Section XVII. Concluding Suggestions 391

I

POLITICAL MOVEMENTS

On or about the latter part of July, 1853, the following document was

sent on, and shortly appeared in the columns of "FREDERICK DOUGLASS'

PAPER," Rochester, N.Y., and the "ALIENED AMERICAN," published and

edited by William Howard Day, Esq., M.A., at Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.,

which continued in those papers every issue, until the meeting of the

Convention:

CALL FOR A NATIONAL EMIGRATION

CONVENTION OF COLORED MEN

_To be held in Cleveland, Ohio, on the 24th, 25th, and

26th of August, 1854_

MEN AND BRETHREN: The time has fully come when we, as an oppressed

people, should do something effectively, and use those means

adequate to the attainment of the great and long desired end--do

something to meet the actual demands of the present and prospective

necessities of the rising generation of our people in this country.

To do this, we must occupy a position of entire _equality_, of

_unrestricted_ rights, composing in fact, an acknowledged

_necessary_ part of the _ruling element_ of society in which we

live. The policy _necessary_ to the _preservation_ of this

_element_ must be _in our favor_, if ever we expect the enjoyment,

freedom, sovereignty, and equality of rights anywhere. For this

purpose, and to this end, then, all colored men in favor of

Emigration out of the United States, and _opposed_ to the American

Colonization scheme of leaving the Western Hemisphere, are

requested to meet in CLEVELAND, OHIO, TUESDAY, the 24th day of

AUGUST, 1854, in a great NATIONAL CONVENTION, then and there to

consider and decide upon the great and important subject of

Emigration from the United States.

No person will be admitted to a seat in the Convention, who would

introduce the subject of Emigration to the Eastern

Hemisphere--either to Asia, Africa, or Europe--as our object and

determination are to consider our claims to the West Indies,

Central and South America, and the Canadas. This restriction has no

reference to _personal_ preference, or _individual_ enterprise; but

to the great question of national claims to come before the

Convention.

All persons coming to the Convention must bring credentials

properly authenticated, or bring verbal assurance to the Committee

on Credentials--appointed for the purpose--of their fidelity to the

measures and objects set forth in this call, as the Convention is

specifically by and for the friends of Emigration, and none

others--and no opposition to them will be entertained.

The question is not whether our condition can be bettered by

emigration, but whether it can be made worse. If not, then, there

is no part of the wide spread universe, where our social and

political condition are not better than here in our native country,

and nowhere in the world as here, proscribed on account of color.

We are friends to, and ever will stand shoulder to shoulder by our

brethren, and all our friends in all good measures adopted by them

for the bettering of our condition in this country, and surrender

no rights but with our last breath; but as the subject of

Emigration is of vital importance, and has ever been shunned by all

delegated assemblages of our people as heretofore met, we cannot

longer delay, and will not be farther baffled; and deny the right

of our most sanguine friend or dearest brother, to prevent an

intelligent inquiry into, and the carrying out of these measures,

when this can be done, to our entire advantage, as we propose to

show in Convention--as the West Indies, Central and South

America--the majority of which are peopled our brethren, or those

identified with us in race, and what is more, _destiny_, on this

continent--all stand with open arms and yearning hearts,

importuning us in the name of suffering humanity to come--to make

common cause, and share one common fate on the continent.

The Convention will meet without fail at the time fixed for

assembling, as none but those favorable to Emigration are

admissible; therefore no other gathering may prevent it. The number

of delegates will not be restricted--except in the town where the

Convention may be held--and there the number will be decided by the

Convention when assembled, that they may not too far exceed the

other delegations.

The time and place fixed for holding the Conventions are ample;

affording sufficient time, and a leisure season generally--and as

Cleveland is now the centre of all directions--a good and favorable

opportunity to all who desire to attend. Therefore, it may

reasonably be the greatest gathering of the colored people ever

before assembled in a Convention in the United States.

Colonizationists are advised, that no favors will be shown to them

or their expatriating scheme, as we have no sympathy with the

enemies of our race.

All colored men, East, West, North, and South, favorable to the

measures set forth in this Call will send in their names

(post-paid) to M. R. DELANY, or REV. WM. WEBB, Pittsburgh, Pa.,

that there may be arranged and attached to the Call, _five_ names

from each State.

We must make an issue, create an event, and establish a position

_for ourselves_. It is glorious to think of, but far more glorious

to carry out.

REV. WM. WEBB, M. R. DELANY, H. G. WEBB, THOS. A. BROWN, JOHN

JONES, R. L. HAWKINS, SAMUEL VENERABLE, JOHN WILLIAMS, A. F.

HAWKINS, S. W. SANDERS, JEFFERSON MILLER, _Pittsburgh, Pa._; REV.

A. R. GREEN, P. L. JACKSON, J. H. MAHONEY, G. HARPER, JONATHAN

GREEN, H. A. JACKSON, E. R. PARKER, SAMUEL BRUCE, _Allegheny City_;

J. J. GOULD BIAS, M.D., REV. M. M. CLARK, A. M. SUMNER, JOHNSON

WOODLIN, _Philadelphia_; JAMES M. WHITFIELD, JOHN N. STILL, STANLEY

MATTHEWS, _New York_.

This Call was readily responded to by the addition of names from

other States, which appeared in subsequent issues.

* * * * *

At the Convention, which according to the Call sat in Cleveland

successively on Thursday, 24th, Friday, 25th, and Saturday, 26th of

August, 1854, the following States were represented: Rhode Island,

New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana,

Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, Virginia, and the

Canadas; the great body consisting of nearly sixteen hundred

persons. W. H. DAY, Esq., editor of the _Aliened American_, entered

the Convention, and the Chairman invited him forward, offering him

the privileges of the Convention, stating that wherever colored

people were, William Howard Day was free--whether or not he

altogether agreed in sentiment on minor points; and the Convention

unanimously concurred in the invitation given.

Mr. Day subsequently proffered to the Convention any books or

documents at his command for the use of that body.

The following permanent Institution was established:

ORGANIZATION OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

_Central Commissioners, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania_--M. R. DELANY,

President; WM. WEBB, Vice-President; THOS. A. BROWN, Treasurer;

EDW. R. PARKER, Auditor; CHAS. W. NIGHTEN, Secretary; PROFESSOR M.

H. FREEMAN, A.M., Special For. Sec.; SAMUEL VENERABLE, ALFRED H.

JOHNS, SAMUEL BRUCE, PARKER SORRELL.

DEPARTMENTS

_Committee on Domestic Relations._--SAMUEL BRUCE, Chairman; SAMUEL

VENERABLE, CHARLES W. NIGHTEN. _Financial Relations._--THOMAS A.

BROWN, Chairman; PARKER SORRELL, ALFRED H. JOHNS. _Foreign

Relations._--REV. WM. WEBB, Chairman; M. R. DELANY, EDW. R. PARKER.

_Special Foreign Secretary._ PROF. MARTIN H. FREEMAN, A. M. _State

Commissioners._--_Massachusetts_--WM. C. NELL, _Boston_; C. L.

REMOND, Salem. _New York, Buffalo._--JAMES M. WHITFIELD, J.

THEODORE HOLLY. _Ohio, Cincinnati._--AUGUSTUS R. GREEN, PHILLIP

TOLIVAR, Jun. _Michigan, Detroit._--WILLIAM C. MUNROE, WILLIAM

LAMBERT. _Kentucky, Louisville._--CONAWAY BARBOUR, JAMES H. GIPSON.

_Missouri, St. Louis._--REV. RICH'D ANDERSON, REV. JORDAN BROWN.

_Virginia, Richmond._--RICHARD HENDERSON, JOHN E. FERGUSON.

_Tennessee, Nashville._--ELDER PETER A. H. LOWRY, CHARLES BARRATT.

_Louisiana, New Orleans._--JORDAN B. NOBLE, REV. JOHN GARROW.

_California, San Francisco._--HENRY M. COLLINS, ORANGE LEWIS.

II

SUCCEEDING CONVENTIONS

The Second Convention, pursuant to a call, was held in Cleveland,

in August, 1856, when some modification and amendments were made in

the Constitution, and some changes in the officers of the Board;

but the president was unanimously re-elected, and continued in

office until the close of the of the Third Convention, which met

pursuant to a call in the town of Chatham, Canada West, in August,

1858, when, resigning his position in the Board, the following

officers succeeded to the

GENERAL BOARD OF

COMMISSIONERS

CENTRAL COMMISSIONERS--CHATHAM, CANADA

WILLIAM HOWARD DAY, President

MATISON F. BAILEY, Vice-President

GEORGE WASH. BRODIE, Secretary

JAMES MADISON BELL, Treasurer

ALFRED WHIPPER, Auditor

MARTIN R. DELANY, Foreign Secretary

NOTE.--The names only of the Central Commissioners are here given,

the others being re-elected as chosen in 1856, at Cleveland.

