African repository and colonial journal
American Colonization Society
• _ " v.‘ •- ;* ■ .... *• k' _ fc? r ^ •• t ■• - ' t,' < »t ■ : ■ • -.A* ' -X. » kS. MtV 4^4-. ■.*’ j?ElSCSr^OH. \> f.. *• •’ ^ :■:■ ^ . ,-:.+■ \ •>-.... T; . ••**-'-r-T^ " ■ • .. ‘ 'J- . • •T/» D i vision VSectFon No, } fif 1 THE AFRICAN REPO.SITORY, AND COLONIAL JOURNAL VOL. XVIII. ] WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER, 1842. [ NO. 13. DR. HALL’S ANSWERS TO MR. KEY’S QUESTIONS, IN RELATION TO THE AMERICAN COLONIES OF LIBERIA. No. 1. How long and under what circumstances have you been acquainted with the western coast of Africa, the colonies there established, and the course and extent of commerce on that coast, and the state of the slave trade ? I have been well acquainted with the American colonies on the coast of Africa since November of 1831; having at that time received the ap- pointment of assistant physician to the Colony of, Liberia, where 1 con- tinued for near two years. I subsequently, under the direction of the Maryland State Colonization Society founded the Colony at Cape Palmas denominated Maryland in Liberia. I remained in this Colony for the term of three years in the capacity of Governor and physician, during which time I made some general surveys of that section of the coast, ascended a large river near one hundred miles, and made many treaties of amity and commerce with the kings and chiefs in the territory contigous to our set- tlement. Subsequent to my resignation of the Agency of the Maryland State Colonization Society, I commenced mercantile operations on the coast exclusively on my own account and personally superintended by myself, extending from Sierra Leone to Cape Coast Castle, although mainly con- fined to the vicinity of the American colonies, and at all the slave marts be- tween Sierra Leone and Cape Palmas. Since that period I have been acting as Genei;al Agent of the Maryland State Colonization Society,- have still a vessel trading on the coast, and maintain from both causes an extensive cor- respondence with the colonies. No. 2. State the present condition of these colonies, particularly that of Cape Pal- mas, and under what circumstances it was founded, and at what expense, and how it is governed, and the number of inhabitants in them all ? 26 WESTIIRN AFIIICA. [Novembcir, 3:iS The term Liberia is applied loan extent of about 300 miles of the west coast of Africa, commencing at about 60J degrees of north latitude, and running due south east in true course to Cape Palmas in 4| degrees north# latitude, thence about thirty miles nearly east to Tabau ; extent into the in- terior undefined. The whole of this coast line, however, is not under the jurisdiction of the American colonies. Many points being occupied by English and American trading factories, and one until very recently by a slave factory. The first settlement was made at Cape Messuradothe north- ern-most point of Liberia, which has extended some distance into the inte- rior up St. Paul’s river, on which are the villages'of Millsburg, Caldwell and AVhite Plains. The town of ^lonrovia was at one time the centre of very extensive trade from the interior ; large quantities of camwood and ivory were shipped from this port. This has in a great degree been broken up by the energetic prosecution of the slave trade at Galiinas about one hundred miles to the northwest. This colony is rather on the decline, certainly in point of numbers, owing to the decided unhealthiness of its location, and the calls made upon it for the establishment of new colonies; although it is yet the capitoi of Liberia proper. About 25 miles below Messurado is Marshall, a small town at the mouth of the Junk river. Some fifteen miles further are established many large, colonial factories at a place, called Little Bassa. The next principal settlement is Edina on the north side of St. John’s river, and opposite to it, on the south side, is the colony established by the New York and Pennsylvania Colonization Societies. Some five miles up the St. John’s is a new town or farming section called Bexley. The colonies at Bassa, or this colony, (for they were incorporated into one a few years since) are in many respects preferable to those on the St. Paul’s, and deserve equal rank and importance. The jurisdiction of the colony ceases at Bassa Cove, and no just claim is made to territory by the American colonies for near 100 miles to the Sinou river, where the Colonization Societies of Mississippi and Louisiana established a colony under the most favorable auspices and which would, if properly fostered and supported, be one of the best on the coast. The river is large and affords a safe and commodious anchorage for all colonial vessels. The extent of territory purchased on the coast is very limited, and the Colony but feeble from the scarcity of its members. You again follow an extent of near one hundred miles of coast line unclaimed by the colonj_es until you arrive at Cape Palmas which w^as purchased by the JMaryland Coloni- , zation Society in February, 1834. This colony embraces about 