1 them from being involved in the worst troubles and perplexities. What all the most elevated endowments which do not rescue us from the lowest contempt and misery? In short, how worthless is that wisdom which does not deliver men from the folly of ruining their souls? Now that great and only perfect and reliable counteraction of whatever is hostile to social and political happiness, and destructive to the immortal part of man, Mr. Moffat and his coadjutors in missionary labors in Africa have been exerting for that great continent, so long neglected. For while nations calling themselves Christians have been quarreling among themselves and cutting each other's throats, they have been too busy in this unholy work, to carry on and maintain the benevolent work of spreading the Gospel in Africa. On the duty of giving the Gospel to her inhabitants. Mr. Moffat, speaks in truly animated and fitting terms in certain further extracts to which we now commend the reader. W. A. Speaking of a part of the Corrannas and Bechuanas, Mr. Moffat says: "Before relating the particulars of my visit to this people, it will be necessary to give some account of their chief, whose name is Mosheu. He is a Corranna, and with his people, lived in a sequestered part of the country. When he first visited our station on the Kuruman in 1834, with two or three attendants riding on oxen, he was to us an entire stranger. He looked clean, was tolerably well dressed, and had a mild and interesting countenance. Having halted at my door he asked where he should sleep or put up. On inquiring about the object of his visit, he replied, that he had come to see me. This was very evident, as he very attentively surveyed my person. As I had at that time a long black beard, I thought that might be one of the objects of attention. Having feasted his eyes on myself, the family, and the various strange-looking articles constituting the furniture and ornaments of the house, he retired for the night to an outhouse, to which he was directed for that purpose. On a person being sent to offer him supper, we were informed that he had brought plenty of food with him. This was so unusual an occurrence in the conduct of visitors, that we were rather puzzled as to his real motive. Indeed, we had not previously known an instance of the kind, for all our numerous native guests, noble or plebeian from far or near, were always a heavy tax upon our stores. Whoever they might be, they always came as hungry as hawks, and expected to be feasted by the Missionary's bounty. His conduct divested us of all suspicion; and on the following morning we could not help looking on him and his attendants with more than usual interest. As he could understand the Sechuana language, he heard a little about the 'one thing needful though he appeared to listen to what was said to him on divine subjects, without any attention. After remaining two days, he left, apparently much pleased with his visit, he asked nothing, but remarked on leaving, holding my hand in his, 'I came to see you; my visit has given me pleasure; and now I return home.' It was evident that the visit of this stranger was entirely one of curiosity, and I afterwards learned, that on a journey to see his friends on the Yellow River, he had seen one of the Wesleyan Missionaries, which probably gave rise to the desire of visiting Motito and the Kuruman. After some time he repeated his visit to our station, bringing with him a large retinue, which included his brother, their wives and other relations. The journey occupied about five days on ox-back. Nothing could equal our surprise, when we discovered that he was not far from the kingdom of God, and that he was striving or rather agonizing to enter. All the powers of his soul seemed overwhelmed with the contemplation of the love of God. He had only to open his lips and the tears would flow, his experience was simple and his affection ardent. When asked the cause of his sorrow he said, 'when I first visited you I had only one heart, but now I have come with two. I cannot rest, my eyes will not slumber because of the greatness of the things you told me on my first visit.' It was evident that a special blessing had descended on the seed sown at that time, though it was little more than the outlines of Christian doctrine. It also appeared that during his solitary ride across the lonely plains, his mind became deeply interested in the subject. On his arrival among his own people he not only began to teach them all he had heard, but he desired to af fect their hearts; nor did he labor in vain. The efforts of this inquiring disciple were attended with a blessing; his brother, an intelligent man, had evidently derived benefit; while their wives, and others of his retinue, were so far interested in the subject, as to enquire, 'what shall we do to be saved.' Their knowledge was scanty, and their views very imperfect, but they believed in the Divine Being, and that he sent his Son into the world to save sinners. These truths were the spring of their emotions, and they thirsted and sighed for further instruction, and more light on subjects of which they possessed but the glimering rays. Delightful was our task to pour into their souls the light of heaven and direct them to the Lamb of God. Their deportment was serious and devout, their attendance on public and private instruction incessant and unwearied. They prolonged their stay and when compelled to return, seemed, anxious to linger a little longer. Their zeal and devotion afforded a fine example to others, and it greatly cheered our own souls. The few who could not understand the Secuanha, were addressed by one of our members who could speak the Coranna language. By this means they were all instructed, though of course, but partially, in the distinguishing doctrines of the Gospel and they returned home with hearts filled with joy. Before Mosheu left he entreated me to visit his distant village. This from a multiplicity of engagements, I could not promise to do so soon. His affecting appeals and entreaties, however, overcame