His Journal as Agent of the Colonization Society
A PLEASANT passage of thirty Jays brought them to the coast of Africa on the 12th of March. The events which occurred from this date will better appear from the journal of Mr. Mills while in that country. The preparation of this document was the last service he was permitted to perform. It is in itself so excellent, and is in so few hands, that the reader will expect somewhat copious extracts.
“Ship Mary, of Cape de Verde,
Thursday, 1 1th March, 1818. “We left London on the 2d February, and on the 7th sailed from the Downs. For eighteen days we encountered head winds and strong gales, and made slow progress. On the 25th we had a distinct view of Cape Finisterre, in Spain. On the 3d of March we passed Madeira, and, on the 6th, Palma, and other Canary islands. We expect to see Cape Verde to day. and to anchor in the river Gambia to-morrow.
‘• While on the voyage we have been chieily employed in reading books which treat of the people, climate, oil, and piochictions oi Africa.
“At 4 p. M. we exLilled at the sight of Africa, and began to draw, with our pencils, imperfect sketches of the coast, the eminences, trees, &:c. Cape Verde is high, open to the sea-breeze, and verdant in appearance. The two eminences are called Mamelles; the cape terminates with islands of rocks.
“The mouth of the Senegal is about 100 miles northeast of Cape Verde. The island St. Louis, belonging to the French, lies nine miles up the Senegal, and has a mixed population of five or six thousand. It is valuable as a military and commercial station, to command the trade of that great river.
“As we passed south of the Cape, Goree presented itself to view. This island, which belongs to the French, is little better than a barren rock, about three-fourths of a mile in circumference, w ith a population of four or five thousand. We saw the vessels in the harbour, and the flag at the fort. It is a place of resort for European invalids, while on the coast.
“Gambia Friday 1 th March.
“Early this morning we began to enter the noble Gambia, between Cape St. Mary’s and Banyan Point on the right, and Sanguomar, the Bird Islands, and Barra Foint, on the left. The bay is 12 or 1.3 miles wide, and the mouth of the river between Barra and Banyan Points is six miles wide. The weather is very pleasant, the thermometer at G<3 degrees, and the sun obscured by a hazy atmosphere.
‘^ At 12 A. M. we anchored near the village St. Mary’s, situated on Banyan Point. It is an infant settlement, commenced only two years ago. The governors house, the barracks, and a few other houses, are tolerably well built; most of the others are constructed of very slender materials, just suflicient to afford a shade from the sun, and a shelter from the dews and rains. The people were cheerful, and generally employed in some kind of labour. Some were unlading goods; some burning shells for lime; and some at work in the carpenters’ and smiths’ shops. We stood some time to see a company of soldiers go through the manual exercise. They were mostly Africans, above the ordinary stature, well formed, and neatly dressed. They appeared to be quite expert and intelligent. The military force of the place is about 100 men. A few pieces of cannon, mostly dismounted, are arranged along the beach. There is no fort or block-house. Notwithstanding the exposed state of the settlement, there is no fear of assault from the native tribes. The number of Europeans is about thirty, and the population of the village is already seven or eight hundred. Trade is the soul of the colony: this will increase annually, as the trade of the whole river will concentrate here. The spot doe. not invite to agriculture, and there are none in the settlement whose interest and dispositions incline them to it. The officers attend to the civil order and safety of the colony; the merchants hope to amass a fortune and return home. There is, as yet, no attention paid to literary or moral instruction; hence, the internal improvement of the place will be very slow, unlcse some humane society afTonl their aid.
“Gambia Saturday I ith March.
•■’ VV^e made our respects to the commandant, and became acquainted with most of the Europeans here. They gave us several facts respecting the slave-trade, which is now renewed by the French, at the Senegal and Goree, to a great extent. Some hundreds of slaves have been smuggled away in canoes and small vessels, by night, even from this river and the parts adjacent, within a few months.
‘* We walked out from the settlement two or three miles. Most of this space, overgrown w ith wild grass, Fesembled a prairie of Illinois or Missouri. The herds of eattle, which abound in this vicinity, become very tolerable beef by feeding on grass alone. We saw marshy spots, where the tide had some time flowed, encrusted over with salt. We measured an Adansonia, (monkey-bread tree,) which was 40 feet in circumference.
“This settlement claims only a small tract of land, for the use of which there is an annual allowance of a small parcel of goods to the king of Combo. This man is well spoken of, and is said to be averse to the slave-trade, w hich cannot be said of many of the native kings. This is a noble river, and flows through a luxuriant country.
“Gambia, Monday, 1 6th March, 181H.” We embarked in the brig Success for Sierra Leone, leaving the Mary to urdade a part of her cargo.
EBV. SAMUEL J. IkllLLS. J 63
We hope to arrive there in four or five days. It would have been very pleasing to us to have gone up the Gambia a few hundred miles. But our time is invaluable to us before the rains, and we hasten to that part of the coast which our instructions require us to survey.
“At St. Mary’s we saw Capt. Lloyd, a friend of the lamented Park. Another interesting person was Thomas Joiner, a native African. He was a son of a prince of some distinction, who lived about six hundred miles up this river. When a boy, he was kidnapped and sold in the West Indies. He was afterwards redeemed by an English captain, who knew his father. He was well educated in England, and restored to his country. He is a man of good character and habits, and has acquired property and influence. He has just returned from England, where he left two sons for an education. He says that he shall buy a brig the next year to import his own goods. W ill not some of our American people of colour be fired by this example.’* They might fit out vessels to trade to this country, which would enable them to ascertain its valuable productions, and to survey parts of the coast. Such an intercourse they would find much to their advantage. This will most naturally lead to settlements in this country.
“The more we leaen of Africa, the more confident we are that the plan of the American Colonization Society will eventually succeed. We obtain increasing proofs of the fertility of the soil, and ascertain a greater variety of the productions of the country. If the slave trade, that mother of abominations and source of woes unutterable, can be annihilated, Africa will revive and assume a respectable rank amone: the nations of the earth.
“Sierra Leone, Sabbalk,22d J]arch, 1818.
^’ At 9 A. M. we are sailing into Sierra Leone river which is about ten or twelve miles wide. The mountains rise in irregular ridgos and peaks, one beyond another, and present a grand and verdant appearance.
“At 11 A. M. boats and canoes came to us from the town. We anchored below to uait for the next tide. The town has the appearance of a neat and pleasant village. For health and commerce, its local situation is admirable. It is too hard and hilly for agriculture.
“Several villages are in sight. The church on Leicester Mountain is in full view, and aids us much in our devotional thoughts on this sacred day.
“The altars on these mountains, which the natives had dedicated to devils, are falling before the temples of the living God, like the image of Dagon before the Ark. The time is coming when the dwellers in these vales and on these mountains will sing hosannas to the Son of David. Distant tribes will learn their song. ‘Ethiopia shall stretch forth the hand unto God and worship.’
“Sierra Leone, Moyiday, 23d March.” We are sorry to learn that Gov. Macarthy is absent on a visit to the Gambia. e made our respects to the commandant, chief justice Fitzgerald, and the council at the government house. We presented Lord Bathurst’s letter. They said in obedience to his Lordship’s instructions, it would give them pleasure to take us to different settlements in the colony, to show us the schools, and to render us any assistance in the objects of our embassy. We were grateful, as we should be, and saw the wisdom of our coming by the way of England. We delivered our letters in the colony. JMany of the people of colour were joyful to see us. The death of captain Cuffee is deeply lamented.
^’•Sierra Leone, Thursday, 26 fh March, 1818.
“We visited the schools in Freetown. In the male school were about 200 neat, active, intelligent boys, divided into eight classes, under the superintendance of Mr. Horton, whose perseverance and fidelity art; entitled to high commendation. We saw the writing of the boys, and heard them read and spell. In the female school were about 100 neatly dressed little girls, many of whom could read and sew. These schools would do no dishonour to an English or American village. There was not a white child in either of them, r believe schools of white children seldom give fairer proofs of good improvement.
“The number in all the schools in the colony, including some adults, does not fall much short of two thousand. This is about one-sixth part of the whole population.
“Sierra Leone, Friday, 21 th March, 1818. In the evening we met the principal members of l66 MEMOIRS Ot Aixi- aTE
the Friendly Society. This Society was instituted amoMg the colonists at the suggestion of the late Paul Cuiree. John Kizell is the president. We made a full statement of our object. All appeared to be much jrratitiod. It was not the first notice which they had of our design, as we brought many letters from their bretln’cn in Boston and New- York. It was their opinion that wherever the colony might be formed, it was not expedient to request a large tract of land at first, as the kings might be alarmed lest we should take their country from them. If we can gain footing in an eligible place, there will not be much difficulty in obtaining additional grants hereafter as the land may be wanted. One observed, that if a man of great wealth should come and wish to buy one of our houses, we might sell it to him: but if he should wish to buy all Freetown, an alarm would be made at once.
“Some of the kings have a suspicion lest those whom they have sold to slave traders should return and revenge on them their wrongs. This fear would be increased if” the territory desired was of great extent. One man who was sold from the Sherbro nearly thirty years ago, has lately returned. He openly asserted, that if any person should take any of his family and sell them, he would kill that man without the least hesitation.
“We informed the meeting of our design to go down the coast to Sherbro, and wished to know whether they would recommend any of their number who might go with ns as interpreters and advisers
REV. bAMUEL J. MILLS. {67
It was understood that Mr. Kizell and Mr. Martin would accompany us.
“Before we parted, we addressed our prayers to God; to whom the honour and glory of this great and benevolent enterprise will belong, if it is carried into effect.
