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Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0072 Enlarge and print image (4M) |
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Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0072 Enlarge and print image (4M) |
| 78 MARYLAND COLONIZATION JOURNAL. road principles of tiuth and nature, and ot Inst assuming this noble stand against the long cherish. ed and guilty customs of the whole world, is due to the Congress of the United Statu. Nor should it be forgotten that the recommendation for the passage of this law, conic from a committee acting on a memorial of the American Colonization Society. Such acts unquestionably exorcise a very salutary influence over those persons who might be disponed to engage in the slave trade : and are exceedingly valuable as high indications of public sentiment, and as imperishable monti ments, erected by the highest authorities among men, to clear ami noble principles of right. But they cannot, of themselves, effect their own bene- volent purposes. After the passage ol tlie act of 1820, it was stated on the floor of Congress by gentlemen representing several slave-holding states, that no fewer than thirteen thousand slaves were annually smuggled into the United Slates. And we have undoubted authority for believing, that at least sixty thousand negroes are yearly transported from Africa, under circumstances of as great cruelty as have ever marked that traffic. The slave trade can be no otherwise effectually abolished than by shedding a stream of moral light upon the dark regions » here it nourishes, to broad as to reveal it in ita naked atrocity, to all its wretched victims. Nor arc there any other appa- rent means by which this can be effected, but the full accomplishment of the plan of African coloni- zation. It is generally known,thattheoriginal members of the American Colonization Society, anticipated that at some future period, the general governm it and some, if not all of the state governments, would co-operate in their exertions lor the remo- val of an e\il which was obviously national in all its aspects, and which no private exertions were adequate to extinguish. This just expectation was expressed on the face of their original constitu- tion, and lias been constantly manifest in all their proceedings. I do not doubt that the general anil state governments possess the constitutional power to make pecuniary contributions in furtherance of the objects of the society ; and as it is a point heretofore very ably elucidated, I will not now trespass on your time by drawing it into discus- sion. Every reason which commends the scheme to the support of the people of this nation, com- mends it also, to the patronage of all our govern- ment*. Every motive which operates on the minds of slaveholders, tending to make the colo- nization of the Dee blacks an object of interest to them, should operate in an equai degree to secure the hearty co-operation of the government of every slave-holding stute. And I confess it is this view of the subject, which, as a slave-owner and a citizen of this Commonwealth, appears to me, to draw it so peculiarly up to the exigencies of our situation, and to lay open before us a political moral above all others clear and explicit. We say, we are the friends of African colonization; its lesson is already precisely taught, and it only remains for us to go whither the light of its example, points us.' COLONIZATION JOURNAL. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1838. All communications intended for the Maryland Colonization Journal, or on business of the Society, should be addressed to the Rev. Ira A. Eastfr, Home Agent, Colonization Rooms, Post Office Building. Our Agents.—Since the publication of the last number of the journal, we regret to state that, both Mr. Roberts and Mr. Kennard, have been attacked with fever and rendered incapable of prosecuting their labours. The success of Mr. Roberts, in St. Mary's, has even exceeded our anticipations, and could his health have continued for a few weeks longer, he would have visited nearly the whole of the county. His report will be found in another part of the Journal. Two appointments made by Mr. Kennard, one in Trince George's, and another in Calvert, could not be attended by him, and will no doubt prove failures. We exceedingly regret the circumstance, hut it could not be prevented. Amalgamation of Colours. Certain abolitionists have not only disclaimed all intention to promote amalgamation, but have denied it, as a consequence of their own peculiar movements ; while others have declared or ad- mitted, that they wish to do legally and morally, what is now done illegally, or immorally, lint it is certain, that from the present spirit of the abo- lition journals, the success of the abolition move- ment must result in amalgamation. There are two causes, which now counteract and modify the progress of amalgamation—the laws and pub- lic opinion. The