 |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0014 Enlarge and print image (4M) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0014 Enlarge and print image (4M) |
| 10 MARYLAND COLONIZATION JOURNAL. COLONIZATION JOURNAL. MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1826. All communications relating to the business of the Maryland State Colonization Society, should be addressed to Rev. Ira A. Easter, Local Agent. GOVERNOR HALL'S LETTER. The following letter from Or. Hall, bearing date the 27th August, came to hand about the 10th December, and was, with other commu- nications, delivered to the Corresponding Se- cretary by Captain Pascal, who went out with the emigrants, in the schooner Harmony, last spring. We invite attention to the information which it contains, as showing the present con- dition of the colony. "Dear Sir:—The schooner Harmony came to anchor in our harbour on the evening ot Monday, 23d hist, having on board the com- plement of emigrants and cargo, as per docu- ment from the acting Secretary; also Miss McAllister, as cabin passenger. The emi- grants, and most all of the cargo, are already landed in good condition. There will be no impediment to their sinking it once into the soil. The land which I have laid out for them is of the very best in our vicinity; immediately contiguous to that occupied by the emigrate.- per the Bourne, and not hill'a mile from the iiouse id which they are now located. They appear to be extremely well pleased with their present prospects; and from their appearance, the favourable accounts of them from the Agent, ami the attestations of Captain Pascal, and the officers of the Harmony, of their eon- duct while on board, I have little doubt but that they will he an important acquisition to the colony. Rest assured, that no pains shall be spared to render them contented and happy. "Respecting the present accommodation for emigrants, of which the Hoard r. quire particu- lar information,—I have now one house, with a beaten, smooth, mortar tloor, elttp-bonrdod and thatched; water proof; seventy feet by eighteen; will accommodate fifty people, (close stowing.) Another, seventy feet by twelve; indifferently constructed; leaks a little. This 1 shall probably move as soon as it shall be vacated, and have it on the farm lands, and in good repair, ere the next vessel shall arrive; and it will probably accommodate thirty emi- grants well. Another, thatched and clap- boarded, with a small, beaten, earthen floor, like the first mentioned; water tight; will con- tain seventy-five emigrants; length one hundred and ten, breadth eighteen feet. Situated on the public farm, and now occupied by the new emigrants. "You may calculate on good accommodation for a hundred and fifty, as soon a9 you can send them; and the earlier in the season they come, the better. • • » • "I ought not to neglect referring to the satisfaction which the emigrants (per Harmony) express of the treatment of Cap'. Pascal and Mr. Robinson to them, while on board. This is a matter of no little importance; and it would be well worth wuilu to employ such a man, when practicable, even at a small advance in wages. "By Capt. Pascal, I send you a few leaves of our Cape Palmas tobacco; also, a skin of a flying animal. This I think a very great curiosity, although similar to our flying squir- rel, yet ten times the size." too old, or too young, to do well tor them- selves. There are four stout, healthy, active, and well disposed young men, between the ages of twenty and twenty-seven years, that we intend to liberate, and are desirous that they should go to Africa, but have not yet founded them, for I did not know but what 1 could operate to greater advantage by sus- pending my suggestion, or importunity, until better informed; for which reason I trouble you with this communication, desiring to know the terms and mode of proceeding, in case the men, or a part of thorn, can be prevailed on to go: and whether the Colonization Society allow, or give assistance, to those who go on recognizance." The above letter, it is believed, expresses thu wishes and intentions of almost all the slave-holders in Maryland. Indeed there is scarcely a day that we do not receive letters ofmauuniis-ioii from the county clerks through- out the stale. A similar state of things must, ere long, be felt in Virginia, where there has existed in many uiiiids, a strong antipathy to slavery. Only a few months since, the agent of this society was told by an eminent clergy- man residing in Richmond, that whenever he could give assurance to their owners that their slaves would be no worse off, than in their present condition, lie could have live thousand Ml at liberty. The Young Men's Colonization Society of Baltimore. The promised efficiency of this institution is only another instance of the magnanimity and enterprise of the young men of this city. It II ho cheering to the friends of colonization to learn that tins a iciety, which was organised illy MX months since, have resolved to use their best efforts to raise, during the present year, at least Jive thousand dollars, for coloniz- ing the free people of colour of this state. We learn that it is their intention to employ with as little delay ai possible, a gentleman ol talents and experience, to act as their agent; in I who will devote his whole time in solicit- ing funds to redeem their