History of colonization on the western coast of Africa.

Front matter

I c

*

K

Chapter I. Description Of The Western Coast Of Africa

Face of the Country. Soil. Climate. Productions. Native Tribes. Government. Tribes in the vicinity of Sierra Leone. Their Habits, Language, and Religion. Topography of Sierra Leone. The Slave Trade. Effects of Colonization 25

Chapter II. Origin Of The Colony At Sierra Leone

Disasters attending the First Settlement. A second company is sent from Nova Scotia. Settlement at Freetown. Great Mortality. LTnexpected cost of the undertaking. Visit of a French Squadron. Arrival of Maroons from Jamaica. State of the Colony. Church Missionary Society for Africa and the East 31)

Chapter III. Origin Of African Colonization

Dr. Hopkins. His Missionary Scheme. Dr. Styles joins him. Public Appeal. Reply from the Christian Knowledge Society of Scotland. Bristol Yamma and John Quamine sent to Princeton. Letter of Philip Quaque. Salmur Nuba. A Second Circular issued. The Enterprise frustrated by the War. Dr. Hopkins’ Scheme first suggested the idea of African Colonization. Labours after the War. Remarkable Case of Newport Gardner. After the lapse of half a century Gardner and Nuba are ordained Deacons in a church formed at Boston for Liberia 48

Chapter IV. History Of The American Colonization Society

American Slavery at the close of the Revolution. Thomas Jefferson. African Colonization first seriously contemplated by Dr. Thornton, of Washington. Great attention to the subject of Slavery in Virginia. Plan of A*

VI

CONTENTS.

Mr. Craighead. Plan of Judge Tucker. Action of the Virginia Legislature. Letters between President Jefferson and Governor Monroe. Intention of the Resolution of the Virginia House of Delegates in Secret Session. Jefferson’s Letter to Governor Page. Consequent action of the Legislature. Ann Mifflin’s Scheme. Letters to and from Jefferson. Charles . Fenton Mercer. His Speech at a Public Dinner. Dr. Robert Finley, the'4-' Father of the American Colonization Society. Some Notice of his Life.

The First Public Meeting in America to consider the subject of Colonization, held at Princeton, New Jersey 59

Chapter V. Proceedings At Washington

Dr. Finley goes to Washington. Public Meeting there. Speeches of Messrs. Clay, Caldwell, Randolph, and Wright. Preamble and Resolutions offered by Mr. Caldwell and adopted. Formation of the American Colonization Society. Constitution. First Meeting January 1, 1817. Officers. Memorial to Congress. Report of the Committee of the House of Representatives. Suggested Negotiations. Joint Resolutions. Effect of the action of Congress 80

Chapter VI

VOYAGE OP MESSRS. MILLS AND BURGESS.

Rev. Samuel J. Mills. His Colonization Scheme. His Plan for Educating the People of Colour. Approves of Dr. Finley’s Plan, and devotes himself to the cause. With Dr. Burgess sails for Africa. Visit England on the way. Arrive at Sierra Leone. Extracts from Mills’ Journal. John Kizzell — account of him. Letter of Governor Columbine. Kizzell’s Communications. Sail for Sherbro. Extracts from Journal. Return. Death of Mills 98

Chapter VII. First Expedition To Africa In The Elizabeth

Congress pass an act authorizing the institution of an Agency in Africa.

Rev. Samuel Bacon and Mr. John P. Bankson appointed Agents. Dr. Samuel Crozer Agent of the Colonization Society. Rules for Emigrants. Sailing of the Elizabeth in company with the Sloop-of-war Cyane. Arrival of the Elizabeth. Cyane arrives. After consultation determine to locate on Sherbro Island. Kizzell suspected. Conference. Troubles of the Colonists. Sickness and death among them. Death of the Agents 112

Chapter VIII. State Of The Colony After The Death Of The Agents

The Board not discouraged. Rev. Daniel Coker acts as Agent. He visits Sierra Leone. Consults Governor McCarthy. Arrival of the John Adams. Captain Wadsworth. His kind and efficient assistance. His Letter to

CONTENTS.

vu

Elias B. Caldwell. Captain Trenchard’s Letter to the Secretary of the Navy. Coker removes the people and stores to Sierra Leone. Arrival of Messrs. E. Bacon and Winn, Government Agents, and the Society’s Agents, Messrs. Andrus and Wiltberger. Anniversary Meeting of the Society 1821. Case of the Schooner Plattsburg 128

Chapter IX

THE COLONY UNDER MESSRS. E. BACON AND ANDRUS.

