with them ourselves, is so plain and direct a violation of moral duty, as to inhibit this court from taking such a step. To treat our neighbors unjustly and cruelly, and thereby make them our enemies, is bad policy and contrary to our interest. Would it not be treating the non-slaveholding States unjustly, to force our freed negroes upon them without their consent? and would it not be treating the slaveholding States cruelly? We are ejecting this description of population, fearing it will excite rebellion among the slaves; or that the slaves will be rendered immoral to a degree of depravity inconsistent with the safety and interest of the white population. These are fearful evils. But are they not more threatening to Virginia, (just recovering from the fright of a negro rebellion,) to the Carolinas, to Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana than to us? Compared with the whites, most of them have two slaves to our one; some of them almost ten to our one. Even Kentucky has a higher proportion than Tennessee. How can we then as honest men, thrust our freed negroes on our neighbors of the south?

Suppose the non-slaveholding states north-west of the Ohio, were willing to receive our freed negroes, (a supposition by the way wholly untrue,) would it be good policy in us to locate them on our borders, beside our great rivers, forming wretched free negro colonies in constant intercourse with our slaves? They must live in neighborhoods separated from the whites. Their condition has and will preclude intermarriages and close association. That such a population inhabiting a country near us, would become a most dangerous receptacle to our runaway slaves, and a grievous affliction to the State where situated, as well as to ourselves, need only be stated to gain universal admission. The time would soon come when the attempt to seize on the harbored slaves would produce war with such a people, and serious collisions with the State within whose jurisdiction they resided. This it is our interest to avoid.

All the slaveholding states, it is believed, as well as many of the non-slaveholding, like ourselves, have adopted the policy of exclusion. The consequence is, the freed negro cannot find a home that promises, even safety, in the United States, and assuredly none that promises comfort. We order the present petitioners for freedom to be emancipated on the terms, that they be sent beyond the limits of the United States, for additional reasons. The act of 1833, ch. 64, to aid the Colonization Society, provides, that the treasurer of Middle Tennessee pay to the treasurer of the society for its use, ten dollars for each free black person that the treasurer of the society shall certify has been removed from the State of Tennessee to the coast of Africa. The foregoing society has formed a colony of free blacks at Liberia, on the coast of Africa. The people residing there are all from the United States, speak our language, pursue our habits, profess the christian religion, are sober, industrious, moral and contented, are enjoying a life of comfort and of equality, which it is impossible in this country to enjoy, where the black man is degraded by his colour, and sinks into vice and worthlessness, from want of motive to virtuous and elevated conduct. The black man in these States may have the power of volition. He may go and come when it pleaseth him,

without a domestic master to control the actions of his person; but to be politically free, to be the peer and equal of the white man, to enjoy the offices, trusts and privileges our institutions confer on the white man, is hopeless now and ever. The slave, who receives the protection and care of a tolerable master, holds a condition here, superior to the negro who is freed from domestic slavery. He is a reproach and a by-word with the slave himself, who taunts his fellow slave by telling him he is as worthless as a free negro.' The consequence is inevitable. The free black man lives amongst us without motive and without hope. He seeks no avocation, is surrounded with necessities, is sunk in degradation; crime can sink him no deeper, and he commits it of course. This is not only true of the free negro residing in the slaveholding States of this Union in the non-slaveholding States the people are less accustomed to the squalid and disgusting wretchedness of the negro, have less sympathy for him, earn their means of subsistence with their own hands, and are more economical in parting with them, than him for whom the slave labors, of which he is entitled to share the proceeds, and of which the free negro is generally the participant, and but too often in the character of the receiver of stolen goods. Nothing can be more untrue than that the free negro is more respectable as a member of society in the nonslaveholding, than the slaveholding States. In each, he is a degraded outcast, and his fancied freedom a delusion. With us, the slave Tanks him in character and comfort, nor is there a fair motive to absolve him from the duties incident to domestic slavery, if he is to continue amongst us. Generally, and almost universally, society suffers, and the negro suffers by manumission.

