Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-03-26

with effect, against any probable torce which
ro;cbt he BROUGHT 10 bear upon them, by undis-
cinlined and scattering tribes in their vicinity.
7, ;s true ,hry have no harbors Tor large ves-
sel. as ali their rivers are ob,,ruc,ed by bars.
This is not Of much consequence to the coast
ing trade. as they have many harbors and iniets
which are accessible 10 small vessels. Large
| vessels have also one advantage, that most OF
the heavy winds are off the coast, which gives
them a lee and smooth sea. OFF Cape Mesu
/ RADIO, there is good anchorage, and on inc
pitch, Of the Cape .hey have planted battery,
which will proiec, any vessel that ma! "eeo
il, from PIRATES al depredations. =
would respectfully suggest, Tor your cons, :,
Iteration, the propriety OF making The principa,,
| Agent OF the Colony "Commercial Agent,
as cases have occurred on the coast when sue
an appointment might have proved the means
Of rescung American property from the HANDS
! Of foreigners, who have maintained possession
Of il in consequence OF there being no legazea
American Agent on the coast
| The importance Of this Colony, as regards
the naive tribes Of the coast, is, in my estima,
ton, great. They already begin TO perceive
that il is civilization aud The blessings al rem
eon, which give superiority to man over MS
fellow man.: They had supposed 1t was inc
white skin. but now they see, IN their nclSn,
borhood, men Of their owo color, enjoying all
those advantages hitherto deemed pee nlar 10
| the former This has elected spirit OF M
ou;ry. which must tend 10 their benefit. The
philanthropist may anticipate the day when
our language md religion will spread over tins
now beniehted laud. The slave trade Will
cease, as the Colony progresses, and extends
! its settlements. The very spot, where now
] exists a free People, was depot Tor the re-
a., ception Of manacled slaves his TACT alone
| is entl,led to consideration, and ought 10 arouse
| ,ht zeal uf the friends Of humanity every
| whre. .
| Our large cities complain Of :he number OF
| free blacks who haze, by their petty crimes,
| filled their p-nitentiaries. Would not the coll
ony be benefited. by the labour of these men,
and the community relieved by their transpor-
tation, ! certainly think the colony sufficient
| ~ strong, both morally and physically, to pre-
vent any injury from their admission. l do
not pretend TO point OF, the mode or character
! in which they ought 10 be received. This l
| leave to those who are more able TO Judge on
the subject. l see that the colony is, now, in
want Of numbers, to clear and cultivate coun.
try, which will amply repay them for the la
| Dor.
| take leave to mention, that the climate is
much like that OF all similar la'itudes; ana, as
| the land is rich: and most oil 1t still in woods,
we must expect that bilious fevers viii some>
times prevail; but do not think it more un>
healthy, io'',he coloured people, than our ex>
IRENE Southern coast; and as the Soil Of Libe-
| ria becomes cleared and cultivated, have no
doubt it will be found as healthy as any other
Southern latitude. II was, | believe, never
intaadeI, that the white man should inhaht
this region Of the globe; at least we know that
the diseases ofthis climate are more fatal 10
him, than to the mar Of color. They luxuri-
ate in the intense heat, while white man
sinks under its exhausting influence.
| confess, sir, that, since have visited this
Colony, have felt strong interest in its pros
perity, and hope that it will thrive under the
auspices of society, among whom are sumo
OF our mos, distinguished citizens.
| Ifwhat have commune ated shall prove IN
styumental, in the slightest degree, to sustain
you in the cause Of humanity, and OF this de-
graded race, shall rejoice that my duty cali
ed me 70 witness The growing prosperity OF he
Colony OF Liberia.
| With sentiments Of high respect, have the
honor 10 be, ,our obedient servant,
JNO. b. NICHOLSON,
Late Commander of the o. S. Ship Ontario
| The Hon. Henry CLAY; rC
! Vice Preadent Of the Coionisaton Society