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 LIBRARY 
 
 theological ^cminariu 
 
 FRiyCETOy. X. J 
 No. Case, 
 
 No. Shelf, 
 
 No. Book, 
 
 IsiiD. 
 
 From the Rev. W. B. SPRAGUE, D.D. Sept. 1839. 
 
 Bpr^ue CfillecHon* VoL 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2015 
 
 https://archive.org/details/abstractofjourna00baco_2 
 
ABSTRACT OF A JOURNAL 
 
 KEPT BT - 
 
 ASSISTANT AGENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 
 
 TO 
 
 AFRICA: 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE NORTH AMERICAN REVIEW, 
 
 ON THE SUBJECT OF AFRICA. 
 
 CONTAINING CUTS, 
 
 SHOWING 
 
 A CONTRAST BETWEEN TWO NATIVE TOWNS. 
 
 4 
 
 THIRD EDITION. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 Clark & Raser, Printers, S3 Carter’s Alley. 
 1824. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 TItE public have been already informed of the strenuous exer- 
 tions of the United States government, in enacting numerous laws 
 for the purpose of suppressing the slave trade ; and of the success- 
 ful vigilance of our naval officers, in detecting those desperadoes, 
 the slave-traders, and bringing them to justice. 
 
 The public have also been informed of the bertevolent operations 
 of the American Colonization Society, in endeavouring to form a 
 settlement on the western coast of Africa, composed of those free 
 people of colour who choose to emigrate thither. It is moreover 
 known that this settlement, if established, may prove an asylum for 
 those Africans, who shall be recaptured by the United States* 
 cruisers and sent to the coast. 
 
 There is reason to hope that these acts of mercy will contribute 
 to meliorate the sufferings of a large portion of the human race, by 
 the final abolition of the slave trade, that scourge of Africa and 
 disgrace of the civilized world; by introducing the arts of civili- 
 zation and the blessings of the Christian religion, among a race of 
 beings who have hitherto lived in heathen darkness, destitute of 
 the light of the gospel, or knowledge of a Saviour, by teaching the 
 children of Ethiopia to stretch forth their hands unto God. 
 
 Having been employed as an assistant agent of the United 
 States, along with J. B. Winn, Esq. principal agent in transporting 
 to the coast of Africa a number of recaptured Africans and free 
 people of colour; the author has had an opportunity of witnessing 
 the degraded state of that section of the earth, and feels it a duty 
 he owes to the souls of his fellow creatures, to lay before the Chris- 
 tian world a plain statement of facts in relation to the subject, 
 which he doubts not will be interesting to all, and confidently 
 trusts useful to many. 
 
 It may be proper to mention, that Mr. Winn, and tlie author, 
 were accompanied in the expedition by the Rev. J. R. Andrus, 
 principal, and Mr. C. Wdltberger, assistant agents of the Coloniza- 
 tion Society, together with Mrs. Winn and Mrs. Bacon, in the brig 
 Nautilus, Captain Blair. 
 
 N. B. The author’s return was caused by ill health. 
 
ABSTRACT, &c. 
 
 AVE left Norfolk on the .21st of January, 1821, and on the 23d 
 sailed from Hampton Roads. For about thirty days we encoun- 
 tered head winds and strong gales, and made slow progress. Du- 
 ring this time I was very sea-sick, as were also Mrs. Bacon, and 
 the Rev. Mr. Andrus. The other agents were less afflicted ; some 
 of the colonists suffered from the same malady. Our captain was 
 remarkably kind and attentive to those who were sick, and parti- 
 cularly to Mrs. Bacon and myself, when we were unable to wait 
 upon ourselves, for which kindness I shall always feel myself under 
 very many obligations to him ; and I think I speak the sentiments 
 of my colleagues. Nothing uncommon occurred during our voyage, 
 except that we experienced a very severe gale of wind, accompa- 
 nied with a snow storm, which our captain told us was more vio- 
 lent than any he had known during the preceding twenty years. 
 It was indeed a time to try our faith. 
 
 At the commencement of the voyage, we established morning 
 and evening prayers in the cabin, as well as in the steerage, where 
 the coloured people were; in these we enjoyed the consolations of 
 the religion we profess. 
 
 We had all recovered from sea-sickness, and having arrived 
 within the tropics, where the weather was fine and the w ind favour- 
 able, our passage was more agreeable. Nothing uncommon occur- 
 red during the remainder of our voyage. But a continuation of the 
 mercies of our heavenly Father were daily bestowed upon us. On 
 the morning of the 8th of March, we had a distant view of the 
 mountains of Sierra Leone, which was really animating to us after 
 crossing the Atlantic. We felt ourselves approaching towards that 
 much injured country, where we expected to labour, and to suffer 
 many and great afflictions. We were cheered with the hope, that 
 through the assistance of Divine grace, we should be, in a greater 
 or less degree, useful among the degraded children of Africa. The 
 wind was fair but rather light, as is not uncommon in the dry sea- 
 son. AVe soon hove in sight of Cape Sierra Leone, when we dis- 
 covered, for the first time, several native canoes approaching to- 
 ward us. These excited our curiosity. They were manned by the 
 native Kroomen, in a state of nudity, or nearly so.' When I speak 
 <»f naked people, it may be always understood that they wear a cloth 
 
4 
 
 about their loins, and that the men generally wear hats. These 
 hats are manufactured out of a kind of grass. The chiefs and head- 
 men often wear common English hats. 
 
 We soon discovered a fine English barge approaching us, rowed 
 by natives. In this were the harbour master, George Macaulay 
 and S. Easton, esquires, (of the house of the honourable K. Macau- 
 lay) who very politely gave us much interesting information, rela- 
 tive to our American blacks at Sherbro. As we approached near 
 the harbour, they gave the American agents a friendly invitation 
 to go on shore in the barge, and take lodgings at their house. As 
 the principal agent concluded to remain on board, Mrs. Bacon and 
 myself thought proper not to slight their politeness, our accommo- 
 dations in the brig being somewhat circumscribed, and the transi- 
 tion from Norfolk, where the cold was. excessive, to Sierra Leone, 
 where the degrees of heat were at noon day from 85 to 87^ in the 
 shade, making a visit to land desirable. Moreover the service# of 
 all the agents were not required to attend to the wants of the peo- 
 ple. W’e accordingly went on shore, where we were politely and 
 hospitably entertained for several days. 
 
 The agents of the United States, together with those of the So- 
 ciety, soon had an interview with the Rev. Daniel Coker, by whom 
 we learnt the condition of the American settlers at Sherbro. He 
 informed us that the mortality, although severely felt in the loss of 
 our valuable agents, and Mr. Townsend, commandant of the United 
 States schooner Augusta, together with six of his men, and a boy, 
 was not so ^reat as at first reported. The whole number of blacks 
 who died, did not exceed twenty-three, out of the eighty-eight sent 
 out in the ship Elizabeth. Several of those deaths were not caused 
 by the prevailing fever. The actual number of blacks who died 
 with fever, did not exceed eighteen or nineteen, all of whom died 
 at Kizzell’s Place. Although very many of the settlers were ex- 
 tremely ill when they left Kizzell’s Place, and removed to Yonie, 
 a more healthy part of Sherbro island, and the time of their re- 
 moval was the month of August, in the midst of the rainy season, 
 still no deaths by fever occurred at Yonie; but on the contrary, a 
 general recovery took place, notwithstanding there was no medical 
 aid. The sickness at Kizzell’s Place was evidently in a great de- 
 gree owing to local causes: the water alone is said to be sufficiently 
 bad to create malignant disorders, though Kizzell was base enough 
 to assert that it contained peculiar qualities highly conducive to 
 health. That, and other false assertions, induced the former agents 
 to receive his offer of friendship; pretending, as he did, to un- 
 bounded influence among the native chiefs; an ardent desire to 
 further the benevolent objects of our government and the Society; 
 to benefit America; to meliorate the condition of the African race, 
 and propagate the glorious gospel of God in a heathen land. 
 
 After making other necessary inquiries of Mr. Coker, and of 
 those gentlemen in Sierra Leone, with whom we were most conver- 
 sant; also of some of the American blacks who went out with Paul 
 Cuftee, and of Nathaniel Peck, who accompanied the first expedi- 
 
o 
 
 tion ; \\c were fully satisfied that Mr. Coker liad managed the bu- 
 siness of the expedition, after the decease of the former agents, in 
 as judicious a manner as the circumstances of the case would 
 admit. 
 
 We lost no time after our arrival, in communicating with the 
 acting governor, his honour John Grant, upon the subject of our 
 mission. 
 
 The American agents received a polite invitation to breakfast 
 with him at the Government House on Saturday morning, the 10th 
 of March. We there met his excellency, together with his honour- 
 able council, after partaking of a sumptuous breakfast of great va- 
 riety, served up in elegant style. 
 
 The several benevolent objects of our government, and those of 
 the Society were fully explained ; and an open and candid exposi- 
 tion of our instructions made after this friendly interview ; his ex- 
 cellency gave us a verv polite invitation to dine at the Government 
 House, on Tuesday the 13th of March ; which we did accordingly, 
 and partook of an elegant dinner, served up in much splendour. 
 There were at table a number of the principal gentlemen, otficers 
 of the colonial government, Spanish commissioners, English mis- 
 sionaries, and several ladies. 
 
 The very friendly disposition which the colonial authorities ma- 
 nifested towards the objects of our mission, may be seen by a refer- 
 ence to the Sierra Leone Gazette. 
 
 A meeting of all the agents, together with Mr. Coker, took place, 
 when it was unanimously agreed to relinquish the idea of making 
 any further attempt to negotiate for lands in the Sherbro country ; 
 and that two of the agents should cause the United States schooner 
 Augusta, w hich was lying at anchor in the harbour at Sierra Leone, 
 to undergo some slight repairs for the purpose of exploring the 
 coast in search of a suitable site for an American settlement ; more- 
 over, it was resolved that no time should be lost, as we were taught 
 by our instructions to regard the acquisition of lands for a settle- 
 ment, as a matter of primary importance. 
 
 Having a discretion on this subject, it vvas determined after ad- 
 vising with the English missionaries and agents at Sierra Leone, 
 that the Rev. Mr. Andrus and myself should be deputed to the ser- 
 vice of exploring the coast, and entering into negotiations with the 
 native chiefs. At the same time it was arranged that Messrs. 
 AVinn and Wiltberger should disembark the people and goods from 
 the Nautilus, after a suitable place for their temporary location 
 should be determined upon, by and with the consent of the colo- 
 nial authorities, who had politely proft'ered to provide such place, 
 as soon as it could be selected. It was also agreed that Messrs. 
 Winn and Wiltberger, should attend to the business at Sherbro — 
 supply the wants of the people there, or remove them as should be 
 found most expedient ; so that as nearly as possible an equal par- 
 tition of duties was made. 
 
 A suitable place was found about two weeks after Air. Andrus 
 
6 
 
 anti myself had sailed on our liaz,ai-dous excursion. We had been 
 tau^lit to expect the arrival of the Alligator, which was to accom- 
 pany us. But it was not deemed advisable to wait, but to proceed 
 immediately to execute that part of our instructions, which direct- 
 ed us to explore the coast ; in this determination we were influ- 
 enced by the following reasons : — 
 
 r. The assistance of all the agents was not necessary to admi- 
 nister to the wants of the people, circumstanced as they must be 
 during their continuance at Sierra Leone ; and some of us, unless 
 employed in obtaining the lands, must have remained almost or 
 quite unoccupied. 
 
 2. The period of the arrival of the Alligator on the coast was en- 
 tirel}' uncertain. But little more than six weeks remained before 
 the rains. 
 
 The business of exploring, therefore, must be commenced imme- 
 diately, or not completed until the rainy season ;• and as the event 
 showed, had we waited for the arrival of t^ie Alligator, it could not 
 have been began before the commencement of the rains. 
 
 3. But our principal reason for embarking in the business imme- 
 diately, was the certainty that the presence of an armed force 
 would hinder rather than assist our negotiations with the natives. 
 In this opinion we w'ere confirmed by the unanimous judgment of 
 all our English friends consulted on the subject. It will be seen, 
 by a reference to dates, that w e had concluded our contract for the 
 lands, and returned to Sierra Leone, two weeks or more before the 
 arrival of the Alligator. 
 
 The vessel in which we w ere to sail not being ready, and some 
 information concerning our route being necessary, Mr. Apdrus and 
 myself visited the Rev. Mr. Johnson, a minister of the Church Mis- 
 sionary Society, at Freetown. We found him just recovering from 
 ill health. He gave us a polite invitation to visit Regent’s town, 
 and appointed Saturday the 17th of March ; on that day he fur- 
 nished us with horses, and accompanied us with his lady and seve- 
 ral otlier missionaries. Mrs. Bacon not being accustomed to ride 
 on horseback, was carried in a palanquin, by some of the captured 
 Africans. At about 7 o’clock, A. M. we left Freetown, and arriv- 
 ed at Gloucestertown about 9 or 10 o’clock, where we took some 
 refreshment with the Rev. Mr. During. Under his care is a fine 
 flourishing towm of captured negroes ; in which have been erected 
 and are nearly finished, a large stone church, a commodious par- 
 sonage house, and a school house. 
 
 At about one o’clock, P. M. we arrived at Regent’s towm. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Johnson had been at Freetown, where Mr. J. was sick se- 
 veial weeks ; on our arrival great numbers of his people came to 
 shake hands with him, and inquired aftectionately after his health; 
 even the expression of every countenance bore strong testimony of 
 their ardent love for him, and the joy which filled their hearts oil 
 his recovery from sickness and safe return to his flock. 
 
7 
 
 VIEW OF REGENT’S TOWN. 
 
 The town itself is laid out with regularity — nineteen streets are formed, and 
 are made plain and level, with good roads round the town — a large stone church 
 rises in the midst of the habitattons — a government house, a parsonage house, 
 a hospital, school houses, store houses, a bridge of several arches, some native 
 dwellings, and other buildings, all of stone, are either finished or on the point 
 of beiiig so. But the state of cultivation further manifests the industry of the 
 ])eople; all are farmers — gardens, fenced in, are attached to every dwelling — 
 all the land in the immediate neighbourhood is under cultivation, and pieces of 
 land even to the distance of three miles — there are many rice-fields; and among 
 the other vegetables raised for food, are cassadas, plantains, coco, yams, coffee, 
 and Indian corn : of fruits, they have bananas, oranges, limes, pine-apples, 
 ground-nuts, guavas, andpapaws: of animals, there are horses, cows, bullocks^ 
 sheep, goats, pigs, ducks, and fowls: a daily market is held, for the sale of ar- 
 ticles; and, on Saturdays, this market is large and general. It has been already 
 said, that all are farmers; but many of them, beside the cultivation of the 
 ground, have learned and exercise various trades : 50 of them are masons and 
 bricklayers— 40, carpenters — 30, sawyers — 30, shingle-makers — 20, tailors — 
 4 , blacksmiths — and 2, butchers. In these various ways, upwards of 600 of the 
 negroes maintain themselves; and have been enabled, in this short space of time, 
 by the fruits of their own productive industry, to relieve from all expense, on 
 their personal account, that government to which they pay the most grateful 
 allegiance. 
 
 The appearance and manners of the people have improved in an equal de- 
 gree. They are all now decently clothed; almost all the females have leai-ned 
 to make their own clothing — about 400 couple are married — they were accus- 
 tomed to s])cnd their nights in dancing and drumming, after the heathenish 
 fashion of their countries: not a drum is now left in the town — in six montlis 
 only six deaths occurred; while, in three months, forty-two children were born 
 — not an oath had been heard in the town, to Mr. Johnson’s knowledge, for tlie 
 last twelve months; nor had any drunkenness been witnessed — the attendance 
 on public worship is regular and large, three times on the Sunday ; on an ave- 
 rage, not less tlran 1200 or 1300 negroes, while ^Tr. Johnson’s first congregation 
 amounted but to nine : at morning and evening daily prayeis, not less than 500 
 are present: the schools, which opened with 90 bov*? :<nd .50 girls with 35 
 adults, now contain upwards of 500 scholars. 
 
8 - 
 
 AV’’e had previously been informefl by Mr. Johnson of a mission- 
 ary tour, performed by Mr, Cates, an English missionary from 
 Sierra Leone, in an overland journey to Grand Bassa, a distance 
 of about 400 miles, accompanied by William Tamba and William 
 Davis, native missionaries. 
 
