Chapter XVII: Part II: Sentiments of the People of Color (3)

Resolved, That if, in the opinion of government, our stay or liberty can no longer be granted in the States in which we live, we see nothing contrary to the constitution of these United States, or to christianity, justice, reason or humanity, in granting us a portion of the Western territory, as a state, with the same franchise as that of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or any other free State; for we challenge the Union to prove that, as free men, we have ever given the least ground for the uncharitable censures that have been cast upon us.

Resolved, That we view the American Colonization Society as the most inveterate foe both to the free and slave man of color; forasmuch as the agents thereof, and its members who have petitioned the several legislatures, have unequivocally declared its object, to wit, the extermination of the free people of color from the Union; and to effect this they have not failed to slander our character, by representing us as a vagrant race; and we do therefore disclaim all union with the said Society, and, once for all, declare that we never will remove under their patronage; neither do we consider it expedient to emigrate any where, but to remain in the land and see the salvation of God. Nevertheless, if any of our brethren should be compelled or see proper to emigrate, we would recommend to them Upper Canada or Mexico.

Resolved, That we view with the highest emotion of gratitude, the benevolence of Great Britain and that of the Canada Company, in affording an asylum in the Wilberforce settlement, in Upper Canada, for our oppressed brethren of the South, who have been or may be forced, by unconstitutional laws, to leave their rightful home and place of nativity, without any cause except that of having a dark skin.

Resolved, That this meeting approve the establishment of a college, as recommended by the Annual Convention held in Philadelphia last June, and that we give all possible aid to that institution.

Resolved, That we view the Liberator, edited by William Lloyd Garrison, as a great herald in the cause of liberty, and that we recommend to the colored citizens of Trenton the utility of subscribing to the above named paper.

Resolved, That there be a committee of three appointed to draft an address more expressive of our views on the above subject.

Resolved, That the following persons compose that committee--Sampson Peters, Robert Thomas, George Cole.

LEWIS CORK, Chairman.

ABNER H. FRANCIS, Secretary.

ADDRESS.

We, the undersigned, in conformity to the above appointment, beg leave to present to the public, in a calm, unprejudiced manner, our decided disapprobation of the American Colonization Society and its auxiliaries, in relation to the people of color in the United States. We are well convinced, from the mass that has been written on the above subject by those who have preceded us, that it will be difficult to avoid repetition; nevertheless; we hope to touch some points which have not been fairly understood by that Society. They have supposed that our objections are to civilizing and evangelizing Africa; but we beg leave to say, that it is an error. We are well aware, that there is no surer way to effect this great object than to plant among the heathen, colonies of Christian missionaries. We wish, therefore, to be understood, that we highly approve of the evangelizing of Africa, but disapprove of the present measures of the American Colonization Society, if their motives have not been misrepresented by their agents and others, in some previous addresses in this city and elsewhere. But viewing them as we now do, we must say that, in our opinion, their false representations of our general character--their recommending our removal from our native land--their opposition to our having a part of the West appointed to us--their objections to our proposed college, and of our march to science--their false statements in relation to the health of the colony at Liberia, with a variety of other subjects of the same nature--all lead to a conclusion, that it is our greatest foe.

We would here ask the public a few questions. First--Is the gospel of Jesus Christ calculated to lead to insurrectionary measures? If so, why then send it to the heathen? Second--What gentleman, who has set his slaves free, has been murdered by them for so doing? Third--What have those States, who have washed their hands clean of the cursed stain of slavery, lost by it? Fourth--What neighborhood, where education and general information have been disseminated among the people of color, is the worse for it?

In closing our remarks, we would say, that we do think that the subjects looked to by the Colonization Society, to civilize Africa, are incompetent; for we do suppose that men selected for such an important enterprise, should be men of deed and sound piety--men of regular and industrious habits, of scientific knowledge and general experience: that such men can be obtained, we have no doubt; and if there cannot, let us first prepare some in this country.

SAMPSON PETERS, }
ROBERT THOMAS, } Committee.
GEORGE COLE, }

A VOICE FROM LYME.

LYME, Ct., January 9, 1832.

At a respectable meeting of the colored citizens of this place, held pursuant to public notice--Mr Luther Wright was called to the chair, and Mr Daniel R. Condol appointed secretary.

After some animated remarks by Messrs Wright and Condol, it was

Resolved, That it is the sincere opinion of this meeting, that the American Colonization Society is one of the wildest projects ever patronised by a body of enlightened men; and further, that many of those who support it would be willing, if it were in their power, to drive us out of existence.

Resolved, That though we be last in calling a meeting, we feel no less the pernicious influence of this Society than the rest of our brethren; and that we will resist every attempt to banish us from this our native land.

Resolved, That we place unshaken reliance upon the promises of Jehovah, and believe that he will take our reproach away, and give freedom to those who are held in captivity.

Resolved, That we are not for insurrection, but for peace, freedom and equality.

Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting be rendered to Messrs Garrison and Knapp, for their benevolent exertions in behalf of the oppressed descendants of Africa; and that they be requested to insert these proceedings in the Liberator.

LUTHER WRIGHT, Chairman.

DANIEL R. CONDOL, Secretary.

A VOICE PROM LEWISTOWN.

