ARTES
LIBRARY
1817
SCIENTIA
VERITAS
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
& PLURIBUS UMUM
TCEROR
SI-QUÆRIS PENINSULAM-AMŒNAM)
CIRCUMSPICE
1
1
·
1


J
BV
3705
M5
577


MEMOIRS
OF THE
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
LATE MISSIONARY
TO THE
SOUTH WESTERN SECTION OF THE UNITED STATES,
AND
AGENT OF THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY.
DEPUTED TO EXPLORE THE COAST OF AFRICA.
BY GARDINER SPRING, D.D.
PASTOR OF THE BRICK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, IN THE CITY OF
NEW YORK.
૪
Η αγάπη & ζητεῖ τὰ ἑαυτῆς.
London:
PRINTED FOR FRANCIS WESTLEY,
10, Stationers' Court, and Ave Maria Lane.
1820.
W. Flint, Printer, Angel Conrt, Skinner Street.
!
Wolell
28.36 GB h
니
​ھا ا
PREFACE.
Of every kind of knowledge that can prove
gratifying or useful to mankind, the knowledge
of virtue and religion is unquestionably the most
important. To diffuse this, is the object at which
every friend to the well-being of society will
aim, and he gladly embraces every means within
his reach that will assist him in his undertaking.
At one time he will simply exhibit the principles
upon which the present and future happiness of
men are founded, leaving them to make their
own way to the heart; and, by their intrinsic
excellence and importance, obtain the reception
of the wise and good. At other times he will
take pains to explain and enforce those princi-
ples, employing every argument that the most
enlightened judgment, and the most enlarged phi-
lanthropy can suggest.
A 3
vi
PREFACE.
I
→
But, perhaps, of all the methods by which pure
and undefiled religion may be recommended to
the attention of mankind, Biography may be
classed amongst the most efficient. In the lives
of good men we see the principles we profess in
the powerfully constraining influence they exer-
cise over the conduct and behaviour. Religion
becomes, as it were, personified, and appeals,
even to our senses, in language too energetic to
be resisted. The claims which she prefers, un-
belief may be ready to suggest, are too exten-
sive, and too minute to be complied with. But
when, in some eminent example, we behold a
conduct regulated by those very claims, and a
character formed upon the principles we have
imagined rigid, even to excess; our unbelief has
been silenced, and we have felt irresistibly con-
strained to be "followers of them, who, through
faith and patience, inherit the promises."
Biography, too, confines the attention to one
particular object, more than which the human
mind is incapable of grasping at one time. The
impression, consequently, will be more vivid and
lasting. We feel, not as though introduced to a
gallery of pictures, the multiplied beauties of
which, confuse and bewilder us; but, as if con-
templating a single specimen of the artist's skill,
by which we are enabled to discern the admira-
*
PREFACE.
vii
ble disposition of light and shade, and the share,
which every stroke of the pencil contributes, to
the general effect. We are not as in a public
company, the cheerfulness and intelligence of
which are certainly delightful, and improving;
but we are made to taste the endearments of
particular friendship, which constitute a felicity
of a far higher order. Hence it will follow, to
use the language of an eloquent writer, that
"whilst general histories of mankind may afford
satisfaction and improvement, yet the history
of particular persons, if executed with fidelity
and skill, while it exercises the judgment less
severely, so it fixes down the attention more
closely, and makes its way more directly and
more forcibly to the heart."
With these views the "Memoirs of the Rev.
S. J. Mills," are sent forth to the public, under
the deepest conviction that they will be read with
the liveliest interest, and will prove an extensive
blessing. The life of such a man offers the most
satisfactory and incontrovertible argument for
the truth and excellency of the Christain religion.
What other system could produce such a com-
bination of excellencies as were united in this
estimable man? Let Infidelity contemplate the
picture, and blush when she is told that the cha-
racter of Mills was formed on those very princi-
ples which she ridicules and contemns.
viii
PREFACE.
1
It has often been observed that the unholy
lives, and unsanctified tempers of many of the
professed friends of Christianity, have proved
one of the most prolific causes of Infidelity.
Whatever truth there may be in the observation,
it must be contended, that to impute to Chris-
tianity itself, the inconsistencies of its professors,
is both illogical and unjust. Whilst, however,
such objections are made, and arguments drawn
from such a source are employed, it becomes the
friends of truth to exhibit to the public view those
bright and exemplary instances, in which the
principles of Christianity have produced their
legitimate and proper effects. Such an instance,
it is conceived, is presented in the following
pages;-and in the holiness, the philanthropy,
the ardent zeal for the glory of his Creator, and
the disinterested exertions for the present and
future happiness of his fellow-men, displayed in
the life of SAMUEL MILLS, we behold a most con-
clusive and unanswerable argument for the truth
of the principles by which he was actuated.
If, for the reason now stated, these "Memoirs”
may be considered at all suited to the times in
which we live, there is another and very different
ground on which their publication may be deem-
ed peculiarly expedient. The present era of the
Chritian church is distinguished, above all that
PREFACE.
ix
have preceded it, for the degree of religious zeal
and activity, which every where abound. A
Missionary spirit has been excited in every part
of the Christian world. Institutions for the cir-
culation of the Scriptures, and for sending the
Gospel to the ends of the earth, have been formed,
and still continue to flourish to an extent that is
without a precedent. All classes of society, and
all denominations of Christians, forgetting their
minor differences and distinctions, vie with each
other in the ardour they display in this sacred
cause. From all such, this little volume will re-
ceive a most hearty welcome. Here they will
witness an instance of the purest and most disin-
terested love for the souls of men; and, ani-
mated by so bright an example, their own hearts
will glow with renewed zeal, and burn with a
more inteuse desire for the glory of God in the
salvation of the whole heathen world.
T. JAMES.
London,
April, 1820.
..
Southern District of New York, ss.
BE
E IT REMEMBERED, that on the ninth day of March, in the forty-
fourth year of the Independence of the United States of America, J.
SEYMOUR, (on behalf of the New York Evangelical Missionary Society,)
of the said District, hath deposited in this office the title of a book, the right
whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following, to wit:
"Memoirs of the Rev. Samuel J. Mills, late Missionary to the South western
"section of the United States, and Agent of the American Colonization
"Society, deputed to explore the coast of Africa. By Gardiner Spring, D. D.
"Pastor of the Brick Presbyterian Church in the city of New York.
Η αγάπη & ζητεῖ τα ἑαυτῆς.”
In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled
"An Act for the encouragement of Learning by securing the Copies of
Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies,
during the time therein mentioned." And also to an Act, entitled "An Act,
supplementary to an Act, entitled an Act for the encouragement of Learning,
by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and pro-
prietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned, and extending the
benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and
other prints."
GILBERT L. THOMPSON,
Clerk of the Southern District of New York.
By those who are acquainted with the pressure
of ministerial duty, and the difficulty of col-
lecting the materials for such a work, no apology
will be demanded for the unexpected delay of
this publication. The writer laments that he
has failed in the attempt to obtain what has
appeared to him important information, and
will sensibly feel his obligations to the friends
and acquaintances of Mr. Mills, for communi-
cating to him with perfect freedom, whatever
facts or observations may occur to their minds,
in perusing these pages, which in their view, may
be of service to a future edition.
New York, March, 1820.
:
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
PAGE.
His youth and conversion..
CHAPTER II.
His education, and early devotion to the Missionary cause...
CHAPTER III.
His interest and agency in the promotion of Foreign
Missions
CHAPTER IV.
His acquaintance with Obookiah, and the consequent es-
tablishment of the Foreign Mission School.
8
16
37
CHAPTER V.
His Missionary tours into the Western and Southern sec-
tions of the United States.
44
CHAPTER VI.
His instrumentality in bringing forward the American
Bible Society, and the United Foreign Missionary So-
ciety.
78
CHAPTER VII.
His residence in New York, and his exertions in behalf of
the poor and ignorant in that city
CHAPTER VIII.
His exertions in behalf of Africa....
CHAPTER IX.
89
101
His Journal as Agent of the Colonization Society......... 135
CHAPTER X.
His last illness and death......
CHAPTER XI.
His general character.
Conclusion
194
199
209
J
MEMOIRS,
&c.
CHAPTER I.
HIS YOUTH AND CONVERSION.
NEXT to the devotions of the closet, and the
perusal of the Holy Scriptures, there are few
means of advancement in the divine life better
adapted to their end, than a familiar acquaint-
ance with the lives of godly men. If Religion
appears lovely when pourtrayed merely in the
simplicity and amiableness of her principles, how
much more lovely when exhibited in the purity
and benevolence of her conduct. When we see
something more than right views and holy dispo-
sitions; when we behold not the portrait, but the
living features of her excellence; her image sinks
into the soul. Few can rise from the Biography
of such men as Xavier, Beveridge, Baxter,
Brainerd, Edwards, and Fuller, without deep
and vivid impressions of the worth of piety, and
of the importance and feasibility of eminent at-
tainments. Who that has traced the footsteps of
some favoured child of mercy through all the
B
.
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
toil and discouragement of the Christian life
that has seen his heavenly spirit-that has wit
nessed his piety toward God and his benificence
toward man-that, with delighted admiration,
has pursued his path to the threshold of heaven;
has not been eager to catch his falling mantle,
and bless the Father of mercies for raising up
men to shine as lights in the world, and to shed
a lustre through a long line of succeeding gene-
rations.
No inconsiderable portion of this hallowed
feeling will, it is believed, be excited by contem-
plating the character of the late SAMUEL J. MILLS.
If any man has a claim that his real character
should be exhibited, and the extent of his use-
fulness impartially developed, this claim belongs
to the subject of these Memoirs. While few
men have more merited public applause and
gratitude, few of such eminent usefulness have
received less than he. These we know were
not the rewards he sought; but it is not the less
delightful, nor the less dutiful, that they should
be the tribute we pay.
It was the privilege of this beloved man,
"greatly beloved," to be the child of pious pa-
rents. He was the son of a venerable clergy-
man, "whose praise is in the churches," and
who is now the Pastor of a respectable congre-
gation in the town of Torringford, in the county
of Litchfield, State of Connecticut. His mother
was the daughter of Samuel Robbins, of a re-
spectable family originally from Weathersfield,
in Hartford county, in the same State. She was
a woman of very exemplary character and pre-
eminent piety, and one whose memory is em-
balmed in the hearts of all who knew her.
Samuel was their third child, and was born the
21st of April, 1783.
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
3
Could we without sacrilege enter the sanctuary
of a mother's bosom, we might whisper a tale
that would account for the distinguished useful-
ness with which God has condescended to fa-
your some of the best of men. Many a godly
mother can say, "I have had peculiar solici-
tudes respecting this child. Even before its
birth, I dedicated it to the Lord; and then en-
gaged that it should be unreservedly devoted to
his glory. And when the little immortal was
committed to my arms, with many prayers and
tears did I renew my engagements, till it was
strongly impressed on my mind, that God had
heard my cry and accepted my offering." This
is something more than fiction in relation to Mr.
Mills. A plant so early watered might be ex-
pected to enjoy the most patient care and unre-
mitting tenderness in its progressive maturity.
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and
when he is old he will not depart from it,” is a
maxim too full of obligation and encouragement
to have been so long lost sight of by too many
of the Christian Church. It is an animating
thought, that God has engaged to preserve a
church in the world from the children of believ-
ing parents. What pious parent will not be in-
spirited in his duty, when he surveys the children
of his care, and remembers that it was
said, "Of such is the kingdom of heaven!"
once
The childhood and youth of Mr. Mills were
chiefly spent under his father's roof, in the pos-
session of the most faithful instructions, and of
the best kind. When quite a child, his mind
exhibited no common sensibility to the concerns
of religion, and was easily, and sometimes
deeply affected with his neglect of his religious
opportunities, and his ruined condition as a sin-
These impressions gradually wore away,
ner.
B 2
4
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
until the year 1798, when they were revived, and
his attention powerfully arrested, during a season
of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon his
native town.* This revival of religion took
place about the time of a very general "out-
pouring" upon the churches of New England.
A minister of eminence, and who was once set-
tled in Connecticut, informed the writer that he
distinctly recollects standing one day at his own
door, and enumerating upward of seventy con-
gregations, that lay under his eye, and that were
contiguous with each other, who, that same year,
were visited with seasons of refreshing from the
divine presence.
Not far from one hundred and
fifty congregations in New-England enjoyed at
that time the like blessing.
Young Mills was then fifteen years of age.
Naturally very retired and incommunicative, he
was least of all disposed to say much concern-
ing the exercises of his own mind. But such
were his views of his own sinfulness, so severe
his distress, and so bitter his opposition to God,
that he would sometimes "break out in expres-
sions of unyielding rebellion." With nothing
was his dissatisfaction more painful, than the
discriminations of the divine favour in showing
mercy to those who were around him, while he
himself was apparently left to obduracy and
ruin. He had beheld many of his companions
in years and in sin, together with an elder bro-
ther, a sister, and a niece, all residing under the
same roof, and all that remained of his father's
descendants, rejoicing in hope, and united to the
* For a narrative of this work of grace, from the pen of
the father of Mr. Mills, reference may be had to the Conn.
Evang. Mag. vol. 1.
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
5
visible Church; while he himself obtained no
relief from his agony, but remained in "the gall
of bitterness and the bonds of iniquity." Such
was his state of mind for many months, and such
it continued, when the revival began to decline,
and when it was gone by! Two full years he
remained in this dismal frame of mind, still re-
fusing to bow at the footstool of mercy; and, to
adopt his own sentiment, "at heart still cursing
the day in which he was born." But he had
seen too much of his own vileness to relapse into
a state of unconcern. With some apparent
mitigation of his distress he left his father's
house for a neighbouring town, to take charge of
a farm that had been bequeathed him by his
maternal grandmother. His letters during this
period, convince us that there was much in this
absence from the bosom and prayers of his en-
deared family, to increase his apprehensions,
that he should at last be an exile from God's
presence, and an outcast from the community of
his people. In November, 1801, he returned
home with the view of spending the winter at
an Academy in the town of Litchfield, about
twelve miles off, but with no repose to his de-
pressed and troubled mind. On the morning of
his departure for Litchfield, ever anxious for her
son, and never more than now, his mother took
an opportunity of enquiring into the state of his
mind, and begged him to make an ingenuous
disclosure of his feelings. For a moment he
was silent and wept; but his heart was too full,
long to suppress the emotions produced by so
affecting a request. He raised his head, and
with eyes streaming with tears, exclaimed "O
that I had never been born! O that I had never
been born! For two years I have been sorry
that God ever made me." What reply could
6
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
such a mother make to such a disclosure? It
was given her in that same hour what she should
speak" My son," said she, "you are born,
and you can never throw off your existence, nor
your everlasting accountability for all your con-
duct." This heavy thought was like a dagger
to his soul. His mother expressed her fears that
he had never thoroughly seen the evil of his own
heart, and that he had much to learn before he
was acquainted with himself;-to which he ven-
tured to say,
"I have seen to the very bottom
of hell!" With this frame of mind, he took a
melancholy leave of his parents for the winter;
and it was a day never to be forgotten in the life
of Mr. Mills, nor in our recollection of those
splendid schemes of benevolence which charac-
terized his subsequent history, and to which the
events of this day bore so intimate a relation.
What took place under his father's roof, may be
easily conjectured;-a scene, apparently of very
little moment, and never unveiled 'till now-a
scene, the world would scarcely deign to look at,
but one on which the Sacred Three look down
with smiles-a scene, in which no prince or
princess is the actor, but one which princes
might come down from their thrones to emulate :
-a devout and humble woman, wrestling with
the Angel of the Covenant, and as a prince ob-
taining power to prevail!
The farewell to his mother drove her to her
knees. There is such a thing as special faith in
prayer. It was such to this eminent saint, when
she went to plead for her son. She felt his sor-
rows and her own; and God was pleased not
only to show her that all her help was in him,
but to enable her to feel that to him could her
heart turn as her only God in covenant, and from
him could it find unutterable relief. She did not
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
leave her closet, till she found the full relief she
sought, and till her mind was confidently assured
that God would remember mercy for her child!
It ought to be recorded, that on that very morn-
ing, it pleased the Holy Ghost, as she afterwards
ascertained, to knock off the chains from this
unhappy prisoner, and introduce him into the
liberty of the sons of God. He had not gone
far, before he had such a view of the perfections
of God, that he wondered he had never seen
their beauty and glory before. There was no-
thing in God now which distressed him. He
had lost all his opposition to the divine sove-
reignty; and, such were his views of this adora-
ble perfection, that he could not refrain from
exclaiming, "O glorious sovereignty! O glorious
sovereignty!" He retired a small distance into
the woods, that he might be the more at liberty
to contemplate the character of God, and adore
and extol his holy and amiable sovereignty; but
he here saw so much of God, that his mind was
almost lost in the overwhelming manifestation.
The scene was altogether new. There was a
wonderful change either in God, or in him.
Every thing was gilded with light and glory;
and now and then, as he gazed at the splendour
and majesty of the divine character, he would
still exclaim, "O glorious sovereignty!" It
does not appear that in all this he was bribed
into acquiescence. "His mind was so constantly
occupied in viewing the perfections of God, and
in meditating on his word and works, and so
continued for several weeks, that he did not
think of himself with any degree of concern.”
Such is the nature of genuine religion. It is far
from being indispensable to our cordial acquies-
cence in God's character and government, to be
persuaded that we are interested in his mercy.
8
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
Though from Mr. Mills' letters, his friends were
induced to hope that some change had taken
place in his views; he himself was conscious of
no hope, till about three months after this period.
Surely, it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel,
What hath God wrought!"
(6
CHAPTER II.
HIS EDUCATION AND EARLY DEVOTION TO THE
MISSIONARY CAUSE.
WE can scarcely fail to have observed, that the
Divine Spirit often gives a particular impulse in
conversion, which prepares its subject for some
particular service. There are those who are im-
pressed with enlarged views of divine truth; and
not unfrequently of the importance, consistency,
and beauty of some particular truths, which in
the developements of Providence it is seen they
are destined to defend and maintain. And there
are those who are almost instantaneously roused
to purposes of active benevolence; and the first
discernible tendencies of whose affections are to-
ward the wants and woes of their perishing fel-
low-men. To one who is conversant with the
peculiarities of their exercises on spiritual sub-
jects, it is not more certain, that Jonathan Ed-
wards and Andrew Fuller were prepared, in the
early stages of their Christian experience, for the
distinguished part they have acted in illustrating
and demonstrating the grand truths of revealed
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
9
;
?
religion, than were David Brainerd and Samuel
J. Mills, for distinguished efforts as Missionaries.
of the cross.
The direction of young Mills' thoughts may be
gathered from a single suggestion, soon after his
return from Litchfield. The first idea his father
had of his change of mind, arose from an obser-
vation he made," that he could not conceive of
any course of life in which to pass the rest of his
days, that would prove so pleasant, as to go and
communicate the Gospel salvation to the poor
Heathen." Thus early did a sovereign God, who
has pity on the Heathen, set apart Samuel J.
Mills for a Missionary. It is somewhat remark-
able that from this same hour he never once lost
sight of his darling object. Though but a youth
of sixteen, he discovered a zeal in the Missionary
cause, an eagerness in the pursuit of Missionary
intelligence, and an enlargement of thought in
his plans, to become acquainted with the true
state of the unevangelized world, which left little
doubt that he was chained to his purpose by a
superior power.
It was a heart yearning over the miseries of
perishing millions, that first led him to think of
acquiring an education with a view to the gospel.
ministry. Having consulted his parents, and
unfolded all his purpose, which, should God
permit, was no less than to devote his life to the
cause of Missions in foreign lands; and having
received their approbation and their blessing, he
resolved on measures for changing his course of
life. The Spirit of God came over him like
Elisha in the field. While toiling at the plough,
was his heart touched with compassion for the
heathen world, and he bid adieu to his farm, to
obtain an education on purpose to carry the
Gospel to millions who perish for lack of know-
B 5
10
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
ledge. Thus in a retired field in Litchfield
county, was the King of Zion beginning that
grand course of operations which have produced
such a mighty revolution in the American.
Churches, and which bear so intimate a relation
to the progressive glories of his kingdom. Hav-
ing put his secular concerns into other hands,
and having previously connected himself with
the Church, under the pastoral care of his father,
Mills became a member of Williams' College, in
Massachusetts, in the autumn of 1806. As a
scholar, he was of respectable standing; but as a
youth who "walked with God," and whose uni-
form deportment evinced that he was devoted to
interests superior to his own, he shone as a light
in the earth. Ardent and matured as his piety.
was at more advanced periods, it may be said of
Mr. Mills, that he began his career very much as
he ended it. At this early period his piety was
of that strong, yet fervent, that unostentatious,
yet practical and efficient kind, that gave the
highest evidence that he was a child of God.
Engaged in pursuits, in which many a godly
youth is allured from duty, by the glare of science
and the love of fame, he not merely retained his
integrity, and made sensible progression in holi-
ness, but by a deportment so circumspect and
kind, that even the enemies of religion could not
but respect him; and by a consistency and sweet-
ness of character, which gave so much lustre to
vital piety, that his friends felt the reproach of
his example; did he become the means of conver-
sion, steadfastness, and zeal, and will be long re-
membered as a distinguished blessing to the
Seminary of which he was a member.
To many a pious youth, the weight of moral
obligation seems to be too much suspended dur
ing a four years' residence within the walls of a
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
11
snare.
college. Too many appear to feel that they
have discharged their obligations, while irrespec-
tive of the present, they only prepare for the
future; and it does not come within the scope of
their plans to do good, but only to obtain it. It
may possibly deserve reflection, whether the in-
difference of the pious young men who are mem-
bers of our colleges, to the obligations of active
usefulness, may not be one reason why the light
of science so often dazzles only to attract and
consume the insect that carelessly flutters around
it, and why our seminaries of learning, with all
their eminent usefulness, so frequently prove a
Every where Mills' object was but one.
To him, nothing had charms so powerful, as the
glory of his Redeemer and the salvation of men.
The conversion of a sinner from the error of his
ways, the deliverance of one immortal being
from everlasting burnings, was to his benevolent
mind enough to compensate a thousand fold for
all the laurels of a Cæsar. While he was a mem-
ber of College, there was a revival of religion in
that Institution, of which he was the chief instru-
ment. There are not a few of his fellow-students
now in the ministry, who owe their hopes of hea-
ven, and their usefulness on earth, to his instru-
mentality. Nor would we fail to remark, that
some of those excellent men, whom the American
Church has been permitted to send into the seclu-
sions of our own wildernesses, and to plant on
the banks of the Ganges and the Indus, will long
remember his instrumentality in promoting their
conversion and exerting their Missionary zeal.
His contemporaries at the College will delight to
linger on the recollection of his excellence; and
can never forget how the salvation of the youth
with whom he was associated, the revival of
pure and undefiled religion, and the desolations.
12
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
of the heathen world, were themes that often
drew tears from his eyes and persuasion from his
tongue, as he visited from room to room, and
walked from grove to grove.
The following extracts from his own Diary
will better evince the state of his mind at this
period, and be more gratifying to our readers,
han any narrative of our own:
"June 25, 1806. I hope I shall have an op-
portunity to retire and address the Throne of
Grace to-day without molestation. O that God
would be with me, and assist me in the perform-
ance of duty! It will be a stupid time indeed, if
the Lord does not pour down his spirit and con-
vince me of my unworthiness and dependence.
O how unworthy we are at this institution to
partake of the crumbs that fall from our Master's
table! Blessed be God, he has, I trust, wrought
a good work upon the hearts of some, and is
forcing conviction and light upon the minds of
others. I hope nothing may retard the progress
of this most glorious work.
<<
Thursday, 26. Attended conference this
evening, composed principally of the Freshman
Class. A very good meeting. Many very
solemn; K- much cast down. It was very
evident God was striving with some of his diso-
bedient creatures. The work is the Lord's, and
he is abundantly able to carry it on.-Arise, O
Lord, thou and the ark of thy strength! It
seems to me I never longed so much for the Sab-
bath as I do now. I am afraid the impressions
of my classmates will wear off. But all things
are possible with God.
"Saturday, 28. Think I feel something of a
praying frame this morning.-O for more fervor,
more engagedness, more activity, in the cause of
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
13
the blessed God! I hope this may be a sweet
day to my soul. Think I see something of my
unworthiness.
"Sabbath Morning, 29. Have some view of
my dependence upon God and of my awful stu-
pidity. I pray God to be with me to-day, and
keep me from injuring his cause, and preserve
me in a praying frame!-At Noon.-Just re-
turned from meeting-an uncommon time with
me-think I have never been so carried above
this world before; never found myself so nigh
the foot of the cross. Come, Holy Spirit, hea-
venly Dove, give me, unworthy me, a spirit of
prayer! O humble me-keep me at the foot of
the cross. Grant that I may always feel uneasy
when I wander from that delightful place! Grant
that I may make it my home there, and never
wound my Redeemer in the house of his friends!
"Nov. 10. [After vacation.] I have been in
town two weeks. Professing Christians not so
much alive as they generally were last term.
that God would revive us again!-that his saints
might rejoice, and that immortal souls might be
ransomed from eternal death! O that He would
make his children feel their dependence, and
bring them to cast themselves at his footstool!
All our strength is from the Lord; I hope he
will not cast us off for ever, but carry on his own
work as best pleases him. We are brought very
low; and if the Lord look not upon us, where is
our hope? Where can we look but to thy Holy
Hill ?"
The outpouring of God's Spirit, kere alluded
to, though not very extensive, was among the
most signal expressions of favour to the Church.
The instrumentality the subject of these Memoirs
14
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
had in this work of grace, we shall lay before the
reader in the language of one of his most valued
classmates, who is now successfully engaged in
the Christian ministry. " During the last term
of his first year, there was a revival of religion in
College, which commenced in his class. It was
then my opinion, and I believe the general opi-
nion, that Mr. Mills was principally instrumental
in the hands of God, in producing the blessed
work. Certain it is, that no one was so much
resorted to as he by those under serious impres-
sions. He was singularly devoted and engaged,
a little before the revival commenced, and while
it lasted. Nor did he, after it had ceased, relapse
into that state of apathy and indifference so com-
mon with many, and to which there are so many
temptations in College. It may well be said of
him, that he walked with God,' and I trust his
footsteps were seen long after he left the College."
It is in itself grateful, and of some importance
to the subsequent parts of his history, to observe
the invariable tendencies of his mind toward the
grand objects of benevolence to which his life
was so sacredly devoted. The following ex-
tract is from his Diary, while a member of Col-
lege, though under an obliterated date.
"O that I might be aroused from this careless
and stupid state, and be enabled to fill up life
well! I think I can trust myself in the hands of
God, and all that is dear to me; but I long to
have the time arrive, when the Gospel shall be
preached to the poor Africans, and likewise to
all nations."
Ejaculations like these were the true index of
his soul. It is his zeal and exertions as a Chris
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
15
tian philanthropist, that will attract the deepest
and most profitable attention. In this respect, it
is no exaggeration to say, he stands almost with-
out a parallel among men not actuated by the
miraculous agency of the Holy Ghost. What
the memorable Howard was in some
some few
branches of temporal charity, was Samuel J.
Mills, in a vast variety of simple yet magnificent
plans of Christian beneficence. Few who knew
him will question the justice of the observation,
that he possessed feelings which suffered him to
say very little of himself. Though one of the
most modest men I ever saw, he once said to a
confidential friend, and a brother in the ministry
of a kindred spirit, "Brother Cs, though
you and I are very little beings, we must not
rest satified till we have made our influence ex-
tend to the remotest corner of this ruined world."
-This was his real spirit. Simply to become a
Missionary himself, and live and die in Pagan
lands, surrounded with all the evidences of suc-
cessful labour, was with him a very small mat-
ter. His charities were the most exalted, and
his plans most sublime. He knew how to labour
for an interest, distant enough to bring nothing
to himself, and "form a purpose to feel and act
efficiently for more than two-thirds of the human
race, never baptised by the Christian name."
16
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
CHAPTER III.
HIS INTEREST AND AGENCY IN THE PROMOTION
OF FOREIGN MISSIONS.
AMONG the projects in which Mr. Mills took a
deep interest, and which was the first in his own
estimation at the time it was conceived, was the
design of propagating the Gospel among the
Heathen in foreign lands, by means of Missio-
naries from this country. It is interesting to
trace the connexion between the plans and mea-
sures devised by this single youth in Williams'
College, and many of the great movements
which have since taken place in the American
Church. Though very little is to be found
among his own papers, which would disclose his
instrumentality, the almost universal acknow-
ledgement of men interested in Missionary con-
cerns, attributes to Mr. Mills a distinguished
agency in bringing forward a new era in the
history of Missions in this Western World.
The dawn of a Missionary spirit had began
to appear in some of the American churches be-
fore. To those who have observed the signs of
the times, it cannot be doubtful that a new and
splendid era on the other side of the Atlantic
was introduced about eight-and-twenty years
ago. In the year 1792, the first Missionary
Society was established by Carey, Fuller,
Pearce, and Ryland, at Kettering, in England.
In 1795, the London Missionary Society was
instituted; and from this period Missionary
Institutions have been increasing in number
throughout the four quarters of the globe.
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
17
America began gradually to participate in the
sacred spirit. Aside from an establishment formed
by the Moravians in 1734, and a branch of the
Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian
Knowledge among the Indians in North America,
which was instituted at Boston, in 1787, the
honour of commencing the first Missionary ex-
ertions in the United States belongs to the
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.
At their first Session, as early as the year 1789,
that body passed an order requiring the Churches
under their care to take up collections for a Mis-
sionary Fund; and in 1802, they established a
standing Committee of Missions, which has been
in successful operation from that time to the pre-
sent. The New-York Missionary Society was
instituted in 1796; the Connecticut Missionary
Society in 1798; the Massachusetts Missionary
Society in 1799; and the New-Jersey Missionary
Society in 1801.
Hitherto, however, the attention of the West-
ern World had been exclusively turned to do-
mestic Missions, among the new settlements,
and Indians. To the eye of the few who watch-
ed its growth, it was obvious that the germ of
this tree of life had been gaining strength and
activity; but it was not destined to shoot out its
branches to the river, and its boughs to the ends
of the earth, till the period at which we have
now arrived. That she had a distinguished part
to act in the conversion of six hundred millions
of our guilty creation abroad, beyond her desti-
tute at home, was a thought that had never till
now sunk into the bosom of the American
Church. Why was it so? Surely no nation
possesses greater advantages for disseminating
religious truth, whether we regard resources or
men; and no nation is under greater obligations
18
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
to make many and great exertions for this ex-
alted object. Why should the nations of Europe,
in the midst of all their conflict and blood, have
been sending their sons through different conti-
nents and to the islands of the sea, while
America, this land of freedom, peace, wealth,
and privilege, circumscribes her exertions to a
handful of men within her own territory? If
there are any who at this late hour are backward
to engage in this glorious enterprise, let them
know, that the deliverance of the Pagan nations
is sure; let them know that as God has given
the Heathen to his Son, for an inheritance, so he
has given the sanction of his own Spirit to mea-
sures for their conversion,-and that the most
stupid and barbarous of men have been brought
within the fold of the Great Shepherd. If we do
not choose to engage in this work, other nations,
more faithful, will go forward and be crowned
with success; but,
66 we and our father's house
shall be destroyed."
In tracing the progress of the Missionary
spirit in this country, in respect of Foreign Mis-
sions, we have little else to do than follow the
leading events of Mr. Mills' life, from his first.
year in College, to the embarkation of the
American Missionaries for Calcutta, under the
direction of the American Board of Commis-
sioners, in the year 1812. As has been already
intimated, his devotion to the Missionary cause
was early and invincible. It was not, however,
until he became a member of College, that his
spirit of Missions came out to view. It was
then that the subject of Missions fastened upon
his attention, engrossed the meditations of his
serious hours, took deep hold of his feelings, and
became the burden of his prayers. It seems to
have been a peculiar visitation of the Spirit of
.
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
19
God that turned all the solicitude and affection
of his heart to this object. He reflected long
and prayed much, before he disclosed his views;
and when he determined to unburthen his mind,
by conversing with two or three of his more in-
timate fellow-students, it was in a manner that
deserves to be related:-He led them out into a
meadow, at a distance from the College, to a
retirement, probably familiar to himself, though
little exposed to observation or liable to be ap-
proached, where, by the side of a large stack of
hay, he devoted the day to prayer and fasting,
and familiar conversation on this new and in-
teresting theme; when, much to his surprise and
gratification, he found that the Spirit of God had
been enkindling in their bosoms the flame which
had been so long burning in his own. The rea-
der will not be surprised to learn, that from this
hour, this endeared retreat was often made so-
lemn by the presence, and hallowed by the
piety, of these devoted young men. It was to
this consecrated spot they repaired, to cherish
the high-born influence, and dedicate themselves
renewedly to Christ in this blessed cause, to
spend many a day in humiliation, fasting, and
prayer, and there to offer to a present God those
early and fervent supplications, to which may
be traced the institution of Foreign Missions in
the new world. The operations and existence
of this Society were unknown to the rest of the
College, and have remained concealed by a veil,
which has never been removed till now. Though
some of this little company yet remain on earth,
I am forbidden by very sacred ties, to lisp any
other than the name of Samuel J. Mills.- But I
would shrink from intrusion upon fellowship so
endeared and so sacred.-There is something
inexpressibly pleasant in those seasons of favoured
20
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
devotion, when the mind perceives the coinci-
dence between some of its best emotions, and the
operations of the Holy Spirit. Such, we think,
must frequently have been the gratification of
this fraternal band.
The mind of Mr. Mills had now received a
new impulse; and his paramount object was to
devise measures to carry the plans which had
now begun to present themselves in some defi-
nite shape, into immediate execution. Well per-
suaded that a successful appeal could not be
made to the Churches, without first increasing the
number of men wo were willing to devote their
lives to this self-denying service, and having, as
he supposed, accomplished what he could for the
cause in Williams' College; he left that Institu-
tion, and became a resident graduate a few
months at Yale College, in Connecticut. His
ostensible object was the study of theology; but
his real object was to ascertain whether there was
not some kindred spirits in that Institution, who
could be excited and encouraged to participate
in this glorious enterprise. The purpose of an
all-pervading Providence in this movement, was,
however, different from his own. Shortly after
his arrival at New-Haven, he became acquainted
with the lamented OBOOKIAH, a Heathen youth
from one of the Sandwhich Islands, who will be
introduced to the attention of the reader in some
subsequent part of this volume, and whose me-
mory will long be tenderly cherished, especially
by the pious in our country. Though we can
say little of the success of his visit to New-
Haven, so far as relates to the infusion of a Mis-
sionary spirit, or increasing the active friends of
Foreign Missions, among the members or gra-
duates of the College; subsequent events can
hardly fail to leave the impression, that his steps
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
21
were guided to that place by no ordinary im-
pulse.
The following spring, Mr. Mills became a
member of the Theological Seminary at Andover.
Soon after he united himself with this Institution,
he was visited with a very bitter bereavement, to
which he alludes, with much characteristic_sen-
timent, in the following Letter:-It was the death
of his mother.
DEAR SIR,
"I have just received your kind letter of
January 24th, and thank you for the share you
are pleased to take in our afflictions. May you,
Sir, as you are disposed to mourn with those that
mourn, receive the blessing of kind Heaven.
•
66
C
I hope my bosom will not heave a murmur-
ing sigh because of this chastising stroke. God,
as we trust, had redeemed the soul of our dear
parent, and her Saviour, looking down, said,
Come up hither.' And why should we say to
her pure spirit, Stay yet a little longer? What
had we to offer her if she had tarried? Nothing,
except that which we all inherit by the fall,
stripes, chains, and a dungeon.' For being
sanctified but in part, her remaining sins would
lead her astray, and she must be chastised to
bring her back to God. These would have been
her stripes. A thousand tender ties which bind
us down to things which perish in the using, and
6
pestered in this pinhole here which men call
earth;"this her dungeon. It is thus we languish.
And is not that a dungeon which excludes the
matchless beauties of the eternal Godhead, and
gives us not so fair a view as Moses had when
hid within the clefts of the rock? She now is
free indeed!-made free by grace, and doubly
freed by death. When I left Andover, I thought
!
22
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
most likely I should see my mother alive-when
I arrived at Hartford, I was informed she was
no more! Her last sigh had escaped me. I
hoped the information was not correct, and half
believed it, until a second inquiry helped to
confirm my fears. On my way before I arrived
home, I passed the burying ground; and if I
called there, I knew it would satisfy all doubts.
If she was dead, I could tell where they had
laid her; for my father in my earliest days
would lead me to the burying ground, and.tell
me where my mother would be buried and where
he should be laid, and I would weep, and hope
that I should lie there first. When I arrived at
the burying ground, the grave was newly
covered—it was my mother's! Here I gave vent
to the most impassioned burst of woe. I wept
not that my mother had gone to glory, but that
I should see her face no more-no more should
hear her warning voice, no more should share her
prayers. Her dust is precious dust, and shall
arise triumphant, when the trump of her Jesus
shall call her to judgment. Upon my arrival
home, I found the gray locks of my afflicted
father had been shaken by the blast; but still
he seemed to be supported from above, and
hopes, that as his day is so his strength will be.
He thanks you, dear Sir, and all his Christian
friends, who remember him in their prayers."
This invaluable woman died in the faith and
hope of the Gospel, on the 30th December,
1809. It was while he was a member of the
Theological Seminary, that the compiler of these
sheets was first honoured with an acquaintance
with this estimable man. Here Mr. Mills found
several of his former companions, who had de-
dicated themselves to the cause of Missions while
together at Williams' College; and the fraternity,
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
23
in all its concealed energies, renewed its ope-
rations here.
