Garrison cites above fifty extracts which he says "abundantly sustain. the charge
that the Society has not swerved from its original design" #c— [Thoughts on African Col. p. 42. etc.]

12
rations or acts of the Society, from which alone our intentions can be
candidly inferred.*
Then the Society was oppose^d_as _" an invention of the slave-holder to
i "fmMTT^j^er^la£KsA^at_ke jmight hold Ms slaves more securely in
bondage." This accusation seemed quite plausible to northern men,
i especially when it was said that "it originated in a slave state. The
Virginia Legislature had passed resolves in favor of colonizing the free
blacks so early as 1801, and shocking to relate, "it was done in secret
session!!" And moreover " the President himself was a slave hold
er." These circumstances, to many minds, were proof positive th^tt the
Colonization. Society was TiTmonstrosity, "" designed to perpetuate slstve-
ry.iL. When this charge was dfsavowed and disproved, and it was seen
that its founders and managers did hope and believe that the moraljnflu-
gHee'of the Society would tenj. to voluntary emancipationjNortjiern men
began to examine and* approve its plans j" "Suit before the obstacIe"s"~c'rea-
teo'"byrthis objection were removed, opposition sprang up af the South,
denouncing the Society as " a northern scheme to interfere with their
rights,""" fob them of their property," "deluge theland in bldod," &c. or
in other words, "to get away , their slaves, or. encourage among, them
insubordination and insurrection." This charge was also denied and
disproved, and the two- objections, to some extent, served to' destroy each
'other. SjillJh^r^.aieifew^jnJ^ew^ ;_EjngJtod_wliou_oppose the Society
because they__say.it tend? to perpetuate slavery, while those who are for
perpetuating slaverv_at the South, oppo^eit ^because' it ten^sj^ eman
cipation.".. The society was opposed and ridiculed as " a visionary scheme which
could accomplish nothing," Some opposed and multitudes neglected it
because it would cost money. This, with many, was objection enough.
Many* would do nothing to aid the Society, because it was for the ben
efit of the colored people. Some were willing to consign them to per
petual servitude, ignorance, and debasement, and others thought that
they could not be elevated.
For a time, it was difficult to decide on the place for planting a colo
ny. Some were in favor of Africa ; some of Hayti ; some of Canada ;
some of South America or Mexico ; while others would have the col
ony beyond the Rocky, mountains, or within the territory of the United
States. When it was decided to make the experiment on the African
coast, some believed tlie colonists could not endure the climate, or that
they could not be there protected, governed, or elevated. It was stig
matized as a "wild scheme for sending miserable,, degraded beings, from
a Christian to a barbarous country, to be civilized and Christianized ;"
and what was still more absurd, " to civilize a whole contiment of kid
nappers and slave dealers." ,' -
A great preliminary work was to be performed, before a colony could
be planted.
In this country, information must be circulated ; the condition of the
colored pepple be understood ; facts and arguments must arouse the atten
tion and interest of the community ; ingorance and prejudice must be
enlightened and overcome, and funds , be, -collected. Then the coast of
Africa must be surveyed ; territory purchased ; the favor of the natives
* Speech of Judge Washington. First Annual Report.

13
secured; the best location-selected and fitted for receiving emigrants.
Numerous obstacles retarded the acquisition of territory: the natives
were jealous of white men, judging of their character,*doubtless, from
the specimens they had been acquainted with ,in the slave trade.
Some of the native chiefs were , in favor of selling territory to be
occupied by colored people from America, hut others, were strongly op
posed to it. They could not see why such a colony should be planted ,
there, and were fearful it would interfere with the slave trade, "or in
some way affect their interest.
In 1820 a number of emigrants went out, but "they found it impossi
ble to obtain a suitable place, and were compelled, by a variety of un
toward circumstances, to make a temporary, establishment in the low,
unhealthy, island of Sherbro. Here they were detained for some time,
endeavoring, to purchase land — and were attacked by fatal diseases',
which carried off three agents and twenty of the colonists.*'* Several
other emigrants went out in 1821, but their prospects were truly dis-'
couraging, till, an extensive territory was purchased on the coast, and
the colony removed to Cape Montserado. In 1822, Mr. Ashmun went
out to the colony with a small band of emigrants, and found those who
had previously gone out, in a wretched condition. They had suffered
much from sickness, the want of medical aid, of suitable dwellings, and
those comforts and conveniences necessary to, the enjoyment of life and
health. The health of the, agent had failed, and he had sailed for the
United States, leaving, the 'colpnists defenceless, and, as it afterwards
appeared, upon the verge, of destruction. Soon after Mr. Ashmun's arri
val, he, discovered an extensive plot among the native tribes, to destroy
the colony. Although they had fairly sold the territory, and consented
to its settlement, they were either " sick of their' bargain," or thirsting
for plunder, and had proved treacherous. Finding it impossible to recon
cile them or prevent an attack, Mr. Ashmun made the best possible
preparation, and with but a handful of .men defended the colony from two
violent attacks of several hundred armed natives, and secured a permanent
peace. Since that time^, the Society has been gaining strength, and,^
notwithstanding all the obstacles which have opposed its progress, the
colony has grown and prospered beyond the most sanguine expectations
of its more intelligent friends.
The following table, it is believed, exhibits the number of emigrants.

Previous to May 182,3, .

. . 225.

In' 1828, .

. . 295.

In 1824, .

. . 105.'

1829, .

. . 160.

1825, .

. . 66.

1830, .

. . 406,

1826, .

. . 288.

.JL831,'.

. . 445,

1827, .

. .238.

1832, .

. . 790.

More than 700 of the emigrants were slaves, manumitted for the pur- 1
pose of removal to Liberia! Two hundr.ed forty-seven of this class were ^i
sent out the last year, and one hundred eighty-nine near the close of 1831.|
The territory of the colony extends along the coast about 280 mil^s,|
and into the interior from 20 to 30 miles, and in some places to a greater
distance. It is believed that additional lands may be purchased at a low
price, to any desirable extent.! The soil, animal and vegetable produc-
* Mr. Carev's Letters!
t Additional purchases have been made during the last year, and two new settlements, one at
Grand JBassa, and one at Grand Cape Mount, are about being made.

14
tions, and the commercial advantages of this country, are such as to ren
der it capable of sustaining a large population..
" During the. year preceding the first of May last, 59 vessels had visited the port
of Monrovia; of which 32 were American, 25 English and 2 French. The exports
during the same period (consisting chiefly of camwood', iv-'ory, palm-oil, tortoise-
shell and gold) amounted to $125,549 16 ; of imports' to $80,000."*
The climate is now believed to be favorable to people of color. " The
¦ native,* on the coast are remarkably- healthy, and so are the acclimated
emigrants."! In the early history of the colony, although there was
much sickness, the mortality was trifling, compared with that in the first
' colonies of this country, arid the colony of Sierra Leone. « The colony
which settled at James To^n wa3 at one tune reduced from 500 to 60
persons."! " In twelve years after £85,000' had been expended by the
Virginia. Company, only 600 persons remained in the Colony."! " In
1634, after £150,000 had been expended, and more thari 9,000 persons
had emigrated to the colonies, only 1,800 remained."! " Of 1,600 per
sons who came out with John Winthrop in 1630, 200 died in six
months."! At Sierra Leone, " the intemperance and imprudence of the
emigrants brought on a mortality which reduced their numbers nearly
one half, during the first year."t After the 1200 refugees from Nova
Scotia had removed to Sierra Leone, "one-tenth' of the Nova-Scotians
and half of the Europeans died during -one season, as much from want of
provisions as from any, other cause."! No mortality like this has visited
the colony at Liberia. The' colonists say: l!We enjoy health after a
few months residence in the country,, as uniformly,- and in as perfect a
degree, as we, possessed that blessing in" our native, country* And a
distressing scarcity of provisions, or any of the comforts of life, has for
the last two years been entirely unknown; even to the poorest person in
this community. On these points, there are and have been much mis
conception, andsome malicious misrepresentations, in the U. States. * *
* * The true character of the African climate is not well understood in
.other countries. Its inhabitants are as robust, as healthy, as long-lived,
to say the least, as those of any other country. Nothing like an epi
demic has ever appeared' in this colony ; nor can we learri from the na
tives that the calamity of a sweeping sickness ever yet visited this part
of the continent. But the change* from a temperate to a tropical country
is a great one — too great not to affect the health, more or less— -and, in
cases of pld people and very young children, it often causes death. In
the early years of the colony, want of good houses — the great fatigues
and dangers of the settlers — their irregular rhode of living, and the hard
ships and discouragements they met with, greatly helped the other
causes of sickness, which prevailed to an alarming extent, and were at
tended with great mortality. But we look back to those times as to a
season of trial long past, and almost 'forgotten. Our houses and circum
stances are now comfortable ; and, for the last two or three years, not
one person in forty from the Middle and Southern States, has died from
the change of climate."§ Two colored men, who went to Liberia during
the last summer, and spent nearly three weeks in examining the condi
tion and prospects of the different settlements, thus speak on the sub-
* Sixteenth Report, p. 6. t M' Carey's Letters.
t N. A. Review, July, 1832, p. 120. § Address of the Colonists, 13th Sep. p. 35.

15
ject:— "Wherever we went, the people appeared to enjoy, good health;
and a more healthy looking people, particularly , the children, we have
not seen in the United States. We were there in what is called the; ,
rainy season,, (although it rained hard but once for about half an hour;'.
during the whole three weeks of our visit,) and. instead, of the heat be
ing oppressive, we had; constantly a fine breeze, and the air was as cool
as it, is at Natchez about the last' of September.
"We ought, to say, that our voyage was very pleasant, and nearly all ''
thosa who sailed with ' us. from Norfolk, (158) appeared to enjoy them
selves well. Just before pur arrival at the colony, a few were taken
sick, and' two Children (pne an infant) died soon after they were landed.
Our own health while in the colony was perfectly good,, although we
were much exposed to night air."*
The government of the colony is essentially republican. The laws
"IjiSi'^toJoose^of J;he_Uniterl_Stetes, and havgj ti}us_far.,„secured the
go'SfT^i^^ans^ffi^perTty of tne. coToTjy. The " Constitution for the
government of the African Colony in Liberia," may be seen in the Appen
dix to the 13th Annual Report, and a Digest of the laws in the Appen
dix to the 12th Report, p. 38.
In, relation to government, the Colonists say, " Our Constitution se
cures to us, so far as our condition allows, 'all the rights and privileges
enjoyed by the free citizens of the United States,' and these rights and
privileges are ours. We are proprietors of the soil we live on, and pos
sess the rights of freeholders. Our suffrages, and what is of more im
portance, our sentiments and our opinions, .have their' due weight in the
Government we live under. Our laws are altogether our own : they
grow out of our circumstances ; are framed for our exclusive benefit, and
administered either by officers of our appointment, or such as possess our
entire confidence. We have a Judiciary, chosen from among ourselves ; ^
we serve as jurors, in the trial of others; and' are liable to be tried only J
by juries, of our'-fellbw citizens ourselves."!
The cause Of education:): in the colony has ever been regarded by the
Board of Managers as one of great importance ; and efforts have been
made from yea"r to year, to sustain public schools suited'to'the wants of
the people. At some periods, it has been impossible to do this for want
of suitable teachers, but recent reports exhibit evidence of the prosper
ity of the schools. Messrs. Simpson and Moore say, " There are five
schools, two of which we visited, and were' much, pleased with the teach
ers, and the improvement of the children^
Three public schools in' Monrovia, Caldwell, and MilJ'sburgh have i
more than 200 scholars. || Governor Mechlin says, "Lam happy to
have it in my power to state that .the condition of our public schools is
highly, prosperous ; this wilj be demonstrated by the enclosed semi-antt-
al statements,. The female schools at Monrovia and Caldwell are con
ducted, in' a manner highly creditable to Mrs. Johnson . and Mrs. Caesar,
who have them in charge. The beneficial results of our present school
?Letter from.Messrs. Simpson and Moore, African Repository, October, 1832.
t Address of the Colonists to the free people of color in the United States. Appendix to 13
Ann. Rep., p. 31.
' t See article 8 N. A. Review, Jan. 1825, in which is a letter from Gen. Harper.
§See Reports of schools, African Repository, Dec. 1832.
|| Ib. p. 300. See also system of Education for the Colony in the Repository forXov.

16
regulations are daily becoming more apparent, and I have great hopes
that the principal obstacle to'the more general application of the system,
viz; the want pf funds, will be removed by the' alteration in our revenue
law, received by the last arrival ; and should -our imports for the coming,
equal those of the past year, there will be revenue sufficient, I trust, to
defray the expense of supporting a school among our re-captured Afri
cans, whe are still very earnest' in their solicitations that, the benefits, ef
educaticn, shpuld be 'extended te themselves and their children."*
The moral and' religious.. state _of_tKe colony is rej)rg_sentejl_asJujfhly
interesting. The colonists say,. " We have all that is meant by liberty
'^'conscience. The time and mode ef worshiping God as prescribed in
his wordj and dictated by our- conscience, we are not only free to follow,
but are' protected in following,!
" As to the morals of the CokmistjS, I consider them much better than those of
j the people of the United States ; mat is, you -may take an egnal number of the inhab
itants from any section of the Union, and you will find-more drunkards, more profane
swearers, and Sabbath-breakers, iSfC..tb,aJB. in. Liberia. Indeed, I know of no coun
try .where things are conducted mor.e, quietly and orderly, -than in this colony.
Tfou rarely hear an oath, and as to riots and breaches of the peace, I, recollect of
but one instance, and that of a trifling nature, that has come under my notice
since I assumed the government of the colony. T-he-gabbath is more strictly ob
served than l.eyer saw it in the United ^States.. Our Sunday scheolsrare well at
tended, rrat only by the children of the colonists, but also by the native children
who reside amongst us." — Later of Governor Mechlin. M. Carey's, letters, p. 24.
Capt, Abels, bf'the schooner Magaret Mercer, who' had' spent 13 days
in Liberia in free intercourse with the people, under date of Feb. 10,
1832, writes, "AU'the colonists appear to be in good health. All my
expectations in regard to the aspect- of things,, che health, harmony, or
der, contentment, industry and general prosperity of the settlers, were
more than realized. * * ** Among all that I conversed with, I did
not find. one discontented person, or hear one express a. desire to return
to America. I saw' no intemperance, nor did I hear a profane word ut
tered by any one. * * * I know of no place where the Sabbath ap
pears tp me, more respected, than in Menrovia. I was glad to see that
the Colonial Agent, or' Governor, is a constant attendant on divine ser
vice, and desirous of promoting the moral and religious welfare of the
people. Most of the. settlers appear to be rapidly acquiring property,
and I hate ho doubt they are doing better for themselves and their
children, in Liberia, than they could dp in any other part of the world.
Could the free people of color in this country but' see the real condition
of their brethren who have settled in Africa, I am persuaded they would
require no other motivp to induce them to emigrate. This is my decid
ed judgment."
The following is the testimony of Messrs'. Simpson apd MoOre. " Wc
noticed, particularly, the moral state of things, and during our visit, saw
but one man who appeared to be intemperate, and but two who used any
profane language. We think the settlers more moral, as a people, than
the citizens of the United States. The Sabbath is very strictly observ
ed, and there is great attention to the things of religion. We attended
church several times, and pne pf us, being a minister ef the gospel, of
the Methodist, church, preached three times to large and very attentive
¦ * Reports of Schools. Afr. Repository, Dec. 1832.
t Address of the colonists in 1827.

