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FROM GOVERNOR CLARK.
FROM GOVERNOR CLARK.
STATE OF NEW YORK, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Albany, May 10, 1856. MR. A. STEWARD, Canandaigua, Dear Sir:—I notice a paragraph in the "Ontario Times" of this date, making the announcement that you are preparing "a sketch of events occurring under your own observation during an eventful life," to be entitled, "Twenty Years a Slave, and Forty Years a Freeman;" and that you design soon to make an effort to obtain subscribers for the book. Being desirous of rendering you what encouragement I may in the
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ROCHESTER, SEPTEMBER, 1856 MR. WM. ALLING,
ROCHESTER, SEPTEMBER, 1856 MR. WM. ALLING,
Dear Sir:—The undersigned have heard with pleasure, that you are about issuing a Book made up from incidents in the life of Austin STEWARD. We have been the early acquaintances and associates of Mr. Steward, while a business man in Rochester in an early day, and take pleasure in bearing testimony to his high personal, moral and Christian character. In a world of vicissitude, Mr. Steward has received no ordinary share, and we hope, while his book may do the world good, it may prove a substantial
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RECOMMENDATORY. ROCHESTER, JULY 1, 1856. A. STEWARD, ESQ.,
RECOMMENDATORY. ROCHESTER, JULY 1, 1856. A. STEWARD, ESQ.,
Dear Sir:—In reply to your letter upon the propriety of publishing your life, I answer, that there is not only no objection to it, but it will be timely, and is demanded by every consideration of humanity and justice. Every tongue which speaks for Freedom, which has once been held by the awful gag of Slavery, is trumpet-tongued—and he who pleads against this monstrous oppression, if he can say, "here are the scars," can do much. It is a great pleasure to me to run back to my boyhood, and stop at
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EDWIN SCRANTOM.
EDWIN SCRANTOM.
[Note 1: The indignity spoken of was this: Mr. Steward had established a grocery and provision store on Buffalo Street, in a part of Abner Wakelee's building, opposite the Eagle Hotel. He put up his sign, a very plain and proper one, and at night, some competitors, whom he knew, as well as he could know anything which he could not prove, smeared his sign with black paint, utterly destroying it! But the misguided men who stooped to such an act—the victims of sensuality and excess—have years ago e
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PREFACE.
PREFACE.
The author does not think that any apology is necessary for this issue of his Life and History. He believes that American Slavery is now the great question before the American People: that it is not merely a political question, coming up before the country as the grand element in the making of a President, and then to be laid aside for four years; but that its moral bearings are of such a nature that the Patriot, the Philanthropist, and all good men agree that it is an evil of so much magnitude,
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CHAPTER I. — SLAVE LIFE ON THE PLANTATION.
CHAPTER I. — SLAVE LIFE ON THE PLANTATION.
I was born in Prince William County, Virginia. At seven years of age, I found myself a slave on the plantation of Capt. William Helm. Our family consisted of my father and mother—whose names were Robert and Susan Steward—a sister, Mary, and myself. As was the usual custom, we lived in a small cabin, built of rough boards, with a floor of earth, and small openings in the sides of the cabin were substituted for windows. The chimney was built of sticks and mud; the door, of rough boards; and the wh
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CHAPTER II. — AT THE GREAT HOUSE.
CHAPTER II. — AT THE GREAT HOUSE.
When eight years of age, I was taken to the "great house," or the family mansion of my master, to serve as an errand boy, where I had to stand in the presence of my master's family all the day, and a part of the night, ready to do any thing which they commanded me to perform. My master's family consisted of himself and wife, and seven children. His overseer, whose name was Barsly Taylor, had also a wife and five children. These constituted the white population on the plantation. Capt. Helm was t
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CHAPTER III. — HORSE-RACING AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.
CHAPTER III. — HORSE-RACING AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.
Capt. Helm had a race-course on his plantation, on which he trained young horses for the fall races. One very fine horse he owned, called Mark Anthony , which he trained in the most careful manner for several months previous to the races. He would put him on the course every morning, sometimes covering him with a blanket, and then put him to his utmost speed, which he called "sweating him." Mark Anthony was to be put on the race-course in October following, as a competitor for the purse of ten t
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CHAPTER IV. — JOURNEY TO OUR NEW HOME IN NEW YORK.