LEWISTOWN, Pa., January 9, 1832.

At a numerous meeting held by the free people of color of the borough of Lewistown, in the African Methodist Episcopal church, Samuel Johnston was called to the chair, and Martin Johnston appointed secretary. The following resolutions were then read, and unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That we will not leave these United States, the land of our birth, for a home in Africa.

Resolved, That we will strenuously oppose the colonizing of the free people of color in Liberia.

Resolved, That we are willing to emigrate to any part of the United States which may be granted to us.

Resolved, That we will support the Liberator, a paper published in Boston, edited by William Lloyd Garrison; and also the colony in Upper Canada as an asylum for our oppressed brethren.

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare an address to be published in the Liberator.

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman and Secretary, and forwarded to the editor of the Liberator for publication.

SAMUEL JOHNSTON, Chairman.

MARTIN JOHNSTON, Secretary.

ADDRESS.

We, the undersigned, in conformity to the above appointment, beg leave to present to the public, in a calm and unprejudiced manner, our reasons for opposing the scheme of African colonization. This is the land of our birth. The Declaration of Independence declares, that 'all men are born free and equal:' it does not say that the _white_ man or the _black_ man is free,--but all, without respect to color, tongues, or nation. We therefore consider all laws to enslave or degrade the people of color as contrary to the letter and spirit of this Declaration; and that according to it we are freemen, and have as indisputable a right to enjoy our liberty as any white man. To deny it to us, because we differ in color, is oppression. To say that Africa is our native country is untrue. Here we were born, and here we mean to die; for all men are born free.

We wish to return our grateful thanks to our friends, and to the friends of the abolition of slavery. We consider slavery a national sin, which, if not speedily overthrown, will cause this nation to mourn and weep; for God has declared that Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hands unto him, and he will hear her cry.

We would say to colonizationists that we consider them our foes instead of our friends. It is vain for them to say that we would do better in Liberia; for we do not believe it. There is room enough in this country for us; and if they be our friends, let them meliorate our condition here. Let them join in the work of immediate abolition of slavery. Let them wash out the stains which disfigure the national character. And then let them tell us about Liberia.

One reason why we are opposed to leaving these United States is this: you have so long denied us the enjoyment and protection of the laws of God and man in this country, that you wish now to oppress us still more. But thanks be to Him who holds all things in his hand, we believe He will plead our cause. Your skirts are already dyed with the blood of millions of souls. 'Vengeance is mine--I will repay,' saith the Lord.

Awake, ye wolves in sheep's clothing. Your cup is now full. You are daily causing innocent blood to be shed. How long, ye slavites, ye kidnappers, ye that traffic in human flesh, will you sleep? When will you awake to your best interests? For remember that you will not always be able to hold your victims in servile chains.

J. G. SMITH, }
M. WALKER, } Committee.
M. JOHNSTON, }

A VOICE FROM NEW-BEDFORD.

NEW-BEDFORD, January 23, 1832.

At a meeting of the people of color in New-Bedford, January 23d, for the purpose of considering and giving their opinion of the American Colonization Society, and the actual evil or benefit of that Society to the objects of its supervision, the free people of color, Mr Richard Johnson was called to the chair, and Richard G. Overing appointed secretary. After an address from the chair, it was moved that resolutions expressive of the views of the meeting, respecting the Colonization Society, be drawn up, and published in some newspaper not adverse to the rights and well being of all men, be their color what it may. The following are the resolves of the meeting:

Resolved, That in whatever light we view the Colonization Society, we discover nothing in it but terror, prejudice and oppression; that the warm and beneficent hand of philanthropy is not apparent in the system, but the influence of the Society on public opinion is more prejudicial to the interest and welfare of the people of color in the United States, than slavery itself.

Resolved, That the Society, to effect its purpose, the removal of the free people of color, (not the slaves) through its agents, teaches the public to believe that it is patriotic and benevolent to withhold from us knowledge and the means of acquiring subsistence, and to look upon us as unnatural and illegal residents in this country; and thus by force of prejudice, if not by law, endeavor to compel us to embark for Africa, and that too, apparently, by our own free will and consent.

Resolved, That as great a nuisance as we may be in the estimation of that Society, we yet have a hope in Him who has seen fit to continue our existence through days worse than which we do not fear, and which emboldens us as peaceable citizens, to resolve to abide the issue of coming days in our native land, in which we ask no more than the age in which we live demands, and which this nation, as republicans and christians, should not refuse to grant.

Signed in behalf of the meeting.

RICHARD JOHNSON, Chairman.

R. G. OVERING, Secretary.

The foregoing resolutions and addresses are given in plain, it may be occasionally in severe language; and display an intensity of feeling, a depth of abhorrence, and a firmness of purpose, honorable to men who appreciate their rights and love their country. Before I proceed, however, to comment upon these important proceedings, I shall make some quotations from the essays and addresses of colored writers, in order to sustain my assertion that the American Colonization Society is directly opposed to the wishes of our free colored population.

