ders or acceptances be received there; and have even proceeded to draw out the money of that kind now in the treasury, by taking up old acceptances paid out by the Treasurer on treasury drafts, and giving orders, which will become drafts on the Board at a future period.

If you will bear with me, I would offer a few remarks upon the mode of support at present allowed to Officers in the Colony. It appears to me a radical defect to allow any thing in addition to a stated and specific salary. Though delicacy might seem to urge my desisting, conscience will not permit me to be silent. The allowance of a support over and above the salary, has been, I verily believe, the prolific source of abuses and difficulties heretofore, and must continue to be while the system lasts. The Agent may not have the inclination to check extravagance, either in himself or others; but if the will exists, he is powerless as to the latter. The least interference will be construed into an infringement of privileges, and therefore he may be compelled to witness the most wasteful expenditure of monies, which, when their source is regarded, may be considered holy, and the act appear a sacrilege. These sentiments are not entirely new to me, but my brief experience has indelibly impressed them on my mind. I have been led to dwell on them by having experienced some of the unpleasant effects of such interference. Economy in expenditure is never so thoroughly practised, as when joined with personal interest, and it is notoriously the case, that men, unless guided by an uncommon sense of future accountability, will be more prodigal of expenditure when the payments come from public bodies, than if their own pockets were to be made to bear them. The Board cannot expect all of their Agents to be immaculate, and therefore, in my opinion, the economy of conducting their affairs demands that every officer have his certain fixed salary, and provide for himself. But independent of this, the consideration of difficulties to which Agents will be liable on the present plan, is sufficient, and every member of the Board would be convinced of it by one month's experience.

When Dr. Hall and the Baltimore expedition were here, application was made for permission to obtain some of the acclimated citizens of Liberia to assist them. I replied, that the people might go or stay, as they were freemen. Mr. McGill, the Vice-Agent, accompanied the expedition, as did also Mr. Thompson, the Book-keeper; the latter, I believe, intends to remain. Besides these, about twenty of the poorer class from this place, and some from Bassa, left us. The Rev. Mr. Wilson and Mr. Wyncoope, whom I presume you will see shortly, as they have engaged a passage home in the Jupiter, proceeded with Dr. Hall as far as Cape Palmas, and returned here in the Edgar. They report quite favorably of the place, and that Dr. Hall was completely successful in making a large purchase. There is not, so far as my information extends, any considerable prepossession in this place towards the enterprise: most consider it too hazardous and uncertain to justify them in foregoing the certain advantages of their present situation. There is, however, to a considerable extent, a desire to settle both at Junk and Cape Mount. So importunate have been the solicitations in relation to the former place, and so favorable the disposition of the natives toward it, according to uniform report, that your Agent has felt it a duty to accede so far to the united desire, as to appoint Messrs. E. Johnsou and H. Teage Commissioners to treat for the territory, and thus secure at this favorable moment, a right, which, if not immediately beneficial, must be of great service eventually in the future operations of your Society, while it will secure an indisputable right of jurisdiction to the Colony and fully open an inland communication with Grand Bassa. They proceeded to the Junk according to their instructions, and, after an absence of six days, returned, having met with complete success. A territory of nearly twenty miles

square was obtained for nine hundred bars; by far the cheapest purchase ever made by your Society. The Kings have not yet come for their pay, but the deed is secured (C). The price was only 150 bars more than Mr. McGill paid for the Devil's Bush at Edina, containing not over ten acres― though that was considered cheap.

If circumstances favor, a similar title may be secured to the intermediate territories; i. e. Little Bassa and the country commencing immediately south of Cape Montserado and the Junk river.

The title secured to six acres of land at Bendoo, back of Cape Mount, from King Gray and others, is becoming quite a subject of dispute. For the purpose of allaying difficulties, I visited Cape Mount soon after my arrival, but had poor success in the object of the mission: as I found the very Kings whose names are signed to the deed obtained by Dr. Mechlin, disposed to deny the transaction and charge us with fraud.

