solitudes which for centuries have remained uninhabited; while they in exile in the Western Hemisphere are jostled and elbowed and trampled upon by an oppressive race. But my hopes are as strong as ever, and my confidence remains unshaken in the destiny of Liberia. She is yet to be the asylum for the oppressed American negro, and a beacon for the guidance of the benighted tribes of this continent. I may not be able to predict the methods by which Africa's exiled sons are to be restored to her bosom, but I feel certain that such an occurrence will in some way or other take place.

11. It is the most likely solution of the vexed negro question in the United States, and the only one that has yet suggested itself to the most distinguished statesmen and philanthropists of that country. And it is gratifying to notice that this view of probable events is beginning to be entertained by some of the leading black men also. Things are evidently tending to that condition when the most indifferent of our oppressed brethren in the United States will be compelled to give the question of emigration a serious, studious, and systematic consideration—a question upon which their physical and political well-being greatly depends.

12. Africa is to be opened. The eyes of the enterprising in Europe are intent upon the discovery of the secrets of science and of wealth hidden in the unexplored regions of this continent. The necessities of commerce and the desire of mankind will compel this land to contribute to the comfort and luxury of other quarters of the globe. We in Liberia have been permitted to make a very promising opening; and applications are being made to us by capitalists in foreign lands, or their agents, to be allowed to take part with us in the work of subjugating this continent.

CHAPTER LVII.

VIEWS OF AN INTELLIGENT EMIGRANT.*

1. I HAVE the honor to state that, as undoubtedly many of you are well aware, my family and myself left the city of New York, in the barque "Thomas Pope," on the 3d of June, 1865, for the Republic of Liberia. After a very pleasant voyage of thirty-five days we arrived at Monrovia, July 9th, about four o'clock in the afternoon. Monday, at noon, we landed safely on the soil of Africa, without any serious accident. Our reception at the time, and treatment since, have been all that we could desire.

2. I found Monrovia beautifully located on Cape Mesurado, handsomely laid out, and in time, when she has had the benefits of population, capital, industry, and enterprise, will be a great and magnificent city! Nature has fully contributed her share toward the accomplishment of this grand result. True, there are some obstacles to be removed, but these seem to have been placed here only to serve as a stimulus to the industry and enterprise of the colored emigrants from America. With some improvements the harbor of Monrovia could afford a safe shelter for all the navies of the world! All the sea-captains with whom I have conversed here say that there are but few harbors in the world superior to Mesurado Bay.

3. So far, I have found the climate very delightful. It is never cold, nor extremely hot. Up to this time, the

*The author of the above communication, H. W. Johnson, Jr., was for many years a (colored) resident of Canandaigua, N. Y., where he rose, by his own exertions, from the humble position of a barber, to the honored rank of a legal practitioner at the bar of the Supreme Court of the State of New York. He went to Liberia because he thought he could be more useful and happy there than in America,

lowest I have seen the mercury is 66c, and the highest 86°. The grass is always green, and the flowers always in bloom. Fruits and vegetables indigenous to this climate, and those that have been transplanted here from other countries, grow and ripen during the whole year. In regard to the face of the country, in a word, it is picturesque and grand beyond all conception. The view of Monrovia and the adjacent country from College Hill, the fort, and lighthouse, is perfectly magnificent!

4. Although we have had the fever in our family during the last six months, and have suffered severely in body, mind, and in purse, yet I have seen no cause to regret that I came to Liberia. On the contrary, I return thanks to God, that through the influence of some friends of colonization, the aid rendered by the Society, and the favorable representations of the Rev. Mr. Crummell (Professor in Liberia College), that my mind ever conceived the thought and encouraged the idea to come to this country. All that has transpired since I left America, and all I have witnessed since my arrival here, have only confirmed me in the belief that Africa is the best home for the oppressed black men of America!

5. While in America, I was weighed down with the thought that I was constantly in the presence of those who considered me inferior to them for no other reason than because I wear the dark skin given me by my Creator! The wisdom of a Solomon, the virtues of a saint, nor the wealth of the Indies can lift this burden from the soul of a sensitive colored man who values liberty, self-respect, independence, and manhood! But from the time I landed on the soil of Africa, down to the present, I have felt like a new man-I have felt as free as the air we breathe, and the ponderous weight of human bondage has rolled off from my soul. My citizenship is acknowledged; my rights respected; my wrongs redressed; and my manhood fully recognized! This is what Liberia will do for every black man who seeks an asylum on the soil of Africa.

6. With regard to the means of obtaining a living here, they are ample, cheap, and abundant, and sure, if the emigrant will rely upon the cultivation of the soil. You must not infer from this that there are no other means of obtaining a living and amassing a fortune in Liberia. By no means. On the contrary, here is a broad field for the citizen, the merchant, the mechanic-for those who have qualified themselves for the learned professions, etc. The country being new, and its resources almost inexhaustible, no country in the world can hold out greater inducements for colored men of intelligence, industry, and enterprise than Liberia.

7. In view of this fact, how lamentable it is that so many thousands of intelligent colored men in America, possessing fine talents and ample means, will continue to "hug their chains," "kiss the rod that smites them," finally die in despair, and entail upon their children the same wrongs which they (themselves) have endured for ages past and gone, when they can obtain all they desire within the limits of the Republic of Liberia! Merciful God! what stupidity and blindness!

8. I mean to state the facts as they really are. I will not deceive any one. A person coming to Liberia must not forget he is coming to a new country-that but little over forty years ago the place upon which Monrovia now stands was a dense, unbroken wilderness and bushinfested with beasts and serpents; inhabited by ignorant, degraded, superstitious, wild, and hostile tribes of natives; that the slave trade then existed with all its bloody horrors and inhuman atrocities!

9. What a change has taken place on this spot since that eventful period! Churches of the true and living God, temples of justice, halls of learning, neat and comfortable dwellings, well-regulated towns and villages, cultivated fields, and a growing commerce now fill their places! In fine, the seeds of a Christian civilization have been planted, deeply rooted, and have sprung up on the soil of Africa,

and given birth to a new Republic, which, in our day, will afford an asylum to the down-trodden and oppressed colored man in every quarter of the globe; and spread religion and law, light and civilization throughout every portion of this broad and beautiful land.

CHAPTER LVIII.

ADDRESS OF THE HON. ABRAHAM HANSON,

CONSUL-GENERAL FROM THE UNITED STATES.

1. In May, 1862, I accepted the humble, but honorable office of Commercial Agent of the United States in Monrovia. In December, 1863, the position of Commissioner and Consul-General of the United States to the Republic of Liberia was intrusted to my hands, the duties of which I still continue to discharge. I have resided in Liberia about three years. During this time I have interested myself in whatever promised to extend and strengthen the commercial and friendly relations between the two countries. I have made several visits along the coast and up the rivers, going from farm to farm, and from house to house, and thus, from verbal statements and personal observation, have acquired a knowledge of the industrious habits and domestic comforts of the citizens.

2. In every direction new plantations are being commenced, and old ones materially enlarged and improved, so that I can testify that the progress in this department promises well for the future, and full development of the rich resources of the prolific soil.

3. Coffee bids fair to become the basis of many an independent fortune. It is cultivated with ease, and with comparatively small expense. Its maturity and fruitfulness