'A COLORED BALTIMOREAN'[AH] records his sentiments in the following style:

'We believe, sirs, that the people of color in the United States
will never be prevailed over to abandon the land of their birth,
and every thing vernacular with them--to forego many advantages
which they now possess, and many more which they have in
prospect, for the imaginary, or if real, the fleeting and
short-lived honors held out to them by our "Americo-African
empire." Why should we exchange a temperate and salubrious
climate, adapted to our constitutions as Americans, for one, to
us, fraught with disease and death? Why should we leave a land
in which the arts and sciences are flourishing, and which is
beginning to yield to our research, for one, where the
irradiating beams of the sun of science have yet to be announced
by the bright star of hope? Why should we leave a land
illuminated with the blaze of gospel light, for one enshrouded
in pagan gloom? Why should we, who are in tolerable
circumstances in America, who enjoy many of the comforts of
life, and are evidently on the advanced march of mind, cast away
these certain, real, and growing advantages, for those which are
precarious and chimerical? Why should we abandon our firesides,
and every thing associated with the dear name of _home_--undergo
the fatigues of a perilous voyage, and expose ourselves, our
wives, and our little ones, to the deleterious influences of an
uncongenial sun, for the enjoyment of a liberty divested of its
usual accompaniments, surrounded with circumstances which
diminish its intrinsic value, and render it indeed "a dear
earned morsel"? * * * * * *

'But "it is the hope of accomplishing the entire subversion of
the slave trade and Mahometan superstition, and all their
subsidiary concomitants, that has actuated the Christian and
stimulated the philanthropist." Noble objects indeed! And who
are those christians and philanthropists? Our friend tells us,
without distinction, that they are "those noble and heroic men
who have enlisted under the banner of colonization." But how
happens it that some of the most distinguished of these
_christians_ and _philanthropists_ are themselves slaveholders,
and so far abettors of the _slave trade_ as to be actually
guilty of selling into a cruel and interminable vassalage the
hapless victims of their tender mercies? Again, how is it that
none but the free people of color have been chosen to evangelize
Africa? Is it because they are under an exclusive moral
obligation to dispel the "gloom of Mahometan superstition?" Is
it because they are pre-eminently qualified in point of morals
and information for the missionary enterprise? None will say
this. Perhaps we shall be told, that the identity of their color
gives them a decided advantage over every other people. But how
is it that those wicked white men, who are in the habit of
resorting thither for the most nefarious purposes, have access
to these people? And we have not forgotten that during the visit
of the Rev. G. R. McGill, in Baltimore, he informed us that
colored men from the United States, being thought by the natives
to be men of information, are received and treated as white men,
and denominated by the same epithet. Since then it does not
appear that we are pre-eminently qualified for this work, why
should it be pressed upon us? * * * *

'Tell us not that the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, who is
not a respecter of persons, whose "tender mercies are over all
his works," will _never_ elevate us to the dignity of men and
christians, unless we emigrate to Africa. Tell us not that in
this _christian_ country, this "land of the free and home of the
brave," we must _for ever_ remain a degraded and proscribed
race--that we must _for ever_ be treated as the outcasts of
creation. We are aware that this doctrine has been asserted with
all the confidence of inspiration by _some_ of our gospel
ministers. We have heard them proclaim it in a tone calculated
to strengthen the prejudices existing against us. They seem to
forget that there is a superintending providence--that He, who
"sits upon the whirlwind and directs the storm," has ever
manifested himself a friend to the oppressed of every clime.
They seem to forget that the religion of Jesus, wherever it
reigns with unrestrained sway, demolishes every partition wall,
and exterminates out of the heart all those bitter prejudices
which impede the march of the Messiah's kingdom. We should like
to have these prophets give us their ideas in relation to the
millennial reign of Christ. We should like to have them inform
us whether or not the general prejudices and their inseparable
accompaniments, which now lie upon, and operate against us, on
account of our color, will be consistent with this glorious
reign of _peace_, and _love_, and _joy_. Let these ministers
consider that much of our degradation is chargeable to the
indifference (to say the least) that they manifest in regard to
our situation--that if they as patterns of piety hold us at a
distance, it is but natural for the inconsiderate to follow
their example. Let them recollect that while they are making
powerful and irresistible appeals to the humanity of the
American people in behalf of the oppressed of other climes, they
have a people among them whose claims upon their liberality are
paramount to those of any other. Let these ministers tell us how
often they make it their business to visit those portions of
their flocks whose crime is, their color. Nay, one of them said
not long since, to be familiar with the people of color would
destroy his _usefulness_ among the whites. But whether they do
their duty in relation to us or not, we indulge in no fears in
regard to our future condition. We are not distrustful of the
goodness and power of Him who has overruled the evil designs of
those men that first tore our ancestors from their native
shores, who is still overruling, and who will continue to
overrule the designs of all who would treat us as the
offscouring of the earth, because our Creator has not given us a
color as white as their own. If ever there was a people who
could look up to Heaven with unshaken confidence for protection,
it is that people whose sufferings are not the consequences of
their crimes; it is that people whose misfortunes work in them
the graces of faith, patience and hope. And why should we not
cherish these invaluable graces? We are told by high authority,
that "_all things_ shall work together _for good_ to them that
love God"--that "He will give grace and glory, and _no good
thing_ will He _withhold_ from them that walk uprightly." You
see, sirs, we have one straight forward course to pursue--one
marked out by the hand of unerring wisdom. This course we intend
to pursue, without giving ourselves any uneasiness as to the
issue; this we leave to Him who has the administration of the
universe in his hands, and who has declared for our
encouragement, "even the very hairs of your head are all
numbered." Tell us not of the wisdom, and power, and number of
our enemies; He who has given us a hope, which at least makes
our condition tolerable, will say to them, as He did to the
tempestuous billows, "Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further;
and here shall thy proud waves be stayed."'