1500 square miles of territory, extending along the seaboard about 35 miles. Its char- acter is strictly agricultural, producing in the greatest abundance vegetable provisions for the consumption of its inhabitants and for supplying com- mercial and national vessels. Although established but eight years since, it is far better fitted for self-support than any other colony on the coast. Here was the first carriage-road made in the colonies, and here, to a greater extent than in any other colony, either English or American, is the plough used in agriculture. This colony now^ contains about 600 emigrants, mostly from Maryland, and the statistics of births and deaths show ittobe on the increase independent of immigration. The total expense of the founding of this colony, purchase of territory, transporting emigrants, furnishing supplies, paying the salaries of officers, , ;oth in America and Africa, has been about 130,000, j^86,000 paid by the 1842.] WESTERN AFRICA. . 339 State, about ^20,000 by individual contributions, and ^20,000 accruing from trade by the agent of the Society in the colony. It is characterized as being strictly a temperance colony, ardent spirits having never yet been admitted except as an article of the Materia Medica. And it is remarkable, too, for having been settled and thus far nurtured without war or open hostility with the native tribes embraced within its ’ limits. I am unable to state the number of emigrants in all the colonies, but they probably fall short of four thousand. I presume it was not the intent of your question that I should enierinto a detail of all the statistics of those colonies, and shall therefore merely state in addition to the above, that as to territory, they have sufficient, and as they increase can extend it suffi- ciently, to accommodate the whole colored population of the United States, although it would be desirable to increase the extent of ccast line at as early a period as practicable. With regai*d to the fertility of the soil it is unequalled in richness and abundantly productive of all the great variety of tropical fruits and vegetables, and of the most valuable staples of export in the world. Of the character of the Liberians. — Their government is strictly republican, representative or elective. All officers of what cast soever, are colored men, ali elective, save the two Governors, one residing atMessura- do, appointed by the American Colonization Society, and the other at Cape Palmas, appointed by the ^Maryland Stale Colonization Society. Of their capability to maintain sudi form of government experience is the best evi- dence, as in no one^ instance has the constituted authorities been set at naught or trampled upon. The colonists are generally religious and moral ; perhaps a greater pro- portion are members of some Christian church than is to be found in any other community. A large majority of them, particularly the younger por- tion of the community, are instructed in the common branches of educa- tion, and some are truly intelligent and learned. The most eloquent preach- ers and most successful physicians are colored men. In their commercial transactions they are as upright and honorable as could be expected, con- sidering their former habits of life. 1 think they are capable with proper protection and patronage and judicious and select additions from the United States, in time, to accomplish an entire moral and political revolution in Western Africa. No. .3. What is the nature and extent of the trade they carry on with the natives and with other countries ? I have no statistics from which to answer your third interrogatory, and can only say in general terms that the citizens of the early settlements are decidedly a commercial people. As I before remarked, there was at one time a very large commerce carried on at ^Monrovia. There were then es- tablished six regular commission houses, quite a number of coasting vessels were employed in the native trade, and some foreign vessels were constantly in the roadstead. At the present time, although the trade from the interior is greatly dimin- ished from causes before noted, yet the coasting trade is well sustained, extending from Sierra Leone to Cape Palmas. The colonists build small vessels of from ten to forty tons, and trade for the commodities of the coast 340 WESTERN AFRICA. [November, 'vviih merchandise purchased from European and American vessels. In the prosecution of this coast trade they labor under great disadvantages, as their competitors, the foreign merchants, are the very ones of whom they are obliged to purchase their merchandise, and to whom they are to sell the produce of the coast in payment. Were the whole coast between Cape Palmas and Monrovia secured by treaty to the colonists, an ample field would be open for the prosecution of a very extensive and profitable com- merce. But this vv'ould not be practicable, as the natives prefer open and free intercourse with the trading vessels of all nations. No. 4. What eftects have they produced on the natives in their vicinity ? The effect of the colonies