Extracts from Bacon’s Journal. The Voyage. Arrival at Sierra Leone. Health of the Emigrants. Messrs. Bacon and Andrus explore the Coast. Their Journal. Their Return. Arrival of the Alligator. Death of Mr. Andrus, and Mr. and Mrs. Winn. Resolutions of the Society 134

Chapter X. Laws Of The United States Respecting The Slave Trade

Laws prohibiting the Slave Trade. Law of the state of Georgia and action under it. Mr. Mead’s visit to Georgia and his success. Supplementary Act of Congress. President Monroe appoints Agents to go to Africa. Auxiliaries. Reputation of the Society abroad. Interesting Account of Recaptured Africans 157

Chapter XI

AGENCY OF DR. AYRES, AND PURCHASE OF CAPE MESURADO BY

HIM AND CAPTAIN R. F. STOCKTON.

Dr. Ayres offers himself to the Board. Sails in the Shark. Arrives in Africa. Purchase of Cape Mesurado in conjunction witli Captain R. F. Stockton. Agreement for the purchase of the land. Removal of the Colonists from Foura Bay to Cape Mesurado. Large meeting of the Kings, and their consent that the Colonists should remain. Dr. Ayres proposes to return to America. Appoints a Superintendent, and sails June 7th, 1822. . 167

Chapter XII

AGENCY OF MR. JEHUDI ASHMUN.

Perilous condition of the Colony. Providential arrival of Mr. Ashmun. Recaptured Africans from Georgia. State of the Colony. Sickness. Ashmun makes preparation for the defence of the Colony. Attack of the Natives. Battle. Dispersion of the enemy. Second attack. Again repulsed. Peace restored, with the assistance of Major Laing 177

Chapter XIII

THE COLONY UNDER MR. ASHMUN.

Death of Midshipman Gordon. Famine threatened. Arrival of the Cyanc. Noble conduct of Captain Spencer. Communication of Mr. Seaton. Mr.

via

CONTENTS.

Ashmun’s despatch. Dr. Ayres returns as Principal Agent. Condition of the Colony. Description of Cape Mesurado 198

Chapter XIV. Administration Of Ashmun Continued

Mr. Ashmun’s relations to the Board. Just resentment. He still takes charge of the Colony. Efficient labours. Arrival of the Cyrus with Emigrants. Great distress of the Colony. Gurley’s visit to Africa, with despatches from the Board. He approves of Ashmun’s conduct. His Return. Despatches from Ashmun 207

Chapter XV

ashmun’s ADMINISTRATION CONTINUED.

Arrival of the brig Hunter. Settlement on the St. Paul’s. Action of the Board. State of the Colony. Expeditions. Great mortality among the Emigrants. Arrival of recaptured Africans. Mr. Ashmun’s health. Purchase of territory. Ashmun sails for the United States. His death at New Haven 219

Chapter XVI. Lott Carey Missions In And Near The Colony

Colony left in charge of Lott Carey — his Life — his Letters to the Board — his sudden Death. Death of Dr. Thornton. Dr. Randall appointed Agent, and sails in the ship Harriet with one hundred and sixty Emigrants 241

Chapter XVII

randall’s administration.

Dr. Randall arrives at Monrovia. His opinion as to the state of the Colony.

He penetrates into the interior. King Boatswain’s Town. Colonization in Hayti by the Society of Eriends. Failure of the scheme. Gerrit Smith’s plan for raising funds. Subscription to the plan — note. Communication from Dr. Randall, containing an Account of his Exploring Tour.

His Death. Notice of his Life. Resolutions of the Board 257

Chapter XVIII. Operations At Home

Annual Meeting 1827. Speeches of Messrs. Clay and Mercer. Anniversary of 1828. General Harper’s Speech. Remarks of Messrs. Latrobe, Harrison, Key, Custis. Expedition in the ship Doris. Decree of the Su-

CONTENTS.

IX preme Court of the United States concerning recaptured Africans. Further Expeditions. Prosperity of the Society. Death of Judge Washington. Visit of Swiss Missionaries to this country on their way to Africa. Mr. Russwurm sails. Visit of two Kroomen to the United States. Dr. Mechlin appointed Agent. Constitution of the Commonwealth. Ashmun’s Digest of Laws. Address from the People of Monrovia to the Coloured People of the United States. Formation of Auxiliary Societies 273

Chapter XIX

THE COLONY UNDER DR. MECHLIN, 1830.