me, for holding my hand, and looking me earnestly in the face, he said again and again. Just look at me and try to refuse me if you can. There are many at home who cannot come so far, and I cannot remember all that I have heard, I shall forget some on the road. A considerable period elapsed before from public work on the station, and from translating and printing I could fulfil my promise. Thinking the time long, he was on his way with his friends to make another visit, but having heard at Motito that I was on a tour which would include his village, he returned, and waited my arrival with great anxiety. On reaching his village, after having traveled the whole day over a rough and bushy country, and walked much, I was fit only to throw myself down to sleep. The moment I entered the village, the hue-and-cry was raised, and old and young, mother and children, came running together, as if it were to see some great prodigy. I received an affectionate welcome, and many a squeeze, while about five hundred human beings were thrusting themselves forward, each exerting himself to the utmost of his power to get a shake of the hand. Some, who scarcely touched it, trembled as if it had been the paw of a lion. It was nearly midnight before they would disperse, but their departure was a great relief to a wearied man; for their exclamations of surprise, and their bawling out to one another in two languages, was any thing but melodious. On awaking from a short sleep, and emerging from my canopy before my eyes were thoroughly open, I was astonished to find a congregation waiting before the wagon, and at the same moment some individuals started off to different parts of the village to announce my appearance. All hastened to the spot. I confess I was more inclined to take a cup of coffee than to preach a sermon, for I still felt the fatigues of the preceding day. I took my testament and my hymn-book, and, with such singers as I had, gave out a hymn, read a chapter, and prayed; then taking the text, 'God so loved the world,' &c., discoursed to them for about an hour. Great order and profound silence were maintained. The scene (so well depicted in the vignette in the title-page) was in the centre of the village, composed of Bechuana and Corranna houses and cattle-folds; some of these contained the cattle, sheep and goats, while other herds were strolling about. At a distance a party were approaching, riding on oxen; a few strangers drew near, with their spears and shields, who, on being beckoned to, instantly laid them down. The native dogs could not understand the strange-looking being on the front of the wagon, holding forth to a gazing throng, and they would occasionally break the silence with their bark, for which, however, they suffered the penalty of a stone or a stick hurled at their heads. Two milk-maids, who had tied their cows to posts, stood the whole time with their milking vessels in their hands, as if afraid of losing a single sentence. The earnest attention manifested exceeded any thing I had ever before witnessed, and the countenances of some individuals indicated strong mental excitement. The majority of my hearers were Bechuanas, and but few of the Corrannas could not understand the same language. (To be continued.) GREAT MOVEMENT FOR THE SUPPRESSION OF THE AFRICAN SLAVE TRADE. THE TREATY WITH GREAT BRITAIN. THE articles of this treaty, in relation to the slave trade are of the highest importance; and if carried into effect in good faith, and with good judgment and energy, must do much towards the suppression of this detestable commerce, and thus contribute powerfully and extensively to the protection of lawful commerce, to the support and advancement of African colonization and civilization. We regard this treaty as one of the most impressive evidences the age affords of the progress of just, humane, and Christian sentiments in the mind of two great nations. Let them never cease in their efforts on this subject until the slave trade is denounced and punished as piracy by universal national law. After all, to the growth of free Christian States of colored men on the African coast must we mainly look for the renovation and elevation of the African character. Liberia must become the Plymouth of Africa. We copy the following articles of this treaty: "ART.S. The parties mutually stipulate that each shall prepare, equip, and maintain in service, on the coast of Africa, a sufficient and adequate squadron, or naval force of vessels, of suitable numbers and descriptions, to carry in all not less than eighty guns, to enforce separately and respectively the laws, rights, and obligations of each of the two countries for the suppression of the slave, trade, the said squadrons to be independent of each other, but the two Governments stipulating, nevertheless, to give such orders to the officers commanding their respective forces as shall enable them most effectually to act in concert and co-operation, upon mutual consultation, as exigencies may arise, for the attainment of the true object of this article, copies of all such orders to be communicated by each Government to the other respectively. "ART. 9. Whereas, notwithstanding all efforts which may be made on the coast of Africa for suppressing the slave trade, the facilities for carrying on that traffic and avoiding the vigilance of cruisers by the fraudulent use of flags, and other means, are so great, and the temptations for pursuing it, while a market can be found for slaves, so strong, as that the desired result may be long delayed, unless all markets be shut against the purchase of African negroes; the parties to this treaty agree that they will unite in all becoming representations and remonstrances with any and all powers within whose dominions such markets are allowed to exist, and that they will urge upon all such powers the propriety and duty of closing such markets at once and forever. "ART. 10. It is agreed that the United States and her Britanic Majesty shall, upon mutual requisitions by them, or their ministers