17
congregatiens. There must have been frem three tp fbur hundred at
each religious service ; all well dressed and apparently respectable per-
spns." '*
The commercial intercourse, of the colony with the native tribes is ex
tending, and the latter manifest an increasing" desire to imitateTthe man-
nersL.and-customs of the former. Some are very anxious to have intro
duced ameng them mills, agricultural establishments, trading-heuses,
schcpls and missionaries, that they may knew and enjoy the .blessings
which civilization and Christianity can confer; and probably a broader .
field for commercial enterprize, and for intellectual, moral and'religious
cultivation than Africa presents, at this moment, does not exist in any ,
heathen country. The eyes of the civilized world are turned to that
continent with new and intense interest, since the recent discovery bf
the long sought termination of the river Niger has opened to their gaze
a vast extent of territery in the interior, with a fertile soil, abounding -
with tropical productions and occupied by a great population, on which <
commerce, civilization and Christianity may test their noblest experi
ments. And who does not see that colonies like that Of Liberia, must
afford the best facilities for trying these experiments ? But more of this
in the sequel.
To one who is accustomed to weep for human suffering, and rejoice
in the progress of efforts for relieving it, and especially to the friend of
the African,- the history of the Liberian colony, with its present condi
tion and prospects, must be full of interest ; and he will watch with .equal
interest the progress of public sentiment and action in its behalf. It is1*
peculiarly gratifying to find that many distinguished men, who at first
opposed er neglected the Society, have beceme its warm friends and gen
erous patrons. Nearly fifty subscriptions of $100 annually for ten years,
on the plan ef Gerrit Smith, have been pledged, and the-funds ef the So
ciety are increasing frem year to year.* A great and favorable change
has been wrought in public sentiment. The ^legislatures __of_ more .than
half the States, including New^Hampshire^ Vermont, Massachusetts,
Connecticut7"New Jersey and JPe.nnsylyania, Jiave passed resolutions
in favor__of_the Society. And "nearly all the ecclesiastical bedies in
the United States have, by resolutions, firmly expressed trieir opinion
ffiaTTKF'^oHeiR/~meT& the consideration anJAfavar .of the whole Christian
community, and earnestly recomm&nd itJbx their jpair.amig&"\ The So-
ciety"and the celony have beceme known in Great Britain. Donations
amounting to several hundred poundsj have already been received, and
distinguished individuals have expressed their deep interest in the pros
perity of the enterprize. The Society of Friends in London have au-
therized their brethren in North Carolina to draw on them te the ameunt
pf $2000, tp aid in the colonization of the colpred peeple under their
care. An eminent friend ef Africa, Jchn Mprtlpck, Esq. has effered te
give £500 to the Society, provided nine others will dp the same.§ An
interesting and favorable account of the colony has been published in the
Amulet, a British publication, for 1832, in an Essay on the slave trade,
which is said to be " extracted principally from the journal of a gallant
* Receipts of the last year exceed those of any former one by more than §10,000.
| Appendix to the'15th Annual Report, p. 43. ^African Repos. Vol. 8, p. 345. $lb.

18
and distinguished naval cfficer, whp passed three years on the African
coast, frbm which he had just returned."
The venerable Thomas Clarkson, in a letter to the agent, declares,
',¦ For myself, I am free to say, that of all things that have been going on
' in our favor since 1787, when the abolition of the slave trade was first
seriously proposed, that which is going on in the United States is the
most important.* Miv Wilberforce declares, " You have gladdened
my heart, by convincing me that, sanguine as had been my hcpes of the
happy effects to be produced by your Institution, all my anticipations
are scanty and celd ccmpared with the reality. This may truly be
deemed a pledge of the divine favor, and believe me, no Briton — I had al
most said no American, can take a livelier interest than myself, in your
true greatness and glory "f
The question may well arise, why should any one oppose the Coloniza
tion" Society, or refuse to pray for its prosperity and 'af£itg!4^forts ? If a
benevolent man can do this, it must be because he believes either its ob
ject cr its tendency tp be wrong. Doubtless some persons mistake both.
In the Third Annual Report! the managers say: "It is believed that a
comprehensive answer to most if not all of tbe objections to the Society
would be furnished by simply repeating what it is that the Society pro
poses to do. They propose, then, in the language of the Virginia reso
lution, to procure a suitable territory on the ceast of Africa fpr such of the
free people of color as may choose to availthemselves of this asylum: and
for such slaves as their proprietors may please to emancipate ; and they
purpose, moreover, to furnish the means' of transporting the emigrants to
Africa, or to enlarge the means which they may themselves provide.
They dp sox therefore intend, and the? have not the inclination^.
if they possessed the power, to constrain the departure of any freemen, jif
coloffrbm America, or to coerce anyjrroprietorJ.o emancipate hisslaves."
What possible objection can there be to this ? If the free people of color,
or a part pf them, wish to ge to Africa, it is right they shculd do so. If
''they need assistance, they ought to have it. If masters desire to eman
cipate their slaves, and yet are prevented either by law or by a, regard
to their own safety, or the welfare of their slaves, from doing so, till they
can be placed in circumstances of comfort, why should not an asylum be
^provided, and the means furnished for sending them to it? K the Socie-
ty is objected to because itjloes no.lLXxluca.te. tlie. free black-sin this coun
try, ofbecanse it does not liberate and elevate the slave. here,.i±..is -a-suf-
*"ficient aniwer te these" objections, that the Society was formed .to accom
plish ANOTHER Object, TP WHICH ITS ATTENTION IS TO BE.. .EXCLUSIVELY
directed.":): We might as well object to the Bible Society, or tp the
Tract Or Temperance Society, because each pursues its own object, and
does not turn aside to abolish slavery or educate the free blacks.
But it may .be said, that we must look at the actual tendency of the So
ciety, as well as its professed object. This is admitted. It is also ad
mitted that the Colonization Society of necessity exerts some influence on
the system of slavery. This has never been doubted. It is faither ad
mitted, that if this influence tends tp perpetuate slavery, its character and
influence ought to be changed, or the Society abandoned.""' However
beneficial the Society might be to the free blacks, to this country, or to
* Fifteenth Keport, pp. 14, 15. t lb. pp. 21, 0-2. % Constitution.

19
Africa,. I could not plead its cause if universal emancipation was .there -
bxiendere3^ora -hopeless.
It- hat then is the influence of this Society on slavery*}
Te answer this questien, we must examine its histery, the views ef its
founders and managers, and such facts as we can ccllect frem pther
sources. Emancipation, tc seme extent, had taken place lcng before the Socie
ty was formed ; but the experiments thus made, convinced many of the*
Sputhern people that emancipaticn, under existing circumstances, was
unsafe and injuricus to the slaves, their masters^ and these made free.
Mr. Clay stated, at the first Annual Meeting ef the Seciety, that " sev
eral cf the states had, and perhaps all of them would, prohibit entirely
emancipaticn, unless seme such putlet was created. A sense ef their
ewn safety required the painful prehibitipn. Experience prcved that per
sons turned loose, who were neither freemen nor slaves, constituted a
great moral evil, threatening to contaminate all parts of society."*
At the same meeting, Hon. C. F. Mercer said, " Many thousand indi- !
viduals in our native State, you well know, Mr. President, are restrained .
from manumitting theh' slaves, as you and I are, by the melancholy con
viction, that they cannot yield to the suggestions ef humanity withput in
jury to their country.*"
j; Public sentiment, and the laws which grew out of it, were thus operat-
* ing te prevent emancipaticn ; and those whe formed the Celonization,
| Society saw clearly that, unless some plan could be devised. and. carried
Unto effect, which shbuld convince the Southern planters that slaves can*
ibe liberated with benefit to themselves and safety to their* masters, .eman
cipation "must cease... Tc attempt immediate .emancipation without Col
onization, would be like the attempt to stay the tornado, Jieatliack the
current of a mighty river, cr rather like the attempt to quench the flames
with,.ma.tgrials highly combustible. Abelitipn societies could not press
emancipation much farther, for experiments already made were operating
to prevent it. The plan ef the Colonizatipn Spciety, therefore, was the
best pne which the united wisdem pf the friends ef the colored race, who
understood the difficulties of the case, could devise. The simple princi
ple of its Cpnstitution was the only one on which the Society could act
to any purpose. On this ground the North and the Seuth could meet ;
and while acting within its proper sphere, neitherparty could reasonably
object to it. The successful cperation of the Society wculd enable the
slavehelder te liberate his slaves in a manner beneficial te themselves,,
and censistent with the laws ef the States, and without injury te any
one. The slavehelder who weuld perpetuate the system had no right to
opppse the Society. It wculd npt 'coerce any proprietor to emanci
pate' — would not ' interfere with tbe rights' secured to him by law, and
would not ' promote insurrection and insubordination among the slaves.'
/ If the North and the Seuth could be brought to examine this subject
calmly, and interchange their views and feelings, they would at length
act in concert,' and in the best manner, for the removal of evils which
both deplored, and from which both suffered, but which neither could re
move alone.
If the Society were formed wholly of Northern men, the South would
* First Annual Report.

20
not cooperate, but would oppose it as efficicus interference, and an in
fringement cf their rights. Besides, if all were Northern men, they
iweuld be liable te act without a due regard te existing circumstances at
the South — to the laws cf the several States, and the Censtitutiun pf the
Union. They weuld be likely te excite jealeusy and create alienation,
which would result in a dissolution of the Union. On the other :hand,
if the Seciety were compcsed enly pf Slave-holders, the'Nerth wpuld nut
cepperate, but wpuld regard it as a selfish scheme tc perpetuate slavery.
There weuld be danger ef their being geverned toe much by their ewn
interests, of pursuing effensive measures, Which wculd excite the indig
nation and interference pf the North, and thus'proniote' disunion.
An union of Nprthern and Southern men was therefore necessary.
This would lead to a discussion of the subject in all parts of the coun
try — would draw attention to the whole colored race — excite sympathy
in their behalf, and lead to measures for their relief, in which all parties
^could unite. If the colony should succeed, it would be a desirable home
for those who should go thither. New circumstances and motives might
develope talents and ferm characters, which shculd ccnvince all men,
^that Africans can be cultivated like other meri, — show how slaves may
be liberated and elevated, and lead slaves to desire and masters to grant
emancipaticn. All these views might have entered the minds of the founders Of the Se
ciety. There is abundant evidence that some of the founders .did-bdicve
the moral influence, of the society looufd tend to voluntary emancipation,
anffAHat the Board of Managers have ever entertained this J> elief.
Affile firstf annual meeting, John Randolph, after saying tbat "The
measure proposed would prove one of the greatest securities to enable
the' master to keep in possession his own property," added, That "if a
place bould be provided for their reception, and a mode of sending them
thence, there were hundreds, nay, thousands, who would, by manumitting
their' slaves, relieve themselves from the cares attendant on their possess
ion" ! Mr. Clay said, " Let the, Colpny pnce be successfully planted,
and legislative bodies who have been grieved at the necessity of passing
!. tBolcfjirohibitory laws^which at a disYance might appear, te stain pur
codes, will hasten to remove the impediments to the exercise, cf benevo
lence and humanity." Judge Washington, the president of the Society,
said atTthe same meeting : — " The effectof this institution, if its prosper-
ety shall equal our wishes, will be alike propitious to every. interest of
our domestic society, and should it lead, as we may fairly hope it will, to
the slow but gradual abolition of slavery, it will wipe from our po
litical institutions the only blot which stains them, and in the palliation
of which we shall not be at liberty to plead the excuse of moral necessity,
until we have honestly exerted all the means which we possess for its ex
tinction." General R. G. Harper, one of the Vice Presidents, in a
letter to the Secretary, says : — " It tends, and may powerfully tend, to
rid us gradually and entirely, in the United States, of slaves and slavery ;
a great moral and political evil, of increasing virulence and extent, from
which much mischief is now felt, and very great calamity in future is
justly apprehended. It is in this point of view, I confess, that your scheme
of Colonization most strongly recommends itself,* jn my opinion, to
* Laws forbidding emancipation.

21
attention and support." All these sentiments were publicly expressed
by the leading members of the society, at or before the first annual
meeting, and published in the first report. After quoting them in the *
third report,* the Managers remark: — "From the preceding extracts
frem the first annual report of the American Colonization Society, the
public may decide whether the charge be as true, as it has been gravely
affirmed, that, ' In the Constitution and proceedings cf the American
Colonization' Seciety, cr in the avewed sentiments ef its members, there
can be discerned nothing friendly to the abolition of slavery in the Uni
ted States."_ In the secpifd repert,! the Managers say: — "It [the seci
ety] has been suggested tc be an invention of the seuthern preprieter to
rivet the chains cf servitude upon the slaves ; as if the circumstances
which accempanied the erigin pf the' Seciety, the character cf its mem
bers, and their solemn and reiterated declaratiens, did not forbid so un
founded an imputation. It would not be more uncandid to ascribe to
them a design to invade the rights of private property, secured by the
constitution and laws of the several slave holding states, and proclaim
universal emancipation." At the ninth annual meeting, the following
resolution was adopted : — " ^^^e^JThat_the_Society disclaims, in the
most unqualified. terms,,the..de*ig»i^altrihuj£i.te..it^.pjf, interfering,' pn
the one hand, with, the legal rights and, obligations_ofslavery, andjm the
other, of perpetuating ^^em^^^^^m_v\e_\\mi%^^^\^.^\mtry?',X
At the eleventh annual meeting were the following remarks : — " It has
been said that this society was an invasion of the rights of slave .hold
ers. Sir, if it is an invasion, it comes not from without. It is an irrup
tion of liberality, and threatens only that freemen will overrun our south
ern country- — that the soil will be fertilized, by the sweat ef freemen
alone, and, what are now deserts, will flourish and blossom under the in
fluence of enterprise and industry. * * * * Yes ! kings might be
proud of the effects which this Society will have produced. Far more
glorious than all their conquests would ours be, for it would be the tri
umph of freedom over slavery — of liberality over prejudice, and of
humanity over the vice and wretchedness which ever, wait on ignorance and
servitude."^ At the 14th Annual. Meeting, it was said by one who is now a Vice
President, and pays $100 a year to the Society: — "We admit that in
this way, that is, through the renovation of Africa, the Colonization So
ciety may exert an important influence on the questien pf Slavery, — an
influence which may yet compass the abolition of Slavery in our land.
But, mark you, Sir, it is a way that leads through a change — through the
willingness of the master's mind, and therefore he .cannot object to it.
Whilst the society protest, that it has no designs - on the rights of the
master in. the Slave, or the preperty in. the Slave, which the laws
(guarantee te him ; it does nevertheless admit, and jeyfully admit, that
the successful presecution pf the object ef the Seciety, must produce mor
al influences, and moral changes, leading to the voluntary emancipation of
the Slave, not only in our country but throughout the world."]\
In the Appendix te the 14th Report,! is an article copied from the
African Repository, which the managers say developes " the true prin-
* See pp 95, 99. 1 P. 9. t Nintn Report.
4 Proceedings at annual meeting, eleventh report,
|| Speech ofGerret Smith. 14 Rep. p 12. -

