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Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0108 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
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Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0108 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
| 112 MARYLAND COLONIZATION JOURNAL. Poor Mary the Maid of the Inn. by robertsouthey. Who is the, the poor maniac, whose wildly fixed eyes, Seem a heart over-charged to express I She weeps not, yet often and deeply she sighs; She never complains, but her silence implies The composure of settled distress. No aid, no compassion the maniac will seek; Cold and hungtr await not her care; Thro' the rag3 do the winds of the winter blow bleak On her poor withered bosom, half bare; and her cheek Has the deathly pale hue of despair. Yet cheerful and happy, nor distant the day, Poor Mary the maniac lias been; The trav'ller remembers, who journey'd this way, No damsel so lovely, no damsel so gay, As Mary the Maid of the Inn. Her cheerful address fill'd the guests with de- light, A9 she weleom'd them in with a smile; Her heart was a stranger to childish affright. And Mary would walk by the abbey at night. When the wind whistled down the dark aisle. She loved, and young Richard had settled the day, And she hoped to be happy for life; But Richard was idle and worthless, and they Who knew him would pity poor Mary, and say That she was too good lor his wife. 'Twas autumn, and stormy, and dark was the night, And fast were the windows and door; Two guests sat enjoying the fire that burnt bright, And smoking in silence, with tranquil delight They listen'd to hear the wind roar. ' Tis pleasant,' cried one, 'seated by the fire side, To hear the wind whistle and roar without;' 'A fine night for the abbey,' his comrade replied, 'Methinks a man's courage would now be well tried. Who would wander the ruins about. •'Myself like a schoolboy should tremble to hear The hoarse ivy shake o'er my head; And could fancy I saw, half persuaded by fear, Some ugly old abbot's white spirit appear, For this wind might awaken the dead.' 'I'll wager a dinner,' the other one cried, 'That Mary would venture there now.' 'Then wager and lose!' with a sneer he replied, 'I'll warrant she'd fancy a ghost by her side, And faint if she saw a white cow.' 'Will Mary this charge on her courage allow ?' His companion exclaimed with a smile ; 'I shall win, for I know she will venture there now, And earn a new bonnet by bringing a bough From the alder that grows in the aisle.' With fearless good humour did Mary comply, And her way to the abbey she bent; The night it was dark, and the wind it was high, And as hollowly howling it swept through the sky; She shivered with cold as she went. O'er the path, so well known, still proceeded the maid, Where the abbey rose dim on the sight; Thro' the gateway she entered, she felt not afraid, Vet the ruins are lonely, and wild, and their shade Seem'd to deepen the gloom of the night. All around her was silent, save when the rude blast Howl'd dismally round the old pile; Over weed covered fragments still fearless she pass'd, And arrived at the innermost ruin at last, Where the alder tree grew in the aisle. Well pleased did she reach it, and quickly drew near, And hastily gathered the bough ; When the sound of a voice seemed to rise on her ear— She paused, and she listen'd, all eager to hear, And her heart panted fearfully now. The wind blew, the hoarse ivy shook over her head: She listen'd—naught else could she hear; The wind ceased, her heart sunk in her bosom with dread. For she heard in the ruins, distinctly the tread Of footsteps approaching her near. Behind a wide column, half breathless with fear, She crept to conceal herself there ; That instant the moon o'er a dark cloud shone clear, And she saw in the moonlight two ruffians appear, And between them a corpse they did bear. Then Mary could feel her heart blood curdle cold! Again trie rough wind hurried by— It blew off the hat o( the one, and behold ! Even close to the feet of' poor Mary it roll'd, She fell—and expected to die. 'Curse the hat!' he exclaims; 'nay, come on, and first hide The dead body,' his comrade replies— She beheld them, in safety, pass on by her side ; She seizes the hat, fear her courage supplied, And fast through the abbey she flies. She ran with wild speed, she rush'd in at the door, She gazed horribly eager around ; Then her limbs could support their faint burthen no more, And exhausted and breathless, she sunk on the floor, Unable to utter a sound. F.re yet her pale lips could the story impart, For a moment the hat met her view; Her eyes from that object convulsively start, For, O God! what cold horror thrili'd thro' her heart, When the name of her Richard she knew. Where the old abbey stands, on the common hard by, His gibbet is now to be seen; Not far from the inn it engages the eye; The trav'ller beholds it, and thinks with a sigh, Of poor Mary the Maid of the Inn. (From the New Orleans Observer.) Mississippi Colonization Society. Packet to Liberia.