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REPORT 
 
 OF 
 
 REY. JOHN M^KAY, 
 
 ^ COLOREDAGENTOFTH 
 
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 STATE BOARD OF COLONIZATION. 
 
 ON LIBERIA, 
 
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 INDIANAPOLIS: 
 AUSTIN II. nnowN, state printer 
 1854. 
 
 I 
 

 t\i 
 
STATE BOARD OF COLONIZATION. 
 
 His Exc'y J. A. WRIGHT, 
 
 Hon. J. P. DUNN, 
 
 Hon. N. HAYDEN, 
 
 Rev. J. MITCHELL, Secretary. 
 
 ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 
 
 Hon. I. Blackford, J. M. Ray, Esq., 
 
 VVm. Sheets, Esq., C. Fletcher, Esq., 
 
 J. Blake, Esq., D. Yandes, Esq., 
 
 J. WiLKiNS, Esq., W. Hannaman, Esq., 
 
 J. R. Osgood Esq., 
 
REPORT. 
 
 To (he President and Members of the Lidiana State Board of Colo- 
 nization : 
 
 Gentlemen: — We respectfully submit the following as our report 
 of our late visit to the Republic of Liberia: 
 
 We sailed from Norfolk, in the ship Banshee, on the 13th of 
 November, and reached the African coast in twenty days; and in 
 fourteen days more we came in sight of Grand Cape Mount, a bold 
 promontory jutting out into the ocean, and gradually rising to an 
 elevation of 1,060 feet above the level of the sea — having a base of 
 at least fifteen miles, and capped by a broad table land, extending 
 back into the country forty miles, terminating at a chain of still 
 higher and cnore broken hills. The Cape and country adjoining 
 appeared to me the most beautiful scene 1 ever beheld. Like many 
 others, I had regarded that country as a barren and desolate waste; 
 but I found myself much mistaken on this point, as the whole 
 country \^as covered with a heavy forest of fine trees, of great 
 variety and excellent quality for timber, springing up from a soil of 
 great fertility. After a run of thirty-six hours, we reached Cape 
 Mesurado, the elevated ^ite of the town of Monrovia, the Capital 
 of the Republic, in the harbor of which we cast anchor on the 19th 
 of December, making a passage of thirty-five and one-half days 
 from Norfolk to Monrovia. 
 
 The passage was an agreeable one to me, as I was not disturbed 
 with the sea sickness, and the termination of the voyage found me 
 in as good health as I have ever enjoyed — this was fortunate, as I 
 wished to improve the opportunities of the visit to the utmost. I 
 am much indebted to Mr. Wingate, the captain of the ship, for his 
 kind attention and respect, for which I shall ever feel grateful. 
 
I remained in the country eighty-three days, and sailed for New 
 York in the Brig Harp, from Sierra Leone, on the 11th of March, 
 in which we had rather a tedious passage of fifty days, owing to 
 adverse winds. We have been informed that ocean steamers can 
 make this trip in fourteen days or less. 
 
 I had expected to see a respectable town in Monrovia, as it is the 
 capital of the Republic ; but my expectations were more than real- 
 ized, for I^^found it making just pretentions to the character and 
 position of a commercial city; containing a population of about 
 2.000 inhabitants — its buildings, presenting rather an imposing ap- 
 pearance, consisting of stone, brick, and frame edifices, of excellent 
 style and workmansliip. The inhabitants are contented and happy; 
 and whilst many of them are quite wealthy, they are all, as a gene- 
 ral rule, doing well. They are decidedly a religious people, a greater 
 proportion of them being adherants of the different churches than 
 are usually found in any other community. And the state of morals 
 is superior to that of any other place I have ever been in. I heard 
 no profane swearing among the Monrovians, nor did I witness any 
 intemperance. 
 
 On landing in company with our emigrants, I was introduced to 
 President Roberts, and other citizens, who received me with mucli 
 cordiality. I took the first occasion to state the- object of my visit, 
 in regard to the proposed settlement of colored persons by this State, 
 and presented tlie communication relating thereto, with which 1 had 
 the honor of being intrusted by the State Board, the answer to which 
 we herewith submit. 
 
 I visited Milesborough, on the St. Pauls river. White Plains, Clay 
 Ashland, and the adjoining settlements ; likewise Grand Cape Mount, 
 and the settlement and city of Sierra Leone, in which I spent one 
 week. Sierra Leone is a well built city of at least twenty thousand 
 inhabitants, of which a small fraction are white, but that fraction 
 are the privileged class, who hold the offices of government, and 
 control the lucurative professions and pursuits, to the partial exclu- 
 sion of the man of color. On seeing this state of society, I was en- 
 abled to understand the reason why the people of Liberia, by a con- 
 stitutional regulation, deny the privileges of citizenship to white 
 men. 
 
 In the rapid survey that we made, we became convinced that the 
 most desirable location for a settlement is Grand Cape Mount ; 
 which is very correctly described in your Colonization Report of 
 1852. I submit herewith a further description, by an old citizen of 
 
Monrovia, Mr. R. Mocre, who has traded a great deal at Grand 
 Cape Mount, and who is desirous to aid in the settlement. 
 
 Monrovia, February, 1854. 
 Rey. Mr. McKay, 
 
 Dear ?ir :— According to your request, for definite information with a view to establish a 
 scttUment at Grand Cape Mount, I unhesitatingly furnish you with the following descripxion o( 
 the aforesaid place. 
 
 As regards the locality, I conceive it to be in many respects superior to Monrovia, from tl:e fact 
 of the promontory b^ing considerably more elevated than Monrovia, and the fecundity of the soil 
 being equal to any in the Republic. The land is mountainous, well timbered and watered, with a 
 fine lake of ten or more miles in width, abounding uith every variety of fish. The harbor is a« 
 excellent one for vessels to lie in safety. 
 
 In addition, Mr. MixcuEiiL permits me to use the following extract 
 from a letter of Wm. W. Findley dated Feb. 22d : 
 
 Sir :— I am much pleased to hear from you, and to learn that you are still laboring for the good 
 of Liberia. The friends sent out are doing as well as could be expected ; and they mach desire to 
 go to Grand Cape Mount. I hope you will do all you c n in regard to having that place settled as 
 •oon as possible. I do think the emijrants should be landed at that place at once, and let them go 
 through the acclimating process there, and by the time the public supply of provisions is ended, 
 they will have something raised to eat; but if they should be brought to this place, to be accli- 
 mated, a second move would be disadvantageous. There is a physician here who desires to settle 
 at tie Cape, so the sooner you commence the better. 
 
 The writer of the above was the first emigrant your State Society 
 sent out, and should you conclude to accommodate the slight 
 misunderstanding which exists between this Board and the Govern- 
 ment of Liberia, in regard to territory, so as to follow your first in- 
 tentions, of settling Grand Cap:^ Mount, in that event Mr. Findley 
 is the best person you can select to superintend the location of the 
 settlement. He has shown his capacity for enterprise, by acquirino-^ 
 since his emigration in the spring of 1850, a good farm of 40 acres 
 ot fine land, on which he has now a neat frame farm house erected, 
 two stories high, surrounded by a young grove of tropical trees. 
 This farm is on the bank of the St. Pauls river, and the pretty white 
 house surrounded by green trees, presents a beautiful appearance as 
 you sail towards it. He has about 20 acres of coffee trees, many of 
 which yield him annually on an average, about one dollar's worth of 
 coffee pei- tree. He has had no deaths in his family, and but little 
 sickness — indeed but few deaths have taken place among the emi- 
 grants from Indiana, and I am convinced that the mortality has not 
 been much greater tlian if they had remained in this country. Mr. 
 Findley's property, I consider worth at least $3,000, and he is said 
 to b:* out of debt. This rapid accumulation of wealth in the hands 
 
8 
 
 of enterprising emigrants, was almost unaccountable to me, at first, 
 but when I had a little leisure to observe, I discovered that the com- 
 mercial advantages of the country are unprecedented, and its tropi- 
 cal productions command the gold in every market of the world. 
 
 Before closing this statement, I should mention that the chiefs of 
 the Vay Vay nation, who live at Grand Cape Mount, learning that 
 your State had it in contemplation to form a settlement some where 
 in Liberia, sent a deputation of two of their number to Monrovia, 
 whilst I was there, to express their desire and willingness to have 
 such a settlement effected amongst them. 
 
 As to the slate and circumstances ol the Republic, permit me to 
 present the comprehensive view, found in the last annual message 
 of President Roberts, to their Legislature, a copy of which we here- 
 with submit. 
 
 We will notice briefly the state of agriculture in Liberia. The 
 soil, although difiering in degrees of lichness and quality, must be 
 classed with the ri( best soils — and not excelled by that of this coun- 
 try, and a man who makes a change of location from this country 
 to that, looses nothing on this point, but, in my opinion, is the 
 gainer. 
 
 The productions are very numerous, and many of them are valu- 
 able as articles of exportation. Amongst these coffee, rice, cotton, 
 sugar, tea, arrow-root, ginger, pepper, and ground-nuts, (from which 
 an excellent oil is extracted) are the most valuable as articles of 
 commerce, and some of them are now produced in considerable 
 quantities, and will, in a short time, be produced in very large quan- 
 tities, lor the Liberians are giving renewed attention to agriculture, 
 in which will consist their greatest wealth. 
 
