Baltimore memorial.

*

been proposed, we must approve of that of AFRICAN COLONIZATION. If we were able and at liberty to go whithersoever we would, the greater number, willing to leave this community, would prefer LIBERIA, on the coast of Africa. ** We shall carry your language, your customs, your opinions, and Christianity to that now desolate shore, and thence they will gradually spread with our growth, far into the continent. The slave-trade, both external and internal, can be abolished only by settlements on the coast. * We foresee that difficulties and dangers await those who emigrate, such as every infant establishment must encounter and endure. * * * But Ethiopia shall lift her hands unto God.' Thousands and tens of thousands poorer than we, annually emigrate from Europe to your country, and soon have it in their power to hasten the arrival of those they left behind. * * If we were doubtful of your good will and benevolent intentions, we would remind you of the time when you were in a situation similar to ours, and when your forefathers were driven by religious persecution, to a distant and inhospitable shore. * * An empire may be the result of our emigration, as of theirs. The protection, kindness, and assistance which you would have desired for yourselves under such circumstances, now extend to us," &c. This memorial, of which I have given the greater part, was adopted at meetings of "respectable free people of color, held in the Bethel" and African churches, which meetings were composed of "several denominations, from every part of the city." The memorial is a well written document, and cannot be read without interest.'

'There is,' said Henry, a wide field for enterprise in Africa, and for Christian effort; if I were an African, I think I should not hesitate to go.'

'I was exceedingly interested a few years since to witness

Embarkation of colonists.

the embarkation of emigrants from one of our principal ports ; and was surprised to find in how many instances the native origin in respect to particular districts, of those who were about to sail, might be determined. Said a dear friend who soon after laid down his life, on a mission to Africa,* “ There is the aged Fantee and Haousian-they say 'I go to encourage the young-they can never be elevated here—I have tried it sixty years-it is in vain-could I by my example induce them to embark, and I die the next day, I should be satisfied.' There is also the Congoese, the Gulan, the Angolan, the Aceran, and Ashantee-all with their faces to the East. And there is one case of great interest—the name of that girl, is A-cush-u-no-no. In Africa she would be styled a young Fantee Princess. She is an heir of heaven, we have every reason to believe."

It is delightful to anticipate, as I think we may, with great confidence, the result of the colonization enterprise. It is glorious in its object-it will, I doubt not, be truly glorious in its results.'

*The Rev. Horace Sessions. He was actively engaged in the colonization cause, accompanied an expedition to Liberia, and died on his return to resume his labors in behalf of the cause in this country. The death of this amiable and excellent young man, was greatly lamented.

Africa a home for her children,

CONVERSATION XIX.

"For myself, I am free to say, that of all things that have been going on in our favor since 1787, when the abolition of the slave-trade was seriously proposed, that which is going on in the United States is the most important. It surpasses every thing that has yet occurred. No sooner had your colony been established on Cape Montserado, than there appeared a disposition among the owners of slaves to give them freedom voluntarily and without compensation, and allow them to be sent to the land of their fathers, so that you have many thousands redeemed, without any cost for their redemption. To me this is truly astonishing. Can this have taken place without the intervention of the Spirit of God?"-Thomas Clarkson.

"It is a settled point, I should think,' said Caroline—' I consider it as settled in my own mind, at least, that Africans and their descendants cannot be so useful or happy as citizens of this country, as they might be in their fathers' native land.'

Said Mr. L., I have been-looking over a discourse by the Rev. Dr. Miller of Princeton, which was delivered in 1823, before the Synod of New-Jersey. The Dr. holds this language, in reference to this subject, which, if you please, I will read: "If liberated and left among the whites, they would be a constant source of annoyance, corruption, and danger. They could never be trusted as faithful citizens; for they could never feel that their interests and those of the whites are precisely the same. Each would regard the other with painful suspicion and apprehension. * * It is essential to the interests of each that they be separated to such distances from each other, as to avoid too frequent intercourse. They should be in a situation to live a separate and independent people. If we would consult their temporal and eternal well-being, this must be done; if we would

Motives to respectability.

66

consult our own interest and happiness, it is equally necessary." Again he says, They could never be either respectable or happy in the midst of a white population. They can never, whilst public sentiment remains what it is, associate with the whites on terms of equality. They may be industrious and regular; they may be enterprising and successful in business; and exhibit talents, knowledge, and wealth; but after all they can never associate with the whites on terms comfortable to either. They will be treated, and they will feel as inferiors. They cannot live under the influence of that sense of character, of those excitements to aim at high standing in society which operate upon a corresponding number of white people. As they cannot fail to have a degraded standing, so this will confer on them in a greater or less degree a degraded character. Place any number of human beings, of whatever complexion, in a situation in which they can never aspire to an equality with those around them, and you take away from them one of the main incitements to industry, to honorable enterprise, and to emulation of excellence."

'This is indeed but a repetition of the sentiments which I have already advanced in these conversations. Slavery will sooner or later, cease from among us; and I pray that the hour may hasten when our country shall be delivered from its scourge and reproach. But the more I contemplate the subject, the more I am convinced that the plan which gives promise of greatest and most extensive benefit to the slaves in our country, as well as to the whites, is emancipation united with COLONIZATION. Nor can I doubt that the colored people of this country who are already nominally free, will best promote their own interests, as well as the best interests of their race and the salvation of their fathers' native continent, by planting themselves in some position on the inviting shores of Africa.'

The foundation of a Christian empire laid.

But, Pa, they must be prepared by education, and suitable moral and religions instruction, in order to be good citizens of any country?'

Certainly. African improvement and colonization should be considered inseparable. Great care must be taken not to destroy the hope of a rich blessing for Africa by sending thither a people who are not prepared to assist in laying the foundation of a great and cultivated, prosperous and Christian nation. The germ of such an empire, I am happy to say, has already, as I confidentally believe, taken root in Africa. The leaven of Christianity is already in the midst of her dark and absurd superstitions. And I have no doubt that before. a century has passed away, millions of free and enlightened and Christian people will lift up their hearts on the shores of Africa, in thanksgivings to God, in grateful recollection of the Pilgrims of Mesurado!'

'We should like, Pa, to know more than we do of colonization, and of the object and history of the American Colonization Society.'

'I was just about to suggest the same,' said Henry.

'It will give me great pleasure to gratify your wishes in this respect. THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY is a voluntary and benevolent association which was formed at Washington, District of Columbia, in the December of 1816. Who is entitled to the honor of first suggesting its formation and character, I shall not undertake to determine. As early as 1777, Mr. Jefferson proposed to the legislature of Virginia to have incorporated in the revised code of that State, a plan for colonizing the free colored population of the United States. He proposed to establish a colony in some part of our Western country. Dr. Fothergill and Granville Sharp appear the first in England who entertained