Mr. Hodgson’s Letter to the Board. Annual Meeting of the Society. Resolutions of the Board. Mr. Clay’s Speech. Increased opposition to the cause of Colonization. Formation of the African Education Society. Dr. Mechlin’s Report on the State of the Colony. Description of Caldwell. Printing press established in Monrovia. Sailing of the Montgomery. Return of Dr. Mechlin. Death of William Henry Fitzhugh. Statements of Mr. Devany concerning the Colony. Extracts from Captain Sherman’s Letter. Mr. Erskine goes to Africa. His death 295

Chapter XX. African Education Events In The United States

Death of Dr. Anderson. Obituary notice. Sailing of the Caroline. Mr. Robert S. Finley, Agent at Home. Action of the Board on Education. Institution of the African School Society at Hartford. Unfavourable feeling in the Southern States. Fourteenth Annual Meeting of the Society. Dr. Mechlin’s despatch. His Letter to Elliott Cresson. Resolutions of the Maryland Legislature. Letter of Captain Woodside. Movement in Kentucky. Captain Kennedy’s Letter. Southampton Insurrection. Sailing of vessels to Africa. Captain Weaver’s Letter 345

Chapter XXI. Events Of 1832

Fifteenth Annual Meeting. Mr. Madison’s Letter. Judge Marshall’s Letter. Arrival of the Criterion at Monrovia. Captain Abel’s Letter. Proceedings in the Virginia Legislature. Resolutions in Congress. Mr. Cresson’s services in England. State of the Colony. Disturbance among the Natives. Attack of the Colonists. Their victory, and its effects upon the Natives. Letter of Dr. Mechlin. Situation of the recaptured Africans. Simpson and Moore visit the Colony, and their Report. Hannah Kilham.

Mr. Clarkson’s view of Colonization. Opposition to the Colonization cause. Garrison’s attack. Action of the Abolitionists. The Liberator. Captain Crowell’s Letter 364

X

CONTENTS.

Chapter XXII. Affairs Of The Colony In 1833

Dr. Hodgkins’ Letter. Anniversary Meeting. Accession of Territory. Health of the Colony — its Commerce and Education. Sailing of Mr. Pinney as Missionary. Embarrassment of the Society. Action of the Maryland Legislature. Vindication of the Society. Bequests. Jacob W. Prout. Despatches on the state of the Colony. Abandonment of friends. Letter from Mr. Pinney 336

Chapter XXIII. Formation Of The Maryland Society

Reasons for their separate action. Determine to form a separate Colony. Departure of their first Expedition in the brig Ann, under the charge of Dr. James Hall. Dr. Hall’s Treaty with the Natives. Favourable state of the Emigrants. Further Expeditions. Arrival of Native Africans in Baltimore. Communication from Dr. Hall. Arrival in Africa of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson as Missionaries. Dr. Hall’s firmness with the Natives. Mr. Holmes sent out to relieve Dr. Hall. Letter of Dr. Hall, note. His despatch, 405

Chapter XXIV. Cape Palmas

Mrs. Wilson’s Letter. Her devotion to the cause. Sickness of the Missionaries. Flourishing state of the Colony. Treaty with the Natives. Mr. Burt’s Letter. State of the currency. Sailing of the Financier, and Niobe. John B. Russwurm appointed Agent. Letter of Dr. Hall 423

Chapter XXV. Affairs At Home

Seventeenth Annual Meeting. Gerrit Smith's speech. His conversion to Abolitionism. Death of Dr. Balch. Expeditions sent out in the Ajax, America, Jupiter, and Argus. Mortality among the Emigrants. Bassa Cove purchased by Dr. Mechlin. Agriculture and Education. Messrs.

Cox and Pinney. British Emancipation. Abolition in the United States.

Mr. Thompson 433

Chapter XXVI. Colonization Societies Of Pennsylvania And New York

Organization of the Pennsylvania Society. Dr. Hawes’ slaves. Messrs. Cresson and Naylor’s commission — Proceed to Virginia — Their Report. Re-

CONTENTS.

