Oldalképek
PDF
ePub

Liberia in the following August. When they arrived, the Cape, or present site of the city of Monrovia, had been occupied since the preceding April-about four months. The buildings consisted of a few thatched huts, covering a small area, surrounded by a dense primeval forest.

arm for the remainder of his life. Scarcely had he received this wound, and while his garments were yet drenched with blood, his oldest son, Joseph, was shot dead by his side. Added to this was the loss of his five children within the same hour. Where he knew not! Their fate shrouded in dark, terrible uncertainty! All his property was stolen except the clothes, arms, and ammunition on his person.

The party who captured Stephen proceeded toward the present Kroo Town. When about half way they halted in the forest and formed a camp. Fires were lighted in every direction. Their wounded, dying, and dead, scattered around, presented a frightful spectacle, inspiring the youthful captive with indescribable sensations and fears that nothing short of his own life would satisfy their revenge. Of these he was soon relieved by their feelingly striving to offer comfort, assuring him that he should not be injured, but that, so soon as hostilities ceased, he should be restored to his family.

After a rest of two hours they turned toward the sea-coast, directing their course to the St. Paul's River, the whole company walking half bent to prevent detection by the settlers, who occupied the hill with cannon. They succeeded in reaching a native village near St. Paul's bar in the course of the day. Soon after they embarked in a canoe for Peter Bromley's Town-the site of the present settlement of Virginia-at which place they arrived the same afternoon, delivering their captive to the old chief, Peter Bromley, by whom he was kindly treated.

The natives also, with one or two exceptions, treated him with great attention and care; for by warm baths in decoction of herbs, and other simple prescriptions, he was safely brought through the African fever, from which he was suffering at the time of the attack. Bromley had had much intercourse with the English when the slave-trade was prosecuted by that people on this coast. He spoke the English language quite fluently, and took

The history of the war, which broke out a few weeks after their arrival, is well known to those who have read the history of Liberia. The subject of our sketch is one of the seven children mentioned in Gurley's Life of Ashman as captured by the enemy in the bloody attack on the infant settlement. For days previous to their capture his father had from necessity to leave his family, prostrated by the acclimating fever, and perform duty as a soldier, keeping guard both day and night, and assisting in fortifying the village against the enemy, from whom an attack was momentarily expected.

On that eventful morning the father and oldest brother, who was fifteen years old, were absent on duty. Just before daylight the family were aroused by successive volleys of musketry, the roar of cannon, the savage war yell, and the discordant sound of the war-horn. Mr. Benson's house being a thatched and wattled one, situated near the forest, and forming the northeast boundary of the village, was soon surrounded by the enemy, who, finding the doors and windows barricaded, were at first fearful of forcing an entrance. The three youngest children, of whom Stephen was the eldest, by their frequent calls and cries to their mother for assistance, soon informed the enemy of the strength of the house. An entrance was effected without much difficulty through the back door. The first one, on entering, perceiving young Stephen, seized him round the waist, and bore him off with great speed toward the forest. In the struggle to extricate himself the boy used, with much efficiency, the only weapon which he had at command, and gave his captor a specimen of his biting powers. Four other of his brothers and sisters met with a similar fate, their captors, how-great pride in practicing many of the civever, belonging to different tribes. The enemy, after a sanguinary struggle, were repulsed with great loss.

Mr. B.'s father lost considerably in this contest. He was severely wounded by a large slug-shot, which passed through his left shoulder near the joint, disabling that VOL. VIII.-22

ilized customs. It was supposed he was of English origin, a son of some white man, as he had the appearance of a sunburned mulatto. To the end of his life he was much incensed against the colonists for the death-blow given by them to the slave-trade in that section of country.

Stephen remained in captivity four months, during which time he saw no civilized person except his brother James, who was permitted by the chief who held him prisoner to pay him a visit. Frequent intelligence was received from his other brothers and sisters that they were also kindly treated, thus alleviating in some degree the separation from each other.

At this time the commissioners appointed by Governor Ashman to negotiate for their liberation arrived at Bromley's Town, after a successful visit to the chiefs who held the other children. At the close of a few hours' interview with Bromley, young Benson was informed that the days of his captivity were ended, and, to use his own language," that was a day I shall never forget while life shall last."

The succeeding two years were spent in assisting his father, who cleared and inclosed his land, built a neat, commodious frame house, weather-boarded and shingled, and at that time the largest one in Monrovia. In 1825 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his mother. From this time to 1830 Mr. Benson spent in acquiring the rudiments of an education in the schools established by the Colonization Society, which was to train and prepare him for responsible duties in the affairs and government of his adopted country.

