currency, receivable at the Society’s store, was introduced, and proved most useful in trade with the natives.  In 1841 some slight difficulties with employes of missions led the Society, while still retaining control of affairs, to assert by resolution that the colony was a sovereign State.  A revenue law introduced in 1846 soon produced an income of about $1,200.  In this year began the trips of the “Liberia Packet,” a vessel maintained by a company formed to trade between Baltimore and Harper, as the town of the colony was named, in honor of Robert Goodloe Harper.  A certain amount of trade was guaranteed and other aid given by the Society.  In 1847 the justiciary was separated from the executive; a chief justice and a system of courts were provided for.

The year 1852 ended the period during which the Society drew its annual stipend from the State treasury; but the General Assembly was induced to extend the provisions of the Act of 1831 for a further period of six years.  It may be as well to note here that in 1858 a further extension was made for five years, the amount at the same time being reduced to $5,000 per annum.[10] For twenty years the colony had flourished under the care and good management of the Society.  Prosperity now seemed secure, and a spirit of discontent, a desire to throw off the yoke and assume autonomy began to prevail.  The great success following the assumption of Independence by Liberia in 1847, and the recognition at once obtained from the leading nations of Europe, naturally strengthened the feeling.  A committee of leading citizens petitioned the Society to relinquish its authority, at the same time demanding or begging almost everything else in its power to bestow.  The Society was further asked by its spoiled fosterling to continue to support schools, provide physicians and medicine, remit debts, and finally, to grant a “loan” of money to meet the expenses of government.[11]

The Board of Managers, though deeming the colony still unripe for independence, generously determined to grant the request, as made advisable by force of circumstances.  Among other things it was feared that the better class of colonists might be attracted toward the independent State of Liberia.  A sort of federal union with that State was suggested, but found impracticable.  A convention met and drafted a Constitution, which was submitted to the Board.  An agreement was reached as to the conditions of the transfer of the Society’s lands, etc.  Both were ratified by the people, and in May, 1854, Wm. A. Prout was elected Governor.  Other officials, senators and representatives, were chosen at the same time.