The Looking-Glass (Peterson)/Chapter 8
CONCLUDING REMARKS.
I thank the Lord that he has raised up many kind friends to the colored people, who are willing to aid them in obtaining a resting place, so that they shall no more be driven about the earth, without a home and without a country, mere hewers of wood and drawers of water for those who are more favored by the laws and customs of those countries in which they live.
There are many such good friends to us in the United States, and particularly in New-York and New-Jersey, ladies and gentlemen of high standing, of wealth and intelligence, and of most exemplary lives and the most exalted piety, who have devoted their time and their talents to our benefit, in order that they may provide a home and a country for my afflicted nation. Among these are the following names, which I give in this place, in order that my colored brethren and sisters may know upon whom they may depend:
Hon. Anson G. Phelps, the distinguished Christian and Philanthropist.
A.G. Phelps, Jr. Esq., the Rising Star of the Empire City.
Hon. J.A. Westervelt, Mayor of New-York.
E. Canning, Esq.
Robert Lewis, Esq., No. 209 Fulton street.
0.B. Porter, Esq.
E. Harrison, Esq., who promises to aid the Author
R. Bowler, Esq.
Rev. J.B. Wakely, Forsyth street.
Rev. J.B. Pinney, Bible House.
Rev. Mr. Jessop, Second street.
Robert P. Cune, Esq.
P.S. Peet, Esq.
Mr. Kelso.
Mrs. Few.
Rev. Dr. Cox, Brooklyn.
Rev. E. Johnson.
Rev. Mr. Whitaker, M. E. Church.
AV C. Barker, Esq.
David S. Holmes, Esq.
Mrs. Pierrepont.
T. Price, Esq.
J. Beebe, Esq.
H.L. Williams.
D. Galliway, Esq., Grand street.
Messrs Phillips & Hadley.
Mrs. Eliza Doughty.
Mr. Marven, Water street.
Joseph Hegeraian, Esq.
S. Knowlton, Esq.
Mr. Ward, Greene street.
Rev. Dr. Bond, Greenwich street.
Dr. W.W Hall, Ewen Place.
Rev. Mr. Benning, East Twenty-Eighth street.
Rev. M. Bell, Brooklyn.
E. Spencer, Esq.
John B. Wilson, Esq.
Hon. D.S. Manners, Mayor of Jersey City.
B.B. Grinnell, Esq.
G.W Cassidy, Esq.
J.J.H. Beck, Esq.
A.G. Mason, Esq.
Joseph Kissam, Esq.
Henry Demarest, Esq.
John D. Jones, Esq.
S. Davidson, Esq.
M. Daniels, Esq.
David Taylor, Esq.
A.A. Dean, Esq.
George Peters, Esq.
W.E. Whiting, Esq.
Dr. S.P. Townsend.
Stephen Willets.
J.W. Knapp, Esq.
Dr. N.A.G—
Dr. D.E.C—
Wm. Janeway, Esq.
R. Minturn, Esq.
J. Chandler, Esq.
R.H. Hopkins, Esq.
H.M. Schieffelin, Esq.
Mrs. A.G. Phelps.
at rome and utica.
Hon. Seth Roberts, Judge.
Hon. E. Huntington and Brother.
C. Comstock, Esq., Editor.
Messrs. A.S. Sanford & Co., Editors.
P. Ainsworth, Esq.
Hon. Judge P. Gridley.
N.H. Dering, Esq.
O.B. Mattison, Esq.
H. Green, Esq.
Dr. G.W. Pope.
S.W. Moody.
H. Rogers.
Mrs. Blanchard, 61 State street, Brooklyn.
Mrs. Jacobs, 77 Henry street,
Dr. Jackson, Albany.
Mrs. Delavan.
Mrs. Bosely.
Mrs. Bradford, (of the Boudinot Family,) Burlington, N.J.
With many other kind, liberal, and humane friends whom we shall mention in a second edition.
The Author is fully satisfied that nothing can elevate the colored population to an equality with the rest of mankind, but the full and free enjoyment, in a national point of view, of civil and religious rights, in addition to a system of universal education. The benevolent ladies of the United States are the main-spring, movers, and sustainers of the Christian Churches, and all humane and benevolent institutions.
Although I am happy to see there are many kind noble-hearted and liberal citizens in the city of New-York, both gentlemen and ladies, there is a large number said to be our best friends, who are somewhat left-handed and very close, only aiding one way, let the distress of others be as it will. This is not according to the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
I do truly and sincerely thank those benevolent ladies and gentlemen of New-York and New-Jersey, to whom we are so much indebted, and pray that all the blessings of this life and that which is to come, may forever surround them—in this world, health, prosperity and happiness, and in the next, life everlasting.
