Africa, that ever was thought of; and I do believe yet, that the coloured family will, in days to come, when oppositions and prejudices are gone by, exultingly acknowledge that the day the Colonization Society was formed, was certainly the most auspicious day which bears record in their history, and will bless the day and the names of those who first thought about Africa; and our sons and daughters will bless us for conducting them to that land of liberty and equality, and I hope of true piety also. Sir, much has been said here, as well as in other places, about the Colonization Society; some pronounce it chimerical, and must soon sink into insignificance; some make objections saying it is unhealthy; others that although we live in a slave state, yet we enjoy many advantages, and will have to part with many luxuries and comforts which we are accustomed to. All this may be true; but they weigh a poor proportion in the scale of proper consideration. Another objection is brought forward, and which is believed also by many, that the Colonization Society scheme consists of more policy than philanthropy; consequently, they do not approbate its proceedings, &c. But for my part, I have looked into their plans and proceedings with a very impartial eye, and although they, like every other society, may have some faulty members, yet, on the aggregate, are just in their views, and I do believe their work to be that of pure philanthropy and good will toward the, at present, degraded descendants of Africa; and I do conscientiously believe that the founders and true friends of this Institution, ought to have their names enrolled with those of a Howard, a Wilberforce, and a Benezet, and have their remembrance indelibly engraved on the hearts and affections of every lover of freedom on earth; and I do candidly believe, that this little republic, founded through their goodness in Africa, will, in less than a century hence, hardly find its rival in the tropical part of the world. Our coloured brethren who have gone as pioneers before us, condescended to address us by a circular, and otherwise inviting us to their delightful country, and, as Christians, our sympathies certainly ought to be aroused at the call of the poor heathen, saying, 66 come over and teach us the rudiments of civilization and religion," and ought we to deafen our ears to this cry of mercy, or suffer these kind invitations to go by unembraced? For my part, I do want to go, although not exactly as a missionary or teacher, yet as a helper in this vast field of moral usefulness, and if my life is spared to get to that country, I will The be better able to determine what course to pursue. abolitionists have many good men enlisted in their party, but many among them have suffered their zeal to take the place of their reason, and thereby have materially injured the coloured population, and have brought their Society into disrepute. The free coloured people in this part of the country seem generally determined to remain where they are, preferring the empty name of freedom, to that genuine freedom which they cannot obtain but in Liberia. I have received a number of letters from Liberia, from time to time, viz. for seven or eight years back, and most of them from some of their most intelligent and respectable men, most of which speaks highly of their prospects in that country, and recommend my going on. Most of these gentlemen recommend my going over in the rainy months, or near it as possible; saying, at that time, the air is purer than any other time; however, I do not myself regard what season I can get an opportunity. We have received a letter lately from our friend, T. S. Clay, in which he mentioned of receiving a letter from you on the subject of our uniting in your intended Colony. We expect to hear from him again shortly on the subject. We will endeavour to make out a memorial to your Society soon, which we will forward by mail. Will you do us the special favour of sending us an answer as soon as possible. joice to find so respectable a set of people as those of the late Dr. Hawes going to your settlement. I hope his example will be pursued by many others. I have the honour, dear Sir, of subscribing myself, Your obedient servant, We re SAMUEL BENEDICT. APPENDIX B. Monte Video, Oct. 10th, 1834. Isaac Walker was left to me by Capt. John A. Thornton, by his will of 1817. Isaac has been to me, as he has been to Capt. Thornton, a valuable and a faithful servant; and upon one occasion, saved me (as I shall ever believe) from injury or death, when attacked by a ruffian white man. I have, in consideration of his faithfulness, given him my full permission to go to Bassa Cove, in Liberia, where I trust God Almighty, in his great mercy, may bless and protect him. Isaac is going in company with the servants of the late Dr. Aylett Hawes, (amongst whom he has a wife,) which servants were taken under the patronage of the Young Men's Colonization Society of Pennsylvania, and under the care of which Society, Isaac wishes to place himself. It is with great pleasure that I give him this letter, bearing testimony to his worth, and earnestly recommending him to their kind attention. Isaac is a consistent member of Christ's Church, of the Baptist denomination; but has ever manifested a liberal and Christian spirit towards his Christian brethren of other persuasions. It would be needless to say that he is an honest man,—of this, his Christian charactor will testify; he is an excellent and faithful workman,-a polite accommodating man. It is not of necessity that he goes to Liberia; his character is so well established in this part of Virginia that he has been for some years doing business for himself. I lament very much that it is not in my power to add to his purse, and I am sorry that my necessities have been such that I could not permit him to lay up for this removal, his whole gains for years past, but hope that the agent of the Society will meet any deficiencies in his funds; and I do hereby authorize Isaac to draw on me for fifteen dollars. I know the value of such men as Isaac to the colony, and I have no doubt that every encouragement will be given to him. This letter, though designed to be seen by the said agent, I give to him in this little book, to be kept by him as a memorial of me, this 10th day of October, 1834, in testimony whereof, I have set my name, FRANCIS THORNTON, JR. Pastor of the Rappahannock Church, under the care of |