22
ciples and character of the Society." After quoting largely from the
early documents of the Society, the writer remarks' : — " From the con
stitution of the Society, the recorded opinions and proceedings of its
Feunders, it is ebvious,
" 1. That those who established the Society, looked for aid to the States
?and to the National Government, and -that they bound themselves by
their Constitution, to co-operate, if practicable, with these powers in ef
fecting their object.
" 2. That they had no desire or intention of interfering, in any way,
with the rights or the interests of the proprietors of Slaves.
' "3. That they considered Slavery a great moral tmdjpolxtigfk ewj!,_and
cherishe'aTneTic^eSmrrEirr^ of their
o^eSOmmid- offer powerful motives and exert a persuasive influence i-n fa-
vpr'pf '¦voluntary emancipation?'" "*"* *' Itis 'equally Pla™f3^
undeniable, that the Society, in'the prosecuticn oftFis wofkTTiarnevei
'"interfered, or-evinced' even a' disposition tp interfere, in any way, with
the rights of proprietors of Slaves.. But it may be «&id, that the Socie
ty has expressed the opinion that Slavery is a moral and political evil,
and that it has regarded the scheme of Colonization as presenting mo
tives, and exerting a moral influence at the South, favorable to gradual
and voluntary emancipation. This is true, and it is this, beyond all ques
tion, which has secured to it the countenance and patronage of our must
profound and sagacious Statesmen, and given te this scheme a peculiar
attractiveness and glory in the view of the enlightened friends of their
country and mankind.
"And is the Society to be held up as odious and dangerous, because it
entertains and avows the opinion tlrat Slavery is an evil ? Is_not this a
truth inscribed, as it were, upon the firmament of Heaven, and th"e~face
cf the ¦woi7Ur,~Sa3^ the "heart of menT~Would not the denial of it be a
denial of the fundamental principle of all Free Government ? * * * *
" The hostility manifested tewards the American Colonization Society
has hot been excited, then, by any departure of the Society from the de-
signand the principles which it avcwed af its origin ; nor yet from any
thing in its character or' proceedings unfriendly to the right3 and inter-*
ests of the Southern States. It is the success ef the Spciety, it is the
fulfilment ef the hepes and predictipns pf its founders, that has awaken
ed the desperate and malignant spirit which now comes forth to arrest
its progress. Voluntary emancipation begins to follow in the trai^jif
Colonization, and the advocates of perpetual Slavery are indignant at
witnessing "in effectual cperatien a scheme which permits better men
than themselves to exercise, without restraint, the purest and noblest
feelings of eur nature. These' strenuous asserters ef the right te judge
for themselves in regard to their domestic policy, are alarmed at a state
of things which secures the. same right to every individual of their com
munity. Do they apprehend*1 that the system which they would perpet
uate cannot continue unimpaired, unless - the privilege of emancipating
his Slaves for the purpose of Colonization shall b'e denied to his master?
Do they feel that in this country and this age the influences of truth and
freedom are becoming too active and powerful, and that all their forces
must be summoned to the contest with these foes to their purppses and
their dectrines ?

23
" If so, their defeat is inevitable. Such men have more to do than to
counteract the efforts of our Society. Few and feeble, even in the
States of. the South, they must gird themselves for warfare against all
the friends of virtue and liberty — of man and Gpd. A true son of Vir
ginia has said, "I may he permitted to declare that I would be a Slave
holder to-day without scruple. But, I hold it due to candor to say, that
if there be a Statesman in the United States, and I believe there are
two or three such, who is content that we shall always hold them in ser- ,
vitude, and would advise us to rest contented with them, us and our poster- \
ity, without seeking. or accepting, means of liberating ourselves and them,
he deserves a heavier vengeance than the orator's bile, — the curses of
America counseled to her ruin, and of outraged Africa. Let me not
be considered harsh ; for inasmuch as the piratical trader of human be
ings, on the African coast, the master of the Slave-ship, is the most de
testable of monsters in action, so, I must sayJj£_tli£j:dj^atg^y:^,QoI.ar-
gjrment_pf_S]avery in the abstract, cdipusin thpught."
The following extracts are from an Article on the " Character and in
fluence of the Colonization Society," in the African Repository for Sep
tember, 1831.
" Let us consider the moral influence of the Society on the system of slavery.
Here iLseems. pr^ejUa.rejrjjirJjT..that.. the SjicjeJ^has no influenee^upon slavery,
gxceptinga moral influence. It embraces in its provisions only the free. It does
not interfere,— -it" aesu*es''Kot to interfere, in any way, with the rights or the inter
ests of the proprietors of slaves. ' *'* * * But although slavery is untouched by
•j&ny direct operations of the Society, its moral influence is working safely, exten-
fsfody, and effectually, in favor of voluntary emancipation. TTbe Society arose, and
bjg J>een.sustained, by a spirit of benevolence to tie unJOTtynj||gJ!!IKdHiy cotifer-
rijri£ Blessings ifrtrrV^^ Opetatiphs.flFsets an example, which
many a noble minded master of slaves has rejoiced to imitate. It shows how
emancipation may be effected with benefit to the slave, and without detriment to
the public welfare. It offers the most powerful motives to the humanity and reli
gion of the master, and takes away all excuse for perpetuating slavery on the ground
of political necessity. It shows how the e^il may be removed, and thus silently
invites individuals and States to adopt measures for this end, &c."*
In the Appendix to the i5th Annual Repert, are the following re
marks copied from Mr. Carey''s letters :— " Among the most promising
and encouraging circumstances attending the career of the Seciety, are
the numerous manuroissons that have taken place in almost all the slave
States, with the express condition of the freed men being sent to Libe
ria. These manumissions have occurred on a. scale that the most san
guine friends of the scheme could not have anticipated. Entire families
have been blessed with their' freedom,'from the most pure motives, a con
viction of the injustice and immorality Of slavery— -and in many cases,
. ample pi.pvisicn has been made, for the expense of their passage, and in
some, for their suppert in Liberia." After giving the names of several
persons whe have liberated er pffered fo liberate slaves te the number
of some hundreds, the writer remarks :— " It helds put every encourage
ment to the Colonization Society, that the application for the transporta
tion of free negroeis and slaves, on condition of removal to Liberia, far
exceed its means. There are in North Carolina, and the adjacent states,
from three 'to four thousands cf both descriptions ready to embark, were
the Society in a situation te send them away."!
*pp200,201. 1 15 Report p. it

24 e
In a letter* dated Nov. 17, 1832, the- Secretary of the Society says :
"We fear not, then, tp. try the question of the influence Of the Coloniza
tion Society upon the system of slavery, and we. feel prepared to maintain
that it tends; more than all other means and measure existing or possible, to
produce, in the best manner, the abolition of slavery." In support of this
opimon, he illustrates the following' positions';
1st. "That* the nature of the influence exerted by the Society, on
the system of slavery, is solely a mora? inffji_ence. It brings together
, therefore and unites, on common and unobjectionable gronnds, in promo
ting this influence, the humane, patriotic and pious of every State and
section of the Union.
2nd. " By inviting the attention and reflections of the people of the
South, to the subject of the whole colored population."
3rd. " Demonstrates by actual experiment, how emancipation may be ef
fected without detriment to the public, and with immense benefit to the
slaves." 4th. " By elevating the character of men of color in Liberia, the So
ciety tends to produce feelings, of sympathy and respect for the colored
race throughout our country, and the world."
* * * " Is a' fact mcst pertinent tp the object of this letter, and worth
a thousand arguments, that while Mr. Garrison is representing the Colo
nization SoCiety^as hostile to abolition and tending to strengthen and
perpetuate "the system of -slavery, nearly every friend of perpetual slave
ry at - the ^South-is- -an enemy to the Society"; and" the only opposition
that-Irfim avjcare-of-at -the South, ..arises from "the Conviction among the
enemies of any and all abolition, that the tendency of the Society is to
prempte the voluntary abplition of slavery. Are the enemies of the So
ciety at the South in circumstances less favorable than Mr. Garrison, for
the formation of a correct judgement on this subject?"
At the last Annual Meeting, R. S. Finley, Esq. who has traveled as
an agent in all the slave states, made the following remarks : — "It will
be borne in mind, that a prominent object of this institution is to afford
the means for a safe, gradual, and voluntary abolition of slavery. And
it is this view of the subject that constitutes its chief glory in the eye
of its slave helding friends. * * * * I have publicly discussed this
subject every where in the Southern states, from the Eastern shore of
Maryland to the Gulf of Mexico, in the presence of hundreds of slaves
at a time, and with the general approbation ef the audience to which my
addresses were delivered — and have uniformly represented it as affording
the best, and only safe means of gradually and entirely abolishing slave
ry. Indeed, so well is the meral influence cf the operations of this So
ciety understood in the extreme South,r that all the advocates of perpet
ual slavery are bitterly opposed to it, and none in that region are its ad
vocates, but the friends of gradual, peaceful, and ultimate, entire emanci
pation. In fine, this Society is drawing the line in a distinct manner,
between these two clases of people at the South. The friends of hu
man liberty are enlisting under the banner of Colonization, and the ad
vocates of perpetual despotism are arranging themselves under the ban
ker of its adversaries."! At the same meeting G. W. P. Curtis, Esq.
said : — " Some alarmists tell us the slave population is to be freed. And
* Letter of Mr. Gurley, published in N. Y. Spectator and other papers. 1 16 EeP-

25
sir, does any one regret that the hope is held out, that, with our own
consent, we shall one day see an end of slavery ? Should this Society
be, as I doubt not it will, the happy means' of producing this result, it
will be renowned as having done one of the greatest and best deeds that
have blessed the world."
Rev. William J. Armstrong, of Richmond Virginia, under date of Aug.
14, 1832, writes : " It is a fact that just in proportion as the Colonization
Society has become popular in any part of this country, just in that pro
portion the subject of emancipation has been .discussed and become popu
lar. And hundreds ' of masters in- all this region are looking now with
anxious eyes to the growth of the colony and the prosperity of the So
ciety, as opening a door for Lhem to bestow freedom on their slaves. Mul
titudes of the young men, too, who will inherit many of these people, are
patronising this Society, in the hope that it will enable them to emanci
pate compatibly with the good of the slaves and the community. Under
| present circumstances, emancipation with a view^gfjsjmiskg, here,^is "not
'^ijLS?.0^. cases _.a benefit to. the, slavgl-ZTFis not so regarded by a majori-
ifyjrf.the ^rnore intelligent slaves. Multitudes of tn¥m^ouT3Te~very unwil
ling, (if they may be credited in what they say,) to exchange conditions
with the free, colored people. I wonder Mr. G.. and. Iris friends, at the
North are, not a little startled to find theniselves in their opposition.to the
Society, co-operating with the class of persons at the South, .who are the
advocates .for. the perpetual existence of slavery,, either upon the aground
that it is really no eyjL^utrather_a_ benefit ; or, though^ an evil, yet is one
that" cannot "possibly be removed, and mustTherefore be managed in the
best way practitable. All the opposers to the Society here, so far as I am
acquainted, belong to this class. All who hope for, or aim at the ultimate
removal of this evil, on the ground of policy, or justice, or benevolence,
are unanimous in patronizing the Colonization Society. * * * JLjee
Mr. Clay is often... quote d_by___Mi\ Gamsonj_fgrj3entinie.n.ts condemnatory
fif„ the Society. Are you aware that Mr. Clay is, and always has been
an Abolitionist? '"Wh^~~ffie"c~onffifHmn ofTStucky wai~formed, he
made great efforts, and came very near succeding, to exclude slavery
from that State. It is a little remarkable that in the movements now
taking place in Kentucky, which must tend before long to the abolition of
slavery there, the children of the two men who were Mr. Clay's success
ful opposers, in the formation of the Constitution of the State, Brecken
ridge and'Nicholas, are the leading persons. They are ardent friends of
Colonization, and most of them have emancipated their slaves, or stand
(pledged to do it as soon as they can be removed. Throughout Virginia,
ajrd^I_Dresunie_ Nojtij J^aroj.ina^and the States West of therri, _ajarge
majority of the Slave holders look forward~to~^e~uTtimate entire removal
|of_Slavery, as~*a result that must cbme^lin3™is greatry_]fo"^^d^reJ[^prp-
¦STide"dJt^~an be brought about without vidTenTconvulsions to deluge, the
land in blood. Many are "forming "their "plains^ and eclucating their chil-
"'dreiTwith f'aview to this result ; and the number of such is increasing."
In reply to the question, Does the success of the Colonization Society
tend to rivet the chains of the Slaves ? Dr. Palmer, of Charleston, S. C.
writes : "Far — very far otherwise. It is universally, both by friends and
foes, considered as operating directly the other way. Hence its foes hate it
mortally, and its frier^s^are too iknid to attempt Us vindication". In re-

26
ply to the inquiry, can it be truly proved to have the contrary effect ? his
answer is yes, easily and abundantly."
Gerrit Smith, a distinguished1 friend both of Colonization and emancipa
tion, writes: "The recent demonstrations in Virginia, and, Maryland, of
patriotic and christian interest in our colored population are commonly
ascribed to the Southampton insurrection. * * * But in my judgment,
Virginia and Maryland are vastly more indebted, for the steps they have
taken in the cause of freedom, to the moral influence of the American Col
onization Society than to all other causes. And.may not most of those who
now rail at the Colonization Society, be likewise indebted to those same
influences for their fresh and augmented interest in the welfare of the
black-man ? The tenacious slave holder at the South, lays all the blame
of these things at the door of the Colonization Society ;' and this too,
notwithstanding the abolitionists, charge the Society with playing design
edly into the hands of such slave holders. And if such be the power of
these moral influences now, when Liberia has a population of but 3000,
what will it be when 50,000 of our blacks shall be igathered into that
Asylum ? Will it not be so great then as to loosen the bonds of our
millions of slaves- and set them free ?"
A letter from a gentleman in St. Louis Missouri, says, that "the Col
onization Society is popular .among -alL.elasses$"-and ,that-¥ a, great.ejhange
Has taken place within ten years in the State on the subjeot of slavery."
"Persohs^i'n'the State, nowJioW them^el2rej;ready_to imancjoate, wjjen-
i ever their slaves .can blTremoved to Africa, whilst to remain- in this coun-
?¦ try they would not think of it."
»The Hon. Willard Hall, of Wilmington Delaware, writes : "I know
of no advocates of perpetual slavery amongst the members or friends of
the Colonization Society. I am, opposed to slavery utterly. I never
held but two persons that could be, called slaves : each of these was en
titled to freedom at the age of 21 years. It is now many years since I
held either of them. I consider slavery a bane. I believe the Coloni
zation Society does promise more for the abolition of slavery than every
other means hitherto tried." " Emancipation is going en fast in this
State. We have no insurrections nor causes."*
The preceding extracts together, with the ^history and operations of the
Colonization Society, establish the following positions.
1. That most of the leading, founders of the Society, expected its mor^
al influence would tend to the voluntary emancipation of slave*.
2. That some slave holders among its .fo_uj).ders_, who hgM-a_difieient
orjinion,^ have since^^anllimedTE.JS^^
tend^g. emancipation. .
3. That the Board of Managers have believed and do still believe that
this is its tendency.
4. That, more than 700 Slaves have been emancipated and removed in
consequence of the influence Of the Society, and that great numbers are
now anxious to emancipate their slaves, for removal to Liberia, who are
prevented by law from emancipating them to remain here, and who be
lieve that., under existing circumstances, freedom in this country would
not benefit their slaves,
* For several of the extracts above quoted, the author is indebted to the gentlemen to whom
the letters were addressed and who have kindly permitted him to use them in this place.

