 |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0048 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0048 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
| 54 MARYLAND COLONIZATION JOURNAL. COLONIZATION JOURNAL. MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1837. All communications intended for the Mary- land Colonization Journal, or on business of the Society, should be addressed to the Rev. Ira A. Easter, Home Agent, Colonization Rooms, Post Office Building. EMBARKATION OF THE EMIGRANTS. Seldom have we witnessed a more beautiful day than was Tuesday, tiie 28th of November— the day on which eighty-five emigrants embarked on board the fine brig Niobe, to set sail in a few hours for their future home in Maryland, Liberia. Many were the bright and joyous faces of the most fair and intelligent of the ladies of our city, who very early found their way to the wharf where the religious exercises were to be conducted. Many also, of the clergy, with some of the most influential citizens were present to witness the interesting scene. The arrangements were most appropriately made by Capt. Mason, a member of the executive committee, whose experience as a seaman gives him great advantage in fitting out an expedition. The emigrants by 11 o'clock, were all comforta- bly seated in a large scow, placed near the wharf, while the wharves on two sides of a commodious dock with the steps leading to the second stories of the warehouses were literally crowded with a multitude of spectators anxiously waiting the commencement of the exercises. At 11 o'clock the services were commenced with singing and prayer by the Rev. Mr. Thornton, of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, in a deeply interesting and solemn manner. Many delightful voices were mingled in singing that sweet hymn, by Addison, commencing with the words, 'When all thy mer- cies, oh my God.' When the prayer was con- cluded, the emigrants were addressed for thirty minutes with excellent feeling and appropriate- ness of sentiment by the Rev. Benjamin Kurtz, editor of the Lutheran Observer. The deep interest which Mr. Kurtz has long felt in the colonization enterprise, and the care with which he has studied its important bearings, fitted him for the duty which he so admirably performed. At the close of his remarks, addressing the large and attentive company of emigrants, he most emphatically and feelingly said, 'lift up, lift up your heads, my friends, the day of your redemp- tion draws nigh; soon you will enjoy genuine freedom in the land of your fathers.' Every eye expressed assent to the declaration of the speaker. The Rev. Mr. Easter, in the absence of the president, who was detained by important en- gagements, made the concluding address. The speaker, in an animated strain adverted to some of the benefits conferred on the coloured race by the colonization scheme. He saw that nearly the half of the eighty-five emigrants then seated before him, were made freemen through this benevolent institution—that from Norfolk ninety more were now preparing to sail for Liberia, all of them liberated and provided with the means of emigration by their benevolent owners, through the same instrumentality—and at Wilmington, N. C. there were 'sixty persons ready to embark for the colony at Bassa Cove, through the benevo- lence of colonization principles—that in all this year there have been not less than six vessels char- tered and fitted out with emigrants, teachers, missionaries, and officers, to be borne by the winds of Providence to the coast of Africa. Was all this a mere humbug, intended to practice on the credulity of the coloured race ? Let the facts stated and the scene then exhibited testify. The speaker saw before him the elements out of which the statesmen, philanthropists and missionaries, would be formed, who would give laws, civiliza- tion and religion to Africa. He saw too, the elements dtsigned by Providence to perpetuate the enterprise of colonization. There were pa- rents, leaving their children, husbands their wives, and children their parents, to prepare homes for their beloved relatives, in the land of freedom, who would then come and participate in their enjoyment. The present company were laying hold of one end of the cord of love and waited by the winds of heaven, would bind it fast to Africa ; while their friends and relatives holding on to the other, would one after another be drawn over tilt deep and wide Atlantic. The enterprise was never more vigorously prosecuted, nor with ecpial success. The friends of the cause are more numerous—their liberality continues to increase, »nd their sympathy is