Saturday, 28th March, 1818.” Monday we expect to begin our tour down the coast, and have been much occupied to-day in making preparations. We have engaged a sloop of 10 or 15 tons, with a captain, five men and a boy, all Africans, at six dollars per day, they finding their own provisions. Mr. B. and myself, with Messrs. Kizell, Martin, and Anderson, our pilot, complete our number. We have laid in some provisions, calculating on an absence of three or four weeks, and have taken some goods with which to purchase additional provisions, and to make the necessary presents to the kings and headmen, on whom we may call.
“Sabbath, 2dth March, 1818.” Setting out at six o’clock in the morning, in company with several gentlemen, we rode to attend public worship at Regent’s Town and the Christian Institution. The Christian Institution is a large school for the captured children, established by the Church Missionary Society, and stands on Leicester mountain, three miles from Freetown. This Institution accommodates about 200 children of both sexes, who are mostly named and supported by individual benefactors in England. These are children once destined to foreign slavery, now fed, clothed, governed, and carefnllj taught in the Christian religion. — Assembled in the church to worship God, they are a spectacle of grateful admiration; and their state happily exemplifies the divine origin and holy principles of the religion in which they are taught. Regent’s Town lies in a valley, with a fine brook running through it. Some hundreds of acres are cleared by the people. It has the appearance of a new and flourishing settlement. The wilderness buds and blossoms like the rose. Here we saw two hundred children in the schools. On the Sabbath more than 1000 of the children and people were present in the church, neatly dressed, sober, attentive to the reading of the word of God, and uniting their voices to sing his praise.
“Monday, 30fh March, 1818.” A part of the day has been occupied in taking our departure for our tour down the coast. About 3 p. M. we made sail and beat our way doM n to Cape Sierra Leone, which we passed before night. As our African captain is afraid of damage to the ship by running in the night, we came to anchor a few miles from the Cape. The high ridges of the mountains present a pleasing prospect, and the more so, as we know that hosannas are sung to Zion’s King upon their very summit. So God has kindly ordered: the chain is broken, and the captive slave is free.
“Phntahi Islands Tuesday 31 5/ March.
“This morning early we were in sight of the Bananas. They aflbrd a handsome prospect. We propose to call on Thomas Caulker, the head man of the islands, who is understood to have influence with Somano, and other kings in Sherbro.
“At 9 A. M. we anchored off the Bananas, and went to pay our respects to Caulker. He met us at the landing, and invited us to his house. After we had conversed together some time, and walked about the town, we took our seats in a spacious room, furnished with chairs, tables, &c. Mr. K. presented Mr. C. a iew bars of tobacco and powder, and stated to him our character, and the objects of our visit to Africa. He said that we had been sent by the friends of Africans in America, to find a place where a colony might be formed to which the descendants of Africans now in America might resort; and as we were going down to see king Sherbro, we wished to consult with him too, as we knew that he had considerable influence with those on whom we were to call. He said our designs was like Paul Cuffee’s, whom Mr. C. had known. I then observed that he knew how the people had been carried from this country some hundred years past. Many of their descendants were now free. Some had already returned to this country: others wished to return if a «-ood place could be found for a colony, and the kings favoured the plan. Caulker, who appears to be a sensible man, said, he was pleased with our object, and wished we might succeed. He thought it would be a very good thing for this country, if a co- 170 MF^MOlKS OF THE LATE *
lony could be ionned at Sheibro. He said a settlement miijht be iormcd as we proposed, on the Caniarauea river, which he claimed as his territory; but that large vessels could not pass the bar of the river. We said that on some accounts a settlement iurther down the coast would be preierred, as the colony of Sierra Leone claimed ti.e north bank of the Camaranca. He said he would send his son and nephf’w with us to the Plantains, and to Slierhro, to tell his desire to favour us, and his wish that they would do the same. He charged the young men to tell the kings our object was a good one.
‘’ We left the Bananas at 1 2, and arrived at the Plantains at 3 p. M. a distance of twenty miles. George Caulker, head man of the Plantains, is a nephew of Thomas Caulker of the Bananas, and has spent six or seven yenrs in England, for education. As the surf ran too high for our small boat, we made a signal for a canoe to take us on shore. It was soon along side, paddled by six men.
‘* The head man received us in a friendly manner, and invited us into his house, which was a very convenient building. We laid before him a small present, and made known the object of our visit. He expressed a fear that the colony would hereafter claim more territory than it ought. Sierra Leone had now become powerful, and had already taken a considerable extent of territory under their direction. He said the kings would have less objection to an American colony if the people of colour were to govern the colony themselves. They are afraid that white men will take their country from them, but they will not have the same tears of their brethren. We told him that we were of the opinion that the good men, in our country, who sent us here, would be well satisfied to have the colonists govern themselves, if the proper persons could be found among them. If the white people should interfere, and appoint a governor of the colony, it would be only to give it stability and security; and, whatever part they might take at first, they would he looking forward to the time when the people of colour should govern themselves. This view of the subject seemed very satisfactory to him, and he said his sentiments were the same as his uncle’s, and should be pleased to have us settle at the mouth of the Camaranca.
“Yorh Island IVcdnesday lst April.” Last night we anchored in seven fathoms water, half way between the Plantains and Sherbro Island This morning we sailed along Sherbro Island, and as we approached Jenkins we saw the mouth of the Bagroo river, and the highlands in the interior; the former eight or ten miles, and the latter 20 or 25 miles, distant. Sherbro Island is usually estimated at 22 miles by 12, in extent. At 10 a. m. we called at Samo, a town of 20 huts, on the island, half a mile from Jenkins. A canoe took us on shore. Somasa, the head man of Samo, was not at home. William Ado is the head man of Jenkins. The brother of Somasa accepted our little present, and heard our words. He said as his brother was not at home, he could not turn one way or the other, i. e. presumed not to express his opinion. We walked about the isLand, found the water good, and the surface 15 or 20 feet above the sea.
“At 3f. m. we arrived at York Island, now occupied by Mr. Anderson, formerly of Bance Island. This island may be two miles long, and one broad, is low, unhealthy, and surrounded with mangroves. We visited the ruins of an old fort or castle — walls very thick — bricks uncommonly rod and hard — stone of a quality not to be found about here — probably built 200 years ago, now partly washed away by the tides.
“Bendon, Thursdaif 2d Jlpril.
“This morning we came to Bendou. King Soma- 110 has three villages near him, and owns considerable tracts of land in diflferent places. Soon after we anchored, he sent a canoe on board to know who were come. The messenger was told that two gentlemen had come from America to see him. We were pleased to learn that Safah of Chaa was here, as it would be necessary to see him likewise.
“At 10 A. M. we went on shore and found king: Somano seated in the Palaver-house. This is only a conical roof, supported by posts, leaving an area about twenty feet in diameter. Mr. K. took his seat near the king; Mr. B. and myself nearly in front. Safah soon made his appearance, marching along between the mud-walled cottages, dressed in a silver-laced coat, a superb three-cornered hat, a mantle around his neck hanging nearly to the ground, blue bafta trowsers, considerably the worse for wear; witnout stockings or shoes. Somano was dressed in a common gown and pantaloons, with hat and shoes. Safah is large, has a broad African face, and an inquisitive eye, Soraano is rather slender, and has a face less striking: both are nearly sixty years of age. After a full introduction to the kings, we had to shake hands with the men and women, who had collected around to the number of 40 or r>0. Some of our party went to the schooner for our present, before the palaver could be opened. Mr. K. left his handkerchief in the chair as a pledge that he would come back. Our present consisted of a piece of bafta, a keg of powder, a few bars of tobacco, and a small jar of rum. The last article Mr. K. was requested to obtain for us, as we were told they would in no case hold a palaver without it; and we have reason to believe our information correct. These people are only children of a larger growth, and we would hope by a temporary conformity, gradually to wean them from their vicious customs. One jar only was first set before them: they contended that there were two kings, and they must have two bottles: nor would they yield this point until a second was produced. The palaver now went on. Mr. K. stated, in a very satisfactory manner, the nature and objects of our visit: That we came from America, from Washington, the capital of the United States; that wise and good men had agreed to help the black people m ho wished to come to this country; that the design was a good one, and would promote the best interests of the black people both in America and Africa: that if they should sell or give tracts of their unimproved lands, the people who came would introduce more knowledge of the arts and of agriculture: would buy such things as they had to sell, and would sell to them such things as they wanted. They listened with attention. We made additional statements, with which they expressed their satisfaction. Safah inquired if we had any book with us. We told him we had. Mr. B. read, and Mr. K. interpreted some parts of our instructions, particularly the article which directs us to visit Sherbro.
“During the discussion, the kings suggested fears that an American colony would do as Sierra Leone had done, (referring to a war which in the event dispossessed king Thorn of the country adjacent to the colony.) Mr. K. defended Sierra Leone, and made the kings submit to the truth of his argument. They said they were younger brothers of Sherbro, and must wait his answer. If we had applied to them for land, they would have given their consent: now they are not able to give an answer, but will send a man to speak their mind to Sherbro. They thanked us for our present, but made no return. Indeed we could hardly have desired their bounty, as they are, and ever will be, poor, while their indolent habits are indulged. They possess much good land, but do not cultivate one acre in fifty, if one in five hundred. The banks of Sherbro bay arc low, not exceeding twenty feet above the sea. Some places are occasipnally overfiowed with the tide, and covered with mangroves. High lands may be seen between the Bagroo and Deons: rivers. We are inclined to think the first station should be on Sherbro island, near Jenkins, and the principal settlements on the Bagroo,
nearly opposite, Sherbro bay 1ms much the appearance oi I’le Mississippi river between the mouth of the Ohio and Natchez. The islands are numerous. The land on Sherbro island is flat and sandy, but covered with a luxuriant growth of trees, shrubs, vines, pine apple plants, kc. The water is good, thouo-h less cold than in more northern latitudes.
