Ji^ E 448 .Asa ADDRESS , Of the Board of Managers of the American Coloni- zation Society to the Public, The period has arrived when the American Colonization Society is called to increased activity and extended opera- tions. The attention of the Society has hitherto heen prin- cipaily engaged in collecting and ditfueing information. The information thus collected is sufficient to satisfy every candid and judicious inquirer, that the establishment of a colony on the west coast of Africa is safe and practicable, and that it will be of great benefit both to this country and to Africa. We believe, likewise, that there is a debt of justice and of moral obligation due from the people of this country to Africans, and theirdescendantsin both continents, which can be discharged more satisfactorily' ^nd beneficially to each, in this way, than in any other. The board of Ma-j^,^v. nagers, therefore, some time since, came to the tesolutidti'tff " commencing the colony as soon as funds could be pro^jfecd., and the necessary arrangements made. The ^o^j^^re^^ since been engaged in preparatory measures for Hi^^fip- rangements, a brief statement of which it is proposed to lay before the public. In the number of circumstances which have since occurred to strengthen their hands and encourage their hearts, to animate their zeal and quicken theiir '^j^i- • gedce, they gratefully recognise the smiles of Providetice on their humble efforts. It is already known to the p|«l>lfe, that the Managers laid before Congress, at the last session, a great variety of docu- raents, and other valuable information, relative to ,tli^" proposed colony and the slave trade, selections from w;liic^i have been published by that body, with the SecoilS-Air nual Report of the Society. The shortness of the ses- sion, and the mass of other important business before Con- gress, did not leave sufficient time for the discussion and consideration of the question of colonization. At the close; of the session, however, an important law passed, en- titled " An act, in addition to the acts prohibiting the slave trade." This law was zealously supported by the friends of the Society, and shortly after its passage a coin inittee vvas appointed by the Board to wait on the President of the United Statesand the heads of departments, to tender the services of the Managers in any way in which (hey might he useful in carrying it info efiect. From lise ?nea- sures adopted by the executive, it is probable, that thert) will be a number of captured negroes to be provided for be- fo^e|the end of the year; and assurances having been given > ii.'it il llie Society would procure a proper situation in Africa, the captured negroes should be put under its care, and be provided for at the public expense, the course to be pursued by the Board could no longer remain doubtful. A number of free people of colour in different parts of the United States have already offered themselves for the colony. To select those best qualified to lay the foundation of this infant esta- blishment, the Managers feel is of the utmost importance to its future character and prosperity. To aid in this and other itnportant preparatory measures, the Board has appointed the Rev. William Meade, of Virginia, agent of the Society. To those who know Mr. Mead, the value of his labours and the importance of his pastoral services, this appointment Avill be one of the highest pledges which the Managers can give to the public of the importance of the duties in which (hey are engaged, and of their zeal and perseverance in their /lischarge. The Managers have entered upon these duties, and en- ccaged in these measures, with an humble dependence upon Divine Providence, and a firm reliance on the justice, hu- manity, and liberality of their fellow citizens, that the ne- cessary pecuniary aid will be afforded for the prosecution of their plans. For the purpose of collecting funds, and of giving and procuring information, agents will be sent to the different cities in the United States, and to such other |)laces as will be convenient. It is hoped that associations will be formed in different parts of the United States to aid the Society. Over so widely extended a country much must be left to the voluntary exertions of tlie people. We have, however, now to make a more pressing call for immediate relief and aid. A few days since, the hon. Wm. H. Crawford, Secretary of the Treasury, one of the Vice Presidents of the Society, transmitted to the Board of Ma- nagers an advertisement in a Georgia newspaper, offering lor sale, on the 4th of May next, thirt}-^ or forty negroes, who had been introduced into the state in violation of the \divt proMMting the slave trade. (1) The law of Georgia, di- recting these sales, passed Dec. 19lh, 1817, and maybe found in the appendix to the Second Annual Report of the Society, p. 91. letter I. By the 3d section of that law, it is provided, " That if, |)reviou3 to any sale of any such per- sons of colour, the Society for colonizing the free jiersons of colour, within the United States, Avill undertake to transport them to Africa, or any