OTHER MEMBERS

ABRAM D. SHADD

J. HENRY HARRIS

ISAAC D. SHADD

At an Executive Council Meeting of the Board, September 1st, 1858,

the following resolution, as taken from the Minutes, was adopted:

That Dr. Martin R. Delany, of Chatham, Kent Country, Canada West,

be a Commissioner to explore in Africa, with full power to choose

his own colleagues.

III

HISTORY OF THE PROJECT

In the winter of 1831-32, being then but a youth, I formed the

design of going to Africa, the land of my ancestry; when in the

succeeding winter of 1832-33, having then fully commenced to study,

I entered into a solemn promise with the Rev. Molliston Madison

Clark, then a student in Jefferson College, at Cannonsburg,

Washington County, Pennsylvania, being but seventeen miles from

Pittsburgh, where I resided (his vacations being spent in the

latter place), to complete an education, and go on an independent

and voluntary mission--to travel in Africa--I as a physician and he

as a clergyman, for which he was then preparing.

During these vacations of about seven weeks each, Mr. Clark was of

great advantage to me in my studies, he being then a man of

probably thirty years of age, or more, and in his senior year (I

think) at college.

This design I never abandoned, although in common with my race in

America, I espoused the cause, and contended for our political and

moral elevation on equality with the whites, believing then, as I

do now, that merit alone should be the test of individual claims in

the body politic. This cause I never have nor will abandon;

believing that no man should hesitate or put off any duty for

another time or place, but "act, act in the _living present_, act,"

_now_ or _then_. This has been the rule of my life, and I hope ever

shall be.

In 1850, I had fully matured a plan for an adventure, and to a

number of select intelligent gentlemen (of African descent, of

course) fully committed myself in favor of it. They all agreed that

the scheme was good; and although neither of them entered

personally into it, all fully sanctioned it, bidding me God-speed

in my new adventure, as a powerful handmaid to their efforts in

contending for our rights in America.

* * * * *

In 1854, at the great Emigration Convention in Cleveland, my paper,

read and adopted as a "Report on the Political Destiny of the

Colored Race on the American Continent," set forth fully my views

on the advantages of Emigration.

* * * * *

Although the Call itself strictly prohibits the introduction of the

question of emigration from the American Continent or Western

Hemisphere, the qualification which directly follows--"This

restriction has no reference to _personal_ preference, or

_individual_ enterprise"--may readily be understood. It was a mere

policy on the part of the authors of those documents, to confine

their scheme to America (including the West Indies), whilst they

were the leading advocates of the regeneration of Africa, lest they

compromised themselves and their people to the avowed enemies of

the race.

* * * * *

The Convention (at Cleveland, 1854), in its Secret Sessions made,

Africa, with its rich, inexhaustible productions, and great

facilities for checking the abominable Slave Trade, its most

important point of dependence, though each individual was left to

take the direction which in his judgment best suited him. Though

our great gun was leveled, and the first shell thrown at the

American Continent, driving a slaveholding faction into despair,

and a political confusion from which they have been utterly unable

to extricate themselves, but become more and more complicated every

year, _Africa was held in reserve, until by the help of an All-wise

Providence we could effect what has just been accomplished with

signal success_--a work which the most sanguine friend of the cause

believed would require at least the half of a century.

It is a curious, and not less singular historical fact, that a

leading political journal, and the first newspaper which nominated

Mr. James Buchanan, many years ago, for the Presidency of the

United States; and at a time whilst he was yet at the court of St.

James (1854), as Envoy Extraordinary, this paper was strongly

urging his claims as such, thus expresses itself, which gives a

fair idea of the political pro-slavery press generally, especially

in Pennsylvania, Mr. Buchanan's native State. I intended to give

the article entire, as alarm will be seen even at the commencement;

but pressure for space will prevent my quoting but a few sentences.

It is from the Pittsburgh _Daily Morning Post_, Wednesday, October

18th, 1854:

A GRAND SCHEME FOR THE COLORED RACE

In August last, a National Convention of colored people was held at

Cleveland, Ohio. It was composed of delegates from most of the

States. It was called the 'National Emigration Convention,' and its

objects were to consider the political destinies of the black race;

and recommend a plan of Emigration to countries where they can

enjoy political liberty, and form nations 'free and independent.'

The Committee then proceeds to mark out a grand scheme by which the

Negro race may be regenerated, and formed into free, intelligent,

and prosperous nations. The West India Islands, Central America,

and all the Northern and middle portions of South America,

including the whole of Brazil, are designated as the regions

desired; and that can be obtained as the seat of Negro civilization

and empire. These regions and islands together are represented as

containing twenty-four and a half millions of population; but

one-seventh of which, some three and a half millions, are whites of

pure European extraction; and the remainder, nearly twenty-one

millions, are colored people of African and Indian origin. This

immense preponderance of the colored races in those regions, it is

supposed, will enable them, with the aid of Emigration from the

United States, to take possession of all those countries and

islands, and become the ruling race in the empires to be formed out

of those wide and fruitful realms. The Committee expresses full

confidence in the practicability of this great undertaking; and

that nothing is wanting to its success at no distant day but

unanimity of sentiment and action among the masses of the colored

people. The climate of those regions is represented as entirely

congenial to the colored race, while to the European races it is

enervating and destructive; and this fact, added to the present

immense superiority of numbers on the part of the negroes, is

relied on as a sure guarantee of the success of the great

enterprise; and that their race could forever maintain the

possession and control of those regions.

Other great events, it is supposed, will follow in the train of

this mighty movement. With the West India Islands, and Central and

South America, composing free negro nations, slavery in the United

States would, they suppose, soon be at an end. The facility of

escape, the near neighborhood of friends and aid, it is urged,

would rapidly drain off from the Southern States all the most

intelligent, robust, and bold of their slaves.

Dr. M. R. Delany, of Pittsburgh, was the chairman of the committee

that made this report to the convention. It was, of course,

adopted.

If Dr. D. drafted this report, it certainly does him much credit

for learning and ability; and cannot fail to establish for him a

reputation for vigor and brilliancy of imagination never yet

surpassed. It is a vast conception of impossible birth. The

Committee seem to have entirely overlooked the strength of the

'powers on earth' that would oppose the Africanization of more than

half the Western Hemisphere.

We have no motive in noticing this gorgeous dream of 'the

Committee,' except to show its fallacy--its impracticability, in

fact, its absurdity. No sensible man, whatever his color, should be

for a moment deceived by such impracticable theories.

On the African coast already exists a thriving and prosperous

Republic. It is the native home of the African race; and there he

can enjoy the dignity of manhood, the rights of citizenship, and

all the advantages of civilization and freedom. Every colored man

in this country will be welcomed there as a free citizen; and there

he can not only prosper, and secure his own comfort and happiness,

but become a teacher and benefactor of his kindred races; and

become an agent in carrying civilization and Christianity to a

benighted continent. That any one will be turned aside from so

noble a mission by the delusive dream of conquest and empire in the

Western Hemisphere is an absurdity too monstrous and mischievous to

be believed. Yet 'the Committee's Report' was accepted, and

adopted, and endorsed by a 'National Convention;' and is published

and sent forth to the world.

In July, 1855, Rev. James Theodore Holly, an accomplished black

gentleman, now rector of St. Luke's Church, New Haven, Connecticut,

U.S., was commissioned to Faustin Soulouque, Emperor of Hayti, where he

was received at court with much attention, interchanging many official

notes during a month's residence there, with favorable inducements to

laborers to settle.

During the interval from the first convention, 1854 to 1858, as

President of the Council, I was actively engaged corresponding in every

direction, among which were several States of Central and South America,

as well as Jamaica and Cuba; the Rev. J. T. Holly, who, during two years

of the time, filled the office of Foreign Secretary, contributing no

small share in its accomplishment.

Immediately after the convention of 1856, from which I was absent by

sickness, I commenced a general correspondence with individuals,

imparting to each the basis of my adventure to Africa to obtain

intelligent colleagues. During this time (the Spring of 1857), "Bowen's

Central Africa" was published, giving an interesting and intelligent

account of that extensive portion of Africa known on the large

missionary map of that continent as Yoruba. Still more encouraged to

carry out my scheme at this juncture, Livingstone's great work on Africa

made its appearance, which seemed to have stimulated the

Africo-Americans in many directions, among others, those of Wisconsin,

from whom Mr. Jonathan J. Myers, a very respectable grocer, was

delegated as their Chairman to counsel me on the subject. In the several

councils held between Mr. Myers and myself, it was agreed and understood

that I was to embody their cause and interests in my mission to Africa,

they accepting of the policy of my scheme.

At this time, I made vigorous efforts to accomplish my design, and for

this purpose, among others, endeavored to obtain goods in Philadelphia

to embark for Loando de St. Paul, the Portuguese colony in Loango, South

Africa, where the prospect seemed fair for a good trade in beeswax and

ivory, though Lagos, West Central Africa, was my choice and destination.

