Recapitulation. 60 men-placed in families, on wages, or, if invalids, to receive their support in part, or in whole; or as apprentice to some useful trade. 41 women, 6 children-similarly situated, 10 men, 3 women, } idiot, 2 children, Employed at liberal wages, by the Government of the 19 women and children awaiting situations. 142 MONROVIA, Sept. 14, 1827. J. ASHMUN. Extract of a letter from Master Commandant John B. Nicholson to the Secretary of the Navy, dated "NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 1828. "On the 11th, I left Sierra Leone, and arrived at Cape Mesurado on the 21st of December, where I remained until the evening of the 25th. The, opinion I had heard expressed at Sierra Leone was confirmed, and I have no doubt that the Colony will become of great importance to the benighted natives; for they cannot but perceive the great advantages their American brethren have over them from civilization, and will, I cannot but hope, endeavor to place themselves and children upon the same footing; for they must perceive it is not color alone that gives preponderance, but civilization and the blessings of religion. "I cannot express more strongly the growing prosperity of the Colony, than that eight of the crew, (colored tradesmen,) after visiting the shore, petitioned to be discharged, for the purpose of joining their brethren as permanent settlers. I granted their request, presuming it will meet the approbation of the Department, as they landed with money and clothes to the amount of nearly two thousand dollars, which will enable them to commence their several trades without expense to the Colony." Upon the subject of the slave trade, the following extracts have been made from the messages of the President of the United States to Congress: Extract from the message of President Monroe at the commencement of the 2d Session 18th Congress. December 7, 1824. It is a cause of serious regret that no arrangement has yet been finally concluded between the two Governments, to secure, by joint co-operation, the suppression of the slave trade. It was the object of the British Government, in the early stages of the negotiation, to adopt a plan for the suppres sion, which should include the concession of the mutual right of search, by the ships of war of each party, of the vessels of the other, for suspected offenders. This was objected to by this Government, on the principle that, as the right of search was a right of war of a belligerent towards a neu ral power, it might have an ill effect to extend it, by treaty, to an offence which had been made comparatively mild, to a time of peace. Anxious, however, for the suppression of this trade, it was thought advisable, in compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives, founded on an act of Congress, to propose to the British Government an expedient, which should be free from that objection, and more effectual for the object, by making it piratical. In that mode, the enormity of the crime would place the offenders out of the protection of their Government, and involve no question of search, or other question, between the parties, touching their respective rights. It was believed, also, that it would completely suppress the trade in the vessels of both parties, and, by their respective citizens and subjects, in those of other powers, with whom, it was hoped, that the odium which would thereby be attached to it would produce a corresponding arrangement, and, by means thereof, its entire extirpation forever. A convention to this effect was concluded and signed in London, on the thirteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and twenty four, by Plenipotentiaries duly authorized by both Governments, to the ratification of which certain obstacles have arisen, which are not yet entirely removed. The difference between the parties still remaining, has been reduced to a point, not of sufficient magnitude, as is presumed, to be permitted to defeat. an object so near to the heart of both nations, and so desirable to the friends of humanity throughout the world. As objections, however, to the principle recommended by the House of Representatives, or at least to the consequences inseparable from it, and which are understood to apply to the law, have been raised, which may deserve a re-consideration of the whole subject, I have thought it proper to suspend the conclusion of a new convention, until the definite sentiments of Congress may be ascertained. The documents relating to the negotiation are, with that intent, submitted to your consideration. Extract from the message of President Monroe at the commencement of the 2d Session 16th Congress. November 14, 1820. In execution of the law of the last session for the suppression of the slave trade, some of our public ships have also been employed on the coast of Africa, where several captures have already been made of vessels engaged in that disgraceful traffic. Extract from the message of President Monroe at the commencement of the 1st Session 17th Congress. December 3, 1821. Like success has attended our efforts to suppress the slave trade. Under the flag of the United States and the sanction of their papers, the trade may be considered as entirely suppressed; and, if any of our citizens are engaged in it under the flag and papers of other Powers, it is only from a respect to the rights of those Powers that these offenders are not seized and brought home to receive the punishment which the laws inflict. If ever this Power should adopt the same policy and pursue the same vigorous means for carrying it into effect, the trade could no longer exist. Extract from the message of President Monroe at the commencement of 2d Session 17th Congress. December 3, 1822. A cruize has also been maintained on the coast of Africa, when the season would permit, for the suppression of the slave trade, and orders have been given to the commanders of all our public ships to seize our vessels, should they find any engaged in that trade, and to bring them in for adjudication. Extract from the message of President Monroe at the commencement of the 1st Session 18th Congress. December 2, 1823. In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives adopted at their last session, instructions have been given to all the ministers of the United States, accredited to the powers of Europe and America, to propose the proscription of the African slave trade, by classing it under the denomination, and inflicting on its perpetrators the punishment of piracy. Should this proposal be acceded to, it is not doubted that this odious and criminal practice will be promptly and entirely suppressed. It is earnestly hoped that it will be acceded to from a firm belief that it is the most effectual expedient that can be adopted for the purpose. Extracts from the message of President J. Q. ment of the 1st Session 19th Congress. Adams at the commence- An occasional cruizer has been sent to range along the African shores most polluted by the traffic of slaves. The objects of the West India squadron have been to carry into execution the laws for the suppression of the African slave trade-the protection of our commerce against vessels of a piratical character, though bearing commissions from either of the belligerent parties-for its protection against open and unequivocal pirates. These objects, during the present year, have been accomplished more effectually than at any former period. The African slave trade has long been excluded from the use of our flag, and if some few citizens of our country have continued to set the laws of the Union, as well as those of nature and humanity, at defiance, by persevering in that abominable traffic, it has been only by sheltering themselves under the banners of other nations, less earnest for the total extinction of the trade than ours. |