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cember, 1816, I found the subject engrossing public attention: not that I ever supposed that a million and an half of men, or even a considerable proportion of that number, would be at the present time particularly benefited by this discussion or that even any more than comparatively a very small part of the free people of color could at present, or very soon, be greatly benefited by the measures proposed. But I considered a movement, or even a disposition to agitate the subject, as a ray of light breaking through a dark cloud, and as the precursor of another and another. I felt it my duty, therefore, to give the design all the aid I could.

"I felt the more constrained to do this, as I perceived after the formation of the Colonization Society, that there was danger that the interest which had been excited would subside, and things revert to their former state. The sending agents to Africa would help to keep the subject alive in the public mind; and as the impulse seemed evidently to be benevolent, there was a prospect that happy consequences would ensue, could that impulse be kept up.

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Beside, a consideration of the state of the free people of color, might lead to measures calculated to improve their condition at home, if a place could not be provided for them abroad. It might lead to measures to restrain the practice of kidnapping, and even for improving the state of the slaves; and lead eventually, perhaps, to the emancipation of many of the latter class.

If, by pursuing the object now in view, a few of the free blacks of good character could be settled in any part of the African coast, they might be the means of introducing civilization and religion among the barbarous nations already there. Their settlement might increase gradually; and some might, in a suitable time, go out from that settlement and form others, and prove the occasion of great good. These, and many other like views, which I had taken of the subject, induced me to undertake the arduous business, and to act as agent for the society. We have great hopes the plan will succeed. God has protected us thus far, and we hope he will return us again to our friends. Farewell."

14

CHAP. IX.

His Journal as Agent of the Colonization Society.

A PLEASANT passage brought them to the coast of Africa on the 12th of March. The events which occurred from this date will better appear from the journal of Mr. Mills while in that country. The preparation of this document was the last service he was permitted to perform. It is in itself so excellent, and is in so few hands, that the reader will expect somewhat copious extracts.

"Ship Mary, off Cape de Verde,

Thursday, 12th March, 1818. "We left London on the 3d February, and on the 7th sailed from the Downs. For eighteen days we encountered head winds and strong gales, and made slow progress. On the 25th we had a distinct view of Cape Finisterre, in Spain. On the 3d of March we passed Madeira, and, on the 6th, Palma, and other Canary islands. We expect to see Cape Verde to-day, and to anchor in the river Gambia to-morrow.

"While on the voyage we have been chiefly employed in reading books which treat of the people, climate, soil, and productions of Africa.

"At 4, P. M. we exulted at the sight of Africa, and began to draw, with our pencils, imperfect sketches of the coast, the eminences, trees, &c. Cape Verde is high, open to the sea breeze, and verdant in appearance. The two eminences are called the Mamelles: the cape terminates with islands of rocks.

"The mouth of the Senegal is about 100 miles northeast of Cape Verde. The island St. Louis, belonging to the French, lies nine miles up the Senegal, and has a mixed population of five or six thousand. It is valuable as a military and commercial station, to command the trade of that great river.

"As we passed south of the Cape, Goree presented itself to view. This island, which belongs to the French, is little better than a barren rock, about three fourths of a mile in circumference, with a population of four or five thousand. We saw the vessels in the harbor, and the flag at the fort. It is a place of resort for European invalids, while on the coast.

"Gambia, Friday, 13th March.

"Early this morning we began to enter the noble Gambia, between Cape St. Mary's and Banyan Point on the right, and Sanguomar, the Bird Islands, and Barra Point, on the left. The bay is 12 or 15 miles wide, and the mouth of

the river between Barra and Banyan Points is six miles wide. The weather is very pleasant, the thermometer at 68 degrees, and the sun obscured by a hazy atmosphere.

"At 12, A. M. we anchored near the village St. Mary's, situated on Banyan Point. It is an infant settlement, commenced only two years ago. The governor's house, the barracks, and a few other houses, are tolerably well built: most of the others are constructed of very slender materials, just sufficient to afford a shade from the sun, and a shelter from the dews and rains. The people were cheerful, and generally employed in some kind of labor. Some were unlading goods; some burning shells for lime; and some at work in the carpenters' and smiths' shops. We stood some time to see a company of soldiers go through the manual exercise. They were mostly Africans, above the ordinary stature, well formed, and neatly dressed. They appeared to be quite expert and intelligent. The military force of the place is about 100 men. A few pieces of cannon, mostly dismounted, are arranged along the beach. There is no fort or block-house. Notwithstanding the exposed state of the settlement, there is no fear of assault from the native tribes. The number of Europeans is about thirty, and the population of the village is already seven or eight hundred. Trade is the soul of the colony: this will increase annually, as the trade of the whole river will concentrate here. The spot does not invite to

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