 |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0040 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0040 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
| 44 MARYLAND COLONIZATION JOURNAL. MONROVIA. W. Hutton, Esq,. Agent of the Western African Company, who lias resided in Africa twenty-seven years, nntl visited most ol the settlements on the coast, ntul held high stations of trust end re«poiwibHitjr under the British g.ivtrnii.ont, and who has lately visited Monrovia, on iho eve of his departure, volun- teered the following statement of impressions produced mi his minil by Ins visit. Previous to my landing here. 1 expected from tlie reports I hail beard, to And nothing bat n miserable little town, without either com- merce sufficient to detain me a day. or an inha- bitant to entertain me a single Mar, Judge, then, sir, bow agreeably disappointed I was on landing, to hear the friendly voices of the inhabitants requesting me to walk into their hospitable dwelling*, and giving me assurances which have since been realized, of bartering with me for goods to the amount of several hundred 'pounds.' and this too at a time when the trade had been long interrupted by wars in the interior, and the day after a French vessel Had been here and carried oil' nearly '10 cwt. of ivory.' I was not less gratified to find a picturesque a.id pleasant little town (fatty as quiet, and not greatly dissimilar to an English country village.) With broad well arranged streets and good" substantial houses. Many of t hem built of stone, with gla-s windows, and the abut- ments large and convenient, well furnished, and neatly papered.—These houses are de- lightfully situated mi an eminence. Command- ing beautiful views of the sea and surrounding country, and also of a line river extending many miles into the interior, affording every facility to commerce, as wail us- a sale and convenient harbour for vessels of from 6°0 to 100 tons burthen. In addition to these advantages, which few of the settlements oil ties coast possess, I am desirous of bringing under the notice of the public, the temperature of the climate, the excellency of the water, and the fertility of the soil. la your guldens, which are in good order and we'll enclosed, I have observed tine cabbages, cucumbers, parsley, beans, and other vegetables, as well as the most delicious fruits, such as pine apples, oranges, grapes, guavas, sour-sops, the African cherry, melons and lemons. I must also do the inhabitants the justice to say, that (hey are a highly respectable, mural, and intelligent people. Their superior intel- ligence indeed is sufficiently demonstrated in the columns of the 'Liberia Herald'. The Rev. Andrew B. Cross followed by presenting to the meeting the prosperity and happiness of the colonies planted on the shores of Africa, by people of colour from this country, from documentary evidence, calcu- lated to satisfy every hearer, that the prospect of immense benefit to those who should emi- grate, as well as to those to whom they were sent, and amongst whom they were called to operate, must in lime be productive of the happiest results. The settlements on the African coast were shown to bo in the most iloiirishii". condition. A letter was read by the chairman, from David James, an emigrant who left this vicinity last fall, which was highly encouraging to the friends of the good cause. The Hon. Ezekiel P. Chamber* made a few sententious remarks in behalf of coloniza- tion and in commendation of the 'Maryland Colonization Journal,' which had previously been offered for subscription by the agent; when the meeting was closed by an appeal to the Throne of Grace. John G. Wilson. Chairman. Henry Hollingsworth, Secy. Liberia Herald.—This paper is published once a month, at Monrovia, and the No*, fur October and November last are before us. We have been both amused and instructed by it. Its editor, Mr. H. Teage, is certainly no contemptible member of the editorial corps, though pure African blood courses through his veins. He laments that lie is unable to render his paper more interesting to bis readers, but assigns some very satisfactory reasons for the disagreeable fact. '1. In Liberia, there are no mobs affording columns of matter in accounts of heads broke, houses rilled, magistrates resisted, laws defied, or any other like brilliant events. To this degree of refinement the citizens of Liberia have not yet arrived. 2. In Liberia, we are unhappily deprived of the privilege of arraigning and abusing public men and measures. 3. The MM H so strongly connected with »s by con- sanguinity or some other tie, that he never leaves us farther than twenty-three degrees and a half sooth of the equator, so that we have not the advantage of enlivening our page* w itti accounts of thigh* broken by falling mi tlie ice, or of some boaulea*, cloth, less w rctih, freezing to death in the cellar or barn of sumo wealthy aristocrat. 4. We have been paving some attention to ikullology, but the living cranium* invariably object to being submitted to inspection, nmi nt have a most unspeakable, incurable aver* sum to dead ones. We are determined, how- ever, not to be outdone (by brother editors,) and have re.