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Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0152 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
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Maryland State Archives Maryland Colonization Journal Collection MSA SC 4303 msa_sc4303_scm11070-0152 Enlarge and print image (5M) |
| 152 (From the Colonization Herald. ) Liberia DR. ROBERT MACDOWALL'S FIRST IMPRESSlONS ON VISITING LIBERIA. I was one of a company of five persons who Went out to Liberia, lour HM ago, as physicians, missionaries, anil teachers, to aid in the cans" of the colonization and civilisation of Africa. The day before our departure we attended prayer meet- ing in Rev. Dr. McCaulcy's Chapel, in New York, kindly convened to bid us farewell. And here let me record my testimony to Hie excellent influence this demonstration ol 'Christian sympathy and be- nevolence has on the missionary, who has left all V> carry abroad the blessings he enjoys to those mat are in darkness. On the minds of many of those who were present, the remembrance of that evening has probably lorn; since passed away; or if at all distinct in ffie vista of past recollections, is only associated with a sense of duty, or a matter of curiosity. There were some, however, in whose eyes I could see the tear of sympathy glis- ten, when they were told that we were about to part from our home and friends on a dangerous mission, perhaps never to see them again, and were desirous of an interest in their prayers. Ob! it is only those who are placed in a similar situation, who can realize the good that is thus done. The heavy heart ii lightened, the dark filled of their fu- ture labours is illumined. This shining out of the affections and feelings of the good, seemed like the rainbow of God's promise that we should not be overwhelmed. I never forgot, nor ever can forget, that affecting instance of Christian regard. Amid sickness and trouble and despondency in Africa, the remembrance of it strengthened my hopes, and sustained my exertions. What Chris- tian, then, will refuse his presence on similar o«. casions.' The missionary is encouraged, and his own heait becomes better, while he knows that he is assisting so good a cause. But to proceed: after a pleasant voyage of 45 days, the dim coast of Africa rose up to our view. Africa.' degraded, injured Africa.' what tumultu- ous emotions arose in our bosoms, at the sight of thee ! A deep, dark, moral blot in the map ofour world's geography, shaded still deeper by enlight- ened human injustice and oppression. We were prepared from our earliest associations, and almost determined in spite of recorded testimony to the contrary, to find thee also a physical deformity.— Burning sandy deserts, disease and death, formed a fearful picture, which made our hearts throb at the uncertainty of our late. A closer inspection of its landscape dispelled all these fears. We at once distinguished Cape Mesurado by a single tall tree, which stood up alone distinct on its rocky elevation, like a sentinel on the outlook.— Before sunset of the last day of July, we anchored in Monrovia Bny, and found the Cape clothed with a dense vegetation of deepest green, and saw the star-striped banner floating freely in the breeze. We retired to our cots once more, full of joyous and yet anxious anticipations. We rose and found a flood of sunshine poured over the scene, with the white houses of Monrovia peep, ing out from the depth of that tropical forest, which fringed the ridge of the cape upon which the town is placed. The deck of the vessel was crowded with Kroo- men earnestly showing their certificates of cha- racter, and offering their services to the captain-; fine, tall muscular fellows, overflowing witii spi- rits and health. It was highly interesting to see how perfectly at home these men seemed to be, whether in their canoes or in the water. In the rivalry of striving to gain the vessel first, many of the canoes filled with water, upon which they all got out into the sea, shook the water out of their light bark, and got in again as if nothing had happened, paddling away, and laughing in their turn at those who were similarly interrupted. After breakfast an invitation came oil*to us to come on shore, written by the Lieutenant Go- vernor, the Governor being absent. On reaching the wharves we wece still more favorably disap- pointed, in beholding the industrious bustle which was goingon. Four or five small schooners built on the spot, were (piietly riding on the smooth waters of the Mesurado river. Others were on the stocks building. The wharves and river were crowded with canoes of colonists and natives, mingling the noise ol broken English and native jargon. We were welcomed on the wharf by some of the cobnists, who conducted us up to the government house, where we were warmly re- ceived by Mr. McG---------, the Vice Agent, and were soon set down to an excellent dinner of the tropical luxuries of the season. There were chickens, African kid and mutton, which is allow- ed to be the best flavored in the world, cooked plantains, desert of bananas, and papaw pies, which last so deceived me, that I asked where they got the green apples of which the pies were made. Our company consisted of the elite of the place. Officers of the forces, magistrates, mem- bers of council, and ministers ol the Gospel, all of whom contributed their ipiota of conversa- tion and reinaiks, characterised by great good sense and good