The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-03-17
Interestlng rom Llber,a.


Interesting roma Liberia.
The following letter from President Roberts to the
Rev VIM. McLain, Secretary Of the American Colo
nzation Society, furnishes the latest intelligence
from the Republic of LIBERIA and will doubtless be
interesting to many Of our readers
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
MoNROvIA, January 70, 1852
DEAR SIR have just returned from an exceed
ingly fatguing journey of twenty five days in
the Grand Bassa, Tobacconee, New Cess, and Trade
town countries where we have been to chastise the
perpetrators Of the cruel massacre Of a number of
our citizens, in November last at the new settle-
ment Fishtown; and who, on the 18th of the
same month, made desperate attack on the town
ship OF Bassa Cove, (now Buchanan,) the particu-
lars OF which have already communicated TO YOU
find the bark Morgan Dix here, on the eve of
sailing for the United States; and as am sure Won
will BE anxious to hear from u.s. and learn some
thing Of our operations hasten to drop you line
Or two, to say that the campaign has been eminent
ly successful though have had to contend against
the combined forces of the districts above men
toned numbering, at the lowest estimate not less
than five thousand effective men. Our force con-
sisted OF five hundred and fifty Americans, ard
about the same number of native troops. During
our march, we frequently attacked by small
parties of the insurgents, which, however, were
readily driven back and dispersed On the 9th inst,
we marched upon Grandos barricaded town, where
he had made every warike preparation to receive
us, and which place he and his deluded followers
believed impregnable. Within about two miles of
the town, at most difficult swamp we had to cross,
he had constructed q substantial breastwork which
was defended by large force of about three times
our number. There Grando expected certainly to
defeat us; but men behaved well, and, after an
action Of one hour and thirty-fvc minutes, drove
them out. They retrcaetd to another strong posi-
ton the line of our march, and as the head Of
our columns cleared the heavy forest Intervening
they opened upon us a heavy fire. They were,
however, driven back, and, panic-strikeu. fed
to the town, two miles distant which they fired inn
mediatey and dispersed, with Instructions as
nft 6rW de rna1 IN inIp Rnuap pfH r,I .fa
who was strongly posted on the southeast bank Of
the New Cess river, to dispute our passage. Be-
fore reached the river, however. tho New Cess
chiefs. who had maintained their allegiance to the
government, had compelled Boyer to retire into his
own district, which he did very reluctantly, com
hitting many depredations as he retired, upon the
inhabitants Of the Now Cess country.
IN the two attacks above mentioned, we had six
teen wounded-fye badly, mortally. From
Grandos place We proceeded through the Tobacco
nee and New Cess countries, without material in
terruption--now and then few shots remind us Of
what lay before us. had frequent interviews with
the principal chiefs of the New Cess country al of
whom greatly incensed against Grando and
Boyer and they rendered every assistance in their
power to punish them for their base conduct.
Being joined on the morning Of the 10Th instant,
by the I'd Regiment, which had been operating Sc
parately in the upper part Of the Bassa country we
commenced our march from Joe Vests town. in the
New Cess country, upon Boyer's principal town.
Between two and three o'clock in the afternoon of
within about mile of the town, by small party
which soon fed into the town, and no sooner had
our advanced guard cleared the woods and sighted
the barricade, then they opened upon tremen-
dous fire of musketry and big guns. The FIRE was
promptly returned, and for an hour and three quar-
tiers the conflict was desperate. We had to contend
against fearful odds, but the hand of Divine Provi
donce on side, and we gloriously triumphod.
The loss of the enemy was very considerable. Boyer
had two brothers killed and himself badly wounded.
We had four killed and twenty-seyen wounded-two
since dead; the others will all doubtless recover
exceedingly regretted the necessity of this cam
paign, but it could not be avoided. The effect. how
ever. will be most salutary II will convince the
aboriginal inhabitants Of every part of the republic
OF the ability of the government TO maintain the
majesty of the laws, and punish crime wherever
committed within its Jurisdiction. And the result
Of this campaign will not only convince the natives
of the power Of the government to maintain its au-
thorty, but also certain foreign traders, who have
openly inculcated a feeling Of opposition among
some Of our neigbboring tribes.
VIII you believe it, sir, that have obtained in
controvertbe testimony that certain foreign trader
has instigated the natives to the whole of these
outrages He personally solicited certain New
Ces, chiefs to join Boyer in his attack upon u.s.
surfing them that if they would unite their forces the
government could not maintain its jurisdictions: in
which case he would be relieved from the operation
OF the navigation. commerce. and revenue laws
Of the republic. and in future would pay them, in
the shape of presents, what he is required to pay
the government for duties He also proposed to sup
ply them with al the ammunition they might re-
quire. With The principal Of the New Cess chiefs
ne did not succeed--two only pledged themselves to
him. TO Boyer he gave every assistance. in NUM-
tions Of war and directions as to his plans and pre-
parations and manner Of attack. We may yet get
our. hands upon the gentleman ard if so, we will
teach him better manners.
These difficulties have placed us under great pc
cunary embarrassments ! scarcely know which
way to turn for relief The soldiers that composed
the expedition must be paid They are mostly poor
HiAaI fnrf hn data a,f
their families Can you not do something for US in
this time of need
] have no further news Of importance, except the
arrival of Brazilian Charge d'Affairs, who j. to be
formally presented tomorrow.
am, dear sir, most respectfully, your obedent
servant j. j. ROBERTS.