I have firmly asserted our right and the determination of the Colony to enforce it if necessary, and thus the matter rests for the present. A healthier or a more delightful country could not be desired. The combined grandeur and beauty of the scenery from Bendoo is thrilling, and the passing visiter feels strongly urged to take up his abode on the borders of the beautiful Pissou. Bendoo is a high bluff at the emboucheur of Pissou river into the lake of the same name. It is the point of land between the ri ver and lake, which was given to the Society. Before it, spreads out a lake of surpassing beauty, across which, to the side directly opposite, is a distance of 10 or 12 miles. Standing upon the bluff, the outline of the lake to its farthest extremity inland, and thence all around, can be more or less distinctly seen. Its interior, or south-eastern extremity, is an unbroken sheet of water, whose edges are covered with a rank luxuriant growth of vegetation, here and there interspersed with villages; this is on the left hand, as seen from Bendoo. On the right and in front, westward, a multitude of little islands stud its mouth, as if to relieve the sudden boldness of Cape Mount, which completes the back ground, with an elevation of eight hundred or one thousand feet. The scene is one which painters would love to view. On the high bluff, with a fine lake and river abounding in fish, and securing a free circulation of air at all times, I cannot believe an infant settlement would have to endure half the difficulties from climate, which have been elsewhere encountered; at least, it is worth the trial.

Thus far in relation to pecuniary and political concerns. As to the internal police of the Colony, and the state of public offices, there seems even greater need of energetic action. The number of commonwealth cases has been truly alarming, bringing the treasury not less than three or four huudred dollars annually. To remedy this I have reproved the officers especially Justices of the Peace, many of whom were placed in commission by my predecessor, utterly ignorant of law, while old and experienced Justices were left out. I have been compelled to put some of the latter in commission. The neglect of several Committees, which receive no pay for their services, was prominent and hurtful, especially the Committee of Agriculture. These have been directed to act efficiently, in seeing the roads cleared and various nuisances removed, but have hitherto done nothing. The report of this Committee I have called for, but have not yet obtained it.Its contents I can readily anticipate: and with the exception of gardens for families, twelve acres of coffee trees planted by Rev. C. M. Waring, I might venture the assertion, that not fifty acres are cultivated in the Colony.

Inquiring for the causes of this destructive and humiliating neglect, several were strikingly prominent. First and foremost, stands the fascination of trade: the colonist who shall resist this temptation will be an object of admiration. However, I hope this evil is on the point of curing itself, and

though the process may be painful, cannot doubt but the result will be beneficial. The commission merchants, who, by their lavish credits, have been the panders to this depraved appetite for gain, are now reaping the bitter fruits. Their employers come for pay, and behold half of those to whom they trusted goods are bankrupt, and they are themselves unable in some instances to meet their engagements. The consequence is, that in a short time, Captains of vessels will entirely stop credits, and of course hundreds of strong men now in the country, must return to the long deserted farms. To assist this result, the council have lately laid many discouragements in the way of vessels trusting their goods on long credits.

But this has not been the principal cause of agricultural neglect. I am convinced the evil has its source farther back, and is deeper seated in the system. A colonist arrives in Monrovia at any time during the year. He is entitled to support six months. If anxious to do well, he looks forward to the day when this aid is to cease, and is prompted to make efforts to provide against it. If he gives way to these promptings, the result is generally severe illness and greater and longer continued weakness. If, as all experiences prove is most prudent, he sits down to await and escape the fever; the six months are soon gone, and he is cast upon his own resources. If in health, which is not often the case, he starts under the most favorable circumstances; but what are they? A penny less stranger, without house or food!! What is he to do under such circumstances? If his land is ready at the moment, he cannot wait to plant a crop and have it grow; his own wants and his family's, if he have any, demand immediate relief. Sawing timber has heretofore been the dernier resort. The new emigrant hires or borrows a saw, and with a companion proceeds to the woods to earn his bread. A tree is selected in the swamp, and having no oxen to draw it out, they are under the necessity of pitting it on the spot. Here, alternately standing in the water from knee to waist deep, and sawing four days, they are enabled, after carrying their wood to market, (which occupies the other two) to purchase enough to support themselves, and possibly he may be enabled to secure a lot in two years by building a plain frame house. In the mean time his system has become, in most cases, deeply injured or diseased, an aversion to farming contracted, and the man's usefulness to himself and the Colony almost ruined.