 We had also been advised to select the Bassa country as the 
 most eligible for the location of our settlement; the natives hav- 
 ing manifested not only a willingness, but an ardent desire to re- 
 ceive instructions, and the king and head-men having entered into 
 a covenant with Mr. Cates to receive and protect any missionaries 
 which should be sent from Sierra Leone. We had moreover had 
 an interview with Tamba and Davis on the subject, and came to a 
 conclusion to explore the coast to the southward and eastward. 
 Mr. Johnson politely proposed that Tamba and Davis should ac- 
 company us as interpreters. These men were able to speak all the 
 different languages of the tribes as far as the Bassa country. 
 
 At six o’clock on the evening of our arrival, the bell at the 
 church rang for divine service. The people were immediately 
 seen walking from different parts of the town; the parsonage house 
 being so situated that there is a fair view of almost the whole set- 
 tlement, and it was delightful to observe the eagerness which peo- 
 ple manifested to hear the word of God. A prayer meeting was 
 held by the communicants after the usual evening prayers, it being 
 expected that the Lord’s Supper would be celebrated the next day. 
 
 H^^mday Morning the I8th of March. — At six o’clock, the bell 
 rang for morning prayers, when the church was again filled. 0! 
 how pleasing to behord hundreds of those who were once wretched 
 inmates of the holds of slave-ships, assembled in the house of God, 
 on the morning of that holy day on which our blessed Saviour rose 
 from the dead and ascended up to heaven ! With many copies of 
 the Holy Bible spread open before their black faces, their eyes 
 were fixed intently on the words of the lesson which their godly 
 pastor was reading. Almost all of Mr. Johnson’s people who can 
 read the blessed book, are supplied with Bibles from that best of 
 institutions the British and Foreign Bible Society. Surely Chris- 
 tians ought to feel themselves encouraged in the support of mis- 
 sions, when such cheering fruits present themselves to view. 
 
 At 10 o’clock the bell again rang, though the church was nearly 
 filled before that hour; the members of the well regulated schools 
 which passed in review before the parsonage in regular succession, 
 were all clad in clean decent apparel. When we arrived at the 
 church there were no vacant seats to be seen. The greatest atten- 
 tion was paid during divine service. “Indeed I witnessed a Chris- 
 tian congregation in a heathen land — a people fearing God and 
 working righteousness. The tear of godly sorrow rolled down 
 many a coloured cheek, and showed the contrition of a heart that 
 felt its own vileness,” There were three couple married, and one 
 child baptized. After the sermon, Mr. Johnson, with the assist- 
 ance of brother Andrus, administered the communion of the body 
 
9 
 
 and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ to nearly four hundred com- 
 municants. 
 
 At 3 o’clock, P. M. the church was again filled, and the most de- 
 vout attention was paid to the reading and hearing of the word. It 
 seemed that the whole congregation were eager to catch every 
 word which fell from the pastor’s lips. 
 
 Again, before the ringing of the bell, at six o’clock in the even- 
 ing, the people were seen from the distant parts of the town, leav- 
 ing their homes and retracing their steps back towards the house 
 of God. 
 
 There we again united in praising that God who hath wrought 
 such wonderful things even among the mountains of Sierra Leone, 
 where the praises of Jehovah resound, not only from his holy sanc- 
 tuary, but from the humble mud-walled cottage — from the tongues 
 of those children of Africa, who have been taken by the avaricious 
 slave-trader, dragged from parents, separated from brother and 
 sister, and perhaps from wife, or husband, bound in chains, hurried 
 on board the slave ship, crowded in a space not exceeding their 
 length and breadth, nor even allowed to breathe the vital air. 
 These persons after being recaptured, by order of the British go- 
 vernment, have been put under the charge of a faithful minister 
 of the gospel, whose labours have been accompanied by the Holy 
 Spirit. These are the mighty works of God. 
 
 Monday morning the 19th of March. — A.t six o’clock prayers 
 again in church. After breakfast it was concluded that it was ex- 
 pedient for Mrs. Bacon to remain in Mr. Johnson’s family during 
 my absence with Mr. Andrus exploring the coast. Although pain.- 
 ful to the flesh, yet duty required it, and my wife readily submit- 
 ted after uniting with good Mr. Johnson in commending us to God 
 in solemn prayer. 
 
 We left Regent’s town and arrived at Gloucester, where we 
 took some refreshment with the Rev. Mr. During, and arrived at 
 Freetown about 10. We found that the schooner Augusta was 
 still undergoing repairs. We commenced making the necessary 
 preparations for our departure. Contracted with William Martin, 
 a yellow man, to navigate the vessel, and John Bean as mate — Mo- 
 ses Turner, three native sailors, and five Kroomen. 
 
 Wednesday evening the 9.1st of March, — Having been much en- 
 gaged in making preparations, I had not time to write to my 
 friends; and expecting not to return until after the sailing of the 
 brig Nautilus, (although the disembarkation had not yet com- 
 menced,) a letter was wrote approving of the judicious management 
 of the Rev. Daniel Coker, in conducting the affairs of the first ex- 
 pedition after the decease of the former agents, and recommending 
 him to the friendly notice of the Board of Managers of the Ameri- 
 can Society for colonizing the Free People of Colour. This letter 
 was signed by J. B. Winn, J. R. Andrus, C. Wiltberger, jr. and E. 
 Bacon, agents. 
 
 Thursday morning the 99d of March, — The schooner is expect- 
 
10 
 
 ed to be ready to-day ; we are preparing for our departure, and 
 hope to sail this evening. 
 
 At 5 o’clock, P. M. all hands are on board, some of the sailors 
 intoxicated ; the captain appears to make unnecessary delays. At 
 length we set sail. After doubling the cape, we stood out to sea, 
 far enough to clear all the head lands and islands of the coast; and 
 then proceeding coastwise, we made Cape Mount, about 250 miles 
 distant from Sierra Leone, on the 27th. This part of the coast w e 
 had previously learned to be in the occupancy of King Peter, one 
 of the most powerful and warlike chiefs of West Africa, and more 
 deeply engaged in the slave trade than any of his neighbours. The 
 known hostility of his view's to the objects of the American go- 
 vernment and Society, dissuaded us from incurring any loss of time 
 or expense in procuring an interview' with him. We accordingly 
 proceeded onward to the mouth of the Mesurado river, about 50 
 miles south of Cape Mount, where w’e came to anchor the next 
 day, before two small islands, owned by John Mills, a yellow man, 
 having an English education, and Baha, a black and native African. 
 Both of these men are slave dealers, and it is supposed that their 
 islands are mere slave markets. Every appearance went to justify 
 this suspicion. The neighbourhood of Cape Mesurado having been 
 indicated as a part of the coast favourable to our purpose, we were 
 induced to make the most particular inquiry and observations in 
 our power, relative to the advantages and disadvantages that would 
 attend a settlement here. 
 
 The appearance of this part of tlie left bank of the Mesurado 
 river, which terminates in the cape of the same name, is sufficient- 
 ly elevated, and inviting. The natural growth is luxuriant and 
 abundant ; many of the trees attain to a large size, and present 
 every indication of a strong and fertile soil. 
 
 The head man is a dependant of King Peter, and has the same 
 name. We attempted to obtain a palaver with him, and for this 
 purpose went on shore with a present. He was not ignorant of the 
 object of our visit, and sent by a messenger declining an interview 
 and refusing to receive our present, though we had reason to be- 
 lieve that if we had been mere missionaries, he would have received 
 us readily.^ While wc w'ere at anchor, a schooner under French 
 colours appeared, laying off and apparently w'aiting for an oppor- 
 tunity to come in and receive a cargo of slaves. We saw a great 
 number of young Africans, who appeared as if intended for that 
 vessel. 
 
 On the evening of the 29th, we got under way, and following the 
 direction of the coast, w'hich here stretches south-easterly, we had 
 the prospect of a delightful country the whole distance to St. John’s 
 river. The coast presents a sandy beach ; in the whole of this ex- 
 tent, the country is gently elevated from the coast, and has a sur- 
 face agreeably diversified with moderate inequalities. Most of the 
 
 * This cape has since been negotiated for, together with a large tract of fer- 
 tile counti’v, and the American colony are settled on it. 
 
il 
 
 land visible from the sea either lias been, or now is, in a state of 
 cultivation. The soil is prolific in the most substantial articles of 
 food produced in tropical countries. The neglected parts of the 
 land are covered with a thick growth of brush wood. The moun^ 
 tains in the interior are here about twenty or thirty miles from the 
 sea, stretching in the direction of the coast, and come more dis- 
 tinctly into view, than at the northward of the Cape. Their ele- 
 vation must be considerable. On the evening of the 51st we were 
 becalmed, and obliged to anchor opposite the mouth of the St. 
 John’s river, at the distance of between two and three leagues. 
 This river is nearly a league over at the mouth. About six leagues 
 from the sea, it is one mile wide, and has in no part of the main 
 channel, less than nine feet water. Salt water extends but six or 
 eight miles from the sea ; there is a rapid at six leagues distance 
 from the mouth of the river, which is however passable with canoes. 
 Above, the batteau navigation extends to a great distance in the 
 interior. Five miles to the eastward of the mouth of St. John’s, 
 and discharging its waters into the same bay, is the Grand Bassa 
 river, small in comparison with the St. John’s, and very shoal at 
 the bar — but of considerable length and navigable for light batteaux 
 a number of leagues. 
 
 On the 1st of April, we brought the schooner to anchor off the 
 mouth of the latter river, at the distance of three-fourths of a mile. 
 We were soon surrounded with canoes, which brought on board a 
 large number of natives. By one of them we despatched a small 
 present to the king. This prince’s name is Jack Ben, lately ad- 
 vanced to the supreme power, from the rank of principal head-man, 
 in consequence of the death of King John, which occurred about 
 four months before our visit. 
 
 Monday morning, 2d, Grand Bassa . — We were visited by 
 
 ten or fifteen native canoes, bringing from twm to five men each, 
 who came to trade ; their articles were fowls, fish, oysters, eggs, 
 palm oil and palm wine, cassada, yams, plantains, bananas, limes 
 and pine apples, for which they wanted in return tobacco, pipes, 
 beads, &c. 
 
 Fowls are sold for one leaf of tobacco or one pipe each ; oysters 
 are very large and fine; half a pound of tobacco will buy one hun- 
 dred ; they are larger than the Bluepoint oysters. 
 
 Mr. Andrus and myself went on shore in our boat, below the 
 mouth of Grand Bassa, to take a view of the point of land which 
 projects out into the sea. A fort, erected on this point, would com- 
 pletely command the w'hole harbour. After visiting the point, it 
 was necessary to cross the Grand Bassa a short distance above its 
 mouth, as the surf was turbulent below the bar. Our conductor 
 was a Krooman, by the name of Bottle Beer. When we came to 
 the left bank of the river, we saw no canoe or other means of cross- 
 ing over as we thought; but Bottle Beer proposed to carry us over, 
 and placed himself in a suitable position, and told one of us to sit 
 upon his shoulders, when Brother Andrus seated himself with 
 one leg over each shoulder ; then Bottle Beer walked deliberately 
 
through the river, carrying his burden safe to the other bank, and 
 returned back and proposed to take me, I told him I was so fat 
 and heavy that he would let me fall into the water ; he put his 
 hands upon his arms and legs, and said, “ Me strong, me carry you, 
 Daddy.” At length I seated myself likewise upon Bottle Beer, 
 and though he was not as heavy a person as myself, he carried me 
 safe over without wetting me ; it was necessary, however, that I 
 should hold my feet up, as the water was about half a fathom deep. 
 After this we walked about 300 yards, to Bottle Beer’s town, a 
 little cluster of cottages inhabited by Kroomen, of which B. B. is 
 head-man ; several of these people can talk broken English ; the 
 King placed B. B. at this town as a factor or a harbour master, as 
 it is a place for vessels to water. The population is perhaps from 
 60 to 100 ; we were conducted to the palaver-house, where the 
 people soon gathered together, and shook hands with us. After re- 
 maining a short time, we were conducted to another town (so call- 
 ed) where the people were boiling sea-water for salt, as they do at 
 all the towns near the beach ; this is called Salt-town ; through 
 this we passed to Jumbotown, which is about one mile from Bottle 
 Beer’s town, and much larger. 
 
 In Jumbotown there are from 30 to 40 houses, and several hun- 
 dred people. There is also a large palaver-house, to which we were 
 conducted. There we were accosted by Jumbo, the head-man, and 
 the natives, and shook hands with them. The land is prolific be- 
 yond description. Indian corn grows luxuriantly and is in the ear. 
 Indeed the country is beautifully variegated, and the water is good 
 and plenty. 
 
 About 1 o’clock, P. M. we returned back to our boat, which was 
 at B. B.’s town. After the boat was in readines, one of the Kroo- 
 inen took me in his arms and carried me above the surf to the boat, 
 and likewise Mr. Andrus, so that we were not wet ; and all this 
 kindness without being solicited. Indeed they are very kind and 
 hospitable ; they gave us water to drink, and palm wine, and made 
 us welcome to such as they had. As is customary, they begged for 
 tobacco, of which we gave a small quantity to the head-men, who 
 always distribute among the people. 
 
 After returning on board the schooner, we dined on fish and oys- 
 ters sumptuously. We then went in our boat over the bar, into 
 the mouth of the St. John’s river, about four miles distance from 
 the schooner, when we sounded on the bar, and found not less than 
 nine feet water at ebb-tide. The river is about three miles wide 
 at the bar: there is plenty of water and good anchorage : vessels 
 of two or three hundred tons burden, may lie perfectly safe. It 
 being nearly dark, and the tide beginning to make, which was 
 against our returning in the boat, over the bar, it was thought most 
 prudent for Mr. Andrus and myself to go on shore and return by 
 land to Jumbotown, which we did accordingly. There was no path 
 on the shore but the sand beach, which was fatiguing, as the sand 
 was so loose that a great part of the way our shoes would sink two 
 or three inches every step. Moreover, being exposed to the night 
 
13 
 
 air, is thought in Africa to be dangerous to foreigners; however, 
 we arrived at Jumbotown about 8 o’clock, and waited for our boat, 
 which soon came. The natives again carried us through the surf, 
 and we returned on board much fatigued, having been in a profuse 
 perspiration and exposed to night air, until 9 o’clock. I was very 
 weary. After having taken some refreshments, we had prayers and 
 retired to rest. Heard nothing from the king, the Kroomaii not 
 having returned. 
 
 Tuesday, ^dpril Sd . — This morning brother Andrus w'as not in 
 very good health, and did not go on shore, but took medicine. We 
 were again visited by natives, with a great variety of fruit, vegeta- 
 bles, fowls, fish, &c. &c. 
 
 W’e this day sent another message to the king. At 10 o’clock 
 I went on shore, in company with Tamba and Davis, and walked 
 about one mile into the country, where I found the land remark- 
 ably good. We passed through four or five towms, as they called 
 them ; the houses as in other towns appear at a distant view more 
 like the same number of stacks of straws or hay, as they are covered 
 with a kind of grass. Davis and Tamba improve every opportunity 
 to talk with their country people upon the subject of our mission. 
 Davis saw some of the head-men to-day, who appear to be suspi- 
 cious that we had some unfriendly object in view; but as he can 
 speak their language fluently, he is endeavouring to remove their 
 doubts. 
 
 Returned on board with not only my locks but my flannels 
 drenched with perspiration; even while 1 am writing, if my hand- 
 kerchief were not in my hand to wipe it from my face, 1 should 
 be compelled to discontinue. No prospect as yet of seeing the 
 king. 
 
 This evening brother Andrus’s health is better. We commend- 
 ed ourselves and the cause in which we are engaged to God, who 
 alone can accomplish all things, according to his purpose, and re- 
 tired to rest. 
 