—The return on the 7th inst. of the brig Mail, Iroin her trip to the coast of Africa, bringing letters, freight and passengers from Liberia ami the Cape de Verd Islands, has furnished the friends of colonization with much valuable information respecting several depart- merits of that business, and prepared the way for the speedy outfit of another expedition to the same place. The result of this voyage, the facts and information learned, the letters received, and the state of atiairs in Africa, all unite to cheer the friends of African colonization, and encourage them in their work of patriotism and philanthropy. Previous to this time the communications be- tween this country and the colonies on the coast of Africa, were irregular and at distant and uncer- tain intervals; and consequently, information, aid and supplies to the colonists were equally uncer- tain as to time, and consequently often found to be of little utility. From these circumstances, many evils have at times transpired to both colo- nists and the officers of the societies in Africa. If goods were forwarded to the colonies for the purposes of commerce, much uncertainty existed respecting the kind and quality of goods requisite to be sent, and the appropriate times and places of sale, by which means many considerable losses have been sometimes sustained. Was it desirable to make purchases of property at any of the Afri- can islands, the best places for such purchases, and the most suitable goods for such market, were equally matter of doubt. The colonists were without most of the utensils of husbandry, and entirely without the labouring animals for culti- vating the soil, which, though rich and easily wrought, demands more to develope its fertility than mere hand labour. Under all these difficul- ties, it is not wonderful that the progress of culti- vation was slow, and the amount of necessaries produced comparatively small, nor is it now sur- prising that the colonies did not at once become objects of admiration for the extent of their fields, or the wealth of the people. Great and formidable as these difficulties were, they are now either overcome, or are in the act of being so. The brig Mail, of which the above so- ciety is a proprietor, is now a regular packet, run- ning between this city and Greenville, the site of the Society's colony in Africa, and will, from time to time, at short intervals, convey intelligence to and from both ports, and will also transport supplies, and other needed property, in both directions. The frequency of these voyages, and the certainty with which her return may be expected, will ena- ble colonists to advertise their friends here of their needs, and to point out to them suitable articles and means for commerce with the natives. But the society possess not only this packet, they have also a schooner, built at Greenville, called the Natchez, which is a regular trader along the whole coast, and will enable the agent of the society to secure all the benefits of the commerce of an extended region of country, choosing both the time and place of trading. The late trip of the Mail, though performed under many disadvan- tageous circumstances, has enabled the fiiemls of the cause to acquire alt that information respecting trade at the several African islands, which was desirable both for purchase and sales; especially that suitable working animals for the colonies can be obtained at them. At one of the Cape de Verd Islands, Captain Nowell, of the Mail, ac- tually purchased and conveyed to Greenville, a considerable number of asses, (perhaps the most profitable labouring animal of the tropical regions) where they are now engaged in agriculture. A public farm belonging to the society, already of considerable extent, and constantly enlarging, is in a course of cultivation, by which dependence upon the natives for necessaries will be removed, and abundant supplies of grain and roots be con- stantly furnished. From these facts it will be evident to every reflecting mind, that every for- midable difficulty existing in Africa is either removed, or else in the process of being taken away. It is said above, that the expedition of the Mail was attended by unfavourable and inauspicious circumstances. This was the effect of want of correct information on several subjects connected with her trip. When she arrived at the Cape de Verds, and attempted to purchase animals for goods, it was found that they could be procured at only one or two of the group of islands, and that her goods were not well adapted to the market. Hence she was obliged to visit several ports, and make sales at disadvantage. The consequence necessarily was, much delay and expense in pro- curing the desired stock of animals for agricultu- ral purposes. And when arrived at the place of her destination, the captain and several of his hands sulfered much from the strangers' fever, and were