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Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0038 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
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Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0038 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
| COLONIZATION JOURNAL. effectually defended by the well placed pieces of artillery. The good understanding with the natives had been occasionally interrupted by the influence of the slavers; but on the appearance of this ship all differences were settled by a treaty between Air. Buchanan and the neighbouring princes, or hcud-inen, obliging themselves to renounce the slave trade forever, and to be obedient to the laws of the colony, as far as practicable in their condition. Edina is situated on the other side of the mouth of the same river; it contains about two hundred inhabitants, chiefly from Monro- via, and the other settlements, and was occu- pied about four years ago. The inhabitants are industriously disposed, but have made very little progress in developing the resources of the soil, from their passion to traffic with the natives, the prevailing error of most of the settlers. Their exports last year amounted to nearly twelve thousand dollars in camwood and other articles procured from the natives. It appears that they are awaking (from the example of Bassa Cove) to a sense of their true interests, in the cultivation of the soil, and there can bo no doubt of their ultimate success. We proceeded to Cape Palmns, a distance of 220 miles from Cape Mesurado, where we anchored on the 15th December, and found Harper, the name of the town, advantageously situated on the height of the capo, enjoying daily a fine sea-breeze, to which, and the cleared land in the vicinity, I would attribute the fact that the settlers have found this place less unhealthy than the other settlements. They appear to have profited by the errors of the older colonists, in avoiding as yet all trade with the natives of the interior, and devoting their whole energies to agriculture. In due time a large and profitable trade in camwood, ivory, rice, and palm oil, will reward their prudent forbearance. 5,000 bushels of rice and 150 puncheons of palm oil, I am informed, can now be procured in the season. Beasts of burthen are much wanted, to lighten the toil of cultivation, and experiments are making with the native oxen, a small breed. The population is about one hundred and ninety, occupying fifty-four houses, and ar- rangements are already made for the reception in good houses of two hundred more until they can occupy their farms, which are laid out for about three miles from the cape, on each side of the Maryland avenue. They have already in cultivation forty-seven farms generally of five acres, on most of which the proprietors reside; and a model farm of fifty acres partly under cultivation. Tho limits of the settlement extend from Rocktown to the Cavally river, a distance of twenty-five miles on the sea-board; up that river forty miles to Denah, at the head of navigation, where it is intended to strike that river by the Maryland avenue, and from Rock Town to about fifteen miles in the interior. About five miles of the country may be traversed in dif- ferent directions over good roads. There arc two native towns of two thousand inhabitants between Harper and the farms, under the command of king Freeman, but the colonists appear to be on very good terms with all the kings and people of the neighbor- hood, and I cannot refrain from expressing my agreeable surprise, at the evidence of industry and foresight that were exhibited through the settlement—so much that they have advanced in solid prosperity in the short space of throe years. Its location is decidedly superior to either of the other settlements, in climate and facility of landing; the soil is equally fertile, and the surrounding country capuble of culti- vation. Pish and oysters of excellent quality are found in abundance, and vegetables of various kinds may be raised in any quantities. The ship was visited by king Freeman ind king War; the latter is at tho head of a pow- erful tribe, in the interior. They were so much astonished at her size, that for want of language to convey their impressions to their friends, they measured her length and breadth with fishing lines. The chart erroneously surrounds the Cape with rocks, but in sounding with our boats, we found no danger but the rocks near the ahore, which are visible, and a rock bearing N. W. westerly from the town about two miles distant, and it may be entered in perfect safety. The only missionary establishment I had an opportunity of visiting was that of the Rev. Mr. Wilson, who has about one hundred of the native children of different towns under his charge, and a few adults. I was pleased at the correctness with which many of them read from English books; and as some of them are the sons of kings, and may be kings them- selves in time, it is impossible to foresee the happy effect upon the civilization of the Afri- cans, that may be produced by this school.