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Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0118 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
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Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0118 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
| 122 MARYLAND COLONIZATION JOURNAL. COLONIZATION JOURNAL. MONDAY, JULY 1, 1839. 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. We invite the attention of our country friends, who have kindly interested themselves on behalf of the Cape Paltnas packet, to the following letter from Mr. Kennard to the home agent. The board of managers feel sensibly the interest which is manifested by many highly influential country gentlemen, in the object which has been long cherished by the society, and cannot but regard it as an earnest of success. Baltimore, June 6th, 1839. Dear Sir:—In looking over the'Journal'for the current month, I notice a list of subscribers to the Cape Paltnas packet complete, with the exception of those obtained in Biadeii9burg, and those from members of the last legislature of the itate, obtained at Annapolis. This will all be acknowledged in due time. My principal object in writing now, is to say, that in my efforts to raise funds, several gentle- men, who doubtless feel an interest and would gladly subscribe towards the building of the Cape Palmas packet, have not had an opportunity of doing so. These may yet contribute by handing their names, specifying the amounts they propose to give, to the gentlemen named below, who will please forward to the office a list of subscribers, when obtained, and also receive payment of the subscriptions in their respective neighbourhoods, as it may suit the convenience of subscribers: Charles Waters, Waterford. Rev. Thomas Robinson, Doct. J. H. Browne, Bortherton. B. E. Gantt, John S. Sellman, Thomas J. Dor- sett.— South River. Doct. James Cheston, Wm. O. Hara, John Sellman, West River. J. Hughes, T. S. Alexander, Annapolis. Robert Griffith, Robert B. Chew, Joseph G. Harrison.—Friendship. Gassaway Winterson, Esq., Swamp. Rev. L. Wilmer, J. G. Chapman, Wm. B. Stone, Port Tobacco, Charles county. The following letter, from an esteemed lady, a citizen of Frederick county, who a few years since gave liberty to a portion rf her slaves, with a view to their settlement in Afiica, is inserted as an introduction to extract* from a letter from one of the colonists who sailed in the same expedition that carried out the servants of Mrs. Balch. We have already inserted in our columns several very interesting letters trom the Davenport family, and the one now published cannot fail to assist in re- moving the prejudice from the minds of the class of our population which it is the design of coloni- zation to benefit. Other letters from the colony will be found in this number of the Journal. Frederick, June 24th, 1839. Sir:—Permit me to offer the enclosed letter for your consideration; and if all, or any part will impart interest to your columns, or tend to excite a spirit of emigration, please insert it. From the commencement of this great scheme of benevolence, my whole heart has been in it, believing it to be one of the means God will bless to the conversion of that benighted portion of our world—nor can I doubt an overruling Pro- vidence will answer the prayers of the pious, and the efforts of the philanthropic, and remove the dark spot that now rests on our horizon of liberty and restore to Africa the descendants of her native sons—and thus too avert the fearful visitation of heaven's judgments, which seem to threaten our own land. With sentiments of high respect, for your per- severing labours in this just cause, I remain yours, respectfully, Elizabeth W. Balch. Rev. Ira A. Easter. friends may do as I have done, come and judge for themselves. Should they not be satisfied they will then have no one to blame. My dear Mrs. Balch, remember mc to all my dear friends and believe me your humble and obedient servant.' Letter from Dr. McDowell to the Rev. Mr. Easter. Mount Vanghan, Cape Palmas, January 15th, 1839. Rev. and Dear Sir:—By the return of the Oberon I have the honour to inform you that the expedition arrived safe at this port on the 13th inst. after a tedious and disagreeable passage of 53 days from Baltimore. The emigrants were all landeil in excellent health, with the addition of a child born during the passage on the 2d of De- cember—both it and the mother, Mrs. Hinson, are doing well. The birth occurred during rather stormy weather. The most of them have been placed in the houses prepared for their reception and express themselves satisfied. I have been kindly received by Mr. Russwurm. He is apparently very well qualified for his situa- tion. And in some recent troubles with the na fives, wherein some lives were lost, the nature of which you have ere this probably heard, Mr. R's prudence and caution saved the colony from actual hostility and war. Indeed, the state of the colonv and disposition of the surrounding