326-8 INFORMATION GOING TO LIBERIA:

WITH IEH EVERY EMIGRANT UUBHT TU KNUW:

REPORT OF ESSRS. FULLER AND JANIFERZ

SKETCH OF

THE HISTORY OF LIBERIA:

AND THE

CONSTITUTION

OF THE ‘

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.

{SHED BY THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOGIE'I‘Yv

INFORMATION ABOUT GOING TO LIBERIA:

WITH

THINGS WHICH EVERY. EMIGRANT UUGHT TU KNOW:

REPORT OF MESSRS. FULLER AND JANIFERI

SKETCH OF

THE HISTORY OF LIBERIA:

AND THE

CONSTITUTION

OF THE ‘

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.

K’UBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN COLON IZATION SOCIETY‘

WASHINGTON: KL ALEXANDER, PRINTER. 1852. CONTENTS.

IIFO'RMATION ABOUT GOING TO LIBERIA—— Timeofsendingexpeditions...... ~.- 5 Lengthofthevoyage...... 3 Accommodations on board ...... 3 Amount of baggage, &c., allowed each emigrant...... 3 \Vhat emigrants should take with them ...... 3 Expenseofemigration...... 4 Acclimatingfever...... 5 Quantityofland given to emigrants...... 5 Face of the country,soil,and productions...... 5 lmpormnceofagriculture ...... 6‘ Climate and seasons...... 7 Educational facilities ...... 7 Political privileges...... 7 Religious privileges...... 7 Concluding remarks ...... 8 Tnmos wmcn svsnv murmur-r oucnr 1-0 KNOW— That they are going to a comparatively new country; they must expect to begin life for themselves ; they must not depend on the Colonization Society ; they should feel the responsibility devolving on them ; they should labor not for themselves only, but for the benefit oftheir mce...... -...(...... '... 9 Mnssns. FULLER AND Jnnnzn’s chon'r— When and for what purpose they visited Liberia.. .. .'...... 10 Prefacetothereport...... 10 Officers of the Republic of Liberia...... IO Generalcondition ofthepeople...... ll Soil,productions,andclimate...... 11 Difi'erentsettlementsin Liberia...... 12 M:a.r"‘""='"I ' ' ' ‘

Rive "~13 Genl . ..-. . 14 SKETCH( FirstOrig Twm - Clues - - Campus . 15 First The Ram Dr.l Dial Estal ...... 17 Settll Fern P...... -.....r17 Deat ...... 1'1 Esta] Insui .Turis Cons'rrru Declz ...... 18 Legi: ...... 20 Exec Judie Misc ...-...... 7. 22

51¢... a H “$15; L, INFORMATION ABOUT GOING TO LIBERIA.

FOR the information of all per always put on board, of which the sons who may contemplate emigrat master of the vessel has the charge, ing to Liberia, we have prepared the with instructions to furnish the emi following statement of facts, ex grants with everything necessary hibiting, in a condensed form, the to their health and comfort. most important subjects, in reference AMOUNT OF BAGGAGE, dlC-y ALLO‘VED 1'0 to which we presume information EACH ADULT EMIGRANT FREE OF CHARGE FOR. TRANSPORTATION may be desired : Our rule is to allow each adult TIME OF SENDING EXPEDITIONS. emigrant the bulk of two barrels, or Hereafter, it is our intention to ten cubic feet, in addition to the send a vessel from Baltimore regu bed and bedding necessary for the larly on the 1st of May, and the 1st voyage, which latter it is expected, of November, ofeach year; and from of course, they will furnish them Savannah and New Orleans at such selves. A proportional allowance times as there are persons enough for children. It is expected that ready to emigrate to justify the ne those who wish to take bulky ar cessary expenditure, of which we ticles of furniture, and boxes of will give timely notice. And if cir goods, will pay freight on them, at. cumstances should require it, we the rate of $1 50 a barrel. will fit out other expeditions from WHAT EMIGRANTS SHOULD TAKE WITH those cities, or from any of the THEM northern ports, so as to accommo 1. Clothing. Everyemigrantought date, as far as it is in our power, all to be well supplied with clothing, persons who may wish to emigrate. previous to leaving home, both for We cannot,h0wever,promise to send winter and summer, similar to what an expedition at any particular time, he needs in this country. Though (except the two from Baltimcire,) there is no winter in Liberia, yet unless we can have the assurance of during at least one-half the year, a sufficient number of emigrants to warm clothing is necessary to com justify us in incurring the eXpense fort, and the preservation of health. ofchartering and fitting out a vessel. 2. Mechanical tools. Those emi It is important, therefore, that appli grants who are mechanics ought to - cunts for emigration should give us carry with them the tools of their early notice 0ftheir desire to go to Li trade. Indeed, all emigrants ought to beria, and of the time when they will have the common tools used in car be ready. , penter’s work, such as axe, hatchet,

\ LENGTH OF THE VOYAGE handsaw, auger, Ste. The length of the voyage from 3. flgrtculluralimplements. Every Baltimore or Savannah is from thirty 'il'] NLZES emigrant, whether a mechanic or a to forty days—the average is about farmer, ought to be supplied with thirty-five days. From New Orleans the ordinary gardening implements, it is ten to fifteen days longer. such as hoes, spades, rakes, 8w. ACCOMMODATIONS ON BOARD. As the soil of Liberia is much more Emigrant vessels are always fitted easily broken up for planting than up expressly for the comfortable ac that of this country, the larger agri— commodation of the emigrants; and cultural implements, as ploughs, abundance of good provisions is harrows, &c., are not absolutely ne 741*?23”? 4 Information about going to Liberia.

cessary to farming operations.though of wearing apparel ; also some they are advantageous in carrying money (gold or silver.) These will on these operations on a large scale. be useful to them in erecting their 4. Cooking utensils and table fur houses, and paying for any labor niture. As every family is expected they may need. All these articles to keep house, they ought to have a can be purchased in Liberia; but as supply of necessary cooking uten they generally cost more there than sils and table furniture. in this country, and as the expense 5. Household furniture. In conse of transportation is not much, it quence of the space occupied in the would be well for those who can vessel by chairs, tables, bedsteads, afford it, to furnish themselves with and other large articles of furniture, a small supply of such articles. To it is generally very inconvenient for these might be added a barrel or two such things to be taken. Conse of salted provisions, in case, on in quently, though we are disposed to quiry at the place of etnbarkation, accommodate emigrants in every (where they can be purchased,) it way in our power, we cannot en is found that they can be carried. Em rcourage them to expect to take such igrants should alwayscarry with them articles. In view of the want of a variety ofgood garden seed; scaled room in the vessel to pack them up in vials or bottles, or wrapped in securely, and consequently of the paper, and packed in saw-dust, to risk oftheir being broken or damaged prevent injury during the voyage. during the voyage, as well as the EXPENSE 0F EMIGRATION. cost oftransportation,and the greater The actual expense incurred in comfort of the emigrants on board, the transportation of emigrants to when the vessel is not thus crowded, Liberia may be set down at the we would advise applicants for emi average of $30 for adults, and $15 gration to dispose of such articles for children under twelve years, of furniture previous to the time of which, added to the average cost of sailing. In emigrating to a distant subsistence during the first six country, they must expect to put up months after their arrival—say $50 with some inconvenience at first— for adults,.and $25 for children— must not expectto commence house makes $80 for the former, and $40 keeping in Liberia just where they for the latter, or a general average left off in this country. All these of $60. The average of $50, as articles can be purchased there in previously stated, has been found by style and quality, not much inferior experience to be insuflicient to meet to the best in this country, at the all the various expenses necessarily cost of about fifty per cent., (fre incurred. This average of $60, we quently less,) advance on the price expect to receive from those persona of similar articles in the U. States. ‘ who are fully able to pay their own ' 6. fidditional articles. Those who ' way. The Society, however, will not can afford it, would do well to take refuse to send any who are unable to with them a keg or two of nails for pay, in part or in whole, the neces shingling, 8tc.; also some common sary expense of transportation and cotton goods—bleached and brown support, but will give a free passage shirting, calico,handkerchiefs,(fancy to all who are not able to pay for patterns,) and various kinds of cheap themselves, and will aid them in stuff for pantaloons and coats or supporting themselves during the jackets, and other necessary articles first six months after their arrival, by Information about going to Liberia. 5

furnishing them with provisions and who have sufiicient prudence to use such medical attendance when necessary, means for the preservation of their health as an enlightened judgment would d1ctate, .and providing them houses to live. usually enjoy as good health, after the in ; thus taking care of them a suffi first year of their residence in Liberia, as cient length of time to enable them they formerly enjoyed in the United States. In some cases, indeed, the state of the {0 make arrangements to take care health of immigrants is decidedly improved of themselves. by the change of residence from America accunurmc raven. to Africa. The large majority of cases of On this point, we quote from Dr. sickness that came under my observation, Lugenbeel’s Sketches of Liberia. in among those persons who had resided a which may be found a full account year or more in Liberia, was in indolent, and consequently, indigent, persons,whose of the diseases of Liberia. prudence was commensurate with then “The physical system of every indi improvidence. Indeed, in view of the vidual who removes from a temperate to a heedlessness, carelessness, and indolence tropical climate must undergo some change of some persons, who were scarcely ever —must experience some process of accli sick, I was astonished at their continued mation, which may, or may not, be atten exemption from disease.” ded with much fever, according to circum We may here add, that emigrants stances—to the constitutional peculiarities of the individual, his previous habits of are always furnished with necessary life, the state of his mind with respect to medical attendance, by competent calmness. and patience, or irritability and physicians in the employ of the disquietude ; together with other imagina Society; and that it is important to ble circumstances. Some persons, in pas sing through the process of acclimation pay strict attention to the advice and have very little, if any, fever, and are not directions ofthe attending physician. at all interrupted in their daily avocations Qusnrrrr or LAND GIVEN T0 EMIGRLNTS. by sickness, during the acclimating pro cess. Others are not so highly favored, By the laws of Liberia, each emi and some die during the first few months grant on his arrival receives five acres of their residence in Liberia—not always of good land, or if he prefers it, a in consequence of the violence of the fever, town lot. If he is the head of a but frequently in consequence of not exer— cising the necessary precautions in the family, the quantity of land is in preservation of health; such as proper at creased according to the number of tention to their habits, diet, and clothing, his family, not exceeding ten acres. to the extent of exposure to the heat of This allowance may seem small, but the day, as well as to the damp and chil ling night-air, and especially to the avoid in consequence of the great produc ance of all sources of mental inquietude. tiveness of the soil, it is abundantly In some cases, the physical system be sufficient for the comfortable and in comes sufficiently adapted to the climate dependent subsistence ofall who will to resist the surrounding deleterious influ ences, in two or three months. In other properly cultivateit. Any person who cases, a year or more elapses before this desires agreater quantity, can usual desirable point is reached; the individual ly purchase it from the Government in the mean time being subject to occasional of Liberia, at from one to five dollars attacks of chills, followed, of course, by more or less fever." an acre, according to the location. Once safely through the acclima “on or run oouN'rRY, sou, AND raonuc tmg process, the individual may, by TIONS. the exercise of such prudence as Liberia does not consist, as some common sense would dictate, enjoy suppose, of arid plains and burning as good health as in most parts of sands, but of hills and valleys, the United States. In reference to covered with the verdure of per- . this, we again quote from Dr. Lu petual spring, presenting to the eye 4 genbeel’s Sketches. of the observer, as viewed from the “ The majority of colored immigrants, highest points of land invthe vicinity; 6 Information about going to Liberia.

