LOUIS R. MEHLINGER

FOOTNOTES: 

[1] The African Repository, XXVI, 246, and XXIX, 14.

[2] Jay, “An Inquiry into the Character and Tendencies of the American Colonization and American Anti-Slavery Societies,” p. 26 et passim; Stebbins, “Facts and Opinions Touching the Real Origin, Character, and Influence of the American Colonization Society,” p. 63 et seq.; The African Repository, and Colonization Society Letters in the Library of Congress.

[3] Garrison, “Thoughts on Colonization,” 8.

[4] Colonization Society Letters, 1826, Letter of J. Gales, of Raleigh, North Carolina.  Niles Register, XXXV, 386; XLI, 103.

[5] The leaders of this meeting were:  James Forten, chairman, Russell Parrott, secretary, Rev. Absalom Jones, Rev. Richard Allen, Robert Douglass, Francis Perkins, Rev. John Gloucester, Robert Gordon, James Johnson, Quamony Clarkson, John Sommerset, and Randall Shepherd.  See Garrison’s “Thoughts on African Colonization.”  Niles Register, XVII, 30.

[6] Stebbins, “Origin, Character and Influence of the American Colonization Society,” 194.

[7] The address was as follows: 

“Relieved from the miseries of slavery, many of us by your aid, possessing benefits which industry and integrity in this prosperous country assures to all its inhabitants, enjoying the rich blessings of religion, by opportunities of worshipping the only true God, under the light of Christianity, each of us according to his understanding; and having afforded us and our children the means of education and improvement; we have no wish to separate from our present homes, for any purpose whatever.  Contented with our present situation and condition, we are desirous of increasing the prosperity, by honest efforts, and by the use of the opportunities, for their improvement, which the constitution and laws allow.

“We, therefore, a portion of those who are the objects of this plan, and among those whose benefits, with them of others of color, it is intended to promote; with humble and grateful acknowledgments to those who have devised it, renounce and disclaim every connection with it; and respectfully and firmly declare our determination not to participate in any part of it.

“Nor do we view the colonization of those who may become emancipated by its operation among our southern brethren, as capable to produce their happiness.  Unprepared by education and a knowledge of the principles of our blessed religion, for their new situation, those who will thus become colonized will thus be surrounded by every suffering which can affect the members of the human family.

“Without arts, without habits of industry, and unaccustomed to provide by their own exertions and foresight for their wants, the colony