RICHMOND HILL, PORT MORANT, ST. THOMAS, DEAR SIR: I embrace the opportunity offered by your kind invitation to me, to write you when on the island, to tender you my grateful thanks for the very flattering letters of introduction received from Mr. Graham of New York, through your instru mentality. They were the means of procuring me a very satisfactory reception here; and may be of great service to me in the way of business. We arrived here, after patiently waiting for the sight of land fourteen days, in as good health as could be expected for landloafers, and have continued to improve since our arrival upon the mountains. My impressions in relation to this country were by no means realized. Every thing here of which I had read and heard, was presented to me in a much more favorable light than I expected, after leaving the seaport; which is a deposit of every thing seemingly that is fetid and unwholesome;-and in no one thing was I so much disap pointed, as the condition of the black population. They are generally quite respectful in their deportment, live well, and in their way, are industrious and happy, regular in their attendance at church on the sabbath, and all other days observed by the Church of England for prayer and fastings, and so unwilling do they seem, to be chargeable with doing wrong, that they very commonly submit matters of dispute to the clergy for their advice, before they act. Whether this be the evidence of an influence of the clergy through their fears for interested motives, or a want of confidence, the blacks have in their own sense of justice, and a sincere wish on their part to render it to others, I am not prepared to say: in either case it tells well for a people so recently out of a bondage, which afforded them so very little opportunity for learning the necessity of self-government, and the restraint of the passions. They are a people of strong passions, and very easily excited, to an alarming degree, to a stranger; but seldom, very seldom, indeed, to the commission of any violence upon each other—a cir cumstance that I looked upon as being very remarkable indeed. And on the subject of Temperance, they stand a very respectable example. Of the many blacks which I have seen, I have scarcely witnessed half a dozen drunken ones. If there be any great necessity for establishing temperance societies here, it will be more particularly for the benefit of the white population; who are unfortunately very much addicted to the use of ardent spirits. Yet, the sight of what we would recognize in Ohio, to be a drunken "loafer," such as would (as it is said of a certain late commissioner of the *) visit the grog-shops in order to share what is familiarly know by the name of the " stump shots," (the draining of the glasses) is seldom, if ever had. When you visit a gentleman's house here, almost the first thing you hear, after the ceremony of a hearty reception, is the invitation of your host to join him in taking a glass of whatever beverage you may desire. And should it suit your convenience to dine with him, (or, as it is familiarly called, "to take soup,") you will have much to ɖɔ indeed, if you steer safely between the two points, intoxication, and incurring his dis satisfaction, at your not being possessed of a habit that will allow you to take as many glasses as he can. But all this is not strange, to one who is here to observe the causes a man here can spend his money for but few things, but eating and drinking. The whites are (as it were, but one in a million,) separated so widely, that their meetings are unfrequent; and when they do meet they cannot do too much for each other. They are all from the dominions of Great Britian, and have agreed to banish themselves for a time, in a country where their health is very precarious indeed, with the hope, that some day they may be able to return, possessed of an independence ;-melancholy hope! to one who visits the estates, and witnesses the evidence of so many that have * * * * made themselves a sacrifice. Tombstone after tombstone is seen, scarcely legible with age, to tell the mournful tale. The weather here now is about equal to mid-summer in Ohio, with this advantage however, that in the high lands we always have a strong breeze that relieves us from the oppressive heat of the sun in mid-day, and renders it quite cool at night. This is the case all over the island, but more particularly with us. We are situated about twelve miles from the extreme east end of the island; and can look down upon the ocean south and east, almost as though it were even under our feet, and see every vessel that passes to south and west. The space between us and the ocean, is dotted over with negro huts, with here and there a sugar estate; which together' with the forest and fruit trees, make the prospect, to one accustomed to none other than American scenery, picturesque and beautiful beyond the power of language to give any adequate idea of to the mind. You will long ere the receipt of this letter, have seen the account of the revolution in St. Domingo, and this island has the honor, if