His Exertions in Behalf of Africa

The darling object of Mr. Mills remains yet to be made known. It was that, in the prosecution of which he found a watery grave. The civil, moral, and spiritual degradation of the children of Africa, both in this land of civilization and Christianity and their own native regions of darkness, lay with continual weight upon his mind, and particularly after his first visit to the middle and southern states. Those to whom he unbosomed himself on this subject, could easily perceive that he was actuated by a power of feeling, and a confidence of faith, and a disinterestedness of desire, that prepared him to compass sea and land, to perform any labour, to endure any losses, to sustain any sacrifice in the prosecution of his design, and, if it were necessary, to die in the service of Africa.

It ought to be remembered with deep self-abasement, that the slave trade has found the mass of its abettors among nations nominally christian. According to the most judicious calculations, Africa has

Q been clrained annually of one hundred and fifty thousand of lis inhabitants — xlnd let us not repress the shameful acknowledgment, “the great receptacles of this unhappy race have been the West luilies and the United States. A million and a half are supposed to exist in our own free country!”

Nothino; is too wonderful forp an ao-e of wonders. It is no uncommon thing at the present day, to find good men and bad, nations and individuals uniting their protestations against the cruelties that have for ages been so wantonly inflicted on the African race. Since the establishment of the colony of Sierra Leone, and the revolution in St. Domingo, it can no longer be made a question, that a brighter day is rising on this long neglected people. Few more ardently than Mr. Mills anticipated this glorious consummation. All his measures in behalf of this depressed race, seem to have been adopted and pursued with a kind of supernatural assurance, that the time was not far distant when the galling chains of African bondage should be broken, and, under the mild reign of the Prince of Peace, Ethiopia should be lifted from her degeneracy, and “• stretch out her hands unto God.”

With the piety of the Christian, and the wisdom of the statesman, he early suggested, as one of the means of accelerating this work of benevolence, the establishment of a School, to qualify young men of colour for preachers and teachers to the African race. While he was linjjerino; in New-York and Nevv-Jersey, in the summer and autumn of 1816, he suggested and matured this plan. In his itinerations through the states, he had been preparing the minds of many srentlemen of influence to favour such an estabhshment, and had received from them so much encouragement, that he was heard to say, that if only a treasury was opened at the north, it Mould be tilled from the slave-holdinfif states. Arrangements were made to bring the subject before the Synod of New-York and New-Jersey, at their annual meeting in October, 1816. It was suggested to him to write to his friends in the different states on the subject; and before the session of the Synod, a large number of answers had been received, containing many interesting facts in favour of the establishment. The. matter was brought before Synod. A committee was appointed to examine the subject, some of whom when they went out, regarded the project as visionary and impracticable. But the extracts from these letters of Mr. Mills’ correspondents overruled every feeling of opposition, and secured perfect unanimity in the committee, and subsequently in the Synod, who at the same session adopted a system of regulations, and formed the plan of the School.

This Institution is now in a course of successful operation, under the management of a Board of Directors annually appointed by the Synod. In their narrative of the state of religion within their bounds for the year 1819, the Synod say of this Seminary, that “They would gratefully recount the fostering mercies of providence upon that Institution of their own efforts and prayers, the African School. Since the last report, four additional pupils have been admitted, making seven in all, whose deportment and proficiency have been such as to warrant the past expenditures of their patrons, and animate them to present hope and perseverance in this cause of Christian philanthropy; in the consummation of which, according to the tenor of prophecy, the destinies of Africa are to be elevated, and her sons introduced to the dignities and heirship of the children of God.” The agency of Mr. Mills in giving existence to this Institution, is very affectionately acknowledged by the Directors, in their Report to the Synod in the year 1818, soon after the tidings of his decease. The extract is as follows: — “But while the Board refer to these encouraging events, they cannot pass over one which has filled them and many of the friends of Zion with sorrow. They allude to the death of him to whom, though his modest and retiring nature concealed his agency from the world, the praise really belongs of originating the African School, as well as several other institutions, which rank among the most important and beneficial in our country,* who died in the service of Africa. The name of Samuel J. Mills ought to be known to the churches, and to be had in grateful remembrance, while worth is honoured, and humble, disinterested, laborious piety is beloved. For a mind teeming with plans to extend the Redeemer’s kingdom, wholly devoted to that single object, and incessantly engaged to rouse others to the same spirit, they fear they shidl not soon look upon his like again. When Africa has lost such a friend, her helpless and

* The writer of this article knows that the formation of the American Bible Societj’ ma)’ be traced to the Euggestious of Mr. Mills.

iretched state is more than ever to be pitied. Who will catch his falling mantle, and rise up to plead the cause of a poor outcast race?’’’’

Soon after the organization of the Board, Mr. Mills iaccepted an appointment as their agent, to solicit donations in the middle states. He had at the same time a commission from the Foreign Mission School in Connecticut, The following letter to a friend in New- York, was written during his absence on this tour.

‘’Philadelphia, July 15, 1817.

“DEAR BROTHER,

“I arrived in this place yesterday from Baltimore. 1 collected for the Mission School, while in the state of Virginia, about fifteen hundred dollars. I received at Baltimore, and two or three other places in Maryland, for the African School, about eight hundred dollars.

“I wish you to inquire whether Paul Cuffee is in jNew-York. About a week ago his vessel arrived there from Port-au-Prince: she is called the brig Traveller, Seabury, captain. I wish you to inform me immediately if he is in the citj. Do not neglect

this request. Brother C left Baltimore last

Monday. He obtained at that place between seven and eight hundred dollars, for the Cherokee Schools.” Your friend and brother,

“SAMUEL J. MILLS.

