Newspaper Page Text
[No. 22.—‘-Vol. V.
From the Georgia Journal.
<REPORT •
■(Putnam Auxiliary Society for coloniz
ing free persons of colour.
[concluded.]
HL b,’Sieved that history will sustain the
■ration of the parent society, that “ it
Been by the visits and exertions of in-
H;ent strangers, that many rude tribes
■ been rescued from barbarism, and el-
H(d to importance and dignity among
nations of the world.” To sustain this
■ion, the Parent Society have referred
He traditions and histories of Greece,
■ and South America.
■be importance of moral worth, industri
■habits, and agricultural or mechanical
■{.in those who may first emigrate to our
Ky, will at once be perceived; both in
K.-ence to the effect on the establishment.
■ the influence to be exerted on the sur
■ding tribes.
■he exertions of the British and Ameri
■cruizers have greatly checked the Af'ri
■slave-trade in the vicinity of our colony,
■his state of things, the natives feel the
Hssily of pursuing a legitimate com
■rr.e. for the supply, of those foreign pro
■lions to which they are immoderately
■eb:£d. There is ground to hope that
■ powers of Christendom will concur with
■ United States, in denouncing the Afri
■ slave-trade as piracy. Should this
fte be disappointed, it will at once be ap
■rent how much may still be done for sup-
Kssing this trade, by the establishment of
■colony, which will prosecute with the
Hives a legitimate traflick, and teach
em the arts of civilized life, and the su
irioar advantages & happiness of a Chris
an community.
A plan seems to he contemplated by
several highly respected individuals” of
le United States, for effecting an establish
ieot for the purpose of imparting to such
ee coloured youths as may be placed un
Er their charge, such knowledge of agri
ulture and the arts, and such moral habits,
traav render them useful emigrants. And
lie believed from the experience at the
atabliliment of M. de Fellenbergh, at
loefwyl, in Switzerland, and from the ope
itions at some other establishments, that
tch an institution might at least defray its
vn expenses.
There is ground to believe, from the
rents of the last year, that the African
lave-trade, though at present extensively
arrieti on, must 600n finally and forever
ease. Tii£ general indignation of Chris
ian nations wh' induce them to suppress it.
The srtycU of the age forbids it. Who can
•onaider the wrongs'of Africa, the horrors of
be
md withhold his concurrence in the great
work ‘‘ For thirty centuries,” says a late
writer “ Africa has been the common spoil
of the world.” Ft*r several centuries, her
sor.s have been transported to America,
under circumstances a.W beyond (tie
reach of description or ?>ehef. From r/te
mtry well authenticated tales of horror,
only one will be presented on the present
occasion. “ The Gertrude, a lt*P sailing
iiider theSpanisb flag,tookou board upwards
600 slaves. This ship was taken wh.’ie
yet on the African coast, and brought to
Sierra Leone, for adjudication. But not
withstanding the short time that had elapsed
since the slaves were taken on board, such
was the dreadful state of crowding, that
about 200 died before the ship was brought
in, or within a short time after her arrival;
many even of those who survived were so
much debilitated by their sufferings as nev
er to be likely to enjoy sound health.’-
From credible testimony, it appears that,
during the passage from Africa to various
places of destination, African slaves are
stored away like lumber; not allowed room
to sit upright, confined to the most noxious
effluvia ; put on short allowance of water;
fed on unwholesome provision; and in
some instance, sustained by yams stored
away underneath them, on which their very
excrements are deposited; that in the midst
nf tbeir sufferings and despair, they often
clasp each other in their arms, and throw
themselves into the sea, in the hope, which
is common to them, of revisiting the land
of their fathers: that from the horrors of
their situation, about one third of them die on
their passage; and that, from these horrors,
those of them who are carried to some
places, are released for the purpose of be
ing consigned to others scarcely le= terri
ble. “In the island of Gaudaloupe,” says
Genl. Mercer, “ a census lately repeated
after a short interval of ten years, affords
the horrible result, that, of a population of
little more than 100,000, notwithstanding
all the accessions from foreign importation
there has been a declension of 15,000 souls
a fact which must ‘sound an audible ap
peal to the humanity of the hardest heart.”
Os the extent to which illicit introduc
tions into the United States are carried, the
letters of our custom-house officers afford
melancholy proof. Their testimony is con
firmed by that of Mr. Middleton of South
Carolina, late a member of Congress, and
now one of our publick Ministers abroad,
who, five years ago declared bis belief,
tht net less than 13,000 Africans were an
nually smuggled into the United States!
“Mr. j.eiweon, member of Congress from
the missionary.