upon the native tribes both near and remote is decidedly favorable ; and that perhaps to a greater extent than is often the case in the colonization or settlement of a new and barbarous country. Although in Liberia proper there has not unfrequently occurred wars with the surrounding tribes, yet the evils arising therefrom are far more than counterbalanced by the good efiected. The commercial intercourse with the natives alone is of vast benefit to them individually, besides tending rapidly to develop the resources of the country. Their indirect benefit too, through the missionary establishments within the influence of the Colony is of weighty consideration, as I am well convinced without their protection no mission' station could have been established ; and certainly not successfully prosecuted had the American colonies not existed. But the most important advantage accruing to the natives from the establishment of the colonies, arises from the bare fact of the existence of_a community of blacks like tliemselves maintaining a well regulated government, and conversant with, and exercising the arts and habits of civilized life. It is a universal impression pervading all the tribes of Western Africa, that the white man is of a distinct and superior order of being, that there is an in- separable bar between the two races', that one is doomed to be a savage, and the other a civilized man. The bare existence of the Colony is a con- vincing demonstration of the absurdity of their opinions, and will do more to elevate them in the scale of being, than could be done by all and every other measure that could be projected. No. 5. State the course and extent of the slave trade as at present existing. As my knowledge from personal observation is confined almost exclu- sively to what is termed the windward section of the west coast of Africa, called the Grain and Ivory coasts, I shall only speak of the slave trade as carried on there. It will at once occur to you that any thing like definite or accurate statements with regard to the number shipped will be out of the question, as the trade has for along period been only prosecuted clandestine- ly. To the windward of Sierra Leone the traffic has heretofore been prosecu- ted pretty extensively, in the Rio N unez and Pongas, the Rio Grande, and in Bissiaons or Bissiagos islands. Not having visited either of these places, I am unable to speak with much accuracy of what has at any time been the number shipped, but should think, from what I know of the amount of goods sold at those factories, that at least ten thousand were shipped annu- ally from all. I believe, however, most of them have been broken up by the English cruisers. The Gallinas river, about 100 miles to leeward of Sierra Leone, has been the most important and expensive slave mart on the 1842.] WESTERN AFRICA. 34] windward coast. Here were located at least eight factories, generally con- taining from two to four hundred slaves each ; and from all those were ship-. ped annually at least ten thousand, and by some estimated at double that number. Connected with this mart are many smaller factories scattered along the coast, and at Sugary, Cape Mount and Digby where slaves are pur- chased by sub-factories and sent to Gallinas for shipping, or perhaps to which large quantities of slaves have been sometimes transported for ship- ment, when Gallinas was over strictly guarded. This market since my last visit to the coast has been broken up by the British cruisers, and I am entirely unable to say whether the factories have been abandoned. To the leeward of Cape Messurado, some tw^enty miles from Bassa, existed another factory at a place called New”^ Cesters, wdiich was likewise broken up at the same time with Gallinas. The principal agent, a Florentine by birth, has since settled as a merchant at Cape Mount. To w^hat extent the slave trade is carried on at these places since the landing of the boat’s crews of the British cruisers and the destruction of the factories I am unable to say, but doubtless w^ere the cruisers at all to relax their vigilance, it w'ould 'ini- mediately be prosecuted with the utmost vigor. From the immediate vi- cinity of New Cesters no other slave factory has existed for a long period, until you reach Whidah, a distance of over 1,000 miles. 1 believe there has been at least four British cruisers stationed on that section of the coast of which i speak, for the past five years, and perhaps at times more. The great mart for the slave trade, however, is far to the leeward, commencing at Whidah and extending south of the line to Cape Negro, a distance of near two thousand miles, including the Delta of the Niger, the Congo and Gaboon rivers. No. 6. State the course and extent of the other commerce on that coast, and tlie prospect of its increaising importance. The whole extent of the coast line of West Africa is a mart of com- merce. There is not often an extent of ten miles of beach without its canoe landing and small or large trade towns established, specially for tlie purpofee of exchange of commodities with merchant