-olved to submit the head end front of the first monkey or babboou we meet to the most rigorous iuspectiuti, and lay the results beture our reader*,' S. From the Commercial Advertiser. A VOICE FROM LIBERIA. From several numbers of the Liberia Herald recently received, we are enabled to form gratifying opinions in regard to the progress of the colonies. Among other evidences of the advancement of those little American- African communities, in the usages of regu- lated und civilized society, we have noted with interest the proceeding* of a public meeting, held at Monrovia, for the expression of the opinions of the colonists respecting the colo- nization enterprise. The following resolu- tions, among others, were adopted : 1. On motion of Rev. J. Revey, Resolved, That this meeting entertain the warmest gratitude for what the American Colonisation Society have done for the people of colour, and for us particularly, and that we regard the scheme as entitled to the highest confidence of every man of colour. 2. On motion of S, Benedict, Esq, Resolved, That we return our grateful ae- knowledgments to Gerrit Smith, A. Tappan, Esqrs. and other early and devoted friends of colonization; names for which we shall ever cherish the highest esteem; that we hear with regret, from misrepresentation or want of accurate information, they have abandoned the noble scheme; and that we hope the day is not far distant, in which they will again reunite their energies to advance the high and benevolent object. 3. On motion of Mr. H. Tenge, Resolved, That this meeting regard the colonizing institution as one of the highest, holiest, it ml most benevolent enterprise* of the present day; that, as a plan f'.r the meli- oration of the condition of the coloured race, it takes the precedence of all that have been presented to the attention of the modern world : that in its operation, it is peaceful and safe; in its tendencies, beneficial nnd advan- tageous: that it is entitled to the highest veneration, and unbounded confidence of every f colour; that what it has already BC COLONIZATION MEETING. A meeting of the citizens of Cecil county was held in pursuance of public notice, in the Court-house at Elkton, on the evening of Wednesday, the 5th of April, 1837, to take into consideration the subject of African colo- nization, when the Rev. John G. Wilson was called to the chair, and Henry Hollingsworth, appointed secretary. The meeting was then addressed by the Rev. John H. Kennard, agent of the Mary- land State Colonization Society, who pre- sented in a short address the importance and necessity of African colonization, as con- ducive to the best interests of our country, in harmonizing conflicting interests, but of special and immense importance us connected with the prosperity and security of the people of Maryland ; the happiness and real freedom of the coloured race in this country by re- moving them to their own land; and to the benighted and wretched sons of Africa, by •ending them the rich blessings of civilization nnd the gospel. Mr. K. expressed his strong confidence in the speedy and complete triumph of the whole scheme, and went on to show that its claims to the favourable consideration and support of every citizen of our State, and of the whole country, were such as to insure for it the influence and co-operation of the whole people. man complished, demand* our devout thanks and gratitude to those noble and disinterested philanthropists, that compose it, as being under God the greatest earthly benefactor* of a despi.-ed and oppressed portion of the human family. Whereas it has been widely and maliciously circulated in the United States of America, that the inhabitant* of tin- colony are un- happy in their situation, and unxious to re- turn— ti. On motion of Rev. B. R. Wilson—Resol ved. That the report is false and inalicious and originated only in a design to injure the colony by calling off the support and sympathy of its friend*; that so far from a desire to return, we would regard such an event us the greatest calamity that could befal us. 11. On motion of Rev. Amos Herring__ Resolved, That this meeting entertain the deepest gratitude for the members of the Colo- nization Society, for the organization and continuation of on enterprise so noble and praiseworthy as that of restoring to the bless- ings of liberty, hundreds and thousands of the sore oppressed and long neglected sons of Africa; that we believe it the only institution that can, under existing circumstances, suc- ceed in elevating the coloured population; and that advancement in agriculture, mechanism, und science, will enable us speedily to aspire to a rank with other nations of the earth. 12. On motion of Mr. H. B. Matthews__ Success to the wheels of colonization; may they roll over every opposer, and roll on, until all the oppressed sons of Africa shall be rolled home! The meeting was one of great interest, and lasted two days. The number of resolutions adopted was fifteen. The Liberia Herald contains sketches of several of the speeches delivered on the occasion. We make the following extracts. Sentiments of Mr. David White—I arrived in Africa on the 24th of May, 1823; at that time the colony was involved in wur with the circumjacent savages. Immediately on landing I had to shoulder my musket, and do other military duty of fatigue and parade, extremely burdensome to one altogether unaccustomed to such duties. The circumstances of the colony were trying in the extreme. But never have I seen the moment in which I re- pined coming to the colony. My object in coming was liberty, for which I am willing to endure grester hardships than those I have already encountered. And under the firm conviction that Africa is the only place, under existing circumstance*, where the man of co- lour cull enjoy the inestimable blessings ol liberty and equality, 1 feel grateful beyond cx- pussioti to the American Colonization Society for preparing this peaceful nsyl...... Sentiments of Mr. George Baxter.