etleets of these are, that almost all the mixed race have culoured mothers. Public opinion, more effectually than the laws them- selves, has restrained intercourse between colour- ed men and free white women. The immediate tendency of the predominant spirit of the aboli- tionists, is to destroy, or to change this public opinion. But whatever may be thought of the truth of the maxim 'the world is governed by opinion'—it is true, that free communities are so governed. Ignorant men are at first brought under the government of forms, or ceremonies. They can see these, and feel their influence on their imitative faculties, before they can under- stand laws or opinions. The next step in the progress of government, is law, and not uncom- monly the law of tyrants, or masters. Freedom or liberty takes on the modus of opinion. Free men are governed by opinion. It the forms and the laws opjiose the opinions of free men, it is in their power to change them. In the incipient progress of public opinion against forms and laws, civil wars and revolutions are commonly genent. ed, as opinions may be changed much taster than forms and laws. Public opinion in all si lve-hold- ing states, while it is neutral or inert in regard to the intercourse of white free men with rnloured women, is infinitely hostile to the intercourse of .-oloured men with white women,and the strength and universality of this opinion gives effect to the laws. But for this the laws would become a dead letter. In a free country every thing tends to the government of opinion, directly or indirectly, slowle and peacefully, or by violent and mortal conflict. Abolitionists sustain themselves upon the broad ground of the equity and equality of moral law, And it i.s true in the abstract, that the law of chas- tity is no rospcclor of persons or conditions. But while this must be admitted by all who have any regard for law, experience has proved that the consequences of the different forms, or rneaii3 of violating laws, are far from being equal among themselves, or upon society. And in no ease is this difference more clearly verified, than in the irregularities of white women in a state of free- dom, and coloured women in a state of slavery. The latter, as mothers, sutler no loss of character, and scarcely any loss of maternal affection ; nor are their offspring degraded, if they are not ad- vanced. Should it be conceded to the abolition- ists, that these distinctions are all fictitious or artificial, they are still distinctions in fact, and habits of society arc formed upon them. Now the law or principle of chastity is to be considered in its primary obligations as equal, in regard to the sexes, but the consequences of its violation in the sexes are widely different; and an attempt by any Immediate process, to change this public opinion, might be attended with the most delete- rious consequences. Marriages betwixt free white women and coloured men. if the attempt should be made to legalize them, would involve the peace of society. This remedy might prove worse than the present disease. While it might fail as a remedy, it might produce new evils ii not aggravate old ones. The French revolu- tionists, were in the highest degree immediatists. Whatever they regarded as right, they did imme- diately, and regardless of all consequences. They lived by war, and by war they perished Wise politicians and legislators display their wisdom in nothing more than in their estimate of public opinion. Thev are cautious, how they avow de- terminations to change the habits of society im- mediately, and at all hazards. It is not enough to prove the right of women to be married to co- loured men. It is an imperious question ; can Un- laws bo peacefully changed and sustained? The answer to this question must be sought in public opinion. Can public opinion be legally coerced without injuring liberty: There is amalgamation of colours in the offs- pring of coloured mothers. Shall the process be consummated by the offspring of white mothers: So say certain immediate abolitionists. Our daughters and sisters must he given in marriage to coloured men. Are the feelings of fathers and mothers and brothers prepared for this ? Will they quietly submit .' Colonizationists answer, no. Do they not answer truly.' The answer independently of the right or the wrong, is true to their feelings. Such is the present state of public opinion and feeling, in the slave-holding states ; and relatively to it, colonization is con- sistent with the peace of society, and promotes it. Laws may he arbitrary', they may not have the sanction of abstract rights, and yet they may be salutary in their results. If colonization could be proved to be wrong in so far as natu- ral law is concerned; yet it may prove to be better than amalgamation of colours, in the offs- pring of white women. Of two evils, the for- mer may be the least; and every wise and good man, in a cogent dilemma, will chose the least evil of the two. The liberty and peace of socie- ty in the slave-holding states cannot be sustained under an attempt to legalize marriages of white females, and black males. A conquest on either side, would be bought at too great a price of human life. The details of this subject are too delicate, to be detailed; they can only be stated in general terms; but the mind of every parent and brother will be quick in perceiving them. Original Letters from Africa. LETTER FROM THE COLONIAL SECRETARY TO WILLIAM CRANE, ESQ. Harper, Cape Palmas, April 6, 1838, Dear Brother:—Your kind letter of the date of November 23, 1837, by the brig Niobe, came safely to hand and was thankfully received. It afforded me much pleasure. 