XI port concerning the first Expedition. Mr. Tyson’s Oration. Extracts from Phrenological Journal of Edinburgh. Formation of the New York Colonization Society. Union of the two for the establishment of a Colony. Sailing of Dr. Skinner in the Jupiter. Resolutions of the New York Colonization Society. Annual Meeting of the New York Society. George Thompson. Testimonies. Letter of Captain Nicholson — Of Captain Sherman — Of Captain Abels — Of Simpson and Moore — Of Captain Voorhees. 445

Chapter XXVII

AGENCY OF THE REV. J. B. PINNEY.

Arrival of the Jupiter. Mr. Pinney’s reception. Letter of Captain Voorhees. Population of the Colony. Difficulties at home. Exertions to remove the debt. Revision of the Laws. Situation of the new Emigrants. Description of the Bendoo country. State of the Colony on Mr. Pinney’s arrival.

His successful labours. “ Half-way farms.” Moral and Religious state of the Colony. Arrival of Dr. Skinner. Report of Mr. Jones. State of Education. Resignation of Mr. Pinney 472

Chapter XXVIII

AGENCY OF DR. E. SKINNER, 1835.

Character of Dr. Skinner. He enters upon the duties of his office. Prosperous condition of the Colony. Simpson and Moore. Sailing of the Rover. Testimonies in favour of the Colony. Schools. Cedar Park Liberian Association. Native Wars. Religion in the Colony 487

Chapter XXIX. Colonization, And The Colony In 1836

Sailing of the Luna. Departure of the Swift. Second passage of the Luna. McElroy’s Letter. Extracts from Miss Moore’s Letter. State of the Colony. Letter of Mr. Buchanan. Ynamby’s Palaver. Maryland Colony. Simleh Balia. Extracts from Rockwell’s Sketches 502

Chapter XXX

VICE-AGENCY OF -MR. A. D. WILLIAMS, 1837.

Mr. Clay appointed President of the American Colonization Society. Auxiliary Societies. Charter of the Society. Account of Moro. Missionary Operations. Meeting in Liberia in favour of Colonization. Dr. Bacon’s Letter. State Societies. Governor Matthias’ Letter. Influence of the Colony upon the Natives. Testimonies in favour of the Colony. Mr. Hutton’s Letter. Captain Nicholson's Letter. Simleh Balia 520

XU

CONTENTS.

Chapter XXXI. The Colony In 1 8 3 8

Mr. Garland’s Speech. Embarrassments of the Society. Samuel Wilkin, son — his project. Elliott Cresson. Auxiliary Societies. Situation of Emigrants. Lewis Sherridan. Expeditions. Greenville — Virginia State Society. Letter of Lieutenant-Governor Williams. Difficulty with the Natives. Missionary Operations. Dr. Taylor’s Letter. Statement of Mr. Brown.

Dr. Goheen’s Letter. Affairs of the Colony. Thomas Buchanan appointed Governor 546

Chapter XXXII. Commonwealth Of Liberia Under Governor Buchanan

State of the Colony. Health of Governor Buchanan. His Letter. Attack upon the Baracoons. Battle and Capture. Captain Bell’s Letter 570

Chapter XXXIII. Wars With The Natives

Attack of Gatoomba. Governor Buchanan’s Measures of Defence. His Negotiation. Second Attack. Buchanan’s march against Gatoomba’s town. Pinney’s Letter. Embargo Laid. Sailing of the Saluda. Difficulty respecting Slavers. Arrival of the Boxer and Grampus. War near Bassa Cove. Capture of New Cesters by Captain Denman. Captain Bell’s Letter. State of the Colony. , 581

Chapter XXXIV

governor buchanan’s administration, 1841.

Arrival of the Cyane. Commander Latimer’s Letter. Union of the American Colonization Society and the Mississippi State Colonization Society. Niger Expedition. Expeditions— R. Groning, Union, Rcgulus, Saluda. Death of Governor Buchanan. Dr. Day’s Letter 596

Introduction

The best method of disposing of the free people of colour, so as to promote the highest interests both of them and the citizens of this country, among whom they dwell, is a subject of momentous consequence, concerning which very different opinions have been entertained. The idea of providing a place for them on the coast of Africa, met the views of a large number of the most intelligent and benevolent men in this country; and the apparent difficulty, if not impracticability, of removing so great a number of persons to such a distance, furnished, for a long time, the only objection to the enterprise. The obstacles were indeed very formidable, and would have discouraged the efforts of any men not animated by a noble enthusiasm in the cause of humanity. The first difficulty was to obtain a territory on the coast of Africa — a country possessed by numerous savage tribes, all deeply engaged in the slave trade, and jealous of every body, and every measure, which might possibly interfere with this nefarious traffic. The legislature of the state of Virginia had made an effort, through the President of the United States, to acquire such a territory, but without success. How then could it be expected, that a voluntary association, 1

INTRODUCTION.