other foreign place, Avhich they may procure as a colony for free persons of colour, at the sole ex- pense of said Society, and shall likewise pay to his excol- lenc}'^ the governor all expenses incurred by tjie state since o CO ^ 3 the)' have been capliired ami contlemned, his excellency the governor is authorized and requested to aid in promoting the benevolent views of said Society in such manner as he may deem expedient." The Board unanimously determined to avail themselves of the privilege contained in this law, and to send an agent to Georgia to comply with the conditions, and to lake charge of these unhappy victims of violence and fraud, for the purpose of returning them to their native soil. Preparations are making, with the aid of the government, for a safe asylum, (2) where they will be provided for and instructed till the co- lony can be prepared for their reception. Providence has thus enlarged the sphere of usefulness and the field of exer- tion for the Society. The Managers are called to more ac- tive duty, and an opportunity is thus given to the public, in the. commencement of our operations, to test the sincerity of those expressions of detestation so frequently uttered against the slave trade, and of those frequent professions of sym- pathy for the abused and oppressed Africans. The call is urgent, the occasion pressing, the time short ; much is to be done in a few days, or these unhappy beings will be beyond our reach. It is supposed that about five thousand dollars may be required for this object ; and as there is not time to make personal application to individuals, it is requested that the Auxiliary Societies and individuals favourable to this this object, will make immediate exertions to raise funds to enable the Board to comply with the conditions of the Georgia law\ Money collected for this purpose, and dona- tions for the general object of the Society, may be forwarded to David Engiish, cashier of the Union Bunk of Georgetown, District of Columbia, Treasurer of the Society. We know that we commence our operations and make this call at a time peculiarly embarrassing. Times and sea- sons are in the hands of Him who doeth what seeraeth him right, and can overrule all to our good. He who giveth Cor such objects but lendeth to the Lord. We have ibllowed what wc believe to be the o[)enings of Providence. This time may be selected to try our faith and test our sincerity. The widoAv's mite was more acceptable than the costly of- ferings of the great. Will not, then, the sacrifices now made in a proper spirit, be more acceptable than the offerings from the overllowiiigs of abundance ? By order of the Board of Managers, E. B. CALDWELL, Scc'ry .Jxo. UNnr;«\i"nGP, Rccordifi<:^ Stc'nj. (Notel.;) From the Georgia paper. SALE OF AFRICAN SLAVES, ©n Tuesday, the 4th of May next, in the town of Milledgeville, wLU be exposed to public sale, to the highest bidder, between Ihirty and forty prime African slaves, which have been taken 'possehsion of by the state of Georgia in consequence of their having been introduced contrary to the laws of this State, and of the United States. Indisputable titles will be made, and prompt payment lequired. By order of the Governor, March 6, 1819. CHARLES WILLIAMSON, Agent. (Note 2.) George TV. P. Ciistis, Esq. of Arlington, the grandson of Mrs. Wash- ington, cheerfully offered the use of his Island near Cape Charles, at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, and accompanied the offer with a refusal to accept, any compensation. It is called Smith's Island ; and is happily adapted, and most favourably located for the purpose j and has been se- lected by the President of the United States for the captured Africans, till they can be sent to Africa. CONSTITUTION OF THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY Art. I. — This Society shall be called, " The American So- ciety for colonizing the free people of colour of the United States.'- Art. II. — The object to wliich its attention is to be exclu- sively directed, is to promote and execute a plan for coloniz- ing (with their consent) the free people of colour residing in our country, in ^^frica, or such other place as Congress shall deem most expedient. And the Society shall act, to effect this object, in co-operation with the general government, and such of the states as may adopt regulations upon the subject. Art. III. — Every citizen of the United States, who shall subscribe these articles, and bean annual contributor of one dollar to the funds of the Society, shall be a member. On pay- ing a sum not less than thirty dollars, at one subscription, shall be a member for life. Art. IV. — The officers of this Society shall be, a President, Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Recorder, and a Board of Managers, composed of the above named officers, and twelve other members of the Society. They shall be annually elected by the members of the Society, at theii* annual meeting on the Saturday preceding new year's day, and continue to discharge their respective duties till others are