CHAPTER IV. — JOURNEY TO OUR NEW HOME IN NEW YORK.
All things having been prepared for our departure, our last "Good-bye" spoken, and our last look taken of the old plantation, we started, amid the sobs and prolonged cries of separating families, in company with our master, the overseer and another white man named Davis, who went with us to take back the five-horse "Pennsylvania team," which was provided for the conveyance of the food for the slaves, and what little baggage they might have, and also that of the overseer. Capt. Helm had determine
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CHAPTER V. — INCIDENTS AT SODUS BAY.
CHAPTER V. — INCIDENTS AT SODUS BAY.
About this time two slaves who were laboring in the forest, instead of returning to their cabin as was expected, got lost, and wandered eight days in the dense forest without provision, except what they could procure from roots and the bark of trees. Great exertion was made to find them; guns were fired, horns blown, and shouts raised, but all to no purpose. Finally, we gave them up, supposing they had starved to death or had been killed by wild beasts. One of them was an elderly man, named Benj
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CHAPTER VI. — REMOVAL FROM SODUS TO BATH.
CHAPTER VI. — REMOVAL FROM SODUS TO BATH.
Capt. Helm went to Virginia for his family, and returning with them, concluded to locate his future residence in the village of Bath, Steuben County. He purchased a large tract of land near the village, a large grist mill, and two saw mills; also, two farms; one called the "Maringo," east of the village; and the other, called "Epsam," north of it; and a fine house and lot in the village. He also kept a distillery, which in those days was well patronized, for nearly every body drank whisky; and w
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CHAPTER VII. — DUELING.
CHAPTER VII. — DUELING.
Lina Helm was an easy, good-natured, clever fellow; but his brother Frank was his opposite in nearly every thing; proud, fractious and unyielding. As might be expected, Frank, soon after entering the army, got into an "affair of honor," according to the duelist's code of laws. He was not, however, the principal in the difficulty. One of his friends and a brother officer, had a quarrel with a gentleman whom he challenged to mortal combat. Frank was the bearer of his friend's challenge, and on pre
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CHAPTER VIII. — HORSE-RACING AND GENERAL TRAINING.
CHAPTER VIII. — HORSE-RACING AND GENERAL TRAINING.
After the return of the wedding party, Mr. Fitzhugh purchased a tract of land near that of Capt. Helm, on which the newly-married couple commenced keeping house. They, however, became dissatisfied with their location, and soon after sold their possessions and returned to the South. Capt. Helm still continued to take the oversight of his slaves, and was out every day, superintending his business, just as his overseer used to do. About this time a man named Henry Tower came to Bath to hire "slave
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CHAPTER IX. — DEATH BED AND BRIDAL SCENES.
CHAPTER IX. — DEATH BED AND BRIDAL SCENES.
Neither Capt. Helm nor his wife made any religious pretensions. I hardly know whether or not they were avowed infidels; but they alike ridiculed all religious professions and possessed some very singular notions regarding life and death. I have often heard the Captain say, that no person need die unless they choose to do so; and his wife was of the same belief. I have frequently heard her remark that if mankind would firmly resist death it would flee from them. An opportunity, however, was soon
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CHAPTER X. — HIRED OUT TO A NEW MASTER.
CHAPTER X. — HIRED OUT TO A NEW MASTER.
While I was staying with my master at Bath, he having little necessity for my services, hired me out to a man by the name of Joseph Robinson, for the purpose of learning me to drive a team. Robinson lived about three miles from the village of Bath, on a small farm, and was not only a poor man but a very mean one. He was cross and heartless in his family, as well as tyrannical and cruel to those in his employ; and having hired me as a "slave boy," he appeared to feel at full liberty to wreak his
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CHAPTER XI. — THOUGHTS ON FREEDOM.
CHAPTER XI. — THOUGHTS ON FREEDOM.
After living sometime in Bath, and having the privilege of more enlightened society, I began to think that it was possible for me to become a free man in some way besides going into the army or running away, as I had often thought of doing. I had listened to the conversation of others, and determined to ask legal counsel on the subject the first opportunity I could find. Very soon after, as I was drawing wood, I met on the river bridge, Mr. D. Cruger, the eminent lawyer before mentioned, and I a
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CHAPTER XII. — CAPT. HELM—DIVORCE—KIDNAPPING.