“During our conversation, the kings named some articles which our people must bring hereafter, if an arraneiement be made for land. One wanted a larre hat, shoes, &;c.; the other wanted a silver-headed cane, clothes, and especially a black horse tail, furnished with an elegant handle, which is the badge of royalty in this country.
“After the palaver was over, the rum was served round in a small glass. Some became merry and noisy. We walked to two other villages on the bank, and returned to the schooner at 3 p. m.
“We had not been long on board when we received a troublesome visit from Somano and some of his men. He said he came to pay his respects to us, and it was the custom when the king came on board a vessel, to be treated with rum, &c. We excused ourselves that we were not on board our own ship, and could not treat the king with the same respect as we might in our own country. He left us tolerably satisfied, after being regaled with a bottle of wine, and receiving some pipes for his tobacco; but on shore he complained of our incivility. He has been long acquainted with slave traders, and it would be strange if he supported a different character under the tuition of such men.
‘• Some of his people brought on board some mats, honey, pahii-oil, and rice, to trade.
“Near the Palaver-house was a little thatched hut, not larger than a spread umbrella, called the witch or devil’s house. It was filled with shells, bits of cloth, &c. In walking out from the village, I passed by the devil’s bush, a thicket of shrubs and vines nearly impenetrable by any one. If a woman should be found in this bush, she would sulFer death accordin<r to the law of the Purrah. When we were at the Bananas, I saw a man, who was tattooed with marks and lines on his face, back, and breast; and inquired of Caulker the reason of it. He said he was what the English would call a free mason, a Purrah, and known to his brethren by these marks.
In this land, where altars are erected to devils, we sung the hymn, “Salvation, oh the joyful sound,” <S:c. A number of the natives were present at our evening prayer, and behaved well,
“Yonie. Friday 3d jiprii” Improving the wind and the tide, we crossed the bay six or eight miles to Yonie, where king Sherbro lives. The islands and the main land present a very verdant and handsome prospect.
“At 8 A. M. anchored at Yonie, and Messrs. Kizell and Martin went on shore to prepare the way for our interview with king Sherbro and the prince Kong Couber. We may safely trust our friend K. No iTian’s heart can be more ardent tor the success of our object, and no man in Africa could probably be so useiul to us imder present circumstances. After his return in the afternoon, he gave us the followingnarrative. He met Kong Couber by the water side, who took him by the hand and led him to his house. He told the prince that two gentlemen, strangers of king Sherbro, had come. They are from America, the city of Washington, and the kings and headmen there. They are sent to see king Sherbro, and obtain a place for some black people who are free in that country, and will come to sit down by king Sherbro, if he will give some ground where they may settle. The offer is made to Sherbro, but if he refuses it, the people will be settled in another place. If he gives them a place, it will be a great advantage to his children and people; for these people will bring the arts and knowledge of cultivation, and will establish schools to learn the children. We, old men, must die soon. The children will be instructed and know more than their fathers. These people will make things cheaper and plentier; they will come in quiet, without quarrels and fightings. If our people do bad, there must be a regular palaver and no arms taken up. If your people do bad, the business must be settled the same way. If it be a great crime, I suppose the bad man will be shut up and made to work hard, and no lives taken. If you want to know the truth of these things, you may send some of your sons to America for education, and perhaps some head men to see what these men say is true. To all this, and to each sentence, he said, Acm, hem.
“Not finding the prince disposed to say much, Mr. K. sent Mr. M. for a bottle of wine and a little tobacco. He drank a little of it, and gave the rest to his
Z people. He then sent two fowls on board for our clinrier.
“The prince then told Mr. K. that all he said was true and good. But he was only a boy, and could say nothing before he saw the king. He could give no answer; he must call all the head men together, and tell them the business, that they might speak their mind, for the country belonged to all the kings and head men. But he would hold a palaver to-morrow and hear what the gentlemen would say.
“The prince, Kong Couber, is the son of old king Sherbro. It is a custom of the people, when a king dies, to select a king from another family. While one of another family enjoys the name of king, this prince has the ability to preserve the power in his own hands. He is a man of superior intelligence and skilled in palavers. We shall probably be detained a week at least. It’is impossible to foresee the result. We now propose to obtain a pledge that we may occupy some miles square on Sherbro Island opposite the Bagroo, and tracts of land on that river including the mountains 20 or 25 miles up. The country is represented fertile, with very few inhabitants, and especially in the hilly parts healthy. Large vessels may safely come to Jenkins, and there are four fathoms water up the Bagroo.
♦’ Yonie, Saturday Ath Aprils 1818.” The morning cloudy; the thermometer stands at 80 degrees; the extremes of temperature which i have noticed since I left Sierra Leone, were 97 degrees and 86 degrees.
“The loud and confused cries of the natives in the village, occasioned by the death of one of the women, attracted our attention at an early hour. These lamentations for the dead often continue a considerable time. When the inhabitants of the surroundingvillages come into the place where the death has occurred, they commence their cries.
“We have ascertained that the account which J. Banna, the African, gave us in London, is correct. He has a brother living in the Gallinas. We have not ascertained whether his father is alive. The rock to which he referred, split into two parts, and one part standing erect, and visible three day’s journey off, appears to be an inaccessible ledge, the resort of wild birds. Banna, who expressed an ardent desire to bring his brethren to a knowledge of the truth, may yet be a blessing to his country.
“We went on shore to attend the palaver. Kong Couber met us where we landed, in a friendly manner, and introduced us to king Sherbro. He was sitting in the door of his hut, barefoot, with a cap and three-cornered hat on his head, dressed in a calico gown, and some folds of country cloth, with a large silver-headed cane in his left hand, and a horse tail, the regal badge, in his right. He is about sixty years of age. We walked together under a large (‘ola tree, which furnished an excellent shade. Sherbro seated himself in a great chair, Mr. K. on his right hand; Couber on a large mat before the king; Mr. B. and myself near the foot of the tree in
4SW .aKMOlfli. Oi TIIK LAT£:
iVont: the people, 50 or 60 in number, were seated in a circle, some on mats, and some on the ground; the women and children around the circle behind the men. Some of the people were dressed in gowns extending from the neck to the feet; some in blankets of the country cloth, wrapped around the body; some, particularly the young, in narrow strips of cloth; while the children were not burdened with any clothes at all.
“Our present of bafta, tobacco, &:c. was placed on a mat in the centre of the circle. After the usual ceremonies in opening a palaver, our character, and the object of our visit was made known. Good and great men, in America, had sent us to talk to king Sherbro about the children of those African people who, in times past have been carried from Africa to America. Some of them are free to go where they please, and some of them think of returning to the land of their fathers. Some people in our country think of helping them, and have sent us to speak with Sherbro and other kings, to see if lands may be given to these strangers to sit down quietly. The people who come, by cultivating the ground, and by a knowledge of the arts, will increase the necessaries and conveniences of life. We come as messengers of peace and good tidings — no arms in our hands — wish no war. If the kings consent to our wishes, and the people obtain a quiet settlement here, we think they will establish schools to instruct all the children. They will bring the book of God with them; and when you are able to understand it, we hope it will make you more happy while you live here, and after you die. What word will king Sherbro send back to the people in our country?
“Parts of our instructions were read, with many additional observations, and the whole was carefully interpreted, as we read or spoke.
“Kong Couber, who managed the whole business on their part, replied, all you say is well, very well: but, said he to Mr. K. you say you called on Caulker: why did not Caulker send his present to king Sherbro? David Caulker answered, his uncle was poor, and had nothing in his hand to send when they came away. But, said Couber, Caulker ought to have sent something to his father. These men were sent to king Sherbro, why did they call on Somano and Safali before they came to me? We told him, it was convenient to us to call on them as we came down; and no disrespect was designed to Sherbro, as we were not minutely informed of the rank of the kings, or the customs of the country. How would you like it, said he, when a table was set for yourself, that your child should sit down before you and you eat afterwards? But why did not Somano and Safah come and speak their minds to Sherbro i Tasso, Somano’s deputy, said, that king Somano sent him to hear what Sherbro would say, that he might know what answer to give to the strangers. All this was unsatisfactory. It was concluded that no answer could be given until Safah and Somano came. Tasso was sent to call them.
“The palaver lasted between three and four hours.
Despatch in business is what African kings know nothing of. Thej will talk around a subject for hours without coming to the point.
‘• In the evening, the natives rfsnewed their lamentations for the dead, with dancing, beating on a drum, etc. The music is dull and monotonous. When a king, or head man dies, they make much parade. D. Caulker says, that during the cry for old Caulker, the people came from all the country, and drank twenty puncheons of rum.
“Mr. K, is a second Paul Cuifee. He has a good mind and considerable knowledge. His writings discover him to be a man of sense and worth. He has a good heart, and no one can be more anxious for the temporal and spiiitu il welfare of Africans, and their descendants. He has enlarged views, and believes with the fullest confidence, that the time has arrived, when the descendants of Africans abroad shall begin to return to their own country. His mind relies on the promise of God,” Ethiopia shall soon stretch forth her hands unto God.” He says, if we can fix on a proper place for a colony, our people may come out by hundreds and thousands, and we need not fear the consequences, only sending some men of education and piety to be their conductors and guides. Africa is the land of black men, and to Africa they must and will come. It is at present a wide and fertile wilderness; but it may be made to bud and blossom like the rose. As for land, he says, it belongs to Africans abroad, as well as those now in this country; and if they are disposed to return, land they must and shall have. They have not forfeited a right to the inheritance of their fathers, by being carried by force from their country. The good people in America Iiave only to help them to get back, and assist them a year or two, until they can help themselves. Then if they will not work, the fault is their own. They certainly will not freeze nor starve. Let any class of the people of colour come, only give us a few who will be good leaders of the rest. He urges the plan of colonization, among other reasons, on the ground, that it will prevent insurrection among the slaves — remove some bad men who will not have the same opportunity to do mischief here as there — bring into this country some good men, who will shine as lights in this dark world - — give an opportunity to masters who are disposed to release their slaves, and thus promote a gradual emancipation — provide a home for many oppressed free men, and confer infinite blessings on this country. Mr. K. thinks the greater part of the people of colour, who are now in America, will yet return io Africa.”
