nature, it will be said, are stronger than those which arise from social institutions only. I admit it, but nature also dictates to us to provide for our own safety, and authorizes all necessary measures for that purpose. And we have shown that our security, nay our very existence, might be endangered, by the hasty adoption of any measure for the immediate relief of the whole of this unhappy race. Must we then quit the subject, in despair of the success of any project for the amendment of their, as well as our own, condition? I think not. Strenuously as I feel my mind opposed to a simultaneous emancipation, for the reasons already mentioned, the abolition of slavery in the United States, and especially in that State to which I am attached by every tie that nature and society form, is now my first, and may probably be my last expiring wish.

"But here let me avoid the imputation of inconsistency, by observing, that the abolition of slavery may be effected without the emancipation of a single slave; without depriving any man of the property which he possesses, and without defrauding a creditor, who has trusted him on the faith of that property. The experiment of this plan has already been made in some of our sister States; Pennsylvania, under the auspices of the immortal Franklin,t began the work of the gradual abolition of slavery in the year 1780, by enlisting Nature herself on the side of Humanity.-Connecticut followed the example four years after. New York lately made an essay, which miscarried by a very inconsiderable majority. Mr. Jefferson informs us that the Committee of Revisers in Virginia (of which he was a member) had prepared a bill for the emancipation of all slaves born after the passing of that This was conformable to the Pennsylvania and Connecticut laws. Why the measure was not brought forward in the General Assembly I have never heard. Probably because objections were foreseen to that part of the bill which relates to the disposal of the blacks, after they had attained a certain age.§

act.

But, it may be asked, why not incorporate these colored persons, after they ob tain their freedom, into the State. This question has been well answered by Mr. Jenerson, in his Notes on Virginia; and who is there so free from prejudices among us, as candidly to declare that he has none against such a measure. The recent scenes transacted in the French Colonies in the West Indies, are enough to make one shudder with the apprehension of realizing similar calamities in this country.-~~ Many who regret domestic slavery, contend, that, in abolishing it, we must also abolish that scion from it, which I have denominated Civil Slavery. That there must be no distinction of rights; that the descendants of Africans as men, have an equal claim to all civil rights with the descendants of Europeans, and, upon being delivered from the yoke of bondage,have a right to be admitted to all the privileges of citizens. But have not men, when they enter into a state of society, a right to ad mnit, or exclude, any descriptions of persons, as they think proper? And, if prejudices have taken such deep root in our minds, as to render it impossible to eradicate them, ought not these opinions to be respected. Shall we not relieve the necess?ties of the naked, diseased beggar, unless we will invite him to a seat at our table, nor afford him shelter from the inclemencies of the night air, unless we admit him also to share our bed! To deny that we ought to abolish slavery, without incorporating the negroes into the State, and admitting them to a full participation of all our civil and social rights, appears to me to rest upon a similar foundation. Some middle course must therefore be found between the tyrannical and iniquitous policy which holds so many human creatures in a state of grievous bondage, and that which would turn loose a numerous, starving, and enraged banditti, upon the innocent descendants of their former oppressors. Nature, time, and sound policy, must co-operate with each other to produce such a change; if either be neglected, the work will be incomplete, dangerous, and, not improbably, destructive.

"The plan, therefore, which I would presume to propose for the consideration of my countrymen, is such as the number of slaves, the difference of their nature and

†Dr. Franklin, it is said, drew the bill for the gradual abolition of slavery in Pennsylvania.

New York and New Jersey have, since Judge Tucker wrote, abolished slavery. The Colony established by the American Colonization Society at Liberia, it is presumed, will provide for the objections on this score, as it will at all times afford an asylum for such free persons of color as desire to enjoy all the privileges of a free government, in a society where the highest offices will be open to them.

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 21, 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.

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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 inedical 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 return. ed 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 currency for the Colony, and which the despatches from the Board mention as being sent out by the Jupiter, were, by some oversight,

lost, or never sent.* This currency, Mr. P. observes, would be very convenient, and will, he trusts, be replaced, as the want of such a medium is very severely felt. It would save the expense of conveying, from place to place, camwood and other heavy articles, to make small payments.

Mr. P. regrets that the Council have passed an ordinance to suspend the public schools. They have lately been managed with so little success, that they have been suspended until some better plan can be devised. It is supposed that the appointment of Committees by the people to select teachers, with the power of removing them, would remove most of the evils complained of.

The desire of the Board relative to the New-York settlement, is not yet accomplished; but will be attended to as soon as Dr. M'Dowall's health will allow him to devote himself to this object.