in consequence delayed for seme time in unloading and taking in cargo. On her arrival at Monrovia, where she proceeded in order to sell the remainder of her freight, it was in the midst of the rainy season, always a dull time, and also during a season of bloody, destructive wars among the natives, and hence a most unfortunate time for commercial purposes. Still, with all these unfavourable circumstances, added to a long passage on her homeward course, the owners, and other persons interested in her cargo, declare themselves well satisfied with the profits of the expedition, and willing to engage again in a similar adventure, with strong hopes of being in that case still more successful. That she has succeeded in avoiding great losses, and made her trip profitable to her owners, prove most fully, that under more favourable circumstances great profits would probably be realized. These views are fully confirmed by the following letter from H. Teage, Esq. editor of the Liberia Herald, addressed to the Rev. R. S. Finley. It is dated, Monrovia, July 29, 1838. Dear Sir :—Your favour of March 29, is be- fore me, and I sit down to pen yon a brief reply. First permit me to thank you for the interest you have manifested for our little paper, and the trou- ble you have taken to increase the number of I subscribers. The names you forwarded have been i duly registered on our list, and the papers will be sent by this vessel. I received, some two years I ago, two dollars from Mr. Simpson, as one year's subscription to the Herald, from Rev. J. Chamber- j lain, of Oakland College. The paper has been rcgulailysent to him since that time, and I cannot account for its miscarriage. I have accepted your j kind otter, and have appointed you an agent for the Herald, and any elfort you may make to extend its circulation will be duly appreciated. The emigrants from your section of the country have generally proved themselves an industrious. orderly, thrifty people. In many instances their prudent conduct and management have deserved the highest praise. In industry they are excelled by no other people that have come to the colony. Very few of those by the Hover have died ; they are located at Millsburg, and are doing well. A few of them have settled in Monrovia. The same may be said of those by the Swift. Of those by the last named vessel all are living but four, and of these two were drowned, so that two only have fallen victims to the disease of the climate. There is little doubt that arrangements might be made of a commercial character, by which the expense of transporting and subsisting emigrants might be lessened to an important extent. I have detailed the subject at length to the parent board, but they have not as yet thought proper to act upon the suggestions. The brig "Mail, intended as a packet between the United States and the colonies, arrived at rather an unfortunate juncture for making a com- mercial experiment. This is our dullest season. There is seldom much to be done in the way of trade at this time of the year. To this must be added the wars which have been raging among the natives around us. These wars are now hap- pily subsiding, and we look with confidence to no distant day for a full revival of the trade of the colony. The 9chooner Natchez arrived to-day from Mississippi in Liberia. She is a snug, and for Africa, a well-built little craft. I have no doubt she will be eminently serviceable to your colony. I shall be happy to hear from you, and to know, whenever you may have leisure or inclination to afford the information, what will be the privileges of persons removing from other colonies to yours ; and any other information on the subject of your internal and municipal regulations will be thank- fully received. Very respectfully, Your most ob't serv't, H. Teage. (From the Christian Statesman.) Mr Gurley and Mr. Blanchard. Mr. Editor:—1 have observed in the Cincin- nati papers, a notice of a public debate between Mr. iilanchard, a talented and eloquent abolition- ist, and Mr. Gorier; in which the oft repeated charge, 'that the Colonization Society are guilty of countenancing the slave trade, and of aiding the introduction of slaves into the United States,' was made by Mr. Blanchard. Notwithstanding the utter falsity of this charge, it has been so often repeated, that many well meaning people believe it; although colonization presents the only elfec- tual means by which the slave trade can be arrested. And, but for the hostility of those who oppose these means, the colonies would, at this time, have extended five hundred miles along the coast, and the slave trade for that distance, been broken up. A few weeks since, I met with an intelligent merchant from---------, a great slave port in Cuba. He informed me that many Americans are en- gaged in this trade, and large fortunes made by it: 'that these traders care little for the British cruisers—that where one vessel with a cargo of slaves if raptured, fifty escape; and lhat as long as the