The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-19
GOVERNMENT House, MoNRovIA, !

July 4, 1850. :
DEAR Sin i have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your esteemed favor OF February is, by
the schooner " David G. Foster" also box con-
tanning copy of your State laws, and sundry valu-
able and interesting public documents, which have
been placed in our library, and Tor winch beg you
will accept my sincere thanks.
The JOINT resolutions of your General Assembly,
few copies of which you were good enough TO
send me, indicate very clearly the feelings OF the
people of your State on the subject of colonization
Indeed, sir, from the signs OF the times, it is very
evident that the people of the United States gen.
orally becoming daily more and more im-
pressed with the importance OF colonization, espe-
cially as means for the suppression OF the slave
trade.
Itisnowapparent- Liberia has fully demonstrated
the fact-that African colonization Is the most eff
tectual means that can possibly be adopted Tor the
abolition of the frican slave trade and for the in
troduction-which s not less important--of civil
cation and Christianity among the barbarous tribes
of this continent. Nor ia this all which colonial
ton is destined 10 accomplish, and in which the
people of the United States, know, feel an inter
est. Colonization 10 raising class OF persons long
degraded in consequence OF their peculiar situation
to the position and dignity of men IN their father
land. Therefore, in my humble opinion, Liberia
also ought to be sustained by the American people
as asylum for this class They must come TO
Liberia and the United States Government and
State governments will have to assist in removing
them.
The question of colonization, the best means
trade, has already been mooted in England. have
received several communications from persons there
asking my opinion with respect TO the efficiency OF
the British blockading squadron on this coast, and
what would be the probable result If the squadron
were withdrawn; and in its stead Government or
British merchants, were TO establish factories, for
Legitimate trade and model farms at points where
the save trade is carried on!
have invariably answered to the effect, that the
withdrawal of the squadron, thereby throwing open
the traffic, would be most disastrous TO the future
welfare of Africa; and that go long as market
remains, and persons will resort TO the coast for
slaves the natives will sell each other; and that
trading factories model farms, moral suasion,
will have but little influence in restraining the ma
tives from slave trading; that, in my opinion, the
the surest plan is colonization. Secure the pohti-
cal Jurisdiction of the country, send out colony,
organize a government and the slave trade must
cease. This, however, Great Britain cannot do
she has not the men for such an enterprise. Euro
peans cannot stand the climate; nor has she Afri-
cans TO spare from her West India possessions.
| have not yet seen much of your friend, Mr..
Finley, who is, at present, located at Caldwell
have seen enough Of him, however, 10 convince me
of his intelligence and gentlemanly bearing lie
will, doubt prove great acquisition TO Liberia;
Just the kind Of emigrants we want-men OF intel
ligence and enterprise, who are determined 70 be
free He has not said any thing 20 me about set
Element at Grand Cape Mount. don't know, but
think he Is pleased with Caldwell. IL will afford
me much pleasure, sir, to render him any assist
ance in my power.
have written, cir, in great haste having but
little time in which TO write, as the vessel by which
this goes sails soon. have been disturbed also
Of this however will not complain-by the booming
of cannon, at Fort Norris Battery, saluting the
Flag Of the United States. You would be aston.
shed TO witness here the interest manifested by the
citizens on the anniversary Of American indie
pcndence.
! must close this letter, sir, as my time is up.
have the honor TO be,
Dear sir, your ob't humble servant
J. J. ROBERTS.