I have received several communications from intelligent citizens of that State, earnestly requesting to be visited; and from one single individual, whose heart is full of kindness and charity, I have had the offer of all his slaves, about 100; which he is not only willing to give, but offers also to furnish each one with some little outfit, to make them comfortable on their arrival in the Colony. Among that class of people, however, there is an apprehension (and who can blame them? for they are ignorant,) that their condition would not be bettered in Africa. One or two years more, at most, will convince them of their error, and when this is done, it will be seen at home and abroad, that the American Colonization Society, while it properly enough stands aloof from the question of slavery, and the abolition of slavery; and interferes not at all with any State or other regulations upon the subject, opens a safe and wide door to all who may be disposed to emancipate their people. And, believe me, sir, (I write not at random) there are hundreds in Virginia and the Carolinas, who will avail themselves of the oppor tunity, for the double purpose of new modelling their domestic economy, and giving to their people the privi leges and blessings of freedom, which they can never, under any probable circumstances, enjoy in the United States. With pleasure I record the fact, that at this moment there are on board the brig Hunter, which sailed from this port on the 2d instant, with 68 emigrants for the Colony; four persons who were liberated by Mr. Williamson of North Carolina, for the express purpose of constitut ing them citizens of Liberia. Also, another from Southampton county, of this State. For a short time, the Haytien scheme seemed to divide the attention of the free blacks of this section of country; 票 but now, as far as my information extends, they are generally looking towards Africa-being persuaded that a location there will be more advantageous to themselves and to their children. The religious part of that people are decidedly favourable to Africa for many reasons; one of which alone, while it indicates the genuineness of their piety, exhibits at the same time a nobleness of mind which entitles them to the friendly consideration and pas tronage of all Christians; and may I not add, of patriots too? They wish to benefit the native African race—they sympathize with them in their afflictions, and are ardently desirous to avert their idolatry and superstition and ignorance. They seem anxious to teach them the arts, and bring them to a knowledge of the blessings of civilized life; they devoutly hope to be instrumental in drawing their attention to the worship and service of Almighty God. And they think that their colour will give to their example and teaching a more immediate eff ct, than could be produced in any other way, or by any other people, however well they might be qualified in every other respect. One who is now on board the Hunter with his family, (and who had made a visit to the Colony before he would consent to take his family out) told me with an expression of feeling, which gave to his declaration the tone of truth, that he had enjoyed more happiness in four weeks, while engaged in teaching the native children the use of letters, than he had ever experienced in the whole course of his previous life. I am happy to state, that the free blacks of this Borough have sent out by the Hunter, sundry small presents to the Colony, and among them 70 odd yards of domes tic plaids, for the use of the "Sunday African School" children. Mr Brand and Mr. Crane of Richmond, have also sent out to the same School, a trunk of ready made clothes. My report exhibits what has been done by the citizens of this place, Richmond, Petersburg, and other towns and counties. I am pleased in having had it in my power to exhibit in my report, that the expense to the Society of transporting the emigrants by the Hunter, does not average more than $20 per head, including provisions for nearly sixty days. With considerations of respect, I am, dear sir, yours truly, Rev. R. R. Gurley, WM. MCKENNEY, Extracts from the Report of the Rev. Geo. Boyd and Dr. Ayres, who during the last summer, visited the Middle and Eastern States, to aid the objects of the Society. "From New York we went to New Haven, where we arrived on the 3d of August. In conversation with the Rev. Mr. Croswell, Judge Baldwin, and others, we learnt that the Auxiliary Society of this place had never had a meeting since its organization; and it was their opinion that it would not be expedient to attempt to revive it at this time. The subject of Slavery, as it affects our country, has been well considered by intelligent men at the East. They believe it to be a serious, and a growing evil. But say they, we are not so much interested as the inhabitants of the Southern States, and they do not seem to be concerned to get rid of it." "The impression appeared to be very general, that the Colonization Society was an expedient devised by the holders of slaves, to get rid of the free black population; who being at liberty to inform themselves, became troublesome, as they became enlightened. Our principal difficulty here, was to obviate this objection. At a public meeting called for the purpose, we took occasion to show that the Society, so far from being a scheme of the southern gentlemen, owed its origin to the enlightened. zeal and indefatigable exertion of a citizen of New Jersey." "After we had endeavoured to answer the objections which we had heard-to explain the views, and recommend the objects of the Society-to state its past operations and successes-and to give as much information as time would permit; we found the gentlemen present, all willing to think more favourably upon the subject. As an evidence of their kind feelings and good wishes, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted: 'WHEREAS, the American Colonization Society, formed for the purpose of colonizing the free people of colour residing in the United States, (with their own consent) in Africa, or elsewhere, as Congress should deem it expedient, has now been in operation nearly eight years, and has established a Colony on the western coast of Africa, thereby proving the practicability of the undertaking; 'Therefore, Resolved, That this meeting highly approve of the proceedings of said Society, and heartily concur in the wish, that what has been so auspiciously begun by private benevolent exertion, may be prosecuted to a successful termination by the aid of the General Government. Resolved, That a committee of five persons be appointed, of which the Chairman and Secretary of this meeting shall be two, who shall be called the "Corres ponding Committee of New Haven", with whom the Managers of the Society may communicate, and through whom, from time to time, any interesting information may be laid before the public.' 929 "From New Haven, we went to Hartford on the 10th, where we found very much the same state of things to prevail. When the matter was explained, and understood, no one was disposed to oppose the measures of the Society. We are of the opinion, that if the further efforts of the Society should have to depend upon private liberality, there is no part of our country where a more decided support could be expect ed, the matter being well understood. We called a meeting here, in the State-house, which was well attended by the gentlemen of the place, although the evening was a very unpleasant one. After we had addressed the meeting, resolutions similar to those passed at New Haven, were adopted, without the least hesitation or opposition. The gentlemen seemed to take an unusual pleasure in contemplating the subject; which they were pleased to say had been presented to them in a new and interesting light. We were detained at the room until a late hour, answering questions and giving information concerning Africa." Resolutions similar to those adopted in New Haven and Hartford, met the approbation of the citizens of all the principal places visited by the Society's Agents. A distinguished Member of Congress, from New En gland, after expressing his disbelief in the practicability of the undertaking, observed, "Gentlemen at the South, have given this subject more thought than I have, and they think differently. It is a matter in which they are more particularly interested; and I am of the opinion, that if they will bring forward any definite proposal to Congress, for which they will hold themselves responsible, and which it is in the power of Congress to grant, they ought to be assisted to a reasonable extent." He concluded by saying, "I will vote for any proposition, G |