1 beg you will accept my thanks for the papers you sent me, as elao the books, namely : the Life of Dr. Win. Cuvy, Memoirs of Mrs. Judaea, and Mr. 0, D. Board- man, with that also of brother Dot Carey, though ail with the exception of the two last 1 had seen and read before, My removal from Monrovia with my family 1 havr thought may need some explanation. Ac- cordingly I Would remark, that it was not from any dissatisfaction with, nor want of regard for the old colony that caused my removal, I left against tin- wishes of many of my friends there. In reference to Cape Palmas, I may say that from its commencement, I lelt a deep interest in its settlement, and thought that the Maryland Board displayed much wisdom in making temperance and agriculture the beats of their Infant colony. And when Mr. Russwurm, whom I much respect- ed, wrote to me after I.is appointment as agent, and subsequently to his removal here,offering Be the situation of colonial secretary and book-keeper, statin; that he was at a loss lor a batasB. to fill that office, 1 came to the conclusion alter consi- derable r.dlccticiu about the matter, to accept his oil, i. with the humble hope I might make myself useful in the colony, and not without vacating a very responsible office. How far my conduct in this respect may have been inaikcd by prudence and my anticipations be realized, time only will determine. You no doubt are ready to inquire why I have not joined brellnen Myl'ne and Crocker, in the great and good work of a missionary. I trust, in it ply, that it is not from Indifference on my part to the situation of the native African, or to the cause of missions, nor because the brethren have not mentioned the subject to inc. nor I hope is it from worldly Handedness. If I know myself 1 desire and try to he useful. Shortly alter my ordination, I offered myself to the brethren; hut in consequence of the absence of brother Crocker, and their unsettled state, at that time we did not enter into any permanent agreement, This being the case, I not long alter opened a day school at Monrovia, at the tamest request of some of the citizens, who urged in a town meeting the neces- sity of a permanent school for their children, as they lijen bad none, solemnly promising to support it if I would open one. It appeared to me too, that if the colonies were to be the avenues through which the light of civilization and Christianity were to he spread over dark, morally dark Africa, it was of great importance that schools should be kept in the colonies. I accordingly opened one. The brethren in the meantime moved to I'.dina, Grand Bataa, Brother Crocket some time niter visited Monrovia, and expressed a desire lor me to engage In the mission. He however engaged brother J. Doy, a baptist minister, a man well qualified. My school not prospering, I was from necessity, but reluctantly compelled to give it up. It may here probably not be amiss for me to say, that the greater part of my life in Africa has been spent as a teacher, it is therefore easy to judge what are my pecuniary circumstances, as I believe but few common schoolmasters in any country ever make more than ban ly enough to live. If it had not been lor this I should have visited Ameri- ca several years ago. But I am not complaining, 1 am contented in that respect and feel thankful to God, and sometimes have the gratification to think, that 1 have feebly aimed to be useful to my fellow l>"ii s. My views or feelings on the subject of missions, to be candid, in reference to myself are, that 1 regard it a great and I had almost said, a holy work, not to ho i nt.Med upon from mere mercenary views; and that every minister in the colony from the nature of things, cannot be an immediate mis- sionary to the natives, as much 11 an organized body is not all foot, nor eye, nor ear. Regard- ing the missionary enterprise and the colonization scheme in conceit, the latter a handmaid to the former, I have been sometimes led to consider every good and pious colonist a sort of missionary, whose deportment ought and does exert a good influence. Aware at the same time that the colonics cannot yet boast of having effected any great amount of good, anion; the surrounding native tribes towards civilizing them, and from the propensity id" human na'ur" to evil, many may