Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1840-07-15
COL ON ALTON.
PRINCETON. April 90. 184O
Rec. ALer. Proud6t, d. d.

Rec. AleG. ProudGt, d. ID.
Rev. and Dear Sir:-In answer to the
respectful invitation to deliver an address
at the next anniversary of the New York
Colonization Society, with which have
been honored, | beg leave to say, that
while various reasons will prevent me
from appearing as a public speaker, in
behalf OF this noble cause, l am cordial
IN my attachment to it; and willing to
exert any little influence which | NAV
have with the public, in promoting it.
After much serious deIiberaton, it is
my fixed opinion, that the plan of colo
nlzlng the free people of color on the
western coast of Africa, promises more
benefit to the African race in this country.
than any other which has been devised !;
and as 1t relates to the great continent of
Africa, 1t Is scheme fraught with so
many, and such great blessings, that can
not but think that it is, beyond COMPARE
son, the most important enterprise which
has originated in our day. 1t also ap
pears, with increasing evidence, that the
efforts of this association have met with
the special smiles and appreciation of
heaven; the success which has attended
the plans and exertions of the society is
truly astonishing and highly encourag-
ing.
The only objection which could con-
celVe, when the enterprise was first pro-
posed. was its impracticability, without
the effectual aid of the government; but
my fears have not been realized: and
more has been accomplished than the
hopes of the most sanguine friends of the
cause ever anticipated, within so short a
time. The principal difficulties have GER
family been overcome; a territory of wide
extent has been secured, and a happy and
well governed colony now fourishes, at
different points, on that very coast where
the lnlqultous slave-trade has been more
extensively carried on than anywhere else:
and impartial history will testify that YOU
have done more, by these small colonies,
to give check to this nefarious traffic.
than has been done by the whole British
and American navies.
AND it is now reduced to a moral GER
talnty that this trade will never be DESTROY.
ed by any other means than planting col
ONES all along the coast where it has
been carried on; and by entering into
habits OF commercial Intercourse with The
tribes in the Interior of the country. The
Africans in their own country are not
stupid race, but, considering their want of
education, are shrewd people, and thew
will soon understand that all their wants
can be better supplied by receiving such
articles as they need, in exchange for the
productions of their own country than
they now are by the sale of slaves.
Every intelligence from Monrovia fills
me with pleasure and establishment 7
do not expect perfection in human bein,s
anF"t here, in this world; but the state Of
society IN your colony approximates as
neaE to it as in any other condition Of he
human race with which | am acquainted
am, reverend and dear sir. with sin
cere and undated zeal for the success Of
.ne enterprise to which you are devotine
.ne latter days of an active and useful
llle' with the highest respect. a0
e Yours, &c. A. ALEXANDER
The !" Rev. Alexander Proud6t d. DnI
Is Cores o0ndsr-