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ACTUAL, ANT) I^



PHYSICAL, INTELLECTUAL, ANT) MORilL QUALITIES




COLORED POPULATION:



WITH KEMARKS ON THE SUBJECT OF



"^ EMANCIPATION AND COLONIZATION.



BY EBENEZER BALDWIN.



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' Homo sum, humani nil a me alienum puto."



NEW HAVEN: L. U. YOUNG.

THORE &

1834.



PRESS OF WHITMORE &. Bi;Uh.»NGHAM.






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[Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1834, by L. H. Youno,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Connecticut.]



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PREFACE



The following Essay was written several months ago, and before
any disgraceful scenes, such as those that have recently occurred,
had tarnished the efforts of philanthropy. As it was designed for
newspaper publication, it was divided into brief numbers. Although
he is aware that it has been too carelessly drawn up to bear the test
of criticism as a literary composition, the writer has been reluctant to
revise it, lest he might be tempted to infuse into it too mucli of the
feeling that recent events are calculated to produce. In the hope
that the historical facts that have been cited in the essay, may have
a tendency to direct public attention to some rational mode of eleva-
ting the condition of our colored po]Hilation, the following pages arc
respectfully submitted for examination.

Numerous examples of Africans, who have overcome the hard-
ships of their lot, and risen to moral and intellectual distinction,
might be added to those here presented. To those who may be cu-
rious to pursue the subject, the author would particularly commend
a well written and judicious essay, by Mrs. Carmichael, five years a
resident in St. Vincent and Trinidad, entitled, " Domestic manners
and social condition of the white, colored and negro population of the
West Indies."

Although the writer has attempted to vindicate the Africans from
unjust attempts to depress them in the scale of intelligence, he would
deem it an absurd task to discuss the question, whether in all |)articu-
lars they are equal in mental powers to the whites. Tliore are na-



IV PREFACE.

tional characteristics that distinguish the inhabitants'of different coun-
tries, although of similar complexion, from each other. Sexes are
also thus distinguished. Climate operating as well on the mental
as physical frame, has undoubtedly wrought a difference between
the black and the white man ; but this difference presents no dis-
couraging objection to the well directed efforts of the benevolent.



AFRICAN COLONIZATION.
No. I.



In an age peculiarly iVuittul in schemes of real as well as
plausible benevolence, it is not surprising that the rewards be-
stowed on those who have devised practical and well digested
plans, for advancing the happiness of mankind, should awaken
the desires of the envious, or influence the passions of the am-
bitious. And yet there are limits prescribed to the efforts of
benevolence, arising from physical and moral circumstances,
that must always be regarded by reformers who hope for ulti-
mate success. With a realizing view of the glorious results of
his labors, the discreet philanthropist will not be insensible to
the many obstacles that must check his career, and will regu-
late his measures by prudence, and temper his ardor with dis-
cretion. Although benevolent efforts oftener require a sj)ur
than a check, there occasioually is exhibited by individuals
such an overcharged zeal, as to drive the judicious from
the field of action, and bring reproach and disgrace on I he
wisest schemes for advancing the happiness of man.

Among the most important as well as interesting efforts of
the age, may be noticed with undisguised pleasure, the at-
tempt to elevate the character of African slaves ; to difiuse
among them the lights of science and morals ; to pierce through
the deep gloom that has for ages overshadowed an abused and
benighted race ; and with the cheering hope of ultimate eman-
cipation from the double chains that bind the mind in ignorance
and the body in servitude, to stinmlate tlu^m to efforts that shall
fit them for a higher destiny, and enable them to take an hon-
orable rank among the nations of the earth. In this matter,
liberal and upright men of all political and religious denomin-
ations can unite in fellowship. The patriot who regards free-