extending. The fair ladies of this city, with their noble charity have entered the field, and as an earnest of their future efforts are sending out teachers, with the present expe- dition, to train up the children of the colonists in the knowledge of letters. The benediction was pronounced and the boat pushed olT from the wharf, filled with the emi- grants, attended by many of the clergy and other friends, ladies and gentlemen, who proceeded with them to the vessel, which lay out in the stream, two hundred yards distant. This scene was made very impressive, by one ot the emigrants, who sung a hymh, and all the company joined in sing- ing the high praises of God. It is believed that much the larger part of this expedition consists of humble followers of Christ, and members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The fervent prayers of their brethren, will doubt- less arcompany them to their distant home. It is difficult to conceive of any scene more impres- sive. Many tears were i.V J on the occasion, by both the white and the coloured people, and if we are not greatly deceived, the influence was deci- dedly beneficial to the latter class. It is scarcely possible that the frequent repetition of such scenes can fail of undermining the prejudices ol the more intelligent people of colour; by little and little produce the conviction, which human elo- quence could not effect. To this end let the advocates of the scheme direct their unwavering efforts, trusting to divine Providence for ultimate success. Proceedings of the Ladies" Education • Society. It is with pleasure we state, that the Ladies' society for the promotion of educatioh in Africa, have employed Mr. Benjamin Alleyne and his wife to take charge of a school at Cape Palm as. They went out as passengers on board the Niobe, on the 28th ult. Their labours are to be exclu- sively devoted to the instruction of the children of colonists, for the first year. From the acquain- tance we were enabled to form with Mr. Alleyne, we confidently expect the most favourable results from his efforts. Himself and wife, are both pro- fessing christians, anil have attained to that period of life, when the character is fully developed. We congratulate the ladies on the early success which has crowned their efforts, both in regard to the amount of contributions, and the promptness with which suitable persons have been obtained to occupy the important field assigned them. No benevolent institution w ith which we are acquaint- ed, has accomplished so much in so short a period, and as far as we can judge from the expression of public sentiment, few are likely to be more popu- lar, or meet with better support. THE SCALE HAS TURNED. Abolition elforts to the contraiy, notwithstand- ing, the day is not distant when there will be more applicants for a passage to Liberia from this State, than there will be funds to carry them. We have long said, the day must come, when this groundless opposition to colonization on the part of the coloured people, will be confined to that class of them who arc utterly worthless and too degraded to possess any desire, but that of gratifying their sensual appetites. The sober, the temperate, the industrious, the intelligent part of this class of our population, must ultimately awake to the rich blessings which await them, in their 'father land;'—they must see more and more fully, what they arc now beginning to per- ceive indistinctly, that, here they are but 'hew- ers of wood and drawers of water;' that what ever may be their imaginary freedom, they are in fact, but the lackeys and menials of their white masters. We speak of those now, who under the prescription of abolition doctors, arc trying to per- suade themselves that the time may come, even in Jmerica, when they will be elevated to some small honour. But who that has attained the age of maturity, and travelled beyond the limits of his native state, does not perceive in every steam- boat and stage, at every tavern and public house, in all the civilities of life and by every fire-side that Cullee still goes to the wall. And who so wise as to see, even the remote prospect of a change for bettering his condition here ? Hence the scale has turned. The coloured people who are capable of thinking justly, are calling at }he colonization office and asking for a passage to Liberia. Some of the very first men of this character, have determined to seek true liberty in Africa, and morp, many more, are preparing to follow. Our recent expediton carries out men who possess high moral worth, and when disencum- bered of their political degradation are capable of rising high in