*… … º.º.º. º.º.
JOURNAL
OF
DANuºu, gosº,
A DESCENDANT OF AFRICA,
FROM THE TIME OF LEAVING NEW YORK,
IN THE
Ship Wizabeth, Cawt. Sebor,
VOYAGE FOR SHERBRO, IN AFRICA,
IN
COMPANY WITH THREE AGENTS,
AND
ABOUT NINETY PERSONS OF COLOUR.
John B. BANKson,
Samuel S. C.Rozen.
The Rev. SAMUEL BAcon,
Agents.
-
WITH AN APPENDIX.
- BALTIMORE:
PUBLISHED BY EDWARD J. COALE,
in aid of the funds of the Maryland Auxiliary Colonization society.
1820.
John D. Tox, PRINTER.
A
--- -
.
º º º
-
-
-
º - º * ,
- º
-
DISTRICT OF MARYLAND, to wit:
IT REMEMBEREP, That on the sixteenth day of June, in the forty-
fourth year of the Independence of the United States of America,
Edward J. Coale, 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:
*Journal of Daniel Coker; a descendant of Africa, from the time of leaving
New-York, in the ship Elizabeth, º Sebor, on a voyage for Sherbro, in Africa,
in company with three agents, and about ninety persons of colour. The Rev. Sam-
uel Bacon, John B. Bankson, and Samuel S. Crozer, agents. With an Appendix.
********
3. SEAL. :
*******
In conformity with an act of the Congress of the United States, entitled, “An act
for the encouragement of º by securing the copies of maps, charts and books,
to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned;
and also to an act, entitled, “An act supplementary to an act, entitled, “An act º
the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts and books,
to the authors and proprietors 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.”
PHILIP MOORE,
clerk of the District of Maryland.



INTRODUCTIONo
THE design of this Introduction, is to commu-
nicate to the reader such information as may ex-
plain the object of the voyage of the ship Eliza-
beth to the coast of Africa, with about ninety
coloured people on board, and to give some facts,
the previous occurrence of which induced the
charter of the vessel.
It is well known, that a few years since, a so-
ciety was organized at the city of Washington,
by the name of “The American Society, for co-
lonizing the free people of colour of the United
States.” This association was commenced by
some of the most distinguished men of our coun-
try; whether we regard their personal respecta-
bility, great talents, official importance, or exem.

iy
plary piety. The society, besides endeavouring
to obtain the best information from Africa, (for
which purpose they sent respectable missionaries
to that country) have likewise been actively en-
gaged in putting an end to the iniquitous trade
of slaves. This appears to have been a primary
object; primary, because, while this trade is tole-
rated, an infinite number of Africans continue to
be dragged hither, and the civilization of the
tribes to be thus retarded by their unnatural hos-
tility and cupidity; and because even the colon-
ists themselves might not be safe from nefarious
depredations on their liberty. No man can take
an extensive prospective view of the probable
result of the labours of this body, without feeling
a pious desire that all their efforts may finally
prosper. Thus far they have been greatly en-
couraged by their success. The congress of the
United States have already enacted several laws,
tending to put down the horrible traffic which
dooms so many unfortunates to a wretched sla.
very in America. Our president appears to have
taken a lively interest in the subject.—He early
commissioned the Cyane, commanded by captain
Trenchard, to cruise on the African coast, and
capture all American vessels he might find engag:
ed in this infamous trade, and to restore such as
might be found on board, to their native country.
To effect this humane object, required that pro-


w
vision should be made for the reception, support,
and comfort of these unfortunate creatures, when
they should be redeemed from slavery, and land-
ed on their native soil. The president, to make
this provision, chartered the ship Elizabeth, and
authorised the embarkation of a number of colour-
ed people of unexceptionable character, who had
sometime before contemplated emigrating to Af.
rica. These people were placed under the di-
rection of a respectable agent of our govern-
ment, appointed to reside in Africa, for the pur-
pose of receiving such Africans as might be re-
captured, and to use the labour of the passengers
of the Elizabeth in clearing and cultivating the
land, and building small houses for the accom-
modation of the re-captured Africans. The Bri-
tish government had made a similar provision
for this purpose, in their colony of Sierra Leone;
and in this colony, very many hundreds of per-
sons who had been devoted to perpetual slavery,
have arrived, and enjoy, at this moment, the
blessings of civilization, and are taught the doc.
trines of the christian religion.
As most of those who embarked in the Eliza-
beth, had long contemplated a settlement in Af.
rica, as soon as a favourable opportunity should
occur, it is probable they will remain there, be-
come the founders of the first colony, and pre-
pare the way for those who may follow them.—

vi
The president of the United States must feel
great satisfaction in the efforts he has made, to
put down the slave trade, as the Cyane, the first
vessel, he despatched on this humane enterprize,
has captured already four slave traders, several,
if not all, of which, had been fitted out in this
republic, by our own citizens, who have thus
been regardless of the laws of God and the coun-
try. Our president, thus encouraged, and it is
presumed, with a knowledge of the very exten-
sive operations of many engaged in this traffic,”
has since despatched the Hornet on the same ser-
vice as the Cyane, and we hope to hear of more
government vessels being employed.
Among the passengers on board the Elizabeth,
only two were from the city of Baltimore; DAN-
IEL CokeR and NATHANIEL Peck, men who
may hereafter be distinguished as among the
first to introduce wholesome laws and a good
government; civilization and the benign influence
of christianity, on the soil of their forefathers.
DANIEL CokeR, before he left this city, was
the minister, regularly ordained, of a large and
respectable congregation of coloured people, by
whom he was sincerely respected; and on leav-
ing them, he bore with him their ardent affec-
tion and their prayers, that God would prosper
* It is understood that there are about three hundred
vessels now employed in this abominable traffic.

VII.
him in the land to which he is, probably, to pass
the remainder of his days. After reading his
interesting Journal, we do not feel inclined to
doubt his piety, his good judgment, and the hu-
mility manifested by his conduct. He, on all
occasions, looks up to the high head of the
church, on whom alone, he seems to place all
his dependence. He appears, moreover, to be a
man of prudence and discretion; qualifications
admirably fitting him for the office in which his
heart and soul seem to be engaged. NATHANIEL
Peck is a worthy man, of whom the writer can.
not speak too favourably. An account of him
will be found in the Appendix.-He is a pious
and respectable man, who, for a time, has aban-
doned his aged mother and family to embark in
the great cause. Already Mr. Peck is the pre-
sident of a Sunday School Institution, perhaps
the first established on the coast of Africa. Al-
ready he is engaged in teaching the youth of that
savage land, the blessings of the christian reli-
gion, and the comforts of civilized life. It may
be proper to add, that this Journal and the ac-
companying documents, are all from the pens of
coloured men of high character; of men who have
near and tender ties in this country. They are
anxious their families should follow them. They
would not desire this, if they were not satisfied
that the prospect is good in the land which they

viii.
have made their home. All this is encouraging
to the efforts of the Colonization Society, and
the humane co-operation of the government of
our country.
N. B.-Those who may be inclined to send
presents to Mr. Coker, or Mr. Peck, will please
deposit them with either of the following per-
sons, designating such articles as may be intend-
ed for either of these individuals, and such as
may be intended for the comfort, or benefit of the
emigrants generally.
PHILIP E. Thomas, No. 196 Market st.
E. J. CoALE, No. 4, North Calvert st.
John Hewes, No. 47, Light street.

JOURNAL, &ga
-
-
JVew York, Friday, Feb. 4, 1820.
THIS day, great exertions were made to get
our ship, the Elizabeth, (commanded by captain
Sebor) out, by cutting away the ice. Our hopes
are sanguine of getting to sea, we are very much
comforted under the expectation. This evening
Mr. Bacon, read Duet. c. 11, and made some ve-
ry appropriate and feeling remarks on the same;
and I believe that his words were felt by most
present. I am fully satisfied with the qualifica-
tions of the agents, and one qualification I esti-
mate very highly, that is their piety. My dear
family rests with great weight on my mind. Not
that I distrust the providence of God. In con-
versation our head agent observed that I should
have to preach occasionally on board. I felt like
sinking under the cross, and was brought to lift
up my heart to God for aid. The cross felt great-
er than common.
New York, Saturday, Feb. 5.
This day, after much labour, we got the ship
out of the North river, to the White Hall. I
thought that sometimes Mr. Bacon forgot that he
º
-

10
was mortal; I had to go on deck and beg him to
go below. We are only waiting for wind, and
then away. One of our coloured friends from
Philadelphia (Joshua Moses) had to decline go-
ing, and returned, on account of the indisposition
of his family. He did it with seeming reluc-
tance. We this day lost one of the children, two
years old; much attention was paid, by the agents
and physicians. But medical aid failed, and
the child died. A few are sick with the mea-
sels, but in good spirits. The child above al-
luded to is to be interred to morrow in the Afri-
can Zion Church vault, the trustees are so good
as to inter it free of expense.
There is a young (white) man from Philadel-
phia who came with the coloured friends, as their
guardian, but he is to return; I feel him to be
very near me: I hope to see him in the colony.
His name is Christian Willburger. This even-
ing Mr. Bankson, one of the agents, read for the
evening lesson, Psa. 49. After which I offered
up our expedition to God in prayer.
Wew-York, Feb 6, Sunday.
This day, half-after one, we left New York,
and put to sea. We left standing on the wharves,
I believe some thousands of people, both white
and coloured. I wrote from the Hook (or Light
House, to the Rev. Wm. Millar, who was ap-
pointed one of a coloured committee in New
York, requesting him to correspond with me, and
to P. E. Thomas of Baltimore. When we got
against the Light House, it became a calm and
we lost the Cyane, United States ship of war,
under whose convoy we were to sail.
-

