Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-04-08

wy vi LcicI from capt. Nicholson OF the u
States Navy, to Hon. III. Clay
WASHINGTON, March II, 1928.
SIR:-Having visited the Colony of Liberia. on
my return TO the United States from cruze in The
Mediterranean, cheerfully comply with YOUR re-
quest oy presenting to yen such views of its pre-
sent condition and probable growth as occurred TO
me In The course Of that visit
The soil III the possession of the Coonists is rich
and VIII produce superabundance for the support
oi the Colony, as well as for external commerce.
Sugar, cotton, coffee, rice, aud various trees and
plants, yielding valuable dyes and medicinal gums.
can be cultivated with success.
The population is now 200, and is healthy and
tlFlving The children born in the country are fine
looking, and, presume, can be raised as easily as
those of the natives. All the Colonists with whom
had any communication, (and with nearly the
whole did communicate in person or by my Off
ceTs) expressed their decided wish to remain in
Their present situation, rather than TO return again
10 the United States. 1 cannot give YOU better
evidence OF the prosperity of the Colony, than by
mentioning That = OF my crew, (colored mechancs)
after going ON shore, two several days applied for
and received their discharge, in order to remain as
permanent settlers. These men had been absent
from their country upwards of three years, and
had, among them, nearly two thousand dollars in
clothes and money. Had they not been thorough
Iy convinced that their happiness and prosperity
would be better promoted by remaining among
their free brethren in Liberia they would not have
determined on so momentum step as quitting the
ptdttSB ptlndpo where tney al nau
lett friends and relatives.
The appearance Of all the Colonists those of
INonrovia as well as those OF Caldwell, indicated
more than contcntrnent. Their manners were
thcs3 oil irecmen, who experienced the blessings
OF liberty, and appreciated the boon. Many Of
them had, by trade, accumulated competency if
the possession Of from three to FIVE thousand dol
fars, may be called AS proof Of the grow
ing importance Of the commerce of the country,
more than one hundred hogsheads Of tobacco had
- n cod Att-tr L. II
was increasing. Ivory and camwood are now the
prominent articles received in exchonge for foreign
imports: other dye woods, and many medicinal
gums and roots will be hereafter brought in, as
they are already known TO exist in the interior.
take this occasion to suggest the propriety Of
permitting any Of the Colonists 10 purchase an ad-
ui,ionai number Of acres OF land from the Agent
ny permitting this, the more entcrprsing will be
enabled 10 turn their attention 10 the culture Of the
coffee tree, which grows spontaneously in the vi
Unity oil Nonrovia. In fact, the soil will produce
every thing which a tropical climate will allow to
oTTlve at maturity.
From the good order and military discipline which
appear to prevail among the Colonists, am Undue.
ed 10 believe they could easily repel any attack
which could be made upon them by any native
force. They have arms and having associated
themselves IN volunteer companies have ACQUIRED
the knowledge Of using them with effect against
any probable force which might be brought to bear
upon them, 10y undisciPlined and scattered tribes
Cor large vessels, all their rivers are ob3tructed
by bars This il not Of much CONSEQUENCE TO their
eOasiIng trade, as they have many harbors and in
lets, which are accessible to small vessels. Large
vessels have also one advantage, that most Of the
heavy winds are of the coast which gives them
lee and smooth sea or Cape Mcsurado. there
IS good anchorage, and on the pitch Of the Cane
they have planted a battery, which will protect
any vessel that may need it from piratcal depre.
dations.
would respectfully suggest for your considera-
ton, the Propriety Of making the principal Agent
81 the Colony Commercial Agent" as cases
Have occurred Oh the coast when such an appoint
nent might have proved the means Of rescuing
American property from the hands Of foreigners,
who have maintained possession Of it, in conse
quence Of there being no logalized American A.
gent on the coast
The importance Of this Colony, as regards the
native tribe Of tie roast, is, in my estimation,
great. They already begin 10 perceive that il Is
civilization and the blessings Of religion. which
give superiority 10 man over his fellow-man. They
lad supposed il was the white skin; but now thew
sec in ifcir neigbbOrhood, men % their own color
enjoying Ill those advantages hitherto dseDed pe.
culiar 10 the former This has elected a spirit NJ
inquiry, which must tend 10 their benefit The
LhanthfOFia may anticipate the day when our
lsDguage and religion viii spread over this now be-
sighted lsrd The rave tr55a yvii! c--ss. N the