The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-10-02
Character of Lott Cary.

The following sketch, from Kentucky pa
per, shows that the African race are capable
of mental and moral elevation, and conse-
qucnt usefulness:
Lott Cary was born slave, in 1880, thirty
miles below the city of Richmond, Va. In
1900 he was removed 10 the city of Rich
nIond, and employed as common labourer
in the Shockoe tobacco warehouse. In 1907
lie became hopefully pious man, and was
received ms member in the first Baptist
church in Richmond AT this time he knew
not siugle letter ofthe alphabet. But hear
ing his minister read the discourse Of our
Lord to Ncodemus, he was seized with all
earnest desire to learn to read, and did not
cease until he had accomplished his purpose;
and soon afterwards, he learned to write. A
bout this time, lie began to hold meetings
with the coloured people ofRchmond. The
church observing that he had gifts to be Use
fiji as n public speaker, encouraged him 10
exercise them in preaching the Gospel. llav-
ing now the treasures of English literature
unlocked to him, by the acquisition ofthe art
ofrcadinr, he was not backward in availing
himself Of every opportunity of improving
his mind, by such works as fell in his way.
lie extended his reading to History and Poit-
icul Economy A gentleman once entered
his apartment, and found he had been engag-
ed in reading Smiths Wealth ofNatons. lie
was also much engaged in preaching the
Gospel in Richmond and the surrounding
country. His services at the tobacco ware
house were highly valuable. Every thing
with which he had any thing to do, was put
in perfect order, so that if any one of hum
drcds ofhogsheads under his care Was call
cd for, he could ut any moment produce it,
This promptitude and order were of great
importance in the shipments oftobacco lie
often received rewards from the merchants,
which he carefully hushanded and increased,
by making small ventures funmerchantable
tobacco on his own account BY the year
1918, he was able to buy his own liberty and
that of two of his children. The sum paid
was $50 dollars. His first wife was dead.
He now received regular salary, which was
Increased from year TO year, until it amount
= ed to $500. About this time, he became
deeply affected with the unhappy condition
of the people Of Africa He excited such il
terest in their behalf in the minds of his
brethren, that an African Missionary Society
was formed in Richmond, that contributed
annually for several years, from 100 to $50
dollars towards the support ofthe Africa Mis-
sion. He was now the possessor of a snug
little farm in the vicinity of Richmond, was
receiving handsome salary, and his high
reputation as high as he could wish. Be
sides, he was the object of universal affection
as II preacher, among the people of his own
colour. But he longed to COLIN person, and
carry the blessed Gospel TO benighted Africa.
When asked by a brother in the ministry how
he could think of quitting station of SO
much comfort and usefulness, 10 encounter
the dangers ofn African climate, and haz-
ard every thing,to plant colonyon distant
shore, his reply was, 81 am an African; and
in this country, however mertorous my
conduct, and respectable my character, | can
not receive the credit due to either. wish
10 go to n country where l shall be estimated
by my merits--not by my compilations and ]
feel bound to labour for my suffering race"
When his employers understood that he con-
templated removal they offered to raise his
salary TO $1,000, but this had no effect on his
fixed determination. AS soon as the Journ-
nj of the exploringtou of Mills g. Burgess,
of the Western Coast of africa, was publish
ed, Lott Cary made up his mind to emigrate
TO Africa. He left Richmond in January,
1921, and sailed in the Nautilus for the Coast
of Africa. Gov. Ashmun thus describes this
remarkable man. "On his arrival in africa,
lie saw before him wide and interesting
field, demanding various and energetic tai
ents. and the most devoted piety. His intel
lectual ability, frfnness of purpose, unbcll-
ding integrity, correct judgment and disinter-
ested benevolence; soon placed him in a
conspicuous station, and gave him wide and
commanding influence" He acted as a
missionary, teacher, physician, an officer
ofgovernment, and cultivated farm. He
died in November 1928, by the sudden ex-
plosion ofpowder in the magazine, while he
was preparing to drive off SLAYER from the
coast Are there no more Lott Cary's in