vessels. In many places the trade is very inconsiderable, not being sufficient to induce the master of a trading vessel to clew up and anchor; in others of an equally unpromising appearance, the wffiole cargo of a vessel may in the time of an ordinary voyage be exchanged for African produce. In the large rivers many vessels of from two to four hundred tons are continually to be seen engaged in traffic. The principal articles of export in former years were gums, \vax, mala- gratta pepper, hides, ivory and gold. All these articles are now of second- ary importance to dye-woods and palm oil. The latter article when used barely for the manufacture of soap and in w'oolen factories has found a ready and permanent market both in Europe and America. But of late ex- periments have been made by wffiich the stearine is separated from the ealine, both of which products being in great demand, it may reasonably be sup- posed that any amount of the article will always find a ready market at a fair profit. The production of this article is greatly on the increase, and no probable limits can be fixed as to the extent to which it can be furnished. In small towns where I could ten years since only purchase a few gallons in calabashes for the use of my crews, it is now obtained in puncheons for 342 WESTERN AFRICA. [November, exportation. In fact the whole palm oil trade of the windward coast has been formed within the last twelve years, and now thousands of puncheons are shipped annually. The camwood is one of the most important dye-woods in the world, and we believe is mostly if not altogether obtained from Africa, and it can there be obtained to almost any extent, being, in the interior, one of the most com- mon forest trees. The demand tbr it is steady and uniform both in this country and in England. The principal articles used in trade with Africa are tobacco, rum, gun- powder, muskets, cotton goods in all varieties, silks, many articles of hard- ware ; many also of crockery and glass ware. Beads in all their varieties, and various trinkets of small importance, and for which the demand is de- creasing. Of these, the one most in demand, and that which must neces- sarily constitute a portion of every cargo destined for the native trade, is tobacco, and of that kind which can only be obtained in the United States. The article next in demand, and of which the amount used far exceeds that of tobacco, is the coarse, heavy cotton goods, made in imitation of many varieties of the Indian cottons. These, it is believed, can be produced at as low a piice in this country as in Europe, were there sufficient encour- agement offered to induce our manufactureis to engage in imitating the par- ticular patterns required. Gunpowder and rum can also be produced here cheaper than in England. These five articles actually constitute two-thirds of the value of a cargo used in the palm oil and camwood trade. The main importance of this trade to the United States I should attribute to its afford- ing a steady and increasing market for the above articles, two of which are important staples of the country. There is also a great demand for the various articles of American provisions at all the various settlements on the coast, (excepting the English., from which our salted provisions and fish are excluded,) and which will rapidly increase as the settlements multiply and enlarge. No. 7. By whom and under what advantages and disadvantages is it now carried on ? I should judge that at least three-fourths of the native trade of the whole continent of Africa, excepting the Mediterranean, of which I know no- thing, to be in the hands of the English. Of tire remaining fourth, perhaps the Americans have one-half, and the balance is divided between the French, Portuguese, and Dutch. The English maintain the ascendency for many reasons: In the first place, they were at one time the most ex- tensive and successful prosecutors of the slave trade, and obtained juris- diction over many important points of the coast at that lime. -Then, the goods used in the slave trade by all natives even to the present day are mainly the production of England and her India colonies, tobacco only excepted. Consequently, upon the abolition of the slave trade, a vast extent of the coast was under English influence, and a demand existed for the products of her manufactories. Again: England is the great central mart for all articles of commerce for the whole world, and there, more than any where else, a market may be found for all African produce. The amount of capital, too, in England ^ seeking investment is a powerful instrument in opening new sources of commerce. But added to all these, and perhaps as powerful in its in- fluence as all otheT causes combined in securing a majority of this trade to WESTERN AFRICA. 