— It is to be regretted that this gentleman has not other missionaries to assist him in his useful labours. The respective colonies being much in want of arms, ammunitions, &o, i,,t their defence, received from this ship, in accordance with the instructions from the Department, all the aid that their circumstan- ces seemed to require. We left Cape Palmas on tho 18th Decem- ber, and proceeded on our way to Rio de Janeiro, where we arrived yesterday in twenty days passage. If I may be allowed an opinion founded on the information and reports of others and my own observations, I would say that it is of the greatest importance to have white agents at the respective settlements, gentlemen of general information and firmness of character. Not only do they command more respect from the kings uud natives of the country, but the colonists themselves more readily submit to their government. 1 would further say that the colonies have now taken firm root in the soil of Africa, and though they may be depressed at times by adversity, yet by the graduul development of their resources, and the judicious assistance of their friends, they must finally flourish, to be an asylum to the coloured tiiuu, and un honor to their fuun- ders. I have the honour to be, Very respectfully, your obt. serv't. J. J. Nicholson, Captain. To the Hon. Mahlon Dickerson, Scc'ry of the Navy Washington. Extracts from the Despatches of J. B. Russ- wurm, Governor of Maryland in Liberia. Harper, Md. in Liberia, Dear Sir : December 16, 1836. I embrace the few leisure moments at com- mand, since learning that the U. S. frigate Potomac, Capt. J. J. Nicholson, will probably be in the U. States in February next, to for- ward you a few lines, and to inform you of my safe arrival hero on the llth November, accompanied by Messrs. Holmes and G. R. M'Gill, in the English brig St. George, of London, after a pussage of fourteen days. We are much indebted to the kindness of William Huttnn, Esq. special agent of the West African Company, who was on board the St. George, on his way to Fernando Po, and who refused any compensation whatever for our passages. My time will not allow me to enter into a regular detail of colonial affairs, but des- patches will be forwarded from here, via Monrovia, for the United States, by the first opportunity which will probably bo in three weeks from this date. I am, however, happy to inform you, that I have seen nothing like discontent or insubordination since my arrival. All seem pleased and every thing is progress- ing moderately and smoothly. I have had the now long house, erected by Dr. Holmes, completely finished, and ready to receive the expedition for which we arc daily looking. There tire also several farms sur- veyed by him, in readiness for settlers, and steps will be taken to have others in the same state in a few days. I am happy to inform you that the family of Davenports (by Financier) are doing as well as could be expected. They have lost but one member who landed here sick. The arrange- ments made by the kind individual who libe- rated them in the United Stutes, have been frustrated much by tho marriage of the eldest son, in two or three days after landing. The old man has had his five acres lot partly clear- ed, and the timber for his dwelling is now on it, and I have engaged carpenters to frame and put it up. The eldest sou has his frame also ready, but I havo inlbrmed him that his lather's house must be erected first. The visit of tho Potomac to this colony is calculated to have a salutary effect on the natives. King Freeman, who has been on board, has returned much pleased, and informs mo that 'she is bigger, bigger, pass all Eng- lishman and Frenchman.' In fact, she is the largest vessel ho was ever on board. On the morrow, it is my intention to visit her and take King War from the interior with me, if he will trust himself un the water. He has sent me word that he is come to shake my hand, and should he consent to go, he will return to his Country with more enlarged ideas of America man. King Freeman was fairly in raptures with every thing ho saw, and the cold sweat stood on his brow when ho was describing the •big guns.' The marines, who wore ordered out to drill, excited much wonderment in the old man's mind. Ilo seemed to think that after this, it will be all lolly for them lo fight America man. Seah (Soldier King) t|ueah, Bill Williams, (Siiuleh Balluh,) and others of the leading men, accompanied the king in his canoe with tho colonial flag flying. A good deal of my attention has been direct- ed to the public farm during my short sojourn. I have cleared off and planted about three and a half acres more, making seven acres How under cultivation. Measures aro also in train to fence in about twelve acres for I pasture for public stock, and a pair of small oxen aro now being broken to the yoke for tho use of the farm. At Copt. Nicholson's particular request, and on his information that Gov. Buchanan, of Bassa Cove, and Mr. Williams, A. A. A. C. S. Mesurado, had done so, 1 have addressed a letter to the Hon. Secretary of tho Navy, a copy of which is enclosed for your perusal, unci I hope approbation. With much respect, I have the honour to remain, Your obedient servant, John B. RUSSWURM, A.Md. S. C. S. John H. B. Latrobe, Esq. Cor, Secretary Md. S. C. S. Baltimore. P. S. Enclosed is also a duplicate list of sundry useful articles which Capt. Nicholson has been kind enough to furnish the colony. We all feel under many obligations to him and i-s officers. List of articles sent on shore from the U. S. frigate Potomac, Joseph. J. Nicholson, Esq. commander, to the colony at Cape Palmas, 16th Dec. 1836. 