any there be, of harboring the Ex-President, Boyer. I was at Kingston a few days after his arrival there, but did not see him; in that I was disappointed; not that I estimate reputed greatness so very highly since the exhibition of so much in the memorable year of 1840, but you know it is pleasant to be able to answer the inquiries of curious friends, who do not happen to have the opportunity of witnessing for themselves. A gentleman for whom I had a letter, offered to accompany me to the Ex-President, but I declined, on account of the city being visited that morning with a shock of an earthquake. My location being almost within a stone's throw of Port Royal, a place that has so frequently been visited with inundation from earthquakes, I was desirous of getting away as soon as possible. Boyer is what they call here, a "Sambo" in color-that is, of black and mulatto parentage, about 70 years of age, though like all of his color, representing a man of perhaps not more than 50 years, is modest and retiring in his manners, though gentlemanly. He speaks the French language only, or at least, does not speak English. There are various speculations here in relation to what he designs doing. For the present, he is waiting to see it is said, whether he cannot return with his retinue, and resume the administration of the government. The revolution in the island of Hayti, is on the scale of great national events, a matter of small moment, it may be supposed in America; but, to those who inhabit nut-shells, the affairs of the nut-shell are matters of great concern. The people here feel some interest on the subject, because of the short distance between, and the effect a revolution in one island muy produce upon the other. I am informed that the population of St. Domingo is very great, and exceedingly savage in comparison to that of this Island; and yet here, the people are a great many removes from being capable of self-government. There is an experiment making here now, that is not generally known; or at least I had not read or heard of it until my arrival. The planters of this island, for the purpose of compelling the black population to work for such compensation as will enable them to make desirable profits on sugar, have formed themselves into a company, with the countenance of the British government, for the purpose of bringing African emigrants here to compete with the natives; and so anxious and determined are they for the accomplishment of their object that they have vessels fitted out after the fashion of slave ships; and not being able to get voluntary emigrants in numbers sufficient, the captain and crew, are authorized, and do steal them on the coast, and in violation of their wishes, bring them here bound and stowed away, to prevent damage. And this is known and conversed about here, with as much certainty as we speak in Ohio, of the existence of a society, many of the members of which assist blacks in their flight from their masters in the neighboring States. Indeed, I know some of these emigrants who have so learned the English language as to be able to tell their tales with tears in their eyes. The difference between these and the voluntary emigrants is, that the former are young men and women; and the latter compose families and kindred connexions. It was a matter that did not rightly accord with my idea of humanity; and to be countenanced by a government that makes so many professions on the subject of oppression &c.—and supposing that it was not generally known, it occurred to me that it might be news, of which, I have but little to communicate of any interest, and I have accordingly detailed it to you. * * * Pardon if you please the freedom of style I have addressed you in; and if to a stranger, it may seem to lack of respect; your friendly acquaintance will, I hope, enable you rightly to interpret it. Your friend &c. PROSPECTS OF MORALITY AND RELIGION IN HAYTI. We are happy to know, that those who direct the administration of affairs in Hayti, are inclined to favor measures for the education and religious improvement of the people. An American gentleman, who has long resided in that island, recently expressed to us strong hope, that the recent revolution would open the way for the spread of a knowledge of the arts and of a pure Protestant christianity in that beautiful and fertile island. The Editor of the Boston Mercantile Journal says: "We give below an extract of a letter from Jeremie, received by a gentleman now in this city, who is deeply interested in the moral and religious improvement of that country; also, a translation of a letter received from two individuals, who occupy conspicuous places in the present provisional government of Hayti-one of whom, Mr. Ferry, by his moral influence has probably effected more in the recent revolution than any other man, and who, if the people are unfortunately too much swayed by military influence, will propably be called to the Presidential chair: JERIMIE, May 13, 1843. "DEAR SIR: Your letter of April 19th has been duly received. The passage which relates to the improvement of