343 1842.] the English, is the manner in which the trade is carried on, and the gene- ral and ample protection afforded by the English Government to the African commerce. The whole trade of the African coast consists in a system of barter of commodities. Every large tooth of ivory, quintal of camwood, of cask of oils, must command in most instances a moiety of every article used in that commerce. The want of one important article of trade, as for instance a musket, tobacco, or even a cutlass or flints, will prevent the trader from making a purchase, even although he may offer four times the value of the article in question in other merchandise. From this cause, when the commerce is well established and a demand created for all articles desired in that trade, the merchant will enjoy great advan- tages in the complete assortment of his cargo over his less fortunate com- petitors. Then there is established throughout the coast a system of credit which is exceedingly prejudicious to the vessels of all nations whose commerce is not specially protected. The native tribes on the beach are merely the factors for the people of the interior, and have no capital to trade upon; consequently the foreign trader is obliged to land his goods to be sent into the interior and ex- changed for his return cargo. Flis whole cargo, therefore, is at the mercy of these people, and when there is no protecting power at hand they are solely governed by what they may deem their interest as to the amount which they will refund. If the merchant is an old trader, and it is sup- posed he will continue the business, they are anxious to secure a con- tinuance of his custom and probably may pay him up well. But on the other hand, should it be a transient vessel, and one which it may not be supposed will visit the coast again, but a poor return will be received for the cargo landed. Now, the British Government maintains a large squad- ron on the coast, whose duty it is, in addition to the suppression of the slave trade, to form treaties of commerce more or less perfect with the African chiefs and head trade men, to see the conditions thereof well ful- filled, to demand satisfaction for all trespasses by the natives on the per- sons or property of the British subjects, and to relieve their merchant vessels in cases of wreck, pestilence, or any other disaster This, it will readily be perceived, gives the British commercial vessels very great advantages over those of all other nations, and renders their commerce on this barbarous coast (where to the vessels of all other nations the risk is so great as to swallow up the large profits of the trade) almost as safe as in any part of the world, where it is protected by the regular custom-house laws of civilized nations. No. 8. What in your opinion is necessary to give our vessels the benefit of thia trade ? In order to secure to our African commerce the same footing as is en- joyed by that of England, nearly similar measures must be adopted as are in operation by that Government, varying, however, according to our peculiar relations with Africa. In the first place there always ought to be a certain amount of naval force on that coast, cruising from Sierra Leone to Ambrize bay, frequent- ing most those parts where the American trade is most largely prosecuted. This is perfectly practicable, without the least risk of the sacrifice of the officers and crews from the 'climate, by observing the most simple precau- 314 WESTERN AFRICA. [November, tion, viz: not to permit any officer or seaman to sleep or remain on shore after night fall, and not to enter any of the rivers during the rainy season or near the commencement or close of the rains. The smallest sized vessels with one good pivot gun are as effective and useful as a frigate; and the very swiftest sailers only can be useful. A general commercial agent should be established at the most suitable place on the coast, having under his charge a depot of provisions and ma- rine stores for the benefit of the national vessels, and many of the more important articles for supplying commercial vessels on payment therefor, as from slight losses of anchors, chains, spars and sails a voyage is entirely broken up; whence the exorbitant insuranc’e charged for vessels engaged in that trade. The depot ought to be made at Cape Palmas, for three very important reasons: 1st. It is decidedly the most healthy station on the coast of Africa. 2d. It is the most central point within the range of the American commerce. 3d. It is the point most easily obtained, from other and more powerful causes than its greater proximity — it is the southwest point on the coast of Guinea, where the coast line, after running from Cape Verd nearly in a due southeast direction changes to due east and east north-east. It is, then, a prominent point and easily made in the yainy season, when for a long period no observation can be had, as from the direction of the coast on making land you can always judge whether you are to the windward or leeward and govern yourself accordingly. At cer- tain seasons, too, owing to the steady course of the wind from one point, and the strong current created thereby no vessel can beat to the windward, and most of the year a disabled vessel would find it difficutto do so. Ves- sels bound to windward are often in sight of port three or four days and unable to get up. On