These are some of the reasons why we give the assent of the State to the emancipation of these slaves, in accordance to Peter Fisher's will, upon the condition, and the condition only, that they be transported to the coast of Africa. To the course pursued in this instance, there might be exceptions in other cases; but they should be most rare, and grounded on reasons the most prominent and conclusive.This application furnishes none such. Bond and security will be given, partly in accordance with the second section of the act of 1831, ch. 102, conditioned, that these freed persons shall be transported to the colony of Liberia, on the coast of Africa, and which shall form part of the judgment of this court.

The act of 1831, ch. 101, in effect directed the chancery court to dismiss this cause. Chancellor Reese, in a very lucid opinion, treated the act, and justly, as an unauthorized mandate, unconstitutional and void. This court adopts that opinion, which is herewith filed.

LATEST FROM LIBERIA.

It will be seen by the subjoined letter from Mr. Anthony D. Williams, Vice Agent of the Colony, which was received by the U. States ship Potomac, that he has established a public farm at Bushrod Island, under arrangements which promise much benefit to the settlers.

MONROVIA, Nov. 28, 1836. REVEREND SIR:-I avail myself of the opportunity presented by the U. S. Ship Potomac, Capt. Nicholson, to give you a brief account of the state of things here, and of my proceedings since the departure of Dr. Skinner. You have, doubtless, ere this, heard from him, the menacing and hostile attitude which the natives of Grand Bassa had assumed, and of an expectation of an attack from them. I am happy to be able to inform you that peace and tranquility are again in a great measure restored, and that there is no longer any expectation of a rupture. Edina, however, as a precautionary measure, has been supplied with munitions of war, as far as our limited resources will admit. With a view to supply the paupers and infirmary pensioners with provisions at an expense as small as possible to the Society, I have established a Public Farm on Bushrod Island, at a little distance in the direction of the Cape, from that established by Mr. Pinney. For removing the farm, I have been actuated by two reasons, which, I trust, will be regarded as sufficient apology. First, the superior fertility of the soil in the new site; and secondly, a conviction that the further the farm should be from the settlement, the less would be that unhappy influence which I am apprehensive they would exert on those whom I might put upon it. This change, however, will cause a very inconsiderable additional expense There being no houses on the old farm, and its being very imperfectly cleared, enables me to improve the new one at a cost almost the same that it would require to improve the other. As I intend to cultivate the farin by the labour of the paupers as far as it can be done by them, I am making arrangements for them to reside on the spot. For this purpose, I have caused one of the old receptacles which was at Caldwell, to be removed to the farm, and it is expected it will be ready in a few days for the reception of the people. This house was in a state of decay, and required immediate extensive repairs to preserve it from falling. The farm is already in a state of forwardness, and I hope in a very short time to be able to feed the people entirely upon its productions. All persons fed by the Society will be placed here, and those whose health will permit it, will be made to work regularly. Any refusing to do so, will be thrown at once upon their own resources. It is desirable that the Society should send as soon as possible, a supply of Cotton, Cotton Cards, and Looms. I am fully of the opinion that the poor might be supplied with clothing made at the farin, if these articles were in hand. We are also much in want of mules and horses. The farm will require a superintendant; a man of sober, steady habits and good moral character. Such a one I an endeavouring to obtain; he will probably cost $350 to $400 a year. The settlement at Marshall progresses slowly. You have, doubtless, heard of the appointment of Mr. Revey as superintendant there. This appointment was made by Dr. Skinner. You will perceive by the Inventory carried home by Dr. Skinner, how entirely we are out of every kind of goods suitable for purchasing Rice, paying for labour, or for any other purpose. I shall, therefore, be under the necessity of drawing upon your Treasurer to meet the necessary and unavoidable expenses of the Colony.-The stipulations between old Mamma and Mr. Ashmun, for Bushrod Island, have never been entirely fulfilled on the part of the Society. The children for whom old Mamma held this land in trust, are in Sierra Leone, and now of legal age to transact their own business. They have become very desirous that the amount due should be paid, and have written repeatedly on the subject. Some of the largest and most prosperous farms we have, are on this Island; and as I have no means of settling the balance but by a draft on you, I fear I shall have to increase the amount of drafts by including this balance. The amount yet due is about two hundred dollars. Nothing, however, shall drive me to this measure until I hear from you, but an apprehension that they are making some other disposition of the land. The health of the Colony is good, perhaps better than at any former period.