the scale of moral and intellectual greatness. During the past week in this city, while there were between eighty and one hundred emigrants boarding here, and making preparation for the voyage to Africa, every scheme was devised, every stratagem practised by men kept in pay for the vile work of lying by wholesale, who pressed themselves unseasonably and unasked into the boarding-houses of the emigrants, with the special design of weakening their confidence in the promises of the society, and to some extent were successful in misleading a few ignorant and cre- dulous individuals ; but to our surprise, the more intelligent spurned them from their presence, and warned them of the consequences of their con- duct. Two years ago, with such elforts on the part of our enemies, it is not reasonable to sup- pose, that ten persons would have remained stead- fast. But the tide has turned, nor will the deep and wide Atlantic stop its course, until Africa is peopled with a hardy and industrious race, from the United States, carrying with them the bless- ings of civilization and the gospel. ALEXANDER HANCE. The circumstances which have attended the visit of Mr. Hance to his native state, are well deserving a notice in the Journal. Mr Hance, i9 a native of Calvert county, in this state, and was among the first to emigrate to Maryland in Liberia, taking with him his wife and two of his children, purchased by his own industry; and leaving behind in slavery, three very interesting daughters, with the determination, if spared, to return at some future period, to redeem these ten- der objects of a parent's love. Mr. Hance, while in Africa, received letters from his friends in this country, informing him of the high prices at which slaves were selling, and advised him if he ever designed to see his children again, to lose no time in returning to America. He accordingly came home passenger in the brig Baltimore, which carried out the spring expedition, and immediately on his arrival made known to us the object of bis errand. We candidly stated to him, as he was without money, that the prospect of success was almost hopeless. But when on fur- ther information.it was known that the individual owning these children, demanded one thoutand dollars cash, for them, and the oldest not more than twelve or fourteen years of age, it was thou Jit almost idle even to make the attempt to raise so large a sum from benevolent coTitributions. But the sequel proves we did not know the thermome- ter of public feeling. At the request of Mr. Kennard, the society's travelling agent, Mr. Hance. after visiting his children, in Calvert, attended several public meetings on both the Eastern and Western Shore, and submitted to his coloured brethren, a plain statement of facts in regard to the prospects of bettering their condition in Africa. AtChestertown, and some other points on the Eastern Shore, his addresses were utterly disregarded, and many uncharitable insinuations made in reference to his motives. But in Calvert and the lower part of Anne Arundel, where lie was raised, and his character known from his childhood, the impression was overwhelming. Many persons who had been told that Hance had long since been sold to Georgia, by the Coloniza- lion Society, now saw him standing before them, a living reality, all the way from Liberia, and he spoke words to them about Africa and liberty, that fired thrir hearts in such degree, M to burn out the deepest prejudice, and upon their remembrance of 'Sawney's' fidelity, they were willing to cross the great water, and see for themselves. In his travels, Mr. Hance met with some of his former friends among white people, who gave him great encouragement to expect their assistance in redeeming his children, and advised him to make the attempt to raise the sum demanded for them. Steps were immediately taken. The clergy of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore, of which Hance has long been an acceptable member, gave their valuable and efficient assistance, and seldom have we wit- nessed more earnest work in a noble cause, or more successful solicitations. The issue is a triumphant exhibition of christian liberality. Hance's children are redeemed, and on their way to join and embrace their long absent relatives in Africa. Could those who have nobly assisted in the accomplishment of this act, witness the scene that must occur on the landing of the emigrants at Cape Palmas, they would be more than repaid for every farthing contributed. But this is only a fractional part of the countless benefits which colonization is conferring on the coloured race in this country. LUKE WALKER. This