Rev. W — S.’*

126 MEMOIRS OF THE LA’iii

In the above commucication Mr. Mills mentions a name which he never repeated without delight, Paul Cuffee was a distinguished ornament to the African race, lie was a native of one of the Elizaheth Islands, near New-Bedford; and though educated in all the obscurity and penury of the great body of men of colour, rose to affluence, respectability, and distinction, by the energy of a mind that was equal to the noblest enterprise, and the benevolence of a heart singularly devoted to doing good. Long will the sympathies of Paul be remembered in behalf of degenerate Africa. No cause lay nearer his heart than the intellectual, civil, and moral elevation of that injured people. To advance this cause, he undertook, at his own expense, and in his owt» vessel, an expedition to the British settlement at Sierra Leone; he went to England for the purpose of suggesting his views to the Managers of the African Institution; and, after his return, made a second voyage to Sierra Leone, carrying with him about 40 persons of his own colour, with the view of commencing a settlement on the soil of his forefathers, having expended in this enterprise nearly $1000 from his own private resources. He died at West-port in Massachusetts, on the 7th of September, 1817, in the 59th year of his age, and in his life and death gave good evidence of germine piety. With Mr. Mills’ attachment to the African cause, it could not be otherwise than that he should be ardently attached to Paul. There were few men in whom he placed greater confidence, or who had more intimate access to the secrets of his bosom in relation to

his purposes of benevolence toward the inhabitants of AtHca. With what earnestness he flew to his bedside, though he was at a distance from him of nearly a hundred miles, that he might have the privilege of being with him in his last sickness, and maturing some favoured project for his unhappy countrymen, will be long remembered.

No apology is needed for here introducing a communication of the same date with the last, to a friend in Andover, who had been appointed an Agent of the African Board.

“Philadelphia, Juhj 1 5th, 1817.
My dear friend and brother,

“I parted with Mr. C — last week at Baltimore. He informed me that you had been appointed an agent to solicit for the African School. I do not know that you could be engaged in the promotion of a more important object. There are, as you know, more than a million and a half of people of colour in the United States and Territories, the greater part of whom are ignorant and vicious. More or less of the slave holders soberly maintain that they have no souls; and we might conclude, that the Christian public were of the same opinion, were we to judge of the trifling efforts they have made to improve their moral and religious character. It has been, and still is, the hard lot of multitudes of these people to be chained to tasks, and to have their labour re([uired of them with stripes, that a man of commoi feeling would weep to see inflicted on a brute. And to complete the climax of their suflferings, the Church has

withheld the only cup of consolation which could air leriate their sorrows — the hope of heaven, derived from the Gospel. It is true, that in the course of two or three years past, the religious public have begun to turn their attention to this class of their suffering brethren. Sunday Schools have been established to teach them to read their Bibles; and these schools extend from Raleigh, North-Carolina, to Portland, in the District of Maine. Still, comparatively little is doing, when we consider how long our duty has been neglected, and how much remains to be done. Hitherto, the Presbyterian and Congregational Churches have made less exertion in behalf of this class of the community than most other religious societies. The Methodists have in their connexion many men of colour, who are preachers, and who in some instances preach to large congregations. The same may be said of the Baptists. I know but of one or two Presbyterian Churches formed of these people in the United States. The Rev Mr. Gloucester, a very respectable man, and a member of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, was in Albany last fall, and was of the opinion that a congregation might be formed in that city from among these people, if a proper person could be found to collect them. A citizen of that place offered to give him fifty dollars a year, as his subscription, if he would stay there and use his exertions to form a Church; but no person could be found to supply his place. The Board of Managers of the African School have thought of requesting Mr. Gloucester to go to England, to make collections for that Institution. But it is not likely that a person could be found properly qualified to supply his place in America.

“I collected in the course of the last winter about eight hundred dollars for this Seminary. This sum was received principally from Baltimore and Washington. It was a very unpropitious time to attempt collections. I had sometimes to thrust my subscription paper over the heads of half a dozen miserable beggars; and still I was generally successful. I received considerable aid from slave holders. I informed the persons on whom I called, that the object of the school was to qualify young men of colour for teachers of schools and preachers of the Gospel, in hope of exerting an influence in correcting the morals and manners of their brethren in our cities and large towns; and also to raise up teachers for these people, should an effort be made to settle them by themselves, either in this country or abroad. Some gave to aid the school as an auxiliary to the colonization effort, who would not have given, had not that view been presented. I am confident that the people of colour now in this country, that is, many of them, will be settled by themselves, either in this country or abroad. The teachers who may be raised up, will promote this object. Whether they remain in this country or not, much must be done to qualify them for living in society by themselves.

‘•I have intimated, that in my opinion, great guilt has been incurred by the religious public, on account of their neglect of this class of the community This guilt has been incurred, not onlv by the slave holders,

R and Christians in the Middle and Southern States, but the people of New-England have the neglect of their talents and opportunities for benefitting these people to answer for. Had Sunday Schools and Free Schools been established many years ago, the example wo’ild have been soon followed here. Had teachers of schools and preachers of the Gospel been raised up, as is now proposed, they would have found a wide field for usefulness. But let us rejoice in what has of late been attempted, and endeavour to increase exertions in every possible way. Perhaps it would be well for you to have the names of some of the contributors to the school, that are on my book. We should give all religious denominations a chance to assist us. I have preached in all the pulpits I could gain access to, and stated my object. In your sermons or addresses stsite facts. Facts will always produce an effect, at least on pious minds. You can easily possess yourself of facts, the bare recital of which will make the heart bleed. If you are not already possessed of facts of this character, I can furnish you. These facts must be proclaimed in the ears of the people, that they may be induced to send the hope of the Gospel to the expiring and despairing slave, as well as to the debased and miserable free black. Teachers of the character we wish to raise up, I am informed, are wanted in Natchez and New-Orleans, and might probably be greatly useful. It is true, there are some parts of the Southern States where they could not at present be introduced with safety; but the field is altogether greater than can

REV. SAMUBL J. MILL§. 13)

be occupied for years, with all our activity and exer-Hon. I hope to hear from you.

