 |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0114 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
||||
|
||||
|
Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0114 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
| 118 the force and grandeur of a noble steamer majesti- cally ascending, and with ease subduing, the cur- rent of the Mississippi, in comparison with the feeble and tottering canoe, moving slowly among the reeds that fringe its shores. It holds up the image of the resistless power of the Mississippi itself, rushing from the summits of the Rocky mountains, and marking its deep and broad and rapid course through the heart of this continent, thousands of miles, to the Gulf of Mexico, in com- parison with that of an obscure rivulet, winding its undiscernable way through dark and dense forests of luxuriant prairies, in which it is quickly and forever lost. Gentlemen of the Colonization Society of Ken- tucky, not one word need be added, in conclusion, to animate your perseverance, or to stimulate your labours, in the humane cause which you have de- liberately espoused. We have reason to believe that we have been hitherto favoured, and shall continue to be blessed, with the smiles of Provi- dence. Confiding in his appiovmg judgment, and conscious of the benevolence and purity of our intentions, we may fearlessly advance in our great work. And, when we shall, as soon we must, be translated from tins into another form of existence, is the hope presumptuous, that we shall there behold the common Father of whites and of blacks—the great Ruler of the Universe, cast his all-seeing eye upon civilized and regene- rated Africa—its cultivated fields—its coast stud- ded with numerous cities, adorned with towering temples, dedicated to the pure religion of His redeeming Son—its far-lamed Niger, and other great river9, lined with flourishing villages, and navigated with the wonderful power which Ame- rican genius first successfully applied ; and that, after dwelling with satisfaction upon the glorious spectacle, he will deign to look with approbation upon us. His humble instruments, who have con- tributed to produce it ? SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 1839. MARYLAND COLONIZATION JOURNAL. All communications intended for the Maryland Colonization Journal, or on business of the Society, should be addressed to the Rev. Ira A. Easter. Home Agent, Colonization Rooms, Post Office Building. African Letters. Several letters from the colonists came out in the Oberon directed to their friends in different parts of the state, and sent to our ca:e. Many of them are so imperfectly directed as to render it impossible to know certainly where they should be sent. Almost every vessel brings out letters under these circumstances, which die on our hands. Until the colonists in Africa shall learn to take more pains in putting the name of the post office near which their friends reside, with the county and the state in which such, offices are located they cannot expect to receive answers to their letters sent to this country. Those who write to their friends in Africa should remind them of the importance of directing their letters correctly. Two letters, directed, one to Susan Harmon, another to Jane Wallas, Colbert county, we have sent to Easton, Talbot county, Md. Persons in this state wishing to write to their friends in the Maryland colony, are informed, that if directed to Cape Palmas, West Africa, and sent to this office, pottage paid, they will be promptly and regularly sent out by the next expedition. Now that we have introduced this subject, it may be well to remark, that the board of mana- gers are always ready to atford every facility to correspondence between the colonists in Africa and their friends in the United States. They believe that full and frequent communications, conducted in this way, must produce a very favourable impression on the minds o{ the co- loured people here, and will greatly improve the colonists in their habits of writing. Late Intelligence from the Maryland Colony. The brig Oberon, which took out the fall expe- dition to Cape Palmas has recently returned to this port, bringing full dispatches from Governor Russwurin, with numerous letters from the mis- sionaries and colonists to their friends in the United States. We do not remember to have received intelligence Irom the colony since its settlement so decidedly favourable in all respects. Of a number of excellent letters addressed to members of the board, and citizens of tins city, a few only can be had for publication in the Jour- nal : but not one of them, as far as we have seen, gives any other account of the colony than such as would be gratifying to the friend.