“Yonie, Sabbath, 5th April, 1818.” Called on Kong Couber at his thatched cottage. Mr. K. told him k was our sabbath, devoted to the service of God irA christian countries, when God’s book was read before the people. He answered, all people should be glad to hear God’s book — it was the best book — God’s palaver was the old and good palaver. I stated to him the belief of good people in America, respecting the creation of the world, the sinful state of mankiind, and the way of salvation by
Jesus Christ. I referred him to the blessings which the christian rehgioti confers on the persons and nations who embrace it, and contrasted the state of the American and African people, noticing even the necessaries and conveniences of life which we enjoyed, and of which they were destitute. I told him our most precious comforts were derived from the love of God, and an obedience to his commands. I spoke of the future judgment, when we must all appear before God, to give an account of the deeds done here in the body, when, as our conduct had been good or bad in the sight of God, we should receive a sentence of approbation or condemnation; that, though the body is laid in the grave, the soul lives, and will hereafter be united with the body, etc. etc. I urged the importance of worshipping God and not devils; that God, who was the Possessor of the world, would be angry with any people who erected altars to devils, and would visit them in judgment; that the de-^ vil was only a creature, and had no more power than God gave him. I told him all in christian countries were not good people; he had seen many from America and England who were bad men. Mr. K. named perhaps a dozen foreigners with whom Couber had been acquainted, who were slave-traders, and bad men, who did not prosper, but died poor and wretched, often leaving their children cast upon the world friendless and neglected. He said that the afllictions which some of the natives suflfered, were the judgments of God for their sins: here the leopard comes, and, sometimes, drives the people away from a town; a shark or an alligator catches a boy, and you say he was killed by a witch, and go and sell a whole family into slavery. Such things were not known in England or America.
“Kong Couber listened with a serious countenance and fixed attention. I could not but believe that he was impressed with a conviction of the truth of what was said. Mr. K. told Couber that he had been in Sherbro about twenty years, but he never knew two so good men come to it on so good an errand.
“We learn that the young men in this and the adjacent towns are in favour of the contemplated colony. They think it will be a good thing for the country, and make them know more. The consent of the kings will probably be obtained for lands.
“Since Mr. K. has been in this country, he has saved five or six persons from death; some condemned for witchcraft, and some for crimes they never committed. Some of these were nearly dead by the excessive quantities of red wafer which they had been compelled to drink. He has sometimes paid 50 or 100 bars to save one from these superstitious murderers. He has also rescued fifteen or twenty persons from foreign slavery, sometimes by interposing his authority, but miore commonly by purchase. He
speaks of, a head man of vile character,
who is engaged in furnishing slaves for the ships now at Gallinas, about 50 miles down the coast. It is asserted that seven or eight vessels are now lying off that river, waiting for cargoes; one of which unfurls the American flag, armed with twenty guns, and belonging to — , who professes to be an American citizen. It is high time for the American go-
2 A verninent to guard against the violation of their law:?, at least by American citizens, and to interpose their authority to check this barbarous traffic.
“Yonie, Monday, 6th Jpril, 1818.
“Safah and Somano have not arrived. Mr. K. has spent a part of the day with the king and people. He thinks we have a fair prospect of obtaining lands, both for a commercial town or towns, on the coast, and more extended settlements in the interior. Wc have been afraid to attack the superstitious customs of the people, while our negotiations were pending; but they have always listened to us with attention, and Mr. K. says they are pleased with the idea that our people will build churches for the worship of the true God, and will teach the children to read the words in God’s book.
“Mr. K. conducted our evening worship, and prayed earnestly for Africans, their descendants in foreign lands, the Colonization Society, their agents, &c. &c. He does not allow that this plan originated in America, but insists that it had its origin in heaven; and he has much greater confidence than the Managers of the Colonization Society, that their plans, if pursued with prudence and vigour, will be completely successful. He has great influence in Sherbro, owns considerable tracts of land here, and is acknowledged by the natives to be a head man of the country. The districts of country on which we are fixing our thoughts, are recommended by a number of persons as the best for our objects on this part of the coast. They have good water, rapids in the rivers for mills, and a soil suited to rice, coffee, cotton, (kc. We can see distinctly, as we lay off Yonie, the high range of mountains to the right of the Bagroo, perhaps twenty-five miles distant.
“We have no intelligence from Safah and Somano. We must wait with patience on these people. Some years ago, a destructive war raged between Caulker and Cleveland, in which most of the Bullom people were enlisted on one side or the other. Sherbro was for Cleveland, Safah and Somano were for Caulker. A cessation of arms was effected by a governor of Sierra Leone, but his early death prevented the consummation of the treaty, and mutual jealousies have existed ever since. They have not seen each other for years. Sherbro wishes to improve this opportunity to bring them together. As the country is common property, one dares not move until he knows the mind of the rest.
“Yonie, Tuesday, 1th April, 181B.
“Mr. Martin, D. and R. Caulker, and one of Sherbro’s men, were sent on an embassy after Safah and Somano, and forbidden to sleep before they returned.
“We have had much conversation on the organization and government of the proposed colony. The natives need not be feared. They are not numerous, have few arms, timid in disposition, jealous of each other, and broken up into small, independent, elective governments. There is little reason to fear a general combination among them, and their strength would be small if they should combine together. U
18”& UtAlOlKa OF THE LATE
the Sierra Leone colony should continue favourable, and throw no obstacles in our way, that will keep the native people in awe. Should our settlement prosper, it will in two or three years be fully competent to defend itself without aid from our country; and previously to that time, a single armed sloop or brig, sent to execute the abolition laws, would give to our settlements perfect security. If the people were troublesome, fire a big gun out in the bay, and they would all fly to the bush, and not an individual be found.
*’Samanoand Safaharrived to-day; butanothercircumstance has occurred, which will delay our negotiations: one of Kong Couber’s wives died this morning, and the cry for her may prevent his taking apart in the council for some days.
“Yonie Wednesday Sthj9pnl, 1818. “We learn that some consultations respecting the dead, will put off any palaver to-day. As our presence will not be required here to-day, we propose to sail down to the mouth of Shebar, which may properly be considered an outlet of Sherbro sound, about eight miles from Yonie. We presented to the head man a bottle of wine and a little tobacco. He knew and approved the objects of our visit to this country He said we were all brethren; some of the head men of the country (including himself) were the children of Europeans or Americans, and it would be strange if they should drive away their brethren of whatever colour, especially as they wanted such things as the country did not produce, or they knew not Flow to manufacture, which our people would bring them.
“• We walked across the point to the beach, against which the surf beats with great violence and a perpetual roar. We could see ten or fifteen miles towards Gallinas. The coast appeared low, covered with vegetation and lined with a beach of white sand. The whole peninsula is sandy, covered with puUom and palm trees, shrubs, &c. We saw fields of cassada. We walked around the point to the mouth of the Shebar. It is one mile wide. The bar is semi-circular, making a circuit of three or four miles. It has an island in the middle; the best channel is on the Sherbro island side, having three and a half and four fathoms water at full tide. Schooners and brigs have come into the Shebar, but tfie attempt is hazardous. There are nine fathoms in some places within the bar. We were anxious to cross the bar to ascertain the soundings, but could not find a pilot. In the rainy season, the south-west winds raise the waves very high.
“Yonie, Thursday, 9th April, 1818.
“The kings meet this morning for consultation. An additional present is necessary. Patience may almost have her perfect work on the dispositions and hearts of those which wait on men so slothful in business and so eager to receive the tribute of strangers
“I am not certain but Mr. Caulker, of the Bananas, would consent to receive some of our people on hig island. It is a very pleasant place, has good water, and high land, and is open to the sea breeze. V produces, or is capable of producing, most of the articles found in tropical climates. It is above eight miles long and three broad, six miles from the main land. There is one strong objection, however, that the Sierra Leone colony lays some general claim to the islands, though Mr. C. does not acknowledge the validity of the claim.
“The kings hare been some hours in friendly consultation. They would not have embraced each other at this time, had not our visit and the mediation of Kizell brought them together. They have settled past difficulties, and are consulting on the subject of our application. They engage to see us and express their mind to-morrow.
“Wc wish to ascertain, first, whether they will promise to the American Society or government, tracts of land, eligible, and sufficiently extensive, where our people of colour may settle; and, secondly, on what conditions such tracts of land may be purchased or occupied. Should we succeed in these respects, we shall expect them to engage to favour and support the colony, so far as may be in their power.
“Yesterday, when Mr. B. and Mr. K. were on shore condoling with Kong Couber on the death of one of his wives, Couber said, referring to us, “May the Lord bless you, and as you came to this country with good wishes, may you find good things.” This appears to express confidence in our character, and approbation of our objects.