have imbibed some of the bad qualities of civilization instead of the good j still I am san- guine in the belief, that colonization is intended as a means by which Africa is to be enlightened. If then I am correct, every endeavour to aid in building up the colonies, and promoting their teiiijioi.il and especially their spiritual prosperity is ultimately aiding In civilizing and christianizing Africa. Not that i would for a moment, in the least underrate the missionary cause. I only say that it is my opinion that missionary operations, and colonization to he effective in doing good ought to exist together, hut not be blended. When it is considered how few of the emigrants who come to this country, but need much im- provement in religion and morals as well as in other things, to (it them for the enjoyment of the libeity they are placed in possession of by their removal, and to fit them to sustain all the rela- tions and responsibilities of free citizens, it be- comes a question whether one would he more useful as a colonist, or as a thorough going mis- sionary to the natives. I feel at present as if I were "at a school, and am constantly, as I have opportunity, endeavouring to add to my little store of knowledge. God knows what is to he my future destiny. I only wish to follow the leadings of his providence. You mentioned in your letter to me, hrothei Demlia and the two sisters, who came out in the brig Baltimore, in July last, 1837. I find him an amiable old man, quite pious. And I am happy to Inform you, that I have drawn up a short church covenant, and organised a small Baptist church, witli brother Demha, the two listen just mentioned, and a Mrs. Davenport, whom 1 lately baptised, My wife and another member w ill join us as soon so they set their certificates of dismis- sion from the church in Monrovia, of which they are members, which we hope will be in two or three weeks. We will then number—including myself—eight in all. 1 have always since I have been here, tried to cultivate a kind and christian feeling towards my brethren of other denominations, and frequently try to preach, when and wherever invited, pro- vided I can do so without encroaching on the duties of my office. But still 1 am a Baptist and cannot conscientously partake of the Lord's supper with any christians but such as have been bap- tised by immersion. Nor can 1 withhold the re- mark, that it has often been a source of grief to reflect that there should be a want of fellowship in this respect with those whom we dearly love, and in every way deserving of our eatoem, as those who really loved the Loid. 1 ha\e found it to be the case at Caps Palmas. Rev. Mr. Wilson, Presbyterian missionary here, proposed to mo some time ago, to open a sub- scription, for the purpose Of raising funds to build a small meeting-bouse. 1 mentioned the matter to brothers Mylne and Crocker, win n they were bars on ii short .isii in December last. 1 have nut yet had their decision, They left wool for me to select a site lor one. I have no doubt but what you will endeavour to make little collections for it, in your city, among the brethren and Bap- tist friends; which can be remitted to the brethren at BlSSa, or as may seem safest and most proper. Perhaps it would be well to write to them. A missionary might be stationed here, with pro- priety, 1'think. Among all the different settle- ments, and I have seen thcni all, none can surpass Cape Palmas, in point of healtbfulness. In reference to what you mentioned concern- ing the unhappy occurrence which took place at Monrovia between Mr. Ashman and brother laiy, I can say but little. At that time I was act in the colony, being in Sherbro. engaged with another young man keeping school Iiir native children. Mr. Ashman, I greatly venerate. His name is dear to me, from the consideration of his disinterested and laborious services rendered the colony at the expense of even life itself. Brother Cary also I much respected and loved, for his firmneu, deep spirituality, and zeal in the cause of Christ, aside from other considerations. And when I reflect that they were both men, subject to like passions with other men, it may be possible at that period ol trouble and excitement, when the affairs of the colony had not been brought into a regular train, thai there might have been a fault in both, 1 have heard much said on the matter by diffl rent persons. And 1 MB sure if Cary ml in fault be repented sorely and deeply on account of it. 1 feel unwilling, if I could', to say any thing detrimental to the character of either. I leave the matter for some fitter person to judge. Whether he justified himself or not, 1 am unable to state. It was a subject which 1 now regret, that brother Cary and myself never talked about. I have not bail time to give the Life of Cary a careful reading, or lo spend much thought about it. But 1 hope lo write to you by the next oppor- tunity. 