breeding. The topics being, be- sides those naturally arising out of their situation, all the popular novelties in science, art, and poli- tics, occupying the attention of the enlightened reading world, showing plainly in the shrewd- ness of their conclusions ami observations, that they had inquired, and profited by the inquiry, of what was expected of them in their present re- sponsible situations. As to the causes which in- duced them to choose their new abode, it is credi- table to their feelings and spirits as men, to slate that they did so, not because the strictness of the laws in relation to many of their brethren in the United States, bore heavily on themselves as individuals, but that they could not thoughtlessly and indifferently look on their more unfortunate brethren around them. They left comfortable houses, to seek in Africa freedom for themselves, and education for their children. They neverthe- less could not but feel that the proposed object of the Abolitionists to make them elevated and com- Jbrtable in America, accorded strongly with their own wishes. America was still the place nt their birth; there they had received much kindness, and who does not cling strongly to the scenes and associations of childhood, whatever the circum- stances be; still they are willing to admit that the obvious distinctness of tlieir race, ami the de. grading associations connected therewith, placed almost impassable obstacles in the way of any be- nevolent plan which would put them in posses- sion of all the rights and privileges of freemen.— They acknowledge that under all the circumstan- ces of the case, the Colonization Society had ta- ken the only present practicable mode of benefit- ing them, but could not help deploring the ne- cessity which gave rise to it. MARYLAND colonization journal. After dinner He walked out to examine the settlement. Many of the houses weie large, pleasant, and comfortable. Well and rather tustcful- lv furnished. The stieets were wide and well laid out, but from the strong productive power ol the soil and climate, a great number of plants were growing luxuriantly, among which some species ol senna and indigo were abundant, winch, al- though reipiiiing continued labour to keep the streets clean, afforded a strong cvidenc of the strength of the soil and the facility of agriculture. They pointed out to us the spot where the devo- ted Ashmiin.and his little band, gallantly deleat- ed the savage multitude that would have extermi- nated them. We ascended the Cape, ard there lay spread out before us a panorama of a* quiet beauty and repose as you could desire. At a lower elevation lay Monrovia, with its maty curl- ing wreathes of smoke, its churches, ant many little white bouses, its vessels, river anl ware- houses. It was touchingly interesting to behold this And inroad of civilization on the borlers of nature's wildness: and to observe the peaceful security and prominence with which itstonl forth from boundless plains of iininteriupted vegetation. On our lelt, as we looked landward, tip coast swept round into a spacious bay. Behind, and on our right lay the ocean we had just crossed; afar oil, near the verge of the horizon of which, might be peiceived the fast sailing slave vessel, sneaking past as if she would not be seen from this prospering attempt to remedy the evil she was still endeavoring to perpetuate. In the har- bor might be seen waving, side by side, the flags of England, America, and France. On enquiring of the colonial officers into the state ami influence ol the slave trade around them, they replied that it was still carried on at some distance north and south of the colonial territories, over which they could exercise no jurisdiction ; and from the profusion with which the slavers sup- plied the natives with goods, they valued the friendship of the colonv less. Thus its moral in- fluence is weaken, d by this counter agency.— Whenever that nefarious traffic shall be totally suppressed, the natives will turn their attention to the products of their country, to exchange with the colonists All the well dressed, respectable looking colo- nists we met and conversed with, assured us they were contented, and centred all their hopes in the prospect of leaving their children in the enjoy- ment of more freedom and knowledge than had fallen to the lot ol tlieir fathers. Others, whose appearance bespoke much of poverty, said they liked the country, but they could not get such work as they wanted. There was no currency in the colony, and they could not get enough of 'hog meat' to eat. To them freedom has nothing compared to the flesh pots of America. There were numbers of the recaptured Africans, also, from New Georgia, who came and offered us their hands, saying, 'glad for see you;' exhibiting in tlieir eye superior intelligence and energy, while the tattooed marks on their faces, showed at once their tribe, and their direct African origin. We visited the cemetery, too, and there we silently gazed on the little mounds of those who had fallen martyrs to the cause of African Coloni- zation, quietly resting below the shadowy trees, with no epitaph to record their names or virtues. They live alone in the memory of tlieir surviving friends: their record is on high, on the (ablets of Him, who said blessed are the dead that die in the Lord. Vet there they are indisputable evi- dences of devotion to Africa, and their language was 'let thousands perish ere Africa be abandoned.' What need have