So far as my power extends, I have attempted a remedy by erecting a saw-mill, which will render lumber so cheap that any other labor will be more profitable than sawing. The mill is not finished, but under way, and with the Divine blessing, we may hope to complete it this dry season; this, however, can only partially remedy the evil. The true remedy, I think, will be found in allowing the emigrants one year's support, and if the Society thinks proper, to exact two days labor from them, per week, in return, according to the original plan of Mr. Ashmun. This is not too long in a vast majority of cases for the confirmation of their health: it will afford them time to select more eligible sites for their farms, and also enable them to have a crop planted and growing to their hands.

Connected with this, I would again call the attention of the Board to the importance of ever having on hand a supply of utensils of every kind, without which nothing can proceed with ease. Hoes, axes, shovels, spades, cutlasses, scythes, pickaxes, crow bars, &c. &c. should be kept ready for sale, and the public store never be without a supply.

In relation to the moral and religious state of the Colony, I cannot compare it with former years, not having had experience. There is, as in all other communities, so here, a larger portion of vice than the good would wish to see: yet I am persuaded that large portion of the community is virtuous and inclined to favor a severe construction of the laws.

There

have been no revivals of religion among us for a long time, and at present there are no very encouraging appearances. The Baptist church is not yet completed, but the materials are now ready, I believe, to proceed, and it is intended at once to have it in readiness for use. A Presbyterian church is under contract, and the walls are now rapidly rising. The prospect is that it will be dedicated before the commencement of the rains.

The Methodist society are also making preparation to erect a very large and beautiful building at Monrovia, their old place of worship being almost useless. They have already began building a place for worship at Edina, which is nearly completed.

In relation to the schools, I am not prepared to make any but the most general remarks. The teachers at present employed, seem very attentive, and, as a general thing, very successful. Mr. Eden's school at New Georgia, supported by the ladies in Philadelphia, is greatly cramped in its operations, for want of a suitable room; and all the schools are suffering more or less from scarcity of books, stationery, &c. &c. At present more than forty children at Edina are growing up to the privileges of freemen, without one school to teach the rudiments of learning.

I know not where in the Colony to find a suitable teacher for that place, and still less can I imagine a substitute for Mrs. Thompson, if she leaves the Colony. Her husband, Mr. T., has accompanied Dr. Hall; and from the reports that are flying, I presume will find inducements to remain. In expectation that this may prove to be the event, I have employed Mrs. Cyples, who comes well recommended from the Hon. Mr. Grimke of Charleston, to enter the school as an assistant and obtain a knowledge of the infant school system. At present the Colonization Society hires the house occupied by Mrs. T. and the school is supported by ladies in Philadelphia, while more than 40 children attend it daily from the wealthiest families.The absurdity of such a state of things, is too glaring, and shows the necessity of heavier taxation. I have attempted to get a subscription to erect the house, and find the most difficulty where I least expected it. I have resolved that unless those who are able to pay for the house, will either pay the rent or build a house, to bring the school back to its original intention, and confine it to the education of orphans and poor. I remarked before, that all the schools needed books and stationery. This want is pressing. Do call upon the Christian community in America, to turn a portion of their charities into this channel. Let them know, that to extend knowledge and promote sound piety, a quire of paper is at the present moment, of more worth than a Bible. Bibles and Tracts have been sent here, and either used as waste paper, or made food for worms. Why? Not because the people despise either, but because we have not a reading population. Until this is secured, their Bibles would be of more value in China.

