Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-11-03
governor Cobb and the African slave Trade.

since found expression in brief editorial published
in the Georgian Not the least interesting and val
liable portion OF the letter and it's historical remns
cences. From these it will be seen that, ten years
before the foreign slave trade declared piracy by
the Congress of the United Sates-(a law, by the
way, the passage Of which deprecated by one
or more New England Senator'S with tears in their
eyes, ')-the constitution of Georgia had declared
there shall be importation of slaves from Africa
or any foreign State"
On the Cuba question glad TO perceive that
his ex-Excelency is sound to the core:
RETREAT, GA, Sept 81, 1854.
To the Editor of the New York Evangelist:
SIR In your issue of the 9th ultimo, which
did not until few days ago, there occurs some
editorial remarks founded extract from the
DaiIu Times relating the brig Grey Eagle, Capt.
Donald to which propose brief reply. feel in
vited to this course from your saying. eve should
be glad TO ask southern friends what they think
of the possibility of such event 1.-THE revival OF
the African Slave Trade
Every true friend of the Union must deeply depore
the circumstances which have resulted in the dilace-
ration of that fraternal regard which should have
continued to characterize the American people as one
Brotherhood growing out of domestic slavery But
while the absence of that feeling is matter OF regret
it is no small qualification TO of the South to know
that we are bameess. 1t is impossible tor any
friend of the Union TO point to single instance by
which the South originated measure that threatened
the integrity of the Union, did injustice to any Il
it's citizens The South has not only done all that 1t
could do to add to national honor and greatness,
but has studously abstained from every thing calcu
lated to disturb the domestic harmony. Nay more,
when the South has had heaped upon it the most
disgusting and provoking abuse,-when it has sui
fered the most wanton acts OF injustice from the
North it has displayed forbearance and patience,
which the people of the South only display
These are of the sacrifices which the South has
heretofore made, and is still making, for the sake Of
peace and the Union. trust that this forbearance
is not to be put to stronger tests, for they might
produce practical secession
The brig Grey Eag lie, so far as my information
goes & get it from yours and other newspapers,)
owned at the North. commanded by north.
ern captain and navigated by northern crew. This
brig went to Africa and, from some barracoon on
the coast procured cargo of six hundred slaves, is
said, and landed them on the Island of Cuba. What
do you in all this Sir, calculated 10 excite your
fears, or to justify your surmses that the South is
about to revive the African slave trade Southern
men had interest in this brig, or her cargo, that
know of. Pardon when | say, it seems to me,
that of the South might ask with much more pro
prety, whether Northern Intend to relin-
quish this traffic :!
The history of the African slave trade shows that
before it prohibited by law the South rarticipa-
ted in it, far the importation concerned to
a very limited extent and since it's prohibition not at
all, that know of The vessels engaged in the
trade were principally, if not altogether ow ned by
northern (softly-New Eng and North
ern men brought the slaves to the South, and sold
them. How these slaves procured-how they
suffered in the middle and all other passages, &c
&C., of the South only know what history relates
Whatever these sufferngs may have been, they form
the amount of northern responsibility in the case
How the slaves have been treated since they have
become ours, forms the amount of our responsibility
"a responsibility which are, by means, in
clined to exchange for yours, such thing
possible, and which We are not disposed to deny or
avoid.
Your inquiry is directed principally to the African
slave trade, although you discuss at some length,
and in the usual way, another subiect-domestic
slavery You desire to know what southern senti-
ment may be, to the revival of this trade-I will
give that sentiment as understand it, and think
understand it well-he South is noug, it kaS
been since the trade became unta1rfuL UTTERLY oP-
POSED REVIVAL. No doubt, Sir, it would afford
you much pleasure if the facts would permit you to
say much for the North. Excuse me, Sir, it
surprising that you should entertain doubt, with
reg 'rd TO southern sentiment on this subject With
a coast extending from Maryland TO Texas, every
facility abundant and at hand, what is there no1O
has there been heretofore, to prevent the South
rying this trade had it been so disposed? And if
dsnclined to the direct trade with Africa, what is
there has there been heretofore, to prevent
an indirect trade, by way of Cuba?
On this subject, with regard to my native State
(Georga) can be very explicit; positive. You will
perceive that the powers of prohibiting the African
slave trade is in The Federal CONSTITUTIONS, but i'm
, piled power-powers of this kind remain dormant
until they put into exercise by legislation. Con-
gress passed an act in 1907, prohibiting this trade
after the first day of January, 1908. Ten years be-
, fore this perod-that is in 1798-Georgia included
in her Constitution this article There shall be no
importation of slaves into this State from Africa
any foreign place. after the first day of October next
For the purpose of carrying fully into effect the pro.
visions of her Constitution and the act of Congress
passed several acts. In one of these acts passed in
ISL thirty years ago. only year after the
: ganization of the Colonization Society, provision
was made for turning over TO said society any Afri-
can slaves which might be introduced into the State
There in the last mentioned act this remarka-
clause: |" His EXcellency the Governor is authorized
and requested to aid in promoting the benevolent
. views of said society, in such manner as he may
= deem expehient" So stands, this day, the Consti-
tuition and law of Georgia. regret that I am moi
prepared TO make an investigation of this subject,
respects the other Southern States, but apprehend
that examination will show as efficient legislation
on the part of each of them, as is that OF Georgia
!, for a common purpose would necessarily suggest
common action.
There are but two places, side of the At.
antc, where this trade is carried on, to wit, Brazil
and Cuba Brazil being remote, at present, from the
United States, shall here say more that relates
to that government. The trade goes on with Cuba
and is likely to 90 on, long things continue in
q their present position. Now, Sir, | DECLARE and
trust you will believe to be sincere, | see no rem
ady for this Objectionable trade (nor for the Afcan
cation of uba) but the bringing that island into the
American Union. This, trust will be at no distant
day. This event will not only put end to those
ceaseless annoyances, experienced by commercial
men, hut the people of the island will be blessed with
liberty OF conscience and all the benefits of free men
Way we OF the South count your cooperation in
y this great and good work!
. have confined myself, you perceive to the dis
cussio OF the revival OF the African slave trade AL
though editorial would inst;fv mo 81