The subject of Missions to the Heathen had
already begun to occupy the minds of several of
the students not originally members of this
secret Association, and a number were seriously
and painfully inquiring concerning their duty in
this important particular. Messrs. Newel,
Judson, and Nott, in connexion with Messrs.
Mills and Hall, held frequent consultations on
this momentous subject, which issued in a re-
solution, to combine their exertions in immedi-
ately enterprising a Mission to foreign lands.
The writer well recollects the course Mr.
Mills pursued while at Andover, to diffuse a
Missionary zeal throughout that Seminary. It
was his method to attach himself to the company
of those students whose minds were exercised on
the subject, and by judicious conversation, by a
careful and unimpassioned presentation of the
arguments, to bring them to adopt the conclu-
sion, that it was their duty to devote their lives
to the Heathen. And never was an ambitious
politician, seeking the honours and emoluments
of office, more unremittingly or zealously en-
gaged. His missionary exertions constituted his
relaxation from study; and he might always be
found, during his leisure hours, in little circles of
his brethren, engaged in conversation on these
interesting topics. He had made himself com-
plete master of the subject; and daily might he be
seen arm in arm, with one or more of his fellow-
students, either provoking inquiry, or renewing
former suggestions, or pressing the obligation to
Missions upon their consciences, by consider-
ations well nigh irresistible. There was a beau-
tiful grove that spread itself in the rear of the
College buildings; and "along that shady
24
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
walk," says one of his fellow-Missionaries,
"where I have often walked alone, Mr. Mills
has at other times been my companion, and there
urged the importance of Missions to the Heathen.
And when he had reached some sequestered
spot, where there was no fear of interruption, he
would say Come, God only can guide us
right; let us kneel down and pray-and then
he would pour out his soul in an ardent suppli-
cation for the blessing of God, and the guidance
of his Holy Spirit."
It is not difficult to conjecture the state of Mr.
Mills' mind, when the subject of Foreign Missions.
began to be the theme of public discussion, and
the objections of "the wise and the unwise"
threatened to retard, if not entirely defeat, the
benevolent project. At first view, there are ob-
jections to such an enterprise, which, however
fallacious, are exceedingly plausible.
If any
should inquire why we take so much pains to
send the Gospel to the Heathen, when we have
so many destitute among ourselves? Why at-
tempt to supply the wants of China and Hin-
dostan, when we must leave multitudes perish-
ing at our own doors?-What think you is the
reply of the world to such an objection as this?
"If Christians really believe that Christ tasted
"death for every man, that there is salvation in
66
no other, and that a great part of the world
"are actually perishing in ignorance of this only
"Saviour;-if they really believe all this, why
"do they not concern themselves to have this
"gospel made known to every creature? Why
"has this been neglected so long?-And, alas!
"the Heathen join in the same bitter reproach.
"The Missionary tells them that he has come to
"proclaim to them a Saviour, the Son of God,
"who has shed his blood to atone for the sins of
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
25
"the world; and who has commanded his
"servants to publish the glad tidings every
"where for the salvation of all men. When,
૮૮ says the Pagan, did this Saviour die? Eighteen
"hundred years ago, replies the Missionary.
"When did he command his servants to publish
66 every where these good tidings?————Just
"before he ascended from earth to heaven,
"which was shortly after his death and resur-
"rection. Surprising! says the Pagan. If
66
you Christians have known all these things,
"and really believe that we ignorant Heathens
"must perish unless we believe in Jesus Christ;
"how could you leave so great a part of the
"world, for so many generations, to go down to
perdition, without coming sooner to tell us o
"this only way in which we can be saved?
"This is not idle fancy; it is matter of distres-
sing fact. Is it not time to arise and pluck
"this dreadful weapon from the hand of idolatry
"abroad, and infidelity at home?"
66
The narrow policy of such objections surely
was not the principle of action on which the
Church was extended in the Apostolic age, or
will be extended in the future ages of the world.
But there is little occasion to argue a point which
has been so ably argued by others. To a sober
mind, the subject lies within a very narrow com-
pass.
The Churches know that hundreds of mil-
lions are perishing through ignorance of a Saviour;
-Christ has absolutely commanded his disciples
"The conversion of the World, or the Claims of Six
Hundred Millions, and the ability and duty of the Churches
respecting them," by the Rev. Messrs. Gordon Hall and
Samuel Newel, American Missionaries at Bombay.
C
26
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
to go and preach the Gospel to every one of
them; and has pledged his faithfulness, that if
they will go, their exertions for the Heathen shall
be the means of greater exertions at home. And
has he not redeemed the pledge? How can any
reflecting man evade the obligation, to be at
least the decided and zealous friend of Foreign
Missions?
With fervent gratitude to the God of grace
let it be acknowledged, that he was pleased to
smile upon the designs of Mr. Mills and his asso-
ciates, in turning the hearts of the Churches
toward this favorite object. Men of intelligence
and piety did not long hesitate in the adoption of
measures which should embody the weight and
influence of New-England in giving form and
motion to this mighty machinery. Though we
would not claim for Mr. Mills the honour of
maturing the operations of the "American Board
of Commissioners for Foreign Missions," he is
justly entitled to the praise of originating the
plan of that noble Institution. It was through
his instrumentality, and the advice and co-opera-
tion of the Reverend Professors in the Theolo-
gical Seminary at Andover, the Rev. Dr. Wor-
cester, of Salem, the Secretary and principal
Agent of the Board after it was constituted,-
and, if a son may be permitted to record it, the
Rev. Dr. Spring of Newburyport, that, on the
motion of the last named gentleman, the subject
was first introduced to the attention of the
General Association of Massachusetts, at their
Annual Meeting in Bradford, in 1810. The fol-
lowing extract from their Minutes will present
the facts as they then occurred.
At a Meeting of the General Association of
Massachusetts Proper, at Bradford, on Wednes-
day the 27th of June, 1810.-" Four young gen-
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
27
tlemen, members of the Divinity College, were
introduced and presented the following Paper:
"The undersigned, members of the Divinity
College, respectfully request the attention of their
Reverend Fathers, convened in the General
Association at Bradford, to the following state-
ment and inquiries:
66
They beg leave to state, that their minds
have been long impressed with the duty and im-
portance of personally attempting a Mission to
the Heathen; that the impressions on their minds
have induced a serious, and they trust a prayer-
ful consideration of the subject in its various
attitudes, particularly in relation to the probable
success and the difficulties attending such an
attempt; and that after examining all the infor-
mation which they can obtain, they consider
themselves as devoted to this work for life, when-
ever God in his providence shall open the way.
"They now offer the following inquiries on
which they solicit the opinion and advice of this
Association. Whether with their present views
and feelings, they ought to renounce the object
of Missions as visionary or impracticable; if not,
whether they ought to direct their attention to
the eastern or the western world; whether they
may expect patronage and support from a Mis-
sionary Society in this country, or must commit
themselves to the direction of a European
Society; and what preparatory measures they
ought to take previous to actual engagement?
"The undersigned, feeling their youth and inex-
perience, look up to their Fathers in the Church,
and respectfully solicit their advice, direction,
and prayers.
"Adoniram Judson, jr.
"Samuel Nott, jr.
"Samuel J. Mills,
c2
“Samuel Newel.”
28
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
This document was referred to a Special Com-
mittee, who in their report recognized the impera-.
tive obligation and importance of Missions
expressed their conviction that the gentlemen
who had thus modestly expressed their views,
ought not to renounce, but carefully cherish their
sacred impressions; and submitted the outlines
of a plan, which at that meeting was carried
into effect in the appointment of a Board of
Commissioners for Foreign Missions, "for the
purpose of devising ways and means, and adopt-
ing and prosecuting measures for promoting the
spread of the Gospel in Heathen lands."
Here was laid the corner-stone of an edifice,
which will long be the ornament of the American
Church; broad its foundation, beautiful its
Church;-broad
superstructure, lofty its dome. Such is the origin
of an Institution, which for the extension of its
plans, and the wisdom of its direction, stands
forward a distinguished monument of divine
favour to the American people.
After considerable exertion at home, and some
inquiry abroad, it was resolved that Mr. Judson
should repair to England, with the view of ascer-
taining what assistance could be afforded to the
Mission by the London Missionary Society. "He
was welcomed with great cordiality by the direc-
tors of the London Society, who engaged to
take him and his three brethren under their care,
and to allow them salaries, and employ them on
a mission, if the funds of the American Board
should not be competent for their support.
Contrary to the expectation of the Board, Mr.
Judson, during his absence, felt himself justified
in entering into partial arrangements at least,
to become the Missionary of the London Society
in the East-Indies. In view of such a measure,
Mr. Mills, in writing to a friend, exclaims,
"What is England to support her own Mission-
:>)
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
29
aries and ours likewise? O shame! If brother
Judson is prepared, I would feign press him for-
ward with the arm of an Hercules, if I had the
strength; but I do not like this dependance on
another nation, especially when they have already
done so much, and we nothing.-I trust that
each of the brethren will stand at their several
posts, determined, God helping them, to show
themselves MEN. Perhaps the Fathers will soon
arise, and take the business of Missions into their
own hands. But should they hesitate, let us be
prepared to GO FORWARD,-trusting to that God
for assistance who hath said, Lo, 1 am with you
always, even to the end of the world."
Not long after this period, however, the Board
were relieved from their pecuniary embarrass-
ment, by the liberality of a distinguished lady,
whose name will ever be endeared in the grateful
recollections of the writer. Let it not be re-
corded without the warmest emotions of admira-
tion, that in the infancy of this Institution, no
less than thirty thousand dollars, from a single
bequest, laid the basis for a permanent fund, to
send the gospel to the Heathen. The late Mrs.
MARY NORRIS, widow of the late John Norris,
of Salem, Massachusetts, one of the founders of
the Andover Seminary, was raised up by a gra-
cious Providence, to become the devoted patron
of Foreign Missions, and by her memorable.
munificence, to "spread the throb of joy through
the Heathen world."
The first efforts of this Institution resulted in
the embarkation of the Rev. Messrs. Hall, Nott,
Rice, Judson, and Newel, for Calcutta, in the
month of February, 1812. These were fol-
lowed by the Rev. Messrs. Bardwell, Meigs,
Poor, Richards, and Warren, who sailed for
Ceylon the following October; these, by the
30
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
Rev. Messrs. Graves and Nichols, who embarked
for Bombay in October, 1817; and these by the
Rev. Messrs. Winslow, Spalding, and Woodward,
together with Dr. John Scudder, a physician of
good professional reputation and practice, who
embarked for Ceylon on the 8th of June, 1819.
Beside these establishments, the Board com-
menced a Mission among the Cherokee Indians,
in January, 1816, and subsequently another
among the Choctaws. In addition to these ex-
ertions, they have recently set on foot an exten-
sive Mission to the Sandwich Islands. The in-
dividuals connected with this Mission consist of
nineteen natives of America, seven gentlemen,
with their wives, and five children; and four
natives of the Sandwich Islands. They em-
barked at Boston, on the 23d of October, 1819.
The last establishment was destined to Jerusalem.
The Rev. Messrs. Levi Parsons and Pliny Fiske,
embarked for Smyrna, with a view to this
Mission, on the 3d of November, 1819. The
receipts of the Board for the year 1819, are
stated to have been thirty-seven thousand dollars,
and their expenditures to have surpassed forty
thousand. They have now under their direction,
and dependant upon their funds, either as Mission-
aries or as assistants in the work, eighty-one in-
dividuals, "extending their exertions from east
to west, more than two-thirds around this globe."
Here let us pause. Who will not admire the
condescension of the adorable Head of the
Church, in permitting so much to be accom-
plished by the exertions of a single individual!
Could Mr. Mills have lived to witness the rapid
advancement of this glorious design; could he
have seen the whole army of the Redeemed in
New-England in motion; could he have seen ten
thousand hearts leaping in joyful eagerness, and
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
31
وو
ten thousand hands opened in liberal charities
toward this hallowed cause; could he have seen
the daily accession of talent and youthful vigour,
as they have been consecrated to the work;
could he have beheld so many Missionary stations
blessing the dark regions of Asia, and have been
told of the conversions amid the desolations and
cruelties of our own wilderness; could he have
been permitted to breathe his blessing into the
breeze that wafts the glad tidings of great joy to
the native isles of his own dear Obookiah; could
he lastly have beheld the "holy city Jerusalem,'
the scene of a Mission from the American
Church: surely he had felt he had not lived in
vain! Some of these glorious events he was
permitted to witness; and with what weeping
modesty he occasionally adverted to them, a few
will long remember. Never has he been more
endeared, than when on one or two occasions
he has been seen to be drowned in tears, and
abased with self-confusion, in attempting to give
utterance to his own views of what God had
condescended to accomplish through the instru-
mentalities of one so worthless as he.
+
CHAPTER IV.
HIS ACQUAINTANCE WITH OBOOKIAH, AND THE
CONSEQUENT ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FOREIGN
MISSION SCHOOL.
WE have already mentioned the name of
Obookiah. Mr. Mills' acquaintance with this
youth forms an important era in his life, and in
the history of Missions in the western world.
Obookiah was a native of Owhyhee, the largest
32
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
of the Sandwich Islands.* He was born about
the year 1792. His parents ranked with the
common people; but his mother was distantly
related to the family of the king. During his
youth there was an unhappy contest in the island,
as to the right of succession. After a severe and
frightful carnage, the party to which the father
of Obookiah attached himself was overpowered.
The conquerors having driven their antagonists
from the field, next turned their rage upon the
villages and families of the vanquished. On the
alarm of their approach, the father took his wife
and two children, and fled to the mountains,
where he concealed himself with his family for
several days in a cave. Venturing at length to
leave their retreat, they were surprised by a party
of the enemy, while in the act of quenching
their thirst at a neighbouring spring. The father
fled. To decoy him from his retreat, the enemy
seized his wife and children and put them to the
torture. The artifice succeeded. Unable to
bear the piercing cries of his family, the father
returned and with his wife was cut in pieces.
His infant brother, Obookiah endeavoured to
The Sandwich Islands are a cluster of islands in the Pa-
cific Ocean, discovered by Captain Cook and Captain King,
in the year 1778. This group consists of eleven islands, ex-
tending in lat. 18° 54', to 20° 15 N. and in long. from
199° 36'. to 205° 6' E. They are chiefly inhabited; and
contain about 400,000 souls. The situation of these islands is
said to be very favourable for commerce;
66 as all the vessels
bound to the North-West Coast, on the fur trade, and also
many of those bound to the coast of Asia, stop here for pro-
visions, and to make repairs." The natives are very con-
siderably advanced in civilization, though they still bow
down to dumb idols. It is not a rare event for human vic-
tims to be here sacrificed to appease the gods. "We cannot
but say to the Missionaries now hastening to these distant
shores, Go up and prosper."
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
33
save from the fate of his parents, by taking him
upon his back and making his escape; but he
was pursued, and his little brother pierced through
with a spear, while Obookiah, by some mysteri-
ous providence, was saved alive. Being now a
prisoner in the hands of the enemy, he was taken
home to the house of the very man who mur-
dered his parents. Here he resided till he was
found by an uncle, who was High Priest of the
island, and who received him into his family and
treated him as a child. In narrating his own his-
tory, Obookiah says, "At the death of my
parents I was with them; I saw them killed with
a bayonet; and with them my little brother not
more than two or three months old; so that I was
left alone without father or mother in this wil-
derness world. Poor boy! thought I within my-
self after they were gone, are there any father or
mother of mine at home, that I may go and find
them at home? No; poor boy am I. And while
I was at play with other children, after we had
made an end of playing, they returned to their
parents, but I was returned into tears; for I
have no home, neither father nor mother. I
thought of nothing more, bnt want of father or
mother, and to cry day and night." While
Obookiah was with his uncle, he began to think
of leaving his native island for some other part
of the globe. About this time a ship belonging to
New Haven, touched at the island on her return
voyage from the North-West Coast-in which he
made an arrangement to take passage for Ameri-
ca, and in the autumn of 1809 was brought to
New-Haven. Here he began early to express
a strong wish to be instructed, and to obtain a
Christian education. He visited the house of
God on the Sabbath, and lingered about the
C 5
34
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
College, trying to catch something to gratify the
thirst of his mind for knowledge; and when he
found that he could understand little or nothing,
and that the treasures of knowledge which
were open to others, were locked up from him;
he sat down and wept on the threshold of the
College buildings." Here he was found by the
Rev. Edwin W. Dwight, then a resident gradu-
ate at the College, and for the first year the
Principal of the Foreign Mission School, who
spared no effort in the instruction of his new
pupil. By a pleasing coincidence of circum-
stances, Mr. Mills, on his arrival at New-Haven,
became the companion of Mr. Dwight, and was
deeply interested in this heathen boy. He soon
conceived the plan of educating him as a Mis-
sionary to his native islands; and took him in the
course of the winter to his father's at Torring-
ford, and afterwards to Andover, patiently in-
structing him in the knowledge of what is useful
in this life, and momentous to the life to come.
We are happy in being able to submit Mr. Mills'
own narrative of this providence, contained in a
letter to the Rev. Gordon Hall, then a student in
the Theological Seminary at Andover, and now
a Missionary in the island of Bombay. Though
it relates to some other events besides his first
acquaintance with Obookiah, we shall transcribe
it chiefly entire.
New-Haven, December 20, 1809.
"VERY DEAR BROTHER,
"I received your kind letter, and feel much
indebted to you. I have been in this place about
two months. When I came, I found my worthy
friend E. Dwight here: I roomed with him about
two weeks, and then removed my quarters to the
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
35
Rev. Mr. Stewart's, with whom I have lived to
the present time. As every day is not so singu-
larly spent by me as this has been, I will notice.
something not a little extraordinary.
"To make my narrative understood, you
must go back with me to my first arrival in this
place. Mr. Dwight, I then found, was instruct-
ing a native Owhyean boy. Two natives of this
island arrived here five or six months ago, and
this was one of them. As I was in the room
with Mr. Dwight, I heard the youth recite occa-
sionally, and soon became considerably attached
to him. His manners are simple; he does not
appear to be vicious in any respect, and he has
a great thirst for knowledge. In his simple
manner of expressing himself, he says, The peo-
ple in Owhyhee very bad-they pray to gods
made of wood. Poor Indians don't know no-
thing. He says, Me want to learn to read
this Bible, and go back then, and tell them to
pray to God up in heaven. I called into Dwight's
room last evening, and had not been long there,
before Henry, for this is his English name, came
into the room with a very gloomy countenance.
Says he, Me feel very bad. I asked him why he
felt bad?-Me got no place to live. I then asked
him if he was not going to live with
He said, No; he say, me go away-he no more
want me. I told him he need not be concerned;
I would find a place for him. He said, Miss
say she take away my new clothes. I
of that, for I had
He did not ap-
?
I told him
told him he need not be afraid
clothes enough for both of us.
pear to know what course to take.
he might go home with me, and live
ther's, and have whatever he wanted.
came with me to my room. I heard him read
his lesson, and attempted to instruct him in some
at my fa-
He then
J
36
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
}
of the first principles of Christianity, of which he
was almost entirely ignorant. He then retired for
the night.
"I now come to the transactions of to-day.
As it was eleven o'clock when I began to write
this letter, I will be as brief as I can, and relate
things so that you may understand me. This
morning I repaired to Mr. Dwight's room. He
felt interested in behalf of Obookiah, and thought
he had best endeavour to find a place for him,
where he could work a part of the time, and pay
for his board, and recite as he had done. I told
him I did not think he had best stay in town, as
he would be exposed to bad company, and most
likely be treated as a slave, rather than as a friend
and brother. I told him further, that as my
father was one of the Missionary Trustees, he
would no doubt obtain for him a support, if it
was thought best to educate him, which is my
intention to attempt so far as that he may be
able to instruct his countrymen, and, by God's
blessing, convert them to Christianity. To this
he could hardly object. He had been talking
with the President of the College, and I told him
I would see him on the subject. In the afternoon
I called upon him, and related to him a part of
my plan, which was that Obookiah should go
with me to my father's, and live with him this
winter, and be instructed in the first principles of
reading and writing, as well as of Christianity,
where he would be abundantly furnished with
the means of acquiring both. Some other argu-
ments I used, which I cannot now relate. The
President came fully into the opinion that this
was the most eligible course which could be pur-
sued, if Obookiah was willing to go. Obookiah
is his Indian name, and he is seventeen years old.
I told him he would be glad to go; he was with-
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
37
out a home-without a place to eat, or sleep.
The poor and almost friendless Owhyean would
sit down disconsolate, and the honest tears would
flow freely down his sun-burn face; but since
this plan has been fixed upon, he has appeared
cheerful, and feels quite at ease. I propose to
leave town in two weeks, with this native of the
South to accompany me to Torringford, where I
intend to place him under the care of those
whose benevolence is without a bond to check,
or a limit to confine it. Here I intend he shall
stay until next spring, if he is contented. Thus,
you see, he is likely to be firmly fixed by my
side.
"What does this mean? Brother Hall, do you
understand it? Shall he be sent back unsup-
ported, to attempt to reclaim his countrymen ?
Shall we not rather consider these southern islands
a proper place for the establishment of a mission?
Not that I would give up the heathen tribes of
the west. I trust we shall be able to establish
more than one mission in a short time, at least
in a few years; and that God will enable us to
extend our views and labours further than we
have before contemplated. We ought not to look
merely to the heathen on our own continent, but
to direct our attention where we may, to human
appearance, do the most good, and where the
difficulties are the least. We are to look to the
climate-established prejudices-the acquisition
of language---the means of subsistence, &c. &c.
All these things, I apprehend, are to be consi-
dered. The field is almost boundless; in every
part of which, there ought to be Missionaries.
In the language of an animated writer, but I must
say, he is of another country-O that we could
enter at a thousand gates, that every limb were a
tongue, and every tongue a trumpet to spread the
38
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
Gospel sound! The men of Macedonia cry,
Come over and help us. This voice is heard
from the north and from the south, and from the
east, and from the west. O that we might glow
with desire to preach the Gospel to the heathen,
that is altogether irresistible! The spirit of burn-
ing hath gone forth. The camp is in motion.
The Levites, we trust, are about to bear the ves-
sels, and the great command is, GO FORWARD.
Let us, my dear brother, rely with the most im-
plicit confidence, on those great, eternal, precious
promises contained in the word of God: And
Jesus answered and said, verily I say unto you,
There is no man that hath left house, or brethren,
or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or chil-
dren, or lands, for my sake and the Gospel's, but
he shall receive an hundred fold now in this time,
houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers,
and children, and lands, with persecutions; and
in the world to come, eternal life. Be strong,
therefore, and let not your hands be weak, for
your work shall be rewarded. "Gird thy sword
66
upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy
glory and thy majesty; and in thy majesty
"ride prosperously, because of truth, and meek-
"ness, and righteousness; and thy right hand
"shall teach thee terrible things. Let us ex-
claim with the poet,
>>
"Come then, and added to thy many crowns,
"Receive yet one, the crown of all the earth.
"Thou who alone art worthy! It was thine
"By ancient cov'nant, e'er nature's birth,
"And thou hast made it thine by purchase since,
"And overpaid its value with thy blood."
"Now, brother Hall, for a review of your let-
ter. You complain that the influences of the
Holy Spirit are in a great measure withdrawn
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
39
from you. Brother Hall, do you expect to be
always on Pisgah's top? If you do, farewell;
for you may rest assured, that I shall be often,
and for a long time in the valley, and perhaps
you would need the telescope of Herschel to dis-
cover me. I know that we are bound to live a
life of faith on the Son of God, and that at every
departure from our duty we incur immense guilt.
Were it not that God is seated on a throne of
mercy, I should not dare raise my presumptuous
eyes towards heaven; but confounded and aghast
must call upon the rocks and mountains to fall
upon me.
But his arm is not shortened, that it
cannot save; nor his ear heavy, that it cannot
hear. Past a doubt, our iniquities have sepa-
rated between him and us. Let us then be
prayerful, humble, and devout, knowing that in
due time we shall reap, if we faint not. As to
Missions, you know some will be greatly ani-
mated with the subject at first view, and then
begin to flag and droop. These are not the men
we want, and therefore must carefully guard
against placing confidence in them. I wish we
were able to break forth as to numbers, like the
Irish rebellion, thirty thousand strong. Not a
man could be spared. The whole number would
be wanted. But much as I wish for an increase,
I would, as far as in my power, prevent those
from engaging, who had not thought much on
the subject, and were not prepared to endure all
things for the elect's sake. Without the aids of
divine grace, we shall all fail of attaining this
glorious high calling. Even Mark once fled
from the work of the apostolic Mission; but God
blessed the efforts of Paul and Barnabas, and
they were the means of recovering him to a sense
of his duty, and he soon obtained a good report
40
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
among the Apostles. A confidence in human
strength will utterly defeat us."
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
"Ever yours,
"S. J. MILLS.
"MR. GORDON HALL."
While Obookiah was at New Haven, Torring-
ford, and Andover, there was no small degree of
interest excited among the people of God, who
were acquainted with his history. In ardent
anticipation of his conversion, and in the full
confidence that "a new era was about to com-
mence in relation to the Sandwich Islands, many
prayers were offered up for this poor stranger.
While at Andover, as we have the best reason to
believe, he became the subject of renovating
grace. He had been frequently serious, and had
relapsed into stupidity; and particularly during
a few months he spent at an academy in the
vicinity of Andover, in pursuing the elementary
branches of education. On his return an im-
portant change took place in his feelings, which
it will be proper to give in his own words: "In
the spring season of the year 1811, I hired my-
self out for a month or two, on account of my
health, with Mr. F. who lived about five miles
from the college. Mr. F. one day sent me into the
woods, not far from the house, to work. I took
an axe, and went and worked there till toward
noon. But here! O, I come to myself again!
many thoughts come into my mind that I was in
a dangerous situation. I thought that if I should
then die I must certainly be cast off for ever.
While I was working, it appeared as it was a
voice, saying, Cut it down, why cumbereth it the
ground. I worked no longer, but dropped my
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
41
ner.
axe and walked a few steps from the place, for
the people in the house would soon send a lad
after me, for it was noon. I fell upon my knees,
and looked up to the Almighty Jehovah for help.
I was not but an undone and hell-deserving sin-
I felt that it would be just that God should
cast me off whithersoever he would; that he
should do with my poor soul as it seemed to him
fit. I spent some time here until I heard a boy
calling for me-and I went. The people in the
house asked of my sadness-to which I gave but
little answer.
In the night my sleep was taken
away from me. I kept awake almost the whole
night. Many of my feelings and thoughts in
past time came into remembrance—and how I
treated the mercy of God while I was at Brad-
ford academy. The next morning I rose up be-
fore the rest, and went to a place where I was
alone by myself. Here I went both morning,
night, and noon. At this little place I find some
comfort. And when I go there I enjoy myself
better all the day. ""*
Few persons have given greater evidence of a
work of grace on his heart than this dear hea-
then youth. "By this early and joyful fruit of
their labours those who had already undertaken
his instruction, felt themselves committed and
bound to proceed; and others were induced to
take a part in the labour of love, of fitting him
to be a messenger of salvation to his countrymen.
Whilst these things were taking place in respect
to Obookiah, the discovery was made that others
* Memoirs of Obookiah, to which the writer is indebted
for the substance of the information respecting this beloved
youth.
3
42
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
of his countrymen were wandering in our land,
in circumstances which demanded the attention
of the friends of Zion. Some of them were
taken up, and put in a course of instruction."
In the mean time, "other youth from the Sand-
wich Islands, and from other parts of the hea-
then world, were soon cast in their way, and
in such numbers as to call for more systematic
and extended measures."*
Such was the origin of the Foreign Mis-
sion School. This Institution was received un-
der the care of the American Board of Com-
missioners for Foreign Missions in the autumn
of 1816, and constitutes no uninteresting part
of their concern. It is from this School that
the Mission emanated to the Sandwich Islands.
In 1819 this institution contained thirty-two
pupils; and these of different nations, lan-
guages, and tongues, under heaven-some from
the Sandwich islands-some from the Society
islands-some from Asia, together with seven-
teen Aboriginal Americans, and six young
persons of our own country, all enjoying the
fostering care of the Churches, forming an
important object of their prayers, and destined,
we trust, to "shine as lights" in the "dark
places of the earth." Since the establishment
of this Seminary, God has remarkably blessed
it by the operations of his Holy Spirit. Al-
though the pupils are admitted into the School
in a heathen state, twelve of the thirty-two
* A sermon delivered at the inauguration of the Rev.
Hermon Dagget, as principal of the Foreign Mission School,
by Rev. Joseph Harvey, Pastor of a Church in Goshen,
Connecticut.
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
43
have given satisfactory evidence of having
passed from death unto life, and seven from
heathen lands have publicly professed their faith
in the Redeemer.
Mr. Mills lived to see this School organized;
and until the last, continued to take a deep
interest in its prosperity, and doubtless to offer
up fervent prayers for its success. It has been
intimated by some who were acquainted with
his plans, that had he been permitted to live,
it was his purpose to have accompanied Oboo-
kiah on his mission, and to have lived and died
in Owhyee. But "The Lord reigneth, let the
earth rejoice, let the multitude of isles be glad
thereof. Clouds and darkness are round about
him; righteousness and judgment are the habi-
tation of his throne." Obookiah died, in the
26th year of his age, on the 17th of February,
1818, while a member of the Foreign Mission
School, greatly beloved by all who knew him,
and a splendid instance of the power of grace
upon the heart of a heathen.
44
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
CHAPTER V.
HIS MISSIONARY TOURS INTO THE WESTERN AND
SOUTHERN SECTIONS OF THE UNITED STATES.
It is yet to be shown by the opposers of Fo-
reign Missions, that the abettors of the cause
abroad diminishes their zeal for the cause at
home. It is a maxim founded on actual expe-
rience, that the more you do for the heathen, the
more will be done at your own doors." When once
warned by the animating spirit of Missions, good
men will naturally think of the destitute among
themselves. When once their selfish stupor is
broken, every object within their reach will feel
the benign effect." No where are the men to be
found who have done half so much at home, as
those who have accomplished the most abroad.
Never has Britain achieved any thing like so
much for the destitute within her own geogra-
phical limits, and especially for her Irish neigh-
bours, as since she began to weep over the igno-
rance, and superstition, and death of Hindostan,
China, and Africa. And if we survey the exer-
tions of the American Church, where do we find
the most extended, the most judicious, the most
persevering, and the most hopeful measures in
behalf of the Indians on our own continent, if
not among those who have shown the deepest
zeal for Foreign Missions?
It affords unfeigned pleasure to be enabled to
record,that the very individual whom we have seen
so indefatigably employed in projecting plans for
evangelizing the heathen in distant lands, is the
individual to whom all are disposed to yield the
palm for his exertions in favour of the destitute
on our western frontier.
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
45
Mr. Mills received ordination as a gospel
minister, at Newburyport, Massachusetts, in
company with Messrs. Richards, Bardwell, Poor,
Warren, and Meigs, on the 21st of June, 1815,
all destined to Missionary services. In allusion
to this interesting scene, the Report of the Board
of Commissioners says, "Propitious heaven
smiled on the day. A vast concourse of people
assembled, and gave every attestation of deep
interest. After the usual ordination solemnities,
about seven hundred communicants of different
churches sat down together at the table of their
common Lord and Saviour, gratefully to com-
memorate that divine love which was displayed
in the great propitiation for the sins of the whole
world, solemnly to testify their joint participa-
tion in the heavenly design of imparting the
blessings of salvation to the perishing heathen,
and unitedly to set their seal to the prayers, and
thanksgivings, and vows, and sacred transactions
of the day. The scene throughout was most
interesting, impressive, and refreshing; and was a
precious earnest, as we may devoutly hope, of
immortal blessings to many in distant lands, and
of the holy joys of that day when they shall come
from the East, and from the West, and from the
North, and from the South, and sit down toge-
ther in the kingdom of God."
;
Shortly after his ordination, Mr. Mills began
to make preparations for a Missionary tour
through the western and southern sections of the
United States. Very little was known of the
reality and extent of the moral desolation of this
rising portion of our country, until the "naked-
ness of the land" was actually surveyed, and the
heart-rending report reached the ears of the
Churches through the instrumentality of this
indefatigable Missionary. Such was his impres-
46
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
sion of the importance of this service, that he per-
formed two separate tours through this part of
our country; the first in the years 1812 and 1813;
and the last in the year 1814 and 1815. It is not
known that the first of these expeditions origi-
nated with himself more than with his worthy
companion, the Rev. John F. Schermerhorn, of
the Dutch Reformed Church. The last, in which
he was accompanied by a man of fervent zeal in
the Missionary cause, the Rev. Daniel Smith of
Natchez, in the Mississippi Territory, was of his
own projection. Though much commendation
belongs to Mr. Smith, for his patient and labo-
rious exertion in accomplishing the objects of this
Mission, he is pleased to say, "The plan of the
tour, on which I was Mr. Mills' companion, was
projected wholly by himself; and if any thing of
importance was accomplished by it, the praise,
under God, is due to him.'
""
We ought not to pass over this part of Mr.
Mills' life, without presenting a brief view of
these enterprises of benevolence. The first tour
was performed under the combined direction and
patronage of the Connecticut and Massachusetts
Missionary Societies. The principle objects of
this Mission were to preach the gospel to the des-
titute-to explore the country and learn its
moral and religious state-and to promote the
establishment of Bible Societies, and of other re-
ligious and charitable institutions. The Report
of this Mission, which has been before the public,
presents a mass of results of the most interesting
kind, and giving a new and important view of
that part of the United States which lies west of
the Alleghany Mountains;-but the means by
which these results were secured-the incessant
toil-the deep self-denial-the painful exposures
and imminent hazard, they modestly conceal.
i
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
47
It was the plan of these gentlemen to take dif-
ferent routs through New-York and Pennsyl-
vania; to form a junction at Marietta in Ohio;
to pass through Kentucky and Tennessee, down
to New-Orleans; thence across the Mississippi
Territory, and on their return, take a course
through the western parts of Georgia, Carolinas,
and Virginia. Five or six hundred miles of this
route was a mere wilderness.
In perusing the private Journal kept by Mr.
Mills during this tour, I have been led to admire
how, in every sentence, his mind was exclusively
intent upon the objects of his mission. On the
first page the following subjects of inquiry are
entered, as those which he intended to keep
steadily in view;
"Are the people supplied with Bibles and
Tracts ?
How many Bibles are wanted in a county or
a town?
Have supplies of Bibles and Tracts been re-
ceived in part?
From what Societies may supplies be ex-
pected?
The number of regular Clergy in each county ?
The number of towns able and willing to sup-
port Ministers?
Ascertain, as far as may be, the most hopeful
fields for Missionary labour?
Whence did the people originate?
An Institution for the benefit of the Africans."
Some of the hardships sustained on the mission
may be conjectured from a few passages of the
Journal, on the route from New-Orleans to
Georgia, a country almost untrodden, except by
the natives of the wilderness.
48
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
"Friday, April, 30th. Left Mr. C's,
who is a half-breed, has a very handsome planta-
tion and a good house. We proceeded about
fifteen miles, and came to a large creek, which
could not be passed without swimming our
horses. We concluded to go up the creek until
we could find a log to cross on ourselves, and
then carry our baggage across, and then swim
our horses. We proceeded some distance up the
creek, four or five miles. Having found a place,
we got our baggage over, and attempted to swim
the horses. The first horse we drove in swam
across, and not finding a good place to ascend
the opposite bank, returned, floating a little down
the stream. The bank was too steep and miry
for him to ascend on the side he started from;
and after having made a number of useless
efforts to ascend, he appeared very weary, and
we feared would fail. We were so fortunate as
to get near enough to put the bridle on him, and
at length succeeded in bringing him ashore. By
tying together our bridles, halters, &c. we made
them of sufficient length to reach across the
creek, the one on the opposite side assisting the
horses in ascending the bank. It was sunset
when we had the horses safely across the river.
it had been raining during the afternoon, and we
were very wet. We encamped on a high ridge
of ground near the creek, and were so fortu-
nate as to succeed in making a fire in a short
time. We here began to dry our clothes, but
were very much fatigued. Our way, after we
left our trace where we crossed the creek, was
very bad, without any path at all. Some of
the time we were ascending and descending
ledges almost perpendicular. A part of the
time we were passing through swamps, very
miry; and some of the time we had to contend
!
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS,
49
with canebrakes, which could not be penetrated
but by cutting our way with our hatchet. In
the evening the rain abated, and we had a pretty
comfortable night.
"May 1. To-day we crossed another creek,
and eat the last of our bread.
"Monday, May 3. It rained very hard. Our
tent-cloth so wet, that it afforded us a poor
shelter from the storm. Our provisions very low,
and we allow ourselves to eat but half a meal.
In the evening heard an Indian whoop, which
made us believe we were near the habitations of
some of these rude sons of nature. Dried our
blankets, and rested tolerably well.
"Tuesday, May 4. Were early on our way
going up the river. Had not proceeded far, before
we discovered our trace on the creek, where
some Indians had lately crossed over, as we per-
ceived by the tracks of the horses.
We soon
heard some one chopping wood up the creek.
We proceeded near the place, and found three or
four Indians, who were felling trees to cross
over for their baggage, which they left on our
side. They cut down two trees, which the
stream carried away. We made signs to them
to fell a third opposite to us, which they did.
It did not float away, but fell mostly under
water. We then made signs to them to bring us
the axe. One of them swam across with it, and
we cut two more trees, falling one on the other,
and both on the one cut on the other side. One
of the Indians went across on the top of the
trees, but was oblidged to wade in the water to
his waist. We engaged them to take our baggage
across, and made preparations for swimming our
horses. One of the Indians mounted the largest
horse and rode in. The horse left him in the mid-
dle of the creek, swam to the opposite bank, and
D
50
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
not finding a good place to ascend, returned to
the bank he started from, after floating some dis-
tance down the stream. We were much afraid
we should lose him, till at length we caught the
bridle, and assisted him in gaining the shore.