 Wednesday Morning, April 4th . — At six o’clock, according to 
 our arrangements made yesterday, we started in our boat, with 
 four boatmen and our interpreters, making eight of us ; and five 
 natives, two of which were head-men, in two of their canoes. We 
 ascended the river St. John to the first island. The banks of the 
 river are rather low, but suitable for cultivation. This island was 
 formerly occupied by a slave factor; but since the English and 
 American cruisers have annoyed them, the traders have abandon- 
 ed this and all the other islands. In this river their gardens are 
 to be seen ; in them is a variety of fruit. We breakfasted here 
 upon some smoked beef and bread, which we brought from the ves- 
 sel. Thence we proceeded on to another island, to which Davis 
 said he was brought, and on which he was sold to an American 
 slave factor. 
 
 It was with great difficulty that we prevailed on the natives and 
 our boat’s crew to proceed any further, because they said, “ White 
 man never live above that place.” It appeared that they doubted 
 
14 
 
 the eflicacj of their gregres, which they never fail to wear when 
 exposed to danger. We passed two other islands, formerly oc- 
 cupied bj the same kind of desperadoes. We still proceeded on- 
 ward until we came to rapids, which are from 15 to 20 miles from 
 its mouth. The land as we ascend the river becomes more ele- 
 vated, with a fine growth of timber, admirably situated for settle- 
 ments. We saw several small towns and farms, where rice and 
 vegetables are cultivated. Davis read the 20th chapter of Exodus, 
 and spoke to the people upon the state of their souls. In one of 
 those towns, people were yerj attentive ; their reply to him after 
 he had ceased speaking was, “ Very icelly we hear you, all very 
 good what you say, we tliink ’bout it, we no sabby white man fash, 
 ice sabby gregre.” 
 
 We saw very fine goats, and sheep, and poultry. All the peo- 
 ple wear gregres or charms; some of these are brass rings, which 
 they wear around their ancles and wrists — one is a feather tied 
 with a string around their neck — and what they consider more 
 valuable, is the horn of a goat or a sheep, which the Dibbleman (as 
 they say) prepares by filling it with a kind of giutinous'substance, 
 intermixed with pulverized charcoal, or black sand ; some w'ear a 
 little ball of clay tied up in a piece of white muslin. 
 
 At 3 o’clock we put our company in motion on our return. At 
 7 o’clock, the boat arrived at the mouth of the river, and before 
 crossing the bar, brother A., myself, Tamba and Davis, went on 
 shore, where we had a most fatiguing walk down the beach to 
 Jumbotow n ; our boat not being able to go over the bar before day- 
 light, as the tide did not favour; therefore we had no boat in which 
 we dare venture, as the native canoes were small and unsafe for 
 us. Having been twelve hours exposed to the scorching rays of 
 the sun, and having walked four miles in the damp of the evening, 
 with our clothes drenched in perspiration, and being obliged to lay 
 down supperless upon a floor composod of bamboo sticks, without 
 any covering but our wet garments — having no door to our cot- 
 tage, and several hundred natives within twenty yards, drumming 
 and dancing, until one or two o’clock in the morning. — Indeed 
 these w^ere times that the secret ejaculations of the heart ascend- 
 ed up to the throne of the Heavenly Grace, for grace to help in 
 that hour of need. Nor w as the ear of Jehovah heavy, that it could 
 not hear; nor his almighty arm shortened, that it could not save; 
 for w^e found ready help through our Lord Jesus Christ, strength- 
 ening us. 
 
 Thursday morning, April 5th . — We arose and felt somewhat 
 the worse for our hard lodging, after our extreme exposure in that 
 climate, in which, it is said, foreigners are subject to fevers and 
 agues ; our boat came to the beach for us, and we went on board the 
 schooner. Having heard nothing from the king, we concluded to 
 send Davis with one of the head-men, to seek his majesty. Davis 
 was despatched with a present. We this day learned from a head- 
 man, that we could have land, but that we must go to the king’s 
 town to-morrow. 
 
15 
 
 We admired the friendly disposition of the inhabitants, but dis- 
 covered their fears, that we were connected with some ship of war. 
 
 FHday morning, Jipril 6th, — We went on shore, and went to 
 the king’s town, but could not see him ; it was said that he was not 
 at home. The distance is from two and a half to three miles; the 
 land is most excellent, elevated and dry; we saw very fine rice 
 fields: this town was recently built, the houses are much better 
 than any I have hitherto seen in the Bassa country. 
 
 We returned back to the schooner, without seeing Davis, and 
 sent Tamba to call him, but he remained. We are full of doubts 
 and fears about obtaining a palaver with the king. 
 
 Saturday, Jipril 7tlu — This day Tamba and Davis returned ; it 
 appears they have been labouring to convince the head-men, that 
 we have not come with any hostile intention. 
 
 Sunday, Jlpril Sth. — Brother A , and Davis, went to old King 
 
 John’s town, for the purpose of holding a meeting. Returned in 
 the evening, and said that they had seen King Ben, and that he 
 would meet us in Jumbotown, in palaver, the next morning. 
 
 They saw the body of King John, who had been dead four moons, 
 yet not buried ; he was laid in state in a palaver-house, dressed iii 
 a fine robe, with a pair of new English boots on the feet: a brisk 
 fire is kept burning in the room. His grave is dug, which is eight 
 feet square, for the purpose of admitting the body and the form 
 upon which it lies, together with bullocks, goats, sheep, tobacco 
 and pipes, as sacrifices ! O Lord, when shall these superstitions 
 cease. 
 
 Monday, Jlpril 9th. — This morning the sea very rough. At 11 
 o’clock, we went on shore, with a present to the king, (as it is im- 
 possible to get a palaver with the authorities of the country, with- 
 out a respectable present “ to pay service” to the king, his princes 
 and head-men,) we met his majesty. King Jack Ben of Grand 
 Bassa, together wdth several of his head-men in Jumbotown, in the 
 palaver-house, with a large concourse of people. After shaking 
 hands with them, we laid down our presents, which consisted of 
 one gun, some powder, tobacco, pipes, beads, &c. His majesty 
 said in broken English, “ me tanke you,” and caused the articles 
 to be removed, and placed under the care of a sentinel, so that his 
 people might not get them before he had divided them equally, as 
 is their custom. This division takes place, that all may “ taste of 
 the good things,” and a contract is made: all W'ho have partaken 
 of the present, are pledged to fulfil on their part. 
 
 The king asked us what we wanted, although he could not have 
 been ignorant of our wishes. We stated our object to be, “ to get 
 land for the black people in .America, to came and sit down upon 
 [to occupy']. We told him that the people were very many, and re- 
 quired-much territory; that a few white men only would come 
 along, to assist and take care of them; that we should make a town 
 where ships ivoiild come and trade with cloth, and guns, and heads, 
 and knives, and tobacco, and pipes; and take in return, their iiory, 
 and palm oil, and rice, and every other thing growing in the fields: 
 
l(i 
 
 that they would not then need to sell any more people, but might 
 learn to cultivate the ground, and make other things to sell for 
 ivhatevev they wanted^ 
 
 We at last succeeded in making a favourable impression on 
 their minds; and convincing them that we had no unfriendly mo- 
 tive in visiting Bassa. The palaver was adjourned until the next 
 day. It indeed requires much patience to deal with these chil- 
 dren of the forest. We returned on board weary and faint: after 
 partaking of some refreshment, and having implored the divine 
 blessing of Him who has promised to give to his Son the heathen 
 for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his 
 possession, retired to rest. 
 
 Tuesday, Jipril 10th. — This day is expected to be a day of im- 
 portance, as the palaver will be much larger, and a certain con- 
 dition will be discussed, winch they have urged from the begin- 
 ning; therefore, we look earnestly for Divine assistance. A small 
 present will be necessary as there will be more head-men than at 
 any former palaver. At 10 o'clock we were convened. The pre- 
 sent was placed before the king, and the usual ceremonies were 
 performed. The king rose up and spoke to the case in the Bassa 
 language, with great energy; his naked arm presented to view 
 from within his robes, which were made of the country manufac- 
 tured cloth, something in the form of clerical robes. After him, a 
 Krooman by the name of Brown, rose and spoke with much spirit; 
 his speech was interpreted by Tarnba; the substance of it was, 
 that we were emissaries from some slave-ship in the neighbour- 
 hood, and that vve were not friends to them ; on which the king 
 and his council withdrew to the shade of a large silk cotton tree, 
 in conclave, for the space of twenty or thirty minutes. They 
 then returned and proceeded in discussing the condition, strenu- 
 ously urged from the beginning by the king, as the basis on which 
 alone he could accede to our wishes in relation to the lands. We 
 had stated, that we came not with any hostile intentions, and that 
 the character of the settlement was to be unwarlike and agricul- 
 tural. They demanded of us a positive stipulation, to make book, 
 as they term it, that the settlers and agents should act in consis- 
 tency with this character, and in no way assist the armed ships 
 sent to the coast to suppress the slave trade, by communicating to 
 them any information that might prove injurious to the Bassa peo- 
 ple. We represented to them the advantages which would attend 
 their relinquishing the trade altogether; stating that in a very 
 short time it must cease, as so many ships of war would be sent to 
 the coast, as to catch every slave vessel, and put an end to the ex- 
 portation of the people; still they insisted on the condition; and 
 at the breaking up of the palaver, told us we should have the 
 lands, provided we agreed to insert the condition in the contract 
 [[book]. They directed us to explore the country, and (as the king 
 said, “ lookem straight,” laying down his palaver brush in a straight 
 position,) fix upon the tract best adapted to our purpose, at the 
 same time indicating the quarter where those lands lay, which 
 
17 
 
 they could best afford to spare. We returned on board the schooner 
 somewhat encouraged, but still we felt dissatisfied with the condi- 
 tion upon which they insisted; however, considering that it could 
 have no practical operation, inasmuch as if, while in our infant 
 state, we were to show a disposition to use any other means than 
 persuasion in urging them to abandon the traffic in slaves, we 
 should incur their displeasure, and cause the destruction of the 
 wffiole of our expectations of future success, we were tolerably 
 content. 
 
 Wednesday, April 11th , — This day w ent on shore, w'hen it began 
 to rain. There has been a little rain every day for six or seven 
 days past. It appears that the rains are setting in. The king 
 sent a servant to us, with a message, informing us that he w'ould 
 be ready to receive us after the rains had ceased. We arrived at 
 the king’s towm. We had a short palaver, after ascertaining that 
 w-e could not obtain land upon any better terms. It is, how'ever, 
 probable, that at no distant period the natives may be induced to 
 abandon the slave trade altogether, without any coercive measures 
 being used, as they w ill see other sources of trade present them- 
 selves to view. 
 
 The king directed some of his head-men to accompany us, to 
 look at the country. We walked in various directions, and re- 
 turned to the schooner, having previously explored the St. John’s 
 river as far as the rapids, and viewed the country in various direc- 
 tions. We fully determined upon the territory which would be 
 suitable for our purpose. We are more and more pleased with the 
 appearance of the country and its inhabitants. The king took 
 one of his boys by the hand, who was about 13 or 14 years of age, 
 and gave him to us to learn Book. We took him on board, and 
 put a pair of domestic pantaloons upon him, which pleased him 
 very much. 
 
 Thursday, April 12th . — This morning the king sent two of his 
 head-men on board to go with us and fix upon a place to build our 
 town. We sent back a message that we had fixed upon the place, 
 and that we were ready to meet him in palaver, at any time he 
 should appoint, at Jumbotown. He did not send us his answer 
 until evening, when two of his head-men arrived with a present 
 from his sable majesty, which consisted of a fine fat goat. His 
 answer was that he would meet us at 8 o’clock the next morning 
 at Jumbotown, in grand palaver. We are very anxious to know 
 the final result. 
 
 Friday, April ISf/i. — We met in palaver; there were more head- 
 men and princes, as well as people, than at any time previous. Our 
 present, of course, was much more valuable than before. We thank- 
 ed the king for his present, and he returned the same civility for 
 our presents. These people being ignorant of extent of territory, 
 or of distances by measurement, we directed our interpreters to 
 tell them that we wanted a large tract of land, and they described 
 it thus : — Beginning at a certain tree on the beach near .Jumbotown, 
 
 V 
 
18 
 
 running due east by compass to the top of Saddle Mountain, or 
 two or three days’ walk, either of which would be a distance of from 
 40 to 60 miles; from thence northwardly to St. John’s river, a dis- 
 tance of perhaps from 50 to 70 miles; from thence down the St. 
 John’s river to its mouth ; from thence along the sand beach to the 
 aforesaid tree near Jumbotown, inclusive: supposed to be 30 or 40 
 miles square of territory. To our having this tract, they readily 
 agreed, and directed their names to be set to the instrument, the 
 conditions before mentioned being included. They all took hold 
 of the pen and made their marks ; they then cried aloud, “ Palaver 
 set! Palaver set!” 
 
 The agent of the Colonization Society, engaged in behalf of said 
 Society, to give certain stipulated articles annually, which will not 
 cost more than 300 dollars. Pledges of mutual friendship were 
 interchanged, whereby each party agreed to cultivate peace and 
 harmony, and not to make war or trouble each other. 
 
 Thus we at last succeeded in convincing them that we were 
 their friends. This, we were assured, we could not have done, had 
 it not been for the presence of Davis, and the entire absence of 
 any display of military or naval force. We regard it as a most 
 favourable providence that the Alligator did not bring or accom- 
 pany us to the Bassa, and that no naval officer was present at the 
 negotiations. 
 
 The king was much pleased at seeing his son with trowsers on; 
 the people said, “ He gentleman all one white man:” the king pro- 
 posed to give us an elder son in lieu of the other, as he said if the 
 younger went away, his “Mama make palaver on me.” We ac- 
 cepted his proposition, took the elder on board, put a suit of clothes 
 on him, and gave him the name of Bushrod Washington. His 
 father was very much delighted to see him clothed. The king, 
 princes, head-men, and people, went with us to the tree on the 
 beach near Jumbotown, one of the aforesaid boundaries, and a boy 
 climbed up it, and cut off some of its branches, leaving one branch, 
 which ascended considerably higher than the rest: to this he tied 
 about six yards of an American pendant, which the people consider 
 a white man’s gregre or fetish, and according to their prejudice, 
 regard as sacred. Near this spot it was thought proper to make 
 our settlement. The king’s son will go with us to Sierra Leone, 
 where he will be put to school and taught to speak English. The 
 king and people are all anxious that we should return immediate- 
 ly, even before the rains fully set in; but we do not give them any 
 encouragement of our speedy return. 
 
 These people are very kind, but are in a dreadful state of hea- 
 thenish darkness; they worship the “Dibbly man” and dedicate 
 daily a part of their food to his satanic majesty. They profess to 
 believe that there is a good and merciful Deity, who can and will 
 do them good, and not evil: but that the devil is all powerful, and 
 that it is necessary to appease his wrath. Every town has its pe- 
 culiar devil. 
 
19 
 
 The man who acts the part of devil is dressed up in the manner 
 shown in the engraving. A garment of dried grass or rushes covers 
 him, and reaches to the ground ; his arms^and feet are concealed ; 
 a white country-cloth covers his shoulders; round his head, and 
 tied under his chin, are two or three cotton handkerclnefs ; the- 
 face is frightful; the mouth and nose are black; two large teeth 
 project far beyond the lips; a row of coarse shells is bound round 
 above the eyes; on the head is a red cap, which reaches four or five 
 feet in height, and is surmounted with a plume of feathers. 
 
 Sometimes this figure would move about in a stately style; and 
 at others it would turn into all sorts of postures, and strike the 
 plume of feathers on the ground, uttering a noise like tliat occa- 
 sioned by blowing through a pipe, the mouth of which is immersed 
 in water. 
 
 Every inducement was offered to the king to obtain possession 
 of the habiliments of this terrific figure, that we might carry them 
 out of the country; but could not prevail. The king said that the 
 devil belonged to the people, and that they would kill him if he 
 let it go. We trust that the light of the gospel will, ere long, ex- 
 pose to shame these delusions of cunning and superstition. 
 
 The people, like all other natives, are in a state of nudity, ex- 
 cept that they wear about one and a half yards of narrow cloth 
 about their loins; the men often wear hats, while the children are 
 not burdened with any kind of clothes, but frequently, like the 
 adults, wear many beads. Leopard’s teeth are thought to be very 
 valuable ornaments. 
 
 The king, when in general palaver, was clad in his robes, which 
 covered his whole body; he had on, also, an elegant cap; at other 
 times he wore a drab -coloured broad -cloth great coat, with a num- 
 ber of capes. His head-men were partially clad, some with blue 
 cloth roundabouts, with military or naval buttons. They wore no 
 shirts. Many of them had belts of beads, which contained one or 
 more pounds each. 
 