pledge. May much success attend their benevolent efforts. The American Colonization Society are now titling out an expedition of nearly one hundred emigrants, for their colony at Monrovia. It is very gratifying to learn, that this society are so far relieved of their embarrassments, by the liberal contributions to their funds during the last year, that they are enabled to resume the annual transportation of emigrants to their colony. The present number of applicants lor emigration is such as to excite in the minds ol the friends of humanity, and especially of the coloured man, the deepest interest. The Rev. Charlis W. Andrews, of Vir- ginia, has very recently been appointed agent of the American Colonization Society for that state. He had been previously commissioned to act as agent for only four counties, but his success has encouraged the board to extend his field of usefulness, Mr. Andrews is now in Norfolk, attending to the shipment of the emigrunts who go out by the present expedi- tion. Provision male by the Maryland State Colo- nization, for emigrants who settle at Cape Palmas. It is frequently asked, "What provision does the Maryland State Colonization Society make for those who i migrate to Maryland, in Libe- ria?" Wo take pleasure in making tbil sub- ject as plain as pos.-ible. In doing tins, it must be WMerttood that the Society aim directly at making their colonists, farmers or. agricultu- rists; and to encourage them in cultivating the soil, each emigrant is furnished with the ne- cessary implements before he leaves this coun- try, lie takes with him the tools upon which, in connection with his own labor, he is to de- pend for future subsistence. Females are in like manner, provided with spuming wheels, cotton and woo! cards, &c. Mechanics are furnished with saws, planes, axes, hatchets, and such other articles as their calling may demand, when they are unable to provide for themselves. It is, however, very important that all emi- grants on leaving this country for Liberia, should use the greatest economy. Much of the expense of giving them an outfit, is sus- tained by a few liberal citizens of this city. That this benevolent disposition may not be depressed, the Society desire as far as practi- cable, to retrench their future expenditure. There are ample provisions put on board of each vessel to supply the emigrants for six months; and, in addition to a farm of five acres of land, which is allotted to each individual as soon as he lands in Liberia, assistance is fre- quently given, in clearing his land and build- ing his house. What more could be done by a kind father for his children, when first set- ting out in life.' Extract from a letter from a gentleman on the Eastern Shore, to the agent, dated 12thJa- nuary, 1836, "Since the decease of our mother, my sisters and myself have determined on setting at liber- ty the slaves of the family, except such as are The Maryland Colonization Society have recently sent out another supply of emigrants to their colony in Liberia. The brig Fortune. Capt. Pi:ituv, sailed from this port on Wed- nesday, the -231 December, with thirty-nine emigrants, taking along with thein, as assis- tant agent, Dr. Oliver Holmes, Jr. who left here with the intention of residing two years at Cape Palmas. Dr. Holmes is employed by the society, to superintend the affairs of the colony, while Dr. Hall, the resilient agent, returns to this country to vuit his friends, and to be benefitted bv a change of climate. bound to the "father land" which will afford him an opportunity to join the friends who have gone before, to prepare bis way and give him a hearty welcome: when blind prejudice will cease to poison his mind, and make him treat as enemies, those who, under the gui- dance of Providence, have laboured most dis- interestedly to promote his best intercr1. Who will not say Amen.' It is the intent ion id'the Board of Managers to dm all possible diligence to prepare an ex- pediti in to sail from thu 1st to the lOlh ol May. bullocks in the town, hut they partook of the general consternation and scampered away after the flying natives, as fast as their legs could carry them. An arrangement has been made by the Com- mittee of Publication, to issue this Journal once in two months, at Fifty cents, per annum. It never was the design of the society to make this paper a source of profit to the concern; nor do they even hope to make it pay half the cost of publication. It is purely a medium ol communication—a vehicle of intelligence, de- signed to keep the minds of the community awake to the important and interesting subject of colonization, and furnish our colonists in Africa, with the most cheap and certain me- thod of addressing iheir friends in this country. Hence we need the benevolent assistance of our friends in the country, who can most es- sentially aid the cause, by obtaining subscri- bers, and enclosing the money to the agent, stating the names of subscribers, and the poit office to which their papers should be sent. The present No. contains additional des- patches from Governor Hall, and various let- ters from the emigrants who went out in the spring, in the Harmony. These will doubtless be read with deep interest, by all who are looking to African colonization as the groat means under divine Providence, of removing the evil of slavery from these United States. Small and feeble as the