of the ocean, the appearance of a geese, turkeys, ducks and chickens. deep, unbroken forest, with hill-top Besides which, numerous kinds of rising above hill-top towards the vast wild game, including deer of several interior. The country is well Watered var1eties,are very plentiful; also a va by manybeautiful streams ; the banks riety ofexcellentfish in the rivers. So of some of which present encourag that, no industrious man need appre mg scenes of agricultural industry. hend any diflicultyin getting enough The soil of Liberia, like that of animal as well as vegetable food. other countries, varies in appear To the industrious agriculturist, ance, quality, and productiveness. therefore, Liberia offers an inviting There is, however, no very poor land home—a home in which all the ne in Liberia; and most of it is very cessaries, and many of the luxuries rich, not surpassed perhaps by any of life may be produced, with much other country in the world. less labor than in this country. Among the numerous agricultural We cannot too strongly urge the products of Liberia, we may specify superlative importance of a regular, as eaportable articles, rice, coffee, systematic, and persevering course cotton, sugar, arrow-root, ginger, of agricultural industry and frugal pepper, and ground-nuts, all of ity, as the best and surest road to which can be raised in quantity and independence. While to the mer quality not surpassed by similar pro chant, or the commercial adventurer, ducts in any other part ofthe world. Liberia presents an inviting field for Of other vegetables that may be the exercise of his talents and en abundantly raised, we may specify, terprise—a field rendered more in as the principal, sweet-potatoes, viting or tempting by the consider lima or butter-beans, snap-beans, ation ofthe success that has crowned ' peas, cucumbers, melons of various the efforts of many who have devo kinds, beets, radishes and carrots, ted their time and energies to this besides several articles peculiar to department of industry; and while tropical countries, as cassadas, yams, the mechanic may take encourage &c.,Indian corn,or maize,grows very ment from the fact that in a growing well on some lands; not so well,how country like that, the productions ever,as in some parts ofthe U. States. of his skill will be required; yet, to A great variety of fruits grow the enterprising husbandman espe plentifully; some of which are, the cially, Liberia ofl'ers inducements orange, lime, lemon, pine-apple, and encouragements equal to any guava, mango,~ papaw, cocoanut, other country in the world. The tamarind, soursop, chiota. and okra; ease with which the soil may be cul to which may be added the plan tivated, the excellence and abun tain and the banana, the former of dance of its products—its coffee, which is one of the most luscious not surpassed by any other in the and wholesome fruits in the vegeta world—its sugar-cane, cotton, ar ble kingdom, easily cultivated, and row-root, ginger, pepper of several affording an excellent and nutritious varieties, and other exportable ar article of food. ticles—its sweet potatoes and nu Domesticated animals of every merous other vegetables, growing necessary kind, and in any required freely and yielding abundantly du number, may he raised with much ring every rnonth in the year—its less trouble and expense than in great variety of delicious fruits— this country—such as beeves or bul together with the facilities afforded locks, cows, sheep, goats, swine, for raising beeves, sheep, goats, Informati'on about going to Liberia. 7

hogs, and various kinds of fowls, which'it is hoped will soon be put and the frequent demand for vegeta into operation. And here we may ‘bles and live stock ofdifi'erent kinds state a fact very encouraging in by the officers and crews of vessels view of the future prosperity of visiting the country, as Well as the Liberia: as a general rule, the chil constant demand in foreign markets dren born there are as far advanced for the exportable articles ; leave in education as children of the same no room to doubt that the frugal age in most communities in this and industrious farmer may, with no country. The privilege of having other means than those which every their children properly educated, individual can readily procure, live and thus prepared for future useful in ease and comfort and indepen ness and happiness, is one worthy dence. And, any man in Liberia, of the consideration of the free who enjoys a tolerable degree of people of color in the United States. health, and who does notlive com POLITICAL PRIVILEGES. fortably and independently, may The government of the Republic charge the deficiency to his own of Liberia may, in every essential, account. particular,be regarded as a miniature representation of the Government v1n reference CIIIMA'I'E to the AND climate,we SEASONS. quote of the United States; and the citi from Sketches of Liberia as follows: zens of that Republic enjoy equal “ On the whole, I regard the climate of privrleges with the white citizens Liberia as decidedly pleasant. The ex of this country. Colored emigrants tremes of the thermometrical state of the atmosphere may be set down at 65° and are invested with the rights and 90°. The average height of the mercury, privileges of citizenship immediate during the rainy season, is about 76°, and ly on their arrival; but no white during the dry season about 84°. The mean person is, under any circumstances, temperature for the year is about 80°.” “The only recognized diyision of the allowed. to become a citizen; con year into seasons is the wet or rainy and sequently, white residents cannot the dry season, or, in common parlance, hold any office in the Government, the “rains” and the “dries ;” the for or have the privilege of voting. mer of which answers nearly to our sum mer and autumn, and the latter to our RELIGIOUS PRIVILEGES winter and spring. During the half of Not the least among the privi the year commencing with May,much more leges enjoyed by the citizens of Li rain falls than during the other half com beria are those which pertain to the mencing with November. As a general worship ofthe. Almighty Ruler of the rule, however, it may be stated, that some rain falls during every month in the year ; Universe, whose providential super and in every month there is some fine, intendence has been so signally ex clear, pleasant weather.” hibited in the establishment and EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES. progress of that Republic. And By the aid of the Government of perhaps in no other country in Liberia and several Benevolent In the world are the ordinances of stitutions in this country, geod free Christianity and the ceremonies of schools have been established in divine worship observed with more nearly all the settlements; so that strictness and regularity. Probably all parents can avail themselves of a larger proportion of the citizens the facilities thus afforded for the of Liberia are members of some education of their children. Ef Christian Church, than of any other forts are now making in this coun people in the world. In every set try for the establishment of a regu tlement, there is one place, or more, lar collegiate Institution in Liberia, of public worship, in which reli 8 Information about going to Liberia.

gious services are regularly held.— any occupied by their fellow-men in And several of the pulpits are the same community; is certainly statedly filled by men brought up and vastly preferable to one in which educated in Liberia, and exhibiting such privileges cannot exist. But, talents and qualifications highly cred not only in view of bettering their itable to themselves and to the insti own condition, and affording their tutions at which they were educated. children facilities for acquiring an CONCLUDING REMARKS education, and thus becoming qual In conclusion, we would make ified to occupy positions of dignity, a few general remarks. And first, honor, and responsibility among in reference to the advantages of their fellow-citizens, should the free the emigration of the free people of colored people of this country de color from this country to Liberia: sire to emigrate to Liberia: among these are of a three-fold character, other inducements, that of being having reference to themselves, to instrumental in elevating the be their children, and to the native in nighted native inhabitants of Africa habitants of Africa. A comparison to the true position and dignity of of the condition of the citizens of men, deserves the serious con Liberia with that of the free colored sideration of those to whom the people in this country,,drawn from finger of Divine Providence clearly actual observations, must convince ‘ points as best calculated to rescue every candid observer that the social, that land from the thraldom of ig political, and religious condition of norance, and the debasing influ the former is greatly superior to that ences of superstition. of the latter. The free man of If colored men cannot under color may, therefore, confidently stand and appreciate such advanta expect to better his own condition ges as these, it is not worth their by removing to Liberia, where he while to go to Liberia! Those, on can enjoy privileges of which he the contrary, who can and do appre is virtually deprived in every part ciate them, and who fully resolve to of this country. Not only can he emigrate cheerfully and with a de better his own condition by em termination to try to overcome igrating to Liberia, but if he is the every obstacle that may be presented, father of a family of children, he may confidently expect to live more cannot but desire that they should easily, more comfortably, and more receive the inestimable benefits oi independently, than they can in this intellectual training—benefits that country; and may enjoy the satis are there freely extended to all, but faction of aiding in laying the foun which can be enjoyed by colored dation for a great nation, in matur children to a very limited extent in ing institutions and laws for the the United States. A country in government of a great people, and which our children may be intro in redeeming an immense continent duced into the temple of knowledge, from the worst of Pagan darkness and may compete with all other as and superstition—a work infinitely pirants, on the score of merit alone; more sublime and glorious than can and in which they may enter the p05sibly be performed by any of the avenues of commercial enterprise, colored people in this country, how of professional distinction and use ever favored may be their position, fulness, or of political rivalry, with enlarged their opportunities, and the privilege and prospect of being determined their energy and perse» elevated to a position as high as verance! Things which every Emigrant to Liberia ought to know.

Things which every Emigrant to Liberia ought to know.