REV- SAMIEI. .1. MILLS iDl
“Yonie, Friday, lOth Jpril, 1818. At 10 A. M. we were informed the kings were ready to receive us in council. We went on shore and found all assembled under the cola tree. Sherbro was seated in his armed chair, with Somano on his right hand, and Safah on his left, holding the insignia of his office, the siher-headed cane and the horse tail. Couber sat on a mat before Sherbro. illr. B., Mr. K., and myself, sat facing the kings. After shaking hands with the kings and princes, Mr. K. said, we are come. Couber replied, we see you; we are glad;, we love you; we do not hp.te you; you are our strangers; we love your country; we are friends; we love peace as you do; war is not good, &;c. he But when you did come from the head men of your country to Sherbro, where is the letter you did brinoto Sherbro We answered, that we had instructions to visit Sherbro, and consult with the kings of the country; but as king Sherbro was not personally known in our country, no letter was addressed to him. He afterwards said, if we had come in our ship directly to Yonie, they could give us an answer; and asked Mr. K. if his father, the Governor of Sierra Leone, did not send him with us. Mr. K. said the Governor did not, as he was absent at the Gambia, and besides, the people of Sierra Leone were free men to go where they pleased, without asking their father. I replied, that we came to Sierra Leone, strangers to all the people, and finding our friends Kizell, Martin, and Anderson, to be acquainted with the language and kings of the country, we invited them to come with us, Mr. K. said, he had a letter 192 MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
from a friend in England to assist us; besides, if strangers of king Sherbro arrive at Sierra Leone, it was not fit to let them stand alone, but come and introduce them.
“Kong Couber said, the country belongs to all the kings and people, we cannot sell land, unless we see tlicm all. We, in reply, urged the necessity of a definite answer, that we might carry their good words to our people; or go to other kings, who would give us a good answer. We inquired whether the head men and people could not be assembled before we went away. Couber answered, it was the busy season of the voir, rains were coming on, the people were cleariiv: their plantations, and sowing their rice; the kings were poor, and must work as well as t)ie people; the people could not be called together, unless there wns something to set before them, &c. &c. If we had goods to buy lands and people to sit down, they would call the head men together. After much palaver and a forcible recapitulation of the objects of our visit, we inquired, what answer shall we carry to our people of colour? Will king Sherbro receive his children.’^ Yes, we cannot hate them, we will receive them.
“We proposed that we should have liberty to look about their country, and go to other kings on the coast, if we chose, without giving oiTence: they assented. They proposed that we should write Sherbro’s words in two books; leave one book with them, and take the other to our country: when we came back, or any others, from our head men, they should bring this book and a letter addressed to king
Sherbro: we assented. Couber said, our present was carefully preserved, and was at our command. We answered, we freely gave it to king Sherbro and the people. He inquired if we should consider it a payment for land. We said, No. These people have so long dealt with rogues, that they cannot, without difficulty, trust honest men.
“Yonie Saturday, 1 1 th jJpril, 1818.
“A number of the natives were present ai our morning worship, and behaved with great propriety. Afterwards, I stated tothemthe fundamental truths of the christian religion, and urged on them the necessity of a Saviour for sinners, and the duty of a holy life. They assented to my words, and said, that they and their brethren believed that good men, when they died, went to God, and bad men to hell. Their convictions are less erroneous than their practice. The obstacles to the introduction of religious knowledge into this country, appear not to be so great as in many other heathen lands.
‘• When on shore to-day, we read to Kong Couber the book which we had written according to his suggestion. He said it was right, the kings had agreed to do so, and their word might be relied on. But he said he was alone, and must not say much, lest the kings or people should say he was secretly selling the country without consulting them.
“We repeated some of the advantages which might flow from our settlements — the introduction of the spinning wheel, the loom, the plough, the machines for cleaning rice, and mills for sawing wood —
2 R the establishment of schools, «fcc.: and endeavoured to convince him that we did not want lands lor white men, because we have vast uncultivated tracts in our country, but for such of the descendants of Africans as might improve their situation by such a change. I expressed to him a hope that the Africans would hereafter cultivate their lands better, build ships, and go to England and America with their ivory, rice, palm oil, cotton and coffee. We gave him an outline of Paul Cuirec’s life, whose father was an African.
“Kong Couber offered to send two of his sons to America for an education in any American ship, which might come to Sherbro on this business. It will no doubt have a good effect on the minds of the people here, if any vessel should visit this country to carry into effect the plan of the Colonization Society, that some of the upright and influential men of colour should come out. They could look at the country, and speak for themselves. The natives would see that they were their brethren and friends.
‘”In attempting to obtain lands of the kings, we have had to encounter only such objections as we anticipated. They have had to deal with the worst class of white men, who have often committed the grossest acts of violence and injustice. In 1806, a slave-trader made some presents to old king Sherbro and the people, and allured the old king and some of the princes on board his ship, off’ the Shebar. He w ould not then liberate them, except with much unkind treatment, and in exchange for manv slaves.
iUEV, SAMUEL J. MILLS. 193
•’ They know that we are decidedly opposed to the ilave-trade, which some of them would relinquish with reluctance. Their convictions and better judgment are against it. They know that the people of colour are Very numerous in our country, and it has occurred to them that so many may come as to give laws to this land. This they fear. They appear not to care that their superstitious customs will be disregarded; but on the contrary, have alwayt expressed an approbation that the great God should be worshipped, and their children should learn to read his book. They do not like to say we may have any particular tracts of country, through fear of offence to head men, who have not been consulted.
“Yonie, Sabbath, llth April, 1818.
“The good hand of our God preserves us in peace and safety. The sun does not smite us by day, nor the moon by night. The heat is oppressive only a iew hours in the day. The air is cooled by the sea-breeze. The thermometer is lower than often on a summer day in the United States. The atmosphere is hazy or cloudy much of the time.
“This morning we sung the psalm, “Sweet is the work, my God, my King;” and I made some observations on the fourth commandment, “Remember the sabbath day.”
“We have thought much of going into the different villages, and, by an interpreter, preaching to the people. But we are unwilling to take any step which might excite their superstitious fears, and lead them to oppose our plans. We came not to establish a
I9tp WEMOIKS OF THK LATii.
solitary church, but to lay the foundation tor thousands of churches. We have had conversation with the chief men on the truths of the Christian religion, and have had many of the people at different times to worship with, us on board the ship. This has been a quiet day, and much more like a sabbath than many I have spent in christian lands.
We arrived at the mouth of the Boom, at seven in the evening. As it was dark, the wind fresh, and the bay wide, we stopped at the little village Runta, and the head man of whom we hired our canoe, hospitably furnished us with his house. The room and bedstead was hung around with curtains of mats, curiously wrought. We slept comfortably. We called at this village as we w ent up yesterday morning. It is a romantic little spot. Twplve or fifteen houses stand close together; a narrow avenue to the baygives access to the sea-breeze: palm, orange, cocoa-nut, banana, and plantain trees, overshadow the houses. Sugar-canes, cotton shrubs, and cassada plants, grow on each side the path which leads to a few rice fields just behind; then the whole is closely encircled with forest trees and wild vines of the richest foilage. Were it the abode of iimocence, it might be esteemed a garden of Eden. The chief man is gaining wealth, and lives comfortably. He will probably be considered a king in the country in a few years.
“Sherhro Bay, Wednesday, ITj/h Jpril, 1818.” At day light, we put our company in motion, and crossed the bay in safety, to our schooner, off Yonie,
We went on shore to take leave of Kong Couber. King Sherbro and the second prince, Teng-Bang, were out of town; the one at his salt works, and the other at his rice plantation. Kong Couber inquired with apparent solicitude when we should return. We told him it was doubtful whether either of us would ever return, our country was far off! He said, we must return; the people knew us, and there was a good understanding between us and the head men: if we came back to-morrow in the manner we proposed, the head men would meet, and the business be settled. We told him it was probable that some people from our country would visit Sherbro in one year; and if we were alive in our country, we would send letters and presents, which would convince Kong Couber that we remembered his kindness. He gave us a goat for our men, and two mats for our fathers in America. He walked along the shore with us, and giving us his hand, said in English, “May God bless you, and give you a good voyage to your country.” While we gave sail to our little schooner, he sat down by the shore, under an orange tree, apparently pensive and melancholy. This prince is conscious of the depressed condition of his people, and the barbarous state of his country. He sighs for their improvement. He has, in times past, complained to Mr. K., that his father did not send him to England for an education; and has almost wished he had been sold as a slave, into America, like Mr. K., if he could only have acquired learning, and liv ed to return back to Africa. He has told his people, that if we came back io live there, he should drink wine only, and no more rum, because rum turned the head, and made men fools. I am not certain but missionaries of prudence, self-denial, and christian zeal, might spend their lives usefully here. There would be no want of children to instruct. Couber, and perhaps some other head men, may be confided in. Serious obstacles must be anticipated. Slave traders have made even savages more vicious. The people are generally idle, superstitious, self-indulgent, and fond of ardent spirits. Polygamy is nearly universal.