The Indians then took the horses down the creek
to a place where they thought the crossing safe,
and landed them on the other bank. As I did
not like to wade so deep in the water, as I must
have done, had I crossed on the trees, I ascended
a tree, which had fallen part way from the bank
towards the side, and was lodged against one
from the opposite bank, the two trees meeting
at the top over the middle of the river, thirty
feet from the water. I found as I came down
the tree, it was cut partly off. We were now
safe on the other side, with our horses and bag-
gage. We soon came to an Indian house, made
signs to the women that we wanted something
to eat, and they soon brought in a large loaf of
Indian bread, milk, butter, and honey. We ate
very heartily, fed our horses with corn, and were
in readiness to proceed. If we understood them,
we had now twenty miles to go before we came
to our stage, having come only forty miles in
four days. After proceeding some distance we
encamped on a high ridge for the night."
“Wednesday, 5. We were on our way early
in the morning. Came to a large stream, nearly
eight rods across, very deep, with very little cur-
rent at all. We concluded it entered the Tennes-
see river not far distant, and that the current
was impeded by the back water from that river.
We knew there were many settlements on the
Tennessee, and if we followed the stream to its
mouth, we should not be able to cross it there.
We thought it best to proceed up the river, and
attempted for some time to keep the bank, but
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
51
were soon involved in the cane brakes and
swamp. Night came on: we backed out as
well as we could, and encamped on a high
hill. Our stock of provisions again became
very low."
Thursday, 6. Pursued our course down the
river, or rather margin of the swamp, and at
night encamped on a hill, with the valley and
river on our left.'
وو
could
"Friday, 7. Kept down the creek-passed
some old Indian fields-concluded we
not be far from the place where we struck the
river on the opposite side. We endeavoured
to keep on the bank, but the cane brake and
green briar could not be penetrated. Took the
margin of the low lands, and at night encamped
on a high hill. This night we ate the very little
meat we had left.
"Saturday, 8. Early on our way. Saw the
tracks of horses, cattle, &c. Convinced there
were Indians not far off. Before noon we came
to a trace, which had the appearance of leading
to the river. After riding several miles, we came
to the river opposite the place where we just dis-
covered it. There we found eight or ten Indians
and Indian women, who were about crossing
the river on a raft. We inquired of them how
far it was to a house, but could obtain no cer-
tain information, as they could not, or would
not speak the English language. We were satis-
fied we were in our trace, and leaving the river,
pursued our course easterly. We had not gone
more than a mile or two, before we met an old
Indian who could talk a little English. He in-
formed us we should come to an Indian house,
proceeding on the trace one mile, where we
should be able to procure provision. We soon
arrived at the place, and found the Indian a Che-
D 2
52
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
rokee, a very pleasant, friendly man.
I expect
he had been making some provision for his Indian
brethren; for as soon as we entered the house he
invited us to sit down at the table. Before we
left him we provided ourselves with meat, bread,
and cold flour. In the afternoon, went on our
way, rode till near sunset, and encamped. The
wolves were around the camp in the night."
In a statement of his labours on this Mission
to the Trustees of the Missionary Society of Con-
necticut, Mr. Mills says,
"South of New Connecticut, few Bibles or
religious tracts have been received for distribu-
tion among the inhabitants. The Sabbath is
greatly profaned; and but few good people can
be found in any one place. There are, however,
a number of societies which are wishing to ob-
tain Ministers for settlement, for a part of the
time at least, more commonly for six months in
the year.
"From Cincinnati Mr. Schermerhorn and
myself went down the river Ohio to Laurence-
burgh in the Indiana Territory. Left that place
the 24th of November, crossed the Ohio into
Kentucky, and came down the river about fifty
miles; then again crossed over into Indiana, and
came down some miles on that side of the river;
then crossed back into Kentucky, and continued
our course within thirty miles of the falls of the
Ohio, preaching occasionally. We found the
inhabitants in a very destitute state; very igno-
rant of the doctrines of the Gospel; and in
many instances, without Bibles, or any other re-
ligious books.
The Methodist preachers pass
through this country, in their circuits occasion-
ally. There are a number of good people in the
Territory, who are anxious to have Presbyterian
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
53
Ministers amongst them. They likewise wish to
be remembered by Bible and Religious Tract
Societies.
"Leaving the river, we proceeded on our way
through Frankfort, an easterly course to Lexing-
ton where we arrived December 5th.
"We left Lexington the 14th of December,
and proceeded on our way to Nashville, in Ten-
nesssee, where we arrived the 28th. On the 29th
rode to Franklin, twenty miles from Nashville, and
put up with Mr. Blackburn. During our stay in
this part of Tennessee, we consulted with a num-
ber of pious people, with regard to the expe-
diency of forming a Bible Society. They de-
cidedly favoured the object. Mr. Blackburn
thought there would not be time to collect the
people, and form a Constitution during our stay.
He engaged that he would exert himself in
favour of the object, as did others, men of piety
and influence.
"We consulted with Mr. Blackburn on the
expediency of pursuing our course down the
river to New-Orleans. He advised us to go, and
assisted in making the necessary preparations.
It was thought best for us to descend the river.
General Jackson was expecting to go in a few
days, with about 1500 volunteers to Natchez.
Mr. Blackburn introduced us to the General, who,
having become acquainted with our design, in-
vited us to take passage on board his boat. We
accepted the invitation; and after providing
some necessary stores for the voyage, and making
sale of our horses, we embarked the lith of
January, 1813. We came to the mouth of the
Ohio the 27th, where we lay by three days on
account of the ice. On the 31st we passed New
Madrid; and the 16th of February arrived at
Natchez.
54
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
દર
During our stay at Natchez and the vicinity,
we introduced the subject of the formation of
a Bible Society, for the benefit of the destitute
in the Mississippi Territory. The professedly
religious people, of the different denominations,
appeared anxious for the establishment of an in-
stitution of this kind. A proposal was drawn
up for a meeting of those disposed to aid the
object, and the time and place of the meeting
agreed upon. At the time appointed, a number
assembled, and chose a committee to prepare a
constitution, to be presented to those disposed to
sign it at a second meeting, which was to be held
at Natchez, three weeks from the first meeting.
We left with the committee a copy of the con-
stitution we had with us, to which the one
formed for the Mississippi territory will most
likely be similar. The Bible Society for this
territory will be supported by a number of the
most influential characters, both civil and reli-
gious. We engaged to send them 100 Bibles,
and have given directions that they should be
forwarded to Natchez. We likewise encouraged
them to hope for further donations of Bibles
from other societies: and engaged, upon our
return, to represent their state to the Bible Socie-
ties of Philadelphia, Connecticut, and Massa-
chusetts. As those who engaged in the forma-
tion of the society, entered upon the subject in
a very spirited manner, we doubt not the result
will be a happy one.
1
We left Natchez the 12th of March, and went
on board a flat bottomed boat, where our ac-
commodations were but indifferent. The wea-
ther was generally pleasant, and we arrived at
New Orleans the 19th. The distance is 300
miles. For 100 miles above New Orleans, the
banks of the river are cleared, and in descending
C
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
55
the river you pass many very elegant planta-
tions. The whole of this distance the banks ap-
pear like one continued village. The greater
part of the inhabitants are French Catholics, ig-
norant of almost every thing except what re-
lates to the increase of their property; destitute
of schools, Bibles, and religious instruction.
In attempting to learn the religious state of
of these people, we were frequently told, that
they had no Bibles, and that the priests did not
allow of their distribution among them.
American, who had resided two or three years
at a place, which has the appearance of being a
flourishing settlement, and which has a Catholic
church, informed me that he had not seen a
Bible during his stay at the settlement. He
added, that he had heard that a woman from
the state of New York had lately brought one.
into the place.
An
"Upon our arrival at New Orleans, we were
soon made acquainted with a few religious peo-
ple. The number of those possessing this cha-
racter, in this place, we are constrained to believe
is small. We found here a Baptist minister, who
has been in this city a few months, but expects
to leave the place soon.
He is a sensible man,
and to appearance a christian. I doubt not he
has laboured faithfully in the service of his Mas-
ter. There is no Protestant church in the city.
Attempts have been made to obtain a subscrip-
tion for building one, but have failed. There is
at present a Methodist preacher in the place.
believe he expects to leave it soon. The Catho-
lic priests will then be the only professedly re-
ligious teachers in the city.
I
"Soon after our arrival, we introduced the
subject of a Bible Society. It directly met the
wishes of the religious people with whom we
1
56
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
had become acquainted. As we had letters of
introduction to Governor Clairborne, we called
upon him in company with a friend. The ob-
ject of our coming to the place was stated to
him, and he approved of it. A proposal for a
meeting was readily signed by him, and by twelve
of the members of the Legislature, who were
then in session. About twenty more principally
merchants belonging to the city, added their
names to the list. At the time appointed for
establishing a Society, the greater part of those
who subscribed to the proposal met. Previous
to the meeting, a constitution had been formed;
and was presented for their approbation, should
it meet the wishes of those present. The consti-
tution was read and considered, article by article,
and adopted. All present appeared much grati-
fied with the opening prospect.
"We found that, in order to have the Bible.
circulate freely, especially among the Catholics,
the consent of those high in office must be ob-
tained. We were frequently told, that the Ca-
tholic priests would by no means favour the
object. We were referred to Father Antonio,
as he is called, who has greater influence with
those of his order than even the Bishop, who
has lately arrived from Baltimore. If the con-
sent of the former could be obtained, it was
allowed by those with whom he conversed, that
much might be done towards distributing the
Scriptures among the French Catholics. We took
a convenient opportunity to call upon the rever-
end Father. The subject was mentioned to him.
He said he should be pleased to have the Bible
circulated among those of his order; and that he
would approve of the translation distributed by
the British and Foreign Bible Society. In ad-
dition to this, he said he would aid in the circu-
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
57
lation of the Scriptures, should an opportunity
present. We inquired of him, whether the priests
in the different parishes would likewise favour
the good work? At this inquiry he seemed sur-
prised, and answered, "How can you doubt it?
It is for their interest to circulate the Scriptures."
Upon this point, our sentiments were hardly in
unison. However, we felt no disposition to
contradict him. We have since called upon the
Bishop. He also gave his consent, and said he
would contribute in favour of the infant institu-
tion. This disposition in the Catholic priests to
favour the circulation of the Scriptures has very
much surprised all with whom we have conversed
on the subject in the city. The priests acknow-
ledge the nakedness of the land. Father Antonio
gave it as his opinion, that we should very rarely
find a Bible in any of the French or Spanish
Catholic families, in any of the parishes. And
the Bishop remarked, that he did not believe
there were ten Bibles in possession of all the Ca-
tholic families in the state; and these families
constitute three-fourths of the population of the
state, people of colour excepted, as is believed
by men of information. When we came to this
place, we found a number of French Bibles and
Testaments had been sent here for distribution
gratis; and had been on hand some time. They
are now all disposed of, and repeated inquiries
are made for those books by the Catholics. I
happened to be in at Mr. Stackhouse's store a
short time since. During my stay, which was
short, five or six persons came in, inquiring for
the Bible in the French language. The present
is certainly a new and interesting era in the his-
tory of New Orleans. Mr. Stackhouse informs
me, that if he had fifty Bibles, he could dispose
of them at once to the Catholics."
D 5
58
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
On the last of these Missions, Mr. Mills left
Boston in July, 1814; went on to Connecticut,
where he found the Rev. Mr. Smith, and en-
gaged him to be his companion on the tour.
Having obtained considerable assistance from the
Philadelphia Bible Society, and the Philadelphia
Missionary Society, and equipt with a large
quantity of Bibles and Tracts, they proceeded
on their journey, followed by the prayers of
many of the friends of Zion. In the interior of
the state of Pennsylvania, they found extensive
tracts of country, and especially the valleys be-
tween the Allegany Mountains, exceedingly des-
titute of religious privileges. Throughout the
country north of the Ohio River, there was a
lamentable want both of Bibles and Missionaries.
To supply the former, they became instrumental
in the formation of Bible Societies in Pennsyl-
vania, in the Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri
Territories; and to supply the latter, could do
little more, while on their tour, than faithfully
ascertain and point out the most important fields
of Missionary labour. Of all these territories,
they have said to the churches, "We have tra-
velled through them; have seen the nakedness
of the land; and our eyes have affected our
hearts. We have heard the cry, Come over and
help us. Would that all Christians at the east
would lift up their eyes and behold. Could they
but see what we have seen-thousands ready to
perish, their eyelids fast closed in spiritual slum-
ber, and none to awake them-could they but
see the sons and daughters of Jerusalem weeping
for themselves and their children; surely minis-
ters would no longer be wanting, nor funds for
their support." Speaking of the state of Louisi-
ana, they say, "There are American families
in this part of our country, who never saw ɑ
A
.
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
59
1
Bible, nor heard of Jesus Christ. It is a fact
that ought not to be forgotten, that so lately as
March, 1815, a Bible in any language could
not be found, for sale, or to be given away, in
New Orleans." And yet eight thousand Bibles
would not supply the destitute of this state.
On this second visit to New Orleans, Mr.
Mills did much to relieve the desolations dis-
covered on his former tour, and especially in the
distribution of the Holy Scriptures. Some cir-
cumstances attending these efforts we shall pre-
sent from his private Journal, though most of
them have been before the public.
We
"Feb. 10. This morning I called upon Esq.
Hennen; and concluded, at his request, to take
lodgings with him for the present. I called in
company with Mr. H. at the public prison; there
are three hundred English soldiers in the prison.
A number of Bibles had sometime since been
distributed among them, by one of the managers
of the Society. We found many of them read-
ing with great attention and seriousness, the
copies which had been furnished them.
gave them some additional supply. They re-
ceived the Bibles with evident expressions of joy
and gratitude. We distributed among them like-
wise a number of Religious Tracts and Sermons.
They returned many thanks for them. More or
less of the soldiers, are, it is said, apparently
pious men. They informed us, that many of
them were furnished with Bibles or Testaments,
but left them on board the fleet. In the course
of the same day, we called upon Dr. Dow. He
informed us, that he had furnished some of the
prisoners with a number of Watts' Psalms,
and some other religious books.
"The succeeding day, I called at the United
1
60
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
States Hospital, in company with Esq. Nichol-
son. There are three hundred men sick and
wounded in the hospital; one hundred and
eighty are English prisoners. Upon examining
the several wards, we found that some of the
prisoners had brought their Bibles from the fleet;
but this was rarely the case. A number of the
sick and wounded, both English and Americans,
expressed an earnest desire to be possessed of the
sacred Scriptures. Called at the Navy Hospi-
tal, containing about forty sick. There was not
a Bible among them, as we could learn, but
more or less will thankfully receive them. We
called at three different places, where a part of
the sick soldiers belonging to the Kentucky de-
tachment are quartered. The whole number of
sick at these houses is one hundred and twenty.
Many of them received the information with
great satisfaction, when informed that some of
them could be furnished with Bibles. This was
manifest, from their countenances, and from the
numerous applications which were made for
this blessed book. In one of the houses we
found a number of the sick lying on the floor.
One was reading from a New Testament to
those around him. They had not a Bible in the
house.
"On the 12th, in the morning, I called with a
friend at the Charity Hospital. There are forty
sick soldiers at this hospital, belonging to the
Tennessee troops. They had not a copy of the
sacred Scriptures. A number were very press-
ing in their solicitations, that we would supply
them. We observed to them, that they would
probably soon leave the hospital for Tennessee;
and as they expected to travel on foot eight hun-
dred or a thousand miles, they could not carry
their Bibles with them, should they be supplied.
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
61
Some of them answered at once, that they would
leave some other articles, rather than their
Bibles. Upon our return we sent a number of
Bibles to the hospital. We called at three dif-
ferent places, which we visited yesterday, occu-
pied by the sick belonging to the Kentucky de-
tachment, and distributed among them seven-
teen Bibles. They were thankfully received.
The minds of many of the sick appear to be
solemnly affected. We hope there are some
godly persons among them. We explained to
them the object of the Bible Society; and charg-
ed those who received copies of the Bible, to
make a good use of them.
"13th. We sent a number of Bibles to a
fourth house occupied by about forty sick Ken-
tucky soldiers; and received many thanks for
them. Visited a house occupied by the sick
troops from Tennessee; there were one hundred
sick at this house, but not a Bible among them
all. We left one in each room. Visited the
United States Hospital, and distributed thirty
Bibles among the destitute. Many applications
were made for the sacred Scriptures, with which
we could not comply. It is sickly at the pre-
seat time. Since the 8th of January a great
mortality has prevailed. Twenty and even.
thirty of our soldiers have died in a day.
"15th. I have ascertained that there are a
considerable number of the troops belonging to
the militia of this State, who are sick in hospitals,
on the opposite side of the river. It is the im-
pression of many who go to the hospitals, that
they shall die in them. This impression perhaps
hastens their dissolution in some instances.
"16th. We visited a hospital occupied by
the Tennessee troops. One hundred are sick
at this place. They had no Bibles in the house.
62
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
Found a few leaves of the Old Testament in the
possession of one of the soldiers. Distributed
among them fourteen Bibles. They were very
thankfully received.
"17th. To day there was a meeting of the
managers of the Bible Society. They voted their
thanks to the societies that had generously aided
them by donations in Bibles. Visited one of the
hospitals, prayed with and addressed the sick in
two of the wards. A sick man from Tennessee
appeared to be much exercised in his mind. He
seemed conscious of his ruined state by nature,
and of the necessity of his exercising repentance
toward God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,
in order to obtain the salvation of his soul. The
sick appeared much gratified by the attention
paid them.
"18th. I visited to-day, in company with
Mr. N. one of the hospitals, at which we had
previously called, and in which we had left a
few copies of the Bible. Some of the men had
died since our first visit to them; and others had
so far recovered as to be able to leave the house;
and their places had been supplied by the sick
brought in from the camp.
We found a num-
ber of the rooms containing eight or ten sick,
without a copy of the sacred Scriptures. Sup-
plied one copy to each room, and received many
thanks.
"22d. I crossed the river to-day, and visited
the sick soldiers in the barracks. In two rooms
there were near one hundred sick. It is truly
affecting to visit these abodes of disease and
death. The sick have not generally beds or
mattresses. With medical aid they are tolerably
well furnished; still no doubt many of them
suffer much for the want of proper attendance.
In some instances, when I have been attending
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
63
the sick in one room, I could hear those in the
room adjacent, crying out with great earnest-
ness, Lord have mercy on us:-Jesus Christ
have mercy on us. I informed those I visited
that there were some Bibles on hand to be given
to the sick and the destitute. There were many
applications for them. During my stay at the
barracks I was at six or eight of the rooms.
There was not a Blble to be found in any of
them. I have found unusual freedom in speak-
ing to the sick and the dying in the hospitals.
They almost uniformly give very strict attention
to what is said; and their tears witness for them
that they do not remain unaffected. God only
knows how lasting their serious impressions may
be. But from what I have seen and heard in the
hospitals, I am inclined to believe that some of
the sufferers have been born again, even on the
threshold of the grave. Many of the troops,
after their arrival in the vicinity of this place,
were subjected to great fatigue while defending
the lines. Many of them were standing or lying
for some successive days and nights, in the low
marshy ground where the water was near a foot
deep. The weather some of the time was SO
cold as to freeze ice a quarter of an inch in
thickness. Some of the soldiers at this time
were but poorly clothed; three or four physi-
cians from Kentucky and Tennessee have died
but a short time since.
"23d. This morning more than four hun-
dred English prisoners left this place. They
went on board the steam-boat and two sloops
which were to carry them to the fleet, or the
proper vessel prepared to receive them lying off
the mouth of the river.
"After their departure, I called at the prison,
and obtained leave of the keeper, to examine
64
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
the rooms, which had been vacated by the
prisoners, in order to ascertain whether any of
the Bibles we had distributed were remaining in
them. But not a Bible had been left, nor the
remnant of a religious tract. The prisoners had
retained them all. The servant informed me
that he saw them packing them up in their
knapsacks, a little time previous to their de-
parture.
"From the manner in which the prisoners re-
ceived the Bibles, and from the care with which
they preserved them, we have reason to believe
they will be very serviceable to many of them.
I
"25th. This morning I crossed the river to
visit the sick soldiers in the barracks, now con-
verted into hospitals. There are three hundred
and sixty in the barracks. Some of them are
dangerously ill. Five or six died the last night.
I went into a number of the rooms, containing
each from thirty to forty sick. In one room at
which I called, there was
a corpse lying on the
floor, partially wrapped in a blanket. One
person appeared to be in the agonies of death,
apparently insensible to every thing around him.
Others were groaning, and calling for assistance.
A number came in from the adjacent rooms.
addressed those present, and prayed with them;
they were attentive and solemn. In five of the
rooms I left ten Bibles. Many of them ap-
peared in some measure rightly to estimate the
precious book. The gratitude they manifested
upon the reception of the Bibles was an ample
reward for the exposure and labour attendant on
furnishing them. Previous to this distribution
there was not a single copy of the Bible to be
found, as I could learn, among near four hundred
men in the Barracks. After leaving the sick now
referred to, I passed a number of additional
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
65
1
?
rooms, containing sick soldiers. Near one of
the rooms I observed three dead bodies wrapped
in blankets. The deceased died in the same
room during the last night. But few of the dead,
I believe, are buried in coffins. Before I left the
barracks I became acquainted with General
Morgan, who has the command of the militia of
this state. I saw likewise Dr. G. and Dr. R.
who are the two principal physicians in this de-
partment. They sent two men with me to ob-
tain an additional number of Bibles, for those
rooms which as yet remained unsupplied. I sent
back by them twenty-four; making in the whole
thirty-four distributed in the barracks.
"I lately visited the camp, occupied by the
Kentucky detachment. Gen. Thomas informed
me, that out of about 2,000 men belonging to
this detachment, there was at the present time
800 on the sick list. The Kentucky troops are
not supplied with even a single chaplain, while
there are four attached to the troops from the
state of Tennessee. I have ascertained that
there are three or four houses near the camp
(which is three miles below the city,) containing
sick soldiers, which have as yet received no
supply of Bibles. The officers are, I believe,
uniformly attentive to the sick belonging to their
several detachments.
"27th. This morning I crossed the river to
visit the sick in the barracks. Dr. G. introduced.
me to one of the sick under his care. He wished:
me to converse with him. The sick man pro-
fessed to hope that he was made a subject of the
renewing grace of God about three years since.
He readily acknowledged his lost and ruined
state by nature, and professed his confidence in
Jesus Christ as the great atoning sacrifice. He
A
3
66
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
remarked, that he had no fears of death. He
said he felt happy to be in the hands of a good
and merciful God, and was willing to be at his
disposal. He professed the fullest confidence in
the rectitude of the divine government, and
would endeavour to trust in the Lord. He added,
that he had an aged and infirm mother, who
looked to him for support and consolation; and
if it should please heaven, he could wish to
recover, in hopes of relieving her sorrows, as she
descended into the vale of years. After con-
versing with the sick man, I addressed those
present. A number came in from the adjoining
rooms. We sang, and closed with prayer. The
season was a very solemn one,-many were in
tears.
"March 1st. To-day I crossed the river to
visit the sick. During my stay, preached to
more than 200 of the soldiers, who were able to
assemble. The meeting was a solemn and in-
teresting one. Dr. G. and Dr. R. expressed
their thanks for the attention paid to those under
their care. They wished to have their thanks
presented to the managers of the Bible Societies,
who had furnished them with the sacred
Scriptures.
"One of the chaplains belonging to the
Tennessee detachment informed me lately, that
most of the intemperate men from that state had
died since they came here; his expression was,
the hard drinkers are nearly all gone.
"5th. To-day I visited one of the hospitals.
The soldiers had so far recovered from their
sickness as to be able to join their fellows in the
camp.
"The hospital is now principally occupied by
the needy and the sick from the city. The
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
67
$
soldiers who have left the hospital have taken
their Bibles with them, and there are a number
of needy people in it, without any supply.
"7th. I called to-day at one of the houses
Some
occupied by the Kentucky sick soldiers.
of them have been a long time sick, but appear
to be recovering. Numbers are still dangerously
ill; they lie around the floor in all directions,
some groaning, and some praying; they however
gave very strict and solemn attention while I
addressed them, and prayed with them. It was
the first serious address and prayer that numbers
of them had heard since they left home, and
perhaps for years. When I was about leaving
the room, one of the men, as he lay on the floor,
reached out his hand, and grasping mine, ex-
claimed, "God bless you-God bless you." I
entered into conversation with him, and ascer-
tained, that for some time past he had enter-
tained a hope that he had been born again.
After conversing with him freely, I left him with
a request to examine himself as in the presence
of the heart-searching God, who could not be
deceived, and would not be mocked. What will
be the result of exertions to relieve the wretched
in these abodes of misery-these cages of des-
pair, God only knows. He hath the hearts of
all men in his hands, and here our hopes rest.
“10th.
To day, in company with Mr.
Smith, I called at one of the hospitals, and made
some inquiries respecting the Bibles which had
been left there some time since. There were
two rooms containing the sick: only one Bible
was remaining in each.
"11th. This morning I rode down to the
Kentucky camp; the Generals Adair and
Thomas accompanied me. I had made a pre-
vious appointment to preach at the camp at ten
68
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
o'clock A. M. The notice had been given to
the soldiers, and arrangements made. The place
for preaching was in the open field. A platform
was prepared for the speaker to stand on, raised
six or eight feet from the ground. A large con-
gregation was collected in a short time. As many
as eight hundred or a thousand soldiers were
present. They behaved with great propriety
during the service-were solemn and attentive.
On this mission Mr. Mills was particularly
intrusted, by the Philadelphia Bible Society,
with the distribution of a quantity of French
Bibles. The manner in which this trust was dis-
charged, and the Testaments received, by the
Roman Catholics in
in New-Orleans and its
vicinity, we shall present by an extract from his
Report to the Philadelphia Society.
"As has already been stated, I reached New
Orleans on the 10th of February. I soon ascer-
tained that the 3000 copies of the Testament,
directed to the care of the managers of the
Louisiana Bible Society, had been received.
But none of them had at that time been offered
to the people. A few copies were given out on
the day I arrived in the place. The succeeding
day an additional number was distributed.
"The day following, February 12th, the num-
ber of the destitute who made application for a
supply very much increased. From nine o'clock
A. M. to one P. M. the door of the distributor
was thronged with from fifty to one hundred
persons. Those who applied were of all ages
and of all colours. They were literally clamorous
in their solicitations for the sacred book. For
some successive days the applicants became still
more numerous. In a week after the distribution
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
69
of the Testaments commenced, one thousand
copies were given out. Some of those who re-
quested a supply came prepared to purchase
them. They remarked to the distributor that
they must have a supply by some means. The
Principal of the college, and a number of the
instructors of the public schools in the city, pre-
sented written statements, containing a list of
the scholars under their care, who would make
a profitable use of the Testaments, could the
charity be extended to them. These statements
were respectfully addressed to the distributor,
with a request that as many of the scholars
might be supplied as was consistent with the
views of the Managers of the Society. Their
solicitations were, in most cases, complied with.
"Pere Antonio, a leading character in the
Roman Catholic Church in the city, very readily
aided in the circulation of the Testaments among
his people. Some more than two years ago, the
Rev. Father engaged to assist in the distribution
of French Bibles and Testaments. Soon after I
arrived in the city, I called upon him, in com-
pany with Mr. Hennan. We informed him that
the Testaments had been received from the Ma-
nagers of the Philadelphia Bible Society, and
presented him with a number of copies. He
expressed great satisfaction, and repeatedly in-
voked the blessing of God on the donors. He
observed, that God would certainly bless the
generous, pious men, who had exerted them-
selves to give to the destitute his holy word.
He expressed his desire to obtain an additional
number of copies, and engaged that he would
make the most judicious distribution of them in
his power.
He remarked, that he would give
them to those persons who would be sure to read
them through.
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MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
"After our visit to Antonio, his attendant
called for two or three copies of the Testament.
The man who attends at the cathedral was
anxious to receive one. His choir of singers like-
wise requested a supply.
"Soon after the distribution of the Testaments
commenced, Mr. Hennan called upon Mr. Du
Bourg, the administrator of the Bishopric, and
informed him that the Testaments, printed by
the managers of the Philadelphia Bible Society,
had been received; and that some copies had
been given to the people. The Bishop observed,
that he had been made acquainted with the cir-
cumstance by some of his people, who had
called upon him to ascertain, whether he would
advise them to receive the Testaments. He
added, that as they were not of the version au-
thorized by the Catholic church, he could not
aid in the distribution of them. When the dis-
tribution of the Testaments in the convent was
suggested, the Bishop remarked, that the parents
of the children who received instruction at that
place were at liberty to furnish them if they
thought best. I had myself an interview with
the Bishop: during our conversation he expressed
to me his regret that the Roman Catholic version
of the Testament, printed in Boston in 1810,
had not been followed, rather than the version
printed by the British and Foreign Bible Society.
He observed, however, that he should prefer to
have the present version of the Testament in the
possession of the people, rather than have them
remain entirely ignorant of the sacred Scriptures.
I here state one or two incidents which oc-
curred, as related by the Bishop, connected with
the circulation of the Testaments.-A poor wo-
man of his flock called on him, and handing him
one of the Testaments---apparently with great
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
71
anxiety, addressed him in the following manner:
Good Father, what book is this? The Bishop
looking at it, replied, Why, my child, it is the
history of the Evangelists-it is the Gospel. I
know that, replied the woman; but is it a book
you would recommend to your people? Said
the Bishop, It is a Protestant version; it is as
Calvin would have translated it. Good Father,
replied the woman, keep the book, keep the
book! My child, answered the Bishop, you
may retain the book, if you please. Read it
with care; and should you find any thing con-
trary to the Catholic faith, you will bear in mind
that it is a Protestant version.
•
"Miss J. one of the Nuns, called upon the
Bishop somewhat agitated. She had been read-
ing the Testament. Her mind was perplexed by
the expression, in the summary of the first chap-
ter of the First Epistle of St. John: Et la con-
fession de nos péchés à Dieu;' and the confession
of our sins to God. She had been taught, that
the confession of our sins was to be made to the
priest; or rather to God, as the Roman Catho-
lics say, through or by the priest. She inquired
what could be intended by the expression, con-
fession of our sins to God. He informed her
the translation was a Protestant one, and that
the expression she referred to was prefixed to
the chapter by the translator. The Bishop re-
marked to me that he thought it not proper, that
any explanations of the contents of the chap-
ters should be prefixed to either Bibles or Testa-
ments, designed for circulation among the Ro-
man Catholics.
'As early as the first of March, fifteen or
sixteen hundred copies of the Testaments had
been given out. Many of those who applied for
them were very earnest in their requests. Some
72
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
of them said, that they came in from the coun
try, and could not be denied; and some of them,
that they had made repeated applications, with-
out success. Some wished the Testaments for
themselves; some for a son or a daughter, and
some were anxious to obtain a copy for each of
their children. It was frequently the case, that
numbers would remain a considerable time at
the door of the distributor, after notice was
given that no more Testaments would be given
out until the succeeding day. Many applica-
We
tions were made by people of colour.
found that a much greater proportion of them,
both old and young, could read intelligibly,
than has generally been supposed.
"A little previous to the attack of the English
on New-Orleans, three or four hundred free
people of colour were organized into companies,
for the defence of that place. A number of
these men called for copies of the Testament.
One of them wished to know whether the offi-
cers of the companies, with whom he was con-
nected, might be furnished each with a copy.
He was answered in the affirmative, and inform-
ed that many of the privates could also be sup-
plied. He expressed much surprise, that so
many Testaments should be given away. He
inquired from whence they came-whether they
were the gift of the Legislature of the State, or
of the General Government. He was informed
that they were sent on by the managers of the
Bible Society of Philadelphia. The object of
the Society was explained to him. The gratui-
tous distribution of the Scriptures is a thing so
novel in this part of our country, that it excites
much surprise. There is probably a much
greater proportion of the French people able to
read than has generally been supposed. The
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
73
5000 Testaments will furnish but a very partial
supply.
"Mr. K. one of the managers of the Bible
Society, informed me, that an elderly woman, a
Roman Catholic, called on him for a Testament.
She remarked to him, that she was very anxious
to read it, and had applied several times to the
distributor for a copy, but without success.
Mr.
K. obtained one for her: she received it with
tears of joy. She informed him, that when a
girl, her father had a book, which he valued
much, and which he used to keep in a private
manner. She thought it was the Bible, and for
a long time had been desirous of obtaining it.
She remarked, that now she had such a book as
her father used to have.
"Soon after my arrival at New Orleans, I
had some conversation with a respectable plan-
ter, a Roman Catholic, respecting the circulation
of the Testament. He remarked to me, that he
did not think a good Catholic had any occasion
to read the Bible. Before I left that place, I as-
certained that he had perused some portions of
the Testament. And he informed a friend of
his, that what he had read excited in his mind
many reflections. A woman and her daughter
came in from Bayou St. John, two miles from
the city. She informed the distributor, that she
had heard that there were Bibles and Testa-
ments to be given to the destitute, and that she
was hardly disposed to credit the report. She
concluded, however, she would Come and see.’
C
"In the spring of 1811, eight or ten thousand
of the inhabitants of St. Domingo came to this
part of our country. Most of them remained in
New Orleans. Many of them are about to re-
turn to St. Domingo, and will take with them
the Testaments, where the Sacred Scriptures
E
&
74
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
have rarely, if ever, been introduced. Some
copies have been sent to the Havanna, in the
island of Cuba.
"On the first of April, in company with a
friend, I set out upon a visit to the Attakapas
country. We proceeded up the east bank of the
Mississippi about eighty miles; then crossed the
river, and went in a westerly and south-westerly
direction, between fifty and sixty miles into the
country. We often called at the houses by the
way, distributed a number of Testaments in dif-
ferent parts of the country, and informed the
people that a quantity had been sent on for gra-
tuitous distribution by the Philadelphia Bible
Society, and where they might apply to ob-
tain them. "Have we not reason to hope, that
in this region and shadow of death, the true
light is beginning to shine? May it shine more
and more until the perfect day!"
On Mr. Mills' return from this tour, it very
naturally became an object of desire with him
to turn the attention of the Atlantic States to
that destitute region. Before his return to New
England, he took pains to have an interview
with the Managers of the Baltimore and Phila.
delphia Societies, and to give them a full view
of the real condition of these portions of our
country. The same representation was also
made in substance to the Connecticut Bible
Society, as well as to the Society who were the im-
mediate patrons of the enterprise. In consequence
of this, the Baltimore and Philadelphia Societies
came to a resolution immediately to set on foot
measures to supply the Southern and Western
country with Bibles; and the Connecticut Bible
Society promptly voted five hundred Bibles to
the sister society in Louisiana, for gratuitous dis-
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
75
tribution, wherever they were in the greatest
demand; and the whole country received a new
impulse in favour of domestic Missions.
We cannot finish the narrative of this Mission
more acceptably than in the closing paragraph
of Mr. Mills' own Report.
"We have now given a brief account of our
tour of our exertions, and of the success with
which the Lord has been pleased to favour us,
in advancing the kingdom of our Redeemer.
We have presented some sketches of the moral
and religious state of the country through which
we have passed. In reviewing the whole, we
feel compelled to call upon our own souls, and
to call upon the patrons of the mission to bless
the Lord. Surely goodness and mercy have
followed us all the way. On a journey of more
than six thousand miles, and passing through a
great variety of climates-in perils in the city,
in perils in the wilderness, in perils on the rivers,
and in perils on the sea-the Lord has preserved
us.-Neither can we forbear to express our obli-
gations to our dear Christian friends in the wes-
tern country. We were strangers, and they
took us in. From many we received pecuniary
aid, besides other important services; while the
kind attentions and Christian fellowship of
others alleviated our labours and comforted our
hearts.
"In return for these favours, we have felt
compelled to do what we could for them, Ever
since we came back to this land of Christian
privileges, we have been endeavouring to arouse
the attention of the public, and to direct it to-
wards the west. These exertions have been
stimulated by a deep conviction of the deplora-
ble state of that country.
Never will the im-
E 2
76
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
pression be erased from our hearts, that has been
made by beholding those scenes of wide-spread-
ing desolation. The whole country, from Lake
Erie to the Gulf of Mexico, is as the valley of
the Shadow of Death. Darkness rests upon it.
Only here and there, a few rays of Gospel light
pierce through the awful gloom. This vast coun-
try contains more than a million of inhabitants.
Their number is every year increased, by a
mighty flood of emigration. Soon they will be
as the sands on the sea-shore for multitude. Yet
there are at present only a little more than one
hundred Presbyterian or Congregational Minis-
ters in it. Were these ministers equally distributed
throughout the country, there would be only
one to every ten thousand people. But now
there are districts of country, containing from
twenty to fifty thousand inhabitants, entirely
destitute. And how shall they hear without a
preacher?
It is
"From the estimates made, it appears that
seventy-six thousand families are destitute of
the sacred volume, in this portion of our country.