27 »
5. That those who would perpetuate slavery — the enemies of eman
cipation at the South, oppose the Colonization Society when they un
derstand,^ tendency.
6. That those who are friends to peaceful emancipation are clustering
around it.
7. That in those slave states where the Colonization Society first be
came popular, the people are most nearly prepared for legislative enact
ments in favor of emancipation.
8. That in these states the discussions , and measures which have
drawn public sentiment so far in the right direction, have been led on by
the friends of Colonization, and in immediate connexion with Coloniza
tion efforts.
9. That the publications of the Society, and the success of the Colo- j
ny havedone much .to. awaken discussion at the South, and turn public I
ysentiment in favor of emancipation.
In advocating the Colonization system,, it is by no means necessary to
approve every thing that has been done, or every argument and motive
which has been used by its friends. Before /giving reasons for support
ing the Society, I am disposed to concede some things for the sake of be
ing better understood. ' , ,
1. I do not approve of the traffic in ardent spirits, which some of the
Colonists have carried on with the natives. This traffic ought to cease
all over the world, and the best measures should be adopted to secure this
result. The Managers of the Colonization Society* evidently entertain
this opinion in relation to Liberia. The Secretary, in aletterto Roberts
Vaux, Esq. dated June 26, 1832, says, "To prohibit absolutely the in
troduction of ardent spirits into the Colony, is believed to be impossible.
This article is subjeet, however, to a heavy duty, and the expense of a
license! to retail it is such as to amount to a prohibition. Tracts on the
subject of Temperance have been sent to the Colony, and the best moral
means adopted to encourage the settlers watchfully and. diligently to cul-
itivate this all-important virtue."
^ 2. / do not-smipose the Society will remove the whole colored population
from this country,. Probably many of this class will prefer remaining
here, and if all desired to go to Africa, " the managers have ever con
sidered the national or State governments as alone adequate to their re
moval." It was this view which led them in -forming the Constitution to
declare that,, "the Society shall act1 in co-operation with the General gov
ernment, or such of the States as may adopt regulations on the Subject."
3. I do not suppose the Society alone, willliberate^alljthe ,sla/vj&.in this
country. 'This laTToFits husiness. Its only influgnce^on slavery, is a
moral influence. To turn aside from its proper sphere to direct.. effprts
for the abolition of slavery, would be a violation of its Cpn.sti.tutipa.ajrjd
an unwarrantable perversion' of its funds'. '"
4. I dp npt approve ef all the arguments and metives which have been
urged by the advocates of the system. Sentiments which I cannot
adopt, are to be found in each of the publications named at the head of
this article. Some individuals have denied the right of the colpredrace
' to a home in this country. Seme have said that slaves eught not tc be
liberated unless they are removed from the country. I have no faith in
* See Af. Repos., June 1832, p. 128. t The expense of a license is said to be $300.

28
these doctrines. Slaves ought tp be liberated as. seen as they can be
with benefit to themfelves, affl free men "of color .have a right to remain
here if they chcose. Some have doubtless spoken too strong in describ
ing the wretched condition of the colored race, and too despairingly in re
lation to their elevation in this country. Probably a description of the
free colored people as they are found in the slave States, would not ap
ply to the same class in New England,
5. Some may have patronized the Society from wrong motives ; from
a prejudice against eclor, and a consequent desire for its removal; from a
sense of danger— fear of insurrection — and some at the South may have
given money for this object withy< the hope of thereby rendering slaves and
slavery more secure. It is cerfain that some who once favored the Soci
ety, now oppose it, on the ground that it tends to emancipation.
6. It is possible that the Board of Managers, or individual members of
it, may have said injudicious things, or may have committed mistakes.
They are men and liable to err ip thought, word, or deed, like other, men,
and theirsphere of labor has been one of peculiar delicacy and trial. If
they have departed in the least froni the Constitution and the established
principles- of the Society, cr in the management ef its affairs have com
mitted any errcr, I dp npt,. in defending the Society, appreve such depar
ture, or justify their errors. Having said this, it is proper te express the
full conviction, growing out of a tolerably thorough examination of - the
subject, that whoever acquaints himself with the operations ef the Seci
ety, and the difficulties with*- which the Managers have had te Cpntend,
will be astonished at finding so little in their management to censure.
But if there had been mismanagement even to a great extent, and this
were clearly proved, it would be as unreasonable to abandon the Society
for this reason, as it would be to abandon Christianity because it has
sometimes been perverted, or has had bad advocates., On the contrary,
» it would of itself be a sufficient reascn why goo'd men should rally around
' it The Society is a powerful engine ; and if there is the least danger
of its perversion, the friends of humanity should at once lay held pf it,
and give/it a right direction. As a citizen of New England, I feel bound
to aid the American Oolonizatipn Society, and for the following reasons :
1. Itiienefits_the- free people of colpr whp accept its offers and re
move to Liberia.~~Tllis-no one will doubt who believes the testimpny pf
the Celonists themselves, ef their agents and instructers, ef intelligent
men ef eclpr, who have visited the, colony with a view to emigration, or
of distinguished naval officers from this country, Great Britain, and
France, who have examined the state of the Colony.
2. If the Society is sustained and accomplishes, its pbject, it will con-
fer great blessings on Africa.
It will aid.ijL suppressing the slave trade. Sierra Leone, with all its
embarrassments, has done much in-this way, The colony at Liberia oc
cupies a territory which- was once the seat of the traffic. A merchant
from that place stated a few months since, that previous to the com
mencement of the colony, 4000 or 5000 slaves were annually carried out
of the harbor of Monrovia. " Before the establishment of the settlements
at Liberia, there were several slave factories within a few miles of Mon
rovia, all of which have heen completely broken up."* " Nothing has
* M. Carey's Letter.

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. Ashmun, took every opportunity
and means in his power to extinguish a traffic so injurious in' every way
to the fair trader." " Wherever the influence of this Colpny extends,
the slave trade has been abandoned by the natives, and the peaceful" pur
suits of legitimate commerce established in'its place."* Armed vessels
have frequently cruised upon the coast since the commencement of the
Colony,, and have received essential aid from it, in detecting and punish
ing slave traders. A large number of slave ships have been captured,
and the slaves liberated and placed in comfortable circumstances near
the Colony or at Sierra Leone, or returned tp their native homes. By
supplying the native tribes in the vicinity with such articles of European,
West Indian, or American productions as they need, the Colonists aid in
withdrawing them from the slave trade. Seveial tribes have'-already
place dthemselves under the protection of the Cclpny, tp shield themselves
from the ravages of those who wpuld kidnap and sell them ;, and others
effer te do sd. , King Boatswain, the commander of the most- powerful
tribe, which has had intercourse with the Colony, has repeatedly said,
" When you will supply my tribe with necessary .articles in exchange for
our productions, we will sell no more slaves." , Let the Coast be lined
with such colonies, and they will effectually guard the interior. There
would be a "living barrier" which the slave dealers could not penetrate.
Let them become sufficiently numerous to supply the wants of the na
tive tribes, and this will stop the traffic in flesh and blood. Or let the
native tribes become civilized and Christianized, and they will no longer
sell each, other, nor will civilized men enslave them, or permit them to be
enslaved. Let Africa be elevated and take rank among civilized nations,
and Americans would no' sooner buy or sse.ll Africans than they would
Frenchmen and Englishmen. ±
"By the same process by which the colonization of the coast tends to,
tho suppression of the slave trade, it promotes the civilization of the in
terior of Africa." " I know:it is said that it is impossible to civilize Af
rica. Why ? Why is it impossible to civilize man in one part of the
earth more than another ? Consult , history. Was Italy — was Greece
the cradle of civilization ? No. As Jar back as the lights of tradition
reach, Africa was the cradle of Science, while Syria, and Greece, and It
aly' were yet covered with darkness."^ " The destruction of the Cartha-
genian annals by the Romans, renders it impossible to enumerate any of
her great men, ' except her warriors. Rome never produced a greater
General than Hannibal. Some of his relations were men ef great talents
in the same department. Jugurtha was superior tp most of the Romans
who were sent against him. Terence, the dramatist, was an African.
Christianity and civilization were early introduced into Africa. There
were several provincial councils held there. * * * * * Origen, Ter-
tulian, Cyprian, and Augustine, among the great lights cf Christianity
in their day, were Africans." \
That Africans are capable cf elevation when surrounded by proper
motives, there is no good reason to doubt. The obstacles to their eleva- '4
* Essay on the state of the slave trade on the African coast in the [Bi-Uish] Amulet fur 1832. -
f E. Everert. \ M. Carey.

30
ticn in this' country, explain their present condition, and furnish no proof
that they are incapable of cultivation. The want of education— proper
ty  of character — of good society, and indeed, of all the motives which
elevate other men, and render life desirable, explains the facte which
speak out from our poor houses and prisons,* without supposing colpred
people more prone to ignorance, indolence and crime, than the whites
would be under similar embarrassments. Theshort experiment at. Libe
ria, shpws that they xan feel the, power of motives and rise_in character
and condition, to any -desirable extent, and it is npt easy' to conceive of
il'more successful' method" to te'acF_the ""native" Africans civilization and
Christianity, than by means cf civilized and Christian Colonies, planted by
men of their own cplor— by the descendants of those who wefe once stolen
from among them.
" Whether colonies will exert a good influence on Africa, will of course
deperfu upon their character. If the means of intellectual and moral el
evation are not furnished, or are perverted or neglected, and the Colonists
become ccrrupt, they cannot exert a good influence upon the native
tribes, but on the contrary, will present serious obstacles to their im
provement. But if necessary means shall be furnished, and be properly
applied: if schools and churches shall arise, and the school master and
the missionary ef the cross be " abroad,'1 and all the institutions of free
gpvernment shall be in successful operation, and tbe native tribes shall
witness these advantages, they will desire to enjoy them. They will
plead with increasing earnestness for these institutions and Strive with new
zeal te imitate the manners ef those whose protection tbey already seek.
The cry, "Come ov-er^andjielp, us" which has commenced on the coast,
will wax louder and louder. It will extend into the interior and will echo
" From many an .ancient river —
" From many a palmy plain," -
till it shall disturb the death-like slumber — the cruel, apathy and indiffer
ence which has so long existed in relation to the wrongs of Africa, and
rouse all Christendom , for her relief. The cry of Africa will be heard.
It has already entered the ears of the Lord of Sabbaoth, and those who
bear the Saviour's image, and regard^is parting cpmm,and, will soon be
moved by it. It will be seen and felt that Africa has one^claim upon the
Ameriean_missionary, which ne other heathen land can plead with se
much propriety. It is that ef eternal jus.tice. It will alsc be seen that
'Liberia presents a noble opportunity for meeting this claimr Ituvoens a
channel of intercourse, through which science and religion may flow in
to the heart of that continent. It is an opening in her dark forests
through which the star of Bethlehem gleams, and tlie beams of the sun
of Righteousness can penetrate and diffuse life, and happiness,, and hope,
among a hundred millions.
* In Mass. in 1826, nearly 1-Gth part of tlie convicts were colored, while only 1-74U1 part
of the whole population was, of this description.
in Conn. l-34th part of the population was colored, and 1-3 of the convicts.- In, Vermont, she
whole colored population was 918, from whom 24 wiJre furnished' for the penitentiary. In New
York, l-34th part of the population were colored, and about l-4th of the convicts. In JVcw Jersey,
1 - 13th part of the population were -colored, l-3d of the convicts. In Pennsylvania, l-34th part of
the population were colored, and l-3d of the convicts.
Jfassachusi-tts, Connecticut, and New York, paid for the support of the^r colored convicts in
Ten years previous to 1826, $1(34,0P6, while the colored population of these States was less than
§j-l,CIOO — Prison Discipline Report, 1826.

31
3\The success of the Society and colony, will benefit the free people
of colpr who remain in this country^) It is in vain to urge against this
position, that- some of the colored people in the New England, or other
free States, are opposed to it. Their opposition is easily explained.
They have been told to " Abandon all thoughts of colonizing yourselves as
a people, in Africa, Hayti, Upper Canada, or elsewhere. Every intelli
gent man of cclor, whcm the Colonization Society induces to gp to Libe
ria, ought to be considered as a traitor to your cause."
" The supporters of the African scheme do net-hesitate to avow that the
¦whole coloTfd'pbpulafion' most' be removed to Liberia. But how do they
expect to accomplish this design ? By putting on knapsacks and point
ing bayonets at your breasts? Ne, — but by adppting- another plan
which is about ' as , cruel and effectual. By remcving some ef your
number every year^ they persuade the people that yeur entire removal
will not'be difficult. Thejppople cherishing this opinion, yet perceiving
how reluctantly you go, resolve to starve you out. They are determined
to give you as little instruction and employment as possible, in order to
render your situation so uncomfortable as to cdmpel you to remove. As
long, therefore, as a considerable portion of your number consent to be
removed, no matter where, the same disastrous effects will follow. Those i
who remain (of course the great-body,) will obtain little or no employ
ment, and receive little or no education ; consequently, they will always
be miserable and degraded. Now, it is time to stop ; it is time to re
solve on death sooner than transportation."* Such was the advice given
to the free people of color, in- several cities, by one who makes great
professions of regard for their welfare, and great promises in relation to
their " College" and their future privileges in this country. The same
sentiments have been industriously circulated among those whe can
read. They have been- told that, " Colonlzationists, tco, generally
agree in discouraging your instruction and elevation at home. They
pretend that ignorance is bliss; therefore, 'tis folly to be wise. They
pretend that- knowledge is a dangerous thing in the head of a col
ored man ; they pretend that you have no ambition: they pretend tbat*
you have no brains : in fine, they pretend a thousand other absurd things
 they are a combination of pretences."!. Without stopping to enquire
whether these statements are more destitute of truth or of common sense,
it is obvious that there is nothing mysterieus in the epppsitipn of some of
the colored peeple. If they believe such statements as are circulated
among them in ' the Liberator, as well , as in the ' address referred to,
they must of necessity suppose Colonizationists a very wicked set of peo-
* Address delivered before the free peeple of eolor in New York, Philadelphia, and other cit
ies, June, 1831. By \Vni.' Lloyd Garrison.
f Address, p. 20. Much sniprise has been expressed at tbe excitement in New Haven relative
to the proposition fur establishing an African College, in that city, lt'should be remembered that
this Addreus had been recently delivered there,, and produced a great excitement anions; tlie col
ored pet pie. It is not strange Utsit the people object to a College whicli^should place the colored
people under such instructions, and such an influence. The late excitement in Canterbury, Ct.
seems to have been produced by an attempt to establish a female school for colored persons,
a.ici/istthe'toisltes ofthr people, 'i lieteauher was informed by the civil authority and select men,
'-"that the citizens of Canteibury were opposed to this school, which was to be ondei the patron
age of Arnold BurTum^bis extravagant views were to he taught ip that school." * * * "The
Liberator was to he the mouthpiece of the school, and Miss  [the teacher] had declared
that Colonizing the people of color, was a system of fraud, from beginning to end'" Tocarry the
^diool into eflect, it seems i.-lr. Buffum, and other gentlemen from abroad, undertook to inter
fere with the deliberations of the town meeting in Canteibury. [See account of the proceedings
as -dveu by tlie civil authority and select men.— JTonokh Courier, MarJiS.1.

