REPUBLIC OF HAYTI. Port au Prince, 30th April, 1824. YEAR OF INDEPENDENCE, THE 21st. Jean Pierre Boyer, President of Hayti, to Mr. Loring D. Dewey, General Agent of the Society for African Colonization at New-York. SIR,-I had the satisfaction to receive the letter of the 4th of March last, which you addressed to me, the contents of which breathe the most perfect philanthropy. To consecrate our cares to meliorate the lot of a portion of the human race, sadly borne down by the weight of misforture, is to prove the excellence of one's heart, and to acquire an eternal right to the gratitude of every living creature that can feel. And the step which you have taken in reference to me, in favour of the descendants of the Africans, who are in the United States, and who are compelled to leave the country because that far from enjoy. ing rights of freemen, they have only an existence, precarious and full of humiliation, entitles you to the gratitude of the Haytiens, who cannot see with indifference the calamities which afflict their breth ren. As soon as I was informed of the resolution taken in the United States to transport into Africa, our unhappy brethren, to restore them to their native sky, I comprehended the policy which had suggested this measure, and at the same time conceived a high opinion of those generous men, who were disposed to make sacrifices, in the hope of preparing for the unfortunate men who were its objects, an asylum where their existence would be supportable. Thence forward, by a sympathy very natural, my heart and my arms have been open to greet in this land of true liberty, those men upon whom a fatal destiny rests in a manner so cruel. I considered the intention to colonize barbarous regions with men accustomed to live in the midst of civilized people, as a thing impracticable, to say nothing more. The experiment made at Sherbro' and at Mesurado, prove that I was not far from the truth. In fine, sir, although Africa be the cradle of their fathers, what a frightful prospect is it for them, to see themselves exiled to insalubrious climes, after having inhaled the healthful breezes of the land of their birth! I have often asked myself, why Hayti, whose climate is so mild and whose gov ernment is analogous to that of the United States, was not preferred as their place of refuge. Fearing that my sentiments would be misinterpreted, if I made the first overture. I contented myself with having explained to those of them who came to Hayti, all the guarantees and rights that the constitution of the Republic has established in their favour. I have aided in freeing those from debt who could not quite pay for their passage; I have given land to those who wished to cultivate it; and by my circular, of the date of the 24th December, 1823, to the officers of districts, (of which I send you a copy,) you will convince yourself that I have prepared for the children of Africa, coming out of the United States, all that can assure them of an honourable existence in be coming citizens of the Haylien Republic. But now that you make overtures, which seem to be authorized by the respectable Society of which you are the general agent, I am about to answer frankly to the eight questions which you have addressed to me. 1. "If a number of families" &c. The Government of the Republic will aid in defraying part of the expenses of the voyage of those who cannot bear them, provided the Colonization Society will do the rest. The government will give fertile lands to those who wish to cultivate them, will advance to them nourishment, tools, and other things of indispensable necessity until they shall be sufficiently established to do without this assistance. 2. "To what extent and number," &c. No matter what number of emigrants, all those who will come with the intention to submit themselves to the laws of the country shall be well received. The price of passage and other expenses shall be discussed by agents to obtain the most advantageous conditions. The quantity of ground shall be as much as each family can cultivate. For the rest, the utmost good-will to the new-comers, shall be the basis of the arrangement. 3. "What encouragement will be given to Mechanics and Merchants," &c. They shall have perfect liberty to labour in their respective professions. The only privilege will be an exemption from the law of patent for the first year. 4. "Will opportunity be given" &c. All those, I repeat it, who will come, shall be received, no matter what may be their number, provided they submit themselves to the laws of the state, which are essentially liberal and protecting, and to the rules of the Police which tend to repress vagrancy, to maintain good order, and to confirm the tranquillity of all. There is no price to stipulate for, as respects the land; since the government will give it gratis, in fee simple, to those who will cultivate it. The emigrants will be distributed in the most advantageous manner possible, and those who may desire it, shall be placed in the neighbourhood of each other. They shall not be meddled with in their domestic habits, nor in their religious belief, provided they do not seek to make proselytes, or trouble those who profess another faith than their own. What precedes is an answer to your fifth question upon the toleration of different religious. 