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A VIE W 
 
 OF 
 
 EXERTIONS LATELY MADE 
 
 FOK THB PURPOSE OP 
 
 COLONIZING 
 
 THE 
 
 [REE PEOPLE OF COLOUil, 
 
 IN THE UNITED STATES, IN AFPJlS V, 
 
 OR elskwim:be. 
 
 eiTY OF WASHINGTON, 
 
 Piinted by Jonathan Elliot, Penasvlvania Avenue. 
 
 1817. 
 
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 . \ ■^ - ' 1 
 
A VIEW, ke. 
 
 THE present age witnesses numerous and unexpected changes, 
 and it is peculiarly grateful to the benevolent man to notice among 
 these changes many which are ominous of good. As a traveller, 
 wearied with the roughness and barrenness of the region he has past, 
 enjoys the scenery of a cultivated and luxuriant country; so the phi- 
 lanthropist, distressed with the confusion and misery which pervade 
 many portions of the world, may still tix his attention on those favor- 
 able occurrences in Divine Providence, and contemplate with pecu- 
 liar pleasure the risins: glory of the kingdom of Christ, and the pre- 
 valence of that religion which proclaims " peace on earth and good 
 will to men." 
 
 The success which attends charitable and benevolent societies, 
 has in many instances surpassed the expectations even of their 
 friends and patrons. And whether the public are encouraged and 
 gratified with the success of past exertions, or whether they are a- 
 larmed and excited by the miseries which thousands feel, and in 
 which other thousands sympathize, it is but just to acknowledge that 
 there exists an unusual sensibility and desire to aid tlie cause of hu- 
 manity and religion. The tone of public feeling is elevated. If any 
 sufficient object can be assigned for benevolent exertion, and can be 
 enforced by any sufficient reasons, it will scarcely fail to receive all 
 deserved approbation and support. 
 
 Influenced by these considerations, the following view of exer- 
 tions lately made lor colonizing free people of colour, is presented to 
 the public. 
 
 It is already known that the attention of many intelligent men 
 in the United States has been recently turned v/ith peculiar force and 
 a corresponding zeal and spirit of perseverance to this subject. Some 
 very important preparatory steps to such a measure have been ta- 
 ken. Soon after the commencement of the present session ,of Con- 
 g;ress the expediency of colonizing free people of colour became a 
 subject of consideration with many gentlemen of respectability from 
 the dilierent states. The propriety of such a measure could it be 
 carried into etiect, was generally admitted. It uas thought that a 
 designof such importance so intimately connected with the best in- 
 terest of the citizens of the U. States, and promising at the same time 
 to improve and meliorate tlie state of that class of the community for 
 whom provision was to be made, should not be abandoned without 
 H vigorous and a thorough effort to carry it into execution. 
 
 The formation of a colonization society was therefore proposed. 
 Many were led the more readily to approve of an institution of this 
 kind, from a knowledge that this subject occupies the attention of 
 many worthy citizens in different states ; but particularly from the 
 
4 
 
 consideration which had been bestowed upon it by the legislature of 
 a highW respectable sister state (V^irginia.) As the following pre- 
 amble and resolution were a[vproved by the House of Delegates of 
 that state, previous to the first meeting for the formation of the Ame- 
 rican colonization society, it will be proper to introduce them in this 
 place, as they were afterwards amended by the Senate and adopted. 
 " Whereas the General Assembly of Virginia have repeatedly 
 sought to obtain an asylum, beyond the limits of the United St-itcs, 
 for such persons of color, as had been, or might be, emancipated un- 
 der the laws of this commonwealth, but have hitherto found all their 
 efforts, frustrated, either by the disturbed state of other nations, or 
 domestic ciuises equally unproyjitious to its success: 
 
 " They now avail themselves of a period when peace has healed 
 the wounds of humanity, and the principal nations of Europe have 
 concurred, with the government of tiie U. States, in abolishing the 
 African slave trade, fa traffic, which this commonwealth, both be- 
 fore an'l since the revolution, zealously sought to terminate) to re- 
 new thi.i effort; and do therefore resolve, that the executive be re- 
 quested to corresj)ond with the President of the United States for the 
 purpose of obtaining a territory on the coast of Africa, or some other 
 place, not within any of the s1;sites or territorial governments of the 
 United States, to serve as an asylum for such persons of colour, as 
 ar<" now free, and may desire the same, and for those who may be 
 hereafter eniancipatf.'d within this commonwealth; and that the 
 Seoators and Representatives of this State in the Congress of the 
 United States, be requested to exert their best efforts to aid the Pre- 
 sident of the U. States in the attainment of the above object: Pro- 
 vided, that no contract or arrangement respecting such territory shall 
 be obligatory on this conmionw^aith until ratified by the Legislature." 
 Believing that the Legislature of Virginia had entered upon this 
 subject with a spirit and a determination to prosecute the measure 
 proposed, and desirous of producini; a more general and simultane- 
 ous feeling and movement in aid of this object, by calling the atten- 
 tion of the general government to the subject, a meeting for tlie pur- 
 pose of forming a colonization society was appointed to be held in 
 this city on the 21st of December 18l6. At the time proposed a 
 very respectable number of gentlemen attended. 
 
 The following extracts relative to the proceedings of the meeting are 
 from the National Intelliaencer of December 24. 
 
 Mr. H.^nrii Clay, of Kentucky, having been called to the chair, 
 and ]Mr. Thomas Duughertij, of this district, having been appointed 
 secretary — 
 
 Mr. Clay, fon taking the chair) said that he had hoped to 
 have seen called to the place, for which he had the honor oi being 
 seU'cted, a gentleman 'judge Washington) who, from his name, his 
 exalted.^tat'on, and his diitinguislud virtues, would have communi- 
 cated an additional importance to the present meeting. But as thai 
 gentleman was not present. Mr. C. regretted to learn, from causes 
 beyond 'lis-control. he would, with great pleasure, endeavour to dis- 
 charge the duties of the chair. Pie understood the object of the 
 present meeting, to be, to consider of the propriety and practkabHi- 
 
xy of colonizing the free people of color in the United States, and di. 
 forming an association in relatioa to thi.t ot>jcct. That class, of the 
 mixt population of our country was peculiarly situated. They nei- 
 ther enjoyed the immunities of freemen, nor were tiiey subject to 
 th^ incapacities of slaves, but partook in some degree of the quali- 
 ties of both. From their condition, and the unconquerable prejudi- 
 ces resulting from their color, they never could amalgamate with the 
 free whites of this country. It was desirable, therefore, both as it 
 respected them, and the residue of the populiilion of the country, to 
 drain them off. ^ arious schemes of colonisation had been thought 
 of, and apart of our own continent, it was thought by some, might 
 furni.-;h a suitable establi'ihment for thorn. But, for his part, Mr. 
 C" said, he had a decided preference for some part of the coast of 
 Africa. There ample provision might be made for the colony it- 
 self, and it might be rendered instrumental to the introduction, into 
 that extensive quarter of the globe, of the arts, civilization and 
 Christianity. There was a peculiar, a moral fitness in restoring 
 them to the land of their fathers. And if, instead of the evils and 
 suflcrings which we had been the innocent cause of inflicting upon 
 the inhabitants of Africa, we can transmit to her the blessings of our 
 arts, our civilization and our religion, may we not hope that Ameri- 
 ca will extinguish a great portion of that moral debt which she has 
 contracted to that unfortunate continent? We should derive much 
 encouragement in the prosecution of the object vi^hich had assem- 
 bled us togetner, by the success which had attended the colony of 
 Sierra Leone. That establishment had commenced about 20 or 25 
 years ago, under the patronage of private individuals in G. Britain. 
 The basis of the population of the colony consisted of the fugitive 
 slaves of the southern states, during the revolutionary war, who had 
 been first carried to Nova Scotia, and who, afterwards, about the 
 year 1792, upon their own application, almost in mass, had been 
 transferred to the western coa.«t of Africa. This colony, after strug- 
 gling with the most unheard of difficulties — difficulties resulting from 
 the ignorance, barbarity, and prejudices of the natives; from the 
 climate (which were, however, found to be not at all insurmountable; 
 from wars, African as well as European; aiid such as are incidental 
 to all new settlements) had made a gradual and steady progress, un- 
 til it has acqiired a strength and stability which promises to crown 
 the efforts of its founders with complete success. We have their ex- 
 perience before us; and can there be a nobler cause than that which, 
 while it proposes to rid our own country of a useless and pernicious, 
 if not a dangerous portion of its population, contemplates the spread- 
 ing of the arts of civilized Ufe, and the possible redemption from ig- 
 norance and barbarism of a benighted quartei- of the globe- 
 It was proper and necessary distinctly to state, that he under- 
 stood it constituted no part of the object of this meeting to touch or 
 agitate, in the slightest degree, a delicate question connected with 
 another portion of the coloured population of our country. It was 
 not proposed to deliberate on, or consider at all, any question of 
 emancipation, or tliat was connected with the abolition of slavery. 
 It was upon that condition alone, he was sure, that many gentlemen 
 kr>m the south and the west, whom he saw present, had attended, 
 
