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and delegates from auxiliaries. The President and Vice Presidents are no longer ex-officio Managers. The direction of the Institution, instead of being left in the hands of an indefinite and imperfectly responsible body, is now committed to the executive officers and nine other individuals, who will annually render a strict account to their constituents. I feel no hesitation in saying for my colleagues as well as for myself, that we have full confidence in the ability, fidelity and benevolent views of the new Board as it is ac tually constituted. And what is of no inferior consequence, while these reforms were discussed with much freedom, and while on particular points of discussion there was no little difference of opinion, the reformed constitution was finally agreed to, and the reformed Board of Managers was elected with entire unanimity.

My confidence in the success of the colony of Liberia, is not impaired, but strengthened. The want of management here and in Africa, by which the cause has been so much embarrassed, is at an end. The only constitutional objection of the Society, namely, the voluntary colonization of people of colour, now free or to be freed hereafter, will be pursued, I doubt not, vigorously, wisely and with singleness of purpose. With the discussion of the ethics of slavery, or the principles and process of its abolition, the Society has nothing to do; nor will the present Board be disposed to meddle with that subject. On the other hand, I am equally confident that the Society, as now organized, will not suffer itself to become auxiliary to any scheme for the compulsory removal or the increased oppression of the colored people.

The Editors of papers friendly to the cause of African Improvement, are respectfully requested to give this communication a place in their columns.

New-Haven, 13th of Feb. 1834.

LEONARD BACON,

TO THE FRIENDS OF COLONIZATION.

The Board of Managers of the American Colonization Society, deem it their duty to call upon all who, with them, have this great object at heart, to recollect that the season is coming around, (our National Jubilee) when benevolent Clergymen of every denomination throughout the United States, have heretofore called the attention of their congregations to the claims of this Society; which calls, have afforded to it great support in carrying on their important work; and it is confidently expected that the call for the present year, will be equally successful.

The appeal now made, is prompted by considerations of the most pressing character. Much of the aid which, under ordinary circumstances, would have been given towards carrying on the operations of the Society, has been, and will probably continue to be afforded in the form of subscriptions to the loan of fifty thousand dollars proposed to be made by the Board for the purpose of extinguishing the debt of the Institution. The efforts to dispose of this stock loan have been attended with partial success; and the Board are encouraged to hope, that patience and perseverance will secure the full accomplishment of the scheme. But the avails of the loan being of course designed for the special object of paying the debt, the Managers must look to other sources for means to prosecute general objects. Among these are several important plans for the religious, moral and agricultural improvement of the Colony, which if realized cannot fail, they confidently believe, to render Liberia a residence powerfully attracting every free man of colour, who desires to elevate himself in the scale of social being. They trust that the Reverend Clergy throughout the Union, sympathizing with them in zeal for this purpose, will give to it the strong aid of their influence and eloquence on the approaching FOURTH OF JULY,

It is to contributions arising from their exertions on that occasion; to the Auxiliary Societies; and to the public spirited individuals who have, from time to time set on foot, and carried into effect voluntary subscriptions, that the Parent Society looks for support in establishing a well-organized,

1834.]

FROM LIBERIA.

civilized and religious Society of free coloured people on the barbarous shores of Africa.

The Society has occasionally employed special Agents for the purpose of spreading information on this subject in different parts of the Union, and of collecting funds; but though in some instances this course has been successful, in others, a great portion of the money collected has been expended in compensating the Agents and in paying their travelling expenses.

It is apprehended that many of the Auxiliary Societies have become inactive. When first organized, some of them, it is believed, proposed to raise a certain amount within a limited time, and after this was effected, the exertions of the Society ceased. It is earnestly hoped, that in all such cases, the Societies will be revived, and that each member will agree to make a moderate annual payment; as, unless the Parent Society receives a regular support from its Auxiliaries, it cannot effect the great objects of its Institution.

The Board of Managers have already stated that the REV. JOHN B. PINNEY has been appointed temporary Agent of the Colony; and from the active, persevering industry which he has exhibited in the short time he has been in the country, and especially from the exertions which he is making to promote the agricultural interests of the Colony, which must prove the means of greatly increasing its prosperity and happiness, they hope the Board of Directors of the Western Foreign Missionary Society, in whose service he went to the Colony, may consent that he may continue to occuMay, 1834. py that important station.

FROM LIBERIA.

Letter from the Rev. MATTHEW LAIRD, addressed to the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Northumberland, dated MONROVIA, Feb. 25, 1834.

Friends and Brethren, greatly beloved:

The idea of conversing with you all once more, though it be through the instrumentality of the pen, and from this distant land, fills me with a thousand tender recollections. The endeared family altars, around which many of us have oftentimes bowed-the social meetings in which we oftentimes plead for each other, and a dying world-the sacred sanctuary, where under faithful truth, our hearts mutually bled for the impenitent, sympathized with the convicted, and rejoiced with those anticipating the joys of heaven -and more than all, that solemn hour when your trembling and unworthy servant was set apart to the responsible duties of the minister, and missionary of the cross-all these scenes rush again into my memory, and fill me with emotions of mingled sorrow and joy-joy that the recollection of all the past hours spent among you, does not rend me with bitterest selfcondemnation-sorrow from the strong probability, that a recurrence of similar seasons shall never again be our mutual happiness.

