5807. NEGROES, Colonization.—[further continued] .
Nothing is more to be
wished than that the United States would themselves
undertake to make such an establishment
on the coast of Africa. Exclusive of motives of
humanity, the commercial advantages to be derived
from it might repay all its expenses. But
for this, the national mind is not yet prepared.
It may perhaps be doubted whether many of
these people would voluntarily consent to such
an exchange of situation, and very certain that
few of those advanced to a certain age in habits
of slavery, would be capable of self-government.
This should not, however, discourage the experiment,
nor the early trial of it.—
To John Lynch. Washington ed. v, 565.
Ford ed., ix, 304.
(M.
1811)