-, of the cause. We learn from an intelligent colonist who re- turned in the Oberon, that the progress of educa- tion and religion is such as would scarcely be credited by any but an eye witness. The colony he thinks, has passed through its darkest days, and that its future prospects are most encourag- ing. His own feelings in regard to it may be estimated by a single remark—'that the happiest days of his life were those of the last six months residence in the colony.' In publishing the list of contributors to the Cape Palmas packet, Mr. Kennard desired us to say, that the names of the members of the state legislature, who subscribed at Annapolis during the last winter, will appear in connection with subscriptions in the counties where they reside- thus keeping the amount of county subscriptions separate. In the present number we commence publish- ing all the subscriptions made in the country, except the amounts subscribed by members of the legislature. During the past year Mr. Ken- nard visited, to a limited extent, a part of Calvert and Prince George counties, and his reports were then published in detail. At present, the aggre- gate amounts only will be stated from these re- ports, in connection with the names of subscribers recently obtained. We are authorized to state that the sum of two thousand dollars are pledged by country gentlemen, with about an equal sum from the citizens of Baltimore. The treasurer of the Maryland State Coloniza- tion Society acknowledges the receipt of one hundred and seventeen dollar! and sixty-two cents, collected by Mr. Roberts in Kent county. Subscriptions to the Cape Palmas Packet. West River, Anne Arundel County Swamp, April 26, 1839. Gas. Winterson, $10 00 James Mitchell, 25 00 G M Hyde, pd. 5 00 James J. Grey, 6 00 Rob't Franklin, 5 00 Geo. Gale, 30 00 Alex. Franklin, 5 00 Alex. S. Murray, 5 On Gustavus Weeras, 5 00 Jas. Cheston, Jr. 30 00 David G. Weems, 5 00 John Sellman, 6 00 Win. Hooper, 2 50 Hichard Estep, 5 00 James Norman. 5 00 Charles E. Berau, 2 00 Wm. R. Norman, 2 50 J. L. Owens, 25 00 Mrs. D. Weeras, 2 50 Susa. J. Gott, pd. 10 00 T. M. Weems, 2 50 J.F.Wilson, 10 00 William O'Hara, 50 00 Wm. H. Hall, 5 00 John Mercer, 20 00 Wm. H. Hall, Jr. 5 00 Geo. L. Ditty, 5 00 M. Fenwick, 10 00 Nathaniel Chew, 5 00 Joseph Owens, 10 00 Benj. Franklin, 2 50 Robert Can, 6 00 John G. Rogers, 5 00 John Carr, 10 00 Fran. S. Key, Jr. 25 00 ------.------ Joseph Buecy, 5 00 $364 50 Friendship, Anne Arundel Co. Robert Griffin, $50 00 Richard H. Stump, 2 00 T. J. Lawrence, 50 00 H. N. Gere, 2 00 J. G. Harrison, 25 00 Jos. O, Fowler, 3 00 John Scrivener, 25 00 Geo. D. Lyles, 3 00 John C'hilds, 25 00 Jos. Plummer, 2 00 Cos. Sunderland, 25 00 S. F. Robinson, 1 00 Nathan C'hilds, 25 00 A.M. Leach, 1 00 Charles Hodges, 25 00 Mrs. M. Chew, pd.1 00 Bobert B. Chew, 25 00 Mrs. Sunderland, 1 00 Robert Garner, 10 00 Miss Armager, 1 00 Wm. P. Hardesty, 5 00 Miss A. McClean, 1 00 Wm. Armager, 5 00 Mrs. Whittington, 1 00 Wm P. Childs, 5 00 Mrs. E Wood, 1 00 John Chaney, 5 00 Wm. Prout, 2 00 J. Wood, 5 00 P. Pindle, 2 00 Mrs. E. Griffith, 6 00 Joseph Smith, 2 50 Samuel Govcr, 6 00 By a little boy, 12 Wm. Webb, 5 00 ------------- Wm. H. Wood, 5 00 $361 62 Thos. J. Hall, pd. 5 00 Lower Marlborough. George W. Weems, $10 80 Annapolis, Anne Arundel Co. T.S.Alexander, $10 00 S. Pinkney, 5 00 John Johnson, 10 00 Edward Sparks, 5 00 H. H. Harwood, 10 00 John S. Selby, 6 00 D. Cloude, 10 00 R. J. Crabb, 5 00 James Iglehart, 10 00 Geo. Johnson, 5 00 G.F.Worthington. 10 00 Leonard Iglehart, 20 00 Henry Manadier, 10 00 C.A. Waters, 10 00 J. H. Franklin, 10 00 W. Weadon, 4 00 Y. Wells, 10 00 B. Lusby, 5 00 John Ridout, 10 00 John Collinson, 10 00 Samuel Ridout, 10 00 John T. Hodges, 5 00 R. M. Gill, 10 00 Jeremiah Hughes. 10 00 Win. Grason, 10 00 Alex. Randall, 10 00 N.B.Worthington. 10 00 ------------- John Miller, 5 00 $219 00 Adam Miller, 500 Rev. Lemuel Wilmer's Parish, Port Tobacco, Charles County. John Matthews, $ 10 00 Wm. Shaw, 1 00 A. Bateman, 5 00 Wm. H. Berry, 1 00 John Furgusson, 6 00 B. W. Blandlord, 1 00 Wm. B. Stone, 5 00 Henry D. Burch, 1 00 Samuel H. Beall, 5 00 Eliz.beth Bean, 1 00 J. G. Chapman, 5 00 H. Hambleton, 1 00 E. P. Chapman, 5 00 R. L. Smallwood, 1 00 George Dent, 5 00 Geo. H, Handy, 1 00 Townley Robey, 3 00 J. B. Montgomery, 1 00 W. W. Robey, 2 00 Matthew Acton, 1 00 Daniel Johnson, 2 00 Thomas Clark, 1 00 Elizabeth Ford, 2 00 Wm. Clements, 50 Samuel Adams, 2 00 Samuel Turner, 50 G. S. Dyson, 2 00 Mary E. Quad, 23 JI. H. Bean, 100 Samuel M. Padget, 25 Wm. G. Turner, 1 00 ---------- R. G. Robey, 1 00 $73 50 Subscriptions obtained by Mr. Kennard in Calvert County in July, 1838.