 I have seen thousands of coffee trees, and large quantities of coffee 
 of the first quality, which meets with a ready sale. The manufac- 
 ture of sugar was yei in its infancy, but that produced is a superior 
 article. Being raised in one of the southern States, we claim some 
 little knowledge of the quality of cotton, and we must say that the 
 Liberian cotton is as fine in quality, and more abundant in quanti- 
 ty than the cotton in the southern Slates, and I am convinced that 
 an e<|ual amount of labor bestowed in the cultivation of this article 
 in the respective countries, will give a yield of raw material, of more 
 than fifty per cent in favor of Liberia. 
 
 Rice and Indian corn or maize, are produced in large quantities, 
 
and are mainly consumed by the inhabitants; nevertheless the exporta- 
 tion of rice is gradually increasing. 
 
 The tea tree or plant, can be grown in any quantity, and the quality 
 of the article produced is superior. 
 
 But one of the most important articles of production is the palm 
 tree, and the oil extracted from the nut. Palm oil is the leading arti- 
 cle in the commerce of Western Africa at this diy, and the Liberians 
 will soon command the most of that rade. 
 
 The croton-oil nuts, castor oil plant, and india lubber tree, are 
 likewise sources of wealth. 
 
 The forest trees of Liberia are valuable for many uses, timber for 
 building ships and houses, dye woods that command a ready market 
 and high prices, and such timber as is used by cabinet makers for the 
 finest furniture; amongst such may be named the cam-wood, teak, 
 ebony, lignumvita^, rosewood, mahogany, &c. 
 
 Spices, aromatic drugs, and valuable gums, are the common pro- 
 ducts of the country. 
 
 Indigo is found as a common weed, and may be manufactured in 
 any quantity. The fruits are numerous and delicious. I have seen 
 oranges of the finest fiavor, pine apples of a large size, guavas, lem- 
 ons, limes, plantains,|bananas, tamarinds, rose apples, pomegranates, 
 cherries, cocoa-nuts, paw-paws, mango-pums, alligator pears, pat- 
 ango, melons, sour-sop, chota, and ohra ale in great abundance. 
 
 The vegetables are equally numerous and well flavoied. We have 
 seen and used sweet potatoes of the finest quality, and likewise cab- 
 bages, turnips, tomatoes, cassadasand yams; and the beets, radishes, 
 carrots, cymplings, butter beans, snap-beans, peas, cucumbers, and 
 mellons are superior. 
 
 The domestic animals and barn yard fo.vls, are the same as those 
 of this country, excepting the dilference caused by the improvement 
 of x\merican stock, and a little attention to this matter will enable 
 the Liberians, to raise in any desired quantity, a good class of cattle, 
 horses, sheep, goats, hogs, and the various kinds of fowls now found 
 in this country. 
 
 The wild game is abundant, including deer of several varieties, 
 which are very plentiful. The rivers and lakes abound with fish ; 
 in those, and along the coast, an abundance of salmon, nT^ke:el, 
 perch, &c. are found, whilst the water, flowing from the springs, 
 and found in the wells of the country, is pure and good. 
 
 From this brief review it will be seen that Liberia is a land of 
 
10 
 
 plenty, and the industrious citizen may with ease secure, not only 
 the necessaries of life, but its luxuries; and witli no more exertion 
 than is used in this country, by the man of color, to procure a scanty 
 subsistence, he may become a man of wealth. 
 
 The mineral w( alth of Liberia, is yet unknown, but we may 
 safely suppose that from the indications of mineral found scattered 
 over the surfac ■ of the country, that copper, iron, and coal abound. 
 I secured and brought home with me, a few specimens of copper 
 and iron ore, and gold is known to abound in Africa, of which I was 
 shown several specimens. Those undeveloped mines of wealth may 
 be made to yield their treasures with ease to the well directed efforts 
 of the miner. 
 
 Mechanics are in good demand in Liberia, house builders, brick- 
 layers, carpenters, ship builders, blacksmiths, shoe makers, &c., &c., 
 and such will receive from $L5() to $2.00 per day. 
 
 The climate to me was pleasant and agreeable, and I presume the 
 following statement of Dr. Lugenbeel, who resided in that country 
 a nun)ber of years is strictly correct. 
 
 *' On the whole, I regard the ciimite of Liberia as decidedly plea- 
 sant. The extremes of the thermomeliical state of the atmospiiere 
 may be set down at 65'' and 90"^. The average height of the mer- 
 cury, during the rainy season, is about 76°, and during tlie dry sea- 
 son about "54°. The mean temperature for the year is about 80"^ 
 
 The only recognized division of the year into seasons is the wet 
 or rainy, and the dry season, or in common parhince, the 'rains' and 
 the 'dries;' the former of which answers nearly to our summer and 
 autumn, and the latter to our winter and spring. During the half of 
 the year commencing with May, much more rain falls than during 
 the other half, commencing with November. As a general rule, 
 however, it may be stated, that some rain falls during every month 
 in the year; and in every month there is some fine, cleai*, pleasant 
 weather." 
 
 The acclimating fever has been regarded by many as one of the 
 great hinderances to the rapid growth of Liberia, and a cause of ter- 
 ror to emigrants. From our observation and experience, we aie 
 convinced that the terrors of this disease have been magnified, and 
 we know that it is neither so painful nor so dangerous as represented. 
 Like others, w^e had to jiass throngh_this ordeal, but we were not 
 incommoded by it more than ten days, ncr were we confined to the 
 house more than one third of that time. 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 JOHN MC KAY. 
 
APFEN DIX. 
 
[A.] 
 
 State Uepartmkxt, } 
 Monrovia, Fsbruary 15th, 1854. ) 
 
 His Excellency Joseph A. Wright, 
 
 Qovtrrtor of the Stale of Indiana, United States of America. 
 
 Sir :— I am directed by President Roberts, to inf rui you, that your favor of September yrth, 
 1853, has been received, and its contents particularly noticed. 
 
 As President Roberts expressed to your Excelli ncy, tlie Government and people of Liberia 
 will do all in their power, consistently vs-itb their interests, to further the vievrs of the Legislature 
 of the State of Indiana, and of tlie State Colonization Board, for colonizing the free colored peo- 
 ple of that State, in Liberia, but, for reasons explained to your Excellency in President Roberts* 
 communication of 5th July last, the Government doe^ not tliink it politic to swerve from the 
 usages which have always regulated its intercourse with respect toemigrants eoming to Liberia. 
 
 The Piesideiit laid before the Legi,s!ature at its last session the corrcspondcnte he had on the 
 subject witli you ; and I now have the honor of enclosing a cojy of the feolve of the Legislature, 
 which, you will discover sustains the view at first taken in the premises. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Mc Kav, agent of the Indiana Colonization Beard, now in Liberia, and who pro- 
 poses to return to the United States in Iho vessel which convejs this letter, will be able to giv« 
 Your Excellency full information with respect to the views and feelings of this government, in 
 regard to a settUment at Grand Cape Mount. 
 
 I beg to en.jlosa to Your Excellency a copy of a letter addressed to Mr. Mc Kay by P. esident 
 Roberts, upon this subject, which embiaces the views of this Government, and wiiich I trust will 
 meet the concurrence of the Indiana Colonisation Board. 
 
 I htive the honor to be 
 
 Your Bxcellency's most obedient servant, 
 
 J, X. LEWLS, Secretary of State. 
 
 [B.J 
 
 [coPV.; 
 
 GoVERMMEIfT HoCSg. 
 
 Monrovia, Kebruaj'y 7th, 185-J. 
 
 Sir :— I have had the honor of your favor of tli« 2^th ultimo, communicating the desire of the 
 Indiana State Colonization Board to obtain, by purchase from this Government, a grant of land, 
 "for y milfs square, bordering on the ^ea, at Grand Ciipe Mount, for the use of emigrants from 
 the State of Indiana, &c., &c. 
 
 In reply I have the honor to inform you, that during the last ses ion of the Legislature, I availed 
 myself of the occasion to lay before that body the correspondence had between His Kiceltency 
 
14 
 
 cJovernor Wright and myself, on the subjecl o( your letter. Accompanying is a copy of the 
 resolve of the legislature, sustaining, as you will observe, the view I had taken of the question, 
 in my letter to Governor Wright. 
 
 The subject has been oi.e of an.\ious thought ; and I scarcely need remark, sir, that the govern- 
 ment and people of Liberia are sincerely desirous of meeting, as far is appears to them compatible 
 with tlieir interests, the wislies of the Indiana State Colonization Board. But for reasons already 
 stated in my communication to Governor Wright, July 5th, 1853, and which I need not repeat 
 here, as also in view of other considerat' ons which I have had the honor of stating to you verbally, 
 the Government feel that the proposition of the Indiana S ate Colonization Board, for the purchase 
 of a tract of land at Grand Cape Monnt, for the e.xclugive u«e of emigrants from that State, can- 
 not consistantly be entertained. 
 
 It is earnestly hoped, however, that some arrangement may be concluded to secure cooperaiion 
 between tlie Government here and the Indiana Board, i:i the object contemplated. 
 
 If I understand correctly, the object of the Indiana State Colo;iization Board is lo hold out 
 additional inducements to the colored people of the State to emigrate to Liberia, by granting to 
 each family so emigrating, one hundred acres of land. .\ow sir, it strikes me that this might be 
 effected in a manner agreeable to all pirties. 
 
