The native American., 1838-11-03
From the Christian Statesman.
AFRICAN SKETCHES.

No. 8.

coast Of Africa, in the estimation of all vessels
visiting that coast. 1t makes better land fall
than Cape Mount, to the north, or any other
headland to he south of it, being more easily re-
cognized, and has always afforded supplies of
wood, water, and provisions to shipping. The
description given of it by the Chevalier de Mar
chais, in the account Of his voyages to Guinea in
l725, '26, '27, is toleraby correct. He gives ra-
ther more fattering description of~the natives
there, than truth would warratfPat1he present day;
although the influence of the save-trade may
sufficiently account for their subsequent deermi-
nation of character and habits. 1t is remarkable
that he should have chosen the same spot for a
French settlement, and has given minute plan
of the proposed colony, for the purposes Of buy
ing slaves and produce.
Cape Measurable is a high, bold, rocky, head
land in the latitude of g 29> N. and in longitude
100 5O> w.. covered, when not inhabited, with a
dense forest growth almost mpenetrable from vines
and brushwood. Its highest elevated point near
lv overhangs the sea- and is about $50 feet above
its level. Monrovia occupies platform about 80
feet lower, gradually essening as it extends to-
wards the mainland This elevated peninsula
forms the s. w. bank of large hason of wat r.,
formed by the junction of Measurable river, and a
branch from the st. Paul's river called the Stock
er part of the town. 1t was occupied by a few
colored emigrants from the United States, under
the care of Mr.. J. Ashmun, the devoted agent Of
the American Colonization Society," in the year
1922.
An account of the exertions and suf1erings Of
this little band Of pilgrims to Africa and their sue
cessful defeat of the combined savage host that
would have exterminated them, and so graphical
ly and touchingly described by Mr.. Ashmun him
self, that for minute details, | would beg leave to
refer 10 his memoir of the events of that interest
ing period, and to the life Of that extraordinary
man, by his biographer, the Rev. r. r. Gurey
From that period until 1924, little improvement
was made in the town-either in the number and
architecture of the houses, or in the extent Of
ground cleared, the interval being chiefly employ
ed in reconciling the colonists to their new home,
and in organizing the efficient system of Govern
ment, which being effected, prosperity and con-
tentment speedily followed.
The whole population of Monrovia, including
native residents, may be safely stated at l2GO.-
considerable number of its early settlers have
gone for the benefit of agriculture, to the other
settlements. All the houses are frame, many
with stone easements; 10 or IL large two story
stone dweng-houses, and as many very large
warehouses, with stone wharves on the river, al
ford good evidences Of industry. The stone is
well adapted for building, being sort Of close
grained granite, and heavy, red, vesicular sand
stone, of which the Cape is composed. The CO.
onial schooners are built by the coloniss them
selves, and are very good specimens of naval ar
chitecture. They trade in palm oil, camwood,
and ivory, along the coast, more particularly to
Cape Mount and Grand Bassa.
There are four large churches, at present, in
Monrovia, three of which are stone, and afford
faterng evidence of the architectural taste of the
colonists who erected them. Two very excellent
stone school houses are nearly finished, one built
by the Methodist Mission, the other by the La
dies Liberian Education Society, in Richmond
The town itself covers three square miles,
The streets are laid off at right angles, and are
wide, the princi pal one Broadway, being 100
feet. Each block consists of four lots, each
quarter of an acre. Most of the gardens in Mon
rovia are abundantly supplied with fruit trees;
the oranges and lemons are very fine and large,
the latter unusually so. The cocoa nourshes,
and bears abundantly. The pomcgranate, the
cashew, the fig, and grape vine, may be seen, but
not in any abundance. Indeed, the gardens and
farms of the colonists are yet as experiments,
showing rather, what can be done, than the test
of the resources of the soil and country. Yet
am sure that any colonizatonist, who has given
/
his time, his talents, or money, to advance the
cause, who could be able to look on the many
neat white-painted houses, with Venetian blinds
surrounded by white fence, and placed, each, so
comfortably in the deep green shades of those
trees, like birds nest in lump of foliage, to the
inmates of which. he has secured all the dignity
and privileges Of freemen, woud. consider himself
more than repaid.
court house and Jail are building of stone.
The library once contained some thousands of
books. but from the scarcity of general readers,
they have become scattered and neglected.; the
building, as well as books being nearly consumed
by bugabugs and other real bookUorms. In fact.
it was supply not needed, feast for which they
had as yet no relish. Many people consider
themselves sufficiently charitable in sending out
as many old religious books as thev have no use
for, when he who gives dollar to assist in sup
porting schools and teachers. does more than the
mere donor of one hundred books. Moral
Friendship Society, for the suppression Of vice,
and announcement Of virtue. has existed for some
years. they have also Union Sisters Charity
Society, for purposes Of benevolence and Tenn
perance Society of 500 members.
There are two forts in Monrovia; one in the
centre OF the town, Of triangular form, with
square towers at the angles, built by DR.. Randall.