1 six pounder grenade, with carriage com- plete ; 1 barrel cannon powder; 400 musket ball cartridges; 13 Btand grape six pds.; 46 do. do. in bags; 20 canisters 6 pds.; 21 stand grape 12 pds. ; 8 canister 12 pds. ; 4 round shot, 26 pds. 2 12 pds. ; 100 wads ; 400 flan- nel cylinders; 1 ammunition chest; 1 small screw plate; 12 musket cartridge boxes; 7 muskets; 10 lbs. steel; 24 lbs. nail rods; 1000 pump tacks; 2 skeins catgut; 1 small boat; 1 coil rope, (old lead line) 1 two loot iron square. Harper, Md. in Liberia, December 17, 1836. Sin,—The United States frigate Potomac, Captain J. J. Nicholson, having visited our colony by your orders, I take tho liberty to inform you, how gratifying the sight of an American ship of war on tliis coast has been to our feelings, and the great advantages which all the colonics aro likely to derive from it in their future intercourse and nego ciafion with the native tribes. Hitherto many of the native kings havo boon quite incredulous about the Americans owning any largo vessels of war, hut the sight of this noble vessel will dispel all such ideas for the future. I hope that the growing commerce of the United States on this coast, and the lively interest felt by yourself and other philanthro- pists at home, will induce you to order other armed vessels to follow the track of the Poto- mac, and to call in at the different settlements. The commerce of Africa is yet in its infancy, and should success crown the efforts of those benevolent individuals who have been and are labouring to plant colonies along this coast and to civilize tho natives, wo may calculate on vast markets being opened at those porta for supplying tho interior with American fabrics of every description. With much respect, I have the honour to remain, your obedient servant, John B. Russwurm, A. Md. S. C. S. Hon. Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Letter from Joseph J. Nicholson, Esq. Com- mander of the U. S. Ship Potomac, to J. H. B. Latrobe, Esq. U. S. Ship Potomac, Hampton Roads, March 3, 1837 Dear Sir : It affords me very great pleasure to he able to give you a favourable account of Cape Palmas, tho infant colony of our native state, which 1 visited during the late cruise of the I'otomac. Its location is decidedly preferable to that of either of the other settlements: the harbour is very easy of access, the climate is found to bo bettor, and the natives more quietly and industriously disposed. The site of Harper is on the summit of the cap', a very commanding position, which may be rendered impregnable to any native force at a trifling expense. There aro two native towns, of two thousand inhabitants, under King Free- man, between it and Latrobe, which is laid out on a fine level, about half a mile from Harper, extending to the sea on its southern side, uud enjoying a full share of tho sea- breezo. Tho natives, profiting by the exam- ple of the colonists, are rapidly clearing their land for farms, and devoting themselves to their cultivation. A very few years will mani- fest tho wisdom of the Society in encouraging agriculture and prohibiting premature trade, the source of ruin to many of the other set- tlers. In time, when they shall have mudo themselves independent of tho natives and traders, by the resources of the soil, a profi- table commerce will repay their prudent for- bearance; for I am assured that, even now, five thousand bushels of rice, and one hundred und fifty puncheons of palm oil can bo pro- cured in the season. Already, with a population of only one hun- dred and ninety, our colonists have in cultiva- ation forty-seven farms, beyond Latrobe, chief- ly of live acres, and a farm of fifty acres, intended as a model, from which they procure abundance of corn, and fine vegetables of various kinds ; and from the Hoffman river, fish and oysters of excellent quality. They have prepared good houses for the accommodation of two hundred emigrants, until they can occupy .their farms, which are laid out on each side of tho Mar) land avenue, and they have made good roads, of four or five miles, in dif- ferent directions; they ure, however, much in want of beasts of burden. Jacks and mules would he. perhaps, best adapted to the climate. King Freeman and King War, who is at the head of a powerful tribe about forty miles in the interior, visited tho Potomac, and were astonished at her size, and delighted with their reception on board. They expressed the strongest friendship for tho Americans, and begged that more white men might bo sent among them. The Rev. Mr. Wilson has under his tuition, at the missionary establishment in Latrobe, about one hundred of tho native children, and a few adults. 