 The Government of Liberia will readily allot a section of land in the Grand Cape Mount district 
 for the locaxion of emigrants from the iState of Indiana ; and will assign to such emigrants town 
 or farm lots, under existing regulations of this Government ; which may be increased in quantity, 
 at the pleasure of the Indiana Board, by purchase from the Government at the established rates for 
 public lands, or at prices agreed on between this Government and the Indiana Board; and the 
 title froia the Government, vested immediately in the citizen immigrant. 
 
 Grand Cape Mount is a desirable location for a settlement. But I may not omit to remind you, 
 sir, of the necessity, in forming a new settlement there, of taking proper precautions against the 
 treachery of the natiyes. 
 
 I have now, sir, only to add —waiving the proposition for a grant of land — that the Government 
 of Liberia will be most happy to cooperate with the Indiana State Colonization Board, in any 
 measures it may think proper to adopt fr carrying out its benevolent objects, in reference to 
 securing a home in Liberia for the colored people of that State. 
 
 I have the honor to be, Sir, 
 
 Most respectfully, 
 
 Yotir obedient servant, 
 (Signed) J. J. ROBERTS. 
 
 [C] 
 
 Whereas, His Excellency the Trcsideut has laidliefore the Legislature for its consideration certain 
 documents, a request of Hi.« Excelleocy Joseph A. Wright, Governor of the State of Indiana, 
 United States of America, for a grant of the territory of Grand ©ape Mount, in favor of said 
 State, for a losation for settling the free people of color, emigrating from laid State to Liberia, 
 it is therefore 
 Resolved, by the Senate and House of R'.presentatices of the Republic of Liberia, in Legislature 
 
 assembled. That we concur in tlie proceedings of His Excellency the President in his reply to the 
 
 correspondence of His Excellency Joseph A. Wright, Governor of the State of Indiana, United 
 
 States of America. 
 Further, that it would be impolitic for this Government to grant to any Government, Society or 
 
 panics, land with an exclusive right to apportion »aid land or territory as they may deem proper. 
 
15 
 
 to the exclusion of any company of emigrants emigrating to Liberia, or to give any Government, 
 Society or parties jurisdiction of whutever nature, over any portion of our territorial hmits. 
 
 /!'«r£Acr, ihat tlie President be and he is hereby requested to extend eviry facility and favor he 
 may deem justifiable in the premises, to the request of His Excellency Governor Wright, for car- 
 rying out the act of the State of Indiana (or the colonization of free people of color from that 
 State, in Liberia. 
 
 B. V. R. JAMES, 
 Spraker of the Uotise of Representatives. 
 A. D. WILLIAMS, 
 Vice President Republic Liberia. 
 Approved 98th Decenibcr, 1853. 
 J. J. ROBERTS. 
 A true Copy, 
 
 J. N. Lgwis, Secretary cf .^tale. 
 
[I).] 
 
 ANNUAL MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT ROBERTS. 
 
 Gentlemen of the Senate, 
 
 and of the House of Representatives : 
 
 It is my duty on the present occasion of your meeting to inform 
 you of the condition of the Republic. And I cannot, perhaps, com- 
 mence in a manner more appropriate than by erecting another Ebe- 
 nezer, !?aying, '■^Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." Every revolving 
 year brings with it cause of congiatulation and tliankfulness to God 
 that the great work in which we are engaged, of rearing up on these 
 barbarous shores a Christian Stat •, is onward in its march, by grad- 
 ually developing its practicability and excellence. 
 
 During the year that has just passed, a kind Providence has 
 watched over us for good, and our country has been signally 
 blessed in all its relations. Every important interest of the govern- 
 ment and people teems to bear the marks of Divine favor and 
 approbation. No pestilence has afflicted our land ; but, on the con- 
 trary, an unusual degree of health has been dispensed to its inhabi- 
 tants. The agricultural prospects of the country were never more 
 encouraging than at the present time — in no year of the Republic 
 have the labors of the husbandman been more abundantly rewarded. 
 The mercantile interests oi' tho country seems to be in a healthful 
 sia'e; our merchants are extending their operations by opening up 
 new sources of commerce; and their efforts are producing very sat- 
 isfactory results, not only in reference to products and trade, but the 
 prosperity attending these branches of industry and enterprise has 
 given an impulse to general improvement decidedly encouraging. 
 Our educational interests have also been blessed — the educational 
 facilities extended to the people through missionary enterprise and 
 the benevolence of private individuals in the United States, are now 
 more extensive than ever before, and promise much good to the 
 youth of our several communities — who, I am glad to say, are 
 
18 
 
 availing themselves of these advantages, and are making gratifying 
 advancements in the various branches of useful knowledge. But 
 above all, God has been pleased to bless the people with a gracious 
 visitation of his churches — inspiring them with a spirit of pure and 
 undefiled religion — thereby wonderfully extending the inestimable 
 benefits of Christianity among the idolatrous tribes of this land, and 
 dispelling the gloom of moral night which has so long overshadowed 
 them. 
 
 These blessings, gentlemen, are not fortuitous, but sure indications 
 of Divine protection and favor, and should create in the minds of 
 our fellow-citizens, generally, as I doubt not they do, feelings of 
 devout gratitude and praise to that beneficent Being who, in his 
 goodness, continues to favor us with such distinguished mercies. 
 And in this connection I am impressed with the belief, and there is 
 certainly nothing in it presumptuous or extravagant, that the pros- 
 perity of our country, resulting from these blessings of Providence, 
 has a relation to something out of it, and beyond itself Its mean- 
 ing, evidently, is subservience to' the good of Africa; and to my 
 mind is sufficient proof that God is forming this people for himself; 
 that He has raised up Liberia to exert a special agency in the great 
 work of redeeming this vast peninsula from barbarism, superstition, 
 and idolatry. 
 
 I maintain fully the doctrine that "God has just as really' a work 
 for nations to do as he has for individuals;" and that there may be 
 just as much of speciality in one case as there is in the other. If 
 diversity of position, gifts, and social relations, lays the foundation 
 for a difference of action and influence as it respects individual per- 
 sons, why may not the same diversity, existing as it does among the 
 great masses of men, present a reason for special exertion and influ- 
 ence, as it respects particular nations? And this appears to me to 
 be consistent with the history of nations in all ages. In the wise 
 economy of God each nation has its particular work assigned it, and 
 is responsible for its performance. Many considerations lead to this 
 conclusion. And, in relation to Africa, it would seem that the past 
 history of Liberia clearly indicates some special design in Provi- 
 dence, some intimation that through her the conflict between truth 
 and error, between freedom and slavery, is to be decided, and the 
 victory given to eternal righteousness in the elevation of down-trod- 
 den Africa. A single glance at the past and we readily see there 
 was something in the first planting of these settlements, something 
 
19 
 
 in the rhaiacter of the men who formed ihe nucleus of this Com- 
 monwealth, which is altogether peculiar, and seems plainly to indi- 
 cate some special design. Perhaps no other nation began its exist- 
 ence under circumstances so peculiarly embarrassing as ours. But 
 the men who laid the foundation of Liberia's existence were chosen 
 and precious. They were not men of extensive learning, or of great 
 wealth, but enterprising, conscientious men, imbued with the princi- 
 ples of freedom. Keenly alive to the wrongs they were suffering, 
 they fled from grinding oppression to this, their fatherland, to estab- 
 lish and enjoy, in government and religion, what is set forth in the 
 Bible as the birth-right of all men, and the foundation of all advance 
 in human well-being. 
 
 The settlement of Liberia by such a class of men was a great 
 event in the Providence of God, and seemed most clearly to point 
 out His purposes; and to our election for some special and mighty 
 agency in the work of rescuing this continent from the iron grasp 
 of ignorance and sin. And, gentlemen, do we not see indications 
 also of the same design in the training to which the infancy of Li- 
 beria was subjected. Means and ends have a connection : — by the 
 character of one we are led to look for something answering to it 
 in the other, A remarkable antecedent in the Providence of God 
 foreshadows to us peculiarity of design in the sequence. And this 
 is clearly illustrated by the strange facts in the early history of 
 Israel. The wonderful providence in reference to that people must 
 have made a deep impression on all reflecting minds that God was 
 forming them for some great end, that He was training them for 
 some mighty agency in the work of his mercy to man. 
 
 The beginning betokened the design. And so we may reason in 
 reference to Liberia. In the annals of no other country, Israel alone 
 excepted, is there to be found such a series of trials, such a wrestling 
 with difficulties, such scenes of imminent peril, and of signal deliv- 
 erance. At every step we have been made to see our danger, and 
 the land of God in our rescue from it. 
 
 And, gentlemen, what could be more remarkable than that Piovi- 
 denoe, which, notwithstanding our feebleness, advanced us so rapidly 
 to the position of acknowledged nationality ? and gave to our insti- 
 tutions a character so simple and free, at the same time wholesome 
 and efficient, admirably calculated to develop the energies of the 
 people, and to exalt them in intelligence and virtue; institutions 
 whose influence, like the congenial atmosphere we breathe, pervade^* 
 
20 
 
 all, sustains all, and yet interfeies with no act tl.at is right ; allows 
 the fullest, freest exercise of thought and feelings, of everything com- 
 patible with the existence of virtue — the foundation of all freedom. 
 