6 
 
 •r could be expected to co-operate. It was upon that condition, on- 
 ly, that he had himsch' attended. He would only f.;,tiier adii, that 
 he hoped, in their deliberations, they would be j:uided by that iriode- 
 ration, politeness and deference for the oj)inion of each other, v\':;i;Ij 
 were essential to any useful result. But when he looked around and 
 saw the respectable assemblage, and recollected the humane and be- 
 nevolent purpose which had produced it, he feli it unnecessary to in- 
 sist farther on this topic. 
 
 Mr. EUas B. Cah.lweU, fof this district^ then rose. lie said, he 
 felt peculiar embairassment in obtnidnig himself upon the notice of 
 so large and respectable a meeting, in which he found some of the 
 most distinguished characters in our country. 1 ask, said he, your 
 indulgence in offering to the consideration of the meeting the reso- 
 lutions which I hold in my' hand, and to a few explanatory observa- 
 tions. The objects of the meeting have been feelingly and correct- 
 ly stated by the honorable chairman. The subject seems to be di- 
 vided into — 
 
 1st. The expediency; and, 2dly, tlie practicability of the pro- 
 posed plan. The expediency of colonizing the free j)eoplc of color 
 in the United States, maj' be considerrd in reference to its influence 
 on our civil institutions, on the morals and habits of the people, and" 
 on the future happiness of the free people of color. It has been a 
 subject of unceasing regret, and aiixious solicitude, among many of 
 our best patriots and wisest statesmen, from the first establishment 
 of our independence, that this class of people should remain a mon- 
 ument of reproach to those sacred principles of civil liberty, which 
 constitute the foundation of ail our constitutions. We say, in the 
 declaration of independence, '•' that all men are created equal'' and 
 have certain '• inalienable rights." Yet it is considered impossible, 
 consistently witli the safety of the state, and it certainly is impossi- 
 ble, with the present feelings towar<ls these people, that they can 
 ever be placed upon this equality, or admitted to the enjoyment of 
 these '• inalienable rights," whilst they remain mixed with us. Some 
 persons ma}- declaim, and call it prejudice. No matter — prejudice 
 is as ])Owerful a motive, and will as certainly exclude them as the 
 soundest reason. Others may sa}', they are free enough. If this 
 is a matter of opinion, let them judge — if of reason, let it be deci- 
 ded by our repeated and solemn declarations, in all our public acts, — 
 This state of society, unquestionably tends, in various ways, to injure 
 the morals and destroy the habits of industry among our people. 
 Tliis will be acknowledged by every person who has paid any at- 
 tention to the subject; and it seems to be so generally admitted, that 
 it would promote the happiness of the people, and the interest of 
 the country, to }»ovide a place where these people might be settled 
 by themselves, that it is unnecessary to dwell on this branch of the 
 subject. 
 
 As to the blacks, it is manifest that their interest and happine&s 
 would be promoted, by collecting them together where they would 
 enjoy equal rights and privileges withtliose around them. A slate 
 of degradation is necessarily a state of unhappiness. It debasses 
 the mind; it cramps the energies of the soul, and represses every vi- 
 .^orous efibrt towards moral or intellectual greatness. H©w «(r 
 
7 
 
 you expect from them any thing great or noble, without the motives 
 to stimulate, or thereuards to crown great and noble achievements ? 
 It not only prevents th<ir climbino- the steep and rugged paths of 
 fame, but it prevents the enjoyment of the true happiuers of calm 
 contentment, satisfied with enjoying but a, part of what we pbssess, 
 of using only a poiiion of wiiat is in our power. Take away, how- 
 ever, the portion thai is not used. ai:d it immediately becomes the 
 object of our fondest desires. The n^ore you endeavour to improve 
 the conditio!* oi these people, the more you crdtivate their minds, 
 (unless by religious instiuclion,) the more miserable you make them 
 in their present state. V'ou give them a higher relish for tho;^e pii- 
 vileges which they ca)« never attain, and turn what we intend for a 
 blessing into a cur^e. No, if they must remain in their present 
 situa,tion, keep them in the lowest state oi degradation and igitorance. 
 The nearer you brin ■ them to the condition of brutes, tlie bitter 
 chance do you give th* m of possessing their apathy. Surely, Ame- 
 ricans ought to be the last people on earth, to advocate such slavish 
 doctrines, to cry peace and c< nt'^r.lment to those who are deprived 
 of the privileges of civil libtrty. 1 l;ey who have so largel}' partaken 
 of its blessings — who know so well how to estimate its value, ought 
 to be among the foremost to extend it to others. 
 
 I will consider the practicabiUty of coloniyation under three 
 heads : Ihe territory — the expense — and the probability of ob- 
 taining their conse t. 
 
 1. The territory. — Various places have been mentioned by dif- 
 ferent persons: a situation vvithii! our own territory would certainly 
 possess some considerable advantages. It would be more i/irae- 
 diately under the eye and control of our governnent. But there are 
 some real and some apprehended evils to encounter. I\lany appre- 
 hend that they miglit hereafter join tht Indians, or the nations bor- 
 dering on our frontiers in case of war, it they were placed so near 
 us — that the colony would become the as} lum of fugitives and run- 
 away slaves — added to these diflirulties, there are inveterate preju- 
 dices against such a plan, in so large a portion ol the country, which 
 would be impossible to overcome or remove. Upon mature reflec- 
 tion, with all the light that has yet been shed upon the subject, I 
 believe it will be found, *hat Africa will be lial)le to the fewest objec- 
 tions. A ten-itory might, no doubt, be procured there; the cli- 
 mate is best adapted to their constitutions, and the}' could live chea- 
 per. Bui Mr. Chairman, I have a greater and nobler object in 
 view, in desiring them to be placed in Africa. It is the belief that, 
 through them, civilization and the christian religion would be intro- 
 duced into that benighted quarter of the world. It is the hope of 
 redeeming many millions of people from the lowest state of ignorance 
 and superstition, and restoring them to the knowledge and worship 
 of the true God. Creat and powerful as ate the other motives to 
 this measure; (andl acknowledge them to be of sufHcient magnitude 
 to attract the attention and to call forth the united efforts of this na- 
 tion,) in my opinion and you will find it the opinion of a large class 
 of the community, all other motives are small and trifling compared 
 with the hope of spreading among them the knowledge of the gospel. 
 From the importance of this view of the subject, peraiit mo to enlarge 
 