At 1 1 A. M. we anchored ofTBendou, and sent our compliments to Somano. VVe rested a few minutes under the shade of a large orange tree, loaded with oranges of a full size. A lime tree stood near, whose branches were literally bent down with fruit. Somano, Safah, and their people, were assembled in the Palaver-house. The head woman, or queen, had recently been accused of witchcraft. She had drunk the red-water, and escaped without injury. This proved her innocence. Within a few days, her people had killed an elephant. This is considered a lucky omen, and a testimony of the favour of the gods. Hence, she brought forward a charge of false accusation for witchcraft, and a demand of reparation. This was the subject of palaver. All the people were sittitig around to witness the progress of the debate, and anxious about the result. The men who had distinguished themselves in killing the elephant, with their wives, occupied prominent seats. They were dressed and ornamented with more richness and elegance than any I ever saw in Africa, “Deong River, Thursday, 1 6th April, 1818.” At 9 A. M. we crossed the bay about five or six miles to the mouth of the Deong, passing two places near the beach where the people were boihng salt. The shores of the bay, and the islands, are girt around with mangroves. The soil is black mud, liable to be overflowed by the tide, especially in the rainy season. The mouth of the river is, at the least, a mile wide. It enters the bay from the east, and preserves the same general direction about twenty miles, when it flows from the north of east. Like the Boom, the Deong has a series of islands extending up 20 or 25 miles, which divides the river into two channels. We ascended the right branch, which is not so wide and navigable as the left. About 10 miles up, we came to land on the right bank, not liable to be overflowed in the rains. Near this, a small stream comes in from the right, which flows along Soyarrah’s territory. Here the water in the river becomes fresh. There is a large ledge of rocks in the middle of the river. We directed our men to paddle towards it, to which they were wholly averse, believing that some evil spirits lived there, who would punish their temerity. We laid our commands upon them, when they yielded with reluctance, and threw water into the air with their hands, as if to appease the wrath of these local demons. The ledge is common freestone, of considerable extent, and a few feet above the surface. Mr. K. said the natives have a tradition that these rocks have crossed and re-crossed the river, sometimes above and sometimes below the water, to the alarm and astonishment of all the country.
“This country has seen better days. Its population was once much greater. The ravages of war and the slave-trade, are no where more visible than in this river. Towns have been burnt, hamlets are deserted. In these relics of villages the people salute us as we pass by, and make many inquiries.
Deong River, Friday llth April, 1818.
“Will Comberbuss, a fine old man, on whom we called a few miles back, expressed a different opinion: he said” it would be a very good thing for the country, if our people would come and bring knoicledge; the land would produce rice, cotton, coffee, tobacco, and all good things, but the people did not knowy
“We crossed the bay with a fresh wind against us, occasionally dashing the waves into the canoe, and arrived at our little schooner at 9 p. m., somewhat weary, wet, and hungry.
“Sherbro Sound, Saturdmj, W^thJlpril, 1818.” We sailed from York island eight or ten miles, and anchored offCampelar, a little village belonging to Mr. Kizcll. We saw a brother-in-law, whom Mr. K. rescued from foreign slavery at much expense — a man of native intelligence and a good aspect. We had a tornado to-day. It is a violent gust of wind, of short duration, usually attended with rain, lightning, and thunder.
‘’Sabbath, ]9thJpril, 1818.” Darkness, gross darkness, covers the nations around us. But this darkness shall be dispelled. The sun of righteousness will yet arise upon them, with healing in his beams. In this consideration we do rejoice, and we will rejoice.
‘’Tuesday, 2lst April, 1818. “We have been waiting almost with impatience for the king of Fara. We are hoping to finish our inquiries, and leave this part of the coast, late in Maj, or early in June, before the rains are fully set in. The weather, since our arrival in Africa, has hitherto been quite pleasant, except the heat, occasionally rather oppressive. The tornado this evening was severe; the wind blew hard a half an hour, and some rain fell. We perceive many appearances of distant thunder storms, especially towards evening.
“Wednesday, Tld April, 1818.
‘* Our canoe returned this morning with the king of Fara. His people were rather unwilling to let him leave his town.
“Should Commissioners of the American Society hereafter visit Africa, they should have a ship at their command, and a captain well acquainted with the coast. They should be furnished with ample stores of provisions, and with goods for trade, for the purchase of lands, and for presents to the kings.
“When a place is selected, the lands should be cleared to a considerable extent, and some houses constructed, before many families removed. This could be done under the direction of a iyf proper persons, employing native labourers. The expense would be trifliiifr.
“SJioukl a colony be established in this part of Africa, it remains a question whether it should be governed by white men, or whether the people of colour will consider themselves competent to self-government in the first instance. If Paul CulTee were alive, it might settle the question; but unless a judicious man of colour can be found, who will secure the confidence of all parties, it w ill be best to have a white Governor. Every thing should be done to encourage the people of colour to make exertions and help themselves. I’lie lands should be kept cheap, and easily attainable. Each should become a possessor of land, and cultivate his own.
“hi making a purchase of lands, the goods must not all be given to one king, but properly apportioned to all in the vicinity.
“A canoe with twelve persons, from Bendou to the Plantain islands, stopped along-side. Two women appeared to be the principal personages. Some of the women have very amiable and intelligent faces. The Africans generally appear cheerful and happy. Some of the canoes will carry foriy persons, and sail about this bay at all seasons of the year, with entire safety. Sometimes they spread a mai l()r a sail. Some use oars, but they generally use paddles. This land was once more populous. It is doubtful whether the population is now increasing, though the proportion of small children is very large. I think I never saw so great a proportion of fiealthy, active children in any country. Great numbers of the youth and the middle aged are in foreign lands, while the relics of old age, the head men, and throngs of young children, are left behind.
“Fara pretends to be waiting for his principal men. He is making inquiries of our interpreters respecting our objects. We may well confide in their representations: they are faithful men, and deeply interested in our success.
“Fara mentioned to Mr. K. a surprising phenomenon, of which he desired an explanation. A large tree by a public path, well known to have lain on the ground some years, has lately risen up, stands firm and erect, and grows green and luxuriant. Mr, K. after some consideration, said he thought he could explain it. He said, “King Fara, his people, and his country, have long been prostrated and Iain in the dust. They are now beginning to rise, and if they encourage these people to come from America, we hope they will help to give them wisdom and strength.” Fara looked grave at the explanation, and thought it might be so.
Thursday, 23(1 April, 1818. -We had an interview with Fara, and made a brief statement of our objects and wishes, which he well understood. Rango, the chief speaker, replied in a very appropriate manner, “We hear you; we like your words; may God bless you, give you health and long life; may he bless Kizell, Martin, and the Caulkers too, because they were good in coming to introduce you. We shall not say much now: Fara, you see. is young, a boy; he will stand behind Sherp bro, and will speak the same word as his father. We have not talked with Sherbro — you have; you have seen Caulker, Tucker, Soyarrah, &c. — they have offered you lands: — which do you fancy most? When a man wants a wife, and ^oes to a father who has many daughters, he tells the father which he likes best,” See. We told him that we had not seen all parts of the country yet, and were not prepared to make a selection; nor could we let the kings know our choice until we should return from our country. He said, we “were at liberty to go any where; the country was large, many parts where no people lived were very good land — the banks of the Yaltucker were fertile, and had few people; the Bagroo country was wide and vacant.” He thanked us for our present, and Mr. K. for bringing us to Sherbro. He said he knew we should write all his words in our books, so we must hear true and write straight, (laying his palaver brush flat and straight on the ground.) They said, “it was a custom of their country, when strangers came, to pour a little wine on the graves of their fathers, and say ’ good strangers have come to us, O bless good strangers,’ &ic. and they wanted a little wine to pour at the root of the tree, once fallen, now standing erect.” We told them their intimation would not be forgotten; and having taken an affectionate leave of them, we returned on board, and sent them a bottle of wine, rather to bedew their royal lips, than to sprinkle the ashes of their fathers, or irrigate the marvellous tree.
‘^ JIano river, Friihty, 2Uh .^jrril 181 8.” We took a canoe to make an excursion up the Mano. This branch of the Bagroo is three and a half and four fathoms deep. It has low banks about two miles, and covered with mangroves, with the exception of one place, one mile up, on the rigfit bond. Here we stopped to laj the plan of a town. The land gradually rises back twenty-five or thirty feet, is sufficiently supplied with stone for building or other purposes, and is covered with fine large timber of various qualities. The Mano mountrin, or a ridge of it, termifiates abruptly on the left bank just above, which adds much to the rude scenery of the spot. The ground is hard and dry, covered with six or eight inches of vegetable mould. Six miles above, the hills on the right bank are cleared to a great extent, for rice. The soil did not appear to be deep. On the opposite bank stands the village of Mano. Here is an abundance of stone convenient for laying the foundation of forges, mills, and water works of any description. There is an abundance of large, hard timber, above the rapids, and along the banks. Indeed, the country is a forest. There are evident appearances of iron ore in many places. We crossed a fine rivulet of very cool and pure water, descending from the hill, and flowing over a bottom of gravel and sand. We went up the hill to see the rice plantations. The country back appeared to be high land, agreeably undulating, and covered with tbrest. For health and comfort it appears very inviting, though the soil is not so fertile, nor so easy of tillage, as on th e banks, and in the low lands.
‘• On our return, we stopped at Mano. All the people in this river appeared most friendly and kind. They expressed great satisfaction at our words, and eager to see our people come, if they would be kind, and bring God’s book. We said that persons must be sent with our people to establish schools for the children, and to instruct the people. They said they should be glad. One man, whose hair and beard were white with age, said, he wished it could be now; it Mas much wanted in the counlry — he wished to ItCar more about God’s book before he died. It is certainly surprising that there should be such a desire among the people, to hear the book of God, and to have their children instructed to read. There is just reason to hope that the principles of our holy religion would be embraced by many in this country, if they were instructed in them.
“It seems desirable to obtain this country to the right of the Mano. It is high and airy. It extends back 80 or ^VO miles to the Timmannee country. It is called a good country by those who have travelled over it. A brook is spoken of, which empties into the Mano, one or two miles above the rapids, and extends far into the interior. The whole country, after we leave tiic little villages on the Mano, has no inhabitants until we reach the Timmannees. Its extent, vacant population, and probable fertility, render it highly eligible. To this might be added the peninsula, between the Bagroo and Mano rivers, which will include the Mano mountain, as the other tract does the Perra mountain. These alone form a vacant region of 31)00 square miles, and capable of supporting, with very moderate culture, a population of 20,000. It includes mountains, livers, forests, rapids, and springs of water. The Jiagroo will admit vessels of a good size to the mouth of the Mano; and the Mano, especially at high tide, or in the rainy season, has three and four iathoms water, nearly to the rapids, above the’ village Mano. Another vacant and fertile tract, lies north of the Boom river. Perhaps this should be preferred to the other. Except where the towns stand, any part of the country may be bought in exchange for goods, nearly on our own terms.
