sons of colour, had long been the subjects of deep individual solicitude and inquiry, and of numerous legislative enactments. Various means were adopted for obviating these accumulating evils, but without any perceptible benefit, and some more efficient and decisive measures, which should certainly diminish and ultimately remove them, became indispensable. Emigration appeared the most obvious and desirable, but an eligible location, the manner of obtaining it, and the expense of carrying into full effect such an extensive scheme, seemned to require, the application of the power and resources of the national government;—to that an appeal was unavailingly made, by the legislature of Virginia, and what the States and Nation had failed to perform, was zealously undertaken, by the American Colonization Society. The plan was deemed, by many, chimerical and impracticable; still it was commenced, and has been prosecuted, under the most favourable auspices.

A large tract of country was obtained, on the Western Coast of Africa, as a place of refuge, for such of the free persons of colour, as might be disposed, to avail of its advantages. Liberia soon became their promised land, -the Canaan of their hopes. It is only twelve years since that interesting Country was first occupied, and its population now exceeds twelve hundred. A constitution, a code of laws, schools, and religious institutions have been established,-civil and military officers appointed,agriculture, the mechanic arts, external commerce, and interior trade, are successfully cultivated; and this infant nation, now gives glorious promise, of its future extent, prosperity, and advancement in political and moral grandeur.

Hitherto the resources of the Colonization Society and its numerous auxiliaries, with the cheering countenance, and partial aid, of the General Government, have been sufficient, to warrant the belief, that its most sanguine anticipations may be realized. The experiment has been triumphantly made, and it only requires the application of more ample means, to accomplish all, that was ever contemplated, by the most ardent and philanthropic.

It appears that the whole number of free coloured people, in the United States, at the last census, was 233,530, and that the

Only eight years since the establishment was made at Monrovia.-[Ev.

annual increase may be estimated, at about 6,000, which can be sent to Liberia, at an expense, of not more than twenty dollars per head. An annual appropriation, therefore, of 120,000 dollars, would be sufficient, to defray all the charges, of transpor ting a number, equal to the annual increase.

To accomplish this, has been considered of the first importance, and to this object, the whole energies of the Society have been hitherto directed, as it will render the proportion, between the free coloured and white population, comparatively smaller, at each duplication of the latter, and ultimately remove, many of the dangers, which now exist, and prevent those deleterious consequences, which are to be apprehended, from a rapid increase of numbers.

But why should we not endeavor to increase the fund to 240,000 dollars, which would insure the removal of the whole of this population in about twenty-eight years. Is it to be presumed, that such a fund, cannot be raised by private and public munificence, when the importance of the object is duly considered. It will not be merely the removal of a class of people from among us, which have an injurious influence upon the morals and peace of society, but enabling them to become a free, independent, civilized, and Christian nation, in the land of their forefathers. Elevated in character, and in the full enjoyment of the rights of man, they will not only assume a station ir the great human family, which it is impossible for them to attain in this country; but their example and influence will gradually extend over those numerous tribes, which, through all time have remained in a state of barbarism and degradation, and cruelly subjected to slavery by surrounding and distant nations.

Our veneration for liberty, the dictates of humanity, patriotism, our duty as Christians, and the laws of eternal justice require, that a generous effort should be made to accomplish objects of such momentous import;-and believing that all constitutional means should be employed by the government of the United States for their complete attainment, the following resolutions are respectfully submitted. By order of the Committee, H. A. S. DEARBORN.

1. Resolved, That the Legislature of Massachusetts views with great interest the efforts made by the American Colonization Society, in establish

ing an Asylum on the Coast of Africa for the free people of color of the United States; and that in the opinion of the Legislature it is a subject eminently deserving the attention and aid of Congress, so far as shall be consistent with the powers of Congress, the rights of the several states of the Union; and the rights of the individuals who are the objects of those efforts.

2. Resolved, That our Senators and Representatives in Congress be, and they are hereby requested, in the name of the State of Massachusetts, to solicit the assistance of the General Government to aid the laudable de signs of that Society, in such manner as Congress in its wisdom may deem expedient.

3. Resolved, That His Excellency the Governor be, and he is hereby requested to furnish a copy of the foregoing Resolutions, to our Senators and Representatives in Congress.

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Extracts from Correspondence.

