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Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0079 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
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Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0079 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
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MARYLAND COLONIZATION JOURNAL.
83
valuable services to the colonics. The more
intelligent among them might be made teachers,
and could commence a life of usefulness in their
adopted country. We would most respectfully
invite the attention of the friends of Africa to this
important means of rendering colonization a rich
blessing to the coloured population of this coun-
try, and prospectively, of equal benefit to degra-
ded Africa. This plan is liable to many difficul-
ties, but they are not insuperable.
2. It has been long ago suggested, that the
number of emigrants might be indefinitely in-
creased, without diminishing the funds of the
society, by the following simple method. There
are many persons who cannot consent to leave
their servants in perpetual vassalage. There are
persons who design as early as practicable to
emancipate their slaves, and desire ardently to
place them where they may he happy and pros-
perous. In either case, nothing is more easy than
to make arrangements to hire out, from year to
year, as many of such slaves as would he profitable,
and when a sufficent amount is raised, apply it to
their transportation and support in Africa. From
the present state of popular feeling lit regard to
the coloured population, it is perhaps, asking too
much, that the children of such emigrants be as
far as possible, taught to read and write in this
country. They would be thus made competent
to assist at an early age theii less favoured parents.
This plan embraces no more than humanity con-
templates. There is here, as far as we can judge,
nothing impracticable or visionary. Nothing but
what, in the progress of this enterprise may be
expected, as the humane features of colonization
are developed. That education here and in Africa,
will be furnished to emigrants we cannot for a
moment doubt; nor is there any thing to diminish
our confidence in the judicious preparation of
emigrants and funds in the manner above sug-
gested. This, if we have not deceived ourselves,
must precede any very extensive emigration by
the free coloured people at their own expense,
and forms an important link in the providential
chain of events, which in the wisdom of God, Hill
work together in regard to the sous of Africa.
Hitherto, almost the whole of the funds eontii-
buted to colonization have been expended in the
colonies, beyond the observation of the people of
colour in this country. They have, therefore, had
no proof, but the simple declaration of the friends
of the scheme that regard for their well-being had
any thing to do with it. Nor do we now advocate
the idea that education either here or in Africa
should be carried on by colonization societies. Il
may properly form a distinct branch of the enter-
prise either by missionary societies or societies
organized in reference to this object. But in what
ever way it is promoted, nothing can more favour-
ably impress the minds of the coloured people in
reference to the benign influence of the scheme.
We have now briefly submitted our views as to
the method of elevating the state of society in
Africa with the indefinite increase of emigrants
without diminishing the funds of the societies.
The management here and theie.of the complica-
ted machinery, demands the best judgment and
intelligence of the ablest boards of managers that
can be associated in the different cities of the
Union. Let others who feel the importance of the
scheme do their part as faithfully and perseve-
ringly, and Africa will soon exhibit to the civilized
world, results as surpiising as they will be bene-
ficial. Heaven appears to have committed to the
people of the United States the great work of
civilizing and evangelizing that vast continent.
She has all the materials necessary to its accom-
plishment. It remains to be seen how the debt
we owe to that people will be paid oil'.
amelioration of the condition of the coloured peo-
ple, suppose lor a moment, that the negroes are
to be benefitted by the posting up of placards
covered with matter calculated to excite the indig-
nation of a large number of the white population ?
If those who pay the expenses of the printing and
dissemination ol the obnoxious papers referred to,
shall, through Iheir ellorts, create a mob, and the
destruction of life and property, are they not, in
the eye of God, justly punishable for the evils
which they have produced—murder and misery ?
We certainly think so; and it is our thinking so
occasions us to express our decided disapprobation
of the course taken by those w ho profess to acheive,
through the medium of abolition or amalgamation
doctrine*, any benefit to the coloured race. Be-
sides, things are carried to the most extravagant
lengths ; fanaticism, we well know, has no bounds,
and hence we find the intemperate and excited
advocates of the negroes running into extremes
the most censurable and the most amazing. It is
quite common to find persons of really humane
feelings, acting in the strangest manner, neglect-
ing misery and misfortunes in the whiles,ami fos-
tering idleness, impertinence and extravagance in
the blacks. II these persons, many of whom are
very worthy people, would reflect a little upon the
ellects of their conduct, they certainly would soon
come to the conclusion, that instead of serving the
negroes, they are remiss in Iheir duty to their
white brethren, and inflicting deep wounds upon
the prosperity of the community among whom
they live. Our readers will perceive that we have
written this article in a tone of calmness and deli-
beration, uninfluenced by the passions which may
be supposed to give a tuin or colouring to either
side ol the question. We have done so with the
most ierious considerations. Wo firmly believe,
as we have already intimated, that belore long a
great confusion will take place in Philadelphia,
concerning the negroes; the feelings which give
rise to and support such commotions, soon spread,
and may reach our own city, and theri lore it
would be well to have the public mind here in a
condition not to be taken by surprise, but with all
its energies fully awake to the various features of
a question which, in this state, more than in Penn-
sylvania, immediately a/lects the public welfare.