they of a perishing marble monu- ment ? We felt that we too could take up our last abode with them, could we but see Africa arising out of her thraldom. Two of our little party are there now. In fine, ive were satisfied—favorably disappoint- ed, with the colony, ami assured that 'the Soci- ety had demonstrated to the world, the soundness of the views with which they appeared before it in 1816 —'17, without funds.patronage, or a pre- cedent in the annals of the human race.' R. McD. (From the Friend ) Havana--The Slave Trade Should the enclosed, written at Havana during the last winter by a young member of the Society of Friends, be deemed worthy of an insertion in 'The Friend,' it is at the disposal of the editor. Seventh Month 11th, 1838. W. Havana, 1838. At a time when the all-engrossing subject of slavery within our oun borders occupies so Prge a share of the public mind, it may not be inap- propriate to lelate a few facts drawn from personal observation during a short sojourn in the island of Cuba, and if possible to diiect the attention ofthc philanthropist ftottt the vexatious and delicate sub- ject of an existing evil at home, to the more glar- ing and increasing traffic in human lle»h, the source of so much misery, the African slave trade, which, it n.a* nut be generally known, to the disgrace of the civilized world, is at this very moment curving on to an alarming extent,almost within sight ofour own shores. In the beautiful harbor of the Havana, the prac- tisul eye of the seamen detects at a glance, from a mid-t the large fleets of vessels from all quarters of the world, some half dozen or more splendid brigantines, which for elegance and symetry of model, breadth of beam, and lightness of rig, are unsurpassed by any vessels in the world,—sharp lore and aft, and lying low, they seem only to touch the water, and as if a zephyr would put them in motion. These beautiful vessels, which do credit to the skill of the architect, and, as 1 was informed, were chiefly built at or near Baltimore, arc slavers,—deceitful in appearance as the unruf- fled bosom of the ocean on which they glide,— their holds are the abodes of wretchedness, dis- ease and death. In the ports of this Island slavers are fitted out openly and without molestation, lying almost side by side with British, French, and American ves. sels of war; they dare not molest them unless taken on the high seas, and in the very act of carrying a cargo. With the existence of slavery in these islands, or in the southern slates ofour own conlederacv, in making this communication, I have nothing to do; on the contrary, I can bear frequent testimony to the lenient treatment of -hives, and their apparent content on estates it was my fortune to visit. I have generally found It acknowledged an evil, but one for which it ap- peared difficult to devise a remedy ; but that the American government should remain idle, when even year thousands upon thousands ol the human family are carried into bondage, is most sstonish- ing; while their brethren of England, Willi an example worthy of all praise, have for yearn been working, anil arc even now braving climate awl disease almost alone, against the nefarious prac- tice. To the British navy alone be the honor of affor- ding almost the only check to this inhuman traffic; their vessels are ever on the alert, both on the African coast anil in the West Imlian seas; ami surely if any thins will open the eyes of the Amer- ican people to the magnitude with which this trade is carried on, the fact of four captures hav- ing been made within six months on the southern coast of this island, and the arrival in sight of this city, and within four days of cash other, of two slavers with full cargoes of human beings, ouirht to do it. During the latter part of December, the 'Eliza Bellita' slaver was captured by H. M. ship 'Sappho,' ami carried into Port Royal, Jamaica, having on board 260 unfortunate Africans, scarce, ly one of them over fourteen years of age! 1 In the harbor of St. Jago I saw a small clipper-built Guineaman, that I was informed had realized over two millions of dollars in the slave trade; she was very fleet, had been often pursued but never taken. In company with an English naval officer, I made a visit across the hay to several of these vessels. We were permitted to walk over them, but no particular attention was paid to us; on the contrary, we were looked upon with suspicion, ami received short and unsatislaetory answers to our iiuesfions i in general all attempts to enter info conversation with those on board appeared useless. With one however, we were more successful; an old weather-beaten Spaniard was walking the deck—although an old pirate, his expression of countenance was tine,—taking a seat under the awning on the quarter deck, ottering him a bundle of cigaritas, and lighting one ourselves, by degrees induced him Into conversation, and in the course of one hour or more, I learned from him some horrid truths. He told us that in four voyages he had brought, in the vessel upon which we then were, sixteen hundred human beings; his was a fortunate vessel, and seklom lost more than half a dozen a voyage ; once, however, he told us he was not so lucky—a malignant disease broke out on board soon alter leaving the coast, and of three hundred taken in Africa, but ninety-five were landed more dead than alive on the island! The material, such as hand cuffs, chains, and even the lower decks are taken out, stowed in pieces