Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1831-11-18
FOR THE ENOUIRER


Having several memorials in the ne wspapers
from Lynchburg and Northampton, and indications Of
others from Westmoreand and several other parts OF
Virginia. the objects Of which rid the state of our
free coored population, have felt disposed offer
few crude remarks with the hope that they may tend
in some degree to call public attention to the subject
Ii s evident that these have grown out OF the
late melancholy occurrence in Southampton, and in
tended by those who advocate them TO guard against
future calamities OF like Dature and far they
are supported by facts, / cordially unite with them.
But have been induced to look for the causes which
render this particular measure SO important without
being able TO find them. In the county of Souhamp-
tom the immediate OF all the borrd murders which
were perPetrated, there are considerable number Of
free blacks, and yet all the vigilance of legal nyesea-
ton and individual exeon in bringing the offenders to
justice, have hitherto succeeded in detecting but two
individuals amongst this class of persons who
were engaged in the dreadful work, or who have been
proven accessory TO IT, and these had slaves their
wives, which will satisfactorily account for the
which they took. This circumstance, taken in con.
xon with the fact that the extensive plans which were
laid in North Carolina disclosed by free negro,
go far I'm my view TO weaken the importance Of the ea
sure. as calculated TO effect the object.
While regard the Tree blacks in most cases, as a
nuisance society, and their removal an object
much 10 be desired, believe that by far the greater
number oil them are too well satisfied with their present
condition, TO risk the chance OF lettering il by Joining
in any insurrectoDary plans against the whites. Where
to look Tor the evidence that their removal from
the State Is the measure TO effect the object proiessed
TO be aimed at, namely, security? On the contrary 1
am Induced to believe tand am not alone in the opinon)
mat now much soever their removal other accounts
may be desired yet, In this particular their presence
amongst us has contributed and will contributes to the
security of-our inhabitants.
Memorials are in circulation in many Of the counties
oil Eastern Virginia, having for their object the reduc-
ton the tohoe colored population of the Statesome
oil them looking forward to period when slavery shall
cease 70 exist amongst us, thus striking tho roo, OF
the eyll-The proposition from the county Of fuckng.
ham, adopts the plan recommended by Mr.. Jefferson
which Is to eoIonize all slaves born after Certain De-
Rod, TO be fixed by the Legislature, without the limits
OF the United States. No plan would succeed more ef
iectualy than this yet do not deirac from the wisdom
and experiences OF that great and profound statesman
by saying, that mdeT egisfing circumstances some
plan is wanting TO fake effect earlier period Than
that recommended by MIR. Jefferson.
Another memorial, originated in the county Of Hano.
yer, proposes the laying moderate tax on slaves and
free negroes, In order TO raise fund for the renovaI
OF such would be voluntarily surrendered n the state
by their owners land there will no doubt be many such
in order 10 their being sent to Liberia. This memo
rial also proposes that certain portion Of the free oored
populations OF the State should also be sent from ,he
State annually. may be objected TO this last nenon
ed memorial, that the object be effected without
making the tax great as 10 be burthensome This oh
lection may be obvated, by hiring such as are
up, uHiil sufficient TO defay the expense Of their
removal respectively, is raised But my prioepaI de-
sign IN mentioning the memorials from Hanover and
buckingham In conpexoo, is 10 propose that the propo
si,ions be united We wish 10 sec the work progress