so benevolent in itself, and so important to a great portion of its constituents. Indeed, nothing is more to be wished than that the United States would themselves undertake to make such an establishment on the coast of Africa. Exclusive of motives of humanity, the commercial advantages to be derived from it might defray all its expenses; but for this, the national mind is not prepared. It may, perhaps, be doubted whether many of these people would voluntarily consent to such an exchange of situation, and but few of those who are advanced to a certain age in habits of slavery would be capable of governing themselves; this should not, however, discourage the experiment, nor the early trial of it. And propositions should be made with all the prudent caution and attention requisite to reconcile it to the interest, the safety, and prejudice, of all parties.

Accept the assurance of my respect and esteem.

THOMAS JEFFERSON.

The resolution of the State of Virginia, to be seen in the succeeding pages of this note, had been, as the committee are assured, for several weeks before it was submitted by its mover to the House of Delegates of that State, shown to many members of that body. Its subject had also been made by him a topic of discussion in the city of Washington, in the preceding Spring, and in the cities of Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York, as well as at Princeton, in New Jersey, during the following Summer and Autumn. And a concurrent movement in relation to its purpose, in both Maryland and Virginia, had been distinctly concerted in Georgetown, within the District of Columbia, with a gentleman now residing there, as early as March, 1816, without the participation or knowledge of any individual whatever residing North of Maryland.

An accidental disclosure in the city of Richmond, late in February, 1816, of the prior resolutions of the General Assembly of Virginia, was referred to, in the inception of this measure in Georgetown, and in every early stage of its subsequent prosecution. These statements of unquestionable truth, capable of being sustained by ample testimony, are designed to suppress the suggestion, that any influence exterior to the Southern States of the Union, or hostile to their interests, had the least participation in prompting the first organized public effort to colonize the free people of color of the United States. The subjoined pages, published at a press in the city of Washington, immediately after the formation of the American Colonization Society, and filed among its records, are also in accordance with this hitherto private history,

From the (Geo.) Missionary.

At a called session of the Jackson County Auxiliary Colonization Society, held on the 2d day of April, 1825, the following preamble and resolutions were offered, and unanimously adopted:

Whereas it is obvious that the present is an age of great and successful experiment and enterprise, all having the melioration of the condition of the human family in view; and whereas we do believe that the American Colonization Society may be justly ranked with the greatest means employed at this time with a view to the accomplishment of those events which

are indispensable as a prelude to that happy day (and which cannot be distant) when violence and oppression shall be driven from the world, and the "knowledge of God shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea:"

Therefore, be it resolved, That this society, impelled by the foregoing considerations and convictions, and in anticipation of final success, renew to each other the solemn pledge of fidelity and perseverance in aiding, to the utmost of their means, the great and laudable enterprise of the parent society.

Resolved, That this society, in anticipating the approaching fourth of July next, see much to excite their love and gratitude to God, and they trust, in a just proportion, their love to their fellow creatures of every caste: it is therefore recommended that that day be set apart as the day that ushers in the first and great American Jubilee; and that, so far as the members of this society are concerned, or their influence extends, to loose the bands of labor on that day, and that a committee, consisting of Wm. Pentecost, Hugh Montgomery, David Boring, Hosea Camp, and Joseph Hampton, be, and they are hereby, appointed and requested to open a correspondence with such persons as they may deem most friendly to the institution, with a view to solicit donations in behalf and for the use of the parent society, and to call their attention to the expediency of forming auxiliaries; and that they also avail themselves of the advantages of that auspicious day, in soliciting donations for the use of what we do not scruple to call one of the greatest enterprises.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this society that the cause in which the American Colonization Society is engaged is National, and therefore requires and merits National aid; they consequently look with anxious anticipation to the National and State Governments for their efficient cooperation, and to auxiliaries and individuals for more liberal contributions.

Resolved, That the Treasurer of this society transmit to Richard Smith, Esq. Treasurer of the American Colonization Society, all the money in his hands, except so much as may be necessarily retained for incidental expenses, and report to the society at the next meeting.