6

(]om as tlie greatest earthly blessing, feels a reproof of his pro-
fessions and principles, when he subjects his fellow man, for
mercenary purposes, to the degradation of involuntary servi-
tude ; the religious man, when he questions his conscience,
seeks in vain for an approving sentence on him who shrouds in
ignorance an immortal soul, and virtually destroys the period
of probation vouchsafed in mercy by its creator. The philo-
sopher, who seeks for an explanation of the existence of a gen-
eral evil, that is alike condemned by patriotism and religion, is
compelled to trace it to the worst infirmities that blend in the
character of man ; to revenge, that feeds in security on the
sufferings of captive enemies, — to lust of power, but feebly
checked by the restraints of law, — to love of pleasure and lux-
urious indolence, — and finally, to greedy avarice, that blunts all
moral perceptions of the rights of others. Implanted as these
base passions are, in the very constitution of man, it is not sur-
prising that slavery has existed in ail ages and in all countries.
The condition of bondmen, it is true, has been tempered accor-
ding to the degree of refinement that has characterized the na-
tions where their lot has been cast; but the mutual obligation
of slave and master has been matter of frequent recognition,
bnth in sacred and profane history. The Hebrews, a chosen
people of the Almight}^ were subjected for ages to the cruelties
of Egyptian bondage, and after their miraculous escape to the
promised land, as if forgetful of the sufferings they had endu-
red, in their turn made slaves of the conquered Canaanites and
their posterity. Greece and Rome, in their most virtuous as
well as degenerate days, allowed the existence of slavery in
its severest and most degrading forms. Indeed their great
men exhibited in their treatment of slaves, the most revolting
■^ examples of human cruelty. Cato the elder, is said to have
ministered to his mercenar}^ a})petite, by hiring out his female
slaves for the purpose of prostitution ; Plutarch, reputed to be
a mild and benevolent philosopher, maintained " that a slave
was incapable of understanding any arguments, except stripes
and a chain;" Demosthenes, usually the bold and povv'eiuil advo-
cate of freedom, considered testimony forced out of a slave by
torture, as the best and highest evidence.

But why illustrate a fact so generally known by individual



examples? Every quarter of the globe, no matter wlK'llicr its
inhabitants be of pagan or christian creed, no matter ot what
complexion, no matter of what grade in civilization and mtfl-
ligence, is even now snbjectcd in a greater or less degree, to the
curse and sin of slavery. In modified forms, it exists in all the
nations of Europe, or their tributary colonies. It ministers to
the pomp and luxury of voluptuous Asia ; the barbarous Tm-k
and the wandering Arab doom their christian captives to the
most degrading and abject servitude ; the catholics who discov-
ered and conquered the southern continent of America, made
slaves of its rightful owners ; and the pilgrims, who planted the
standard of the cross in the north, did not hesitate to follow the
degrading example. The American Indians, also, following the
example of those who have seized upon their domains, have
carried the children of the pilgrims into captivity, and have also,
with greater security, become like them, the masters of Afri-
can slaves.*

These preliminary remarks have been made, not to palliate
the evils of slavery, or to justify its continuance, but to reprove
the intemperate zeal of those, who apparently forget that
a system that has been permitted in the mysterious ways of
providence, to exist among all nations and in all ages, is not to
be broken down by rough and violent denunciation, but is to
be corrected by the milder influences of reason, education and

* In allusion to this matter, the author of a very interesting worit, entitled
"An account of the European settlements in America," said to he the celebra-
ted Edmund Burke, makes the following just remarks, in referring to the con-
duct of Columbus and his companions. " This conquest, (says he, alluding to
the subjugation of Hispaniola,) and the sub.-jcquent ones made by the sovoral
European nations, with as little of right as consciousness of doing anything
wrong, gives one just reason to reflect on the notions entertained by mankind in
all times, concerning the right of dominion. At this period, few doubled the
power of the pope to convey a full right to any country he was pleased to ciialk
out ; amongst the laithful, because they are subject to llie church ; and amongst
infidels, because it was meritorious to make them subject to it. This notion be-
gan to lose ground at the reformation, but another arose of as bad a tendency;
the idea of the dominion of grace, which prevailed with sc "cral, and tiie eftects
of which we have felt amongst ourselves. The Maliomctans' great merit is to
spread the empire and the faith; and none among them doubt thclogality of sub-
duing any nation for these good purposes. The Greeks held that the barbarians
were naturally designed to be their slaves ; and tliis was so general a notion, that
Aristotle himself, with all his penetration, gave in to it very seriously. In truth
it has its principle in human nature, for the generality of mankind very readily
slide from what they conceive a fitness for govenmient, to a right of governing ;
and they agree, that those who are superior in endowments, should only bo
equal in condition."