14.
At Sea, Feb. 7, Tuesday.
We have nearly all the day been be-calmed,
and continue to be sea-sick; but somewhat bet-
ter. In the afternoon I went down into the
cabin. Mr. Bacon read much in the book of
Psalms.
At Sea, Feb. 9, Wednesday.
This day is stormy and wet; a number are
sea-sick. I am so well as to write a little. The
vessel can’t lay her course.
“God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform,
He plants his footsteps in the sea;
And rides upon the storm.”
At Sea, Feb. 10, Thursday.
We are in the gulph stream, and make I be-
lieve slow head-way. In the evening the sea is
rough. I came to the cabin door and looked out,
never did my eyes behold such a sight. The sea
appeared to run mountains high; should I at-
tempt to describe the scene, language the most
descriptive, that I could use, would fail.
Feb. 14, Friday.
This is a day to try men’s faith. We are still
in the gulph, and it blows a heavy gale. While
I was standing at the cabin door with one of
the agents, and the ship’s masts appeared, as it
were, to mount to the very clouds, he observed
“that it would be well if we did not go to the
bottom yet.” It continues to increase. At mid-
night the captain could do nothing with the ship
but to lash her helm down, and went to bed; we
are left to the mercy of God, the waves from that
till morning I have not language to describe. I
found it to be a time of fervent prayer for the ex-
pedition and conversion of the heathem.

12
ºf Sea, Feb 12, Saturday.
This morning, I awoke, and found that the
wind had greatly abated; the vessel had got un-
der sail. Mr. Bacon called unto me, as I slept
in the next birth) to know how my faith was, I
told him it was not moved. He interrogated each
of the agents to the same purpose, Mr. Bankson,
spoke in language that shewed strong faith in the
arrival of the vessel in Africa, Indeed, we all
seemed to believe that so many were praying for
us, that we should arrive in Africa. We had
not been long under sail, before we espied a
wreck, and the captain gave orders to steer for it.
We found it to be the ship Elizabeth, of Boston,
the chief mate and two of the sailors got into the
long-boat, and ventured to go to the windows to
see if any of the crew were on board; but found
none. No doubt but they are all drowned. 0
God! why where we spared? Surely because this
expedition is the care of God, as it is the object
of sincere prayer of thousands in America. My
soul travails that we may be faithful. And should
God spare us to arrive in Africa that we may be
useful.
Jit Sea, Feb. 13, Sunday.
This morning, the agent appointed me to
preach, I spoke from Prov. xiv. 32. “The wicked
is driven away in his wickedness, but the righte-
ous has hope in his death.” I found liberty. Old
brother F. Hall, (a native of Africa,) closed with
prayer. At night, Mr. Bacon, read much from
the accounts of the missionaries. Our souls were
refreshed much thereby; and we felt encouraged
in our work, in the conversion of the heathem.
43
At Sea, Feb. 14, Monday.
Mr. Bacon, and I, talked close on the organi-
zation of a church, and agreed well. He is a
clergyman of the English church; he is a man
of a liberal mind, and a man of learning. I
think the glory of God is his object. I had the
pleasure of looking over the agent’s papers (or
documents) which gave me much satisfaction.
- At Sea, Feb. 15, Tuesday.
This morning, the weather is fine; I have be-
gan to read the Rise of Idolatry, by Robert Mil-
lar, A. M. and find it contains much information.
I find my ignorance to be very great—but may
Improve.
ſt Sea, Feb. 16, Wednesday.
This day, we have pleasant sailing and fair
wind, the minds of our agents are turned towards
the governor of Sherbro, in what manner to
bring the expedition before him, they have, how-
ever, concluded to lay the objects of the colo-
nizing society, and the United States fully be.
fore him, in all its bearings, and leave the event
to that God whose work we believe this is. Ho-
nesty is the best policy, and truth will cut its
own way. The agents have given the expedi-
tion as much of a missionary character as they
in truth could do.
ſit Sea, Feb. 47, Thursday.
We continue to have a fair wind. I rose ear-
ly this morning, went on deck, observed to the
man at the helm, that we still were blessed with
a fair wind, he said it could not be otherwise
when so many were praying for us. Whether
he was serious in this remark or not, I believe


14
in its truth. The tremendous gale was made a
blessing to my soul; it was a time of examina-
tion. On yesterday we saw a sail a-head, we
thought it might be bound to some port in the
United States. I wrote a letter to my dear wife.
But at night the vessel disappeared and we saw
her no more. We have not yet heard of or saw
the Cyane, the captain thinks it likely that she
has taken another course. The agents have
now under consideration the propriety of º
some regulations for the government of the colo-
mists, while on board, as some little disturbance
took place last night. The head agent is mild,
but there must be energy to preserve good order,
for all I find are not under the influence of grace.
At Sea, Feb. 19, Saturday.
We have been two days busily engaged in
laying out the plan of a city and organizing our
societies. Love prevails. While writing these
lines I sit at the cabin window: Our ship Eliza-
beth lashes the foaming brine, and while I look
back on the closing track, the words of the pro-
phet occur: Isa. ch. 18.-Oh! my soul, what is
God about to do for Africa? Surely something
great. Mr. Samuel Bacon, and I sat up last
night till a late hour poring over our plan of a
town. I feel him to be very near my heart, may
God spare his life for the good of Africa. I am
much pleased with the agents.
At Sea, Feb. 20, Sunday.
We had worship this day, it was a pleasant
time to me. The sermon was from Duet. viii.
19, I think that good impressions were made.
“Prisons would palaces prove,
Ef Jesus would dwell with me there.”
15
At Sea, Feb. 21, JMonday.
Last night there was some severe wind that
did some damage to the rigging, but our good
God brought us through the night. The winds
and the waves still obey his voice. This day
the sea ran as it were mountains high; but we
are enabled to sing,
“God of the seas, thy thundering voice
Makes all the roaring waves rejoice;
And one soft word of thy command,
Can sink them silent in the sand!
If but a Moses waive the rod,
The sea divides and owns its God;
The stormy floods their Maker know
And led his chosen armies through.”
- - D.R. WATT's.
ſit Sea, Feb. 24, Thursday.
This day it is fine and pleasant weather. We
are at last in what is called the trade winds, lat-
itude 25, north. Our minds and conversation
much taken up with our expected arrival at the
colony, and the reception that we shall meet
with. Think some difficulty is anticipated at
Sherbro, by our agents; still our confidence is
unshaken, for the hearts of all men are in God’s
hands, 0: that he may direct us in all our
movements! May we be able at all times, and
in every place, to say
“Only thou our leader be,
And we still will follow thee!” -
WESLEx-
All seem tolerably well on board; I have a vio-
lent pain in my head. To-morrow is set apart
as a day of fasting and prayer, and humiliation;
we believe that there are dangers and trials a-
head. May He that was with Moses in the


16
wilderness, be with us; then all will be well.—
This is a great undertaking, and I feel its impor-
tance more and more, daily. I have been read-
ing Dr. Linn on the unhealthiness of the climate
of Africa; I feel it necessary to be in a constant
state of readiness for death; we shall, no doubt,
arrive in a very unfavorable time, the rainy
SeaSO1–
“Dangers stand thick through all the ground,
To push us to the tomb-
And fierce diseases wait around
To hurry mortals home.”
About four o’clock this evening, a circum-
stance happened that gave us more uneasiness
than any thing had done since leaving America.
A coloured man, by the name of P. Small, from
Philadelphia, (a native of Africa,) had a dog on
board; a fight took place between this dog and
one that belonged to the ship; this man and the
captain of the ship engaged each other: things
soon wore an alarming aspect; I feared for a
few moments that there would have been several
deaths—but Mr. Bacon interposed, and, with
much difficulty, parted them; the captain called
for his pistols; however, their being brought was
prevented; the captain soon got over his pas-
sion; the coloured people were all got below.—
After things had a little subsided, Mr. Bacon
came to me as I was sitting by the cabin door,
bathed in tears, said to me, “brother Coker, this
is an awful judgment upon us; come, let us go
below and have religious worship.” We did
so, with the emigrants. He said much, to the
purpose; after he was done, I spoke to them in
his absence, for about a half hour; I felt that it
was not labour lost—it was a weeping time.