a little upon ii. Whaterei ma}' be the difference of opinion among 
 the diiTerent denominations ot' christians, f believe they will all be 
 found to unite in the belief that the scriptures predict a time, when 
 the gospel of Jesus Christ sliall be spread over every part of the 
 world, shall be acknowledged by every nation, and perhajjs shall in- 
 fluence every heart. The opinion is, perhaps, as general, that this 
 glorious and hapjjy day is near at hand. The great movements and 
 mighty eflbrts in the moral and religious world, seem to indicate 
 some great design of Providence on the eve of accomplishment. Th^e 
 unexami)led and astonishing success attending the various and nu- 
 .meror.5 plans which have been advised and which are now in ope- 
 ration in different parts of the world, and the union and harmony 
 with which christians of different denominations unite in promoting 
 these plans, clearly indicate a divine lm;Ki in their direction. Nay, 
 sir. the subject on which we are now deliberating has been brought 
 to public view, nearly at the same time in different parts of our 
 country. In New Jersey, New York, Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia, 
 and perhaps other places, not known to me, the public attention 
 seems to have been awakened, as from a slumber to this subject. 
 The belief that 1 have mentioned leads christians to look with an.\- 
 ious solicitude and joyful hope to every movement, which they be- 
 lieve to be instrumental in accomplishinu the great designs of Provi- 
 dence. They will receive your proposal with joy and support it 
 with zeal; and. permit me to say. that it will he of no small conse- 
 quence to sain the zealous support and co-operation oi' this portion 
 of the community. 
 
 On the subject of expence,Ishoiild hope there would not be much 
 difference of opinion. All are interested, though some portions of 
 the commimity are more immediately so than others. We should 
 consider that what afl'ects a part of our country is interesting to tiie 
 whole. Besides, it is a great national object, and ouglit to be sup- 
 ported by a national purse. And, as has been justly observed by 
 the honorable gentleman in the chair, there ought to be a national 
 atonement for the wrongs and injuries which Africa has suffered. 
 For although the state legislatures commenced early after our inde- 
 pendence to put a stop to the slave trade, and the national goverii- 
 tnent interfered as soon as the constitution would permit, yet, as a 
 nation, we cannot rid ourselves entirely from the guilt and disgrace 
 attending that iniquitous traffic, until we, as a nation, have made 
 every reparation in our power. If, however, more lunds are want- 
 ing than it is thought expedient to appropriate out of the public trea- 
 sury, the liberality and the humanity of our citizens will not suffer 
 it to fail for want of pecuniary aid. I should be sorry, however, to 
 see our p:overnment dividing any part of the honor and glo:y which 
 cannot fail of attending the accomplishment of a work so great, so 
 intere^tincr, and which will tend so much to diffuse the blessings of 
 civil liberty, and promote the happiness of man. 
 
 Amontithe objections which have been made, I nmst confess 
 that I am most surprized at one which seems to !)e })revalent, to wit: 
 that these people will be unwilling to be colonized — W hat. sir, are 
 they not men? Will they not be actuated by the same motives of 
 interest and ambition, which in/luence other men? Or will they pre- 
 
9 
 (er remaining in a liopeless state of degradatioji lor themselves and 
 tlieir cliildren, to the prospect of the full enjoyment of the civil right5 
 and a state of equality? What brouglit our ancestors to these 
 shores? They had no friendly hand to lead them: no powerful hu- 
 man arm to protect them. They left the land of their nativity; the 
 sepulchres of their fathers: the comforts of civilized society, and all 
 the endearments of friends and relatives, and early associations, to 
 traverse the ocean, to clear the forests; to encounter all the hardshi}is 
 of a new settlement, and to brave the dangers of the tomahawk 
 and scalping knife. How many were destroyed! Sometimes whole 
 settlements cut olf by disease and hunger — by the treachery and 
 cruelty of the savages; j-etjwere they not discouraged. What is it 
 impels many Europeans daily to seek our shores, and to sell them- 
 selves for the prime of their life to defray the expence of their pas- 
 sages? It is that ruling, imperious desire, planted in the breast of 
 every man; the desire of liberty, of stancling upon an equality with 
 his fellow mea. If we were to add to these motives, tlie ofl'er of 
 land, and to aid in the expense of emigration, and of lirst settling, 
 they cannot be so blind to their own interest, so devoid of every no- 
 ble and generous feeling, as to hesitate about accepting of the offer. 
 It is not a matter of speculation and opinion only. It has been sa- 
 tisfactorily ascertained, that numbers will gladly accept of the invi- 
 lation. And when once the colony is formed, and flourishing, all 
 other obstacles will be easily removed. It is for us to make the ex- 
 periment and the offer — we shall then, and not till then, have dis- 
 charged our duty. It is a plan in which all interests, all classes and 
 descriptions of people may unite — in which all discordant feelings 
 may be lost in those of humanity — m promoting ''peace on earth 
 and good will to men.'' 
 
 Mr. John Randolph (of Koanoke) rose and said, that it had 
 been properly observed by the chairman, that there was nothing in 
 the pioposition \_Referiug to the resuhilions which follow^ submitted to 
 consideration which in the smallest degree touches another very im- 
 portant and delicate cjuestion, which ought to be left as much out of 
 view as possible. But, Mr. R. said, it appeared to him that it had 
 not been sufficiently insisted on, with a view to obtain the co-opera- 
 tion of all the citizens of the United States, not only that this meet- 
 ing does not in any wise affect the question of negro slavery, but, 
 as far as it goes, must materially tend to secure the property of every 
 master in the United States over his slaves. It appeared to him 
 that this aspect of the question had not been sufficiently presented 
 to the public view. It was a notorious fact, he said, that the exis- 
 tence of this mixed and intermediate population of free negroes was 
 viewed by every slave holder as one of the fjreatest sources of tlie 
 insecurity, and also unprofitableness, of slave propeitj-; that they 
 serve to excite in their fellow beings a feeling of discontent, of re-- 
 pining at their situation, and that they act as channels of communi- 
 cation not only between different slaves, but between the slaves oi 
 different districts; that they are the dejjositorios of stolen goods, 
 and the promoters of mischief. In a worldly point of view, then, 
 without entering into the general question and apart from those high- 
 er and nobler motives whifh had been presented 1-<!» fhf" meeting, the 
 
10 
 
 tiwjiers of slaves were interested in providing a retreat for this pait 
 of our population. There was no fear that this proposition would 
 alarm them: they had been accustomed to think seriously of the 
 subject. There was a popular work on agriculture, by John Taylor 
 of Caroline, which was widely circulated and much confided in, in 
 \ irginia. In that book, much read because coming from a practical 
 man, this description of people were pointed out as a great evil. If 
 a place could be provided for their reception, and a mode of sending 
 them hence, there were hundreds, nay thousands of citizens, who 
 would by manumitting their slaves, relieve themselves from the cares 
 attendant on their possession. 
 
 Mr. Robert Wright (of Md.) said he could not withliold his ap- 
 probation of a measure, that had for its object the melioration of 
 t!ie lot of any portion of the human race, particularly of the free 
 people of color, whose degraded state robs them of the happiness of 
 self government, so dear to the American people. And, said he, 
 as I discover the most delicate regard to the rights of property, 1 
 shall, with great pleasure, lend my aid to restore this unfortunate 
 people to the enjoyment of their liberty; but I fear gentlemen are too 
 sanguine in their expectations, that they would be willing to abandon 
 the land of their nativity, so dear to man. However, I have no in- 
 disposition to give them that election by furnishing all the means 
 contemplated. But, while we wish to promote the happiness of these 
 free people of color, we ought to take care not to furnish tlie means 
 of transporting out of the reach of the master his property. 
 
