From an interesting series of papers published by George W. P. Custis, Esq. entitled “Conversations of La Fayette,” we some time ago, gave to the public a detailed account of the humane operations of this eminent man, for the benefit of certain slaves, formerly owned by him, in the province of Cayenne. We are now happy to extract from the last number of these papers, the observations of this true and venerable friend to our nation, on a subject, which, if the most delicate, is also the most momentous which can possibly be presented to the attention of the American people.
Truth, when clearly seen by the eye of candour, must, we believe, ever prove omnipotent over reason, and we hope that the hearts of our statesmen are not so hostile to their judgments, as to render a correct faith fruitless of good works. Reflection cannot, at least, do injury. The thoughts which come forth from a bosom, the kindness of which, towards our whole country has not, is not, and will not ever be doubted, merited consideration. He who bled for us in the days of our peril, and when about to sink forever in glorious retirement from the world, crossed the ocean to look with paternal feelings upon the beauty and strength of our institutions, and upon the wonders of our progress, and to bestow on us his blessing, would not surely, at the moment of his departure, give us advice which a wise man, without examination, will pronounce it madness to follow. His words are these:—
“I have been so long the friend of emancipation, particularly as regards these otherwise most happy states, that I behold with the sincerest pleasure the commencement of an institution, whose progress and termination will, I trust, be attended by the most successful results. I shall probably not live to witness the vast changes in the condition of man, which are about to take place in the world; but the era is already commenced, its progress is apparent, its end is certain. France will, ere long, give freedom to her few colonies. In England, the Parliament leaders, urged by the people, will urge the government to some acts preparatory to the emancipation of her slave holding colonies. Already she is looking with much anxiety towards her, East India possessions for supplies of sugar, raised by free labour. England is, in fact, rich enough to buy up her slaves property and the current of public opinion, sets so decidedly against slavery, in all its forms, that if the people and government unite, it must soon cease to exist int eh English possessions. South America is crushing the evil, at her first entrance upon political regeneration: she will reap rich harvests of political and individual prosperity and aggrandizement, by this wholesale measure. Where then, my dear sir, will be the last foot-hold of slavery, in the world? Is it destined to be the opprobrium of this fine country? Again; you will in time, have an accession of at least three free states in this Union—Maryland, Virginia and Kentucky.
“In these three commonwealths there is nothing grown, which may not be produced by free labour; neither is the climate inimical to the white man, but the reverse.
“In the course of the next half century, the changes which I have foretold, will probably come to pass; and if they should, what, my dear sir, will be the condition of our friends in the extreme south and south-west of the United States? As slavery declines in the other states, its migration will tend directly to those regions, as its last place of refuge—May we not hope that this will be deemed a matter of serious consideration, worthy of the labours of philosophers, and philanthropists, and of all who feel an interest in the safety and well being of a large portion of the American family?
“The views and labours of the society are directed to the removal of free persons of colour only; but there will be no want of emigrants should that great object be successfully accomplished, as in the munificent instance of Mr. Minge, of Virginia, who for an individual, has done an act worthy of a community, and is entitled to the most unqualified and enthusiastic praise. No doubt many proprietors will follow this generous and noble example, perhaps not on so large a scale, but a little from many, soon becomes a great deal. Again, as few proprietors could afford to part with so valuable a portion of their property without some equivalent, they might be disposed to enable this property to pay for itself, on some plan, like the one I have seen proposed.”
