i 



330 COLONY OF LIBERIA, [1829. 



from any possession within these limits. It also enables them to put a 

 stop to the slave-trade."* The population of the colony is rapidly in- 

 creasing, and probably now amounts to above fifteen hundred. The 

 country abounds in cattle, goats, swine, and fowls, and in most of the 

 fruits and productions of other tropical climates. 



Cape Mesurado is an elevated promontory, almost perpendicular on 

 the north side, but with a gradual declivity towards the sea on the 

 south. The natives in the vicinity of this place have been noted as 

 very superior to those farther eastward ; being quiet, tractable, and 

 hospitable, and honourable in their dealings. The negroes on the 

 banks of the river Mesurado, it has been said, speak a corrupt dialect 

 of Portuguese, and acknowledge themselves vassals to Portugal ; but 

 are not, as some have supposed, Europeans changed to negroes by the 

 power of the climate. Ivory is the staple commodity of exchange or 

 barter. Teeth under the weight of twenty-two pounds are termed 

 scrivelloes, and may be had comparatively cheap. 



" It is highly probable," says Mr. Niles, " that we may build up a 

 powerful people on the western coast of that benighted quarter of the 

 world, who shall extend their settlements into the interior, as we our- 

 selves have done [on this continent], and command the native tribes as 

 we do ; and thereby spread light and knowledge, civilization and re- 

 ligion, even along the yet unknown shores of the mysterious Niger, and 

 totally break up at least the external trade in slaves ; but without much, 

 if any, sensible effect to decrease our own coloured population. How- 

 ever, it will be a great thing to have a spot provided to which our free 

 blacks may proceed, with an assurance that their industry will be 

 crowned with prosperity and peace, and where their children will have 

 a country and a home ; nor will it be less interesting because of the 

 opportunity which it may continually offer to liberal and humane per- 

 sons, who would gladly emancipate their slaves, if convinced that their 

 condition would be benefited. We always approved of this project, for 

 it is indeed a humane one, though we questioned its efficiency to accom- 

 plish the grand first purpose proposed." 



In concluding an animated description of this flourishing colony, the 

 Encyclopaedia Americana uses the following language : — " Thus far 

 the efforts of the American Colonization Society have been attended 

 with great if not unexampled success. The men of colour who have 

 migrated to Liberia have felt the influences of enterprise and freedom ; 

 and are improved alike in their condition and character. Those who 

 were slaves have become masters ; those who were once dependent 

 have become independent ; once the objects of charity, they are now 

 benefactors ; and the very individuals who, a few years ago, felt their 

 spirits depressed in our land, and incapable of high efforts and great 

 achievements, now stand forth, conscious of their dignity and power, 

 sharing in all the privileges and honours of a respected, a free, and a 

 Christian people." 



A weekly newspaper, called the " Liberia Herald," is now printed at 

 Monrovia, the capital of the colony, and appears to be very well con- 



* M. Malte Brun's System of Geography. 