20 
 
 There are many Kroomen in the towns along the coast. They 
 are employed as agents or factors for the authorities of the coun- 
 try, who monopolize all the trade. These agents have each a num- 
 ber of certificates from masters of vessels who have employed them. 
 They wished us to give them books, likewise, but we had no occa- 
 sion to employ them as factors. Bottle Beer required us to pay 
 for the water with which our vessel had been furnished. With 
 this demand, we did not comply, as we had not come “for trade.” 
 We informed the king of the demand, and he revoked it. The 
 people all live in villages or clusters of cottages, in each of which 
 is a head-man, who has a plurality of wives. If a native have but 
 one wife, he is indeed very poor. The head-man is a slaveholder, 
 he owns all the people in his town. The inhabitants of each town 
 cultivate in common. The men seldom do any labour, except fish 
 a little, and hunt. The females and small boys cultivate the land. 
 The men trade and direct those who are under them. I saw a fine 
 looking female with iron fetters on her feet, which fetters, no doubt, 
 were brought from a slave vessel, as we observed one under French 
 colours, lying in the harbour at the same time. I made inquiry 
 concerning the cause of her confinement, and was told that she 
 was taken in adultery. It is said by the natives that “ Wife Pa- 
 laver, very bad palaver.” It is punished with death, red water, or 
 slavery, and most usually the latter. These people are indeed in 
 gross darkness, depending upon their gregres and devil worship. 
 A town is not complete whicli has not a Palaver House, and Devil 
 House. The latter has a small post standing near it, six or eight 
 feet high, with a strip of >vhite muslin about three-fourths of a yard 
 in length, and two or three inches wide, tied round the top. There 
 they daily offer sacrifice. 
 
 The Bassa country is situated between five and six degrees north 
 latitude, and between ten and eleven west longitude, in the centre 
 of the Grain Coast, which is about an equal distance from Sierra 
 Leone and Cape Coast, where the English have commenced a set- 
 tlement. Swine, herds of neat cattle, sheep and goats are bred 
 here. 
 
 At evening we took an affectionate leave of the king and some 
 of the head-men ; the old king appeared to be much affected, and 
 said, “You have my son, you take him Sierra Leone learn book, 
 when rain done you come Grand Bassa, then king Jack Ben give 
 you plenty boys learn book.” The people are all apparently very 
 anxious to have us return ; they seem to have great confidence 
 in us. 
 
 Grand Bassa, Saturday morning, Jipril 14//2. — Many natives 
 were on board with fruit, rice, fowls, eggs, and vegetables to sell, 
 which we bought, chiefly with tobacco. 
 
 At twelve o’clock we set sail on ©ur return to Sierra Leone. M e 
 made slow headway ; the wind is light. At six o’clock we are not 
 more than three or four leagues from Bassa. 
 
 We are turning our attention to the state of our settlers at Sher- 
 
21 
 
 bro, and those at Sierra Leone. We think of visiting Sherbro as 
 we return. We are very anxious to hear from our friends. 
 
 We feel grateful to God for his mercy, in preserving us, and 
 enabling us to accomplish our wishes in some degree. Still, how- 
 ever, we have continuDl need of Divine assistance. Our vessel 
 leaks and requires much attention ; but our trust is in God alone, 
 who has hitherto mercifully preserved us, so that “ the sun hath not 
 smitten us by day, neither the moon by night.” The pestilence 
 W'hich walketh in darkness hath not come near us ; therefore, we 
 are under renewed obligations to praise the Lord for his goodness, 
 and for the wonderful works in the great deep. 
 
 Sunday morning, April \5th . — At sea with a fair wind ; we have 
 just discovered Cape Mesurado. Had worship this morning as 
 usual, and found it good for us to call upon the name of the Lord, 
 to read his most holy word, to meditate upon his blessed promises, 
 to praise him for past mercies and implore the ‘continuance of his 
 most gracious aid. Our people having yesterday evening slaugh- 
 tered the goat which the king presented us, it is necessary to cook 
 some of the flesh, though it is the Sabbath day. It is very fine and 
 fat, and quite a luxury, notwithstanding we have had plenty of 
 fowls, fish, and oysters, fruits and vegetables. 
 
 Prince Bushrod is a little sea-sick ; he appears to be much pleas- 
 ed with his dress, and has been persuaded to take oft* Ids gregres, 
 Davis having told him if he wore clothes, he must not wear gregres. 
 We calculate to let him go to Regent’s town, and stay with Davis 
 and attend school, under the superintendance of the Rev. Mr. John- 
 son, wJiere he will have the benefit of associating with some of his 
 own countrymen, who are pious and useful people. 
 
 Monday, April iQth . — Last night there was a tremendous tor- 
 nado, with much rain ; at the appearance of a tornado it is neces- 
 sary to take in all sail immediately, as the wind generally blows 
 powerfully. 
 
 OurKroomen are easily intimidated in bad weather; they have on 
 their gregres, those which they think contain the most virtue and 
 are best calculated to preserve them from the greatest danger. I 
 endeavoured to persuade them that their gregres were useless, and 
 advised them to throw them into the sea, but my entreaties were 
 in vain ; one had his gregre tied with a twine around his head 
 above his ears ; I took hold of the string and broke it. On examin- 
 ing it, I found it was composed of a ball of clay, tied up in a piece 
 of white muslin, with a small feather in the end ; he was angry 
 and sorry for his loss. One gave me his gregre, that I might view 
 its contents : they consisted of nothing more than a kind of black 
 sand tied up in a piece of rag. 1 threw the gregre into the sea, 
 which grieved him very much. 
 
 The Kroomen were all alarmed at their loss ; and expressed fears 
 that “ tornado catch us,” or that some other accident would happen 
 to us. They said that they “ make bad palaver on me,” when we 
 arrived at Sierra Leone, and that I should have to pay twenty barrs 
 (^qual to twenty dollars). ’I hey are poor creatures indeed, in every 
 
22 
 
 sense of the word. They appear to be very aftectionate to eacli 
 other. When we are visited on board by other Kroomen, they 
 beg food for them, or divide their own portion among the visiters. 
 They prefer rice, which they boil and use with palm oil, to animal 
 food. They sit down around a large dish of rice, and make use of 
 their hands instead of spoons. 
 
 Tuesday morning, April 17th, — We were off the Galinas with a 
 light wind, proceeding on towards the Shebar, which is the entrance 
 into Sherbro Sound, near the eastern part of Sherbro island. We 
 wished to cross over the Shebar, which is difficult without a skilful 
 pilot. A native who resides at Bohol within the bar, on discover- 
 ing a vessel, generally goes out in his canoe to meet her. We 
 hoped to be discovered by him, so that we might pass over in safety. 
 Our object was to visit our people at Yonie, a native town on the 
 island, opposite Bohol, which is on the main. At evening we heard 
 the surf roar as its waves rolled over the Shebar ; it is heard seve- 
 ral leagues ; the wind was ahead, and we made slow progress. Our 
 vessel appeared to leak more than she had done, and the inexpe- 
 rience of our navigators gave us great anxiety ; but our trust was 
 still in God alone. 
 
 Wednesday, April ISth. — Still we were off the Shebar, but had 
 made little progress during the night; at twelve o’clock there was 
 a tornado ; the wind blew powerfully twenty or thirty minutes, and 
 was accompanied with considerable rain. These tornadoes are 
 nothing to be compared with the hurricanes which are common 
 among the West India islands. 
 
 Thursday morning, April 19th, — We were within sight of the 
 Shebar, and had a delightful air after the rains. Laying off and 
 on with our vessel, hoping a pilot would come off to our assistance ; 
 several guns were fired as signals for pilots, but none came; there- 
 fore, we had but two alternatives, one was to sail round the island, 
 which as the wind is light requires seven or ten days; the other 
 was to send our boat over the Shebar for a pilot. As our sailors 
 were unwilling to go in the boat, I prevailed upon them by pro- 
 posing to accompany them. After approaching as near the Shebar 
 as was thought prudent, the vessel was brought to anchor at four 
 o’clock, P. M. The boat was manned with the mate of the vessel 
 and three natives, one a sailor, the others Kroomen. The mate al- 
 though a tolerably good boatman, apprehended more danger than 
 I did, for I had not much experience in crossing such bars. At 
 length we started in the boat, and approached near the bar. It ap- 
 peared dangerous indeed. The mate being at the rudder, gave di- 
 rections to the oarsmen to obey him promptly; he told them he 
 should watch the motion of the waves, and that, when he ordered 
 them to pull at the oars, they must pull for their lives. We soon 
 found our boat first soaring over the turbulent waves, then plung- 
 ing into the deep, while the waves were rolling in quick succes- 
 sion after us, each appearing as if it would envelop us in the ocean. 
 One wave poured about s’xty gallons of water into the boat, which 
 caused me active employment in lading out the water ; the boat 
 
23 
 
 having been brought quartering to the waves, it required quick ex- 
 ertion by the men at the oars, who were somewhat frightened, but 
 were enabled to bring the boat to its proper position before the 
 succeeding wave came, which wafted us over the greatest danger; 
 by that time I had nearly laded out the water. Indeed, it was 
 mercy to us that we were not swallowed up. Not unto us ! not unto 
 us ! but unto thy name, 0 God, be all the glory, both now and for 
 ever! 
 
 We soon after arrived at Bohol, where we obtained a pilot. The 
 boatmen remained until the tide favoured us the next morning. 
 Lewis Tucker is head-man at Bohol ; he has many people, and it 
 is feared that he and his brothers have not wholly abolished the 
 slave trade, though they do not carry it on as publicly as at former 
 times. 
 
 I obtained a passage to Yonie, in one of Tucker’s canoes that 
 evening, where I arrived at nine o’clock, and found the American 
 free people of colour who had survived of the first expedition. I 
 went to the house where Nathaniel Brander resides ; he had the 
 people and goods in charge. I was very much fatigued, from hav- 
 ing been wet in the boat, and afterwards exposed to the damps of 
 the evening. I soon learnt the condition of the people, and found 
 they were in good health ; they had previously received some small 
 supplies from Mr. Winn, at Sierra Leone. After partaking of some 
 refreshment, which Brander caused to be prepared, I read a chap- 
 ter in the Bible, and returned thanks to Almighty God for the great 
 mercy and deliverance of the past day. 
 
 OLord! 
 
 “ When waves on waves, to heav’n uprear’d, 
 
 Defy’d the pilot’s art, 
 
 When terror in each face appear’d. 
 
 And sorrow in each heart. 
 
 To thee I rais’d my humble pray’r, 
 
 T o snatch me from the grave ! 
 
 I found thine ear not slow to hear. 
 
 Nor short thine arm to save !” 
 
 I consider my preservation that day as one of the most extraor- 
 dinary manifestations of Divine grace to me during my life. 
 
 Yonie, Friday morning, 20th April . — I arose somewhat indis- 
 posed from the fatigues and extreme exposure of the preceding 
 evening. I visited Prince Cong Kouber ; he is a fine healthy man, 
 well formed, handsome featured, and his very countenance indi- 
 cating shrewdness. He speaks English so as to be understood 
 tolerably well; is a man of but few words, with much observation, 
 and is indeed possessed of more power than the king, although the 
 latter is acknowledged by his subjects: Kouber is prime minister 
 and manages as he pleases. The kings on the Main are not well 
 pleased with king Sherbro, who resides at Yonie ; so that that per- 
 haps was one cause which prevented Mr. Coker, from negotiating 
 with them for lands. But the principal reason was, Kizzel having 
 
caused the agents and people to make a temporary stay at his 
 place. The authorities of the whole country consider him a 
 “ stranger,” (an intruder,) and, as he was employed in assisting 
 Mr. Coker in endeavouring to negotiate for lands, they thought 
 that he would monopolize the presents: moreover, he had already 
 the trade with our people. Even while they were sick, and were 
 in want of fresh provisions, Kizzel established himself as a huck- 
 ster, and bought cheap and sold dear; and Mr. Coker being at the 
 palaver, they were compelled to submit to the imposition. Having 
 seen all the American people who are at Yonie, and found that 
 notwithstanding sickness and death had occurred, and other diffi- 
 culties as might have been expected from the decease of their 
 agents, and their having been left under the authority of a man of 
 colour, they being unwilling to be governed by one of their own 
 race, yet they were much pleased witli the country, and with the 
 intelligence that lands had been negotiated for, and the expecta- 
 tion that they should soon be in possession of a suitable portion 
 wliich they could call their own. 
 
 At 4 o’clock, P. M. our schooner arrived and anchored in the 
 bay of Yonie. We had more trouble with our captain, who un- 
 mercifully beat some of the sailors and the Kroomen, which had 
 been extremely unpleasant to brother Andrus, and our native mis- 
 sionaries, w ho were heralds of mercy and peace. 
 
 We feared that we should have trouble with the king and na- 
 tives at Sherbro; that wdien our people should remove from there, 
 they would extort very much for cottage rents, notwithstanding 
 they have received large presents, and have given nothing in re- 
 turn: it having been known to them that Kizzel had charged sixty 
 dollars per month for one single hut, while it was occupied by our 
 people. 
 
 Saturday mornings 21st April , — We left some small supplies 
 which we could spare from the schooner, as the people would soon 
 be in need, unless they were removed. We then made the ne- 
 cessary preparations for our departure ; we bought a sheep of Kou- 
 ber, for which we gave eight pounds of leaf tobacco. 
 
 Despatch of business appears to be quite out of practice ; it was 
 near night before we could prevail on our captain to weigh anchor 
 and get the vessel under way. We proceeded on to Kizzell’s 
 Place, which is from 15 to 20 miles distance. At 7 o’clock, P. M. 
 w'e arrived at York island, where Martin, after anchoring the 
 schooner, w ent on shore to visit his wdfe, who is a native. We ob- 
 tained from the natives, who came on board, four or five gallons of 
 honey, which cost about as many pounds of leaf tobacco; likewise, 
 several mats and some cocoanuls, fowls, vegetables, &c. 
 
 Sunday morning, 22d April , — We concluded that it was a duty 
 for us to proceed on, as the wind and tide were in our favour, and 
 as moreover, we had been informed that the winds were very va- 
 riable in Sherbro Bay, and that frequently vessels were detained 
 there one or more weeks on that account. 
 
 At 4 o’clock, P. M. we arrived at Campelar (Kizzell’s Place). 
 
25 
 
 I probably did not go on shore without possessing some prejudice 
 against Kizzell. But, indeed, I was very much surprised at his 
 malignant conduct. After we had made ourselves known to him, 
 he appeared somewhat disconcerted at seeing the successors of our 
 deceased friends. He, doubtless, felt some compunctions on ac- 
 count of his baseness. Our intention was to tarry but a short time 
 on shore. We asked him to show us the ground where our prede- 
 cessors and people were buried, and we expressed a wish to see 
 Ids “ meridian,” [spring] as he sometimes denominates it. At 
 length we walked to his spring, and in the very appearance of the 
 water saw an indication of its impurity ; it appeared to be in a state 
 of fermentation, and, I must confess, I did not wish to taste it. 
 
 After we returned, we passed by his church, as he denominated 
 it. It was built in the native style, and would contain about one 
 hundred people. There was a kind of desk on which lay a Bible 
 and hymn book. But if the life and conduct of the speaker were 
 as humble as the appearance of the house, they would better cor- 
 respond. May the Lord give him grace to repent; and may he be 
 forgiven. 
 