•without funds, and without the aid of civil government, would be able to plant a colony on the shores of a continent more than three thousand miles distant? But great as were the obstacles in the way of success in this enterprise, they have been overcome. Liberia, not only exists, hut is in a flourishing condition. Perhaps no colony has ever existed where so much that is calculated to render society respectable and happy, was to he found. An undoubted right to a territory of considerable extent has been secured, by fair purchase, from the native kings and chiefs. The country is uncommonly beautiful and fertile, and to the natives, or those who are acclimated, as healthy as any country in the world. The people of the colony live in comfortable houses, and are plentifully supplied with food, with moderate labour. The country is also -well situated for commerce, by attention to which, a number of persons have acquired a handsome property, and live in as much elegance and affluence as the majority of merchants in this country. The privileges and security of a regular republican government are fully enjoyed. The people choose their own representatives, and have a legislature and judiciary of their own choice, and their own colour ; the only officer appointed by the board of managers in this country is the governor; and for some years, this office has been filled, both at Monrovia, and Cape Palmas, by coloured men. From all accounts, there is as much good order, morality, and subjection to law, in Liberia, as in any other country ; and the evidence of it is, the peaceful state of society, and the small number of convictions for transgression of the laws.

The community of Liberia is also distinguished for

INTRODUCTION.

its schools and religious privileges. Nearly all the children of the colony have the opportunity of attending school ; and almost the whole population are in the habit of regular attendance on public worship, on the Sabbath ; and we do not know any community upon earth, where so great a proportion of the people are serious professors of religion. All intelligent persons who have visited the country, however strong their prejudices against the colony before, have come away very favourably impressed in regard to its prosperous condition ; and all visiters have concurred in declaring, that the people appeared, almost universally, to be contented with their condition, and to entertain no wish to return to this country. The problem has been fairly solved, that the coloured race are as capable of improvement as the whites, and in every department of government, they have manifested sound sense and discretion, equal to what could have been expected from people of any other nation, with no greater advantages of education, than they have enjoyed. Indeed, we have not seen any state papers which indicate a sounder judgment, and more just discernment of the true interests of the colony, than those of Governor Roberts. Even in his correspondence with officers of the British navy, on points of international law, he appears to great advantage; and we understand, that the administration of Governor Russwurm has given such entire satisfaction to the Maryland Colonization Board, that they are extremely unwulling that he should resign his office.

Two things, in relation to the native Africans, deserve special attention ; the first is, that several hundred natives recaptured from slave ships, have been settled in

INTRODUCTION.

the colony, in a village by themselves, and are now among the most orderly and industrious of the citizens, having, for the most part, embraced Christianity, and possessing schools and churches, where young and old attend with as much order and solemnity as in any civilized country.

The other is, that many thousands of the natives choose to reside within the territory of Liberia, for the sake of security and peace, which they there enjoy; and willingly obey the laws of the colony.

And although hostile and formidable attacks were made on the colonists, when they were few in number, so that their preservation must be ascribed to the remarkable interposition of Providence — yet, now, they are free from all apprehension of danger, and are at peace with all the surrounding tribes. And so high is the opinion entertained of the government of the colony, that frequently, the disputes among the neighbouring tribes are referred to them for arbitration.

The influence of the colony in putting an end to the slave trade, has been confessedly great. The coast now possessed by the colony, had long been famous for this inhuman traffic; but now along a coast of three hundred miles, there is not more than one or two places, where any slaver dares enter. It may truly be said, that more has been done by the establishment of this little republic of freemen, to suppress the slave trade, than by the combined operations of both the British and American navies. Reflecting men, both in Great Britain and in this country, seem now to be convinced, that the only effectual method of putting an end to the slave trade is to plant colonies along the coast, and to

INTRODUCTION.

make trading and agricultural establishments in every accessible part of the interior.