“Bagroo River, Saturday, 25th .April, 1818.” We floated up with the tide from the mouth of the Mano to the village Tasso, on the left bank, perhaps ten miles. As we sailed up we passed two little villages on the left, and the Mano mountain on the right. This mountain has a very interesting appearance, covered with forest, having usually a gradual ascent, and presenting eligible places for buildings, and for small towns, if the soil should prove favourable for agriculture.
‘• Sabbath, ‘26th April, 1318.
“,We lay off Tasso. Soraango is the head man. The village has 30 houses. The people are said to he very wicked and superstitious.
“Mr. K.saw Somango towards evening, and slated, to him our general objects. He appeared friendly; but he told Mr. K. ^vjien strangers came, they gave him wine or rum. Mr. K. said, that slave-traders gave rum to make them quarrel and sell each other; this was what they wanted: but the stran*rers he had brought, came to open their eyes, and not to blind (hem, and hoped to find and leave them sober, that they ‘night be able to give a true answer, and speak good words.
“Bagroo River, Monday, 27th Jpril, 1818.
“Somango has gone toRobanna, to consult with Sologo, and to invite him to Tasso. Sologo is quite aged, and is considered the principal man in this river.
“I took the boat and went up the Bagroo. Mangroves still line the banks. We had co* versrltion with a Mr. Wilson, at Liverpool, who is a man of colour, formerly of Boston, or Baltimore. He is a ship carpenter, and came out from Boston to Sierra Leone about four years ago. He said it was best for the people of colour, who are now in America, to come to this country. He said that houses, built in the style of the natives, at 10 or 12 dollars each, 10 feet by 15 or 20, would be best, just in the infancy of the colony. Carpenters, and all mechanics, should come from America. If they could not work the whole day at first, they could work a part of the day, and superintend the business. He said he gave more than 100 dollars, at Sierra Leone, for the frame o?ily of a small wooden house. The carpenters of Sierra Leone charge a dollar a day: three or four of them would fiot do more work in a day than one in the United States. He said that one khid of the maip groves hard, tall, and straight, would make very good house timber.
“Mr. K. said that if a place were selected for a colony, he could see fifty or a hundred acres of land cleared in a short time, and houses, constructed in (lie country style, to accommodate the first settlers. The expense of clearing the land might be about six dollars an acre.
“The young Mr. J. said that he had travelled through theBagroo country to the Timmannees, between two and three day’s journey, and could strongly recommend it to us. It was high, supplied with brooks and springs, having sufficient stone for building and other purposes, and richly covered with forest trees, which sufficiently indicated a good soil. — He said the Bagroo was the most extensive district in Sherbro, and was without inhabitants.
“Wednesday, 29th April, 1818.
“As Somango does not return, and there is no advantage arising from a delay at Tasso, we conclude to go down the river and call at Robanna, where Somango is now engaged in consultations with Sologo.
“We have become so far acquainted with the country, as to satisfy ourselves that there is much good land unoccupied by any people, and that it has good water. The climate we believe will be deemed as temperate as that of any part of the coast between the Senegal and the equator. We do not see why it may not be a healthy country, as it has mountains and high ridges of land. The Mano has high banks a iQw miles above its mouth, though the Ba-
2D groo banks below this are wholly covered with mangroves. The ridges of land are open to the sea-breeze. Brooks and springs may be found in almost any direction. Mills may be erected on the Mano.
“The natives believe in the existence of a supreme God, who is great and good, but indifferent to the concerns of men. It is their concern to secure the favour and avert the displeasure of certain inferior malignant spirits, whom they imagine to be continually attendant on their persons, and to be the authors of all their evils. They place great confidence in their gregrees or amulets. They have sacred groves, trees, and huts. They occasionally strew fruits about their towns, or spread mats by the public paths, as offerings to the invisible spirits. They sometimes make prayers on the graves of their fathers, or under their sacred trees. Though they may sometimes pay a kind of homage to the supreme God, yet their ideas of him are very indistinct. The true light has never shone upon them. One who was present the other day at our social worship, afterwards said to a friend, “that he never knew before that white men prayed.”
“These three days Mr. B. has been quite unwell. In the afternoon and evening he has a high fever. It appears to have been brought on by too much fatigue on our excursions up the Deong and Mano rivers, and by too great exposure to the sun. He complains of severe pains in the head, and general disquietude. He has little sound sleep. He certainly needs medical aid and better attention than we can give him on board this little schooner. On his account I am
anxious to return directly to Sierra Leone. But he thinks there is as fair a prospect of his recovery here as at the colony. He considers it very important that I should see Sologo and Pa Poosoo, and says a slight ilush of the fever ought not to prevent it.
Friday, 1st May, 1818. “Soon after sunrise, we set out in our canoe to go up the Baanga as far as Bandasuma, on a visit to Pa Poosoo, the head man. Soon after our arrival at Bandasuma, we had an interview with Pa Poosoo, who expressed great satisfaction with our designs. As some of his men whom he wished to consult were out of town, he sent for them, and waited for their return. It rained very hard late in the afternoon, and was cloudy until night. After sunset, having consulted with his principal men. Pa Poosoo made known to us th it he was ready to give us an answer. We assembled at the king’s house. A wax candle was burning in the wall. The king’s brother said, (in reference to myself and Mr, B., who was unable to come with us,)” May God bless you, and as you came in health to this country, may you return in health to your own. We are glad to hear what you say; we like it well. The old people among us wish you had come before. They are now afraid they will die too soon. They want to see the time when the people will come i& this country to teach the children to read and write, and to know the true God. The king says I must tell you he likes your object much; and if the other kings call him to say what is in his heart, he shall say, give the people land.
We know you come with a good mind, because Mr. K. brings you, and he is a friend to our country. The old people will die fools, but if these people come from America, the children will turn and know more than their fathers. But they were afraid the people would not come, and it would never be as they said. There was much good land where no people lived.” I inquired what part of the country would be best for the people when they should come to settle? They replied, when a man was looking lor a wife, he would not like to have another to select for him. They asked in return, what part of the country pleased us most? I replied, that we wished to see more of it, before we fixed on any part. They afterwards saido if they were to choose the place, they would say* bring the people to our town. Pa Poosoo is nearly 70 years old, of a pleasant countenance, and good character. We staid over night. More rain fell.
“Saturday, Id May, 1818.” We prepared to return early. Pa Poosoo thanked us for our present, and gave us two leopard skins in return. We took an affectionate leave of the kind old man. His town is pleasantly situated on a point of land, formed by the junction of the Banga and Bandasuma, and contains 80 cottages. The ground is very productive, though the soil does not appear to be very rich. It has an abundant growth of trees, shrubs, and vines. The Banga has one considerable branch making off to the left, as we ascended. It has also many outlets, or deep muddy creeks, one of which connects it with the Bagroo, just below the mouth of the Mano.
“Since we left Sierra Leone, we have had land offered us by T. Caulker, on the Camaranca; by J. Tucker, on the Boom; by the king of Cotton, on the Deong; by Fara, on the Bagroo, or the Yaltucker; and by Pa Poosoo, on the Banga. The Bagroo presents one of the best places for the commencement of a colony in this part of Africa. It might soon extend to the right of the Mano, towards the Perra mountains; and then, if desired, it might have liberty to spread back into the interior 50 or 80 miles. The coutitry is unoccupied, has good water, is dry, and agreeably uneven.
“We reached our schooner at 10 a. m., and made preparations to leave the river. We found that some of our crew had been to the oyster bank, and gathered two boat loads, which were a sufficient quantity to supply 10 or 12 men a week.
“We daily see the smoke of several fires, where the natives are clearing the ground for rice. This has been a common and a pleasing spectacle while we have been in the country.
‘•’’Banana Islands, Tuesday, 5th May, 1818.” Early this morning we called at the Banana islands, and restored to Mr. Caulker his messengers, who have attended us the whole circuit. The young men have behaved well, while they have been with us, and one of them has made some progress in the -first rules of arithmetic.
MUMOIRS OF THJL LATE
‘’ Sierra Leone, Thursdmj, 7th May, 1818. “We arrived to-day and took lodgings with the Rev. Mr. Brown, a worthy iMissionary of the Wesleyan Methodist connexion.
“Sierra Leone, Saturduy, 9th May, 1818.
“I called on Governor Macarthy. He received me in a very friendly manner, and oflered us any assistance in his power. He expressed a confidence in the benevolent views of the American Society.
“A Danish ship arrived to-day, having on board a nobleman, who was a late Governor of one of the Danish forts on the Gold coast. He is now on his return from Denmark to his station.
“Vc have spent some time with the Rev. Mr. Aylander, a missionary of the Church Missionary Society, whose name is familiar in the United States. He is an intelligent, meek, and devout man. He mourns over the ineliicacy of his labours among the natives. Tears stood in his eyes while he described the state of the people, and spoke of the small fruits which he was allowed to witness of the usefulness of his labours. All the missionaries here are christian men, and entitled to the confidence and prayers of good people throughout the earth.
“Capt’ain Appleton sailed to-day to enter upon the duties of his office, as commandant of St. Mary’s, in the Gambia.