* * * * * * * * *

'What effect have the evils of slavery in this _happy_ land upon
the mind of the liberal, the unprejudiced, and philanthropic
Lafayette?

'Hear him, he will speak for himself: "When I am indulging in my
views of American prospects and American liberty, it is
mortifying to be told that in that very country a large portion
of the people are slaves. It is a dark spot on the face of the
nation. _Such a state of things cannot always exist._" It was a
sight of the evils alluded to, and their inseparable
concomitants, that extorted from the pen of Mr Jefferson that
comprehensive and soul-thrilling sentence--"I tremble for my
country when I reflect that God is just, and that his justice
cannot sleep for ever." But may we not indulge the hope that
the evils spoken of will yet awaken the sympathies of the
American people--soften their cruel prejudices--arouse their
slumbering energies--and produce in them an unconquerable
determination to wash from their "stars and stripes" one of the
blackest spots that ever cursed the globe, or stained the
historic page? Shall we be told that _invincible_ prejudices
render this great desideratum impracticable? And what is this
but a libel upon the American people? What is it but to say,
there is in them a moral incapacity to do justice, love mercy,
and walk uprightly? Colonization orators, designing politicians,
ministers of Jesus, tell me, how can you thus libel your
countrymen? Surely, there is a regenerating, a redeeming spirit
in the land--a spirit transforming misanthropes into
philanthropists--bondmen into freemen--abettors of slavery into
champions of liberty--a spirit that will yet drive from America
the demon of slavery, and render it indeed "the land of the free
and the home of the brave."'[AI]

* * * * * * * *

'I have just found time to notice a few very exceptionable
features of a communication over the signature of "A
Marylander," published, a few days ago, in the American of our
city. The writer is unquestionably entitled to the credit of
being a thorough-going colonizationist. He writes in the _true
spirit_ of the cause. He seems to be under an excitement
produced by the publication of our anti-colonization
resolutions. This being the case, it is not to be expected that
he would, throughout his communication, avail himself of the
guarded, accommodating, and conciliating language usual with
colonization writers and declaimers. After being convinced that
the people of color are not to be persuaded to leave the land of
their birth, and every thing vernacular with them, for "regions"
which he tells us are "now dark as the valley of the shadow of
death," he says, "I would propose then that Maryland should
colonize her own free blacks." He does not add the usual
qualification, "_with their own consent_:" he knows this will
never be obtained. He therefore says: "I earnestly _hope_ that
the time _is now_ come when our state will wake up to all the
importance of this subject, and will instantly commence _a
system of measures_ imperatively demanded by the _sternest_
principles [colonization principles?] of _sound_ policy." We
would tell this precocious statesman that we are not to be
intimidated into colonization "_measures_" by the angry
effusions of his illiberal soul; that we had rather die in
Maryland under the pressure of unrighteous and cruel laws than
be driven, like cattle, to the pestilential clime of Liberia,
where grievous privation, inevitable disease, and premature
death, await us in all their horrors. We are emboldened thus to
speak, not from a reliance on the mere arm of flesh; no--it is
the righteousness of our cause, a knowledge of the attributes of
Deity, combined with a consciousness of innocence under
suffering, that have inspired us with a moral courage which no
oppression shall shake, no fulminations overawe. Our limits will
not permit us to expatiate, at this time, on the import of the
terms, "_a system of measures--the sternest principles_," &c. We
would barely remark that the climax of injustice and cruelty,
here suggested, nay, recommended, is the legitimate fruit of the
operations of the American colonization societies relative to
the free people of color. We have always believed that the
"_system of measures_" here recommended, would be the dernier
resort of these _christian_ associations. The unmerited abuse,
that has been so unsparingly heaped upon us by colonizationists
for expressing our opinions of their project as connected with
our happiness, their manifest determination to effectuate their
object regardless of our consent, abundantly corroborate the
opinion we have long since entertained. We turn, however, from
the contemplation of the persecution and oppression, which, it
seems, are in reserve for us, to notice, briefly, the moving
cause of this virulent and relentless attack upon our rights and
happiness. "The _census just taken_," says A Marylander,
"_admonishes_ us in the strongest manner, of the necessity of
prompt and efficient measures to drain off this description of
our population." Here then is the _patriotic_, the _benevolent_,
the _christian_ principle, by which the colonization societies,
throughout our land, are actuated. This is the selfish policy of
which we complain, and which should be execrated by all _true_
patriots, philanthropists, and christians. Our increase is
represented as an "_alarming evil--an evil_," said one of our
colonization orators in the pulpit, not long since, "which
_threatens_ our very _existence_." Now, if all this be true, how
can they, on their own principles, say we can _never_ be a
people in this country? Surely, they are taking effectual steps
to convince us, that the enjoyment of our rights in this, our
native land, is not only possible, but highly probable. This we
have always believed. And we hope and pray, that it may be
accomplished in a way sanctioned by the gospel of peace:
"without confused noise, or garments rolled in blood." But this
glorious victory over pride and prejudice, by gospel weapons,
will never be accomplished by colonization principles. Nor will
those ministers of the gospel have any part or lot in this
matter, who solemnly declare, in the face of heaven and earth,
that we can _never enjoy, in this country_, those inalienable
rights of man, whose inviolable preservation promotes the
welfare of the whole human family. Such ministers virtually
declare that they do not believe the doctrines they are bound to
preach; that He, from whom they profess to have received their
commission, is, indeed, "a hard man, reaping where he has not
sown, and gathering where he has not strawed;" that He requires
of them and their flocks, that which they are morally incapable
of performing; that they _cannot_ love their neighbor as
themselves, or do unto others what they wish done unto
themselves, because their Lord, in his wisdom, has given some of
their fellow creatures a different color from their own. These
temporising, retrograde reformers are doing a serious injury to
the people of color. They heed not the warning of Heaven: "Do my
people no harm." They are doing more to strengthen the cruel and
unchristian prejudices, already too powerful against us, than
all the slaveholders in the Union. They hesitate not to declare,
that, in America, we are out of the reach of humanity. They seem
to think that the religion of the benevolent Saviour which
enjoins, "_honor all men_," and which explicitly says, "if ye
have _respect to persons_, ye _commit sin_," is nothing more
than a dead letter, or must _for ever_ remain powerless, in the
United States of America. And have these men the face to contend
with the infidels of our land? Why, one infidel, with the bible
in his hands, would "chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand
to flight." But notwithstanding these discouraging
circumstances, our cause will yet triumph. He who is for us, is
stronger than all that are against us. "The rulers" of the land
may "take counsel together," and some of the professed ministers
of Jesus may "come into their secret," but "He that sitteth in
the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision."
Fear not then, my colored countrymen, but press forward, with a
laudable ambition, for all that heaven has intended for you and
your children, remembering that the path of duty is the path of
safety, and that "righteousness" alone "exalteth a nation."'