6. "What are your laws relative to marriage," &c. Marriage is encouraged, and good husbands and wives enjoy the same consideration as in other civilized countries. 7. "How far are schools," &c. ? Every where, where there is a sufficiently numerous population, the government support schools to instruct the youth in the principles of morality and virtue. 3.Will your government permit," &c? That cannot be. The laws of the Republic are general--and no particular laws can exist. Those who come, being chil dred of Africa, shall be Haytiens as soon as they put their feet upon the soil of Hayti they will enjoy happiness, security tranquillity, such as we ourselves posses, however our defamers declare the contrary. In fine, Sir, to prove to you what I am disposed to do in favor of our brethren who groan in the United States of America under the yoke of prejudice, I am about to send to New-York funds and a confidential agent to enter into an understanding with you and the Colonization Society, with a view to facilitate the emigration to Hayti of the descendants of Africans, who are disposed to come and partake with us the most precious blessings which we enjoy under Divine Providence. It must not be imagined that the want of an increased population in Hayti is the motive which determines me to make this answer with the details into which I have entered. Views of a higher order direct ine. Animated with the desire to serve the cause of humanity, I have thought that a finer occasion could not have presented itself to offer an agreeable hospitality, a sure asylum, to the unfortunate men, who have the alternative of going to seek upon the barbarous shores of Africa, misery or certain death. I shall not develope the advantages which will result to the people of your country from transporting to Hayti the African population of which they wish to be delivered. Every one can perceive perfectly that it will be an infallible means of augmenting the commerce of the United States, by multiplying relations between two people,the similarity of whose principles of ligislation and government ought necessarily te render them friends, although a blind prejudice seems until now to have put obstacles in the way of more direct relations between the one and the other. Light and philanthropy will doubtless make justice and reason to triumph. You will speedily, Sir, see the arrival in New-York of the agent I am to send. I have the honour to salute you with my most distinguished consideration. BOYER. The Agent (Mr. Granville) mentioned in the above communication has already arrived in New-York, He is authorized to make provision for the transportation of 6,000 coloured people to Havti during the present year; viz. 1,000 to be landed at Port au Prince, 1,000 at Cape Haytien, 1,000 at Port Plate, 200 at Samana, 1,200 at St. Domingo, 600 at Jacquemel, 500 at Les Cayes and Jeremie, and 500 at Gonaives. With those emigrants who will form themselves into companies of twelve or more and will come under obligations to cultivate such fertile lands as may be assigned to them, the agent is authorized to contract, that the expense of their passage and maintenance during the voyage shall be paid on their arrival at Hayti by the government, which will provide them besides with the means of subsistence during four months after their arrival. The government will also give to these emigrants a perpetual title to the lands which they cultivate. As for those who wish to engage in commercial or mechanical pursusts, or who desire to cultivate the soil, or labor in other ways on their own ac count, and not under the direction of the government, the agent is authorized to assure them that the expense of their passage and maintenance during the voyage shall be paid in Hayti, provided they bind themselves to reimburse to the government, within six months after their arrival, all the monies which shall have been advanced on their accouut. The agent is also directed in certain cases to make provision for defraying the expense of removing the colored people from the interior of our country to the place of embarkation, and for the purpose of meeting this and other expenses, the President has sent out to a merchant in this city a cargo of coffee, the proceeds of which are to constitute a fund, at the disposal of the agent. From the instructions it appears that` the emigrants will be entitled by the constitution, after a year's residence, to all the civil and political rights of citizens, and that they will have entire liberty of conscience, in matters of religion; but no other privileges will be granted to the emigrants than those enjoyed by the citizens of the state, and all who go, must go with a determination to conform to the laws. American Colonization Society. In