8

religion. The advance of just sentiments and the progress of
cln-istian philanthropy, have already mitigated the severity of
African slavery, but entire emancipation must be the effect of
slow and gradual approaches. If immediate and unqualified
emancipation were attempted, the imagination can hardly pic-
ture the horrible scenes that would ensue. Servile wars are
among the most fearful calamities that have ever visited nations.
The salutary regulations that have by common consent been
adopted by all civilized countries in their intercom-se, as well
in war as in peace, have in a great degree mitigated the horrors
of their national conflicts ; but in servile wars the cup of ca-
lamity is of intense and unmingled bitterness. Lust, rapine
and vengeance, unrestrained licentiousness that is deified with
the name of liberty, the fierce riot of animal passions, impelled
by minds shrouded in ignorance, and fruitful only in a rank
and luxuriant growth of the most deforming vices, mark the
career of self-emancipated slaves ; while the unhappy objects
of their hatred, are compelled in self defence, and in the protec-
tion of every object dear to the affections of man, to meet them
as they would unchained tigers, exulting in their new born
freedom, and prowling abroad for blood. In such conflicts,
there is nothing of " pride, pomp and circumstance," to awa-
ken the ambition of the warrior, — no fields of glory or graves
of honor to be consecrated by the historian and the poet.
And yet there are men, either so bewildered in intellect, or so
reckless in their ambition, as unblushingly to advocate doc-
trines that tend to such fearfuk results, — men, who although
professing to march under the sacred banner of philanthropy,
are yet daily instigating our slave population to the most infa-
mous and horrible crimes, — men who seem to break forth in
an impious hallelujah on every fresh instance of a sanguinary
insurrection. As the consthution of the nation has recognized
slavery as an evil that could not be lopped ofif by any sudden
amputation, and has therefore afforded to it sanction and pro-
tection, and as (owing to their ignorance and unfitness to ex-
ercise the duties of freemen) every State has, either by its con-
stitution or practice, virtually disfranchised our African popu-
lation, it might seem unnecessary to combat doctrines that
must require a change in the whole system of our federate



gdvcrninent before they can he adopted. But fanatics, that fix
their eaj^er gaze only on results, w ilhout reg;irding internjcdi-
ate measures for then* accomplislinient, that raise the war cry
of equality and unalienable rights in the dens of ignorance,
and stimulate brutal jiassion to a warfare against the good, the
wise, and the virtuous, (for many, as pure as Washington,
may, even news be enrolled, like hiin, among slave holders ;)
although they may not fully attain their desires, yet are capa-
ble of producing dreadful evils both to masters and slaves.
They may engender hatred, jealousy, and distrust, producing
sullen obedience on the one side and harsh severity on the
other, — they may close the avenues to knowledge, by awaken-
ing apprehensions in masters, that the same learning that would
enable their slaves to peruse the volumes of inspiration, might
also be directed to the inflammatory publications of incendiary
reformers, — in short, they may embarrass, if not defeat, the
only wise and feasible plan itiat has ever yet been devised for
the unfortunate sons of Africa ; — gradual colonization in the
land of their fathers ; with such fostering care in their political
infancy, as may enable them to occupy eventually an honora-
ble rank among the moral and intelligent nations of the earth.
With regard to this plan, it would hardly have been suppos-
ed, that truly benevolent men should have been arranged in
hostile attitude against each other, and yet we have rarely
seen exhibited more vindictive bitterness, than has been shown
by the advocates of immediate emancipation against the friends
of colonization. As if education were unnecessary to fit man-
kind for liberty and self-government, and as if the prejudices
arising from difference of complexion were to be suddenly
conquered by a legislative act, the infatuated followers of a
leading enthusiast are eager to let loose upon our happy coun-
try, two millions of slaves, without previous education, — with-
out means of subsistence, — without any stimulants to honora-
ble ambition ; — a race vitiated and debased by ages of servi-
tude ; the robust, laboring under moral disabilities, and the
weak and decrepit superadding physical infirmities. But it is
in vain to point out the follies of fanaticism ; my intention,
when 1 commenced these remarks, was, to obviate in some
measure, an objection urged against the success of the best