efforts of the friends of this enterprise may appear to have been, to the eye of a superficial observer, it cannot be doubted that the day is fast approaching, when it will triumph gloriously—when America wi" be "redeemed, regenerated, disenthralled;" and Africa, long oppressed bleeding Africa, will no more suffer the heartless cruelty of the slave trade. Each returning vessel, and every suc- ceeding year, may be expected to become mes- sengers bearing glad tidings from the shores of Africa—when the coloured man will look with deep interest for the departure of some vessel, LIBERIA. Arrival of Emigrants. Tilt- Liberia Herald of August 29th, says: "On the 9th inst. brig Louisiana, Capt. Wil- liams, arrived from Norfolk, Va. with -16 emi- grants, 38 of wliom are Africans, principally, wc believe, from tlie regions of tlie Nunez and t'oiigaa. They are a strolling people. A number of their countrymen, and among them sonic acquaintances, have found their way to this settlement. They were hailed by their redeemed brethren, with the most extravagant expressions of joy, embracing each other with the utmost cordiality, a hundred times repeat- nig, 'Emamar, timamar, Koorah haro go.-"— How are you, how are you, are yon well? — It is thought they will return to their native country, but we think it doubtful; as they are aware, that in that case, they would more than likely be found again on board a slave ship. On the 18th inst. the Susan Elizabeth, Cap- tain Lawlin, arrived from New York.— Passen- gers, Doct. K. Skinner, Colonial Agent, and daughter, Rev. Mr. Seys and family, of the Methiodist Episcopal mission, Rev. Messrs. Crocker, and Myln and lady, of the Baptist mission. We hail with joy, the arrival of the passengers by this vessel. On the 14th inst. he sclmontr Harmony. Captain I'ascal, from Baltimore, with .'7 emi- grants for Cape Pdlmas, arrived. This expe- dition has been long expected at Cape PllotM, and will no doubt, prove an acceptable rein- forcement to Doctor Hall. On tlie 19th inst. ship Indiana, Capt. Wood, arrived from Savannah, with G.'i emigrants, among whom was Dr. Davis and family.— Tliese repeated arrivals, following ao closely in the track of each other, seem to have given some uneasiness to the natives. They do not understand it, and imagining that Americans move by the same principles that they do— that is to say, animal motives, they conclude tint "Rice be done for big 'Merica," and hope they will plant more next year, or "black man will no have place for set down." Battle with Joe Harris and his men—Victory of the colonists. On the 14th of July one hundred and twen- ty men, volunteers, embarked from Monrovia for iiassa. Before the 20th of August they had returned, having succeeded completely, after a general engagement, in the object of their expedition, viz. the destruction of Joe Harris'town. The Liberia Herald of August ¦20th, thus announces the result. With feelings of inexpressible gratitude, we announce to our readers, that victory, the most complete and decisive, has crowned their ef- forts. The pertidious and ruthless Joe Harris. and all his savage adherents, have been chased from their territories, and their towns and places of defence, completely demolished. The conduct of the officers and men, have been beyond all praise. So general has been the display of bravery, both by men and offi- cers, that to mention only a few might be justly esteemed invidious. On the part of the Americans, there has not been a single man lost. This circumstance, so unusual in con- flict, and so reasonably to be expected where there is the use of lire urms by both parties, is to he attributed, humanly speaking, to that cool, determined, and deliberate bravery evinc- ed by the Americans. Alter the preparation for crossing the river and the point for landing selected, the troops embarked in their boats, and udvanced in the face of a heavy tire an I continual shower of -hot, with such a steady movement and cool determination, that the savages retreated from the river, and yielded the lauding to the Ame- ricans. They, however, rallied in a rice field, only a few yards from the river, and seemed determined to dispute the further advance of the Americans. They secured themselves behind the stumps of large trees, ant-hills and every object that could prevent an intervention between them and shot, whence they kept up a continual tiring, as innucent as incessant. As soon as the Americans were all landed they advanced in a body, when a sharp engagement ensued: the natives gave way and retreated to their barricade. The Americans followed them as rapidly as an almo»t impenetrable forest and deep marsh would admit the passage of the ordnance. As soon as they came in view of the town, a tremendous volley of musketry from the em- brasures and perforations in the stockade, an nouncgd to them, that fighting was not over. The ordnanco was brought up: and a "word" from the four uml six pounders silenced the garrulity of tho natives, who after an inter- change of a few rounds effected their escape, through the gates on the opposite side. The town was then entered and taken possession of. The natives had found means to convey away their effects. Remnants of apparel, tlie pro perty of the unfortunate victims of Port Cres- •on, were found iu the town. Mats lying around dyed with blood, indicated slaughter on the part of the natives. There were some few Letter from Levi Morris to the Rev. Rich'd B. F. Gould. Harper, Cape Palmas, Aug. 28, 1835. Dear Sir—I embrace this opportunity of writing these few lines to you, to inform you that 1 and my family are Weil, hoping that t'hey may find you the same. 1 am glad to tell you that 1 am belter satisfied now than I was when I first arrived in Africa. 