“Yours affectionately,

“SAMUEL J. MILLS.
.; Mr. E W H:’

The remark has been frequently made, and has been repeated in the preceding pages, that a new era in the moral condition of mankind commenced about seven-and-twenty years ago. The question has been started, “Is there any thing in Providence which denotes that the relief and elevation of the African race belong to this new order of things*.’’” The reply has been, unequivocally, there is; and the evidence is truly astonishing. “Precisely at the commencement of the new era,” says this able writer,” this work began on a grand scale in different parts of the world, and has kept pace with the other series of events ever since. The new era wps ushered in by two great occurrences deeply affecting the negro world, and presaging their deliverance; one full of hope to those who desire their salvation; the other full of terror to those who oppress them I allude to the establishment of a colony at Sierra Leone, and the revolution in St. Domingo. The former was intended as a door through which Christianity and civilization should be conveyed into the heart of Africa; the latter threw upon the world two organized and independent states of negroes, a sight

* Plea for Africa. A Sermon preached before the Synod of N’.’w-York ar.d New-Jerspy. by Ld-vard D. Griffin, D.D.

t32 JltMOIllS OF THE LATF.

never before witnessed, and that too by an awful eruption in the centre of that part of the world which is most-deeply laden with sins against Africa. This revolution commenced in 1791; the colony of Sierra Leone was fully established in 1792. An unsuccessful beginning had been made Ci’c or six years before: but in 1791 a company was incorporated upon new and belter principles, and in 1792 the colony was confirmed by more than a thousand blacks transported from Nova-Scotia.”

While these efforts have been silently progressing in other parts of the world, America, than whom no nation under heaven is so deeply laden with obligations to the African race, or who have so many facilities to accomplish their restoration, I had almost said, has been utterly indifferent to the enterprise. Some few exertions have been made in New-England, and more in the cities of New-York and Philadel-* phia; but the public attention had never been aw ake to the important subject, till the formation of the American Colonization Society, at the seat of our government, in January, li)17. If there was one object to which Mr. Mills considered himself chiefly devoted, it was the interest and success of this Society. For more than two years before his death, his thoughts began to be turned toward the formation of such a Society. Wherever he went, this object w as kept in view; and the hope of doing something to promote it, was one of the reasons which induced him to take the tour of the stntes. While in llic southern stales, he was collecting facts respecting the condition of “his poor African brethren,” as he used to call them, and Avilh his characteristic discrimination, conversing with such persons as he found prepared to entertain his views. In the western states he was endeavouring to arouse the attention of the charitable and influential to the importance of the object, because he conceived that their weight in the councils of the nation, and their pecuniary aid, might be afterwards wanted. In Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, ITe laboured much to procure the grant of a township of land, on which a small colony might be established, both for the purpose of making the experiment, and evincing the utility of such attempts, and more particularly, to prepare a number of persons to take the lead in some more enlarged establishment west of the Mississippi, or on the coast of Africa; and in the large cities, he was accustomed to converse much with individuals, and with small assemblies of the most respectable free people of colour, to eno;a2;e them to stand ready to embark in the first feasible design that might offer.

The formation of a Society, with a view to colonize the free people of colour belonging to the United States, is a subject toward which the attention of some of the first men in our country has for years been directed with painful anxiety. As early as December, 1816, the general Assembly of the state of Virginia passed a resolution requesting the Governor of that state to correspond with the President of the United States, for the purpose of obtaining a territory upon the coast of Africa, to serve as an asyhun for such persons of colour as had been, or might be emancipated by the laws of that commonwealth.

134 MEUOIKS AF TMi LAl’t.

There was a failure in this negotiation, and the subject, with increased interest and redoubled responsibility, was thrown back upon the exertions of” individuals and associations of men voluntarily combining their eflforts in this laudable work. Through the unwearied assiduity of a number of gentlemen, among whom justice requires us to mention the names of Elias B. Caldwell, Esq., of the city of Washington, and the Rev. Dr. Finley, late of Baskingridge, in the state of New-Jersey, the interest which had been felt in this enterprise was revived. Toward the close of the year 1818, Mr. Mills was providentially made acquainted with the plan, and had an opportunity of affording it essential service. He left New-York the latter part of November, where, accidentally hearing of the movements at Washington, he repaired to that city. He arrived in time to attend a meeting, which had been appointed at the house of Mr. Caldwell, for the purpose of imploring the Divine direction, on the evening of the following day, when the expediency of forming a Colonization vSociety was to be publicly discussed. That meeting he attended, as well as the final meeting on the first of January, 1818, when the Colonization Society was formed — a joyful day to Mr. Mills, and a jubilee to the sons and daughters of neglected Africa.

Soon after the formation of the Society, much began to be said publicly in favour of the attempt to send the free people of colour to the western coast of Africa. That same year the Society presented a memorial to Congress, requesting that they would take measures to effect this object. This memorial was referred to a select committee, who reported at length and in a very able manner, in favour of the views of the Society. Owing to the pressure of business, Congress however did not decide on the report, but left it to have its salutary influence on the public mind, without any immediate legislative interference, while the Society felt no small encouragement to go forward in their benevolent purpose.