But be that as it may, the will of the Lord shall be done, and what more should we desire? It were needless almost to state, that our departure from you was attended with deep conflict. Had no firmer cords bound us to you than those created by the strongly marked affection manifested the few last weeks of our stay among you, our long farewell must have been like the cutting off of a right hand; but the numerous additional considerations which united us to you and our native land, we need not mention.But after leaving you, the kindness of those hitherto strangers supplied the place of dear relatives and beloved acquaintances, to a degree we had not anticipated.

Our voyage across the deep, commencing on the 6th of November, was to us unexpectedly pleasant. Very trifling sea sickness, which was so distressing to many of our company, fell to our lot. During a period of eight weeks, (one or two more than are generally required to reach Africa,) scarce any thing except goodness and mercy from the Lord was experienced. Captain Knapp and his crew treated us with the greatest respect and kindness, and though not pious, the Captain cheerfully granted us the pri vilege of morning and evening worship on deck, one evening each week for social prayer, and the opportunity of the public worship twice on the Sabbath. These things, together with the kind Providence which threw into company with us a family so interesting and agreeable as were our Methodist brethren and sisters, could not but make us feel and sing like David, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." During these seasons, nothing was more natural or pleasing than for our imaginations to carry us in all the bonds of Christian affection into your social meetings, there to experience more strongly than ever, that

"Blest is the tie that binds

Our hearts in Christian love."

Free from storm or tempest, we were borne on safely until the last day of December; when the sight of land once more relieved our eyes from the monotonous scenery of the wide spread ocean. As the distant cape of Monrovia hove in sight, the idea of renewed and increasing responsibilities, added to the trials and dangers we must soon encounter, cast a momentary gloom over the mind, but our nearer approach to the most beautiful scenery of spring, dispersed the clouds, cheered our hearts, and made us anxious to land and wear out our lives in efforts to bring the withered and sun-blighted morality of this land to harmonize with its natural loveliness.

We need scarcely inform you, that the citizens of Monrovia -received and treated us with the greatest kindness, and until we could get a house rented and fitted so as to be comfortable, provided us with every accommodation our circumstances required. In the mean time, to a degree even surprising to ourselves, our former prejudices concerning eating, drinking, and living with colored people, all seemed to vanish.

Our first interview with the natives was a considerable time before we landed. Several of their canoes came to us to find out who we were; and to bring us the news respecting the colony. The sight of these children of nature unmodified in appearance by any thing save a handkerchief around the loins, shocked our feelings considerably, especially those of our female friends; but it is astonishing how soon all became reconciled, and were cheerfully disposed to labor among them where duty might call.

In consequence of indispensable business for some time after our arrival and sickness since, we have not been able to visit any of the prospective mission stations, therefore our personal knowledge of the natives is mostly limited to those who trade among us, and labor for us. The country surrounding the colony belongs to the Deys, but it is supposed there are quite as many natives here, especially boys, from the neighbouring country, Bassa, as there are of the Deys. Both of these people frequently call upon us with rice, coffee, vegetables, and fruits, which they wish to trade for cloth, handkerchiefs, penknives, beads, &c. Though they seem very ignorant, they know enough about self-interest, whenever a good opportunity offers, to take the advantage of the "new men," (the name they give us.) The natives of whom we gained the most knowledge, however, belong to a tribe called the Kroomen. Their country lies about 180 miles south-east of this, but they are found in small groups of huts, all along this coast above us, north-west, as far as Sierra Leone. Their principal

object seems to be to gain ready access to ships, as they are a laborious, active people, and are consequently the only persons employed in lading or unlading vessels. Hence also they are very expert watermen; and quite shrewd in trading. They are also employed by the colonists here to do all kinds of work, done by horses and wagons in America. They transport every kind of material, even the stone used for building, on their heads. In such cases, however, they have a small cushion of straw, grass, or cloth.— They are very straight and well proportioned, with feet and hands as delicate as any white men; and their features are in many cases far more delicate than those of colored people in America. Judging from several boys we have had in our service, as well as the experience of teachers in this place, they will learn as fast as any people. Their prejudices, however, for their own peculiar habits and practices are almost invincible.

If we attempt to convince them of wrong (for example) in drinking rum, from our not drinking, they will reply, "That be Merican man fash,"-"me no be Merican man." This they carry so far that they will almost rather want than eat the victuals we cook. "That be whiteman's fash," is still the reply.

