CHAPTER III.
THE COLORED AMERICAN.
IN April, 1837, while Mr. Bell was yet proprietor and editorial writer of the American, Mr. Charles Bennett Ray became associated with The Colored American, as general agent. In this capacity, he travelled extensively, writing letters to the paper which embodied the result of his labors and reflections on the progress of the race in different parts of the country. He also lectured successfully in many cities, East and West, to bring before the people the interests of the paper and the noble aims to which it was devoted, never neglecting, meanwhile, to speak in behalf of the slave, whose welfare lay always near his heart.
In 1838, he became one of the proprietors of the paper; and in 1839, on the retirement of Mr. Bell, he assumed the position of editor. Under his charge, as before, The Colored American continued to be ably conducted, and strong in its advocacy of the principles underlying humanity and justice. He retained the editorial management until 1842, when the paper was discontinued. Rev. C. B. Ray was born in Falmouth, Mass., on Christmas-day, 1807. He was the son of Joseph Aspinwall Ray and Annie Harrington. His early
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