Resolved, That the proceedings of this day be transmitted to the editors of The Missionary for publication.

Resolved, That the Society now adjourn to the first Saturday in September next.

A true copy from the minutes:

W. PENTECOST, Secretary pro tem.

Address of Synod of Tennessee to the Society for the Colonization of the free People of Color in the United States.

To the Hon. BUSHROD WASHINGTON, Esq. President, &c.

RESPECTED SIR: Through you, the Synod of Tennessee embrace, with lively pleasure, an early opportunity of congratulating the society formed at the capital of our nation, and consisting of so many of our distinguished statesmen and fellow citizens, for the colonization of the free people of color among us who may accede to their plan. We congratulate you on the noble and important object for which you are associated, on the providential signs of our times which signally favor your efforts, and on the wide

spread and growing impression upon the public mind, that your success is connected with the best interests, not only of the people of color, but of our country and mankind. If it is important that legal equality should accompany liberty, that Africa should receive the Gospel, and that the evils of the slave trade should be overruled for her final enjoyment of the blessings of civilization and knowledge, liberty and religion, then it is important that your design should be encouraged. We wish you, therefore, to know, that, within our bounds, the public sentiment appears clearly and decidedly in your favor, and that the more vigorously and perseveringly you combine and extend your exertions on the plan you have adopted, the more you are likely to be crowned with the approbation of the people, as well as with the higher rewards of doing good. As ministers and disciples of him who proclaims light to them that sit in darkness, peace to a jarring world, liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound, we anticipate the glorious day when men shall know the Lord, from the least unto the greatest, in all lands; when every one shall sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, having none to molest or to make him afraid; when the rod of the oppressor and the tears of the oppressed shall be known no more; but all men shall do unto others as they would be done unto in similar circumstances. This glorious change in the state of the world we expect will be brought about by the instrumentality of men under the blessing of God. While, then, the heralds of salvation go forth in the name and strength of their Divine Master to preach the Gospel to every creature, we ardently wish that your exertions and the best influence of all philan thropists may be united, to meliorate the condition of human society, and especially of its most degraded classes, till liberty, religion, and happiness, shall be the enjoyment of the whole family of man.

Nashville Church, Oct. 3, 1817.

A true copy from the records of the Synod of Tennessee.

CHARLES COFFIN, Stated Clerk.

Extract from the Journal of the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, holden in Petersburg, on the 13th May, 1819.

"Resolved, That this Convention highly approve of the objects of the American Colonization Society, and that a committee be appointed to transmit to the President of the Society a copy of this resolution, and to assure him of the good wishes and prayers of the committee in behalf of the benevolent exertions of the Society.

"Resolved, That the Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, Robert Page, Esq. and Mr. Needham Washington, be the committee for that purpose."

In Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Maryland. Resolved, That the institution of the Society for colonizing the free people of color of the United States on the coast of Africa, meets with the cordial approbation of this Convention; and that it be earnestly recommended to all the members of this church, to give to the said Society their countenance and support.

Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be presented to the Hon. Bushrod Washington, the President, and to the members of the Board of Managers, for their zealous and persevering exertions in furtherance of the benevolent object of the Society.

Resolved, That the Secretary transmit a copy of these resolutions to the President and Secretary of the Society.

Test,

H. L. DAVIS, Secretary.

Resolution of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.

The objects and plans of the American Society for colonizing the free people of color of the United States, having been stated to the General Assembly, and the same having been considered and discussed, the Assembly resolved, that, in their opinion, the plan of the Society is benevolent in its design, and, if properly supported, and judiciously and vigorously prosecuted, calculated to be extensively useful to this country and to Africa.