 Mr. Cahhcell oifered the following preamble and resolutions 
 which were unanimously adopted. 
 
 The situation of the free people of Colour in the Uuited States has 
 been the subject of anxious solicitude, with many of our most dis- 
 tlngnislied citizens, from the first existence of our country as anin- 
 firpendent nation; but the great difficulty and embarrassment at- 
 tending the establishment of an infant nation, when first struggling 
 into existence, and the subsequent convulsions of Europe, have 
 hitherto prevented any great national efibrt to provide a remedy for 
 the evils existing or apprehended. — The present period seems pe- 
 culiarly auspicious to invite attention to this im))ortant subject, and 
 gives a well grounded hope of success. The nations of Europe are 
 hushed into peace; unexampled efforts are making in various parts 
 of the world, to diffuse knowledge, civilization aiid the benign in- 
 fluence of the christian religion. The rights of man are becoming 
 daily better understood; tlie legitimate objects of eovernment, as 
 founded for the benefit and intended for t!ie happiness of men, are 
 more generally acknowledged, and an ardent zeal for the happiness 
 of the human race is kindled in almost every heart. Desirous of 
 aiding in the great cause of philanthropy, and of promoting the 
 jirosperity and happiness of our country, it is recommended by this 
 meeting to form an association or society for the purpose of giving 
 aid and assisting in the colonization of the free people of colour in 
 the United States. — Therefore 
 
 Resolved, That an association or society he formed for the pur- 
 pose of collecting information and to assist in the formation and ex- 
 ecution of a plan for the colonization of the free people of color. 
 
li 
 
 with their consent,' in Africa or elsewhere, as may be thought most 
 adviseable by the constituted authorities of tlie country. 
 
 Resuhed, That EHas C. Caldwell, John Randolph, 
 Richard Rush, Walter Jones, Francis S. Key, Robert 
 Wright, James H. Blake, and John Peter, be a committee to 
 present a respectful memorial to Congress, requesting them to 
 adopt such measures as may be thought most adviseable for procur- 
 ing a territory in Africa or elsewhere^ suitable for the colonization 
 of the free people of color. 
 
 Resolved, That Francis S. Key, Bushrod Washington, 
 EHas B, Caldwell, James Breckenridge, Walter Jones, Rich- 
 ard Rush and William G. D. Worthingtou, be a committee to 
 prepare a constitution and rules for the government of the Associa- 
 tion or Society, above mentioned, and report the same to the next 
 meeting for consideration. 
 
 And the meeting adjourned until next Saturday evening, at six 
 o'clock. 
 
 HENRY CLAY, Chairman. 
 
 Thos. Dougherty, Secrdanj. 
 
 At an adjourned meeting of the citizens of Washington, George- 
 town, and Alexandria, and many others held in the Hall of the house 
 of Representatives of the United States, on Saturday the :2Sth day 
 of December 1816, for the purpose of receiving and considering, 
 from the committees appointed to that duty at a previous meeting, 
 a constitution of the Society, for meliorating the condition of the 
 free people of color in the United States, by providing a colonial re- 
 treat on this or the continent of Africa; and a memorial to Congress 
 requesting the sanction and co-operation of the general government 
 in the object of the Institution aforesaid — a Constitution was re- 
 ported by the committee appointed for that purpose; and having 
 been discussed and amended, was then unanimously accepted by the 
 Meeting, in the following words: 
 
 Article /.—This Society shall be called, " The American Soci- 
 ety for colonizing the free people of color of the United States." 
 
 Article 11. — The object to which its attention is to be exclusive- 
 ly directed, is to promote and execute a plan for colonizing (with 
 their consent) the free people of color, residing in our country, in 
 Africa, 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 regu- 
 lations upon the subject. 
 
 Article III — Every citizen of the United States, who shall sub- 
 scribe these articles, and be an annual contributor of one dollar 
 to the funds of the Society, shall be a member. On paying a sum not 
 less than 30 dollars, at one subscription, shall be a member for life. 
 
 Article /r.— The officers of this Society shall be, a President, 
 thirteen 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 e- 
 lected by the members of the Society, at their annual meeting on 
 new year's day, (except when that happens to be the Sabbath, and 
 
12 
 
 thea the next day) atid continue to discharge their respective duties 
 till others are appointed. 
 
 Article 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 Societyj and of the Board, when he thinks neces- 
 sary, or when required by any three raembcrs of the board. 
 
 Article II'. — The Vice Presidents, according to seniority, shall 
 discharge these duties in the a^bcnce of the President. 
 
 Article rn. — The Secretaiy shall take minutes of the proceed- 
 ings, 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, (wlien tlie Board is not sitting) shall direct. 
 And the Recorder shall record the proceedings and the names of the 
 members, and discharge such other duties as may be required of 
 him. 
 
 Article Fill. — The Treasurer shall receive and take charge of 
 the funds of the Society, under such security as may be prescribed 
 by the Board of Managers; keep the accounts, and exhibit a state- 
 ment of receipts and expenditures at every annual meeting, and dis- 
 charge such other duties as ma}' be required of him. 
 
 Article IX. — The Board of Managers shall meet on the first 
 Monday in January, the first Monday in April, the first Monday in 
 July, and the first Monday, in October, every year, and at such 
 other times as the President may direct. They shall conduct the bu- 
 siness of the Society, and take such measures for efiecting 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 vacancies occuring during the year, and make 
 sucli by-laws for their government as they may deem necessary, pro- 
 vided the same are not repugnant to this constitution. 
 
 Article X. — Every Society which shall be formed in the United 
 States to aid in the object of this association, and whicli shall co-ope- 
 rate with its funds for th e purposes thereof, agreeably to the rules 
 and regulations of this Society, shall be considered auxiliary thereto, 
 audits officers shall be entitled to attend and vote at all meetings of 
 the Society, and of the Board of Managers. 
 
 The committee appointed for the purpose having reported a 
 draft of a memorial to Congress, discussion arose respecting the 
 same. Whereupon it was, on motion, 
 
 Resolced, That the committee appointed to prepare and present 
 to Cont^ress a memorial an the object of this Association be instructed 
 to report the same to the annual meeting of the Society for its con- 
 sideration. 
 
 On motion, it was also 
 
 Reaolved, That the first election of officers of the Society shall 
 be held on the first Wednesday in January ensuing; of which due 
 notice shall be given by the Secretary in the public prints in the dis- 
 trict of Columbia; ancl that meanwhile a book shall be opened for 
 receiving subscriptions to the Constitution, at the Reading Rooms in 
 Washington, Georgetown, and Alexandria, at the Office of the Na- 
 tional Intelligencer, and with the Secretary of this meeting. 
 
 And then the meeting adjourned. 
 Tho5. DoLGHERTV, Secretary. II. CI. AY, Chainnan. 
 
13 
 
 fVednesda.y, January 1, I817. The American Society tor coio-- 
 nizing the Free People of Color of the United States, met this day, 
 agreeably to the directions of the constitution- The hon. Henry 
 Clay, chairman, Thomas Dougherty, secretary. The society pro* 
 ceeded to the election of its officers. 
 
 The honorable Bushrod Washington was uminimously elected 
 president. 
 
 VICE PRESIDENTS. 
 
 Hon. William. H. Crairford, of Georgia. 
 
 Hon. Henry Clay, of Kentucky^ 
 
 Hon. William Phillips, of Massachusetts,. 
 
 Col. Henry Rutgers, of New York. 
 
 Hon. John E. Howafd, ') 
 
 Hon. Samuel Smith, > of Maryland. 
 
 Hon. John C. Herbert, ) 
 
 John Taylor, of Caroline, Esq. of Virginia. 
 
 Gen. Andreiv Jackson, of Tennessee. 
 