MOUNT ZION. (HANCOCK-COUNTY, GEORGIA;)-MONDAY, NOVEMBER IT; 1823.
Louisiana, declared last session, that numer
ous instances had more recently occurred
of illicit introductions info that state. On
the mischiefs resulting to this country, from
the increase of this class of persons, the
managers will not enlarge: they are seen,
and felt, and lamented by the great mass of
our people. In this, as in other instances,
and other countries, a policy acknowledged
to be correct, even by .‘hope who violate it,
is counteracted by the daring and unprinci
pled adventurer, and the thoughtless and
avaricious citizens. The managers will
present one fact illustrative of the general
extent to which the African slave-trade is
carried on. 11 From two African rivers,
the Bonny and the Calabar,” says Genl.
Mercer, of the Congress of (he U. S. “ both
emptying into the Atlantick, north of the
line; from a very small portion of au ex
tensive coast, to the whole of which the
slave-trade has been interdicted by the
united voice of all Europe, two hundred
and fifty cargoes, of human victims have
been tranported in a single year!” That
some of these have reached the United
States, is very probable. Can we be in
sensible of the danger of increasing this
class of people, not only iu the islands bor
dering on us, but also in onr own territory,
“ a danger,” to use the language of Genl.
Mercer, “ greatly increased by the rapid
inciease, in our own bosom, of a third cast,
midway between the slave and the white
population of the south, and alike perni
cious to the happiness of both ; To prevent
the introduction of Africans, and to drain
the country of her free coloured popula
tion, the Colonization Society are prosecut
ing their labours. Tims Would fail the
board, to dwell, as they would like, en the
various means which are in operation, for
the destruction of that great mother ol
abominations, the African slave-trade ; and
they are permitted barely to glance at the
exertions of a committee, coo-isting of
some of the principal characters in France,
appointed by ‘he Society of Christian Mor
ais, to devise ways and trfeans for the sup
pression of this traflick; at the formation,
in Boston, of the Massachusetts Society, to
promote its suppre-sioh, either by assisting
the Colonization Society, or by such- other
means as the managers shall judge best ; at
the exertions of the African institution of
Great Britain, containing many of her most
considerable personages; and at the co-op
eration of distinguished men all over Chris
tendom, in the cause of Africa, regardless
of national religions, political and local
jealousies, authorizing the hope expressed
by the Parent Society, “ that the coalition
of all Christian powers against the African
slave-trave, will prove the commencement
of an indissoluble union, which shall fix and
perpetuate the peace of the world,” The
efficient and persevering exertions of the
British government, for the suppression of
the trade, cannot, be overlooked; nor can
a citizen of the Uoited States forbear to ex
ult at the honourable distinction enjoyed by
his country in leading the. way in ibis great
work; nor yet can a citizen of the Soiith
forget that Southern Representatives have
ever been among the foremost to adopt
efficient measures for the suppression.’
The government of the United Sialei pro
hibited the (r ule as soo:i a? 5? had the con
stitutional power to do so, and by a succea
sion bf laws increasing in severity, three
years ago denounced against it the punish
ment of death ; and, at the last session of
Congress, on the motion of a distinguished
representative from the South, the House
of Representatives adopted a resolution
(yeas 181, nays aly 9,) requesting the
President to ento such arrangements with
the maritime powers of Europe and Ameri
ca, as he may deem expedient, for the ef
fectual abolition of the African slave trade,
and its ultimate denunciation as piracy, by
the law of nations. Fiotn the circumstan
ces under which this resolution was adopted,
it is probable an arrangement may be en
tered into among the maritime powers, con
ceding to each other a qualified right of
search. The committee on the Africau
slave-trade have believed that tbe entire
suppression ofthis trade cannot be effected
by tbe separate and disunited efforts of one
or more states: that such an arrangement
as that above mentioned, would be effect
ual ; and that it might be guarded from
abuse by confining it to vessels and to lati
tudes previously designated, and allowing a
vessel to be detained only when Africans
were actually found on board. The commit
tee on the African slave-trade say, in their
last report, they “cannot doubt that the
people of America have the intelligence to
distinguish between the right of searching
a neutral on the high seas, in time of war,
claimed by some belligerents, and that mu
tual, restricted, and peaceful concession by
treaty suggested by them.”
The Parent Society have returned their
grateful acknowledgements to those friends
and Auxiliary Societies who have aided
them during the past year; and earnestly
solicited a continuance of that aid from all
classes of citizens, which may be indispen
sable to the colony in its critical situation,
but which may not be so necessary after it
has assumed some degree of stability.