—I beg the liberty, oil this occasion, to express my deep gratitude to the American Colonization Society for the great deliverance effected by them of myself ami family. I thank Cod that he ever put it in their hearts to seek out this frec soil, on which I have been so honoured to set my feet. I and my family were born in Charleston, S. Carolina, under the appellation of free people; but freedom we never knew* until by the benevolence of the Colonisation Society, we were conveyed to the shores of Africa, Ml language is too poor to express the gratitude I entertain for the Colonization Society; I therefore pray that God will strengthen their hands, make daily accessions to their numbers, and advance to complete success, the honourable cause in which they are engaged. Sentiments of Mr. R. Matthews—I came to Liberia in the year 1832, in the brig American, Captain Abels, My place of residence was the city of Washington, D. C. where I passed for a free man. But I can now say I was never free, until I landed mi the shores ol Africa; I farther state, that Africa, so far as I am acquainted with the world, is the only place where people of colour can enjoy true and rational liberty. I feel grateful to the Colonization Society, for what they have done and are still doing lor the man of color. Sentiments nf .Mr. David Logan.— I beg leave to state, that, my situation is greatly altered for the better, by coining to Africa. I came out in the brig Hunter. My object in coining to Africa, was liberty and equality; under the conviction, founded on experience, that the coloured man could not enjoy them in the U. States. I have been in tins colony about ten years; and when I arrived here, I was without u dollar. Vet, as poor as the country is said to be. 1 find the industrious can make a Comfortable living. My political knowledge is fir superior to what it would have been, had I remained in America a thousand years. I therefore seize this chalice to present my thanks to the American Coloni- zation Society, for enabling me to come to this colony. Which they have so benevolently established. Atier my arrival in the colony, I had three months' support granted me by the Society; since then, 1 have been able to support myself. Sentiments of .Mr. James R Cheesman— Mr. Chairman, I cannot on this occasion suppress my feelings. Animated by the past, and encouraged by the bright prospects which he before us, let us proceed undauntedly in our noble career. Let us appeal to the pious, the liberal, and the wise; let us bear in mind the condition of our fathers, when assembled on the shores of America, they embarked amid the scoffs and false predictions of the as- sembled multitude, and succeeded in spite of all the perils of the' ocean, and dangers of the forest, in laying the foundation of this infant republic. Undismayed by the prophecies ol the presumptuous, let us implore tin; aid of the American people, and redoubling our labours and invoking the aid of an all wise Provi- dence, let us anticipate the complete success of our undertaking. On motion of Mr. H. Teage.—Resolved, That this meeting view with regret, the degree to which the unti-eolonizalionists of America carry their opposition; we regard the opposition of the anli-oolonizatiooifta, as detrimental to tin; true interest of the coloured people generally ; that t heir unmeasured alin.-e of the colonisation scheme is unholy and unjust, that the degree to which they uniformly slander and misrepresent this colony, goes a great way to discredit their profession of disinter- ested benevolence; and we beseech them by all that we suffered in America—by all we have sullered here—by all the bright prospects before us, and by u regard to their own cha- racter, to scandalize und vilify us no more. anniversaries, besides praying and making speeches. This object very nearly concerns our coloured citizens. These slaveholders think all coloured people ought to be slaves. They look upon you as property, and when they see you, and your wives and children walking through the streets, instead nf think- ing how to do good and save your souls, they think how much you would bring in the mar- ket, if they could get you to Baltimore, Wash- ington, Richmond, or New Orleans.' •So after having made a long pruyer and a good speech at an anniversary, perhaps you will find them by night lurking about your houses, to catch you and carry you off to the south. As you come out of your doors, it may he they will spring upon yon, knock you down, gag you, chain you and fetter, give you a good cow-hiding to keep you still; and then take you to some ship m the harbour and send you to the south.' '(specially, if there has been a contribution at the anniversary, and they have given any thing, then it especially stands you in hand to beware. You may expect that they will in- ihiunily themselves, by stealing your wives and children. They know our city authorities will not protect you. They know the minis- ters and Christians of New York and Boatea will think just as well of them, if they do'kid- nap a goodly number of our citizens.' '1 warn you to keep in doors. Lock, bolt and bar your doors. Close your shutters. He careful how you appear at the anniversa- ries. 1 low do you know but while the slave- holder is making u speech, he may mark you out fiir his prey? I tell you, slave-holding mi- nisters are accustomed to steal men, women and children, every day. It is the first great object of their lives. The next is praying and preaching.' 