designing to perpetuate slavery, they would beg leave to say, that it is not reasonable to infer such purpose, from the circumstance of the Society's confining its operations to the free people of colour. The managers could, with no propriety, depart from their original and avowed purpose, and make emancipation their object. And they would further say, that if they were not thus restrained by the terms of their association, they would still consider any attempts to promote the increase of the free coloured population by manumission, unnecessary, premature, and dangerous. They hope that more correct views are now entertained throughout our country, of the manner in which all subjects, in any way connected with slavery, should be considered and conducted. It seems now to be admitted that, whatever has any bearing upon that question, must be managed with the utmost consideration; that the peace and order of society must not be endangered by indiscreet and ill-timed efforts to promote emancipation; and that a true regard should be manifested to the feelings and the fears, and even the prejudices of those, whose co-operation is essential. The Managers of the Society perceive with gratification, that these considerations begin to be felt and appreciated in those states where slavery is only heard of, and where perhaps the perplexities of its operations upon society, and the necessities it creates and imposes, have not been generally understood. From the situation of the Society, and its constant intercourse with the citizens of some of the slave states, they have had abundant opportunities of witnessing the progress of opinion upon this subject, and of accurately knowing its present state. They are convinced, that there are now hundreds of masters who are so only from necessity, who are prepared to manumit their slaves, whenever means are provided for their reception and support in the Colony; and they believe that this disposition, even without any legislative enactments, will increase far more rapidly, than the means for its gratification can be afforded. They trust, therefore, that the object which they have endeavoured to place before the American people, and which is now proved to be attainable, will be found interesting to every portion of our country, and that no apprehensions of any evil consequences to result from it, can be reasonably entertained. has selected as To those, therefore, whom the guardians of her interests, your Memorialists beg leave to commit this important subject, trusting that their wisdom will devise the means by which the work they have thus far accomplished, may be made to promote those interests, and the common welfare of our country. Discoveries in Africa. (From the Sierra Leone Gazette.) His Majesty's ship Brazen, captain Willes, sailed on Thursday last, for the Bights of Benin and Biafra. Captains Clapperton and Pearce, with Messrs. Morrison and Dickson, who came out in the Brazen, went down in her, and will be landed at such part of the coast as circumstances may render most advisable. Their object will then be to reach Soccatoo, where Capt. Clapperton resided some time last year, when in the interior with Major Denham. We had much conversation with him, and were much gratified with his statements. They confirm (what we are sure will be more apparent the more we become acquainted with the country) that the centre of Africa is far advanced in civilization; that the further the negro is removed from the baneful effects of the slave-trade-the contamination of the coast-the more he is raised in the scale of humanity: the more intelligent, honest and industrious does he become. We understand, that on reaching Soccatoo, some of the party will remain to form more intimate relations with that extraordinary sovereign, Sultan Bello, and endeavour to establish a safe and permanent communication between Soccatoo and the coast; whilst others will visit the Niger, trace its source, and follow it to the sea: with other excursions for the benefit of science, and the extension of knowledge. We were favoured with a view of a map, containing the late discoveries of major Denham and capt. Clapperton, from which it seems nearly certain that the Niger, or Joliba, passing within a short distance of Soccatoo, flows into the Bight of Benin, and we have no doubt, forms Lagos and the rivers round it. If so, what an important opening is made into the interior of Africa! With the exception of the rapids of Yaouree, a steam vessel may traverse this immense continent from the Bight of Benin to the Foulah country a water communication scarcely equalled in any other part of the world. We were much gratified with captain Clapperton's account of the extent and neatness of the fences and plantations in the interior, especially of cotton and indigo, and the care with which they are kept clear of weeds. We are also struck with the circumstance, that all the gold carried to Timbuctoo and Soccatoo, is brought from the west and southwest; a strong corroboration of what is always stated by our travelling merchants, that the most productive gold mines of Western or Interior Africa are not far from us. We wish these adventurous travellers every success; but we cannot help fearing the Portuguese interest in the Bights will be too powerful for them. It is the policy of that government to keep every thing connected with its colonial establishments a profound secret. The world knows nothing of them. To this national jealousy is to be added, in the present case, the fear of the authorities on this coast, that our success, may be their loss, and especially that it may interfere with their illicit slavetrade. If the Lagos be the Niger, they must know it: and if so, we fear they will not, if they can prevent it, allow our enterprising countrymen to unravel a secret they have so long kept. Formation of Auxiliary Societies. It gives us pleasure to announce the formation of the following auxiliary societies, and to publish the names of their respective officers. Hampden county, Mass. Auxiliary Colonization Society. Hon. Samuel Lathrop, PRESIDENT, Israel E. Trask, Esq. VICE-President, Hon. Justice Willard, RECORDING SEC'Y. Col. George Cotten, TREASURer. BOARD OF MANAGERS. Hon. John Mills, Ethan Ely, Esq. Rev. Isaac Knapp, Rev. Samuel Osgood, Rev. W. B. O. Peabody. Edenton, N. C. Auxiliary Colonization Society. Rev. Mr. Meredith and Mr. Kerr, Members of the Board of Managers ex-officio. St. Louis, Missouri, Auxiliary Colonization Society. William Carr Lane, PRESIDENT. VICE-PRESIDENTS. The African Boy, "Jerningham.” Ah! tell me, little mournful Moor, Like ravening sharks that haunt the shore, ) Return to bless, to raise, to cheer, Her sorrowing voice, her kneeling prayer; With screams of woe, the air she rends; |