Whether this colony was commenced in wisdom, or imprudently, it now exists, and cannot be abandoned. There it stands on the savage coast of Africa, and is likely to exist for a long time to come. Hitherto, no ill consequence has followed from the prosecution of the scheme of colonization; except the sacrifice of a number of valuable lives on a coast peculiarly unfavourable to the constitution of white men. It has provided a home for some thousands of coloured people, a large portion of whom exchanged slavery for freedom, and a degraded condition in society for one of independence and dignity. Who can doubt that the colonists of Liberia are in a far more eligible state, than if they had remained in this country? And who can tell the beneficial influence which they may hereafter exert on the native inhabitants of the dark continent of Africa ? This little free republic may, for aught we know, be the germ of a great and flourishing empire. Look back three hundred years, and you will see a few feeble colonies of Europeans, struggling with the most formidable difficulties, and often on the very verge of extinction, and now behold these small colonies grown to be one of the most powerful nations upon earth ; extending its commerce to every quarter of the habitable globe; producing by agriculture, in rich abundance, all the articles most necessary for man’s subsistence; and manufacturing clothing far more than is needed by its twenty million of inhabitants. Let it be considered, that the same benignant Providence which watched over this rising country, and raised it to its present eminence 1*

INTRODUCTION.

among the nations of the earth, has also smiled on the infant republic of Liberia.. The indications of Divine favour toward this colony have been most marked, and some of them truly extraordinary, as will most fully appear, in the events recorded in the following history.

The principal difficulties have been encountered and overcome. A work has been achieved, by a few indefatigable and philanthropic men, which, to posterity, will, we doubt not, appear the most interesting and remarkable event of the first part of the nineteenth century. No such work was ever before accomplished by means so inadequate. Unless Providence had signally prospered the enterprise, the object could never have been realized. It is to us, who have with interest marked every disaster, and every step of the progress, a most astonishing object of contemplation, that a private association, in a little more than twenty years, should, by voluntary contributions, without the aid of the general government, have been able to establish a well ordered and happy republic on the desert shores of Africa, at the distance of three or four thousand miles! This is, indeed, a thing which would scarcely be credited, if its truth depended on common historical testimony.

The idea of removing all the coloured population of this country, has been ridiculed as fanciful and impracticable. But however short the enterprise may come of accomplishing all that would be desirable, in regard to this unhappy race, yet let it be kept in mind, that whatever may be accomplished, is so much clear gain; gain to those who go, by greatly meliorating their condition ; gain to those who stay, by diminishing their number ;

INTRODUCTION.

gain to the white population who desire to be exempt from this class of people, and prospectively an inconceivable gain to Africa, by kindling on her borders the lights of Christianity, civilization, and useful science. If not another individual should be added to the colony from this country, Liberia may still flourish and increase, and become a rich blessing to benighted Africa. It should be remembered, however, that the American Colonization Society never proposed such a thing, as the object of its institution, as the removal to Africa of the whole coloured population of this country. Their plan embraced no others than free people ; they carefully avoided any interference with those held in bondage by the laws of the States where they reside. The only influence which the Colonization scheme can have on slavery is indirect: by furnishing a comfortable asylum for such as are free. Many conscientious and benevolent slaveholders, who were restrained from emancipating their slaves, from the consideration that there was no place to which they could be advantageously sent, upon seeing that the colony in Africa furnished such an asylum as they wished, have been induced to liberate their slaves, and in a number of instances, to furnish them with every thing necessary for the voyage, and in some cases, besides giving them an outfit, have generously paid their passage. The Colonization Society, therefore, while it never proposed emancipation as its object, has done more incidentally, to promote emancipation, than all the Abolition societies in the country. Indeed, these have, as far as is known to us, redeemed no slaves from bondage, but without intending it, have, by the course which they have pursued, riveted the

INTRODUCTION.

chains which confine the slaves more closely than ever. No one has a right to complain on account of the emancipation of slaves, by the will and free consent of their owners. The abolitionists if sincere in their professions, ought to rejoice in every instance of the kind ; and the advocates of slavery, have no right to complain, for the fewer the number left, the more valuable their services. But if Liberia should continue to flourish and increase, it is not so improbable as many suppose, that the greater part of the African race, now in this country, will in the inscrutable dispensations of Providence, be restored to the country of their fathers. Why so many of this unhappy race were ever permitted to be brought to America, begins now to appear. They were sent here by a benignant Providence overruling the wicked passions of avaricious men, that they might be christianized and civilized, and might carry back to their benighted countrymen, the principles of religion, freedom, and representative government.