17
At Sea, Feb. 25, Friday.
This morning I was informed, that Peter
Small wished to speak to me. I took the first
opportunity to speak to him. I laboured to shew
him the harm he had done, and the situation he
had placed us in. He gave in to my arguments,
and said he would confess to the captain his
fault, and ask his pardon. I spoke to the cap-
tain to know if there could be an interview. Find-
ing that there could, I went with Small to the
captain, and the thing was made up. The agent
observed, that it was a happy thing for the ex-
pedition that I had come on; that I served as a
kind of middle link between the white and co-
lored, and that if they had not confidence in them,
(the agents,) yet they had in me; and as I was
in the cabin with the agents, I was in all their
councils, &c. -
Oh God! help me to be true to my trust, and
to act for the good of my African brethren in all
things. -
I feel a great responsibility to rest upon me;
may nothing move me from the right way. I
am more and more pleased with the agents; Mr.
Bacon only wanting a sable skin to make him an
African. Never could there have been a better
choice, in my opinion, as a leader: I believe he
loves America, Africa, and his God. This day
was a fast day; it was a good day at public wor-
ship; it was a melting time among us. Oh m
soul! praise thou the Lord. Surely, the Lord
will bless the colonizing society’s exertion. We
are in latitude 22° 2', longitude 29° 54. Oh, how
happy is my soul while I write these lines.—
Brother Nathan Peck is like a son to me. I love
him.
3.
18
ſit Sea, Feb. 26, Saturday.
Nothing of importance occurred this day.
- At Sea, Feb. 27, Sabbath.
We are making but little progress, owing to
the wind not being in our favor. Our pros-
pect of arriving in Africa is not as bright as a
few days ago. But we have become resigned to
the will of God, and have placed the expedition
so entirely in the hands of the great head of the
church, that it has become a saying among us,
even with the captain, “its all for the best.”—
For the first time, we had this day preaching on
deck, at ten o’clock. The sailors listened with
great attention to the word. Oh, that God may
cause his word to be effectual to the salvation of
their souls! The word was dealt out to them in
much plainness. Mr. Bacon is an evangelical
preacher, and just such a man as is peculiarly
adapted to be useful as a missionary. At three,
1 spoke from Rom. 1, 6; there was much atten-
tion. It was a great cross; more than I have
felt sometimes when speaking to 5,000 at a camp
meeting. While I write these lines, the songs
of Zion are sounding in my ears amongst the
people between decks, which helps to increase
my hopes. All depends on our faithfulness.-
We hope to spend our next Sabbath in Sherbro
colony. How many prayers have, no doubt,
been offered up for us this day, in America.
ſt Sea, March 2, Wednesday.
This day we had to test the sincerity of our
people. I found that the minds of the agents
had become somewhat exercised by reason of
some improper expressions made use of by some
of the emigrants. It was communicated to me:











19
I felt it to be my duty to do what I could to re-
move this difficulty. In order to this, we con-
vened the males on deck. I proposed to them,
that all who had full confidence in the judgment
and sincere friendship of the agents should sign
their names to that amount. To this they agreed,
and all but two signed it.
After this, things wore a different aspect for
the better; my mind was much relieved; all
seemed pleased. It appears to me the height
of ingratitude to manifest any distrust of the
sincerity of the agents, after such proof as they
have given, not to say any thing of their having
left friends and the comforts of a civilized life.
I have often been astonished at their kindness
and patience. I should only do justice to say
this of the whole of the agents. I think the
Lord has ordered it, that my lot should be cast
in the cabin, that I might witness the deep con-
cern of the agents for the good of poor afflicted
Africa. I have often been laying in the birth,
at the midnight hour, and witnessed them
pouring out their souls in supplication. I think
Mr. Bacon is more likely to wear out than rust
out. At this moment my mind is carried back
to the thousands of my colour whom I have left
behind in America; and my soul breathes to God
in their behalf. Oh! that we may so act as not
to stop up the way.
The wind not fair, we move slow, and have
lost some time in stopping a bad leak. Oh, how
good the Lord is to us, that we are still preserv.
ed in the midst of danger. Praise him, oh my
soul! and let all that is within me magnify his
name! We have much religious worship on
board. But “Paul may plant, and Apollos was
ter, but God must give the increase.” -

20
At Sea, March 3, Thursday.
This day, about nine in the morning, we were
all made glad at seeing two of the Cape de
Verd islands, Fog and Brava. Had I not have
experienced it, I could not have believed that
the sight of land could have given such heart-
felt pleasure, after having been only 23 days at
sea. And if this gives such pleasure, what shall
the sight of Sherbro do? But while I write
these lines we lay becalmed, in sight of these
islands, and make no head-way. Surely, the
ehristian life may be compared to a voyage at
sea: sometimes head-winds; sometimes storms;
and then, a calm succeeds—
“Where’er becalm’d, I lie,
And storms forbear to toss,
Be thou, dear Lord, still nigh,
Least I should suffer loss:
For more the treacherous calm I dread,
Than tempests bursting o'er my head.”
We have seen two sails this day, which we
hoped were the Cyane. At the sight of the
last, the captain hoisted a signal, but it prov-
ed not to be her. I have been pleased with
the little children on board; when the name of
the Cyane has been mentioned pleasure seemed
to be depicted in every countenance. Mayºthese
children ever cherish a grateful remembrance of
this benevolent and humane act of the country
that gave them birth, and tell it to their children,
and their children to their children; and the
Lord grant that this, and every subsequent exer-
tion may be to the increasing of our faith in the
sincere determination of America, to heal the
wounds that have been made in bleeding Africa.
Surely America is about to shine forth among
24
the nations of the earth, in building up the waste
places of that land which I hope in a few days
my eyes will behold with transporting joy. At
that sight, methinks the language of Simeon will
be mine. “Now Lord, lettest thou thy servant
depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy sal-
vation.” Has not the day of African’s salva-
tion already began to dawn? I imagine I behold
the uplifted hands of thousands, in prayer, that
it may shine more and more to the perfect day.
JMarch 9.
This day, about 4 o’clock, we anchored at
Free Town, Sierra Leone. A number of the
settlers, and what are called the Cruemen, or
Krow-men came on board. The Cruemen go
naked; hiring as labourers. They adhere to
their superstition, of charms and witchcraft.—
I stood on deck and looked at these children of
mature, till streams of tears ran down my cheeks.
There are several captured slave ships in port,
brought in the other day, and the slaves liberat-
ed. The sight of them pained my heart, and made
me glad. I was pained to find that the slave
trade was still carried on, as it appears, even
to a great extent; and pleased to find that the
British government was using such vigilance in
endeavouring to stop it, in which it is second-
ed by the United States. The Cyane has not
yet arrived in this port; but we hope it will
not be many days before she will. The officers
of the different British vessels have visited us
this morning, and acted very friendly. The
governor is not in town; but a messenger has
been dispatched for him; he is expected in a few
days. This evening, at the time of prayer, a
friend by the name of Perry Lock, came onboard.


22
He is from America; and was so happy at seeing
us, he could not contain himself; but shouted and
praised God. He and Mr. Bacon took a hug.
I have a letter to him from his brother, in Bal-
timore, in answer to one brought to America by
Mr. Burgess. While I write, he sits in the cabin
of our ship. Free Town is a place of conside-
rable trade, and is improving. Thank the Lord
I have seen Africa.
Sierra Leone, Friday, March 10.
This morning I went on shore. In passing
through the market, I saw strange things. There
were many of the natives, both male and female,
with their produce of various kinds. They were
all nearly naked, both men and women. (See
Isaiah, 20th ch.) I saw sheep, pork, fowls,
fish in abundance: oysters, sweet potatoes, and
all kinds of tropical produce. I was led to say,
surely, nature is prodigal of her bounties. I
was stopped in the street by some of the Ameri-
can friends who, recognizing me, said, the last
sacrament that I received in America, I received
from your hands, (at Philadelphia, when I was
there on a visit.) They invited me into their
houses and treated me with great kindness. I
was then conducted to the court house, it being
the time of the court of quarter sessions; I was
conducted with much politeness into the jury’s
seats. Being seated, the sheriff, a white man,
came and sat by me, and conversed freely on
the nature of the expedition. They appeared to
be satisfied. I must say I was pleased when I
viewed the court; the grand jury was composed
of coloured men. My mind was carried back
to America. The reasoning of Mr. Harper, at
Baltimore, came to my mind; there is much

23
truth in his argument. Surely, Ethiopia is
stretching out her hands unto God. While in
court, a man came for me to go to the house of
the Methodist missionary, the Rev. Mr. Baker,
a white man, from London; appointed by the
British conference. I was treated with much
kindness. I asked, if it was not possible to
make some religious impression on these Crue-
men? He answered that it was impossible; that
they were like birds of flight. It may be proper
to describe these Cruemen. They are men who
come down and reside in the vicinity of the town,
and follow labouring; leaving their families at
home for months, and sometimes years. After
they have accumulated considerable together,
they return home to the interior of the country,
carrying back their earnings to their families;
and so they come and go. They do the chief of
the labour in this place; hiring cheap. I have
no doubt that, if they would abide long enough,
some good impressions might be made.
About four this evening, Mr. Bacon and I took
a walk to their huts; a kind of town. We came
to a large gathering of them, some hundreds per-
haps. They had collected to play, shoot, &c. It
was a sight indeed. One of them, sitting in the
midst on a mat, had been on board our ship the
day before, and whom we had treated very kind.
ly, came to us and shook our hands; many
following his example. We stood and viewed
them for some time. After we left them about
one hundred yards, one came running after us.
We understood him to ask us to go back and
sing for them. We with much pleasure turned
back, but he soon made us to understand that he
wanted us to drink some rum. We told him that
we no drinkey rum: We pointed up, saying, God