the moral and religious state of the country, I have communicated to the thinking part of the community, who highly appreciate your project of endeavoring to turn the attention of the emigration and missionary societies of America to this country, and to endeavor to induce them to send out an agent to confer with the new government on that subject; and they hope you will persevere until you effect that desirable object. You will find enclosed, a letter from Messrs. Ferry and Paret fils, whose sentiments, you will perceive, perfectly harmonize with your own on that subject." [Translation. ] JEREMIE, May 11, 1843. "DEAR SIR: By a passage in one of your letters, recently communicated to us, we are pleased to learn the interest you take in the welfare of our country, and the hopes which you manifest of the happy results of the revolution recently effected in Hayti. You have exactly hit on the essential points in recommending the establishment of individual families by marriages, to serve as a basis of the great social family, the establishment of institutions for the diffusion of moral and religious instruction, organization of industry, &c., &c., &c. We fully agree with you as to the means necessaryto be adopted for the promotion of our public happiness and prosperity, and thank you for the happy idea you have conceived of turning the attention of the philanthropic societies of your country towards Hayti, in regard to establishing institutions calculated to aid the work of regeneration which we have in view. The part which we have taken in recent events, we think authorizes us to make it a duty to urge you to endeavor to realize the projects which you mention in your letter. 66 Receive, sir, the sincere expression of respect from, HONORI FERRY, and PARET FILS." TREATY WITH THE GOLAHS. We published the following treaty in our June number: but the notes upon it, by our respected friend, the Rev. Joseph Tracy, are so valuable, that we reprint it with pleasure The influence which the colony is acquiring over the African tribes, is a clear evidence of the general integrity and benevolence of its government towards them, and proves how mighty an instrumentality it may (and if duly encouraged must) become for their civilization. The enemies of the Society may misinterpret its conduct, and cast reproach upon its character, but a few such treaties will place Liberia, in the judgment of the country, above all successful assault. FROM LIBERIA. Treaty of Amity and Alliance, entered into this 22d day of February, A. D. 1843, between Joseph J. Roberts, Governor of the Commonwealth of Liberia, and Yando, Head King of the Golah country, and others, Kings and Headmen in the same country. WHEREAS it is of great importance to the welfare and interests of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Liberia, and the natives of the country represented by their kings and headmen in this treaty, that there should be a mutual good understanding, and that the relations between them be friendly, tending thereby to establish peace among the several communities of the Golahs, and between them and the surrounding tribes It is therefore agreed, this 22d day of February, 1843, by and between the parties above named, that all matters of dispute, of whatsoever nature, between the Liberians and the Golahs, shall be referred to the Governor of the Commonwealth for adjustment; and that all matters between the natives, that cannot be settled amicably by the King and his headmen, shall also be referred to the Governor, and all disputes arising between any of the Golah kings or headmen and other tribes, that cannot be peaceably settled by and between them, shall also be referred to the Governor, who shall summon the party adverse to the Golahs to meet the other party before him, and settle the matter in difference; and should the adverse party not appear or admit the arbitration of the Governor, then the Governor shall give aid to the party so referring to him. And it is understood that the path shall be open for trade and travel both ways, that the natives of the interior shall not be let or hindered from carrying their trade through the Golah country to the Colony, and the citizens of the Colony shall not be molested in their peaceable journeying through the same country. The second party to this instrument agree forever to banish the slave-trade from their country. The penalty for selling slaves shall be the same fixed by the laws of the colony; the person offending having the right of trial by jury, &c. The second party to this instrument also agree to banish forever the trial or test by sassy-wood, or any other poisonous matters; the penalty for this offence being the same fixed by the laws of the colony for murder and manslaughter, as the case may be. The above matters being agreed and well understood between the parties, and the disposition for peace and peaceable and friendly relations being mutual, the undersigned have this day set their several hands in witness thereof. In presence of S. CHASE, J. LAWRENCE DAY, B. R. WILSON. On this treaty it is to be remarked J. J. ROBERTS, 1. That King Yando's town is on or near the St. Paul's river, about 80 or 100 miles from Monrovia, and therefore nearly or quite half way to the Niger, as laid down both by Arrowsmith and McQueen. The Golah country has on the west, between it and the colony, the Boporo tribes, and on the east, the Mandingoes, whose settlements extend beyond the Niger. Whether this treaty will open the first safe "path" for commerce to the upper waters of that long mysterious river, depends on the character and views of the Mandingoes, which are yet to be learned, but which, it is to be hoped, are favorable. 