32
pie, who are anxious to ' turn them off to die like old horses.' But what
is the effect ,of the Society and the Colony upon the free colored peo
ple in this country? The Spciety by its agents- and publications, has
described the condition of the colored people, and urged their suffer
ings, and degradation, and exposure te temptation and crime, as rea
sons for doing something fos their welfare. If they, have in any instance
described their condition as worse than it is,,,they have in such instance
done wrong. The effect of this course, however, has been to arouse
the colored people to a sense of their condition and to efforts for improve
ment. The Society has^done muph to call the attention pf the communi
ty to the'ccriditipri of the'colored race — awaken sympathy in their behalf
and call forth efforts for their 'improvement here, or., their emigration ^to
.Liberia and elevation there. The friends of Colonization must desire the
education of the colored people in order to their being qualified for citi
zens of Liberia. If they become intelligent, virtuous, arid1 free from
prejudice, they will not be so easily duped by those who would prevent
their, emigration,- and they will -make better citizens whether they reside
in this country or in Africa. This view seems to, be taken by friends of
Colonization in slave States, as, well as in New England. The last re
port of the Synod of Virginia,* says:. " The Colonization Society shares
largely in the sympathies and benevolent efforts of this pprtipn pf the
church. , Contributions to this enterprise are increasing; and many who
are watching in hope the brightening. prospects of the Christian colony
planted on the shores of Africa, are also directing their attention to the
long neglected duty of instructing those of the colored race, who are with
in the sphere of their immediate influence. As a church, we have reascn
tP thank God that some pf our number are awake to the vast importance
of this subject. The conviction is impressed on their hearts, we trust,
l by the. Spirit of truth, that#»e«i efforts must be made to give regularly,
[i sound religioug instructions., to the colored people within our bounds."
These two objects seem to go hand in hand.
The success of the Colonyjncreases the interest awakened by the degra-
deacondition of the colored people in thisT country! It demonstrates the
absurdity "of an opinion , which Jias extensively ^prevailed, that the blacks
are incaoable of being elevated; It' proves that they are men, capable
cT"feeTing the motives'" which 'elevate ether "men.* Their language is :
"Forming a community, of our own. in the land of our forefathers;
having the commerce, and soil and resources of the country at our dis
posal, we know nothing of that debasing inferiority with which our very
color stamped us in America. There is nothing here to create the feel
ing on our party-nothing to cherish the feeling of superiority in the
minds of foreigners who visit us. It is this moral emancipation — this lib
eration of the mind from worse than iron fetters — that repays us ten
thousand times over, for all it has cost us, and makes us gratefulto God
and our American patrons for the happy change which has taken place in
our situation."!
The prosperity of the Colonists as it becomes known to the colored
people in America will remove their discouragement, elevate their hopes,
and rouse them to efforts, either that they may join their brethren in Af-
~ * Western Luminary, Dec. 12, 1S3-X The Synod has riiore than 9000 communicants.
| Address of the Colonists.

33 f
i*Tica, or rival their condition in this country. As colored men rise in
condition and character, become intelligent and virtuous, either here or
in Africa, the prejudices of the whites will soften, and give place to feel-
lings of sympathy and respect. When the colored people in this coun
try shall manifest a strong desire for improvement, and endeavor by prop
er measures to help themselves, the whites will be more ready to assist
them. If a portion of the laboring blacks remove to Africa, there will be
mere empleyment fer thpse whe remain. It is absurd te say that, if " a
portion of the colored, people consent to be removed, those who remain
will obtain little or no employment," as it would be to say, that if labor
ers from Vermont emigrate to Ohio, " those who remain will obtain little
or no employment, and receive little or no education ; consequently
they will always be miserable and degraded." Let the colored people
cease to be jealous of the whites and be industrious, enterprising, faithful
laborers, and employment and means ef education will not be wanting-,
so long as there are friends ef African Colonization who can furnish
them. The great number of free blacks who are without employment in ,
some of the slave states increases their temptations to crime, and their '
consequent punishment, and the jealousy of the whites, and the laws
which seem to us eppressive. Let a considerable portion of these be
removed and placed in circumstances of comfort ; and the sufferings and
temptations and crimes of the remainder would be diminished, the jeal
ousy of the whites would cease, those laws would be repealed, and ne
cessary provision be. made for the welfare of the blacks.
4. The influence of the Colonization Society lessens the danger of
insurrection. This danger arises mainly from two causes ; the sufferings of the
slaves, and the sufferings of the free blacks. The love of freedom is
inseparable from the human soul. Slaves must desire freedom, and be
willing to make great sacrifices to obtain it, especially if excited by cruel
treatment, or by seditionary instructions and a prospect of success. La
bor to them is odious, because it is constrained, and is perfcrmed for
Pthers. Perhaps the strongest idea they attach to freedom is, liberty to
be idle and do as they please. This idea is easily obtained. They see
that white men do not work, but go and come at will, and live or revel
upon the labor cf others. This is a palpable definition of freedom to
the untaught slave. He sees .also that those of ¦ his own color who are
free are generally idle, and indulge in their favorite amusements and
vices. He believes himself entitled to the same rights, and there is a
constant temptation to secure them by violence. The desire of freedom
is ready to burst out on any emergency, and where there is unkindness
and severity in their treatment, the spirit of revenge must be deeply
rooted and rankling in their hearts. Thus there will be constant danger
of insurrection.
This danger is greatly increased by the condition and influence of the
free blacks. These are either slaves liberated, or their descendents.
A large portion of them in the slave states are poor and wretched, either
because they will not labor, pr cannot find employment. They must
have a subsistence in some way; if not by honest industry, it must be by
stealth. They have been so much accustomed to consider the whites as
their oppressers, and their sense of right and wrong is so much perverted

pr pbscured by their circumstances, that, te steal frem. the whites, dees
npt seem te them a great sin .; and it is not strange that this crime should
frequently be detected amcng free blacks.
Then there is a strong temptation to exert a bad influence ever the
slaves — to entice them inte scenes of dissipation where this is pcssible
— draw frem them preperty committed to their care — promote a spirit of
discontent and insubordination, — rcirculate among them inflammatory sen
timents orally, and seditionary writings among such as can read. This
occasions severe laws for the government both of free blacks and slaves.
Free blacks become objects of suspicion and dread, laws are passed
compelling them tb leave the state, or give security for their good be
havior. Slaves are prehibited frpm learning to read, lest they should be
furnished with such writings as will promote insurrection. They are
prevented from holding meetings for improvement er secial intercourse,
lest they should plot the destruction of their masters. They are care
fully watched or guarded by night, lest they should rally for the midnight
attack. In proportion to their insubordinaticn will be the severity of
their treatment. This severity and insubcrdinatipn mutually increase
each ether, and the whole process tends directly to insurrection. The
Colonization Cause will do much to check this tendency. By the same
process that it benefits the free colored people in this country, or pro
vides for them an asylum in Africa and makes it easy of access, it les
sens their sufferings, inspires them with hope, stimulates them, to exer
tion, mitigates the rigor of their treatment, and diminishes their tempta
tions to mischief, and the danger of insurrection. Let the slaves under
stand that a process is going on which is designed fcr their benefit by
removing their temptations, securing their better treatment, such as will
enable their masters to give them freedom and place them in circum
stances of comfort, it will do much to quell the spirit of revenge, and
prevent the shedding of blood.
5. The successful operations of the Society will benefit the slaves
apd open the way for their emancipation and elevation. Whatever tends
to lessen the danger of insurrection, will secure kinder treatment to
the slaves. Remeve this danger, and theusands pf masters coud not re
sist the conviction that it is their duty te give theiy slaves instructicn.
Laws forbidding their instruction weuld be repealed. We have already
seen that tbe meral influence cf the spciety tends tc the voluntary eman
cipation of slaves. "It will remove the difficulties which have hitherto
deterred hundreds of humane masters from emancipation, and increase
manifold the motives of the slaves to seek, and the masters to grant,
emancipation." As the, colony prospers, her commerce will extend, her
vessels will be seen in our ports and her enterprising merchants be seen
and respected in our cities ; and the' master who holds their brethren in
bondage will shrink from the presence of such men. Let civilization
extend into Africa and elevate her pcpulatipn, and the consciences of
Americans would as readily admit of holding Europeans in slavery as
Africans. " When Africa shall have put on the garments of civilization, and the
influences cf her regeneration shall be felt throughout this land, our
most tenacious and obstinate slave-holder will shrink from the relation he
bears to her children. The poer creatures whcm he formerly regarded

35 ^
as but a few removes above the brute, will now present himself before
the new associations of his master's mind as his fellow-man and his equal
— and the slave will be permitted to go free."* Multitudes ef masters,
as they watch the progress of the colony, will become fully convinced
that slaves can be liberated with benefit te themselves, and witheut in
jury tp Pthers, and they will pursue a course of discipline which will fit
them for self government and support. By the moral influences' which
the Colonization Society has set in motion, and will yet draw in its train,
there is much reason to hope that changes in public sentiment will take
place and benevolent efforts move onward, till every slave is free and in
circumstances where freedom can be enjoyed.
6. The successful operation ef the society wiU^xert a powerful in
fluence in softening the asperity of feellnjf between t"he"N'6rth"ana-the
-?PJi.th-rrempyiBg.l"tlj£7aliehafien, and strengthening The . ."ufiiP.nl"5Dhe
states. Slavery has been a fruitful source of discord and jealousy.
Existing only in a portion of the states, it is still the occasion of mutual
recrimination. The citizens of the free states, holding slavery in abhor
rence and believing it their duty to use al] lawful means for its extinction,
are liable to talk and act unwisely in relation to it, and the citizens of
the slave states are naturally prone to be suspicious of every allusion to
slavery, and every measure adopted in the free states for its removal.
Here is the secret of the strange and varied opposition to the Coloniza
tion Society in its early efforts. The society has done much to diminish
. the jealousy ameng its members scattered thrcugh all the states.!
The slave helder whe desires to emancipate can do so in a way con
sistent with the laws of the states, the rights and interests of his fellow
citizens, and the best good of his slaves, and no objection can reasonably be
made to it. The slave holder who is not disposed to follow his example
has no reason to pbject, The Society seeks not to interfere with any
rights or interests secured to him by law, and if he chooses not to patron
ise he has no right to ppppse it.
The friends of humanity, the prudent and pious of all sects, sections,
and parties, can unite, and act in harmony, for the benefit of the free
blacks, on the simple provision of its constitution. Here is common ground
on which all can meet and interchange their various views in relation* to
slavery and kindred interests ; and who does not -see that such facilities
* Speech of Rerrit Smith, 14 An. Report, p. 11.
f Some solicitude has doubtless-been felt in relation to discussions, and different views and exci-'
ted feelings, at the adjourned meetings of the Society in Washington the last winter, and certain
Editors have seemed to take a particular pleasure in dwelling Upon those discussions, and mag
nifying the differences, as if the Society were near to dissolution, and they were in haste to re
joice over its ruins. By comparing the reports of several correspondents of northern papers, it
would 3eem that the excitement was occasioned, partly by misunderstanding; the objects to be
gained by proposed alterations, and partly by the management of designing individuals. Some
changes had been made in the Board of Managers, and some alterations were proposed in the
constitution. Before the proposed alterations could be acted upon, it appears that certain persons
particularly interested, took occasion to sound an alarm in the ears of southern members, by rep
resenting that those who had proposed the alterations had "become abolitionists." By ibis it
was understood, not merely that they abhorred slavery and desired that all proper measnres
should he taken for its peaceful and safe removal, for this had been an established and well known
fact for years ; bnt it was rumored, that they hadadopted, in substance, those views of Abolition
which in New England constitute what is properly termed Qarrisonism, and that these alterations
were designed to pave the way for letting in upon tlie southern states the spirit and measures of
this northern Abolitionism. No wonder that this rumor occasioned excitement, jealousy and mis
understanding, and made it necessary to pass a resolution, thai there was no design of departing
from the objects of the Society, as defined in the second article of the constitution. This excite
ment will doubtless lead to an interchange of views, which will promote harmony of feeling and
action among the friends of humanity in all parts of the country, unless those who have an object
ta gain shall succeed in throwing in fire-brands, to do the work of Sampson's " young foxes."

