THE

AFRICAN REPOSITORY

AND

COLONIAL JOURNAL.

VOL. XI.

PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE MANAGERS

OF THE

MERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY.

WASHINGTON :

PUBLISHED BY JAMES C. DUNN.

1835.

By the Ruth and the Sarah Priscilla, which arrived recently, the former at New York, and the latter at Norfolk, intelligence from the Colony as late as the middle of October last, has been received.— Mr. PINNEY, the Colonial Agent, in his letter of September 4, mentions his having been afflicted by illness so long and severe, that he was obliged to withdraw from public business, and to commit the charge of the Society's property to Dr. Skinner. In consequence of his situation, the building of the mill and store was suspended. His letter of September 24, relates principally to the death of John Burns, an emigrant, from an act of imprudence in blasting a rock. As Burns was engaged on work for the Society, Mr. P. had directed his funeral expenses to be paid from the Agency funds, which he hopes the Board will approve.

Mr. P. adds, that the store, to be built of stone, is under contract, and if nothing occurs to hinder its progress, will be speedily ready for covering. Until the store is finished, he states, the Colony has to allow Mr. M'Gill $18 a month for storing the goods brought in the Jupiter, the old store being unsafe.

In his letter of October 4, dated at Millsburg, he notices some insubordinate proceedings which had followed his retirement from the Agency. He had then returned to Monrovia, and the disquietude had abated. Preparations were in progress for locating the Albany settlement near Millsburg, which would soon be ready to receive the settlers.

His last letter is dated October 13, in which he states that the departure of the Ruth is the first opportunity of writing to the Board, that had occurred since the departure of the Argus in June last.

Dr. McDowall and Mr. Searl were then suffering under attacks of fever. Dr. Skinner and Mr. C. H. Webb have neither of them yet been sick, though incessant in their visits and attendance on the sick.

At the time of the arrival of the Jupiter, (on the last day of July) Mr. P. states, that he was too much weakened by sickness to transact any public business, and the Vice-Agent, Mr. M'Gill, had for sometime attended to the affairs of the Agency. But by the medical skill of Dr. Skinner, the attention of Mr. Finley, and the removal of other causes which he believes contributed to his sickness, his health of body and strength of mind have been restored, and he had resumed the public business until a successor shall arrive. Nothing, he adds, but a sense of public duty, could have induced him to have remained in office; and, as it is, he says "I have empowered Dr. Skinner to transact a large portion of the public business, that I may be left at leisure to recover my former health, and to make preparations for a Missionary station."

Mr. P. states, that he has appointed Dr. Skinner to remain Physician at Monrovia, and directed Dr. Todsen to proceed to Bassa, unless inclined to return to America.

The intention of the Resolution of the Board relating to the support of the Agent and Physician, has been a matter of doubt and dispute; and also the extent of the Vice-Agent's powers as to general superintendence in certain cases. It has also been questioned whether the appointment of superintendents of settlements and clerks, belongs to the Agent's powers. Also whether dwelling-houses, or apartments are to be furnished to the several Physicians employed in the Colony, and whether their travelling expenses are to be borne? It is also doubted when the regulations of the Board entered into last January, butnot received in the Colony till the 1st of August, ought to take effect.

Mr. P. states, that he has agreed to allow 'to Mr. M'Gill a compensation at the rate of $600 per annum for three months, during which Mr. M'G. acted as Agent, and paid that amount to him, with directions for it to be charged upon the Colonial books to Mr. P.'s private

account.

Mr. P. observes, that the Secretary had been directed to make out the Colonial accounts, and forward them with full vouchers to the Board at Washington. Some of the items, he says, are large, swelled by the system of charges pursued in the public store. The utmost economy, he adds. has been studied, unless the erection of a public store, without waiting for instructions from the Board, may be considered improper.

The schooner Margaret Mercer, Mr. P. states, has been found so worm-eaten, that, a new keel is necessary. A new mast is preparing to replace one of the old ones, judged unsafe. It was intended to have sent the schooner to the U. States, under the care of the crew of the Jupiter (which ship has been cast away); but it was found impossible to get her ready in time. Captain Knapp and his crew returned in the Ruth. They have been supplied with rations from the public store, which, said he, "I have, as their Agent, charged to the United States."

Mr. P. says that the small Agency notes, and cents, intended as a currency for the Colony,and which the despatches from the Board mention as being sent out by the Jupiter, were, by some oversight,