But whether these hopes shall ever be realized or not, much good for Africa may be effected by the Colonization enterprise, much good has already been effected, and the beneficial results of the colony will not stop here. Every thing is in progress; and the time, even the set time to favour this long benighted land, is drawing near. No instrumentality is so likely to be effectual to bring light and civilization to her tribes, as the return of her own sons.

If the pagans of Africa are ever converted, as we believe they will be, it must be by the preaching of the gospel, and in order to this, missionaries must be sent; and it is manifest, that the existence of Christian

INTRODUCTION.

colonies in that country, will furnish a degree of safety to preachers of the gospel which they could not otherwise enjoy; and afford facilities for introducing the gospel into the interior, which in no other way could be had. Already these little settlements on the coast of Africa, have become fields for missionary labour; for the natives continue to dwell in the territory ceded to the colony, and while they are under the civil jurisdiction of its government, they retain their own towns and personal property. It is true, that at Cape Palmas, some misunderstanding took place between the government and the missionaries of the American Board, hut this furnishes no argument against the utility of colonies as auxiliaries to missions. The occasion of this difference may have been owing to undue rigour in administering the laws, or it may have been owing to unreasonable demands and expectations on the part of the missionaries; on this subject we wrish to express no opinion ; but surely this difference of opinion between the officers of government and the missionaries, does not in the least prove that the existence of colonies may not be highly beneficial to the operations of missionaries among the heathen. Other missionaries at this same place have found the vicinity of the colony important; and in one instance, a worthy missionary was exposed to imminent danger from the violence of the savages, from which he was delivered by the seasonable arrival of one of our vessels of war; but had there been no colony there, no such relief would have been experienced. Missionaries greatly need the aid and protection of civil authority, as appears by the present unhappy condition of the islands in the Pacific. All that can reasonably

INTRODUCTION.

be inferred from the unpleasant disagreement alluded to, is, that missionaries should be very careful to submit to the laws and obey the orders which may be found necessary for the welfare of the colonies where they reside, and gratefully to accept the protection and facilities for introducing the gospel, afforded by the colonies. And Christian rulers in these colonies, should do every thing in their power to aid the missionaries in their arduous work of propagating the gospel among the surrounding pagan tribes. But it is not an unfounded expectation, that the colonists themselves will establish missions among the heathen in their vicinity, for they have already commenced the work. Both the Methodist and Baptist denominations have engaged in this work, and not without encouraging success. Indeed, it is our belief, that this great work of evangelizing Africa, will be accomplished, not so much by missionaries sent from abroad, as by the zeal and Christian enterprise of the various colonies which from time to time will be planted along the whole western coast of Africa. Some very interesting facts have recently occurred, in relation to this subject, in the colony of Sierra Leone. A number of recaptured Africans from countries in the interior, after being instructed in the doctrines of Christianity, wrere desirous of revisiting their native land ; and accordingly were furnished with the means of returning to their friends. The communications of these converted Africans, prepared the w?ay for a visit from missionaries, sent out from Sierra Leone, who have been cordially received by the king of a region of which little was heretofore known; and there is now a pleasing prospect of propagating the gospel in this benighted

INTRODUCTION.

region. And it is a well ascertained fact, that some of the African nations, among the most cruel that ever lived upon earth, appear now disposed to receive missionaries, and pay attention to the gospel. Were it not that the climate of Africa is so inimical to the constitution of the white man, there is not a country on the globe, where there is stronger encouragement to missionary efforts. But it seems the ordination of Heaven, that Africa shall be regenerated by the instrumentality of her own sons, chiefly. And it is an interesting fact, that already from among the emancipated slaves of the West Indies, missionaries have gone, or are preparing to go to Africa, to carry the glorious gospel to their benighted countrymen. This view of the effect of the Colonization scheme, is to our minds the most animating of all others. The redemption of Africa from the cruel tyranny of the prince of darkness, and from the most miserable and degrading bondage of the cruelest superstition upon earth, is the object on which our hopes are fixed ; and we do believe from the signs of the times, that the period is not far distant, when “Ethiopia shall stretch out her hands unto God,” and we confidently expect, that the American Colonization scheme will act an important part in achieving this great work.