They have requested the very efficient aid
which may be afforded them by the editors
of publick journals, by giving correct infor
mation concerning their establishment.
For the satisfaction of those who appre
hend the want of subordination among tbe
colonists, they state that no serious diflicul
ty has occurred on this ground; aod they
belieVe that (be intimate connexion between
the interest of the settlers and their subor
dination, is a sufficient guaranty against this
evil.
Some have supposed that the colonists
would siuk to a level with the barbarians
among whom they are settling. The man
agers of. the Parent Society have contend
ed that this apprehension is discountenanced
T>v the principles of our nature, aDd tbe ex
perience of mankind.
The managers of tbe Parent Society have
made a strong appeal to tbe puhlick in be
half of our design, and have expressed a
still stronger confidence in the countenance
and aid of Heaven.
Since tbe adoption of the last annual re
port of the Parent Society, distressing ac
counts have been received from our colony.
Instigated by’ the desire of plunder, the na
tives have made several formidable attacks
on our colonists. On one occasion, a body
o! about 800, and on another a force of
about 1500, was brought to bear on “our
small and comparative.ly beipless band.
They were however repulsed,” says one of
tbe agents of the Parent Society, “with a
resolution and success which they will not
forget, and which are alike honourable to
the courage and ability of the colonists.
Order,” continues he, “is uow restored.
The matter of difference has been referred
to tbe Governour of Sierra Leone, and we
trust that this calamity will subserve the
interests of our cause. Our own govern
ment seem more disposed,” continues the
agent, “ to aid aod defend the colony, and
have already directed the captain of the
Cyane, upon the coast, to remain there as
long as the settlement may require his as
sistance.
“ Anew interest,” says the agent, “is
felt io most parts of our country, in this glo
rious enterprise, and new confidence in its
successful and sublime result. Our funds,
however, are extremely low. Tbe expen
ditures of the present voyage have been
great, and Will well nigh exhaust our re
sources ; yet nothing .can he more impor
tant thau that our operations should be con
tinued and increased through tbe year.
Surely we ought to place this colony at
once beyond the reach of danger.
“The arrival of capt. Spence,” [of the
Cyane,] says a puhlick writer of the day,
“ was very seasonable. They [the colo
nists] had been attacked by the natives iu
great numbers, who had been resisted so
far ; but they were becoming short of pro
visions and the means of defence. Capt.
Spence supplied them with both—built a
iittle Cattle [of stone] for them, and mount
ed it with cannon, and refitted aud manned
the United Slates schooner Augusta, to op
erate in their defence.”
During some late sittings of the board of
mauagers of the Parent Society, at one of
which hi distinguished citizen of Georgia
presided, a free interchange of opinions wa9
Had, and such measures were adopted as
were demanded by the crisis.
From tbe late of the managers
of the Parent Society, theß ; from the late
accession to the numbers of the colonists;
and from the direct aid of the government;
we are authorized to believe that our colo
ny, not withstanding its reverses, is assuming
a degree of stability which will ensure the
success of our design.
The mortality experienced on the Afri
can coast, by the crew of the Cyane, has
been placed by some, to the account of our
colony. But it should be remembered that
even if our colony was not inexistence, the
government would still keep a naval force
od the coast of Africa, to suppress the slave
trade. Besides, when tbe colony assumes
a character of permaueDcy it will probably
not need tbe presence of our armed ships.
But suppose it should; does oot great mor
tality occasionally occur among our seamen
od other stations ?
Recollecling the history of the settle
ment of his own country, a citizen of the
United States will not complain that the
price given for the territory purchased in
Africa, is inconsiderable, or that the colo
nists, in defence of their rights and tbeir
lives, have repelled force by force.
Tbe interest which the society takes in
the suppression of the African slave-trade,
is explained, if indeed explanation is neces
sary, by the fact, that the success of their
direct design depends in some degree, on
this suppression.
Should any doubt tbe practicability of
procuring funds for the effectuation of our
designs, it wonld be well for them to re
member that tbe general government have
already aided, directly and indirectly the
designs of the society ; that several of tbe
states, including Georgia, have afforded
their conntenance; that there are many
arguments for the contimytd and direct aid
of the general and state governments; that
many of the free persons of colour will em
igrate at tbeir ownexpenge; that the re
sources of the country are unquestionably
adequate to the transportation of the oth
ers ; that the society have already effected
much by voluntary contributions: that tbe
annual income of societies, in the United
States connected with the spread of the
Gospel is about £150,000; that the annual
income of similar societies in Great Britain,
is not less than £1,500,000, which amount
might be approximated in the United States,
if the proper means were put in operation,
and a great part of which might go to tbe
promotion of oor design, which indeed, is
oue of the best means of spreading the gos
pel ; and that this design should not be aban
doned even if the governments should with
hold their aid, but may still be effected by
voluntary contributions and exertions. For
such contributions and exertions it should
always be remembered that the while pop
ulation have ample motive in tbe direct in
terest which they have in tbe removal of
the free negroes from among us..