Robert Douglass, Esq., artist, an accomplished literary gentleman

(landscape, portrait painter, and photographer) of Philadelphia with

whom I was in correspondence, sent me the following note:

MR. M. R. DELANY:--PHILADELPHIA, June 17, 1858

DEAR SIR--I think very highly of the intended Expedition to the

'Valley of the Niger.' I would be pleased to accompany it

professionally, if I were to receive a proper outfit and salary.

Dr. Wilson declines; but Mr. Robert Campbell, of the 'Institute for

Colored Youth,' a very accomplished Chemist, &c., &c., &c., says he

will gladly accompany the Expedition, if a proper support for his

family in his absence were assured. Rev. William Douglass, in

conversation with me, has expressed very favorable views. Hoping

you may be very successful, I remain in expectation of receiving

more detailed accounts of the plan, its prospects and progress,

Your friend and well-wisher,

ROBERT DOUGLASS

_661, N. Thirteenth St., Phil._

Up to this time, I had never before known or heard of Mr. Campbell, who

is a West India gentleman, native bred in Jamaica, but the

recommendation of Mr. Douglass, an old acquaintance and gentleman of

unsullied integrity, accompanied as it was by the following note from

Dr. Wilson, also an accomplished gentleman of equal integrity, a

physician, surgeon, and chemist, who, being selected by me as Surgeon

and Naturalist of the party, also recommended Mr. Campbell in a detached

note which has been mislaid, was sufficient at the time:

DR. DELANY:--PHILADELPHIA, June 7th, 1858

DEAR SIR--I received your note of May 25th, through the kindness of

R. Douglass, Jr., and can truly say, I am highly gratified to learn

of so laudable an enterprise and expedition; and would be happy and

proud to be numbered with the noble hearts and brilliant minds,

identified with it. Yet, whilst I acknowledge (and feel myself

flattered by) the honor conferred upon me in being selected for so

important and honorable position, I regret to inform you, that it

will be wholly out of my power to accept.

Very respectfully,

JAMES H. WILSON

_838, Lombard Street._

I have been the more induced to give the letters of Mr. Douglass and Dr.

Wilson in favor of Mr. Campbell, because some of my friends were

disposed to think that I "went out of the way to make choice of an

entire stranger, unknown to us, instead of old and tried acquaintances,"

as they were pleased to express it. I had but one object in view--the

Moral, Social, and Political Elevation of Ourselves, and the

Regeneration of Africa, for which I desired, as a _preference_, and

indeed the only _adequate_ and _essential_ means by which it is to be

accomplished, men of African descent, properly qualified and of pure and

fixed principles. These I endeavored to select by corresponding only

with such of my acquaintances.

At the Council which appointed me Commissioner to Africa, having

presented the names of Messrs. Douglass and Campbell, asking that they

also might be chosen; at a subsequent meeting the following action took

place:

Whereas, Dr. Martin R. Delany, Commissioner to Africa, having presented

the names of Messrs. Robert Douglas and Robert Campbell of

Philadelphia, Pa., U.S., requesting that they be appointed

Commissioners, the Board having made him Chief Commissioner with full

power to appoint his own Assistants, do hereby sanction the appointment

of these gentlemen as Assistant Commissioners.

A paper was then laid before the Council, presenting the name and scheme

of the party, which was received and adopted.

Dr. Amos Aray, surgeon, a highly intelligent gentleman, and Mr. James W.

Purnell, also an intelligent young gentleman, bred to mercantile

pursuits, having subsequently sent in their names and received

appointments by the Chief Commissioner, the following document was made

out:

AFRICAN COMMISSION

The President and Officers of the General Board of Commissioners,

viz: William H. Day, A.M., President; Matison F. Bailey,

Vice-President; George W. Brodie, Secretary; James Madison Bell,

Treasurer; Alfred Whipper, Auditor; Dr. Martin R. Delany, Special

Foreign Secretary; Abram D. Shadd, James Henry Harris, and Isaac D.

Shadd, the Executive Council in behalf of the organization for the

promotion of the political and other interests of the Colored

Inhabitants of North America, particularly the United States and

Canada.

To all, unto whom these letters may come, greeting: The said

General Board of Commissioners, in Executive Council assembled,

have this day chosen, and by these presents do hereby appoint and

authorize Dr. Martin Robison Delany, of Chatham, County of Kent,

Province of Canada, Chief Commissioner; and Robert Douglass, Esq.,

Artist, and Prof. Robert Campbell, Naturalist, both of

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, one of the United States of America, to

be Assistant Commissioners; Amos Aray, Surgeon; and James W

Purnell, Secretary and Commercial Reporter, both of Kent County,

Canada West, of a Scientific Corps, to be known by the name of

THE NIGER VALLEY EXPLORING PARTY

The object of this Expedition is to make a Topographical, Geological

and Geographical Examination of the Valley of the River Niger, in

Africa, and an inquiry into the state and condition of the people of

that Valley, and other parts of Africa, together with such other

scientific inquiries as may by them be deemed expedient, for the

purposes of science and for general information; and without any

reference to, and with the Board being entirely opposed to any

Emigration there as such. Provided, however, that nothing in this

Instrument be so construed as to interfere with the right of the

Commissioners to negotiate in their own behalf, or that of any other

parties, or organization for territory.

The Chief-Commissioner is hereby authorized to add one or more

competent Commissioners to their number; it being agreed and

understood that this organization is, and is to be exempted from the

pecuniary responsibility of sending out this Expedition.

Dated at the Office of the Executive Council, Chatham, county of

Kent, Province of Canada, this Thirtieth day of August, in the year

of our Lord, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty-eight.

By the President,

WILLIAM HOWARD DAY

ISAAC D. SHADD, Vice-President[1]

GEORGE W. BRODIE, Secretary

So soon as these names with their destined mission were officially

published, there arose at once from mistaken persons (_white_) in

Philadelphia, a torrent of opposition, who presuming to know more about

us (the blacks) and our own business than we did ourselves, went even so

far as to speak to one of our party, and tell him that we were _not

ready_ for any such _important_ undertaking, nor could be in _three

years yet to come_! Of course, as necessary to sustain this, it was

followed up with a dissertation on the _disqualification_ of the Chief

of the Party, mentally and physically, _external_ appearances and all.

So effectually was this opposition prosecuted, that colored people in

many directions in the United States and the Canadas, were not only

affected by it, but a "Party" of three had already been chosen and

appointed to supersede us! Even without any knowledge on my part, claims

were made in England in behalf of the "Niger Valley Exploring Party,"

solely through the instrumentality of these Philadelphians.

Such were the effects of this, that our preparatory progress was not

only seriously retarded (I having to spend eight months in New York city

to counteract the influence, where six weeks only would have been

required), but three years originally intended to be spent in exploring

had to be reduced to one, and the number of Commissioners from five to

two, thereby depriving Mr. Robert Douglass from going, an old friend and

most excellent gentleman, whose life, as well as that of his father

before him, had been spent in efforts, not only of self-elevation, but

the elevation also of his people. Many years ago, the accomplished

articles of "Robert Douglass, Jun," to the _United States Gazette_, and

other public journals, forced those negro-hating periodicals to respect

at least the writer, if not his race. Dr. Aray, also an excellent

gentleman who had given up business to join the party, was doomed to

disappointment. And of Mr. Jas. W. Purnell--who met me in New York two

weeks after my arrival, and through the whole eight months of adversity

and doubtful progress, stood by me, performing the duty of Secretary,

writing in every direction, copying, and from dictation for hours at a

time--I cannot say too much. For a young gentleman inexperienced in such

matters, he has no superior; and for integrity, true heartedness, and

trustworthiness, in my estimation, he has few if any rivals. To his

great and good uncle, under whom he was brought up, much of his

character is to be credited.

As an expression of the feelings of the most intelligent emigrationists

with whom I corresponded generally in America, I give below two extracts

from letters of Professor Freeman. The Professor is now as he then was,

the Principal of Avery College.

ALLEGHANY CITY, April 14, 1858

MY DEAR FRIEND--Your letter of condolence was duly received, for

which we tender you our warmest thanks.

I have read Bowen's work, and shall to-day purchase Livingstone's.

I am more and more convinced that Africa is the country to which

all colored men who wish to attain the full stature of manhood, and

bring up their children to be men and not creeping things, should

turn their steps; and I feel more and more every day, that I made a

great mistake in not going there, when I was untrammelled by family

ties, and had the opportunity.

Respectfully yours,

M. H. Freeman

Again the Professor says:

I see that Emigration has broken out in the East, and that ---- can

notice one now without scoffing at, which he could not in 1854.

