Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 182?-183?, 1832-03-02
Very respectfully, Sir, your faithful serv't,
X. r. GURLEY.
[CoPY.1
w ASrIyNr-rDN EoH IN 1000

w ASHiNGTON, ED. III, 1882.
DEAR SIR Having just arrived in the
United States from the Colony of Liberia
to which place went as Master Of the
Schooner Margaret Mercer, and where I
remained Is days, during which time was
daily on shore and carefully observed the
state OF affairs, and enquired into the condi-
ton OF the people, venture TO state some
iacts IN regard TO the circumstances and uros
poets OF the Colony. On the l4th Decem-
Der, arrived and on the 18th, went on
shore and was received in the most polite and
friendly manner by the Governor DIR
Mechlin, who introduced me to the Minis
tiers and principal inhabitants. All the Col
onlsts appeared 10 be in good health. All
my expectations in regard TO the aspect nj
things, the health, harmony, order content
ment, industry and general prosperity oftbe
settlers, were more than realized. There
are about 200 buildings in the town of Mon
rovla, extending along the Cape Measurable.
MOI lar from mile and quarter. Most Of
these are good, substantial houses, and stores
(the hrst story In many ofthem being stone !
ana some OF them handsomely painted, and
win 'ehl'iah binds. Nothing struck me
as more remarkable than the great superiori
dress ana general appearance of the people
over their colored brethren in America
80 much was pleased with what saw, that
observed TO the people, that, should |
make true report, it would hardly be cred
tied IN the United States. Among all that
conversed with, | did not find a discomfort
ell person, or hear one express desire tore
turn TO America. | saw no intemperance:
nor did hear prolane word uttered bv a.
ny one Being Minister of the Gospel |
preached both in the Methodist and Baptist
churches TO full and attentive conversations
OF from to 400 persons in each. know Of
no place where the Sabbath appears TO be
more respected than in Monrovia | was
glad to see that the Colonial Agent, or Gov
erhor, is constant attendant and appearsde
slrous OF promoting the moral and religious
welfare OF the people. Most ofthese settlers
appear 10 be rapidly acquiring property and
have no doubt they are doing better for
themselves and their children in Liberia
than they could do in any other part of The
world. Could the free people ofcolor in This
Country but see the real condition of their
brethren who have settled in Africa, | am
persuaded they could require no other mo-
i've 10 lnducelthem to emigrate. Thisismy
decided and deliberate Judgment.
very respectfully, Sir, your ob't. servant,
WILLIAM ABLES.
Rev. r. r. GURLEY.
L. 81 dlned several times with the Col
onists; and think no better table could be
set in any part of the world. We had every
thing that heart could desire-ofneats and
fish, and fowls, and vegetables, and wines,
&c. &c.
african C0lOny-The importance of the
establishment of the American Colony at
Liberia appears to be justly appreciated by
some OF the British writer's The Westmtn-
ser LoHdon) RerielC says, in reierance 10
IL; The Americans are successfully plant
ing free negroes on the cost of Africa;
greater event possibly, in its consequences,
than any that has occurred since Columbus
set sail for the New World.''
-e5aIeS-
The following is the reply of Mr. Wash
ington to the letter addressed to him by the
President of the Senate and the Speaker of
the House of Representatives for his consent
to the removal of the remains of General
Washington.
MOUNT VERNON, Feb. IS, 1882.
To the Hon. the president ofhe Senate and
Speaker ofhe HOuse9 Representatives:
Gentlemen: have TO acknowledge the
receipt of your letter, and the resolution of
Congress TO carry into complete effect that
which was adopted in Dec. 1893, for the re-
moval OF the remains of George Washington
to the Seat of Government.
] have received with deep scnsibilitv tbe
expression Of the desire ofC Congress. reprcsen-
ing the whole nation, 10 have the custody
and care OF the remains Of my reverend rela-
tive; and the struggle which il has produced
m my mind between sense of duty to the
highest authorities ofmy country and private
feelings has been greatly embarrassing -
But when recollect that his will, in respect
to the disposition Of his remains has been
recently carried into full effect. and that they
now repose in perfect tranquility surround !
ed by those OF other endcared members oCthe
family, hope Congress viii do Justice TO the
motives which seem TO me to require that ]
should not consent 20 their separation.
pray YOU, gentlemen, To communicate
these sentiments and feelings to CONGRESS
with the grateful acknowledgment of the
who'll Of the relatives of my grand-uncle.
Tor the distinguished honor which was intend !
ed TO his memory, and to accept for YOUR !
serves assurances Of my gratitude and es-
TEEN.
JOHN A. WASHINGTON.
-aAH To-
"lt isacurious fact ,llusrativcoCfbec barac-
Ter the Aborigines have obtained for close
observation and correct nierences, that the |
Indians from the Rocky Mountains. who
passed through here a few weeks since. on
their way 10 Washington, predicted an un- |
usual flood in the western waters this season
assigning asa reason that the beavers had