If excellence of style, a dignified carriage, sound logic, a high and abiding faith, and fervent piety, confer credit upon a writer, few have ever better illustrated these traits than 'A COLORED BALTIMOREAN,' or deserved a nobler tribute of praise. He who would be ashamed to acknowledge such a man as his countryman and brother, has yet to learn his own insignificance and what constitutes the majesty of human nature.

The following is an extract of a letter from a colored gentleman of wealth and respectability in Philadelphia, whose friendship is courted by honorable men, and whose usefulness is scarcely exceeded by any other citizen:

'Is it not preposterous to one, like myself, whose family has
resided in the state of Pennsylvania ever since the great
lawgiver, William Penn, came last to this state from England;
and who fought for the independence of my country, whose
Declaration asserts, that all men are born with free and equal
rights--is it not preposterous to be told that this is not my
country? I was seven months on board of the old Jersey Prison
ship in the year 1780, "the times that tried men's souls;" and
am I now to be told that Africa is my country, by some of those
whose birth-place is unknown? Is it not a contradiction to say
that a man is an alien to the country in which he was born? To
separate the blacks from the whites is as impossible, as to bale
out the Delaware with a bucket. I have always been decidedly of
opinion, that if the Colonization Society would take but half
the pains to improve the children of color in their own country,
and expend but half the money that they are devoting to
accomplish their visionary scheme of christianizing Africa, by
offering premiums to master mechanics to take them as
apprentices, they would do more to destroy prejudice than any
thing else. When I look at this globe, containing eight or nine
hundred millions of inhabitants, and see that they differ in
color from the frozen to the temperate and torrid zones, and
that every thing is variegated, I am astonished that any man
should be so prejudiced against his fellow-man; but we pray for
the aid of the Almighty to take the scales from their eyes; and
that the Liberator may be one of the instruments in commencing
the work.'[AJ]

'I would ask some of our pretended white friends, and the
members of the American Colonization Society, why they are so
interested in our behalf as to want us to go to Africa? They
tell us that it is our home; that they desire to make a people
of us, which we can never be here; that they want Africa
civilized; and that we are the very persons to do it, as it is
almost impossible for any white person to exist there. I deny
it. Will some of those guardian angels of the people of color
tell me how it is that we, who were born in the same city or
state with themselves, can live any longer in Africa than they?
I consider it the most absurd assertion that any man of common
sense could make, unless it is supposed, as some have already
said, that we are void of understanding. If we had been born on
that continent, the transportation would be another matter; but
as the fact is the reverse, we consider the United States our
home, and not Africa as they wish to make us believe;--and if we
do emigrate, it will be to a place of our own choice.