CHAPTER XII. — CAPT. HELM—DIVORCE—KIDNAPPING.
The business affairs of Capt. Helm had for some time been far from prosperous; and now he was quite poor. His slave property proved a bad investment, and Madam Thornton a far worse one. She had already applied for a divorce, and a good share of the estate as alimony; both of which she succeeded in getting, the Captain allowing her to take pretty much her own course. These troubles, with costs of lawsuits, bad management, &c., had now emptied the coffers of my old master almost to the las
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CHAPTER XIII. — LOCATE IN THE VILLAGE OF ROCHESTER.
CHAPTER XIII. — LOCATE IN THE VILLAGE OF ROCHESTER.
I continued to labor in the employ of Mr. O. Comstock, whose son, Zeno, was married during the year 1816, and purchased a farm on the site of the present flourishing village of Lockport, to which he moved his family and effects; but from a mistaken supposition that the Erie Canal, which was then under contemplation, would take a more southern route, he was induced to sell his farm in Hartland, which has proved a mine of wealth to the more fortunate purchaser. In the winter of that year, I was se
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CHAPTER XIV. — INCIDENTS IN ROCHESTER AND VICINITY.
CHAPTER XIV. — INCIDENTS IN ROCHESTER AND VICINITY.
After long petitioning, the inhabitants of that section succeeded in having the new county of Monroe set off from Genesee and Ontario Counties, in 1821, which gave a new impulse to the business interests of the already flourishing town, which had heretofore labored under some disadvantages in consequence of having all public business done at Canandaigua or Batavia. About this time, too, was the Carthage bridge built by a company of enterprising gentlemen of that village which at that day was con
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CHAPTER XV. — SAD REVERSES OF CAPT. HELM.
CHAPTER XV. — SAD REVERSES OF CAPT. HELM.
I must again introduce to the kind reader my old master, Capt. Helm, who we left residing in Bath, several years ago. And as I have before intimated he had now become a very poor man; indeed so reduced was he now that he lived with one of his slave women, and was supported by public charity! Learning, too, that I had saved by my industry a few hundred dollars, it seemed very congenial with his avaricious habits to endeavor to obtain what I possessed. In accordance with his plan he employed a law
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CHAPTER XVI. — BRITISH EMANCIPATION OF SLAVERY.
CHAPTER XVI. — BRITISH EMANCIPATION OF SLAVERY.
As time passed on I found myself progressing in a profitable business. I had paid for my house and lot, and purchased another adjoining, on which I had erected a valuable brick building. The Lord prospered all my undertakings and I felt grateful for my good fortune. I kept all kinds of groceries and grain, which met a ready sale; and now I began to look about me for a partner in life, to share my joys and sorrows, and to assist me on through the tempestuous scenes of a life-long voyage. Such a c
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"ABOLITION OF SLAVERY.
"ABOLITION OF SLAVERY.
"The extinction of that curse by the laws of our State, was marked with appropriate rejoicings on the part of the African race in this neighborhood. A procession of considerable length and respectable appearance, preceded by a band of music, moved from Brown's Island through the principal streets to the public square, yesterday forenoon, where a stage and seats were erected, for the speakers and audience. The throne of Grace was addressed by the Rev. Mr. Allen, a colored clergyman. The act decla
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CHAPTER XVIII. — CONDITION OF FREE COLORED PEOPLE.
CHAPTER XVIII. — CONDITION OF FREE COLORED PEOPLE.
Pursuant to a call given in the summer of 1830, by the colored residents of Philadelphia, for a National Convention of their race, I started in company with a friend to attend it; having previously engaged seats inside Mr. Coe's stage-coach as far as Utica, N.Y., to which place we had paid our fare the same as other passengers. We rode on to Auburn very pleasantly, but when at that place, we with others moved to resume our seats; we were met by a stern rebuke for presuming to seat ourselves on t
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CHAPTER XIX. — PERSECUTION OF THE COLORED PEOPLE.