It is important that all persons who con them to understand that there is no busi template going to Liberia, should be fully ness more honorable or more important to and correctly informed in regard to their the welfare of the colony, and profitable prospects. to the individual, than the cultivation of 1. They should understand that they are the soil. It always yields a liberal reward going to a comparatively new country; and, to the industry of the husbandman. consequently, that they must carry with 5. They ought to be impressed with a sense them the courage and energy to bear the of the responsibility which will devolve upon burdens, and to surmount the obstacles them, as members of a free and independent naturally belongingto such a state ofthings. government. Every citizen of Liberia must 2. They must expect to begin life for them consider himself as one of the builders ofa selves. They will not have any friends great and cultivated nation,a Christian Com there who will think and act and contrive monwealth,on the shores of a barbarous and plan for them. They must rely on continent. Thevery circumstances in which themselves. They receive a tract of land, they are placed, stimulates them to action, in its wild and uncultivated state, and if it and furnishes exciting motives for elevated is ever cleared and planted, they must do sentiments and noble conduct. it. They must build a house for them Persons, therefore, who contemplate elves, and begin to keep house. And if going to Liberia, ought to understand he they have but few of the necessaries, and forehand the nature of the duties they will none of the conveniences and luxuries of be called to perform. On their arrival house-keeping, still they must not be dis there, they will be invested with all the couraged. but “struggle on and struggle rights of citizens ; they must vote at elec ever.” Brighter days will come. Every tions, and consider and decide upon the brilliant noon must be preceded by its measures most necessary to secure the morning. They must not despise the day welfare of the citizens and the stability of of small things, but cheered and sustained the government. The highest offices in by the example of many around them, the commonwealth are within their reach. who commenced lifejust as they are doing, They may aspire to them, and, if suf and are now comfortable and happy, they ficiently intelligent and virtuous, they may must press their way onward, and, they ultimately reach them. will find that industry and perseverance What a reward is thus held out to inspire will secure to them plenty and happiness. a pure ambition, and incite a determined 3. They must not do end upon the Colo effort? Liberia is destined to enlarge it nization Society. The usiness of the So self for ages,and gather within its expand ciety is to help them to get to that country, ing influence multitudes of the present and where they can thenceforward help them millions of the future generations ! In~ selves. Many persons have supposed that terest and duty, hope and fear, patriotism the Society would do every thing for them ; and religion, self-respect and stern neces pay their passage, furnish them every ity, all combine and urge them to act with thing to eat and drink after they get to manly courage and unbending fidelity. Liberia, and let them live in ease. But 6. They ought to be sensible that, not only the truth is far otherwise. And hence, for themselves, but for the benefit of their race, when they reach Liberia, and begin to must they labor. Liberia is, in one respect, find provisions running low, and are made a great missionary station, a great centre to understand that the time has arrived of light and influence, and it is destined when they must support themselves, they to make all the surrounding tribes and become offended, abuse the colony and countryjust what it is, and continues to the Society, and pretty nearly everybody be. The natives have never before beheld and every thing else, and then perhaps such a spectacle as is presented to their they write home to their friends, and ad view in the citizens, the houses, the vise them not to come to so horriblea schools, the churches, and the Govern place. “ These things ought not. so to be.” ment of Liberia. Hence they look on 4. They must expect to work for their with intense anxiety. They feel a desire living. How else can they hope to live? to copy the example set before them. The Liberia is no unearthly paradise. If men natives and‘ the colonists are all mixed there have not money enough to live on, together, and thus the style and manners they mut make a living some other of every family is seen, and an influence way. By the labor of their heads or the for good or for ill, goes forth from every labor of their hands, they must get bread individual. How important, therefore, for themselves. And it would be well for that colonists, before leaving this country, 10 Messrs. Fuller and Jant'fer’s Rqaorl.

should be made to feel the immense im Africa’s civil, social, and religious re portance of a correct course of conduct, demption,and sacrifice themselves, if need governed and controlled by thorough re be, in the stupendous work of spreading ligious principle! They ought to be made free government and civil institutions over to feel that it is their highest prinlege, as all Africa, and bringing her uncounted well as their imperative duty, to cast in population all under the dominion of the their lot with the pioneers in the work of kingdom of Heaven!

Messrs. Fuller and Janifer’s Report. It will be recollected that a Colonization our intention speedily to seek in Liberia a Society of colored people was formed in home for ourselves and families, leaving Dorchester county, Maryland, about a others to act as they see fit. This report year since; but it was determined in the is respectfully submitted, not only to the outset to take no definite action in regard Society and our own personal friends, but to emigrating to Liberia, until they had to the ublic in general, ' obtained more full and satisfactory infor Ey their obedient servants, mation in regard to it. It we therefore Bern. JANIFER, determined to send out a special delegation, THOMAS FULLER, Jit. to spy out the land ; and Messrs. Janifer Baltimore, Dec. 17, 185]. . and Fuller, two of the most respectable To the President of the Dnrchester Co. .Hfri and intelligent of their number, were cho can Colonization Society : sen for that purpose. They sailed from Sinz—In the performance of our duty, Baltimore in the Liberia Packet, in July, as set forth in a resolution of this Society, 1851, and returned on the 12th December. adopted prior to our embarkation for Libe The following is their report, written out ria,in reference to usas thecommittee chosen and prepared for the press before their ar to proceed to Africa for personal observa rival, and published word for word. It tion for the benefit of this Society, we pro bears internal evidence of authenticity, ceed to make the following general report : enough, we should think, to satify the On Saturday, July 19, we embarked on most skeptical. board of the Liberia Packet, and after a PREFACE. pleasant passage of thirty-two days, we The undersigned were up ointed in May arrived at Monrovia, August 28, 1851. last, by the Cambridge Colbred Coloniza First, upon inquiry and observation, we tion Society of Dorchester county, Mary found the government of Liberia to be of land, delegates to proceed to Liberia, if in a republican form ; the chief magistrate of our power to get there, and to inform our the State is elected by the people, and the selves of the natural advantages of the people are represented in their legislative country, the character of the government, bodies by those of their own choice by and the present condition and prospects of ballot, whom they think best qualified, and its inhabitants, and to see what might be with whom they believe their interest and the inducements to emigrate. We a plied privileges will be the safest. The Presi to the Maryland State Colonization Socie dent’s cabinet is appointed by himself, ty for, a free passage, which they granted with the consent of the Senate. The com us, in the Liberia Packet, out and back to missioned ofiiners of the republic are also the United States. The following report appointed by the President. We subjoin a was drawn up by us, and completed on list of the names ofthe public officers in the our passage home, every sentence and republic, with their respective salaries : word just as it now stands. It is not so J.J. Roberts,Pi-esident,$1500 per annum. full as it might be, but we think it contains A. D. Williams, Vice-President, $4 per all the essentials, and all that was required diem, during the session of the Legislature. of us by the Society which sent us. On S. Benedict, Chief Justice of the Repub arriving home, we concluded} it best to lic, $100 er annum. have it printed, that it might be circulated B. P. ates and S. A. Benson, Associate among our friends in Dorchester county Judges. ' and elsewhere, all of whom we could not J. H. Chavers, Secretary of the Trea expect to meet face to face. We have en sury, $500 .er annum. deavored to do our duty, have examined Daniel arner, Secretary of State. carefully and candidly, without bias or H. Teage, Attorney General, $100 per prejudice, and have made an honest, fair annum. He also receives $4 for each case report, without fear or favor. In the prosecuted, in case of conviction. main, our impressions are favorable, and John N. Lewis, Brigadier General; pity so we have expressed ourselves ; and it is during service, $44 per month. Messrs. Fuller and Jantfer’s Report. 11

James C. Minor, Collector of Customs. good; perhaps as good as we have seen in V N. M. Hicks, Register of Wills, &.c. America. And judging from the quantities LEGISLATIVE BODY. of rice, sweet potatoes, sugar-cane, coffee, Susanna—Montserrado 00., J. B. Mc cassada, ginger, arrow-root, corn, Lima Gill, A. F. Russell. Grand Basso (10., J. beans, cabbage, dem, with its thousands of Day, J. Hanson. Sinoe 00., Edward Mor tropical productions and fruits, which burv ris, James N. Lewis. den the land and make the hearts of the REPRESENTATIVES.—M0nt86'rflld0 C0.,B. natives rejoice,-—we say, judging from R. Wilson, D. T. Harris, J. H. Paxton, these evidences, we would pronounce that M. H. Smith. Basso 00., S. S. Herring, the 'soil and climate of Liberia is as well J. H. Cheeseman, D. A. Madison. Since adapted to the growth of these things as 00., Wm. H. Monger. any other climate perhaps in the world. We further observed that, together with And we would here add, so far as the pro their state ofiicers and legislative body, ducts of the country are concerned, the they have in Liberia all the local ofiicers citizens of Liberia have few complaints to that are necessary for a well ordered g0 make. In our judgment, if they exerted vernment, in order that'the laws may not themselves a little more, and depended not onl be enacted, but faithfully executed: so much on the natives, they would have we as sheriffs, magistrates, judges of the none to make. But we are happy to state courts of quarterly session, marshals, con that the settlers of Liberia are not depen stables, grand and petty juries, clerks of dent on the productions of the soil alone courts, coroners, &_c., &c., and these of for subsistence; for we saw bullocks, or the best men that the country will afford. oxen, sheep, goats, hogs, cows, calves, And we will here assert that they are all kids, turkeys, ducks, chickens, &c., in colored men, and furthcr, that there is not abundance. Not only did we see them, a single ofiice filled by a white man. Nor but we ate of them almost every day while is there but one white man doing business in in Liberia. And for the comfort of those all Liberia, whose name is Mr. Godlet, a who love such things, we would inform German. These assertions are’the results of them that they can raise as many as they personal observation ,and notofhearsay;for choose,and cure their pork too in small quan we visited frequently both officers and offices, tities. For we ate bacon more than once, courts and magistrates’ oflices, and heard which was cured in Liberia. In conclu' the laws expounded by judges and lawyers, sion, on this head, we would say, that no and saw the penalty of the same inflicted on man can starve in Liberia, unless he closes the violator of the laws of the country. his mouth wilfully, and resolves to die sur Besides the officers above mentioned, rounded with the good things of Africa. they have a revenue cutter, commanded As we were in Liberia during the rainy by Captain Reed Cooper. The officers of the season, of cOurse we can say but little of re ublic are paid out of the public revenue. its climate. During our stay it was very Tlie revenue not being sufficient to cover the pleasant. We had considerable rain, but expenses of government, direct taxation is not half as much as. we expected from in contemplation. The government ex what we had heard of the African rains. penses for 1850 were 1523,01727; theamount It did not rain all one day without inter of receipts for the same was $18,018 16. ruption during our stay in Liberia. And Having satisfied ourselves in relation to as regards the heat, we were as much di the government of Liberia, that it is well appointed in that as any thing else. adapted to the feelings, capacities, and in It is a mild, pleasant climate. Some terests of the people who are now citizens, suppose that we could not live in it, but and to those who shall hereafter emigrate we can ; and when there, we wore the from America to Liberia, and become cit same thick clothing that we do in America. izens, we next turned our attention to the We think‘ that there is as much cloth and soil and its products, which left our minds flannel clothing worn by the Liberians as favorably impressed in its favor. As for there are by the same number of citizens the soil, as in all other countries, it varies in the United States, during the months both in kind and quality. ofMarch,April,and May. And for yoursat Near the sea—shore, as a general thing, isfaction we would inform you that we wore the soil is rather light and sandy. Never our cloth clothes during our stay in Libe theless, there are often to be found near ria, and found them not only comfortable, the beach many tracts of good stiff land, but absolutely necessary, and that we did and that well covered with large timber not feel it so warm at any time in Liberia and thick undergrowth. But on the banks as we left it in the United States in July. of the rivers the land is decidedly the best: The settlements in Liberia are matters there, we would say that it is universally of great interest and importance, especially 12 Messrs. Fuller and Jantfer’s Report.