 Robert Ralston, Esq^. 1 ^n 1 . 
 
 Richard Rush, Esq. | of Pennsylvania. 
 
 Gen. John Mason, of the District of Columbia 
 Rev. Robert Finley, of New Jersejf. 
 
 aiANAGERS. 
 
 Fraticis S. Key, James H. BlakCj 
 
 Walter Jones j John Peter, 
 
 John Laird, Edmnnd I. Lee, 
 
 Rev. Dr. James Laurie, William Thornton, 
 
 Rev. Stephen B. Batch, Jacob Hoffman, 
 
 Reii. Obadiah B. Brown, Henry Carroll. 
 
 Elias B. Caldivell, secretary. 
 
 W. G. D. Worthington, recording secretary. 
 
 David English, treasurer. 
 
 Resolved, That the president and board of managers be, and 
 they are hereby instructed and required to present a memorial to 
 congress on the subject of colonizing, with their consent, the free 
 people of color of the United States, in Africa or elsewhere. 
 
 Mr. Clay having left the chair, Gen. Mason, one of the vice- 
 presidents, presided as president. 
 
 Resolved unanimously. That the thanks of this meeting be 
 presented to Mr. Clay, for the ability and attention with which he 
 has presided as chairman of the meetings in organizing the society. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Herbert, Resolved unanimously, that the Rev. 
 Robert Finley, be requested to close the meeting with an address to 
 -he Throne of Grace; 
 
14 
 
 ^MEMORIAL of tlie President and board of Managers of the 
 American society for colonizing the free people of color of the 
 United States. 
 
 In the House of Representatives, January 14. — Read and ordered 
 to lie on the table. 
 
 To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of 
 America in Congress assembled — 
 
 The memorial of the President and board of managers of the 
 '' American Society for Colonizing the free people of color of 
 the United States," 
 
 Respcc /fully shows, 
 
 That your memorialists are delegated by a numerous and high- 
 ly respectable association of their fellow citizens, recently organized 
 at the seat of government, to solicit Congress to aid with the power, 
 the jjatronage, and the resources of the country, the great and bene- 
 ficial object of their institution; an object deemed worthy of the ear- 
 nest attention, and of the strenuous and persevering exertions, as 
 well of every patriot, in wliatever condition of life, as of every enlight- 
 ened, philanthropic, and practical statesmen. 
 
 It is now reduced to be a maxim, equally approved in philoso- 
 phy and practice, that the existence of distinct and separate casts, or 
 classes, forming exceptions to the general system of policy adapted 
 to the community, is an inherent vice in the composition of society: 
 pregnant with baneful consequences, both moral and political, and 
 demanding the utmost exertion of human energy and foresight to 
 remedy or remove it. If this maxim be true in the general, it ap- 
 plies with peculiar force to the relative condition of the free people of 
 colour in the United States ; between whom and the rest of the 
 i;ominunity, a combination of causes, political, physical, and 
 snoriil, has created distinctions, unavoidable in their origin, and most 
 unforUniate in their consequences. The actual and prospective con- 
 <litii)n of tiiat class of people; their anomalous and indefinite relations 
 lo the political institutions and social ties of the community, their de- 
 privation of most of those independent, political, and social rights, 
 so indispensable to the progressive melioration of our nature; ren- 
 dered, by systematic exclusion from all the higher rewards of excel- 
 lence, dead to all the elevating hopes that might prompt a gene- 
 rous ambition to excel; all these considerations demonstrate, that it 
 «'(jually imports the public good, as the individual and social happi- 
 ness of the persons more inmiediatel}' concerned; that it is equally a 
 debt of patriotism and of humanity, to provide some adequate and 
 effectual remedy. The evil has become so apparent, and tlie ne- 
 cessity for a remedy so palpable, that some of the most considerable 
 of the slaveholding states have been induced to impose restraints upr 
 on the practice of emancipation, by annexing conditions, which 
 liave no effect but to transfer the evil from one state to another: or, 
 by inducing other states to adopt countervailing regulations, end in 
 the total abrogation of a right, which benevolent or conscientious 
 proprietors had long enjoyed under all the sanctions of positive law 
 und of ancient usage. Your memorialists beg leave, with all defer- 
 
15 
 
 Qjjce, to suggest that the fairest and most inviting opportunities 
 are i,o\v presented to the general government, for repairing a great 
 evi! in our social and political institutions, and at the same time for 
 elevating, from a low and hopeless condition, a numerous and rapid- 
 ly increasing race of men, who want nothing but a ])roper theatre, to 
 enter upon the pursuit of happiness and independence, in the ordina- 
 ry paths which a benign Providence has left open to the human race. 
 Those great ends, it is conceived, may be accomplished by making 
 adequate provision for planting, in some salubrious and fertile re- 
 gion, a colony, to be composed of such of the above description of 
 persons as may choose to emigrate; and for extending to it the au- 
 thority and protection of the United States, until it shall have attain- 
 ed sufficient strength and consistency to be left in a state of inde^ 
 pendence. 
 
 Independently of the motives derived from political foresight 
 and civil piudence, on the one hand, and from moral justice and 
 philanthropy on the other; there are additional considerations and 
 more expanded views to engage the sympathies and excite the ardor 
 of a liberal and enlightened people. It may be reserved for our 
 government, (the first to denounce an inhuman and abominable 
 traffic, in the guilt and disgrace of which most of the civilized nations 
 of the world were partakers) to become the honorable instrument, 
 under Divine Providence, of conferring a still higher blessing upon 
 the large and interesting portion of mankind, benefitted by that deed 
 ©f justice; by demonstrating that a race of men, composing nume- 
 rous tribes, spread over a continent of vast and unexplored extent, 
 fertility,and riches; unknown to the enlightened nations of antiquity; 
 and who had yet made no progress in the refinements of civilization; 
 for whom history has preserved no monuments of arts or arms: that 
 even this, hitherto, ill-fated race, may cherish the hope of beholding 
 at last the orient star revealing the best and highest aims and attri- 
 butes of man. Out of such materials, to rear the glorious edifice of 
 well ordered and jiolished society, upon the deep and sure founda- 
 tions of equal laws and diffusive education, would give a sufiicient 
 title to be enrolled among the illustrious benefactors of mankind; 
 whilst it afforded a precious and consolatory evidence of the all pre=- 
 vailing power of liberty, enlightened by knowledge and corrected 
 by religion. If the experiment, in its more remote consequences, 
 should ultimately tend to the diflusion of similar blessings through 
 those vast regions and unnumbered tribes, yet obscured in primeval 
 darkness; reclaim the rude wanderer, from a life of wretchedness, to 
 ©ivilization and humanity; and convert the blind idolater, from gross 
 and abject superstitions, to the holy charities, the sublime morality 
 and humanizing discipline of the Gospel; the nation, or the individual 
 that shall have taken the most conspicuous lead in achieving the 
 benignant enterprize, will have raised a monument of that true and 
 imperishable glory, founded in the moral approbation and gratitude 
 of the human race; unapproachable to all but the elected instruments 
 «f divine beneficence: — a glory, with which the most splendid achieve- 
 ments of human force or power must sink in the competition, and ap- 
 pear insignificant and vulgar in the comparison.' And above all 
 should it be considered, that the nation or the individual, whose en- 
 
16 
 ej-gVeshaVc been faithfully given to this august work, will have se- 
 cured, by this exalted beneficence, the favor of that being " whose 
 compassion is over all his works," and whose unspeakable rewards 
 will never fail to bless the humblest effort to do good to his creatures. 
 
 Your memorialists do not pr^ume to determine, that the views 
 <!>f congress will be necessarily directed to the country to which they 
 have just alluded. They hope to be excused for intimating some of 
 the reasons which would bring that portion of the world before us, 
 when engaged in discovering a place the most proper to be selected, 
 leaving it, with perfect confidence, to the better information and 
 better judgment of your honorable body to make the choice. 
 
