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It is the duty of every people to assist all who are labouring
under the heavy yoke of oppression, it is also a noble principle to listen to
the cries of humanity; and as far as lies in their power to comply with these
heartfelt petitions. But when a compliance with these entreaties would be to
the disadvantage of those who engage in the laudable undertaking, it cannot be
any part of their duty to engage in the attempt. However strange my sentiments
may be on the colonizing
society, and however ungrateful my feelings may appear, yet a cool and
dispassionate decision made from reason prompts me to these suggestions: we all
equally agree in the curse of slavery; and we equally deplore the wretched
situation of that part of mankind, which has been compelled to undergo this
bitter draught for a number of years. Before there is any measure entered into
it remains necessary to consider both the many good and bad effects; which will
originate from this measure; otherwise it will permiting reason to be obscured
by the hasty passions of humanity and it will may be like changing the most virtuous medicine into the
worst poison. This small effort towards emancipation, has already added much to
those who have taken an active part in it, no doubt but their principles are
worthy to be registered in the heavens with sunbeams, so that they might be
read by the world. It is feared, the progress of this society will not fulfil the sanguine expectations
of its warm advocates, as there is a probability of its being attended with
many disadvantage. There are but two places in which this colony can be
established. It is then necessary to consider what will be the consequences;
which will attend this colony
if planted in either of those
places.
read page fourth
would be but dim; the
number for a few years might be considerable
but are there a sufficient number of free blacks among us to keep this place
constantly increasing. If then this source would not be sufficient to afford
them protection; you must resort to some other measure by which assistance can
be offered. The great abhorrence to slavery might induce some few of the
generous hearted to free the small
number in their possession, but how few would this add towards supplying this
necessity, as we have daily evidence of the great desire of riches, which is
almost a universal passion. Should this source fail, there is no other
alternative unless the general government would take it under consideration;
even if this were done, I cannot suppose that it would be free from objections;
as it could not attempt to purchase slaves and send them to this colony; the number of them being so numerous it
would require greater funds (to carry this very far into effect) than we have.
Though this might be assisting the slaves, yet
it would be very sensibly felt by those who had the burthen to bare; the event
of such a measure might be so dangerous as impracticaple it would create
disaffection among the people; the finances levied from them to support such a
measure, would be too heavy to be borne. Finding then that such a course would
not be a politic one; what other course could be entered into suppose the
government should compell the citizen of the
read page 5th [third]
be unjust to wrong them out of that, which likely a
great many of them had earned by the sweat of the brow. If at a certain age
they should be set free, it ought to be considered what age that should be; you
cannot do justice to the master if you do not grant him a right to the
servant's labour until he shall recompence him for his trouble in raising
him, and by the time the servant recompences his master's suffering, he
will be far advanced in life, perhaps the vigour of manhood has already began
to decline under the pressure of age and labour, would it then be a charitable
act to carry him from the land of his nativity and leave him in this barren
country? Can you conceive his situation to be improved by taking him from his
task masters and placing him in this uncultivated situation, where there is
nothing to support the decline of life except the little, which he may obtain
by his own industry before the approach of old age. But should the wretch meet
with the powers of misfortune, before he has had time to acquire the necessary
subsistence for life, what will be his situation far from a land of gratitude
surrounded by those whose feeling are frozen to the entreaties of pity; if by
chance he meet with a friend who is willing to give him an assisting hand he is
deprived of this assistance through ignorance; his friend though willing cannot
afford him relief. His last moments then must
be spent in the most heart rending afflictions. Reason to yourselves, paint to
your imaginations the many evils which would likely attend his last state, and
decide whether would it not be better to end a
life under an indulgent superior than to have the name of liberty surrounded by
so many serious disadvantages.
After many efforts are made in favour of this colony; it is feared it will not arrive at its wished for improvement; thoug[h] it should be established. How can we suppose that these people can manage a government of their own in their present situation & how can it be expected they would ever thrive in their present ignorance? But let us consider if there is much probability of its being carried into affect; this would be a great undertaking for the general government much less an individual thing; and therefore it is likely all the attempts made in favour of this business will prove fruitless. All of us who wish to shew our humanity to these unfortunate people, ought to endeavour to shew our government the injustice in permiting these people to be made an object of public trade; and in permiting them to be driven about in droves like brutes to market. Since we have them among us and no way to dispose of them to their own advantage; we must keep the[m]; and as we all know the wretchedness of their situation, it is our duty to improve it; it lies in our power to make it better or worse; then as we have the power of shewing our gratitude let us endeavour to make the state of the slave as comfortable as we can; and always bear in mind that it is our duty to treat them as servants, and that we are responsible for our conduct as masters.