1 was agreeably surprised ut the correctness with which some of them could read our language; und as there are aiming these children, the descendants of kings, who may in time become kings themselves, it is impossible to foresee the happy effect upon the civilization of tho African that may bo pro- duced by this school. More missionaries ought to bo sent, to aid Mr. Wilson in his labours of usefulness. Our little colony has advanced surprisingly in solid prosperity in tho short space of three years, and with the judicious control and assis- tance of its friends, must continue its career, to the honour of its founders and tho happiness of the coloured man. I enclose a copy of the letter I addressed to the present agent, Mr- Russwurm, as a proof of the interest I feel in the success of your worthy efforts, together with a list of tho supplies furnished the colony, in accord- ance with the views of the department. All our settlements in Africa, Monrovia, New Georgia, Caldwell, Millsburg, Bassa Cove, Edina, and Cupe Palmes, have been visited by myself or the officers of the ship, and a detailed report made to the honourable the secretary of tho navy. I am, with great respect and esteem, dear sir, your obedient servant, J. J. Nicholson. To J. H. B. Latrobe, Esq. Baltimore, Md. Letter from Joseph J. Nicholson, Esq. Com- mander of the U . S. Ship Potomac, to J. B. Russwurm, governor of Maryland in Liberia. [copy.] U. S. Ship Potomac, Dear Sir : Cape Palmas, Dec. 17, 1836. 1 was much pleased to observe, in my visit yesterday to the settlement at Gape Palmas, the very prosperous state of the colonists, exemplified by the excellent condition of the farms under cultivation, and the contented appearance of their occupants. From the good disposition shown by the native chiefs towards tho colonists, 1 am in- duced to hope that no interruption to the har- mony heretofore existing will take place; hut as it would he well to bo prepared for any emergency, I will suggest some precautions, which would, in my opinion, put the settlement in a better state to resist attack than it appears ut present to be. As the natives in this vicinity greatly out- number tho colonists, the latter would he obliged, in case of attack, to retire to some shelter, in order to oppose an enemy so much superior in force. A sufficient, protection cun only bo obtained by erecting a fort, mount-1 ing thereon tho guns in your possession, and making it a magazine for all the anus and ammunition belonging to the colony. A signal of two guns fired in succession should be es- tablished, which, on being made at the fort, would ho understood as an alarm, calling every one to its defence. If each person in the settlement were to employ himself for one day in the week, in tho erection of the fort, a very short time would suffice for its completion, and the feeling of security which such a de-fence would create, would fully compensate the trouble of its con- struction. Should tlicso hints tend (o the adoption of any measures for the greater security of the coiony, from my native state, it will give the greatest satisfaction to your friend und obe- dient servant. (Signed) J. J. Nicholson, Captain, Commanding U. S.Frigate Potomac. J. B. Russwurm, Esq. Cape Palmas. From the Colonization Herald.) Visit of the Potomac to Liberia. It is gratifying to us, to give publicity to the following extract from Gov. Buchanan's report to the Boards of the N. York anil I'cnn. Col. Societies. Tho great and happy influence pro- duced upon tho colonies and upon tho natives by the visit of tho Potomac to the western coast of Africa, will, we trust, encourage our government to cause those visits to be often made thut tho parent of freedom may foster her young and thriving children. 'On tho 19th of November wc wore visited by the U. S. Frigate, Potomac, under the command of Joseph J. Nicholson, Esq. on her homeward voyage from the Mediterranean.— The Potoiu:iC remained a few days in our roads, and during her stay there, as also at the other settlements of Monrovia and Cupe Palmas, the captain and tho other officers ma- nifested the warmest interest in the welfare of the colony, and left at each of the stations a small supply of arms, ammunition, &c. for our use. 'The appearance of this noble ship in our waters, excited no little sensation among the colonists and natives, und produced an effect which will not soon pass away. By it tho colonists were assured of the disposition of the U. S. government to extend its protection over them—and the natives, awcil by such an exhi- bition of tremendous power in intimate con- nection with the colonies, could not but fool a greatly increased respect for them. 'One of the old kings on visiting the Poto- mac exclaimed, after looking some time at her vast and beautiful proportions, 'nuui neher make dis ship, ho be God make him.' 'In addition to the friendly demonstrations made at our settlement by Capt. Nicholson, ho kindly offered nio a pussago homo in his cabin, which I accepted, und wus most hos- pitably entertained by him during a voyage of throe mouths via Brazil to Norfolk.' (From the Southern Churchman ) Virginia Annual Conference, Petersburg, Feb. 14, 1837. The Rev. C. W. Andrews, Agent for the Virginia Colonization Society, delivered a pithy and concise address to the Conference in behalf of the object of his agency. On motion of John Early, 'Resolved , That we unanimously recommend to the people of our communion, tho cause of the American Colonization Society, and espe- cially tho "New Plantation' proposed to be established by tho Virginia Colonization So- ciety, on the coast of Africa to be called Now Virginia.' Resolved, That every member of this con- ference be required to preach in behalf of the Colonization Society, on some Sabbath near the 4th of July next, and take up a collection and forward tho amount to Benjamin Brand, Esq., Treasurer of tho Colonization Society of Virginia, Richmond. A true copy, John Early, Secretary. JOHN V. TOY, PRINTER, CORNER OF MARKET AND ST. PAUL STREETS 40 |