—Prince Frederick P. O, John Becket, $10 00 John Hutchens, 5 00 Josiah Morsell, 5 01) Benjamin Grey. 5 00 Dr. McDaniel, 5 00 Ben'j. Morsell, 5 00 J. A.Dalrymple, 5 00 S. H. Barber, 5 00 Sam'l Y. Dorsey, 5 01) A. H. Sollers. 5 00 James Hooper, 6 00 Hickman Harris, 5 00 Thos. Mitchell, 5 00 Benj. Williams, 6 00 Richard Hance, 5 00 Rev. G. VV. Israel, 5 00 E. Freeland, 5 00 ---------- Isaac Bowen, 5 00 $95 00 Port Republic P. O. John Parran, $10 00 John M. Williams, 5 00 John Hance, 6 00 Wm. D. Grey, 5 00 Uriah Saville, 5 00--------- $31 00 St. Leonard's P. O. James Morsell, $10 00 Jos. Richardson, 5 00 James Bond, 5 00--------- $20 00 Waterford, June Jlrundel Co. Md. Charles Waters.....$100 00 Subscriptions obtained in Bladenshurg, 20th June, 1838, published in the July No. of Col. Journal, . . $B0 00 Total, $1,605 62 The Rev. Dr. Proudfit has received advircs, that the late Daniel S. Montgomery, of Danville, Penn. has willed to him, (Dr. P.) in trust for the colonization cause, the sum of five hundred dollars. Extract from Gov. Russwurm's letter to the President of the Maryland folate Colo. Society. Harper, January 17, 1839. Dear Sir:—I have only time to acquaint you of the safe arrival of the Oberon and passengers. The despatches have come safely to hand, and it shall be my earnest endeavour to carry out all the views and wishes of the board. 1 am glad to re- ceive the lumber, and I hope no expedition vessel will leave without bringing as much. We are pleased also, to see so much attention paid to our wants by the present shipment. Doctors McDowell and McGill have arrived in good health. Signed, John B. Russwurm. Extracts from tire despatches of Governor Russwurm. Dear Sir:—I had the honour of addressing you on August 2flth, tilt. via. Monrovia; and as there has been no opportunity of forwarding from thence, you will probably receive these lines as early, though the vessel does not proceed directly home. Then allairs appeared rather gloomy, for the reasons therein set forth; and I felt it as much duty to inform you of the dark, as I now do to give you a detail of better times and prospects. Columbia's emigrants.—The emigrants by this vessel have been highly favoured by the fever. Not an individual has been sick enough to be con- sidered really dangerous, consequently, we have had only two deaths, of children, since their arri- val. They have had so little sickness that I have hired a nurse only about four weeks. It is plea- sant to visit them, as I was received with smiles. 1 have not to listen to petty grievances which I am unable to remedy. By request of Rev. J. L. Wilson, they are located on 'Bayard's Island,' in Holfman's river. Bayard's Island contains, per- haps, 40 acres of good land, I am not much in fa- vour ol the location, but my instructions were imperative. Farms.—The farms are now looking finely, and I speak within bounds when I assert, that there is more than twice the quantity of land under culti- vation this season, than the last. A little pinch- ing, scolding, and petting, and driving operations on the public farm, have convinced those who had the least spark of industry, that they need not starve unless tliey chose. A new species of pnta. toes has been introikiced from the public farm. The seed came from Monrovia, and all are de- lighted with its size and productiveness. The introduction of night guards has prevented the farms fiom being plundered by the natives. The want of working cattle cramps all farming to any extent; and 1 leel it duly to place this subject constantly before the hoard. I have pur- chased one yoke for the Tuhmans, and should have supplied them with live more, but they are not to be easily procured. A native counts his cattle as his money, to purchase wives, and noth- ing but due necessity ever drives him to part »ith them. They know also, that they can get better prices from vessels. Public Farm—Has been prosecuted with con- siderable energy during the past season, but owing to its being a very unfavourable one, not much has been raised, except cassadas and potatoes. Pains were taken to have on the ground a quantity of manure, and the spot where the cotton seed was put in was well covered over. It was ploughed thrice, as it was my determination to give the seed a fair trial, but this second experiment has proved no better than the first: and if cotton is to be raised for exports, it must be from the African seed, which thrives finely. The plant grows well, but when it begins to bear, there is a small insect which plays havoc among its pods, before