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Show X PHEFA'l'ORY LE'Ivn:R. a firm moral phalanx against the aggressions of a shameless cupidity abroad, and a reckless violence in their own country. The plan truly is comprehensive, and the work indefinitely large, nor can we conceal from ourselves, that the obstructions to it arc at once numerous and formidable. But we must enter upon that work and pursue it, in simple dependence on our Father who is in heaven. "Of one blood" has he made "all nations ;" and on all men has he bestowed those equal and inalienable rights-" life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Doubtless the time will come when these rights shall be universally acknowledged ; and when justice, mercy, and peace shall triumph over all their enemies. Till then we must not cease to labor in the cause of the oppressed, and to remember them in our humble and fervent petitions, when we are enabled to draw near to the throne of grace. Before I leave this subject, there is one point which requires to be mentioned. I am glad to observe, that the motto of the African Civilization Society, with regard to commerce, is Ji'ree Trade, and with regard to agriculture, Free Labor. The pre· valence, in Affica, of domestic slavery, is a circumstance greatly to be deplored; and it will not only become our duty to present to the attention of her people, on her own territory, patterns of free agriculture, and visible proofs of its advantage; but, in our communications with persons of influence on that continent, we must never forget to direct our ad vices and remonstrances against slavery, as well as against the slave trade. We have the two objects before us of developing the resources of the soil of Africa, and of raising the native mind. Were we to pursue the former object alone, though the exportation of the Ali·ican would be prevented, his bonds at home might, in many cases, be strength· cued. But if the raising of the native mind be kept steadily in view-if it be faithfully pursued in all our transactions-1 fully believe that the society will work well for the discouragement and PREl~ATOitY LETTER. xi final extinction not only of the African slave tratlc, but of African domestic s]avery. At the same time, I rejoice in the existence of a sister institution, which occupies itself with the simple and comprehensive object of promoting the abolition of slavery throughout the world. As it relates to the slave trade, this iustitution aims at undermining it, by destroying the market for slaves in the Western world-an attempt which perfectly harmonizes with the corresponding endeavor, to cut oil' the supply of slaves, by improving and civi1izing Africa. Neither operation cau, in my opinion, be spared-both ought to be strenuously supported. For my own part, I am prepared heartily to unite with the African Civilization Society, in its admirahlc plans for the benefit of that continent; and equally so with the British and Foreign Anti-slavery Society, in its enlarged eflorts against the curse of slavery, under whatsoever circumstances, and in whatsoever part of the world, that curse may be found. The following letters, addressed to Henry Clay of Kentucky, were carried through the press before I left America. On our return from the West Indies to the Uuited States, my companions and myself spent ten days in the city of Washington, while Congress was in Session. We found no difficulty in obtaining private interviews with the President, the Secretaries of the dil~ ferent departments of government, nnd many of the most influential members of Congress of both parties. To these gentlemen we related the principal particulars of our West Indian tour, and stated the evidence with which we had been furnished, of the beneficial working of freedom among the negroes of the West Indies, in a pecuniary, civil, and moral point of view. Our narration was listened to with great attention, and by no individua] more so than by Henry Clay of Kentucky. Notwithstanding the conspicuous part which that statesman has of late years taken in defence of the olavcry of the United States, we had abundant proof; that his mind is not steeled against a lively feeling of |