'I would also mention to the supporters of the Colonization
Society, that if they would spend half the time and money that
they do, in educating the colored population and giving them
lands to cultivate here, and secure to them all the rights and
immunities of freemen, instead of sending them to Africa, it
would be found, in a short time, that they made as good citizens
as the whites. Their traducers would hear of fewer murders,
highway robberies, forgeries, &c. &c. being committed, than they
do at present among some of the white inhabitants of this
country.'[AK]

'Colonization principles, abstractly considered, are
unobjectionable; but the means employed for their propagation,
we think, are altogether objectionable. We are deprived of our
birthright, and pointed by the colonization partisans to another
country as a home. They speak of the prejudices which exist
against us, as an insuperable hindrance to the improvement of
our situation here. We are sickened by the constant reiteration
of "_extraneous mass_," "_African inferiority_," &c. which tends
immediately to justify the slaveholder in his crime, and
increase already existing prejudice. The Colonization Society
never will effect the removal of slavery. The God of justice
will never, in my opinion, let this nation off so easily. It is
in vain to hold back. The eyes of all will ultimately be opened
to see that nothing but universal emancipation can possibly
avert impending wrath.'[AL]

'How long, oh! ye boasters of freedom, will ye endeavor to
persuade us, your derided, degraded fellow countrymen, to the
belief that our interest and happiness are prized in high
estimation among you? Be it known, that we are not all such
misguided, deluded mortals as to be duped by your plans; that we
will not suffer ourselves to become so infatuated as to "hurl
reason from her throne," and succumb to your glittering, showy,
_dissimulating_ path to eminence. We spurn with contempt your
unrighteous schemes, and point the finger of derision at your
fruitless attempts. You have commenced them in a day, when
liberty, justice and equality are claimed by almost all, as
nature's rights; for behold! a beam of science, lucid as the
sun, has divinely fallen upon the lightless intellects of a
portion of that ignoble part of your fellow creatures, who have
been so long the victims of your fell injustice and inhumanity.
Would to God that conscience might subdue your malignant
prejudices. Tell us not that our condition can never be bettered
in the land of our birth: you know it not. Make but the attempt
in consecrating a portion of your time, talents and money upon
us here, and you would soon find the cause of Afric's injured
race vindicated by her descendants; and the day which now dawns
would be speedily ushered into blazing light, declaring in its
effulgence the joyful sound of Liberty--Justice--Equality, to
all mankind.'[AM]

'There is much to be surprised at, little to admire, and nothing
worthy of imitation, in the "bubbles" of our friends, the
colonizationists. They have enlisted the prejudices and the
support of the wealthy and influential in their favor; they have
succeeded in sending some two or three thousand to Liberia; and
they are flattered with their partial success, and no doubt look
forward to the time when they will behold the whole of the
colored inhabitants of America, in the far distant land of
Africa. But let them not anticipate too much; they have yet one
obstacle to overcome which threatens to overthrow their
"baseless fabric;" or at any rate impede their progress. Their
proceedings have not obtained the approbation of those, whose
approbation is most needed, _the colored people themselves_.
They are most strangely mistaken if they suppose that it is an
easy matter to win them, either by _sophistry_ or _force_. The
press has begun its revolutionizing work, overturning in its
progress every thing calculated to suppress inquiry or to blind
the understanding. Already have the intrigues of the designing
been exposed, and already have the colored people set their
faces against oppression.

'The Colonization Society has erred in matters of _policy_; for
instead of exerting themselves to gain the confidence of the
colored people, and thus by persuasion to have rid the country
of them, they have acted in a manner calculated to disgust every
humane mind, and have rendered it an utter _impossibility_ to
remove them; and it is most fortunate for the unfortunate, that
they have detected those intriguing spirits in their _humane_
and _charitable_ undertaking.

'How many hours of anguish, how much incalculable misery has been
prevented; in short, how many human beings have been saved from
an untimely grave, by the timely interposition of the PRESS! It
has said, let it be so, and it _was_ so; its thunders have been
heard, and the oppressor trembles like the earthquake: it has
overthrown, yea, totally demolished the sharp-edged sword of
the Colonization Society.

'Support the PRESS then, ye people of color, and the result will
be a total overthrow of all the darling schemes of the aforesaid
darling Society; it has accomplished wonders, yea, wonders
already; much more can, nay, will be done; again I say, support
the PRESS.'[AN]

'The African Colonization Society declares that we the people of
color shall have no part nor lot in the free institutions of
this country. Why? Because the Creator of all--the sovereign
Ruler of the universe, who holds in his hands the destiny of
nations, thought fit and proper, in his infinite wisdom, to
tincture us with a darker hue than the paler part of community!
or, if I may say, because the lot of our predecessors happened
to be cast in the torrid zone, beneath the scorching beams of a
vertical sun! These are the objections the African Colonization
Society offer to this community to our remaining in this
country--in the land of freemen! These are the considerations
that prompt them to tell us that we the descendants of Africa
can never be men unless we abandon the land of our birth, our
homes and people, and submit to that uncongenial clime, the
barbarous regions of Africa, amidst unyielding contagion and
mortality! O, that man would remember, that knowledge and
virtue, not complexion, are the emblems that constitute the
value of human dignity! With these, we are worthy--without them,
we are unworthy. By the acts and operations of wicked men,
shielded under a cloak of religion, we the people of color are
doomed to all the miseries that the human body is able to
sustain--deprived of light, knowledge and social intercourse, by
the colonization gentlemen. With all their pretended zeal and
love of liberty, manifested towards the African race, I count
them as enemies, not friends. I do not solicit their love, nor
regard their friendship. I speak for one: I never did, and never
will court an enemy as a friend, knowingly, let him be whom he
may--let him belong to church or state, I feel the weight of
their predominant power, and the finishing blow they are about
to strike. Thus we move by them, poor and pennyless, despised
and forsaken by all; creeping through your streets, submissively
bowed down to every foot whose skin is tinctured with a lighter
hue than ours--thus we sojourn in solitude, not for our crimes
but color.