2. A similar treaty had been made in 1840 with Balla Sada, who is the principal military chief of the Golahs, and Gogomina of Boporo. In January, Balla Sada in formed the Governor that Gogomina had taken and killed six of his boys, and requested permission to make war upon him. The Governor required him to wait till the matter could be investigated. He also sent word to Gogomina that there must be a palaver," and justice must be done; in consequence of which Gogomina gave up the boys, who were still alive, and war was prevented. Balla Sada had taken an active part in procuring this visit of the Governor to the Golah country. 66 3. The treaty shows that the influence of the colony on the surrounding tribes is beneficial. By it the Golahs put themselves under the control of the colony; and, especially, have restrained themselves from resorting to bloodshed at their own discretion. Their only motive for consenting to this partial surrender of their independence is, their own conviction that the extension of this restraint over them and the neighboring tribes is for their good. However the colony may fall short of being what it should be, it has established among its neighbors, who have watched it for twenty years, such a reputation for superior intelligence, equity, and good government, that they think their condition improved by placing themselves thus under its control. 4. The trial by drinking a decoction of sassy-wood and other poisons is one of the worst of the religious rites of that barbarous region. It is imposed, at the pleasure of the chiefs, on those accused of crime, with the pretence that it will not injure the innocent; but is managed so as to kill all whom the chiefs wish to destroy. This, as well as the slave trade, the Golahs have bound themselves to relinquish. 5. Treaties of the same general character had previously been made with about thirty kings, whose subjects have been variously estimated, in all, at thirty, fifty, or sixty thousand. The number of the Golahs is unknown, but may be six or eight thousand. Some of these treaties are nearly twenty years old; so that the natives have had time to test the working of them, and to determine understandingly whether they operate for the good or harm of those who make them. 6. When the treaty was made, the Rev. Mr. Chase, Methodist Missionary, made arrangements to open a school at Yando's town. For this some of the Golahs had long been solicitous. Thus letters and christianity are making their way into the heart of Africa. The missions here are neither so strong in number, nor in pecuniary resources as that of the Sandwich Islands; but they are gradually advancing fowards a similar result. The Moravians commenced missionary operations on this coast nearly a century With their characteristic perseverance, they made many attempts-fourteen attempts, according to one author; sixteen, as others assert-but every attempt failed. No mission, on that whole coast, not protected by a colony, has ever been able to preserve its own existence. The only attempt of the kind which has not failed, is that commenced within a few months by the Missionaries of the American Board, at the Gaboon river, more than a thousand miles down the coast from Cape Palmas. ago. 7. The colony has exerted this good influence while in its infancy; while feebly sustained by the people of this, its parent country, and therefore abounding in defects which a more liberal support would enable it to remove. With a more liberal support, it would exert a wider and still better influence. COLONIZATION OFFICE, BOSTON, JUNE 21, 1843. TRIBUTES TO THE MEMORY OF EARLY MARTYRS IN THE CAUSE OF AFRICAN COLONIZATION. THE devoted Mills was the first who died in this cause of a suffering continent. The first expedition with emigrants sailed from New York early in 1820, and was accompanied by the Rev. Samuel Bacon and John P. Bankson, Esq., both eminent for zeal in the missionary cause, and adorned with the best virtues of a cultivated christianity. They died in Africa in May, 1820. We are happy to copy the following tribute, from a discourse preached in St. James' church, Philadelphia, by the Rev. Wm. Augustus Muhlenburg, on receiving tidings of their decease. May the spirit of Mills, of Bacon, of Bankson, animate the hearts of all the friends. of Liberia! "Let no one detract from the reputation of these men, by saying that they entered on a visionary scheme. We cannot now discuss the merits of the colonization system. |