These estimates are not ungrounded and exag-
gerated conjectures. They are the result of
much enquiry and patient examination.
our sober conviction, that at least 76,000 Bibles
are necessary for the supply of the destitute ;
and the number is every year increasing. Most
of those who emigrate from the older States are
poor: there are many young men who go into
that country, and are married afterwards-and
never have an opportunity of supplying their
families with Bibles. The number of Bibles
sent there by all the Societies in the United
States, is by no means as great as the yearly in-
crease of the destitute. The original number
still remains unsupplied. When we entered on
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
the mission, we applied in person to the oldest
and wealthiest of these institutions for Bibles to
distribute in the western country: but we could
only obtain one solitary donation. The existing
societies have not yet been able to supply the
demand in their own immediate vicinity. Some
mightier effort must be made. Their scattered
and feeble exertions are by no means adequate
to the accomplishment of the object. It is
thought, by judicious people, that half a mil-
lion of Bibles are necessary for the supply of
the destitute in the United States. It is a foul
blot on our national character. Christian Ame-
rica must rise and wipe it away.-The existing
societies are not able to do it. They want
union; they want co-operation ;-they want
resources. If a National Institution cannot be
formed, application ought to be made to the
British and Foreign Bible Society for aid."
The beneficial results of these two Missionary
tours can never be duly appreciated. By these
means the whole extent of our western and sou-
thern territory was explored, and an accurate
disclosure of its moral and spiritual desolation
made to the Churches ;-the Gospel of the grace
of God was preached to a vast multitude of the
dwellers in the wilderness;-no less than ten or
twelve Missionaries were sent among them, the
very first year after the information of their
wants was circulated, and more the second, and
still more the third ;-five or six Bible Societies
were established in different States and Territo-
ries; thousands of Bibles were forwarded from
the Atlantic Societies to the people of the west;
-and besides these, many thousands of re-
ligious Tracts have gone, the winged messen-
78
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
gers of salvation, into every section of the
country; and, in defiance of its obstinate and
long continued barrenness, our own wilderness
begins to blossom as the rose.
CHAPTER VI.
FORWARD
HIS INSTRUMENTALITY IN BRINGING
THE AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY,
UNITED FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
AND THE
Soon after his return from his last tour through
the Western and Southern Country, Mr. Mills
left New England, and took up his residence in
the Middle States, and within the bounds of the
Presbyterian Church. Here he spent two of the
most profitable years of his life, unobserved, and
almost unknown, yet silently exercising an influ-
ence, and setting in motion several illustrious
plans of mercy to mankind. He resided alter-
nately in Albany, New-York, Newark, Phila-
delphia, and Washington; and his attention was
here principally occupied in consulting with men
of influence among the Clergy and Laity as to
the wisdom and practicability of several of his
unaccomplished purposes.
Among these was the establishment of a Na-
tional Bible Society. We have no warrant to
say that the idea of a National Bible Society first
originated with Mr. Mills. As early as the year
1810, a proposition for a national institution was
submitted to the New-York Bible Society, by
the Rev. Secretary of the British and Foreign
Bible Society, accompanied by some very flat-
tering overtures, in the event of carrying the pro-
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
79
position into effect. Essentially the same pro-
position was also made to the Philadelphia Bible
Society. To this proposition the Directors of
both these Societies returned a full and decided
negative. And it is but justice to say, that long
after this intimation was laid to rest, the plan of
the existing American Bible Society originated
in the bosom of Mr. Mills.
At the close of the report of the southern and
western tour, we find the sentiment: "If a na-
tional institution cannot be formed, application
in behalf of these destitute ought to be made to
the British and Foreign Bible Society for aid."
The formation of this national institution Mr.
Mills thought of, and suggested, and pressed the
suggestion, long before it probably entered into
the mind of any other individual. With the gen-
tlemen who were interested in the early stages of
this measure, he had frequent interviews; and
though he concealed the hand that moved it for-
ward, was himself the principal mover of the
design, and a principal agent in inducing others
of greater weight of character to become its abet-
tors. The writer well recollects the efforts of
this persevering man to attain this important ob-
ject. With some hope that the measure might be
brought forward by the General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church, in 1814 he procured a con-
sultation of his fathers and brethren in the minis-
try as to the expediency of setting the plan on
foot at that meeting. Though the writer was
not himself interested in the consultation, he had
the honour to be a member of the Assembly that
year, and is personally acquainted with the indi-
viduals with whom his friend did consult, as well
as with the result of the consultation.
It was
then thought to be the best advised course,
for the sake of avoiding every thing like a secta
that,
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MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
rian influence and form, and embodying the mass
of Christian effort of all denominations, the mea-
sure should originate with no one ecclesiastical
body, but with some one of the State Bible Socie-
ties, who could give it currency with the least
suspicion of local or party views. It was on the
rising of the Assembly that year, that a respec-
table member of that body, to whom Mr. Mills
had intimated the design, on his return from Phi-
ladelphia to Boston, had an interview with the
venerable man by whose industry and vigilance
the proposition was at length submitted to the
different Bible Societies, and by whose intelligent
piety and princely munificence, so early and
powerful an impulse was given to this magnifi-
cent institution. It was at this interview the foun-
dation of this lofty edifice was laid; and if it was
inscribed on one side the endeared and memo-
rable name of ELIAS BOUDINOT, it has on the
other the humble inscription of Samuel J. Mills.
The following letter will be regarded as addi-
tional evidence of the part which Mr. Mills took
in originating this Society. In a communication
to the writer, Mr. Smith, his companion on the
southern tour, remarks, "Having been associated
with Mr. Mills in one of his important under-
takings, and having been his constant and confi-
dential companion for the greater part of a year,
amid a great variety of labours, dangers, and
trials; at a period too when nearly all his grand
schemes of benevolence were in a train of accom-
plishment, I have enjoyed some important ad-
vantages for understanding his very peculiar and
interesting character. An important matter that
occupied much of the attention of our lamented
brother, was the formation of the American
Bible Society. It was on his mind for years be-
fore it was formed. Indeed, he once gave me
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
81
distinctly to understand that it originated with
him. At a very early period he procured a
friend to write one or more essays upon the
subject, which were published. He carried the
plan with him on both his missionary tours to
the south and west, and exerted his influence in
favour of the contemplated institution."
Mr. Mills continued to take a deep interest in
the formation of the Bible Society, and to use all
his exertions with his friends in favour of it, until
the very day arrived on which it was organized.
It was on the 8th day of May, 1816, a day long
to be remembered in the annals of the American
people. A convention of delegates from differ-
ent Bible Societies in the United States, having
been invited to assemble on that day in the city
of New York, "resolved unanimonsly, that it is
expedient to establish, without delay, a general
Bible Institution, for the circulation of the
Holy Scriptures, without note or comment."
This convention did not close their sessions till
they had prepared and adopted the Constitution
and elected the Managers of the Society, and
issued an address to the people of the United
States, giving information of the existence of the
Institution, and inviting their co-operation in the
benevolent and exalted cause. It is hardly
necessary to remark, that this was a day to which
Mr. Mills looked forward with the deepest in-
terest. Of course he was present at the meeting.
And when the discussions had proceeded so far
that it was no longer doubtful that a union of
different denominations would be formed in this
stupendous work of charity, then you might have
seen him, elevated on a distant seat behind the
crowd, contemplating the scene with a look of
divine delight, which it would require the pencil
of a West or a Raphael to delineate. That
E 5
82
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
countenance was observed at the moment; and
it left an impression which will probably be re-
tained among the last traces of memory.
It was long an object of earnest solicitude
with Mr. Mills to see the spirit of mission excit-
ed throughout the Presbyterian Church. Though
the General Assembly have, from the formation
of that venerable body, been engaged in the
pious and benevolent work of sending the Gos-
pel to the destitute in the new settlements; and
though the missionary concerns of this portion of
the Christian Church have been gradually in-
creasing in extent and importance, and proved
highly beneficial to the Presbyterian interest,
and greatly instrumental in promoting the com-
mon cause of Christianity; yet we have done
comparatively little in the great cause of Mis-
sions. Though we started in the race early,
other denominations, on this, as well as on the
other side of the Atlantic, have run far before us.
It is time the painful fact were considered and
bewailed, that, too intent upon local interests,
we have has yet caught little of the spirit which
animates our brethren of other denominations,
and burns with zeal to shed the light of salvation
through the region and shadow of death.
+
This Mr. Mills saw and lamented. Perceiv-
ing the Presbyterian Church to cover so vast a
territory, and to possess so large a share of the
property of the whole country; acquainted as he
was with the evangelical spirit of her ministers,
and the frequent out-pourings of the Holy Spirit
upon her congregations; he had a powerful con-
viction, that little else was necessary than to
awaken her attention and combine her energies.
While this subject was revolving in his thoughts,
he was residing at Newark, in New Jersey,
under the roof of one with whom he was ac-
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
83
quainted in his youth, who was his father's
friend, and whom he always viewed as a father
and a confidant. Here he matured the plan
which eventuated in the union of the three
Churches, involving the Presbyterians of the
General Assembly, the Dutch Reformed, and
the Associate Reformed, in that catholic and
truly Christian institution, "THE UNITED Fo-
REIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY."
In a communication to his father, dated New
York, May, 1818, he writes. " I have expected
to visit you this season, but I have lately con-
cluded to attend the sittings of the General
Assembly at Philadelphia. As yet, I am not
determined with respect to the course I shall
pursue for the summer. I have under consi-
deration some plans, one at least.of importance,
which will be probably presented to the As-
sembly:-I mean the formation of a Foreign
Missionary Society in the Presbyterian con-
nexion. Dr. G— thinks it important I should
aid the object, by using what influence I may
have with gentlemen, who will be present at
Philadelphia."
Mr. Mills attended the Assembly, and in a
subsequent communication to the same person,
he says,
I have spent a part of my time in
Philadelphia and a part in New York. The
Presbyterian Church, it is well known, have
heretofore, as a Church, made no exertions to
send Missionaries out of the limits of the States.
I have for a long time thought it desirable that
their attention should be directed to the subject
of Foreign Missions; not only with the view of
sending the Gospel to the destitute abroad, but
in hope that exertion of this kind might excite
more zeal for the diffusion of religious knowledge
in our own country, I conceive the object is
84
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
secured. The General Assembly, at their last
session, chose a committee of seven members to
consult with the Dutch and Scotch Churches,
and ascertain whether they would not unite with
the Presbyterian Church in the formation of a
Foreign Missionary Society. The Committees
of the Dutch and Scotch are also appointed, and
I think the prospect in favour of the union. I
conceive there is no doubt the Presbyterian
Church will move forward in this business. Dr.
G- and Dr. R- are on the Committee,
and very much in favour of the object. The for-
mation of a Foreign Missionary Society in these
churches, will be esteemed one of the grandest
objects which has ever been effected within their
limits. I would not intimate that I have been
the prime mover in this business; if I have been
permitted with others, to aid the object it is
enough." Notwithstanding this modest reserve,
next to the spirit of God upon his heart, Mr.
Mills was the prime mover in this business;"
and he had the satisfaction to see the three divi-
sions of the Presbyterian interest in our country
united with perfect harmony, and under the sanc-
tion of their highest judicatories, in the blessed
work of evangelizing the globe.
“
While upon this part of Mr. Mills' history, in
justice to his memory, as well as the cause he
loved, there ought to be brought into view one
project, that he did not accomplish: I mean a
tour into South America, with a view to explore
the country, and prepare the way for Missionary
enterprise in that interesting part of the world.
It was his own opinion that the United Foreign
Missionary Society would eventually set on foot
a measure of this sort. On the practicability and
probable utility of such a mission, he collected
at different times much important information.
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
85
He used many efforts to engage others in this
work; and expressed his determination to enter
upon it himself. Indeed, he once made over-
tures of this nature to the American Board of
Commissioners for Foreign Missions. The plan
of such a tour was once in a very considerable
degree mature. He alludes to it in the following
letter to Mr. E- C- a beloved brother
in the Ministry.
DEAR SIR,
"New York, 3d October, 1816.
"I am happy in having an opportunity to
acknowledge the receipt of your interesting letter,
dated Hartford, Sept. 19. It appears to me,
that the gentlemen appointed to direct the con-
cerns of the Owyhean youth, are competent to
manage that business, without instructions from
the Board of Commissioners. But no doubt it
is best as it is.
"I thank you for suggesting the expediency
of an exploring Mission to the Rev. Fathers at
Hartford, and am happy to hear that they ap-
prove of the object. I have long thought, that
to effect what we wish in the best manner, it
would be desirable to sail in a ship commanded
by officers who should have the business of ex-
ploring and ascertaining the best Missionary
stations particularly in view during the voyage.
But perhaps such an opportunity ought not to
be expected. But I confess I am tired of delays.
I have for some time past been endeavouring to
pass the limits of these states and territories. I
am pestered in this pin-hole here.'
6
"Thus far my experience proves, that the fur-
ther I proceed from home, the greater good God
enables me to do. By his blessing, most has
been effected at the most distant points. I do
not know that a similar result would follow on
the Mission we contemplate; but I should like
86
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
to try it, and alone, if it seems the will of hea-
ven. I hope you will lose no time in making
the inquiries necessary to ascertain whether a
passage could be obtained on board the ship
which you refer to in your letter. I should wish
to know the character of the commodore, or
captain; and if a Chaplain is wanted, what
would be the services expected from one acting in
that capacity? I shall wish to know at what
places the ship will touch during the voyage;
and I should particularly wish you to give me
the opinion of my Christian friends in the vicinity
of Boston, relative to my qualifications for the
contemplated service. You will have opportu-
nity to see the gentlemen belonging to the Pru-
dential Committee of the Board of Foreign Mis-
sions, and I hope you will converse with them
on this subject. Were I to engage in this ser-
vice, I should hope a brother might be found
who would go with me. Perhaps the Lord will
incline you to engage in this work.
"It is expected that the ship Eagle, com-
manded by Captain Davis, will sail from Boston
in a few weeks, for the Northwest Coast. The
ship will call at the Sandwich Islands during the
voyage; but there are objections to going in one
engaged in the Northwest trade. Still a list of
inquiries might be presented, requesting parti-
cular information with respect to the state of the
islands, and other places where the ship should
call. I hope this hint will be kept in mind.
"My dear brother, should I leave this country,
and you remain here, you must supply my place,
or find some person who will. I cannot leave
the benevolent plans I have in view, without
some one to see them perfected.
"Yours affectionately,
"SAMUEL J. MILLS."
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
87
It is to be regretted that it was found neces-
sary to abandon this enterprise, but it is to be
hoped the abandonment is not final. The Spanish
possessions present an extensive field for Mis-
sionary labour, and are at present unoccupied,
except by the Catholics. It is the opinion of
Humboldt, that the territory which the govern-
ment of Spain claims, even north of the Isthmus,
contains six millions five hundred thousand in-
habitants. Since the recent revolution, and espe-
cially in the province of Venezuela, there can
be no serious obstacles to the introduction of
Missionaries into that country; and certainly
none at all to a tour, which shall have in view
the attainment of a more perfect knowledge of
the true condition of South America, ascertain
what Missionary stations may be established,
and which shall commence the distribution of
the Bible throughout that extensive country. In
a very appropriate and eloquent address to the
Churches under their care, the Managers of the
United Foreign Missionary Society say-" As
soon as the southern forests yield to the hand of
cultivation, our limits will extend to Mexico;
and the whole region of death, from the river
Del Norte to Cape Horn, will reach from our
own door:" and they justly demand-" Who on
earth, rather than ourselves, are the people to
pour the river of life through that desolate
region ?"—We hope the time is not far distant,
when two or more men will traverse the whole.
of this dreary wilderness, and return with a re-
port that will wake up the American Church to
a sympathy for the miseries of her perishing
neighbours. The first object of Missionaries to
that country would probably be, to visit Old
Mexico, with liberty to proceed from Mexico,
either by the eastern or western coast, on toward
88
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
the southern part of the continent. It would be
very desirable, if they went down the eastern
coast, to touch at the principal places until they
arrived at Buenos Ayres; thence by land to Lima,
St. Iago, endeavouring to visit the principal
places, until they arrive at Acapulco, and thence
across to Vera Cruz by Mexico. If they went
down the western coast, they would most likely
go from Mexico to Acapulco, and then pursue
the route which has been described, through
Peru and Chili to Buenos Ayres, and thence up
the eastern coast to Carthagena.
Whatever may be the obstacles to such a Mis-
sion, they are no more than have been surmount-
ed in other portions of the earth. What has been
accomplished in South America by the United
Brethren, forms no criterion by which to judge
of the success of Missionary efforts in the pre-
sent age of the world, and present condition of
that community. The trials which they expe-
rienced are not to be looked for again: the scenes
of Berbice, Surrinam, Bambey and Parrimaribo,
will never probably be acted over again while
the world stands. Let it not be forgotten that
the question, whether South America shall be
free, is to be determined by the question whether
she is to be Christian? Liberty without godli-
ness, is but another name for anarchy or des-
potism. Let philosophers and statesmen argue
as they please—the religion of the gospel is the
rock on which civil liberty rests. You have
never known a people free without the Bible
with it, they cannot long be slaves. Let not the
American Churches forget, that more than one
quarter of the circumference of the globe lying
immediately under their eye, is little else than an
extended dungeon, where forty millions of
immortal beings are in the gall of bitterness and
the bonds of iniquity.
;
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
89
CHAPTER VII.
HIS RESIDENCE IN NEW YORK, AND HIS EXERTIONS
IN BEHALF OF THE POOR AND IGNORANT IN
THAT CITY.
FEW men knew better how to gather up the
fragments of time than Mr. Mills.
" Wist ye
not that I must be about my father's business?"
appeared incessantly to be his motto. He was sel-
dom at a loss to know how to "fill up life well;"
and it was no difficult task to a mind like his, to
create opportunities of usefulness, where he did
not find them ready to his hand. While some of
his plans were ripening for execution, he spent the
summer and autumn of 1816 in the city of New
York, where he devoted himself to inquiries into
the moral condition of the poor, with a particu-
lar view to supply them with Bibles and Tracts.
The true condition of our large cities, in res-
pect of moral instruction, it is lamentable to
state, has been little thought of, even by those
who, in other departments of duty, manifest a
commendable zeal in promoting the best interests
of their fellow men. This "New Missionary
Field," as it has been justly styled, discloses a
picture of pollution and misery which we little
expected to behold. From an interesting docu-
ment* not long since submitted to the public, it
appears, that not less than 60,000 persons in the
city of New York, 18,000 in the town of Bos-
ton, upwards of 50,000 in the city of Philadel-
phia, between 30 and 40,000 in Baltimore, and
* A Report to the Female Missionary Society, for the Poor
of New York and its vicinity, published in 1817, by the Rev.
Ward Stafford.
90
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
upwards of 10,000 in Charleston, are literally
destitute of the privileges of the gospel, and in
a state of sottish ignorance and deep impiety.
Upwards of 700,000 also in London, and 80,000
in Liverpool, are in the same deplorable igno-
rance; while in Great Britain and on the con-
tinent, most other cities are in no better, and
many of them are in a much worse condition."
What must be thought of that community,
where, in one section, "out of twenty families
adjoining each other, sixteen are destitute of the
Bible; in another, out of one hundred and fifteen
families, adjoining each other, seventy are desti-
tute; in another, out of thirty-two, twenty-one
are destitute; and in another, out of thirty, twenty-
seven are destitute”—and that in this Christian
land? Little do we know what heathenism is
to be found in our most enlightened and privi-
leged cities. Corroborative of these remarks,
and as indicative of the extent and success of
Mr. Mills' efforts for the relief of this class of
people, a few facts will be presented from his own
journal.
and myself called at a
The first person we
C
"June 20. Mr. S
house on Manhattan Island.
saw was a married woman, about thirty years
of age. After a few introductory observations,
we inquired of her whether she had a Bible in
her family. A Bible,' said she, with an ex-
pression of some surprise, what do you do with
the Bible?' We told her that the Bible was the
Word of the living God, and ought to be atten-
tively perused by every one; that we all needed
its instructions, and the consolations which its
doctrines and precepts were able to give, when
received in the love of them. Her countenance
soon became more solemn, and she listened at-
tentively to the serious admonition which was
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
91
given her. We gave her a religious Tract, and
addressed ourselves to another woman who came
She was thirty-five or forty years of age.
She appeared a sensible woman, and we had
reason to hope before we left the house, that she
was a pious person. She informed us, that she
had entertained a hope that she was a Christian
for more than twelve years. Her circumstances
had been such, that she had not made a public
profession of religion, though she had often
wished for the privilege of doing so.
It ap
peared that the reason of delaying this duty, had
been owing principally to the want of evidence
with respect to her good estate. Her attach-
ments were in favour of the Presbyterian Church
-the greater part of the time we were convers-
ing with this woman, there was present a young
lady, who appeared very solemn. We entered
into conversation with her, and found that for
some months past she had been the subject of
very serious impressions, and still continued so.
She spoke of her guilt as very great, and express-
ed her fears that there was no mercy for her.
She had lately come to the island, from a place
in Connecticut, where there had been a revival
of religion. Her case excited in us a peculiar
interest. We addressed her as we thought was
proper to address one, whose mind was awaken-
ed to serious concern by the influences of the
Holy Spirit. After we left the house, we re-
marked to each other on the variety in the cha-
racters of those who resided under the same
roof.
"It seemed that the woman with whom we
first conversed, had been entirely neglectful of
the concerns of her soul, and chose to continue
in that state.
"The second expressed a humble hope that
92
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
she had been born again, and that she belonged
to Christ.
"The third seemed to feel herself a guilty
condemned sinner, and feared lest she had sinned.
away the day of grace, and must perish for ever.
"Visited another family. The woman pro-
fessed to belong to the Methodist Church. She
said that her husband once belonged to the same
connection, but did not at that time belong to
any church. While we were conversing seriously
with the woman, her husband came in. Some
observations of a religious nature were addressed
to him. He said he knew all about these things.
He said he had once been a Christian himself,
but had fallen from grace, and his circumstances
were such, that he could not reform at that time.
He said he knew that he was in the snare of the
devil, and that if he should then die he should
be damned, and perish with a greatly aggravated
condemnation. He remarked, that notwithstand-
ing this conviction, which haunted him day and
night, he felt no disposition to attempt a reform
at that time. He said he was far gone in ini-
quity, and nothing we could say would awake
him; still at times he had a hope that he should
see better days. During our conversation with
him, he more than once reverted to his circum-
stances, as unfavourable to his entering again
upon a life of piety and devotedness to God;
and observed, that if he was in some remote so-
litary situation, he would change his course of
conduct, and reform. We expressed to him our
surprise, if he really believed this to be the fact,
that he should remain a moment where he then
was. We inquired of him why he did not flee
with his family from the place where he then
was, in as great haste as if the house were on
fire over his head. But we could not move him.
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
93
During our conversation with him, we gave him
to understand, that we did not think he had ever
experienced religion, and that he had always
been the enemy of God. He replied, that "he
knew not what we could believe, if we might
not give credit to our own feelings and convic-
tions. No one could convince him that he had
not previously been a Christian." Nothing that
we could say seemed to have much effect upon
him. He generally acknowledged all we said
and censured himself severely, but seemed de-
termined to remain where he was. He appeared
to us one of the most hopeless characters we have
ever seen; possessed of a certain fearful look-
ing-for of judgment, and fiery indignation which
shall devour the adversaries.
"Called upon some other families. Found
two women and a man, who had formerly be-
longed to either Presbyterian or Congregational
Churches. They were anxious to enjoy the like
privileges again.
have
"July 10, 1816. I have been engaged some
weeks past, in searching out those poor people
in the city who are destitute of the sacred Scrip-
tures. The Rev. Mr. Sd, Mr. H-
Mr. C, Mr. W, and Mr. L
occasionally accompanied me.
We find very
many destitute of the Bible; and in many fami-
lies, not an individual can be found who is able
to read.
"
"Generally the people are very ignorant.
Ask them if they hope they are Christians, they
answer yes, they have no doubt of that.' Ask
them whether they have been born again---ex-
plain to them the nature of regeneration, and
you will ascertain they know nothing of the
subject. Press upon them the necessity of a
change of heart, and describe their awfully ex-
94
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
posed condition---tell them thou art the man,
and in some instances they appear solemn and
affected to tears. Where we leave Bibles with
persons of this character, we obtain their solemn
promise to read them with attention. The great
mass of these people are fitly represented by
Ezekiel's vision of the dry bones. Come, O
breath, from the four winds, and breathe upon
these slain, that they may live!
66
by
"July 12. Have been conversing with some
captains of vessels and others, in company with
Mr. S, on the expediency of forming a Ma-
rine Bible Society. The prospect is favourable.
Mr. S and myself have supplicated the
Throne of Grace for directions in this business.
"July 19. Distributed Bibles in Skinner-
street, Mr. S——— in company. We had a num-
ber of serious conversations with the persons we
called on.
One Irish woman seemed much af-
fected. She acknowledged she had done no-
thing but sin against God all her days; and she
considered her sins greatly aggravated, because
committed against great light.
of
"July 20. Conversed with Dr. F
South Carolina, on the subject of an Institution
for the purpose of educating the blacks. He is
much in favour of the contemplated measures.
He thinks if the way is not at present prepared
for the introduction of teachers of colour into
the Southern States, it is fastly preparing. It is
a common thing for the blacks to manifest a
great desire to learn to read, and to hear the
Gospel preached.
2
"July 21, Sabbath.-Heard Dr. C, Mr.
M-
and Mr. S. My indisposition rather
increases than abates. Perhaps the Lord has little
more for me to do in this world. He has made
me an instrument in his hand of doing some
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
95
good; but what have been the motives which
have actuated me, are best known to himself.
I many times fear I shall yet be dashed to
pieces, as a vessel in which the Master has no
pleasure.
66
July 23. Occupied part of the day in giving
out Bibles. My inquiries were made to-day in
First-street. Began at No. 1, and left off at 100.
Found twelve families destitute. I called at
one house which had lately been afflicted: the
mother had lost a young child. It lay a corpse
in the room. Her feelings were very tender.
Upon conversing with her, I found that she did
not think herself a Christian. After conversa-
tion, I inquired if she belonged to any church?
She said she did not, nor had she been visited by
any Minister during the sickness of her child. I
proposed praying with her, to which she assented.
It was a solemn season.
"I have lately received a letter from the Rev.
Mr. Gloucester, of Philadelphia (a man of co-
lour.) He states, that the Augustan Hall was
opened on the first of June, for the purpose of
giving the African youth a liberal education, at
which time five very promising youths were re-
ceived. Others were waiting to enter the School
as soon as support could be provided for them.
He states, that a few people belonging to his
Church, have contributed to support these young
men the first quarter, hoping that God would
open the hearts and hands of the friends of these
poor Africans, to aid in the great and good
work.
>>
In this letter to Mr. Mills, Mr. Gloucester says,
"O my worthy friend to our suffering race, for
God's sake take up your pen, and ask the pub-
lic on our behalf, if we shall turn away our pro-
E
96
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
mising sons from school at the close of the
quarter, for the want of that help which he has
put it in their power to give? Or shall we add
to their number? May all that pray, thy king-
dom come, embrace this opportunity in impart-
ing their substance to aid this long-forgotten
people. Please write soon, and advise what
shall be done in this matter, which lies very near
my heart.”
"July 30. Requested Dr. G― to write to
G-
Dr. R, expressing his sentimeuts on the im-
portance of calling the attention of the Managers
of the American Bible Society, to an edition of
the Spanish Bible for South America.
66
66
Aug. 1. Distributed Bibles.
Aug. 3. Visited a number of poor families
in Lombardy, Bancker, and Harman Streets,
whom we had before supplied with Bibles.
Some had read them with attention, and I hope
with profit, and appeared to value them highly.
Called in the course of the day on about twenty
families in Cross-street-twelve of them destitute
of Bibles.
“Aug.
house in
Some time since I called at a
street, and inquired of the wo-
man if she had a Bible. She said, she had none,
nor did she wish for one. I conversed with her
seriously a little while on the importance of
having a Bible and reading it daily. She ob-
served, it was not necessary for me to continue
my preachment' any longer, for she would not
receive a Bible. As I was leaving the house, her
husband came in, and I addressed myself to him.
He expressed the same sentiments with his wife.
Both appeared to be determined not to receive
the Bible.
66
6
Aug.
Called upon a sick woman in
>
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
97
Market-street. She appeared to be inquiring
with some anxiety what she should do to be
saved? She, however, had but very inadequate
ideas of her sinfulness, and seemed to think that
she was by no means the chief of sinners.
I en-
deavoured to show her her lost condition, and
point her to Christ as the only way of reconcili-
ation with God.
66
Aug.
Mr. S―d and myself called to
see the sick woman. She appeared to be much
more deeply impressed with a sense of her
ruined state without an interest in Christ. She
said, she could not find any rest, but lay awake
all the preceding night, praying to God that he
would have mercy on her soul. We entreated
her to come to Christ without delay-to repent
of her sins, and exercise faith in this Saviour now.
We supplied her with a Bible. She wished us to
pray with her. It was a solemn time.
CC
Aug.
Mr. S — called on this poor
woman, and was led to hope she had become a
child of God.
66
Aug. To day called on about fifty fami-
lies on the left side of Orange-street. A third
part of the whole number of families cannot
read! One woman said she wanted none of my
Bibles, and if I gave her one, she would burn
it up."
As this period of Mr. Mills' residence in New
York was a season of comparative leisure, it
afforded him the opportunity of writing a num-
ber of letters to his particular friends. The fol-
lowing communication to the companion of his
labours, on the last tour to the South and West,
the Rev. Mr. Smith of Natchez, developes much
of Mr. Mills' true character.
F
98
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
"DEAR BROther,
Newark, Jan. 6, 1816.
"I received your letter, dated October 19th,
while at Torringford. I have heard nothing
from you since. I conclude a kind providence
has preserved your life, and carried you to the
desired haven. If so, you will feel, I doubt
not, that you have more cause than ever to
exclaim, Bless the Lord, O my soul! The
dangers we have passed together ought ever to
keep alive in our hearts a spirit of gratitude to
God.
6
"You say in your letter, I go forward with
a cheerful heart-I hope the Lord is with me.'
It is always safe trusting in the Lord. We who
have experienced so much of his kindness, ought
surely not to be faithless, but believing. You
have gone to a dark portion of our country;
but we hope it is soon to be illuminated by the
light of the everlasting Gospel, Sooner or later
it is to be a province of the Redeemer's King-
dom; and the sooner the seed is sown, the sooner
shall we expect the harvest. Many prayers are
offered up by the good people you have left be-
hind, for your safety and success; therefore be
strong in the Lord.
"I have hardly heard from the neighbourhood
of Boston since you left the city. Mr. E-
declined going on to New Orleans this season.
I should hope you would give that vacant peo-
ple a part of your time. Revivals of religion
have been experienced in a number of towns in
Connecticut. In more or less the good work still
continues. The Holy Spirit seems still to at-
tend the labours of Mr. N-- in S. It is
N—
believed one hundred and forty persons have
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
99
become subjects of the work. In Morristown
and Springfield, in this State, there is much more
than usual attention.
"When you write to me, give me all the in-
formation you can relative to the Western Coun-
try. The Report we made out of our Western
Tour I have the satisfaction to believe is highly
approved; so much so, that perhaps we may be
in danger of becoming proud of it—but I hope
not. There can be no doubt that it has been the
means of interesting a great many persons of in-
fluence and wealth in favour of our destitute
country; and if those in the districts of coun-
try described do not feel themselves under any
obligations to us now, they will at some future
period.
"You say, you wish for my advice. As to
this, I have not much to say. The Word of God,
your particular circumstances, and your past
experience, must be your guide. I have thought
it very desirable that you should make it a part
of your business to aid in the distribution of the
Bibles which have been sent on to New Orleans.
I received a letter in November last from An-
dover, informing me that a pious young man,
and much devoted to the Missionary cause, had
gone on to New Orleans for his health, and ex-
pected to spend the winter there, and that he
wished to be employed in the distribution of
Bibles and Testaments, in hopes of obtaining in
this way part of his support. Perhaps you will
find him of service to you in carrying your
plans into effect. Do not fail to write to him.
I hope you will be able to obtain some con-
tributions for the Bible Societies, and that they
will soon begin to purchase Bibles for them-
selves.
F 2
100
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
"Might you not, in giving out the Tracts,
aid in the formation of Tract Societies in some
of the most important places? It is very much
to be desired that the people should acquire the
habit of supporting religious and charitable insti-
tutions. It seems desirable you should return to
New England the next summer. You should
delay entering on your tour as late as circum-
stances will permit. Your services must be very
much needed where you are.
"Looking into a newspaper lately, I observed
a paragraph, which stated that a Spanish Minis-
ter had arrived in New Orleans from Old Mexico.
Would it not be a good thing to ascertain from
him the state of that portion of the country, with
a view of sending Bibles there, as soon as an
opportunity shall present? Do obtain all the in-
formation you can. Remember me affectionately
to my friends at Natchez. Let the good people.
at New Orleans know that I have not forgotten
them. Pray for me, that I may be directed in
the path of duty, and saved from injuring the
cause I profess to love.
"Your affectionate brother in the Lord,
SAMUEL J. MILLS.
"REV. DANIEL SMITH."
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
101
CHAPTER VIII.
HIS EXERTIONS IN BEHALF OF AFRICA.
THE darling object of Mr. Mills remains yet
to be made known. It was that, in the prose-
cution of which he found a watery grave. The
civil, moral, and spiritual degradation of the
children of Africa, both in this land of civili-
zation and christianity and their own native
regions of darkness, lay with continual weight
upon his mind, and particularly after his first
visit to the middle and southern states. Those
to whom he unbosomed himself on this subject,
could easily perceive that he was actuated by a
power of feeling, and a confidence of faith, and
a disinterestedness of desire, that prepared him
to compass sea and land, to perform any labour,
to endure any losses, to sustain any sacrifice in
the prosecution of his design, and, if it were
necessary, to die in the service of Africa.
It ought to be remembered with deep self-
abasement, that the slave trade has found the
mass of its abettors among nations nominally
christian. According to the most judicious cal-
culations. Africa has been drained annually of
one hundred and fifty thousand of its inhabitants
-And let us not repress the shameful acknow-
ledgement, "the great receptacles of this unhappy
race have been the West Indies and the United
States. A million and a half are supposed to
exist in our own free country!"
Nothing is too wonderful for an age of won-
ders. It is no uncommon thing at the present
day, to find good men and bad, nations and
·"
102
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
individuals uniting their protestations against the
cruelties that have for ages been so wantonly
inflicted on the African race. Since the esta-
blishment of the colony of Sierra Leone, and
the revolution in St Domingo, it can no longer
be made a question, that a brighter day is rising
on this long neglected people. Few more ar-
dently than Mr. Mills anticipated this glorious
consummation. All his measures in behalf of
this depressed race, seem to have been adopted
and pursued with a kind of supernatural as-
surance, that the time was not far distant when
the galling chains of African bondage should be
broken, and, under the mild reign of the Prince
of Peace, Ethiopia should be lifted from her
degeneracy, and "stretch out her hands unto
God."
With the piety of the Christian, and the
wisdom of the statesman, he eagerly suggested,
as one of the means of accelerating this work of
benevolence, the establishment of a School, to
qualify young men of colour for preachers and
teachers to the African race. While he was
lingering in New York and New Jersey, in the
summer and autumn of 1816, he suggested and
matured this plan. In his itinerations through
the states, he had been preparing the minds of
many gentlemen of influence to favour such
an establishment, and had received from them so
much encouragement, that he was heard to say,
that if only a treasury was opened at the north,
it would be filled from the slave-holding
states. Arrangements were made to bring the
subject before the Synod of New York and
New Jersey, at their annual meeting in Oc-
tober, 1816. It was suggested to him to write
to his friends in the different states on the sub-
ject; and before the session of the Synod, a
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
103
large number of answers had been received, con-
taining many interesting facts in favour of the
establishment. The matter was brought before
Synod. A committee was appointed to examine
the subject, some of whom when they went
out, regarded the project as visionary and im-
practicable. But the extracts from these letters
of Mr. Mills' correspondents overruled every
feeling of opposition, and secured perfect unani-
mity in the committee, and subsequently in the
Synod, who at the same session adopted a system
of regulations, and formed the plan of the
School.
This Institution is now in a course of suc-
cessful operation, under the management of a
Board of Directors annually appointed by the
Synod. In their narrative of the state of reli-
gion within their bounds for the year 1819, the
Synod say of this Seminary, that "They would
gratefully recount the fostering mercies of
providence upon that Institution of their own
efforts and prayers, the African School. Since
the last report, four additional pupils have been
admitted, making seven in all, whose deportment
and proficiency have been such as to warrant
the past expenditures of their patrons, and
animate them to present hope and perseverance
in this cause of Christian philanthropy; in the
consummation of which, according to the tenor
of prophecy, the destinies of Africa are to be
elevated, and her sons introduced to the dig-
nities and heirship of the children of God."
The agency of Mr. Mills in giving existence to
this Institution, is very affectionately acknow-
ledged by the Directors, in their Report to
the Synod in the year 1818, soon after the
tidings of his decease. The extract is as
follows:-" But while the Board refer to these
104
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
*
encouraging events, they cannot pass over one
which has filled them and many of the friends of
Zion with sorrow. They allude to the death of
him to whom, though his modest and retiring
nature concealed his agency from the world, the
praise really belongs of originating the African
School, as well as several other institutions,
which rank among the most important and
beneficial in our country, who died in the
service of Africa. The name of Samuel J.
Mills ought to be known to the churches, and to
be had in grateful remembrance, while worth is
honoured, and humble, disinterested, laborious
piety is beloved. For a mind teeming with
plans to extend the Redeemer's kingdom, wholly
devoted to that single object, and incessantly
engaged to rouse others to the same spirit, they
fear they shall not soon look upon his like again.
When Africa has lost such a friend, her helpless
and wretched state is more than ever to be
pitied. Who will catch his falling mantle, and
rise up to plead the cause of a poor outcast
race ?"
Soon after the organization of the Board, Mr.
Mills accepted an appointment as their agent, to
solicit donations in the middle states. He had at
the same time a commission from the Foreign
Mission School in Connecticut. The following
letter to a friend in New York, was written
during his absence on this tour.