when we consider that the new settlers are called Greenville. It is thought, in the to make a choice or to choose a home from judgment of your Committee, the prettiest among the many. For us to give a par of the towns or settlements in Liberia.— ticular description of each individual set The population of Sinoe county is about tlement, such a one as may guide you in a 1,000 ; that of the town of Greenville, 300. choice, is both unnecessary in this place, This is not so much ofa commercial point and out of our power to do. But we re as the ones above mentioned, but still it is commend to you Dr. Lugenbeel’s descrip ‘quite a thriving little place. The main tion of the difi'erentsettlements in Liberia, street is very handsome, and all the build in which you will find every thing perhaps ings, public and private, present a com that is of any moment. fortable appearance, except the Methodist But notwithstanding we would say, that church. But they are making prepara Monrovia is a fine flourishing town, and tions to erect a new one. Greenville, in the capital of the Republic, with about fact, seems to be in a state of improve— fifteen hundred inhabitants, who appear to ment. They have a steam-engine for a enjoy as good health as any citizens of the saw-mill, which they are aboutto erect, at Republic. It is the principal commercial a place on the Sinoe river, called Fish point in Liberia, though all the settlements Landing. But that which seems to give on the coast are somewhat so. The streets the most life to Greenville is, that they are wide and regularly laid out, although have had two very fine emigrations recent~ some of them have many large rocks in 1y, all of whom seem to be willing to turn them, and we think rather more bushes t eir attention to the agricultural interest. than the citizens have need of. The geo Any one that knows any thing of the phical position of Monrovia is too well history of Liberia, is perhaps well ao nown for us to attempt to give it. The quaintedthe point with of our the history next visit. of C aill‘herefore, e Palmas, private dwellings of Monrovia are like those of other towns, they correspond we deem it unnecessary to say much generally with the purse of the owner. about this interesting colony in our report. Hence you may find there private dwel The public and private buildings are well lings which cost from twenty-five dollars built and commodious ; and it will not be up to five thousand. We might say many much out of the way to sa , that they bear things of Monrovia ; but as we will be in an air of cleanliness an comfort which terrogated by this Society, and called upon would be an improvement to some of the to deliver public lectures on Liberia, we settlements in the republic. deem it unnecessary to write along report. The number of inhabitants of Maryland And we make the same excuse in reference in Liberia is between 900 and 1000. to the other settlements. The number of churches is four. Bassa Cove and Edina, the next point These'embrace the Methodists, Episco visited by us. are rather small settlements, palians, and Baptists. nearly opposite each other, situated near The number of schools in the colony is the mouth of the St. John’s river. Neith six. These are supported by the Mary er the public nor private buildings are so land State Colonization Society, Episcopal, good as those at Monrovia, though they Methodist,and Baptist missions. There are are sufiiciently large and comfortable for also six Sabbath-schools, well attended. all practical purposes. Bassa Cove is one There are in the colony two regularly of the principal commercial points in Libe organized Societies of Mutual Relief, one ria. Bassa was settled in 1834. The pop of the males, and the other of the females. ulation is abbut 600. We were told that There has lately been formed an Agricul Edina was considered the most healthy of tural Society, which promises well. There the two settlements. But the most busi are in operation, in various vicinities of ness is done in Bassa. The land is gener the colony, several schools confined to the ally sandy about the Cove and Edina.— instruction oftlienatives. Theseschools are But there are some as fine coffee trees as supported by different societies of foreign any we saw in Liberia ; and we would here missions in the U.S.,andhave able teachers, remark, that coffee seems to thrive in any appointed and sent here for that purpose. part of the coast that we visited. We The annual exports consist of about were informed that a very beautiful point, 100,000 gallons of palm-oil, some cam called Fishtown, about three miles distant wood, and a little ivory; also Malagetta from Bassa, would be settled in a short pepper. A good business in wood—that time ; and for location, we think it prefer 1s, camwood—can be done in the colony. able to either of the above named towns. The revenue is raised by duties collected The next settlement visited by us is sit on imports chiefly. This does not include uated near the mouth of the Sinoe river, large amounts expended annually for in Messrs. Fuller and Jenifer’s Report. 13

ternal improvement by the Society. The of America, under present circumstances. revenue of the colony is about$1800. -The St. John’s and the Benson are also The militia of the colony is composed fine large streams, especially the St. John’s. oftwo volunteer uniformed companies, and But we did not see much of them. In fact, one non-uniformed; these parade monthly, we saw no more of them than we saw in_ except on general parades, which occur passing from Bassa Cove to Edina. We semi-annually, when they are commanded were informed, however, by those who by the Lieutenant-colonel, A. Woods. live on the St. John’s, that it is a fine river, The street called Maryland Avenue, whose banks are perhaps as productive as which runs from Harper to Tubmantown, any other in Liberia. Bexley is situated is a good road, about three miles in length, on the banks of the St. John’s, about six and is the thoroughfare of the colony. On miles from its mouth. It is said by those either side of this road are the dwelling who live there, and by others who profess houses, lots and farms of the colonists. to know, that it is a flourishing farming The land about Cape Palmas looks rather settlement. But as neither of us saw it, we thin, but every thing planted seems to refer you to Dr. Lugenbeel’s report for thrive well, and, like all the rest of the particulars in reference to Bexley. land on the coast, the farther you go from The Sinoe river is also a fine,bold stream. the beach, the better it is. Hence the im One of us was up this river as far as ne propriety of farmers settling on the beach. cessary, some five or six miles from its In short, we find but one fault with Cape mouth, where there is a farming settlement Palmas, and that is, the thickly settled na of some note. The Sinoe is like all the tive towns on the Cape, which we hope, in other rivers of Liberia, her banks yield all conscience, will be in due time removed, plentifully the good things of the country. to the advantage of both parties concerned. There are many other fine rivers and We are happy to inform *you that, al streams in Liberia, which we did not see. though the farming interest at the Cape But we saw enough to satisfy us that on has been neglected for along time, the set the banks of any of them there is good tlers have at last awakened to a sense of living for the industrious farmer. their best interest, and determined to go As we were in Liberia a short time, and right to farming, and no humbugging for reasons above stated, we could not get about the matter. And in order to give life to see as much of the country as we should and energy to the cause, they have formed like, in order to give all t e particulars, an Agricultural Association ; and for the and consequently, general satisfaction, (but benefit of this Society, we obtained a copy 1 we are happy to state that our want of op of the Constitution of said association. portunities and observation are fully sup As it regards the rivers of Liberia, in plied by Dr. Lugenbeel’s excellent report, consequence of the rains, and having to go of which we hope every individual of this on board the vessel every evening, we society will possess themselves,) knowing could not get to see much of them. How that we should not have an opportunity to ever, one of us got up the St. Paul’s river, give particulars and details like one who and the other up the Sinoe; and from what had lived in Liberia, we took great pains we saw, and from what we learned from to compare the Doctor’s report with what old and respectable citizens of Liberia, we we saw; and in doing so, we found it in think it safe to state, that the St. Paul ’s is every instance to be strictly true. And far in advance of any other river in Libe further, we took every pains to inquire of ria, in perhaps every respect. There are the citizens of Liberia, (gentlemen,) whose several fine flourishing settlements on the veracity cannot be doubted, of the correct— St. Paul’s river, and well cultivated banks ness of that part of the Doctor’s report show that she is far indeed in advance of which we had not an opportunity of test her sister rivers in point of agriculture. ing; and they informed us that every par On passing through the farms of Messrs. ticular was strictly true. Therefore we Harris, Blacklidge, J imison, Simpson, Rus cordially recommend Dr. J. W. Lugen sel, and others, who have gone the right beel’s report to the careful perusal of every way to work in raising cofi'ee, sugar-cane, individual who is interested in the subject rice, potatoes, cassadas, ginger, &c., any of emigration to Liberia.“ man who is in his senses is at once con We would state to this Society, that the vinced that a colored man with industry people of Liberia seem to us to live as hap~ and enterprise can live as happy and as py, and in the enjoyment of as good health, comfortable and as independently in Libe as any people we have seen in our lives. ria, as he can in any part ofthe U. States They seem also to appreciate the privileges "Copies of Dr. Lugenbeel’s Sketches of Liberia will be furnished gratuitously at the Colonization Rooms, Washington City; or will he sent by mail to those who may request them by letter, postpaid. 14 Messrs. Fuller and Jant'fi'fs Report.