Owing to the want of time, and the desire of the people to see this report of my visit to Liberia, the Author has made but little mention of his labors in this country, subsequently to leaving Bethel Church of Philadelphia. In a second edition, he will endeavor to be more full on that point. It may not be amiss, however, to append a few certificates delivered me by friends in Rome, State of New-York:
( certificates, )
"Rev. D.H. Peterson has faithfully finished his services in behalf of the colored Church at Rome, Oneida County, New-York, which Church is now free from all embarrassments. He has for a long time been laboring to instruct and improve his brethren spiritually and temporally, but he is led fully to believe that their prospects here are not very encouraging. Therefore, many of his best friends, both white and colored, have advised him to go to Liberia in Africa, and see if the prospects are not better in that young Republic, where his brethren can become full citizens at once, and freeholders, and enjoy all the comforts and privileges of the country both in Church and State,—where all may become a happy and religious people, and, if faithful among themselves, may eventually be the instruments in the hands of the Lord to restore that dark and great quarter of the Earth to civilization, together with the light of the Gospel and its pure teachings, that will bring an everlasting blessing upon all who are now, and have been, instrumental in carrying out this great and noble work. He is now ready to comply with the advice of his friends and brethren, as soon as practicable. We, therefore, cheerfully recommend him, and sincerely hope he will meet with favor and aid from all, more especially the Christian community at large."
"To all whom this may concern:
We, colored citizens of Rome, State of New-York, do hereby certify, that the Rev. D.H. Peterson has, for the last three years, been employed in erecting a Church at Rome, which he has fully accomplished. Wo now have a comfortable, neat house of worship, all paid for, and balance over. We found him faithful, and perfectly honest in his undertaking. We, therefore, cheerfully recommend him to all.
THOMAS JOHNSON
SAMUEL DEBOIS,
WM. JOHNSON,
STEPHEN THOMPSON,
GEORGE GILBERT,
HIRAM GILBERT,
MARGARET GILBERT.
Rome, Nov. 30th, 1852."
JAMES ERWIN,
Pastor M.E. Church, Fulton, Oswego Co., N. Y."
"I am acquainted with the Rev. Daniel H. Peterson, and fully concur with the above recommendation and statement of the Rev. James Erwin, in relation to the bearer.
SETH B. ROBERTS,
Justice of the Peace.
Rome, Nov. 22, 1852."
The following is a true copy of a letter received by the Rev. D.H. Peterson, from His Excellency J.J. Roberts, President of the Republic of Liberia, in Western Africa, 'written in Monrovia, the Capital of Liberia. The author has preserved the original.
"Government House,
Monrovia, Jan'y 14th, 1854.
This is to certify that the Rev. D. H. Peterson, from the city of New-York, United States of North America, has visited Liberia for the purpose of making observations respecting the condition, &c. of this country, for the information of his colored friends in the United States. During his visit, though short, the Rev. Gentleman, I believe, has been indefatigable in his efforts to obtain correct information on all subjects of interest connected with this Government. And I am happy to find that he is -well pleased, and expressed himself highly gratified with the country, and the prospects of the people.
J.J. ROBERTS."
"January 17th, 1854.
I have had the pleasure of an introduction to the Rev. D.H. Peterson, from New-York, in the U.S. of North America. He is now on a visit to this country. I have met him in company, at different times and places. I have had the pleasure of hearing him speak in the Churches in public, and on private occasions. He came to this country on a mission to the Government and Churches. I am happy to say, that he appears to be highly pleased with the country, Government and Church, and whatever came under his observation in Liberia and the adjacent settlements, and will, no doubt, give a collect and satisfactory report upon his return to the United States of America. Our prayers are for his protection on land and by sea, and his safe return to his family, and the people, and the nation from whom he came, and that the blessings of the Almighty may attend his mission and all those who are interested in the welfare of those people.
Rev. JAMES W HORNE,
Principal of the Academy, Monrovia, Capital of the
Republic of Liberia."
Extract from the Jersey City Sentinel and Advertiser, of March 11, 1854.
Missionary Intelligence from Africa.—The barque Isla de Cuba, Capt. A. Miller, 29 days from Gambia, West Coast of Africa, has just arrived at New-York. Among the passengers we notice the following: Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Lacy, missionaries at Lagos; Mr. and Mrs. A. Forsyth, of Gambia; and Rev. D.H. Peterson, a very intelligent and useful colored clergyman.