Well, people can grow wondrously wise in four years. But it will

take several more _Olympiads_ to bring the leaders among us up to

the old Cleveland Platform of 1854.

All the fault of that movement was this, that it was at least one

generation ahead of the colored heads of our people. We may, if we

please, refuse to emigrate, and crouch like spaniels, to lick the

hand that beats us; but children's children at the farthest, will

have outgrown such pitiful meanness, and will dare to do all that

others have dared and done for the sake of freedom and

independence. Then all this cowardly cant about the unhealthy

climate, the voracious beasts, and venomous reptiles of Africa,

will be at a discount, instead of passing current as now for wisdom

and prudence.

Mr. Campbell, who finally agreed voluntarily to be one of the "Niger

Valley Exploring Party," spent some time with us in New York and some

time in Philadelphia, but finally, in consequence of the doubtful

prospects of my success, left, it would seem, at the suggestion and with

the advice and recommendation of parties in Philadelphia, disconnected

with and unknown to me, from whom he received letters of introduction

for England. In justice to myself and party as organized, as well as the

great cause and people whom I represent, I here simply remark, that this

was no arrangement of mine nor our party, as such at the time; and

whatever of success the visit was attended with, and benefit thereby

accrued mutually to us in Africa, I as frankly decline any authority in

the matter and credit to myself, as I should had the result proved what

it might have done otherwise. I am only willing to claim that which is

legitimately mine, and be responsible for my own doings whether good or

bad; but this act the integrity of the Party was forced to acknowledge,

as the following circular published in England will show:

EXPEDITION TO AFRICA TO PROMOTE THE CULTIVATION OF COTTON AND OTHER

PRODUCTS OF SLAVE-LABOR BY EMIGRANTS FROM AMERICA

A party, consisting of Martin R. Delany, M.D., Robert Campbell, J.

W. Purnell, Robert Douglass, and Amos Aray, M.D., (the last two

subsequently omitted) has been commissioned by a Convention of

Colored Persons, held at Chatham, C.W., to proceed to Africa, and

select a location for the establishment of an Industrial Colony.

While such an enterprise is of importance in the Evangelization and

Civilization of Africa, and in affording an asylum in which the

oppressed descendants of that country may find the means of

developing their mental and moral faculties unimpeded by unjust

restrictions, it is regarded as of still greater importance in

facilitating the production of those staples, particularly Cotton,

which now are supplied to the world chiefly by Slave Labor. The

effect of this would be to lessen the profits of Slavery, to render

in time the slave a burden to his owner, and thus furnish an

irresistible motive to Emancipation. Africa possesses resources

which, properly developed, must doubtless render her eventually a

great, if not the greatest, producer of all the products of Slave

Labor. And how would all good men rejoice to see the blow which

shall effectually prostrate the giant Slavery, struck by the Black

Man's arm! It is necessary, however, that civilized influences be

diffused in her midst or, at least, that facilities for rendering

available her products, be supplied equal to the demand for them.

It is the purpose of the party to proceed to Lagos, thence through

Abbeokuta to Rabba, on the Niger, about 350 miles from the coast;

to study the Agricultural and Commercial facilities of the country,

and the disposition of the Natives towards strangers as settlers;

also to negotiate for the grant or purchase of land, and to

ascertain the conditions on which we might be protected in the

usages of civilized life.

These objects being accomplished, the party will return and report

the result of their labors, when a considerable number of

intelligent and enterprising persons from the United States and

Canada, many of them intimately acquainted with the production of

Cotton, and its preparation for market, will be prepared to

emigrate.

Towards defraying the expenses of this undertaking, £500 has been

subscribed in America. This amount has been expended in providing

for the families of two of the party in their absence; in paying

the passage of Martin R. Delany and J. W. Purnell to Africa, direct

from America, and providing them a few articles of outfit; in

defraying the current expenses of the party since the 1st December

ult., while engaged in soliciting subscriptions and otherwise

forwarding the objects of the Expedition; and in providing the

Subscriber with the means of coming hither.

It is desired to raise in this country, in time to enable the

Subscriber to depart for Africa in June by the steamer from

Liverpool, an additional sum of £250, with which to provide other

articles of outfit, and goods for trading with the natives for the

means of subsistence, as well as to provide for other necessary and

contingent expenses.

The Subscriber will take the liberty of calling upon you

personally, at an early day, to solicit your aid in this

enterprise.

MANCHESTER, May 13th, 1859 ROBERT CAMPBELL

Grant, for charity's sake, that it was done with the best of motives, it

was flagrantly and fatally at variance with every principle of

intelligent--to say nothing of enlightened--organizations among

civilized men, and in perfect harmony with that mischievous interference

by which the enemies of our race have ever sought to sow discord among

us, to prove a natural contempt for the Negro and repugnance to his

leadership, then taunt us with incapacity for self-government. These

flambeaus and rockets directed with unerring precision, taking effect in

the very centre of our magazine, did not cause, in those for whom it was

intended, a falter nor a wince in their course, but steadily and

determinedly they pressed their way to the completion of their object

under prosecution. In this design the enemy was thwarted.

I drop every reflection and feeling of unpleasantness towards my young

brother Campbell, who, being a West Indian, probably did not understand

those _white Americans_, and formed his opinion of American _blacks_ and

their capacity to "lead," from the estimate they set upon them. I owe it

to posterity, the destiny of my race, the great adventure into which I

am embarked and the position I sustain to it, to make this record with

all Christian (or _African_, if you please) forgiveness, against this

most glaring and determined act of theirs to blast the negro's prospects

in this his first effort in the Christian Era, to work out his own moral

and political salvation, by the regeneration of his Fatherland, through

the medium of a self-projected scheme; and thereby take the credit to

themselves. It was too great an undertaking for negroes to have the

credit of, and therefore they _must_ go _under_ the auspices of some

white American Christians. To be black, it would seem, was necessarily

to be "ungodly"; and to be white was necessarily to be "godly," or

Christian, in the estimation of some.

With a grateful heart, I here as freely record as an equal duty I owe to

posterity, my unfeigned thanks to all those gentlemen who took an active

part and in any way aided the mission on my behalf, either from the

pulpit, by the contribution of books, stationery, charts, instruments,

or otherwise, especially those who made each the _one hundred dollar

contribution_, and the two in New York, through whose instrumentality

and influence these were obtained. Those disinterested and voluntary

acts of kindness I never shall forget whilst reason occupies her throne,

and would here willingly record their names, had I their consent to do

so.

I sailed from New York May 24th, in the fine _barque Mendi_--Captain

M'Intyre--vessel and cargo owned by Johnson, Turpin and Dunbar, three

enterprising colored gentlemen of Monrovia, Liberia, all formerly of New

York, U.S. In the name of the General Board of Commissioners for the

promotion of the political and other interest of the colored people of

the United States and the Canadas, by self-exertion, I thank them.

I cannot close this section without expressing my obligations to Captain

M'Intyre for his personal kindness to me; and also to his first officer,

Captain Vernon Locke, (himself a ship-master, who took the position of

first officer for the voyage, and who had been, for the last three or

four years, collecting scientific information by astronomical,

meteorological, and other observations, for Lieutenant Maury, Director

of the Observatory at Washington, D.C., U.S.,) I am greatly indebted for

many acts of kindness in facilitating my microscopic and other

examinations and inquiries, during the voyage. Concerning the _nautilus

and whale_, I learned more through this accomplished seaman than I had

ever learned before. The first by examination of the mollusca, which

were frequently caught by Captain L. for my accommodation--and of the

latter, by oral information received from him (who had been a great

whaler) on frequently observing those huge monsters during the

voyage.[2]

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Mr. Shadd was elected Vice-President in the place of Mr. Bailey, who

left the Province for New Caledonia.

[2] On the 16th day of June, lat. 35 deg. 35 min., long. 38 deg. 39

min., a very large school (the largest Captain Locke said that he had

ever seen or read of), probably _five hundred_, of sperm whales made

their appearance in the segment of a circle to windward and leeward of

the vessel about noon, continuing in sight, blowing and spouting,

filling the air with spray for a long time, to our amusement and

delight. The captain said, though an old whaler, he had never known of

sperm whales in that latitude before; and from the immense number, and

as they were frequently seen as we approached Africa many times on

different days afterwards, that he thought a new whaling point had been

discovered. Other whales were also seen frequently in these

latitudes--lazy, shy, "old bulls," which floated with their huge backs

and part of their heads out of water, so as to expose their eyes, when

they would suddenly disappear and as quickly appear again; but the great

quantity of _squid spawn_, the peculiar _mollusca_ upon which the sperm

whale feeds, made it ominous, according to the opinion of Captain Locke,

that a great new sperm whale fishery had been discovered, the spawn

being seen during several days' sail before and after observing the

great school.