 Your memorialists, without presuming to mark out, in detail, 
 the measures which it may be proper to adopt in furtherance of the 
 object in view; but implicitly relying upon the wisdom of congress to 
 devise the most effectual measures, will only pray, that the subject 
 may be recommended to their serious consideration, and that, as an 
 humble auxiliary in this great work, the association, represented by 
 your memorialists, may be permitted to aspire to the hope of contri- 
 buting its labors and resources. 
 
 BUSH. WASHINGTON, President. 
 
 The memorial, after being read and ordered to be printed, was 
 irferred to the Committee on the Slave Trade, Messrs. Pickering, 
 Comstock, Condict, Tucker, Taggart, Cilly, and Hooks: their report 
 and resolution follow: 
 
 REPORT on colonizing the free people of color of the United States. 
 
 February 11,1817. Read, and committed to a committee of 
 
 the whole house on Monday next. 
 
 The committee to whom was referred the memorial of the pre- 
 sident and board of managers of the " American Society for coloniz- 
 ing the free people of color of the United States,-' have had the 
 same under their deliberate consideration. The subject is of such 
 magnitude, and attended with so many difficulties, it is with much dif- 
 fidence they present their views of it to the House. 
 
 Were it simply a question of founding a colony, numerous and 
 well known precedents show with what facihty the work might be 
 accomplished. Every new territory established by our government, 
 constitutes, indeed, a colony, formed with great ease; because it is 
 only an extension of homogeneous settlements. But in contempla- 
 ting the colonization of the free people of colour, it seemed obviously 
 necessary to take a different course. Their distinct character and 
 relative condition, render an entire separation from our own states 
 and territories indispensable. And this separation must be such 
 as to admit of an indefinite continuance. Hence, it seems manifest 
 that these people cannot be colonized within the limits of the United 
 States. If they were not far distant, the rapidly extending settle- 
 ments of our white inhabitants would soon reach them; and the evil 
 now felt would be renewed; probably with aggravated mischief. 
 Were the^colony to be remote, it must be planted on lands now owned 
 and occupied by the native tribes of the country And could a terri- 
 tory be purchased, the transporting of the colonists thither, would bt. 
 
vastly expensive, their subsistence for a time difficult, aiid a body of 
 troops woiild be required for their piolection. And after all, should 
 these difficulties be overcome, the original evil would at length recur^ 
 by the extension of our white population. In the mean time, should 
 the colony so increase as to become a nation, iti^ not difficult to 
 foresee the fpiarrels antl destructive wars which would ensue; espe- 
 cially if the slavery of people of color shc«ild continue, and accxani- 
 pany the whites in their migrations. 
 
 Turning our eyes from our own country, no other, adapted to 
 the colony in contemplation, presented itself to oui" view, nearer than 
 Africa, the native land of negroes; and probably that is the only 
 country on the globe to which it would be practicable to transfer our 
 free people of color with safety, and advantage to themselves and 
 the civilized world. It is the country which, in the order of Provi- 
 dence, seems to have been appropriated to that distinct family of 
 mankind. And while it presents the fittest asylum for the free peo- 
 ple of color, it opens a wide field for the improvements in civilization, 
 morals, and religion, which the humane and enlightened memorial- 
 ists have conceived it possible, in process of time, to spread over 
 that great continent. 
 
 Should the measure suggested be approved, an important que's>- 
 tion occurs — In what way shall its execution be essayed? 
 
 A preliminary step would be, to provide for the perfect neu- 
 trality of the colony, by the explicit assent and engagement of all 
 the civilized powers, whatever dissentions may at any time arise 
 among themselves. 
 
 The next important question is: — Will it be expedient to attempt 
 the establishment of a new colony in Africa, or to make to Great 
 Britain a proposal to receive the emigrants from the United States 
 into her colony of Sierra Leone ? 
 
 At Sierra Leone, thefirst difficulties have been surmounted; and a 
 few free peopfe of color from the U.S. have been admitted. A gradual 
 addition from the same source (and such would be the natural progress) 
 v/ould occasion no embarrassment, either in regard to tlieir suste- 
 nance or government. Would the British government consent to re- 
 ceive such an a'^.cession of emigrants however eventually considera- 
 ble, from the United States? Would that government agree that at 
 the period when that colony shall be capable of self-government and 
 self-protection, it shall be declared independent? In the mean time, 
 will it desire to monopolize the connnerce of the colony? This Avould- 
 be injurious to the colonists, as well as to the United States. Should 
 that country, from the nature of its soil and other circumstances, 
 hold out sufficient allurements, and draw to it, from the Unitecl 
 States, the great body of the free people of colour, these would form 
 its strength, and its ability to render its commerce an object of con- 
 sideration. Now as the great and permanent benefit of the colonisfs,^ 
 was the fundamental principles of the establishment — will the British, 
 government decline a proposition calculate»I to give to that benefit 
 the important extension which will arise from a freedom of commerce? 
 To those, at least, at whose expense, and by whose means, the co- 
 lony, shall be essentially extended? Should an agreement with G. 
 Britain be effepted. no furthev negotisrtion, ner any extraordinary ex-, 
 
18 
 penditure of money, will be required. The work already commenced 
 will be rontinued — simply that of carrying to Sierra Leone, all who 
 are willing to embark. 
 
 It would seem highly desirable to confine the micrations to a 
 single colony. 4|The two distinct and independent colonies, estab- 
 lished and protected by two independent powers, would naturally 
 im!-ibe the spirit and distinctions of their patrons and protectors, and 
 put injeopardy the peace and prosperity of l)oth. Even the simple 
 fa<:t of separate independence, would eventually tend to produce col- 
 ]"i;-:~ianj^ and wars between the two establishments, (unless, indeed, 
 they were far removed from each other) and perhaiis defeat the fiir- 
 t'lser humane and exalted views of those who projected them. The 
 spirit wliich animated the founders of the colony of Sierra Leone, 
 would be cxei'ted to eflect a union of design, and the cordi;'! co-ope- 
 ration of the British government with our own; and, it might be hop- 
 ed, not without success. U would be in accordance with the spirit 
 of a stipulation in the last treaty of peace; by which the two govern- 
 ments stanfls pledged to each other, to use their best endeavours to 
 effect the" entire abolition of the traffick in slaves, while the proposed 
 institution would tend to diminish the quantity of slavery actually 
 existing. 
 
 If, however, such enlarged and liberal views should be wanting, 
 then the design of forming a separate colony might be announced, 
 by the American ministers, to the maritime powers; and their guar- 
 antee of the neutrality of the colony obtained. 
 
 Your committee do not think it proper to pursue the subject 
 any furtiier at this time; but that the government should v/ait the 
 result of the suggested negotiations; on which ulterior measures 
 must depend. 
 
 In conclusion, your committee beg leave to report a joint reso- 
 lution, embracing the views herein before exhibited. 
 
 .TOINT RESOLUTION for abolishing the trafrick in Slaves, and 
 the Colonization of the Free People of Colour of the United 
 States. February 11,1817. Read, and committed to a com- 
 mittee of the whole house on Monday next. ,^ 
 Reaolved, by the Seiuu'e and House of Representatives of (he U. S. 
 of y4}}urica,iii Congress assembled, That the President be, and he 
 is hereby authorised to consult and negociate with all the govern- 
 ments where ministers of the United States are, or shall be accredi- 
 ted, on the means of effecting an entire and immediate abolition of 
 the traffick in slaves. And, also, to enter into a convention with the 
 government of (ireat Bri Lain, for receiving into the colony of Sierra 
 Leone, such of the free people of color of the United States as, with 
 their own consent, shall be carried thither; stipulating such terms as 
 shall be most benefiLial to the colonists, while it promotes the peace- 
 ful interests of Great Britain and the United States. And should 
 this proposition not be accepted, then to obtain from Great Biitain, 
 and the other maritime powers, a stipulation, or a formal declara- 
 tion to the same effect, guarranteeing a permanent neutrality for any 
 ct>lony of free people of color, which, at the expense and under tht 
 
19 
 
 auspices of the Upited States, shall be established on the Africaq 
 coast. 
 