as cargo, and are fitted up on the coast ot Africa. We saw the apertures in the dei ks to ad- mit the air, and as we were leaving the brig in our boat along side, the captain told us exultingly, that he knew we were officers of the British sloop of war, pointing to the'Champion,' that was riding at anchor at a little distance from us; but, added he, 'you are welcome; I yesterday showed your captain (meaning of the Champion) all over my trim vessel—1 have nothing to conceal—you dare not touch me here, and once outside, (with an expres- sive shrug of the shoulders) you may catch me if you can.' About a league from the gates of Havana,situa- ted delightfully upon a gentle eminence, shaded by groves of the palm and the cocoa, overlooking the Paseo Tacon, and the governor's Casadi Cam- po ami gardens, is a tieiida or a receptacle for newly imported slaves; it is one of the many that abound on the island. In the cool of the evening we made a visit to this bazaar. A newly impor- ted cargo of two hundred and twenty human be- ings were here exposed lor sale—they were crouched down upon their forms around a large room ; during a visit of more than an hnurthat we we were there, not a Word was uttered by one of them. On entering the room, the eyes of all were turned upon us, as if to read in our countenances their fate; they were all nearly naked, being but slightly clad in a light check shirt, upon w Inch was a mark upon the breast; with few exceptions they were but skin and bone ; too weak to support their languid forms, they were reclining on the floor, their backs testing against the wall. When a purchaser came they were motioned to stand, which they oheyed, although with apparent pail); a few were old and grey, but the greater propor- tion were mere children of from ten to thirteen or fifteen years of age: when they stood, their lap looked as thin as reeds, and hardly capable of supporting the skeletons of their wasted Ibrms.— The keeper informed us they were of several dis- tinct tribes, and that they did not understand one another; this was apparent from the formation of the head. While we were there five little boys and girls were selected and hoiignTto go into tiie interior; ho regard is paid to relationship, and once separated they never meet again. We left the tienda, and turning through the gateway we I saw some who Were laying under the shade of the plantain, whose appearance told that they, at least, would soon he liberated from bondage by death,—they were those who had sufleicd most during the voyage,—their situation was most melancholy. J ollcred to one the untasted howl ol cocoa milk I was about drinking; she motion- ed it away with a look that even from a negress was expressive of thankfulness, and which aaaot- ed to say how unused she was to such kindness. We lelt this wretched abode, and in a tew mi- nutes were upon the I'aseo, where all the beauty and fashion of the city were driving up and down in their volautes, as if all, far and near, were hap- py. What a contrast! Upon another occasion, as I was riding one evening alone, along the rocky and barren shore that extends for some miles to the eastward of Ha- vana, covered with the cactus and prickly pear, I came suddenly upon a troop of slaves—men, wo- men, and children. I drew up by (he way side until they passed; three horsemen were driving them ; they were manacled, chained by the an cles, barefooted, and almost naked; they proceed- ed in silence, which was interrupted only by the rustling of their chains. Under the plea of lighting a cigar, 1 accosted one of the horsemen; he told me they had just landed in a small inlet on the coast, were one hundred and ninety in num- ber, and were wending their way to one of the re- ceptacles spoken of above. With feelings of pity for the loss these poor wretches, I rode on for some time, when turning my horse to take a last view of the beauty of the evening sky, for the sun had sunk sometime, I again saw the melancholy troop crossing the distant hills, their tall black forms strongly contrasted against the brightness of the western sky,—what were their feelings thus in a strange land and stranger language, unknow- ing of their fate, ;n they were under the shadow ni night thus driven into eternal bondage? All expression of opinion upon the subject of slavery in the Spanish islands is dangerous to a stranger; depending upon this traffic to cultivate and people tlie vast regions of rich and uncultiva- ted land in the island of Cuba, and deriving as it does from the produce Of this island its very exis- tence, the Spanish government do all they can to prevent molestation of their subjects or the Por- tuguese in the slave tiade,—and although an ap- parently attentive ear is given to the repeated and urgent remonstrances of the British government against this traffic, it is rather secretly fostered than frowned upon. While I was at Matanzas,, a slaver from the Gold Coast arrived off the harbour olf Havana at broad noon; and right under the guns of the Moro estate, hailed and stopped the 'Almendares' steam packet as she was going in, contracted with the captain to land his cargo, which alter running into Havana ami landing his passengers, he did ; having come out, taken off all the slaves, put them on shore in an inlet on the coast about three miles from the harbour, and returned to the city before night. In the nineteenth century, with the word liberty upon every tongue both in Europe ami the western hemisphere, will