 We also visited the graves of our friends, and found them so 
 situated that the spring tides overflow them. Indeed Kizzell was 
 under the necessity of building a mud wall along the beach, to pre- 
 vent the water from flowing quite into his cottages. The island 
 is low, bad land, literally a mangrove swamp, unfit for cultivating 
 with any degree of comfort or profit. The exhalations from its 
 soils renders the atmosphere very unpleasant. This made our 
 return on board the vessel desirable. It is indeed unpleasant to 
 dwell upon Kizzell’s conduct, though it may be deemed necessary 
 to make some exposition of its baseness. While viewing those 
 solitary abodes of our friends, I said to Kizzell, I conclude you 
 have no objections to those corpses remaining here, as a removal 
 would be inexpedient, and the ground is of no value? His reply 
 was, that the Rev. Samuel Bacon agreed, at the burial of Dr. Sa- 
 muel A. Crozer, and Captain Townsend, that he would cause 
 them to be removed after lands should be obtained, and the set- 
 tlers located on them; and he seemed to expect a fulfilment of 
 that agreement. I then put the question thus: Do you expect an 
 equivalent if those bodies should remain ? He seemed to endea- 
 vour to evade a direct answer, and said that they ought to be re- 
 moved. I then said to him. Are you willing that they should re- 
 main here, if you have pay for the ground r His answer was in the 
 affirmative. He had at the same time already sent an account to 
 Sierra Leone, to Mr. Winn, principal agent, amounting to almost 
 g800 dollars; and yet his avaricious appetite was not satisfied. 
 We left Kizzell, with our prejudices increased rather than les- 
 sened. 
 
 Monday morning, April 23d. — At six o’clock, we weighed an- 
 chor, but we had not proceeded far, before a canoe which Tamba 
 had purchased, and which was tied slightly to the vessel with a 
 rope, parted, the wind blowing powerfully, and we sailing very 
 
20 
 
 fast. This caused ns to anchor, having previously manned our 
 boat and sent for the canoe. Martin was told that the canoe was 
 unsafe in her present situation. But we had reason to think that 
 he was willing to protract the voyage on account of his being pro- 
 fitably employed. He knew if the wind continued, and we pro- 
 ceeded on without obstacle, we should soon arrive so far down the 
 bay as to have the benefit of the sea breeze, which prevails after 
 ten o’clock A. M. and thus reach Sierra Leone in a short time. 
 
 At 8 o’clock, P. M. we anchored near the Plantain islands. We 
 were very anxious to hear from Sierra Leone. Brother Andrus - 
 had concluded to return to America, and we were in hopes that 
 the Nautilus had not left Sierra Leone, but that he might avail 
 himself of the opportunity of returning by her. If disappointed in 
 this resolution, he had resolved to go by the way of England, which 
 must necessarily increase both the time and expense. 
 
 He was induced to yield to this determination by the probabi- 
 lity that the American blacks would not be removed to the Bassa 
 country, until after the rainy season ; and that, therefore, the as- 
 sistance of all the agents would not be necessary to administer 
 to their wants. Having discovered the want of missionaries in 
 Africa, and the ardent desire of the natives to receive them, he had 
 formed the resolution to resign his appointment as agent to the Co- 
 lonization Society, and return to these shores in the capacity of a 
 missionary, and here spend the remainder of his days in his Mas- 
 ter’s service, as had been his wish before leaving America. 
 
 Tiiesdai/, Jlvril 24th . — Having as usual come to anchor last night, 
 we got under sail this morning, at six o’clock. At half past eight 
 o’clock, A. M. brother Andrus and Tamba, left the schooner, and 
 went in our boat, in company with two Kroomen in a canoe, which 
 Tamba had bought for the purpose of leaving us. His object was 
 to go and labour as a missionary, in the Sherbro country. He had 
 determined to do so before our arrival at Sierra Leone ; but Mr. 
 Johnson, learning that we were in want of interpreters to explore 
 the coast, proposed, that he should accompany us on our excursion, 
 and that he should stop at Sherbro on our return. The wind was 
 very light, and we made slow progress, and soon came to anchor. 
 At two o’clock brother Andrus met us, after our vessel had got un- 
 der way. 
 
 He was much pleased with his visit to the Plantains, and said 
 the islands were delightfully situated and very fertile. He was 
 agreeably entertained by the owner of them, George Caulker, who 
 was a native African, educated in England. He found him em- 
 ployed in writing, his table being well furnished with papers. He 
 learnt that he had translated the liturgy of the Church of England 
 into the Bullum language, and was engaged in translating the 
 Bible, and had made considerable progress in the book of Genesis. 
 
 O ! how cheering is the thought that the time is fast approaching, 
 and near at hand, when the Bullum people will read and hear in 
 their own language, of the wonderful works of God ; and this too, 
 through the instrumentality of one of their own kindred and tribe, 
 
21 
 
 w ho hath, perhaps, been concerned in that bane of Africa, the slave 
 trade ; but who, after having acquired an English education, and 
 received the influences of the Holy Spirit in his heart, has been in- 
 duced to commence the laudable work of translating the pages of / 
 the Book of Life. 
 
 Mr. Andrus found Caulker to be a man of talents ; and obtained 
 from him much useful information. Caulker professed an attach- 
 ment to the Protestant Episcopal Church of England, and is 
 thought to be a pious man. Mr. Andrus informed him of the sub- 
 ject of our mission, and that we had negotiated for lands in the 
 Bassa country. Caulker stated that he had travelled into the inte- 
 rior of that country, and that he deemed it the most eligible situa- 
 tion for our settlement of any on the coast, being as it was situ- 
 ated in the centre of the Grain Coast. He said that its inhabitants 
 were unwarlike, and less hostile than any of the neighbouring 
 tribes — that the coast was accessible to small vessels, and that large 
 ships might lie at anchor within two or three miles distance ; and 
 moreover, that its soil was equal, if not superior, to any other on 
 the western coast, and its herds far preferable. Caulker exhibited 
 some neat cattle and swine as a specimen, they having been brought 
 from the Bassa country. Mr. A. said the swine were equal to those 
 in America in general, and the neat cattle superior to any he had 
 ever seen in Africa. 
 
 Caulker’s house was furnished in English style ; his dress ac- 
 corded with it, and he had an English school on his island. 
 
 Before he left the Plantain island, brother Andrus inquired of 
 Caulker whether the lime trees were growing on that island, wdiich 
 the Rev. John Newton planted, while a slave in Africa. Mr, 
 Caulker said they were still growing, and show^ed them to Mr. An- 
 drus. Mr. A. plucked some branches, and brought them to Sierra 
 Leone. 
 
 Caulker, like all others who have had any intercourse with Kiz- 
 zell, consider him an unprincipled man and a stranger” in the 
 country, and that our people could not have stopped at a more un- 
 suitable spot than Campelar. Tamba commenced his missionary 
 tour among the Sherbro (Bullum) people, with twm Kroomen to 
 paddle his canoe. — Tamba and Davis are supported by the Church 
 Missionary Society in England, and they appear to be useful good 
 men. 
 
 Wednesday morning, *dpril 25th . — We were between the Banana 
 islands and Cape Shilling, and had a fair view of each ; Cape Shil- 
 ling is the place where the late Rev. Samuel Bacon died. 
 
 He left Campelar (Kizzell’s Place) about the last of April, 1820, 
 in an open boat, for the purpose of going to Sierra Leone, in order 
 to procure medical aid. He expected to fall in with an English 
 vessel, but he was not in time. Therefore, he directed his men to 
 proceed on in the boat; he arrived at Cape Shilling on the first of 
 May. Cape Shilling is an English settlement of recaptured Afri- 
 cans. A Captain Randle was the English agent, residing there. 
 
 He received the Rev. Mr. Bacon into the mission-house, and hos- 
 
28 
 
 pitably administered to his wants, as did also Mrs. Randle. They 
 affectionately acted the part of the good Samaritan, and rendered 
 him every assistance in their power — For which I gave them mj 
 most hearty thanks ; as I visited them at Freetown, soon after our 
 arrival. And I pray God Almighty to bless and reward them in 
 this world, and in that which is to come. 
 
 Alas ! the extreme anxiety of mind, of my dear brother, and his 
 most arduous labours among the American people of colour, at Kiz- 
 zelPs Place ; being as he was constantly employed with the sick 
 and dying both day and night, while sick himself, with the use of 
 that bad water, which it was said Kizzell did not use even in his 
 own family of native Africans, proved too much for him. On the 
 third day of May, 1820, he departed this life; and we have good 
 reason to believe he is with Christ, which is far better. He was 
 buried in a decent manner. Mr. and Mrs. Randle paid him the 
 last acts of benevolence. 
 
 In him I lost an affectionate and dear brother, and a brother in 
 Christ. 
 
 I did not go on shore at Cape Shilling ; therefore, I could not 
 visit the grave of dear Samuel. The wind was fair which wafted 
 us along. 
 
 Thursday f April 26. — We had a head wind, and many difiScul- 
 ties to encounter. We caught, however, an abundance of fish. Our 
 greatest difficulty was, as we came into the harbour of Sierra 
 Leone. Captain Martin, (as if he had not caused us sufficient trou- 
 ble) managing the vessel, to bring her into port, did not take in sail 
 in time and let go the anchor, but let her run against the wharf, and 
 it was with great difficulty that we got her off again, and brought 
 her to an anchor. 
 
 Indeed our troubles have been neither few nor small ; sometimes 
 I have thought they were enough to exhaust the patience of a Job, 
 or appal the faith of a Moses. But the Lord had hitherto blessed 
 us, therefore we give him ail of the glory both now and evermore. 
 
 Sierra LeonSy Fridaify April 27th . — We had learned that the 
 Nautilus had sailed on her return to America, so that brother An- 
 drus resolved to return by the way of England. 
 
 At 10 o’clock, we visited Foura Bay Farm, which is about two 
 miles from Freetown. There we found Mr. Winn, conveniently 
 located with the blacks who accompanied us from America, together 
 with some of those from Sherbro. There is a large mansion-house 
 and several out-houses, and tenements, sufficiently capacious for 
 the accommodation of the people, and the storage of the goods, pro- 
 visions, &c. which Mr. Winn negotiated for about two weeks after 
 we sailed down the coast. We found our friends in tolerable 
 health, though there had been some slight cases of illness, accom- 
 panied with fever, but they had mostly subsided, and the coloured 
 people said they were well pleased with Africa ; they had lands 
 suitable for cultivation, and had made some progress. 
 
 After informing our friends of our obtaining lands, &c. Mr. An- 
 drus and myself, went back to Freetown, where he went on board 
 
^9 
 
 the schooner, and I visited the Rev. Samuel Flood, chaplain of the 
 English colony: after I had dined with him, he very politely fur- 
 nished me with a horse, on which I rode to Regent’s town, where 
 my wife was sick of a fever ; she had the attack on the evening pre- 
 vious, but it was not very violent. We had abundant reason to be 
 thankful to God, for his mercy, in sparing us to see each other 
 again in this world. 
 
 Mrs. Bacon w'as very politely and hospitably treated at good Mr. 
 Johnson’s : she, morning and evening, enjoyed in the church, the 
 sight of the children of Ethiopia, stretching out their hands unto 
 God, and united with them in praising his most holy name. 
 
 Mr. Johnson was delighted to hear that we had made a contract 
 for lands in the Bassa country : he is very much interested in the 
 accomplishment of our several designs for the improvement of the 
 African race. He is a faithful minister of Christ, and labours to 
 save the souls of his fellow men. We found it good to unite again 
 with those who daily offered up their supplications in our behalf at 
 the throne of grace. 
 
 Regenfs towUy Saturday morning, Jlpril QSth. — My wife is just 
 able to walk by leaning upon my arm ; anxiety of mind perhaps 
 was one cause of her illness. At one o’clock, P. M. she appears to 
 be worse; she had a physician, who daily attends Miss Johnson, 
 w’ho is also sick ; four o’clock, there is not much alteration, rather 
 worse. At six o’clock, P. M. the people are assembled in church, 
 where there is reading, praising and praying : it is indeed gratify- 
 ing to see the improvements which are made here ; the very hills 
 resound with the praises of God, and of the Lamb. O that the 
 Lord would cause his word to extend from the rivers to the ends of 
 the earth ! 
 
 RegenVs town, Sunday morning, 29th JipriL — Mrs. Bacon is very 
 ill : she is attended by Dr. Macauley Wilson, a native of the Buf- 
 lum tribe ; he was educated in England, is an assistant surgeon in 
 this colony ; a decent, well-behaved man ; and is considered skil- 
 ful in his profession. This morning the church was filled at six 
 o’clock, as is usual, and a lesson was read, together with singing 
 and prayers; after which we breakfasted, and then had prayers in 
 the family, Mrs. Bacon appears to be worse. O Lord, the issues 
 of life and death are in thine hand. 
 
 At ten o’clock the people were all in motion, coming to the 
 church from all parts of the town. 0 ! these are the fruits of the 
 labours of a faithful missionary, accompanied by the blessings of 
 that God who has said, “ in the morning sow thy seed, and in the 
 evening withhold not thy hand ; for thou knowest not which shall 
 prosper, this or that.” 
 
 At 3 o’clock, the people are again flocking together to hear the 
 word of life. Their very countenances show that they are anxious 
 to learn of Him who is meek and lowly of heart. “ These are times 
 which kings and prophets desired to see,” but did not see them ; 
 and as I walk around the house in the piazza, I can see all parts of 
 the settlement, and there is scarcely an individual to be seen' — all 
 
30 
 
 are at church. Indeed “ these people live a life of prayer and 
 praise.” At 6 o’clock this evening the goodly shepherd again brake 
 the bread of life to his flock, whose appetites seem to crave more of 
 that, which, if a man eat thereof, he shall live forever. Thus the 
 labours of the Rev. Mr. Johnson are perpetuated ; he preaches twice 
 or thrice every Sabbath, and has prayers in church morning and 
 evening, besides prayer meetings and lectures. 
 
 At 9 o’clock Mrs. Bacon appears no better; the fever seems to 
 increase. 
 
 Monday mornings April SOth. — Mrs. Bacon was worse last night 
 than at any time previous. I remain with her while the family are 
 at prayers, but it is deemed necessary that we should separate for 
 a short time. As we know every thing wdiich could tend to melio- 
 rate her sufferings would be undoubtedly done ; and as there was 
 business to transact at Foura Bay, discharging the schooner’s crew, 
 and consulting with the agents upon the propriety of removing the 
 people from Sherbro, or sending them some necessaries of life; 
 therefore, my dear wife and myself deemed it expedient for me to 
 go, and leave the event to God, who doeth all things well. After 
 imploring God’s blessing on us, I left Regent’s town, with an ex- 
 pectation of visiting it again on the Wednesday evening following. 
 These are times which are calculated to try me, of what spirit I 
 am. As I walked from Regent’s town, it was a time of self-exa- 
 mination. I inquired whether I was, or w as not sorry that I came 
 to Africa; but I had expected sickness to occur, and perhaps death; 
 and I concluded if we were to die in endeavouring to benefit the 
 heathen, and destroy that most detestable traffic, the slave trade, 
 it w'ould be in as good a cause as we could desire. I was fully 
 confirmed in the opinion, that Africa presented an ample field for 
 the exercises of benevolence, and that the Christian wmrld owed 
 her a debt of gratitude; therefore, left the event to Gojo alone, and 
 endeavoured to seek his direction. 
 
 I arrived at Foura Bay at 10 o’clock, A. M. and found some 
 slight illness among the people of colour, but nothing alarming, 
 except the case of one woman, who was in a decline before she 
 left America. I discharged the crew from the schooner in the bay, 
 and placed some of our men on board to take care of her. 
 
 Tuesday mornings May 1st . — A messenger arrived with a note 
 from Mr. Johnson, which informed me that Mrs. Bacon had less 
 fever than on the morning I left her; I immediately despatched 
 the messenger. Having exerted myself overmuch, and suffered 
 considerable anxiety of mind, and having moreover drank too 
 freely of water, which is thouglit to be prejudicial to the health of 
 white people in Africa; at 11 o’clock, A. M. I felt somewhat indis- 
 posed ; perspiration ceased ; I w as attacked with pain in the back 
 part of the head, neck, and back. I immediately went on board 
 the schooner, where brother Andrus and myself still had our loilg- 
 ings ; took some medicine and retired to my birth. I soon found a 
 chilliness to pervade the w'hole system. I even found it necessary 
 to use flannel blankets. After about two hours, the chill was suc- 
 
 \ 
 
31 
 
 ceeded by fever, which continued until nine in the evening, when 
 it intermitted, the medicine having had its desired effect. The 
 stomach being in a state for the reception of tonics, and brother 
 Andrus having a small treatise of practice, by Dr. Winterbottom, 
 which directed bark to be given in as large quantities as the sto- 
 mach would receive, brother Andrus followed that plan during the 
 night, and attended to me very kindly. 
 