this account it is very important that Cape Palmas should be selected. Another matter, too, is worthy of notice: Cape Pal- mas is the most productive part of the Grain Coast, where rice is always procured for trading vessels bound to the leeward, and from which other •colonies are often supplied. A suitable agent at this place, with a proper naval depot and a small squadron constantly cruising on that coast, ready at any time to furnish requisite aid to our merchant vessels, would materially advance the inter- est of the American commerce; and were it certain that no measures would be taken by any other nation to form treaties of commerce along the coast or up the branches of the Niger and other large rivers with the native chiefs, to the exclusion of our commerce, as is done in the Senegal by the French, and in the Gambia and Sierra Leone and other settlements by the English, perhaps nothing more could be expected or desired. But should it be feared that measures may be taken to exclude our vessels from the frq^ and open commerce with other points of the coast as well as those above referred to, it is practicable at this time to prevent the consummation of such a plan, and secure to American vessels for ever equal privileges with those of any and every other nation. Let a person well acquainted with the commerce of the coast, the points most important to be secured, and conversant, too with the manner of making contracts and treaties with the native chiefs, be appointed and sent out in a Govern- ment vessel with power and instructions to visit every point of sufficient importance, and make a regular treaty of commerce with all the chiefs and WESTERN AFRICA. 345 1S42.] headmen, securing to the vessels of the United States free and unrestrain- ed right of trade within their several jurisdictions, not to be annulled by any future contract or transfer of territory to any other nation. This measure, if it did not forever actually secure to us a claim to this com- merce (in common with other nations) would give us good grounds for contesting any question about it, and resisting encroachment. 9. What protection do theSe colonics require ? The establishment of the above proposed agency, and the constant pres- ence of any number of national cruisers on that section of tlie coast, with the understanding on the part of the native chiefs that they were in some measure for the protection and defence of the colony, would materially promote the interests of the colonies, and free them from any apprehen- sions from the natives. Up to the present time the colonists have defend- ed themselves nobly and successfully when attacked by hostile tribes, yet the weaker colonies more recently established might be extirpated by a well concerted assault, and they actually need at least a show of succor and protection. ' , No. 10. Is or is not a consul or commercial agent or agents necessary on that coast for the protection of the colony and American trade, and where should they reside ? I conceive this interrogatory to have been answered in reply to No. 8. I think one actual, accredited agent of Government would be better than a larger number, allowing him, ill case he should deem it advisable, to ap- point a sub-agent in other settlements for specific purposes, accountable directly to him. My’^ reasons for this opinion are, that it is difficult to find the proper persons for such a station who are willing to go to Africa with any thing like a reasonable compensation; and unless they were persons well qualified for their peculiar station no good would result from the ar- rangement. That a large expenditure of money unnecessarily would be injudicious and bring the whole into disrepute with Government. That one depot for marine stores would be sufficient, and in case there were mo<e they would be attended with increased expense. That there would be more responsibility in the acts of one person than more. The main point is to get the proper agents, as all operations in Afric a clearly show. No. 11. Are not the colonies rendering considerable aid and protection to American commerce ? The colonies have served materially to increase as well as aid the Am- erican commerce on that coast, and that in two ways. 1st They have developed the resources of the country interior to the colonies, and vastly increased the exports from that section. 2dly. By the transportation of emigrants in vessels chartered of large shippers in our commercial cities they have had their attention directed to that trade, and maiiy have subse- quently embarked therein. Probably one quarter of all the American com- merce with West Africa for the past ten years is attributed to this cause. The colonies afford aid to the American commerce in various ways. In ordinary voyages they serve as regular ports of entry and clearance, fur- - nishing protests, debentures, certificates, and the many documents so im- portant in commerce. In case of partial injury to vessels, so common on , long voyages, repairs can be advantageously made here. In case of total wreck, which has in a number of instances occurred to American vessels. 