About this time Mr. Ashman gave his father permanent employment as colonial factor at Grand Bassa-seven years prior to the first settlement formed there. His duties were to purchase rice, palm-oil, and cattle, which were sent by land, or shipped to Monrovia, for the use of the emigrants, or other purposes of the Colonization Society.

Arriving at the age of fifteen, Stephen's scholastic labors terminated, his father thinking it advisable for him to select some legitimate business for life. His own taste and inclination turned toward the sea, and, unknown to his family, he contracted and made arrangements with Captain Thompson, of the colonial schooner "Mesurado," to sail with him as supercargo, but was prevented from his purpose by an ulcer which disabled him for six months.

On his recovery his attention was turned to mercantile employment, and, with the exception of one military cam

paign, in 1832, he uninterruptedly served as clerk and store-keeper in Monrovia for four years. The campaign alluded to was against King Willey's Town and vicinity on the north side of St. Paul's River. These natives had repeatedly arrested and resold into slavery persons whom the colonial government had liberated from slave factories, and, on being remonstrated with by Dr. Mechlin, the colonial agent, returned only insulting and threatening replies, till a severe chastisement was found indispensable.

On the march thither the troops, attended by Dr. Mechlin, camped the second night at Peter Bromley's Town, the scene of Mr. B.'s residence in captivity nine years previously. They reached the enemy's village the third day, and, with the loss of a few men, forced them to submission, and returned in a week's time from leaving Monrovia.

In June, 1835, the Hankinson difficulty broke out with King Joe Harris, and on the 10th of that month some twenty settlers of Bassa were massacred by Joe Harris's subjects.

The factory being situated four miles up the St. John's, before intelligence of the commencement of hostilities could be conveyed thither, the enemy had surrounded the house, and were panting for Mr. Benson's blood. His life would have been sacrificed to their insatiate revenge had it not been for the incessant and urgent entreaties of old King Joe's son, a lad of thirteen, who had been in the employment of Mr. B. for two years, and was much attached to him. This lad's influence was great, as the enemy were his father's subjects. While pleading with a portion of them the others commenced plundering the factory, which proved the signal for the entire party to hasten to the scene of robbery. Mr. B., taking advantage of the confusion, escaped to Edina. The enemy swept the establishment clean of everything.

When the disastrous news reached Monrovia a corps of volunteers (among whom was Stephen) were sent down to protect Edina and punish the aggressors. Hostilities continued four months; three engagements took place, which resulted in the burning of King Joe's Town, and forcing him into a state of subjection.

On the 9th of January, 1836, Thomas Buchanan, commissioner of the Young

Men's Colonization Society of Pennsylvania and New-York, anchored in Bassa harbor in the brig "Independence," bringing with him a timely and ample supply of goods, provisions, and munitions of war. These were hailed with much joy, inspiring new life and hopes among the settlers. Mr. Buchanan was the first man in Liberia who had the courage to order a slave-ship from Bassa harbor. This occurred in August, 1836, when a Spanish slave-schooner of two hundred tons anchored in the Cove. Mr. Buchanan requested Mr. Benson to take a barge, with fifteen choice men, each armed with a cutlass and United States musket, and command him to leave. With difficulty, they pulled through the bar, being nearly swamped on it, and when within a quarter of a mile of the schooner, those on board, seeing such an unusual number of armed men making directly for them, the sails already hoisted for drying, there being a fine breeze, slipped cable, and stood out for sea.

The party from Bassa, however, proceeded to Fishtown, landed, and told the chiefs Grambo and Black Will, who had engaged to supply the vessel with slaves, what would be the result, if they allowed a slaver to establish a slave-factory among them again. Mr. Benson understanding much of their language, overheard a conversation which passed between Grambo and his followers, who were much incensed at the threats. They said, "From that day's expedition they were convinced they could no longer live contiguously with the settlers, pursue the slave traffic, and be on peaceful terms; hence they were determined to exterminate them, or be exterminated themselves."

During the last nine months of Mr. Buchanan's residence in Bassa, Mr. Benson lived with him, serving as secretary; and after his return to the states he continued as colonial store-keeper, not yet being of age. Dr. McDowell succeeded Mr. Buchanan in the agency, which he held till August, 1837, when he was followed by Governor J. J. Matthias, who, with Dr. Johnson, arrived in the schooner "Charlotte Harper." The same year Governor Matthias succeeded in confederating Edina with Bassa. He returned to the United States in May of the following year, leaving Dr. Johnson in charge of the government.