and position as a people, and in a great very countenance of ome of the Libee measure, avail themselves of,the opportu rians, we see industry and enterprise de nities they have to im rove their political picted ; but with others we discover the re and social condition. We would state that, verse. And hence the varied condition of on the St. Paul’s river, the people have the inhabitants. But, upon the whole, we turned their attention to brick-making, and think that the colonists are doing a great thatuponaprettylargescale,andthefarrners deal better than they would have been on tlils river are building themselves fine, doing, had they remained in America. comfortable,one and two-story brick houses, And they are aware of that fact, for we and furnishing the citizens of Monroviawitlr saw but three or four in all Liberia who all the bricks they want for building pur wish to return to America to remain. And poses, and those ofa very good quality. for your satisfaction we will give the rea The water in Liberia is very good, so~ son of each of those individuals, as stated much so that we did often speak of it. to us by themselves. The first was, that And we can say, that we did not drink of the prices of milk and eggs were so high what we would call one glass of bad water in Liberia, that she did not like the place. during our stay. ‘ The second was, that he could get no We observed that, in every settlement work to do, (but took good care to do we visited in Liberia, they have good none,) when at the same time he owned a schools ; in the larger settlements, two or good lot, in which there was not a single three, with competent teachers. They are thing growing but bushes and grass. The all free schools, supported by benevolent third said, two of her children were slaves societies in America. And we are happy in America, and it would be better for her to state to this Society, that those schools to be there too. The fourth, she had al— are well filled by the children of the colo ways been used to living in a large city, nists. Besides these every-day schools, and therefore she wanted to return. there are Sabbath-schools taught in all the So, from all we saw and heard while in churches. We judge, therefore, that the Liberia, we can but say that the colonists children of the colonists in Liberia are are a contented and satisfied people ;> and educated with as little expense to their further, that, in our opinion, an exalted parents as in any other part of the world. position among the nations of the earth There is being builded in Monrovia a awaits Liberia in the future ; and that it is seminary, in which the higher branches of our judgment that it would be indeed to education will be taught. This building will the advantage of the free people of color cost some seven or eight thousand dollars. in the United States to emigrate to Liberia, in most all of the settlements of Liberia, where they may enjoy all the rights and we found literary and benevolent institu privileges of freemen. tions, intended for mutual edification and In relation to the natives, we are glad to relief. At Monrovia alone they have some state that friendly relations exist between three or four. The settlements are also them and the colonists. We saw many well supplied with churches. The Baptists natives in the employ of the colonists ; and Methodists are the most popular, but, and we were informed that their usual at the same time, Presbyterian and Epis wagesaretwenty-five cents per diem and copalian churches are well attended. board. The colonists have also many na Under all these favorable circumstances, tive boys and girls in their houses as do you will naturally be led to inquire, What mestic servants; and as such, they are are the colonists doing, and what are their said to be very apt and useful. We think reasonable prospects 9 the colonists who have those native boys We answer, that so far as we were eye and girls as servants, have afavorable op— witnesses, they seem to be doing as all portunity of doing them much good, in other people in the world do. Some are teaching them our language, the habits of rich, some are doing well, and some are civilization, and the principles and dou just able to get along in the world, others trines of our holy religion ; and thus qual are poor, and there are those that beg.— ifying them for missionaries to their res Among the citizens of Liberia, we find pective tribes when return ed. Whether those who have farms under cultivation or not the colonists in general avail them with their hundreds and thousands of cof selves of this favorable opportunity of do fee trees, &c., growing, yielding a bounti ing them good, is for the colonists, and not ful reward to the hand of the diligent.— for us to say. And in Liberia, we see the farm and lots Signed, THOMAS FULLER, In. 0f many (who complain of hard times and BENJAMIN JANIFER. poverty) grown over with bushes, and not At sea, on board the Liberia Packet, a single potato planted in them. In the December, 1851. S/reic/t of the History qf Liberia. 15

Sketch of the History of Liberia.

0»: the 21st December, 1816, a meeting company of emigrants, under the auspices of citiZens of various parts of the United of the American Colonization Society, em~ States was held in the city of Washington, barked at New York, for Africa, in the “for the purpose of considering the ex ship Elizabeth ; which Was chartered by pediency and practicability of ameliorating the United States Government. This ex~ the condition of the free people of color 1n pedition, consisting of eighty-sax colored the United States, by providing a colonial i emigrants, was accompanied by three retreat, either on this continent, or that of‘ wliite‘persons, the Rev. Samuel Bacon, Africa.” The Hon. Henry Clay was Mr. John P. Bankson, and Dr. Samuel called to the chair, and Thos. Dougherty, Crozer. They proceeded by way of Sierra Esq., appointed Secretary of the meeting. . Leone to the Island of Sherbro, at which At this meeting, it was “ Resolved, That place they had obtained permission to ‘re-r an association or society be formed for the" side, until an eligible site could be pur— purpose of collecting information, and to chased on the main land. But as this was assist in the formation and execution of a i a very unhealthy location, and as these plan for the colonization of the free people pioneers of African Colonization were ne of color,with their consent,in Africa,or else- ' cessarily deprived of many of the necesd Where,by the constitutedas may be authoritiesthought most of theadvisable coun- , saries, as well as comforts of life, many of them were soon seized with fever ; and try.” A committee was appointed to pre within a few months, all of the white men, pare a constitution, and rules for the and about one-fourth of the emigrants, government of the association or society. died. The remainder sought and obtained At an adjourned meeting held in the Hall permission of the authorities of Sierra of the House of Representatives,on the Leone to locate temporarily in that colony, 28th of the same month, “ a constitution until a better site than Sherbro could be was reported by the committee appointed procured. for that purpose ; and having been dis In the early part of the year 1821, the cussed and amended, was unanimously , second company, consisting of thirty-three accepted by the meetin .” And, on mo- ‘ emigrants,and four white persons as agents tion, it was “ Resolved, hat the first elec of the Society and the United States Go tion of oflicers of the Society shall be held vernment, sailed from Norfolk for the coast on Wednesday, the 1st day of January, of Africa. This expedition reached Sierra 1817 : on which day, the American Coloni Leone on the 9th of March, and joined zation Society originally called “ the Ame the urvivors of the first company. In rican Society or colonizing the free people the latter part of this year, through the of color of the United States”) was fully efforts of Dr. Eli Ayres and Lieutenant organized by the election of the Hon. (now Commodore) R. F. Stockton, a valua Bushrod Washington as President, the ble tract of land was purchased from the Hon. Henry Clay, and twelve other gen chiefs of the Dey tribe ; and in the months tlemen as Vice Presidents, Elias B. Cald of January and February, 1822, the little well as Secretary, W. G. D. Worthington band were removed from Sierra Leone to as Recorder, David English as Treasurer, a small island near the mouth of the Mesu and twelvo gentlemen as a Board of Man rado river. (called by them Perseverance agers. Island,) which they occupied until arrange The interest in the objects or desigins of ments could be made for the occupancy of the Society continued to increase during the a part of the main land that had been pur year ; and in the month of November, chased. On the 25lh of April. 1822, the l8l7, the Rev. Samuel J. Mills and the American flag was first hoisted on Cape Rev. Ebenezer Burgess, who had been Mesurado; the site of the present hand' commissioned by the Society, sailed for some and flourishing town of Monrovia, the western coast of Africa, by way of the seat of government of the Republic of England, for “the urpose of acquiring in Liberia—the colonists having all removed formation, and 0? making observations, from the little island, and fixed themselves preparatory to the establishment of a as comfortably as circumstances would colony. From the lleport of Mr. Burgess, admit at their new home—the nucleus of on his return to the United States, (Mr. what is now a sovereign and independent Mills having died on the homeward voy Re ublic, doubtless destined, in the order age,) the Society was encouraged to pro of Divine Providence, to afford a home for ceed in its benevolententerprise. thousands and tens of thousands of emi in the month of February, 1820, the first grants, and‘to send forth the rays of in 16 Sketch of the History of Liberia.

tellectual and moral light among the igno their pathway, with but few intervening rant and degraded aborigines of that be clouds. And in a little more than a quar nighted land. ter of a century from the time when the Such was the beginning of the practical stars and stripes were first hoisted on that operations of the African Colonization en forest~clad Cape, by a little company of te rise. daring adventurers, the voice of a new he colonists, however, were not long born Republic was heard asking admis permitted to remain in the peaceful pos sion into the family of nations; three of session of their new home. _ It soon be the most powerful ofwhich (Great Britain, came evident that the surrounding native France, and Prussia) have freely and fully tribes contemplated an attack on the in acknowledged her sovereignty and inde fant colony. And on the arrival of Mr. pendence. And there, on the coast ofthat Ashmun, in August, 1822, he soon per benighted land, the fires of civil and re ceived the necessity of some vigorous ligious liberty, which have thus been means being adopted to afford security lighted, will no doubt continue to blaze against the dangers to which the settlers out in attractive loveliness, until their in were eXposed from the treachery and fluences shall be felt throughout the length cruelty of the hostile native tribes around and breadth of that vast peninsula. them ; and he immediately commenced a Under the administration of the self system of operations to improve the con sacrificing and indefatigable Ashmun, who dition of the little colony. The emigrants presided over the destinies of the infant remained in a state of anxiety, watchful colony, with a few briefintervals of relaxa ness, suffering, and uncertainty, until early tion, until the spring of 1828, (nearly six in the morning of the 11th November, years,) the condition of the first settlement when a large body of armed natives made greatly improved, and other settlements, their appearance, and commenced the were commenced; additional territory was deadly assault. After a fierce contest of procured by purchase from the native about two hours, the assailants were forced chiefs; and the number of the colonists to retreat, with the loss of about 150 men. was considerably increased by accessions Notwithstanding their repulsion and loss, from the United States—about eight hun‘ they did not abandon their design of en dred new immigrants having arrived. deavoring to exterminate the colonists. The Rev. Mr. Ashmun , who had so long And on the morning of the 2d December, labored and suffered for the good of they renewed the attack, with a much Liberia, at last sunk under the weight of larger force. But in this, as in the former his burdens : his physical system became battle, they were repulsed, and forced to entirely prostrated ; and as the only pos— retire, with considerable loss. During these sibilit of recovery, he resolved to sail for two assaults, which were met by the colo the niled States. Accordingly, on the nists with that bravery and determination 25th of March, 1828, he embarked for the that were inspired by the consciousness of home of his childhood, after having taken total destruction, in case of defeat, four an affectionate leave of the weeping and men and one woman were killed, and four sorrowful companions of his exile. Afew men and two women severely wounded, days after his arrival in this country, his and seven children captured, all of whom wearied, worn-out body found a resting were afterwards returned. The last battle place in the silent grave-yard, and his fully satisfied the surrounding natives of freed spirit a home in heaven. On the the superiority of their new neighbors, departure of Mr. Ashmun, the superin notwithstanding their extremely small num tendence of affairs devolved 0n the Rev. ber, (not over thirty-five men ;) and the Lott Cary, one of the early emigrants, time of this battle has ever since been re who had already proved himself to be garded as the epoch of the full establish eminently useful to his fellow pioneers; ment of the colony (now the Republic) of but whose career of usefulness was termi Liberia on the western coast of Africa. nated by death, on the evening of the 8th As such, its anniversary is kept as a day of November, 1828, by the accidental” ex of public thanksgiving. plosion of a quantity of powder, 1n the Since that time, though the colonists old agency house, in which he and others . have met with various reverses, and have were engaged in making cartridges, been-obliged in a few instances to take The successor of Mr. Ashmun, Doctor up arms against some of the contiguous Richard Randall, arrived at Monrovia on native tribes; yet, during most of the time, the 22d December, 1828, accompanied by the dove of peace has hovered over them, Dr. Joseph Mechlin, Jr., as Colonial and the sun of prosperity has shone upon Physician and Surgeon. Dr. Randall en» Sketch of the History of Liberia. 17 M W