NOTE.--I should not close this part of my report without stating that,

during the year 1858, Mr. Myers wrote to the Royal Geographical Society,

London; Thomas Clegg, Esq., Manchester; Dr. Livingstone, and perhaps

others, all over _my name_ as secretary and himself chairman. The

letters referred to were written (without my knowledge) by a son of Mr.

Myers; and I only mention the fact here because I am unwilling to claim

the honor of the authorship of correspondence carried on through a lad

of sixteen years of age.

IV

ARRIVAL AND RECEPTION IN LIBERIA

Arrival in Africa

Saturday, July 10th.--I landed on the beach at Grand Cape Mount,

Robertsport, in company with Messrs. the Hon. John D. Johnson, Joseph

Turpin, Dr. Dunbar, and Ellis A. Potter, amid the joyous acclamations of

the numerous natives who stood along the beautiful shore, and a number

of Liberians, among whom was Reverend Samuel Williams, who gave us a

hearty reception. Here we passed through the town (over the side of the

hill), returning to the vessel after night.

Monrovia

Monday, July 12th.--The roadstead of Monrovia was made about noon, when

I, in company with B. E. Castendyk, Esq., a young German gentleman

traveling for pleasure, took lodgings at Widow Moore's, the residence of

Rev. John Seys, the United States consular agent, and commissioner for

recaptured Africans.

On the day after my arrival, the following correspondence took place:

Residence of the United States Consular Agent Monrovia, Liberia,

July 12th, 1859

To His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Liberia:

SIR--By a Convention of Colored People of the United States and the

Canadas, Martin R. Delany, Robert Douglass, Robert Campbell, Amos

Aray, and James W. Purnell, were appointed as Commissioners under

the name of the 'Niger Valley Exploring Party,' to make an

Exploration through different parts of Africa.

I have arrived, Sir, near your Government, and expect soon to meet

other members of the party. Any aid, orally, documentary, or in the

person of an Official Commissioner, which you may please to give to

facilitate the mission in Liberia will be gratefully and highly

appreciated. I ask the favor of an interview with your Excellency,

either privately or in Cabinet Council, or with any other gentlemen

that the occasion may suggest, at such time as may be designated.

I am happy, Sir, of the opportunity of giving your Excellency

assurance of my most distinguished consideration.

M. R. DELANY

His Excellency, President Benson. Government House, Monrovia,

July 13, 1859

SIR--I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of

the 12th instant, conveying to me the information of your

appointment (in connection with colleagues expected soon to

arrive), by a Convention of the colored people of the United States

and the Canadas, 'Commissioners,' under the name of 'The Niger

Valley Exploring Party'; and of your arrival near this Government.

You have also been pleased to signify, that you will duly

appreciate any aid, oral, documentary or in the form of an official

Commissioner this Government may feel disposed to afford you, in

facilitation of the enterprise.

In reply, I have to express my deep regret, that the receipt of

your very interesting note is on the very eve of my leaving this

city on an official visit to the leeward counties, which will, for

the present, deprive me of the pleasure I had anticipated of an

interview with you on the very interesting and highly important

objects of your mission.

The Hon. John N. Lewis, Secretary of State, with whom I will

converse on the subject matter of your note before leaving, will be

pleased to grant you an audience; and will, with pleasure, meet

your wishes, so far as he can consistently.

Please be reassured of the deep interest I feel in your very

laudable enterprise; and that, if it were not for very important

despatches received last week from the county of Maryland, which

make it absolutely necessary that I should delay no time in

reaching there, I would defer my departure a couple of days for the

express purpose of consultation with you in person.

I have the honor to be most respectfully,

Your very obedient servant,

To M. R. Delany, Esq., &c. STEPHEN A. BENSON

* * * * *

Monrovia, July 13, 1859 Martin R. Delany, Esq.:

DEAR SIR--The undersigned, citizens of the city of Monrovia, having

long heard of you and your efforts in the United States to elevate

our down-trodden race, though those efforts were not infrequently

directed against Liberia, are glad to welcome you, in behalf of the

community to these shores; recognizing, as they do in you, an

ardent and devoted lover of the African race, and an industrious

agent in promoting their interests. And they take this opportunity

of expressing to you their most cordial sympathy with the

enterprise which has brought you to these shores, sincerely

praying that your endeavors may be crowned with complete success.

The undersigned, further, in the name and behalf of the members of

this community, respectfully request that you would favor the

citizens with a lecture to-morrow evening, or on any other evening

you may choose to appoint, at half-past seven o'clock, on any

subject you may be pleased to select.

On receiving your reply notices will be issued accordingly.

B. P. YATES H. W. DENNIS

D. B. WARNER URIAS A. MCGILL

SAML. F. MCGILL H. A. JOHNSON

B. V. R. JAMES EDW. W. BLYDEN

SAML. MATTHEWS

Residence of the United States Consular Agent, Monrovia, July

13th, 1859

GENTLEMEN--Your note of to-day has been received, for the honor of

which I thank you, and beg to say that numerous engagements prevent

me from complying with your request on to-morrow evening.

You are mistaken, gentlemen, in supposing that I have ever spoken

directly 'against Liberia,' as wherever I have been I have always

acknowledged a unity of interests in our race wherever located; and

any seeming opposition to Liberia could only be constructively

such, for which I am not responsible.

Should it be your pleasure, I will do myself the honor serving you

on Monday evening next, or any other evening during the week, by a

discourse on the 'Political Destiny of the African Race,' and

assure you of the pleasure with which I have the honor to be,

Your most obedient servant,

M. R. DELANY

Col. B. P. Yates; Hon. D. B. Warner; S. F. McGill, M.D.; Hon. B. V.

R. James; Rev. Saml. Matthews; Urias McGill, Esq.; Rev. Edw. W.

Blyden; H. W. Dennis, Esq.; H. A. Johnson, Esq., District Attorney.

* * * * *

M. R. Delany, Esq.: Monrovia, July 14, 1859

SIR--We have the honor to acknowledge your note of to-day in reply

to an invitation of yesterday from us requesting that you would

favor us, with many others, with an address on to-morrow evening,

or at any other time agreeable to yourself. Having signified to us

that next Monday evening you would be pleased to comply with the

request, we tender you our thanks and will be happy to listen to a

discourse on the 'Political destiny of the African Race.'

We have the honor to be, very respectfully, &c., yours,

B. V. R. JAMES

SAML. MATTHEWS

And others

Reception

On Monday evening, the 19th of July, having addressed a crowded audience

in the Methodist Episcopal Church, Ex-Governor McGill in the chair, T.

M. Chester, Esq., Secretary; Ex-President Roberts rose and in a short

speech, in the name of the Liberians, welcomed me to Africa. By a vote

of thanks and request to continue the discourse on a subsequent

evening, this request was complied with on the following Tuesday

evening.

Dr. M. R. Delany, Monrovia, July 28, 1859

DEAR SIR--The undersigned citizens of Monrovia having been much

edified by listening to two very interesting lectures delivered by

you in the Methodist church, avail themselves of this method to

express their appreciation of the same, and to respectfully request

that you will favor the community with a popular lecture on

'Physiology' on Friday evening, the 29th inst.

HENRY J. ROBERTS

SAML. F. MCGILL

B. P. YATES

HENRY W. DENNIS

EDWD. W. BLYDEN

Public Lecture

The reply to this polite invitation of Doctors Roberts and McGill, and

others, having been mislaid, I simply remark here that the request was

complied with on the evening of August 3d, in the Methodist Church, to a

crowded house of the most intelligent citizens of Monrovia, of both

sexes and all ages.

Departure from Monrovia.

Coasting, Cape Palmas

On the evening of August 5th, I left Monrovia in the bark Mendi,

stopping at Junk, Little Bassa, Grand Bassa mouth of St. John's River,

Sinou, arriving at Cape Palmas Sabbath noon, August 20th.

Missionary Greeting

Half an hour after my arrival, I was called upon by the Rev. Mr.

Hoffman, Principal of the Female Orphan Asylum, at the residence of John

Marshall, Esq., whose hospitality I was then receiving, and in the name

of the white Missionaries welcomed to that part of Liberia. Before Mr.

Hoffman left I was honored by a visit also from Rev. Alexander Crummell,

Principal of Mount Vaughan High School, where, after partaking of the

hospitality of Mr. Marshall during that day and evening, I took up my

residence during a month's stay in this part of Liberia.

Correspondence

Having taken the _acclimating fever_ on the 5th of the month, the day I

left Monrovia, and besides regularly a dessert spoonful of a solution of

the sulphate of _quinia_ three times a day, and the night of my arrival

two eight grain doses of Dover's Powder, the reference to "the state of

my health" in the following correspondence, will be understood:

To Dr. M. R. Delany:

DEAR SIR--We, the undersigned citizens of the county of Maryland,

Liberia, beg to tender you a heartfelt welcome to our neighborhood,

and to assure you of our warmest interest in the important mission

which has called you to the coast of Africa. Perhaps you will

consent, should your health permit, to favor us with a public

interview before you leave. We would be most happy to hear your

views concerning the interest of our race in general, and of your

mission in particular. Moreover, by so doing, you will afford us an

opportunity of paying you that respect which your reputation,

talents, and noble mission command, and which it is our sincere

desire to pay you.