 Wednesday morning, 2d May. — No fever, and continued to use 
 the bark until 4 o’clock, P. M. Dr. Macauley Wilson arrived ; after 
 he had been informed of the course which had been pursued, highly 
 approved of it; he then gave me two calomel pills, w'hich had the 
 desired effect, after which the bark was continued. 
 
 Thursday morning, Sd May, Four a Bay. — At four o’clock a chill 
 came on again, succeeded by fever, w'hich continued until three 
 o’clock, P. M. After it had intermitted, brother Andrus again 
 gave me the bark, two or three teaspoonfuls once an hour. I had 
 become very much debilitated for so short an illness. A message 
 came from Mr. Johnson, saying that Mrs. Bacon had not as much 
 fever. 
 
 Monday morning, 7th May. — Being a little better, I went on 
 shore for the purpose of remaining. Mrs. Bacon, who had heard 
 of my illness, was brought as far as Gloucester, where she became 
 too ill to proceed. These were trials of faith; but during my 
 whole sickness, that peace was experienced which “ passeth know- 
 ledge.” 
 
 During the following days, I received several notes from the 
 Rev. Mr. During, at Gloucester, by one of his servants, which in- 
 formed me of the low state of Mrs. Bacon’s health, and kindly 
 stated that every means should be exerted to make her as comfort- 
 able as the circumstances of her case would admit; however, her 
 anxiety about me was so great, that it was thought by her physi- 
 cian, that a removal to Foura Bay would probably be beneficial. 
 Mr. Johnson, therefore, again sent six or eight of his captured peo- 
 ple with a palanquin, accompanied by Dr. Wilson, who caused 
 her to be removed, although she was unable to sit up. At length 
 the company arrived. Our heavenly Father permitted us once 
 more to meet in this world, and unite our thanksgiving to Him 
 who is all in all to those that love the Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 Sunday morning. May ISth. — About two o’clock, two of the offi- 
 cers of the United States schooner Alligator arrived at Foura Bay, 
 they having anchored oft' the harbour of Freetown the preceding 
 evening. We were much rejoiced to see them so ardently engaged 
 in the laudable work of annoying the detestable slave trade. 
 
 On Sundays there are meetings in the settlement, at which the 
 coloured preachers generally officiate, and they often meet for 
 prayers in the evenings during the week. 
 
 Monday, May. — We had the pleasure of seeing lieutenant 
 
 commandant Stockton, of the Alligator, by whose politeness we 
 received a number of communications from the United States. 
 
 Tuesday morning, loth May. — The Alligator sailed on a cruise 
 
to the south-eastward in search of slaving vessels. Mrs. Bacon 
 still remains very ill. 
 
 Mr. Winn and myself deemed it expedient to repair the schoon- 
 er Augusta, for the purpose of removing the people from Yonie, to 
 the Bassa country, as soon as the rainy season subsides, or sooner 
 if thought best. It was determined that I should cause the schooner 
 to be examined. 
 
 Wednesday, l^th May . — Brother Andrus is preparing to leave 
 us, on his return to the United States, by the way of England ; very- 
 little can be done during the rains, except attending to the wants 
 of the people. 
 
 Thursday morning, 17th May . — This day I walked to Freetown, 
 a distance of about two miles, for the purpose of procuring a ship- 
 carpenter, to examine the schooner and ascertain her condition, 
 and succeeded in obtaining one: 1 visited Mr. Justice Crage, who 
 very politely proposed that I should ride back, and lent me his 
 horse for that purpose. This day’s exertion nearly proved fatal. 
 On my return, I also found Mrs. Bacon very ill, so that our hopes 
 of speedy recovery were blasted, and the prospects of future use- 
 fulness clouded ; however, we still continued to look for help to 
 God alone. 
 
 Friday, 18f/^ May . — From this date not having kept a regular 
 diary, I shall only mention occurrences of the most importance. 
 The ship-carpenter examined the vessel and reported her worthy 
 of repairs ; he was therefore employed to repair her as speedily as 
 possible ; but despatch of business being uncommon, we were taught 
 to expect that probably six or eight weeks would be required to fit 
 her for use. 
 
 June 1st . — For the past two weeks, Mrs. Bacon and myself have 
 been unable to attend to very little business of any kind. Mr. 
 Winn has been ill a few' days. Mr. Andrus has engaged his passage 
 for England, and expects to sail in about ten days; he is much 
 pleased with the prospects of being useful in Africa, and appears 
 to be extremely well calculated for a missionary as well as an 
 agent, the climate agreeing with his constitution; his health, hith- 
 erto, has been better than that of any of the agents. 
 
 June llih, Monday. — Mrs. Bacon and myself are still rather 
 worse, more debilitated, particularly myself. We are so ill that 
 brother Andrus has suggested to us the propriety of his remaining 
 in my stead, and Mrs. Bacon and myself going to the United States, 
 it being supposed a sea voyage would prove beneficial to our healths. 
 Having been at Freetown for the purpose of making some arrange- 
 ments concerning his passage to England, and learnt that a schoon- 
 er, which was a prize vessel, but had been purchased by the ho- 
 nourable K. Macauley, is about to be sent to Barbadoes for sale, 
 and in this schooner he has been offered a passage free of expense. 
 On his first making the offer, I told him I did not feel disposed to 
 go, as I had not thought of returning; but, after further reflection, 
 I consulted my physician, who advised our taking the voyage. I 
 consulted also Mr. Winn on the subject, and finally I concluded 
 
33 
 
 to embrace the opportunity, provided Mrs. Bacon and myself could 
 obtain a passage. Mr. Andrus went again to Freetown, and ob- 
 tained a passage for us in the same schooner, being politely and 
 gratuitously offered by the honourable K. Macauley. Thus Mr. 
 Andrus very kindly consented to remain and assist Mr. Winn, if 
 he desired it, in my stead ; for which kindness, as well as for mak- 
 ing the necessary preparations for the outfit, I feel much indebted 
 to him. 
 
 Wednesday, ISth June . — Our baggage was removed to the boat, 
 and we were by the assistance of our friends supported to the boat. 
 We arrived at the schooner about six o’clock, P. M. very much 
 exhausted ; we rested but indifferently during the night; the next 
 morning brought with it troubles long to be remembered, but I hope 
 never to forget the goodness of God in sustaining us by his grace : 
 at about 9 o’clock the heat became oppressive; Mrs. Bacon was 
 taken extremely ill, and had she not obtained immediate aid would 
 probably have survived but a short time. But the timely assist- 
 ance of Dr. Riche, an English surgeon, by the blessing of God, ren- 
 dered her relief; at the same time I became worse myself. Thus 
 situated, neither of us able to help the other, just embarking on a 
 voy^age of five thousand miles, a voyage too which we had recently 
 found very irksome, when we were enjoying the best of health, it 
 was by no means pleasant. — When we came on board, the time of 
 our departure was not fixed; but as there was every day more or 
 less rain, our healths required that we should avail ourselves of 
 the first opportunity to get on board, that we might be in readiness 
 to sail at any moment, when the vessel should be prepared. Dur- 
 ing the time of our laying in the harbour, we were both more ill 
 than at any time previous; we were situated in the cabin in oppo- 
 site births, one on each side, unable to assist each other, or to help 
 ourselves; the coloured man who was to accompany us w’as em- 
 ployed in procuring the necessary supplies, so that he could be with 
 us but little. Brother Andrus^ visited us occasionally, which ren- 
 
 * The Rev. Joseph R. Andrus departed this life on the 28th July, 1821, af- 
 ter a sliort illness, at Sierra Leone, on the coast of Africa. By the death of this 
 pious and worthy man, the church and the cause of humanity have sustained 
 an additional loss. “When the glories of the miglitiest and proudest conquer- 
 or that ever dazzled the world with the splendour of his exjiloits, shall have 
 faded away, and have been rolled in that oblivious tide wliich sweeps away all 
 that man calls good and great, the names of Andrus, and Bacon, and Mills, shall 
 shine bright in the philanthropic page. The sons of Africa shall tell to their 
 latest descendants, how these men of God left father and mother, and brother 
 and sister, and all the sweet endearments of friendship and of home, to cross 
 the wide ocean, and dwell beneath the burning sky, and tlie blasting heats of 
 her inhospitable wilds, and counted not their own lives dear unto them, that 
 they might preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. Their infants shall be 
 taught to lisp the names of these benefactors of their race, to lift their hearts 
 in gratitude to Him who inclined these servants of tlie Most High to go forth 
 in order to prepare in their desert a highway to the Lord.” 
 
 Since the death of the above, we have to record the melancholy intelligence 
 of the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Winn, who died at the same place in the month 
 of August, 1821. 
 
 K 
 
34 
 
 dered our situation more agreeable; still, however, we were often 
 under the necessity of calling on the captain, and S. Easton, esq. 
 the supercargo. When they were on board they were very oblig- 
 ing to us. These were solemn hours. As we viewed each other, it 
 appeared probable that the time of our separation was near at hand. 
 Still our hope was in God. 
 
 At length we took leave of our friends on Saturday, the 16th of 
 June, and sailed out of the harbour of Sierra Leone with the morn- 
 ing tide, but did not proceed far before evening. In the evening 
 I was much worse; indeed it was a time long to be remembered : I 
 had no expectations of surviving; accordingly I gave directions to 
 my wife, and commended her, together with the cause in which we 
 were engaged, to Him who has promised to be a father to the father- 
 less, and the widow’s God. Death appeared fast approaching, and 
 I must say that grim messenger had lost his terrors, and I could 
 then exclaim, “O grave, where is thy victory !” It was solemn 
 but interesting to behold the dear wife of my bosom, though unable 
 to help herself, making what appeared to be the last effort to render 
 my last moments comfortable. The exercises of my mind, under 
 these circumstances, I am unable to describe. The happiness of 
 which I then enjoyed a foretaste, was unspeakable; not that I had 
 merited any thing of myself, neither was I worthy of the comfort 
 with which I was favoured ; Christ was all in all. 
 
 Sunday morning, 17th J^ine , — I awoke, and was astonished to 
 find myself in this troublesome world. I was exercised with dread- 
 ful pains, which pervaded my whole system. For a considerable 
 time I was unable to speak. Discovering our family Bible lying 
 near, I made signs for it to be given to me, which it was. I soon 
 spoke; 1 had no distinct recollections of the exercises of my mind 
 during the night, but I imagined that I had arisen from the bed of 
 death. I then thought I esteemed the Bible much more highly than 
 I had ever before ; I considered it holy indeed, and that almost a 
 touch would pollute it. Probably the change of air, and the motion 
 of the vessel caused the fever to form a crisis, which the constitu- 
 tion, by Divine assistance, was enabled to endure. 
 
 After this, a gradual recovery took place; my wife was my phy- 
 sician, and constant attendant. Still we found difficulties which 
 were unpleasant. The captain and mate were Englishmen, and 
 several of the crew; but several others were Spaniards, beside 
 which there were some negroes. To these the Spaniards took a 
 dislike, from the time of embarkation: several rencounters took 
 place; the Spaniards not unfrequently threatened the lives of the 
 negroes; but Mr. Easton (the supercargo), the captain, and some- 
 times Mrs. Bacon, dissuaded them from executing their horrid 
 threats. We were, however, fearful that murder would be com- 
 mitted, as the Spaniards were of that class of perpetrators taken 
 from the slave-ships, and were permitted to leave or rather were 
 banished from the English colony. — There was great danger of 
 their raising a mutiny, so that the captain, supercargo and mate, 
 were always on the watch, having their arms near at hand, even 
 
35 
 
 when they retired to rest. Those fears rendered our passage not as 
 agreeable as it otherwise would have been : the officers were very 
 obliging at all times. At length we arrived at the island of Barba- 
 does, the windward island of the West Indies, on the 10th of July, 
 with our healths somewhat repaired. This island is situated plea- 
 santly, under a well regulated government, established by the Brit- 
 ish. Mrs. Bacon and myself were just able to walk from the wharf 
 to the boarding-house, about forty or fifty yards distance. There 
 we remained four days, after which we took passage in an English 
 vessel for Martinique, where we arrived in about twenty-four hours. 
 We remained in Martinique until the 29th of July. This island 
 we found to be very sickly, and we were more debilitated when we 
 left it, than we were when we arrived. We took passage from 
 thence in an American schooner, commanded by J. Pennington, of 
 Great Eggharbour, and for about eight days we had a delightful 
 passage ; after that we were almost becalmed, and at length a storm 
 came on, the wind N. E. which carried us into the Gulf stream ; we 
 arrived within a short distance of Cape Lookout, then tacked ship 
 and lay to under a short-reefed foresail about three days, the greater 
 part of the time in the gulf, which caused me to be very sea-sick. 
 At length the storm abated, and on Monday, the 13th August, we 
 had a brisk wind, which wafted us into Hampton Roads, and on 
 Tuesday we arrived at Norfolk, in a convalescent state of health. 
 
 Notwithstanding our troubles have been neither few nor small, 
 yet more abundantly has been the grace of God afforded us ; there- 
 fore we give Him all the glory, both now and for ever. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 Ejctvact from JS*o. XLII. of the JS^orth American llevieiv for 
 January, 1824. 
 
 IN their own country, the negroes are an inquisitive people ; 
 tliey have a high respect for learning, and are fond of having their 
 children instructed. 
 
 Wherever they have been visited by the whites, they have ex- 
 pressed a willingness to have teachers come among them, and to 
 send their youths abroad to be educated. It has been no uncom- 
 mon thing for chiefs to put their sons under the care of captains of 
 slave ships, who have taken them to the West Indies, placed them 
 at school for a stated time, and then sent them home. Children 
 from the neiglibourhood of Sierra Leone have been educated in 
 England, and then returned to their friends. Sixteen years ago 
 there were eight missionaries in the Susoo country, who enjoyed 
 the protection of the chiefs, and were encouraged by them to esta- 
 blish schools. They lived in tranquillity, and were successful, till 
 they undertook to interfere in matters of state, suggest changes in 
 the government and laws, and thus, in the spirit of the more shrewd 
 Jesuits, to act the triple character of schoolmasters, divines, and 
 politicians. They were then dismissed from the country, though 
 not without regret on the part of the chiefs, who were pleased with 
 the instructions they had given. A valuable monument of their 
 labours still exists in a Susoo Grammar and Vocabulary, a transla- 
 tion of a part of the New Testament, and several tracts. This task 
 was chiefly performed by Mr. Brunton, aided by a number of Susoo 
 youths, who had lived in England. Among the Susoo people, whose 
 language is spoken over a territory larger than Great Britain, these 
 works are now to be found. 
 
 The Arabic is spoken and written by a few persons in nearly all 
 parts of the interior, of which any knowledge has been obtained. 
 Young persons are sent to a great distance to be instructed in 
 Arabic learning, which, after all, consists in little else, than being 
 able to read the Koran, and speak and write the language. We 
 iiave been made acquainted, from the best authority, with one in- 
 stance, in which a young man was sent to Timbuctoo for an edu- 
 cation of this sort, from the banks of the Rio Pongas, a distance of 
 lifteen hundred miles. Some of the more distinguished chiefs cor- 
 respond with one another in Arabic, and give passports to travel- 
 lers in the same language. We have before us a translation of an 
 address, originally written in Arabic, and sent three years ago by 
 Dakhaba, king of Bambarana, to the ‘ kings and chiefs of the West,’ 
 or in humbler phrase, to the governor of Sierra Leone, and king 
 George of England. It is couched in a gorgeous style of oriental 
 }»3^perbole, worthy of a Dey of Algiers, or a Bashaw of Tripoli, and 
 snows at least, that the sense of regal dignity is far from being ex- 
 tinct in the breasts of the monarchs, whose dominions spread over 
 the sources of the Niger and the Gambia. We have also seen a 
 
37 
 
 specimen of Arabic composition from the hand of an African, now 
 a slave in this country, which was not only written with readiness 
 and ease, but with striking elegance of chirography. He is from 
 the interior of Africa, and was taught in his own country. 
 
 These facts prove all we desire in the present connexion, which 
 is, that the natives of Africa are in some degree sensible of their 
 ignorance, and willing to be made wiser. Could a more propitious 
 beginning be imagined, or a field be better prepared for culture? 
 You have no obstinacy to conquer, no wild and restless wanderings 
 of a thoroughly savage disposition to tame, no contempt of know- 
 ledge and the refinement of civilized life to soften, no torpid indif- 
 ference to rouse, no spectres of a paralyzing superstition to dispel. 
 You have minds to deal with naturally simple and artless, tracta- 
 ble in temper, docile, ready to learn, and requiring only the use of 
 judUious means properly applied. 
 