natives are such as to render such qualities eminently necessary. The houses arc very much scattered, rendering concentration not always very easy. More arms, and particularly cannon and large shot, it is my private opinion, would be highly acceptable. It is to be regretted the board cannot obtain a larger number of adult males for the colony. The health of the colony at present is very good, with the exception of a few cases of dropsy, ulcer, and intermittent. The missionaries are all very well except Messrs. Byron antl Appleby, who are recovering from recent attacks. On arriving on the coast we were sorry to hear of the murder of Gov. Finley of Sinoe at Bassa Cove, with the subsequent hostilities entered into by the citizens of that colony, on account thereof. It appears that gelling out of ammunition the colo- nists retreated before the enemy, and that part of the settlement was plundered and burnt. Two Kroomen from Little llassa who gave us the first information, said that the natives had begged tor peace. Two important considerations arise out of this: 1st. The necessity of keeping the settlements in a complete state of defence. 2d. The necessity for and the good effects that would accrue from more frequent visits of Ameri- can ships of war on the coast. In preventing such accidents to the colonies and American citi- zens travelling on the coast. The natives now see the 'star-spangled banner' so often floating freely and boldly from the mast- head of a slave vessel, that they" have lost all re- spect both for citizen and Hag. I find that beasts of burden are absolutely necessary here. The settlement extends so wide- ly, that as physician in case of any general sick- ness, one person could not possibly do his duty to all. A colonial schooner for the safety of the colony seems to be unquestionably of the greatest impor- tance. The location of the settlement is very pleasant. The only drawback and eye-sore being the large native town on the cape. The mission stations, from one of which I now write are very pleasant residences. Your ob't serv't, R, McDowell. Extract of a letter from. John Randolph Da- venport, citizen of Maryland in Liberia, to Mrs. Elizabeth Balch, of Frederick co. Mary- land. 'How happy am I to hear from you. So unex- pected did your letter arrive, and how great a treasure do 1 esteem it to be. Shall I, or can I ever forget my best of friends I Can there be a better friend than one who freely gives liberty to the slave? My heart expanded with joy when 1 read your affectionate letter, in which you express a desire to release more of my relations from bon- dage that they may participate with us in the blessings of liberty' in a land of freemen. You state that you not only urge this privilege on them, but wish us to unite with you in urging them to join us. O, could they but appreciate the opportunity now offered them—could my coloured brethren in the United States only wit- ness as we do, the future prospects of the rising feneration, what Would they not do to obtain a ome in Africa? Surely thej would come naked and be content with one meat a day. But alas! they cannot see, they will not be convinced. Sly parents are well. The children are all going to school and improve very fast. As to my poor self, I have not yet tasted the pardoning love of God. If I never felt the need of it belore, I assure you I felt it when Mr. Snetter read your letter. He has often spoken to me on this sub- ject, and I humbly trust when you hear from me again, I shall be able to tell you what the Lord has done for my soul. Will you pray for me, my dear Mrs. Batch, and ask Mr. Lewis Balch to remember one who feels that he is yet out of the ark of safety. The two oldest girls are quite serious. My mother and wife are both christians, one a member of the Baptist, and the other of the Methodist church. I see the Scripture verified which says the righteous are not forsaken nor their children begging bread. May the Lord con- tinue to be merciful to you—give my love to all the family. J have understood that master intends to send for me to visit the United States, and I should be glad to eome and visit you, when I could ssy much more about our prospects here than it is conve- nient to write—but sincerely desire that all my Two letters were received per the Oberon from Mr. M. Appleby, a young gentlemen from this state, connected with the Protestant Episcopal Mission at Cape Palmas, from which we make the following extracts:—'I have been blessed of Providence to the utter astonishment of all who know me, both natives and colonists; being from twenty to thirty pounds heavier than when I left the United States. The clothes which I brought out with me are of but little service, having out- grown them. I am at present teaching school at Mount Vaughan, without the least desire to return to the United States. I have visited several of the native towns on the coast, the inhabitants of which appeared anxious to have me sit down among them to teach their children to read; but I am led to believe that education