1 shall always be glad 'and thankful, for any tracts, papers, be, on religious subjects ; you cannot think how reviving they are to the mind in this country. No person can realize to the full extent the truth of the remark, but he who has been placed in similar circumstances. 1 saw a resolution of the African Baptist Mis- sionary Society of Richmond, (I believe) published in the Colonization Herald for April 29th l837, nominating me as their 'missionary in Liberia.' Grateful to tlie brethren for the notice they have been pleased to take of my unworthy name, | can only assure them, that I am willing to forward their views as far as lay in my power, consistent with my present relations to ti'is colony. I think it is time to apologize for the length of this letter, as well as for the liberty I have taken in writing to you in the way I have done. 1 hope you will excuse in" lor any thing I may have said amiss. It is intended as a private letter, and to one whom I have every reason by this time to consider a brother and friend. Our colony still enjoys peace and is prosperous. Please excuse t'e- writing. In haste, with much respect I remain affectionately yours, John Revey. LETTER EFOM JULIA HANCE TO MRS. E. J. WILKINSON, CALVERT CO,. MD. Cape Palmaa, April, 1 1838. Mrs. Wilkinson:—Y'our letter, per Niobe, came safely to hand, 1 perused it with the great- est attention, and in vain would I attempt to con- vey to you an adequate idea of the consolation it gave me to hear from one of my friends who is tar distant. 1 do sincerely thank God that your letter found myself and family in the enjoyment of good health, as I hope this will find you. My children have had the lever and are now going to school, and attend school daily. It is beyond my power to tell you what pleasure it gave lne to see my children all under their paternal roof; and 1 can worship God under my own vine and fig-tree, and there is none to molest or make me afraid. I should like to visit America, but not to stay any length of time, because 1 have never experienced tea] freedom until 1 came to Africa. Things are not so plentiful here as in America, though I can get Sufficient to sustain me, and plenty of wearing apparel. With all my heart do I thank you fur the things you sent me. The turkeys have hid and hatched and are now in a prosperous state. The seed I planted came up beautifully, but owing to dry weather they did not come to much, hut 1 have re-planted. Whoever say that white people can- not live here tell a downright f.dsehsod, for the missionaries all enjoy good health, as much so as the colonists, considering The climate, is one of the BOlt pleasant in the world. 1 should he very glad to see youin Africa. Come on. Hit is your lot to die you might as well die in Africa as any other place, I want you to come to Africa. If you can, bring every thing that will tend to your comfort. There are only two horses here, and a few jacks. I should be glad to have some seeds—fcnncll, and calamus, and any other kind that you may have to spare. My children are improving in learning. Nancy is commencing to read, and the other children are all learning fast. Write me by every opportunity. I am yours, truly, JULIA HANCE. LETTER FROM JOSHUA CORNISH TO MAJOR NEWTON, DORCHESTER CO. MD. Cape Palmas, Western Africa, Dear Major Newton:—I take pleasure in informing ton we all arrived lafc In Africa, after IS daya tail from Baltimore, without any particular occurrence on the passage. I am happv to inform you that I am perfectly well satisfied, and in good health ; my wife has bad no sickness since she lelt Baltimore, nor any of the children, and we are perfectly well pleased with the country, and I hope you will inform toy children, Harrison and Eliza, that 1 wish to see them out here the very first opportunity; and Caroline also, tell them they need not believe the many false reports concerning Ati lea, 1 never was treated belter in all my life than I was by the agent of the society and captain of the vessel, and we were all comfortable on the passage. There was eighty-five in number which left llalti- luore, but an increase of two by birth. If the children should make up their minds to come out please to send me a pair of geese and a pair of turkeys. Please to give my love to your children, and I should like to bear from them; you must excuse me for not writing more at this lime, as the Vessel sails to-morrow and I have lull time at present. I remain your humble servant, Joshua Cornish. Contributions from the citizens of Calvert County, reported by Rev. Mr. Kennard. Contributions for the vessel. John Becket, John Parran, James Morsell, John Hance, Uriah Savillr, Joshua Morsell, Dr. McDaniel. J. A. Dalrymple, Samuel Y. Dorsey. James Hooper, Thomas Mitchell, Richard Hanve, E. Freeland Isaac Bowen, John Hutchins, Benjamin Grey, Benjamin Morsell, S. H. Barber, A. R. Sellers, Hickman Harris, Benjamin Williams. Prince Frederick, $10 Port Republic, 10 St. Leonard's, 10 Port Republic, 6 " 5 Prince Frederick, 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 |