The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-02-05
EDWARD EvERErr, Secretary of State
From the Phila. Colonization Herald.
African Coast, Settlements. Souadrou


We have long entertained the idea that it is alike
the duty and policy of the friends of Africa, and
the citizens of Liberia, to extend the present limits
OF that "repubic" along the seaboard. This can
De now done by purchasing various points south Of
cape Palmas down to the equator, and settling
with emigrants from this country one or two of its
most important or eligible localities.
Several reasons induce US to throw out this sug-
gesuon. Among these may be named the con
stantly growing disposition of European powers to
locate trading houses acquire ownership in the
most attractive sites of this region, in order to OBJ
tain permanent foothold-the disturbances of
introducing the arts of civil and religious life
among the inhabitants of this portion of Africa
and with the aid and protection afforded by an
efficient steam naval force, the sure adjustment
OF the traffic in slaves For it is but by the estab
Eshment of communities of civilized coored men
on that coast, at Liberia, that the slave trade
can be effectually suppressed.
With we'll founded and life. sustaining settle
ments at Fernando Pc and Corisco leland, much
very much would be gained for this section of AT
RIGA; and the additions made to these and the pres
ent Commonwealth of Liberia, both by emigrants
from the United States ami by natural increase,
would doubtless form, at no very distant day. one
grand confederated brotherhood of States extend
ing from the Cape de Verbs to the equator.
Commodore Lavallette, commanding the Ameri-
can squadron, has kindly consented to reconnoitre
and furnish the result of his observations this
part of the coast. We need scarcely say that we
look forward to his promised communication with
interest.
Now that an effort is being made in high quar-
ters to withdraw the naval feet the African sta
ton, the views and expressed opinions of 30 intel
gent gentleman and experienced an officer
Commodore Lavallette should receive their Just
weight and consideration.
We therefore take great pleasure in furnishing
the following letter from him, received short
time since:
UNITED STATES SHIP GERMANTowN,
anchorage at MonroviG, July II, 1852.
DEAR sIR: have the pleasure to acknowledge
the receipt of your letters of the 30th December
and April last, with several packages of newspa-
pers and numbers of the Coloniz ation Herald, for
which accept my thanks.
In reply to your letter of April, in which you
state that several gentlemen OF Philadelphia, who
believe that Africa can be greatly benefited and
the accursed slave trade suppressed by means of
colonies of blacks from our country, who have de-
sired you to solicit my views to the best site
the western coast OF the equator for the commence
ment OF such community, &c., &C., will defer
answering fully until my return to place ofren-
devious, Porto Praya. AS am now on the eve of
SAILING, 1t Is my Intention to take the whole line of
coast In my route as far Princes Island, being
the southern extremity of my cruising ground,
and contemplate returning to Porto Praya about
the latter end of October. / will then be better
prepared to answer the questions propounded in
your letter.
1t is proposed, / understand, to withdraw the
squadron from the coast of Africa, and | believe
upon the grounds of the opinion that ssthe efforts
OF the combined squadrons to suppress the slave
trade have been failure; that no good or import
ant object has been effected" when, to the con-
trary, the slave trade is completely checked, and
will be entirely suppressed by continuance of
sufficient naval force on the coast. Let it be with
drawn, and am very certain that the trade will
become as rife as ever it was, and the legitimate
trade on the coast greatly injured; for what trader
will venture on the coast with the prospect of be
ing pundered by the la wless slate trader who will
fearessly rove about the coast, without apprehen-
sion of molestation from cruiser? / trust the
squadron may not be Withdrawn, but that it will
l~1rf L-lc
vessels being employed in this service, there may
be sent to the station three four steam vessels
that will more effectually protect our commercial
interests in this quarter, we'll as more certainly
suppress the slave trade.
With respect and esteem. am your obedient
servant, E. A. F. LAvALLETrE.
WIN. CopPINeER, esq, Colonization Office, Phia-
delphia.