In the aforegoing exposition, in which
the managers of the Putnam Society have
made a free use of the opinions and lan
guage of other persons, especially of the
managers of the Parent Society, it is believ
ed that every material fact has been stated,
and every material objection answered. If
they have not, is not for the want of favour
able facts, or arguments, but for the want
of time and space.
Haviug made, as they trust a satisfactory
exposition, the managers will confidently
commend their desigu to the patriotism and
benevolence of their fellow citizens, and to
tbe benediction of Heaven.
Eatontoo, August, 1823.
Note. —Since the adoption of the afore
going report, frightful accounts have been
brought from tbe coast of Africa. It has
been said that the sixty colonists who went
out in tbe Oswego had all died; that the
castle erected by capt Spence, for the de
fence of our colony, had been overset f>y a
tornado, &c. &c. The latest intelligence
shows these accounts to be unfouuded; and
a letter just received from the agent of the
Parent Society, in Georgetown, says “ the
recent intelligence [from our colony] is not
calculated to discourage any reasonable
mind: Tbe colony is rather in prosperous,
than adverse circumstances.”
Sec'y Put. Soc.
October Ist, 1823.
RELIGIOUS.
TO THE EDITORS.
Gentlemen—The enclosed is from the Sept,
number of (lie Gospel Advocate, a religious peri
odical publication conducted by members of the
Protestant Episcopal Church, at Boston. If it
may seem to you useful to the cause to which
your paper is devoted, please insert it. The Mis
sionary circulates extensively within that portion
of the United Staten where poison such as these
These? Theologiae of the Transylvania University
contain in them, is most likely to be scattered.
Should not some caution against it be, as effectu
ally as possible, proclaimed ? PHILOS.
From the Gospel Advocate.
I am one of the many who, 1 understand,
have received copies of the Theses pub
lished by tbe candidates for the degree of
bachelor of arts, t tbe late commencement
of Transylvania university. As these the
ses are oot now publickly defended, they
are merely a remnant of ancient forms;
and I seldom take the trouble to read them.
But as l carelessly cast my eye over them,
my attention was arrested by (he Theses
Theologicat. Presuming that these theses
are not allowed to be published without
having undergone the scrutiny of (he pres
ident and professors, I felt some curiosity
to know whether (be current sentiments of
tbe college accorded with those which pro
fessedly belong to its ingenious and inven
tive president. You can better judge
whether I am correct in my inferences
when you have read the theses themselves,
of which I submit a literal, though not ser
vile, translation.
THESES THEOLOGICAL
1. Theology teaches the existence of
God and what are (he duties of mankind
towards him.
2. It is divided into two parts, Natural
and Revealed.
3. Natural theology demonstrates both
the existence and attributes of God from<
the substance of tbiDgs (ex corpore rerum)
4. That religion which is taught by tbe
sacred writings is called revealed.
5. Tbe existence and attributes of God
are shown no less by natural , than by revealed
religion.
6. Revealed religion , as it is pluiner , (cum
clarior sit,) is better adapted to men of all
conditions, (*hominibus omnis fortune,)
whatever may be their mental cultivation.
7. Natural religion is chiefly fitted for
men of profound learning and science.
8. Revealed may be termed only the pic
ture of natural religion, since it has only the
same principles expressed in words.
9. Either will lead men to heaven, pro
vided THEY FAITHFULLY FOLLOW IT.f \
* “ Hominibus omnia fortiinae.” I qjjote the
original, that I may be certain not to do injustice
to tbe author; for not being familiar with the
Latin of the western atater, I would not be too
confident that I may not have mistaken tbe mean
ing of some expression#.