36
afford the fairest opportunity for devising plans, in which all parties can
unite, for the removal of an evil which all deplore? It is: pertain, that the
friends of colonization in the North and South, as they become more ac
quainted with each other's views, become less jealqus, and.morelike mem
bers of one family, having common interests and responsibilities. A dis
tinguished citizen of the, South said with emphasis not long since in
relation to nullification movements in South Carolina, "I have beenlopk-
ing at this subject with deep interest fcr spnie time, and have lieen-'aston-
, ished at the result of my inquiries. JJj£Z2%L£fj!!? consistentjrjimd of the
Colonization Society in South Carolw^?or?iiheotlie7°sTtwe states, whois not.
oKlTui^rr!5TK."''^'To^ the TSociety
tTie1re"i3~nothing'''Sstonishmg m"thls fact. The measumTpftiie Seciety
"JXCifSiSOllI^ produce u'rficij"'iF' correctly
understepd. Furnishing"' Ssl't'Eai?7*'a,''^e"dm^ for its
frnlurrrs* in "alT parts pf the Union, it has spread, before them facts which
are peculiarly fitted to soften asperity, and prpmpte a spirit of fcrbearance
and conciliation.
Friends of the Society in New Englandi-whUe thei^abherrence__of Sla-
verVjsnot at all- dimmisiieuTTiave learned that nothing can he gained by
TwsTTor^e]"i"TO^ at its peaceful termi-
nation by any measures which the planters themselves cannctbe persuaded
to countenance ; and that interference of such a nature a'g 'must of neces
sity jeopardize their safety and provoke Jheir hostility, i3 not likely to se
cure their approbation or benefit their slaves.
Friends of the Society at the South, as they reflect upon slavery, and
the condition of the whole colored race, and become acquainted with
Northern feelings, see that there is spme reason fer the hostility to. Sla
very in New England. When they perceive that with all their abhorrence
of slavery, and all the inconvenience they suffer from it,, the people of the
tire free states are still disposed to treat their Southern brethren., with for
bearance, and assist in any reasonable measures for removing an acknowl
edged evil, more disastrous to the Sputh than the North, jealousy subsides
and gives place to kindness and respect. Let the operations of the Society
be fairly understppd, and be carried forw'ard with prudence and energy, -
there will.be a rallying peint, ground which will cluster .all the friends cf lib
erty and humanity, of man and of , God. Its peaceful doctrines and measures
will disarm prejudice and will silence opposition or render it harmless : Its
facts and motives will awaken'sympathy.and enlist effort: Its success will
remove the causes of alienation which now exist, and bind in hply brother
hood the hearts' of good menin all parts of the nation, and the shout of
-'Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable" shall- meet a
heartj^response in every village, and. vibrate in every lieart. •'
7. The #uccess of the Society will greatly' increase benevolent feeling
tend action in , this country. It is a fact established by experiment and
common sgnse, that whatever Calls into exercise benevolent feelings in
creases their, power, as really as exercise of the body increases its muscu
lar power. , If benevolent feelings exist they will produce corresponding
action. Among, all the benevolent societies of the present day, perhaps
no oneihas done more than this te awaken such feeling^. Many persons
are disposed to patronize this who do not patronize: others. Many who at
nrst looked upon it as a wild attemptto perform impossibilities, new find

37
tbeir views enlarged, their expectations are sanguine and their free will
offerings liberal. The progress already made by the seciety in overccm-
ing the obstacles of prejudice, ignorance and selfishness, peopling peace
ful happy villages on a barbarous shore, causing the yells of savage war
fare and the shrieks of tortured captives te give place to the "busy hum"
of civilized seciety and the songs of Zion ; the slave factory and the slave
ship to give place to extended Wareheuses and merchant vessels, is well
fitted te silence the cavils of avarice and' incredulity, and enforce the di
rection, " attempt great things, expect great things."
Let any one read the publications of the society, he will doubtless find
liere and there a sentence or sentiment which he cannot approve. But if
one can trace its' history pr read an Annual Report, or the speeches at an
annual meeting of the Seciety, Or a volume of the African Repository, and
not have his benevolent feelings enlarged, he can furnish convincing proof
that he has none, or that- prejudice has rendered' them strangely obtuse.
It has been peculiarly interesting to watch the progress of some power
ful minds in their examination pf ,th,e publications of this, Society. The
examination has frequently been commenced with a great degree of in
difference, perhaps with prejudice, but the faCts and arguments had a resist
less energy, and the mind could not dwell upon them- unmoved. The best
feelings of the heart have been enlisted, and the individual has risen from
the investigation an ardent friend, and perhaps an eloquent and persever
ing advocate cf Cplpnizatipn. Let the whole community be thoroughly
acquainted with the history and tendency ef the society, and there will
net be wanting advocates cr. patrons. Let its success be equal te its pres
ent prospects and its power of doing gpod, if properly sustained, and no
object of Christian philanthropy will be thought too great for an experi
ment. .Changes will be wrought in the condition of degraded human be
ings, and in public sentiment in regard te them,' which will write upon
every enlightened mind,, in living characters, the scul Stirling truth, that
there is no race of men on earth too low to be elevated to freedom -and
happiness by-human agency, aided and directed by the truth, and grace,
and Spirit of God. The Society is making One of those grand experiments
which if successful, must inspire hope and prayer and set in motion influ
ences and efforts,' which will not cease, till Africa shall be regenerated,
and stand forth among the nations of the earth as distinguished for her
greatness and glory as she has been-for her degradation and misery — till
the command of the Savior" go teach all nations"' shall be obeyed ,
and songs of salvation shall be heard wherever there are human beings.
3, Iple^J^he_cau|e_of_the Colonization Society, because awhile it is
dowg much good, it need rJoTstji^^
enterprize/ It" is of course favorable to the operations of Bible, Tract,
Education, Sabbath School, Missionary and Seamen's Friend Societies,^
•¦opens a most inviting field for all of tlie m to" cultivate." If affords 'pecu
liar facilities for such Secieties tc push their adventures into the interior.
By its intercourse, with the native tribes, the colony will afford protec
tion to the Missionary who may penetrate the interior, and, if proper moans
are furnished, will train up Missionaries for the purpese. Let bibles and
tracts and schoolmasters and Missionaries follow the British Steamboat
up the Niger, and let efforts be made for the intellectual and moral reno-
vatipn pf the peeple as vigorous and persevering as those which resulted

38
in the discovery of that River; the Society will bid them Ged speed.*
To those whc wpuld elevate the colored people in this country the
friends of Colonization will say, go on and prosper, only let your efforts
be wisely directed.
" It has been said that the society is unfriendly- to the improvement of
t^2_l£S^ESS^leL2f . color : while,. they jfimjinin.theJJrmted.States., There
is no trjjth in the a~s*sertipn. We rejoicein their prosperity andhap-
piness.\ Build a 'manual labpr schocl,' increase their means cf educa
tion and happiness by every proper means, only beware that you do not
fill them with prejudice and bitterness against the whites, Do not mis
represent the efforts and sentiments of those who are endeavoring te dp
them gepd in another manner. Dp npt tell tlie colored people that ' every
one whe is induced to go to Liberia ought to be considered a traitor to
their cause,' or use influence to prejudice them against the Seciety, cr the
colony ; in fine do them no injury, but only good, and the friends of CpI-
pnizatipn will approve and aid yeur efforts. The advocate of immediate
abolition has no reason to oppose the society ; its tendency as has been
clearly proved is favorable to emancipation. And if some ef its friends, in
common with the great body of the American people, have expressed the
epinion that immediate universal emancipation is impracticable,- Or that it
would not be beneficial either to the slaves or the riation, they are doubt
less ppen te farther light, and stand ready to retract whenever convinced
they are in errcr. They ef course believe that if universal emancipation
were te take place, the colored people weuld need the aid1 ef the seciety
more than they now do ; and that to abandon it would be to blpt put the
star of premise, and wither the brightest hopes and prospects, ef the whele
African race. Entertaimn^ji^i^views, the, fjriei^^^flXloIonization in
- New England w^'prosecute.their.ejiterprise, till a betterjlan is devised ;
"or till it is discovered that it stands. i.^Jhe way pf .abetter one. If ridi
culed and cpppsed, may they imitate him, whe when reviled, reviled net
again, but prayed for his enemies, and toiled and suffered for their wel
fare. Let them be stimulated by his example to obey that injunction
' whatsoever ye would that men shquld do to you 4c ye even se to them,
they shall receive the reward and the welcome ef ' gppd and faithful ser
vants.' The -present children of Africa may misunderstand the move
ments and motives and be jealous of the friends of Cplpnizatipn, but her
future generatiuns will -rise and call them blessed, and these efforts will
one day excite feelings of joy and gratitude wherever human beings can
trace the history of the American Colonization Society.
* The managers urge the establishment of a High School or Seminary "to prepare youth not
only to become able teachers" but " to fulfil successfully their duties as public officers, or Minis
ters of religion," and invite ddnations for this purpose. [See 16th report page 7.] Where are the
men who will be pioneers in this work, and establish a Manual labor scluol or College in Liberia,
that shall advance the interests of science, arts, agriculture, education, government and religion
¦An the colony, and train up teachers and missionaries for the interior ? To what object would
funds be more cheerfully contributed in New England ? i
t African Repository Sept. 1831 p. 205.

PART II

ABOLITION OF SLAVERY.

1. The Liberator. 2,' Address to the free people of color , ly Wm. Lloyd, Garrison.
3. Constitution of the Mew England Anti Slavery Society. 4. Tlie Abolitionist. 5.
First Annual Report of the N. E. Anti Slavery Society.
Several years since, Mr. Garrison commenced his warfare upon the system of
slavery, and for a time, he was associated with Mr. Lundy, at Baltimore, in publish
ing the Genius of Universal Emancipation, in which he gave great offence to the
citizens of the South. He was at length prosecuted for a libel, convicted, fined,
and imprisoned. It was thought by many, that he suffered unjustly, for pleading
the cause of the oppressed ; and much sympathy was excited in his behalf. Poet
ry and newspaper paragraphs written by him in confinement, were copied Into ma
ny of the papers, widely circulated, and read with deep interest. His fine was
paid by a gentleman of New York and his person set at liberty : after which, he
went to Boston and comrrienced'the Liberator, the third volume of which is now
publishing weekly by himself and Mr. Isaac Knapp, and circulated extensively
among the free colored people.
JSgrly in 1831, he^ccunmenc.ecfhis attacks upon _the..CoIpnization Society, and in
J^eTfe~arlffigSsed the free .penptfTyfJcjgTirlTrjiffilffi other
^"j^V^yj^Sff ,th,firq-i-'»J"on,"; ,Pt!ltrJ^'"nffs"i (s"mp °f which_arejr^iipwortrry-,) ""To
sustain tho'seperiodicals devoted totheif cH'OSe"'!" 'TtTsupport each 6'frier'^that is,
'Sell to each other, and buy of each other, in preference of the whites.' * To
'maintain their rights in all cases, and at whatever expense.'* To ' maintain their
rights as they would defend their lives.' t ' Finally,' he advises them to ' abandon
all thoughts of colonizing themselves as a people in Africa, Hayti, Upper Canada,
or elsewhere.'t This was soon afterwards published and circulated industriously
among the colored people ; more than one-fourth of it devoted to opposing tbe
Colonization Society. Djjjirigjhejame year,jrreparations were made by him and
a few^tJnjr^^uidJ^ie_Ajvti;>Slayery Society w^^jorrnecTih Boston'jTan. "fT|lB32.
flie following gentlemen were appointed its"orficere.
Arnold Buffum, President. Wm. Lloyd Garrison, Cor. Sec.
James C. Odiorne, ) F- „,, Joshua Coffin, Rec. Sec.
Alonzo Lewis, ^ I tee rresiaents. Michael H. Simpson, TVeas.
At the monthly meeting in February, it was voted "that a copy of the Constitu
tion and address of the Society be sent to all the editors of newspapers," and
" to every Clergyman in New England, earnestly soliciting his co-operation in pro
moting the objects of the Society." Although the Constitution has no allusion to
African Colonization, more than one-third of the address is devoted to opposing the
Colonization Society. During the year, Mr. Garrison published his 'Thoughts' on
Colonization, which he commends to the " attention of the two most powerful
classes in this country — Editors of newspapers, and the Clergy ,"§ as 'the power
ful influence of the Clergy ** t0 *e broken.'\\ In January, 1833, the Abolitionist
was commenced by the Society; edited by a Committee. Duringthesame month,
the First Annual Meeting was held, and the First Report, with an Appendix, has
recently appeared from the press of Garrison & Knapp, in a pamphlet of 54 pages.
The Report and numbers of the Abolitionist already issued, show that the Man-
* Address, p. 14. f Ib- IP- 17- etc- $P- 38- IIP- 7-

40
agers adopt Mr. Garrison's opposition to the Colonization Society, and make il a
prominent part of their object. More than half the Report is occupied by an attack
upon the Colonization Society, and the reasons why "they denounce and oppose
it," are given in the true style and spirit of his "Thoughts." Speaking of their
success, the Managers say,
" With feeble means, the Society has produced great results. It has cpnstantly employed its
Presiding officer as an Agent for the pastsix months, to go forth to the people, and urge its claims
upon their charities and confidence. .His labors, it is believed, have been extensively useful.
The Managers bear honorable, testimony to bis zeal, faithfulness and ability. Other agents have1
been successfully employed for a shorter period. Five thousand copies of the Constitution and ¦
address of the Society have been printed for gratuitous distribution. A liberal pur
chase has been made of Mr. Garrison's "Thoughts on African Colonization,13 for a similar
purpose. The Society has effected the emancipation of a young slave-boy in this city by x suit
at law. It is now making strenuous exertions for the establishment of a Manual Labor School,
r*tbr the education, of colored youth, and will .probably attain its object. It has effected the con-
f version of a multitude of minds to the doctrine of immediate abolition, and given a wide and sal-
\utary check to tke progress of the Colonization Society.'3* , ..,
From the Liberator, it appears that the President, Mr. Buffum, while giving ad
dresses on Slavery, frequently attacked the Colonization Society.! Mr. Johnson,
the present Recording Secretary, X lectured in 15 or 20 places in New England du
ring the last year, and in some, if not all of them, attacked the Colonization Socie
ty. Mr. Garrison, while travelling in Maine as-an Agent of the Anti Slavery So
ciety, attended a meeting called by the friends of Colonization, arid occupied a con
siderable portion of two evenings in opposing the Society. § He has frequently lec
tured against the Society in Massachusetts,
An effort has been made by officers of the Society to prejudice benevolent in
dividuals in Great Britian against the Colonization System. Mr. Garrison wrote
to James Cropper, in May 1832. Mr. Buffum also has written to him and to Thom
as Clarkson. The prominent object , of these letters, and the documents sent with
them, seems to have been to persuade them that the Colonization Society is a "con-
' spiracy against human rights.." They have been successful in persuading James
Cropper, Joseph Phillips, and Capt. Charles Stuart to oppose the Society,- by
publishing objections to it gathered from the " letters— Thoughts— and — Lib
erator" of Mr. Garrison : and their communications furnish new materials for tlie
New England Anti Slavery publications.il
It has seemed to be necessary to trace the movements of the Society thus mi
nutely, as the constitution does not explain all the objects which the Society is
aiming to accomplish.
" The objects of the Society shall be, to endeavor by all means sanctioned by law, humanity
and religion, to effect the abolition of slavery in the United Stales j to improve the condition of
the free people of color, to improve and correct public opinion.in relation to their situation and
rights, and obtain for them equal civil and political rights and privileges with the whites."**
Who would suppose from this article that, tlie Anti Slavery Society is devoting a
prominent part of its efforts to opposing the Colonization Society ?
As a citizen of New England, I cannot but desire, the abolition of slavery, and
the elevation of the people of corlor to freedom and happiness; but there are rea
sons why I cannot co-operate with the New England Anti Slavery Society, which a
sense of duty urges me to state thus publicly. Before doing this, it seems necessa
ry to express more fully my views in relation to slavery, and the objects , of the So
ciety as stated in the Constitution. : I believe,
1. That slavery is a moral wrong, and a great political ev.uWa curse both to the
slave, the master and the nation.
¦*"" 2. That slaves ought to be liberated as soon as they can be with benefit to them-
| selves, and without producing evils greater than slavery itself, and that it is the
\ interest as well as duty of proprietors and States, to pursue the best means for ef-
1 fecting this purpose.
3. Thatttareareta^
by forceT^Ee "otheT'Eythe consent of their masters.
4T*TTiat'W6 have Bo* right, civil of feligio'us'*'to liberate them 'by force, or pursue
" such means as would tend to insurrections.
5. That as slavery is a national evil, and as New England ships, and seamen, and
capital were actively employed in enslaving the fathers, it is right that the citi
zens of New England should share the labor and expense of giving freedom and
happiness to the children.
*p. 42. t See his letters in the Liberator for six months previous to February 1. tLiber-
ator Jan 12, over the signature of R. N. $ See Kennebeck Journal, Oct. 12, 1832.
|| Letter of Joseph Phillips, Lib. Dec. 15, 1832. **Constitution, Article 2.