In the commencement of their operations, no small degree of embarrassment was felt through want of information as to the most eligible places for the establishment of a colony. With a view to obviate this embarrassment, it was resolved to commission persons of suitable qualifications to explore the western coast of Africa. This commission, replete as it was with responsibility, was put into the hands of Mr. Mills. No sooner had he accepted it, than he saw the importance of having a colleague to share the burden with him in this arduous mission. As the funds of the Society would not then allow of this appointment, Mr. Mills was employed in the formation of Auxiliary Societies in several of the large cities, till the Board felt warranted to incur the additional expense, and gave Mr. Mills the privilege of selecting his own companion on the tour. His thoughts were at once directed to a man of kindred spirit, who, to eminent qualifications for the service, added the one, that he was known to be the friend of Africa. The following letter, addressed to the Rev. Ebenezer Burgess, late Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in Burlington College, in the state of Vermont, as it presents the object of the ageucy and the character of both these gentlemen in so just a Ughf, will be read with interest.

Philadelphia, July 30, 1817.
•’ Brother Burgess,

‘• I wrote you last winter from the city of Washington. I sent on to you also a pamphlet containing an account of exertions made for the purpose of colonizing the free people of colour. The Hon. Judge Washinjjton is the President of the American Colonization Society. Other gentlemen belonging to the Board are very respectable characters. It is their wish to employ two men as agents, to go to England, and thence to Africa, to Sierra Leone, and to some other places adjacent to that settlement, for the purpose of obtaining information to lay before Congress at their next session, or the succeeding one, which shall enable the general government to act delinitely, and with decision, in aid of their object. Should the information which may be obtained in England and Africa be favourable, they expect that Congress will send a national vessel, with the proper persons, to Africa, to ascertain what parts of the west coast of that continent would be best calculated for the free people of colour; and also to make purchases of the natives, and open negotiations with the European government who now claim territory on the coast. The Board of Managers will likewise exert all their influence with Congress to put an entire stop to the slave trade, at least as far as Americans are engaged in this tralfic. They wish their isents to obtain for them all the information they can oil this subject, both in England and Africa. Whatever information shall be obtained, calculated to induce our government to take measures to suppress this traffic, will be presented to Congress by the Board. The Board have received a letter from Thomas Clarkson, (England,) expressing his satisfaction with their measures, and recommending the country called Sherbro, 50 leagues down the coast from Sierra Leone, as a very proper place for a colony. It is his opinion that that part of the coast does not fall within the limits of any European government, and may be purchased of the natives. He states the soil to be rich, the water good, and the natives friendly. He further observes, that the native tribes are broken into small elective governments, and could not, if they were disposed, do any great harm to a colony established on a proper scale. There are frequent communications between Sierra Leone and Sherbro; and more or less of the settlers at the former place speak the language of the natives of Sherbro, and are on friendly terms with them. Paul Cuffee has been requested by some of the citizens of Sierra Leone to commence a colony at Sherbro. He only wants the aid of our government to enable him to do this. Paul wrote to me last January, that it was his opinion that more than half of the people of colour in Boston and the vicinity would embrace the first opportunity to go out to Africa. More or less of the leading characters among these people in this city and Baltimore, are much pleased with the measures which are now taking to provide for them and theirs a settlement on the coast of Afnca. It is well ascertained that many oi the slaveholders will release their slaves, it” a place can be provided where these people may be settled by themselves, with a prospect of living comfortably. 1 yesterday received a letter from Mr. Caldwell, Secretary of the Board at Washington, informing me that it was ascertained that our minister at London, who is to take the place of Mr. Adams, is a decided advocate for the measures proposed by the Board. Auxiliary Colonization Societies are forming in different places; and it seems as if the nation were coming up to aid this effort. It is a noble elTort.

“I have been appointed by the Board as their agent in this noble expedition; and I am requested by them, if possible, to find a person who will engage in this mission with me. Will you go brother Burgess 7 It is impossible to tell the precise time the agents would be occupied on the mission. They would have extensive discretionary powers. They must be absent probably one or two years. They would leave this country on the first of October next for England, on board the vessel which is to carry the American minister to London. They would remain in England two or three months probably before they sail for Africa. Circumstances would determine how long they would remain on the coast. They would return by the way of England to America, or directly to America, as should seem expedient. All the expenses of the agents would be borne, and a suitable compensation for their services. I have not stipulated with the Board as to the precise sum.

“My brother, can we engage in a nobler effort? We go to make freemen of slaves. We go to lay the foundation of a free and independent empire on the coast of poor degraded Africa. It is confidently believed by many of oar best and wisest men, that, if the plan proposed succeeds, it will ultimately be the means of exterminating slavery in our country. It will eventually redeem and emancipate a million and an half of wretched men. It will transfer to the coast of Africa the blessings of religion and civilization; and Ethiopia will soon stretch out her hands unto God.

“My dear brother, your attention has, in the course of Divine Providence, been called to corjsider the debased and degraded state of the descendants of Africa. You have already made some exertions in their behalf Is not God calling upon you to do still more? You have some qualifications for the service proposed. Your knowledge of the Spanish language may enable you to perform more important services. The information you have already obtained on the subject under consideration, qualifies you to be eminently useful on the Mission. On receiving this, direct a letter to New- York. I shall be in Hartford, Con. by the 15th of August, and in Boston by the last Wednesday in August. I shall return from Boston to Hartford and Torringford, and there probably remain till the middle of September. In one of these places let me hear from you, and as early as possible.

“Your affectionate brother,

“SAMUEL .[. MILLS.
“Mr. Ebenezer Burgess.”