24
no likey dat. He shook our hands and left us.
O how exemplary should missionaries be at this
moment, Bishop Kemp’s observations occurred
to my mind: “The first impressions on heathens,”
said he, “are to be made by example.” The
fruits of the Gospel among these people must be
progressive.
The Cyane has not yet appeared; neither has
governor M:Carty returned. We wait with great
anxiety for both.
- March 11, Saturday.
This day I had much pleasure in conversing
with an old coloured man from Nova Scotia, one.
of the first of the settlers in this colony. Among
other subjects, was that of the attack made on
the colony by the French, and also by the na-
tives. I can’t say that the relation of this matter
alarmed me. -
JMarch 12, Sabbath.
This day we had worship on board at ten.—
Mr. Bacon preached from Luke xix. 27. Seve-
ral of our coloured friends came on board and
joined usin worship. We had a very comfortable
time. An appointment was made for me at three
on shore, at the Baptist church. At the hour I
found the house full. I spoke to an attentive
congregation, from the parable of the sower,
Matt. 13. It is not an easy matter to imagine
how I felt on this occasion. I had to observe that
such an assembly I had never addressed before.
Who could refrain from tears, to see afflicted
Africa receiving her sons on her own soil. The
field is surely white to harvest,--but who will
leave father, mother, sister, brother, friends, and
all the comforts of a civilized life, to cross the
great waters and seek these lost sheep? After
preaching, some old mothers, natives, came to
25
me, pressing my hands, saying, “me live in de
mountains; Godey bless you, my child, me feed
on what you say;” at that moment my soul could
rejoice that my lot was cast in a strange land–
The agents had an interview this morning with
the governor of this colony; nothing has yet ma-
nifested the sentiment of the colonial authority
that I know of Mr. Kezzel has not yet return-
ed from Sherbro; perhaps it is all for the best.
“Except the Lord conduct the plan,
The best concerted schemes are vain,
And never can succeed. -
We spend our wretched strength for naught:
But if our works in Thee are wrought,
They shall be bless'd indeed.”
March 14, Tuesday.
This day I was invited to dine with the In-
terceding preacher, (sect unknown;) he is an old
man of colour; our table was furnished in a style
of sumptuousness, sufficient to have satisfied the
taste of an epicure, to wit:—Mutton, beef, pork,
fowls, oysters, fish, vegetables of various kinds,
and of excellent quality. No wonder that Mr.
Mills should say, when sitting at such a table,
“that it was hard to distinguish between such a
table, and one in America.” -
I thought, while dining, that none but those
who have seen the like, could have believed that
such a table could have been furnished with the
productions of the soil of Africa. This is a rich
fertile land, but we follow not Christ for the
fishes and the loaves. I say nothing as to the
true situation of the rights of the settlers of this
place. There exists much complaint among the
first settlers respecting their landed property; they
say advantages have been taken of them. As I
4.


26
am a stranger among them. I was very reserve
ed, giving no advice or opinion. This I find to
be certain, that they have taken the oath of alle-
giance to the British government; and those who
would not, can hold no land. I will not predict
the consequence; I hope God will direct them
and the government they are under. A know-
ledge of this circumstance led me to speak very
plain to our agents. This is a matter in which
my children and the rising generation of Africa
are deeply interested; they gave me every satis.
faction, and I have the utmost confidence in them,
and shall have, till I have cause to change my
mind. Should we settle in Sherbro, I think it
will be difficult to prevent the American people
from leaving the British colony, to come among
us. As the agents wish a union among the colo-
mists, or between the two colonies, great care
will be taken as to the regulation of this matter.
This evening, I preached in the church above
mentioned, with great satisfaction, to a crowded
house and yard, from “The wind bloweth where
it listeth,” &c. St. John, iii. 8.
Feb. 45, Wednesday.
This day we are making great exertion to
get from this to Sherbro. But great difficulties
are in the way. I fear that the great anxiety of
Mr. Bacon will endanger his health. Dear
man! how he labours in this difficult time; for
there appears to be insurmountable difficulties
in our way. The Lord alone can open our way.
Feb. 16, Thursday.
This day is a trying time, difficulties on eve
ry hand present to view; by some, both white
and coloured, it is affirmed that the ship can-

27
not possibly go to Sherbro. And according to the
charter party, she is only allowed fifteen days
to lay at anchor. Eight days have passed away
already. And notwithstanding the agents, I
believe, have made every possible exertion to
charter or purchase a small vessel, it appears al-
most impossible. And the captain will not ven-
ture to go with the ship. I have never felt so
much for Mr. Bacon, since leaving America.
Many things seem to unite to discourage us and
to make us wish ourselves in America. But this
is the time to try our confidence in God. And I
feel confident at this dark time, that God will
open the way, I know not how. “We walk by
faith, not by sight.” I rest the matter in his
hands. He that divided the waters for Israel will
open our way, if we hold on our faith. Perhaps
Mr. Bacon, has more than ten times this day ex-
claimed, or asked the question, “brother Coker,
what is best to be done? Oh that the Lord
would help us,” &c. Not that he doubts, but
he relies wholly on God. Last evening we were
informed that Mr. Caulker, from the Plantains, a
head man of that place, had arrived. He has
not been here for seven years before. This
circumstance was, from various considerations,
calculated to give rise to many conjectures. At
a late hour I went on shore to learn the na-
ture of his visit; but could get no information.
This morning Mr. Bacon and I, were introduc-
ed to him; we found him to be a man of educa-
tion. He was educated in Liverpool, England.
We entered on the subject of our expedition.
But it was impossible to learn his mind. He
acted with so much reserve. I speak this to his
credit. When we came out, Mr. Bacon, asked
my opinion of him. I answered that I saw

28
nothing favourable in his countenance, as to
words he spoke but few, and they had but little
bearing on the subject. He appeared to be
full of thought. But time must develope his
real sentiments. It is likely that he is a sam-
ple of the African chiefs. Mr. Bacon concur-
red with me in this opinion. Mr. Bankson has
not yet returned from Sherbro, we expected him
last night. He went to Sherbro to see Mr.
Kezzel* This evening another Spanish slave
schooner was brought in, a prize to the Tartar
frigate, with 80 slaves. Although I have read
Clarkson’s history of the slave trade, yet when
I saw this small vessel, (she anchored near us) I
was astonished beyond description. I cannot
conceive where they stow the sufferers. This
afternoon two missionaries of the church of Eng-
land came on board of our ship. They related
a circumstance that is enough to make the hard-
est heart bleed, viz. A Spanish vessel was
captured by an English ship with 400 slaves on
board. When they found they would be taken
they put poison in the victuals, and out of the
400 all died but 6, as soon as brought into port.
What a day will the judgment be! This day I
saw, for the first time, several of the Mandin-
goes; (they are Mahometans;). They distinguish
themselves by a long white dress. I spoke to
them but had not much time for conversation.
They are said to be full of deception. Some
of them are men of liberal education, in Ara-
bick. I believe it will take great missionary
exertions to bring these Mahometans and Pa-
gans in. But it will be done.
* Respecting Mr. Kezzle, see Appendix.

29
Many in America, even of my coloured
friends have censured captain P. Cuffee. But
I have this day conversed with a number of
those whom he brought out; and they all speak
of him in the highest terms. Christ could not
please all. -
March 17, Friday.
Captain Sebor, of our ship, has at last de-
termined to go to Sherbro with our ship, and
Mr. Bacon has purchased a handsome schooner
of a British armed vessel, at about $3000. At
11 o’clock, we got under sail, for Sherbro; both
ship and schooner. We have coloured pilots on
board both vessels. Mr. Bankson, has not
yet returned from Sherbro, nor have we yet
heard from him, or Mr. Kezzel, or the Cyane.
May the Lord direct us.
Eight o’clock; our ship is now becalmed, and
we have come to anchor nearly opposite the
Bannana, the residence of Thomas Caulker.
In conversing with our coloured pilot, we learn
much respecting the slave trade. It is necessary
for us to use great prudence if we would inform
ourselves as to this nefarious traffic. It is much
easier for us to discern the evil than to discover
to our satisfaction those that have no hand in it.
We must keep our mouth shut, our eyes and ears
open. We were in hopes this morning when we
left Sierra Leone, that we should have met Mr.
Bankson before this time, on his way from
Sherbro; but have not; neither have we heard
from, or seen the Cyane. We have conjectured
manythings. But it is all conjecture.
March 18, Saturday.
This morning we got under way, at day light:
our schooner is a-head but in sight. We labout
-