(From the Baltimore Sun.)
The Free Negroes.
Every paper from the eastward, furnishes addi-
tional evidence of the deep seated leelings which
firev ailed in relation to the exciting subject of aboli-
ition and amalgamation. In the city of Philadel-
phia, there exists at this time all the materials of
violent and brutal commotion ; and we shall not
be at all surpiised if, belbie a great while, there
should be a repetition of the disginccful and
tumultuous scenes which have recentlj disturbed
the peace of that city, and cast a shade upon ils
municipal dignity. If we are asked why we
entertain this opinion, our simple answer is, be-
cause there exist combinations of moral incendia-
ries, associated for the purpose of disseminating,
by hidden means, printed matter, handbills, pla-
cards, pamphlets, &c. all having for their object
the destruction of that quiet and harmony, with-
out which society cannot prosper. We have just
held a conversation with an intelligent gentleman
from Philadelphia, upon whose statement we can
place the most implicit reliance, who assures us
that scarcely a night passes without some new and
•exciting placard, printed in large and attractive
letters, being posted up at every public point. He
saw, within a few days past, one ol these placards
posted on each of the pillars of the Pennsylvania
Hall, the building which the mob, a shoit time
since, destroyed by fire, because it was supposed
to have been erected for abolition purposes.
Crowds of people were standing around the ruins,
and most of them giving vent to intemperate
expressions of indignation, at the means taken by
those who had put up the placards to disseminate
their doctrines. A night does not pass without
letters, neatly printed, being thrown into neaily
every house, and the consequence is, that during
the day conversation chiefly turns upon the novel
missiles of the preceding night. In this way, food
is constantly given to a morbid appetite lor excite-
ment, which, eventually, there is every reason to
fear, will burst forth with ungovernable fury.
Upon these facts we make the following observa-
tions. We plainly put the question, has any man
or set of men the right thus to exert themselves
in a manner which, they well know, will inflame
the brutal passions of the less iulonned portion of
the people! Can any one, having in view an
(From the Baltimore American )
The American Colonization Society has within
a short time made two valuable acquisitions of
territory. The first of these is a portion of coun-
try called Little Bassa, lying in a triangular form
between the Atlantic and the Junk and St. Paul's
rivers. The soil is saiil to be rich, and very pro-
ductive in camwood and palm oil. There is a sea-
coast of twenty-seven miles, and (lie rivers con-
verge toward their sources so as to form a penin-
sula, but are not navigable except lor canoes and
small boats, owing to ledges of rocks that cross
them.
The other territory acquired is a portion of the
Dey country, lying on the north of the St. Paul's,
about one mile from ils mouth, and extending five
miles square. In both cases the country has been
seized by the officers of the colony, owing to the
non-compliance of the natives with terms to which
they had agreed, on account of a murder and deten-
tion of property. These terms were in the fiist in-
stance readily assenteil to, with the condition that
if they were not complied w ith the territory should
be MUM, The time allowed for compliance
having elapsed, and the natives showing a dispo-
sition to evade and equivocate, aller a delay of
many months the forfeiture was enforced. Whilst
we assent lo the propriety of exacting strict com-
pliance with contracts deliberately entered info,
we cannot hut fear that the transaction will lav the
ground-work of tilt lire troubles, by new-comers.
The intention of the colony is not to oblige the
natives to leave the country but to stiller them to
remain, provided they pursue their private con-
cerns in peace.
