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"A Case Which Demands Relief." New York Journal of Commerce 26 Nov.,
1839: 2.
TUESDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 26
A CASE WHICH DEMANDS RELIEF.--If there be any true friends of the slave, and we trust
there are some,--it seems to us they must find their benevolent feelings awakened,
on reading the appeal of Judge Wilkeson, published below, in [sic] behalf of 34 emancipated
negroes, who, in less than 30 days, must revert back to slavery, unless sooner received
by the American Colonization Society for emigration to its African Settlements. The
ship Saluda with emigrants is about to sail for Iberia from Norfolk, and it is of
the utmost importance to the freedom and happiness of these thirty four individuals
that they be enabled to go in her. The Society would be glad to defray the expenses
of their outfit and transportation, had they the means on hand; but as it is, they
are obliged to draw upon the Bank of Public Favor, where they have large deposits,
for the amount necessary to accomplish this benevolent purpose. We know, and the
Society knows, that the present embarrassments in money matters will render it inconvenient
to many of the friends of the colored race to fulfil the desires of their hearts
in reference to this application; but with others the case must be different; and
those who cannot part with large sums, can give small ones. The ocean is made up
of drops, and the widow’s mite was, under the circumstances, a munificent donation.
A vast amount of sympathy has been bestowed upon the Africans of the Amistad, and
the most ardent wishes have been expressed that they may not be remanded back to
slavery. Far be it from us to rebuke this sympathy and these wishes; but here are
about an equal number of persons, in a condition not very dissimilar, who
for $2500 can be confirmed in their freedom forever, and not only so, but made citizens
of a free and independent community in the land of their fathers.
The husband of one of these persons, who had a different owner, is offered his freedom
for $150, which is doubtless much below his real value as property; and he too ought
to accompany the expedition; he must not be separated from his companion.
We ask the friends of humanity to make the case of these colored people for a moment
their own, and think of the anxiety with which they await the result of this application,
which appears to be their only hope; and with the kindness of the Good Samaritan
animating their bosoms, let them consider whether, hard as the times are, they cannot
give something in behalf of their suffering fellow creatures, to save them
from returning to the yoke of bondage.
Unless some other medium is preferred, we shall be happy to take charge of any donations
which may be given for the above object, and will see that the amount is forwarded
speedily to Judge Wilkeson for the purpose mentioned.
We presume many of our readers are not aware of the extraordinary change which has
taken place in the condition and prospects of the colonization Society since that
gentleman, with a noble generosity, assumed the chief superintendence of its concerns,--charging
nothing for his services, which have been arduous and unremitting,--and devoting
himself to its interests with a zeal and enthusiasm worthy of all praise. In saying
this, we mean no disparagement to other gentlemen connected with the Society, and
least of all, to the eloquent, amiable, and philanthropic Mr. Gurley. but Judge Wilkeson
happened to possess precisely the qualifications which were necessary to extricate
the Society from its embarrassments,--to correct abuses,--and to put the whole enterprise
upon a footing at once of efficiency and economy. In a conversation recently with
Judge W. we had opportunity to learn many particulars relating to the progress of
the Society, which in general are of the most encouraging character. During the period
which has elapsed since he became connected with the administration of the Society,
(something over a year, if we recollect right,) two expeditions have been sent to
Africa,--a large number of agents have been appointed,--a new system for their government
introduced and enforced,--a new system of economy and accountability established
in Liberia,--a very extended correspondence carried on both in this country and in
Africa,--the receipts of the Society increased to over three times the previous amount,
and preparations nearly completed for sending out a large additional number of emigrants.
A grant was obtained last February from the Navy Department, of cannon, small arms,
ammunition, &c., which articles were necessary to the safety of the Colony. A
still larger supply has just been obtained, including a complete outfit of armament
for a small schooner for the Colony, rifles for a volunteer company, muskets for
the recaptured Africans, &c. &c. In this country a thousand old friends have
been regained,--many new ones made,--hundreds of new Societies formed, and old ones
revived. The amount of the old debt is ascertained, and in a fair way of being settled.
Many other facts were stated, some of which it may not be expedient to repeat in
this public manner, but all tending to convince us that now more than ever this Society
deserves the confidence and the LIBERAL SUPPORT of the benevolent public. Look at
the immense pecuniary sacrifices voluntarily made in this noble cause by some of
the “man-stealers” and “pirates” of the South. Look at the cases mentioned by Judge
Wilkeson,--particularly the last; where a man give up property to the value
of $6000 or $7000, and then buys another slave, at an expense of $500 more, for the
purpose of setting him at liberty; thus making himself poor for others’ benefit.
When the North will begin to walk up the subject in this style of munificence,
instead of wasting their wind in baying the moon and calling hard names, we may calculate
that the long desired epoch of universal emancipation is at hand.
_____________
To the Editors of the Journal of Commerce:
The General Agent of the American Colonization Society would appeal to the benevolent
friends of the colored race in behalf of a family of 34 people who have offered themselves
as emigrants for Liberia. They were recently liberated by the will of Mr. Hunter
of Virginia. The Society must receive them on the 20th of December next, or they
revert to their original condition of slavery. They are totally destitute. Beside
the expense of removing them to Norfolk, where they will be embarked, they must be
provided with suitable clothing and with matrasses [sic], blankets, &c. They
ought also to be supplied with the necessary cooking utensils and farming implements.
These with their passage and provision will cost at least $2500.
One of the above 34 has a husband owned by a gentleman who offers to sell him to
the A.C.S. for $150. The Executive Committee has no power to use the funds of the
Society for such purposes. May we not hope that some benevolent friend of the colored
man will advance the sum necessary to liberate this slave that he may accompany his
wife to a land of freedom. Could a like sum be invested in a way productive of more
happiness.
Although the applications from emigrants to go to Liberia are much more numerous
than was expected, still the Executive Committee, but for the unusual scarcity of
money, would have been able to procure the means to meet this emergency.
In addition to the 34 mentioned, there are now 14 on their way from Tyler Co. Va.
liberated by a Mr. Johnson. In freeing these slaves he parted with the greatest portion
of his property. On of them has a husband, who formerly belonged to a neighbor. Unwilling
to part them, Mr. Johnson, although poor, purchased the man for $500, the payment
of which has deprived him of the ability to give as much outfit to his people as
he intended, and as their comfort requires. To do this, the Society has to appeal
to the public charity, and believes their appeal will not be in vain.
J. WILKESON,Gen. Agent A. C. S.