The inhabitants were soon involved in a general war with the natives, who were

determined, if possible, to exterminate the colonists. The first act of aggression was the foul and brutal murder of Governor Finley, in September, while traveling from Fishtown to Bassa under the guidance of the treacherous Fishmen. After murdering him, they robbed and threw the body into the sea; from whence it was washed to the beach, and found by the incensed settlers after a rigorous search. Messengers were immediately dispatched to the chiefs Grambo and Black Will to inform them of the fact, and a demand for the murderers to be given up, or for an investigation to take place. No other satisfaction would they give, than that they knew nothing of the matter, but were disposed to talk about it. A day was appointed; and about sixty men and officers, accompanied by Dr. Johnson, proceeded down. When within four hundred yards of Black Will's Town they were surprised and fired upon by the enemy concealed in ambush, wounding eight or ten men. Not prepared for such treachery, there was no alternative but to fight with the scanty supply of ammunition they had, and, if possible, to force their way and destroy the native towns, which they succeeded in accomplishing, both parties losing some men. On their return in the afternoon, the enemy in ambush the entire way poured upon them a most destructive fire, which could not be returned, as the ammunition was spent. ceived by the assailants, encouraged them to close upon them, approaching within ten feet and shooting down the men, pursuing them till they reached Bassa. Before the town could be placed in a state of defense, the outer houses were taken possession of, robbed, set on fire, and burnt to ashes, Mr. Benson's being among the number.

This being per

The settlers having now procured ammunition, and roused to desperation by the boldness of the Fishmen, rallied, and checked them for the night with a loss on both sides. Dr. Johnson was among the wounded. The night was spent by the troops in preparing for the morrow's attack, which was renewed at ten o'clock, the enemy being reinforced to the number of fifteen hundred men; and raged till three o'clock, when they were finally repulsed with a severe loss. The condition of Bassa was deplorable; nearly all communication was cut off, and no one able to give

nents.

employment. The enemy, in the meantime, their more civilized and enlightened oppowere making active preparations for another attack by uniting and concentrating in the vicinity all the native tribes, evidently with the design of crushing at one blow the little band. Matters continued thus till December, when a reinforcement of sixty-six men arriving from Monrovia, a general attack was made against the enemy. After a desperate resistance, in which the troops lost but few men, they were successful in routing the enemy. In that engagement, the captain of the company of which Mr. Benson was first lieu-miralty of Bassa County, and served in that capacity with great acceptance until his advancement to the vice-presidency of the Republic in May, 1853. At the biennial election held May 1, 1855, he was elevated to the presidency, the highest office in the gift of his appreciating countrymen. He will make, we confidently predict, an excellent chief magistrate, and reflect honor on himself and his

race.

tenant, being wounded, the command devolved on him, and he acquitted himself in a soldierly manner.

The entire forces on both occasions were commanded by Major William L. Weaver. After this, there were no more active hostilities, each party feeling at liberty to annoy and injure the other when an opportunity presented. In May, 1839, Governor Buchanan again arrived, unexpectedly, in the "Saluda," to the great joy and relief of the distressed settlers. He landed, was escorted by the military to the governor's residence, amid the shouts of men, women, and children. In a few days after his arrival consultation was held as to the best method of bringing about a speedy adjustment of difficulties, and a perfect restoration of peace; when it was determined to send a positive message to the hostile chiefs for a negotiation. Mr. Benson was selected for this dangerous and important mission. Armed with Govvernor Buchanan's own pistols, he proceeded about fifteen miles to the town of

the most powerful of the chiefs, Old Prince John, informed him of the governor's return, of his wish to investigate matters, and to make an equitable adjustment; that he, with his associate chiefs, must meet him on a certain day at a designated place, and that, in case of treachery or failure to the appointment, they might expect a renewal of hostilities, which would end only in their extermination. He returned next day via the Fishmen settlement, to deliver the same message to the notorious Grambo and Black Will, and reported to Governor Buchanan that a faithful promise had been given to do as he demanded. When the day of investigation arrived, they met according to promise, displaying, in the course of negotiation, as great natural abilities to conduct a case as

In March, 1838, Mr. Benson embraced religion, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1841 he was licensed as a local preacher, and in 1853 was ordained deacon in said Church by Bishop Scott.

In 1842 he was chosen a member of the Colonial Council, which position he held until the independence of the colony in 1847. In 1848 he was appointed Judge of the Court of Quarter Sessions and Ad

We cannot better conclude this sketch of so interesting a character than by presenting the subjoined brief and eloquent letter, addressed to the writer by the Rev. R. R. Gurley, a gentleman well known to the world as long identified in movements having for their object the diffusion of light, civilization, and the Christian religion over all Africa:

"I am happy to express the opinion I have from the general testimony of the good people formed, as well from personal acquaintance as of Liberia, of the high character of Stephen A. Benson, the President elect of that Republic.

