colonial settlements of Liberia, and also a recognition of the just title of these settlements to be regarded as neutral.

The late Secretary of State for the colonies of Great Britain, Lord John Russell, assured me of the disposition of Her Majesty's ministers to consider with candor the claims of Liberia, provided the subject was brought to its notice through the channels of our government; and Dr. Lushington, judge in the court of admiralty, promised his best offices to secure from the various European Governments a recognition of the neutrality of this colony.

Inasmuch as nearly half the States of this Union have expressed, through their Legislatures, the approbation of the cause of African colonization, and several invoked in its behalf the aid of the General Government and others made valuable appropriations of money to promote it; and since the Congress of the United States has repeatedly referred this subject to select committees, and by the act of March 3d, 1819, (passed in consequence of a memorial of the American Colonization Society,) authorizing the President of the United States to provide for the removal of recaptured Africans to the coast of Africa and their temporary support and defence there, indicated the policy which the executive has adopted of placing such unfortunate persons on its soil and under the protection of this colony; and since the government and people of Liberia are contributing very effectually, and, in their progress, will still more contribute, to that great object of humanity and religion, to which the United States and England stand pledged together and the world by their recent treaty-the overthrow of the slave trade; and finally, since the permanency and growth of this colony are very important to American commerce, and of inestimable value to the interest of civilization and christianity in that quarter of the globe (to say nothing of its relation to great and agitating questions in this country), we trust that you may see reasons for bringing its difficulties and claims distinctly to the consideration of the governments of Great Britain and France.

While it is deeply regretted by the committee that the hopes of the founders of the American Colonization Society, in regard to support for their scheme from the State and National Governments, have not, as yet, been fully realized, and the colonists of Liberia are left without adequate assistance and protection from this nation, they see in their weakness and exposure, as well as in their lofty purpose, self-denying energy, christian fortitude, and virtuous conduct, the strongest recommendation to the confidence and friendly regards of all civilized and powerful nations.

Mr. Webster, Secretary of State, to Mr. Everett, Minister to Great

Britain.

March 24, 1843.

Sir: I send you, in addition to the papers transmitted with my letter of the 5th of January last, several notes recently addressed to me by the secretary of the American Colonization Society, together with the printed documents, &c., accompanying them.

Mr. Gurley's first communication is dated on the 13th, and the other two on the 16th inst. Taken in connexion with those previously forwarded to the legation, they show that the wishes of the colonists, in regard to the territorial extent of their settlements, are quite reasonable the settlements extending southeasterly from Cape Mount to Cape Palmas, a distance of about three hundred miles only; and these notes, too, explain the nature of the relations existing between Liberia and the United States. Founded principally with a view to the melioration of the condition of an interesting portion of the great human family, this colony has conciliated more and more the good-will, and has, from time to time, received the aid and support of this Government. Without having passed any laws for their regulation, the American Government takes a deep interest in the walfare of the people of Liberia, and is disposed to extend to them a just degree of countenance and protection.

Mr. Fox, British Minister, to Mr. Upshur, Secretary of State,
August 9, 1843.

Sir: I had recently the honor to state to you, verbally, that her Majesty's Government have, for some time past, been desirous of ascertaining, authentically, the nature and extent of the connexion subsisting between the American colony of Liberia, on the coast of Africa, and the Government of the United States.

Certain differences which have arisen, and which, I believe, are still pending, between British subjects trading with Africa on the one hand. and the authorities of Liberia on the other, render it very necessary, in order to avert for the future serious trouble and contention in that quarter, that her Majesty's Government should be accurately informed what degree of official patronage and protection, if any, the United States Government extend to the colony of Liberia, how far, if at all, the United States Government recognize the colony of Liberia, as a national

establishment; and consequently, how far, if at all, the United States Government hold themselves responsible towards foreign countries for the acts of the authorities of Liberia.

It is also very desirable, if the United States Government recognize and protect the colony of Liberia, that her Majesty's Government should be authentically informed what are considered to be the territorial limits. of the colony; and also, by what title the amount of territory so claimed has been acquired. For it appears that (during the last year, in particular) the authorities of Liberia have shown a disposition to enlarge very considerably the limits of their territory; assuming to all appearance quite unjustifiably, the right of monopolizing the trade with the native inhabitants along a considerable line of coast, where the trade had hitherto been free; and thus injuriously interfering with the commercial interest and pursuits of British subjects in that quarter.

It is not for a moment supposed that the United States Government would, either directly or indirectly, sanction such proceedings; but, in case of its becoming necessary to stop the further progress of such proceedings and of such pretensions, it is very desirable, in order, as before mentioned, to avert causes of future dispute and contention, that her Majesty's Government should be informed whether the authorities of Liberia are themselves alone responsible on the spot for their public acts; or whether, if they are under the protection and control of the United States Government, it is to that Government that application must be made when the occasions above alluded to may require it.