Philadelphia, July 15, 1817.
"DEAR BROTHER,
"I arrived in this place yesterday from Bal-
timore. I collected for the Mission School,
* The writer of this article knows that the formation of
the American Bible Society may be traced to the suggestions
of Mr. Mills.
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
105
while in the state of Virginia, about fifteen hun-
dred dollars. I received at Baltimore, and two
or three other places in Maryland, for the African
School, about eight hundred dollars.
"I wish you to inquire whether Paul Cuffee is
in New York. About a week ago his vessel
arrived there from Port-au-Prince: she is called
the brig Traveller, Seabury, captain. I wish
you to inform me immediately if he is in the
city. Do not neglect this request. Brother
Cleft Baltimore last Monday. He ob-
tained at that place between seven and eight
hundred dollars, for the Cherokee Schools.
"Your friend and brother.
"SAMUEL J. MILLS.
"Rev. W-
S-
دو
In the above communication Mr. Mills men-
tions a name which he never repeated without
delight. PAUL CUFFEE was a distinguished or-
nament to the African race. He was a native of
one of the Elizabeth Islands, near New Bedford;
and though educated in all the obscurity and
penury of the great body of men of colour, rose
to affluence, respectability, and distinction, by
the energy of a mind that was equal to the
noblest enterprise, and the benevolence of a
heart singularly devoted to doing good. Long
will the sympathies of Paul be remembered in
behalf of degenerate Africa. No cause lay nearer
his heart than the intellectual, civil, and moral
elevation of that injured people. To advance
this cause, he undertook, at his own expense,
and in his own vessel, an expedition to the
British settlement at Sierra Leone; he went to
England for the purpose of suggesting his views
to the Managers of the African Institution; and,
after his return, made a second voyage to Sierra
F 5
106
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
Leone, carrying with him about forty persons of
his own colour, with the view of commencing a
settlement on the soil of his forefathers, having
expended in this enterprise nearly 4000 dollars,
from his own private rescources. He died at
Westport in Massachusetts, on the 7th of Sep-
tember, 1817, in the 59th year of his age, and in
his life and death gave good evidence of genuine
piety. With Mr. Mills' attachment to the African
cause, it could not be otherwise than that he
should be ardently attached to Paul. There
were few men in whom he placed greater con-
fidence, or who had more intimate access to the
secrets of his bosom in relation to his purposes
of benevolence toward the inhabitants of Africa.
With what earnestness he flew to his bed-side,
though he was at a distaace from him of nearly
a hundred miles, that he might have the privi-
lege of being with him in his last sickness, and
maturing some favoured project for his unhappy
countrymen, will be long remembered.
No apology is needed for here introducing a
communication of the same date with the last,
to a friend in Andover, who had been appointed,
an Agent of the African Board.
66
Philadelphia, July 15th, 1817.
"MY DEAR FRIEND AND BROTHER,
"I parted with Mr. Clast week at Balti-
more. He informed me that you had been ap-
pointed an agent to solicit for the African School.
I do not know that you could be engaged in the
promotion of a more important object. There
are, as you know, more than a million and a
half of people of colour in the United States
and Territories, the greater part of whom are
ignorant and vicious. More or less of the slave
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
107
holders soberly maintain that they have no
souls; and we might conclude, that the Chris-
tian public were of the same opinion, were we to
judge of the trifling efforts they have made to
improve their moral and religious character. It
has been, and still is, the hard lot of multitudes
of these people to be chained to tasks, and to
have their labour required of them with stripes,
that a man of common feeling would weep to
see inflicted on a brute. And to complete the
climax of their sufferings, the Church has with-
held the only cup of consolation which could
alleviate their sorrows-the hope of heaven, de-
rived from the Gospel. It is true, that in the
course of two or three years past, the religious
public have begun to turn their attention to this
class of their suffering brethren. Sunday Schools
have been established to teach them to read their
Bibles; and these schools extend from Raleigh,
North Carolina, to Portland, in the District of
Maine. Still, comparatively little is doing, when
we consider how long our duty has been neg-
lected, and how much remains to be done.
Hitherto, the Presbyterian and Congregational
Churches have made less exertion in the behalf
of this class of the community than most other
religious societies. The Methodists have in their
connexion many men of colour, who are preach-
ers, and who in some instances preach to large
congregations. The same may be said of the
Baptists. I know but of one or two Presbyterian
Churches formed of these people in the United
States. The Rev. Mr. Gloucester, a very re-
spectable man, and a member of the Presbytery
of Philadelphia, was in Albany last fall, and
was of the opinion that a congregation might be
formed in that city from among these people, if
a proper person could be found to collect them.
108
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
A citizen of that place offered to give him fifty
dollars a year, as his subscription, if he would
stay there and use his exertions to form a Church;
but no person could be found to supply his place.
The Board of Managers of the African School
have thought of requesting Mr. Gloucester to go
to England, to make collections for that Institu-
tion. But it is not likely that a person could be
found properly qualified to supply his place in
America.
"I collected in the course of the last winter
about eight hundred dollars for this Seminary.
This sum was received principally from Balti-
more and Washington. It was a very unpropi-
tious time to attempt collections. I had sometimes
to thrust my subscription paper over the heads
of half a dozen miserable beggars; and still I
was generally successful. I received considerable
aid from slave holders. I informed the persons
on whom I called, that the objeet of the school
was to qualify young men of colour for teachers
of schools and preachers of the Gospel, in hope.
of exerting an influence in correcting the morals
and manners of their brethren in our cities and
large towns; and also to raise up teachers for
these people, should an effort be made to settle
them by themselves, either in this country or
abroad. Some gave to aid the school as an
auxilary to the colonization effort, who would
not have given, had not that view been pre-
sented. I am confident that the people of colour
now in this country, that is, many of them, will
be settled by themselves, either in this country
or abroad. The teachers who may be raised up,
will promote this object. Whether they remain
in this country or not, much must be done to
qualify them for living in society by themselves.
"I have intimated, that in my opinion, great
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
109
→
guilt has been incurred by the,religious public,
on account of their neglect of this class of the
community. This guilt has been incurred, not
only by the slave holders, and Christians in the
Middle and Southern States, but the people of
New England have the neglect of their talents
and opportuhities for benefiting these people to
answer for. Had Sunday Schools and Free
Schools been established many years ago, the
example would have been soon followed here.
Had teachers of schools and preachers of the
Gospel been raised up, as is now proposed, they
would have found a wide field for usefulness.
But let us rejoice in what has of late been at-
tempted, and endeavour to increase exertions in
every possible way. Perhaps it would be well
for you to have the names of some of the con-
tributors to the school, that are on my book.
We should give all religious denominations a
chance to assist us. I have preached in all the
pulpits I could gain access to, and stated my ob-
ject. In your sermons or addresses state faets.
Facts will always produce an effect, at least on
pious minds. You can easily possess yourself
of facts, the bare recital of which will make the
heart bleed. If you are not already possessed
of facts of this character, I can furnish you.
These facts must be proclaimed in the ears of
the people, that they may be induced to send
the hope of the Gospel to the expiring and des-
pairing slave, as well as to the debased and mise-
rable free black. Teachers of the character we
wish to raise up, I am informed, are wanted in
Natchez and New Orleans, and might probably
be greatly useful. It is true, there are some
parts of the Southern States where they could
not at present be introduced with safety; but the
field is altogether greater than can be occupied
110
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
for years, with all our activity and exertion. I
hope to hear from you.
"Yours affectionately,
"SAMUEL J. MILLS.
"Mr. E- W-
H-
>"
(6
"this
The remark has been frequently made, and hast
been repeated in the preceding pages, that a new
era in the moral condition of mankind com-
menced about seven-and-twenty years ago. The
question has been started, "Is there any thing in
Providence which denotes that the relief and
elevation of the African race belong to this new
order of things *?" The reply has been, une-
quivocally, there is; and the evidence is truly
astonishing. Precisely at the commencement
of the new era," says this able writer,
work began on a grand scale in different parts of
the world, and has kept pace with the other
series of events ever since. The new era was
ushered in by two great occurrences deeply
affecting the negro world, and presaging their
deliverance; one full of hope to those who de-
sire their salvation; the other full of terror to
those who oppress them. I allude to the esta-
blishment of a colony at Sierra Leone, and the
revolution in St. Domingo. The former was
intended as a door through which christianity
and civilization should be conveyed into the
heart of Africa; the latter threw upon the world
two organized and independent states of negroes,
a sight never before witnessed, and that too by
an awful eruption in the centre of that part of
*Plea for Africa. A Sermon preached before the Synod
of New York and New Jersey, by Edward D. Griffin, D. D.
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
l
the world which is most deeply laden with sins
against Africa. This revolution commenced in
1791; the colony of Sierra Leone was fully es-
tablished in 1792. An unsuccessful beginning
had been made five or six years before; but in
1791 a company was incorporated upon new
and better principles, and in 1792 the colony was
confirmed by more than a thousand blacks
transported from Nova Scotia."
While these efforts have been silently progres-
sing in other parts of the world, America, than
whom no nation under heaven is so deeply
laden with obligations to the African race, or
who have so many facilities to accomplish their
restoration, I had almost said, has been utterly
indifferent to the enterprise. Some few exertions
have been made in New England, and more in
the cities of New York and Philadelphia; but
the public attention had never been awake to
the important subject, till the formation of the
American Colonization Society, at the seat of
our government, in January, 1817. If there was
one object to which Mr. Mills considered him-
self chiefly devoted, it was the interest and suc-
cess of this Society. For more than two years
before his death, his thoughts began to be turned
toward the formation of such a Society. Where-
ever he went, this object was kept in view; and
the hope of doing something to promote it, was
one of the reasons which induced him to take the
tour of the states. While in the southern states,
he was collecting facts respecting the condition
of "his poor African brethren," as he used to
call them, and with his characteristic discrimina-
tion, conversing with such persons as he found
prepared to entertain his views. In the western
states he was endeavouring to arouse the atten-
tion of the charitable and influential to the im
112
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
portance of the object, because he conceived that
their weight in the councils of the nation, and
their pecuniary aid, might be afterwards wanted.
In Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, he laboured much
to procure the grant of a township of land, on
which a small colony might be established, both
for the purpose of making the experiment, and
evincing the utility of such attempts, and more
particularly, to prepare a number of persons to
take the lead in some more enlarged establish-
ment west of the Mississippi, or on the coast of
Africa; and in the large cities, he was accus-
tomed to converse much with individuals, and
with small assemblies of the most respectable
free people of colour, to engage them to stand
ready to embark in the first feasible design that
might offer.
The formation of a Society with a view to
colonize the free people of colour belonging to
the United States, is a subject toward which the
attention of some of the first men in our country
has for years been directed with painful anxiety.
As early as December, 1816, the general Assem-
bly of the state of Virginia passed a resolution
requesting the Governor of that state to corres-
pond with the President of the United States, for
the purpose of obtaining a territory upon the
coast of Africa, to serve as an Asylum for such
persons of colour as had been, or might be
emancipated by the laws of that commonwealth.
There was a failure in this negociation, and the
subject, with increased interest and redoubled re-
sponsibility, was thrown back upon the exertions
of individuals and associations of men, volunta-
rily combining their efforts in this laudable work.
Through the unwearied assiduity of a number
of gentlemen, among whom justice requires us
to mention the names of Elias B. Caldwell, Esq.
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
113
of the city of Washington, and the Rev. Dr.
Finley, late of Baskingridge, in the state of New
Jersey, the interest which had been felt in this
enterprise was revived. Toward the close of
the year 1818, Mr. Mills was providentially
made acquainted with the plan, and had an op-
portunity of affording it essential service. He
left New York the latter part of November,
where, accidentally hearing of the movements at
Washington, he repaired to that city. He ar-
rived in time to attend a meeting, which had
been appointed at the house of Mr. Caldwell,
for the purpose of imploring the Divine direc-
tion, on the evening of the following day, when
the expediency of forming a Colonization So-
ciety was to be publicly discussed. That meet-
ing he attended, as well as the final meeting on
the first of January, 1818, when the Colonization
Society was formed-a joyful day to Mr. Mills,
and a jubilee to the sons and daughters of neg-
lected Africa.
Soon after the formation of the Society, much
began to be said publicly in favour of the at-
tempt to send the free people of colour to the
western coast of Africa. That same year, the
Society presented a memorial to Congress, re-
questing that they would take measures to effect
this object. This memorial was referred to a
select committee, who reported at length, and in
a very
able manner, in favour of the views of
the Society. Owing to the pressure of business,
Congress, however, did not decide on the report,
but left it to have its salutary influence on the
public mind, without any immediate legislative
interference, while the Society felt no small en-
couragement to go forward in their benevolent
purpose.
In the commencement of their operations, no
114
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
small degree of embarrassment was felt, through
want of information as to the most eligible
places for the establishment of a colony. With
a view to obviate this embarrassment, it was
resolved to commission persons of suitable qua-
lifications to explore the western coast of Africa.
This commission, replete as it was with responsi-
bility, was put into the hands of Mr. Mills. No
sooner had he accepted it, than he saw the im-
portance of having a colleague to share the
burden with him in this arduous mission. As
the funds of the Society would not then allow
of this appointment, Mr. Mills was employed in
the formation of Auxiliary Societies in several
of the large cities, till the Board felt warranted
to incur the additional expense, and gave Mr.
Mills the privilege of selecting his own compa-
nion on the tour. His thoughts were at once
directed to a man of kindred spirit, who, to emi-
nent qualifications for the service, added the one
that he was known to be the friend of Africa.
The following letter, addressed to the Rev. Ebe-
nezer Burgess, late Professor of Mathematics
and Natural Philosophy in Burlington College,
in the state of Vermont, as it presents the object
of the agency and character of both these gen-
tlemen in so just a light, will be read with in-
terest.
Philadelphia, July 30, 1817.
"BROTHER BURGESS,
"I wrote you last winter from the city of
Washington. I sent on to you also a pamphlet
containing an account of exertions made for the
purpose of colonizing the free people of colour.
The Hon. Judge Washington is the President of
the American Colonization Society. Other gen-
tlemen belonging to the Board are very respect-
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
115
able characters. It is their wish to employ two
men as agents, to go to England, and thence to
Africa, to Sierra Leone, and to some other places
adjacent to that settlement, for the purpose of
obtaining information to lay before Congress at
their next session, or the succeeding one, which
shall enable the general government to act defi-
nitely, and with decision, in aid of their object.
Should the information which may be obtained
in England and Africa be favourable, they expect
that Congress will send a national vessel, with
the proper persons, to Africa, to ascertain what
parts of the west coast of that continent would
be best calculated for the free people of colour;
and also to make purchases of the natives, and
open negotiations with the European government
who now claim territory on the coast. The
Board of Managers will likewise exert all their
influence with Congress to put an entire stop to
the slave trade, at least as far as Americans are
engaged in this traffic. They wish their agents
to obtain for them all the information they can
on this subject, both in England and Africa.
Whatever information shall be obtained, calcu-
lated to induce our government to take measures
to suppress this traffic, will be presented to Con-
gress by the Board. The Board have received
a letter from Thomas Clarkson, (England,) ex-
pressing his satisfaction with their measures, and
recommending the country called Sherbro, fifty
leagues down the coast from Sierra Leone, as a
very proper place for a colony. It is his opinion
that that part of the coast does not fall within
the limits of any European government, and may
be purchased of the natives. He states the soil
to be rich, the water good, and the natives friend-
ly. He further observes, that the native tribes
are broken into small elective governments, and
116
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
could not, if they were disposed, do any great
harm to a colony established on a proper scale.
There are frequent communications between
Sierra Leone and Sherbro; and more or less of
the settlers at the former place speak the language
of the natives of Sherbro, and are on friendly
terms with them. Paul Cuffee has been request-
ed by some of the citizens of Sierra Leone to
commence a colony at Sherbro. He only wants
the aid of our government to enable him to do
this. Paul wrote to me last January, that it was
his opinion that more than half of the people of
colour in Boston and the vicinity would embrace
the first opportunity to go out to Africa. More
or less of the leading characters among these peo-
ple in this city and Baltimore, are much pleased
with the measures which are now taking to pro-
vide for them and theirs a settlement on the coast
of Africa. It is well ascertained that many of
the slave-holders will release their slaves, if a
place can be provided where these people may
be settled by themselves, with a prospect of liv-
ing comfortably. I yesterday received a letter
from Mr. Caldwell, Secretary of the Board at
Washington, informing me that it was ascer-
tained that our minister at London, who is to
take the place of Mr. Adams, is a decided ad-
vocate for the measures proposed by the Board.
Auxiliary Colonization Societies are forming in
different places; and it seems as if the nation
were coming up to aid this effort. It is a noble
effort.
"I have been appointed by the Board as their
agent in this noble expedition; and I am re-
quested by them, if possible, to find a person who
will engage in this mission with me.
Will you
go, Brother Burgess? It is impossible to tell
the precise time the agents would be occupied
*
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
117
on the mission. They would have extensive
discretionary powers. They must be absent
probably one or two years. They would leave
this country on the first of October next for
England, on board the vessel which is to carry
the American minister to London. They would
remain in England two or three months probably
before they sail for Africa. Circumstances would
determine how long they would remain on the
coast. They would return by the way of England
to America, or directly to America, as should seem
expedient. All the expenses of the agents would
be borne, and a suitable compensation for their
services. I have not stipulated with the Board
as to the precise sum.
66
My brother, can we engage in a nobler
effort? We go to make freemen of slaves. We
go to lay the foundation of a free and indepen-
dent empire on the coast of poor degraded Africa.
It is confidently believed by many of our best
and wisest men, that, if the plan proposed suc-
ceeds, it will ultimately be the means of exter-
minating slavery in our country. It will eventu-
ally redeem and emancipate a million and an
half of wretched men. It will transfer to the
coast of Africa the blessings of religion and
civilization; and Ethiopia will soon stretch out
hands unto God.
"My dear brother, your attention has, in the
course of Divine Providence, been called to
consider the debased and degraded state of the
descendants of Africa. You have already made
some exertions in their behalf. Is not God
calling upon you to do still more? You have
some qualifications for the service proposed.
Your knowledge of the Spanish language may
enable you to perform more important services.
The information you have already obtained on
118
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
the subject under consideration, qualifies you to
be eminently useful on the Mission. On receiv-
ing this, direct a letter to New York. I shall
be in Hartford, Con. by the 15th of August, and
in Boston by the last Wednesday in August. I
shall return from Boston to Hartford and Tor-
ringford, and there probably remain till the mid-
dle of September. In one of these places let me
hear from you, and as early as possible.
"Your affectionate brother,
SAMUEL J. MILLS.
"MR. EBENEZER BURGess."
This was an appeal which it was difficult for
such a man as Mr. Burgess to resist. Though
the responsibility of such an agency awakened
much solicitude, the objects and probable conse-
quences of it awakened his benevolence and
filled his mind; and he was pleased to signify his
acceptance of the appointment in a letter to Mr.
Mills, bearing date the 31st of August, 1818.
The instructions of these gentlemen from the
Colonization Society, were of a very general
nature. The agents were directed to embark for
London; upon their arrival there, to obtain
all the information in their power relative to
the West coast of Africa; to obtain letters
of introduction to the Governor of the Sierra
Leone colony, and other gentlemen; from Lon-
don to proceed to the coast of Africa, and
make Sierra Leone their principal station while
on the coast; to visit the coast as extensively as
possible; to consult with the natives, and espe-
cially the chiefs, and ascertain whether an elli-
gible spot can be found, which may be pur-
chased at a fair price for the purposes of the
colony.
Arrangements were made for them to sail in
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
119
the ship Electra, a merchant's vessel bound from
Philadelphia to London. Just before his em-
barkation Mr. Mills wrote the two following let-
ters to his father:
"Philadelphia, Oct. 24, 1817.
"REV. AND DEAR FATHER,
"While at New York, I received a letter from
the Secretary of the Colonization Society, re-
questing me immediately to repair to the city of
Washington. I am now on my way. The let-
ter informed me that it was expected I should
sail in the Franklin, 74, which is to convey the
American Minister to London, and will sail in
ten or twelve days. The letter stated that the
Board would engage Mr. Burgess as the second
agent, if the funds would permit. A meeting
is to be held in New York to-day, for the forma-
tion of a Colonization Society, Auxiliary to the
American Society, and exertions will be made
there to aid the Board. Further exertions will
be made in Philadelphia. I think Mr. Burgess
will be appointed. If the Board should not have
funds at this time to engage two agents, I shall
use my efforts to have him to go out in the
Franklin, and remain in this country a few
weeks myself, until the funds are provided, and
then improve the first opportunity of going to
London to meet him. I intend to have a com-
panion on the mission, and it is not likely I
could find a better than Mr. Burgess in the
United States.
"You know, Sir, that for years past, I have
felt an earnest desire to meliorate the condition
of the people of colour in the United States. The
hope of aiding in some plan to effect this object,
was one reason which induced me to make the
tour of the States; and though I returned from
120
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
the second mission without seeing any plan in
operation, which would give a prospect of re-
lief, still I had obtained much useful informa-
tion, which was calculated to enable me to judge
of future plans which might be presented.
"When I left home last October for the South,
I left, as I always have since I have been a
Minister of the Gospel, with a mind ready to
embrace any benevolent object which should
present, and which should seem to demand my
attention. Though I had certain objects par-
ticularly in view, still I did not consider myself
obliged to give them my undivided attention.
When I arrived in New York last November, I
was informed that the subject of colonizing the
free people of colour was to be agitated at Wash-
ington. I left New York as soon as possible,
and went on rapidly through Philadelphia and
Baltimore to that city. Immediately upon my
arrival there, I called upon Mr. Elias B. Cald-
well, with whom I was acquainted. He inform-
ed me that there would be a prayer-meeting at
his house that evening, for the special purpose of
seeking the divine blessing on a meeting which
was to be held on the evening of the succeeding
day, to consider the expediency of forming a
Colonization Society. He likewise made me
acquainted with the plan proposed, which mark-
ed out the west coast of Africa as the place for
the colony. You will readily conceive that my
first impression was favourable, from the cir-
cumstance that a prayer-meeting preceded the
discussion. I attended the several meetings, and
gave all the aid I could. A part of my time was
occupied in making collections for the African
School, writing to Paul Cuffee for information,
&c. The latter part of February I proposed to
certain gentlemen the propriety of collecting and
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
121
printing, in a pamphlet form, a view of the ex-
ertions which had been made, comprising the
Constitution of the Society, the Memorial to
Congress, &c. They readily acceded to it, and
wished me to collect the facts, while they engaged
it should be printed at the expence of the Society.
This was done, and the pamphlet was distribut-
ed to the members of Congress, and likewise
sent to different gentlemen residing in the seve-
ral States and Territories.
The latter part of March, partly for the pur-
pose of keeping up the excitement which had
been produced in favour of the colonization plan,
I addressed a letter to the President of the Board
of Managers, the Hon. Judge Washington, with
whom I had a slight acquaintance, informing him
that I would engage as the Agent of the Board,
and visit England and Africa,'should it be thought
best to send one out. The Board at that time
had no funds, and it was not my expectation that
they could employ two men. This offer on my
part led to the publishing of an address to the
people of the United States, requesting the assist-
ance of those who were disposed to favour the
measure. The latter part of March I left Wash-
ington, and spent about three months in Virginia.
On my return, I found but little progress had
been made in collecting funds. The Committee
of the Board requested me to act as their Agent,
at Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York.
They addressed letters to the Vice-Presidents of
the Board residing in these cities, urging the for-
mation of Auxiliary Societies. A Society has
been formed at Baltimore, and another at Phila-
delphia. I suppose one is formed this day in
New York. I think the necessary funds will be
provided.
"This is a brief outline of the progress of
G
122
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
exertions thus far. We cannot see what will be
the result of the mission, and we ought not to be
over anxious. I never engaged in an object
before which laid me under so vast a responsi-
bility. I have entered upon it with no ordinary
degree of trembling, though I have generally
been satisfied with respect to what is my duty
The object is, I think, a noble one: and we have
reason to hope it will be approved by God. On
his approbation it must rely for success.
"You will perceive, dear Sir, how much I
need the prayers of pious friends, and of the
Church. I hope you will live many years to
pray for your affectionate son, and for Zion---and
may we and those we love, love Zion and Zion's
King; and then we shall be sure to meet again,
if not in this world, in a better.
"Your affectionate son,
"SAMUEL J. MILLS."
The following is his last communication before
he left his native land.
66
"Philadelphia, Nov. 14, 1817.
REVEREND AND DEAR FATHER,
"Mr. Burgess and myself have engaged our
passage on board a ship called the Electra,
which is to sail to-morrow for London. Our
baggage is in part already on board. We are
pleased with the present arrangement. We no
doubt shall have a more pleasant time on board
a private ship than we could expect in the
Franklin. There are to be only seven cabin pas-
sengers, and, as far as I can learn, they will be
agreeable companions. Should the season be
favourable, we expect to arrive in London in
about thirty days.
}
"We have letters of introduction to many gen-
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
123
tlemen of respectability, quite as many as we
shall find time to deliver. Our prospects are at
present fair, but we know not what a day may
bring forth. God moves in a mysterious way,
in bringing about his great and glorious designs
He sometimes puts our faith to a severe test.
When his Church are about to make some great
effort for the promotion of his glory and the sal-
vation of men, he not unfrequently removes some
of the most prominent and apparently most im-
portant aids, lest vain man should glory in him-
self, and not in the Lord. I hope we shall always
be prepared to say, the will of the Lord be done.
I have been much with strangers; but the Lord
has always provided and raised up friends for
me, and I doubt not he will continue to do so.
My companion and myself engage in this mission
with perfect cheerfulness. I hope we feel that
unless the Lord is with us, all is in vain. If the
colonization plan be of God, sooner or later it
will prosper; if not approved by him, let it
fail.
"I shall write from London if I arrive there,
and shall hope to receive letters from home soon
after my arrival. I know I shall have an interest
in your prayers, and those of my brother and
sisters. I hope to be remembered at the throne
of grace by many other friends.
"I am your affectionate son,
"SAMUEL J. MILLS."
Mr. Mills left America on the 16th of Novem-
ber, 1817, and after a short and perilous voyage,
arrived in England late in December.
"We
little thought," says the afflicted father, "when
my son left us to sail for Africa, that we should
see him no more. We recollect distinctly his
apparent composure on the day he left us. After
!
G 2
124
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
he had taken his seat in the carriage, he observed
to me, the God that hath preserved me from the
paw of the bear, alluding to the dangers of his
former mission, may protect me from the paw of
the lion. It appeared that he enjoyed peculiar
peace of mind, committing himself entirely to the
guidance and protection of the Almighty, in view
of the perils of the undertaking."---Perils there
were ; but he who governs the world for the sake
of the Church, is not unmindful of the dangers
of his people. What befel them on their voyage
will be disclosed by the following letter:
"November 26, 1817. On board the Electra,
long. 43. lat. 41.
66
DEAR AND HONOURED FATHER,
I wrote you last on the 15th, the day we left
Philadelphia, to embark on board the Electra,
which was lying at Newcastle. We went on
board the 16th, and left the Capes and proceeded
to sea the same evening. We have a very good
ship, and but six cabin passengers. Captain
Williams is a very worthy man ; he does all he
can to render our voyage comfortable and
pleasant.
7
"Since we have recovered from our sea-
sickness we have attended evening prayers, and
the way is always open for religious conver-
sation. The captain does not permit profane
language, excessive drinking, nor any species of
gambling, on board the ship. We have now
been at sea ten days, and have had an unusually
prosperous voyage thus far. We hope to be in
the English Channel in a little more than a week
from the present time. The weather has not
been pleasant since we left the Capes, but the
wind has generally been favourable. Some
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
125
days have been squally-occasionally a good
deal of lightning. Once we conceived our-
selves in some danger from a water spout. This
alarming phenomenon, in some instances, does
great damage to vessels at sea. A large quan-
tity of water is raised to a considerable height
in the atmosphere, and suddenly falls on the
deck of a ship with such a force as to sink her
at once. I do not know, however, that acci-
dents of this kind occur in so northern a lat-
titude.
"I think it a very happy circumstance that
we took our passage in a private ship; we have
no reason to think we could have enjoyed the
peace and quiet on board the Franklin that we
do here."
"December 5th, at sea: Friday evening.
This evening we found soundings, and are in the
English Channel. Our passage has been rapid
thus far."
“Dec. 11th, on board the Electra: harbour
of St. Malo, in France. You will not expect to
hear of my being at this time in France. A
wonderful dispensation of Divine Providence
has brought us here.
"On Sabbath evening, the 6th, we encoun-
tered a severe gale, and all the ship's crew were
ordered on deck. The wind continued to blow
with great violence, until 4 o'clock Monday
afternoon, when the captain despaired of saving
the ship. He ordered her masts to be cut away,
and her deck to be cleared, and informed us
that he had done all he could for us. He main-
tained his position on deck with surprising com-
posure and fortitude, until about 3, P. M.
though perfectly wet and dashed by almost every
wave. At our earnest request, he consented to
step below to exchange his clothes; but in a
126
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
moment the mate whispered to him to come on
deck. The breakers were seen directly astern.
We came near a ledge of rocks, the sea dashing
against them with great violence, and the foaming
surf rising far above their summit, while the
ship was all the while drifting directly towards
the ledge. The captain was heard to say, "We
are gone for this world!" Utterly despairing of
safety on board the ship, he took his two sons,
one about 14, and the other about 12 years of
age, `together with one of the most active sailors,
stepped into the boat astern, cut the cordage,
and she fell off. In her fall the boat overset,
and the youngest son was washed away, while
the other adhered to the keel. The next sea
righted the boat, half filled with water, and three
succeeded in getting into it. We traced them as
the boat rose on the summit of a few receding
waves, and saw them no more!-The ship was
driving directly towards a line of rocks, which
extended both ways further than the eye could
then distinguish, and dashed the waves like
clouds in the air. Although Mr. B. had scarcely
been on deck the whole day, yet in this crisis,
when all was consternation, and death
was
believed to be our inevitable destiny within a
few minutes, he went upon deck to compose the
minds of our shipmates, who crowded around
him to be commended to the mercy of God. At
the same time, a few fellow-passengers were
kneeling in fervent prayer in the cabin. As we
approached the rocks within a few rods, contrary
to all expectation, a strong current carried the
ship along in deeper water toward the right
hand of the reef. Immediately the mate or-
dered the rudder to be put on the starboard side,
and the ship wore away and sailed some dis-
tance nearly in a line parallel to the rocks, and
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
127
then crossed at the western extremity, just
grazing on the shoal of sand! All exclaimed,
It is the work of God!'
66
Monday Night, the storm still raging,
was a dark and gloomy night, as you will
readily conclude.
"Tuesday Morning, the storm abated. Our
masts, sails, shrouds, aud anchors were gone,
though we found the hull of the ship sound,
and all hands in usual health.
66
Tuesday, 12 o'clock, we discovered land,
which we thought to be the island of Guernsey.
The ship continued with partial sails, to be in
some degree under our direction. At 4 o'clock,
P. M. we discovered land in another direction,
which could more readily be gained as the
wind then was; but as it was near night, and we
were unacquainted with the coast, we con-
cluded, if possible, to lie to, and attempt to
gain land in the morning, which was ten or
fifteen miles distant. We then had twenty-four
fathoms of water. We had previously lost both
our anchors, during the gale. The next morning
we found ourselves but a few miles from our
position the evening before, and within a short
distance of land, and the weather pleasant. By
means of the chart, we concluded the land in
sight was the coast of France, and that we were
near St. Malo. By eight o'clock in the morning,
we discovered a number of boats coming off to
our aid. By twelve o'clock we received a pilot
from the harbour of St. Malo; and at five
o'clock, P. M. were safe in the harbour.
"Wednesday, 10th. We are all well, and
have not suffered any loss of property. You
will adore the distinguishing goodness of God
in my preservation, in that of my companion,
and the rest who were preserved with us in the
128
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
ship. I shall hope to write to you again soon,
and give you a more particular account.
"S. J. M."
"Harbour of St. Malo, December 11, 1817.
“ REV. AND DEAR FATHER,
"After our severe trials, which I have
briefly related, you will rejoice with me, when
you contemplate my present quiet, and as I con-
sider, safe situation. The sun shines out, and
gives a pleasant view of the surrounding coun-
try. The city of St. Malo is not more than a
quarter of a mile from the ship. This city con-
tains ten or twelve thousand inhabitants. It is a
kind of citadel, surrounded with a high wall,
built of stone. The buildings are of stone, ge-
nerally of a light colour; and from our place of
observation, the city presents a very antique
appearance.
Our
"We shall be detained in the ship to-day, and
probably longer. We must undergo a quaran-
tine; but as we have no sickness, we earnestly
hope to be delivered from our prison soon.
cabin was so deluged with water during the gale,
that it continues very damp. Our beds and bed-
ding have been wet, and the weather is cold and
chilling, though we have a part of the day a fair
sky and the shining of the sun.
"I hope, my dear Sir, that by the late dis-
pensation of God's providence, I shall learn
submission to the Divine will, and more entire
devotedness to God. My life, which has been
in a signal manner preserved, should surely be
consecrated to his service. To the present time
I have not dared to attempt a particular account
of the scenes which I have passed through since
the last Sabbath evening. The scene is so deeply
settled in my soul, as not to be eradicated while
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
129
I live. O God, I thank thee for my preserva-
tion, and that of my dear companion, and our
other friends, rescued from the devouring flood.
While we lament the loss of some of our num-
ber, we know that though clouds and darkness
are round about Him, justice and judgment are
the habitation of his throne.'
6
"He moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform―
He plants his footsteps on the sea, and rides upon the storm.'
Ah, yes; he rides upon the storm,'-he follows
with his unerring eye, and sustains with his Al-
mighty hand the weary and the tempest-tossed.
Verily, if the Lord had not been on our side,
the proud waves had gone over our souls. O
that men would praise the Lord for his good-
ness, for his wonderful works to the children of
men! Ye that go down to the sea in ships,
that do business in great waters, praise ye
the Lord. O that men would praise the Lord
for his goodness! In whatever condition we
may be; whether on the land or on the sea-
whether among friends or strangers; every mo-
ment we experience his preserving care and
kindness; but when he brings us up from
among the dead-from the bowels of the ocean,
and permits us to labour yet a little longer in
promoting the glorious kingdom of his dear Son;
-how great, how immense are our obligations to
live to him alone!
"Your affectionate son,
"SAMUEL J. MILLS."
After the delay of six days at St. Malo,
Messrs. Mills and Burgess proceeded by land to
Havre-de-Grace, and on the same evening took
passage in a regular packet for England, in
G 5
130
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
*
twenty-four hours arrived at Southampton,
and the next morning entered London. Early
after their arrival, they presented their letters to
Zachary Macaulay, Esq. formerly Governor of
Sierra Leone; to the Rev. Messrs. Pratt and
Bickersteth, Secretaries of the Church Mission-
ary Society, who were partially informed as to
the designs of the Colonization Society, and the
nature of the embassy, and gave them many
expressions of their confidence. Mr. Wilber-
force also received them with great cordiality,
and perused their letters and commission with
deep sensibility and high approbation. The
Rev. Mr. Owen, the Secretary of the British and
Foreign Bible Society, and the Rev. Mr. Hen-
derson, the Agent of that Society in Russia, were
providentially present at this interview; and
there was an enthusiastic reciprocity of feeling,
which is not often witnessed or experienced.
Though all were communicative, yet the father
and patron in the company was all speech, ac-
tion, thought, and benevolence. Mr. Wilber-
force kindly offered his services to introduce the
gentlemen to Lords Bathurst and Gambier, and
to prepare the way for their introduction to his
Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, the
Patron of the African Institution. His Royal
Highness received them with all condescension,
and showed himself much gratified with the
object of the American Society. Lord Bathurst,
Secretary of State for the Colonies, cast his eye
over their commission, and promptly offered to
give them letters to the Governor of Sierra
Leone, and other officers on the coast. Lord
Gambier expressed a deep interest in the em-
bassy; called on the gentlemen at their own
lodgings, and politely proffered any services in
his power to promote the views of the mission.
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
131
No narrow views, no political prejudices, no
supreme regard to national or personal aggran-
dizement, prevented the friends of humanity in
England from listening to the nature of the em-
bassy, interposing their influence in favour of
this benevolent object, and affording the agents
every facility and all reasonable assistance in the
prosecution of their purpose.
After adjusting all their concerns in England,
they embarked for Africa on the 2d of February,
1818. Some of the incidents of this voyage are
stated in the following letter to his only sister.
It is the last he ever wrote.
"On board the Ship Mary, Feb. 26, 1818.
"On the 3d of February, we embarked on
board the ship Mary, for Sierra Leone, then
lying off Gravesend. We were then in hopes
that we should arrive on the African coastin
eighteen or twenty days; but in this expectation
we have been greatly disappointed. For some
days after we left Gravesend we had very light
breezes, and progressed but slowly. Soon after
we were out of the English Channel, we began
to experience contrary winds; and during ten or
twelve days, encountered a number of gales, the
wind almost uniformly against us. It is now the
26th of February, the time in which we calcu-
lated to have been on the African coast, had the
winds been favourable; and yet we are not fur-
ther distant from London than what is often
attained in five or six days. For eight or ten
days preceding the present time, we have been
obstructed by adverse winds-tossed about in the
Bay of Biscay-some of the time in sight of the
Spanish coast. Last evening the wind came
round from the south-west to the north-west, and
we are now proceeding prosperously on our voy-
132
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
F
age. Although we have experienced this delay, yet
we have passed most of our time pleasantly, and
I hope profitably, since we have been on board.