factories on shore arc not molested, the efforts of cruisers do but little to arrest the trade. This merchant, who is an American, and views this traffic in its true light, remonstrated with one of the most intelligent of his countrymen engaged in it, and repeated to me some of the reasons assigned by the slave trader in justification. He alleged that the native Africans are more misera- ble in their own country than in this to which they are brought; that it is a great blessing for them to be forced from Africa, where three-fourths of the people are slaves and treated with great cruelty—where the mother sells her child, (he father his son, the husband his wives; a priest or king sacrifices hundreds in a year at particular festivals, or at the death of a friend. That the country is as barbarous as the people ; producing every thing noxious and hateful in the shape of reptiles and insects, and abounding in wild beasls unusually ferocious. From this frightful region he considered that it was an act of benevolence to take as many of the people away as he could. That, unless interrupted by oilier means than (he liritish cruisers, the trade would he continued. That when the British, with their utmost vigi- lance, could not prevent smugglers from intro- ducing goods into Great Britain, they could do but little to prevent the slave trade on the African coast, where light winds generally prevailed.' Then if armed ships cannot arrest your trade there is no means by which it ever can be arrest- ed. He replied, 'colonization only can do it, and (he American colonies have done our trade more harm than the British cruisers. It is not only by the exclusion of the trade from the territory owned by the colonies that we suffer, but by (he influence of (he colonists, and the missionaries, who swarm there as far as it extends. The mis- sionaries have established schools, (o which (he kings are anxious to send their sons, and when on visits to the missionaries, they are always made lo promise to stop the slave trade and live at peace with the neighbouring kings. Although this promise is not always kept, yet it is every year becoming more difficult to obtain slaves in (he vicinity of the colony.' I do not intend to impute to the abolitionists any intention to favour the slave trade, or any malevolence to (he coloured man; but is i( not remarkable, that there should be such a coinci- dence of opinion between (he slave trader and (he abolitionist, in relation to (he American colonics on (he coast of Africa ? Bo(h consider (hem as any thing but benevolent to the Africans; and as presenting the greatest obstacle to their own be- nevolent designs to the coloured race. Both are opposed to emigiation to Africa, but in favour of emigration from (here to (he United States. Both consider this a happier home for (he negro (han his native courdry. On some points, however, (heir sentiments and their statements are totally opposed. The slave trader regards (he missionary as the greatest curse, and dependent for his safety on (he colony. The abolitionist esteems him a blessing, but believes that he could maintain his post and extend his influence without the aid of coloniza- tion. The one represents the colonists as check- ing the slave trade; the other, as aiding and abet- ting this nefarious traffic. But however dillerent their motives, their eilbrts tend to the same results. They would break up the colonies of Liberia— extinguish those lights of science and the gospel, planted at so great a sacrifice of labour and life, and abandon to Pagan darkness the millions of Africa. Erie. (From the New York Olnerver.) New Expedition to Africa. Agreeably to the notice which we published several weeks since, the ship Saluda, navigated principally by coloured men, left this port on Thursday, of last week, for Norfolk, where she will take on board Governor Buchanan, and a number erf emigrants for Bassa Cove, in Africa. Previous to her departure, the friends of the cause here, we learn, contributed generously towards the purchase of a ship, and the promotion of the other interests of the colony. The following in- structions are carried out by Governor Buchanan: To the acting Governor, officers, and citizens of Bassa Core, Edina, and Bezley: Respected Friends:—In consequence of arrange- ments which have been contemplated for some time, and recently consummated, the affiliated societies of New York and Pennsylvania, in con- nection with the American Colonization Society, have appointed the Hon. Thomas Buchanan, governor general of all the colonies and settle- ments formerly embraced under the separate go- vernments of Monrovia and Bassa Cove. A con- stitution and uniform code of laws, adapted to the new form of government for the United Colonies over which he is appointed the executive head, will be sent and carried into operation through his agency. In virtue of this recent arrangement, we hereby delegate to him the general superin- tendence of the colonies at Bassa Cove, Edina, and