346 WESTERN AFRICA. [November, (two to my knowledge,) the crew have been saved from all the misery that would have necessarily been entailed upon them on a barbarous and deadly coast ; they have been clothed and fed, and attended in the fever which so certainly attacks all who sleep on shore, and in every respect found a comfortable home until opportunities have occurred for shipping. The colonies are often resorted to for medical aid by vessels which have been up the rivers in the rainy season. On my first landing in Monrovia in 1831, two American vessels were there lying in the roads from the rivers to the windward with but one well person of the original crew on board of each. Had it not been for the colony, most likely the officers and crew' of these vessels would have died and the vessels been dismantled by the natives, as has been often the case up the rivers. Instances like the above not unfrequently occur. The existence of these colonies has in my opinion lessened the risk attending a trading voyage on that coast very materially, in fact changed the features of our commerce there altogether. No. 12. How will the proper protection of these colonies and the promotion of the American commerce on that coast atfect the slave trade ? It may be proper to state before affording a direct answ^er to the ques- tion, that the very establishment of the colonies has absolutely broken up the slavers wdthin their boundaries. The location of the first colony was on an island that had, from time immemorial, been occupied by slave facto- ries. The first severe w'ars in wdiich this colony was engaged w’as on the question of the slave trade. The slave factories of Trade Town and New Cesters w^as broken up by Ashmun early in the history of the colony. Subsequently two factories have at different times been destroyed by the colonists at Little Bassa, and that, too, through hard fighting. Grand Bassa w'as always a slave mart — the last slaves w'ere shipped on the day I landed in a schooner to pay for the first purchase of territory there, in March, 1832. If, therefore, the colonies have w'ithout assistance or protection purged 100 miles of coast line of this traffic, wdiat may not be hoped from them when they shall receive that countenance and protection which they so justly merit, and which they have so long required ? No. 13. Do you believe the kings and chiefs on the coast now engaged in the slave trade could he compelled or prevailed on hy any and what means to abandon the trade ? Taken in connection with all the means at present employed for the suppression of the slave trade, I am of opinion that treaties might be made w'ith the chiefs and head men, wdiich M'ould effectually extinguish this trade on the windward coast (so called) beyond which my personal ac- quaintance does not extend. It w'ould be but reasonable to suppose, howmver, that the same measure.* 'would operate as successfully throughout the w'hole extent of the slavf coast. In order to effect this object a joint commission should be estab lished, representative of such powmrs as wmuld be disposed to act therein They should visit the coast and call a general palaver of all the head men of every tribe contiguous to any slave mart. The whole matter should be canvassed in a fair and candid manner. The history of the trade should ' be given. The evils attendant on not only its victims but all in any way connected with it should be fully portrayeffi The reason should be given WESTERN AFRICA. 34: 1S42.] why all Christendom had denounced the traffic. The determination of the whole civilized world to extinguish it. The advantages of a lawful and honorable commerce should be pointed out. Comparisons should be in- stituted between the prosperity and happiness of those sections of their own country where the slave trade had long been ^abandoned, and where it still existed. Then option should be given them to renounce the traffic absolutely and entirely, and tliereby secure the friendship and good will of the civilized world, or to attempt to continue it and suffer the conse- quences. It is my opinion that, under these circumstances, all hope of success- fully combating the settled, determined policy and wills of the white MAN would cease, and a contract or treaty, binding them under the mosi weighty penalties to annul tltis traffic would at once be ratified. Perhapj they might, as it is customary in all palavers between Africans and Eu ropeans, demand some compensation for the sacrifice they would alleg( they must make in according such a proposition; but this would fall fa short of the expense of fitting out an additional vessel for capturing slaver: on the high seas. And were it not demanded, it would be advisable to giv( a bonus, as the receiving a valuable consideration is the customary seal t< all African contracts. I said this measure, in addition to those already in operation, wouh effect the desired object. It cannot be supposed that a barbarous chie woiffd adhere to any contract of this kind (especially with a white man) where no penalty would