they are fairly ready to be picked. I calculate that 2(10 pounds have been raised this season. The expe- riment, so far as it has been tried by the colonists proves, that land should be well broken up and manured, as there was a striking dillerence in the several patches, and where most labour was ex- pended in preparing the ground, there the plant was most thriving. Our cotton on the public farm was planted May 5, 1838. Though in the rainy season, we suffered much for want of rains; as there were ten or twelve weeks in which we had none. Even the cattle suffered for want of grass, and those at work had to be fed on corn or cassadas. Notwithstanding, our corn had quite a tolerable look, but when it was harvested the injury which it had sustained from the drought was evident, from the small quantity gathered. I planted about one acre, to shew the colonists who are daily complaining, that they could raise corn if they would only put forth the requisite quantum of sinews. All cavil- ling on this head is nearly silenced, as corn has been harvested two seasons. Our leeward natives raise it so extensively as to load vessels. Our oxen have done exceedingly well; and without them I could not get along, Besides doing all the necessary farm work, they have hauled country boards, &c. for various individuals. The pair which were first broken are still at work, and have increased in size and value. Assistant-Agent's house.—Agreeably to instruc- tions, a comlortable house has been erected on Mount Tubman, for the permanent residence of the assistant-agent, who is now stationed there. The Tubman* and others in the vicinity are well pleased with the place; and limey already they feel a security which they did not before. Thirty acres near will be placed under his superinten- dence, to test the dillereiice between it, and land exposed as the agency farm is to the deleterious influence of the salt air. The present missiona- ries at Mount Vaiighan are pleased with having so good a neighbour. The mount is being converted into a fortifica- tion by throwing up a stockade, and digging a trench, six feet wide, around it. In it will be kept the cannon and ammunition, and it will always serve as a place of refuge lor women and children in case of war or invasion. True, we fear no war or regular invasion, but we cannot tell how soon another colonist may be foolish enough to act as l'arker did, or the party assaulted to lake the law into his own hands. On the reserve land I have erected a comfortable dwelling lor a family ot re- spectable emigrants, during then six months' sea- soning. Free School, No. 1.—This school still continues in successful operation. The sickness and death of the teacher, O V. Chambers, lias been some- what of a pull back to it. but I can perceive no sensible diminution in its numbers. On my late visit, forty-nine were present—average loity-tvvo. Not much can be said m favour of their progress, as we want a more competent teacher. As our population extends out in Ihe bush, we shall soon be under the necessity of having another school, somewhere in the vicinity of Mount Tubman. The people there, in a praiseworthy manner, have subscribed liberally in labour, towards pulling up a school-house. One has given a site. It is but reasonable that they should look to the society for a teacher alter it is finished. We want a iresh supply of Webster's Spelling Books, and cards of A B C. Would it not be well to give some name to free School, No. 1? The materials lor the Ladies' School House are all ready, and 1 am only waiting the movements of our only mason, who has been engaged (or the last three months at Mount Vanghan. We suiter but little inconvenience, as the house now occu- pied by Mr. Alleyne lor his school, belongs to the society. I ua really pleased to have another school in operation, as the Methodist mission have discontinued theirs ; and the desire to ac- quire knowledge is pretty general, its loss being lelt sensibly by nearly all who aspire to public office. We have to raise up a class of young men /or officers, as we cannot expect to find any among the emigrants duly qualified. In iny opinion, the Ladies' Society, by furnishing us with a competent teacher, is conferring a blessing on this colony, which will extend to our remotest posterity. Summary.