CHAPTER XIX. — PERSECUTION OF THE COLORED PEOPLE.
While the colored population of New York were rejoicing in the measure of freedom allowed them by the more wholesome laws of that State, our brethren in Ohio were being oppressed and maltreated by the unjust and odious "black laws" of that professedly free State, enacted with special reference to the disposition of the colored race. In Cincinnati, O., within sight of the slave land of Kentucky, a terrible persecution had commenced, and an effort was made to drive all colored persons from the pla
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CHAPTER XX. — REMOVAL TO CANADA.
CHAPTER XX. — REMOVAL TO CANADA.
In 1830, I closed my business in Rochester, preparatory to leaving for Canada. Some of my friends thought I had better remain in the States and direct emigrants to Wilberforce; while others were certain I could benefit them more by going myself at once,—the latter I had determined to do; but as the time drew near for me to start, an unaccountable gloominess and forebodings of evil took possession of my mind. Doubts of the practicability of the undertaking began to arise, though nothing unfavorab
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CHAPTER XXI. — ROUGHING IT IN THE WILDS OF CANADA.
CHAPTER XXI. — ROUGHING IT IN THE WILDS OF CANADA.
The "Canada Company," of which I have so frequently spoken, was an association of wealthy gentlemen, residing in England; something like the East India Company, especially regarding the title of lands. They had sent on their agent and purchased a large tract of land known as the "Huron Tract," extending from London to Lake Huron, where they laid out a village, named Goderich, sixty miles distant from Wilberforce. With this company, Mr. Lewis had contracted for a township of land, as agent for th
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CHAPTER XXII. — NARROW ESCAPE OF A SMUGGLER.
CHAPTER XXII. — NARROW ESCAPE OF A SMUGGLER.
From the time I first settled in Wilberforce, my house had ever been open to travelers and strangers; but a conversation I happened to overhear, led me to take a course different from what I had at first intended. I was at a public house about twenty miles from home, when I heard the landlord advising his guest to eat heartily, for, said he, "you will find nothing more worthy of your attention, until you reach Wilberforce. When you arrive at that settlement, inquire for A. Steward, from the Stat
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CHAPTER XXIII. — NARRATIVE OF TWO FUGITIVES FROM VIRGINIA.
CHAPTER XXIII. — NARRATIVE OF TWO FUGITIVES FROM VIRGINIA.
The settlers in Wilberforce, were in general, industrious and thrifty farmers: they cleared their land, sowed grain, planted orchards, raised cattle, and in short, showed to the world that they were in no way inferior to the white population, when given an equal chance with them. In proof of this let me say, that it was uniformly the practice of persons traveling from London to Goderich, to remain in our settlement over night, in preference to going on to find entertainment among their own class
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CHAPTER XXIV. — PLEASANT RE-UNION OF OLD AND TRIED FRIENDS.
CHAPTER XXIV. — PLEASANT RE-UNION OF OLD AND TRIED FRIENDS.
It is well known to those who have assisted in clearing land in a new country, that bears, who are not Jews, are very troublesome, and levy a heavy tax on the settlers, to supply themselves with pork-their favorite food. One old bear in particular, had for a long time annoyed the colonists, by robbing their hog-stys almost every night. We failed in all our plans to destroy his life, until a woman saw him one day, walking at ease through the settlement. A half dozen of us gave chase immediately,
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CHAPTER XXV. — PRIVATE LOSSES AND PRIVATE DIFFICULTIES.
CHAPTER XXV. — PRIVATE LOSSES AND PRIVATE DIFFICULTIES.
Soon after settling in Wilberforce, I found that the rumor I had heard in the States, concerning the refusal to sell land to colored persons, was literally correct, and my farm being too small to yield a support for my family, and knowing it would be useless to apply for more land, I engaged to carry packages for different merchants in the adjoining villages, as well as to and from the settlement. Possessing a pair of excellent horses and a good wagon, I found it a profitable business, and the o
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CHAPTER XXVI. — INCIDENTS AND PECULIARITIES OF THE INDIANS.
CHAPTER XXVI. — INCIDENTS AND PECULIARITIES OF THE INDIANS.