be exacted for a breach thereof. And it is plain no penalty could be exacted unless a sufficient force should be at hand. It would therefore be necessary to remit in the prosecution of no one measure at present in operation to efiect this grand object. It may be asked if no dependence can be placed upon a treaty what is the use of making one ? A slight knowledge of the manner in which the slave trade is carried on will explain. At the slave marts I have visited, a kind of treaty is entered into between the prince or head man of the country. A grant is made of a piece of land on which to erect a haracoon or slave fac- tory, and the requisite buildings are erected thereon on payment of a spe- cific sum. Goods are then distributed to the roving traders, who go to the bush fer the purchase of slaves, or the slaves may be sent down by a dealer or warrior from the interior. The king gets a certain per centage or premium on every slave sold. His men also do all the manual labor for the slaver, procure food for the slaves, keep guard over them, and secure such as may chance to escape. When the vessel arrives to receive the slaves all hands are turned to at once to put them on board with all possible despatch, and if they escape clear, the king and his people receive additional remuneration. It will, therefore, be perceived that nothing could be done by any slave dealer on the coast were it not for the cordial and active co-operation of some native chief of power and influence. It will readily be perceived what advantage would accrue from the treaty proposed. Not even a barricoon could be erected ere it would come to the knowledge of some cruiser on the coast, and a stop at once be put to the proceeding. But it may be asked, suppose the native chiefs will not come to any agreement of this kind? I think justice and humanity would warrant at 348 SOUTHERN AFRICA. [November, any time the forcible entry and destruction of all factories and barricoons, the liberation of slaves found therein, the dispersion of any foreigners that may be found on shore under suspicious circumstances and a blockade of the place, excluding therefrom all intercourse with Europeans. These measures, I am confident, would soon bring them to terms. No. 1-1. Do you believe the slave trade can be effectually suppressed by any other means than by supplying; the natives with trade goods by the substitution of lawful trade for the products of Africa' ^ Lawful commerce would at once be established on the annihilation of the slave trade, and is now^ carried on to a greater or less extent at all the slave marts. It cannot be prosecuted to a greater extent than the articles of export are supplied, and there is not a native on the coast but knows the regular market price of every article of African production. Where the slave trade is prosecuted, all hands, both near and remote, are engaged in some way or other in advancing it, and get their European luxuries through such employment; but let it be abandoned and the same people are at once induced to supply their wants by producing and maiketing articles of traffic with which their country m.ay abound, and the moment they are exposed on the coast purchasers are always at hand, and lawful commerce at once becomes substituted without Government interference or patron- age. The establishment of large trade factories for the purchase of African produce would, however, be a strong inducement to the adoption of the proposed treaty. MISSIONARY LABORS AND SCENES IN SOUTHERN AFRICA. ( Concluded.) “ In July 1736, George Schmidt, with something of that zeal which fired the bosom of Esede, the pioneer of the mission to Greenland, left his native country for that of the Hottentots. ^ * * Though he could only address the Hottentots through an interpreter, his early efforts were crowned with success, and the attendance at the first Hottentot school ever founded rapidly increased. The Hottentots with all their re- puted ignorance and apathy, justly regarded him with sentiments of un- feigned respect and admiration, and so evidently was the Gospel made the power of God, that in the course of a few years he \vas able to add a number of converts to the Church of the first born. “ In 1743 the lonely missionary was compelled to visit Europe, when, the Dutch East India Company, actuated by representations that to in- struct the Hottentots would be injurious to the interests of the colony, re- fused to sanction the return of this messenger of mercy to that unfortunate people. Every effort to resume the mission was fruitless, till the year 1792, when Marsveldt, Schurinn and Kirchnel sailed for the Cape of Good Hope. They received every attention, and went in search of the spot, where more than half a century before, Schmidt left his little band. # “ The Hottentots who remembered Mr. Schmidt, or who had heard of his labors of love, rallied around the standard again erected, and though great and many were the trials and distresses of the missionaries, often threatened with destruction and murder, all recorded in the chronicles of SOUTHERN AFRICA. 