—The contents of the late despatches via Boston, are perfectly satisfactory to those in your employ—they aie peculiarly so to me, as nothing can be more consoling to a man who is labouring amidst difficulties ami discouragements, than to know that Ins conduct is approved of by his employers. Considerable addition and repairs have been made to the agency wharf, which has been ex- tended more into tlie river, and locks of a large size placed in it. In truth it is almost a new wharf so great have been the labour and altera- tions. King Freeman assisted me personally throughout the whole of it. A quantity of dirt has been removed from around the store to ren- der it more secure. As it stands, a person of common dexterity can mount the roof very rea- dily from the back side were it not tor the watch- man. 1 have lost nothing out of the store for the last year, and I want the natives to know that I keep it constantly in view, and perhaps in time, they will give up the idea of watching it lor the purpose of pilfeiing. I have been compelled to draw a small bill on you for $229 in favour ol H. T. Sims for trade goods. The store was almost bare, and I sold palm oil for 33, when Liveipool papers quoted it at 49 a 45 per ton. An offer has been made by the W. Alio .in Co. to purchase all the rice I can procure. 1 could enter into nothing definite without advices from yon ; I could only talk about it without a good supply of trade goods, and a 40 or 45 tons schooner at command. Their chairman is John Blunt, Ksq. Levant house, St. Helen's place, London. Should you see proper to correspond, a profitable trade might be driven, if you could supply ihem with tobacco, delivera- ble here, in exchange Idr such trade goods as cannot be easily bought in the United States. The new rice shipped from (lassaway alone by slavers, up to November 1, 1S3S, is upwaids of 5,00(1 croos. Quantities of it have come down the Cavally since the settlement of the river palaver, and been ship- ped on board slavers in the offing from Half-Cavally and B.iphors. Our natives give the Cavally bush a great name for rice and oil. The slavers manage to collect large quantities of rice, and with suita- ble goods and a vessel, &c. our chance would be equally as good. They are, however, no sticklers about price; if rice they want, rice they will have, even if they pay double or treble for it. Upwards of fifty frame bouses have been erect- ed in the colony within two years—besides ten frames and KM church by the missionaries. At Kocktown and the Cavallys are four more, not included above. Nearly three fourths of Ihein are inhabited, January 17, 1839.—Much disappointed at not receiving the promised small vessel; all impor- tant that this colony should have one at least. Dr. Johnson, of Da.-sa Cove, has bought almost the last Monrovia vessel at two or three times its value, since the late attack there, and despatched her to Sierra Leone. We stand in more need of a load of horses and jacks, than we do of emi- grants, depend upon it; much progress cannot be made in agriculture without their aid. Let the next expedition vessel land her cargo here first, and with a suitable agent, be sent after a full supply, with provisions or specie as funds. Very respectfully, dear sir, your humble serv't, John B. Russwurm, Agent Maryland State Colonization Society. Contentment.—Is that beast better that hath two or three mountains to graze on, than a little bee that feeds on dew or manna, and lives upon what lalls every morning from the storehouses of heaven, clouds, and providence .' Bryantown, CharlesCounty. J. H. Hawkins, $5 00 Allison Roberts, 5 00 A. Turner, 5 00 Fr. \V. Hawkins, 10 00 Mary Hawkins, 5 00 -------- Alary H. Hawkins, 5 00 35 00 Piscataway. Philip J. Ford.....$10 00 Pleasant Hill. Mrs. Mary Haigraves, . , . $5 00 South River, Higgins' P. O. George Tyler,.....$10 00 Davidsonville P. O. Ann Iglehart, $10 00 Thos. J. Dorsett, 20 00 Steven Beard, 5 00 John Iglehart, 15 00 Edw. Whtttington, 5 00 Priscilla Davidson, 5 00 Thomas Welch, 5 00 Charles Claggett, 10 00 John Knighton, 10 M S. A. Claggett, 10 00 R. Weenis, 5 00 S. H. Dorsett, 5 00 Alfred Sellnian, 10 00 ----------- Richard Sellman, 5 00 $150 00 John S. Sellnuui, 30 00 Bever DamU P. O. Jos. J. Hopkins, #5 00 K. Hopkins, 5 00 Geo. A. Barber, 5 00 P. H. Hopkins, 5 00 John Linthicum, 5 00 -------- G. R. Hopkins, 6 00 $30 00 Brotherton P. O. B. E. Gantt, $10 00 Wm. Carter, 1 00 Basil D Hall, 6 00 Win. Bryan, 1 00 Wm. C. Tyler, 10 00 Alric Osborne, 1 00 Thos. Robinson, 10 00 Steven Rogers, 1 00 Wm. Jones, 6 00 R. Sappington, 100 John Sewell, 5 00 Bazel Browne, 1 00 John Baldwin, 8 00 Randolph Webb, 1 00 James Crown, 5 00 Jane A. Baldwin, 1 00 M. Hammond, 5 00 E. M. Woodward, 1 00 J. H. Browne, 8 00 R. A. Woodward, 80 K. D. Woodward, 5 00 Aletheia Robinson, 1 00 Levi Stansbury, 2 00 Martha R. Cross, l 00 John Rice, 8 00 Mary P. Baldwin, 1 00 John Savage, 1 00 Marg. S. Dreury, 80 Lot Warfield, 1 00 -------- Henry H Browne, 1 00 $91 00 |