Geographical Collections* 363 



Two kings, with their subjects, (to the supposed amount of 10,000,) live 

 under the protection of the colony, and are ready to make common cause 

 with the inhabitants, in case of their being molested by the natives, — which, 

 however, is not to be feared. 



The village of Caldwell is about seven miles from Monrovia, on the river 

 St Paul, and contains a population of 560 husbandmen. The soil is very 

 fertile, the situation agreeable, and the inhabitants appear to be contented 

 and happy. 



Milhhury is twenty-five miles from Monrovia, on the river St Paul. It 

 has several constant streams, sufficient to feed a hundred mills ; and in the 

 neighbourhood, wood to serve for half a century, if it were cut up in saw 

 mills. There are 200 inhabitants. 



The island of Bushrod, which lies between the Monserado and the river St 

 Paul, is seven miles long, and three in its greatest breadth, and is very fertile. 

 It is at the distance of five miles from Monrovia, and is inhabited by thirty 

 families from the Carolines. All the above colonists, amounting together 

 to at least 1500, are emigrants from the United States. The redeemed 

 Africans are established towards the left bank of Stockton Creek, near 

 Bushrod Island ; 250 were sent by the government of the United States, 

 and 150 came from the Spanish factories. The agents of the latter having 

 seized some of the redeemed slaves, and refusing to give them up, the 

 colonists not only rescued them, but brought away all whom they could 

 meet- These 400 blacks are good husbandmen, and appear well satisfied 

 with their lot. All the above establishments contain about 2000 individuals, 

 and are in a very prosperous state. 



In answer to the question, Whether there be any danger of the natives 

 attacking and destroying the colony? we may reply by the following 

 facts : — 



When the colonists had only thirty effective men to defend them, and 

 when the forest was not a pistol shot from their houses, they were attacked 

 on three different points, by many thousands of the natives, armed with 

 muskets, and other instruments of war ; one division of the assailants took 

 one of the two cannons which defended the colony ; but, instead of making 

 use of it — if, indeed, they were acquainted with its use — although it was 

 charged and ready to be fired, they shook it, and embraced it, crying, " Fire, 

 cannon! Fire, cannon!" until the other piece, behig judiciously directed 

 against them, forced them to retreat, and immediately the captured cannon 

 was retaken and directed against them. This affair disconcerted them so 

 much, that they have not again ventured upon hostilities. Many of them 

 have since made barters with the colonists, but without letting it be known 

 that they were engaged in the attack. More recently, however, when they 

 thought they might safely speak of it, they confessed that there were from 

 70 to 80 men killed, whilst the colony only lost two or three men. 



The present means of defence consists of 20 pieces of ordnance, with 

 muskets and amunition for 1000 men, not including private arms. There 

 are at Monrovia a company of infantry, a company of artillery, and one of 

 carabineers ; at Caldwell, a company of infantry, and one of artillery ; and 

 a company of carabineers at Millsbury. All these volunteers are in uniform. 

 There are, moreover, a number of militia-men, not clothed, and many natives, 

 whom the government could arm if it were necessary. These forces ai'e 

 more than sufficient to repel any attack. 



Cape Monserardo is guarded by a fort which commands all the environs, 

 and has recently saved an English vessel under chase by a privateer. The 

 troops are commanded by Major Barbour ; but the agent of the company is 

 commander-in-chief. 



The inhabitants of Monrovia are very hospitable, and have in general much 

 morality and religion. The two places of worship of which we have spoken. 