is not their only object. Many of them have an idea that it will bring trade among them. We are all quite well at Mount Vaughan—the health of the colony also appears to be good. I regard the present condition of the colony as decidedly prosperous.' will be a great assistance and relief to me. Mr. Byron teaches the scholars to sing, and it is de- lightful to hear them singing hymns in the school room; they have, as is usual with their race, good ears and good voices. Mr. Payne procured me two more native girls a few days ago, we have named them Thomasia Meade, and Susan 0. Smith. All my girls except Susan and Grace are supported and named by Virginians. I wish the Sunday school in Chestertovvn would send me a name, The expense is about twenty dollars per annum. Last Sunday morning not being our day for church here, I had religious exercises with the girls in my own room. In talking to them, I paiticularly urged upon the older girls the supe- rior privileges they enjoy, and the danger of ne- glecting or abusing them. It was long before I could use language simple enough to be under- stood by my hearers. My intelligent Sunday scholars" at home had spoilt me. A few months ago I wrote by a Salem brig, which was going down the coast, an account ot a serious palaver between the colonists and bush natives. All is quiet and peaceable again. The palaver has not yet been set, and trade with the bush is still sus- pended, but instead of an injury this has proved an advantage to the colony. The colonists have been obliged to attend more to the cultivation of the land, and are now in a more prosperous con- dition than since we have been here. I scarcely need repeat that tec are very happy. We have some privations to endure it is true, but many comforts and enjoyments to counterbalance them, and though in a heathen land, we are blessed with many religious privileges. We have church here every other Sunday morning, and every Sunday afternoon at the cape. Mr. Minor and Mr. P. preached also at two native towns every week. Sunday evening we have a prayer meeting, and Wednesday evening one at Tubmantown; there is also the' monthly concert, which we enjoy par- ticularly, from the reflection that so many of our fellow-christians are uniting in spirit with us. After frequent disappointments, wc nave at length heard from home. I cannot tell you how thankful I feel to receive such joyful tidings. That I should hear you were all well and happy, was more than I had dared to hope, but God has been better to me than all my fears. The clothes for the children are just in time to save me some trouble. We clothe in American style all who remain eighteen months. The unbleached do- mestic will be very serviceable as also the calico. I cannot express how grateful I feel to all my friends, from whom I have received new proofs of kindness and liberality. Tell the dear children I read their names on their work with great plea- sure ; I am afraid there is a little feeling of vanity or pride mingled with my gratification, at so much being done by my 'own people.' But indeed I cannot help feeling proud of as well as grateful to them. Our garden is very flourishing, it will soon supply us with all the vegetables we need. We have also between fifty and sixty fowls—no trifle, I assure you for Aliiea. A few nights ago we were aroused by a disturbance in the poultry yard. The next morningMwo pigs and a calf were missing which had been carried off. The track of a leopard was plainly visible. The na- tives always travel with a lighted stick at night, to avoid encountering the leopards ; they run from fire light. So that with a lantern I feel quite secure, to go over to Tubmantown every Wed- nesday evening to prayer meeting with Mr. Payne. Since my last date I have taken another native girl—she is about seven years old, her name is Francis Payne ,- I have several promised, who are yet infants. There is one reflection which prevents my feeling unmixed pleasure at the increasing number of my girls, and that is the increased responsibility which thereby devolves upon me. Oh ! that I could be more faithful in the discharge of all my duties. We are all well except Mr. Byron, his fever continues obstinate, though not violent. We feel very sensibly the disadvantage of being without a physician, parti- cularly with new cases. We are looking anx- iously for the doctor and his bride. Our ham's are full indeed, but soon we hope to have the assistance of the reinforcement li-om America. The jvlary Paulina, we hear, has gone home, and left our letters, &c. at Fernando Po. She had better have taken them back to America, we would have received them sooner. Our des- patches must be on board early this afternoon, therefore, I have only time to say farewell. If we never meet more here, I trust we may have a blissful meeting in our father's house nbo'vp. [Episcopal Recorder. Chari.estown, May 31st, 1839. Dear Sir:—Letters have recently been re- ceived from Mrs. Payne, extracts of which I send, as the readers of your paper may find them