Those grown up have with few exceptions, some crude knowledge about God. Whether they owe it to intercourse with foreigners we cannot say; but the younger boys seem to have scarcely an idea about God, or the immortal soul. Their only god and saviour is generally carried around the neck by the name of "Greegrees." These in shape and mechanism are of great variety. I will endeavour to describe the only one I have carefully examined.

The main part was the skin of a "Bush cat," about 18 inches in length, nearly the colour of a red fox, and nicely folded up in a roll. To the neck of this skin was suspended first a very small cloth bag filled with something, the virtue of which is "to raise the wind." Second, a wooden pipe "to calm the wind," about five inches in length, hollow, about an inch in diameter at the large end, and running to a point at the other.Third, a smaller horn pipe "to keep the canoe from sinking" precisely the same in shape. Fourth, a small cord tied round the root of the tail, by biting off which "the sharks were to be kept off." And fifth the skin itself was to preserve the wearer from being caught by the white man.

Such, my dear friends, are the gods of the degraded pagans to whom you have sent us, and which they in their "blindness" reverence to such a degree, that they scarcely ever are seen without them around their necks, or are willing to part with them for any money. Whilst we, by the grace of God, are enabled to rejoice that we have come to this people, can it be that you will ever sorrow that you have sent us? Surely not? The idea of 3,000,000, of our fellow sinners, going down to the grave annually with no Saviour but the "Greegree," must cause your past efforts, though in one sense praise-worthy, to sink into insignificancy and induce you to make continued and greater efforts, to send and sustain the knowledge of the true Saviour in this heathen land.

The expense of this mission for the first few years at least will most probably be much greater than was anticipated.

We are happy to date this letter after having all recovered from our first attack of the fever. Mr. Temple was first taken about the fourteenth day after landing; myself on the eighteenth. Mr. Cloud on the twenty-first, and Mrs. Laird not until the fourth of February. My fever was preceded by a protracted chill, not harder than is often experienced in the ague of America, nor was the fever more severe for several days. It is worse every other day and generally grows higher until the 9th or 10th, whenif

good attendance and good medical aid have been enjoyed, it gradually subsides. We have every reason to be grateful to the Lord for the instrumental aid with which he provided us at this trying period. Our Physician, Dr. Todsen, proved himself most assiduous in attention, and skilful Had this not been the case, we in treating the fever during our illness. fear the consequences would have been very serious, at least with some of the other brethren, who were much more severely attacked than myself. Mrs. L. was most mercifully spared to minister to our wants until I was able to be up, and her attack was neither so severe nor so long continued as that of the rest of the family. From our own brief experience, we are inclined to think that with the treatment we have had, very little danger need be apprehended by one having a good constitution and equal temperament. But destitute of good accommodations and medical aid, not one in five, humanly speaking, can survive. Up to this date, the 25th February, the last emigration of fifty-four persons, have all survived the fever except two. One of these an old lady of about seventy years, who would take no medicine; the other a little girl of delicate health. Concerning the death of our dear friend, Mrs. Wright, we will not stop here to remark, further than to express the opinion, that there is nothing in her case to deter other female friends of firmer constitution to attempt the ennobling work of enlightening Africa, whilst there is much in the cases of the other females of both mission families to strengthen the idea "that females endure this climate best."

Since this is not to be the resting place of any of us (a subject of great regret among the citizens,) we hope that some beloved brother from our native land will soon volunteer to come and raise up Missionaries on the very ground where the cry for their assistance is so loud and heart-rending. The morals of this place are quite as good as that of any other mixed community. The heat of this climate has been to us far less intolerable than we anticipated. Although the sun's rays are so penetrating that we dare not go out between the hours of nine and four without an umbrella, yet when in the house or shade we are generally comfortable in consequence of the fine sea breeze. The thermometer in our house has ranged between 75 deg. and 80 deg. since we came. We might proceed, dear friends, to give you a brief history of the natural productions of this land, which, through the kindness of providence, minister to our comfort, such as rice cassada, plantain, sweet potatoes, and fruits; such as oranges, limes, pine apples, soursaps, guavers, all of which we generally relish well. Also, we would gladly remark something concerning the small tho' beautiful horned eattle in the colony, the sheep without wool, the goats, swine, &c., but those for the present must be dismissed, as this letter has already swelled far beyond its intended limits.

And now, beloved brethren and sisters, with what shall we close? By saying we are unhappy? No! Though we are cast off from many of your advantages and comforts, and expect always to be whilst pilgrims here, and are subject to many ills from which you are exempted, still we are far from being able to say with the Apostle, "We have suffered the loss of all things for Christ." O, no! we are surrounded by many of the tender mercies of the Lord, and feel, we trust, more than ever disposed to say, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." Moreover, we have not entirely suffered the loss of yourselves. We cannot dress ourselves without discovering many of the pledges of your affectionate regard; we cannot recline upon our pillows without finding ourselves comforted with the fruits of your kind labors. Nor do we ever bow around the family altar or enjoy the privileges of the sacred sanctuary, without feeling revived by the cheering hope,

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