During our residence in Canada, we were often visited by the Indians, which gave us an opportunity to learn their character, habits and disposition; and some incidents illustrative of the peculiarities of that abused people, I will here mention. I recollect one bitter cold night, about eleven o'clock, I happened to awake, and looking out toward the fire, I was surprised to see standing there, erect and quiet, a tall, brawny Indian, wrapped in his blanket; his long hunting knife and tomahawk dang
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CIRCULAR
CIRCULAR
New York, May 9th , 1836. The committee of colored citizens of the city of New York, as servants of the public, sincerely regret the necessity of bringing the within subject before the public. Their duty to God, to society, and to themselves, only actuates them in this matter. The fact that many individuals in different sections of the country, have long suspected the integrity of Israel Lewis, but possessing no authentic documentary evidence, they have been prevented from making an effort, to c
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ISRAEL LEWIS.
ISRAEL LEWIS.
Wilberforce, U.C., March 28th, 1836. The board of managers of the Wilberforce settlement, met and passed unanimously the following resolutions—Present, Austin Steward, Philip Harris, Peter Butler, William Bell, John Whitehead, Samuel Peters. Resolved , 1st. That we deeply regret the manner in which our friends in the States have been imposed upon by Israel Lewis; and that we hereby inform them, as a board of managers or otherwise, that we have received less than one hundred dollars of all the mo
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CHAPTER XXVIII. — DESPERATION OF A FUGITIVE SLAVE.
CHAPTER XXVIII. — DESPERATION OF A FUGITIVE SLAVE.
We had as yet received no funds from our foreign agent, N. Paul, and the board of managers had resolved to send a man after him. An Englishman and a white man named Nell, would gladly undertake the mission, leaving his wife and five children among the settlers. Again was I under the necessity of returning to New York, to obtain the funds required to send out Mr. Nell after our agent in England. The night before I left home, I had a singular dream which I will briefly relate. I dreamed of journey
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CHAPTER XXIX. — A NARROW ESCAPE FROM MY ENEMIES.
CHAPTER XXIX. — A NARROW ESCAPE FROM MY ENEMIES.
During my absence in New York city, Lewis and his confederates were prophesying that I would never trouble them more, and shaking their heads quite ominously at the happy riddance. One day, our hired man entered the house and inquired of my wife, when I was expected home. She told him she did not know, having received no intelligence from me. He assured her that a letter had been received by some one in the colony; that he had seen it, and had heard Mr. Lewis speak of conveying it to her,—but as
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CHAPTER XXX. — DEATH OF B. PAUL, AND RETURN OF HIS BROTHER.
CHAPTER XXX. — DEATH OF B. PAUL, AND RETURN OF HIS BROTHER.
The bold and wicked attempt to take my life, recorded in the preceding chapter, aroused a feeling of indignation in the community against Lewis, and completely destroyed the little influence he had left; moreover, he had now been so extensively published as an impostor, that he could collect no more money on the false pretense of raising it for the benefit of the colony. As soon as his money was gone and his influence destroyed, —many who had been his firmest friends, turned against him, and amo
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CHAPTER XXXI. — MY FAMILY RETURN TO ROCHESTER.
CHAPTER XXXI. — MY FAMILY RETURN TO ROCHESTER.
I was now seriously meditating a return to Rochester. My purpose in going to Canada, has already been made known to the reader, as well as some of the disappointments I met, and some of the trials and difficulties I had to encounter. Now, after laboring, and suffering persecution for about five years, my way was comparatively clear; still I wished to leave the Province and return to the States, in which prospect my family greatly rejoiced. Doubtless most persons in the position I then occupied,
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CHAPTER XXXII. — THE LAND AGENT AND THE SQUATTER.
CHAPTER XXXII. — THE LAND AGENT AND THE SQUATTER.
I have named, I believe, that all the colored people, who purchased lands of Lewis, could get no deed nor any remuneration for their improvements. This they thought hard and unfair. Some had built a house and barn, cleared land, &c.; but when they wished to pay for their farms, they could get no deed, and were obliged to lose all their labor. This raised such a general complaint against the land agents, that they finally agreed to pay the squatters for their improvements, if they would l
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CHAPTER XXXIII. — CHARACTER AND DEATH OF I. LEWIS.
