Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1827-09-19
CITE CONSTITUTIONAL gg1bto.
THE AMERICAN COLONY IN AFRICA.
OFFICE OF THE COLONIZATION SOCIETY,
Washington, Sept, lSt 1927.

18Th OF June, exhibit Il detailed aud most anImating
account Of the progress of the Colony, and such evil
ueuces of its promise and utility, its warInest
friends would not have vcntured to predict. History
affords instance, believe of Colony enjoying
early period of its existence greater prosperity
From the numerous documents transmitted by MIR. Ash
mum, can, at present ouy give few extracts ha
wing reerence to the general Interests of the Colony
emitting whatever is of subordinate importance.
The passengers by the Doris, ninety three in num-
bnr were landed. after pleasant, but somewhat pro-
tractea passage of fortytive days All az
their arrival, slightly affected by the climate which
proved fatal only to two small children.
Tho people from Baltimore tsays Mr.. Ashmunl
the first and generally the greatest, might al
most say the only sufferers. The Yrginaus followed
next i'll the order of time well the severity of
their symptoms: and in regard to the natives of North
Carolina, all the chasge they have undergone,
to- be less disease, than saiutdry effort Of nnture 10
accommodate the physical system of its subjects By
safe and gentle process of attenuation, the
influences of tropical climate. The most protracted
of illness in the whole number has not lasted longer
than five days. IhFee days is, perhaps, the average
term Of tho indoors confinement of such pro
nounced sick and about one third part have not been
confined at all"
OF the attentions experienced by the emgrants from
the officers, particularly from WIN. Z. Matthews, Esq.
snpercargo, MIR. Asimun speaks in the hg best terms;
representing them being of the most minute and i
dciou kind, and indeed all which the t'most aiabe
humanity and benevoence could prompt.n
The Factory at Young Sesters, which was suspended
for short III consequence of between two
of the native Chiefs, has resumed IFS operations. GAN
''the public and private property which had been
t.ded 10 Freeman's protection, during the absence
t'of the factor scrupuiousy respected and preer-
|'ved amid all the alarm and disorder of the war;
Three of the colonists permanently fixed at
al This factory, engaged in trade, and making improve
minis
The ST. Johns establishment continues prosperous
large plantation has been connected with the Fac
tory of the Island, ~ and the way perfectly prepared
for the introduction of little colony of co so
a,nes TO this fertile spot at once, and indefinite
'nurnber, at shGr t'inteFvals, ever afterwards.n
1t is particularly gratifying TO learn that Agent
has been, for The first time, introduced at Little Bas-
sa, 10 miles 10 the Northwest Of 81. Johns Among
the Chiefs OF this region there seems long to have eX
is!ed secret and silent dislike and dread of the Cole
ny, and they have persisted in the slave trade until
the present year.
sUnless, however, Isays Mr. Astnun.l l greatly
deceive myself, every of enmity and jealousy
has for months past been fast melting away and
are, by the most unenccptionable means. introdu-
cling among them influence which is, with Gods
blessing, to ameorae & exalt their condition, & to
lead on TO the establishment OF civilized population
in that quarter at great distance OF time. We have
already, TO extent, connected with all fac
tories agricultural appcndagc plan which has pro
we'd advantageous, in different ways, both to the
try-peop,e aud colony most desirable addition
still be made to both, is School for the nsruc-
ton of the native youth and children of the respective
settlements in which establishment is stuated.n
Mr. Ashmun here urges the Importance Of inviting
tire charitable institutions 10 lend their aid this OBJ
ject and adds 81 think nearly capable Of demon
''s,ration that The .4'ea tribes may be cirlze ,rith
out expulsion from their chosen settlements AMI vilLl
sro0l loic do no! eraSt here, in regyd TO
''shc Indians Of 4merca, accompanied tie march OF
s'ciUii-atjon in that hensphere."
The following will, persuaded, be perused
with ordinary interest:
"An excursion of one OF our people into the interior
to the distance Of about 40 miles, has led a disco
very of the popuousDess and coDparav civilization
of this District of Africa, never, till within few
months even Conjectured by myself Tho in
dividual is absent a second journey. The par
iicuars Of both hope 10 be able present to the
.I hr Inc t-pOn Int a,
may not be without interest TO observe, that we are
siiuaed within so leagues Of country in which a
highly improved agriculture prevails where tue horse
IS domestic Animal where extensive tracts
OF lands cleared and encosed; where every arcle
absolutely necessary to comfortable life, is produced
by the SOIL Manufactured by the skill and industry
OF the inhabitants; where the Arabic is used a writ
ten language 10 the ordinary commerce of Hfe where
regular abundant markets and fairs are kept and
where degree Of intelligence aud partial refinement
distinguishes the Inhabitants little compatible with the
personal qualities attached an te notions OF
the age 10 the people of GufGea.p
Mr. Ashmun proceeds to state, that it has been the
policy of the neghbOrDg tribes to shot much
possible the coonist from the nterios, and &c
conceal from them the fact of the existence Of such
People found in possession of the country
at little distance from the coast. The reason be
to be their "dcSire 10 possess NeUSeiUeS Of The
''SEfedBls Of commerce by CUlceGI Tie remote SOUR
SECS of their gums" II is ascerained beyonC
AZ! doubt, that the Inland tribes anxious open
direct communication With the Colony. As large
proportion of the exports from the Colony are, at pre-
SEn from these interior regions it believed, that
opening free passage will double the amount Ar
engagements making accordingly to effect this OBJ
ject, by amicabie negotiations with the tribes;
and Mr.. Ashmun thinks there IS promise OF speedy
and entire
at affords me satisfaction sayS Mr. Ashmunl TO state
that we have within few days accomplished the en-
tire renovation Of the schools OF the Colony-organ-
zng all on the bancaserian System and uniting them
uuder common Superintendent the Rev George Nc.
'ii who arrived by the Doris, from Baltimore. There
I; at present great want Of school books aud station
ary. We grateful for tho box Of the former sent
oui by the Doris: but, among than two hundred
Children they cannot be looked upon supply for
more than half year"
In note he adds, GAN the children ofhe Cofny at
tend School" They
belonging to The Rev. Mr. Csfey2s School for native
children, 4S
To Rev. MIR. McEllls classes So