interesting. H. A. C. Mount Vaughan, January 16th. Our second Christmas and New Year in Jlfrica have arrived, and we are still happy in the per- formance of our work, or I should rather say, in the attempt to perforin it, and the increasing con- viction that we are where God would have us be. Our school is flourishing and increasing. There are about thirty names enrolled in the male department. The female department numbers eleven, eight of whom are natives. Some of my little ones are very engaging, interesting children. Five or six are between five and eight years of age, but though so young are very happy and contented. Since the doctor left, I have had twelve native girls, but four have either been taken away by their mothers, or induced by them to run off. Their running away is one of the trials we must expect for some years; Mrs. Wil- son, though she has been here so long, still has it to bear as frequently as I have. Two of her scholars have lately been united in marriage. They are both members of the church, and con- tinue to reside at Fair Hope, 'their education nnt being completed.' We expect to get Mrs. Thompson before long as assistant teacher. Mr. Thompson died about three months ago, a truly penitent and changed man, we have every reason to hope. We are having a second school house erected for the accommodation of the girls, part ol which Mrs T will occupy—her being rem Abolition Delusion. We cut from the Emancipator, the organ of the anti-slavery society, the following article. What measure can be better calculated to insult the feelings and excite the prejudices of southern men! Can such a course of conduct benefit the objects, for whose welfare, the abolitionists pro- fess to labour? miserable delusion! Anti-Slavery Window Blinds.—It is en- couraging to see the various arts of embellish- ment, even in this slavery-ridden land, beginning to employ their influence in favour of liberty. An ingenious painter of transparent window blinds has brought to the office an elegant pair of blinds ; the designs of which are illustrative of the scenes of slavery. The main picture represents the pur- suit and murder of a fugitive from slavery; the hunters with their rifles and broad hats, the blood- hound on the scent, the poor trembling MAN hiding behind a rock, make up one group ; and in another are seen the planters wiping their artil- lery, and the hounds retiring satiated with game, while in a stream appears the wounded and dying victim, reddening the waters with his blood ;—all drawn to the life, according to the descriptions which are given in the southern papers. See 'American slavery as it is,' pp. 21,97, 108, 155, 159. Underneath is the American eagle, sustain- ing the declaration of independence, while two kneeling slaves supplicate for the application of its sublime truths to the vindication of their rights. The whole is surrounded wtth an elegant border of the sugar cane, cotton plant, and rice grain. The article is got up with much taste, and hand- somely finished; and presents the subject of negro wrongs in an impressive light. We wish every parlour in New York had such a remembrancer for the slave. Orders received at the publishing office. State of Morals in Boston. Though we have nothing to boast of, as com- pared with w hat wc ought to be; yet, as compa- red with other cities, we have great cause of gra- titude, in view of the state of public morals in Boston. It is mentioned in the Boston daily papers, that not a single offence was ehar»ed against any one at the police office, the day a?ter the Artillery election holiday. On the afternoon of that day, a great concourse of persons, inclu- ding women and children, were- congregated on the common; yet all was quiet and orderly. There were no fisticuffs, no brawling, rto strife. But in former times, a riot on the afternoon ot" election day, was expected as a matter of couise, as stalls for the sale of intoxicating liquors, and gaming tables were permitted on the common. But there has been a wonderful change since these things were prohibited by the city authori-- ties. We derive, also, still greater satisfaction from some statement made in the report of the diretlors- of the 7Vrinonf theatre to the stockholders, at the annual meeting. May 21, 1839; from which we learn the gratifying fact that'the theatrical busi- ness in Boston, for the lust two or three years, has been, and still is, in a state of extraordinary depression.' The report goes into a history of the 'theatrical business in Boston,' particularly in reference to the failure of the attempt to support 'two first class theatres,' and the connection of Mr. Barry with the Tremont theatre; from which it appears that the concern has been dragging heavily for a number of years. The present •theatrical season,' they say, 'opened with a flat- tering prospect of brilliant success ; but after a few weeks, during which the'city was filled with strangers, the patronage of the theatre fell off oe- yond all precedent, and the season proved upon the whole worse, it is believed, than since