'Up, watch, look nut for slaveholding minis- ters and christians, or your wives and children may be torn from your embrace, and dragged away to weep, to pine and die in the laud of tears and blood.' The second extract is front a comment of the Emancipator on the article we published a lew weeks since, headed 'Noble spirit in the south,' in winch it was staled that the Pres- byterian church on St. John's island, near Charleston, S C. had resolved to raise $600 a year to support one of the missionaries of the American board at Cape Palmas. Allu- ding to this resolution, the editor of the Eman- cipator says i 'So then the American board is to hove the handling of this money. That 'money,' a large portion of it, is doubtless nothing more nor less than the fruit of deliberate und sys- tematic robbery, und when the American hoard receives it into its treasury, it will have received the fruit of robbery and the price of blood. And will God accept robbery for of- fering? Nay, verily, he will blow upon it, and upon those who do accept it.' N Y. paper. The Rev. John J. Matthias, pastor of Nazareth Math, Bans, church of New York, has been appointed governor of Bas-a Cove, in Liberia, and has signified his willingness to accent of the appointment. His wife, with perhaps one or two other white persons, ex- pects to accompany him to his new field of la- bour. One widl acquainted with Mr. M. says: 'He is truly a religious man, and is both a christian and a gentleman; dignified in his manners, admirable ia his spirit, systematic in his habits, diligent in business, lull of love to (iod and man: in short, I know not his supe- rior for the oflice, and he will be a Meaning to the colony.' His weight of character, for he is extensively known and esteemed, will great- |y serve the cause. Ill- wile also is among I he 'excellent id'the earth,' und Would be very Useful to the colonists. — lb. SPIRIT OF THE ABOLITION PRESS. The two leading periodicals of the northern abolitionists ure "the Liberator of Beaton, edited by Mr. Garrison, and the Emancipator of this city. |f the following extracts from two articles which have recently appeared in these publications are to be regarded as ex- pressive of the sentiments and leelinga of the anti-slavery societies of the north. We feel as- sured that no considerable number of our re- spectable citizens can long continue to belong to these associaiions. The first extract is from an article in the Liberator of March 31st, beaded, 'Beware of the Religious Anni- versaries.' and addressed 'to the coloured citi- zens of Phiadelphia, New York, and Boston.'' •It is expected that many slave-holding mi- nisters and christians from the south will he in the above-named cities in May. They are coining on to pray and make speeches at our anniversaries.' 'But let our coloured citizens beware nf these southern ministers and christians. They may have another object in attending our * The fact referred to by several of the colonists, that although nominally free in the U. States they could not here enjoy real freedom, s deeply disgraceful to the Suites and districts of which it is true. It cannot be true of a large portion of New-England, and we trust that the time is at hand when the stain will be entirely wiped away from our land___Eds. N. Y. Observer. To the Friends of the African Mission. The Poreign Committee of the Hoard of Ifiaaion* of the Protestant Episcopal Church de-ire to call the attention of the friends of Africa to the interesting eoaditiofl and en- couraging prospects of the mission at Cape palmas, on the Western coast. Recent colu- mn.fictitious from tba devoted missionary und teachers already faithfully labouring in that distant and benighted field, encourage the hope that God is ready to bless the efforts made there with speedy and abundant suc- cess. In fhe persuasion that all who arc interested in this noble cause will be glad to aid in its promotion, they respectfully request donations for the station and mission schools. A list of the articles most needed is given below, as recently transmitted by the Rev. Dr. Savage. Two more missionaries of the Hoard are expected to sail for Cupc Palmas about the middle of May next. Domestic cotton goods of all kinds, parti- cularly strong coarse bleached shirting or sheeting, strong coarse blue and white cotton cheeks fir aprons, &c ; crockery ware of durable quality, such as wash hand basins, bowls, pitchers, mugs, plates, cheap table furniture generally, men's, women's, and children's shoes, ready made clothing of all kinds suited to the climate, spelling books, (Comly's) elementary school books, stationery, slates, pencils, &o. infant school apparatus, scripture cards, &c. medicines, carpenter's tools, gardening and farming implements, &c. Donations in any of the above, if directed to the secretary and general agent, or (in his absence) to the Rev. J. W, llrown, office of Poreign Mission, 114 White street, will be faithfully transmitted to their destination___lb. T JOHN D. TOY, PRINTER, CORKER OF MARKET AND ST. PAUL STREETS. |