'I came here for the purpose of showing to this community, that
the people of color of the United States disapprove of the
African Colonization plan. They do not wish to emigrate to
Africa. These six hundred or more, that the gentleman tells you
are now waiting for a passage to Liberia, are not the free
people of color of the United States; they are, if any, the
poor, old, worn-out southern slaves, freed on the condition to
go to Africa, or die in the tracks of slavery, no more fit for
their cotton and rice fields--for the laws of those states
forbid the master, let him be possessed of all the fine feelings
that the human mind is able to contain; unless he banishes them
to some distant region, across that "mighty ocean" they speak
of, they cannot be free. According to the laws of those states,
and the basis on which the Society is built, the emancipated
slaves are not free until they stand upon the shores of Liberia.
Thus the Northern and Middle States are called upon for
donations to enable the monarch of the south to bury his slaves
in the sands of Africa; thus far, northern capital is
instrumental in parting asunder parents and children--no more to
meet, until Jehovah will stand upon the four corners of the
earth, and proclaim deliverance to the captive!--when the arm of
tyrants shall cease to sway the rod of tyranny over the heads of
their helpless children--until all creation shall vanish and
crumble into nothing.

'About the time of the formation of this Society, the people of
color, in different sections of the Union, took the alarm--they
thought there was something wrong in the views of that combined
body. So, the free people of color of Richmond, convened
themselves together in the state of Virginia, where the
gentleman says the African Colonization Society first
originated. They assembled themselves together for the purpose
of ascertaining each other's feelings with regard to that
combined body, and after mature reflection, they petitioned
Congress--I will give you the words of their memorial, which are
sufficient evidence to substantiate in the mind of every
rational person, that the people of color wish to remain in this
country.

'"At a meeting of a respectable portion of the free people of
color of the city of Richmond, on Friday, January 24, 1817,
William Bowler was appointed chairman, and Lentey Craw,
secretary. The following preamble and resolution were read,
unanimously adopted, and ordered to be printed.

'"Whereas a Society has been formed at the seat of government,
for the purpose of colonizing, with their own consent, the free
people of color of the United States; therefore we, the free
people of color of the city of Richmond, have thought it
advisable to assemble together under the sanction of authority,
for the purpose of making a public expression of our sentiments
on a question in which we are so deeply interested. We perfectly
agree with the Society, that it is not only proper, but would
ultimately tend to the benefit and advantage of a great portion
of our suffering fellow creatures, to be colonized; but while we
thus express our approbation of a measure laudable in its
purposes, and beneficial in its designs, it may not be improper
in us to say, that we prefer being colonized in the most remote
corner of the land of our nativity, to being exiled to a foreign
country--and whereas the president and board of managers of the
said Society have been pleased to leave it to the entire
discretion of Congress to provide a suitable place for carrying
these laudable intentions into effect--Be it therefore

'"Resolved, That we respectfully submit to the wisdom of
Congress whether it would not be an act of charity to grant us a
small portion of their territory, either on the Missouri river,
or any place that may seem to them most conducive to the public
good and our future welfare, subject, however, to such rules and
regulations as the government of the United States may think
proper to adopt."

'WM. BOWLER, Chairman.

'LENTEY CRAW, Secretary.'[AO]

'The _colonization craft_ is a diabolical pursuit, which a great
part of our christian community are engaged in. Now, brethren, I
need not enlarge on this point. You that have been observing,
have already seen the trap under the bait; and although some of
our population have been foolish enough to sell their birthright
for a mess of pottage, yet I doubt whether the Colonization
Society will entrap many more. It is too bare-faced, and
contrary to all reason, to suppose, that there is any good
design in this project. If they are willing to restore
four-fold for what they have taken by false accusation, they
can do it to better advantage in the bosom of our country, than
at several thousand miles off. How would you do, brethren, if
your object was really to benefit the poor? Would you send them
into a neighboring forest, and there deal out that food which
they were famishing for? Now we stand different from beggars.
Our ancestors were stolen property, and property which belonged
to God. This is well known by our religious community; and they
find that the owner is about to detect them. Now if they can
slip away the stolen goods, by smuggling all those out of the
country, which God would be likely to make an instrument of, in
bringing them to justice, and keep the rest in ignorance; by
such means, things would go on well with them, and they would
appease their consciences by telling what great things they are
doing for the colored population and God's cause. But we
understand better how it is. The deception is not so well
practised, but that we can discover the mark of the beast. They
will steal the sons of Africa, bring them to America, keep them
and their posterity in bondage for centuries, letting them have
what education they can pick up of themselves; then transport
them back to Africa; by which means America gets all her
drudgery done at little expense, and endeavors to flatter the
Deity, by making him a sacrifice of good works of this kind. But
to the awful disappointment of all such blasphemers, they will
meet the justice of God, which will be to them a devouring
sword.'[AP]

'Though delivered from the fetters of slavery, we are oppressed
by an unreasonable, unrighteous, and cruel prejudice, which aims
at nothing less, than the forcing away of all the free colored
population of the United States to the distant shores of Africa.
Far be it from me to impeach the motives of every member of the
American Colonization Society. The civilizing and christianizing
of that vast continent, and the extirpation of the abominable
traffic in slaves, (which, notwithstanding all the laws passed
for its suppression, is still carried on in all its horrors,)
are no doubt the principal motives, which induce many to give it
their support.