Mr. Upshur, Secretary of State, to Mr. Fox, British Minister,
September 25, 1843.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th of August last, enforming me that her Majesty's Government. have, for some time past, been desirous of ascertaining authentically the nature and extent of the connexion subsisting between the American colony of Liberia, on the coast of Africa, and the Government of the United States; and requesting me to give you the desired information.

The colony, or settlement, of Liberia was established by a voluntary association of American citizens, under the title of the American Colonization Society. Its objects were, to introduce christianity and promote civilization in Africa; to relieve the slave-holding States from the inconvenience of an increase of free blacks among them; to improve the

condition and elevate the character of those blacks themselves, and to present to the slave-holder an inducement to emancipate his slaves, by offering to them an asylum in the country of their ancestors, in which they would enjoy political and social equality. It was not, however, established under the authority of our Government, nor has it been recognized as subject to our laws and jurisdiction.

It is believed that the society has confined itself strictly to the professed objects of its association. As an individual enterprise, it has no precedent in the history of the world. The motives which led to it were not those of trade, nor of conquest; the individuals concerned in it promised themselves no personal advantage nor benefit whatever. Their motives were purely philanthropic, and their objects strictly disinterested. In spite of the unexampled difficulties with which they have had to contend, they have, by patience and perseverance, succeeded in placing their colony upon a safe and prosperous footing. It is just beginning to exert, in a sensible degree, its beneficent influences upon the destinies of the African race; and promises, if it be duly sustained, to do much for the regeneration of that quarter of the globe. Hence it has received, as it richly deserves, the respect and sympathy of the whole civilized world. To the United States it is an object of peculiar interest. It was established by our people, and has gone on under the countenance and good offices of our Government. It is identified with the success of a great object, which has enlisted the feelings, and called into action the enlarged benevolence, of a large proportion of our people. It is natural, therefore, that we should regard it with greater sympathy and solicitude than would attach to it under other circumstances.

This society was first projected in the year 1816. In 1821 it possessed itself of a territory upon the continent of Africa, by fair purchase of the owners of the soil. For several years it was compelled to defend itself by arms, and unaided, against the native tribes; and succeeding in sustaining itself, only at a melancholy sacrifice of comfort, and a lamentable loss of human lives. No nation has ever complained that it has acquired territory in Africa; but, on the contrary, for twenty two years it has been allowed, with the full knowledge of all nations, to enlarge its borders from time to time, as its safety or its necessities required. It has been regarded as a purely benevolent enterprise, and, with a view to its success, has been tacitly permitted to exercise all the powers of an independent community. It is believed that this license has never been. abused, and that the colony has advanced no claims which ought not

to be allowed to an infant settlement just struggling into a healthy existence. Its object and motive entitle it to the respect of the stronger powers, and its very weakness gives it irresistible claims to their for bearance. Indeed, it may justly appeal to the kindness and support of all the principal nations of the world, since it has already afforded, and still continues to afford, the most important aid in carrying out a favorite measure of their policy.

It is not perceived that any nation can have just reason to complain that this settlement does not confine itself to the limits of its original territory. Its very existence requires that it should extend those limits. Heretofore, this has never been done by arms, so far as I am informed, but always by fair purchase from the natives. In like manner, their treaties with the native princes, whether of trade or otherwise, ought to be respected. It is quite certain that their influence in civilizing and christianizing Africa, in suppressing the slave-trade, and in ameliorating the condition of African slaves, will be worth very little, if they should be restrained at this time in any one of these particulars. Full justice, it is hoped, may be done to England, without denying to Liberia powers so necessary to the safety, the prosperity, and the utility of that settlement as a philanthropic establishment.

This Government does not, of course, undertake to settle and adjust differences which have arisen between British subjects and the authorities of Liberia. Those authorities are responsible for their own acts; and they certainly would not expect the support or countenance of this Government in any act of injustice towards individuals or nations. But, as they are themselves nearly powerless, they must rely, for the protection of their own rights, on the justice and sympathy of other powers.

Although no apprehension is entertained that the British Government meditates any wrong to this interesting settlement, yet the occasion is deemed a fit one for making known, beyond a simple answer to your inquiries, in what light it is regarded by the Government and people of the United States. It is due to her Majesty's Government that I should inform you that this Government regards it as occupying a peculiar position, and as possessing peculiar claims to the friendly consideration. of all christian powers; that this Government will be, at all times, prepared to interpose its good offices to prevent any encroachment by the colony upon any just right of any nation; and that it would be very unwilling to see it despoiled of its territory rightfully acquired, or improperly restrained in the exercise of its necessary rights and powers as an independent settlement.