tered on the performance of ' the duties of Marshall, at the mouth of Junk river was his station with a zeal and enthusiasm commenced; and during the same year, which soon proved that his mental en an important tract of land was purchased ergies, and his enterprising spirit were too on the Sinou river, and a settlement com ardent for his physical system, while ex menced, under the auspices of the Mis posed to the debilitating influences of the sissippi Colonization Society. In the month climate, and the local accessory agents of of September of this year, Dr. Skinner was disease, of intertropical Africa. He was obliged to leave the Colony, in conse removed by death from the scene of his quence of the impaired state of his health, labors and sufferings, after a residence of brought on principally by his arduous and less than four months in the Colony. The multifarious duties; and the duties of the duties of the agency, as well as those of agency again devolved on the Rev. A. D. ' the medical department, thus devolved on Williams, a colonist, who had occupied Dr. Mechlin, who was afterwards appoint the position of agent during the absence ed to that station by the Society; and who of Dr. Mechlin, while on a visit to the remained in charge of the agenc until United States in 1830; and who continued the latter part of the year 1833, w en he to fill the office until the arrival of Thomas returned to the United States, and resigned Buchanan, Esq., as Governor ofthe ‘ ‘Com his‘ofiice. During his agency, the acces monwealth,” on the 1st of April, 1839 ; sion of immigrants from the United States which event marks a new epoch in the was very considerable ; and among the progress as well as in the history of Libe various evidences of progress, was the ria. During the latter part of the preceding purchase of a fine tract of territory on the year (1838) all the State Colonization So St. John’s river, and the commencement of cieties, except the Maryland Society, be the settlement of'Edina, near the mouth came more intimately united as auxiliaries of that river. Several mission stations, to the parent Society; and, by agreement, under the auspices of different societies in the different colonies in Liberia, except Euro 'e and the United States, were estab the Maryland Colony, were consolidated lishe in the Colony ; and the progress of under one Government, to be called the civilization and Christianity among the Commonwealth of Liberia; and Thomas contiguous native tribes was very en— Buchanan, ESq., who had spent one year eouragmg. at Bassa Cove as agent for the New York Dr. Mechlin was succeeded in the agency and Pennsylvania Societies, was appointed by the Rev. J. B. Pinney, who performed Governor of the Commonwealth; which the duties pertaining to that important sta office be filled with dignity and great use tion,until about the middle ofthe year 1835, fulness about two years and a half, when when, in consequence of ill-health, he re (on the 3d September, 1841,) Liberia and turned to the United States. The Rev. the American Colonization Society were Ezekiel Skinner, M. D., was his successor. deprived by death of his valuable ser 1n the early part of 1834, the Colony of vices—a loss that was keenly felt and “ Maryland in Liberia,” located at Cape dee ly lamented by all who felt intereted Palmas, under the auspices of the Mary in t e prosperity of Liberia, on both sides land State Colonization Society, was com of the Atlantic. menced under the direction and superin During the administration of Governor tendence of Dr. James Hall, who had pre Buchanan, the foundation of the Liberian viously resided at Monrovia as assistant enterprise was more firmly established than physician, and who remained in charge of it had ever been before ; and general pros the new Colony about two years. perity prevailed throughout the different In the early part of the following year, settlements. The several departments of (1835,) a new settlement was commenced the Government were more systematically at Bassa Cova, under the auspices of the arranged, and more attention was given to Pennsylvania Colonization Society. Short agriculture and education than in former ly after its establishment, it was attacked years. The citizens of Liberia were thus by a native chief, named J0 Harris, in better prepared to assume the entire re command of a body of men, who rushed sponsibilities of self-government. upon the defenseless settlers, and mas By the death of Governor Buchanan, sacred about twenty of them. Those who the management of the Government de— succeeded in escaping, afterwards located volved on General Joseph J. Roberts, the on the St- John’s river, opposite Edina, Lieutenant Governor, who was appointed where there is now a flourishing commer Governor of the Commonwealth by the cial town. ' Colonization Society, soon after the melan During the year 1836, the settlement of choly tidings of the death of Governor 18 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia.

Buchanan reached the United States 1, and who, it is believed, was instigated by cer who continued to fill the office with digni tain foreign traders, made an unexpect ty and acceptability, under the auspices of ed attack on a new settlement, located in the Society, until the establishment of the Grand Basso. county, and massacred nine Re ublic, and the consequent new organi of the settlers, including four children. zatlon of the Government. In the month This murderous act induced the Liberians of July, 1847, 0. Convention of delegates, to take up arms against Grando and his elected by the people, met at Monrovia, allies, not only to punish them for the and formed the Constitution of the REPUB murder of some of the citizens, and to LIC 0F LIBERIA, which, with n Declaration quell the spirit of lusurrection that they of Independence, was adopted by the had exhibited against the laws of the Re people, and published to the world. In public, under which they had voluntarily . the month of October of that year, G0 placed themselves, but to convince the nu vernor Roberts was elected, and on the 3d tive inhabitants of every part of the Re of January, 1848, was regularly installed, public of the ability of the Government the first President of the Republic. At to maintain the majesty of the laws, and the regular election in May, 1849, he was to punish crime wherever committed within re-elected for two years longer ; and was itsjurisdiction. Accordingly, in the month again re-elected in May, 1851. of January, an expedition, consisting of Since the establishment of the Republic, about five hundred American immigrants, several large and important tracts of terri and as many friendly natives, invaded the tory have been secured by purchase from territory occupied by the rebels, who had the native chiefs, and to the close of 1851, made considerable preparation for defence, upwards oftwo thousand immigrants from and, after several battles, succeeded in de the United States have been added to the molishing their strongholds, and in fully population; the whole number of which establishing the power of the Government is now (April, 1852) estimated at between to enforce due subordination among its six and seven thousand, exclusive of the subjects, and proper obedience to the native inhabitants, one hundred and fifty laws. It is hoped and believed that the to two hundred thousand of whom reside prompt and summary punishment thus in within the territory, and are subject to the flicted will sufficiently intimidate the na laws, of the Republic; and many of whom, tive inhabitants of Liberia, to prevent any through the example. influence, and agency further insurrectionary movements in any of the citizens and Government of Liberia, part of the Republic. have been brought, not only within the The political jurisdiction of the Repub pale of civilization, but to a. practical reali lic of Liberia extends from the mouth of zation of the sublime truths and transcen the Shebar river, on the north (near the dent blessings of our holy Christianity. southern boundary of the British Colony And through the instrumentality of the of Sierra Leone,) tov the northern boun Government of Liberia, much has been dary of "Maryland in Liberia,” a dis done, directly as well as indirectly, to tance along the seacoast of about 500; wards the suppression of the slave trade; which, added to the territory within the which nefarious traffic the Liberians have jurisdiction ofthe Maryland Colony, makes shown both a determination and ability to the seaboard extent of the two Govern abolish forever from all the territory over ments about. 600; embracing a tract of which they may, from time to time, acquire country between the parallels of 4,1, and jurisdiction. 7 g degrees of north latitude, covered with In the month of November, 1851, a the verdure of perpetual spring, and pre company of native Africans, under the senting an inviting field for commercial en command of a chief, named Grando, terprise and agricultural industry.

W Constitution of the Republic of Liberia. mnan 1. rights and the blessings oflife; and when Declaration of Rights. ever these great objects are not obtained, 'The end of the institution, maintenance the people have a right to alter the govern and administration of government, is to se ment, and to take measures necessary for cure the existence of the body politic, to their safety, prosperity and happiness. protect it, and to furnish the individuals Therefore we, the people of the Com _who compose it with the ower of enjoy monwealth of Liberia in Africa, acknow ing, in safety and tranquility, their natural ledging with devout gratitude the goodness Constitution 0f the qublic qf Liberia. 19