If Thursday or Friday will suit your convenience it will be

agreeable to us; but we leave the character of the meeting to be

designated by yourself.

Aug. 23,1859

D. R. FLETCHER THOS. FULLER

B. J. DRAYTON RICHD. W. KNIGHT

J. T. GIBSON JOHN MARSHALL

C. H. HARMON GILES ELEM

S. B. D'LYON T. S. DENT

L. R. HAMILTON A. WOOD

BENJAMIN COOK J. W WILLIAMS

H. W. MOULTON WM. W. PEARCE

ANSBURN TUBMAN R. A. GRAY

JAMES M. MOULTON JAS. ADAMS

N. JACKSON, JUN. J. W. COOPER

JNO. E. MOULTON

* * * * *

Mount Vaughan, near Harper, Cape Palmas

August 27th, 1859

Gentlemen--Your note of the 23rd inst., requesting me, should my

health permit, to appear before the citizens of your county, is

before me, and for the sentiments therein expressed I thank you

most kindly.

As I have reason to believe that I am now convalescent from my

second attack of native fever, should my health continue to improve

I shall start on an exploration for the head of Kavalla river on

Monday next ensuing, to return on Friday evening.

Should it be your pleasure, gentlemen, and my health will permit, I

will meet you on Monday, the 5th of September, the place and hour

to be hereafter named according to circumstances.

I assure you of the pleasure, Gentlemen, with which I have the

honor to be,

Your most obedient servant,

M. R. DELANY

Gen. Wood; Judge Drayton; Rev. Alex. Crummell; John

Marshall, Esq.; Hon. J. T. Gibson; C. H. Harmon,

Esq.; J. W. Cooper, Esq.; Dr. Fletcher; Giles Elem,

Esq.; Jas. M. Moulton, Esq.; Benjamin Cook, Esq.; S.

B. D'Lyon, M.D., and others, Committee, &c., &c.

Reception Meeting at Palmas

On the evening of the 14th this request was complied with in the

Methodist Church at Latrobe, an out-village of Harper, by addressing a

crowded assemblage of both sexes and all ages of the most respectable

people of the Cape, on the part of whom I was most cordially welcomed by

Rev. Alexander Crummell.

V

LIBERIA--CLIMATE, SOIL, PRODUCTIONS, ETC.

Territory, Climate

Liberia extends from a point north of Grand Cape Mount, about 7 deg. 30

min. north lat., on sea shore, northeasterly to the western extremity of

the most southern range of the Kong Mountains, lat. 4 deg. 30 min. The

climate is generally salubrious, and quite moderate. But it is

frequently somewhat oppressive, though mild and genial, and the high

hills and mountain ranges sometimes enervating to strangers or

foreigners from temperate climates, in consequence of the "air being

freighted with _fragrance_" from the _flowers_ and _aroma_ of the

exuberant, rich, rank growth of vegetable matter, as trees, shrubbery,

and other herbage.

Temperature

The temperature is seldom or never great, the average being 85 deg.

Fahr.[5] This, it will be perceived, is but 5 deg. above _summer_

temperature in the temperate _zone_ of America, according to

Fahrenheit's scale.

Comparative Temperature Bees

It is worthy of observation that, by a natural law, we are enabled to

compare the temperature in many parts of Africa satisfactorily with that

of some other countries. There are parts of India, and also Central and

South America, where it is said that _bees_ cannot propagate, in

consequence of their inability to build their cells because of the heat,

the cera or wax melting in their hive or habitation. While in Africa

such is not the case, there being no part known to civilized travelers

where bees are not seen ever busy on every blossom, gathering their

store, leaving laden with the rich delicacies of the blooming flowers;

and Doctor Livingstone not only speaks most frequently of the profusion

of honey in the extensive country through which he traveled, but says

that, while near the coast in Loango, he encountered many persons laden

with "tons of _beeswax_" carried on their heads exposed to the sun, on

their way to the trading posts. And during our stay at Abbeokuta, Mr.

Campbell my colleague, had two swarms of bees; the first taken by him

when in _transitu_ (swarmed) and hived, which bred a new swarm in the

hive at the Mission House where we resided.

Soil, Stone, Minerals, Productions

The soil is very rich, which, like that of other parts of Africa through

which I traveled, rates from a sandy loam to a rich alluvial, resting on

strata of granite, limestone, and quartz with a large percentage of

mica, profusely incorporated with iron, and doubtless other rich

minerals not yet discovered. Palm oil and camwood are abundant,

comprising the principal articles of native products for exportation; a

good deal of ivory from the interior through the Golah country, but not

so much as formerly; palm nuts, which principally go to France; ginger,

arrowroot, pepper, coffee, sugar and molasses, to which three latter

articles (as well as pepper, ginger and arrowroot,) the industrious

citizens of Liberia have, during the last six years, turned their

attention.

Domestic Animals, Fowls, Goats, Sheep, Swine, Cattle

The stock consists of fowls of various kinds--as chickens, ducks, common

and Muscovy; Guinea fowls in abundance; turkeys, and on one farm--the

_Gaudilla farm_ of William Spencer Anderson, Esq., sugar planter, on the

St. Paul River--geese. Neither are the cows so small as supposed to be

from the general account given of them by travelers. Those which are

common to, and natives of this part of Africa, which I shall classify as

the _Bassa_ (pronounced _Bassaw_) cattle, are handsome and well-built,

comparing favorably in size (though neither so long-legged nor

long-bodied) with the small cattle in the interior counties of

Pennsylvania, U.S., where no attention is paid scientifically to the

breeding of cattle; though the Liberia or Bassa are much the heaviest,

and handsomely made like the _Golah_, or _Fulatah_, hereafter to be

described, resembling the Durham cattle of England in form. Also swine,

goats, and sheep are plentiful.

Horses, None. Why?

I saw but one horse in Liberia, and that on the Gaudilla farm of Mr.

Anderson; and though, as the Liberians themselves informed me, they have

been taken there by the Mandingo and Golah traders, they never lived.

And why--if they live in other parts of Africa, on the western coast,

which they do, even near the _Mangrove swamps_, as will hereafter be

shown--do they not live in Liberia, the civilized settlements of which

as yet, except on the St. Paul and at Careysburg, are confined to the

coast? There are certainly causes for this, which I will proceed to

show.

Horse Feed, Pasturage, Hay

In the first place, horses, like all other animals, must have feed

naturally adapted to their sustenance. This consists mainly of grass,

herbage, and grains, especially the latter when the animal is

domesticated. Secondly, adequate shelter from sun and weather, as in the

wild state by instinct they obtain these necessary comforts for

themselves.

No Cultivated Farms--No Shelter for Horses

Up to the time, then, when the Liberians ceased the experiment of

keeping horses, they had not commenced in any extensive manner to

cultivate farms, consequently did not produce either maize (Indian

corn), Guinea corn (an excellent article for horses in Africa,

resembling the American broom corn both in the stock, blade, and grain,

the latter being larger and browner than those of the broom corn, and

more nutritious than oats); peas, nor any other grain upon which those

animals are fed, and the great, heavy, rich, rank, pseudo reed-grass of

the country was totally unfit for them, there being no grass suited

either for pasturage or hay. Again, I was informed by intelligent,

respectable Liberians, that to their knowledge there never had been a

stable or proper shelter prepared for a horse, but that they had, in one

or more instances, known horses to be kept standing in the sun the

entire day, and in the open air and weather during the entire night,

while their owners had them.

No Horses; Why, and Why Not

It is very evident from this, that horses could not live in Liberia, and

since the _tsetse_ fly introduced to the notice of the scientific world

recently by Doctor Livingstone the African Explorer, has never been seen

nor heard of in this part of the continent, nor any other insect that

tormented them, those must have been the prime causes of fatality to

these noble and most useful domestic creatures. I have been thus

explicit in justice to Liberia, even in opposition to the opinion of

some very intelligent and highly qualified gentlemen in that country

(among whom is my excellent friend, Doctor Roberts, I think,) because I

believe that horses can live there as well as in other parts of Africa,

when fairly and scientifically inquired into and tested. Proper feed and

care, I have no doubt, will verify my opinion; and should I but be

instrumental, by calling the attention of my brethren in Liberia to

these facts, in causing them _successfully_ to test the matter, it will

be but another evidence of the fact, that the black race should take

their affairs in their own hands, instead of placing them in the hands

of others.