man appears to seek notoriety. Like most apostates, he labours to bring into contempt a cause which he has basely deserted. As he seeks to be cxtcnshcly known as a deserter from the Maryland Colony in.Liberia, we feel bound to render him some assistance. To our friends in Philadelphia, who sent us a message to keep our runaway colonists at home, and not permit them to go at large to the injury of our neighbours, we would observe, that it is a leading policy with the Maryland Society, to let men do as they like on their arrival in Africa. If they choose to return to the United States, with an evil report against the gooil land, they only play the part of the spies who returned from the land of Canaan, and will meet with their desert. The only arguments which we .shall attempt to oppose to the false- hoods propagated by Luke Walker, are : 1st, the statement of Doctor Hall, the former governor of the colony, with whom Walker came passenger to this country, that he thought his character and example decidedly injurious to the colony. 2nd, Mr. Russwunn, the present governor, in a letter to the Home Agent, states, that 'Walker lelt the colony because he could not indulge in drinking whiskey,' and 3rd, if any there be, who want stronger proof of his immoral and worthless character, let them visit Fell's Point, in this city, where he can be seen day and night; every day in the week and all day on Sunday, living in a miserably dirty cellar, dealing out to his vagabond customers, lies by wholesale against Africa, and whiskey to make them palatable. He keeps a grocery of the baser sort, conducted as we have no doubt, on a capital furnished by I'liiladel/ihia .'Ibulilionisli, whether white or black we know not, but the trade and trader are black enough in all conscience. Now we have done with Luke Walker. Donations to the Maryland Stale Colonization Society. August 1st.—R. S. Hollins, $10. Orem and Morling, 85. Collections from St. Stephen's par- ish, per Gov. Veazey, $5. Baltimore Patriot, ft. Rev. J. C. Backus. $20. Rev. James R. Wil- liams, $5. R. Sinclair, Jr. fc Co. ft. A. T. Baxter, ft, Collection by Rev. Mr. Martin, from his church, Martinsburg, Va. $5 56. Collection by Rev. Mr. Winter, Clearspring, $15 25. Thom- as Kelso, $10, Casper W. Weaver $10. Rev. James C. Carroll, of Russelville county, Va. $5. Subscriptions and donations at Light street Church, fur the purchase of Alexander Hance's children. Rev. Dr. Dorsey, $5, George Earnest, $5, Abraham Shriver, $5. D. E. Thomas, $5, Joshua Royston, #5. Richard H. Battee, $5. Win R. Stuart. 85. Thomas Armstrong, $5. F. Israel, $5. Rev. Thomas McGee, $5. Geo. W. Nabb, $5. J. W. Berry. $5. Thomas Flint, $5. Jas. A. Sangston ft. Jeremiah Tittle, $5. Rev. Ira A. Easter. $5. Wm. Mason, $5. J. L. Dudley, $5. F. H. Smith. $5. John H. B. Latrobe, $10. O. Holmes. Jr. $3. N. L. Woods, $5. Caleb Perrigo, $5. Caspar W. Weaver, $5. Joseph T. Ford, $5. Wm. Reese, $5, Rev. John Haesbaert, $5. W. F. Giles, $5, Rev. Mr. Hopkins, 2 gold rings. Mrs. Pru. Chalmers, $3, Mrs. Jane Fisher, 83. Miss II. Wilkius, $3. Mrs. Maria Ebsworth, 83. Mrs. Jane Hines, $3. Mrs. M. Mortimer, ft, Miss Catharine W. Wever, $3, Mr. Hines, $2. Mrs. Battee and children, $4. Dr. Keene, $2. Mr. F. Burch, $1. Marial Burch, $1, George Naylor, $1, J. E. Reese, $1, John Zimmerman, $1, Joseph Brass, $1. Mrs. Ann Hackett, $1. A lady, $1. W. Watkins. H Watkins, $1. Mrs. E. Wood, $1, James Harris, $1, Mr. Amos, $1. Mrs. D. Robinson, $1. J. R. Hines, $1. Miss E. A. Fisher, $1, Mrs. McJilton, $1, Miss Keener, $1, H. Taylor, $1, Mrs. Watkins, $1. Mrs. Sarah Brown, $1, Ann H. Sangston, $1, Jas. A. Sangston, $1, Samuel Coulter. $1. John H. Sewell, $1, Mr. Moran, $1. John Wesley, $1, Anderson, $1. R. G. Armstrong, $5, Rev. Mr. Thornton, $5. A Virginia lady, $5. Christian Keener, $5. Collections by Rev. Mr. Furlong. $46 42. Collected by Rev. Mr. Thornton, $5. Mr. John T. Miles, $2, Rev. Mr. Hersey, $28. Contributions made to Rev. S. R. Wynkoop, by gentlemen in Trenton, New Jersey. The Presbyterian church, - - . $15 Stacy Potts, Esq......5 Henry W. Green, Esq. .... 5 Annitage Green, 5 James Wilson,.....2 F. A. Ewing, ................................................... 1 B. Fisk,......5 Samuel Hamilton,.....3 Colonization.