appointed. Art. V. — It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Society, and of the Board of Managers, and to call meetings of the Society, and of the Board, when lie thinks necessary, or when required fay any three members of the Board. Art. VI — The Vice-Presidents, according to seniority, shall discharge these duties in the absence of the President. Art. VII. — The Secretary shall take minutes of the pro- ceedings, prepare and publish notices, and discharge such other duties as the Board, or the President, or, in his absence, the Vice-President, according to seniority, (when tlie Board is not sitting,) sltall direct. And the Recorder shall record the proceedings and the names of the members, and discharge such other duties as may be recjuired of him. Art. V III. — The Treasurer shall receive and take charge of the funds of the Society, under such security as may bepi-e- scribed by the Board of Managers ; keep tlie accounts, and exhibit a statement of receipts and expenditures at every an- nual meeting, and disclinri^e such other (hities a;^ may be re- quired of him. 6 Art. IX. — The Board of INIanagers shall ineet on the first Monday in January, the first Monday in April, the first Mon- day in July, and the first Monday in October, every year, and at such other times as the Presitlent may direct. They shall conduct the business of the Society, and take such measures for effecting its object as they shall think proper, or shall be directed at the meetings of the Society, and make an annual report of their proceedings. They shall also fill up all vacan- cies occurring during the year, and make such by-laws for their government as they may deem necessary, provided the same are not repugnant to this constitution. Art. X. — Every Society which shall be formed in the Uni- ted States to aid in the object of this Association, and which shall co-operate with its funds for the purposes thereof, agree- ably to the rules and regulations of this Society, shall be con- sidered auxiliary thereto ; and its officers shall be entitled to attend and vote at all meetings of the Society, and of the Board of Managers. The Board of Managers of the American Coloni- zation Society beg leave to lay before you the following letter from their agents the Rev. Mr, Mead, relative to a most interesting subject, to which they some time since solicited the public attention. They return tfieir ivarmest thanks to those from whose benevolence they have received contributions; and they hope that, al- though a considerable sum is still necessary for the at- iainmeui of their objects their appeal to the humanity of their fellow-citizens will be effectual. Washington City, May 19th, 1819. Milledgeiillc, May ilh, 1B19. My Dear Sir : This day, which was to have been the day of bondage and sorrow to the poor Africans, on v. Jiose account I was sent to this place, has been turned into a day of liberty and joy to them. At least, I confidentiy hope that the arrangements we have made will eventuate thus happily, and that, before the year is ended, they will see their native land and all which they love most on earth. The Governor has postponed the sale, and afforded me an opportunity of seeking, among the huma.-:e and generous of this southern country, the means of their redemption. I enter upon this task to- morrow, by conveuino; the citizens of this place to form aa Auxiliary Society. An attempt has been made to recover these poor creatures into the hands of certain individuals who were concerned either in their first capture, or in their purchase a:id introduction into this state — but there is, I hope, nothing to fear from this combination of avarice and oppression against the claims of justice and humanity. 1 ar- rived here Oii Saturday evening, and on Sunday morning walked out to their little encampment in the vicinity of ihe town, to see them. As 1 apj^Moached their habitation I found them gathered around a good old man, into whose care they had been given, and who was telling them that some good people had sent me to prevent Ihcir sale, and carry them back to Africa. I wish you could have been with me to have witnessed their joy ; they crowded around me, and b)^ turns took hold of my hands, and, in broken Eifglish, ex- pressed their gratitude. They at first (as the old man told me) would scarcely believe it; they had never heard of any such thing before, and it is no wonder they shouhl doubt it. Even the next day one of them said to him, " Avhile |)cople never send negroes back to Africa; i never see n)y children again." Tlie old man, who had gained their confidence, asked them if lie ever told them a lie, and this seemed to en- courage their fuilh. A very strong attachment has grown up between them and him, and I have seen them sheil tears while speaking to them about leaving him. He asked one, who seemed more overjoyed than the rest at the thought of going, "if he wanted to leave old Daniel, (for that is his name,) who had taken such good care of hinj, and given him so nmtdi good messes ?" 'J'he poor fellow buns his head as if convicted of ingratitude, and then said, "he did not want to leave him, but wante