This was an appeal which it was difFicult for such a man as iJr. Hmgess to resist. Though the responsibility of such an agency awakened much solicitude, the objects and probable consequences of it awakened his benevolence and filled his mind; and he was pleased to signify his accoptance of the appointment in a letter to Mr. Mills, bearing date the 31st of August, 1818.

The instructions of these gentlemen from the Colonization Society, wore of a very general nature. The agents were directed to cmbnrk for London; upon their arrival there, to obtain all the information in their power relative to the West coast of Africa; to obtain letters of introduction to the Governor of the Sierra Leone colony, and other gentlemen; from London to proceed to the coast of Africa, and make Sierra Leone their principal station while on the coast; to visit the coast as extensively as possible; (o consult with the natives, and especially the chiefs, and ascertain whether an eligible spot can be found, which may be purchased at a fair price for the purposes of the colony.

Arrangements were made for them to sail in the ship Electra, a merchant’s vessel bound from Philadiclphia to London. Just before his embarkation Mr. Mills wrote the two following letters to his father;

“Philadelphia, Oct. 24, 1817.
‘’rev. ano dear father,

“While at New- York, I received a letter from the Secretary of the Colonization Society, requestiyg me immediately to repair to the city of Washington.

i am now on my way. The letter informed me that it was expected 1 should sail in the Frankhn 74, which is to convey the American Minister to London, and will sail in ten or twelve days. The letter stated that the Board would engage Mr. Burgess as the second agent, if the funds would permit. A meeting is to be held in Nev-York to-day, for the formation of a Colonization Society, Auxiliary to the American Society, and exertions will be made therfe to aid the Board. Further exertions will be made in Philadelphia. I think Mr. Burgess will be appointed. l( the Board should not have funds at this time to engage two agents, I shall use my efforts to have him to go out in the Franklin, and remain in this country a few weeks myself, until the funds are provided, and then improve the first opportunity of going to London to meet him. I intend to have a companion on the mission, and it is not likely I could find a better than Mr. Burgess in the United States,

“You know. Sir, that for years past, I have felt an earnest desire to meliorate the condition of the peo-= pie of colour in the United States. The hope of aiding in some plan to effect this object, was one reason which induced me to make the tour of the States; and though I returned from the second mission without seeing any plan in operation, which would give a prospect of relief, still I had obtained much useful information, which was calculated to enable me to judge of future plans which might be presented.

“When I left home last October for the South, 1 left, as I always have since I have been a Minister of the Gospel, with a mind ready to embrace any benevolent object which should present, and m hich should seem to demand my attention. Though I had certain objects particularly in view, still I did not consider myself obliged to give them my undivided attention. When I arrived in New -York last November, 1 was informed that the subject of colonizing the free people of colour was to be agitated at Washington. 1 left New-York as soon as possible, and went on rapidly through Philadelphia and Baltimore to that city. Immediately upon my arrival there, I called upon Mr. Elias B. Caldwell, with whom I was acquainted. He informed me that there would be a prayer-meeting at his house that evening, for the special purpose of seeking the divine blessing on a meeting which was to be held on the evening of the succeeding day, to consider the expediency of forming a Colonization Society. He likewise made me acquainted with the plan proposed, which marked out the west coast of Africa as the place for the colony. You will readily conceive that my first impression was favourable, from the circumstance that a prayer meeting preceded the discussion. I attended the several meetings, and gave all the aid I could. A part of my time was occupied in making collections for the African School, writing to Paul Cuffee for information, &€. The latter part of February I proposed to certain gentlemen the propriety of collecting and printing, in a pamphlet form, a view of the - exertions which had been made, comprising the 1 Constitution of the Society, the Memorial to Con- f gress, &;c. They readily acceded to it, and wished me to collect the facts, while they engaged it should .| be printed at the expense of the Society. This was done, and the pamphlet was distributed to the members of Congress, and likewise sent to different gentlemen residing: in the several States and Territories.” The latter part of March, partly for the purpose of keeping up the excitement which had been produced in favour of the colonization plan, I addressed a letter to the President of the Board of Managers, the Hon. Judge Washington, with whom I had a slight acquaintance, informing him that I would engage as the Agent of the Board, and visit England and Africa, should it be thought best to send one out. The Board at that time had no funds, and it was not my expectation that they could employ two men. This ofTer on my part led to the publishing of an address to the people of the United States, requesting the assistance of those w ho were disposed to favour the measure. The latter part of March I left Washington, and spent about three months in Virginia. On my return, I found but little progress had been made in collecting funds. The Committee of the Board requested me to act as their Agent, at Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New-York. They addressed letters to the Vice-Presidents of the Board residing in these cities, urging the formation of Auxiliary Societies. A Society has been formed at Baltimore, and another at Philadelphia. I suppose one is formed this day in New-York. I think the necessary funds will be provided.

“This is a brief outline of the progress of exertions thus far. We cannot see what will be the result of the mission, and we ought not to be over anxious. I never engaged in an object before which laid me under so vast a responsibility. I have entered upon it with no ordinary degree of trembhng, though 1 have generally been satisfied with respect to what is my duty. The object is, I think, a noble one; and we have reason to hope it will be approved by God. On his approbation it must rely for success.

“You will perceive, dear Sir, how much I need the prayers of pious friends, and of the Church. I hope you will live many years to pray for your aflfectionate son, and for Zion — And may we and those we love, love Zion and Zion’s King; and then we shall be sure to meet again, if not in this world, in a better.

“Your affectionate son,

“SAMUEL J. MILLS.

The following is his last communication before he left his native land.

“Philadelphia, Kovember 14, 1817.