The situation of the people of color has frequently attracted the attention of this Assembly. In the distinctive and indelible marks of their color, and the prejudices of the people, an insuperable obstacle has been placed to the execution of any plan for elevating their character, and placing them on a footing with their brethren of the same common family. In restoring them to the land of their fathers, the Assembly hope the way may be opened, not only for the accomplishment of that object, but for introducing civilization and the gospel to the benighted nations of Africa From the information and statements received, the Assembly believes that the proposed Colony in Africa may be made a powerful auxiliary in the efforts which are making to abolish the iniquitous traffic in slaves carried on in Africa, and happily calculated to lay the foundation for a gradual emancipation of slaves in our country, in a legal and constitutional manner, and without violating the rights, or injuring the feelings of our Southern brethren.

With these views, the Assembly feel it a duty earnestly to recommend the American Society for Colonizing the Free People of Color of the United States, to the patronage and attention of the churches under their care, and to benevolent individuals throughout the Union.

A true extract from the minutes of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.

Attest,

I. E. LATTA, Permanent Clerk.

Session of the Assembly, May 31st, 1819.

The following Resolution was adopted by the same, in 1826.

The Assembly having witnessed with high gratification the progress of the American Colonization Society in a great work of humanity and religion, and believing that the temporal prosperity and moral interests of an extensive section of our country, of a numerous, degraded, and miserable class of men in the midst of us, and of the vast continent of Africa, now uncivilized, and unchristian, are intimately connected with the success of this institution, Therefore,

Resolved, That this Assembly recommend to the churches under their care to patronize the objects of the American Colonization Society; and particularly that they take up collections in aid of its funds on the 4th of July next, or on the Sabbath immediately preceding or succeeding that day; and,

whenever such course may be thought expedient, to give them assistance in such a manner as may be most conducive to the interests of the general cause.

Address from the Presbytery of North Carolina.

HILLSBOROUGH, April 18, 1818.

SIR: The Presbytery of Orange, in the State of North Carolina, learn with sincere and peculiar satisfaction that a plan for colonizing the free people of color of the United States has now ceased to be merely a subject of anxious wish to the hearts of the humane, and the charity of the Christian. We rejoice in the institution of a society, in which, permit us, Sir, to say, that your selection to the Presidency is calculated to excite a general confidence. To Him who has ruled in this auspicious event, we would render our thanks, that the society has already commenced its operations, and is now, with a well directed energy, advancing in their execution. It has long been the firm opinion of many in this part of our country, that nothing more was necessa ry to success, in colonizing vast numbers of free people of color, than a common understanding among its friends, with a well digested method, distinctly pointed out, and evidently practicable without injury to the community. When the feeling and patriotic bosom has breathed the ardent wish that our country might be redeemned from the complicated evils which have been incorporated with society, it was to such a plan only as it was the object of your institution to patronize and effect, that the intelligent mind could look for the consolation of hope. Colonization was necessary; but how were the wisdom and efficacy to be combined, which were essential to its accomplishment? It was necessary, not only that cautious prudence should be satisfied, but even reluctant selfishness must, if possible, be left without a plausible plea for opposition, from apprehensions of public danger, untoward circumstances. or untimely failure. We think that in the Constitution and proceedings of the Colonization Society, we see all that we could wish. We might indeed desire to witness and experience ourselves a speedy and complete termination to the moral disease which mingles and circulates its vitiating influence through the whole of our social state; but with prayerful resignation we would submit to the will of our Heavenly Father, and be fervently grateful to Him for the prospect with which he permits our longing eyes to be cheered. As a pledge of ardor which animates this Presbytery in the cause which engages the society, we are directed to inform you that to a resolution appointing a committee to give expression to their feelings, they have annexed another, "That it be earnestly recommended by this body to each of its members, to employ his influence and personal exertions for promoting the establishment of societies auxiliary to the principal Colonization Society." Our prayers, Sir, are ever with you and with the society, that God, in whose hands the hearts of men are as the rivers of water, to turn them whithersoever he will, may plenteously infuse into your minds, and into the hearts of the people, a spirit of union and strength to accomplish the great object of your benevolent institution, for the sake of our great Redeemer.

Signed by the committee,

Hon. BUSHROD WASHINGTON,

FREDERICK NASH,
WM. M'PHEETON,
JOSEPH CALDWELL.

President of the American Colonization Society.