an address delivered before the members of the General Assembly of the Pres byterian Church, at their late session, Robert G. Harper, Esqr. stated that the Board of Managers of the Colonization Society had $20 000 at their disposal. It seems that General Kosciusco, the Polish chief, who resided for some time in this country, bequeathed that sum in his will, to be appropriated to the melioration of the condition of the blacks in the United States. His administrators, owing to debts on the estate, &c neglected carrying the provision into effect Mr. Jefferson being consulted, advised that the management be left to Mr. Lear of Washington, and Mr. L. has now informed the Board that it is at their disposal. They have resolved to appropriate it to the purchase of "a Seminary Farm," and Mr. H. is now in treaty to be concluded in a few days, for a place which has been deemed suitable for the purpose in Montgomery county, Maryland, half way between Baltimore and Washington. It has buildings, outhouses, &c. for the accommodation of 200 persons, and here it is intended that children shall be received to be trained for the colony Mr. H. anticipates that similar establishments will be made in differern parts of the country. NATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. CONSTITUTION OF THE AMERICAN SUN- To concentrate the efforts of Sabbath School Societies in the different sections of our country; to strengthen the hands of the friends of pious instruction on the Lord's day; to disseminate useful information, circulate moral and religious publications in every part of the land; and to endeavour to plant a Sunday School wherever there is a population, "The Philadelphia Sunday and Adult School Union," and such other similar societies as may unite with it, do hereby associate under the title of "The American Sunday School Union, and for their government adopt the following Constitution : Article 1. Each subscriber of three dollars annually shall be a member. Each subscriber of thirty dollars at one time shall be a member for life. Sunday School Societies or Unions paying three dollars or more to the funds of this institution, and sending a copy of their constitution, list of their officers, and an annual report of their schools, shall be considered aux iliary, be privileged to purchase books at reduced prices, and the members entitled to vote at all meetings of this society. Article 2. The affairs and funds of this society shall be under the direction of a President, eight Vice Presidents, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and a Board of Managers to consist of thirty-six laymen, twenty-four of whom shall reside in the city of Philadelphia or its vicinity. The Board of Managers shall be divided into three classes, whose term of service shall be one, two, and three years, one-third of whom shall go out of office each year, but may be re-elected. Clergymen whose school societies are attached to the Union shall be entitled to vote at the Board of Managers. Officers of Sunday School Unions auxiliary to this Society shall be ex officio Managers. Article 3. The managers shall appoint all officers, call special meetings of the society, and fill such vacancies as may occur in their own body. They shall publish such periodical works, tracts, and books, designed to promote the objects of this society, as they may deem expedient. Seven members shall constitute a quorum. Article 4. The annual meeting of the society shall be held at Philadelphia the first Tuesday after the twentieth of May, when the proceedings of the past year shall be reported, the accounts presented, and the managers chosen. Special meetings may be called by the President, or in his absence by either of the Vice-Presidents, at the request of six managers. Fif teen members shall constitute a quorum. If a quorum does not appear on the day of the annual meeting, the election of managers shall take place at the next meeting whenevever a quorum appears; and the managers and officers of the society shall remain in office until a new election takes place. Article 5. The officers and managers shall be elected by ballot. "The establishment of a National Sunday School Union, is an event, which, for a long time, has engaged the labours and the prayers of many individuals in different sections of the United States. The Philadelphia Sunday and Adult School Union, has already extended its happy influence over a large portion of the states; and, although not in name, it was, in fact, a National Society. It furnished a broad and sure foundation upon which to erect a superstructure that should be in name as well as in fact, a National Institution; and therefore, by common consent, Philadelphia has become the seat of the American Sunday School Union." Extract from the Seventh Report of the "In regard to Sabbath schools in other countries, from foreign reports, it appears, that the interests of these institutions are advancing with rapidity. England is still setting an example of noble charity, worthy of our praise, and of our