t Compare with thia the worda of the 18th ar
ticle, “ They also are to be had accursed, that
presume to eay, that every man shall be saved by
the law or sect which he profeaaelh, so that be be
diligent to frame his life According to that law,
and the light oCnatme. For holy Scripture doth
Price 5 $3,50 pr. sun. or,
\ $3.00 in advance, j
Now, Mr. Editor, C know oot whet yoO
may say to all this; or rather, 1 know well
what you and every other advocate of tbe
gospel must say : it is rank deism ; and to
know that such theses are publickly pro
claimed, and dedicated, as on the title page,
“ venerandis ecclesiarum passim pastori
bus,” to all Christian pastors of Christiast
churches, must shock the mind of every
one who clings to a Saviour, as the only
refuge and support for guilty man. 1 for
bear to comment upon propositions, tbe
obvious tendency of which is to degrade the
scriptures, as needful ooly for men of vul
gar minds, and to teach every thoughtless
smatterer who takes his diploma from the
hands of President Holley, that, in order
to go to heaven he has only to study tbe
sciences, aod become acquainted with tbe
substance of things. But, Mr. Editor, what
will be the result of this i Who knows not
the influence which instructed have over
the understanding and attentions of their
pupils! And when we consider (bat
“ knowledge pufletb up;” that none are
wiser in their own conceits than young men
while theymre undergraduates within the
walls of a college; that this contempt of
the Bible, as fitted only for vulgar minds,
accords with the depraved propensities of
our nature; and that tbe idea of being sav
ed without a Saviour, must sear the con
science, and render the heart callous; ! ask
whether every Christian parent will not
tremble at the danger to which he exposes
his child by sending him into a place of such
contagioo. These youths are to be the
future legislators, and judges, and moralists
of our country. Every one will have his
circle of influence. I confess, that when I
think of the consequences to our country,
my heart is filled with gloomy forebodings;
nor does it recover its tranquility till 1 think
of Him who sitteth on the circle of the
earth, and laughs to scorn the impotent at
tempts of those who rise up against the Lord,
and against his Christ. fices.
MISSIONS.
Our neighbours of the Intelligencer have
sounded a loud note of triumph at the de
feat of missionary projects in tbe eastern
world—at the moment, when every one,
who knows any thing of the subject, is fa
miliar with the fact, that the Christian re
ligion is striking its deep roots into tbe soil
of Asia, and spreading aboard its luxuriant
branches.
Our neighbours have not spoken without
authority; but authority of a kind, by which,
we should imagine, do intelligent man could
be deceived. A Catholick missionary, the
Abhe Dubois, who resided in India, during
32 years, has recently published n work on
Hindostan, in which he presents a dark
picture of the state, of Catholick missions
in that country. He says, that they have
nearly failed; although the Jesuit mission
aries conformed to the dress, manners, and
even superstitions of the inhabitants. H.
then, with amazing simplicity, inquires, if
the Catholick faith, which in many points
resembles the Hindoo worship, has failed,
can it be expected that the simple form* of
the Protestant religion will be embraced?
The Intelligencer echoes this inquiry,
and seems to consider it a death blow to
Missionary societies. To ns, the ioquiry
itself suggests an answer. The similarity
of the Catholick faith to the Hindoo wor
ship is the very reason why it has not been
embraced. The Hindoos have perceived
no reason for changing one system of super
stition for another. There is nothing of
the simple energy of the gospel of Christ
in the creed which has been urged on their
attention. The doctrines of the cross
alone, in their simplicity, will become the
power of (Sod to the salvation of the hea
then, because on these alone will God con
fer his blessing. To adulterate these doc
trines, to adapt them to the taste of idola
ters, is the direct method to bgcure their
ultimate rejection.
Our neighbours of the Intelligencer are
in errour, when they assert, by implication,
that Proteetant missionaries adopt the dress,
manners, and customs of the natives, much
less that they conform in any respect to
their superstitions.
The-Abbe enlarges on the dreadful ef
fects of disseminating the Scriptures, in the
native languages 1 The question as to the
distribution of the Scriptures is now very
generally settled. This measure, which
has undermined the papal potyer, we can
not suppose to be a favourite one wiG a
zealous Catholick, like the Abhe. ft is
surprising, only, that American editors
should quote, as arguments, opinions so
much at variance with the principles and
common sense of the American pubiick.
What effects could result from the distribu
tion of the Seripturevin Hindostan, which
might not have been expected in the early
ages ofChristianity, when they were circu
lated among idolators? The diffusion of
set out unto us only the name of Jeans Christ,
whereby men must be aaved.” Johnxiv. 6. Na
man cometb to the Father but by me. Acta iv.
12. Neither is there salvation in any other; for
there is, none other name under heaven given
among urn, whereby we must be saved. John
v. 11, tS. And thia it the record, that God hath
given to ua eternal life ; and thia Kfeis in his Son.
Ha that hath the Son, hath life; and be that hath
not the Son, hath not life. 1 Cor. xvi. 22. If
any man love not tbe Jeaua Christ, Jet bin
be anathema maranatfaa, Gab i. 8, 9.