 Resolved, That adequate provision shall hereafter be made to 
 defray any necessary expenses which may be incurred in carrying 
 the preceding resolution into effect. 
 
 It is doubtful whether the precedhig report will be acted upon 
 by congress this session'^ nor can we decide upon the course which, 
 liie national legislature will hereafter parsue relati'/e to this subject. 
 The friends, b.owever, of efforts of the kind proposed, will welcome 
 this commencement of a new era of benevolent exertions in Ix-half 
 of a depressed and needy class of the community. It is hoped that 
 colonization societies will be formed in different parts of our country,* 
 and that whatever interesting information may be collected, relative 
 to this subject, will be forwarded to the secretary of the American 
 Colo\iization Society, residing in this city. It is expected that a. 
 correspondence will be soon opened, by the direction of the societ}', 
 with certain members of the African Institution in London, and with 
 other societies and individuals in different places, for the purpose of 
 promoting the object presented to the public in this pamplilet. 
 
 THE AFRICAN SCHOOL. 
 
 The Synod of New York and New Jersey, at tlieir meeting in 
 the city of New York, October last, unanimously resolved to ap- 
 point a board of directors to establish nnd superintend an African 
 school, for the purp.ose of educating young nienof color, to be teach- 
 ers and preachers to people of color within these states and else- 
 where. 
 
 The board appointed for this purpose consists of six ministers' 
 and six laymen.vvho are to conduct the concerns of the institution. 
 
 The Synod taking into consideration the ignorant and vicious 
 character of a greatpart of the people, of colour who reside v.ithin the 
 limits of the United States, amoiinting fa a million and a lialf] 
 who are in a great measure destitute of teacliers and preachers, were 
 led to believe that a very happy eflect might be produced upon the 
 moral and religious character, of very many of tiiese people, by the es- 
 tablrshment of the scliool proposed, especially in our cities ae.d large 
 towns, whei-e schools or congregations might be readily collected, and 
 where there is the greatest need of efforts oftiiis kind. 
 
 The Synod were induced to believe that before a long time ef- 
 forts would be made to provide a i)luce for the settlement of free peo- 
 ple of color by themselves, either in this countrj', or abroad; in this 
 case teachers of color wouldbe indispensabl}^ necessary; the}' wished 
 to be prepared for such an event. ~ They had in view, lik<"wise, the 
 state of millions of pagans in Africa, and were desirous that teachers 
 should be raised up for the purpose of diffusing light and knowledge 
 throughout that vast continent. 
 
 The following i-emarks are from the printed address of the Board 
 of Directors of the African school. 
 
 * A colonization society, auxiliary to the one formed in this city, has 
 lately been organized in New Jeysev. 
 
2'e 
 
 ^^ By computations founded on the last information, there are in 
 Africa and its i.slands twenty niilhons of the proper negro race, be- 
 sides thirt}' niilhons who difier from them more oiiess in complexion 
 and features. There are supposed to be a million andahalf of the 
 same people in the United States; and a million and a half more 
 may be reckoned for the Floridas, JMexico, South America, and the 
 West India Islands, to say nothing of New Guiana. Here then is a 
 vast world of twenty three millions of souls, (besides the thirty rail- 
 lions before mentioned;) a population equal to that of the United 
 State-^. ( ireat Britain, Ireland, Sweden, and Denmark united. 
 
 Though we are fully persuaded that to the end of the woild 
 there wiil reaiain different orders in society, it cannot be supposed 
 that so considerab/le a portion of the human race, consisting of so ma- 
 ny independent nations, and occupying the greater part of one of the 
 four quarters of the globe, are always to be regarded as made only 
 for slaves, or are to be excluded from the blessings of C/hristianity and 
 civilization during the approaching period of the millennium. In those 
 days which are yet to come, and which are even now at the door, the 
 desc'ondants of llam. we are bound to believe, will attain to an ele- 
 vation and digiiity which will do avi'ay the memory of their past dis- 
 grace, and give them a rank among the polished nations of Europe 
 and America. 
 
 If Africa is to stajid forth in the glory of Christianity and ci- 
 vilization, her own sons, and not the sons of strangers, nrust be tlie 
 instructors of her youth, and her ministers of religion. No nation 
 ■U'ill ever advance far in an}' improvement but by the instrumentality 
 of her own children. Strangers may make a beginning, but stran- 
 gers cannot continue to support her schools and her churches. To 
 sustain such a weight at arm's length, would exhaust both patience 
 and power. History piesents no instance of the kind. Apostles and 
 missionaries may }>ass over a country, but native teachers must fin- 
 ish the work. So it was in primitive times. So it was in ever}' coun- 
 try of Europe when it received the Christian faith. So ii is in India 
 at the present day. The debilitated and jetty Hindoos prolong and 
 extend the order which European missionaries have established. 
 
 To say tliat Africans are not competent to become teachers and 
 preachers, is therefore to say that one quarter of the world is n'ever 
 to support a Christian Church. And why is this said? Arc not the 
 coloured people of these States as competent for such offices as Hot- 
 tentots, many of v.'hom are now" proclaiming to their countrymen the 
 unsearchable riches of Christ. 
 
 If Africa must have African teachers and preachers, who shall 
 prepare them but the Christian world? Africa has no science to com- 
 nuinicate; Africa has no religion to impart. For the present, and 
 for a consideralile time to come; she must be a passive receiver, and 
 Christian nation? must convey to her the light and grace. If any of 
 her children are taught, and made com|-,etent to intrust their coun- 
 trymen, European or American benevolence must teach them. We 
 mu!;t begin the series of a gospel ministry that shall perpetuate it- 
 self among the tribes of that vast cor>tinent. 
 
 This work plainly devolves on America rather than Europe, 
 for two reasons: First, tlie great mass of tlie transported Afri- 
 
21 
 
 «ans are here. Allowing" that there are thirty thousand disperseU 
 throiigli the difl'ereiit nations of Europe, the number in the United 
 States alone, compared to that in all Europe, is as fit'ty to one. Here 
 this vast mass is concentrated; there the small number are thinly 
 scattered over dilierent countries, and lost in an overwhelming ])op- 
 ulation. Our advantages to make selections are to those enjoyed 
 by any nation in Europe as two or three hundred to one. And our 
 chances to find proper subjects are still greater. Here special atten- 
 tion may be easily directed to form the African character; there the 
 attempt is almost impossible. Perhaps in no district in Eiuope 
 could an African school or congregation be collected; either of these 
 might be done in almost any neighborhood south of New England, 
 and even in the large towns of that part of the Union. No spot on 
 earth is so well fitted for the sublime and holy efibrt, as that on 
 which we dwell. Seconrlly, no portion of the world is so deeply in- 
 debted to Africa as this Western Continent and its islands. This is 
 tlie prison which has received all her captive sons. America is the 
 only civilized country in which, slavery is allowed. Tliough some of 
 the Cin-istian nations of Europe tolerate it in their vVmeric an colonies, 
 jiot one of them, it is believed, admit it in the parent state. 
 
 The Board at present have no funds, and for these they cast 
 themselves on the charity of a compassionate i)ublic, making their 
 appeal especially to those whose hearts are penetrated with the love 
 oi' Christ. The tears of Africa will not plead in vain. The injunc- 
 tions of a Saviour vv^iil not be heard in vain. They onl)^ add, that 
 any donations conveyed to their Treasurer, Joseph C, Horn- 
 blower esq. of Newark, will be gratefully acknowledged. 
 