Bexley ; and declare null and void any laws, and abolish any existing offices, in these several settlements, which may be inconsistent with the new constitution aforesaid. Respected friends, this new arrangement has been effected with much trouble and expense on our part, and with a disinterested concern lor tlie best interests of the colonies; we trust, therefore, no arguments are necessary for urging you to a prompt and cordial acquiescence in this new regulation of your atlairs, and also that no exer- tion will be wanting on your part to aid governor Buchanan in the execution of the laws, and pro- moting in all respects the improvement of the colonies. He has been appointed to this arduous and very responsible station, by the unanimous voice of the societies aforesaid, and we feel the utmost confidence in his capacity for the im- portant trust, and believe that he'will discharge with fidelity anil ml its complicated duties. We are persuaded, also, that in leaving his kindred and native country, and entering on this remote field of labour, he is actuated by an unfeigned solicitude for your elevation, intellectual, politi- cal, aud moral. We, the board of managers, therefore, most affectionately recommend him to your confidence and esteem. In showing respect to him, and obeying the laws which he is ap- pointed to administer, you will promote, at once, his comfort and your own honour and interest. It affords us great pleasure to assure you that the sympathy felt for jour race, amid the injuries which you have received in this country and other countries, is obviously increasing from year to year. There are hundreds and thousands au:ong us willing to aid in restoring you, with your own consent, to the land of your fathers, by their prayer*, and property, and influence—and we expect no other reward', we ask no other re- ward, in time, than to hear that these immunities are duly appreciated and improved on your part. In beholding you rising, intellectually and moral- ly, to that rank in the family of nations for which you were destined by our common Creator, and which, by the talents he has given, you are fully qualified to sustain, we shall feel an ample com- pensation for all our anxiety and toil. Although our colour is different from yours, we regard our- selves as the offspring of the same father, mem- bers of the same great fraternity, ami obligated by the highest considerations to sympathize in the sorrows, and rejoice in the prosperity, and contribute to the welfare of each other. It will always be to us a source of pleasure to hear from you, individually, or as a social compact, that order and harmony prevail, and that each of rov, in his own station, whether private or puiilicl aims at advancing the interests of the other. With these advices and assurances, we bid you an affectionate farewell ; commending you to the blessing of that beneficent Being who alone can protect, and prosper, and comfort you. By order of the hoard of managers of the New York City Colonization Society. James Mii.nor, President. Alexander Proudfit, Cor. Secretary. New York, Jan. 23, 1839. Abolition In Delaware. Short ando Sweet.—The following brief hut significant report was made in the legislature of Delaware, on the subject of abolition. We think the ladies ! would gain murh by attending to die advice contained in the latter pait of the report. 'The committee to whom was referred the peti- tion of 319 'women of the city of Wilmington and county of New Castle,' praying tor the 'abolition of slavery throughout this state,' beg leave to report: 'That they consider the petitioning of 'women' to our national and state legislatures (which they regret to see is becoming so general a practice) as derogatory from that refinement and delicacy which should, under all circumstances, accompany the female character, and as an unwarranted interference in subjects that should more properly belong to their fathers, husbands, or brothers. 'Your committee are also deridedly of the opi- nion that the petitioners whose names are affixed to the memorial under consideration, would confer more real benefit upon society, if they hereafter confined their attention to matters of a domestic nature, and would be more solicitous to mend the garments of their husbands and children, than to patch the breaches of the laws and constitution.' Whew ! Whiz '.—An abolition paper contains the following paragraph:— 'Bail out the Atlantic with a tea-spoon—pierce Leviathan's vitals with a tooth pick—quench Ve- suvius with the contents of a goblet—then you may talk of wiping aw ay the stain of slavery Irom our national escutcheon,' by sending them to Li- beria!' But the writer hasn't gone far enough—he should have added, 'hold the globe in a thimble, make a parlour pet of an elephant, control wo- man by force, or an abolitionist by reason, then you may,' &c.—Boston Post. PRINTED BY JOHN D. TOY, corner of market and st. paul streets, Who executes Book and Job Printing, with neatness and accuracy. |