10

directed ei'foils ol the iiiends of Africa, that tliey are attempt-
ing to elevate those who are by nature inferior to the whites
in mental powers and therefore doomed by their Creator to a
servile condition. In some future paper I shall cite some ex-
amples to prove the fallacy of tjiis doctrine, and close the pre-
sent by a quotation from an interesting- work on the treatment
and conversion of African slaves, published in London by the
Rev. James Ramsay, in 1784.

The author says : " When Moses led the children of Israel
out of Egypt, he was under the necessity of training lliem up
to be an independent people, by multiplied forms and strict dis-
cipline, for the space of forty years. And it is apparent, from
their behavior during this long period, that slavery had so tho-
roughly debased their minds, as to have rendered them incapa-
ble of the exertions necessary for their settlement in the pro-
mised land, till all those who had grown up slaves in Egypt, had
fallen in the wilderness, and laws and regulations, worthy of a
free people, had taken place among them." This is a case full
in point, and may suggest hints worthy of the Legislature.

Happily, in an altered state of society, and under more be-
nignant auspices, and especially under the protecting care al-
ready signally vouchsafed by Providence in advancing the
prosperity of Liberia, our African population may hope for
emancipation without experiencing the calamities that befel
the children of Israel.



No. II.



Having, in a preceding brief essay, adverted to the early com-
mencement of slavery and its existence among all nations at
different periods of their histories, it was stated to be the inten-
tion of the writer, to present in a future paper, some historical
facts in relation to the capacity of Africans for intellectual cul-
ture. It has often been stated by intelligent men, that it w^ns
impossible to elevate that unfortunate race to a respectable
rank among civilized nations — that they were formed by their
Creator to occupy a secondary grade in the human family, and
destined, from their limited mental powers, to servile stations.



11

Tills sentiiiKnt has not only boon ohoiislicd hy niorronary slave
holders, and those who wore intoreslod in the unholy IralTic,
that is now, by the consent of civilized nations, pronounced
piracy, but by disinterested ni(;n of reputed benevolence, who
have formed a hasty opinion of a whole race, by surveying the
conditions of those, who iiaving for ages JDeon sulloring under
task masters, exhibit in their charactcMs tlio debasing influence
of ignorance, vice and hopeless servitude. Singular and un-
just reasoning ! that would thus jjalliate the continuance of
cruelty, because past infliction had deadened the sensibilities
and i)arali/,cd the energies of its victims ! Trobably the intel-
lectual powers sink more rapidly tlian mere animal strength
under the influence of slavery, as, were it even j^ssiblc for
slaves to procure the means of mental improvement, knowl-
edge would be comparatively useless to those, who are regula-
ted by the caprice of others, and an increase of intelligence
would only embitter their existence, by enabling them to real-
ize with more acute perception, lh« extent of their calamity
and the hopelessness of their lot. Hence it is, that even edu-
cated Christians, who are made captives by barbarous and
pagan nations, either sink into imbecility, or seek a relief from
sufiCering, by an abjuration of their religion. Probably after
the influence of slavery has thoroughly tainted its victims,
neither the circumstance of national birth, or of parentage, or
of complexion, will furnish any means of moral or intellectual
classification.

Those who believe in the scriptural history, must admit that
all mankind are kindred, and of a common parentage, as well
in their descent from Adam as in their equal degree of relation-
ship to Noah. It is true that some philosophers have attempt-
ed to account for the apparently diflferent species of mankind,
without denying the existence of the deluge, by supposing that
it was not general, but bounded by the visible horizon, and
therefore did not in reality overwhelm all nations and tribes.
If this unsupported and fanciful hypothesis was true, it might
prove too much, as it would appear that the colored inhabit-
ants of the earth were in those days more virtuous and deserv-
ing of divine favor than the whites, and that while the latter
were swept from the earth for their abominations, the former



