Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

observation of the affairs of the Colony, during the year just past, to conclude, that if Trade is to lead, Agriculture is to follow not far behind, with a firm and assured step. A large proportion of the emigrants are by habit, entirely unprepared for any but agricultural pursuits; the knowledge which experience in trade has given to the early settlers, diminishes the chance of success to those who would now enter upon the same employment; several who have conducted an extensive traffic, have been made to feel the precariousness of hopes founded upon commercial speculation; and above all, the animating prospects of competency and abundance, clearly apparent before every industrious and persevering cultivator of the soil-these considerations have powerfully contributed to increase the disposition for agricultural exertions.

There remains not a doubt, said Mr. Ashmun, some months ago, that the products of the Colony will, the ensuing year, equal its consumption in every article except rice. Indeed, during the year, the spirit of agricultural industry and effort has, both at Caldwell and Millsburg (the new settlement on the St. Paul's) been exhibited with extraordinary energy, and in its results have been seen the most convincing proofs of the productiveness of the soil, and the best rewards of labour. The farmers of Caldwell have associated themselves into an Agricultural Society, at the weekly meetings of which, the members report individually, their progress on their plantations, discuss freely one or more practical questions, on which a vote is finally taken, and each question unanimously determined, is recorded as a maxim in the practical agriculture of the settlement. These maxims the members are pledg

ed to reduce to practice. The Settlement of Millsburg commenced (as we have already stated) in the month of February, is represented as in the most promising way, and early in the last summer, the products of its farms had been sent down in considerable quantities to the market of Monrovia. An intelligent settler writes, "There are many fine mill-seats on this new territory, and it would be almost incredible if I were to state the many advantages which are here visible. Nothing appears to be wanting but means and men of industry, and in a short time the whole of the present Colony might be supported by its own inhabitants along the banks of the noble Dey, and in the adjacent country."*

Trade, however, is pursued by many with enthusi

*It has occurred to the Managers that they might perhaps, gratify this meeting by here enumerating the different species of domestic animals, and the various products now rearing in the Colony, and which cannot hereafter be wanting, unless through the inexcusable negligence and indolence of the settlers. Of Animals, Horses, Cattle in abundance, Sheep, Goats in abundance, Asses are lately introduced, Fowls, Ducks, Geese, Guinea Fowls, Swine numerous Fish no where found in greater quantities. Fruits are Plantains, Bananas, in endless abundance, Limes, Lemons, Tamarinds, Oranges, Sousop, Cashew, Mangoe, 20 varieties of the Prune, Guava, Papaw, Pine Apple, Grape, tropical Peach and Cherry.-Vegetables are Sweet Potatoe, Cassada, Yams, Cocoa, Ground-nuts, Arrow-root, Egg-plant, Ocre, every variety of Beans, and most sorts of Peas, Cucumbers, Pumpkins. Grains are Rice, the staple-Indian Corn, Coffee excellent and abundant-Pepper of three varieties, of which each is equal to Cayenne-Millet and Guinea Corn-Cotton, staple good, but not yet cultivated. To these may be added Indigo, which, it is thought, may be raised to advantage, and the Sugar-Cane, which may, and doubtless will, ultimately receive attention,

astic ardour and great success, and while individuals have derived from it a very valuable profit, it has contributed most essentially, to the general prosperity.It is carried on with the natives, through the factories along the coast, or at home, with the tribes of the interior, and with vessels from the United States. It must (as has already been remarked,) be regarded as in its infancy, and new sources will, probably, be annually developed in the wide and productive countries, and among the populous, powerful, but as yet, unvisited tribes of the interior. At the commencement of the year four small schooners had actually gone abroad in the Coasting trade under the flag of the Colony-several others were about to sail, most of which had been built and fitted out at Monrovia. While great efforts have, during the year, been made, to explore the St. Paul's River, to commence an intercourse with the more remote tribes and to open in various directions, new channels of trade; from our own cities many vessels have been sent thither; an unusual interest and spirit of inquiry has been excited among commercial men, concerning the Liberian trade; and more than all, Providence has brought before the Society, an individual, (now about to embark for Africa) singularly qualified to extend our knowledge and influence, and to facilitate communication with the distant, but powerful nations of the interior. The Board allude to Abduhl Rahhahman, the unfortunate Moorish Prince. This man was born in the City of Tombuctoo, of which place, his grandfather Almam or (Alimamy) Ibrahim or (Abrahima) was the King. When Prince was at an early age, his Father Almam Ibrahim was sent to Foota Jallo, a populous and fertile country as large as New England, twelve hundred miles distant from Tombuctoo, of which Teembo is the capital, then a dependency of Tombuctoo, but which subsequently became independent, and elevated Almam Ibrahim to the throne. Having passed some portion of his youth at Teembo, Prince returned to Tombuctoo, and there finished his education. Having entered the army of Foota Jallo he soon distinguished himself, and at the age of 26, while conducting a war with the Hebohs, (a tribe on the north of Foota Jallo) was finally taken with almost his entire army, transferred to a slave ship, carried to the West Indies, thence to Natchez, and there has remained in slavery 40 years.

A providential occurrence, of the most rare and wonderful character, has resulted in the emancipation of Prince, and under circumstances the most auspicious, he now stands ready to embark for the Colony of Liberia. Dr. Cox, a surgeon on board an American vessel, trading on the African coast, having landed and missed his way on shore, was left by the ship, and under these circumstances, resolved to penetrate into the Country. He travelled several days, during which he received a severe wound in the leg, and arrived sick and friendless at the Capital of Foota Jallo. Here he was received by the father of Prince and by Prince himself, with the utmost kindness, and having enjoyed their hospitality for six months, returned to America in the same vessel, which, on her previous voyage, had been compelled to abandon him. After Prince had been sixteen years a slave, he one day recognized Dr. Cox in the streets of Natchez. The interview was one of affecting interest, and liberal but unsuccessful offers were made by Dr. Cox to obtain freedom for one to whom he felt himself so deeply indebted. Recently, however, the proprietor of Prince expressed his readiness to liberate him; and application was made for his removal to Africa, to the Executive of the Union. Recollecting the kindness shown by this unfortunate man while in other circumstances, to a distressed American citizen, with a liberality most honourable to this Department of the Government, Prince was taken under its protection, and is now to be restored by it to the land of his nativity, his home and his friends. Nordoes he depart unbefriended by the public. The story of his misfortunes has excited deep sympathy in the minds of our countrymen, and about $4,000 have been contributed to aid the ransom of his family; some, if not all of which, it is hoped, will soon enjoy with him the privileges of a Colony, which charity and religion have founded for the benefit of the Coloured race. The Managers indulge hopes of great and permanent advantages to the Colony, from the return of this captive Moor. Several African languages he can still speak, and the Arabic is written by him with facility. Among his family connections, were many of the most powerful chieftains in the countries intermediate between Teembo and Tombuctoo, and on the throne of Foota Jallo, only 200 miles distant from Liberia, in 1825 sat his brother, (represented as of a most amiable and unwarlike disposition) Abduhl Kadre. Prince seems now resolved to make his home and find his grave in Liberia; but should his views change, he will be assisted without delay to return to his own country. Wherever may be his future residence, he is disposed to aid by his influence the Colonial trade with the Interior,

« AnteriorContinuar »