(From the Christian Statesman )
Sketches of Liberia- Colonial Settlements
Cape Mesurado, the sife of Monrovia, the first
settlement fairly established by the American
Colonization Society, has always been an impor-
tant point of the west coast of Africa, in Ihe esti-
mation of all vessels visiting that coast. It makes
a better laud-fall than Cape Mount, to the north,
or any other headland to the sotilh of it, being
more easily recognized, and has always afforded
supplies of wood, water, and provisions to ship-
ping. The description given of it by the Cheva-
liet de Marchais, in the account of his voyages to
Guinea in 1725,—'26,—'27, is tolerably correct.
He gives rather a more flattering description of
the natives there, than truth would warrant at tin-
present day ; although the influence of Ihe slave-
trade may sufficiently account for their subsequent
deterioration of character and habits. It is remar-
kable that he should have chosen the same spot
lor a French settlement, and has given a minute
plan of the proposed colony, lor the purpose of
buying slaves and produce.
Cape Mesurado is a high, bold, rocky head-
land, in the latitude of 6° 29' N. and in longitude
Id0 50' W., covered, when not inhabited, with a
dense forest-growth almost impenetrable from
vines and brushwood. Its highest elevated point
nearly overhangs the sea, and is about 150 feet
above its level. Monrovia occupies a platform
about SO feet lower, gradually lessening as it ex-
tends towards the main land. This delated penin-
sula forms the S. W.bank of a large basin of water,
loimed by the junction of the Mesurado river,
and a branch from the St. Paul's river, called the
Stockton creek. On its inland side is placed the
greater part of the town. It was occupied by a
few coloured emigrants from the United States,
undei the cate oi the Rev. Mr. J. Ashmtin, the
devoted agent of the American Colonization So-
ciety, in tiie year 1S22.
An account of the exertions and sufferings of
this little band of pilgiiins to Africa, and their
successful defeat of the combined savage host that
Would have exterminated them ate so graphically
and touchinglv described by Mr. Ashinun him-
self, that lor minute details, I would beg leave to
reler to his memoir n! the events ol that interesting
period, and to the life of that extraordihary man,
by his biographer, the Rev. R. R. Gurley. From
that period until 1824, little improvement was
made in the town—either in the number and archi-
tecture of the houses, or in the extent of ground
rleaied, the interval being chiefly employed in
reconciling the colonists to their new home, and
in organizing an efficient system of government,
which being effected, prosperity and contentment
speedily followed.
The whole population of Monrovia, including
native residents, may be safely stated at 1,200. A
coneiderahle number of its eaily settlers have gone
lor the benefit of agriculture, to the other settle-
ments. All the houses are frame ; many with
stnne basements; M or 12 large two story stone
dwelling houses, and as many very large ware-
houses, with stone wharves on the river, aflord
good evidences of industry. The stone is well
adapted lor building, being a sort of close-grained
granite, and a heavy, red vesicular sandstone, of
which the cape is chiefly composed. The colonial
schooners are built by the colonists themselves,
and are very good specimens ol naval architecture.
They trade in palm oil, camwood, and ivory, along
the coast, more particularly to Cape Mount ami
Grand bassa.
There are four large churches, at present, in
Monrovia, three of which are stone, and atJord
Haltering evidence of the architectural taste of the
colonists who erected them. Two very excellent
stone school-houses are nearly finished, one built
by the Methodist mission, the other by the Ladies'
Libcrian Education Society, in Richmond.
The town itself covers three square miles. The
streets are laid oil at right angles, and are wide,
the principal one, Broadway, being 100 leet.
Each block consists of lour lots, each a quarter
of an acre. Most of the gardens in Monrovia are
abundantly supplied with Iruit trees ; the oranges
and lemons are very fine and large, the latter un-
usually so. The cocoa flourishes and beais abun-
dantly. The pomegranate, the cashew, the fig,
and grapevine, may be seen, but not in any abun-
dance. Indeed, the gardens and farms of the
colonists are yet as experiments, showing rather,
what can be done, than tests of the resources of
the soil and country. Yet I am sure that any
colonizationist, who lias given his time, his talents,
or money, to advance the cause, who could be
able to look on the many neat white-painted
houses, with Veiiitian blinds,surrounded by white
fences, and placed, each, so comfortably in the
deep green shades of those trees, like a bird's nest
in a clump of foliage, to the inmates of which, he
has secured all the dignity and privileges of Iree-
men, would consider himsell more than repaid.
A court-house and jail are being built of slone.
