团

they were slaves, and should never again see their native land, their relatives and friends; so thoroughly were they impressed with the melancholy conviction of being in slavery, that no protestations could make them believe in his entire sincerity. They exclaimed with raptures at the thought of freedom, and of going back to Africa, but would not hope that such a dream could ever be realized. The situation of these persons was made known by the Colonization Society to the President of the United States, who said, that if proper certificates were given of their desire to return, the government would pay the expense of transportation. The navy agent at Baltimore was ordered to have them examined. They were brought together for that purpose, and as the examination could only be carried on through Wilkinson as interpreter, he gave his testimony under oath. We shall speak of this interesting examination nearly in the words of Mr. Coale, secretary of the Baltimore auxiliary society, who was present and took an account of the proceedings in writing. The general question was put to them severally, whether they wished to remain in this country as freemen, or be sent to Montscrado, and thence if practicable to their homes; Dowrey was the first who was called to answer. He was a chief in his own country, of whom Wilkinson had some knowledge; he replied, "I wish to go home, I wish to see my father, my wife, and children; I have been at Montserado, I live but three day's walk from that place." Barterou answered, "Let me

go home, I have a wife, I have two children, I live a morning's walk from Dowrey." The next person called was Mousah, the son of a highly respectable chief, with whom Wilkinson was personally acquainted; he had been living with Gen. Harper, and when asked if he was not disposed to remain and be instructed, and go home hereafter and teach his countrymen, he replied; "General Harper is a good man, he will give me clothes and food, and be kind to me, but he cannot give me my wife and children." When the general question was put to Cubangerie, he replied; "Why do you ask this question over and over? I am so rejoiced at the thoughts of returning, that I want words to express myself. Do you not know that nothing is so dear as a man's home?" Mazzey said, "my mother is living, my father is living, I have two sisters, I shall be grateful to those who send me to my family and friends." The answer of Fanghah was, "I shall be joyful to go home, I have a father, mother, wife, sister, and three children to meet me in my own country." Corree said that all he desired was to be landed in Africa, and he should soon find his way home. Banhah made nearly the same reply.

"After these eight persons were examined, they expressed great anxiety to be joined by two of their companions not present. These had been placed with a man, who, it seems, was not willing to part with them, and had reported that they wished to remain. This proved a false pretence set up with a view to profit by the labour of the negroes; and

whatever may be the power of the law in such a case, it will be difficult to make it appear in the eye of justice, in any better light than the crime of A writ on a ficbeing engaged in the slave-trade. titious suit was taken out against the negroes, and they were thus released from thraldom and brought to the place of examination. When they arrived, their companions sprang with extacies to meet them, embraced them again and again, caught them in their arms, raised them from the ground, and continued for half an hour at intervals to embrace and shake them by the hand. Nothing could exceed their joy at being told that they were free, and would sail in a day or two for Africa.

"These ten persons thus providentially rescued from perpetual slavery, and made happy in the anticipations of again beholding their native land, and of carrying gladness to many a weeping disconsolate heart, owed their deliverance chiefly to the Colonization Society. They have gone home to prove to their countrymen and friends, that white men are not all barbarians, traffickers in human flesh, and artificers of human misery; but that the flame of benevolent feeling may sometimes kindle and burn even in the breasts of this portion of their race whom they had hitherto known only as catchers of their own species, and workers in crime.

"We know not the spring of other men's joys, but as for ourselves, call it weakness or enthusiasm, or what you will, we frankly confess, that the heartfelt delight of having been instrumental in restoring

these men to freedom and happiness, would have been to us a double compensation for all the embarrassments, rebuffs, and obstacles, numerous and severe as they have been, which the members of the Society have thus far experienced. Had they brought to pass from the beginning only this one deed, we would lift up our voice in praise of their noble achievement and say they had been blessed with a good reward. These rescued Africans, full of gratitude to their deliverers, sailed with Wilkinson in the Fidelity, for Montserado, in October last; Dr. Ayres had directions to send them home as soon as they arrived."

The Board rejoice to say, that the slave-trade seems to have been less extensively carried on during the last year, and to express their belief, that few American citizens now share in the gains of this atrocious traffick. The earnestness and decision evinced by the government of the United States in its efforts to abolish this cruel trade; the opprobrium and punishment attached by Congress to a violation of its enactments on this subject; particularly, its recent determination to consider such violation piracy, and to neglect no reasonable means of detecting transgressors, have almost, if not entirely, restrained this traffick under the American flag, and promise to exert a benign and powerful influence upon the laws of the whole civilized world.

The encouragement given to the publication proposed by the Board, is at present insufficient to

justify its appearance, though from the communications of their friends, the Managers are induced to hope, that they shall soon be enabled to commence it. The character of this work must depend in no inconsiderable degree upon information derived from the Colony, and to render it worthy of general patronage, a regular and frequent correspondence with the Agent there, will be indispensable. Intercourse with the Colony has already been greatly facilitated by the establishment of a trading company in Baltimore, and the Board are happy to state that the arrangements now making by government, to guard the African coast, by vessels to suceeed each other in cruizes of short duration, will probably afford the means of easy, frequent, and safe communication.

A large number of the free people of colour have the last year sought the patronage of the Board, and the disposition to emigrate to Africa scems coextensive with a knowledge of the motives to induce such emigration. It were easy to excite enthusiasm on this subject, but the Board do not desire it. The means will never equal the demand for transportation.

The resolution adopted by the Board in the month of June, to increase, if possible, the strength of the Colony during the present season, has not been neglected. By incessant effort such means have been obtained, as, though not equal to the expense necessarily incurred, have induced the Board to charter a vessel; and they are happy to announce