'But there are those, and those who are most active and
influential in this cause, who hesitate not to say, that they
wish to rid the country of the free colored population; and
there is sufficient reason to believe that with many, this is
the principal motive for supporting that Society; and that
whether Africa is civilized or not, and whether the slave-trade
be suppressed or not, they would wish to see the free colored
people removed from this country to Africa.

'Africa could certainly be brought into a state of civil and
religious improvement, without sending all the free people of
color in the United States there.

'A few well-qualified missionaries, properly fitted out and
supported, would do more for the instruction and improvement of
the natives of that country, than a host of colonists, the
greater part of whom would need to be instructed themselves, and
all of whom for a long period would find enough to do to provide
for themselves, instead of instructing the natives.

'How inconsistent are those who say, that Africa will be
benefitted by the removal of the free people of color of the
United States there, while they say, they are the _most vile and
degraded_ people in the world!--If we are as vile and degraded
as they represent us, and they wish the Africans to be rendered
a virtuous, enlightened and happy people, they should not
_think_ of sending _us_ among them, lest we should make them
worse instead of better.

'The colonies planted by white men on the shores of America, so
far from benefitting the aborigines, corrupted their morals, and
caused their ruin; and yet those who say _we_ are the most vile
people in the world, would send us to Africa, to improve the
character and condition of the natives! Such arguments would not
be listened to for a moment, were not the minds of the community
strangely warped by prejudice.

'Those who wish that that vast continent should be _compensated_
for the injuries done it, by sending thither the light of the
gospel and the arts of civilized life, should aid in sending and
supporting well qualified missionaries, who should be wholly
devoted to the work of instruction, instead of sending
colonists, who would be apt to turn the ignorance of the natives
to their own advantage, and do them more harm than good.

'Much has also been said by colonizationists, about improving
the character and condition of the people of color of this
country, by sending them to Africa. This is more inconsistent
still. We are to be improved by being sent far from civilized
society. This is a novel mode of improvement. What is there in
the burning sun, the arid plains, and barbarous customs of
Africa, that is so peculiarly favorable to our improvement? What
hinders our improving here, where schools and colleges abound,
where the gospel is preached at every corner, and where all the
arts and sciences are verging fast to perfection? Nothing,
nothing but prejudice. It requires no large expenditures, no
hazardous enterprises, to raise the people of color in the
United States to as highly improved a state, as any class of the
community. All that is necessary is, that those who profess to
be anxious for it, should lay aside their prejudices, and act
towards them as they do by others.

'We are NATIVES of this country; we ask only to be treated as
well as FOREIGNERS. Not a few of our fathers suffered and bled
to purchase its independence; we ask only to be treated as well
as those who fought against it. We have toiled to cultivate it,
and to raise it to its present prosperous condition; we ask only
to share equal privileges with those who come from distant lands
to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Let these moderate requests be
granted, and we need not go to Africa nor any where else, to be
improved and happy. We cannot but doubt the purity of the
motives of those persons who deny us these requests, and would
send us to Africa, to gain what they might give us at home.

'But they say, the prejudices of the country against us are
invincible; and as they cannot be conquered, it is better that
we should be removed beyond their influence. This plea should
never proceed from the lips of any man, who professes to believe
that a just God rules in the heavens.

'The American Colonization Society is a numerous and influential
body. Would they lay aside their _own_ prejudices, much of the
burden would be at once removed; and their example (especially
if they were as anxious to have _justice done us here_, as to
send us to Africa,) would have such an influence upon the
community at large, as would soon cause prejudice to hide its
deformed head.

'But alas! the course which they have pursued, has an opposite
tendency. By the _scandalous misrepresentations_, which they are
continually giving of our character and conduct, we have
sustained much injury, and have reason to apprehend much more.

'Without any charge of crime, we have been denied all access to
places, to which we formerly had the most free intercourse; the
colored citizens of other places, on leaving their homes, have
been denied the privilege of returning; and others have been
absolutely driven out.

'Has the Colonization Society had no effect in producing these
barbarous measures?

'They profess to have no other object in view, than the
colonizing of the free people of color on the coast of Africa,
with their _own consent_; but if our homes are made so
uncomfortable that we cannot continue in them; or if, like our
brethren of Ohio and New Orleans, we are driven from them, and
no other door is open to receive us but Africa, our removal
there will be any thing but voluntary.

'It is very certain, that very few free people of color _wish_
to go to that _land_. The Colonization Society _know_ this, and
yet they do certainly calculate, that in time they will have us
all removed there.

'How can this be effected, but by making our situation worse
here, and closing every other door against us?'[AQ]