30
under some little apprehensions of difficulties
from the natives, on account of some advantages
that they conceive the English have taken at
Sierra Leone. Our trust is alone in God. We
have not seen or heard from Mr. Bankson, (one
of the agents) I cannot conceive what detains
him. No account of the Cyane. It is now eight
o'clock, in the morning. We learn with sorrow
from our pilot, who is well acquainted with
Sherbro, that the natives are in the habit still of
giving the red water, and burning for witheraft.
He saw a woman burnt about nine months ago,
on the Bannana island, which is now in sight.
He shewed us the sand beach on which she was
burned. Oh! when will Satan’s power be bro-
ken? Surely these are his strong holds which
the power of the Lord alone can demolish. We
learn that the slave trade is still carried on at
the Galena to a shocking degree. But this must
not discourage us, as we believe that God is on
our side. We have not yet determined how far
it would be right to act on the defensive, in case
of being attacked, although we have arms with
us. I hope that God will direct us in this mat-
ter. We have talked and thought much on it.
At eleven, we were opposite Cape Shilling, a
British settlement for captured Africans. This
place has been settled since Messrs. Mills and
Burgess were on this coast; and, it is thought,
that it was their coming out that caused the go-
vernor of Sierra Leone to take possession of
this place. We can see it from the ship with
the naked eye; it is quite a settlement. Thomas
Caulker lives on the Bannama, opposite; but for
the act above mentioned, he was threatened by
the British, and has left the island, and gone to
Camaranca river. His son (twenty years old,)
--

31
is on the island. I can see Thomas Caulker's
large house without a glass. At twelve o’clock.
we are now losing sight of the Bannana and
Cape Shilling, and are in sight of the Plantains,
the residence of George Caulker, whom I saw in
Sierra Leone. This man’s sentiments may be
seen in Mr. Mills’ Report, 2d An. Rep. p. 27. It
is a small island, water ten and twelve fathoms.
We can see the mouth of the Camaranca river.
At half past two o'clock, we are below the
Plantains and Turtle island. I will here ob-
serve, lest I forget it, that all on board are
well; this is to me a surprising thing, consider-
ing how free we have all made with fruit while
at Sierra Leone. We only had to go into the
woods and gather oranges, pineapples, limes,
&c. &c. as we would do apples, peaches, &c.
in America. Our schooner is about ten miles
behind, a ground. We have anchored about
twenty or thirty miles from Sherbro island.
The sand has a handsome appearance, looks
level. I have to labour between hope and fear
as to our reception. At this moment the lan-
guage of my heart is, while I write and look at
the vast tracts of land in sight, Oh, God! is
there not for us a place whereon to rest the soals
of our feet? Will not Africa open her bosom,
and receive her weeping and bleeding children
that may be taken from slave ships or come from
America?
*When will Jehovah hear our cries?
When will the sun of freedom rise?
When will for us a Moses stand,
And bring us out from Pharoah's hand?”
At eight, this evening, it was such a time of
rejoicing as we have not witnessed since leaving

32
America. Our schooner is now alongside, and
Mr. Bankson has met us with joyful news from
Sherbro; he has seen Mr. Kezzel and one of
the headmen.
They rejoice to hear of our arrival; but we
must rejoice with fear and trembling. I can’t
say that my confidence is any stronger than at
twelve o’clock, although things are much bright-
er. Oh, that God would preserve us from doubt-
ing. We have some reason to-day to apprehend
difficulty from our agent not being an old man;
it is a great thing in the palavers.
JMarch 19, Sabbath.
Half after one, we weighed the anchor of our
schooner; took the furniture and married persons
out of the ship, the pilot of the ship not think-
ing himself competent to take her to Sherbro
island, about twenty-five or thirty miles from
where we now lie. At three, we are sailing
with fair wind in good spirits. Surely, God di-
rected in the purchase of this schooner; I know
not what we should have done without her. It
is worthy of remark, that this schooner, which
is now taking us to land, was a few months ago
engaged in the slave trade; she was taken by
the British, and bought by our agent. When
Mr. Bankson informed Mr. Kezzel that we were
come, he asked if we had Christ in our heart?
if not, they had better have staid in America.-
He gave the offer of our staying in his little town
until we might obtain land and erect houses, &c.
He sent twelve fowls and a bushel of rice. We
can see the high land that we hope one day to
get, on the main land. It is about thirty miles
from where our ship now lies, and up the Ba-
groo river.
33
March 20, Monday.
Last night our schooner got aground and pre-
vented our getting to Mr. Kezzel’s, as we ex-
pected; I staid on deck all night in the dew,
leaving my birth in the cabin for the little chil-
dren: I don’t feel so well this morning. We
got under sail this morning at day-light; at nine
o'clock, we are sailing in four fathoms water,
opposite the mouth of the Bagroo; it has a beau-
tiful appearance: as we sail near the shore of
Sherbro island, we can see the little towns on
the shore, eight and ten houses together, built
round and thatched with grass. The natives sit
naked on the shore, looking on us with surprise
as we sail. The trees around the houses look
beautiful indeed. We have just got in sight of
Mr. Kezzel’s, where we expect to stay during
the rainy season. We can see Mr. Kezzel
walking on the beach, waiting to receive us.--
O God! thy name be praised, that it is not a li-
on, a tyger, or company of slave traders, that we
first see—which might have been the case. When
we came to shore, we were gladly received.—
Mr. Kezzel had erected some small houses, or
huts, in case we should come from America, and
perhaps arrive in the rainy season, that we could
stay in these till we could get land and build
houses. It is very surprising that all this Mr.
K. had done, although he has never heard from
America since the return of Messrs. Mills and
and Burgess. But God is in this work. I ex-
pect that a few of us who are to bear the heat
and burthen of the work, will suffer much. But
our labours will, I trust, be seen and gathered by
the generations yet unborn. Our old friend,
Mr. Kezzel, says, that we shall put a small crop
on his land for this rainy season.
-
zº
--


34.
-
March 21, Tuesday.
I find John Kezzel to be a short, dark man;
African born; reads and speaks English well; a
man of information; I believe that he has more
than any we have brought with us. I think he
is able to give us all counsel. I conversed with
him to-day on christian experience, and found
that he professed that he had been converted.
I was much edified by our conversation. Few
coloured men that I have met with can excel him
in quoting scripture. He is considered by the
natives a head-man, and his influence is great.
He has built a small meeting house in his town,
and preaches in it himself, to his little society.
He is no friend to division among us. He wish-
es Mr. Bacon, himself, and me, to be closely
united, and to keep our respective societies, as
much like one as possible. We are making ar-
rangements to that amount. We have not, or
should not, come here to establish sects and par-
ties; but build up Christ's kingdom. Darkness
has covered this land, and gross darkness the
minds of these people. There has been a mes-
sage sent to the kings and chiefs, informing
them that we were come, and for the palavers to
meet at Mr. Kezzel’s. But these men must
have their own time; they can’t be hurried. I
expect that we shall realize many difficulties be-
fore our palavers are over. The water at this
place is not good or plenty, and is too near the
river, which is salt, to admit of a well. But we
shall look out for new springs. Mr. Kezzel’s
land, where we stay, is good; but it is low. The
land we hope to get on the main, is much higher.
We can see from here high ridges of mountains,
covered with tall trees; it is said that the water
there is very good and plenty. As to the navi.

35
gation, I can say but little: I believe it is but
little known, for the natives all use canoes, and
have never sounded the water. This, however,
we expect to do, should our lives be spared.—
Our schooner, of one hundred tons, came up to
Mr. Kezzel’s.
- March 22, Wednesday.
We see thousands of fish playing in the water
of this river to-day. We laid out our seine and
made a fine haul. We learn that there is a plen-
ty of oysters; we see plenty of the shells. We
had a tornado last night, and a little rain; to-day
it is cool and pleasant.
March 23, Thursday.
This evening, three or four of the officers of
the Cyane arrived at this island, in one of her
barges; leaving the ship at Sierra Leone. It
was a time of much rejoicing to find that the
Cyane was not lost. The schooner is busily en-
gaged in bringing the cargo from our ship. Mr.
Bacon has just started for Sierra Leone, for the
purpose of laying in some more articles for the
palaver, which can’t be done without.
March 24, Friday.
We have just heard unfavourable reports from
King Sherbro. He has sent to Mr. Kezzel, to
inform him, that he will not come to speak,
or hold a palaver; and that the country is in an
uproar. Somebody had gone, and reported
through the country, that a parcel of Americans
had come and turned Mr. Kezzel out of his town,
and all his people, and had put some of his peo-
ple in hold. This information came abºut two
hours after Mr. Bacon started for Sierra Leone,

36
which makes it so much the worse. We had a
consultation among ourselves; and Mr. Kezzel
and I have concluded to take about thirty of the
women and children to king Sherbro and to some
of the princes, and shake hands with them; and
take some small presents with us. We think of
starting to-morrow, if the agent gets back, so that
I can obtain leave to go with them. May the
Lord direct us in this matter, at this critical
juncture. I believe he will. We expect that
all who are engaged in the slave trade at the
Galenars, both white and natives, will try to do
us all the harm they can, by setting the chiefs
against us. They well know, if we get foot hold,
that it will be against the slave trade. For two
hours to-day, it was very warm; the rest of the
day being very cool and pleasant—A fine sea
breeze.
Saturday, March 25.
This day, we had to bring before the jus-
tices of the peace, a man for stealing. While
I was examining him, he observed, that he did
not like to be examined by a mulatto, &c.—
Mr. Kezzel arose, the house being full, and
observed, that “Mr. Coker was a descendant
of Africa, and was appointed a justice of the
peace; and that he would suffer no such re-
flection to be cast; and that if we had not men
enough to support Mr. Coker, he had, and it
should be done; and that for that crime, he ought
to be put in irons; that some would not be gov-
erned by white men, and some would not be gov-
erned my black men, and some would not be gov-
erned by mulattoes; but the truth was, they did
not want to be governed by any body; but,” said
he, “the civil authority mustand shall be obeyed.”
He then spoke to me, and said, “Sir, proceed in