 The Board hope to be rea'.iy to receive application for young 
 men without delay, and will be thankful for notices of proper charac- 
 ters from anv part of the Union. Applicants must possess respectable 
 talents, sound discretion, undoubted piety, be able to read and write, 
 and come well recommended. Correspondents will please to direct 
 th:''r letters, except tl;ose which contain donations, to the secretary 
 of the Jjoard," Iha Rev. Edivard D. Griijin, 'Nev^ark, N. Jersey. 
 
 BRIEF SKETCH OF SIERRA LEONE, IN 1814. 
 
 Sierra Leone is a country on the western coast of Africa, lying 
 between 7 and 10 degrees N. latitude. A river of the same name 
 passes through it, nearly in the centre. The land on the banks of 
 the river, foWl considerable distance, is peculiarly fertile, and fur- 
 nishes a soil well adapted to the cultivation of cotton, rice, sugar, 
 and most of tho other tropical pioductions. The heat of the cli- 
 mate is moderated by regular breezes from the sea, and is found in 
 a good degree congenial to /American and European constitutions. 
 
 This colon}' was established in 1791, under the direction of 
 the Sierra Leo.ie Company in London. The design of the company 
 was to cultivate the lands, to open a trade with that country, and 
 gradually to civilize and imprpve the Africans. The first settlers 
 wei^ about 200 whites and a number of free blacks f»om Nova Sco- 
 tia. Thoj^conunenced the building of a town, called Freetown, on 
 the banks of the Sierra Leone, divided the land into lots to each in- 
 dividual, and thus laid the basis of a prosperous colony. "^HP na- 
 
22 
 
 tiVes were friendly, and in less than three years the schools were 
 regularly attended by more than three hundred cliiluren. But un- 
 happily a reverse of fortune awaited them; thei. fair prospects were 
 obscured, and their reasonable expectations defeated. In 1794, a 
 French squadron, contrary to implied promise, and with wanton 
 cruelty, attacked tlie colony, dispersed the inhabitants, captured the 
 vessels, plundered and burnt the houses. The colony has since been 
 taken under the care of the English government, and is now in a 
 flourishing state. 
 
 In 1811 the population in the colony amounted to about 2000, 
 exclusive of several hundred natives, who had emigrated from the 
 adjacent country, and were hired by the colonists as labourers. The 
 emigrants have probably been enrolled in the list of citizens. The 
 present population, therefore, may be about 3000. 
 
 There is a disposition among the colonists generally, to encou- 
 rage new settlers who come among them, either to cultivate thelandy 
 or engage in commercial pursuits. 
 
 The principal employment of the people is agrv'iilture. The 
 productions of the soil a!>undantly reward their labor. It is believ- 
 ed that cofi'ee, rice and cotton have become articles of exportation. 
 Rewards have been proposed to encourage their cultivation. This 
 tends to excite an honorable emulation among the citizens and to 
 promote amoiigthem habits of industry, and a spirit of enterprize. 
 
 The edu'ation of children is a subject of particular attention. 
 There arc a ni:mber of schools in the colony, 0)>e of which is design- 
 ed for the instT.ction of adults, the others for children. The present 
 mimber of children in the colonj^ exceeds 1000. Most of these are 
 placed in the schools, and instructed in all the necessary branches of 
 education. Separate schools are assigned to the boys and to the 
 girls. Great order is preserved. Here they are not only initiated 
 in the rudiments of literature, but in this state of discipline are taught 
 the important practical lessons of obedience, sul»jection, sobriety, 
 and iaduslrv. Here are laid the stamina of their characters; here 
 are formed their dispositions, habits, and principles; and here, in a 
 threat dc-gree, rest the future hopes and prospects of the colony. 
 
 The state of religious instruction also deserves notice. They 
 have six places for public worship, where the people generally and 
 regularly assemble. The hours for public worship on the Sabbath 
 are 5 and 10 in the morning, and 2 and G in the evening; other reli- 
 gious meetings, during the week, are usually attendedpit ') in thr 
 morning and 6 in the evening. 
 
 Several 3/ears ago a society was established in the colony 
 among the people of color for the promotion of the Christian reli- 
 gion. We have before us a copy of one of their addresses to the re- 
 ligious public, which we should be happy to insert would our limits 
 permit. It breathes a spirit of fervent piety. They express grati- 
 tude for their mercies, lament the misery and degradation of tlieir 
 African brethren, complain of the slave trade, and finally exhort their 
 brethren to conide in that Being whose government and provid^ce 
 are universal. • 
 
 Another favorable trait in the character of the colony, is the ex- 
 i?tencS4>f a society for the relief of the poor and infirra. This wa^. 
 
■2>& 
 
 Uietitutedin 1810j the (jlovenior is its patron, and the principal gen- 
 tlemen in the colony are among its active members. The society is 
 under good regulations, and is calculated to be eminentlj' useful; its 
 good eliects on tiie dispositions and manners of the Africans can be 
 easily imaghied. 
 
 The civil state of the colony next invites attention. Thei'e are 
 five courts in the colony, viz. the court of quarter sessions, the may- 
 or's court, the court of lequests, the police court, and the court of 
 vice achniralty. The court of quarter sessions meets cjuarterly; the 
 governor presides as judge; tlie jury consists of twelve men selected 
 23ron)isciiously from the Europeans and the people of colour. '1 he 
 mayor's court meets cjuarterly. 1 he court of recjuests meets weekly; 
 ■its power is limited to the trial of persons for debts not exceeding two 
 pounds. The police court meets weekly: their business is confined 
 to the trial of persons for disorderly conduct. The court of vice- 
 admiralty is held whenever occasion may require. 
 
 The colonists are governed entirely by British law, are usually 
 quiet and peaceable, and are disposed to abide by the decisions of 
 their civil magistrates. 
 
 From the single river of Sierra Leone, the imports into Great 
 Britain were nearly, and the exports to the same river fully, equal 
 lo the imports and exports, exclusive of the slave trade of the 
 whole extent of the western coast of Africa, prior to the abolition of 
 that trafiic* 
 
 There was a society established in the colony in 1812, by the 
 name of the Friendly Society. This society opened a correspond- 
 ence with the African Institution in London. An intercourse was 
 also kept up between the Societies, in order to encourage the African 
 settlers with a good market for their produce. The friendly Society 
 commenced with f)0/. sterling. In the spring of 1 8 1 iu the society was 
 worth l',?On/. sterling. 
 
 Early in the v/inter of 1315, about thirty people of colour left 
 Boston with a view of settling themselves in the British colony at Si- 
 erra Leone, in Africa. The vessel in which t'.iey sailed was tlie pro- 
 perty and under the command of the celebrated Paul Cuffee. Capt. 
 Cuiiee has returned to this country, and brings letters from the em- 
 igrants to their friends and benefactors. We have seen one of tlie 
 letters dated April, 18lG. It states that they all arrived safe at Sier- 
 ra Leone, after a passage of 5o days, and were welcomed by al! in the 
 colony. The place is represented as •' good." They have iVuits of 
 all kinds, and at all seasons of the year. The governor gave each 
 family a lot of land in the town, ami fifty acres of •' c:o«d land"' in 
 the country, or more in proportion to their families. Tlieir land in 
 the country is about two miles from town. They have plenty of rice 
 and corn, and all other food that is good. There were five churchejs 
 in the colony, and a number of schools, in one of which there were 1 50 
 female Africans, who are taught to read '• the word of God-'* 
 
 * Ninth report of tlie African Institntion. 
 
34 W 
 

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