Exploration. Farms, Sugar, Coffee

My explorations in Liberia extended to every civilized settlement in the

Republic except Careysburg, and much beyond these limits up the Kavalla

River. There is much improvement recently up the St. Paul River, by the

opening up of fine, and in some cases, extensive farms of coffee and

sugar; also producing rice, ginger, arrowroot, and pepper, many of which

have erected upon them handsome and well-constructed dwellings; also

sugar mills and machinery for the manufacture of sugar and molasses,

which articles manufactured, compare favorably with the best produced in

other countries. There has, as yet, been no improvement introduced in

the hulling and drying of coffee, there being probably not enough

produced to induce the introduction of machinery. I am informed that

there have also been commenced several good farms on the Junk River,

which district, farther than the settlement at the mouth, I did not

visit. The people are willing and anxious for improvement, and on

introducing to many of the farmers the utility of cutting off the centre

of each young coffee-tree so soon as it grew above the reach of a man

of ordinary height, I had the satisfaction of seeing them immediately

commence the execution of the work. The branches of the tree spread, in

proportion to the checking of the height; hence, instead of eight feet

apart, as some of the farmers have done, the trees should be planted at

least twenty feet apart, thus leaving ample space between for the

spreading of the branches. The tree should never be permitted to grow

too high to admit of the berry being picked from the ground, or at least

from a stand which may be stepped upon without climbing.

Schools

The schools are generally good, every settlement being amply

accommodated with them; and in Monrovia and at Cape Palmas the classics

are being rigidly prosecuted.[4]

Churches Missionaries

Churches are many and commodious, of every Christian

denomination--except, I believe, the Roman Catholic. The Missionaries

seem to be doing a good work, there being many earnest and faithful

laborers among them of both sexes, black and white, and many native

catechists and teachers, as well as some few preachers.

Business, Professions, Theology, Medicine, Law

The principal business carried on in Liberia is that of trading in

native and foreign produce, the greater part being at the Capital. The

greater part of merchants here are Liberians; but there are also three

white houses--two German and one American. And along the coast there are

a number of native trading-posts, the proprietors of which are white

foreigners, with black agents. Many of the Liberian Clergy of all

denominations are well educated gentlemen; and the Medical Profession is

well represented by highly accomplished Physicians; but of all the

professions, the Law is the most poorly represented--there being, as I

learnt when there, but one young gentlemen at the bar who had been bred

to the profession; and not a Judge on the bench who was learned in the

law. This I do not mention in disparagement of the gentlemen who fill

those honorable positions of presiding over the legal investigations of

their country, as many--indeed, I believe the majority of them--are

clergymen, who from necessity have accepted those positions, and fill

their own legitimate callings with credit. I sincerely hope that the day

is not far distant when Liberia will have her learned counsellors and

jurists--dispensing law, disseminating legal opinions, and framing

digests as well as other countries, for the benefit of nations.

Council

At Grand Bassa I held a Council with some of the most eminent Liberians,

among whom were several members of the National Legislature--the

venerable Judge Hanson in the chair. Several able speeches were

made--the objects of my mission and policy approved; and I shall never

forget the profound sensation produced at that ever-memorable Council,

and one of the most happy hours of my life. When the honored old judge

and sage, sanctioning my adventure, declared that, rather than it should

fail, he would join it himself, and with emotion rose to his feet; the

effect was inexpressible, each person being as motionless as a statue.

Public Affairs, Municipal and Public Improvements

The laws of Liberia seem to be well constructed, and framed to suit the

wants of the people, and their public affairs are quite well and

creditably conducted. But there is a great deficiency in public

improvements, and, as I learned--and facts from actual observation

verified until comparatively recent--also in public spirit. There are no

public buildings of note, or respectable architectural designs; no

harbor improvements, except a lighthouse each on the beautiful summit

rock-peaks of Cape Messurado and Cape Palmas--not even a buoy to

indicate the shoal; no pier, except a little one at Palmas; nor an

attempt at a respectable wharfage for canoes and lighters (the large

keels owned by every trading vessel, home and foreign, which touches

there.) And, with the exception of a handsome wagon-road, three and a

half miles out from Harper, Cape Palmas, beyond Mount Vaughan, there is

not a public or municipal road in all Liberia. Neither have I seen a

town which has a paved street in it, although the facilities for paving

in almost all the towns are very great, owing to the large quantities of

stone everywhere to be had.

The Capital No City

And what is surprising, Monrovia, although the capital, has not a city

municipality to give it respectability as such; hence, there is neither

mayor nor council (city council I mean) to give character to any public

occasion, but His Excellency the President, the Chief Executive of the

nation, must always be dragged down from his reserved and elevated

position, and made as common as a common policeman to head every little

petty affair among the people. The town was once, by the wisdom of some

legislators, chartered into a city, and Dr. T. F. M'Gill (ex-governor)

chosen mayor, who, by his high intelligence and fitness for the office,

had commenced the most useful and commendable improvements; but the

wisdom of other legislators, after a year's duration, in consequence of

the heavy expenses incurred to "make Monrovia, where big folks lived, a

fine place," repealed the act, degrading their Capital to a town. That

is the same as declaring that a court shall not have a judge--the nation

a President or Executive, or there shall be no head at all; hence, to

reduce the judge to the grade of a lawyer, the lawyer to that of the

clerk of the court, the President of the nation to that of the county

magistrate, and the county magistrate to that of a constable. How much

respect would a people be entitled to who would act thus? They must

understand that nothing is greater than its head, and the people of a

nation cannot rise above the level of the head of their nation any more

than the body of the individual in its natural position can be raised

above the head. It is just so with a town population. A villager is a

villager, a citizen is a citizen, and a metropolitan is a

metropolitan--each of which is always expected to have a standing

commensurate with his opportunities.

Self-Reliance, Ways and Means

One word as a suggestion in political economy to the young politician of

Liberia: Always bear in mind, that the fundamental principle of every

nation is _self-reliance_, with the _ability to create their own ways

and means_: without this, there is no capacity for _self-government_. In

this short review of public affairs, it is done neither to disparage nor

under-rate the gentlemen of Liberia with whom, from the acquaintance I

have made with them in the great stride for black nationality, I can

make common cause, and hesitate not to regard them, in unison with

ourselves, a noble band of brothers.

Executive Munificence

There has been much progress made in the various industrial vocations

within a few years past by the munificence of President Benson, aided by

the wisdom of the Legislature, through the agency of a national

agricultural fair, with liberal premiums on samples exhibited in a

spacious receptacle prepared each season for the purpose, in the Public

Square in front of the President's mansion, called Palm Palace. Like his

predecessor President Roberts, in pressing the claims of his country

before the nations of Europe, President Benson has spared no authority

which he possessed in developing the agricultural resources of his

country. Every man has his _forte_, and in his turn probably becomes a

_necessity_ for the time being, according to his faculty. Consequently

my opinion is, that the _forte_ and mission of President Roberts for the

time being were the establishment of a Nationality, and that of

President Benson the development of its resources, especially the

agricultural. Neither of these gentlemen, therefore, might be

under-rated, as each may have been the instrument which God in his

wisdom appointed to a certain work.

Official and Personal Favors

To John Moore, Esq., Government Surveyor; the Hon. B. P. Yates,

ex-Vice-President of the Republic; Hon. John Seys, U.S. Agent for

Re-captured Africans, and Consular Agent, I am much indebted for acts of

kindness in facilitating my Explorations in Liberia. The Hon. Mr. Seys

and Mr. Moore, for personally accompanying me up the St. Paul River; and

Colonel Yates, for the loan of his fine canvas-covered boat for my use.

Also to Dr. Henry J. Roberts, for remedies and medicines for my own use;

Dr. Thomas F. M'Gill, for offering to make advances on articles of

merchandise which I took out on trade to bear expenses, much beyond the

market price; and to those excellent gentlemen, Messrs. Johnson, Turpin,

and Dunbar, also for large advances made above market price in cash for

my commodity, as well as other favors, especially on the part of Mr.

Johnson, who, having for years been a resident in Monrovia, did

everything to advance my mission and make my duty an agreeable one.

To the Rev. Alexander Crummell, who accompanied me up the Kavalla, above

the Falls, making my task an easy one; to Drs. Fletcher and D'Lyon, who

rendered me professional aid, and also to our excellent, faithful, and

reliable guide, Spear Mehia is, a native civilized Christian Prince, the

son of the old friend of the missionaries, Nmehia, the deceased King of

Kavalla, I here make acknowledgments. And I cannot close this section

without an acknowledgment that, wherever I went, the people of the

country generally did everything to make me happy--Esquire Wright at

Junk, Dr. Smith at Grand Bassa, and the Hon. Mr. Priest at Sinou whose

guest I was, all here will receive my thanks for their aid in

facilitating my mission.