CHAPTER XXXIII. — CHARACTER AND DEATH OF I. LEWIS.
I have spoken in the preceding chapter, of a visit from the Rev. S.E. Cornish, to the colony. He had previously written me, concerning the object of his proposed visit, which was to obtain the depositions of the board of managers, relative to all the money received through their agents for the colony. He was sent to Canada then, and once afterwards, for and at the expense of A. Tappan, on business pertaining to the law-suit instituted by I. Lewis against that gentleman, for defamation of charact
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CHAPTER XXXIV. — MY RETURN TO ROCHESTER.
CHAPTER XXXIV. — MY RETURN TO ROCHESTER.
Having closed my business in Wilberforce, I prepared to leave on the expiration of my term of office as township clerk, which was now near at hand. Notwithstanding, I ever felt a sensation of relief and pleasure, when I thought of returning to my old home and friends in the States, yet as often as I look abroad over the settlement and remember all my glowing hopes,—all my delightful anticipations of a prosperous future for those poor, struggling colonists; when I recollected with what zeal and h
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CHAPTER XXXV. — BISHOP BROWN—DEATH OF MY DAUGHTER.
CHAPTER XXXV. — BISHOP BROWN—DEATH OF MY DAUGHTER.
I removed with my family to the village of Canandaigua, where I commenced teaching a school for colored children, assisted by my daughter. The school was sustained partly by the liberality of the citizens of the village, and partly by donations from abroad. It was continued two years, and the children made rapid progress while they were under our tuition. Soon after I left Rochester, I visited New York city, and while there, I joined "The African Methodist Episcopal Conference." Bishop Brown, of
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CHAPTER XXXVI. — CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST OF AUGUST.
CHAPTER XXXVI. — CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST OF AUGUST.
The anti-slavery friends in Canandaigua, had resolved to celebrate the anniversary of the West India emancipation, in suitable manner in that village, for which funds had been unsparingly collected, to defray the expenses of the coming demonstration. The first of August, 1847, fell on Sunday, and our people concluded to devote that day to religious meetings, and the second to their proposed celebration. Frederick Douglass and Mr. Van Loon, from Poughkeepsie, addressed the people on the Sabbath;
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CHAPTER XXXVII. — CONCLUSION.
CHAPTER XXXVII. — CONCLUSION.
For several years past, anti-slavery truth has been spreading, and in proportion as light has shone upon the "peculiar institution," exposing to the world its crimes and blood,—enstamping upon its frontlet, "THE SUM OF ALL VILLAINIES,"—has the wrath of the impious slaveholder been kindled, and his arm outstretched to strengthen the chain, and press closer the yoke upon the helpless slave, proving conclusively that he loves darkness because his deeds are evil. Nor is this all; he and his apologis
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LETTER FROM A. STEWARD TO WM. L. GARRISON. MR. GARRISON,
LETTER FROM A. STEWARD TO WM. L. GARRISON. MR. GARRISON,
Dear Sir:—In a recent examination of the business transactions between the Board of Managers of the Wilberforce Colony, and their agent Rev. N. Paul, I find a charge made by him, and allowed by the board, of the sum of two hundred dollars, which he paid to yourself. Finding no receipt or acknowledgment from you, I write to ask you to favor me with one, or an explanation of the facts in the case, either of which will greatly oblige me, as I design to make it public. Truly Yours, &c.,...