of God, in granting to us the blessings of arising in the Army and Navy, and petty the Christian religion, and political, reli offences, unless upon presentment by a gious and civil liberty, do, in order to se grand jury; and every person criminally cure these blessings for ourselves and our charged shall have a right to be seasonably posterity, and to establish justice, ensure furnished with a copy of the charge, to be domestic peace, and promote the general confronted with the witnesses against him, welfare, hereby solemnly associate, and to have compulsory process for obtaining constitute ourselves a free, sovereign and witnesses in his favor; and to have a independent State, by the name ofthe Re speedy, public and impartial trial by a public of Liberia, and do ordain and estab ‘jury of the vicinity. He shall not be com lish this Constitution, for the government } pelled to furnish or give evidence against of the same. , himself, and no person shall, for the same SECTION 1. All men are born equally offence, be twice put in jeopardy of life or free and independent, and have certain , limb. natural inherent and inalienable rights— Sac. 8. No person shall be deprived of among which are the rights of enjoying I life, liberty, property or privilege, but by and defending life and liberty, of acquiring, lthejudgment of his peers, or the law of possessing and protecting property, and of ‘ the land. pursuing and obtaining safety and happi Sec. 9. No place shall be searched nor ness. l person seized, on a criminal charge or sus Sec. 2. All power is inherent in the i picion,unless upon warrantlawfully issued, people; all free governments are instituted upon probable cause, supported by oath, by their authority and for their benefit, and or solemn aflirmation, specially designating they have a right to alter and reform the the place or person, and the object of the same when their safety and happiness re search. quire 1t. See. 10. Excessive bail shall not be re» Sec. 3. All men have a natural and in quired, nor excessive fines imposed, nor alienable right to worship God according to excessive punishments inflicted; nor shall the dictates of their own consciences, With the legislature make any law impairing the out obstruction or molestation from others, obligation of contracts; nor any law ren all persons demeaning themselves peace dering any act punishable, in any manner ably, and not obstructing others in their re in which it was not punishable when it ligious worship, are entitled to the protec was committed. tion of law in the free exercise of their own Sec. 11. All elections shall be by ballot, religion, and no sect of Christians shall and every male citizen of twenty-one years have exclusive privileges or preference of'age, possessing real estate, shall have over any other sect, but all shall be alike the right of suffrage. tolerated; and no religious test whatever Sec. 12. The people have a right to shall be required as a qualification for civil keep and to bear arms for the common de office, or the exercise of any civil right. fence. And as, in time of peace, armies Sec. 4. There shall be no slavery within are dangerous to liberty, they ought not to this Republic. Nor shall any citizen of be maintained without the consent of the this Republic, or any person resident legislature, and the military power shall therein, deal in slaves, either within or always be held in exact subordination to Without this Republic, directly or indi the civil authority, and be governed by it. rectly. _ Sec. 13. Private property shall not be _Sac._ 5. The people have a right at all taken for public use withoutjust compen times, in an orderly and peaceable manner, sation. to assemble and consult upon the common Sec. 14‘. The powers ofthis government good, to instruct their representatives, and shall be divided into three distinct depart~ to petition the government or any public ments, the Legislative, Executive and Ju~ functionaries for the redress of grievances. dicial, and no person belonging to one of Sec. 6. Every person injured shall have these departments shall exercise any of the remedy therefor by due course of law; powers belonginth either of the others. justice shall be done withoutdenial ordelay; This section is not to be construed to in and in all cases not arising under martial clude Justices of the Peace. law, or upon impeachment, the parties shall Sec. 15. The liberty of the press is es have a right to a trial by jury, and to be sential to the security of freedom‘in a State: heard in person or by counsel, or both. it ought not, therefore, to be restrained in Sec. 7. No person shall be held to an this Republic. swer for a capital or infamous crime, ex The press shall be free to every person cept in cases of impeachment. Cases who undertakes to examine the proceed 20 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia.

ings'of the legislature or any branch of public of Liberia in Legislature assem government; and no law shall ever be bled.” made to restrain the rights thereof. The Sec. 2. The representatives shall be free communication of thoughts and opin elected by and for the inhabitants of the ions is one of the invaluable rights of man; several counties of Liberia, and shall be ' and every citizen may freely speak, write, apportioned among the several counties of and print on any subject, being responsible Liberia, as follows: The county “of Mont for the abuse of that liberty. serado shall have four representatives, the In_prosecutions for the ublication of pa county of Grand Bassa shall have three, pers investigatingthe official conduct ofofli and the county of Sinoe shall have one, ~ cers, or men in apublic capacity, or where and all counties hereafter which shall be the matter published is proper for public admitted in the Republic shall have one information, the truth thereof may be given representative, and for every ten thousand in evidence. And in all indictments for inhabitants one representative shall be libels, the jury shall have a right to deter added. N 0 person shall be a representative mine the law and the facts, under the di who has not resided in the county two rection of the court, as in other cases. whole years immediately previous to his See. 16. No subsidy, charge, impost or election, and who shall not, when elected, duties ought to be established, fixed, laid, be an inhabitant ofthe county, and does not or_ levied, under any pretext whatsoever, own real estate of not less value than one Without the consent of the people, or their hundred and fifty dollars in the county in representatives in the legislature. which he resides, and who shall not have Sec. 17. Suits may be brought against attained the age of twenty-three years. the Republic in such manner and in such i The representatives shall be elected bien cases as the legislature may by law direct. nially, and shall serve two year from the Sec. 18. No person can, in any case, be time of their election. ' subjected to the law martial, or to any pe Sec. 3. When a vacancy occurs in the nalties or pains, by virtue of that law, (ex representation of any county by death, re cept those employed in the army or navy, signation, or otherwise, it shall be filled by and except t e militia in actual service,) a new election. but by the authority of the legislature. Sec. 4. The House of Representative Sec. 19. In order to prevent those who shall elect their own speaker and other offi are vested with authority from becoming cers, they shall also have the sole power of oppressors, the people have a right at such impeachment. periods, and in such manner, as they shall Sec. 5. The Senate shall consist of two establish by their frame of government, to members from Montserado county, two cause their public officers to return to pri from Bassa county, two from Sinoe county, vate life, and fill up vacant places, by cer and two from each county which ma be tain and regular elections and appoint hereafter incorporated into this Republic ments. No person shall be a senator who shall not Sec. 20. That all prisoners shall be bail have resided three whole years immediately able by sufficient sureties, unless for capital previous to his election in the Republic of offences, when the proofis evident, or pre Liberia, and who shall not, when elected, sumption great; and the privilege and the be an inhabitant of the county which he benefit of the writ of habeas corpus shall represents, and who does not own real be enjoyed in this Republic, in the most estate of not less value than two hundred free, easy, cheap, expeditious and ample dollars in the county which he represents, manner, and shall not be suspended by the and who shall not have attained the age of legislature, except upon the most urgent twenty-five years. The senator for each and pressing occasions, and for alimited county who shall have the highest number time, not exceeding twelve months. of votes shall retain his seat for four years, ARTICLE ii. and the one who shall have the next high Legislative Powers. est number of votes two years, and all who Sac-non 1. The Legislative power shall are afterwards elected to fill their seats be vested in a Legislature of Liberia, and shall remain in office four years. consist of two separate branches—a House See. 6. The Senate shall try all im of Representatives and a Senate, to be peachments; the senators being first sworn, styled the Legilature of Liberia: each of or solemnly afiirmed, to try the same im w ich shall have a. negative on the other, partially, and according to law, and no per and the enacting style of their acts and son shall be convicted but by the concur laws shall be, “ It is enacted by the Senate rence of two-thirds of the senators present. and House of Representatives of the Re Judgment in such cases shall not extend Constitution of the Republic of Liberia. 2t

beyond removal from office, and disqualifi ARTICLE in. cation to hold an oflice in the Republic, Executive Power. but the party may still be tried at law for the same ofl'ence. Sec-non 1. The Supreme Executive When either the President or Vice Pre power shall be vested in a President, who sident is to be tried, the Chief Justice shall shall be elected by the people, and shall preside. hold his office for the term of two years. He shall be commander-in-chief of the army Sec. 7. It shall be the duty of the Legis and navy. He shall, in the recess of the lature as soon as conveniently may be after legislature, have power to call out the the adoption of this constitution, and once militia, or any portion thereof, into actual at least in every ten years afterwards, to service in defence of the Republic. He cause a true census to be, taken of each shall have power to make treaties, provided town and county of the Republic of Li the Senate concur therein by a vote of beria, and a representative shall be allowed two-thirds of the senators presenti He every town having a population of ten shall nominate; and, with the advice and thousand inhabitants, and for every addi consent of the Senate, appoint and com tional ten thousand in the counties after the mission all ambassadors, and other public first census one representative shall be ministers and consuls, secretaries of State, added to that county until the number of of War, of the Navy, and of the Treaury; representatives shall amount to thirty— attorney general, all judges of courts, she afterwards one representative shall be rifi's, coroners, marshals, justices of the added for every thirty thousand. peace, clerks of courts, registers, notaries Sec. 8. Each branch of the legislature public, and all other officers of State, civil shall be judge of the election returns and and military, whose appointment may not qualifications of its own members. A ma be otherwrse provided for by the constitu- jority of each shall be necessary to trans tion, or by standing laws. And in the re actbusiness, but a less number may adjourn cess of the Senate, he may fill any vacancy from day to day, and compel the attendance in those offices, until the next session of of absent members. Each house may adopt the Senate. He shall receive all ambassa its own rules of proceeding, enforce order, dors and other public ministers. He shall and with the concurrence of two-thirds, take care that the laws be faithfully exe may expel a member. cuted—he shall inform the Legislature, from time to time, of the condition of the Sec. 9. Neither house shall adjourn for ; Republic, and recommend any public mea more than two days without the consent of g sures for their adoption which he may think the other; and both houses shall sit in the expedient. He may, after conviction, re same town. mit any public forfeitures and penalties, SEC. 10. Every bill or resolution which and grant reprieves and pardons for public shall have passed both branches of the Le offences, except in cases of impeachment. gislature, shall, before it becomes a law, be He may require information and advice laid before the President for his approval. from any public officer, touching matters If he approves, he shall sign it, if not, he pertaining to his office. He may, on ex shall return it to the Legislature with his traordinnr occasions, convene the Legis objections—if the Legilature shall after lature, an may adjourn the two houses, wards pass the bill or resolution by a vote whenever they cannot agree as to the time of two-thirds in each branch, it shall be of adjournment. come a law. If the President shall neglect Sec. 2. There shall be a Vice President, to return such bill or resolution to the Le— who shall be elected in the same manner, gislature with his objection for five days and for the same term, as that of the Presi after the same shall have been so laid be dent, and whose qualifications shall be the fore him—the Legislature remaining in same; he shall be President of the Senate session during that time—such neglect and give the casting vote when the House shall be equivalent to his signature. is equally divided on any object. And Sec. 11. The Senators and Representa in case of the removal of the President tives shall receive from the Republic a from office, or his death, resignation, or compensation for their services, to be as inability to discharge the powers and duties certained by law; and shall be rivileged of the said office; the same shall devolve from arrest, except for treason, elony, or on the Vice President, and the Legislature breach of the peace, while attending at, may by law provide for the case of re going to, or returning from the session of moval, death, resignation or inability, both the Legislature. of the President and Vice President, de 22 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia.