37
your examination.” After he had spoken, all
was quiet enough. The man had twelve lashes
on his bare back.
- Sunday, March 26.
We had our Sunday school begun this morn-
ing. About twenty of the native children enter-
ed. It was a pretty sight. We had preaching
twice to-day.
Monday, March 27.
We have not been to king Sherbro yet; one of
the other kings having sent word he was coming;
so we have been waiting for him. This morning
he came. I shook hands with him. He was
dressed very fine, and seemed glad to see me.
I gave him a small present. As two of the agents
are at the ship, thirty miles from here, and Mr.
Bacon is at Sierra Leone, I have to do as well
as I can. We want to go to king Sherbro's to-
morrow. I think we shall do well with king
Farrh, who is now here. My fear is, that we
shall not be able to get a palaver before the ship
starts back for America. But I have no doubt
that we shall succeed in getting lands.
Tuesday, JMarch 28.
This day another head man has come to see
us, which has prevented our going to see king
Sherbro. I spent some hours in conversing with
him, or them. Mr. Kezzel interpreted for me.
They appeared satisfied with my statement. We
ate together. When he was going away this
morning, he asked me down to his town with
him, to get some cocoa-nuts, pine apples, and
pamlin wine. But as none of the agents are here
at present, I told him I would when I should
come back from seeing king Sherbro. This ev-
ening, Mr. Bankson, our second agent, has ar.

38
rived, and is well. He approves of all that I
have done, and says, I must go to-morrow with
some of our people, and Mr. Kezzel, to seeking
Sherbro, and take some presents, and get a pala-
wer called. I think that our prospect is becom-
ing very encouraging. We must not get discour-
aged because things do not go on as fast as we
could wish. These people are very slow in do-
ing business. The king, and head-man who
was here to-day, say that if Sherbro will not let
us have land, that we must and shall have land;
that he has as much, or more land than king
Sherbro has; and that we must have land to sit
upon. He asked me many close questions about
America. I see plainly that it will be impossi-
ble to get on with our palavers without spirits;
for which I am sorry. But it is the slave-traders
who ruin these people, in every sense of the
word. I hope that when the land is got, spiri-
tuous liquors will never be made an article of
sale in this colony; and I hope that the Colo-
nizing Society will be particular to prevent
coming to this colony, persons who are fond of
drink; for, I conclude, that persons coming to
this place, will be regulated by the society. It
is all important that it should be so; and my
opinion is, that if proper care is taken to send
industrious and sober persons, in a few years we
shall exceed the colony of Sierra Leone. It is
desirable that some mechanics should come.
March 29, Wednesday.
This morning, about thirty of our people, Mr.
Kezzel, and myself, started in a canoe to king
Sherbro. About nine o’clock, we arrived at the
king's town. We intended to pass on to prince
Concuber, but we were hailed, and put in; found

39
the people friendly, but had soon to start to the
prince’s, as it is he who must introduce us to the
king. On our arrival, we found that the king's
power is merely a nominal thing; for he has no
power. All the power is in the prince Concu.
ber. On our arriving at his town, all the people
were introduced to him; after which, Mr. Kez.
zel took me by the arm and led me into his
house, and introduced me to the old man. He
received me cordially, and said he was glad to
see me, &c. Had supper got for all our people.
After supper, I felt it to be my duty to go to
prayers in his house. So, after singing a hymn,
we kneeled down, and I offered up a prayer to
God for the conversion of Africa, &c. He, and
a number of his people were present, and atten-
tive. I felt strange feelings in prayer. Great
God! what darkness reigns here. He gave me
excellent lodging.
March 30, Thursday.
This morning, I walked about two miles out
of town; was pleased with the view of the coun-
try. When I returned to the town, found the
prince and people up. I convened our people
in the yard, and had prayer. The prince had a
goat killed and dressed for our breakfast. The
prince having a small cannon in his yard, we
gave him two salutes with the same. I had
much conversation with the prince after breakfast
—and, as he speaks the Bulum language, Mr.
Kezzel was my interpreter. I endeavoured to
learn his mind on some points; but could not get
a direct answer. He observed, that he would
answer me in a few days. I then informed him
that I did not expect that the palaver would take
place before our ship would return, and, as I

40
was writing a journal, to send home, I wanted
to write as satisfactory as possible. He said he
would get his head-men together before the grand
alaver was held, and hear my questions: but,
informed me, that we need not be uneasy as to
getting a place to sit down on—that is, get land.
He sent his canoe and seven hands, and his son,
to help to bring us down. Took all our little
children in his arms, &c. I have no doubt that
this man’s influence is very great; and I have
great reason to believe that he is pleased with
the prospect of having us to settle in his country.
This prince’s son talked much with me this day,
and declares his determination to come and sit
down with us, when we get settled. He wants
to learn to read. I think it certain, that we shall
soon get a palaver to our advantage and satisfac-
tion. On my return, this evening, to Mr. Kez-
zel’s, I found Mr. Bacon returned from Sierra
Leone, in good health. We found, this morn-
ing, that there was at the Sea-bar, near king
Sherbro's, one hundred slaves on shore, in irons,
ready to be put on board of a schooner now ly-
ing there. Our coloured men talk of going up
in the small boat and releasing them, or trying
for it. Had we about ten thousand of our co-
loured people from America, here, what might
we not do! But we must trust in God, and do
what we can,
END OF THE FIRST JOURNAL OF DANIEL Cºok ºne
APPENDIX
To THE
REV. D. COKER'S JOURNAL.
The compiler of this appendix has carefully preserved the precise lan-
guage of the respective writers, amending only the punctuation and or-
thography.]
No. I.
Official letter, from Daniel Coker to the Managers of the
Maryland fluxiliary Society.
SHERBR0 Island, CAMPALAIR, March 22, 1820.
Esteemed gentlemen,
I THANK the Lord, that I have it in my power to in-
form you that I am well. I hope that God still blesses you
with health, and that he may bless you with long life, that
ou may still help to carry on the good work, that, I be-
ieve, is now begun. Gentlemen, your kindness to my dear
family, makes you very near to me. I have kept a journal
of all that came under my notice after leaving New-York,
as far as I could. I send this journal to the Managers of
the Maryland Auxiliary Society, to do with it as they may
think proper. However imperfect it may be in other re-
spects, its truth may be relied on. I thought to have writ-
ten many long letters; but I find I have not time to finish
this as I intended: all the agents are now absent; the goods
and provisions are now under my care, and Mr. Kezzel
says I must be with him what time I can, 'till the agents



42
return. He has to see the chiefs, or two of them, You
will have to seek all the information that I can give, in m
journal. I shall also depend "º" to send my family, as
soon as possible, to me. We shall have many difficulties
to encounter; but I trust in God. Send the people ſemi-
grants] out. I intended to have written to my dear friend,
bishop Kemp; but have not time now. I have written to
my wife, that you will be her friend, and see her provided
for when she starts with the children. I wish her to look
up to you. I hope the time will come, if I can't send you a
reward for your kindness, that my children will. I will
thank you to write to me by my family, and by every op-
portunity. May our dear Lord bless you and the society.
Yours, in love, &c.
DANIEL COKER.
N. B. I submit my journal to John Hewes and Edward
3. Coale, for correction. ,
I have written but few letters to America, on account of
my having sent my jºurnal. Otherwise I should have writ-
ten hundreds. So that all the information the people gets,
must be through you; and I shall look to you for informa-
tion from America. I shall thank you for some small pre-
sents when you send my dear family. Any thing will be
acceptable to me in this strange land, Oh! if I could spend
one hour with you, what could I tell you. I shall continue
to keep a journal, and send on to you, from time to time.—
The Lord bless you! farewell.
No. II.
To all my dear African Brethren in limerica, I send these
few lines—greeting:
Dear brethrenº–To all you who love the Lord Jesus
Christ and his kingdom, I would with pleasure inform
you that 1, with about 90 of our American coloured breth-
ren, have arrived safe in Africa. We find the land to be
good, and the natives kind, only those, who, from inter-
course with the slave-traders, become otherwise There
is a great work here to do. Thousands, and thousands of
souls here, to be converted from Paganism and Mahome-
tanism to the religion of Jesus: Oh! brethren, who will
come over to the help of the Lord? If you come as bap-
tists, come to establish an African baptist church, and not

•k:3
to encourage division. If you come as presbyterians, come
to support an African presbyterian church, and not to make
divisions. If you come as protestants, come to support an
African protestant church, and not to make divisions. If
you come as methodists, come to support an African meth-
odist church. We wish to know nothing of Bethel and of
Sharp-street,” in Africa—leave all these divisions in Ame-
rica. Before these heathens, all should be sweetly united;
and if darkness is driven from this land, it must be by a
united effort among christians. The Sharp-street brethren;
will be to me as the Bethel brethren; all will be alike. I
wish to forget all such names and distinctions. Those who
will come in love, to do good, and spread the gospel—come,
in the name of God, come! Otherwise, they had better stay
away; for nothing but love and union will do good among
these heathens. God grant that many such may come over
to help with this great work.
I am yours, in the bonds of a pure gospel, -
DANIEL COKER,
March 29, 1820. -
No. III.
AFRICA, CAMPALAIR, April 3, 1820.
To Jeremiah Watts, Baltimore.
Dear brother, This comes to inform you of my good
health, and safe arrival in Africa. When I wrote to my
wife, I did not expect to get time to write to you; and so I
gave my love to you in her letter. But having just return-
ed from a visit to one of the kings, with the agent, and find-
ing the ship not gone, I snatch the passing moment to in-
form you that I have seen and passed through strange things
since I last saw you. Oh! my brother, and sister, how great
a work is this! The millions in this land, are the thou-
sands in America, and the thousands unborn are deeply
interested in it. Oh! my dears, what darkness has covered
the minds of this people. None but those who come and
see, can judge. You would be astonished to see me tra-
welling in the wilderness, guided by a little foot path, un-
til, coming suddenly upon a little town of huts in the thick-
*This observation alludes to a dissention, or disagreement, which has
existed in Baltimore between the congregations of Bethel church and the
church in Sharp-street, both congregations composed of coloured people of
the methodist society---the former holding an independent government,
and not in connexion with the society.