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MR. GARRISON'S REPLY TO A. STEWARD. DEAR SIR:
MR. GARRISON'S REPLY TO A. STEWARD. DEAR SIR:
You state that Rev. N. Paul, as agent for the Wilberforce Settlement, U.C., in rendering his accounts on his return from England, charged the Board of Managers with the sum of two hundred dollars, paid by him to me while in England; that said sum was allowed by the board; adding that you do not recollect of my acknowledging or giving credit to the Settlement for it. In reply, I can only assure you that there must be a mistake in regard to this item. I borrowed no money, nor had I any occasion to
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FROM MR. BAKER TO A. STEWARD. MR. A. STEWARD,
FROM MR. BAKER TO A. STEWARD. MR. A. STEWARD,
Dear Sir:—Israel Lewis, the former agent of your Settlement, last spring represented to me the suffering condition of your poor, and requested that I should forward some goods, for which I should be paid; I did so, and sent goods to the amount of one hundred thirty-six dollars and ninety-eight cents. The goods were sold at cost. I am also endorsed on a note for two hundred thirteen dollars and ten cents, which falls due 24th of this month, and which I shall have to pay. This note was given by Le
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FROM MR. L.A. SPALDING TO A. STEWARD DEAR FRIEND:
FROM MR. L.A. SPALDING TO A. STEWARD DEAR FRIEND:
In August last, Israel Lewis, accompanied by Rev. Nathaniel Paul called upon me and exhibited a power of attorney, signed by you as president of the trustees of the colony, authorizing Lewis to take loans, &c., for the benefit of the colony. Feeling a deep interest in the progress of the colony, I agreed to become security with E. Peck, at the Bank of Rochester, for the payment of seven hundred dollars, which soon was raised by Lewis on the note, for the benefit of the colony. I was in h
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LYMAN A. SPALDING. AUSTIN STEWARD.
LYMAN A. SPALDING. AUSTIN STEWARD.
Lockport, N.Y. 1831....
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FROM THE CONVENTIONAL BOARD, PHILADELPHIA, PA., TO A. STEWARD.
FROM THE CONVENTIONAL BOARD, PHILADELPHIA, PA., TO A. STEWARD.
MR. AUSTIN STEWARD, Wilberforce, U.C., Esteemed Friend:—I am charged by the conventional board, to inform you that at the last session of the general convention, you was duly elected their General Corresponding Agent , for the Wilberforce Settlement and parts adjacent. Respectfully and in an official capacity, would I ask you to accept the appointment. And in pursuance of the said appointment, the board would be happy to have at least a monthly correspondence from you, on all such matters as may
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JUNIUS C. MORRELL.
JUNIUS C. MORRELL.
A true copy from the record....
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RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE WILBERFORCE COLONY.
RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE WILBERFORCE COLONY.
At a meeting of the Board of Managers, held September 30th, 1831, to call the Agents to an account: Resolved, That the Report of N. Paul be accepted, and unanimously agreed to. At a meeting of the Board of Directors, all the members present, March 18th, 1832: Resolved, That we disapprove of the conduct of Israel Lewis, in his being absent so long, and also his not communicating with the Board of Directors, and not informing them from time to time, how he is prosecuting his agency. Resolved, That
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CIRCULAR. THE BOARD OF MANAGERS FOR THE COLONY,
CIRCULAR. THE BOARD OF MANAGERS FOR THE COLONY,
To the Christians and Philanthropists in the United States: We, the undersigned inhabitants and Board of Managers for the Colony of Wilberforce, beg leave to state that the frost cut off the crops in this part of the country last year, and some of the colonists are in great need of assistance. And we flatter ourselves that when the peculiar circumstances of this infant Settlement are duly considered, this appeal, to a generous and discriminating public, will not be made in vain. The board are se
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FROM REV. J. BUDD TO A. STEWARD AND OTHERS. MESSRS. PAUL AND STEWARD:
FROM REV. J. BUDD TO A. STEWARD AND OTHERS. MESSRS. PAUL AND STEWARD:
I have ever taken a great degree of interest in the welfare of your colony, and have in various ways, brought it before the public. It has pained me deeply to learn that there are divisions among you. The whole deportment and manner of Lewis, who has been here, has evidently impressed the public in his favor. Although I do not wish to take ground as his advocate, to the extinction of others, I am not inclined to think him dishonest from the testimony now before me. But, apart from him, my presen
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REPLY TO J. BUDD BY A. STEWARD.
REPLY TO J. BUDD BY A. STEWARD.