 Here government is purely a benevolent arrangement, looking 
 to the good of Africa, affording encouragement to the process of 
 civil, social, and religious improvement among her children, leading 
 them to the elevation where, in the Providence of God, I believe 
 they are destined to rise — "that they may see good days wherein 
 they have seen evil." 
 
 That Liberia has been trained in the school of a particular provi- 
 dence, and has been raised up for a particular work, in my mind 
 scaicely admits of a doubt. And the character and extent of that 
 particular work seems to me equally clear. And, gentlemen, those 
 wonderful providences towards us should lead us to feel secure in 
 God while we walk in the path which He hath marked out for us. 
 
 1 am sensible, gentlemen, that this subject has long engaged your 
 attention, and that you are deeply interested in the welfare of the 
 heathen around us, and especially those, in the Providence of God, 
 placed under our immediate care; and I doubt not, you will adopt 
 such additional measures within your reach, as will bring them 
 more speedily to the enjoyment of all the blessings of civilization 
 and Christianity. 
 
 Considering the state of these people — so debased and degraded, 
 through long ages of neglect and misery — it is exceedingly gratify- 
 ing to observe the great and important changes which are now so 
 rapidly being wrought in the social and moral condition of many of 
 lihiem. And these changes are steadily going forward, aflTecting not 
 X)nly the tribes immediately within the bounds of the government, 
 ,but lixeir influence is penetrating into the inteiior, and will ulti- 
 mately and speedily be felt by those at the remotest distance. So 
 far, certainly, the end has been commensurate with the means. And 
 it is a matter of great encouragement to know that there is still an 
 increasing willingn^ess, on the part of the natives, to accept the be- 
 nevolent offers of instruction held out to them by the gQvernment, 
 and by Christian associations. "Do good and communicate to all 
 wen as you have opportunity," I may repeat here is a Divine com- 
 mand, and strictly applies to us in reference to the improvement of 
 the aborigines of this land. And I know this to be your most 
 earnest desire. 
 
 Gentlemen, I feel great satisfaction in being able to inform . you 
 
21 
 
 that since the last meeting of the Legislature nothing has occurred 
 to disturb the friendly relations hap[)ily subsisting between this gov- 
 ernment and foreign powers. No cause of complaint seems now lo 
 exist, on the part of foreign merchants and traders, in relation to our 
 commercial regulations; butt'uir intercourse with the citizens of 
 the Republic, as far as have come lo my knowledge, is harmonious 
 and conciliatory. 
 
 We continue to receive from her Brittannic Majesty's Govern- 
 ment assurances of friendly concern for our welfare. From the 
 French Government we are also receiving tangible proofs of the in- 
 terest his Imperial Majesty feels in the future prosperity of this infant 
 State. As a present to this government, the French Minister of 
 War has forwarded, recently, one thousand stand of arms, to be fol- 
 lowed shortly — as advised by our agent in Paris — by an equal num- 
 ber of equipments for our militia. I am happy also to inform the 
 Legislature that, during the year just passed, the independence of 
 Liberia has been formally recognized by his Belgian Majesty — ac- 
 companied with expressions of friendship, and warmest wishes for 
 our success and happiness. By recent intelligence from the United 
 States I am assured that the cause of African Colonization, and of 
 Liberia, is rapidly growing into public favor in that country. I re- 
 gret, however, to have to acquaint the Legislature that the contem- 
 plated exploration by Commander Lynch, of the country lying east 
 of this Republic, is, for the present, at least, given up. 
 
 I am aware that our fellow-citizens entertained encouraging hopes 
 that this benevolent enterprise, on the part of the United States 
 Government, would be carjied into immediate execution. I know 
 of no project — whether considered in relation to the development 
 of the resources of the country, and the extension of commercial 
 enterprise, or whether with a view to the spread of civilization and 
 Christianity — that promises more real good to Liberia and to Africa 
 in general, than an exploration of the interior just at this juncture. 
 Unfortunately for us, our limited pecuniary resources will not allow 
 us to undertake the work. We will, therefore, hope that the enter- 
 prise will not be wholly abandoned by the government of the United 
 Slates. 
 
 I am gratified in being able to inform the Legislature that, with 
 one or two exceptions,* the public peace among the native tribes 
 within our jurisdiction, has been steadily maintained, and among 
 
22 
 
 the tribes by whom we are surrounded, I .im happy to say, the best 
 feeling towards this government prevails. 
 
 I have to state, and it is a matter of regret, that the efforts of the 
 government to produce a reconciliation between certain Vey and 
 Golah Chiefs, and restore peace to the country bordering on our 
 northwest frontier, have not been as completely successful as could 
 be wished. Notwithstanding every effort on the part of this 
 government to accommodate the differences between them, in the 
 early part of the present year their affairs grew worse, and assumed 
 an aspect which threatened the most fearful consequences. The 
 Vey Chiefs were obstinate — received our commissioners coldly — 
 and disregarded every overture made to them for an amicable ad- 
 justment of the disputes and difficulties which were distracting the 
 country. Nothing but war could satisfy their claims. Indeed, one 
 of their chieftains, Boombo, encouraged by George Cane, of Giand 
 Cape Mount, became so emboldened as to extend his depredations 
 into the Dey country — sacking and burning towns and vil'ages — 
 murdering scores of the inhabitants, and carrying off hundreds of 
 others into captivity. 
 
 Mattel's being driven to this extremity, no alternative was left the 
 government but to take immediate, decisive, and coercive mea^;ures 
 to check — nay, to put an end to these acts of aggression and cruelty. 
 Therefore, in conformity with a resolution of the Legislature, adopted 
 at its session in December last, " authorizing the Executive to employ 
 the most feasible, and if necessary, forcible measures, for the purpose 
 of bringing about a speedy termination of the existing difficulties 
 and wars in the vicinity of Grand and Little Cape Mount;" early 
 in the month of March a detachment of two hundred and fifty m'en, 
 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel McGill, was ordered to 
 proceed to Little Cape Mount — to afford protection to the peaceable 
 inhabitants of that district — to maintain the authority of the gov- 
 ernment — and to apprehend the offending chiefs, that they might be 
 brought to answer for the gross violation of their solenm engage- 
 ments with this government, to abstain from all wars; and that they 
 be required to make reparation for the wrongs they had committed 
 on unoffending tribes. 
 
 On the arrrival of the troops at Little Cane Mount — after some 
 (lelay — all the principal Chiefs on both sides — except two — were as- 
 sembled, and an investigation commenced of the matters in dispute 
 
23 
 
 between them, and of the chiefs who were implicated in the out- 
 rages committed on the Dey tribe. These matters, however, were 
 found to be exceedingly complicated, and likely to consume much 
 time in their adjustment; it was, therefore, thought advisable that 
 the chiefs, who readily consented, should repair at a time fixed, to 
 Monrovia, where the investigation would be resumed, and a final 
 settlement of all the difficulties between them. In the meantime 
 the atrocious criminality of Boombo being clearly apparent, he was 
 arrested, and conveyed to this place, and handed over to the civil 
 authority for judicial examination. 
 
 He has been tried and found guilty, on the fullest testimony, of 
 all the charges alledged against him, and is now in prison undergo- 
 ing the penalty of the law. With apparently deep hunnlity and 
 contrition, he acknowledges the enormity of his crime, and admits 
 the justice of the punishment awarded him. Several Dey Chiefs 
 have recently joined, under assurances for his future good conduct, be- 
 lieving, as they say, he was influenced wholly by George Cane, who 
 has now abandoned his interest, to ask the clemency of the Govern- 
 ment in his behalf. I submit their request to the consideration of the 
 Legislature, simply remarking, gentlemen, that perhaps under all th.e 
 circumstances, some commutation of his sentence might possibly be 
 a matter of policy consistent with prudence. 
 
 I have the satisfaction to inform the Legislature that the measures 
 taken by the Government, in reference to the Vey Chiefs, residing 
 at Little Cape Mount, though not producing all the good effects de- 
 sired, proved very beneficial by restoring peace to that neighbor- 
 hood, and enabling the natives — especially of the Dey Country — to 
 resume their agricultural pursuits, which in consequence of the dis- 
 turbed state of the country had for some time been neglected; and 
 but for the timely interference of the Government, another year 
 would have found them almost wholly destitute and in great 
 distress. 
 
 George Cane failed in his promise to meet the other chiefs here in 
 April last, and I have reason to believe he has united with the Chief 
 of Gorronamra, and has recently made one or two predatory incur- 
 sions into the eastern section of the Golah country. The intelli- 
 gence, however, is not certain. I shall nevertheless be able, doubt- 
 less, during your present session, to give you further and more 
 definite information in regard to him. With George Cane, war 
 
24 
 
 seems to be a ruling passion. No persuasion, I fear, wiil restrain 
 him from shedding the blood of his defenseless brethren. But that 
 he must be checked, gentlemen, is certain. Common safety lequiies 
 it, justice and humanity demand it, and these claims are not to be 
 resisted. If, therefore, it shall be established that George Cane is 
 yet carrying on his predatory wars, some measure should be speedily 
 adopted to restiain him. I am happy to inform the Legislature, that 
 with this exception, no serious discord seems to exist among the 
 tribes within the jurisdiction of the Republic. 
 