12

were mercifuJiy preserved. But without dwelling further on
this idle speculation, it may be remarked, that we have no
proof but that Adam and Noah were both colored men ;* an
analogy to the brute creation would certainly favor the idea,
as comparatively but k\v animals are white. Living as they
both did, in warm climates, Adam for nine hundred and thirty
years, and Noah for nine hundred and fifty, it is certain, if the
doctrine be true that color is the effect of climate, that even if
white in infancy, tliey must liave been dark colored in their lat-
ter years. The late learned Doctor Smith, of Nassau College,
in an ingenious essay, has attempted to prove that a visible
alteration had taken place in the complexions of our slave
population since their African ancestors were brought to
America, and that after the lapse of a few more ages the
change will be radical and complete. Be this as it may, it is
certainly a matter of more important desire to the philanthro-

* Willi regard to incjudice arising from difi'crence of coinplcxion, it is reniarka-
ble that it has existed from tlie remotest agos. One scriptural passage illustra-
tive of tlie suhjoct, is too ititeresting, in connection with tliis essay, to bo omitted.
In the " Song of Solomon," intended to express, according to the uniform
opinion of commentators, the perfect love existing between the Saviour and his
church, by "allegories and parables," Jesus Christ it; represented under the
similitude of a bridegroom, and the clmrcli as his bride. In confessing her
defects, the bride says :

" I am black but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar,
as the curtains of Solomon."

"Look not upon me because I am black, because the snn hatli looked upon
me : my mother's children were angry with me ; they made me the keeper of the
vineyard ; but my own vineyard have I not kept. Chap. i. v. 5, 6.

In a subsequent description of Christ by liis graces, it is said :

" My beloved is white and rudd}', the chiefest among ten thousand.

" His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy and black as a raven.

" His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed With milk,
and fitly set," &c. Chap. v. v. 10, 11, 12.

Although the language used in the above and oliier similar descriptive passa-
ges of the song are allegorical, yet be to appostlf, and forcible, they must have
been suited to the prevailing opinions and tasit of the age. Three inforencea
may be derived from them :

1st. That prejudices existed against colored people during the age of Solomon.
2d. That color or complexion is t)>o etFect of climate. 3d. That the Saviour
was, in his human form, white. If the latter inference is correct, a divine of
some celebrity in a neigliboring state, has not only violated popular feeling,
respectuig the appearance of the Saviour in bis incarnation, but has violated
Scriptural testimony in advancing iiis idle speculations. Indeed, so far as the
outward appearance of the Saviour in his human form is concerned, we have the
authority of Publius, the Roman Proconsul of Judea, for believing, tliat it was
remarkable for purity and whiteness of skin, blue eyes, flowing hair, &.c. His-
torical painters who have employed tlieir pencils on sacred subjects, have adopt.
ed the minute description of Publius as their guide, in exhibiting the features of
the Saviour.



plst, that the (lark cloud wliicli ovcrslindows flicir minds slioiild
be dissipated, and that the day sprinjr of intellectual li^dit should
beam on their benighted vision, ihan that any alteration should
be vvrouirht in their ph\ sical appearance. Jiesides, the stand-
ard of beauty is somewhat cai)ri(ious and arbitrary, and from
the milk white Albino to the dark skinned Ethiopian, there is
no shade of color that has not its advocates. It is probabK.'
that Haiuiibal, who carried terror lo the gates of Rome, was :i
colored chief, and that even Dido, the Carthaginian queen,
whose charms for a while seduced .^^.neas from the path of
duty, bore the characteristic marks of African descent. 'J'he
scattered tribes of Israel are of all hues, though of unmixed
blood and a kindred race. But leaving the consideration of
mere color, are there any other physical properties that mark
the negro as inferior lo the white ? Tb.ey have not flowing
locks, nor yet the golden or red hair that rendered the Grecian
beauties so conspicuous, — they have not Roman noses, but
they have dark rolling eyes that an Italian migiit envy, — they
do not, by artificial pressure, flatten their heads like some tribes •
of Indians, or slit their ears and noses, and ornament the hang-
ing cartilage with rings and colored quills, nor squeeze their