We have a very good ship; our accommoda-
tions are such as to render us very comfortable,
and the officers of the ship are kind and skilful
men. Thus far the Lord hath dealt with us in
mercy. His hand hath been stretched forth for
our preservation, and we hope we shall be able
to put our trust in him for the future. My self
and companion are aware that we have embark-
ed on a mission attended with much hazard of
our lives. We conceive the future danger to
arise principally from the climate of the country
to which we are going. Should we be detained
on the African coast, this danger will be in-
creased by our late arrival there. The most
favourable season for Europeans or Americans to
visit the western coast of Africa, is in the winter.
We now hope to arrive on the coast by the 15th
of March. Could we have reached there two
or three months earlier, we should have esteemed
ourselves highly fortunate. Circumstanced, how-
ever, as we are, we are not without hopes, that
the object of our mission may be effected with-
out any very considerable delay, and we thus be
enabled to leave at least soon after the com-
mencement of the rainy season. But we do not
feel that we ought to be greatly anxious in our
present situation. We have used our best efforts,
both before and since our leaving the United
States, to arrive on the coast at the earliest period
possible. Whether I am to live or to die while
engaged in this mission, God only knows: but
one thing we know, and in this we will rejoice,
Ethiopia shall soou stretch forth her hands unto
God. The time will come, when the barbarous
tribes of Africa shall worship Jesus as King in
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
133
Zion-The time will come, when her children,
now under oppression, and in bondage, shall be-
come the freemen of the Lord.-And should I
die in Africa, and not again visit the land of my
nativity, still it would be great consolation to
my dear friends, might they hope, as did Mr.
Newell in another case, "that my bones had
taken possession of the promised land, and
would rest in the glorious hope of the final and
universal triumph of Jesus over the god of this
world." The responsibility of my station at
this time, I consider to be vast, far beyond any
thing that has been ever before attached to my
situation. But I hope I did not engage in it
rashly-certainly not before I felt a full convic-
tion that the contemplated measures would be
approved of God. By this manner of expres-
sion, I do not intend to express my entire confi-
dence that precisely the measures contemplated
will be succeeded at once. "God moves in a
mysterious way." But this I believe, that the
agitation of the subject now under considera-
tion, will eventuate in the most happy results.
If an evil exists in a community, a remedy must
be sought, especially if it be an evil generally
and necessarily increasing in its unhappy effects.
As long as no exertions are made to redress the
grievance, the case must become every day more
hopeless.
"As the unhappy state of the free people of
colour, as well as that of the slaves, had long
occupied my thoughts, it was with peculiar plea-
sure that on my arrival at Washington, in De-
cember, 1817, I found the subject engrossing
public attention: not that I ever supposed that
a million and an half of men, or even a consi-
derable porportion of that number, would be at
the present time particularly benefitted by this
*
134
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
discussion—or that even any more than compa-
ratively a very small part of the free people of
colour could at present, or very soon, be greatly
benefitted by the measures proposed. But I
considered a movement, or even a disposition to
agitate the subject, as a ray of light breaking
through a dark cloud, and as the precursor of
another and another. I felt it my duty, there-
fore, to give the design all the aid I could.
"I felt the more constrained to do this, as I
perceived after the formation of the Colonization
Society, that there was danger that the interest
which had been excited would subside, and
things revert to their former state. The sending
agents to Africa would help to keep the subject
alive in the public mind, and as the impulse
seemed evidently to be benevolent, there was a
prospect that happy consequences would ensue
could that impulse be kept up.
66
•
Beside, a consideration of the state of the
free people of colour, might lead to measures
calculated to improve their condition at home, if
a place could not be provided for them abroad.
It might lead to measures to restrain the prac-
tice of kidnapping, and even for improving the
state of the slaves; and lead eventually, perhaps,
to the emancipation of many of the latter class.
If, by pursuing the object now in view, a few of
the free blacks of good character could be settled
in any part of the African coast, they might be
the means of introducing civilization and religion
among the barbarous nations already there,
Their settlement might increase gradually; and
some might, in a suitable time, go out from that
settlement and form others, and prove the occa-
sion of great good. These, and many other like
views, which I had taken of the subject, in-
duced me to undertake the arduous business, and
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
135
to act as agent for the Society. We have great
hopes the plan will succeed. God has protected
us thus far, and we hope he will return us again
to our friends, Farewell.”
CHAPTER IX.
HIS JOURNAL AS AGENT OF THE COLONIZATION
SOCIETY.
A PLEASANT passage of thirty days brought
them to the coast of Africa on the 12th of March.
The events which occurred from this date will
better appear from the journal of Mr. Mills while
in that country. The preparation of this docu-
ment was the last service he was permitted to
perform. It is in itself so excellent, and is in so
few hands, that the reader will expect somewhat
copious extracts.
66
Ship Mary, off Cape de Verde,
Thursday, 12th March, 1818.
"We left London on the 2d February, and on
the 7th sailed from the Downs. For eighteen
days we encountered head winds and strong
gales, and made slow progress. On the 25th we
had a distinct view of Cape Finisterre, in Spain.
On the 3d of March we passed Madeira, and,
on the 6th, Palma, and other Canary islands.
We expect to see Cape Verde to day, and to
anchor in the river Gambia to-morrow.
136
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
"While on the voyage we have been chiefly
employed in reading books which treat of the
people, climate, soil, and productions of Africa.
"At 4, P. M. we exulted at the sight of Africa,
and began to draw, with our pencils, imperfect
sketches of the coast, the eminences, trees, &c.
Cape Verde is high, open to the sea-breeze, and
verdant in appearance. The two eminences are
called Mamelles; the Cape tertimates with islands
of rocks.
"The mouth of the Senegal is about one hun-
dred miles northeast of Cape Verde. The island
St. Louis, belonging to the French, lies nine miles
up the Senegal, and has a mixed population of
five or six thousand. It is valuable as a military
and commercial station, to command the trade
of the great river.
"As we passed south of the Cape, Goree pre-
sented itself to view. This island, which be-
longs to the French, is little better than a barren
rock, about three-fourths of a mile in circum-
ference, with a population of four or five thou-
sand. We saw the vessels in the harbour, and
the flag at the fort. It is a place of resort for
European invalids, while on the coast.
"Gambia, Friday, 13th March.
"Early this morning we began to enter the
noble Gambia, between Cape St. Mary's and
Banyan Point on the right, and Sanguomar, the
Bird Islands, and Barra Point, on the left. The
bay is twelve or fifteen miles wide, and the
mouth of the river between Barra and Banyan
Points is six miles wide. The weather is very
pleasant, the thermometer at sixty-eight degrees,.
and the sun obscured by a hazy atmosphere.
"At 12, A. M. we anchored near the village
St. Mary's situated on Banyan Point. It is an
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS,
137
infant settlement, commenced only two years
ago. The governor's house, the barracks, and
a few other houses, are tolerably well built;
most of the others are constructed of very slen-
der materials, just sufficient to afford a shade
from the sun, and a shelter from the dews and
rains. The people were cheerful, and generally
employed in some kind of labour. Some were
unlading goods; some burning shells for lime;
and some at work in the carpenters' and smiths'
shops. We stood some time to see a company
of soldiers go through the manual exercise.
They were mostly Africans, above the ordinary
stature, well formed, and neatly dressed. They
appeared to be quite expert and intelligent. The
military force of the place is about 100 men. A
few pieces of cannon, mostly dismounted, are
arranged along the beach. There is no fort or
block-house. Notwithstanding the exposed state
of the settlement, there is no fear of assault from
the native tribes. The number of Europeans is
about thirty, and the population of the village
is already seven or eight hundred. Trade is the
soul of the colony: this will increase annually,
as the trade of the whole river will concentrate
here. The spot does not invite to agriculture,
and there are none in the settlement whose in-
terest and dispositions incline them to it. The
officers attend to the civil order and safety of the
colony; the merchants hope to amass a fortune
and return home. There is, as yet, no attention
paid to literary or moral instruction; hence,
the internal improvement of the place will be
very slow, unless some humane society afford
their aid.
1
138
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
"Gambia, Saturday, 14th March.
"We made our respects to the commandant,
and became acquainted with most of the Eu-
ropeans here. They gave us several facts re-
specting the slave-trade, which is now renewed
by the French, at the Senegal and Goree, to a
great extent. Some hundred of slaves have been
smuggled away in canoes and small vessels, by
night, even from this river and the parts adjacent,
within a few months.
"We walked out from the settlement two or
three miles. Most of this space, overgrown with
wild grass, resembled a prairie of Illinois or
Missouri. The herds of cattle, which abound in
this vicinity, become very tolerable beef by feed-
ing upon grass alone. We saw marshy spots,
where the tide had some time flowed encrusted
over with salt. We measured an Adansonia,
(monkey-bread tree,) which was 40 feet in cir-
cumference.
"This settlement claims only a small tract of
land, for the use of which there is an annual
allowance of a small parcel of goods to the king
of Combo. This man is well spoken of, and is
said to be averse to the slave-trade, which can-
not be said of many of the native kings. This
is a noble river, and flows through a luxuriant
country.
"Gambia, Monday, 16th March, 1818.
"We embarked in the brig Success for
Sierra Leone, leaving the Mary to unlade a part
of her cargo.
We hope to arrive there in four
or five days. It would have been very pleasing
to us to have gone up the Gambia a few hundred
miles. But our time is invaluable to us before
the rains, and we hasten to that part of the coast
which our instructions require us to survey.
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
139
"At St. Mary's we saw Capt. Lloyd, a friend
of the lamented Park. Another interesting per-
son was Thomas Joiner, a native African. He
was son of a prince of some distinction, who
lived about six hundred miles up this river.
When a boy, he was kidnapped and sold in the
West Indies. He was afterwards redeemed by
an English captain, who knew his father. He
was well educated in England, and restored to
his country. He is a man of good character and
habits, and has acquired property and influence.
He has just returned from England, where he
left two sons for an education. He says that
he shall buy a brig the next year to import his
own goods. Will not some of our American
people of colour be fired by this example? They
might fit out vessels to trade to this country,
which would enable them to ascertain its valuable
productions, and to survey part of the coast.
Such an intercourse they would find much to
their advantage. This will most naturally lead
to settlements in this country.
"The more we learn of Africa, the more con-
fident we are that the plan of the American Co-
lozination Society will eventually succeed.
We
obtain increasing proofs of the fertility of the
soil, and ascertain a greater variety of the pro-
ductions of the country. If the slave trade, that
mother of abominations and source of woes un-
utterable, can be annihilated, Africa will revive
and assume a respectable rank among the nations
of the earth.
"Sierra Leone, Sabbath, 22d March, 1818.
At 9, A. M. we are sailing into Sierra Leone
river, which is about ten or twelve miles wide.
The mountains rise in irregular ridges and peaks,
140
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
one beyond another, and present a grand and
verdant appearance.
"At 11, A. M. boats and canoes came to us
from the town. We anchored below to wait for
the next tide. The town has the appearance of a
neat and pleasant village. For health and com-
merce, its local situation is admirable. It is too
hard and hilly for agriculture.
"Several villages are in sight. The church
on Leicester Mountain is in full view, and aids
us much in our devotional thoughts on this sa-
cred day.
"The altars on these mountains, which the
natives had dedicated to devils, are falling before
the temples of the living God, like the image
of Dagon before the Ark. The time is coming
when the dwellers in these vales and on these
mountains will sing hosannas to the Son of Da-
vid. Distant tribes will learn their song.
• Ethi-
opia shall stretch forth the hand unto God and
worship.'
!
Sierra Leone, Monday, 23d March.
"We are sorry to learn that Gov. Macarthy
is absent on a visit to the Gambia. We made
our respects to the commandant, chief justice
Fitzgerald, and the council at the government
house. We presented Lord Bathurst's letter.
They said in obedience to his Lordship's instruc-
tions, it would give them pleasure to take us to
different settlements in the colony, to show us the
schools, and to render us any assistance in the
objects of our embassy. We were grateful, as
we should be, and saw the wisdom of our com-
ing by the way of England. We delivered our
letters in the colony. Many of the people of
colour were joyful to see us. The death of
captain Cuffee is deeply lamented.
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
141
"Sierra Leone, Thursday, 26th March, 1818.
"We visited the schools in Freetown. In the
male school were about 200 neat, active, intelli-
gent boys, divided into eight classes, under the
superintendance of Mr. Horton, whose perse-
verance and fidelity are entitled to high com-
mendation. We saw the writing of the boys,
and heard them read and spell. In the female
school were about one hundred neatly dressed
little girls, many of whom could read and sew.
These schools would do no dishonour to an Eng-
lish or American village. There was not a
white child in either of them. I believe schools
of white children seldom give fairer proofs of
good improvement.
"The number in all the schools in the colony,
including some adults, does not fall much short
of two thousand. This is about one-sixth part
of the whole population.
“Sierra Leone, Friday, 27th March, 1818.
"In the evening we met the principal mem-
bers of the Friendly Society. This Society was
instituted among the colonists at the suggestion
of the late Paul Cuffee. John Kizell is the pre-
sident. We made a full statement of our object.
All appeared to be much gratified. It was not
the first notice which they had of our design, as
we brought many letters from their brethren in
Boston and New York. It was their opinion.
that wherever the colony might be formed, it
was not expedient to request a large tract of land
at first, as the kings might be alarmed lest we
should take their country from them. If we can
gain footing in an eligible place, there will not
be much difficulty in obtaining additional grants
hereafter as the land may be wanted. One ob-
served, that if a man of great wealth should come
142
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
:
and wish to buy one of our houses, we might
sell it to him; but if he should wish to buy all
Freetown, an alarm would be made at once.
"Some of the kings have a suspicion lest those
whom they have sold to slave traders should re-
turn and revenge on them their wrongs. This
fear would be increased if the territory desired
was of great extent. One man who was sold
from the Sherbro nearly thirty years ago, has
lately returned. He openly asserted, that if any
person should take any of his family and sell
them, he would kill that man without the least
hesitation.
"We informed the meeting of our design to
go down the coast to Sherbro, and wished to
know whether they would recommend any of
their number who might go with us as inter-
preters and advisers. It was understood that
Mr. Kizell and Mr. Martin would accompany
us.
"Before we parted, we addressed our prayers
to God; to whom the honour and glory of this
great and benevolent enterprise will belong, if it
is carried into effect.
"Saturday, 28th March, 1818.
Monday we expect to begin our tour down
the coast, and have been much occupied to-day
in making preparations. We have engaged a
sloop of ten or fifteen tons, with a captain, five
men and a boy, all Africans, at six dollars per
day, they finding their own provisions. Mr. B.
and myself, with Messrs. Kizell, Martin, and
Anderson, our pilot, complete our number.
have laid in some provisions, calculating on an
absence of three or four weeks, and have taken
some goods with which to purchase additional
provisions, and to make the necessary presents
We
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
143
to the kings and headmen, on whom we may
call.
"Sabbath, 29th March, 1818.
"Setting out at six o'clock in the morning, in
company with several gentlemen, we rode to
attend public worship at Regent's Town and the
Christian Institution. The Christian Institution
is a large school for the captured children, esta-
blished by the Church Missionary Society, and
stands on Leicester mountain, three miles from
Freetown. This Institution accommodates about
two hundred children of both sexes, who are
mostly named and supported by individual bene-
factors in England. These are children once
destined to foreign slavery, now fed, clothed,
governed, and carefully taught in the Christian
religion.-Assembled in the church to worship
God, they are a spectacle of grateful admiration;
and their state happily exemplifies the divine
origin and holy principles of the religion in which
they are taught. Regent's Town lies in a valley,
with a fine brook running through it. Some hun-
dreds of acres are cleared by the people. It
has the appearance of a new and flourishing
settlement. The wilderness buds and blossoms
like the rose. Here we saw two hundred chil-
dren in the schools. On the Sabbath more than
one thousand of the children and people were
present in the church, neatly dressed, sober,
attentive to the reading of the word of God, and
uniting their voices to sing his praise.
Monday, 30th March, 1818.
"A part of the day has been occupied in
taking our departure for our tour down the coast.
About 3, P. M. we made sail and beat our way
down to Cape Sierra Leone, which we passed.
144
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
3
before night. As our African captain is afraid
of damage to the ship by running in the night,
we came to anchor a few miles from the Cape.
The high ridges of the mountains present a pleas-
ing prospect, and the more so, as we know that
hosannas are sung to Zion's King upon their
very summit. So God has kindly ordered: the
chain is broken, and the captive slave is free.
"Plantain Islands, Tuesday, 31st March.
"This morning early we were in sight of the
Bananas. They afford a handsome prospect.
We propose to call on Thomas Caulker, the head
man of the islands, who is understood to have
influence with Somano, and other kings in
Sherbro.
"At 9, A. M. we anchored off the Bananas,
and went to pay our respects to Caulker. He
met us at the landing, and invited us to his house.
After we had conversed together some time, and
walked about the town, we took our seats in a
spacious room, furnished with chairs, tables, &c.
Mr. K. presented Mr. C. a few bars of tobacco
and powder, and stated to him our character,
and the objects of our visit to Africa. He said
that we had been sent by the friends of Africans
in America, to find a place where a colony
might be formed to which the descendants of
Africans now in America might resort; and as
we were going down to see king Sherbro, we
wished to consult with him too, as we knew that
he had considerable influence with those on whom
we were to call. He said our designs was like
Paul Cuffee's, whom Mr. C. had known.
then observed that he knew how the people had
been carried from this country some hundred
years past. Many of their descendants were
now free. Some had already returned to this
I
}
145
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
country: others wished to return if a good place
could be found for a colony, and the kings
favoured the plan. Caulker, who appears to be
a sensible man, said, he was pleased with our
object, and wished we might succeed. He thought
it would be a very good thing for this country,
if a colony could be formed at Sherbro. He
said a settlement might be formed as we pro-
posed, on the Camaranca river, which he claimed
as his territory; but that large vessels could not
pass the bar of the river. We said that on some ac-
counts a settlement further down the coast would
be preferred, as the colony of Sierra Leone
claimed the north bank of the Camaranca. He
said he would send his son and nephew with us
to the Plantains, and to Sherbro, to tell his de-
sire to favour us, and his wish that they would
do the same. He charged the young men to
tell the kings our object was a good one.
"We left the Bananas at 12, and arrived at
the Plantaine at 3, P. M. a distance of twenty
miles. George Caulker, head man of the Plan-
tain, is a nephew of Thomas Caulker of the
Bananas, and has spent six or seven years in
England, for education. As the surf ran too
high for our small boat, we made a signal for a
canoe to take us on shore. It was soon along
side, paddled by six men.
"The head man received us in a friendly man-
ner, and invited us into his house, which was a
very convenient building. We laid before him
a small present, and made known the object of
our visit. He expressed a fear that the colony
would hereafter claim more territory than it
ought. Sierra Leone had now become powerful,
and had already taken a considerable extent of
territory under their direction. He said the
kings would have less objection to an American
H
146
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
3
colony if the people of colour were to govern the
colony themselves. They are afraid that white
men will take their country from them, but they
will not have the same fears of their brethren.
We told him that we were of the opinion that the
good men, in our country, who sent us here,
would be well satisfied to have the colonists
govern themselves, if the proper persons could
be found among them. If the white people
should interfere, and appoint a governor of the
colony, it would be only to give it stability and
security; and, whatever part they might take
at first, they would be looking forward to the
time when the people of colour should govern
themselves. This view of the subject seemed
very satisfactory to him, and he said his senti-
ments were the same as his uncle's, and should
be pleased to have us settle at the mouth of the
Camaranca.
"York Island, Wednesday, 1st April.
"Last night we anchored in seven fathoms
water, half way between the Plantains and
Sherbro Island. This morning we sailed along
Sherbro Island, and as we approached Jenkins
we saw the mouth of the Bagroo river, and the
highlands in the interior; the former eight or
ten miles, and the latter twenty or twenty-five
miles, distant. Sherbro Island is usually esti-
mated at twenty-two miles by twelve, in extent.
At 10, A. M. we called at Samo, a town of
twenty huts, on the island, half a mile from
Jenkins. A canoe took us on shore. Somasa,
Wil-
the head man of Samo, was not at home.
liam Ado is the head man of Jenkins. The
brother of Somasa accepted our little present, and
heard our words. He said as his brother was
not at home, he could not turn one way or the
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
147
other, i. e. presumed not to express his opinion.
We walked about the island, found the water
good, and the surface fifteen or twenty feet
above the sea.
"At 3, P. M. we arrived at York Island, now
occupied by Mr. Anderson, formerly of Bance
Island. This island may be two miles long,
and one broad, is low, unhealthy, and surround-
ed with mangroves.
We visited the ruins of an
old fort or castle-walls very thick-bricks un-
commonly red and hard-stone of a quality not
to be found about here-probably built two hun-
dred years ago, now partly washed away by
the tides.
"Bendou, Thursday, 2d April.
"This morning we came to Bendou. King
Somano has three villages near him, and owns
considerable tracts of land in different places.
Soon after we anchored, he sent a canoe on
board to know who were come. The messenger
was told that two gentlemen had come from
America to see him. We were pleased to learn
that Safah of Chaa was here, as it would be
necessary to see him likewise.
"At 10, A. M. we went on shore and found
king Somano seated in the Palaver-house.
This is only a conical roof, supported by posts,
leaving an area about twenty feet in diameter.
Mr. K. took his seat near the king; Mr. B. and
myself nearly in front. Safah soon made his
appearance, marching along between the mud-
walled cottages, dressed in a silver-laced coat, a
superb three-cornered hat, a mantle around his
neck hanging nearly to the ground, blue bafta
trowsers, considerably the worse for wear; with-
out stockings or shoes. Somano was dressed in
a common gown and pantaloons, with hat and
H 2
148
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
shoes. Safah is large, has a broad African face,
and an inquisitive eye. Somano is rather slen-
der, and has a face less striking: both are nearly
sixty years of age. After a full introduction to
the kings, we had to shake hands with the men
and women, who had collected around to the
number of forty or fifty. Some of our party
went to the schooner for our present, before the
palaver could be opened. Mr. K. left his hand-
kerchief in the chair as a pledge that he would
come back. Our present consisted of a piece of
bafta, a keg of powder, a few bars of tobacco,
and a small jar of rum. The last article Mr. K.
was requested to obtain for us, as we were told
they would in no case hold a palaver without it;
and we have reason to believe our information
correct. These people are only children of a
larger growth, and we would hope by a tempo-
rary conformity, gradually to wean them from
their vicious customs. One jar only was first set
before them; they contended that there were
two kings, and they must have two bottles: nor
would they yield this point until a second was
produced. The palaver now went on. Mr. K.
stated, in a very satisfactory manner, the nature
and objects of our visit: That we came from
America, from Washington, the capital of the
United States; that wise and good men had
agreed to help the black people who wished to
come to this country; that the design was a
good one, and would promote the best interests
of the black people both in America and Africa:
that if they should sell or give tracts of their un-
improved lands, the people who came would in-
troduce more knowledge of the arts and of agri-
culture: would by such things as they had to sell,
and would sell to them such things as they wanted.
They listened with attention. We made addi-
tional statements, with which they expressed
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
149
their satisfaction. Safah inquired if we had any
book with us. We told him we had. Mr. B.
read, and Mr. K. interpreted some parts of our
instructions, particularly the article which directs.
us to visit Sherbro.
"During the discussion, the kings suggested
fears that an American colony would do as
Sierra Leone had done, (referring to a war which
in the event dispossed king Thom of the
country adjacent to the colony.) Mr. K. de-
fended Sierra Leone, and made the kings sub-
mit to the truth of his argument. They said
they were younger brothers of Sherbro, and must
wait his answer. If we had applied to them for
land, they would have given their consent: now
they are not able to give an answer, but will
send a man to speak their mind to Sherbro.
They thanked us for our present, but made no
return. Indeed we could hardly have desired
their bounty, as they are, and ever will be, poor,
while their indolent habits are indulged. They
possess much good land, but do not cultivate
one acre in fifty, if one in five hundred. The
banks of Sherbro bay are low, not exceeding
twenty feet above the sea. Some places are
occasionally overflowed with the tide, and
covered with mangroves. High lands may be
seen between the Bagroo and Deong rivers.
We are inclined to think the first station should
be on Sherbro island, near Jenkins, and the prin-
cipal settlements on the Bagroo, nearly opposite.
Sherbro bay has much the appearance of the
Mississippi river between the mouth of the Ohio
and Natchez. The islands are numerous.
land on Sherbro island is flat and sandy, but
covered with a luxurient growth of trees,
shrubs, vines, pine apple plants, &c. The water
The
150
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
is good, though less cold than in more northern
latitudes.
"During our conversation, the kings named
some articles which our people must bring here-
after, if an arrangement be made for land. One
wanted a large hat, shoes, &c. ; the other wanted
a silver-headed cane, clothes, and especially a
black horse tail, furnished with an elegant
handle, which is the badge of royalty in this
country.
"After the palaver was over, the rum was
served round in a small glass. Some became
merry aud noisy. We walked to two other,
villages on the bank, and returned to the schoo-
ner at 3, P. M.
"We had not been long on board when we
received a troublesome visit from Somano and
some of his men. He said he came to pay his
respects to us, and it was the custom when the
king came on board a vessel, to be treated with
rum, &c. We excused ourselves that we were
not on board our own ship, and could not treat
the king with the same respect as we might in our
own country. He left us tolerably satisfied,
after being regaled with a bottle of wine, and
receiving some pipes for his tobacco; but on
shore he complained of our incivility. He has
been long acquainted with slave traders, and it
would be strange if he supported a different cha-
racter under the tuition of such men.
"Some of his people brought on board some
mats, honey, palm-oil, and rice, to trade.
"Near the Palaver-house was a little thatched
hut, not larger than a spread umbrella, called
the witch or devil's house. It was filled with
shells, bits of cloth, &c. In walking out from
the village, I passed by the devil's bush, a thicket
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
151
of shrubs and vines nearly impenetrable by any
one. If a woman should be found in this bush,
she would suffer death according to the law of
the Purrah. When we were at the Bananas, I
saw a man, who was tattooed with marks and
lines on his face, back, and breast; and inquired
of Caulker the reason of it. He said he was what
the English would call a freemason, a Purrab,
and known to his brethren by these marks,
"In this land, where altars are erected to
devils, we sung the hymn, "Salvation, oh the
joyful sound," &c. A number of the natives
were present at our evening prayer, and be-
haved very well.
66
"Yonie, Friday, 3d April.
Improving the wind and the tide, we crossed
the bay six or eight miles to Yonie, where king
Sherbro lives. The islands and the main land
present a very verdant and handsome prospect.
"At 8, A. M. anchored at Yonie, and Messrs.
Kizell and Martin went on shore to prepare the
way for our interview with king Sherbro and
the prince Kong Couber. We may safely trust
our friend K. No man's heart can be more
ardent for the success of our object, and no man
in Africa could probably be so useful to us under
present circumstances. After his return in the
afternoon, he gave us the following narrative.
He met Kong Couber by the water-side, who
took him by the hand and led him to his house.
He told the prince that two gentlemen, strangers
of king Sherbro, had come. They are from
America, the city of Washington, and the kings
and head men there. They are sent to see king
Sherbro, and obtain a place for some black peo-
ple who are free in that country, and will come
to sit down by king Sherbro, if he will give
152
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
some ground where they may settle. The offer
is made to Sherbro, but if he refuses it, the
people will be settled in another place. If he
gives them a place, it will be a great advantage
to his children and people; for these people will
bring the arts and knowledge of cultivation, and
will establish schools to learn the children. We,
old men, must die soon. The children will be
instructed and know more than their fathers.
These people will make things cheaper and more
plentiful; they will come in quiet without quar-
rels and fightings. If our people do bad, there
must be a regular palaver and no arms taken
up. If your people do bad, the business must
be settled the same way. If it be a great crime,
I suppose the bad man will be shut up and made
to work hard, and no lives taken. If you want
to know the truth of these things, you may send
some of your sons to America for education, and
perhaps some head men to see what these men
say is true. To all this, and to each sentence,
he said, hem, hem.
"Not finding the prince disposed to say much,
Mr. K. sent Mr. M. for a bottle of wine and a
little tobacco. He drank a little of it, and gave
the rest to his people. He then sent two fowls
on board for our dinner.
"The prince then told Mr. K. that all he said
was true and good. But he was only a boy,
and could say nothing before he saw the king.
He could give no answer; he must call all the
head men together, and tell them the business,
that they might speak their mind, for the coun-
try belonged to all the kings and head men. But
he would hold a palaver to-morrow and hear
what the gentlemen would say.
"The prince, Kong Couber, is the son of old
king Sherbro. It is a custom of the people,
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
153
when a king dies to select a king from another
family. While one of another family enjoys the
name of king, this prince has the ability to
preserve the power in his own hands. He is a
man of superior intelligence and skilled in pala-
vers. We shall probably be detained a week at
least. It is impossible to foresee the result. We
now propose to obtain a pledge that we may
occupy some miles square on Sherbro Island
opposite the Bagroo, and tracts of land on that
river including the mountains twenty or twenty-
five miles up. The country is represented fertile,
with very few inhabitants, and especially in the
hilly parts healthy. Large vessels may safely
come to Jenkins, and there are four fathoms
water up the Bagroo.
Yonie, Saturday, 4th April, 1818.
"The morning cloudy; the thermometer stands
at eighty degrees; the extremes of temperature
which I have noticed since I left Sierra Leone,
were ninety-seven degrees and eighty-six de-
grees.
"The loud and confused cries of the natives
in the village, occasioned by the death of one
of the women, attracted our attention at an
early hour. These lamentations for the dead
often continue a considerable time. When the
inhabitants of the surrounding villages come into
the place where the death has occurred, they
commence their cries.
"We have ascertained that the account which
J. Banna, the African, gave us in London, is
correct. He has a brother living in the Gallinas.
We have not ascertained whether his father is
alive. The rock to which he referred, split into
two parts, and one part standing erect, and
H 5
154
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
...
visible three days journey off, appears to be an
inaccessible ledge, the resort of wild birds. Banna,
who expressed an ardent desire to bring his bre-
thren to a knowledge of the truth, may yet be a
blessing to his country.
"We went on shore to attend the palaver.
Kong Couber met us where we landed, in a
friendly manner, and introduced us to king Sher-
bro. He was sitting in the door of his hut,
barefoot, with a cap and three-cornered hat on
his head, dressed in a calico gown, and some
folds of country cloth, with a large silver-headed
cane in his left hand, and a horse tail, the regal
badge, in his right. He is about sixty years of
age. We walked together under a large cola
tree, which furnished an excellent shade. Sher-
bro seated himself in a great chair, Mr. K. on
his right hand; Couber on a large mat before
the king; Mr. B. and myself near the foot of
the tree in front: the people, fifty or sixty in
number, were seated in a circle, some on mats,
and some on the ground; the women and chil-
dren around the circle behind the men. Some of
the people were dressed in gowns, extending
from the neck to the feet; some in blankets of the
country cloth, wrapped around the body; some,
particularly the young, in narrow strips of cloth;
while the children were not burdened with any
clothes at all.
"Our present of bafta, tobacco, &c. was
placed on a mat in the centre of the circle.
After the usual ceremonies in opening a palaver,
our character, and the object of our visit was
made known. Good and great men, in Ame-
rica, had sent us to talk to king Sherbro about
the children of those African people, who, in
times past have been carried from Africa to
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
155
America. Some of them are free to go where
they please, and some of them think of returning
to the land of their fathers. Some people in
our country think of helping them, and have
sent us to speak with Sherbro and other kings,
to see if lands may be given to these strangers
to sit down quietly. The people who come, by
cultivating the ground, and by a knowledge of
the arts, will increase the necessaries and con-
veniences of life. We come as messengers of
peace and good tidings-no arms in our hands
-wish no war. If the kings consent to our
wishes, and the people obtain a quiet settlement
here, we think they will establish schools to
instruct all the children. They will bring the
book of God with them; and when you are
able to understand it, we hope it will make you
more happy while you live here, and after you
die. What word will king Sherbro send back to
the people in our country
2
"Parts of our instructions were read, with
many additional observations, and the whole was
carefully interpreted, as we read or spoke.
"Kong Couber, who managed the whole
business on their part, replied, all you say is
well, very well: but, said he to Mr. K. you say
you called on Caulker; why did not Caulker
send his present to king Sherbro? David
Caulker answered, his uncle was poor, and had
nothing in his hand to send when they came
away. But, said Couber, Caulker ought to
have sent something to his father. These men
were sent to king Sherbro, why did they call on
Somano and Safah before they came to me? We
told him it was convenient to us to call on them
as we came down; and no disrespect was de-
signed to Sherbro, as we were not minutely
informed of the rank of the kings, or the cus-
156
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
toms of the country. How would you like it,
said he, when a table was set for yourself, that
your child should sit down before you, and you
eat afterwards? But why did not Somano and
Safah come and speak their minds to Sherbro?
Tasso, Somano's deputy, said, that king Somano
sent him to hear what Sherbro would say, that
he might know what answer to give to the stran-
gers. All this was unsatisfactory. It was con-
cluded that no answer could be given, until
Safah and Somano came. Tasso was sent to
call them.
"The palaver lasted between three and four
hours. Dispatch in business is what African
kings know nothing of. They will talk around
a subject for hours, without coming to the point.
"In the evening, the natives renewed their
lamentations for the dead, with dancing, beating
on a drum, &c. The music is dull and monoto-
nous. When a king, or head man dies, they
make much parade. D. Caulker says, that
during the cry for old Caulker, the people came
from all the country, and drank twenty pun-
cheons of rum.
He
"Mr. K. is a second Paul Cuffee. He has a
good mind and considerable knowledge. His
writings discover him to be a man of sense and
worth. He has a good heart, and no one can be
more anxious for the temporal and spiritual wel-
fare of Africans, and their descendants.
has enlarged views, and believes with the fullest
confidence, that the time has arrived, when the
descendants of Africans abroad shall begin to
return to their own country. His mind relies
on the promise of God, "Ethiopia shall soon
stretch forth her hands unto God." He says, if
we can fix on a proper place for a colony, our
people may come out by hundreds and thousands,
!
.
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
157
and we need not fear the consequences, only
sending some men of education and piety to be
their conductors and guides. Africa is the land
of black men, and to Africa they must and will
come. It is at present a wide and fertile
wilderness; but it may be made to bud and
blossom like the rose. As for land, he says, it
belongs to Africans abroad, as well as those
now in this country; and if they are disposed to
return, land they must and shall have. They
have not forfeited a right to the inheritance of
their fathers, by being carried by force from
their country. The good people in America
have only to help them to get back, and assist
them a year or two, until they can help them-
selves. Then if they will not work, the fault is
their own. They certainly will not freeze nor
starve. Let any class of the people of colour
come, only give us a few who will be good
leaders of the rest. He urges the plan of colo-
nization, among other reasons, on the ground,
that it will prevent insurrection among the
slaves-remove some bad men, who will not
have the same opportunity to do mischief here
as there-bring into this country some good
men, who will shine as lights in this dark world.
-give an opportunity to masters who are dis-
posed to release their slaves, and thus promote a
gradual emancipation-provide a home for many
oppressed free men, and confer infinite blessings
on this country. Mr. K. thinks the greater part
of the people of colour, who are now in Ame-
rica, will yet return to Africa."
"Yonie, Sabbath, 5th April, 1818.
"Called on Kong Couber at his thatched
cottage. Mr. K. told him it was our sabbath,
devoted to the service of God in Christian coun-
R
158
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
tries, when God's book was read before the
people. He answered, all people should be glad
to hear God's book-it was the best book-God's
palaver was the old and good palaver. I stated
to him the belief of good people in America,
respecting the creation of the world, the sinful
state of mankind, and the way of salvation by
Jesus Christ. I referred him to the blessings
which the Christian religion confers on the per-
sons and nations who embrace it, and contrasted
the state of the American and African people,
noticing even the necessaries and conveniences
of life which we enjoyed, and of which they
were destitute. I told him our most precious
comforts were derived from the love of God,
and an obedience to his commands. I spoke of
the future judgment, when we must all appear
before God, to give an account of the deeds done
here in the body, when, as our conduct had been
good or bad in the sight of God, we should re-
ceive a sentence of approbation or condemna-
tion; that, though the body is laid in the grave,
the soul lives, and will hereafter be united with
the body, &c. &c. I urged the importance of
worshipping God, and not devils; that God,
who was the Possessor of the world, would be
angry with any people who erected altars to
devils, and would visit them in judgment; that
the devil was only a creature, and had no more
I told him all in
power than God gave him.
christian countries were not good people: he
had seen many from America and England, who
were bad men. Mr. K. named perhaps a dozen
foreigners with whom Couber had been acquaint-
ed, who were slave-traders, and bad men, who
did not prosper, but died poor and wretched,
often leaving their children cast upon the world
friendless and neglected. He said that the
1
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
159
afflictions which some of the natives suffered,
were the judgments of God for their sins: here
the leopard comes, and, sometimes, drives the
people away from a town; a shark or an alli-
gator catches a boy, and you say he was killed
by a witch, and go and sell a whole family into
slavery. Such things were not known in Eng-
land or America.
66
Kong Couber listened with a serious coun-
tenance, and fixed attention. I could not but
believe that he was impressed with a conviction
of the truth of what was said. Mr. K. told
Couber that he had been in Sherbro about
twenty years, but he never knew two so good
men come to it on so good an errand.
"We learn that the young men in this and the
adjacent towns are in favour of the contem-
plated colony. They think it will be a good
thing for the country, and make them know
more. The consent of the kings will probably
be obtained for lands.
"Since Mr. K. has been in this country, he
has saved five or six persons from death; some
condemned for witchcraft, and some for crimes
they never committed. Some of these were
nearly dead by the excessive quantities of red
water which they had been compelled to drink.