44
ets; and there, to behold hundreds of men, women and
children, naked, sitting on the ground or on mats, living on
the natural productions of the earth, and as ignorant of
God as the brutes that perish. You would see them com-
ing round me, shaking hands, (but very different from our
way of shaking hands) and gazing on me, and spreading a
mat, and offering me of such food as they live upon. In a
word, they are friendly and kind. Such is their conduct,
that any one who loves souls would weep over them, and
be willing to suffer and die with them. I can say, that my
soul cleaves to Africa in such a manner as to reconcile me
to the idea of being separated from my dear friends and
the comforts of a christian land. But I confess, when I
think of you all, it is as much as I can bear. But, my bro-
ther and sister, if we don’t meet soon in this life, we may
soon meet in heaven I expect to give my life to bleeding.
groaning, dark, benighted Africa. I expect to pass through
much, if I should live. I should rejoice to see you in this
land; it is a good land; it is a rich land, and I do believe it
will be a great nation, and a powerful and worthy nation:
but those who break the way will suffer much.
If you ask my opinion as to coming out;-I say, let all
that can, sell out and come; come, and bring ventures, to
trade, &c. and you may do much better than you can pos-
sibly do in America, and not work half so hard. I wish
that thousands were here, and had goods to trade with-
Bring about two hogsheads of good leaf tobacco, cheap cal-
ico, and cheap handkerchiefs, pins, knives and forks, pock-
et knives, &c.; with these you may buy land, hire hands, or
buy provisions. I say, come—the land is good.
I have to refer you to my journal. I have sent it to
the secretary, Edward J. Coale; it will, no doubt, be print-
ed. This land only wants industrious, informed, and chris-
tian people, to make it one of the greatest nations in the
world. Dear brother, if you don't come, I want you to
write to me, and let me know how you come on, and send
me something; if it is ever so trifling, from you it will be
valuable. I hope, when things get settled, to be able to
send you something. But I shall look for you out, till I see
or hear from you. º my love to all dear friends. I am
in great haste. Peck is well, and gives his love—all out
people are well. The Lord God bless you, and your dear,
dear family—farewell.
D. COKER,

45
No. IV.
Letter from Wathaniel Peck to his mother in Baltimore.
CAMPALAIR, Island of SHERBR.o, IN AFRICA,
March 27, 1820.
Dear Mother,
It is with pleasure I take up my pen to tell you that I
am well, hoping this may find you the same.
I am now treading the soil of my mother country—thanks
be to God! and find that it is good—everything that heart
can wish. The natives receive us with joy and gladness.
The climate is very mild and good. We had a pleasant
passage—arrived at Sierra Leone the 9th–and had a plea-
sant time with the natives.
The Lord is with us; and has done great things for us.
The honourable Mr. Kezzel had twelve houses built for us
before we arrived.
On the 22d I had the pleasure of seeing the king of
Sherbro with forty of our people. He and his people re-
ceived us with much joy. We gave him a salute with the
cannon, as is the custom here. We also saw a vessel with
100 slaves. We expect to take them when our schooner is
done unloading the ship. With Mr. Kezzel we expect to
stay till the rainy season is over.
Land, the king says, we must and shall have—every
thing is encouraging—We have no reason to fear, for Af-
rica is our home.
I am now President of a Sunday School Society. The
native children receive instruction very easy. I am also
appointed a Contractor for the Colony—and Brother Coker
a Justice of the Peace. So you see we are to govern our-
selves, as well as we are able.
Wonderful scenes I have seen since I left home. But
time will not admit of my writing more. You will see
Brother Coker's Journal—and I will let you know more in
my next.
I thank º that wherever I go I find a father and
a mother. her Kezzel gives his love to you and to all
the friends. Give my love to all my dear sisters, and the
children, and all dear friends. Tell them to excuse my
not writing, as time will not admit. But tell them to pray
for us—for “the harvest is great, and the labourers few.”

46
Get ready to go against I come out—I expect to come
in the next return ship. Send ºne something with Mrs.
Coker.
I remain your affectionate son—adieu.
NATHANIEI, PECK.
[The above signed N. Peck is a young yellow man, a
native of this city, free born. He was well known to the
writer of this article, and to many of the citizens of Balti-
more and its vicinity. He is by trade a miller; is a man
of well established character, for honour, truth and correct
deportment. He is pious, and delights in doing good. A
ear or two ago he occupied a Mill, (on the Falls Turn-
pike Road) which he worked on shares; and attended Bal-
timore markets regularly, with meal, to his own credit and
profit, and to the credit of the community, who encouraged
this respectable and exemplary young man. His mother's
family is considered amongst the most respectable of our
coloured people. It is respectfully suggested, for the con-
sideration of the society, and other citizens who feel a
lively interest in the welfare and success of our long out-
raged fellow men, whether the earliest possible moment
ought not to be seized, to place Peck in possession of a
small mill, at the nearest good seat to Sherbroºl
No. V.
CAMPALAIR, AFRica, JMarch 29, 1820.
To Bishop Kemp.
Right Rev. Sir-I take this favorable opportunity of in-
forming you of my safe arrival in Africa, and of my good
health, and the good health of all the agents and people—
We met with a kind reception. We are at the town of our
friend John Kezzel, who has fixed some huts for us to go in
We have passed through considerable; but nothing to dis-
courage us. I am still of the same opinion, viz: that this
work is of God. I think we are much indebted to the Ame-
rican christians for their prayers. I have seen and con-
versed with two of the kings; and º of their
houses. I believe that great good may be done in this land
by those who are willing to suffer for the gospel sake. I
would write to you fully, but have not time by this ship, I
have sent my journal to Mr. Coale, for the use of the Auxil-
iary society.
47
Reverend sir, do continue to pray for us, and ask your
church to do the same. I am much pleased with Mr. Ba-
con. Be so good as to write me. I could say much, but
have not time–farewell. º
D. COKER.
N. B. Please to send me something.
No. VI.
To Philip E. Thomas, Baltimore.
Araica, March 29, 1820.
Esteemed friend,-This is to inform you of my good
health, and safe arrival in Africa. We have º Some
hardships to encounter, and expect to meet with more; but
on the whole I am encouraged. I have sent my journal to
the managers of your society. I should write more, but have
not time. We are just fitting out a barge to go to Seabar.
John Kezzel and I was yesterday to see king Sherbro, and
heard that there was one hundred Africans then on shore,
in irons, and a slave ship waiting to take them in-only
waiting for one hundred more. We are going in a barge to
try to get them away. I hope that God will aid us; it is a
dangerous attempt. I am much pleased with Africa; but I
expect to suffer much. Please to send iny dear family as
soon as possible, and be so good as to See that they are pro-
vided for, and try to send me something to eat, wear, or as
presents. For presents, leaf tobacco, cotton cloth or calico. -
I will thank you for some clothing for myself. I would
mention several things, but have not time. But any thing
thing that is of use in America, is useful here. Please to
send me a little tea, coffee, sugar and molasses. Farewell,
I must be gone to see after these poor slaves.
D. COKER.
[No. VII-is from the same to Edney Henson, Balti-
more;
No. VIII-from the same to Anthony Wallace, Balti-
ºn Ore;
No. IX, -from the same to Charles Hackett, Baltimore;
No. X-from the same to Don Carlos Hall, Baltimore;
all letters of friendship, to the same purport. In this letter
to Hall, Coker says “he has seen three kings: Africa is to
rank among the nations.”





