The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1820-08-15

once put upon the head of negrs, seems to
move there with as much safety as the head it.
self.
Il is a custom among the negroes when car
ryiug heavy burdens, to make loud groanng
noise and have heard twenty Of them, when
carrying bsx of sugar, make noise that could
be he ard half mile. The noise resembles the
short and hoarse croak of bull frog. All open
their mouths, and croak in accordance with their
step, which sometimes resembles the cry OF
hounds. The streets are flled with these
Iiers, some with long stick. of timber, some with
basket. of stone, some with barrels of -four, some
with sugar, and as they pass in different direc-
lions, intermxed with great multitude OF negro
wsnches, all with something on their heads, and
all croaking together, nothing can exceed the
messy confusion, especially as they pass through
narrow streets.
The mechanics. such coppersmths, bell
founders, shoe makers, masons, carpenters, &c.
are ali negroes They are therefore the most
able and intelligent part Of the population.
tseems pity that so fine climate and so
beautiful a country should be thus thrown away.
Yet know not bat it may be the design Of Prov
idence to give the negro race footing aud an
inheritance in the new world, which they could
never have acquired themselves aud he has
given them the best part Of America. rich in
the garden of Eden; a salubrious climate. con
slant winds, two winters aud two summers in the
course OF every year; mines abundant IN gold.
silver, and diamonds noble rivers and spch
local situation with respect to India and China
that voyage may be made to the latterin about
six months-so that in proper hands, the Brazils
might become the centre Of the commerce oil the
world.
The Europeans, possessing science and means
not only to make discoveries, but TO profit iron
them. had no difficulty in possessing themselves
of home in the new world. But, had 1T not
been for their avarice and cruelty, the negro Of
Africa would not have possessed his share Also
Slavery therefore, though cruel means, has
been the means Of extending TIE African race,
and here may be seen a large population oil ne
groes instructed in the arts of civilization and oil
= religion which no efforts could have introduced
into Africa. 1t has been found one o. the most
difficult things to change people in their habits
and manners. The sayases of our own country
are a proef Of this.
The means by which the African race bave
been extended, and their condition ameiiorated,
are slavery and transportation, and do not be
lieve it possible to change the negro, IN nation
al point Of view, in any other mode. These are
the modes by which Providence works upon
mankind.
The example of St. Domingo may be but the
beginning of that existence which the blacks are
destined to hold among the nations of the world
and thereby create multitude of black nations
in America. which the ovcrgiown population OF
Errope would not admit. And think, that no
cpe will deny, that under all the circumstances,
The race of negroes in America are Of higher
order than their brethren in the original country
Of their existence.
The slave trade still continues, AMI many YES
sells are continually arriving from 'frica TO the
Brazis. Tho market is now everstoched.
went, in this port, to see the exposure Of large
collection, about 400, in one extensive building.
They were all nearly naked, and sitting upon
platforms, in different squads, most Of them we're
marked aud numbered (as per margin) by lead
en- tally hung upon their neoks. They were all
in good case the boys playing scratch cradle, and
most Of them TALKING and sporting with each 9th
Or. They appeared perfectly happy. They
wanted nothing apparently in this world, but to
ind purchaser. Think not by this, that am
furnishing an apology for the slave trade, or
those avaricious villains who are engaged in the
traffic. | only say that Providence seems to be
bringing good out OF evil, and making the vil'ainy
and wickedness of man a means of extending his
bounty to his creatures; to creatures whs would
be otherwise unable to reach and pertake OF II
the mselves."