 The state of affairs in relation to Trade Town remains unchanged 
 — excepting, which was very desirable, that a reconciliation between 
 Boyer and Jim Flo of Trade Town Point, has recently been effected. 
 Boyer, however, has not yet fulfilled all his engagements with the 
 government — especially in not having secured and delivered up for 
 trial the person of Grando — whom he aided in the attacks upon our 
 settlements in the county of Grand Bassa, in the year 1851. He 
 has paid five hundred dollars in consideration of his misconduct on 
 that occasion; but protests his inability, in consequence of Grando 
 having escaped out of the country, to appiehend him. In every 
 other respect he promises implicit obedience, and is constant in his 
 assurances of fidelity to the government, and earnestly entreats that 
 its ban upon him, in relation to commercial intercourse, may be re- 
 moved. And perhaps it is due to him that I should state that not- 
 withstanding the dubiousness of his motives, in one instance, 
 certainly, he has demeaned himself in a manner which entitles him 
 to some credit. A few months since a Portuguese slaver attempted 
 to revive the slave trade in that district, and Boyer, with some 
 others, engaged to deliver him, within a certain number of days, 
 two hundred slaves, and received In advance a portion of the pur- 
 chase money ; in the mean time, however, Boyer communicated to 
 the authorities at Grand Bassa, information of what was going on, 
 which enabled the government to take measures to frustrate the 
 whole design. 
 
 But, gentlemen, with respect to Boyer, I may also state that hith- 
 erto, than he, no chiefs within the bounds of the Republic, George 
 Cane and Grando perhaps excepted, has been guilty of grosser de- 
 ception and unblushing duplicity in all his intercourse with the gov- 
 ernment. For this reason, in connection with his failure to arrest 
 Grando, whose escape from Trade Town, there were good reasons 
 
25 
 
 to believe, he favored, indeed advised, I have not thought proper to 
 withdraw the interdict prohibiting trade and intercourse with that 
 territory. 
 
 It will now rest with the judgment of the Legislature to decide 
 how far hi^ recent conduct nnerits future confidence; also to deter- 
 mine whether any other detnand shall be made in lieu of the stipu- 
 lation for the delivery of Grando — which was a covenant of the first 
 importance — and also whether the inteidict, in reference to trade, 
 shall be raised. 
 
 I am gratified in being able to state, gentlemen, that no measure 
 hitherto adopted by this government for the punishment of gross 
 misconduct on the part of native chiefs, especially those residing 
 near the coast, has produced more satisfactory results than the in- 
 terdiction, and the firmness with which it has been maintained, of 
 commercial intercourse with Trade Town. I am satisfied it has 
 given a stability to the authority of the government which no other 
 measure could have produced in so short a time. And I am clearly 
 of opinion that a similar policy, in reference to Grand Cape Mount, 
 or the establishing of a settlement there, will have to be adopted to 
 restrain George Cane from indulging that indomitable propensity for 
 war which seems to possess him. The natives of that neighborhood 
 report that he boasts of his intention to continue the war, and 
 should the government send troops to chastise him, he his only to 
 retire for a few weeks into the interior, beyond their reach, and 
 when the troops shall have left the country I e will return to prose- 
 cute his desijrns. Such, doub less, are his reasonings, as he is aware 
 of the impracticability of maintaining a military force in the coun- 
 try for any length of lime. The antidote, however, is an interdict 
 of commercial intercourse with Grand Cape Mount. 
 
 Close up the channels through which he obtains his supply of 
 arms and other munitions of war, and in a very short time he will 
 be powerless, and, like Boyer, will return to his allegiance to the 
 government. 
 
 In this connection, gentlemen, I am happy to state that the suc- 
 cessful attack, by the troops of the Republic, in 1852, on Boyer's 
 fortified town, which was supposed by the natives to be impregna- 
 ble, has, 1 am persuaded, fully established, in regard to the natives, 
 the invincibility of our arms, and that in future the authority of the 
 government is not likely to be opposed by open force. 
 
 Nevertheless, I beg to remind the Legislature of the importance 
 
26 
 
 of continuing a well organized nnilitia, which, in reference to the 
 natives, seems to be the only thing that can give them an idea of 
 the power of the goveinment. And, gentlemen, this is not the only 
 consideration which should draw the attention of the Legislature to 
 the necessity of cherishing and maintaining an efficient tnilitary force. 
 We have settlements i emote and vveak, surrounded on all sides by 
 savage tribes who delight in war, and whose cupidity is easily ex- 
 cited, and which, in many ins'ances, is only restrained by a know- 
 ledge of the readiness and power of the government to punish their 
 temerity. It becomes us, therefore, to be prepared for any emer- 
 gency. Our citizens should be thoroughly trained in the use of arms, 
 and for acting together if called into the field. But to effect this 
 satisfactorily, our present militia s}stem requires revision. And I 
 would recommend it, gentlemen, to your careful attention, with the 
 hope that you will adopt such improvements as shall give promise of 
 greater efficiency to this arm of public defense. 
 
 It has been suggested, gentlemen, in respectable quarters, that the 
 Legislature, at its present session, should take into serious considera- 
 tion the necessity of recommending to tfie people some amendments 
 to the Constitution, which the times seem to demand. 
 
 An amendment to the 11th section of the 1st article, which de- 
 fines the right of suffrage, is suggested as being particularly desira- 
 ble. The object of this amendment, it appears, is to provide against 
 abuses of the elective franchise; as also against evils which it is sup- 
 posed are likely to arise in the event of a large influx of immigrants 
 on the eve of an election, who, according to existing regulations, 
 are permitted, immediately on their arrival in the Republic, to draw 
 lands under a certificate; which certificate, as expressed in the law, 
 gives only an "imperfect right" in the land until certain improve- 
 ments shall have been made on it, when said cerLificate may be ex- 
 changed for a deed in fee simple. 
 
 The section of the constitution referred to provides that "every 
 male citizen of twe:ity-one years of age, possessing real estate, shall 
 have the right of suffrage." By some it is held that persons holding 
 land under certificate come within the meaning of this section; 
 others maintain that the word possession, as employed in this con- 
 nection, was intended to imply absolute right or title — a freehold 
 estate in one's own right, subject to no conditions; therelore, the 
 party holding land by certifi<^ate only, cannot claim under it the 
 privilege of voting. This subject, by some means, came up before 
 
27 
 
 the Legi.slalure at its last session, when the following Bill, entitled 
 "An Act defining the right entitling male citizens to suffrage," was 
 adopted, viz: 
 
 "That from and after the passage of this Act, all male citizens of 
 twenty-one years of age, who have drawn lands, and holding a cer- 
 tificate, ;-howing the time at which said lands were drawn, thereby 
 giving the drawer i)ossession, shall be considered possessors of real 
 estate, and allowed the right of suffrage during the term which is 
 allowed by law for the improvement of said lands." This definition 
 of the Legislature, however, though observed at the late general 
 election, does not settle the question at issue. Indeed, instead of 
 satisfying the objections that had been raised, it has given rise to 
 new grounds of comj)laint, and has also excited no little animadver- 
 sion among the people. It is contended that the act of defining is 
 in itself unconstitutional, and though adopted possibly as a fiction of 
 policy, it is calculated to establish a precedent of a most dangerous 
 tendency, at once repugnant to, and subversive of the first principles 
 of the Constitution. And, gentlemen, it must be admitted that the 
 arguments carry with them some weight. It is too well known, 
 scarcely to require mention that in forming the Constitution no one 
 principle was kept more prominently before the Convention than a 
 division of the three great powers of the government, legislative, 
 judicial, and executive; that they should be independent of and sep- 
 arate from each other — each confined to the discharge of the proper 
 and legitimate functions assigned it. Under this wise and judicious 
 arrangement it is for the Legislature to make laws, not to interpret 
 them — those even of the least importance, much less the fundamen- 
 tal law of the Constitution. To weigh words and sentences, to de- 
 fine their distinct and legal meaning, especially in reference to the 
 provisions of the Constitution, is for another department of the 
 government, not the Legislature. 
 
 However, it was this action of the Legislature principally, I be- 
 lieve, that suggested the idea of amending the Constitution. But, 
 gentlemen, while I confess that in my opinion, some amendments to 
 the Constitution, consistent with the interests of the people, and per- 
 hfips at the present time demand, are desirable, I am also of opinion 
 that no such necessity exists for the purposes contemplated, in re- 
 gard to the section referred to. It is, nevertheless, quite plain that 
 the subject which has led to these reflections is one of much impor- 
 tance, and is entitled to the serious and candid consideration of the 
 
28 
 
 Legislature. The abuses comj)!ained of, and the evils likelv to arise 
 from the causes to which I have alluded, are such, gentlemen, as 
 should be remedied and provided against. And the remedies to be 
 ap[)lied are clearly within the scope of the powers of the Legisla- 
 ture. A slight revision of the law regulating elections will correct 
 the one, and the passage of a naturalization law will secure the 
 object desired in regard to the other. 
 
 Gentlemen, in a young and prosperous State, where with each re- 
 volving year, the power and resources of the Government and the 
 energies of the people are being rapidly developed, it becomes fre- 
 quently expedient to make new laws, or modify old ones, to meet 
 the exigencies of afl'airs growing out of these changes; hence the 
 frequent recurrence of your meetings. 
 