imitation. The Report of their Sunday School Union, May, 1823, gives a striking account of the beneficial effects of this Society upon Ireland, Canada, and other places, as well as those in the immediate vicinity of London. The number of schools in Great Britain and Ireland, was at that time, 7,173; in which were 77,275 teachers, and 764,991 scholars. By compar ing this report with that of the year previous, we find an increase of 1536 schools, 20,900 teachers, and 108,449 scholars. "In France, it appears that the difficulties which have hertofore retarded the progress of Sunday Schools are diminishing, and the hope is cherished, that much will be done in that country, where much remains to do. A Sabbath school has been formed at the Protestant church in Paris, at which 200 children attend, and among them are the sons and daughters of some of the most wealthy and influential protestants of the Capital, who wish to give their offspring the religious advantages of the school, and at the same time, to present an example to other classes of protestants attending the same church. This institution is likely to be useful, both in its immediate and remote effects. Similar Institutions exist at Charenton, near Paris, and also at Calais. "In Holland and Switzerland, according to the last accounts received, the cause of Sunday schools is advancing. "In India, the schools supported by various denominations, are too numerous to be particularized; but, remarks the report, the establishment of female native schools in that country, is a most interesting and encouraging circumstance. One female has under her care about 400 female children, and the prejudices of the natives against the education of females, are much diminished, and will, probably in a few years, be wholly removed. "In Ceylon, the schools are prosperous. Among the promising circumstances connected with this subject, may be mentioned the distinct recognition, in some places, of the Christian Sabbath. "In New-South Wales and Van Deimen's Land, Sabbath schools are already in successful operation. "In the South Sea Islands, also, many schools have been formed. 'At Wilk's Harbour, from 100 to 150 adults attend every morning at sunrise. The children are catechised by native teachers. At Papara, 700, including children and adults, attend school, and their progress is encouraging. The schools established in the different islands by the London Missionary Society, are prospering, and prove productive of the happiest effects." "In West and South Africa, these institutions are, under the divine blessing, doing much good. In West Africa particularly, it is remarkable that several thousands of young persons are now rising into active life, who are the hope and joy of the missionaries, and whose early piety affords the best pledge of the wide spreading and perpetuity of Christian principles, in this interesting portion of the world. "In Malta, the American Missionaries have established Sabbath schools, and supplied them with tracts and books in their native language. In Canada, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Sabbath schools are the means of extensively diffusing religious knowledge among the young and ignorant. It is pleasing to notice that the Roman Catholic bishop of the upper province, has expressed his determination to establish them wherever practicable throughout his diocese. In the West Indies there are more than 6000 scholars, and the great importance of giving religious instruction to the slaves is becoming evident. It has recently been declared by one of the English ministry in the House of Commons, that the government intend to support a new system in the British Islands, with regard to these unhappy men, in which religious education is to be the principal agent to meliorate their condition. Under these circumstances, the field of action will become more extensive, and the Sabbath schools, thus protected, will introduce the knowledge of the Scriptures, and a reform in the lives and habits of the slaves. The misery of servitude will be alleviated by the consolations of religion, and the temporary trials and sorrows of this life, will become in their eyes of little consequence in comparison with the loss of their souls. An application has recently been made to this Institution for aid in behalf of a Sabbath school in Beunos Ayres, which has been supplied from our Depository with books, &c." SANDWICH MISSION. The following extracts are from the private Journal of the Rev. Mr. Stewart, one of the missionaries to the Sandwich Islands, written during the voyage on board the Thames. It was designed for his sister, and published in the Christian Advocate. November 30th, 1822. Since writing on Tuesday, we have had another gale of wind, which compelled us to take in all sail and "lie to" during Thursday night, and part of Friday. Confinement to the cabin, and the tossing of the ship, increased Harriet's sickness very much. I think she was weaker and more dispirited yesterday, than at any time before. From the expe * rience