“REVEREND AND DEAR FATHER,

“Mr. Burgess and myself have engaged our passage on board a ship called the Electra, which is to sail to-morrow for London. Our baggage is in part already on board. We are pleased with the present arrangement. We no doubt shall have a more pleasant time on board a private ship than we could expect in the Franklin. There are to be only seven cabin passengers, and, as far as I can learn, they will be agreeable companions. Should the season be fiivourable, we expect to arrive in London in about thirty days.

“We have letters of introduction to many gentlemen of respectability, quite as many as we shall find time to deliver. Our prospects are at present fair, but we know not what a day may bring forth. God moves in a mysterious way, in bringing about his great and glorious designs. He sometimes puts our faith to a severe test. When his Church are about to mnke some great effort for the promotion of his glory and the salvation of men, he not unfrequently removes some of the most prominent and apparently most important aids, lest vain man should glory in himself, and not in the Lord. I hope we shall always be prepared to say, the will of the Lord be done. I have been much with strangers; but the Lord has always provided and raised up friends for me, and I doubt not he will continue to do so. My companion and myself engage in this mission with perfect cheerfulness. I hope we feel that unless the Lord is with us, all is in vain. If the colonization plan be of God, sooner or later it will prosper; if not approved by him, let it fail.

“I shall write from London if I arrive there, and shall hope to receive letters from home soon after my arrival. I know I shall have an interest in your prayers, and those of my brother and sisters. I hope to be remembered at the throne of grace by many other friends.

‘’ I am your afTectionate son,

“SAMUEL J. MILLS.”

Mr. Mills left America on the 16th of November, !8l7, and after a short and perilous voyage, arrived,

T ill England late in December. “We little thongbt,” says the afflicted father, ‘• when my son left us to sail for Africa, that we should sec him no more. We recollect distinctly his apparent composure on the day lie left us. After he had taken his seat in the carriage, he observed to me, the God that hath preserved me from the pa2v of the ear, alluding to the dangers of his former mission, maif protect me from the paw of the lion. It appeared that he enjoyed peculiar peace of mind, committing hiniself entirely to the guidance and protection of the Almighty, in view of the perils of the undertaking.*’ — Perils there were; but he who governs the world for the sake ol” the Church, is not unmindful of the dangers of his people, Whatbefel them on their voyage will be disclosed by the following letter:

Kov ember 1^, 18 17. On board the Electro long. 43

ktt. i 1.

*’ DEAR AND HONOURED FATHER,

‘* I wrote you last on the 15th, the day we left Philadelphia, to embark on board the Electra, which was lying at Newcastle. We went on hoard the 16th, and left the Capes and proceeded to sea the same evening. We have a very good ship, and but .six cabin passengers. Captain Williams is a very worthy man; he does all he can to render our voyage comfortable and pleasant.

“Since we have recovered from our sea-sicknes? We have attended evening prayers, and the way i< always open for religious conversation. The caplain does not permit profane language, excessive

REV. SAMUEf. J. MILLS. 147

<3riuking, nor any species of gambling, on board the <^liip. We have now been at sea ten days, and have had an unusually prosperous voyage thus far. We hope to be in the English Channel in a little more than a v eek from the present time. The weather has not been pleasant since we left the Capes, but the wind has generally been favourable. Some days have been squally — occasionally a good deal of lightning. Once we conceived ourselves in some danger from a water spout. This alarming phenomenon, in some instances, does great damage to vessels at sea. A large quantity of water is raised to a considerable height in the atmosphere, and suddenly falls on the deck of a ship with such a force as to sink her at once. I do not know, however, that accidents of this kind occur in so northern a latitude.

“I think it a very happy circumstance that we took our passage in a private ship; we have no reason to think we could have enjoyed the peace and quieten board the Franklin that we do here.”

“December 5th ai sea: Friday evening. This evening we found soundings, and are in the English Channel. Our passage has been rapid thus far.”

‘• Dec. 1 1 thf on hoard the Ekcira: harbour of Si. Malo, in France. You will not expect to hear of my being at this time in France. A wonderful dispensation of Divine Providence has brought us here.

“On Sabbath evening, the Gth, we encountered a severe gale, and all tfie ship’s crew were ordered on deck. The wind continued lo blow with great violence, until 4 o’clock Monday afternoon, ^rhen the captain despaired of saving the ship. He ordered

J 48 MEMOIR.^ UK THE LATE

her masts to be cut away, and her deck to be cleared, and informed us that he had done all he could for us. He maintained his position on deck with surprising composure and fortitude, until about 3 P. JVl., though perfectly wet and dashed by almost every wave. At our earnest request, he consented to step below to exchange his clothes; but in a moment the mate whispered to him to come on deck. The breakers were seen directly astern. We came near a ledge of rocks, the sea dashing against them with great violence, and the foaming surf rising far above their summit, while the ship was all the while drilling directly towards the ledge. The captain was heard to say, “We are gone for this world!” Utterly despairing of safety on board the ship, he took his two sons, one about 14, and the other about 12 years of age, together with one of the most active sailors, stepped into the boat astern, cut the cordage, and she fell off. In her fall the boat overset, and the youngest son was washed away, while the others adhered to the keel. The next sea righted the boat, half filled with water, and three succeeded in getting into it. W’ e traced them as the boat rose on the summit of a few receding waves, and saw them no more! — The shij) was driving directly towards a line of rocks, which extended both ways further than the eye could then distinguish, and dashed the waves like clouds into the air. Although Mr. B. had scarcely been on deck the whole day, yet in this crisis, when all was consternation, and death was believed to be our inevitable destiny within a fcAv minutes, he went upon deck to compose the minds of our shipmates, Vviio croNvcled around him to be commended to the mercy of God. At the same time, a fesy teilow-p jssengers were kneeHu;^ in ierverit praj er in the cabin. As we approached the rocks within a a lew rods, contrary to all expectation, a strong current carried the ship along in deeper water toward the right hand of the reef Immediately the mate ordered the rudder to be put on the starboard side, and the ship wore away and sailed some distance nearly in a line parallel to the rocks, and then crossed at the western extremity, just grazing on the shoal of sand! All exclaimed, it is (he work of God!’