48
No. x1,–is a letter from John Kezzel, the distinguished
chief whom D. Coker frequently mentions in his journal
It is dated, Campalair, Sherbro Island, March 22, 1820; and
is addressed to a coloured citizen in this country, of con-
siderable wealth and influence. Those who at present
withhold it from the public eye, are actuated by no inferior
motives. A solicitude to encourage a growing unity in the
great common cause, amongst the coloured people, of what-
. sect or rank, cannot fail to find a place in every good
heart.
Kezzel writes with great force and feeling. He is a man
of some education; commands a nervous pen, and speaks
like a man having authority. He is extensively kind, and
generous hearted; and he rebukes with discriminating se-
verity. But, as it is quite possible that he has misconceiv-
ed some traits in the character of the worthy man, whom he
here addresses, censuring him for opposing the scheme of
colonization in Africa, the publication of the letter might
injure the cause, Indeed, we have heard, through no doubt-
ful channel, that it is the serious intention of the person to
whom Kezzel writes, to turn his energies and his fortune
towards Africa.
Kezzel says, in the letter now before us, “I have receiv-
ed the brethren of the mission. I am glad to see them, and
will do all I can for them. Ithank God that they have come.
The rev. D. Coker is a fine man; and Mr. Peck also. I pray
God to make them useful. Were not your fathers carried
slaves from this country to America? When that country
was discovered, was there found a black family there? God
has blessed you, to make a man of you. I would ask you,
when Jacob went into Egypt, were not their number seven-
ty-five? How many came out of Egypt? Were they not six
hundred thousand men, besides women and children? The
Israelites were 340 years from Canaan to their return: are
we not the same? I never heard that the Lord said, bless-
edis he that preaches; but the blessing is on the man that
doth his will.” The above extracts are in the precise words
of Kezzel, and will serve as a sample of his composition
and his views.
John Kezzel is a native of Africa; was brought a
slave to America, where he obtained an education; has re-
turned to his own country; there built, at his own expense.
a house for worship, and is himself a preacher of the gospel
among the natives. He became the zealous friend and guide
of the late missionaries, Mills and Burgess, and is ºften
mentioned in the reports of these gentlemen to the coloni-
zation society.


*OS'WSCV º'º.
The following Eatracts of Letters from intelligent off-
cers on board the Cyane, are so well calculated to cor-
roborate the statements contained in D. Coker's Jour-
mal, that we deem it proper to insert them, not doubting
they will be highly acceptable to the reader; moreover,
as every thing from that region is now read with in-
creasing interest.
U. S. ship CYANE, Sizºna Leone, March 26, 1820.
“We have been at this place about four weeks, watering,
and preparing for a short cruise to the southward; from
which we shall proceed to the northward, touching at Se-
negal on our way to Teneriffe. I would give you some ac-
count of this interesting country, if I were not so much en-
gaged in the duties of the ship. So far as I have observed,
º delighted with this country and its inhabitants. In-
stead of finding a savage, brutal and dishonest race of peo-
ple, we see them possessing all the genuine feelings of hos-
pitality, filial and paternal affection, honesty, and a correct
idea of moral rectitude. At Sierra Leone are to be seen
natives from all the different countries in the western part
of Africa, among whom the most remarkable are the Krow-
men, inhabiting a country upon the sea, near the latitude of
5 north. These people are remarkably tall, finely formed,
and have most interesting countenances. They leave their
country frequently, in search of employment; coasting the
shore, to the distance of many hundred miles, in canoes of
about 15 feet in length, touching at the different European
settlements. And wherever they can find work, they take
up their quarters, labouring night and day, until they cul-
lect a considerable sum, which they lay out in cloth, beads,
&c. They then return to their country, and dispose of
their goods in the following manner: The wife, father
and mother, each receive a portion. To each of their
brethers and sisters they give a part, and they even extend

50
their generosity to uncles, aunts and cousins. After re-
maining a few weeks in their own country, they start oft
again, and it often employs them two or three years, in
collecting a sufficient sum to return with credit to their fa-
milies. There are about 500 of these Krow-men at this
colony. They perform all the labour of the place. We
have had sixteen employed during our stay here, and find
them a most useful set of people.
Mr. Bacon has located himself at a place called Cam:
palair, on the island of Sherbro; but he is undetermined
whether to make this his final settlement. At all events
he will remain there during the rains.
Our ship cannot approach within 30 miles of Sherbro;
we shall therefore never have the pleasure of viewing the
settlement. Mr. Bacon's health is remarkably good, and
he has not yet lost any of his sanguine disposition; indeed,
I think him admirably calculated for the employment in
which he is engaged. He labours night and day, with the
utmost cheerfulness, and appears to me to be a man pos:
sessing the strongest principles of philanthropy. He re-
turns this morning to Sherbro, accompanied by Mr. Cooper,
who takes passage in the Elizabeth for the United States,
in consequence of bad health.
The English at this place look with a jealous eye upon
the American settlers. They are fearful that after Mr.
Bacon gets well established, in the Sherbro country, (which
is the most fertile in this vicinity,) the Sierra Leone set-
tlers will pretty generally remove to the new country; and
it is my opinion their fears are well founded. There are
many restrictions on the commerce of this place. The
heavy duties laid upon exports, take away most of the pro-
fits, Many vessels are employed carrying timber from this
to England, for which they get very fair freights. This
timber is abundant, and is very similar to the tick wood of
India. We are about getting under weigh; I am conse-
º called on deck, and have not time to extend my
etter.”
Extract of a Letter from an Officer of the ºyame, dated
JMarch 28th.
“I am agreeably disappointed in the climate; it is neither
so hot or sickly as we apprehended. Many civilities have
been shown as here. Yesterday, a large party of the most

5
respectable inhabitants invited us to take an excursion in
the country, (for which purpose horses, and every thing to
make the jaunt agreeable, were provided) to visit the diffe-
rent settlements of captured negroes; this I assure you was
a gratifying sight, to see so ..". of these unfortunate be-
ings, who have been torn from their country, now enjoying
liberty and comfort. We passed through five villages, in
each of which there is a stone church and school house, and
the negroes are fed and clothed by the British government.
They deserve the highest commendations for their great
exertions in destroying this abominable traffic—they keep
four ships of war on the coast, cruising for slave vessels.
The English government here is very much opposed to our
colony, and has thrown every possible obstacle in our way;
they endeavoured to persuade the people to settle in their
colony, by offering large salaries to all the mechanics, which
they are very much in want of, but all to no purpose. The
governor, it is said, has written home for permission to take
possession of Sherbro, which, if granted, will, I think, pro-
duce some difficulty between the two countries.
“The soil is very fine, and admirably adapted to the culti-
vation of cotton, tobacco, sugar cane, and coffee, of an ex-
cellent quality; but the natives are so indolent, that they
do not cultivate the soil—their wants are but few—and if
they can only get two or three bananna trees, together with
a few cassada roots, they are contented and happy.”
U. S. ship Crane, off SIERRA LEoNE, April 10, 1820.
During our stay at Sierra Leone, the European gentlemen
who were residents of the place, treated us with the utmost
.*. striving who should be most forward in attention
and hospitality. A party was formed by those gentlemen
to show our officers the interior settlements; and from their
report, on their return, I learned the extent of the colony,
and the benevolent philanthropy of the British nation, in al-
leviating the miseries of the oppressed and ignorant Afri-
cans. Not less than six thousand captured Africans have
been landed at this settlement by the British ships of war.
On their arrival, those of a proper age are named, and sent
to the adjacent villages. A house and lot is appointed to
each family, and they are supported one year by govern-
ment, at the expiration of whice they are obliged to look
out for themselves. The captured . are also sent to
the villages, where they are kept at school till married.
5%
&hich is always at an early age. At the head of each vil-
age is a missionary, who receives his annual support from.
th. government, and who acts in the double capacity of
minister and schoolmaster. -
Lieutenant Cooper and myself walked through the vil-
lages situated to the westward of Sierra Leone. We land-
ed at King Town, the former residence of King Tom. The
house in which the king resided is in ruins, and almost hid:
den from view by shrubbery. From thence we proceeded
to Krow town, a small village, inhabited by about five hun-
dred Krowmen. The British ships of war on this station,
have each, from twenty-five to seventy of these men on their
books.
The trade of this place is considerable. Several vessels
entered and sailed, during our short stay; many of them
were loaded with ship timber, which is somewhat like our
white oak. The other articles of trade are ivory, camwood,
wax and palm oil.
We sent a boat from Sierra Leone for Mr. Bacon, who
came up, and remained with us two days; he has already
settled himself with his followers (until after the rains) on
Sherbro island. I fear this island will not answer his wishes
—it is low, unhealthy, difficult of access for ships, and is
not very fertile. There are many P. to leeward, pos-
sessing greater advantages. One of which, I hope he will
select for a permanent settlement.
After remaining nine days at Sierra Leone, we sailed for
the Gallinas, a place of resort for slave-vessels. Since which
we have made ten captures, some by fair sailing, others, by
boats and stratagem. Although they are evidently owned
by Americans, they are so completely covered with Spanish
papers, that it is impossible to condemn them. Two schoon-
ers, the Endymion and Esperanza, we send home. We shall
leave the coast in the course of three or four days for Port
Praya, from whence we shall proceed to Teneriffe for pro-
WIS 1011s.
The slave trade is carried on to a very great extent-
There are probably not less than three ºil. vessels on
the coast, engaged in that traffic, each having two or three
sets of papers. I sincerely hope government have revised
the law, giving us more authority. You have no idea how
cruelly those poor creatures are treated by the monsters en-
gaged in taking them from the coast. -
THE END.
( :
º - -
- * , º,
º *
º - W. 3 º'
- º -