 These positions are verified, not more by the above facts, than 
 by the instance of Sierra Leone. In the twelve schools of that co- 
 lony, there are now two thousand persons of different ages, under the 
 care of about thirty teachers. Their general good deportment, and 
 progress in learning, are represented, by the committees appointed 
 to examine the schools, in terms the most flattering. They were 
 all recaptured from slave ships. Some have already become teach- 
 ers themselves, and gone out to instruct the tribes bordering on 
 the colony. The mechanic arts, agriculture, the plainer branches 
 of manufactures, and whatever gives a spur to invention, value to 
 labour, a right direction to power, strength to morals, and refine- 
 ment to thought, may well be reckoned among the elements of an 
 African education, which the natives are glad to learn and capa- 
 ble of receiving. 
 
 But with none of these things can the natives become acquainted, 
 except through the agency of colonization. They must be taught 
 at home, or not at all ; if they are ever to be raised to a higher rank, 
 and to know the blessings of civilized life, it must be on the soil 
 which gave them birth. And what should prevent a colony, found- 
 ed on just principles, from communicating to the extent of its in- 
 fluence all needed instruction? We do not expect the natives of 
 Africa will become at once adepts in science, literature, or the 
 arts ; nor do we look for the time, when they are to be statesmen, 
 orators, poets, philosophers. Whether they will ever shine as lu- 
 minai ies in the world of mind and sentiment, is a question w'e are 
 not ambitious to solve. W’hether their future poets will rival the 
 ancient bards of Dahorny, w'ho are said to have rehearsed poems, 
 which took up several days in the recital, may be left to the spe- 
 culation of the curious. Even central Africa boasts of its antiqui- 
 ty, and, if the legends tell truth, when Orpheus was charming the 
 forests into life, and Hesiod w as tracing the genealogies of the gods, 
 and weaving nature and time into song, and Homer was singing 
 the wars of the Greeks and the wanderings of Ulysses, then the 
 bards of Nigritia were celebrating the exploits of their heroes, and 
 publishing the records of their renowm in the cars of listening kings 
 
and admiring nations. If such times have been, they are long gone 
 by, and it is not among our fond dreams, that they are soon to be 
 revived. Nay, we are willing to confess, that we hope more from 
 the descendants of the countrymen of Hesiod and Homer, even 
 under the cruel rod of a Turkish despotism, and what is scarcely 
 less discouraging, the unfeeling neglect of a northern autocracy, 
 which dreads that liberty should breathe in the earth, than we do 
 from the degenerate Dahomans, or their equally unfortunate breth- 
 ren of other nations, who have suffered for ages under the disci- 
 pline of the slave trade. But notwithstanding this concession, we 
 hold, that from competent teachers, and the example of a well or- 
 ganized community before their eyes, they may learn enough to 
 qualify them for the liappy state of society, which consists in a right 
 use of the bounties of nature, and a proper estimate of the value of 
 labour, industry, and virtue. Nothing more is hoped or desired 
 from the immediate effects of a colony. 
 
 In regard to religious instruction, no heathens can be so easily 
 initiated into the principles of Christianity, as the inhabitants of cen- 
 tral and western Africa. They believe for the most part in a Su- 
 preme Being, but their notions are obscure, without system or 
 consistency. They have no conceptions of the attributes of God, 
 nor do they ascribe the operations of nature to his agency. When 
 Artus toUf them, that their gold, fruits, and flocks were given them 
 by the Deity, they replied, ‘ the earth gives us gold, the earth yields 
 us maize and rice, the sea affords us fish, but if we do not labour 
 ourselves, we may starve before our God will help us.’ They be- 
 lieve in an evil and good principle, existing in distinct forms, each 
 of which has power over them ; and they are also strongly affected 
 by charms, termed fetiches on the coast, and Obi in the West In- 
 dies. It matters not of what material the charm is made ; when 
 once consecrated in the imagination of the person whose reverence 
 it commands, it is supposed to have a power little inferior to that 
 of the Deity, and to hold in its mysterious virtues the destiny of 
 mortals. 
 
 Such a religion has too few points of consistency to acquire any 
 strength by age ; its principles are too vague to gain a permanent 
 entrance into the mind ; it has nothing to engage the fancy or cap- 
 tivate the understanding. It is not like the magnificent fabric of 
 Chinese theology, made sacred by the venerated names of ancient 
 statesmen and sages, standing as the firmest pillar of the empire, 
 and secured from innovation by the impermeable panoply of a lan- 
 guage, which to change would be to destroy. Nor is it like the 
 more philosophical, and perhaps more ancient system of the Hin- 
 doos, rendered imposing by its thousand volumes of commentaries, 
 and perpetuated by an unceasing, overgrown priesthood. Nor is 
 it like the monstrous folly of the Tartars, where the wretched idea 
 of a Grand Lama has driven common sense from the minds of mil- 
 lions, and united them in an unconquerable system of visionary ab- 
 surdity. In short, the world does not contain an uncivilized peo- 
 ple, more free from the bias of lieathenism, than the negroes. 
 
39 
 
 The task of plucking out errors, and eradicating deep rooted 
 superstitions, which is so formidable in most cases, is one of little 
 difficulty with them. The soil is already prepared for the seed ; 
 and this only requires to be scattered with a careful hand, and nur- 
 tured with gentleness and skill. The Mahometans have had good 
 success, and many persons in the central parts of Africa have been 
 brought over to their faith. What then may we not expect from 
 the simple and engaging truths of Christianity ? Shall we say, that 
 the sublime doctrines of Jesus, and the holy precepts of his religion, 
 have less power to convert the heathen, than the profane vagaries 
 of the Arabian impostor ; or that the rude followers of the latter 
 have more zeal, than the humble disciples of the former ? What 
 Christian will listen to so ungracious an imputation ? The infer- 
 ence must be allowed, then, both from a view of the religion of the 
 negroes, and the success of Mahometanism among them, that they 
 are better prepared, than any other barbarous people, to receive re- 
 ligious instruction and adopt new principles of faith. Thus may a 
 colony be accessary to the advancement of religious truth, w^hich 
 could come from no other quarter, as well as to the civil improve- 
 ment, temporal interests, and social happiness of the people among 
 whom it is stationed. 
 
 Having now closed what we proposed to say on the advantages 
 of colonization to this country and Africa, we proceed to a few hints 
 on its practicability. 
 
 The objection, which has been urged with considerable empha- 
 sis against the Colonization Society, that the scheme of forming a 
 colony in Africa is impracticable, we think sufficiently answered 
 by the fact, that numerous colonies have been settled there, some 
 of which are now of long standing. The Portuguese, the French, 
 the Danes, and the English, have establishments scattered along 
 the coast from Cape Verde to the Cape of Good Hope, which must 
 no doubt be profitable to those governments, or they would not have 
 been maintained till the present time. More than a century ago 
 the French established a post on the Senegal, upwards of four hun- 
 dred miles from its mouth ; at Congo the Portuguese have grow n 
 into a numerous colony ; and at the southern extremity of Africa, 
 the Dutch and English together have spread over a country larger 
 than the southern peninsula of Europe. As it is not, therefore, a 
 question to be soberly discussed, whether it is possible for America 
 to do what half a dozen other nations have done, the notion that 
 colonization is impracticable hardly deserves to be considered. 
 
 We may here revert again to Sierra Leone, as affording an in- 
 stance more directly in point for our present purpose, because it was 
 founded on principles nearly allied to those of the Colonization 
 Society. It was started by a private company, and the original set- 
 tlers were taken from abroad. At the close of the American revo- 
 lution many negroes, who had left their masters during the war, 
 and gone over to the British standard, were dispersed in the Baha- 
 ma Islands and Nova Scotia, where the white loyalists took refuge. 
 Some found their w'ay to London. Four hundred of these w'ere 
 
40 
 
 slnppeil by tlieir own consent to Sierra Leone in 1787. The black 
 settlers in Nova Scotia became dissatisfied with the rigorous treat- 
 ment they received, and complained to the British ministry. Emi- 
 gration was thought the only remedy, and twelve hundred accepted 
 the invitation to be transported at the expense of the government 
 to Sierra Leone, where they arrived five years after those from Lon- 
 don. It thus appears, that the colony at Sierra Leone was first 
 settled by negroes, who had been slaves in this country, habituated 
 to the same climate, and possessing the same character, as the per- 
 sons with whom it is contemplated to supply the new American 
 colony. The Maroons from Jamaica did not arrive till 1805. The 
 land was obtained by purchase of the natives. 
 
 For some time the colony proceeded but slowly ; it was attacked 
 by the French ; the natives were hostile ; sickness made its rava- 
 ges ; want and fatigue caused despondency. But these difficulties 
 were conquered in due time ; the lands were cleared ; villages are 
 now rising up, churches and schools are multiplying, agriculture 
 has become a settled occupation, and society has assumed a shape 
 denoting the regularity and happiness of civilized life. The Sierra 
 Leone Colony now consists of twelve thousand inhabitants, nearly 
 tm thousand of whom are recaptured Africans, thus rescued from 
 an inhuman bondage, which would otherwise have been entailed on 
 them and their posterity forever. Why shall not the colony at 
 Mesurado accomplish as much in the same time ? And should it 
 promise no more, who will refuse to give his heart and his hands to 
 a work, which may save ten thousand of his fellow beings from 
 slavery and wretchedness ? 
 
 It has been a good deal insisted on, as a proof of the impracti- 
 cability of colonization, that emigrants could not be induced to 
 embark. Experience has shown the futility of this objection. Vo- 
 lunteers have ever been ready in greater numbers, than the Society 
 could receive, and at this time the names of more persons are on 
 the list of application, than it would be prudent to send at once. 
 They should not be suffered to go out faster than they can be well 
 provided for, and we presume that two or three hundred a year 
 would be quite as many as could find comfortable quarters in a 
 new colony. The ratio of capacity for receiving others will of 
 course increase very rapidly; it will be in proportion to the surplus 
 of labour among the resident colonists, over what is necessary to 
 supply their immediate wants. The avails of the rest can be ap- 
 propriated to the use of new adventurers, in supplying them with 
 food, houses, and other requisites of life. On this principle the 
 time will come, in the natural progress of things, when there will 
 be ability to provide for emigrants in Africa, as fast as the condi- 
 tion of the blacks, and the established order of society, will permit 
 them to depart from this country. The early disasters at Sierra 
 Leone were owing in a great measure to the numbers landed at 
 once, without comfortable dwellings, clothes, provisions, and good 
 attendance in sickness. Our own colony has experienced similar 
 calamities from the same causes. 
 
41 
 
 Again, it has been said, that the expense of transportation is so 
 great, as to prevent its being carried to any available extent. This 
 objection is founded on a false estimate of facts, as any one may 
 be convinced, who will thoroughly examine the subject. The So- 
 ciety has sent out emigrants at fifty dollars a piece, and it might 
 be done much lowfer, if the business were prosecuted on a large 
 scale. Many coloured persons have property more than sufficient 
 to pay their own passage, and laws might be passed to cause others 
 to save their earnings, till they amounted to enough for their pas- 
 sage money. Besides, what should prevent some of our public 
 vessels being employed in this work, and at an expense very little 
 exceeding that, which is now required to keep them in service? 
 And last of all, why should not a portion of the national revenue 
 be appropriated to an object, which so vitally aff'ects the rising in- 
 terests of our confederacy? 
 
 Let it be our pride to follow, as far as the genius of our institu- 
 tions will permit, the liberal and high minded example of a younger 
 republic. The Government of Colombia has not only decreed, 
 that * all, of whatever colour, are entitled to the same privileges as 
 white men,' but has enacted a statute for the gradual abolition of 
 slavery within its own territory, by establishing a manumission 
 fund, arising out of a tax on a portion of the property left by per- 
 sons at their death. Why may not our Congress so fai walk in the 
 steps of the generous friends of humanity in Colombia, as to appro- 
 priate a reasonable amount to relieve the country from the nuisance 
 and terror of the free black population? Or, should the argument 
 from humanity and this example be thought of little w^eight, why 
 should not such a measure be prompted by a regard for the deepest 
 concerns and supreme welfare of the nation? 
 
 The unhealthiness of the climate is another objection, usually 
 advanced against the practicability of a settlement in Africa. In 
 respect to this, we beg permission again to refer to the European 
 colonies, which have been so long in operation. That the coast of 
 western Africa is unhealthy to northern constitutions, is not de- 
 nied ; but no proof has been exhibited, that it is more so than other 
 tropical climates, or even the alluvial districts of the United States, 
 liCt a colony from the northern and middle states be transported 
 to the low and fertile parts of the Carolinas, or to the banks of the 
 Mississippi, in the warm season, and the mortality would be much 
 greater, than has been known in Africa, even in the midst of the 
 fatal rains. By Meredith, Wadstrom, Dr. Lind, and others, who 
 have had an opportunity of being informed, it is stated with confi- 
 dence, that the country about Sierra Leone is equal in salubrity to 
 the most healthy of the West India Islands. The mortality of the 
 colonists in Africa has not been more alarming, than it was among 
 the original settlers of New England, and other parts of America. 
 The unusual sickness of the first emigrants to Sierra Leone, and 
 of those gone from this country, depended on incidental causes, 
 many of which have no necessary connexion with the climate, and 
 which will never occur to the same degree, when the forests shall 
 
42 
 
 be cleared, the miasmata of decayed vegetation removed, and the 
 people supplied with comfm'table habitations, and wholesome food. 
 On the whole, there seems no reason to suppose western Africa 
 more unhealthy, than other parts of the world, to which people have 
 emigrated for centuries, and where they have built cities, establish- 
 ed governments, and grown into empires. 
 
 The local situation selected for our present colony, enjoys many 
 positive advantages. In speaking of the tracts of country around 
 Cape Monte and Cape Mesurado, Dr. Leyden says, ‘These dis- 
 tricts have been described by Des Marchais, Villault, Philips, 
 Atkins, Bosnian, and Smith, as pleasant, salubrious, and fertile.’ 
 Again he adds, ‘ Cape Mesurado is a detached mountain, steep and 
 elevated towards the sea, with a gentle declivity on the land side. 
 The adjacent country is extremely fertile, producing sugar cane, 
 indigo, and cotton, without cultivation.’ 
 
 No man is better acquainted with the coast of Africa, probably, 
 than Sir George R. Collier, who has been the chief commander of 
 the British squadron stationed there for three or four years. In 
 his Second Report to the British government, respecting the set- 
 tlements in Africa, he thus alludes to the attempt to form a colony 
 at Sherbro. ‘ Had America,’ he observes, ‘ who, excepting Great 
 Britain, appears more in earnest than any other nation, established 
 her lately attempted settlement at Cape Mesurado, or even at Cape 
 Monte, she would at least have secured a more healthful, and by 
 far a more convenient spot, tlian her late ill chosen one in the Sher- 
 bro. And an establishment by America, either at Cape Monte, or 
 Cape Mesurado, would have afforded to the friends of humanity 
 the most rational hopes, that in the immediate neighbourhood of 
 the American colony, the demand for slaves would have been 
 checked, and thus a settlement would have been formed, useful to 
 the purposes of civilization; and from its actual, though distant 
 intercourse with the frontiers of Gaman and Ashantee, have open- 
 ed the line of lucrative speculation to the American merchant, and 
 with the additional advantage of doing so without interfering in 
 any way with the prosperity of the British colony of Sierra Leone.’ 
 These remarks are of more practical value, than volumes of specu- 
 lations penned in this country, founded on conjecture, or deduced 
 from abstract principles. They are from a person who enjoyed 
 the best opportunities for observation, repeatedly traversed the 
 coast, and whose business it was to supply his government with 
 accurate knowledge. On this testimony, connected with that of 
 our own agents, we are willing to rest, and are satisfied with the 
 conviction, that Mesurado affords all the requisite facilities for 
 building up an establishment, w'hich ought to receive the cordial 
 support of every friend of his species, every lover of right and 
 freedom, and every sincere patriot in this country. 
 