It will be recollected that Mr. Peterson, (who publishes a card in another column,) visited this city last fall, to solicit aid in a very laudable undertaking. He left New-York in November last, for Liberia, aided by gentlemen and ladies here, and in other parts of the country, interested in the welfare of the African population in the United States, to examine find report upon the condition and prospects of the new Republic. Mr. Peterson arrived at Monrovia the last of November, and spent upwards of two months in the country. The Legislature of the Republic was in session at the time, and Mr. Peterson was consequently enabled to gather from Representatives of the more remote districts, ample information pertaining to the condition of their constituents. In Monrovia he was treated with great hospitality, having been entertained by the chief functionaries of the Government, and by the principal citizens. He enjoyed uninterrupted health, and reported that to have been common to the inhabitants generally at the period of his visit.
The capital and country presented every indication of prosperity. A general sentiment of contentment pervaded the population. Industry was everywhere pursued, and thrift and comfort followed in its train. Mr. Peterson preferred the aspect of the Republic, in those respects, to that of the British settlements. Liberty, equality, and self-government, exhibit in Liberia their benignant influence.
Mr. Peterson went from Monrovia in the English mail steamer Hope, to Gambia, touching at Sierra Leone. Among his fellow-passengers was Mr. Abm. Caldwell, of New-York, who visited Liberia as an agent of a New-York Agricultural Association, part of whom have already emigrated to the Republic. Mr. C. was unwell on leaving Monrovia, and in the progress of the voyage his illness increased so as to endanger his life. An attempt on the part of one of the stewards of the ship to induce the dying man to bequeath to him his effects was foiled by the interference of Mr. Peterson, who rebuked the mercenary spirit of the interloper, and succeeded in preserving for the wife and children of the emigrant, his watch and clothing. Mr. Caldwell survived till the steamer reached Sierra Leone; he was landed about 3 P.M. and died at about eight the same evening while under the care of a competent physician and nurse. His remains were interred the next afternoon in the Queen's burying-yard, with every appropriate demonstration of respect. Mr. Jones, the Episcopal clergyman of the place, reading the funeral service.
Mr. P. having expended all the money contributed to pay the cost of his tour, solicits contributions for his support, while engaged in completing the object of his mission.
Testimonial of the Passengers on board the
Isla de Cuba.
Barque Isla de Cuba,
Approaching the Port of Monrovia, W A.
December 17, 1853
At a meeting of the passengers held to express their feelings in regard to the excellent qualities and conveniences of the barque, and their high appreciation of her officers, the Rev. D.H. Peterson was called to the chair, and A. Washington and William Nesbitt appointed Secretaries. After prayer, by Rev. Samuel Williams, and thanksgiving to God for his mercy and kind protection in guiding u S safely over the boisterous seas and through violent storms, and permitting us to gaze over the sunny hills and verdant vales of our long-desired and adopted land, a brief, eloquent, and appropriate address was delivered by Mr. Alfred Truman. After this, the Committee reported the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That we hereby return our thanks to Capt. Austin Miller, master of the barque Isla de Cuba, and Messrs. H.K. Hatch and McGill, first and second mates, whose kind attention and gentlemanly conduct towards us during our passage, both in sickness and in health, have secured for them a grateful place in our memory, and whose prompt intention and skill in guiding their barque safely through perilous storms, have convinced us that they are able and efficient officers.
Resolved, That duty and justice to ourselves and our friends in America, compel us to express our thanks to the American philanthropists, and record the fact that, so far as we have yet seen, they have freely done all for us that they have promised, and that wo see nothing that tends to deprive us, in the least, of our free agency, and they, in this, as well as in former cases, have spared no pains in assisting the emigrants in their preparation, and in fitting out this expedition with an abundance of the best provisions that the markets afford, and in many acts of kindness, at their own expense and labor.
Resolved, That we recommend to our friends in the North who may wish at any time to emigrate to Africa, to secure their passage from the port of New-York, both for convenience and comfort and the greater facilities for obtaining everything necessary for the passage and for trade.
Resolved, That the Committee present copies of these resolutions to the Captain of the Isla de Cuba, and to the Editors of those papers which are friendly to the emancipation of the colored population.
Rev. D. H. PETERSON,
Chairman.
A. WASHINGTON,
WM. NESBITT,
ABRAM CALDWELL.
JNO. H.M. HARRIS.
JOSEPH P. BROOKS.
THOMAS LILLASON.
EDMUND BROWN.
A. JOHN.
DARIUS JACKLIN.
SYLVANUS JACKLIN.
Rev. SAMUEL WILLTAMS.