 And coming, as you do, from all parts of the Republic, it is pre- 
 sumed that you are acquainted with the particular wants of the 
 people, having learned from them the practical operations of old 
 raws and the expediency of enacting new ones. It is, theiefore, 
 expected, gentlemen, that your atlention will be drawn to a leview 
 of the present code, in all its branches, and that you will make such 
 additional laws or amendments as the general good may require or 
 that circumstances may justify. I may, however, be permitted to 
 invite your particular attention to the navigation, commerce, and 
 revenue law, which, in view of the extension of trade, requires, in 
 my opinion, some alterations, which I will take occasion at an early 
 day to lay before you, necessary to its efficiency, and at the same 
 time will be atTording greater facilities and encouragement to com- 
 mercial enterprise. 
 
 I am not aware, gentlemen, ot any very impoitant changes ne- 
 cessary to be made in the Judiciary. The present system, though 
 susceptible of improvement, works well, except, perhaps, so much 
 as relates to the probate court, whose power should be increased to 
 enable it to act with more promptness in the settlement of estates. 
 I recommend the whole system, however, to the careful attention of 
 the Legislature. Nothing, certainly, is more interesting to the pub- 
 lic happiness, than the faithful administration of justice. To this 
 branch ol' the political oiganization the citizen looks with confidence 
 for the protection and security of his rights, and for the redress of 
 grievances. Before the court he presents himself, with full assurance 
 that just recompense will be awarded him for wrongs which he may 
 have suffered from the hands of others. It is, therefore, important 
 
29 
 
 that every facility for carrying the laws into prompt and faithful 
 execution should be provided. And I may also add, that it is equally 
 important that the rules of legal proceedings before the several 
 courts should be made as simple as possible, stripped of all unneces- 
 sary technicalities, and br#ught within the comprehension of every 
 citizen. 
 
 I beg also, gentlemen, to draw your attention lo the subject of 
 education, than which no subject is more vitally in)portant to the 
 future welfare and prosperity of our infant State. The government 
 being immediately under the influence and control of the people ; 
 wisdom and knowledge, as well as viiiue, diffused generally among 
 them, are as absolutely necessary to ihe support and stability of the 
 government, as lor the preservation of their rights and liberties, and 
 as these depend on spreading the opportunities and advantages of 
 education in the various parts of the country, it is the duty of the 
 Legislature to cherish and sustain, by every possible effort, this great 
 interest. I am,sensible, gentlemen, of the deep solitude you feel in 
 regard to (his subject; I am well aware that the limited state of the 
 public finances, at the present time, will not ullow }0U to appropri- 
 ate much money to this object. 1 doubt not, however, that you 
 will encourige, to the extent of your ability, those missionary socie- 
 ties and other institutions which are promoting among us the means 
 of education, as well as true religion; and are preparing many of 
 the youth of the Republic for useful employment both in Church 
 and in State. I have the satisfaction to inform the Legislature that 
 the Act of incorporation for "Liberia College" has been accepted 
 by the gentlemen therein named as rrustees; that they have organ- 
 ized themselves into a body corporate; and though their plans, I be- 
 lieve, are not fully digested, we may hope that they will be able 
 soon to carry the contemplated college into operation. It has been 
 suggested, however, that some of the provisions of the charter are 
 not as clear and as well defined as could be wished, therefore doubts 
 might arise in regard to their true meaning, which it would be well 
 to prevent by an amendatory act — a draft of which has been handed 
 to me, and is herewith submitted for your consideiation. 
 
 Another object of general interest which deserves the fostering 
 care of the government, and which cannot fail to suggest itself to 
 your attention, is agriculture. There are but few subjects that can 
 enfer with greater force and merit into the deliberations of the Le- 
 gislature than a consideration of the best means of promoting, es- 
 
30 
 
 pecially among the native tribes, the agricultural interests of the 
 country. This source of national independence and wealth I re- 
 commend to the constant guardianship of the Legislature. 
 
 The land along the banks of the St. Paul river, as far as Mills- 
 burg, having been all taken up, ii has occurred to me, gentlemen, 
 that great advantages might be secured by opening an avenue or 
 road from the river, at some suitable point, leading into the interior; 
 on each side of which farm lots may be laid out for the accommo- 
 dation of new settlers. I have conferred with the gentleman who 
 has charge of the Colonization Society's affairs, and the location of 
 immigrants coming out under its auspices to this country upon this 
 subject. He approves the plan, and thinks the society would not 
 object to defray a portion of tiie expense thus incurred. I recom- 
 mend the subject to the favorable consideration of the Legislature. 
 
 Perhaps, gentlemen, of all the evidences of the prosperity of the 
 country, the increase of population is the most unequivocal. And 
 with respect to Liberia, the constitution requiring that the first enu- 
 meration under it shall be ordered by the Legislature, this has not 
 been ascertained since the year lSi3. I beg, therefore, to recom- 
 mend to the particular attention of the Legislature the propriety of 
 making provision, at the piesent session, for taking a census o renu- 
 meration of the whole inhabitants of thu Republic, including the 
 entiie aboriginal as well as the Americo-Liberian population. 
 
 Gentlemen, I have the honor of laying betbre you a communica- 
 tion from Governor Wright, enclosing an Act of the General As- 
 sembly of the State of Indiana, in reference to the purchase of a 
 tract of land in Liberia, as a loc ation for emigrants from that State. 
 You will observe, gentlemen, that one of the provisions of the Act 
 is opposed to the existing regulations of this government with re- 
 gard to the allotment of lands to emigrants, and which, in my opin- 
 ion, it would be impolitic to adopt. I have communicated to Gover- 
 nor Wright my views respecting that provision, and have stated 
 some of the reasons which make it inexpedient for this government 
 to entertain it, and at the same time suggested a plan which I 
 thought might meet the wishes of the General Assembly. Accom- 
 panying is a copy of my letter. No further communication from 
 Governor Wright, however, has been received. Nevertheless, in the 
 meantime, I would ask an expression of the Legislature in regard to 
 this subject, that the Executive might be prepared to act definitely 
 should the question be revived. 
 
31 
 
 I have an intimation, gentlemen, that a subject of much delicacy 
 will probably be submitted to your consideration during the course 
 of the present session. I allude to a petition which I understand 
 will be laid before the Legislature by ]Mr. Jacob Vonbrum, and 
 others, his relatives, of Grand Bassa, who claim the right of prop- 
 erty in a certain tract of land in the aforesaid county, lying along 
 Uie beach between the old settlement of Bassa Cove and Fishtowa 
 Point. They rest their claim on a purchase alleged to have been 
 made many years ago of King John, by their father, to secure the 
 right of way to the coast. This being a subject of much impor- 
 tance, I may state, for the information of the Legislature, that a 
 portion of the tract claimed was purcha-ed — whether before or after 
 the purchase alleged to have been made by Mr. Vonbrum's father is 
 uncei tain— of King Joe Harris, by the New York and Pennsylvania 
 Colonization Societies;* and was occupied in the year 1S34 by the 
 immigrants landed from the ship Ninus, whose melancholy fate 
 forms a part of the history of Liberia. And subsequently, in 1836, 
 a council of the chiefs of the whole country, attended by Governor 
 Buchanan and Dr. Skinner, was assembled at Fishtown, when, as 
 appears from the document executed on the occasion, not only the 
 purchase made of King Joe Harris was confirmed, but the remain- 
 ing portion of the territory lying around the sweep of Bassa Cove 
 was ceded to the Commonwealth. It also appears, from what I can 
 learn, that Mr. Vonbrum's father was represented in this council, 
 but no claim was set up. in his behalf, or any reservation made in 
 his favor. I beg, however, to add that while the rights of the gov- 
 ernment should be strictly guarded and looked after, individual 
 rights are no less sacred, and that justice to Mr. Vonbrum and those 
 connected with him in the claim referred to, demands that a candid 
 and careful investigation of the whole matter be had by the Legis- 
 lature, and if the claim can be established, that their rights be 
 secured. 
 
 I have the satisfaction to inform the Legislature that the progress 
 of repairs and improvement of public buildings has been as favor- 
 able as circumstances have permitted. For want of funds, no 
 measures have yet been taken to commence the building ordered to 
 
 * This territory was negotiated for by Robeit McDowall, M. D., on the part of the " Youno 
 Men's Colonization Society or Pem<3ylvania." Tlie Deed bears date December 2, 1834. The 
 first settlement on saiii land was ni»de by the Pennsylvania Society with moneys contributed 
 principally by citizens of Philadelphia. The New York State Colonization So«iety was not 
 known in the purchase or the purchase considerations. — Editor Col. Herald. 
 
32 
 
 be erected in this city for the Executive residence. I am happy to 
 say, however, that the prospects are now more lavoiable. and that 
 the work may he commenced, during the present season, under a 
 fair prospect of being prosecuted to completion within a reasonable 
 time, i would also invite your attention to the dilapidated condi- 
 tion of the light-house on Ca()e Mesurado, which is almost entirely 
 unfit for use. I recommend that provision be made for the erection 
 of a new hou-e, more suitable to the purpose, and lor supplying a 
 camp better adapted to the wants of the mariner. A further a|ipro- 
 priation for the erection of the prison in the county of Grand Bassa 
 is found to be necessary, and to which I would ask your particular 
 attention. Your consideration is also invited to the accompanying 
 communication from Mr. Edward Hall, of Greenville, Sinon, re- 
 questing, on behalt of the proprietors of the saw-mill in that county, 
 that the Government will extend to them such aid as will enable 
 them to carry forward more successfully their operations. 
 