Let them raise societies for supporting schools, such as those formed by the ladies of Philadelphia and Richmond-and not only to support schools but to supply teachers. Let the pious spend some of their alms in supplying us with paper and books fit for primary schools; and then we shall be able beneficially to receive their donations of devotional works. When, I ask, will the High School be established in the Colony? I ask again, when? Surely the benevolent would not be tardy in giving support, nor young men of talents and learning so dilatory in offering themselves, if they could see one-half the necessity which exists for it. If one had been begun with the Colony, ere this, its affairs would have been conducted in a better manner, and at half the expense they now are. So long as this is neglected, let no one complain that we do not prosper.

Since Mr. Thompson's departure, I have appointed L. R. Johnson to fulfil his duties, in addition to those which he formerly performed, and allow

him a salary of $400 per annum, being $200 less than was paid the two previously. Mr. Prout, I have allowed to retain his office, being in daily expectation of hearing from the Board; but in the mean time, have reduced his salary to $400, with a saving of all perquisites to the Society. If he is continued in office, or another appointed, I think, under existing circumstances, $300 with perquisites, would amply repay the duties required or rendered. As is natural, he is restive under it, and complains bitterly of partiality; alleging as evidence, that I have not proceeded in the same way with all. Without pretending to reply to such an objection, I would add my views on the subject. I do not believe the interests of the Colony or Society demand the present number of officers.

As to the

Mr. Williams still claims his appointment, and alleges the request of yourself, while on his visit, as the reason; and also claims to be allowed the expenses of his voyage to Africa, after his late visit to the United States. The latter I have refused, and referred it to the Board to decide upon. office, he is allowed to retain it, and I endeavor to keep him busy-but with a full conviction, that the duties of store-keeper might and ought to be connected with his, and the office, thus loaded with the duties now performed both by Mr. Williams and Mr. Johnson, given to a single individual, at the salary which either one now receives, thus saving $500 or $600 annually to the Society. On the same principle, I would suggest that the duties of Secretary and Register be united for the present until the Colony becomes larger, with the salary at present annexed to the Secretary's office. I have thus touched upon many things which seemed important, and have doubtless omitted others of equal or greater importance.

*You will excuse the length of the letter from a conviction of its good intention. Hoping this may be the case, with sincerest friendship, I remain Your most obedient and humble servant.

J. B. PINNEY.

P. S. In the confusion of mind incident to one called off fifty times while writing, I have omitted to touch upon two important subjects. The want of a public store. At present the buildings occupied are not adequate either, in extent or convenience, for the transaction of business. Moreover, the one of greatest extent, erected by Dr. Mechlin between the agency house and the fort, is ready to fall down by its own weight, from age. The building rented from Mr. Williams at $60 per annum, is very unsafe. Again, the cost of transporting the goods from the water side up the hill, and then down again to load the schooner, is annually, I presume, not less than $300.

By an exact estimate, I find that a building, 50 by 60 feet, can be erected at an expense of $2500, at the prices charged here, and this paid in merchandise, sent out by your Society from America, would not cost over $1200 or $1400. The building could be placed upon a lot near the public wharf, and thus save the expense and labor of conveyance up and down this steep hill. It would last an indefinite period uninjured by the weather, being built of stone, and would save an annual rent for storage, which hitherto has amounted to nearly $150 per annum. It is so clearly the interest of the Society to have such a building erected, that I am almost ready to commence immediately, but wait for intelligence by the next vessel. The other point of peculiar interest, is the importance of encouraging the cultivation of coffee. I think this would be promoted in two ways. First, by instructing the Agent to purchase from every one raising one hundred pounds, all that they can raise for a specified number of years, and at a specified price, say 12 cents. 2d. By having a sample farm, wherein to make experiments as to the best mode, and best kinds to be cultivated. This farm might be connected with the poor establishment, and would doubtless soon become a source of income to the Society.