 The formidable encroachment, which the present article has al- 
 ready made on our accustomed limits, compels us to desist from 
 several remarks intended for this part of the subject. We trust, 
 that from what has been said, our readers will be enabled to arrive 
 
43 
 
 at a just understanding of the history and objects of the Coloniza- 
 tion Society, the practicability of these objects, and the methods 
 by which they may be attained. Much more might be added to 
 illustrate this last topic, both in regard to the local circumstances 
 of the colony at Mesurado, and to the means employed at home to 
 supply it with emigrants; but the view we have taken is enough, 
 we think, to justify us in the belief, that the plan in its outlines is 
 well conceived, and wants only the vigorous co-operation of the 
 public to make it entirely successful. 
 
 We should be glad, also, if we had room, to press a few of the 
 reasons, why the particular attention of our national legislature is 
 demanded to this colony, and to urge the importance of its being 
 taken wholly under the charge and jurisdiction of the government. 
 In regard to what is called the constitutional question, whether the 
 United States have power to establish such a colony, we know not 
 in what it differs from the question, whether they have power to 
 put their own laws in execution, or take the only efficient measures 
 to suppress an evil, whose contagion is daily spreading, and which 
 threatens a more serious calamity than any other to our national 
 prosperity, if not to our political being. It would be strange, in- 
 deed, if it should be made plain to our legislators, that the consti- 
 tution stops their ears to the cries of humanity, ties their hands 
 from the work of benevolence, and compels them to nurture the 
 seeds and foster the growth of our own destruction. And it comes 
 to this, if they have not power to establish a colony abroad to re- 
 ceive the free blacks ; for we hold it to be a position, as firmly 
 grounded as any law in nature or society, that our black population 
 can never be drawn off*, except through the medium of such an es- 
 tablishment. Let us denominate our colony a Territory, if we will, 
 and then it will not differ from our other Territories, except in 
 being separated from the confederated states by an ocean, instead 
 of a river, or lake. A voyage from Washington to Mesurado can 
 be performed as quick as to the Falls of St. Anthony, or the Saut 
 of »St. Mary, and much quicker than to the Mandan Villages. 
 
 The expediency of such a territory is to be settled, perhaps, on 
 other principles, but it would hardly seem possible for a division to 
 exist on this point. The advantages to this country of a colony in 
 Africa, under the patronage of the government, are not to be cal- 
 culated; and it needs not be reckoned among its least recommen- 
 dations, that it would hold out the prospect of removing, in a good 
 degree, the causes of the present differences between the govern- 
 ments of the United States and Great Britain, concerning mixed 
 commission courts, and the mutual privilege of search on the coast 
 of Africa. It may be added, moreover, that should the colony be 
 taken into the hands of the government, it will enable Virginia to 
 pursue her long meditated plan of providing for the colonization 
 of her free blacks. It is but reasonable to suppose, also, that other 
 states would follow the example, especially those, which have al- 
 ready, by a vote of their legislatures, approved the scheme of the 
 Colonization Society. They might act with a confidence and secu- 
 
ritj, which they cannot feel in a private body, however strong in its 
 numbers, or fortunate in its operations. 
 
 But we do not mean to encourage the Society in any relaxation of 
 duty, by thus proposing to take away its most oppressive burden. 
 We would excuse it from the troublesome, if not impracticable task 
 of controlling and governing the colony, but we would have all its 
 energy, its zeal, and its resources employed in carrying forward 
 the grand object. This can be done in a more efficient manner, by 
 acting in concert with the government ; every weight thrown into 
 the scale will then be felt in its full force. 
 
 The Society may watch over the execution of the laws, keep an 
 eye on abuses, and communicate to the government valuable intel- 
 ligence, which it would not derive from any other source. In the 
 year 1807, shortly after the abolition act was passed in England, 
 the African Institution was formed, with the avowed object of af- 
 fording all possible aids to the full operation of that act. To this 
 end it has been of essential service, by taking cognizance of events, 
 disseminating a knowledge of African alFairs, and occasionally pre- 
 senting memorials to Parliament, or addresses to the Ring, calling 
 their attention to particular subjects, which the inquiries and expe- 
 rience of the Institution proved to them demanded additional legis- 
 lation, or more vigorous executive measures. The Annual Reports 
 of the Institution have sent out a fund of information, which has 
 equally enlightened the public mind, and given a tone to public 
 sentiment. The attention of the Colonization Society may be pro- 
 fitably turned into similar channels. 
 
 Another object, which may prove beneficial to the plan of colo- 
 nization, is that of promoting travels and discoveries in the interior 
 of Africa. Thirty-six years ago the African Association was or- 
 ganized in London for this purpose, and almost all the knowledge 
 of interior Africa, which has since come to light, has been derived 
 through the agency of this Association. Our enterprising country- 
 man, John Ledyard, was the first person employed in its service. 
 He embarked in the undertaking with an enthusiasm and perse- 
 verance peculiar to himself alone, and which "had previously car- 
 ried him through many perils and sufihrings to every quarter of the 
 globe; but he found an untimely grave in Egypt, when he was on 
 the point of starting in a caravan for Nubia. The interesting and 
 valuable discoveries of Hornemann and Park were made under the 
 authority of the same Association. Let our Society send persons 
 to explore the Mesurado river, or to engage in any other expedi- 
 tions of discovery, from which the colony can be benefited, or tlie 
 cause of African civilization advanced. 
 
 Schools ought also to be established, both in this country and in 
 Africa, for the instruction of free persons of colour, recaptured ne- 
 groes, and natives. It is desirable, that there should be at least 
 one institution in the United States, designed exclusively for an 
 African education, where youths may be taught with the express 
 view of going to Africa, and where young natives, whom their pa- 
 rents may suffer to come away, shall be looked after and educated. 
 
45 
 
 The auxiliary societies, scattered over the country, will be enabled 
 to select the best subjects for such a school from among the fami- 
 lies of those, who may be inclined to emigrate, and eaA auxiliary 
 society may engage to support such persons as it shall send. 
 
 To the common elementary branches of knowledge, might be 
 added the history and geography of Africa, the laws and customs 
 of the people, accounts of the climate, soil, and trade, and whatever 
 else should qualify the pupil for entering on his new sphere to the 
 best advantage to himself and the community, in the capacity in 
 which he shall be destined to act. Schools of the same kind may 
 be set up in the colony, with a course of instruction adapted to 
 circumstances. The humbler and more useful arts of life may be 
 taught to the natives, who may be induced to attend the schools. 
 The most promising of the colonists may learn some of the lan- 
 guages of the interior, which shall fit them for greater influence 
 and usefulness. Religious instruction may be inculcated, churches 
 built, and preachers supported. In short, the Colonization Society 
 will never want employment for its means and strength, nor meet 
 with any obstructions to the fullest exercise of its benevolence and 
 activity, although it shall relinquish the arduous and embarrassing 
 task of holding supreme direction over the colony. 
 
 While writing the above, w'e have been gratified to see accounts 
 of new auxiliary societies springing up in difterent parts of the 
 country, and especially one at Richmond, Virginia, with the vene- 
 rable Chief Justice Marshall at its head. The sanction of such a 
 name may well confirm the confidence of the steady advocates for 
 colonization, and communicate a quickening power to the tardy 
 zeal of the wavering. When, in addition to this, we reflect on the 
 unqualified approbation with which the present Chief Magistrate 
 of the nation, has uniformly regarded the designs of the Coloniza- 
 tion Society, the number of distinguished persons found among its 
 active patrons, and the progress it has made under an accumula- 
 tion of discouraging circumstances, we can hardly desire a stronger 
 testimony to the importance of its objects, or a more auspicious 
 presage of its ultimate success. 
 
 Extract from the First Report of the J\*ew Fork Colonization 
 
 Society. 
 
 PRESENT STATE OF THE COT.ONY. 
 
 Formal possession of Cape Montserado was taken on the 25 th of 
 April, 1822 , when the American flag was hoisted. The name Li- 
 beria is given to the region purchased of the natives, and Monrovia 
 to the town then commenced. The plan of the town is, to build on 
 one principal street, on which each settler has a house and lot, and 
 in addition, is furnished with a plantation out of town. These, if 
 he improves them industriously two years, becomes his and his 
 heirs for ever. At the head of this street, in a commanding posi- 
 
46 
 
 lion, stands the fort, a strongly built stone and mortar fortification ; 
 its foundations laid several feet below the surface. The colonists 
 are now engaged in building, and clearing the land. The following 
 extracts will show the present state and prospects of the colony. 
 The first is from a letter to a reverend gentleman in Baltimore, 
 dated June 20, 1823, written by Mr. Ashmun, the United States’ 
 agent to take charge of liberated Africans. 
 
 “ I perceive that the Baltimore benevolence has imposed on the 
 colonists another debt of gratitude. Heaven reward the ‘ unwea- 
 ried well-doing’ which has characterized so many, especially of 
 the pious ladies of that city. Please to remember me most cordi- 
 ally to such as I have the happiness to know. By such exertions, 
 aided by the prayers which I believe accompanied them, has the 
 colony at length obtained a firm footing. An asylum is prepared 
 for the degraded sons of Africa. An opening is made for the ef- 
 fectual introduction of the Gospel among the native tribes. A prin- 
 cipal objection to the emancipation of slaves in America is obvi- 
 ated. The annihilation of the slave trade along an extensive line 
 of coast, ever famous for this guilty traffic, is secured — and what- 
 ever benefits are destined to result from the colonization of Africa, 
 may be referred to the liberality of Baltimore more than to any 
 other town or district in the United States, ‘Laus tibi Domino.’ 
 But it is a pleasure and a duty to recognise the instruments by 
 which he worked. Much of the labour of the colonists has been 
 expended on works of defence : they are now nearly completed, 
 and agriculture will, in future, engross the industry of the people. 
 The rainy season commenced about the 20th of May ; but the 
 heaviest rains are yet behind. Why, my dear sir, are not mission- 
 aries sent } I can only assure you, in one word, that a better open- 
 ing exists not in the world, and wffiere they be more needed.” 
 
 Extracts from Mr, Ashmun'^s letter y dated MonroviayJuly 21, 1823. 
 
 " You will expect but a brief communication from us by this con- 
 veyance, the Oswego not having sailed twm wrecks when the packet 
 arrived. Since her departure we have only built a few houses — 
 enclosed and planted a few lots — finished a commodious store-room 
 to receive the goods sent out per the Fidelity, by the African com- 
 pany. 
 
 “Five additional emigrants, including one lad of 12, also arrived 
 by the packet. The schooner is now nearly unloaded, without any 
 serious accident, and will sail in a very short time. I am sorry to 
 state, that Captain Thornton, and some of the crew, had been 
 slightly touched with the fever. The establishment of the packet 
 line will be the making of the colony. By the return of the packet, 
 several of the settlers go home for. their families and property. All 
 pay their passage, and leave bonds for reimbursing the expenses 
 already incurred by the society on their account. One of these, a 
 Mr. Waring, from Petersburg, with 12,000 dollars, will call on you 
 
47 
 
 in Washington. It is his intention to fit out a vessel with colo- 
 nists from Petersburg. 
 
 “ I have determined to let no opportunity pass without humbly 
 but earnestly representing to the Board, and every influential cor- 
 respondent 1 have in America, the spiritual and moral necessities 
 of your colonists. A missionary, and two schoolmasters, with a fe- 
 male teacher, are needed beyond measure. They ought, certainly, 
 all to be white. The survivors are, to an individual, nearly reco- 
 vered. You will be sorry to hear of the death of Abel Herd, the 
 Asiatic traveller. He scarcely commenced his career of observa- 
 tion, before he imbibed the seeds of a mortal fever, which carried 
 him oft* in eight days. He had imprudently dieted himself to an 
 invalid on the passage. His impatience to begin his observations 
 could not be restrained. As soon as he could fit himself out, his 
 zeal carried him, contrary to the injunctions of Dr. Ayres and my 
 own remonstrances, into the interior. He spent five days in ex- 
 ploring the St. Paul’s — wet by night and day, and breathing nothing 
 but an atmosphere tainted with the effluvia of mangrove mud. He 
 became sick, and had not a particle of animal vigour to resist the at- 
 tack. He returned to the colony, reported his observations, and in 
 two days expired. Had he lived, and succeeded according to his 
 plan, a most valuable addition of African geography would have 
 been given to the world. 
 
 “The rains set in about the 13th of May. They have not yet 
 proved very severe ; but we are seldom a night or day without a 
 considerable fall of w'ater. 
 
 “ Barracks, or a range of houses built and covered partly in the 
 native style, are nearly completed for our liberated captives. The 
 poor fellows have hardly had justice done them hitherto. It is 
 proposed to place over them the Rev. Lot Cary, to keep them much 
 to themselves, and let them cultivate land enough to employ a good 
 share of their leisure. In a short time they will, I believe, not only 
 support themselves, but always have on hand a provision for the 
 subsistence of future shipments of the same class. 
 
 “ Our last accounts from America filled us,'with hope in relation 
 to the future prospects of the society at home. There were evi- 
 dent symptoms in the disposition of the American public to rub 
 open their eyes on the subject. They will, I believe, sir, come on 
 as fast as perhaps the good of the colony shall require. It is not 
 desirable, at present, that more than three or four shipments of 
 sixty persons be made in the year. Let one hundred families be 
 well settled, with a good house and perfectly improved lot to each, 
 in town, and a plantation without, well cultivated. Let a hospital, 
 warehouse, and temporary receptacle for new comecs, be prepared 
 — and the wheels of the machine, its schools, courts, &c. get a good 
 momentum on them, in a proper direction, and, sir, you may throw 
 in new settlers as fast as your funds will possibly admit. If we 
 live to witness the progress of things here two years hence, I be- 
 lieve all this and more will be realized. The last Saturday in every 
 month is court-day. One has occurred, and we have had one trial 
 
48 
 
 by jury. It was conducted with great propriety, and the verdict 
 strictly according to evidence. It was a criminal prosecution. For 
 the particulars see the journal.” 
 
 From the A'*ational Intelligencer. 
 
 Of THE African Colony. — The subjoined extract is part of a 
 letter from Rev. Colston M. Waring, a coloured preacher of great 
 respectability, from Petersburg, in Virginia, who recently took 
 passage to Cape Montserado in the Oswego, and returned in the 
 Fidelity. This man, we are informed, was recommended to the 
 Colonization Society as a person of tried worth and piety, by the 
 Rev. Dr. Rice, of Richmond, and is spoken of in the highest terms 
 by Dr. Ayres, in his recent communications. We may, therefore, 
 depend upon his testimony. He is a man of considerable proper- 
 ty; has a family; has been to Africa in a sickly season ; and is 
 now ready to venture all, and to persuade others to do the same, 
 on the success of the enterprise in which the Colonization Society 
 are engaged. 
 
 “ When I left the United States, I promised to write you from 
 Africa; but, by the sudden sailing of the Oswego, and my being 
 sick at the time of the sailing, I was unwillingly deprived of that 
 pleasure. As I have now arrived in my native land, I consider it 
 my indispensable duty to give you my views of the land of my an- 
 cestors. 
 
 “ Instead of finding Africa a sandy and barren waste, I found 
 the whole country clothed with verdure, and stocked with forest 
 trees of large growth. 1 saw cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, poultry, and 
 fruit, in abundance. In fine, I can truly say, I think Africa as 
 healthy, as productive, and as beautiful a country, as any in the 
 world. I found all the people in good health, and apparently hap- 
 py. Mr. Williams returned with me, and I cannot express the 
 effect our arrival has produced on the minds of the people. All 
 seem in favour of the scheme. The coloured people are fired with 
 zeal in the cause. Last Monday evening upwards of one hundred 
 gave in their names for the next expedition. It is. all important to 
 know when a vessel will sail, and whether that vessel will touch 
 at this place for emigrants. I am anxious to know, myself, as I 
 shall immediately close my affairs, and take my family with me. 
 I shall go to Richmond, in a few days, to satisfy the minds of the 
 people, and ascertain the number disposed to emigrate.” 
 
 Such are the present prospects of the colony. It is established, 
 flourishing, and in peace with the surrounding tribes. Many of 
 these tribes already rejoice at its settlement, and have requested 
 that their sons may be received into the colony, to learn mechanical 
 arts. The colony has received several, the sons of head-men, but 
 has been obliged to refuse others, for want of accommodations. 
 
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