 The estimates of the appropriations necessary ibr the ensuing year, 
 together with an account of the receipts and expenditures at the 
 treasury will be laid before the Legislature at an early day. In the 
 account, gentlemen, you will observe that the expenses of the year 
 have been greatly, though unavoidably, increased by the necessity 
 of maintaining, for several months, a garrison at the new settlement 
 of Buchanan, as also by the ex[)ediiion to Little Cape Mount, and 
 other measures which the Government has been compelled to adopt 
 for the purpose of settling disputes and difliculties among certain 
 native tribes, and putting an end to their cruel and destructive wars. 
 But we may reasonably hope that the harmony now so generally 
 subsisting between the several tribes will continue, and that in future 
 there will be no occasion for expending any considerable amount of 
 jnoney to rr)aintain this good understanding and preserve |)eace. 
 
 I may not omit to mention in this place, also, that we are under 
 renewed obligations both to the American and to the New York 
 State Colonization Societies for pecuniary assistance rendered the 
 Government during the year, and wl ich arrived very opportunely 
 lo relieve it of some pressing demands. 
 
 In the report of the Secretary of the Treasury the slate of the 
 public finances will be fully shown. 1 have gre it pleasure, however* 
 of stating here, that the condition and prospects of the revenue are 
 decidedly encouraging — indeed, quite equal to our most sanguine 
 expectation. 
 
33 
 
 During the yfar just passed the revenue has been more consider- 
 able than durii g any former year. And from the increased, and 
 still increasing trade, and commercial facilities, bringing into the 
 Republic large quantities of m* rchandise, it may be safely estimated 
 that the revenue which will be received into the treasury from that 
 source during the present year, will considerably exceed the amount 
 of n ceipts of the year just ended. It is, therefore, confidently 
 hoped that with the means which the Government will have at its 
 disposal, from various sources, during the yeai, not only its ordinary 
 expenses will be met, but all its present liabilities will be discharged, 
 and that such public improvements may be made as are thought to 
 be particularly necessary. 
 
 The receipts, into the treasury, from all sources, for the fiscal year 
 ending 30th September last, have been 35,093 dollars, while the 
 public expenditures to the same period have amounted to $32,072; 
 leaving in the treasury on that day, exclusive of sundry merchandise 
 in public warehouse, $2,695. I may also add, there is now due the 
 treasury, from various sources, the sum of $7,963; and the present 
 liabilities of the Government, including $5,738 due to foreigners, 
 amount to $13,925 ; leaving a balance against the Government at 
 the period above named of $6,062. 
 
 It is my duty to inform the Legislature that the strictest account- 
 ability has been observed by the officers who have been chai"ged 
 with the management of the fiscal concerns of the Government. 
 No delinquency has been discovered. And as the period for which 
 many of the officers who have been associated with me in the ad- 
 ministration of public affairs, during the present Presidential term, 
 expires with the current year, I avail myself of this occasion to as- 
 sure the Legislature that the officers, generally, have manifested 
 their b:st endeavors in the discharge of their respective duties, and 
 I am gieatly indebted to them for their cordial support and co-ope- 
 raiion in everything which has been suggested for the advancement 
 and benefit of he public interest. But, gentlemen, in the afflicting 
 dispensations of Divine Providence, during the year, tw'o of our 
 most distinguished fellow-citizens anJ public servants, have been re- 
 moved by death. To say that Hon. H. Teage and James Brown 
 are no more, is but to open afresh the founta n of public grief. But 
 while we bow in humble submission to the afflicting hand of Divip.e 
 Piovidence; the earnestness of language, the force of arguments, 
 
 and the commanding eloquence of our late Secretary of State, can 
 R. McK.-3 
 
34 
 
 never be erased from the memory of those who have listened to his 
 patriotic appeals in this Chamber, in advocacy of Liberia's rights 
 and national interests. Superior genius and talents vveie his, and 
 his mind endovi^ed by nature with a lively imagination, and a re- 
 markal'ie degree of logical strength, admirably fitted him for the 
 many responsible public stations, which through the course of many 
 years, l;e «as called to fill. 
 
 And (except that his public career numbered fewer years) less 
 may not be said in reference to the public .services of the late ex- 
 Senator Brown, whose love of country knew no bounds, whose 
 ardour increased in proportion to the difficulties which surrounded 
 it, and when danger threatened, no personal sacrifice was too great 
 for him to make for the public weal. It is not for me, however, to 
 pronounce here an eulogium on the public life and character of 
 these eminent men. Their public deeds are identified with, and be- 
 long to the history of Liberia, and will be recorded on its pages. 
 
 Gentlemen, in the above I have submitted for your information, 
 and have recommended to your consideration such objects of public 
 concern as occurred to me worthy your particular attention and 
 serious deliberation. I may, however, during the course of your 
 session, have occasion to invite your attention to other matters of 
 interest connected to the common weal. In the meantime, gentle- 
 men, I am fully persuaded tl.at youi" own '/eal for the interest of 
 your fellow-citizens will readily suggest to you ot" er subjects of im- 
 portance which will claim your immediate attention. 
 
 It is a matter of congratulation that the views which I have been 
 able to lay before the Legislature of our aftairs — foreign and domes- 
 tic — presents gialifying and indubitable proofs of the continued 
 prosperity of our country. 
 
 And in conclusion, gentlemen, allow me to say that I atn deeply 
 sensible of the arduousness as well as of the importance of the 
 labors in which you are now about to engage. To your guardian- 
 ship are committed the rij^hts and interests of the whole people ol 
 this Republic; and your first care is to preserve and foster these by 
 good and wholesome laws, thereby laying deep the foundation of 
 Liberia's future happiness and pro-perity. And, gentlemen, 1 
 scarcely need remind you that the prosperity of a nation depends 
 much upon the purity of its patriotism — especially of its legislators. 
 If tl.is be founded on the broad and solid basis of right, political 
 economy, as well as moral philosophy, pledges to it the possession 
 
35 
 
 of every object which lies within the grasp of national desire. If 
 we desire to seek our country's good; to see her people prosperous 
 and happy ; her government permanent and just; and her national 
 character high and commanding, this is true patriotism — a passion 
 which, if controlled by virtuous principles, leads to much that is 
 generous in sentiment, elevated in purpose, and noble in action. 
 Men, however, do not always distinguish between the popular and 
 the true notion of patriotism. Local attachment is a radical princi- 
 ple in the constitution of man, and often leads him to that popular 
 notion of patriotism which is selfish in its objects, and in its domes- 
 tic relations devoted to sectional interests. B\t this is not true pa- 
 triotism — that patriotism which, unbounded by county lines, or 
 sectional prejudices, is founded upon the law of benevolence; and 
 when exercised, extinguishes a thousand jealousies which are ever 
 ready to interrupt public harmony. True patriotism is, in its very 
 nature, virtuous; doing right, which is virtue itself. It aims by 
 equal legislation, extending to the remotest angles of the country 
 to encourage and support the interests of all. 
 
 Acting ourselves, gentlemen, upon these principles of a pure and 
 high-minded patriotism, and inculcating them in the rising genera- 
 tion, then shall our patrimony be also that of our children — and 
 Liberty, having here found a home, shall abide for ever. 
 
 Gentlemen, I have now only to assure you of my cheerful con- 
 currence and assistance, where required, to promote the discharge of 
 }Our present duties. And my earnest i)rayer is, that your minds 
 may be drawn to that Almighty Being, the source of all wisdom and 
 knowledge, and from whence come all earthly blessings, that He 
 will enlighten your understandings, and so direct your deliberations 
 that whatever measures you may adopt they shall tend to the perpe- 
 tuity of our institutions, the improvement of society, and the spread 
 of civilization and Christianity among the barbarous tribes of this 
 continent. 
 
 J. J. ROBERTS. 
 
 Government House, Monrovia, Dec. 6ih. 1853. 
 
36 
 
 It may not be out of place to re-publish the appeal of Wm. W. 
 Fmdlay, in connection with this report, as he is referred to therein, 
 and as some of his friends may wish to review it and again consider 
 its sober truths : 
 
 Appeal of Wm. W. Findlay^ to the Colored People of Indiana. 
 
 Dear Friends: — The writer being a colored man, it may be sup- 
 posed thai he desires the well being of his race, not a part of the 
 colored race, but of the whole race of Africans, in this land and in 
 Africa. Nor do 1 consider myself guilty of affectation, when I say, 
 that I ardently desire their elevation, and am willing to contribute 
 all I can to that end. It has long been an inquiry wilh me, how 
 can our race be elevated ? How can colored men be made truly inde- 
 pendent? After much anxious and painful inquiry, I have con- 
 cluded, that to be truly independent, we must enjoy rights and 
 privileges as broad and as liberal as those enjoyed by the white citi- 
 zens of the United States. In other words, have the right of elect- 
 ing our l.iw-makers, and our magistrates ; and all the offices of State 
 should be accessible to our color ; and not only so, but we should 
 be 'ree to move in such circles of society as we may be entitled to 
 by our moral worth, character, and talents; and likewise free to 
 form alliance with those classes of society. These, in my humble 
 opinion, are the rights and privileges we must possess before we can 
 be independent. 
 