and officers, or authorities, respectively made, deliver up to justice all persons who, being charged with the crime of murder, or assault with intent to commit murder, or piracy, or arson, or robbery, or forgery, or the utterance of forged papers, committed within the jurisdiction of either, shall seek an asylum, or shall be found within the territories of the other; provided that this shall only be done upon such evidence of criminality as, according to the laws of the place where the fugitive or person so charged shall be found, would justify his apprehension and commitment for trial, if the crime or offence had there been cominitted; and the respective judges and other magistrates of the two Governments shall have power, jurisdiction, and authority, upon complaint made under oath, to issue a warrant for the ap prehension of the fugitive or person so charged, that he may be brought before such judges or other magistrates respectively, to the end that the evidence of criminality may be heard and considered; and if, on such hearing the evidence be deemed sufficient to sustain the charge, it shall be the duty of the examining judge or magistrate to certify the same to the proper executive authority, that a warrant may issue for the surrender of such fugitive. The expense of such apprehension and delivery shall be borne and defrayed by the party who makes the requisition and receives the fugitive. "ART. 11. The eighth article of this treaty shall be in force for five years from the date of the ratification, and afterwards until one or the other party shall signify a wish to terminate it. The tenth article shall continue in force until one or the other parties shall signify its wish to terminate it, and no longer." We find the following very interesting correspondence in the Madisonian of the 23d instant, between the Hon. Secretary of State and Captains Bell and Paine, in regard to the slave trade, and the measures demanded for its suppression. The suggestions of these brave and intelligent commanders in our navy are verý judicious, and they deserve high praise, not only for their former exertions on the African coast, but for the lucid and well considered expression of their views in this letter. Mr. Webster to Captains Bell and Paine. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, April 30, 1842. GENTLEMEN: Your experience in the service on the coast of Africa has probably enabled you to give information to the Government on some points connected with the slave trade on that coast, in respect to which it is desirable that the most accurate knowledge attainable should be possessed. These particulars are: 1. The extent of the western coast of Africa, along which the slave trade is supposed to be carried on; with the rivers, creeks, inlets, bays, harbors, or parts of the coast, to which it is understood slave ships most frequently resort. 2. The space or belt along the shore within which cruisers may be usefully employed for the purpose of detecting vessels engaged in the traffic. 3. The general course of proceeding of a slave ship, after leaving Brazil or the West Indies, on a voyage to the coast of Africa for slaves; including her manner of approach to the shore, her previous bargain or arrangement for the purchase of slaves, the time of her usual stay on or near the coast, and the means by which she has communication with persons on land. 4. The nature of the stations or barracoons in which slaves are collected on shore, to be sold to the traders; whether usually in rivers, creeks, or inlets, or on or near the open shore. 5. The usual articles of equipment and preparation, and the manner of fitting up, by which a vessel is known to be a slaver, though not caught with slaves on board. 6. The utility of employing vessels of different nations to cruise together, so that one or the other might have a right to visit and search every vessel which might be met with under suspicious circumstances, either as belonging to the country of the vessel visiting and searching, or to some other country which has, by treaty, conceded such right of visitation and search. 7. To what places slaves from slave ships could be most conveniently taken. 8. Finally, what number of vessels, and of what size and description, it would be necessary to employ on the western coast of Africa in order to put an entire end to the traffic in slaves, and for what number of years it would probably be necessary to maintain such force to accomplish that purpose? You will please to add such observations as the state of your knowledge may allow relative to the slave trade on the eastern coast of Africa. Captains BELL and PAINE, I have the honor to be, &c. United States Navy. DANIEL WEBSTER. Commanders Bell and Paine to the Secretary of State. WASHINGTON CITY, May 10, 1842. SIR: In accordance with the wishes expressed in your communication of the 30th ultimo, we have the honor to submit the following statement: In reply to the first particular, viz : "The extent of the western coast of Africa along which the slave trade is supposed to be carried on, with the rivers, creeks, inlets, bays, harbors, or ports of the coast to which it is understood slave ships most frequently resort." The slave trade from Western Africa to America is carried on wholly between Senegal, latitude 16 deg. north, longitude 16 deg. west, and Cape Frio, in latitude 18 deg. south, longitude 12 deg. east, a space (following the windings of the coast at the distance of three or four miles) of more than 3,600 miles. There are scattered along the coast five English, four French, five American, six Portuguese, six or eight Dutch, and our or five Danish settlements, besides many which have been abandoned by their respective Governments. These settlements are generally isolated; many of them only a fortress without any town, while a few are a cluster of villages and farms. The British, French and particularly the American settlements, exercise an important influence in suppressing the slave trade. The influence of the Danes and Dutch is not material, |