From a Gentleman in Massachusetts, dated July 6. Addresses were delivered in favour of your Society, and contributions taken up in seventeen places, by the members of the Andover Theological Seminary.

A far deeper interest is felt in the cause in this region, than ever before. We hope to have a State Society of the most vigorous character, within a few months. Massachusetts must not be the last of the 24 States. The Connecticut Report and Appendix have done great good. Would it not be well to publish, as far as possible, a distinct account of all monies contributed on the Fourth of July, or near to it, as it may supply some ar guments for the next year?

From a young Gentleman (a member of the Bar) in Ohio.

After a serious and painful deliberation of many months, I determined, a few days since, to abandon the practice of my profession, and offer my services to the American Colonization Society, as a travelling Agent, for one year. It is my present purpose, if I should be successful in the cause, to devote my life to it in any way that may be deemed most expedient. It is the property of youth to be sanguine, and there is something in this noble cause which requires, and, when properly understood, begets enthusiasm. But I think I am warranted in saying, that

a few persons, thoroughly understanding the character, designs, and prospects of the colonization cause, may, by a well-directed and persevering zeal, effect wonders for it. There is certainly patriotism and Christian benevolence and moral and physical power enough in our country, if it can be arrayed in a solid phalanx, and brought to bear on the object, to effect all that its friends could desire.

From a Clergyman in Md. dated July 5.

It gives me pleasure to add sixty dollars to the funds of the good cause. Thirty dollars are from the Greencastle (Pa.) Auxiliary, and thirty from the Presbyterian congregation in this place. The actual sum given by the assembled congregation, was $27 17; the other was afterwards added by myself. My people are small in number, and the contribution of yesterday, in addition to the two hundred dollar subscription of last year, convinces me that they are of a resolute mind on the colonization subject. This collection is wholly distinct from the amount we engaged to pay every year for ten years.

From a Gentleman in Delaware, dated June 14.

I feel an interest in this business, and will never rest until I see a State Society formed in Delaware, and an Auxiliary in every county.

From a Clergyman (one of the earliest and ablest friends of the Society,) in Connecticut, dated July 6.

The contributions in this State, on the last Sabbath, I am confident, will prove far more numerous, and far more considerable in amount, than they ever have been before. The reasons of this improvement are various: such as First, the gradual instruction and conviction of the public mind. A new, and espe cially a great idea, however simple, must have time to work its way into the understanding, and apply itself to the practice of any considerable community, however thinking and intelligent. Secondly, connected with the preceding, both as cause and ef fect, the increasing efforts of our State Society. The last Report has been more extensively and generally circulated than any other. The annual meeting was unusually well attend

ed by members of the Legislature and others; and the friends of the cause, seeing their strength, have been moved to more decision. Thirdly, the discourse delivered by Mr. Gallaudet, before a great body of our Clergy assembled in the General Association three weeks ago. This brought the subject in just the right light, and at just the right time, before more than a hundred pastors of Churches; and many, who felt themselves unprepared to preach at this Anniversary of Independence, will look into the subject, and be prepared before the return of another.

I preached to my people last Sabbath on the subject, and took a collection of $80. Mr. M. took a collection without preaching, $35 68. Mr. B. began to prepare a sermon, but found, as he proceeded, that the subject was so much greater than he had apprehended, and had so many relations with which he had never acquainted himself, that he must relinquish the design till he should have more leisure: he took a contribution amounting to $21 56. Dr. F. preached, and if he produced no effect on any body else, he at least produced a great effect on himself. He had no idea that the subject was so grand, till he undertook to handle it: there was, of course, no contribution. Mr S. preached in both the Episcopal Churches, but took no contribution till last evening at the monthly concert, when $31 was received.

From Right Rev. Bishop Meade, of Frederick co. Va.

I enclose you an order for three hundred and twenty odd dollars, collected almost entirely at my Chapel on the Fourth of July, which was yesterday, from the subscribers on Mr. Gerrit Smith's plan, and some other friends. One hundred dollars were from Mr. George Burwell, being his second payment. The remainder was from the members of the two associations in my parish, and from other friends, not regular subscribers. Collections were to be taken up yesterday in the Churches of Winchester. The day before, I attended a meeting of the Society, where, according to a previous appointment, an oration was delivered. It was highly creditable to the orator, and will be published.