To THE REV. J. BUDD, Sir:—We feel under renewed obligation to you, for you friendly advice; but we have already sent out several copies of our circular to different places, and probably some of them have been printed before this time. We have no object in view, but truth, justice,—the greatest good of the Settlement, and of our brethren in general. Israel Lewis has, however, collected large sums of money, for our relief, of which we have not had the benefit. Nearly two years ago, he was appointe
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FROM A. STEWARD TO G. BANKS AND OTHERS. MESSRS. BANKS, WILBER, BROCKENBERG & HARRIS:
FROM A. STEWARD TO G. BANKS AND OTHERS. MESSRS. BANKS, WILBER, BROCKENBERG & HARRIS:
I have received a communication through your corresponding secretary, Mr. James C. Brown, and I hasten to answer it. The last communication I have received from Mr. N. Paul, was in December, 1833, at which time he was vigorously prosecuting his mission, as will more fully appear by the annexed copy of said letter, which I cheerfully send you. His return is expected daily. [Copy OF N. PAUL'S LETTER.]...
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MY DEAR BROTHER STEWARD:
MY DEAR BROTHER STEWARD:
When I last addressed you, I informed you that I expected to leave this country before a return letter from you could be expected. I therefore stated, if I remember correctly, that you need not write. I now find that I shall be detained much longer than I then calculated; and this detention is owing to the Slavery question. The friends of the cause, advised me to forego my object, until that question was settled; and then they would turn their attention to my cause, and render me what assistance
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N. PAUL. SIRS:
N. PAUL. SIRS:
The above copy will give you all the recent information we have received concerning the mission of our foreign agent. Please accept my kindest regards, with my acknowledgments of your distinguished consideration, while I remain, Yours truly,...
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FROM A. STEWARD TO MR. NELL. DEAR SIR:
FROM A. STEWARD TO MR. NELL. DEAR SIR:
We are glad to acknowledge your favor of October last, and to hear of your safe arrival in England, your health and fair prospects. Since my removal to Wilberforce, I have opened a school, which Mrs. Steward has engaged to teach for one year; while I shall probably devote my time to traveling through the States, for the benefit of the Colony, which is indeed poor, and in want of some assistance; and yet, not a dollar have we in the treasury to help them with. Mr. Paul has not returned, though we
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FROM L.A. SPALDING TO A. STEWARD AND OTHERS. DEAR FRIENDS:
FROM L.A. SPALDING TO A. STEWARD AND OTHERS. DEAR FRIENDS:
I have received a letter from Israel Lewis, New York, requesting me to forward fifty dollars to the treasurer of the Wilberforce Colony, which I will do at the first convenience. I sent fifty dollars some time since, which I presume was received. I have also received a letter from B. Lundy, who speaks very flatteringly of the Settlement; but gives me some information relating to Lewis, which will injure you, unless you act wisely. Now I suggest for your consideration, whether it would not be bes
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LYMAN A. SPALDING. AUSTIN STEWARD & BENJ. PAUL.
LYMAN A. SPALDING. AUSTIN STEWARD & BENJ. PAUL.
Lockport, N.Y., 2d Mo., 4th, 1832....
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FROM REV. S.E. CORNISH TO A. STEWARD. DEAR STEWARD:
FROM REV. S.E. CORNISH TO A. STEWARD. DEAR STEWARD:
I have this day received your letter, and God willing, I will be with you in the course of ten or twelve days. Please to keep your people together, until I come. I will see that they be not oppressed by that notorious Israel Lewis. I believe him to be one of the worst men living, whose deeds will yet come to light. Do stay in the Colony and keep all things as they are until I come. Yours, with high esteem,...
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SAMUEL E. CORNISH.
SAMUEL E. CORNISH.
P.S.—I am glad that Mrs. Steward is in Rochester; your Colony is by no means suited to her talents and refined mind. She never could be happy there. My love to all the Colonists; I will do every thing for them in my power. S.E.C....
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FROM B. LUNDY TO A. STEWARD AND OTHERS. ESTEEMED FRIENDS:
FROM B. LUNDY TO A. STEWARD AND OTHERS. ESTEEMED FRIENDS:
Again I take this method of communicating some private information to my personal friends, relative to my proceedings in Mexico. My last visit to that country, (like the one preceding), having been prolonged far beyond the time which I had anticipated, I feel it incumbent on me to explain the causes thereof especially to such as take an interest in the enterprize in which I have engaged, and those who have kindly assisted me with, means to defray the expenses of my journey, &c. Soon afte
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B. LUNDY.
B. LUNDY.
N. & B. PAUL, AUSTIN STEWARD, REV. J. SHARP. Nashville, 5th Mo., 1835....
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