the first opening of the theatre. Those stockholders who have been in the habit of attending the thea- tre personally, and who have witnessed for them- selves the empty boxc3 and bare benches, except on a few benefit nights, will not need this infor- mation ; and those who have been in the habits of attending lectures and other evening umusementt, in preference to the theatre, will be as well able as the directors to account for the fact that no theatrical attraction has proved suffi- cient to praw out the Boston public.' The fact here admitted speaks well for the good sense of the 'Boston public' It seems they have learned that there is higher and more rational en- joyment, as well as less danger of the deteriora- tion of mind and morals, in attending upon sci'en- iific lectures, and in refined social intercourse, than in waiting upon fictitious representations of corrupting scenes, made by men and women 'of corrupt minds,' if not of corrupt morals. And the intimation here given, speaks volumes in fa- vour of the scientific lectures for which Boston, above all other cities, is so celebrated. True, the tendency of these lectures, when compared with some other modes of spending time, may be to promote superficial thinking ; still, it is better to think superficially than not to think at all; and there may be a wearied state of mind which is re- lieved by the opportunity of drinking in know- ledge without eflbrt. At any rate they are far preferable to any other species of fashionable amusement. The report proceeds to a detail of the present financial condition of the theatre. They say, 'Mr. Barry stated his conviction that nothing but loss could be expected fos the residue of this season, and that, judging from appearances thus far, he could not anticipate receipts sufficient to cover the current expenses of the theatre, exclu- sive of rent.' 'The business did not improve, and the receipts have not been more than suffi- cient to enable the lessee to keep the theatre open without paying the rent.' It seems Mr. Barry has lost, during the five years which he has had the management of the theatre, according to one estimate, $13,000 ; and according to another, $30,060— the former, being over and above re- ceipts from all sources, and the latter, deducting some receipts which Mr. Barry does not consider as fairly belonging to the business of the theatre ; and if he pays his rent, the loss of the present year, will be $7,000; showing an improvement in . public sentiment, against theatrical amusements, of about one hundred per cent. Another important fact stated in this report, is, the influence of our municipal regulations, in banishing Ihe sale of inloricating liquors from the bars of the theatre, which has been the means of diminishing the rent of the bars from $2,500 to $1,000 a year.—Boston Recorder. Gerrit Smith, Esq. of Peterboro, has made a donation of $10,000 to the American Anti-Sla- very Society, being part of $100,000, which it is proposed to raise the present year (From the New York Observer.) Another Laurel for the Old Bay State. Boston, June 15, 1839. Messrs. Editors.—Prosecutions for violating the 'fifteen gallon law' are now the order of the day among us, and are producing no little excitement. The first prosecution that made any noise, was against a Mr. Cummings. The witnesses bought liquor of him, on purpose to be able to testify against him. He was found guilty before the police court and fined. By the advice of Mr. Hallet, his counsel, he appealed to the Municipal court. The constitutionality of the law was ar- gued at full length. The court gave an opinion in favour of the law and the jury brought in a verdict of guilty. It had been confidently pre- dicted, that no jury would bring such a verdict. That delusion was now dispelled. Mr. Hallet, for his client, appealed to the Supreme court, which puts off the final decision almost a year. The prosecuting attorney urged him to bring the case before an adjourned term of the Supreme court, which is soon to be held, and told him that if he refused to do it, and thus put oil the decision as long as possible, people would believe that he had no confidence in his own cause. The judge also remarked that public convenience required that the question be settled as soon as possible. Mr. Hallet said, he was 'in no hurry.' So he took the course which avoids a decision till after the next state election. There is great wrath, because some of the wit- nesses in these prosecutions are members of a 'temperance committee.' It is true that such a committee exists. Of its early history I am not informed, since the conviction of Cumtnings, it has been filled up. It is composed of about five hundred intelligent, resolute, prrsevering citizens, of respectable standing in society, who are deter- mined to see to it that the law is enforced. Their uniform practice is, when they have obtained tes- timony enough to convict a man, to inform him of the fact, and urge him to cease from his unlawful traffic , and if they find biro, obstinate, to inform |