41
6. That whatever can be done by the people of New England, in a spirit of kind
ness, to assist the proprietors of slaves to think and act right on this whole subject,
is a reasonable duty.
7. Calling them hard names, insulting or abusing, or pursuing measures fitted to
exasperate them, is not likely to produce right feelings or action among proprie
tors, or benefit their slaves.
8. That the free colored people in' this country have strong claims upon our sym
pathy and assistance ; and while those who desire it should be assisted to remove
to Liberia, those who remain in this country should be furnished with means of
education and every possible facility for becoming good citizens.
9. That whatever tends to make them jealous of the whites and excite bitter and
vindictive feelings, is not fitted to make them good citizens, or secure for them the
respect andassistance they need.
10. That to circulate among the free blacks of New England, publications,
which, if circulated in the slave States, would necessarily tend to insurrection, is
injurious to the colored people, and not sanctioned by law, humanity, or religion*
In relation to the founders and patrons of the New England Anti Slavery Soci
ety, I am happy to admit,
1. That they ardently desire to benefit the whole colored race, and are willing to
make vigorous efforts for this purpose. ' , ,
2. That some - of them have manifested a zeal and perseverance worthy of this
noble enterprize.
3. That in their publications there are many noble sentiments, worthy of the
approbation of all men.
4. To the objects of the Society, as expressed in the second, article of the Consti
tution, if properly pursued, I could have no objection. But I cannot co-operate
with theJSociety,
'"^T^ecau^^tmmscs _tjm_Cplonizatio>i] Society, although noi provision is made for
this inTne^CoiisutuTionT™"
'^Afterl^'rntSt'tlltfrSugh examination, this opposition seems to me unreasonable ;
audit is bad policy to tear down a Society which is proved to be a good one, for
the sake of building up another of doubtful tendency, and one whichj if suc
cessful, would render the former indispensable. If the Anti Slavery Society could
persuadethe. Southern people to emancipate all their slaves this year, there would
be more work for the Colonization Society than ever before. Take an illustration.
In Virginia, are several thousand free blapks, but few of whom are proprietors of
land, and the greater part are miserably poor, either for want of employment or
disposition to labor. Several thousand slaves are annually sold from Virginia in
to other States, still leaving enough to perform the labor. Let the masters eman
cipate and hire their laborers, they , will pursue the policy of the northern farmer,
— hire the best workmen and as few of them as can do his work. As free men
perform more labor than slaves, a much smaller number would be employed, and
consequently, a large number would be thrown out of ernployment : these added
ter the thousands np.w, annually sold from the state, and tbe other thousands previ
ously free, would make up an immense surplus population unemployed, and un
provided for, which must have a vent somewhere. . It would surely be a work of
mercy to furnish a home in Africa for those who might desire it, and fo oppose, the
Colonization Society, or prejudice the colored 'people against it, would be to them
an act of extreme cruelty. But the spirit aud manner of -this opposition are pecu
liarly objectionable. Mr. Garrison's ' Thoughts,' of which 'a liberal purchase lias
been made ly the Ante Slavery Society for gratuitous distribution,' abound in griev
ous charges and hard names.
" I am prepared to show that those who have entered into this conspiracy against hu
man eights, are unanimous iri abusing their victims: unanimous in their mode of attack :
unanimous in proclaiming the absurdity that our free blacks are natives of Africa : unanimous in
* " I deem it to be my duty to express to you, at this time, my.opiniorj, that to publish books,
pamphlets, or newspapers, designed to be circulated here ahd in other States of the Union, and
having a necessary tendency to excite in the minds of our citizens deadly hatred and. hostility
against their brethren of other States, and to stimulate the slave population of those States to
rise against their masters, and to effect, by Are and sword their emancipation, is an offence
against this commonwealth, and that it may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor, at common law.
It is said that pamphlets and papers of such character have been published in Boston and sent to
the Southern States, and that they have caused great alarm and complaint there. It cannot be
denied, that it is just cause both of alarm and complaint." Charge of Judge Thacher to the Brand
Jury of the County of Suffolk, in March, also in Dec. 1832.
j Thoughts, p. 10. See also introduction to this work.

42
propagating the libel, that they cannot be elevated and improved in this country : unanimous in
opposing their instruction : unanimous in apologizing for the crime of slavery, &c* "It is a
conspiracy to send the free people of color to Africa under a benevolent pretence, but really that
the slaves may be held more securely in bondage. It is a conspiracy based upon fear, oppres
sion and falsehood, which draws its aliment from the prejudices of the people, which is sustain
ed by duplicity, which really upholds the slave system, which fascinates while it destroys, which
endangers the safety and happiness of the country, which, no precept of the Bible can justify,
which is implacable in its spirit, which should he annihilated at a blow.
" These are my accusations, and if I do not substantiate them, I am willing to be covered with
reproach."* "Ye crafty calculators : ye hard hearted incorrigible sinners ! ye greedy and relentless robbers !
y'e contemners of justice and mercy ! ye trembling, pitiful, pale-faced usurpers '. my soul spurns
you with unspeakable disgust."
"The Colonization Craft is a diabolical pursuit which a great part of our Christian cdmmunity
are engaged in."t
| " But to the awful disappoihtment of all such blasphemers, they will meet the justice of God,
{which will be to them a devouring sword."}:
The report of the Society breathes much of the same spirit. After speaking of
it as " not only a lurlesque upon moral enterprizes, but the acme of folly," the Man
agers say,
" The reason, too, which is given by the Colonization Society forthis expulsion is monstrous ;
and as often as it is urged in any of its reports, or its official organ, or by any of its itinerants,
should fill the readers or hearers of the base libel with indignation . It is— that the Ameriean peo^
pie are so incorrigibly vile, so lost to all sense of shame ; so far beyond repentance, so prescrip
tive in their feelings, sofilled with all malice, prejudice and hate, that, to the latest generation,
they will not cease to treat their free colored countrymen in the most tyrannous and dastardly
manner unless they are separated by a breadth of '4,000 miles. And in order to vindicate this
ungodly spirit, the Managers of tbe American Colonization Society in their last Annual Eeport
utter this blasphemy, "&c§
With such a spirit, I cannot hold fellowship : — such weapons I cannot wield :
especially against an institution embodying a great portion of the best men in the
nation. With a Society that pursues such measures, I cannot co-operate.
2. The Anti Slavery Society does not give an account of its funds, or tlie manner
of expending them. , .,.'.,, , ,
The Annual report acknowledges donations from four individuals, and the
Agent in his Reports, published in the Liberator, speaks of taking contributions,
without stating the amount. But we have no means of ascertaining the amount
of funds during the last year. Why this omission ? What was the amount of
contributions taken by the Agent in Andover, Woburn, Belchertown, Springfield,
Greenfield and many other places in Massachusetts, Walpole -and Keene, N. H.
and other places which might be named ? What is the amount of individual do
nations? and how have tbe funds been expended ? We are indeed told that a 'lib-
j-eral purchase of Mr. Garrisbn's Thoughts has been made,' and ' 5,000 copies of
' "the Constitution and Address of the Society have been printed ' for gratuitous
distribution,-' and that Agents have been employed to urge the claims of the Soci
ety upon the charities and confidence of the people. || But how much has it cost
to make a ' liberal purchase' of a pamphlet of 236 pages— which the Methodist
Quarterly Review pronounces " a publication essentially slanderous in all
its parts "IT and to ciroalate 5,000 copies of an address, one third of which is an
attack upon the Col. Society ? How much does it cost to enable the 'president' of
the Society to travel and " urge its claims on the charities of the people," by tell
ing- therfithat "the object of the Colonization Society was to' banish, from our land
the free people of color; that it has unvaryingly pursued this single object; that
it still contemplates the entire banishment of 300,000 of the free citizens of the
United States to the coast of Africa, by means wfych must be marked with great
cruelty and suffering ; that the avowed object to be obtained by their banishment
*" is increased security, permanency and profit to the slave system?"** How large
bart oft/he funds has been. expended; to give " a wide and salutary check to the"
Sro^sTTSnrSlJoTonlzanbn^c'Ie^T'tt How much has been expen'ded Tri abol-
ishina'sIaveTy1n^'"fK'^%'ffi^^0* °f a young slave boy in Boston by a suit at
law ¦' tt and how much has been devoted to elevating the free colored people, and
in what manner? These are subjects on which the citizens of New England need
more light before they can eo-operate extensively with the Anti Slavery Society.
"" 3. With 'its course of management thus far, the society is engaged in a hopeless en
terprise. tThnmrtiN n 10. fib. part II, p. 63. Jib. p 64. Prom an Address before the colored
i ffi $1* ™ iirfpnrJ R. I Nov 27, 1828. « fieport, p. 23. ||See Eeport, p. 42.
PTRev?"J ot 'Thought' m Afrkan Colonization' fn the Mefhodist Magazine forW ?833.
** Mr. Buffum's "report ofhls lecture before the Roxbury Lyceum, ft Eeport, p. 42. J Jib.

43
There is no good reason to expect the destruction of the Colonization Society
by such measures. Notwithstanding the 'wide and salutary check to its progress,'
it has accomplished almost twice as much during the last year as in any preced-
i iFhr^e 'S ''ttl? prosPect of convincing the American people by such means, that
_ the Colonization Society deceives and misleads the nation;'* that all who patron
ize it are miserably duped, or are too wicked to do right ; that its Managers are
guilty of ' blasphemy ;'t or its Agents ot wantonly promulgating gross fictions, ex
pressly to deceive." &c.f mis-stating the principles and opeiations of the Col.
Society, and gulling the ignorant and thoughtless into a support of a most nefarious
scheme,"^ or triumphing 'ly a laid deception, || orthat the friends of Colonization are
" unanimous in abusing their victims," " propagating- libels," or " opposing the in
struction of the colored people.*
There is little hope of the peaceful abolition of slavery in this way. It is now sev
eral years since Mr. Garrison commenced his efforts, and the Southern people
surely have not been ignorant of them. He was imprisoned in Maryland. The
Legislature of Georgia has offered $5000 for his apprehension, and the Committee
of Vigilance of Charleston, S. C. offered $1500 more. The Executive of Virgin
ia, it is said, has taken public notice of him. All these circumstances are pecu
liarly fitted to give his efforts notoriety, add 'oil to the fire of bis zeal' and excite
sympathy among those who abhor slavery. Although the Society has existed but
one year, the Managers say " It has produced great results." " It has done more
to make slavery a subject of national investigation, to excite discussion, and to
maintain the freedom of speech on a hitherto prohibited theme, than all other So
cieties now in operation." And it has emancipated one young slave in Bos
ton ! ! !** ,
While the Society has done so much 1 o abolish slavery, the Report states, " with
in the last two years, the legislatures of Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, Lou
isiana, Alabama, and Tennessee have passed laws respecting the free colored and
slave population of those States, which are in the highest degree atrocious."tt
It also exhorts abolitionists to bear meekly " the taunts and reproaches of half
way reformers, and temporizing gradualists, who accuse them of provoking slave
holders to treat their slaves more rigorously than ever."tt For one, I despair of
the peaceful abolition of slavery by such measures as have been pursued, whether I
judge from their character or their actual results ;§ § and finally, I despair of per-
* Garrison's Thoughts. fAn- Rep. p. 23. t Liberator, Feb. 2, 1833. « lb. Dec. 29,
1832. || Abolitionist, No. 1, page 7.
** Supreme Judicial Court Dec. 4, 1832. Before Shaw, Chief Justice.
A habeas corpus was brought against Mrs. Howard, a lady who had resided in the Island of
Cuba, in order to have the body of Francisco, a colored boy, 12 or 14 years of age, (whom it was
alleged that the defendant intended to carry to the Island of Cuba, and there keep or sell as a
slave,) brought before the Court.
The defendant, in her return to the habeas corpus, stated in writing, that pie, boy, Francisco,
was Iter servant, that he was free, and that she did not claim him as a slave." After hearing the
evidence and arguments on both sides, and "after examining-Francisco privately, and ascertaining
that it was his desire to go with 'Mrs. Howard," Chief Justice Shaw gave an opinion of which
the following is the conclusion. " The Court must act as the boy's guardian. He appears to be
attached to Mrs. Howard, and to be desirous of going with her, and I think it is for his interest to
do so, if he pleases. He can therefore go with her or not, as he chooses. And all persons will
be prohibited from interfering by force to prevent him from going with her, if such continues hisi
wish."— Boston Mlas; abridged. See Rep. p. 47/, ffp. 13. J|Ib. p. 12. '
$§ The advocates of this Society seem to have a peculiar fondness for proving the impractica
bility of Colonization by mathematical demonstration, and it may be proper here to borrow one
of their illustrations. Its author as a preacher of the 'impartial doctrine' will not surely object to it.
" While [one young slave has been liberated] in a year, 200 have been born to perpetual slave
ry in a day. Now, at this rate, how long would it take the [Anti Slavery] Society to remove
slavery from the country? If [with the zealous efforts of Mr. Garrison for several years, the cir
culation of his paper and pamphlets, and the ' great results gf the Society during the past year,'
they have effected the emancipation of a young slave boy in Boston, ljy a suit at law, who was
already free and not claimed as a slave,] how long will it require tins society, to banish slave
ry from this free and happy land of liberty, where slaves are bought and sold as cattle ?" —
[Speech of Rev. Mr. Russell, of Watertown against the Colonization Society, delivered at the an
niversary of the N.E. Anti Slavery Society. See Llberator, Jan 26, 1833.] "Truly, sir, this
beats the fable of the frog jumping out of the well : fbrin this case the frog jumps up two feet every
day, but falls back more than three feet every night. But to be serious, the project is impractica
ble." [Speech of Amasa Walker, Esq. at the same meeting, ib.] If these illustrations apply
to the Colonization Society, they do with greater force apply to the Anti Slavery Society, espe
cially when it is remembered that laws preventing emancipation, and oppressing the colored
people have been passed in so many slave states, since the Liberator and similar publications
have been in circulation.