—The Norfolk Herald states that the ship Emperor, sailed from that port on Sunday for Liberia, with about one hundred African colonists. Extract from a letter, from the Rev. John Payne, Mount Vaughn, Cape Palmas, W. A. July, 1837. You will be gratified to learn that vve reached this place, the field ot your future labours, in per- fect health, on Tuesday, the 1th of July- Soon alter coining to anchor, the Rev. Mr. Wilson of the American Board, came on board of our vessel to meet us, and is Dr. Savage was two miles dis- tant from the Cape, kindly invited us to his house until the Doctor should arrive. By the time we reached the shore, however, our beloved brother, the subject of so many prayers and fears, about whom we almost feared to make any inquiries, made his appearance amidst hundreds of that degraded race, to save whom he had willingly sacrificed all that., in the estimation of the world, renders life desirable. No one, my dear sir, until he has experienced it, can form any adequate con- ception of the thrill 0! joy Occasioned by greeting a missionary brother under circumstances like these. To me it was like meeting 'one from the dead,' for dead. I feared, I almost expected he was. God, however, had been better than all my fears. I found Dr. Savage not only alive, but likewise, notwithstanding the sickness and other trying scenes through which he had passed, in health, looking, we thought, as well as when he left America. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson we also found in tolerably good health, and they have proved, I think most conclusively, that ministers of the gospel can live as well as slave-traders in Africa. The preservation of the lives and health of these servants of God has been tiuly encourag- ing to our hearts, and affords us reasoii humbly to hope that we too may be spared to make known the gospel to the benighted multitude by which we are continually surrounded. If we huve been cheered by the circumstances I have mentioned, we have been still more so, bv the appearance of the country and the prospects of usefulness before us. You have no doubt, had already from Dr. Savage a description of Cape Palmas, arid the scenery in its vicinity. I shall not, therefore, trouble you with another at this time, hut will only say what, without any pre- vious knowledge of the country, would doubtless be considered very extravagant, that it appeared to be the most lovely situation I had ever beheld. Accustomed as I had always been, notwithstand- ing representations to the contrary, to associate with Africa nought but parching winds and sandy deserts, and poisonous vapours» its cooling breezes, its beautiful variety of hill and valley clothed in rich and ever-tluring verdure, and the sweet odours breathing around, perfectly delighted me. Nor was my pleasure at all diminished by a ride out to the mission house, which Mrs. Pavne and myself took on Wednesday, having spent'the previous day and night under the hospitable roof of the Rev. Mr. WiNon, until a room could be prepared for our reception. Ourroad (commenc- ing at the Cape, and to be extended during the present year as far as Denah, on the Cavally river,) lay along through, the thickest under- growth, and tin' lolly spreading trees peculiar to tropical countries. Alter travelling this road about two miles, we came suddenly in view of Mount Vaughan, the site of onr mission estab- lishment. The description yon have had of this place, wil1 give you some conception how desirable a location lias fallen into our hands. Indeed, dear I sir, from the time I first set foot upon Cape Pal- mas. until the present time, enjoying as I have excellent health, and surrounded by nature's love- liest works, I have hail the greatest difficulty in realizing that there is a dark side of the picture yet to be seen. But still do not think me carried away by first impressions anil first appearances, so far as to be betrayed by them into the neglect of that prudence, earnestly and affectionately urged upon us in the instructions of your com- mittee. Notwithstanding what I at present see and feel, I must turn a deaf ear to all that I hear of the sutlerings of all African missionaries who have preceded me, not to expert that trials, and afflictions, and perhaps death, await me also But my heart's desire is, that 'none of these things' may 'move me,' yea, that I may 'not count even my life dear unto myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the work that may be given me to do." It gives me unfeigned joy to inform vou that the mission prospers, and our prospects of useful- ness continue to brighten. We have at present in the school, fourteen hoys and four girls, who will form the foundation of a class for Mrs. Payne. The neighbouring kings are becoming more and more favourable to have their children educated. Dr. Savage, will, no doubt inform you that, anti- cipating the instructions given to us in reference to extending our operations into the interior, he lately visited Denah, and contracted with the |