, 1863-02-19
AFRICAN COLONIZATION.
Second Letter From Major General
Kuford.

CAIRO H., Feb. II, 1863
To the President Of the United States:
SIR: On the 10Th Of December last I ad-
dressed you on the subject OF an American
Military Colony on the West coast Of Africa.
If the Government should decide to afford
facilities for the depreciation Of large bodies Of
tue free people Of color, which the course Of
the rebellion is throwing on its hands, the
subject is one OF great importance.
1t is generally conceded that the West coast
of Africa is the land most eligible for the
purpose. The Annual Reports Of the An1cri-
can Colonization Society, md the History Of
Liberia, show that but for the lcstEuctivene=s
to life by the climate to the white inhabitants
on that coast, the inducements for settlements
there arc as great as those which 50 suddenly
pcoplcd our Pacific coast when gold was dis
covered in California. It is believed that il
the settlements were removed from the coast
to the interior salubrious climate exists
there.
In my letter said: "1f Liberia was under
our control, it would be to that Republic I
would call your attention." AS it is not, l
suggested the acquisition of Loango, by
other part Of that Western coast.
The question now occurs, could not Libc-
ria become our colony: 1t was founded by
our people; tostcrcd by tile religious aud lib-
er11 sentiments Of the nation; supported and
guided by the American Colonization Society,
until It has become 4 free Republic; aud ac.
knowlcdged b.. England, France and the
United States. It now possesses 600 1niles of
n II 1rr in f3lsL
interior. 1t has only 5000 inhabitants Of
American descent, hut its laws and influence
govern more than zoe, 900 Of the natiye popu-
Ition.
As long as this Republic is supported by
the united sympathies of the three great na-
tions, who keep their nayics on the coast to
| prevent the slaye trade, and to protect conf
lnercc, all may go well with it.; but should a
disturbance arisc-should France or England
| desire to appropriate it-how small 4 resist
| ancc could it make to the designs Of either
| nation.
Should the United States desire now to
own this colony with q view to offer home
to the free people Of African descent In our
midst who desire to emigr,te, and give it
strength by dcporting some Of the black reg
imcnts now authorized to be raised by tile
Government, would it not be a wise and com.
| nendablc policy. Could it not be obtained
! by fair treaty? Could not its present Consti-
| tuition be maintained with the few alterations
rendered necessary by The new state oftlings
| Would not the civilized world checrfulty nc
qniescc il it rs the beginning Of the solution
Suppose you should have the power to ar
point Military Governor and send over :
force Of two regiments Of blacks, offered IL
accordance with the principles enunciated it
the bill presented to the House by Mr.. Hick
man, one regiment Of the regular army, ant
one battery oflight artillery, and all selected
Of men fitted to construct great militar,
road from Monrovia 100 miles into the interi
or, to build bridges and erect Notifications
and In the future become the mechanics ant
agriculturists Of the land.
Suppose, also, yonr plan should embrac.
the power, after one years service, to dis
charge The soldiers, sarcTi; E ineir places b,
a new deportation, and grant thc,n . bount,
in land, agricultural implements and proyis
ions; would not then the plan, If entrusted It
faithful men, lead to the founding 4 fntur
empire, fitted to realizc our benevolent de
signs Of returning to Africa her SONS, bearin:
with them the blessings Of Christianity AMI
Civilizations
And would not such colony in the future
amply repay lis By its commerce? producin;
for us not only coffee, sugar, cotton and ii,di
| 20, but also the thousand tropical product
which arc only found beyond our prescn
limitss
Such force, as hare mentioned, small a
it is, would be quite sufficient to make ii
road, guard the posts aud defend the countr
against any adverse designs Of the natives.
could be transported by our wooden vessel
= of war, that are to give place to the moder
, inventions Of naval architecture. i corps
. volunteer men Of science could be induced
: go with the expedition, the first to open
road inland, who would enjoy an entire net
field Of scientific discovery.
THIS design, but. in,PeHectlJ indicates
would not interfere with, but aid the bcneyt
: lent organizations now i'll operation for dt
; porting our free people Of color. Neithe
would it cndanger the entire freedom Of th
black race, nor interfere with their bceomin
the rulers Of the colony when fitted for it.
All great empires have founded colonies
and have thus not only extended civilization
bnt pro1ted By them. Unless the order I
, things is changed, the American Colonizatio
Society will bave founded colony all ii
: commercial benefits of which will accrue
England.
have the houor to be-,
Your obedIcnt servant.
u. 3. BGFoED.
| IL 1~o1