44
suading the thinking and virtuous citizens of New England to co-operate with the
Society when they understand its measures and its real bearings. _
4. the publications and measures of the Society are peculiarly fitted to create jeal
ousy among the colored people in the free States— make .them hostile to the whites—
and thus prevent efforts for their improvement, or render such efforts unsuccessful.
I see not how any one can deny this, after reading these publications, and the
Resolutions and Addresses and remonstrances of the free colored people, and as
certaining that most of them have been called forth within two years, or smeethe Lib
erator began to circulate among them. .-.».,.', j. -i
The spirit which breathes in many of these publications, if imbibed by the color
ed people, is fitted to make them suspicious and insolent, and thus to throw
them out of employment, render them odious to the whites, and prevent efforts to
improve them. And if the most prudent efforts were made for their improvement,
while in a state of excitement and suspicion, the colored people would not profit by
them. H
5. The influence of such publications must be still more injurious to the free
blacks in the slave states. It is sometimes said ' We do not send. these publica
tions south of the Potomac' But it is certain that they sometimes find their way
into the slave States, and their influence extends much farther than they are read.
" You must hold an active correspovidence on the subject with your brethren all over
the country, -and conjure itiemall to stand firm." So says Mr. Garrison in relation
to Colonization. It is natural that they should do so on other subjects as well as
on this, and that they should circulate the writings of their abler advocates.
It is not strange that the colored people who come under such instructions should
"¦look upon the Colonization Society as a peace disturbing combination:"* that
their orators should declare that the Colonization craft is a diabolical pursuit,t or
that they, should exhort their "hearers in the following strain : " our forefathers
fought, and bled, and died to achieve tlie independence of the United 'States. Wliy
slwuld we forbear contending fob, the prize ? It becomes every colored citizen
in the United States to step forward boldly and gallantly defend his rights."
[Extract from the Address of Mr. Peter Osborne to the people of color in the Af
rican church, New Haven, Ct. July 5, 1S32. Liberator, Dec. 1.]
It is hot strange that the colored people should be excited by such a process.
Sentiments like the above, circulated among an ignorant population, are wonder
fully fitted to produce excitement. It is easy to account for the numerous resolu
tions and Temonstrances and addresses of the colored people published in Mr. Gar
risons Thoughts, and copied into the Annual Report of the Anti Slavery Society.
And what must be the effect of such excitement, as it extends among the colored
people in the slave statesj' Evidently to insure their more rigorous treatment — oc
casion lawsiforbidding their instruction} — requiring them to leave the State or give
security for their good behaviour, and in various ways to render theii condition
more wretched. If there is danger that free blacks will be banished from this
country, or from the slave States, thatdanger arises not from the measures of the
Colonization Society,, but from the influence of such instructions as are now cir
culated among portions of .the colored people.
G. This process increases the danger of insurrection — prevents the instruction of
^slaves — and throws obstacles in theway of emancipation, unless it is to be effected by
fokce.. [See parti, p. 33, &c] " A letter from a highly respectable and ardent
friend of emancipation at Richmond, (Va.) says : nothing is more dreaded by the
great mass of persons opposed. on principle to slavery in this region, than such in
flammatory publications as tlie Liberator. They throW increased obstacles in the way
-of emancipation : and if they could have all the influence that seems to be aimed at,
they would bring on a struggle that must result in the extermination of the blacks, §
Another writer says :
" I consider the efforts and writings of Mr Garrison as tending powerfully to
excite in the free colored people deadly hostility to the whites — to occasion the
* Resolutions passed by a Convention of colored people. An. Report, p. 38.
t Address before the Colored people in Providence, R. I. by Rev Hosea Eastman. Qarrison's
TlwugHs, part 2. p. ,64.
t It [the Colonization Society] does nothing to prevent the instruction of the blacks. That has
been effected, as 1 believe, so far as legislation can do it, by Garrison's paper and a pamphlet
surreptitiously circulated about two years ago, said to be written by one Walker, in Boston.
These occasioned laws by which our Sabbath and week day schools for free blacks, which were
very beneficial to them, have been entirely .put down. — Letter of a friend of emancipation in Rich
mond, Va. 5 Boston Transcript, Dec. 22. 1832. *

45
more rigorous treatment of the slaves— endanger the safety of the South, and the.
union of the States."
These men are not Slave holders. They are Northern men, with Northern ab
horrence of Slavery; who have resided for a fewyears at the South, and anxious
ly observed the influence of such publications and measures. The strictures of a
late reviewer are worthy .of serious consideration :
" The style which he employs — -we beg his friends and advisers candidly to pon
der this remark — is not the style to do good with. Satan cannot cast out Satan.
Such wrath and railing, such recklessness and coarseness of vituperation, as fill
his writings, may inflame, but cannot enlighten, may irritate, but cannot con
vince. We believe that cool and patient argument may do much, even with Slave
holders ; we are sure that ' sound and fury ' can do nothing but mischief. We
cannot doubt that the efforts of this writer, and his coadjutors, are disastrously de
laying the arrival of that "hour, when public sentiment, in the Slave holding
States, shall turn with a rapid and irresistible tide against Slavery."*
7 . If the publications anil measures of the Society are sanctioned in the Northern
States, they must necessarily increase the alienation between the North and South and
powerfully tend to a dissolution of the * Union. These publications are peculiarly
fitted to engender a spirit of bitterness and wrath agamst Slave holders, 'which un
fits its possessor for acting prudently or usefully in relation to Slavery. The un
seemly epithets and charges, lavished indiscriminately upon the Southern people,
by some of the readers and admirers of these publications, are revolting to every
benevolent feeling. Should this spririt become prevalent at the North, or shoubj^
the Southern people receive the impression that it is countenanced here, the co'tf"'
sequences would be most disastrous. There is no necessity of long extracts to
show that the publications are fitted to create this spirit. Witness the language
applied to friends of Colonization as quoted in the second part of this pamphlet ;
and the epithets applied to Slave holders without distinction in the challenges no
ticed in the introduction. t Can such language and such a spirit, tolerated at the
North, do ought but mischief ? Will it not lead to disunion ? This consideration
probably will not avail much with mose who agree wituJVir. Garrison,, Speaking
of the Constitution of the United States, he says :

continuance ...
T!tS=WTB<MptmuT1S6Tn"pa
in everlasting infamy by the friends of justice and humanity throughout the world. It was a
compact foimed at the sacrifice of the bodies and souls of millions of our race, for the sake of
achieving a political object — an unblushing and monstrous coalition to do evil that good might
come."— Lib. Dec. S3, 1832.
"It is said that if you agitate this question, [slavery] you will divide the Union. Believe it
jiot; but should disunion follow, the fault will not be yours. You must perform your duty, faith-
fuUyjJfearlgssly and prornpU£„a,ud .leave, the coflsequ.encesjo; Bod : that dfify""cleSrTy*1s^o cease
irom giving"couht'eliaiic'e and protection to southern kidnappers. Let them separate, if they can
muster courage enough — and the liberation of their slaves is certain." — Idem. ,VT
AVith such sentiments and such measures, I am not prepared to co-operate.
8. The publications and measures of the Society produce unkind feelings, lan
guage and conduct among friends and neighbors in the free States, and are fitted
to crush the spirit of benevolence, and destroy the Confidence of men in all benev
olent enterprises.
It would seem that Mr Garrison has a wonderful power to transform those who
give his writings full credit, into his own image. The various news paper at-
tackson the Colonization Society, wherever they originate, breathe much the same
spirit, and indicate either that the writers have been moulded by his influence, or
that only those of a certain temperament embark in "Ijjus opposition. How shall
language like tbe following, and/rom a source so respectable, be explained without
such a supposition ?
" I know not how to express the emotions — disgust, sorrow, indignation — which
this subject awakens within me. A foul conspiracy against|tjie colored Ameri-

holdcr i
ratar March 16, 1833.
The following is part of an article copied from the Boston Telegraph edited by Rev. Moses
Thacher. The article is signed by " One who has rights" probably the same " Presbyterian
Minister " whose challenge is referred to above.
" Every American Slave holder is the originator of Slavery : a Kidnapper, whose turpitude is more
nefarious and criminal, than any of tlie human Flesh Traders who ever pirat,ed on the coast of Africa I
"I am prepared to demonstrate the truth of this lext; &c."— Lib. March§, 1833.

46
can seems to have been formed in this country ;— to slander him, revile him, tread
him under foot. — A tyger's skin is thrown upon him ;¦ and then what a rush of men
and dogs .'*
Is this the spirit of the " beloved disciple" — is it the spirit of Christ? or is it
the spirit of Mr. Garrison? Is it the style of the New Testament? or of the Lib
erator, which the writer calls " Mr. Garrison's admirable paper ?" \
— - Are not. the challenges and communications of " one who has rights " and of
" watchman " and " politicus " legitimate fruits of the seed sown in the Libera
tor and other publications of Mr: Garrison ? Many of the corresporideivfenf,tlie
x\,^sXax^uim^a^X^M^m^^ce^f their sentiments havm?beenj^c/ia)j^e^ "
-or formgd_by hiswritinj^i^
tioh's,*show ihT!ie"language''brKofe^oTWrlgf^^ Lloyd Garrison
has come down upon [them] like a thunder bolt."+ But do such " thunder-bolts "
purify the moral atmosphere, and compose the warring elements in Ihis day of ex
citement ? Do men who are thus thunderstruck become better fitted to act right ?
— to do to others as they would that others should do to them ? Do these men, as
they become familiar with such writings, increase in their " long-suffering " and
"gentleness" and " charity," as well as their zeal? ^fl^jng^£rj0nj4teJ!^Jujs.of
the human mind? or from an aco^mtance with^somewT^pplaud. these writings,
fcahrioiTresist 'th'e'painfal conviction that the reverse is true ; that the more violent
and boisterous passions are thereby nourished, the feelings of Kindness ancTBeriev-
"olehce withered and lost in the lightning blaze 'of" sne^' thundef^StOfm'ST •"The*
safflS'lKoTlK^fattSBk:, if leveled' against any otEer'TJenevolent enterprise7*ahd pur
sued with similar zeal, would lead astray some minds, and if generally counten
anced would prostrate the noblest charities of the age. Some have engaged in
this opposition doubtless with the purest motives ; but there are those in almost
every community who are glad of an apology for opposing a benevolent society.
Some of -this class are unquestionably joining heartily in this opposition, in the
hope that they shall soon stand upon the ruins of the Colonization Society, and
attack successfully other societies, which now seem less vulnerable. TJjg.goi.ritgf
this opposition is the spirit j^jj^eajis^ni^,.a,sjvir4t,_wi^
sTTip;'* *
**8r"Another reason why I cannot co-operate with this Society, is, that the
managers are furnishing British Editors and Reviewers with the most rare materials
for slandering this Country.
I do not suppose they intend this — they may not have considered the use which
will be made of their efforts. They have sent letters and publications to benev
olent' individuals, and enlisted their efforts in opposing the Colonization Society,
in order to prevent Mr. Cresson from collecting funds in England. Perhaps this
' was all they at first intended. But it is known' that there are those in Great Brit-
tain who have a keen relish for the writings of such travellers as Capt, Hall and
Madam Trollope, and are disposed to seize every opportunity for saying hard things
of the American people. Neither of these writers have furnished more precious
morsels for such a taste, than are to be found in the ' Liberator ' and ' Thoughts
on African Colonization.' Some in England are doubtless very glad of these ma
terials at this time. A spirit of Commercial enterprise is exploring with eager ex
pectation the regions opened in Africa by the discovery of the Landers, and the
American Colony at Liberia occupies a territory which would be very convenient
for the use of British capitalists, engaged in African commerce. And besides, this
Colony is becoming no mean rival of Sierra Leone. It is introducing republican
principles and American institutions and enterprise into that Continent, in a man
ner which is not fitted to secure the special favor of those who hold us and our in
stitutions in contempt. These considerations will lessen to some extent, tbe im
portance of British opinions in relation to the American Colonization Society.
Allowing that Capt. Stuart, and James Cropper, and Joseph Phillips are actuated
by the purest motives in opposing -this Society, tlie people of New England will
not think their opinions entirely conclusive, when it is known that they are based
upon Mr. Garrison's Twritings.j Capt. Stuart has written two pamphlets, which
?Letter of Professor Beriah Green of the Western Reserve College, Genius of Temperance
March 20. t Lib. Jan. 1833. J Genius of Temperance Vol. 3, No. 41.
§ " Your letter-,Thoughts— and Liberator have furnished abundant materials for Capt. Ftuart
to write another Pr mphlet on the subject of the Colonization Society. It will be printed at James
Cropper's expense and distributed throughout England. If this does not drive Elliot Cres
son out of England, we shall, if necessary, form a society." — Letter of Joseph Phil-
tips to Mr. Garrison. Lib. .Dec. 15, 1832.

47 *
have been widely circulated, and reviewed, by several English papers. The Me
chanics Magazine in an'article, headed "Negro Colony of Liberia," says: "This
self-styled ' philanthropic ' undertaking turns out to be a mere delusion." The Liv
erpool Mercury has expressed similar views.
The Eclectic Review has also published- an extended notice of Mr. Garrison's
'Thoughts' and Capt. Stuart's pamphlet. It is to be regretted that this work ,
which has usually exhibited so much candor in its notices of American Institu
tions, should have been misled on this subject by the publications referred to, or
by the zeal of those gentlemen engaged in circulating them in England. James
Cropper, at whose expense Capt. Stuart's pamphlet was printed, speaks of the
Colonization Society as " That most abominable attempt to perpetuate slave-
by "* and " a scheme, the most diabolical that ever entered into the heart of man'
to devise."* Joseph Phillips calls it " that satanic <im<2'diabolicai. combination
and conspiracy against that most interesting portion of the population of the Uni
ted States."* Such sentiments from active friends of abolition in England, the
New-England Anti-Slavery Society is aiding to circulate both in that country and
in this. It cannot be urged that this is the work of some rash individuals, for
whose conduct the Society is not responsible. It is the work of the.founders of
the Society. Tke Managers have now " appointed Wm. Lloyd Garrison as their
Agent," and he is about to sail for England under their direction, " for the purpose
of procuring funds to aid in the establishment of the proposed Manual La
bor School for colored youth, and of disseminating in that country the truth (?)
in relation to American Slavery, and its ally, the American Colonization Society "t
As a lover of my country I cannot desire to see her thus represented in Great
Britain. If by " disseminating the truth in relation to tlie Colonization Society," is
meant the repetition of such charges as have already been sent there in his
"Thoughts" and " Liberator," the sentence should read " disseminating ma
terials which will aid British Reviewers and Editors in vilifying the people of the
United States."
If the Managers of this Society would pursue such measures for the instruc
tion and elevation of the free colored people as are fitted to accomplish that object,
instead of filling their minds with .jealousy and bitterness, — if they would cease
their violent opposition to those who are endeavoring to do them good in another
manner, there would be no need of sending to England for funds to establish a
" Manual Labor School." Friends of Colonization generally in New England,
would unquestionably, be forward in this enterprise, but for objections such as
have been referred to. If these objections are not real, if they do nqt justify the
people of New-England in their unwillingness to co-operate with the Anti-Slave
ry Society in effo-rts for African improvement, it is hoped that the Managers of
that Society will obviate them. Let them show that their course of measures will
in the best manner benefit the African race, bond and free ; that all their means
ami measures are " sanctioned by law, humanity andreligion ; " and there is no indi
vidual who will more cheerfully lend them his feeble assistance than
A Citizen of New England.
* Lib. Dec. 15, 1832. 1 Lib. March 9, 1833.

Erratum.  Page 24, second line from the bottom, for G. W. P. Curtis read G. W. P. Custis.

THE COLOIVIZATIOIVIST.
AND , .
JOURNAL OF FREEDOM.

A publication with the above title has been commenced in Boston by George,
W Light, & Co. The first number has just appeared from the press, and doesp
credit to the enterprizing publishers. The Prospectus and the first article, explain
the course the publishers intend-'to pursue, .and deserve the attention ofthe friends
of "Liberty and the Union." The writer has two reasons for noticing it in
this place. ,t,
1. A conviction that such a work {speeded in Nmo England.
1. A confidence that if properly sustained, the publishers will make itwhai'is
needed. ,ai ,-;, -A Citizen of New England.
O3 The above work is published in monthly numbers of 32 pages each, at tieo,
dollars per annum. Persons becoming responsible for five copies, will receive a
sixth gratis. Subscriptions received at the office of the Vermont Chronicle.