The libiary once contained some thousands of
books, but iiom the scarcity of general readers,
(hey have become scattered ami neglected, the
building, as well as books, being nearly consumed
by bugabiigs and other real MMM In fact,
it was a supply not needed, a least (or which they
had, as yet, no relish. Many people consider
themselves sufficiently charitable in sending out as
many old religious books as they ha\e no use for
When he who gives a dollar to assist in support-
ing schools and teachers, does more than the mere
donor of mo books. A Moral Friendship Society,
lor the suppression of vice, and encouragement of
virtue, has existed lor some years. They have
also a Union Sisters' Charity Society, for purposes
of beneiolence, and a temperance society of 500
members.
There are two forts in Monrovia; one in the
centre of the town, of a triangular form, with
square towers at the angles, built by Dr. Randall.
Its only use, at present, is as an arsenal. The
other is placed on the summit of the cape. It
completely commands the town and roadsfpad.
They are pretty well supplied with cannon, but
are much in want of carriages, wood decaying
soon in that climate. Cast metal carriages would
be the most suitable. A flag-staff and signal-
house are also stationed there to give notice of
vessels in the offing.
The commerce of Monrovia has diminished
considerably there of late years. The colonists
became involved in heavy debts to American and
English merchants, from rash and careless credit-
ing. A spirit of trading was encouraged that gave
the colony a great apparent prosperity,which was
suddenly checked by the internal wars stopping
the influx of native produce. This has, however,
proved to them that agricultural success can be
the only measure of colonial prosperity. The
duties arising from imports, at present, are about
§1,500 per annum.
The currency of the colony is a mixture of
goods, camwood, ivory, palm-oil, Spanish dollars,
and Sierra Leone cut money. They have, at
present, bills in circulation, issued on the faith of
the colonial government, which answers very well.
A'eic (Jeorgia.—This settlement of recaptured
Africans sent out by the United States, is four
miles from Monrovia on the Stockton creek. The
town is about ball a mile square, and is inhabited
by two tribes, the Eboes and Congoes. The
tribes are divided from each other by a main streel.
It exhibits more general industry and neatness
than any other settlement. They take pains to
keep their slreets smooth and clean. Their lots
and farms are well cultivated, the former being
fenced with wild plum, or the croton oil nut.
They seem contented and happy, attend church
regularly, and are anxious to have their children
educated. Magistrates and constables are annually
appointed from among themselves, the dignity of
which offices they prue much, and execute the
duties faithfully, as far as they aie able. During
elections of general officers, they may be seen
attending the polls with all the bustle and activity
of warm politicians. There are two schools in
this settlement; one under the care of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Mission, the other is supported by
the Ladies' Liberian Society, in Philadelphia.
The population was 300 by the last census.
Caldwell.—This settlement is very pleasantly
situated on the south bank of the St Paul's river,
which is here about a mile in width. The town
extends four miles along the banks, and one on
the Stockton creek. The inhabitants are chiefly
engaged in farming. Large quantifies of potaloes,
anow-root, cassada, plantains, and Indian corn,
are raised. A superintendent of the settlement,
magistrates, and constables, are appointed by the
governor. It has two churches and two schools,
supported by the same as those in New Georgia,
Two large leceptacles tor their emigrants are
erected there by the society. The lots are laid otl
similar to those of Monrovia. The litrrns are
placed around the outskirts of the town. The
most of the emigrants who settled Caldwell were
poor from the first, and have not, therelbre, done
\erygreat things in farming; but the comfort and
independence of the inhabitants is in (he exact
proportion to their agricultural industry. There
are many respectable men there, who, surrounded
with abundance, have olten delcared themselves to
me entirely satisfied with their new home. Cald-
well numbers 600 inhabitants.
Millsburg—Is 12 miles higher up the St. Paul's
river than Caldwell. It is very pleasantly situated,
and in the dry season is a very delighful residence.
It is more decidedly agricultural than any of the
other settlements. Many of its inhabitants have
a large nuniber ot young coffee trees and the suuar
cane growing abundantly—of potatoes, cassada,
plantains, Indian coin, and indeed ot all the vege-
table necessaries of life, there is no want, nor ever
need of. In times ot scarcity among the natives,
they have applied to Millsburg lor supplies. The
soil is a rich clay loam, and has always been con-
sidered the best in the colony. In this settlement
the emigrants occupy at once their farms, which
run back fiom the nver in strips of ten acres by
one. This is, undoubtedly the best plare lor the
promotion and encouragement of agriculture, but
liable to this objection in mlant settlements—that
the houses being necetsauly separat |