He has sometimes paid fifty or one hundred bars
to save one from these superstitious murderers.
He has also rescued fifteen or twenty persons
from foreign slavery, sometimes by interposing
his authority, but more commonly by purchase.
He speaks of
a head man, of
vile character, who is engaged in furnishing
slaves for the ships now at Gallinas, about fifty
miles down the coast. It is asserted, that seven
or eight vessels are now lying off that river,
waiting for cargoes; one of which unfurls the
160
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
American flag, armed with twenty guns, and be-
longing to
who professes to be an
American citizen. It is high time for the Ame-
rican government to guard against the violation
of their laws, at least by American citizens, and
to interpose their authority to check this barba-
rous traffic."
"Yonie, Monday, 6th April, 1818.
Mr.
"Safah and Somano have not arrived.
K. has spent a part of the day with the king
and people. He thinks we have a fair prospect
of obtaining lands, both for a commercial town.
or towns, on the coast, and more extended set-
tlements in the interior. We have been afraid
to attack the superstitious customs of the people,
while our negociations were pending; but they
have always listened to us with attention, and
Mr. K. says, they are pleased with the idea that
our people will build churches for the worship
of the true God, and will teach the children to
read the words in God's book.
"Mr. K. conducted our evening worship, and
prayed earnestly for Africans, their descendants
in foreign lands, the Colonization Society, their
agents, &c. &c. He does not allow that this
plan originated in America, but insists that it
had its origin in heaven; and he has much
greater confidence than the Managers of the
Colonization Society, that their plans, if pursued
with prudence and vigour, will be completely
successful. He has great influence in Sherbro,
owns considerable tracts of land here, and is
acknowledged by the natives to be a head man of
the country. The districts of country on which
we are fixing our thoughts, are recommended by
a number of persons as the best for our objects
on this part of the coast. They have good
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
161 ·
water, rapids in the rivers for mills, and a soil
suited to rice, coffee, cotton, &c. We can see
distinctly, as we lay off Yonie, the high range
of mountains to the right of the Bagroo, per-
haps twenty-five miles distant.
"We have no intelligence from Safah and
Somano. We must wait with patience on these
people. Some years ago, a destructive war
raged between Caulker and Cleveland, in which
most of the Bullom people were enlisted on one
side or the other. Sherbro was for Cleveland,
Safah and Somano were for Caulker. A cessa-
tion of arms was effected by a governor of
Sierra Leone, but his early death prevented the
consummation of the treaty, and mutual jealou-
sies have existed ever since. They have not
seen each other for years. Sherbro wishes to
improve this opportunity to bring them together.
As the country is common property, one dares
not move until he knows the mind of the rest."
"Yonie, Tuesday, 7th April, 1818.
"Mr. Martin, D. and R. Caulker, and one of
Sherbro's men, were sent on an embassy after
Safah and Somano, and forbidden to sleep before
they returned.
"We have had much conversation on the
organization and government of the proposed
colony. The natives need not be feared. They
are not numerous, have few arms, timid in dispo-
sition, jealous of each other, and broken up into
small, independent, elective governments. There
is little reason to fear a general combination
among them, and their strength would be small
if they should combine together. If the Sierra
Leone colony should continue favourable, and
throw no obstacles in our way, that will keep
the native people in awe. Should our settlement
162
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
prosper, it will in two or three years be fully
competent to defend itself without aid from our
country; and previously to that time, a single
armed sloop or brig, sent to execute the abolition
laws, would give to our settlements perfect secu-
rity. If the people were troublesome, fire a big
gun out in the bay, and they would all fly to the
bush, and not an individual be found.
"Samano and Safah arrived to-day; but ano-
ther circumstance has occurred, which will de-
lay our negotiations: one of Kong Couber's
wives died this morning, and the cry for her may
prevent his taking a part in the council for some
days."
"Yonie, Wednesday, 8th April, 1818.
"We learn that some consultations respecting
the dead, will put off any palaver to-day. As
our presence will not be required here to-day,
we propose to sail down to the mouth of Shebar,
which may properly be considered an outlet of
Sherbro sound, about eight miles from Yonie.
We presented to the head man a bottle of wine
and a little tobacco. He knew and approved
the objects of our visit to this country. He said
we were all brethren; some of the head men of
the country (including himself) were the children
of Europeans or Americans, and it would be
strange if they should drive away their brethren
of whatever colour, especially as they wanted
such things as the country did not produce, or
they knew not how to manufacture, which our
people would bring them.
"We walked across the point to the beach,
against which the surf beats with great violence
and a perpetual roar.
We could see ten or fif-
teen miles towards Gallinas. The coast appear-
ed low, covered with vegetation and lined with
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
163
a beach of white sand. The whole peninsula is
sandy, covered with pullom and palm trees,
shrubs, &c. We saw fields of cassada. We
walked around the point to the mouth of the
Shebar. Is is one mile wide. The bar is semi-
circular, making a circuit of three or four miles.
It has an island in the middle; the best channel
is on the Sherbro island side, having three and a
half and four fathoms water at full tide. Schoo-
ners and brigs have come into the Shebar, but the
attempt is hazardous. There are nine fathoms
in some places within the bar. We were anxi-
ous to cross the bar to ascertain the soundings,
but could not find a pilot. In the rainy season,
the south-west winds raised the waves very high."
"Yonie, Thursday, 9th April, 1818.
"The kings meet this morning for consulta-
tion. An additional present is necessary. Pa-
tience may almost have her perfect work on the
dispositions and hearts of those which wait on
men so slothful in business, and so eager to re-
ceive the tribute of strangers.
"I am not certain but Mr. Caulker, of the
Bananas, would consent to receive some of our
people on his island. It is a very pleasant place,
has good water, and high land, and is open to
the sea breeze. It produces, or is capable of pro-
ducing, most of the articles found in tropical
climates. It is above eight miles long and three
broad, six miles from the main land. There is
one strong objection, however, that the Sierra
Leone colony lays some general claim to the
islands, though Mr. C. does not acknowledge the
validity of the claim.
"The kings have been some hours in friendly
consultation. They would not have embraced
each other at this time, had not our visit and the
164
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
mediation of Kizell brought them together. They
have settled past difficulties, and are consulting
on the subject of our application. They engage
to see us and express their mind to-morrow.
"We wish to ascertain, first, whether they
will promise to the American Society or govern-
ment, tracts of land, eligible, and sufficiently ex-
tensive, where our people of colour may settle;
and, secondly, on what conditions such tracts of
land may be purchased or occupied. Should we
succeed in these respects, we shall expect them to
engage to favour and support the colony, so far
as may be in their power.
66
Yesterday, when Mr. B. and Mr. K. were
on shore condoling with Kong Couber on the
death of one of his wives, Couber said, refer-
ing to us, "May the Lord bless you, and as you
came to this country with good wishes, may you
find good things." This appears to express con-
fidence in our character, and approbation of our
objects."
"Yonie, Friday, 10th April, 1818.
"At 10, A. M. we were informed the kings
were ready to receive us in council. We went
on shore and found all assembled under the cola
tree. Sherbro was seated in his armed chair,
with Somano on his right hand, and Safah on his
left, holding the insignia of his office, the silver-
headed cane and the horse tail. Couber sat on
a mat before Sherbro. Mr. B. Mr. K., and
myself, sat facing the kings. After shaking
hands with the kings and princes, Mr. K. said,
we are come. Couber replied, we see you; we
are glad; we love you; we do not hate you;
you are our strangers; we love your country;
we are friends; we love peace as you do; war
is not good, &c. &c. But when you did come
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
165
from the head men of your country to Sherbro,
where is the letter you did bring to Sherbro?
We answered, that we had instructions to visit
Sherbro, and consult with the kings of the coun-
try; but as king Sherbro was not personally
known in our country, no letter was addressed
to him. He afterwards said, if we had come in
our ship directly to Yonie, they could give us an
answer; and asked Mr. K. if his father, the Go-
vernor of Sierra Leone, did not send him with
us. Mr. K. said the Governor did not, as he was
absent at the Gambia, and besides, the people of
Sierra Leone were free men to go where they
pleased, without asking their father. I replied,
that we came to Sierra Leone, strangers to all
the people, and finding our friends Kizell, Mar-
tin, and Anderson, to be acquainted with the
language and kings of the country, we invited
them to come with us. Mr. K. said, he had a
letter from a friend in England to assist us; be-
sides, if strangers of king Sherbro arrive at
Sierra Leone, it was not fit to let them stand
alone, but come and introduce them.
"Kong Couber said, the country belongs to
all the kings and people, we cannot sell land,
unless we see them all. We, in reply, urged the
necessity of a definite answer, that we might
carry their good words to our people; or go to
other kings, who would give us a good answer.
We inquired whether the head men and people
could not be assembled before we went away.
Couber answered, it was the busy season of the
year, rains were coming on, the people were
clearing their plantations, and sowing their rice;
the kings were poor, and must work as well as
the people; the people could not be called toge-
ther, unless there was something to set before
them, &c. &c. If we had goods to buy lands
166
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
and people to sit down, they would call the head
men together. After much palaver and a forci-
ble recapitulation of the objects of our visit, we
inquired, what answer shall we carry to our peo-
ple of colour? Will king Sherbro receive his
children? Yes, we cannot hate them, we will
receive them.
"We proposed that we should have liberty to
look about their country, and go to other kings
on the coast, if we chose, without giving offence :
they assented. They proposed that we should
write Sherbro's words in two books; leave one
book with them, and take the other to our coun-
try: when we came back, or any others, from
our head men, they should bring this book and a
letter addressed to king Sherbro: we assented.
Couber said, our present was carefully preserved,
and was at our command. We answered, we
freely gave it to king Sherbro and the people.
He inquired if we should consider it a payment
for land. We said, No.
We said, No. These people have so
long dealt with rogues, that they cannot, without
difficulty, trust honest men."
"Yonie, Saturday, 11th April, 1818.
“A number of the natives were present at our
morning worship, and behaved with great pro-
priety. Afterwards, I stated to them the funda-
mental truths of the christian religion, and urged
on them the necessity of a Saviour for sinners,
and the duty of a holy life. They assented to
my words, and said, that they and their bre-
thren believed that good men, when they died,
went to God, and bad men to hell. Their con-
victions are less erroneous than their practice.
The obstacles to the introduction of religious
knowledge into this country, appear not to be so
great as in many other heathen lands.
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
167
"When on shore to-day, we read to Kong
Couber the book which we had written accord-
ing to his suggestion. He said it was right, the
kings had agreed to do so, and their word
might be relied on. But he said he was alone,
and must not say much, lest the kings or people
should say he was secretly selling the country
without consulting them.
"We repeated some of the advantages which
might flow from our settlements-the introduc-
tion of the spinning-wheel, the loom, the plough,
the machines for cleaning rice, and mills for saw-
ing wood-the establishment of schools, &c. : and
endeavoured to convince him that we did not
want lands for white men, because we have vast
uncultivated tracts in our country, but for such
of the descendants of Africans as might improve
their situation by such a change. I expressed to
him a hope that the Africans would hereafter
cultivate their lands better, build ships, and go to
England and America with their ivory, rice,
palm-oil, cotton, and coffee. We gave him an
outline of Paul Cuffee's life, whose father was
an African.
66
Kong Couber offered to send two of his sons
to America for an education in any American
ship, which might come to Sherbro on this busi-
ness. It will no doubt have a good effect on the
minds of the people here, if any vessel should
visit this country to carry into effect the plan of
the Colonization Society, that some of the up-
right and influential men of colour should come
out. They could look at the country and speak
for themselves. The natives would see that they
were their brethren and friends.
"In attempting to obtain lands of the kings,
we have had to encounter only such objections
as we anticipated. They have had to deal with
168
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
the worst class of white men, who have often
committed the grossest acts of violence and in-
justice. In 1806, a slave-trader made some pre-
sents to old king Sherbro and the people, and
allured the old king and some of the princes on
board his ship, off the Shebar. He would not
then liberate them, except with much unkind
treatment, and in exchange for many slaves.
"They know that we are decidedly opposed
to the slave-trade, which some of them would
relinquish with reluctance. Their convictions
and better judgment are against it. They know
that the people of colour are very numerous in
our country, and it has occurred to them that so
many may come as to-give laws to this land.
This they fear. They appear not to care that
their superstitious customs will be disregarded;
but on the contrary, have always expressed an
approbation that the great God should be wor-
shipped, and their children should learn to read
his book. They do not like to say we may have
any particular tracts of country, through fear of
offence to head men, who have not been con-
sulted."
"Yonie, Sabbath, 12th April, 1818.
"The good hand of our God preserves us in
peace and safety. The sun does not smite us by
day, nor the moon by night. The heat is oppres-
sive only a few hours in the day. The air is
cooled by the sea-breeze. The thermometer is
lower than often on a summer day in the United
States. The atmosphere is hazy or cloudy much
of the time.
"This morning we sung the Psalm, "Sweet
is the work, my God, my King;" and I made
some observations on the fourth commandment,
"Remember the Sabbath day."
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
169
"We have thought much of going into the
different villages, and, by an interpreter, preach-
ing to the people. But we are unwilling to take
any step which might excite their superstitious
fears, and lead them to oppose our plans.
We
came not to establish a solitary church, but to
lay the foundation for thousands of churches.
We have had conversation with the chief men on
the truths of the Christian religion, and have had
many of the people at different times to worship
with us on board the ship. This has been a
quiet day, and much more like a sabbath than
many I have spent in christian lands.
"We arrived at the mouth of the Boom, at
seven in the evening. As it was dark, the wind
fresh, and the bay wide, we stopped at the little
village Runta, and the head man of whom we
hired our canoe, hospitably furnished us with his
house. The room and bedstead was hung
around with curtains of mats, curiously wrought.
We slept comfortably. We called at this village
as we went up yesterday morning. It is a ro-
mantic little spot. Twelve or fifteen houses
stand close together; a narrow avenue to the
bay gives access to the sea-breeze, palm,
orange, cocoa-nut, banana, and plantain trees,
overshadow the houses. Sugar-canes, cotton
shrubs, and cassada plants, grow on each side
the path which leads to a few rice fields just be-
hind; then the whole is closely encircled with
forest trees and wild vines of the richest foliage!
Were it the abode of innocence, it might be
esteemed a garden of Eden. The chief man is
gaining wealth, and lives comfortably. He will
probably be considered a king in the country in
a few years.
I
170
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
ner,
"Sherbro Bay, Wednesday 15th April, 1818.
"At day light, we put our company in mo-
tion, and crossed the bay in safety, to our schoo-
off Yonie. We went on shore to take leave
of Kong Couber. King Sherbro and the second
prince, Teng-Bang, were out of town; the one
at his salt works, and the other at his rice plan-
tation. Kong Couber inquired with apparent
solitude when we should return. We told him
it was doubtful whether either of us would ever
return, our country was far off. He said, we
must return; the people knew us, and there was
a good understanding between us and the head
men: if we came back to-morrow in the man-
ner we proposed, the head men would meet, and
the business be settled. We told him it was pro-
bable that some people from our country would
visit Sherbro in one year; and if we were alive
in our country, we would send letters and pre-
sents, which would convince Kong Couber that
we remembered his kindness. He gave us a
goat for our men, and two mats for our fathers
in America. He walked along the shore with us,
and giving us his hand, said in English," May
God bless you, and give you a good voyage to
your country." While we gave sail to our little
schooner, he sat down by the shore, under an
orange tree, apparently pensive and melancholy.
This prince is conscious of the depressed condi-
tion of his people, and the barbarous state of
his country. He sighs for their improvement.
He has, in times past, complained to Mr. K.
that his father did not send him to England for
an education; and has almost wished he had
been sold as a slave, into America, like Mr. K.
if he could only have acquired learning, and
lived to return back, to Africa. He has told his
people, that if we came back to live there, he
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
171
should drink wine only, and no more rum, be-
cause rum turned the head, and made men fools.
I am not certain but missionaries of prudence,
self-denial, and christian zeal, might spend their
lives usefully here. There would be no want of
children to instruct. Couber, and perhaps some
other head men, may be confided in. Serious
obstacles must be anticipated. Slave-traders
have made even savages more vicious. The
people are generally idle, superstitious, self-in-
dulgent, and fond of ardent spirits. Polygamy
is nearly universal.
At 11, A. M. we anchored off Bendou, and
sent our compliments to Somano. We rested a
few minutes under the shade of a large orange
tree, loaded with oranges of a full size. A lime
tree stood near, whose branches were literally
bent down with fruit. Somano, Safah, and their
people, were assembled in the Palaver-house.
The head woman, or queen, had recently been
accused of witchcraft. She had drunk the red-
water, and escaped without injury. This proved
her innocence. Within a few days, her people
had killed an elephant. This is considered a
lucky omen, and a testimony of the favour of
the gods. Hence, she brought forward a charge
of false accusation for witchcraft, and a demand
of reparation. This was the subject of palaver.
All the people were sitting around to witness
the progress of the debate, and anxious about
the result. The men who had distinguished
themselves in killing the elephant, with their
wives, occupied prominent seats. They were
dressed and ornamented with more richness and
elegance than any I ever saw in Africa.
I 2
172
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
$
}
?
"Deong River, Thursday, 16th April, 1818,
"At 9, A. M. we crossed the bay about five
or six miles to the mouth of the Deong, passing
two places near the beach where the people,
were boiling salt. The shores of the bay, and
the islands, are girt around with mangroves..
The soil is black mud, liable to be overflowed
by the tide, especially in the rainy season.
The mouth of the river is, at the least, a mile
wide. It enters the bay from the east, and
preserves the same general direction about
twenty miles, when it flows from the north of
east. Like the Boom, the Deong has a series of
islands extending up twenty or twenty-five miles,
which divides the river into two channels. We as
cended the right branch, which is not so wide
and navigable as the left. About 10 miles up,
we came to land on the right bank, not liable to
be overflowed in the rains. Near this, a small
stream comes in from the right, which flows
along Soyarrah's territory. Here the water in
the river becomes fresh. There is a large ledge
of rocks in the middle of the river,
rected our men to paddle towards it, to which
they were wholly averse, believing that some
evil spirits lived there, who would punish their
temerity. We laid our commands upon them,
when they yielded with reluctance, and threw
water into the air with their hands, as if to ap
pease the wrath of these local demons. The
ledge is common free-stone, of considerable
extent, and a few feet above the surface. Mr.
K. said the natives have a tradition that these
rocks have crossed and re-crossed the river,
sometimes above and sometimes below the
water, to the alarm and astonishment of all the
country.
:
We di-
"This country has seen better days. Its
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
173
F
+
}
The
population was once much greater.
ravages of war and the slave-trade, are no
where more visible than in this river. Towns
have been burnt, hamlets are deserted. In these
relics of villages the people salute us as we pass
by, and make many inquiries."
"Deong River, Friday, 17th April, 1818.
"Will Comberbuss, a fine old man, on whom
we called a few miles back said, "it would
be a very good thing for the country, if our
people would come and bring knowledge; the
land would produce rice, cotton, coffee, tobacco,
and all good things, but the people did not
know."
"We crossed the bay with a fresh wind
against us, occasionally dashing the waves into
the canoe, and arrived at our little schooner at
9, P. M. somewhat weary, wet, and hungry."
"Sherbro Sound, Saturday. 18th April, 1818.
"We sailed from York island eight or ten
miles, and anchored off Campelar, a little village
belonging to Mr. Kizell. We saw a brother-in-
law, whom Mr. K. rescued from foreign slavery
at much expense-a man of native intelligence
and a good aspect. We had a tornado to-day.
It is a violent gust of wind, of short duration,
usually attended with rain, lightning, and
thunder."
“Sabbath, 19th April, 1818.
"Darkness, gross darkness, covers the
nations around us. But this darkness shall be
dispelled. The sun of righteousness will yet
arise upon them, with healing in his beams. In
this consideration we do rejoice, and we will
rejoice.??
f
1
>
174
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
"Tuesday, 21st April, 1818.
"We have been waiting almost with impa-
tience for the king of Fara. We are hoping to
finish our inquiries, and leave this part of the
coast, late in May, or early in June, before the
rains are fully set in. The weather, since our
arrival in Africa, has hitherto been quite plea-
sant, except the heat, occasionally rather op-
pressive. The tornado this evening was severe;
the wind blew hard a half an hour, and some
rain fell. We perceive many appearances of
distant thunder storms, especially towards even-
ing."
Wednesday, 22d April, 1818.
"Our canoe returned this morning with the
king of Fara. His people were rather unwilling
to let him leave his town.
"Should Commissioners of the American
Society hereafter visit Africa, they should have
a ship at their command, and a captain well
acquainted with the coast. They should be
furnished with ample stores of provisions, and
with goods for trade, for the purchase of lands,
and for presents to the kings.
When a place is selected, the lands should be
cleared to a considerable extent, and some houses
constructed, before many families removed. This
could be done under the direction of a few pro-
per persons, employing native labourers. The
expense would be trifling.
"Should a colony be established in this part of
Africa, it remains a question whether it should
be governed by white men, or whether the peo-
ple of colour will consider themselves compe-
tent to self-government in the first instance.
Paul Cuffee were alive, it might settle the ques-
tion; but unless a judicious man of colour can
If
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
175
be found, who will secure the confidence of all
parties, it will be best to have a white Governor.
Every thing should be done to encourage the
people of colour to make exertions and help
themselves. The lands should be kept cheap,
and easily attainable. Each should become a
possessor of land, and cultivate his own.
"In making a purchase of lands, the goods
must not all be given to one king, but properly
apportioned to all in the vicinity.
Some use
"A canoe with twelve persons, from Bendou
to the Plaintain islands, stopped along-side. Two
women appeared to be the principal personages.
Some of the women have very amiable and in-
telligent faces. The Africans generally appear
cheerful and happy. Some of the canoes will
carry forty persons, and sail about this bay at all
seasons of the year, with entire safety. Some-
times they spread a mat for a sail.
oars, but they generally use paddles.
was once more populous. It is doubtful whether
the population is now increasing, though the
proportion of small children is very large.. I
think I never saw so great a proportion of
healthy, active children in any country. Great
numbers of the youth and the middle aged are in
foreign lands, while the relics of old age, the
head men, and throngs of young children, are
left behind.
This land
“Fara pretends to be waiting for his principal
men. He is making inquiries of our interpreters
respecting our objects. We may well confide in
their representations: they are faithful men, and
deeply interested in our success.
"Fara mentioned to Mr. K. a surprising pheno-
menon, of which he desired an explanation. A
large tree by a public path, well known to have
lain on the ground some years, has lately risen up,
!
176
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
:
stands firm and erect, and grows green and luxu-
riant. Mr. K. after some consideration, said he
thought he could explain it. He said, "King
Fara, his people, and his country, have long
been prostrated and lain in the dust. They are
now beginning to rise, and if they encourage
these people to come from America, we hope
they will help to give them wisdom and
strength." Fara looked grave at the explanation,
and thought it might be so."
Thursday, 23d April, 1818.
"We had an interview with Fara, and made
a brief statement of our objects and wishes,
which he well understood. Rango, the chief
speaker, replied in a very appropriate manner,
"We hear you; we like your words; may God
bless you, give you health and long life; may
he bless Kizell, Martin, and the Caulkers too,
because they were good in coming to introduce
you. We shall not say much now: Fara, you
see, is young, a boy; he will stand behind
Sherbro, and will speak the same word as his
father. We have not talked with Sherbro-you
have; you have seen Caulker, Tucker, Soyarrah,
&c. they have offered you lands-which do you
fancy most? When a man wants a wife, and
goes to a father who has many daughters, he
tells the father which he likes best," &c. We
told him that we had not seen all parts of the
country yet, and were not prepared to make a
selection; nor could we let the kings know our
choice until we should return from our country.
He said, 66
we were at liberty to go any where;
the couutry was large, many parts where no
people lived were very good land-the banks of
the Yaltucker were fertile, and had few people;
the Bagroo country was wide and vacant." He
-
+
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
177
thanked us for our present, and Mr. K. for bring-
ing us to Sherbro. He said he knew we should
write all his words in our books, so we must
hear true and write straight, (laying his palaver
brush flat and straight on the ground.) They
said,
"it was a custom of their country, when
strangers came, to pour a little wine on the
graves of their fathers, and say 'good strangers
bave come to us, O bless good strangers,' &c.
and they wanted a little wine to pour at the root
of the tree, once fallen, now standing erect." We
told them their intimation would not be forgot-
ten; and having taken an affectionate leave of
them, we returned on board, and sent them a
bottle of wine, rather to bedew their royal lips,
than to sprinkle the ashes of their fathers, or
itrigate the marvellous tree."
"Mano river, Friday, 24th April, 1818.
"We took a canoe to make an excursion up
the Mano. This branch of the Bagroo is three
and a half and four fathoms deep. It has low
banks about two miles, and covered with man-
groves, with the exception of one mile up, on
the right hand. Here we stopped to lay the plan
of a town. The land gradually rises back twenty-
five or thirty feet, is sufficiently supplied with
stone for building or other purposes, and is
covered with fine large timber of various quali-
ties. The Mona mountain, or a ridge of it, ter-
minates abruptly on the left bank just above,
which adds much to the rude scenery of the spot.
The ground is hard and dry,covered with six
eight inches of vegetable mould. Six miles above,
the hills on the right bank are cleared to a
great extent, for rice. 'I he soil did not appear
to be deep. On the opposite bank stands the
village of Mano. Here is an abundance of stone
or
I 5
178
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
convenient for laying the foundation of forges,
mills, and water works of any description.
There is an abundance of large, hard timber,
above the rapids, and along the banks. Indeed,
the country is a forest. There are evident ap-
pearances of iron ore in many places. We cross-
ed a rivulet of very cool and pure water, de-
scending from the hill, and flowing over a bot-
tom of gravel and sand. We went up the hill
to see the rice plantations. The country back
appeared to be high land, agreeably undulating,
and covered with forest. For health and com-
fort it appears very inviting, though the soil is
not so fertile, nor so easy of tillage, as on the
banks, and in the low lands.
"On our return, we stopped at Mano. All
the people in this river appeared most friendly
and kind. They expressed great satisfaction at
our words, and eager to see our people come, if
they would be kind, and bring God's book. We
said that persons must be sent with our people
to establish schools for the children, and to in-
struct the people. They said they should be
glad. One man, whose hair and beard were
white with age, said, he wished it could be now;
it was much wanted in the country-he wished
to hear more about God's book before he died.
It is certainly surprising that there should be
such a desire among the people to hear the book
of God, and to have their children instructed to
read. There is just reason to hope that the prin-
ciples of our holy religion would be embraced
by many in this country, if they were instructed
in them.
"It seems desirable to obtain this country to
the right of the Mano. It is high and airy. It
extends back eighty or ninety miles to the Tim-
mannee country. It is called a good country
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
179
by those who have travelled over it. A brook
is spoken of, which empties into the Mano, one
or two miles above the rapids, and extends
far into the interior. The whole country, after
we leave the villages on the Mano, has no in-
habitants until we reach the Timmannees. Its
extent, vacant population, and probable fertility,
render it highly eligible. To this might be
added the peninsula, between the Bagroo and
Mano rivers, which will include the Mano
mountain, as the other tract does the Perra
mountain. These alone form a vacant region of
3000 square miles, and capable of supporting,
with very moderate culture, a population of
20,000. It includes mountains, rivers, forests,
rapids, and springs of water. The Bagroo will ad-
mit vessels of a good size to the mouth of the
Mano; and the Mano, especially at high tide,
or in the rainy season, has three or four fathoms
water, nearly to the rapids, above the village
Mano. Another vacant and fertile tract, lies
north of the Boom river. Perhaps this should
be preferred to the other. Except where the
towns stand, any part of the country may be
bought in exchange for goods, nearly on our own
terms.'
"Bagroo River, Saturday, 25th April, 1818.
"We floated up with the tide from the mouth
of the Mano to the village Tasso, on the left
bank, perhaps ten miles. As we sailed up we
passed two little villages on the left, and the
Mano mountain on the right. This mountain
has a very interesting appearance, covered with
forest, having usually a gradual assent, and pre-
senting eligible places for buildings, and for small
towns, if the soil should prove favourable for
agriculture."

180
IRS OF THE LATE
Sabbath, 26th April, 1818,
"We lay of Tasso. Somango is the head
man. The village has thirty houses. The peo
ple are said to be very wicked and superstitious.
"Mr. K. saw Somango towards evening, and
stated to him our general objects. He appeared
friendly; but he told Mr. K. when strangers
came, they gave him wine or rum. Mr. K.
said, that slave-traders gave rum to make them
quarrel and sell each other; this was what they
wanted: but the strangers he had brought, came
to open their eyes, and not to blind them, and
hoped to find and leave them sober, that they
might be able to give a true answer, and speak
good words."
"Bagroo River, Monday, 27th April, 1818.
"Somango has gone to Robanna, to consult
with Sologo, and to invite him to Tasso. Sologà
is quite aged, and is considered the principal man
in this river.
"I took the boat and went up to Bagroo.
Mangroves still line the banks. We had con-
versation with a Mr. Wilson, at Liverpool, who
is a man of colour, formerly of Boston, or Bal-
timore. He is a ship carpenter, and came out
from Boston to Sierra Leone about four years
ago. He said it was best for the people of co-
lour, who are now in America, to come to this
country. He said that houses, built in the style
of the natives, at ten or twelve dollars each, ten
feet by fifteen or twenty, would be best, just in
the infancy of the colony. Carpenters, and all
mechanics, should come from America. If they
could not work the whole day at first, they
could work a part of the day, and superintend
the business. He said he gave more than one
hundred dollars, at Sierra Leone, for the frame.
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
181
only of a small wooden house. The carpenters
of Sierra Leone charge a dollar a day : thrée or
four of them would not do more work in a day
than one in the United States. He said that one
kind of the mangroves hard, tall, and straight,
would make very good house timber.
"Mr. K. said that if a place were selected for
a colony, he could see fifty or a hundred acres of
land cleared in a short time, and houses, con-
structed in the country style, to accommodaté
the first settlers. The expense of clearing the
land might be about six dollars an acre.
"The young Mr. J. said that he had travelled
through the Bagroo country to the Timmannees,
between two or three day's journey, and could
strongly recommend it to us. It was high, sup
plied with brooks and springs, having sufficient
stone for building and other purposes, and richly
covered with forest trees, which sufficiently in-
dicated a good soil. He said the Bagroo was
the most extensive district in Sherbro, and was
without inhabitants."
"Wednesday, 29th April, 1818,
"As Somango does not return, and there is no
advantage arising from a delay at Tasso, we
conclude to go down the river and call at Ro
banna, where Somango is now engaged in con-
sultations with Sologo.
"We have become so far acquainted with the
country, as to satisfy ourselves that there is much
good land unoccupied by any people, and that
it has good water. The climate we believe will
be deemed as temperate as that of any part of the
coast between the Senegal and the equator. We
do not see why it may not be a healthy country,
as it has mountains and high ridges of land. The
Mano has high banks a few miles above its
182
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
mouth, though the Bagroo banks below this are
wholly covered with mangroves. The ridges of
land are open to the sea breeze. Brooks and
springs may be found in almost any direction.
Mills may be erected on the Mano.
"The natives believe in the existence of a
supreme God, who is great and good, but indif-
ferent to the concerns of men. It is their con-
cern to secure the favour and avert the displea-
sure of certain inferior malignant spirits, whom
they imagine to be continually attendant on their
persons, and to be the authors of all their evils.
They place great confidence in their gregrees or
amulets. They have sacred groves, trees, and
huts. They occasionally strew fruits about their
towns, or spread mats by the public paths, as
offerings to the invisible spirits. They some-
times make prayers on the graves of their fathers,
or under their sacred trees. Though they may
sometimes pay a kind of homage to the supreme
God, yet their ideas of him are very indistinct.
The true light has never shone upon them. One
who was present the other day at our social wor-
ship, afterwards said to a friend, "that he never
knew before that white men prayed."
"These three days Mr. B. has been quite
unwell. In the afternoon and evening he has a
high fever.
It appears to have been brought on
by too much fatigue on our excursions up the
Deong and Mano rivers, and by too great ex-
posure to the sun. He complains of severe pains
in the head, and general disquietude. He has
little sound sleep. He certainly needs medical
aid and better attention than we can give him on
board this little schooner. On his account I am
anxious to return directly to Sierra Leone. But
he thinks there is as fair a prospect of his reco-
very here as at the colony. He considers it very
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
183
important that I should see Sologo and Pa
Poosoo, and says a slight flush of the fever ought
not to prevent it.'"
""
i
:
"Friday, 1st May, 1818.
"Soon after sun-rise, we set out in our canoe
to go up the Baanga as far as Bandasuma, on a
visit to Pa Poosoo, the head man. Soon after
our arrival at Bandasuma, we had an interview
with Pa Poosoo, who expressed great satisfac-
tion with our designs. As some of his men
whom he wished to consult were out of town,
he sent for them, and waited for their return.
It rained very hard late in the afternoon, and
was cloudy until night. After sun-set, having
consulted with his principal men, Pa Poosoo made
known to us that he was ready to give us an an-
swer. We assembled at the king's house. A
wax candle was burning in the wall. The king's
brother said, (in reference to myself and Mr. B.,
who was unable to come with us,) " May God
bless you, and as you came in health to this
country, may you return in health to your own.
We are glad to hear what you say; we like it
well. The old people among us wish you had
come before. They are now afraid they will
die too soon. They want to see the time when
the people will come to this country to teach the
children to read and write, and to know the true
God. The king says I must tell you he likes
your object much; and if the other kings call
him to say what is in his heart, he shall say, give
the people land. We know you come with a
good mind, because Mr. K. brings you, and he
is a friend to our country. The old people will
die fools, but if these people come from America,
the children will turn and know more than their
fathers. But they were afraid the people would
184
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
not come, and it would never be as they said.
There was much good land where no people
lived." I inquired what part of the country
would be best for the people when they should
come to settle? They replied, when a man was
looking for a wife, he would not like to have
another to select for him. They asked in return,
what part of the country pleased us most? I
replied, that we wished to see more of it, before
we fixed on any part. They afterwards said, if
they were to choose the place, they would say,
bring the people to our town. Pa Poosoo is
nearly seventy years old, of a pleasant counte
nance, and good character. We staid over night.
More rain fell."
"Saturday, 2d May, 1818.
"We prepared to return early. Pa Poosoo
thanked us for our present, and gave us two
leopard skins in return. We took an affection-
ate leave of the kind old man. His town is
pleasantly situated on a point of land, formed
by the junction of the Banga and Bandasuma,
and contains eighty cottages. The ground is
very productive, though the scil does not appear
to be very rich. It has an abundant growth of
Trees, shrubs, and vines. The Banga has one
considerable branch making off to the left, as
we ascended. It has also many outlets, or deep
muddy creeks, one of which connects it with the
Bagroo, just below the mouth of the Mano.
"Since we left Sierra Leone, we have had
land offered us by T. Caulker, on the Camaranca;
by J. Tucker, on the Boom; by the king of
Cotton, on the Deong; by Fara, on the Ba-
groo, or the Yaltucker; and by Pa Poosoo, on
the Banga. The Bagroo presents one of the
best places for the commencement of a colony
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
185
:
in this part of Africa. It might soon extend to
the right of the Mano, towards the Perra moun-
tains; and then, if desired, it might have liberty
to spread back into the interior fifty or eighty
miles. The country is unoccupied, has good
water, is dry, and agreeably uneven.
"We reached our schooner at 10, A. M. and
made preparations to leave the river. We found
that some of our crew had been to the oyster
bank, and gathered two boat loads, which were
a sufficient quantity to supply ten or twelve men
a week.
"We daily see the smoke of several fires,
where the natives are clearing the ground for
rice. This has been a common and a pleasing
spectacle while we have been in the country."
66
“Banana Islands, Tuesday, 5th May, 1818
Early this morning we called at the Banana
islands, and restored to Mr. Caulker his mes-
sengers, who have attended us the whole circuit.
The young men have behaved well, while they
have been with us, and one of them has made
some progress in the first rules of arithmetic."
"Sierra Leone, Thursday, 7th May, 1818.
"We arrived to-day and took lodgings with
the Rev. Mr. Brown, a worthy Missionary of the
Wesleyan Methodist connexion."
"Sierra Leone, Saturday, 9th May, 1818,
"I called on Governor Macarthy. He re-
ceived me in a very friendly manner, and offered
us any assistance in his power. He expressed a
confidence in the benevolent views of the Ame-
rican Society.
"A Danish ship arrived to-day, having on
186
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
board a nobleman, who was a late Governor
of one of the Danish forts on the Gold coast.
He is now on his return from Denmark to his
station.
"We have spent some time with the Rev. Mr.
Aylander, a Missionary of the Church Mission-
ary Society, whose name is familiar in the United
States. He is an intelligent, meek, and devout
man. He mourns over the inefficacy of his la-
bours among the natives. Tears stood in his eyes
while he described the state of the people, and
spoke of the small fruits which he was allowed
to witness of the usefulness of his labours. All
the missionaries here are Christian men, and en-
titled to the confidence and prayers of good peo-
ple throughout the earth.
"Captain Appleton sailed to-day to enter
upon the duties of his office, as commandant of
St. Mary's, in the Gambia."
"Sierra Leone, Sabbath, 10th May, 1818.
"There is a great degree of regularity among
the people of this place. There does not seem
to be any labour on this day, and a large pro-
portion are regular attendants on the worship
of God. The untractable Kroo-men will in-
deed indulge in their wrestlings and other sports
on the beach, notwithstanding past attempts to
check them. I heard a sermon from the Rev.
Mr. Garnon, the colonial chaplain, and another
from the Rev. Mr. Brown. There are founda-
tions laid for three houses of worship in Free-
town. They will be constructed of stone, large
and durable. These edifices and churches, which
have been built and are building, prove the per-
manence of the colony and are a pledge of its
future prospect."