I have seldom seen a man more free from im

perfections, or more adorned with virtues. You are aware that Mr. Benson is of purely African descent; but through his dark features beams a mind of great intelligence, of stainless honor, of quick and delicate sensibilities, and noble affections. From early childhood he has lived in Liberia; he has witnessed its changes and progress from the second or third year of its existence; there he has been educated, and there uninterruptedly lived. He is, I presume, about forty years of age. His manners are easy, natural, graceful, and could not well be improved. Earnestly engaged in agriculture as well as commerce; intent upon all public improvements, he has devoted, perhaps, the larger portion of his time for many years, as desired

by the American Colonization Society, to the care and settlement of successive companies of emigrants, animated and sustained, in his difficult and unremitted labors, by his patriotism and the power of an ardent and ever-active benevolence. It is impossible to over-estimate the value of these labors, or the pure and generous philanthropy that has inspired them.

"Mr. Benson's house, when I visited Bassa Cove in 1849, was ever open to respected strangers as well as to his friends, and nothing could exceed the gentle but multiplied and unostentatious offices of kindness which attended and illustrated his hospitality. He is happy in a wife worthy of his affections, a daughter of Dr. James Moore, who emigrated many years ago from the city of Washington, and who, to the time of his death, not only discharged the duties of a physician, but was a zealous and useful preacher in the Methodist Church.

"The office of judge in one of the high courts was filled ably for several years by Mr. Benson, yet, as a local preacher in the Methodist Church, he has been ready at all times to urge the paramount claims of Christianity as the main hope of the Liberian Republic and the world.

"I regret to hear, that during the late presidential election the evil passions of our nature have not been wholly quiescent, but they should now sleep. The citizens of that favored republic, so bright with hope for a long oppressed and afflicted race, should sustain, as with one heart, the constitution of their choice, and the man so worthy of their confidence, elevated by their free suffrages to the first office of the republic."

THE WONDERS OF THE DEEP. ERY few persons, even among those

of natural history, are acquainted with the wonders of the deep; and yet the various phenomena and the inhabitants of the watery world are not only quite as well worthy our investigation as those of the dry land, but being less familiar, from coming under our personal observation less frequently, they present far greater novelty, and their variety is inexhaustible.

A sea voyage affords an excellent opportunity for the prosecution of this interesting but neglected study; we need not be afraid of exhausting it. More than three fifths of the surface of our globe are covered by the ocean, and day after day we may turn over a fresh page of nature's open volume, and find our interest in the subject "never-ending, still beginning."

Fishes, or, as they have been fancifully called, "the birds of the sea," occupy an important place in the animal kingdom. Their classification is simple; they are distinguished from other vertebrate animals by their mode of respiration: they have gills instead of lungs, and they are distinguished from the crustacea by having no back-bone.

specimens for him. "I shall be delighted to do so," was the reply, "and will send you all I can catch, from a whale to a shrimp." A very slight acquaintance with the subject would have shown him that neither of these are fish; and a little knowledge would not, in this case, have been so "dangerous a thing" as it is sometimes supposed by the idle and igno

I have heard a story of a person, who, studying the natural history of fishes, wrote to a friend, asking him to collect

rant.

and the aërial tribes are very curious and The contrast and analogy between fishes interesting. Both are fitted to move in a fluid medium, in an ocean of their own; the bird swims in the air, as the fish may be said to fly in the water by the aid of similar, though not the same means. The feathers of one are analogous to the scales of the other; the wings to the pectoral fins, and the tail of both acts the part of a rudder. Many persons have thought that the movements of the aquatic animal are more graceful and elegant than those of the aërial, in consequence of the greater flexibility of its form and the number of its motive organs. Perhaps our own predilections may be in favor of the feathered

regard

the friends of our childhood; but undoubtedly there is considerable grace and beauty in the agile movements of fishes, especially in their own pure element, which they rarely, though occasionally forsake. The proverbial expression, a fish out of water," gives a lively idea of a "false position." The instances in which it actually occurs are well worth our notice. Let us select some of the most remarkable.

66

Dr. Hancock mentions a fish (the loricaria) which creeps upon all-fours in the beds of rivers. This little finny quadruped has a very singular appearance, moving upon its four stilts, which are produced by a bony ray in front of its pectoral fins and of the next pair to them. The callicthys, a Brazilian fish, walks, in this way, for miles, in search of water, when, as often happens, the pool in which it lives is dried up. The climbing perch (Perca scandens) not only creeps along the shore, but ascends trees, in search of the crustacea upon which it feeds. It is found in Tranquebar. It must have some difficulty in ascending the fan-palms, if it were not provided with numerous little spines or thorns upon its fins, by means of which it suspends itself while climbing, using them like hands. In addition to these

« ElőzőTovább »