claring what officer shall then act as Presi enters on the execution of his office, he dent, and such officer shall act accordingly, shall take the following oath or affirmation: until the disability be removed, or a Presi I do solemnly swear, (or afiirm,) that I _ dent shall be elected. will faithfully execute the office of Presi Sec. 3. The Secretary of State shall dent of' the Republic of Liberia, and will keep the records of the State, and all the to the best of my ability preserve, protect, records and papers of the legislative body, and defend the constitution, and enforce and all other public records and documents, the laws of the Republic of Liberia. not belonging to any other department, ARTICLE IV. and shall lay the same, when required, be Judicial Department. fore the President or Legislature. He shall SECTION 1. The Judicial power of this attend upon them when required, and per Republic shall be vested in one Supreme form such other duties as may be en Court, and such subordinate courts as the joined by law. Legislature may from time to time estab See. 4. The Secretary of the Treasury, lish. The judges of the Supreme Court, or other persons who may by law be and all otherjudges of courts, shall hold charged with the custody of the public their office during good behavior; but may monies, shall, before he receives such be removed by the President, on the ad monies, give bonds to the State, with suffi dress of two-thirds of both houses for that cient sureties, to the acceptance of the Le purpose, or by impeachment and convic gislature, for the falthful diScharge of his tion thereon. The judges shall have sala trust. He shall exhibit a true account of ries established by law, which may be in such monies when required by the Presi creased, but not diminished during their dent or Legislature; and no monies shall continuance in office. They shall not re be drawn from the Treasury, but by war ceive any other perquisite or emoluments rant from the President, in consequence of whatever, from parties or others on account appropriation made by law. of any duty required of them. Sac. 5. All ambassadors and other pub Site. 2. The Supreme Court shall have lic Ministers and Consuls, the Secretary of original jurisdiction in all cases affecting State, of War, of the Treasury, and of the ambassadors or other public ministers and Navy, the Attorney General, and Post consuls, and those to which the Republic master General, shall hold their offices shall be a party. In all other cases the during the pleasure of the President. All Supreme Court shall have appellate juris justices of the peace, sheriff's, marshals, diction, both as to law and fact, with such clerks of courts, registers, and notaries exceptions, and under such regulations a public, shall hold their office for the term the legislature shall from time to time of two years, from the date of their re make. spective commissions; but may be removed ARTICLE v. from office within that time by the Presi Miscellaneous Provisions. dent, at his pleasure; and all other officers SECTION 1. All laws now in force in whose term of otfice may not be otherwise the Commonwealth of Liberia,and not re limited by law, shall hold their office pugnant to this constitution,shall be in during the pleasure of the President. force as the laws of the Republic of Li Sec. 6. Every civil officer may be re beria, until they shall be repealed by the moved from office by impeachment, for Legislature. official misconduct. Every such ofiicer Sec. 2. All judges, magistrates, and may also be removed by the President, other officers now concerned in the ad~ upon the address of both branches of the ministration of justice in the Common Legislature, stating the particular reasons wealth of Liberia, and all other existing for his removal. civil and military officers therein, shall Sec. 7. No person shall be eligible to continue to hold and discharge their re the office of President, who has not been spective offices in the name and by the a citizen of this Republic for at least five authority of the Republic, until others years, and shall not have attained the age shall be appointed and commissioned in of thirty-five years; and who shall not be their stead pursuant to this Constitution. possessed of unincumbered real estate, Sec. 3. All towns and municipal cor of not less value than SIX hundred dollars. porations within this Republic, constituted Sec. 8. The President shall at stated under the laws of' the Commonwealth of times receive for his services, a compen Liberia, shall retain their existing organi sation which shall neither be increased nor zations and privileges, and the respective diminished, during the cried for which officers thereof shall remain in office, and he shall have been electe . And before he act under the authority of' this Republic, Constitution of the Republic of Liberia. 23 ~ A AAA/\A nJ-s

in the same manner and with the like to the Vice President, to the Senators, and owers as they now possess under the to the Representatives in like manner. If ‘ aws of said Commonwealth. the President is unable to attend, the Chief Sec. 4. The first election of President, Justice of the Supreme Court may admin Vice President, Senators, and Representa— ister the oath or affirmation to him, at any tives shall be held on the first Tuesday in place, and also to the Vice President, Sena October in the year of our Lord eighteen tors, and Representatives, in Convention. hundred and forty-seven, in the same man Other officers may take such oath or affir ner as elections of members of the Coun mation before the President, Chief Justice, cil are chosen in the Commonwealth of or any other person who may be designated Liberia, and the votes shall be certified by law. and returned to the Colonial Secretary, SEO. 8. All elections of public officers and the result of the election shall be as shall be made by a majority of the votes, certained, posted, and notified by him as it except in cases otherwise regulated by the i now by law provided in case of such Constitution or by law. members of' Council SEC. 9. Ofi‘ices created by this Consti Sec. 5. All other elections of President, tution which the circumstances of the Re Vice President, Senators and Representa public do not require-that they shall be tives, shall be held in the respective towns filled, shall not be filled until the Legisla on the first Tuesday in May, in every two ture shall deem it necessary. years, to be held and regulated in such SEC. 10. The property ofwhich a woman manner as the Legislature may by law pre may be possessed at the time of her mar scribe. The returns of votes shall be riage, and also that ofwhich she may after made to the Secretary of State, who shall wards become possessed, otherwise than open the same, and forthwith issue notice by her husband, shall not be held respon 0 the election to the persons apparently sible for his debts, whether contracted be so elected Senators and Representatives; fore or after marriage. and all such returns shall be by him laid Nor shall the property thus intended to before the Legislature at its next ensuing be secured to the woman be alienated session, together with a list of the names otherwise than by her free and voluntary of the persons who appear by such returns consent, and such alienation may be made to have been duly elected Senators and by her either by sale, devise or otherwise. Representatives; and the persons appear Sec. 11. In all cases in which estates are ing by said returns to be duly elected, insolvent the widow shall be entitled to one shall proceed to organise themselves ac third of the real estate during her natural cordingly as the Senate and House of Rep life, and to one-third of the personal estate, resentatives. The votes for President which she shall hold in her own right, sub shall be sorted, counted, and declared by ject to alienation by her, by devise or the House of Representatives. And if no otherwise. person shall appear to have a majority of Sec. 12. No person shall be entitled to such votes, the Senators, and Representa hold real estate in this Republic unless he tives present, shall in convention, by joint be a citizen of the same. Nevertheless this ballot, elect from among the persons having article shall not be construed to apply to the three highest numbers of votes, a per colonization, missionary, educational, or son to act as President for the ensuing other benevolent institutions, so long as the term. property or estate is applied to its legiti Sec. 6. The Legislature shall assemble mate purposes. once at least in every year, and such meet SEC. 13. The great object of forming ing shall be on the first Monday in Janu these colonies being to provide a home for ary, unless a different day shall be ap the dispersed and oppressed children of pointed by law. Africa, and to regenerate and enlighten Sec. 7. Everylegislator and otherofiicer this benighted continent, none but persons appointed under this Constitution, shall, of color shall be admitted to citizenship in before he enters upon the duties of his this Republic. office, take and subscribe a olemn oath SEC. 14. The purchase of any land by or afi'irmation to support the Constitution any citizen or citizens from the aborigines of this Republic, and faithfully and im of this country, for his or their own use, artially discharge the duties of such oflice. _or for the benefit of others, as estate or he presiding officer of the Senate shall estates in fee simple, shall be considered administer such oath or afiirmation to the null and void to all intents and purposes. President, in convention of both houses; Sac. 15. The improvementof' the native and the President shall administer the some tribes and their advancement in the arts of O 24 Flag and Seal of the Republic of Liberia \.

agriculture and husbandry being a cherish by the Legislature, by the concurrence of t ‘ed object of this Government, it shall be two-thirds of the members of each branch, the duty of the President to appoint in each and afterwards by them submitted to the county some discreet person, whose duty it people, and ado ted by two-thirds of all '1 t‘ shall be to make regular and periodical tours the electors at tie next biennial'meeting through the country, for the purpose ofcall for the election of Senators and Repre a ing the attention of the natives to these sentatives. wholesome branches of industry, and of in Done in Convention at Monrovia, in the a structing them in the same; and the Legis county of Montserado, by the unanimous lature shall, as soon as can conveniently consent of the people of the Common be done, make provision for these pur wealth of Liberia, this twenty-sixth day poses by the appropriation of money. of July, in the year of our Lord one thous Sec. 16. The ex1sting regulations of the and eight hundred and forty-seven, and of t American Colonization Society, in the the Republic the first. Commonwealth, relative to emigrants, shall in witness whereof we have hereto set n remain the same in the Republic, until our names. regulated by compact between the So S. BENEDICT, President,] ciety and the Republic: nevertheless, the .T. N. LEWIS, Lewislature shall make no law prohibiting H. TEAGE, '> Montserra emigration. And it shall be among the BEVERLY R. WILSON, do County. first duties of the Legislature to take mea ELIJAH JOHNSON, sures to arrange the future relations be J. B. GRIPON, tween the American Colonization Society JOHN DAY, ' and this Republic. A. W. GARDNER, Grand Bassa Sec. 17. This Constitution may be a1 AMOS HERRING, County. tered whenever two-thirds of both branches EPHRAIM TITLER, of the Legislature shall deem it necessary. In which case the alterations or amend R. E. MURRAY, County of Sinoe. ments shall first be conidered and approved , J. W. PROUT, Secretary of Convention.

Flag and Seal of the Republic of Liberia.

Tim following Flag and Seal were adop emerging from the waters. A palm tree, ted by the convention, as the insignia of and at Its base a plough and spade. Ba the Republic of Liberia, and ordered to be neath the emblems, the words Rarrmuc employed to mark its nationality. 0F LIBERIA, and above the emblems, the Flag: six red stripes with five white national motto, THE LOVE OF LIBERTY stripes alternately displayed longitudinally. BROUGHT as name. In the upper angle of the flag, next to the The former seal of the Commonwealth spear, a square blue ground covering in is ordered to be used until that for the Re depth five stripes. In the centre of the public shall be engraved. blue one white star. By order of the Convention. Seal: a dove on the wing with an open scroll in its claws. A view of the ocean S. BENEDICT, with a ship under sail. The sun just Presule'n' (