“Mond if A’^ght the storm still raging, was a dark and gloomy night, as you will readily conclude.

“Tuesday Mornings the storm abated. Our masts. sails, shrouds, and anchors were gone, though we found the hull of the ship sound, and all hands in usual health.

Tuesday 12 o’clock we discovered land, which we thon.ht to be the island of Guernsey. The ship continued with partial sails, to be in some degree under our direction. At I o’clock, P. M, we discovered land in another directios), which coidd more readily be gained as the wind then was; but as it was near night, and we were unacquainted with the coast, we concluded, if possible, to lie to, and attempt to gain land in the morning, which was ten or fifteen miles distant. We then had twenty-four fathoms of water. We had previously lost both our anchors, during the gale. Ttje next morning we found ourselves but a few miles from our position the evening before, and within a short distance of land.

and the weather pleasant. By means of the chart, we concluded the land in sight was the coast of France, and that we were near St. Malo. By eight o’clock in the morning, we discovered a number of boats coming ofiTto our aid. By twelve o’clock we received a pilot from the harbour of St Malo; and at five o’clock, P. M. were safe in the harbour.

“Wednesday. lOth. We are all well, and have not fuflfered any loss of property. You will adore the distinguishing goodness of God in my preservation, in that of my companion, and the rest who were preserved with us in the ship. I shall hope to write to you again soon, and give you a more particular account.

“S. J. M.”

“Harbour of St. Malo, December II, 1817.

“REV. AND DEAR FATHER,

“After our severe trials, which 1 have briefly related, you will rejoice with me, when you contemplate my present quiet, and as I consider, safe situation. The sun shines out and gives a pleasant view of the surrounding country. The city of St. Malo is not more than a quarter of a mile from the ship. This city contains ten or twelve thousand inhabitants. It is a kind of citadel, surrounded with a high wall, built of stone. The buildings are of stone, generally ofaliglit colour; and from our place of observation the city presents a very antique appearance.

“We shall be detained in the ship to-day, and probably longer. We must undergo a quarantine; but as we have no sickness, we earnestly hope to be

delivered from our prison soon. Our cabin was so deluged with water during the gale, that it continues very damp. Our beds and bedding have been wet, and the weather is cold and chilling, though we have a part of the day a fair sky and the shining of the sun.

“I hope, my dear Sir, that by the late dispensation of God’s providence, I shall learn submission to the divine will, and more entire devotedness to God. My life, which has been in a signal manner preserved, should surely be consecrated to his service. To the present time I have not dared to attempt a particular account of the scenes which I have passed through since the last Sabbath evening. The scene is so deeply settled in my soul as not to be eradicated while I live. O God, I thank thee for my preservation, and that of my dear companion, and our other friends rescued from the devouring flood. While we lament the loss of some of our number, we know that though ’ clouds and darkness are round about Him, justice and judgment are the habitation of his throne.’

‘He moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform — He plants his footsteps on the sea, and rides upon the storm,’

Ah, yes; ’ he rides upon the storm’ — he follows witfe his unerring eye, and sustains with his almighty hand the weary and the tempest-tossed. Verily, if the Lord had not been on our side, the proud waves had gone over our souis. O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, for his wonderful works to the children of men! Ye that go down to the sea in

152 MLMUlRS OK THE LAT£

ssliips, that do business in great waters, praise ye the Lord. O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness! In whatever condition we may be; whether on the land or on the sea — whether among friends or strangers; every moment we experience his preserliiig care and kindness; — but when he brings us up from among the dead — from the bowels of the ocean, and permits us to Labour yet a little longer in promoting the precious kingdom of his dear Son; — how great, how immense are our obhgatioiis to live lo him alone!

“Your afTeciionate son,

“SAMULL J. MILLS.”

After the delay of six davs at St. Malo, Messrs. Mills and Burgess proceeded by land to Havre-de-Grace, and on the same evening took passage in a regular packet for England, in twenty-ibur hours arrived at v’oulh Hampton, and the next Uiorning entered London, Early after their arrival, they presented their letters to Zachary Macaulay, Esq. formerly Governor of Sierra Leone; to the Rev. Messrs. lratt and Bickersteth, Secretaries of the Church Missionary Society, who were partially informed as to the designs of the Colonization Society and the nature of the embassy, and gave tiicm many expressions of their confidence. Mr. VVilberforcc also received them with great cordiality, and perused their letters and commission with deep sensibility and high approbation. — The Rev. Mr. Owen, the Secretnry of the British nr.d Foreign Bible Society, and the Rev. Mr. Henderson, the Agent of that Society in Russia, were providentially present at this interview; and there was an enthusiastic reciprocity of feeling, which is not often witnessed or experienced. Though all were coramunicative, yet the father and patron in the company was all speech, action, thought, and benevolence. Mr. Wilberforce kindly olli’red his services to introduce the genllemen to Lords Bathurst and Gambier, and to prepare the way for their introduction to his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, the patron of the African Institution. His Royal Highness received them with ail condescension, and showed himself much gratified with the object of the American Society. Lord Bathurst, Secretary of State for the Colonies, cast his eye over their commission, and promptly ofiTered to give them letters to the Governor of Sierra Leone, and other officers, on the coast. Lord Gambier expressed a deep interest in the embassy; called on the gentlemen at their own lodgings, and politely proffered any services in his power to promote the views of the mission. No narrow views, no political prejudices, no supreme regard to national or personal aggrandizement, prevented the friends of humanity in England from listening to the nature of the embassy, interposing their influence in favour of this benevolent object, and affording the agents every facility and all reasonable assistance in the prosecution of their purpose.