Settlement and Sites of Towns

I conclude this section by remarking, that Monrovia is one of the

handsomest and most eligible sites for a city that I ever saw, and only

lacks the population and will of the people to make it a most beautiful

place; and how much it is to be regretted that the charter was repealed,

and Mayor M'Gill and the City Council cut off in the beginning of the

first steps towards a national pride, which was to have a Capital City

in reality as well as name.[3] How unsightly to a stranger, as he steps

from the boat at the mouth of Stockton Creek, on the Messurado River, is

the rude and rugged steep, leading by simple pathways in true native

style, from the warehouses up to the town, which, if improved as it

might and should be, would be one of the most pleasing as well as

attractive approaches to any city in the world. Not even is there a

respectable public market-house or market space in town. But wisdom

decreed it otherwise, and for the present it must be so. "Wisdom" in

this case "hath" _not_ "built her house" neither "hath she hewn out" the

stone "pillars" leading from the beach.

Another good site for a city is Edina, on the northeast side of the St.

John River, opposite Buchanan, Grand Bassa, which doubtless in time

Buchanan will include. This is also a handsome place, from the gradually

rising elevation. Edina is the residence of that great-hearted, good old

gentleman, Judge Hanson. Junk, Little Bassa, and Sinou, are also good,

but each of these are low, and consequently not so imposing.

Next to Monrovia is Cape Palmas for beauty of location and scenery, and

a stranger will more readily be pleased at first sight with Harper than

the Capital. A beautiful city will in time occupy the extensive Cape for

several miles back, including Mount Vaughan and the country around; and

it may be remarked, that this place presents greater evidences of public

improvement than any town in Liberia, and the only place in the country

which has a regular wagon road with ox-teams running upon it.

Buildings

The private buildings in Liberia are generally good and substantial, and

especially those of Monrovia, built of brick. Many of them are handsome

and quite extensive mansions, the warehouses mostly being built of

stone. The wooden houses generally are well-built frames, and

"weather-boarded," and not, as some romancers and wonder-vendors would

have it, being either log, bamboo, or mud huts. To take the settlers

generally, there cannot be much fault found with their style of living,

except perhaps in some instances, rather a little too much extravagance.

Caldwell, Clay-Ashland, and Millsburg on the St. Paul, are pleasant and

prospectively promising villages, and deserve a notice in this place.

Clay-Ashland is the residence of Judge Moore, to whom I am indebted for

personal favors and much useful information when examining the land

over his extensive sugar and coffee farms. And to my excellent friend

Dr. Daniel Laing, of the same place, for similar acts of courtesy and

kindness, I am much indebted.

Public Meeting

I addressed the citizens in a very long political meeting in the

Methodist church, on the evening of my visit there.

FOOTNOTES:

[3] This day, August 2, 1861, while revising this Report, the

thermometer Fahr. stands in the most favorable shade in the town of

Chatham, Kent county, C. W., 96 deg. (98 is the general test of this

day) and in the sun 113--being one degree above _fever heat_. A fact to

which my attention was called by an intelligent Liberian--and which

science may hereafter account for--that the nearer the approach to the

equator, the more moderate is the heat. Has the sun the same effect upon

the general bulk of the earth that it has upon particular locations--the

greater the elevation the cooler--or is it because of the superior

velocity of this part, that a _current_ is kept up by its passage

through the _atmosphere_ surrounding it? It is a settled fact that the

earth is "elevated at the equator and depressed at the poles," and hills

are cool, while valleys and plains are hot, because of their peculiar

property of attracting and reflecting heat.

[4] The "Liberia College" has been fully established since my visit

there, by the erection of a fine stone edifice, and the choice of the

Hon. Ex-President Joseph Jenkins Roberts, President and Professor of

Jurisprudence and International Law; Rev. Alexander Crummell, A.B.,

Professor of Intellectual and Moral Philosophy and English Literature;

Rev. Edward Welmot Blydon, Professor of Greek and Latin Languages and

Literature. This is a grand stride in the march of African Regeneration

and Negro Nationality.

[5] I am happy to learn by advices recently received from Liberia, that

Monrovia has again been created and organized a City Municipality,

ex-Judge James Mayor; and I should have named in connection with the

public spirit of Liberia, three newspapers--the _Liberia Herald_, _Star

of Liberia_, and _Christian Advocate_--the last, a religious journal,

under the auspices of that excellent Christian gentleman, Bishop Burns

the Methodist Missionary-Bishop of Liberia.

VI DISEASES--CAUSE--REMEDY

First Symptoms

The first sight and impressions of the coast of Africa are always

inspiring, producing the most pleasant emotions. These pleasing

sensations continue for several days, more or less, until they gradually

merge into feelings of almost intense excitement, not only mentally, but

the entire physical system share largely in it, so that it might be

termed a hilarity of feeling almost akin to approaching intoxication; or

as I imagine, like the sensation produced by the beverage of champagne

wine. Never having enjoyed the taste for it, I cannot say from

experience.

Second Stage of Symptoms

The first symptoms are succeeded by a relaxity of feelings, in which

there is a disposition to stretch, gape, and yawn, with fatigue.

Third Stage of Symptoms

The second may or may not be succeeded by actual febrile attacks, with

nausea, chills, or violent headache; but whether or not such symptoms

ensue, there is one most remarkable, as almost (and I think quite) a

necessary affection, attendant upon the acclimation at this incipient

stage: _a feeling of regret that you left your native country for a

strange one; an almost frantic desire to see friends and nativity; a

despondency and loss of the hope of ever seeing those you love at home

again_.

These feelings, of course, must be resisted, and _regarded as a mere

morbid affection of the mind_ at the time, arising from an approaching

disease, which is not necessarily serious, and may soon pass off; which

is really the case.

Its Effects

It is generally while laboring under this last-described symptom, that

persons send from Africa such despairing accounts of their

disappointments and sufferings, with horrible feelings of dread for the

worst to come.

Recovery

When an entire recovery takes place, the love of the country is most

ardent and abiding. I have given the symptoms _first_, to make a proper

impression first.

Diseases

I have thought it proper to give a section in my Report entirely to the

diseases of Liberia, which are the same as those in other parts of

Africa, with their complication with diseases carried from America by

the settlers.

Native Diseases, Peculiar Character in Liberia

The native diseases are mainly the native fever, which is nothing but

the _intermittent fever_ of America, known in different parts as _ague_,

_chills and fever_, _fever and ague_, with its varied forms of

_bilious_, _intermittent_, _remittent_, _continued_, and its worst form

of _inflammatory_ when it most generally assumes the _congestive_ type

of the American Southern States. In this condition, the typhoid symptoms

with _coma_, give unmistakable evidence of the character of the malady.

The native fever which is common to all parts of Africa, in Liberia

while to my judgment not necessarily fatal (and in by far the greater

percentage of cases in the hands of an intelligent, skilful physician,

quite manageable), is generally much worse in its character there than

in the Yoruba country, where I have been. The symptoms appear to be much

more aggravated and the patient to suffer more intensely.

_Causes_

The density and rankness of the vegetable growth, the saturation of the

air continually with fragrance, and other _miasma_, and the _malaria_

from the mangrove swamps, I assign as the cause of difference in the

character of the same disease in different parts of the continent. The

habits also of the settlers, have much to do with the character of the

disease. A free indulgence in improper food and drink, which doubtless

is the case in many instances, are exciting causes to take the malady,

and aggravating when suffering under it.

_Complication_

There are several other diseases that might be named, which I reserve

for a section on another part of Africa, and confine my remarks simply

to the complication of the native with foreign. All _scorbutic_,

_scrofulous_, or _syphilitic_ persons, where the affection has not been

fully suppressed, may become easy victims to the fever in Liberia, or

lingering sufferers from _ulcers_, _acute rheumatism_, or

_elephantiasis_--a frightful enlargement of the limbs. _Ulcerated

opthalmia_ is another horrible type, that disease in such chronically

affected persons may assume. But any chronic affection--especially lung,

liver, kidney, and rheumatic--when not too deeply seated, may, by

favorable acclimation, become eliminated, and the ailing person entirely

recover from the disease.

_Remedies, Natural and Artificial_

The natural remedy for the permanent decrease of the native fever, is

the clearing up and cultivation of the land, which will be for some time

yet to come, tardy; as emigration to Liberia is very slow, and the

natives very unlike those of Yoruba--cultivate little or nothing but

rice, cassaba, and yams, and these in comparative small patches, so that

there is very little need for clearing off the forest. Neither have they

in this part of Africa any large towns of substantial houses, all of

which would necessitate a great deal of clearing; but instead, they

consist of small clusters of reed or bamboo huts in a circle, always in

the densest of the forest, which can scarcely ever be seen (except they

be situated on a high hill) until you are right upon them. The clearing

away of the mangrove swamps--which is practicable--will add greatly to

the sanitary condition of Liberia; but this also will take time, as it

must be the work of a general improvement in the country, brought about

by populating and civilizing progress.

_Treatment_