Your obedient servant,

A. D. WILLIAMS, A. A. C. S.

Rev. R. R. Gurley. Extract of a letter from Hilary Teage, Colonial Secretary, dated Monrovia, November 24, 1836. "This I regard as the most eventful period in the history of the Colony. Its very existence depends on the movements that are now made, and upon the as"sistance it rec ives from abroad. Assistance in the way of support from the "poor is a trifling object, compared with that which would enable us to keep out

"slavers, and turn the attention of the natives to honourable and legitimate pur"suits. This would be striking pauperisin at the root. The Colony would thrive "and prosper, and its friends abroad would have little else to do but to rejoice in "the full and triumphant accomplishment of their labours." "From Captain "Nicholson the Colony has received considerable assistance in the way of supplies. "He seems to take a deep interest in the Colony, and has been at no small pains "to obtain an account of the true state of affairs. His report, therefore, will be "of importance to the Colony, and I trust, cheering to its friends."

LIBERIA HERALD.

The last arrival from the Colony brought the Liberia Herald for October and November, 1836. This paper increases in vigor and interest; and will we hope receive the aid which the Editor, Mr. Teage, states to be so much needed. We proceed to make copious extracts from it.

Extracts from the Editor's Address to his Patrons.

"It is now, nearly two years, since we undertook to conduct the Liberia Herald. What success has attended our undertaking, we leave to our Patrons and Friends to decide. Knowing our incompetency to conduct it, in a manner answerable, to the expectation, generally awakened, by a publication of the description, we endeavoured in the commencement to forestall criticisin, and bespeak indulgence, by at once declaring our consciousness of incompetency. We were aware that professed critics from their high elevation, generally look with dignified indiffer. ence on those puny scribblers that have the honesty openly to avow to their inferiority. On a mark so mean, they will not expend their quiver." "Our solici tations with regard to public indulgence having been granted, it would be unpar donable, if we did not endeavour to render our effusions and lucubrations more worthy of public notice. We say lucubrations, for whatever time and facilities our brother editors may possess in other parts of the world, to render their pro. ductions worthy of public patronage, we have but one season which we can devote to ours; and that the solitude of night. And even then, a thousand things of the most discordant nature, which have demanded our attention during the past, or presenting themselves in anticipation of the rising day, render us more fit for any thing than for writing. Another most unfortunate circumstance, incident to our situation, is the sameness of events; the tameness with which nature rolls on in her unbroken course. Here are no striking events, with which to vary and enliven the dull and monotonous narration of ordinary life. No mobs affording columns of matter in accounts of heads broke,-houses rifled,-magistrates resisted,-laws defied, or any other of those brilliant events which generally mark the reign of mobocracy. To this degree of refinement, the citizens of Liberia have not as yet arrived; it is left, therefore, to some more fortunate Editor to describe them, when futurity shall bring them forth.

"Another fruitful source, possessed by the fraternity in older and well regulated countries, we are unhappily deprived of, namely, the privilege of arraigning and abusing public men and ineasures. This glorious resource affords abundant matter for many an otherwise vacant column, and seems, by almost universal consent of both writers and readers, to have grown into a standing dish, so that when the barrenness of the intellectual market will yield nothing else, the subscribers are sure to be served with a dish of the "dernier resort," which reminds us of the old adage "Neck or nothing." It is not perhaps from a virtuous disposition in us, or that we write with a pen less wayward than others, that we do not make occasional drafts on this fruitful source, but rather because our men and measures are known within a circle so circumscribed, that any thing we could say with respect to them, would be uninteresting to our distant readers."