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
187
}
“Sierra Leone, Tuesday, 10th May, 1818.
"I called on the Danish Governor, and showed
him Count Schimmelman's letter to us. He
esteemed the objects of our embassy humane,
important, and adapted to promote the best
interests of the Africans. He did not conceive
that colonies of the American people of colour
would, in the least, interfere with any exist-
ing European establishment; on the contrary,
they might aid each other, and combine their
efforts to civilize and instruct the African na-
tions. Agriculture and commerce would na-
turally increase with the number of settlements,
which had these objects in view. He had been
on the coast five years, and considered the high
lands healthy. He had been invited by the
Bishop of Copenhagen to translate the Bible into
the language of Acra, and he expressed his
determination to execute the work, which he
had already begun!"
"Sierra Leone, Monday, 18th May, 1818.
"I have now visited most of the villages in
the colony. The population of the colony is
nearly twelve thousand. The schools are in a
flourishing state, accommodating nearly two
thousand children. Each village has a super-
intendant, who is a clergyman or schoolmaster.
Each village has a place of worship, where
prayers are made, morning and evening, in the
presence of the people. The sabbath is observed
through the colony.
"The Governor is justly esteemed as a father
and patron of the colony. He makes great exer-
tions for its improvement.
(C
Respecting an American colony, he has at
different times expressed the following opinions,
which I am the more disposed to write down,
188
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
as some of them deserve particular consideration:
That a private society can hardly be expected
to have adequate funds to found and support a
colony without the aid of the government: that,
in the first instance, white men of intelligence
and good character should cccupy some of the
principal offices: that the government should be
mild and energetic: that forts would be neces-
sary: that one hundred men, with arms, and
some knowledge of discipline, could defend
themselves from the natives that the occasional
visits of an armed vessel, engaged in detecting
slave-traders, would give entire security; that
the neutrality of a colony could easily be ensured
by an application to the European governments:
that the first colonists should be men of sober
and industrious habits, who will devote them-
selves to agriculture or to some of the useful
mechanic arts: that one year's provisions, or
the means of purchasing them, would be neces-
sary to the colonists; that, if expedient, the
limits of this colony might be enlarged to accom-
modate five or ten thousand emigrants from
America that it was particularly proper for the
American government to commission an armed
ship to this coast, to capture slave-trading ves-
sels, as two thirds of them are, or have been
American: that the free people of colour would
be better situated in Africa, than they are, or
can soon expect to be, in America.
I am every day more convinced of the prac-
ticability and expediency of establishing Ameri-
can colonies on this coast."
"Brig Success, Friday, 22d May 1818.
"We have taken an affectionate leave of the
clergymen, the civil officers, and the colonists of
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
189
Sierra Leone. We are embarked for the United
States, by way of England, and the continent of
Africa recedes from our view."
-
The preceding journal bears intrinsic evidence
of unwearied labour and sound judgment in the
execution of this important agency. The view
which the Colonization Society entertain of the
faithfulness of their agents, and the success of
their investigations, may be gathered from their
annual report, in 1819, in which they say, "The
recent mission to Africa leaves no further room
to doubt that a suitable territory on the coast of
that continent may be obtained for the contem-
plated colony, at a less expence than had been
anticipated." It is well ascertained, that a colony
planted on that coast, is an event earnestly de-
sired by the native tribes and chiefs; and there'
is every pledge of security against hostile opera-
tions. This valuable document likewise states
with confidence, that" continued assurances
have been received by the Board of Managers,
in the last year, of the readiness of many of the
free people of colour in the United States to
avail themselves of their contemplated asylum,
whenever a suitable territory for its erection shall
have been procured. These have proceeded from
the most enlightened of this class of persons,
comprehending individuals engaged in all the
occupations of civil life, dispersed throughout the
United States, and in sufficient number to form
the basis of a respectable colony. To these assu-
ranees have been added, the repeated declarations
of several proprietors of their readiness to eman-
cipate the whole, or a part of their slaves, when-
ever a suitable abode in Africa shall have been
190
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
provided for them, upon condition that they shall
repair to it."
The following communication from a Com-
mittee of the Colonization Society to Congress,
as it presents an outline of the object of the
Society, and a grateful testimonial in favour of
a man whose life was sacrificed to the interest of
Africa, the reader will peruse with interest.
"To the Hon. Henry Clay, Speaker of the House
of Representatives.
"SIR,-In obedience to instructions from the
American Society for Colonizing the Free peo-
ple of Colour of the United States, we beg leave.
to lay before Congress some account of the mea-
sures pursued by the Society for accomplishing
the great objects of its institution; and the result
of their inquiries and researches, after such facts
and information as might most clearly demon-
strate, how fa any scheme of colonization, de-
pendent for its success upon the interior state of
Africa, and upon the actual condition and dispo-
sition of her native tribes, might be practicable,
and also enable the founders of the intended
colony to make the most prudent and judicious
selection of a situation for it. In order to obtain
the most recent and accurate information, from
sources of the most unquestionable authority, the
Society sent out, at great expence, two agents,
Mr. Mills and Mr. Burgess; who have proved
themselves eminently qualified for the undertak-
ing. The agents first visited England, with a
view to acquire such preparatory instruction in
the most efficacious mode of pursuing the objects
of their mission, as the great mass of rare, valu-
able, and authentic information collected in that
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
191
country, from various sources, might afford them.
They proceeded from England to the west coast
of Africa, where they prosecuted their researches
with such zeal, industry, and intelligence, as to
have contributed essentially to the illustration of
many important and interesting facts, connected
with the geography, climate, soil, and products,
of that part of the continent; and with the ha-
bits, manners, social institutions, and domestic
economy of its inhabitants. From the informa-
tion thus obtained, the present period would seem
to be designated, by a combination of favoura-
ble circumstances, as the fortunate crisis for re-
ducing to the test of practical experiment, these
views and objects of the Society, which have
already met so encouraging a notice from Con-
gress; and upon the comprehensive utility and
beneficence of which (abstracted from any doubts
of their being susceptible of practical execution)
no question seems to be entertained in any
quarter.
"The present facilities for acquiring the re-
quisite territory from the native tribes, in situa-
tions combining every advantage of salubrious
and temperate climate, with fertile soil; the pa-
cific and humanized temper of mind prevailing
among these tribes; their existing prepossessions
in favour of the expected colonists from America;
the actual settlement in that part of Africa, of
some prosperous, intelligent, and well disposed
emigrants from among the free people of colour
in this country; and the state of general peace,
so favourable to enterprises of benevolence and
utility, wholly unconnected with any political
schemes of territorial or commercial aggrandize-
ment; altogether form a conjuncture, which
must prove decisive of the success of an imme-
diate experiment. But upon any permanent con-
192
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
tinuance of so favourable a state of things, no
human wisdom or foresight can calculate, with
any reasonable certainty, if the present opportu-
nity be not adequately improved.
or
It is now reduced to the single question, whe
ther the undertaking shall be adopted and patro-
nized by the Government, so as to become essen-
tially national in its means and its objects;
whether its ultimate success is to depend upon
the responsibility and exertions of individuals,
whose zeal and perseverance, unsubdued and
unabated by difficulty, by delay or disappoint-
ment, may be surely counted on; but whose
unprotected exertions, and unaided resources,
whether of power or of capital, must necessarily
be contingent and precarious, if not in their
ultimate effect, at least in the acceleration of the
results.
"It is now conceived to be apparent, that,
with the adequate aids and sanction from the
Government, the present generation cannot pass
away without permanent, practical, and impor-
tant benefits from the experiment benefits
which will be felt equally in our social and do
mestic relations, as in the advancement of the
great objects of political and international mora-
lity, connected with the suppression of the slave-
trade: and this nation has ever stood foremost
in the most decided and vigorous efforts to abo-
lish that opprobrious traffic.
"From the journals kept by the agents of
their proceedings and personal observations;
with an abstract of collateral information of
unquestionable authenticity, and great interest,
collected by them from sources not frequently
accessible to the general reader or inquirer; the
Society has beeome possessed of many rare and
valuable materials, not only for forming a more
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
193
accurate judgment of the utility of the scheme
of colonization, but also for demonstrating how
flagrantly and notoriously, and with what impu-
nity, the prohibitory laws of the United States,
and of other nations, in regard to the slave
trade, are violated, by their respective citizens
and subjects. Some important hints also may
be derived from these documents, for making
the penal sanctions of those laws more effectual:
and there is good reason to conclude, that the
establishment of such a colony as has been pro-
jected by our Society, may prove an important
and efficient adjunct to the other preventive
checks provided by law.
"The body of accurate and valuable infor-
mation, thus collected, will be found among the
documents; which we now beg, Sir, through
your kind mediation, to present to Congress.
"We have the honour to be,
"With great respect,
"Your obedient servants,
"E. B. CALDWELL,
"WALTER JONES,
"F. S. KEY,
Washington, Jan. 23d, 1818.
Committee.
Who can doubt, that the true interests of the
United States, and especially of the slave-hold-
ing community, are most intimately connected
with this exalted charity? If there was no
other motive than pity for the free people of
colour; a people who enjoy neither the immuni-
ties of freemen, nor suffer the incapacities of
slaves: even this would be enough to induce us
to say, God speed the noble cause! But when
we venture to anticipate the intellectual, civil,
and moral elevation of the whole African race;
when we think of the long arrears due to that
1
194
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
ill-fated country from the American people;
when we enquire for some security against the
continuance of the most accursed of all traffics
-a traffic in human blood; when from the lofty
summit of our privileges, we survey the desola-
tions of Africa, and then the prospects of the
age, and the rising glories of our Immanuel's
kingdom: do there not exist the most constrain-
ing obligations to restore an outcast people-a
people "scattered and peeled, meted out and
trodden under foot," to the land of their fathers,
and in defiance of its darkness and misery, to
render that extensive quarter of the globe the
favoured seat of science, civilization, and chris-
tianity?
CHAPTER X.
1
HIS LAST ILLNESS AND DEATH.
WHILE in Africa, Mr. Mills was exclusively
devoted to the objects of his agency; diligent,
unwearied, watchful, persevering " in season and
out of season," almost to a fault. How obvious
to the eye even of a careless observer, that a
Divine superintendance not only raises up and
qualifies his agents for their work, and affords
them the opportunity of usefulness, and crowns
their efforts with success-but that the same in-
visible and omnipotent energy also limits the
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
195
sphere of their labour! It is the economy of a
wise Providence, if I may so speak, not to ac-
complish too much by the agency of any one
man.
"The Lord of Hosts hath purposed it,
to stain the pride of all glory."
Mr. Mills' work was well nigh done. He
often appeared much less fitted for earth than
heaven. Few men were apparently more ma-
tured for "the glory to be revealed," than he.
For several of the last weeks of his life, particu-
larly, he enjoyed peculiar manifestations of the
Divine glory and favour. Though away from
his native shores, burnt by the sun, and drenched
with the rains of an inhospitable clime, that
Father of Mercies, who is every where present,
"put gladness into his heart." After his return.
from Sherbro to Sierra Leone, and while in
waiting for a passage to England, it was his hap-
piness to be the guest of the Rev. Samuel Brown,
an English Missionary from the Methodist con-
nexion, a man of an excellent spirit, and who
"knew the heart of a stranger." Both Mr.
Brown and Mr. Burgess were led to take notice
of the spirituality of Mr. Mills during that pe-
riod, and even to make it the subject of private
remark. His frame of mind was unusually
devout. At their stated seasons for prayer,
these brethren expressed great delight when the
duty devolved on him to lead in their devotions,
and great satisfaction in his peculiar nearness to
God, and his sweet and delightful views of ano-
ther world. To adopt the sentiment of his col-
league,"Notwithstanding my own apprehen-
sions while in Africa, there was something in
Mills, while we were at Sierra Leone, which left
the impression on my mind, that he was ripe for
heaven, and would go before me.
Having finished his inquiries in Africa, and
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196
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
“ዒ
become convinced that he could do no more to
promote the objects of the American Society,
as there was no American ship in the vicinity, he
improved the only opportunity for leaving the
coast before the rainy season should set in with
violence, and took passage for London, in the
brig Success, on the 22d of May, 1818. It was
a delightful evening when he took his final leave
of Africa. The sun was just going down, and
the mountains of Sierra Leone appeared in great
majesty and beauty. As he stood on the quar-
ter-deck, taking a last glance at unhappy Ethio-
pia, his bosom began to heave with the thoughts
of home. "We may now," said he to his col-
league, "be thankful to God, and congratulate
each other that the labours and dangers of our
mission are past. The prospect is fair, that we
shall once more return to our dear native land,
and see the faces of our beloved parents and
friends." To all human appearance it was.
The ship was good, her accommodations were
pleasant-the sea air was cool, and the latitude
toward which they were sailing, both agreeable
and healthful-"But my thoughts are not as
your thoughts," saith Jehovah, "neither are my
ways as your ways." What is too vast in the
works of God for the limited understanding of
his people to comprehend, they learn to adore;
what is too minute for them to discern, they
leave to other beings who have clearer percep-
tions; what is too high for them to see, they look
at with admiration; and what is too deep for
them to fathom, they pass by without complaint.
The health of Mr. Mills, before he left the
United States, was slender, having a stricture on
the lungs, and a dangerous cough. In England
he complained much of the humidity of the
atmosphere, though on the Atlantic, and during
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
197
his residence in Africa, he enjoyed excellent
health. During the early part of the voyage,
after he left the coast, (and we have reason to
acknowledge it with grateful admiration,) he
was employed in transcribing his loose papers,
and embodying every thing that was of import-
ance to his agency.
He sat
On the evening of June the 5th, two weeks
after he sailed from Sierra Leone, he took a
heavy cold, became ill, and expressed some ap-
prehensions of a fever. The ordinary antidotes
were employed, with apparent success.
up daily, read his letters, manuscripts, and books,
and occasionally walked on deck. He confined
himself to a light, nutritive diet, and sometimes
took a little medicine according to his own pre-
scriptions. An irregular fever, however, lodged
about him, disturbing his rest, and sometimes
attended with severe pains in his head. It was
soon evident that he began to decline.
On Saturday, the 13th, he sat up a part of the
day, but was in considerable pain, and very rest-
less.
-
On Lord's Day, the 14th, he had little or no
fever, and was very composed and much re-
freshed. It was a day of high spiritual enjoy-
ment. He conversed freely on religious topics,
and could not rest satisfied without it. His col-
league would repeat devotional parts of the
Psalms, and to these he himself would add
others, with sensible emotion, and indeed ele-
vated rapture. Too sensibly to those around
him, this Sabbath was an earnest of an everlast-
ing. rest near at hand. In the afternoon and
evening he was in some pain, his thoughts were
confused, and a distressing hiccup came on,
which filled all his fellow passengers with
alarm.
On Monday, the 15th, he had a restless night:
198
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
!
the hiccup was painful, and almost incessant.
He had still considerable strength, sat up some-
times and even walked across the cabin.
On Tuesday morning the hiccup abated-he
slept, with short intervals of wakefulness-
and, though his strength was gradually de-
clining, he knew those who were around him,
and gave correct answers to all their inquiries.
About noon he spoke with some freedom, and his
sentiments were full of piety and trust in God.
Death had no terrors. He seemed to be looking
forward to the immediate presence and enjoy-
ment of God in heaven, and to be in constant
expectancy of that inheritance which is incor-
ruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away."
Between 2 and 3, P. M. his hiccupe eased. There
was no convulsion-no deep groan-He gently
closed his hands on his breast, as if to engage in
some act of devotion—and, while a celestial
smile settled upon his conntenance, and every
feature expressed the serenity and meekness of
his soul, he ceased to breathe.-" Mark the
righteous man, and behold the upright, for the
end of that man is peace."
Thus, in the thirty-fifth year of his age, did
this eminent man close his life of distinguished
piety and usefulness, and leave Africa and the
world to mourn! No monumental marble re-
cords his worth-no fragrant dews shall descend
upon his tomb.
His dust sleeps unseen amid the
pearls and coral of the ocean, and long shall his
name swell upon the breeze, and be echoed from
the wave. As the sun was going down, all on
board assembled with great seriousness-a circle
of mourners-when, with painful solemnity, and
tender supplications to the God of Heaven, his
body was deposited beneath the mighty waters,
there to rest till that Great Day, when the sea
shall give up her dead.
· -
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
199*
.
CHAPTER XI.
HIS GENERAL CHARACTER.
one
FROM the preceding pages, it will be seen
that the general character of Mr. Mills is
of no ordinary elevation. Its real dignity and
glory are not easily described. No tinsel glare,
no meretricious ornament confounded the purity
of its lustre; but always simple, always uniform,
it appeared in growing beauty; and, like the
rising light, shone more and more unto the
perfect day.
In nothing was he more distinguished from
other men, and from his brethren in the ministry,
than his DEEP AND UNIFORM PIETY.
Few pos-
sess more disinterested love to God and man
than he; or have given higher demonstrations of
its influence in forming the human character. He
was one of those rare instances of exalted piety,
which owe little to the caresses of others, and
which shone, not by the light of surrounding
orbs, but by the flame of heavenly love. There
was in his heart, and in his life, something more
easily explained by reference to the higher ex-
ercises of religion, and the influences of the
Spirit of God, than by any knowledge of human
nature, or observation of ordinary piety. There
was a constancy and uniformity of christian
affection, which, to an unusual degree, adorned
his character with the " beauty of holiness.”
None that knew him will question that he
possessed a MOST HEAVENLY MIND.
There ap
peared to be nothing in his heart, and certainly
there was nothing in his life, that evinced an
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MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
attachment to wealth, or honours, or enjoy-
ments of earth. That "love of gold," which
tarnishes the character of so many who profess
to have "their treasure in heaven," and which
does not leave untarnished the reputation of
many an ambassador of the cross, seemed to
have no access to his bosom. He lived as though
he was "a stranger and pilgrim" on the earth,
and had nothing to expect, except from above.
He was eminently A MAN OF PRAYER. He
appeared to take great delight in this exercise.
On common occasions he said but little: but he
conversed with God. In every recurrence of
doubt or difficulty, prayer was his resort and his
relief. His freedom in this exercise, was equalled
only by the fervency and disinterestedness of his
petitions. There were some observable pecu-
liarities in his devotions, and that not only in
those that were public, but those that were
merely social, and of a more private kind. He
seldom prayed much for himself: but the burden
of his desires seems to have been for others. I
weep with joy, when I read in one of his last
letters to his father, "Long may you live to
pray for Zion!" Some of his friends will recol-
lect, with much satisfaction, the prominent place
which the person, and mediation, and govern-
ment, and glory of the Redeemer were wont to
hold, in his addresses to the mercy-seat. In all
his devotions also he imbibed the habit of pre-
senting the object of his present desires, with
almost exclusive urgency. That which lay with
most weight upon his heart, and predominated in
his conversation, was the principal, and often the
only subject of his entreaties. In a recent com-
munication, the father of Mr. Mills remarks:
"One thing noticeable, with regard to my son,
is this that he wonderfully succeeded in every
រ
0
1
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
201
benevolent plan he devised and became engaged
in, so far as my knowledge extends, without
being frustrated in any instance. The thought
hath turned on my mind, whether this considera-
tion does not afford abundant evidence that he
was in the habit of committing all his concerns
to Providence, and seeking God's aid and
guidance in every measure he pursued." There
are plans of benevolence which bear no relation
to the closet, and which flow from no other
motives than those which might dwell in the
bosom of a virtuous heathen. Another day will
show how far they fall short of what God re-
quires and approves. What Mr. Mills proposed
seemed to be suggested and matured by prayer;
and flowed from the elevated and holy senti-
ments originating at the throne of grace, and
aiming at the glory of God. In the duty of
prayer Mr. Mills greatly abounded. Beside
many days of fasting and prayer, unknown to
others, unless by accident, he often invited a
small Society at Andover, of which he was the
founder, to set apart a day for that purpose. One
of his intimate friends, and a member of this
Society, remarks: "Often have I met him in the
fields, or in the woods, absorbed in meditation,
or lost and overcome in communion with God.
Sometimes when I have called on him in the
morning, with a view to some engagements
previously contemplated, something in the con-
versation would awaken in him an insurmount-
able desire to devote the day to fasting and
prayer."
One of the charms of Mr. Mills' character
was his UNFEIGNED HUMILITY. His modesty
and unobtrusiveness concealed his excellence
from vulgar observation. His most intimate
companions felt that the world knew him not.
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MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
He loved what he conceived to be a kindred
spirit; and would sometimes unbosom himself
in such a manner as to make his auditor blush
and be silent. Among the few occasions of
which he was ever known to advert to the won-
derful results which God had been pleased to
bring about through his instrumentality, was an
interview with Mr. Burgess, on the afternoon of
a sabbath, while on their voyage from England
to Africa. They were alone in the cabin; but
to be more secure from interruption, Mr. Mills
invited Mr. Burgess into his state-room. With
a mind evidently burthened, and wishing to un-
bosom itself, he said something of the nature of
their embassy to Africa, and of the propriety of
their possessing a more perfect knowledge of
each other's history, views, and hopes. In the
course of the conversation, he was led to speak
of the course of Divine Providence toward him,
and the operation of Divine grace upon his
heart. While remarking on the imperfect evi-
dences of his personal piety, and the usual low-
ness of his spiritual enjoyments, he wept. Sup-
posing his mind to be rather in a state of depres-
sion, Mr. Burgess alluded to his life and exertion
for the cause of the Redeemer, as affording to
his friends a better testimony of the power of
religion, than any which he himself could other- -
wise give. This brought into view what God
had done by his instrumentality, and the impor
tant part which he had been called to act, in
giving existence to some of the great systems
of benevolent exertion which bless our land, and
do honour to the christian name, Mr. Mills
replied, that from the time he began his educa-
tion, it had been his uniform desire, and the
extent of his ambition, to sit down in some ob-
scure corner of the earth, where he might adore
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
203
the sovereign grace of God, and instruct a few
who were perishing for lack of knowledge, in
the knowledge of the only Saviour. He conti-
nued to weep much, and said that this retirement
was still his desire and hope. His friend re-
marked, that Divine Providence had marked out
his path, and qualified him for his work; and if
his life should be protracted, he should be grate-
ful for the opportunity of still more extensive
services. Here Mr. Mills made some efforts to
give utterance to his feelings; but the deep self-
abasement, the tears of gratitude, the admiration
of God's goodness, with which he spake, were
such as never to be forgotten. To adopt his
friend's representation, "he appeared to be
broken in heart, to annihilate himself, and to be
unable ever again to look on the face of man.
Such was the impression of this interview upon
the mind of his companion, that though he
thought he had long been acquainted with the
excellence of his friend, he saw that he had
been a stranger to it till then; and though he
had had great evidence of his humility, he never
witnessed such lowliness in any individual be-
fore. What a lesson to the great mass of men,
to see such a man overwhelmed with abasing
views of his own vileness? It is truly affecting
to hear Samuel J. Mills say, "I many times fear
that I shall yet be dashed in pieces, as a vessel in
which the Master has no pleasure."
More than in most other examples, the real
dignity and glory of Mr. Mills' character con-
sisted in SIMPLE BENEvolence. He went about
doing good. His highest delight appeared to be
in doing the will of God. As it was in this that
he abounded, and was indefatigable, so it was in
this that he enjoyed the highest satisfaction. It
was to him the most pleasant thing in the world
204
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
to "be about his Father's business." He sought
not his own, but the things that are Jesus Christ's.
It is but justice to say, that our admiration of his
character is not divided between his benevolence,
and a multitude of other more splendid, but less
useful qualities. After all that affection can say
for his memory, his benevolence was that which
most distinguished him. In this one quality he
stands forward, and commands our admiration
and love. Wben contemplating the main pro-
jects of benevolence, in which this eminently
useful man was engaged, we are not to forget
that he was a preacher of the everlasting gospel,
-instant in season and out of season, to incul-
cate its doctrines, and enforce its obligations in
their purity and power. At one time, he was
pointing out to some Society an important mis-
sionary station; at another, he was procuring
some useful sermon, or tract to be printed and
circulated; at another, he was visiting some hos-
pital or prison, and there distributing the Bible,
or dispensing the word of life from his own lips.
Every place he visited, every person he saw,
furnished him the opportunity of doing or ob-
taining some good, which he knew how to im-
prove, and seldom failed of improving.
singleness of heart carried him forward, though
silently and unheeded by the votaries of fame,
yet with a sure and steady progress.
His
Nor was his benevolence often, if ever, de-
feated by rashness or imprudence. He possessed
no small degree of JUDGMENT AND DISCRIMI-
NATION. The wisdom of the serpent was
scarcely less conspicuous in him, than the inno-
cence of the dove. Eagerly as he was bent
upon the accomplishment of his work, perhaps
he has not been known to go forward at the
expense of practical wisdom. He seldom failed
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
205
to give proof of the superiority of his discretion,
in pointing out the means of operation, in en-
listing and combining extraneous agency, and in
selecting the agency best adapted to his purpose.
There was a wonderful adaptation to times, and
places, and men, in his topics of conversation.
He seemed to know, almost intuitively, on what
subjects any particular individual could give him
information, or could be profited by information
he had to give. When his object required the
co-operation of great men, he wrought upon.
them through the medium of their own thoughts
and impressions, rather than his, and gained the
conquest without betraying the power. He
carried his measures, rather by his prudence,
his perseverance, and by the various means he
brought to bear on any particular project, and
which he kept concealed from the public eye,
than by a show of commanding talent, or perso-
nal address. Indeed, he himself seemed uncon
scious of his influence, because the exertion of
it was always subordinate to noble ends.
It is hardly necessary to add, that with this
benevolence and practical wisdom, he was not
destitute of GREAT ENERGY OF MIND AND ACTION.
Whether in intellectual endowments he was supe-
rior to the great mass of mankind, some who
loved him may have been disposed to question.
But if a mind teeming with plans, and those the
most extended and judicious; if a life accom-
plishing a greater amount of good than has fallen
to the lot of most of the greatest, and the best to
accomplish, be evidence of greatness, Mr. Mills'
was great. Of no man may it with more truth
be said, that the resources of his mind were
known only to those who were intimate with
his heart; and were, perhaps, fully appreciated
by few, even of them. They were not deve-
206
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
loped upon set occasions, or by studied effort;
but brought out as the objects for which he lived
required them, and were never found unequal to
the emergencies of a career so extraordinary and
illustrious, and a life so full of labours and
events as his. The propriety of his appointment
to Africa was, in the first instance, questioned
by some who knew him only by a little personal
intercourse, and who did not know that under
the appearance of something like indifference
and inertness, was concealed an activity of mind,
a resource in the adoption of means, and an im-
mutability of purpose, which nothing could
divert or discourage. I have seen men who
could devise for a section of the church, and for
a kingdom; but I never saw a man who, from
the extent of his information, and the correct-
ness of his judgment, could devise so well, so
benevolently, for a world. And he knew not
only how to devise, but how to execute.
was not only the author of those plans which
marked the course of his own exertions, but
ever fruitful of the details requisite to their ac-
complishment, and as foremost to perceive and
obviate the objections which might be raised.
against them, as well in every enterprise, to set
an example of steady, laborious zeal. He was
not inspired by a bright and glowing genius; he
affected no mere accomplishments of manners or
of mind; he made no pretensions to high attain-
ments in science; he possessed no eloquence but
that of a benevolent heart, every where breath-
ing through an energetic mind, and consecrated
to the most sacred cause.
He
Another very observable trait in the character
of Mr. Mills, was HIS LIBERALITY OF SENTIMENT
TOWARD CHRISTIANS OF DIFFERENT DENOMINA-
TIONS. He was indeed very far from being an
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
207
advocate for that latitudinarian liberality and
modern catholicism, which make no distinction
between essential and unessential doctrines, and
which yield their confidence to every class of
errorists without discrimination. Few men un-
derstood and loved the important doctrines of
the gospel better than he, or were more willing
to bear their proportion of the contempt and
reproach attached to a firm adherence to the
truth.
But while he understood and loved the truth,
he manifested great candour and forbearance to-
ward those whose prejudices or whose ignorance
led them to the adoption of views in some re-
spects different from his own. He took great
pains to cultivate harmony among different sects
and denominations of christians, as well as dif-
ferent parties of the same denomination. He
had long been convinced that good men attach
too much importance to principles in which they
differ, and not enough to those in which they
agree. He used often to say, that he found
pious men in all denominations, and all parties;
and enjoyed high satisfaction in holding fellow-
ship with christians of every name.
The habits of his life were well adapted to the
cultivation of these generous and delightful sen-
timents. In his pity for heathen lands, he could
hardly have patience to be obstructed in his
progress by the minor points of difference which
agitated churches that had long enjoyed the
blessings of the great salvation. Whatever may
have been his views of their importance in some
departments of christian duty, he always lost
sight of them when they appeared to come in
competition with extended plans for the ad-
vancement of the Redeemer's Kingdom. Pres-
byterians and Congregationalists, Episcopalians,
208
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
Methodists, and Baptists, all gave him their
hearts as a christian, and have been known to
open their pulpits to him as a minister of the
gospel. He lived and died as though the salva-
tion of the heathen was an object important
enough to unite the thoughts and affections, the
prayers and labours of the great family of be-
lievers throughout the world; and to the everlasting
abjuration of all that party spirit, those narrow
prejudices, and those sleepless jealousies which
have so long disturbed the tranquillity of the
Church. When shall the spirit of mutual ani-
mosity and crimination be superseded and eradi-
cated by the irrepressible desire to glorify God,
and see him glorified in the conversion of the
world! O that the season of chilling alienation
had gone by-that "the winter were past and·
the rain were over and gone; that the time of
the singing of birds were come, and the voice
of the turtle were heard in our land !”—But I
forget my theme.
Such was Samuel J. Mills. But I must for-
bear saying more of one, who was ever reluctant
to speak or to hear of himself, and seek rather
to possess, than publish his virtues.
REV, SAMUEL J. MILLS.
209
CONCLUSION.
THE writer has thus discharged a duty, for
which he has felt no small degree of incompe-
tence, but in the performance of which he has
received no small degree of comfort and instruc-
tion. Who can survey the leading events of such
a life, and the prominent excellencies of such a
character, without being alternately humbled for
his own deficiences, and animated to more vi-
gorous exertion? A career so illustrious, may
well excite every reflecting man to "forget the
things that are behind, and press forward to those
that are before."
If there is one sentiment which a view of this
devoted man's exertions is calculated to impress
more deeply than another, it is the practicability
of accomplishing a great amount of good in one
short life. In adverting to the preceding pages,
we involuntarily give way to the exclamation,
What cannot one man accomplish! Without re-
sources, without vigorous health, without fame,
and with only a heart devoted to God, how
much may be effected in one short life!-When
we hear an obscure licentiate of the gospel mi-
nistry, with modest intrepidity, addressing one
of his brethren in language like this, "Though
you and I are very little beings, we must not rest
satisfied until our influence is felt to the remotest
corner of this ruined world ;" we may well blush,
and be ashamed that we know no more how-to
make the most of human life.
210
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
Men are not apt enough to lay out their plans
for extended action. In this respect, how much
wiser are the men of the world, in their genera-
tion, than the children of light? How magnifi-
cent the plans, how unwearied the watchfulness,
how persevering the efforts after worldly aggran-
dizement? How ardent the hopes, how in-
spirited, how confident the expectation of men
in the eager pursuit of the meat that perisheth,
and the crown that fadeth away? Ah, what a
weight of reproach falls upon the head of that
Christian who can quietly see the interests of his
Master's kingdom languish for the want of deter-
mined exertion? "EXPECT GREAT THINGS-
ATTEMPT GREAT THINGS"-should be the sacred
and unalterable motto of men in every depart-
ment of active labour, who have consecrated
themselves to Jesus Christ. If a pagan could
adopt the maxim, "Nothing is too difficult to
be accomplished by mortals," with what confi-
dence may a Christian say, "I can do all things
through Christ strengthening me?"-If he pursues
an object replete with responsibility; he also has
encouragement peculiar to himself, and resources
which the world knows not of. He may have a
deep impression of his own weakness and in-
sufficiency; but why should he not have strong
confidence in the sufficiency of promised grace?
Why should he not let go his own weakness, and
take hold of divine strength? Why should he
not be "strong in the Lord, and in the power of
his might?" Nay, why may he not "glory in
his infirmity, that the power of Christ may rest
on him?”
Under the influence of the example which
this volume presents, who is there that will not
be awake to the demands of duty, and begin to
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
211
enjoy the exalted satisfaction of consecrating his
undivided heart and life to a cause greater than
his own, and that with pious zeal and intense
application? What are a few years of labour
and fatigue, a few scenes of suffering and sor-
row-what is one short life of self-denying,
humble, prayerful, patient exertion, for an object
so immeasurably important as the glory of God
in the salvation of men? Should one solitary
Christian, at the close of these pages, institute
the solemn inquiry, How shall I make the most
of human life? they will not have been written
in vain.
In making up his judgment on so moment-
ous an inquiry, no man, at the present age
of the world, can satisfy his conscience
without taking into the account the grand ob-
jects to which the subject of this narrative was
so successfully devoted. There is a mighty
work yet to be accomplished for the redemption
of fallen men. Though a few sections of the
globe have been delivered from their galling ma-
nacles, whole kingdoms are to the present hour
in the "bonds of iniquity." "Darkness covereth
the earth, and gross darkness the people." Ac-
cording to the most judicious calculations, the
population of the earth may be computed at
eight hundred millions. Of these there are
In Asia
Africa
Europe
America
500,000,000
90,000,000
180,000,000
30,000,000
1.
!
Total ........ 800,000,000
212
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
The portion of these who bear the Christian
name, has been judged to be,
In Asia
Africa
2,000,000
3,000,000
..... 177,000,000
America
18,000,000
Europe
In all ......... 200,000,000
leaving six hundred millions who are destitute of
the gospel. Let any man whom
whom "the day
spring from on high hath visited," survey these
regions of darkness and death without emotion,
if he can. Eighteen hundred years have passed
away since the blood of propitiation was shed
for the sins of the world, and three-fourths of the
world are at the present hour ignorant of the stu-
pendous sacrifice. The single empire of China
contains more immortal beings, than there are
expectants of a happy immortality on the face of
the whole earth.
Who is not covered with confusion, who is not.
filled with horror, when he contemplates the
value of one deathless soul, and ventures to un-
cover those dark regions, where the "god of this
world," whose despotism is so relentless, holds
so large a portion of the human family in abject
and hopeless bondage? Is it so, that there are
now on the earth six hundred millions of men,
who are "children of disobedience and wrath"
-six hundred millions who are "crowding the
habitations of cruelty."-six hundred millions, with
no assurance of an hereafter-without a God-
without a Providence-without a Saviour-" with-
out holiness," and "without hope," groping their
way through this world, and unmoved only when
REV. SAMUEL J. MILLS.
213
they can banish all apprehension of the next?O that
my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of
tears! One would think there were enough in the
contemplation of pagan pollution and wretched-
ness,to prove an effectual excitement to missionary
exertion. Where is that zeal for the honour of
God, that abhorrence of human impiety, that
compassion for the souls of men, which are at
all commensurate with the mighty considerations
that ought to call them into action? If it is not
an idle dream, that all who die in their sins must
sink into an eternal hell, why is not the heart of
Christendom penetrated with grief and sorrow
for pagan lands? Why is there no more love
for the poor heathen? Will the churches never
awake from this guilty slumber, and commence
the work of publishing the gospel to every crea-
ture.
If the world we inhabit is not under the ob-
scure dominion of chance, but the direction of a
wise and holy Governor, a new era is one day
to open upon the earth. Moralists have taught,
and poets have sung, that this iron age is to pass
away, and notwithstanding this dreadful perspec-
tive, that the golden age of light and love is yet
to stretch its splendours from pole to pole. From
infinitely higher authority too we know, that the
Mediatorial Prince is on the throne, and that
"He shall have dominion from sea to sea, and
from the river to the ends of the earth. The
heathen are his inheritance, and the uttermost
parts of the earth are for his possession. All the
ends of the earth shall remember and turn unto the
Lord." Nor is it difficult to see that these pre-
dictions are in a train of accomplishment. Long
as the event has been delayed, long as the prince
of darkness has reigned almost without moles-
tation; the kingdom of Christ even now begins
214
MEMOIRS OF THE LATE
to extend its authority, and the glories of that
kingdom to look toward their consummation.
Within these last eight-and-twenty years, God
has been bringing into view, more distinctly than
ever, his own omnipotent hand, in governing the
world for the sake of the church. The earth is
helping the woman; kings begin to be foster-
fathers, and queens foster-mothers, to the daughter
of Zion; and good men and bad are combining
their energies for the sacred cause of God's dear
Son.
Who then will not come up to the help of the
Lord against the mighty? Is it not high time
that every man, who ventures to look toward the
sacred ministry, should seriously ponder, whe-
ther it may not possibly be his duty to live and
die among the heathen? Go, devoted youth—
take your Saviour's last command, and spread
it before you; and before you decide on your
destination for the present world, set apart one
day of fasting and prayer, with a view to ascer-
tain your duty to God and your fellow-men, in
this vast concern? Is it not high time for every
sober christian to consider himself as an agent
for the kingdom of Christ among the heathen,
and under the highest obligation to consecrate
himself in a thousand ways to this all-important
service? Go, consecrated disciple-employ to
the utmost, and on every occasion, every degree
of influence you possess, and all the means in
your power, to diffuse the missionary spirit, and
plant Immanuel's standard on every land. Is it
not high time for every rational man to say, I
lay it down as a maxim of my life, and will here-
after regard it as one of the principles of my
conduct, that the world is to be converted to
Christ?
FINIS.
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