it be believed, that the most pro- fitable commerce is that of human flesh. Can there he no stop to the transportation from Afri- ca of human beings! As an evidence of its ex- tent, slaves can be hud in Cuba for the small sum of $300—'tis true those that are acclimated and speak the language are worth more. When this is the case, it is in the power of every one to judge if the commerce is not a thriving one. (From the Baltimore Clipper) Abolition. This question has long agitated the public mind. Many of our slates have, in the wisdom oftheii legislative bodies, banished slavery from their sta- tutes. As to the right of their actions, is a question which can be referred to no higher earthly tribu- nal for decision—they are both the law and the judge. One thing, however, is perfectly clear, that there is no man or set of nien who have the right to interfere upon the broad question of abo- lishing slavers hut those who are regularly em- powered by and through the will of the majority of the people. Going upon the principles of re- publicanism, we place men at the head ofgo- verment, in whom we repose confidence, to legislate and administer laws, such as under exis- ting circumstances, will meet our peculiar want*. If with them it shall seem prudent and expedient to abolish that law which now holds the African in a certain relationship, we are bound to pre- sume them right, until such act be made null and void through the instrumentality of some more wise and deliberative body, who, in the order of things, shall in a legislative capacity, succeed them. Every good republican citizen will evince no other disposition than a submission to the ju- risdiction of his country's laws. The life and destinies of a criminal aie placed in the power of twelve jurors. If they decide upon his guilt or innocence, he must abide the decision, because there is no other source from whence he can hope for greater justice. If in a case thus legally pend- ing, some misguided philanthropist were to insin- uate bis influence to retard the course of justice, turn it from its proper channel, thereby bringing difficulty upon many and a reproach upon the ve- ry laws by which he himself is protected, would he, and ought he not to be estimated as dangerous and punished for the offence? So with the citi- zen who professes allegiance to his country constitution, were he do that diametrically op- posed to his country's weal. All will admit that slavery as a principal is Wrong, and that its abolishment should be effec- ted at the most practicable period. But because an evil exists is no argument that a more alann- ingone should he brought on in endeavoring to correct it. An unguarded administration of dead- ly poison would not effect a cure. If it be given at all it must be with the greatest of caution, by a skilful hand, and that too by degrees, so that the detiradobject indue time shall be accomplished. The spirit manifested, the endeavours also, and the language iiv(,| fiy (he misguided abolitionists of the north and east, are to the well being ofour natiun as the deadly poison is to one piostratcd upon the bed of sickness. They are worse than the foul incendiary who, with his torch iu the dark shades of midnight, steals to the abode of happiness and iu an hour when all arc wrapped iu dreams and slumber, causes the devouring ele- ment to destroy unconscious innocence. Their movements in no feature bear the character of phi- lanlhrophy—they are traitors iu the full sense of the term, and as such should have meted out their p inishment. Principles ami Institutions based upon the purest feelings of benevolence are daily receiving their slanderous attacks, Men of un- approachable virtues, have they endeavored to stig- matise through the instrumentality of their scur- rilous publications. Endeavours have also been made to insinuate their corrupt principles into the question of politics; but the most loathsome and unnatural dissensions is that of amalgamation. II is not only repulsive to the white population, but meets the disapprobation of event he filthiest ne- gro in Christendom. When the actions of men prove tlieir motives to be pure, an excuse may be formed, if perchance, they make a missten; but when the whole tenor of their procedure (like that ol the abolitionists) goes directly to the revcise—show ing that the motive itself is corrupt, they should be discountenanced by all who have the general welfare of their coun- try at stake. It is not the abolishment of slavery that will benefit either the white or coloured population of the United States. The African will and must be in astate of subjugation to a certain extent while we exist as a republic. The only effectual mean*, am! that which will be beneficial to both, is dis- tinct separation, to accomplish which the great cause of colonization promises to be most success, ful. Indeed it is the only resort—and would that its importance were pressed home to the function- aries of our goverinent and the people iu general more effectually. Africa is the only inviting home to the African. There he can have liberty and be respected, but here be cannot—he must be convinced ofthis fact. Being so then, and our citizens of the propriety of colonization, let those means be used which the necessity and impor- tance of the case imperiously demands. Published monthly, at One per annum. printed by john d. toy, corner of market and st. paul streets, Who executes Book and Job Printing with neatness and accuracy. |