1 find that any in- dustrious man may live here, by being econo- mical. I see that every thing I plant in my lot seems to grow well, and I nm not sorry that 1 ever lell America for Africa. I find now that I was too fast in writing when I first arrived in Africa, by going by other inen'a judgment. I can tell you iu candour, that I never want to liie in America again, under the frowns of a white man. And another thing, 1 have got my farm, and have got it partly cultivated, and have got me a decent frame house on it, 12 by 16; and that, I know, is mure than I would have got if I had remain- ed in America. 1 see now, that the coloured people iu Maryland are fools for staying under oppression. Dear sir, do not think that I am intruding on you, for you know nearly what things we need here. Will you be pleased to send ma nine or ten yards of bed-ticking, and some of your old wearing clothes, such as you can d.snose of; if you should send them, please to send them to me, and not to the agent, for there was some Confusion about something sent to the colonists in the schr. Harmony. We can do very well here if we had a little help. If you should send them, I will esteem you one of my best friends iu America; and whether or not, 1 do bold you as such for coining out with us, if no more. Now to my coloured friends. Believe me when I tell you the truth, for 1 will tell you the truth, and not a lie. I did believe as you do now believe, when I was with you all iu America, that before 1 would go to Africa, I would sooner die than to come to Africa; but I will say as it is said iu the Scrip- tures, that once I was blind but now I see. I am sati.-fied that there is not a free man of color in the United States. John Lee, do you remember the last conversation that you, ami me, and James Freeland had under the cedar tree at the meeting house? Why I am nut sold, nor yet had my back flogged, 1 stand on my own ground, and no man can say, stand off, for I am better than you. Now, if you should doubt this letter, or any thing that is iu it, be- ing true, I hope that the next time 1 hear from you, you may have your back well flogged, and if I had to do it, 1 would give it to you well for staying under oppression; for I can say, in truth, that if you or any man should come to Africa with the intention to work, and take it rough and tumble, he may live here, though I well know what you will say, that I am in Africa and can't get back; but that is a mistaken thing in you, for there is a vessel here now, that if I want to go back, lie would be glad to have me; and those that would want to raise their children as white people do in America, this is the very place to do it; for a man that comes out here don't only free him- self, but a generation. Any man that does that, it is an honour to him when he is in his grave. Mr. Gould will read a letter published in the Maryland Colonisation Journal to you, that was seut from this place, for those are my sentiments as it is in that, though you inu.-t calculate to meet with some difficulties in any new country. Mr. Gould, sir, I wish you to read this letter if you can to the coloured people in the neigh- borhood of Hunting creek. Give my best re- spects to all my inquiring friends, 1 remain your humble servant, Levi Norris. Letter From Miss Margaret McAllister to Mrs. Galloway Cheston, of this City Cape Palmas, August 31, 1835. Deah Friend—With pleasure I take up my pen to inform you of my safe arrival at this place, after a passage of fifty-six days. I was not very sick at sea, not more than a couple of days. The Captain treated me very kindly, and so did the mate. Tho Lord was gracious to me from the commencement, throughout, When I arrived at Monrovia, I met with every possible attention from I be Colonists, and stayed with Mr. Magill from Baltimore, who was very kind to inc. I was well pleused with the Kev. Mr. Seys and lady: alter staying there live days, we sailed lor this place and arrived here m three days, where I have met with a kind reception. The Governor lias been very kind: Mr. and Mrs. Wilson havo treated me very kindly, and I feel myself deeply indebted to them. Aa soon as they beard of my arrival, they sent a coloured gentleman to bring me ashore, and in coming, there was a beavy sea ready to roll over us: we were near the shore and the man caught me up quite suddenly; . did not know what he meant, and being crowd- ed with a parcel of natives, I was quite fright- ened; they told me, in their broken Knglish, "no fraidl no fruid!" though I was much over- come by the fright I soon recovered, and ba<. the pleasure of seeing Mr. and Mrs. W. on the land, waiting to receive me; they took me home and made me quite comfortable; 1 re- mained there four days, and am much pleased ivitb them. I think if any persons arc calcu- lated to do good for Africa, they are. I am livin" in the country, about two miles from town1, with Mr llancu. Mr. Wilson is so kind as to loan me bis horse, when it is necessary lor me to come to town: yesterday he sent lot |