Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-04-16

and finally returned to Baltimore, somewhat
dIsheartened, by the supposed apathy, of the
benevolent, the courteous and discreet.
Such is full, and an impartial statement
of Nr. Lundy's pilgrimage TO New-England ;
and although we are we'll assured that his OBJ
iects were good, still, since we are satisfied, ,
that his schemes are totally visionary, we do
not regret that the benevolent were not more
liberal in making their donations.
wo shall be exceedingly sorry, if we utter a
word that is calculated to wound the sensibi-
ties Of Mr.. Lundy but for the sake of pro-
ducing our own justification, we must state
facts as they are, and prove that his virtuous
scheme, does not receive that unbounded ap-
probation, which he represents it has received,
since he has been performing his praiseworthy
labors.
In the coWersation we had with him, he
stated that he acted under the auspices of
several gentlemen Of distinction residing in the
city Of Washington; as we had taken some
pains, to make Mr. Lundy known in this part
of the country, and as we were willing to
know, how far his plan was approved of by
ono of tho distinguished gentlemen, whose
name he made uso Of as passport to public
favor, we took occasion to make some enqui-
ries of that gentleman, in a letter which was
written for other general objects, TO which
the following reply was made:
Washington City, March 10th, 1928.
DEAR SIR In my last hasty note,I believe
omitted to notice that part Of your note to
inc, which gave advice Of Lundy's appear
ance among you, and the use of my name
among others, to aid him in collecting funds
TO enable him to prosecute Voolfolk. ] am
opposed to all mendicity whether prosecuted
under clerical or lay covering, and never au-
thorised any man 10 use my name for any pur-
pose connected with it, ] am friend to the
Colonization Society, and an enemy to slavery.
l have a letter f-om Lundy ,n which he speaks
Of his being north to aid the work Of emanci-
patton, and particularly in this district, but he
says nothing about soliciting pecuniary aid,
for that or any other purpose. Whenever
give authority to use my name for any purpose
give 1t in writing, or publicly Lundy IS an
innocent, Jealous, well meaning man, and l
would no, do him harm.
In great haste, truly yours,
The name of the gentleman whose signature
is attached to the original letter, is withheld,
for reasons perfectly satisfactory to ourselves,
may have right to claim it.
1t appears then, from what we can learn,
that the bes, friends of Mr.. Lundy, consider
his schemes wild and ex;ravagan,' his objects
somewhat visionary. and THEN author, rather
more of a zoalot than a wise calculator; and
that they have not any confidence in the ulti-
mate consummation Of his labors of benevolcnce
ard love.
If we we're disposed to raise an objection
against Mr.. Lundy, it would be established on
his avowed hostility to the American Coloni-
zaton Society,an institution, which was found
ed by the wisost and best men Of the nation.
His objections to this nsttut ion, are however,
of minor importance, since they will not be
urged with any particular effect; but whilst we
were listening 10 them, as recited by Mr..
Lundy, VIC could not refrain from expressing
our surprise, that he should be hostile to an
institution, which is based on the correct prin-
cpes Of national policy and at the same time,
embraces all that humanity and correct Judge
ment can ask for.
The 'why an d tn wherefore Of his hostility
however, was too palpable, not TO be early dis
covered, and from a very short acquaintance
with Mr.. Lundy, we satisfactorily ascertained,
that nc was opposed to the Colonization So
ciety, because it did not exactly advocate his
views, and because, the Honorable Henry
Clay instead Of Benjamin Lundy was its SO cond
Vice President, and because the Honorable
Bushrod Washington, the ablest Of civilians,
and the best of men, presided over IFS polity.
A very short conversation, with Mr. Lundy,
was quite sufficient to assure us, that though
he processes an entire aversion 10 Offices,
honors and emolumens, that he IS as fond
Of fame as any man, and that instead of con-
tenting himself, with being considered as an
instrument in the good cause he is ambitious ol
being the principal and master; and that if he
possessed the power, would be proud TO con-
troll those very individuals for whose Liberty
he now so ardcntly and sincerely pants.
Although we are among the warmest friends
OF universal liberty, and would glory in aiding
any cause, which should tend in the least TO
abrogste the dreadful curse Of negro slavery
we cannot for the souls Of us, assent to the
proposition that Benjamin Lundy works upon
correct principles. or that his efforts are likely
to be crowned with success.
Iu the first place, in our opinion, he is intel
lcctually incapable Of conducting the great
design, and so unlcarned in tho study Of man, as