APPENDIX.

EARLY AND DISTINGUISHED FRIENDS OF COLONIZATION.

In the progress of the foregoing Conversations, particular reference has been made to several of the early and distinguished friends of African Colonization: the author is sensible that in an attempt to do justice to some, he may by omission seem to do injustice to others. He cannot, however refrain from a passing tribute, before these sheets pass from the press, as an acknowledgment of the valuable services of a few among the noble friends of Africa, whose work is done on earth, but who have left a memorial behind them, and "shall be in everlasting remembrance." And first may be mentioned, with propriety, more particularly than before,

THE REV. ROBERT FINLEY.

To Mr. Finley, at that time resident at Basking Ridge, New-Jersey, is conceded by all, a great share in the honor of originating the American Colonization Society. For years, this eminent Christian had viewed the condition of the free colored population of our country with sympathising interest, and "the whole vigor of his intellect was aroused, to form plans for their relief." Among "the exiled children of Africa, this good man saw not merely the heirs to a tem

poral, but to an eternal existence; not those possessing merely the virtues of natural and social affection, but also capacities for the high improvements and joys of an immortal state." Early in the year 1815, he expressed himself to a friend as follows: "The longer I live to see the wretchedness of men, the more I admire the virtue of those who devise, and with patience labor to execute plans for the relief of the wretched. On this subject, the state of the free blacks, has very much occupied my mind. Their number increases. greatly, and their wretchedness, as appears to me. Every thing connected with their condition, including their color, is against them; nor is there much prospect that their state can ever be greatly meliorated, while they shall continue among us. Could not the rich and benevolent devise means to form a colony on some part of the coast of Africa, similar to the one at Sierra Leone, which might gradually induce many free blacks to go and settle, devising for them the means of getting there, and of protection and support till they are established? Could they be sent back to Africa, a threefold benefit would arise. We should be cleared of them; we should send to Africa a population partly civilized and christianized for their benefit; and our blacks themselves would be put in a better situation. Think much upon this subject, and then please to write me when you have leisure." Mr. Finley was satisfied of the practicability and utility of the project, aud encouraged by the opinions of others, "resolved to make a great effort to carry his benevolent views into effect. * * In making preparatory arrangements, he spent a considerable part of the fall of 1816," and, "determined to test the popularity, and in some measure the practicability of the whole system," he at length introduced the subject to public notice in the city of Washington. For this purpose, he visited several members of Congress, the President, the heads of Department, and others. His conversation and zeal is said to have done much in ar

resting attention to the subject, and conciliating many who at first appeared opposed. He proposed a special season of prayer in reference to the object, and several pious persons met him for the purpose of spending an hour in such an exercise. When told that some were incredulous, and that some ridiculed the plan proposed, he replied, "I know this scheme is from God."

Having disinterestedly and perseveringly prosecuted the great object of his desire, and performed a conspicuous part in the organization of the Society, he was soon called from his Christian labors on earth, to his reward in heaven. His name stood enrolled among the Vice-Presidents of the institution-but his work is done; and upon the foundation which he laid, others are called by the providence of God to build.

1

JAMES MADISON,

the profound statesman, the accomplished scholar, the humble Christian, who filled with so much honor the highest executive department of the nation, was the early friend of the Society, for many years one of its Vice-Presidents, its President at the time of his lamented death, and besides approving its plans and lending to it the influence of his name, contributed largely to its funds, and remembered it also in his last will and testament, leaving to assist in its operations when he should be no more, the sum of $4,000-even more valuable, it is hoped, in its moral effect, than because of the pecuniary amount.

A JEFFERSON, MONROE, AND CARROLL,

may also be mentioned as among the zealous advocates of colonization, the last of whom was elected President of the Society upon the demise of Judge Washington.

THE HON. BUSHROD WASHINGTON,

the talents and virtues of whom are well known to have been of high character, and who having practised with reputation and success in the profession of which he was so bright an ornament, was appointed by the first President Adams, in 1797, as Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States-the highest judicial tribunal of our country, was also the Society's early friend. Of this Society, he became the President at its origin, and ever felt much interest in its success. He gave much of his time and thoughts to the advancement of its designs, and was liberal in his donations. His views of the Society and its operations, are exhibited in an impressive manner, in an address which he delivered at the first annual meeting of the Society. The following is an extract: "In the magnificent plans now carrying on for the improvement and happiness of mankind, in many parts of the world, we cannot but discern the interposition of that Almighty power, who alone could inspire and crown with success these great purposes. But amongst

them all, there is perhaps none upon which we may more confidently implore the blessing of heaven, than that in which we are now associated. Whether we consider the grandeur of the object and the wide sphere of philanthropy which it embraces; or whether we view the present state of its progress under the auspices of this Society, and under the obstacles which might have been expected from the cupidity of many, we may discover in each a certain pledge that the same benignant hand which has made these preparatory arrangements, will crown our efforts with success. Having, therefore, these motives of piety to consecrate and strengthen the powerful considerations which a wise policy suggests, we may, I trust, confidently rely upon the liberal exertions of the public for the necessary means of effecting this highly interesting object." Nor was he at all discouraged by the obstacles which it was necessary to encounter in the further

prosecution of this good enterprise, or by the prospect of the greatness of the work which he saw was to be done. In a subsequent address, he says, "If much yet remains to be done, we may nevertheless look back with satisfaction upon the work which has been accomplished; and may, I trust, without presumption, indulge the hope that the time is not far distant, when, by means of those for whose happiness we are laboring, Africa will participate in the inestimable blessings which result from civilization, a knowledge of the arts, and, above all, of the pure doctrines of the Christian religion."

CHIEF JUSTICE MARSHALL

also was a distinguished friend of colonization: The Colonization Herald has said, on noticing his lamented death, "It is not of the statesman or the judge that we would speak. Our humble tribute is paid to the early and steadfast friend of African Colonization, the oldest Vice-President of the American Colonization Society, and the patron of our own. Surrounded from his birth by a slave population, he knew its evils, and as a patriot, a philanthropist, and a Christian, was sincerely desirous of doing all in his power to promote the welfare of his country, and render justice to the oppressed slave. His clear mind saw the difficulties of the subject, and the necessity of removing by degrees an evil which had grown too mighty to be forcibly overthrown without spreading devastation through the land. He saw that the sudden emancipation of the slaves of the southern States, was morally impracticable, not only by the municipal law which forbade it, but by the still stronger law of nature, which declared it cruel and unjust, both to the masters and the slaves, to cast them forth unprotected and unprepared for their new condition. In the plan of colonization he saw the means of opening a door by which the oppressed may go free, with the prospect of attaining comfort and happi