After adjusting all their concerns in England, they embarked for Africa on the 2d of Feb. 1813. Some of the incidents of this voyage are stated in the fol-U lowing leltcr to his only sister. It is the last he ever nrotc.

‘’ On hourd Ihc ship Mni, February 26, 1818.” On the 3(1 of February we embarked on board the ship Mary, for Sierra Leone, then lying oflfG ravesend. Wo were then in hopes that we should arrive on the African coast in eighteen or twenty days; but in this expectation we have been greatly disappointed. For some days after we left Gravesend we had very light breezes, and progressed but slowly. Soon after we were out of the English Channel, we began to experience contrary winds, and during ten or twelve days encountered a number of gales, the wind almost uniformly against us. It is now the 26th of February, the time in which we calculated to have been on the African coast, had the winds been favourable; and yet we are not further distant i’rom London than what is often attained in live or six days. For eight or ten days preceding the present time, Ave have been obstructed by adverse winds — tossed about in the Bay of Biscay — some of the time in sight of the Spanish coast. Last evening the wind came round from the southwest to the northwest, and we are now proceeding prosperously on our voyage. Although we have experienced this delay, yet we have passed most of our time pleasantly, and I hope j)rofitably, since we have been on board. We have a very good ship; our accommodations are such as to render us very comfortable, and the officers of the ship are kind and skillbl men. Thus far the Lord hath dealt with us in mercy. His hand hath been stretched forth tor our preservation, and we hope we shall be able to put our trust in him for the future. Myself and companion are aware that we have embarked on a mission attended with much hazard of our lives. We conceive the future danger to arise principally from the climate of the country to which we are going. Should we be detained on the African coast, this danger will be increased by our late arrival there. The most favourable season for Europeans or Americans to visit the western coast of Africa, is in the winter. We now hope to arrive on the coast by the 15th of March. Could we have reached there two or three months earlier, we should have esteemed ourselves highly fortunate. Circumstanced, however, as we are, we are not without hopes, that the object of our mission may be effected without any very considerable delay, and we thus be enabled to leave at least soon after the commencement of the rainy season. But we do not feel that we ought to be greatly anxious in our present situation. We have used our best efforts, both before and since our leaving the United States, to arrive on the coast at the earliest period possible. hether I am to live or to die while engaged in this mission, God only knows: but one thing we know, and in this we will rejoice, Ethiopia shall soon stretch forth her hands unto God. The time will come, when the barbarous tribes of Africa shall worship Jesus as King in Zion — The time will come, when her children, now under oppression and in bondage, shall become the freemen of the Lord. — And should I die in Africa, and not again visit the

156 Mi:Moms of the late

land of my nativity, still it would be i>;reat consolation to my dear IViends, might they hope, as did Mr. Psewell in another case, ‘*• that my bones had taken possession of the promised land, and would rest in the glorious hope of the final and universal triumph of Jesus over the god of this world.” The responsibility of my station at this time, I consider to be vast, lar beyond any tiling that has been ever before attached to my situation. But I hope I did not engage in it rashly — certainly not before 1 felt a full conviction that the contemplated measures would be approved of God By this manner of expression, I do not intend to express my entire confidence that precisely the measures contemplated will be succeeded at once. “God moves in a mysterious way.” But this I believe, that the agitation of the subject now under consideration, will eventuate in the most happy results. If an evil exists in a community, a remedy must be sought, especially if it be an evil generally and necessarily increasing in its unhappy eflfectB. As long as no exertions are made to redress the grievance, the case must become every day more hopeless.

‘’ As the unhappy state of the free people of colour, as well as that of the slaves, had long occupied my thoughts, it was with peculiar pleasure that on my arrival at Washington, in December, 18i7, I found the subject engrossing public attention: not that I ever supposed that a million and an half of men, or even a considerable proportion of that number, would be at the present time particularly benefitted by this discussion — or that even any more than comparatively a very sinall part of the free people of colour could at present, .or very soon, be greatly beneiitted by the measures proposed. But I considered a movement, or even a disposition to agitate fhe subject, as a ray of light breaking through a dork cloud, and as the precursor of another and another. I felt it my duty, therefore, to give the design all the aid 1 could.

“I felt the more constrained to do this, as I perceived after the formation of the Colonization Society, that there was danger that the interest which had been excited would subside, and thinirs revert to their former state. The sending agents to Africa would help to keep the subject alive in the public mind, and as the impulse seemed evidently to be benevolent, there was a prospect that happy consequences would ensue could that impulse be kept up.

“Beside, a consideration of the state of the free people of colour, might lead to measures calculated to improve their condition at home, if a place could not be provided for them abroad. It might lead to measures to restrain the practice of kidnapping, and even for improving the state of the slaves; and lead eventually, perhaps, to the emancipation of many of the latter class. If, by pursuing the object now in view, a few of the free blacks of good character could be settled in any part of the African coast, they might be the means of introducing civilization and religion among the barbarous nations already there. Their settlement might increase gradually; and some might, in a suitable time, go out from that settlement and form others, and prove the occasion of great good. These, and many other like views, which I had taken of the subject, induced me to undertake the arduous business, and to act as agent for the Society. We have great hopes the plan will succeed. God has protected us thus far, and we hope he will return us again to our friends. Farewell.”