I have already had, I can judge what my thoughts and feelings will be, when I behold her enduring all the privations and hardships of the missionary life, should she be spared to meet them. They will be the same they now are.When I look back a fortnight, and view her as she then was, blooming, and healthful, and animated, and see her now, pale, emaciated, and spiritless from sickness, which she might have avoided, I am at times ready to say-"Could it have been my duty, thus to expose one so delicate, so unaccustomed to fatigue and hardships?" All the man within me says, "No! it could not ;" but the Christianthe minister-and the missionary, as promptly and more decidedly exclaim, it could, and it is." Yes, my dear M. whatever I may suffer myself-whatever my beloved wite may suffer, which has been and will be my keenest suffering I am fully persuaded that I have done right, and that she has done right,in forming the determinations, and in pursuing the measures we have. I am satisfied, that so far as the expedition we now are engaged in is concerned, on the day of judgment, the sentence to us will be, "well done good and faithful." The hand of the Lord hath led us : we beheld it in the dispensations of his Providence ; we dared not refuse to follow, and though we may find that the hand which guides, bears the rod to afflict, still we will fear no evil. No, we have acted in this matter only in conformity to the light possessed, and to the dictates of our consciences, and we shall unquestionably meet blessings, rich and satisfying, in the path of duty pointed out: if not in one form, in another less expected, but not less full. With such views and feelings, my beloved M., which are those of our inmost hearts, we cheerfully turn our backs forever on all the comfort, all the domestic and social felicity, all the refined enjoyment which the advantages we possessed in our native country might have so fully secured to us. We banish from our minds for ever the dreams of earthly bliss, in which the children of this world seek their supreme happiness, and hail with contentment the scenes of self-denial and privation, of care and toil, which we have in prospect, willing, since the providence of God has so ordered it, to become literally "strangers and pilgrims" on the earth, having here no abiding place, nor worldly possession. Whatever else we lose, we gain "A peaceful a treasure too rich to be exchanged or forfeited for all the fleeting and unsatisfying pleasures of this life. When, then, we recount our sufferings and afflictionswhen we give a statement of our real sitsituation, whatever it may be, do not think we consider it strange that such things have befallen us, but that, deeming the service we perform as done unto the Lord, we even count "for joy" the trials that may await us in its accomplish meut. We think ourselves greatly blest in our humble friend, Betsey Stockton. She proves herself daily more and more kind, affectionate, and faithful. She has been most thoughtful and assiduous in her attention during H.'s sickness, and has laid me under a debt of gratitude, I scarce know how to pay. She is a valuable acquisition to our little family, and I wish her always to be particularly remembered in your communications to us. We have become quite systematic in our regulations as a family. The bell for rising rings in the cabin at sunrise-that for morning prayers at half past seventhat for breakfast at eight. We dine at one, sup at six and have evening prayers at half past seven. The establishment of regular worship, has been a great comfort and satisfaction to us, and the respectful and constant attendance of the captain, officers and crew, gives us sincere joy. When the weather admits of it, we assemble on the quarter deck, which has been peculiarly pleasant during the moonlight nights, with which we are favoured. Oh! it is sweet to hear our hymn of praise floating on the breeze that wafts us along, and to listen to the prayer directed from the midst of these mighty waters, to Him who protects, and who only can defend and bless us Yesterday seemed really like a Sabbath. The day was calm and pleasant, and though the occupation of the ship would not admit of public worship in the morning, still it was gratifying to observe the general quiet and seriousness that prevailed, whilst each on board, not engaged in the duty of the ship, was occupied with his Bible, or some serious book. At four o'clock, P. M. the great bell rang for public service. The exercises were conducted according to the usual order in the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Bishop delivered a sermon from the words, "What shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul." We cannot but hope, and do fervently pray, that these means of grace may not be lost to the immortal beings, by whose skill we are enabled to bear the glad tidings of pardon and peace to the most distant isles of the sea. May the time speedily come, when each one who sails with us, will ex perience in his own breast all the happi |