"We shall, if opportunity permits, pay more attention to the natural history and products of the country, as well as occasionally notice the peculiarities in the manners and customs of the natives. We cannot close without saying to our Patrons, how much we are in want of paper and types. The paper we are obliged to use, originally of the coarsest description, and is almost entirely ruined by the effects of the climate. And our type is of such soft yielding metal that it will barely make an impression. In addition to which, it is the most unsuitable size.

was

LATEST FROM LIBERIA,

[April, Should our friends supply us with these desirables, we pledge all the ability and industry we can muster, to render our "Folio of four pages" worthy of their at

tention."

PUBLIC MEETING, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 1836.

"Pursuant to notice the citizens of Monrovia met in the public school-house, J. C. Barbour, Esq. in the chair, and Mr. Wm. N. Lewis, Secretary. Mr. S. Benedict, was requested to state the object of the meeting, who said, that it was to record a resolution expressive of our opinion of Colonization.

On motion of Rev. J. Revey,

1. Resolved. That this meeting entertain the warmest gratitude, for what the American Colonization Society has done for the people of colour, and for us particularly, and that we regard the scheme as entitled to the highest confidence of every man of colour.

On motion of S. Benedict, Esq.

2. Resolved, That we return our grateful acknowledgements to Gerrit Smith, A. Tappan, Esqs. and other early and devoted friends of Colonization, names for which, we shall ever cherish the highest esteem; that we hear with regret, from misrepresentation or want of accurate information, they have abandoned the noble scheme; but that we hope the day is not far distant, in which they will again reunite their energies to advance the high and benevolent object.

On motion of Mr. H. Teage,

3. Resolved, That this meeting regard the Colonization Institution, as one of the highest, holiest, and most benevolent enterprizes of the present day. That, as a plan, for the melioration of the condition of the coloured race, it takes the precedence of all that have been presented to the attention of the modern world.That in its operations, it is peaceful and safe, in its tendencies, beneficial and advantageous. That it is entitled to the highest veneration, and unbounded confidence of every man of colour. That what it has already accomplished, demands our devout thanks, and gratitude to those noble and disinterested Philanthropists whe compose it, as being under God, the greatest earthly benefactors of a despised and oppressed portion of the human family.

The hour being late, on motion of Rev. B. R. Wilson,

Resolved, That the meeting be adjourned until to-morrow, 10 o'clock, A. M. to the First Baptist Meeting House.

Thursday 10th. Met according to adjournment.

On motion of James Brown, Esq.

4. Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting be presented to those Ladies of the United States, particularly those of New York, Philadelphia and Richmond, for their disinterested efforts to educate the children of this Colony; and that they be assured, that in no department of the Colony do the effects of Colonization shine more conspicuously than in the schools supported by their benevolence.

On motion of Dr. J. W. Prout,

5. Resolved, That this meeting entertain a grateful remembrance of General Robert G. Harper of Baltimore, an early and devoted friend of Colonization; also the name of the late Daniel Murray, Esq. of Baltimore, and that we regard the Colonization Society and its friends as powerfully efficient in elevating the man of colour.

Whereas it has been widely and maliciously circulated, in the United States of America, that the inhabitants of this Colony, are unhappy in their situation, and anxious to return,

On motion of the Rev. B. R. Wilson,

6. Resolved, That the report is false and malicious, and originated only in a design to injure the Colony, by calling off the support and sympathy of its friends; that so far from a desire to return, we would regard such an event, as the greatest calamity that could befall us.

On motion of Rev. G. R. McGill,

7. Resolved, That the name of the Rev. R. R. Gurley, ought never to be forgotten. On motion of S. Benedict, Esq.

8. Resolved, That we entertain lively feelings of gratitude towards H. R. Sheldon, Esq. for his munificent donation towards the erection of a high school in this Colony.

On motion of Mr. Uriah Tyner,

9. Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting, are due to the members of the Co