The lots which this Board directed to be laid off in the Colony, Mr. P. says, will soon be ready to receive ten families. Dr. Skinner is sanguine in his expectations in relation to the good effects which will be produced by this measure, both in preserving life, and in promoting the general prosperity of the Colony.

Mr. P. closes his letter, with reiterating his desire that a successor to the Agency may be speedily appointed.

Dr. SKINNER, under date of August 24, writes that he arrived on the first of August, and found Mr. Pinney in a very critical state of health. By prudent and careful attention, however, he got better, and was for eight days without fever; but from some exertion and getting wet, he had a relapse. Dr. S. found so many persons afflicted with the diseases of the climate, that himself, Dr. McDowall, and Mr. Webb, had been almost constantly employed since their arrival. He found numbers suffering for want of the comforts of life; some from sickness, and others for want of employment. Three things, he states, are necessary to remedy these evils; first, proper medical attention; secondly, good and wholesome diet; and thirdly, cleanliness. If, the Doctor adds, provisions, soap and bandages be placed under his control, nothing, on his part, shall be wanting to furnish the medical attention necessary. The Doctor is of opinion that emigrants, on their arrival, ought to be put upon the lands to which they will be entitled, instead of being placed in receptacles, or hospitals; as, though their dwelling might be indifferent, they would be better satisfied, and, instead of being idle, might, when their health would permit, be employed in clearing their ground, and planting a few vegetables for their support.

The Doctor also thinks it proper, that every emigrant should be provided with bootees; as after undergoing the fever, the least scratch,if unattended to, is apt to produce a bad ulcer. And he also advises, in order to keep the females employed, that cards, wheels and

*As these Agency notes were carefully packed in a box, and transmitted to the care of Mr. Thomas Bell, the Agent of the Board at New York, the receipt of which was acknowledged by him, it is hoped, when the cargo of the Jupiter, at present stowed away in Mr. M'Gill's warehouse, comes to be examined, it will be found.-ED. REPOS.

looms, should be furnished them; and, until it shall be raised in sufficient quantity in the Colony, cotton also.

The Doctor's second letter is dated the 30th of August. Two of their little band, Dr. M'Dowall and Miss Sharp, have passed through the primary attack of the fever in the most favorable manner. The rest are well. Mr. Searl has to-day been engaged in breaking a pair of steers-a novel sight in Monrovia. The Dr. states, that he has, thus far, been very successful in managing the diseases of the climate. He has no doubt that he has saved several lives by the decided and bold use of the lancet.

The Dr. states that Mr. Pinney's health is much improved, though it is yet such as to make it necessary he should relinquish the business of the Agency for the present. He has transferred the charge of the Society's property to Dr. S. The Dr. observes that there has been a great change in the Colonial officers at the late annual election, and says that he feels great delicacy in entering upon the duties of the important and responsible station which he has undertaken; but with the advice of Mr. Pinney and Mr. Finley, and with a heart sincerely devoted to the interests of the Colony, he trusts they will not greatly

suffer in his hands.

The Dr. states, that he has found the state of society at Monrovia much better than he expected. "I have been," he adds, "here a month, and have visited most of the houses in town, and have observed great order and propriety amongst the inhabitants. An election and three days of public muster, have taken place within this period, and I have not heard a profane word from any one. I have seen but two persons disguised in liquor in the time. There is as strict regard paid to the Sabbath here as in any place in which I ever lived. In my intercourse with the people, I have not had a drop of spirits offered to me, nor seen them used by others, nor do I see any evils here that are not remediable, nor any thing to discourage the friends of Colonization, or to dishearten the Christian Philanthropist. Though Goo may try our faith, he will fulfil his word, and I have not the least doubt but this Colony will be one of the points from which the Gospel will be extensively and permanently spread on this great Continent."

In a letter dated September 26, Dr. Skinner refers to the dissatisfaction which had been occasioned by Mr. Pinney's having placed the public property in his charge. The cause of it was removed by the Agent's return to Monrovia and resumption of his official duties.

Five of the emigrants in the Argus died of small-pox on the passage, leaving forty-nine; thirteen of which have since died-two more are not expected to survive-and three others are very sick.— Dr. S. states that he has not prescribed for any of the emigrants by the Argus till that day.

Dr. Skinner says that he perfectly concurs in the views of Mr. Pinney in favor of erecting the Saw-mill, and a substantial Store, and also in relation to a Public Farm. He intends shortly to remove to Caldwell most of those persons in Monrovia who are subsisting on the stores of the Society, that they may be employed on the farm, or in spinning and weaving cotton.