“Sierra Leone, Sabbath, lOth May, 1818.” There is a great degree of regularity among the people of this place. There does not seem to be any labour on this day, and a large proportion are regular attendants on the worship of God. The untractable Kroo-men will indeed indulge in their wrestlings and other sports on the beach, notwithstanding past attempts to check them. I heard a sermon from the Rev. Mr. Garnon, the colonial chaplain, and another from the Rev. Mr. Brown. There are foundations laid for three houses of worship in Freetown. They will be constructed of stone, large and durable. These edifices and churches, which have been built and are building, prove the permanence of the colony and are a pledge of its future prospect.
“Sierra Leone Tuesday loth May 1818.” 1 called on the Danish Governor, and showed him Count Schimmelman’s letter to us. He esteemed the objects of our embassy humane, important, and adapted to promote the best interests of Africans. He did not conceive that colonies of the American people of colour would, in the least, interfere with any existing European establishment; on the contrary, they might aid each other, and combine their efforts to civilize and instruct the African nations. Agriculture and commerce would naturally increase with the number of settlements, which had these objects in view. He had been on the coast five years, and considered the high lands healthy. He had been invited by the Bishop of Copenhagen to translate the Bible into the language of Acra, and he expressed his determination to execute the work, which he had already begun!
“Sierra Leone Monday IQth JMrty 1818.
“I have now visited most of the villages in the co-^ lony. The population of the colony is nearly twelve thousand. The schools are in a flourishing state, accommodating nearly two thousand children. Each village has a superintendent, who is a clergyman or schoolmaster. Each village has a place of worship, where prayers are made, morning and evening, in the presence of the people. The sabbath is observed through the colony.
“The Governor is justly esteemed as a father and patron of the colony. He makes great exertions for its improvement.
“Respecting an American colony, he has at different times expressed the following opinions, which I am the more disposed to write down, as some of them deserve particular consideration: That a private society can hardly be expected to have adequate funds to found and support a colony without the aid of the government: that, in the first instance, white men of intelligence and good character should occupy some of the principal offices: that the government should be mild and energetic: that forts would be necessary: that one hundred men, with arms, and some know- ledge of discipline, could defend themselves from the natives; that the occasional visits of an armed vessel, engaged in detecting slave traders, would give entire security; that the neutrality of a colony could easily be ensured by an application to the European governments: that the first colonists should be men of sober and industrious habits, who will devote themselves to agriculture or to some of the useful mechanic arts: that one year’s provisions, or the means of purchasing them, would be necessary to the colonists; that, if expedient, the limits of this colony might be enlarged to accommodate five or ten thousand emigrants from America: that it was particularly proper for the American government to commission an armed ship to this coast, to capture slave-trading vessels, as two thirds of them are, or have been American: that the free people of colour would be better situated in Africa, than they are, or can soon expect to be, in America.
“I am every day more convinced of the practicability and expediency of establishing American colonies on this coast.
‘’ Brig Success, Friday, 22dMay, 1818.. “We have taken an affectionate leave of the clergymen, the civil officers, and the colonists, of Sierra Leone. We are embarked for the United States, by way of England, and the continent of Africa recedes from our view.”
The preceding journal bears intrinsic evidence of unwearied labour and sound judgment in the execution of this important agency. The view which the Colonization Society entertain of the faithiulness of their agents, and the success of their investigations, may be gathered from their annual report, in I8j9, in which they say, ‘-The recent mission to Africa leaves no further room to doubt that a suitable territory on the coast of that continent may be obtained for the contemplated colony, at a les expense than
2 E
had been anticipated.” It is well ascertained, that a colony planted on that coast, is an event earnestly desired by the native tribes and chiefs; and there is every pledge of security against hostile operations. This valuable document likewise states with confidence, that “continued assurances have been received ljy the Board of Managers, in the last year, of the readiness of many of the free people of colour in the United States to avail themselves of their contemplated asylum, whenever a suitable territory for its erection shall have been procured. These have proceeded from the most enlightened of this class of persons, comprehending individuals engaged in all the occupations of civil life, dispersed throughout the United States, and in sufficient number to form the basis of a respectable colony. To these assurances have been added the repeated declarations of several proprietors of their readiness to emancipate the whole, or a part of their slaves, whenever a suitable abode in Africa shall have been provided for them, upon condition that they shall repair to it.”
The following communication from a Committee of the Colonization Society to Congress, as it presents an outhiie of the object of the Society, and a grateful testimonial in favour of a man whose life was sacrificed to the interest of Africa, the reader will peruse with interest.
“To the Hon. Henry Clay, Speaker of the House of Representatives.” Sir — In obedience to instructions from the American Society for Colonizing the Free people of Colour of the United States, we beg leave to lay before Congress some account of the measures pursued by the Society for accomplishing the great objects of its institution; and the result of their inquiries and researches, after such facts and information as might most clearly demonstrate, how far any scheme of colonization, dependent for its success upon the interior state of Africa, and upon the actual condition and disposition of her native tribes, might be practicable, and also enable the founders of the intended colony to make the most prudent and judicious selection of a situation for it. In order to obtain the most recent and accurate information, from sources of the most unquestionable authority, the Society sent out, at great expense, two agents, Mr. Mills and Mr. Burgess; who have proved themselves eminently qualified for the undertaking. The agents first visited England, with a view to acquire such preparatory instruction in the most efficacious mode of pursuino* the objects of their mission, as the great mass of rare, valuable, and authentic information collected in that country, from various sources, might afford them. They proceededfrom England to the west coast of Africa, where they prosecuted their researches with such zeal, industry, and intelligence, as to have contributed essentially to the illustration of many important and interesting facts, connected with the geography, climate, soil, and products, of that part of the continent; and with the habits, manners, social institutions, and domestic economy of its inhabitants. From the information thus obtained, the present period would seem to be designated, by
2-iO MEMOIRS OF tup: late
a combination of favourable circumstances, as the fortunate crisis for reducing to the test of practical experiment, these views and olpjects of the Society, which have ah’eadj met so encouraging a notice from Congress: and upon the comprehensive utility and beneficence of which (abstracted from any doubts of their being susceptit)ie of practical execution) no question seems to be entertained in any quarter.
“The present faciHties for acquiring the requisite territory from the native trihes, in situations combining every advantage of salubrious and temperate cli mate, with fertile soil; the pacific and humanized temper of mind prevailingoniong these tribes; their existing prepossessions in favour of the expected colonists from America; tlic actual settlement in that part of Africa, of some prosperous, intelligent, and well disposed emigrants from among the free people of colour in this country; and the state of general peace, so favourable to enterprises of benevolence and utility, wholly uncoimected with any political schemes of territorial or commercial aggrandizement; altogether (brm a conjuncture, which must prove decisive of the success of an immediate experiment. But upon any permanent continuance of so liivourable a state of things, no human w isdom or tbresighl can calculate, with any reasonable certainty, if the present opportunity be not adequately improved.
‘• It is now reduced to the single question, whether the undertaking shall be itdopled and patronized by the Government, so as to become essentially national in its means and its objects; or whether its ultimate suciiess is to depend upon the responsibility and exertions of individuals; whose zeal and perseverance, unsubdued and unabated by difficulty, by delay or disappointment, maybe surely counted on; but whose unprotected exertions and unaided resources, whether of power or of capital, must necessarily be contingent and precarious, if not in their ultimate effect, at least in the acceleration of the results.
“It is now conceived to be apparent that, with the adequate aids and sanction irom the government, the present generation cannot pass away without permanent, practical, and important benefits from the experiment — benefiig which will be felt equally in our social and domestic relations, as in the advancement of the great objects of political and international morality, connected with the suppression of the slave trade: and this nation has ever stood foremost in the most decided and vigorous efforts to abolish that opprobrious traffic.
“From the journals kept by the agents of their proceedings and personal observations; with an abstract of collateral information of unquestionable authenticity and great interest, collected by them fr-om sources not frequently accessible to the general reader or inquirer; the Society has become possessed of many rare and valuable materials, not only for forming a more accurate judgment of the utility of the scheme of colonization, but also for demonstrating how flagrantly and notoriously, and with what impunity, the prohibitory laws of the United States, and of other nations, in regard to the slave trade, are violated, by their respective citizens and subjects.
222 MEMOIRS OF TFfE LATE
Some important hints also may be derived from these documents, for making the penal sanctions of those laws more eflfectual: and there is good reason to conclude, that the establishment of such a colony as has been projected by our Society, may prove an important and efficient adjunct to the other preventive checks provided by law.
*’ The body of accurate and valuable information, thus collected, will be Ibund among the documents, which we now beg, Sir, through your kind mediation, to present to Congress.
“We have the honour to be,
With great respect.
Your obedient servants,
E. B. CALDWELL,
WALTER JONES, Committee.
F. S. KEY, )
Washington, Jan. 23d, 1818.”
Who can doubt that the true interests of the United States, and especially of the slave holding community, are most intimately connected with this exalted charity? If there was no other motive than pity for the free people of colour; a people who enjoy neither the immunities of freemen, nor suffer the incapacities of slaves, even this would be enough to induce us to sa. God speed the noble cause! But when we venture to anticipate the intellectual, civil, and moral elevation of the whole African race; when we think of the long arrears due that ill-fated country from the American people; when we inquire for some security against the continuance of the most accursed of all traffics — a traffic inhuman blood; when from the lofty summit of our privileges, we survey the desolations of Africa, and then the prospects of the age, and the rising glories of our Immanuel’s kingdom: do there not exist the most constraining obligations to restore an outcast people — a people “scattered and peeled, meted out and trodden under foot,” to the land of their fathers, and in defiance of its darkness and misery, to render that extensive quarter of the globe the favoured seat of science, civilization, and Christianity?