But to conclude the narrative of these interesting Africans.  After all the trickery on the part of the U.S. government, it was finally decreed by the Supreme Court, that the Mendians were free persons, and might go whither they pleased.  They were unanimous for returning to their native country.  The Mendian negroes, thirty-five in number, embarked from New York for Sierra Leone, on the 27th of the 11th month, (November,) 1841, on board the barque Gentleman, Captain Morris, accompanied by five missionaries and teachers.  The British government has manifested a praiseworthy interest in their welfare, and will assist them to reach their own country from Sierra Leone.  Their stay in the United States has been of immense service to the anti-slavery cause, and there is reason to hope that under their auspices, Christianity and civilization may be introduced into their native country.

APPENDIX F. P. 76.

EXTRACT FROM AN ESSAY BY WILLIAM JAY, “On the Folly and Evils of War, and the Means of Preserving Peace.”

“But, after all that can be said against war, and after the fullest admission of its folly, cruelty, and wickedness, still the question recurs, how can it be prevented?  It would be an impeachment of the Divine economy to suppose that an evil so dreadful was inseparably and inevitably connected with human society.  We are informed, by Divine authority, that wars proceed from our lusts; but our lusts, although natural to us, are not invincible.  He who admits the free agency of man, will not readily allow that either individuals or nations are compelled to do evil.  The universal prevalence of Christian principles must, of necessity, exterminate wars; and hence we are informed, by revelation, that when righteousness shall cover the earth, ‘the nations shall learn war no more.’

“And are we to wait, it will be inquired, till this distant and uncertain period for the extinction of war?  We answer, that revelation affords us no ground to expect that all mankind will previously be governed by the precepts of justice and humanity; but that experience, reason, and revelation, all unite in leading us to believe that the regeneration of the world will be a gradual and progressive work.  Civilization and Christianity are diffusing their influence throughout the globe, mitigating the sufferings and multiplying the enjoyments of the human family.  Free institutions are taking the place of feudal oppressions—­education is pouring its light on minds hitherto enveloped in all the darkness of ignorance—­the whole system of slavery, both personal and political, is undermined by public opinion, and must soon be prostrated; and the signs of the times assure us that the enormous mass of crime and wretchedness, which is the fruit of drunkenness, will, at no very remote period, disappear from the earth.

“And can it be possible, that,