[5] The native language of these countries, as well as the greater part of South America, is Spanish, which is the easiest of all foreign languages to learn.  It is very remarkable and worthy of note, that with a view of going to Mexico or South America, the writer several years ago paid some attention to the Spanish language; and now, a most singular coincidence, without preunderstanding, in almost every town, where there is any intelligence among them, there are some colored persons of both sexes, who are studying the Spanish language.  Even the Methodist and other clergymen, among them.  And we earnestly entreat all colored persons who can, to study, and have their children taught Spanish.  No foreign language will be of such import to colored people, in a very short time, as the Spanish.  Mexico, Central and South America, importune us to speak their language; and if nothing else, the silent indications of Cuba, urge us to learn the Spanish tongue.

[6] The Brazilians have formed a Colonization Society, for the purpose of colonizing free blacks to Africa.  The Brazilians are Portuguese, the only nation that can be termed white, and the only one that is a real slave holding nation in South America.  Even the black and colored men have equal privileges with whites; and the action of this society will probably extend only to the sending back of such captives as may be taken from piratical slavers.  Colonization in Brazil, has doubtless been got up under the influence of United States slave holders and their abettors, such as the consuls and envoys, who are sent out to South America, by the government.  Chevalier Niteroi, charge de affaires from Brazil near the government of Liberia, received by the President on the 28th of last January, is also charged with the mission of establishing a colony of free blacks in Liberia.  The Chevalier was once a Captain in the Brazilian navy on the coast of Africa; and no doubt is conversant with the sentiments of Roberts, who was charged with the slave trade at one time.  The scheme of United States slaveholders and President J.J.  Roberts, their agent of Liberia, will not succeed, in establishing prejudice against the black race; not even in slaveholding Brazil.

We have no confidence in President Roberts of Liberia, believing him to be wholly without principle—­seeking only self-aggrandizement; even should it be done, over the ruined prospects of his staggering infant country.  The people of Liberia, should beware of this man.  His privy councillors are to be found among slaveholders in the United States.

XXI

NICARAGUA AND NEW GRENADA

As it is not reasonable to suppose, that all who read this volume—­especially those whom it is intended most to benefit—­understand geography; it is deemed advisable, to name some particular places, as locality of destination.