 But now let us inquire in candor, do we, as a people, enjoy such 
 independence? Do colored men, in the most liberal of the northern 
 States, enjoy such independence? You all know that they do not — 
 the sad reverse is the case. And will the time soon come in the his- 
 tory of American society, when the colored man will be permitted 
 to enjoy such independence — independence, not only in civil things, 
 but independence in all the more delicate matters of social equality? 
 I must honestly confess I think not. And further, I am bold to con- 
 fess that anything short of the above described independence will 
 not satisfy me, nor should anything short satisfy the man of an 
 independent spirit. 
 
 But such independence we cannot obtain in the United States, 
 therefore I will seek it outside the United States. / will seek it 
 where I know I can find it, and thsit is m the Republic of Liberia, 
 
37 
 
 which is the only christian Republic where the colored man can find 
 a quiet and secure home. Nor do I act dishonorably in thus escap- 
 ing from civil and social oppression, for I am only doing what thou- 
 sands of the first and best settlers of the United States did, and I 
 think it an honor to follow their example, in seeking liberty, though 
 like them 1 be compelled to seek it in a wilderness. And the object 
 of this appeal is to invite you who love true independence, and are 
 willing to endure some toil to obtain it, to go with us to that land of 
 liberty, where we may likewise aid in the elevation and enlighten- 
 ment of our whole race, which duty is more obligatory on us, than 
 upon the white race, many of whom are willing to sacrijice their 
 lives and property in the work of converting Africa. 
 
 Some of you may blame us for not staying in this land and con- 
 tending for all the above rights of man. Our answer to all such 
 complaints is this: we believe that civil slavery in this land will be 
 abolished by Divine Providence without the co-operation of the free 
 colored man ; he requires not our aid in this work — he can and will, 
 in his own way, sweep slavery from tlie civil institutions of America. 
 But I honestly doubt whether it is the will or order of Providence 
 to grant us perfect social equality with the white race at this time, 
 nor am I disposed to strive or quarrel with them for this favor, but 
 would follow the example of Abraham, who disliked the strife that 
 had sprung up between him and Lot, and religiously proposed sepa- 
 ration as a remedy for the quarrel, and a means of perpetuating 
 peace ; so we should separate from the white race, that we may be 
 free and they enjoy peace; for, doubtless, God has given this land 
 to them. Acting from the above religious and honorable views, we 
 confidently expect that God will bless us in our movements. 
 
 It is the design of the writer and some of his friends, to go out to 
 Liberia about the month of October or November next, and it is 
 desirable to have as many emigrants from Indiana as we can mus- 
 ter. Liberia holds out many attractions for the man of color, but 
 the greatest is that of liberty and independence. Thousands have 
 gone from this land to that, and all who have been industrious have 
 done well ; many of them are becoming wealthy, but what is best, 
 they are all free ! Come, let us go and cast our lot in with them 
 and be free likewise. If any of you have been cherishing the spirit 
 of independence, and long for such freedom as the free Republic of 
 Liberia offers, and if you desire a passage to that land, just let your 
 wishes be known to the Agent of the American Colonization Society 
 
38 
 
 in this State. Address Rev. J. Mitchell, at Indianapolis, who will 
 be pleased to book your name as an emigrant and procure for you a 
 passage out, and send you all the information that you may want. 
 No lime should be lost — act now, act for yourselves, your children, 
 and your race. 
 
 WM. W. FINDLAY. 
 Covington, Ind., April 6th, 1849. 
 
[E.] 
 
 PLAN OF SETTLEMENT. 
 
 At a public meeting of the Slate Board of Colonization held on 
 the tidih of May, 1854, the foregoing report and accompanying 
 documents were submitted to the B>ard, and after consideration, we 
 submitted the following statement, founded thereon, which being 
 considered was adopted, together with the appended resolutions: 
 
 From all the evidence we can gather relating to this subject, we 
 believe that Grand Cape Mount is the most desirable location for 
 the Indiana settlement. "Africa would be preferable to Europe," 
 said the French navigator, VillauU, in 1667, " if it xcere all like 
 Cape Mount.''^ He launches out wish delight on the beauty of the 
 prospects and the richness of the country. He says, "There you 
 find oranges, almonds, melons, pumpkins, cherries, plumbs," and the 
 abundance of animals was so great that the flesh was sold " for al- 
 most nothing." An unvarying line of favorable testimony has been 
 rendered, from the above date to the piesent time, by voyagers, vis- 
 itors, and residents in regard to that point of the African Coast, and 
 this delightful country is the location now put at our disposal for 
 the use and benelit of our colored people who may desire to change 
 their place of residence. 
 
 And to secure this place for them, prompt measures have been 
 adopted by this Board. Finding the Government of Liberia dis- 
 posed to accommodate the slight difference that exists in relation to 
 lands, by selling them at prices agreeable to this Board, the follow- 
 ing resolutions were adopted at its last meeting: 
 
 '^Resolved, That we will select the locality at Grand Cape Mount, 
 on the African Coast, as the point for our Liberian settlement; and 
 instruct the Secretary to make an appeal to the public, and to the 
 churches, to raise the sum of three or four thousand dollars to meet 
 
40 
 
 the wants of the case until such time as our existing law can 
 be (^hanged. 
 
 ^^ Resolved, That the communication of President Roberts be so 
 answered as to state the above determination of the Board, and di- 
 rect him to call Wm. W. Findlay to his ;iid in the work of making 
 said settlement." 
 
 To carry out the intentions of the Board it will be found neces- 
 sary to adopt a plan of settlement. 
 
 A town or village should be planned, containing the following 
 essential buildings: 
 
 A large house for the reception of emigrants, where they can be 
 cared for during the short period of their acclimating. 
 
 A strong public store-house, so constructed as to furnish a pro- 
 tection to the settlers, if such should be needed. 
 
 And a large school-house which could be used as a church ; for 
 schools and churches are indispensable to American civilization, and 
 our colored friends in Liberia are not disposed to move one step 
 without them — to them they give their earliest and greatest atten- 
 tion. 
 
 Such necessary structures will cost at least $3,000, and to eiect 
 such, we have no State appropriation ; that on hand being for the 
 transportation of emigrants and the purchase of 1 mds. This being 
 the case the Board, as stated above, having directed us to make a 
 prompt appeal to the friends of colonization in the State, and place 
 the proposition to secure the means for the erection of those neces- 
 sary buildings at once before t'le public as an object of benevolent 
 efTort and contribution. 
 
 We, therefore, design asking our friends who have the meansj, 
 and who love to see the spread of our Christian civilization, to aid 
 in this good work ; nor do we expect to ask in vain in thus laboring 
 to give Africa an additional American colony, and in making the 
 noble appropriation of our State available. 
 
 A town must be planted at Grand Cape Mount, and such public 
 buildings as those named above are indispensable to the beginning 
 of a new settlement on the African coast; for when erected they 
 form the neucleus of a town, around which the houses of the settlers 
 arc built. The first, or temporary houses, for residence, are cheap 
 structures, not costing over $30 or $40 dollars each ; yet notwith- 
 stand they afford a safe and comfortable residence until such time 
 as the emigrant has ability to erect better. 
 
41 
 
 We thus, for the first time, publicly express the lioj-e that there 
 are a number of men in Indiana who will give $100 each to this 
 object; and we hope there are a larger number still, who will freely 
 contribute $50, and others $30, and $'20. Will not the friends of 
 Findlay, who aided him to go to Liberia, aid him in doing lasting 
 good to posterity? We think him a true and trustworthy man, and 
 just such an one as will succeed in his enterj)rise. 
 
 With these preparatory remaiks, we now subniit the following 
 resolutions for consideration and adoption : 
 
 Resolved, That a correct list of all who contribute to t'le founda- 
 tion of this settlement be preserved ; and thai such as contribute 
 sums over five dollars, shall l.ave their names lecorded on a parch- 
 ment record, and forwarded to the Government of Liberia, to be 
 placed amongst the future records of the town of Grand Cape 
 Mount. Adopted. 
 
 Resolved, That we recommend this enterprise to the favorable 
 consideration of a benevolent public. Adopted. 
 
 The following resolution was submitted for reflection, to be con- 
 sidered at the next public meeting of the Board, which will be called 
 for that purpose by the call of the President : 
 
 Resolved, That we invite the churches of Indiana to unite in the 
 establishment of a mission school at Grand Cape Mount, for the 
 benefit not only of the children of the settler, but likewise of the 
 Yey nation. And to this end name a receiving committee of — 
 persons to receive from their respective denonjinations such sums as 
 may be forwarded to them for this object. 
 
 The Vey nation, who reside in the (4rand Cape Mount country, are 
 an intelligent tribe, capable of much improvement. They are Mo- 
 hamadans, and consequently are not degraded by the errors of pagan- 
 ism. They recognize the unity of the Deity; and in this age, when the 
 delusions of the false prophet are about to be swept away, it will be 
 an easy and agreeable work to inspire theiii with a love for our 
 Christian civilization. 
 
 J. MITCHELL, 
 S?c. of th'i Board. 
 
S4 If 
 


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